9:13am on Sunday, August 16th, 2009
 

My sister got engaged just over two years ago to her Aussie boyfriend. It was decided as we have a rather large family that the wedding would take place over here.
My services, were requested in the capacity of chief brides maid, family negotiator, trainee florist, colour expert, dress designer etc. That was the easy bit other than the time difference.
The difficult task was a suitable venue!
It just did not seem after several weeks this would happen in the North West as we just did not manage to tick the boxes. We found some beautiful places, however, the staff seemed surly and disinterested. We went to one hotel and had to wait over 30 minuites before anybody came to see us.
By chance we stumbled on this site and we paid the whitehall a visit.
We were impressed from the moment we entered the door,we were greeted by a lovely lady on reception who asked us to take a seat in the lounge and offered us tea. Shortly after we were given not just tea but biscuits as well - the 1st after several venues!
A gentleman came to see us called Nick and we were given the guided tour. I think in total we viewed just over 8 hotels and different venues. Mid-way through our search the sales patter seems to all mingle into one and it seems as if a standard wedding script is univeral. This was in deed the case here with a distinct difference - he was interested in our needs and his oozed enthusiasm.
Several Emails, pictures and skype we were instructed to book.
At this stage a lady called Tracy took over and a**ted in the preparation, planning, timings - the list goes on and one word for Tracy - LOVELY!
Eventually the day arrived and I felt that it was me who was being married. I love my sister dearly and wanted the whole occasion to be perfect.
The Whitehall is beautiful the traditional side has lots of period features and the grounds wonderful for pictures. The staff were always helpful and the food was tasty and well presented. We all had a fantastic day and it was SIMPLY PERFECT.