MEET THE TEAM AT OUR CHESHIRE VENUE
“It really was the perfect day, amazing in every way which would not have been possible without Joy and the most
amazing team at Delamere Manor, not forgetting the professional suppliers who made the day quite simply ‘the best’!”
MICHELLE STUBBS
DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Michelle is delighted to open the doors of her home to the lucky couples who choose to get married and stay here.
Having worked in hospitality through most of her study years, Michelle gained a real pleasure in serving the public and especially hosting events. Although all her studies led to a legal career, her passion has always been entertaining!
“I love hearing people’s reactions when they first enter Delamere Manor. I have worked passionately over the years to make Delamere Manor a homely and inviting environment despite its grandeur and vast grounds.”
In her spare time, Michelle loves riding her horses, working out at the gym and supporting her favourite football team Everton FC. Michelle also loves to travel and gains many of her ideas and inspiration for Delamere Manor from her visits abroad.
“Because I travelled away a lot Delamere Manor wasn’t getting the enjoyment it deserved. I decided to put it on a holiday rental site. I was getting inundated with people enquiring if they could get married there! I thought ‘what a lovely idea!’ And that’s where the concept was born.”
JOY HITCHEN
EVENTS & OPERATIONS MANAGER
Having travelled the world working for a private 5-star airline, Joy always knew that she wanted to continue her career within the hospitality industry. She’s been lucky enough to transfer her experience through to the events industry and in particular, Delamere Manor Events, where she has worked since 2017.
It’s a big thing to arrange your own event and at times this can become a little overwhelming. Your event should perfectly reflect you and make you feel totally yourself. I’m comfortable in the knowledge that I can provide the reassurance and confidence for you to put your trust in me and also for you to feel that you can chat to me about anything from the point of booking your event through to the day itself. My passion is to make memories from start to finish, offering more than just an event but an unforgettable experience filled with the most amazing celebrations. It’s an absolute honour and a pleasure to be a part of someone’s special day and to be able to do this as my job is simply the best! It’s also crucial to have a great team around you and I’m lucky to work with the very best at Delamere Manor. Our little team is a bunch of great, friendly people.
I can usually be found lighting the numerous candles that we have at Delamere Manor in preparation for an event, which is a full-time job in itself. When I’m not lighting candles my happy place is walking along a beautiful sandy beach with my naughty cockapoo dog, Stanley. I’m a chocoholic who also loves the occasional glass of Champagne.
GEMMA MCTIGUE
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Gemma joined Delamere Manor as the Financial Controller in 2019 where she specialises in cash flow management, book-keeping and payroll.
She has gained a wealth of experience having held a variety of finance roles over the past 10 years.
As the company FC, Gemma is responsible for all things financial including – managing all transactions, sales ledger and purchase ledger, payroll and VAT. Gemma creates regular reports to identify results and trends, prepares financial forecasts and budgets, and suggests updates and improvements for accounting systems…in other words, all of the really exciting finance stuff!
“Delamere Manor is a fantastic wedding venue and an amazing place to work. Our team is small but strong, we are like a family!”
In Gemma’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and her six horses and three dogs.
Darren Wells
Venue Manager
I’m Darren Wells, Venue Manager at Delamere Manor, and I’ve spent over 20 years working in weddings and events, something I genuinely love. For 15 years I lived in Toronto, Canada, where I managed an event company and gained invaluable experience creating everything from elegant weddings to large-scale celebrations.
I have also worked at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Club, a private members’ club on Pall Mall, London as well as a number of chateaux in the south of France, experiences that shaped my passion for high standards, attention to detail and personal service.
At Delamere Manor, I take pride in making every couple feel relaxed, supported and excited about their day. My approach is friendly and hands-on, focusing on making sure everything runs smoothly so you can truly enjoy every moment.
Outside of work, I love to travel and recently completed a trip around the Baltic Sea by land, which was an incredible experience. I’m also a keen runner and have completed several marathons, something that reflects the energy and commitment I bring to every event.
JESS MORRIS-MCKENZIE
MARKETING MANAGER
Introducing Jess, the creative powerhouse and Marketing Manager at Delamere Manor. Joining our team in 2023, Jess brings over 15 years of marketing experience to Delamere Manor. A specialist in crafting and executing strategic marketing plans, she adds the perfect blend of innovation and creative expertise to ensure Delamere Manor shines in the spotlight.
Beyond marketing, Jess cherishes quality time with her two children, pounding the pavement on a run or exploring scenic trails during a hike.
Jessica Hatch
Customer Journey | Experience Co-ordinator
Jessica brings creativity, style and a calm, considered approach to the couple’s journey at Delamere Manor, ensuring every stage of the wedding planning experience feels seamless, inspiring and personal.
Her background began in luxury fashion styling at Harrods, where she developed a strong eye for detail and presentation, before going on to assist with styling for internationally recognised artists including Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga and Florence and the Machine. After moving into the yoga and fitness industry with a focus on customer experience and wellbeing, she spent a year travelling in New Zealand before settling in Cheshire and joining the Delamere Manor team.
In her role, Jessica works closely with couples from the very beginning of their planning journey, helping them shape their vision with creativity, reassurance and thoughtful guidance.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, yoga, fitness, gardening and creative hobbies such as pottery and painting, and is kept company at home by her scruffy Lakeland Terrier, Stanley, and a small flock of chickens.
RACHAEL JONES
BAR MANAGER
Meet Rachael, our vibrant Bar Manager who brings a contagious smile and energy to our team. When Rachael isn’t crafting perfection in a glass or ensuring every guest has a memorable experience, Rachael enjoys quality time with her friends and family.
With a passion for keeping fit and cherishing moments with loved ones, Rachael loves the diversity of her job, from unique events to forming genuine connections with couples who arrive at Delamere Manor as strangers and leave as friends
TRISHA CRANK
GUEST EXPERIENCE MANAGER
Trisha joined the Delamere Manor team in April 2020. Her duties are keeping the Manor clean and tidy throughout and also making sure the guests enjoy their time with us. She also assists the team with weddings and events.
Trisha loves working with the team, who are like a small family rather than colleagues which works perfectly.
When Trisha is not working hard at the Manor, she’s at home enjoying family life with her 2 children and husband with an occasional glass of Prosecco!
