Jane and Andrew were the first couple to book me for 2010, and I was so looking forward to their June wedding from the first moment they told me about their plans. This was a proper Manchester wedding – all in the city centre – and Jane and Andrew would be walking between their two venues: the awe-inspiring Manchester Town Hall and the ultra-cool Castlefield Rooms. The phrase they used at our first meeting was ‘…weather permitting…’. Well the weather certainly gave its permission – it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year!
I met Andrew and his groomsmen at the bar opposite Manchester Town Hall.
Jane had brought an old dress back to life and looked spectacularly gorgeous when she arrived at the Town Hall and I could tell she was so excited to be marrying Andrew.
Manchester Town Hall is one of those venues which is a dream to take photographs of, but I also find it so daunting because there’s pressure to do such an amazing building justice. I wanted to produce wedding photography for Jane and Andrew which quite clearly said ‘we got married at Manchester Town Hall and here’s why…’. This image is one of my favourites of the year so far.
Here’s a photo I absolutely love of Andrew’s Dad using his Leica – I have the deepest admiration and respect for anybody who uses film to take photos – I don’t know what I’d do without my beloved LCD screen. I’m definitely a ‘new school’ photographer!
While Jane and Andrew were inside exchanging rings and making vows, outside there was a parade for the Armed Forces.
At our first meeting, Andrew and Jane told me they really wanted their group photo to be taken on the spectacular staircase at Manchester Town Hall… so that’s exactly what we did. It took some setting up but I love it (and so do they, more importantly!).
The wedding rings for Jane and Andrew’s wedding were made by super talented former Cartier jeweller Yvonne Chadderton. They had old family jewellery melted down and made into bespoke wedding rings just for them. I think that’s just a fantastic idea, and the rings were gorgeous.
A couple more ‘we got married at Manchester Town Hall and here’s why…’ photos!
After a drinks and canapes reception at the Town Hall, Jane and Andrew walked across to Castlefield for their wedding breakfast and evening reception at the Castlefield Rooms. They’re very eco-conscious people so wanted to keep their wedding as ‘green’ as possible. This made for some superb photo opportunities along the way!
We had to stop at the Bridgewater Hall because it’s such a part of Andrew who sings in the Halle Choir but had a few months off to prepare for the wedding and I could tell he had real love for it (although not as much as he has for Jane as you can see).
What a perfect, perfect day to have your wedding reception in Castlefield down by the canal. The grass wasn’t enjoying the hot weather so much though!
Bubbles AND confetti – now that’s just spoilt!
This bench is a huge part of Jane and Andrew’s love story – it’s yards away from the Castlefield Rooms so we had to head over and get some photos of them sitting on it.
Check out this wedding cake. It looked amazing and tasted even better!
While the wedding guests enjoyed their meal, I took the opportunity to capture some really fun images of Jane and Andrew’s youngest nephew playing with his toys on the dance floor! What a cute little man!
When we met up for Jane and Andrew’s engagement session at Heaton Park, I learned all about their love for ‘ultimate frisbee’ which Andrew just told me ‘…is a lot like American Football just with a frisbee and a lot less padding!’. After dinner, they headed back down to canalside for a more subdued game of what I can only describe as ‘standard’ frisbee! Andrew and Jane love this photo.
Yes, it was really that hot. This photo confirms to me that we did actually have a summer this year, but it feels like it never happened now!
The cake looked and tasted amazing but was tricky to cut and relied on teamwork from the newlyweds!
Jane and Andrew’s personalities shone through in every element of their wedding day, but none moreso than their first dance salsa. Brilliant.
Jane, Andrew – thank you for inviting me to capture and be a part of your special day. It was a pleasure. Congratulations and all the very best for the future from ARJ Photography.
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2 comments
Ian Wood - Really nice set dude, I am sure the Bride and Groom will be delighted, good work !
We must catch up soon.
Ian
Katy Lunsford - These are really gorgeous images and it looked like a glorious day!