'These pics are amazing.I can't thank you enough for what you did stepping in.You've done more than I could have imagined possible with these shots.An absolute credit' (Mr. and Mrs. Ball)

When Tony and Nicola first got in touch with me about their Sale Town Hall and Belmore Hotel wedding in the center of Sale just 4 weeks before the big day, I was so excited – they were planning the most fun and laid back wedding with a vintage double-decker bus transporting their guests between ceremony and venue, a local busker playing a mix of Disney hits and soft acoustic tunes and even a STUNNING flower photo wall created by a family member. Tony and Nicola are the most fun people and I couldn’t wait to shoot their wedding!

The excitement before the wedding

I turned up at the gorgeous recently refurbed Belmore Hotel in Sale, where the bride and her family were getting ready together, and it was really chilled, because everyone was in a good mood. Tony wore a three piece suit from M&S and Nicola wore a gorgeous two-piece set from Monsoon, (purchased just a week or two before the wedding!) and they looked so perfect. As Nic and Tony were walking down the aisle together, we organised a 'first look' in the lush green gardens of the Belmore, away from the eyes of their guests but to the delight of the bar patrons who all cheered when Nic walked down towards Tony! There wasn't a dry eye in sight!

The serious part

The wedding took place in the centre of Sale, and was an intimate ceremony in the town hall. They had an exchange of rings for their two young daughters, plus a teddy for their baby boy, which brought pretty much everyone to tears. What really struck me was how beautifully this big blended family has joined together and how important those bonds are.  They really made a point of including their children every step of the day.  After the ceremony they were showered with confetti, and then we all got on the party bus to the reception. Before we took off, the couple enjoyed a drinks reception in the nearby Waterside Arts Centre and we managed to sneak off for some beautiful couple's portraits along the leafy canal. One well-wisher, having noticed the happy couple, even popped out of his flat with a bottle of champagne and two glasses, instructing them to just leave them on the fence when they were finished.  This random act of kindness truly made me proud to be a resident of this welcoming, warm community.

The Party

The wedding reception took place just up the road at The Belmore, which is a STUNNING pub that has recently undergone and unbelievable re-design. It was the perfect spot for this family-filled celebration.

It was a beautifully sunny day, which was glorious. While the guests enjoyed the live music, we wandered around the venue doing fun and creative portraits. My favourite photo from the afternoon is a candid of Tony & Nic, kids all around, perfectly imperfect.

During the reception they had a live singer and guitarist, which gave the afternoon a really chilled vibe. Luke Robin was a local busker who plays quite frequently in the centre of Sale so it was a lovely nod to the town. For the meal they had a buffet, and it was gobbled down in seconds by everyone. After dinner there were a few speeches, then the couple hit the dancefloor and everyone migrated to the bar. They also had a gorgeous flower wall that everyone used as a makeshift photobooth, which was a huge hit. Despite the last-minute changes (and occasional panic!) Tony and Nic knew exactly what was the most important part of a wedding: a celebration in a beautiful place, surrounded by the people who know and love you best of all.Things don't always go exactly as you expect but surely that's just like life.I can't imagine a better way to begin the next chapter of a life together: your babies in your arms, dancing into your next amazing adventure.I cannot thank the Ball family enough for including me and entrusting me with their memories.

Here’s their their homegrown, family-filled Sale Town Hall and The Belmore wedding!

Vendors

Venue: https://www.belmoreatsale.co.uk/

Flowers: http://www.blossomflowers.co.uk/

Dress: https://uk.monsoon.co.uk/uk/wedding

Suit: https://www.marksandspencer.com/

Band: https://www.facebook.com/lukerobinsings/

Hair & Makeup: http://www.lisasimms.co.uk/