Operating a wedding business so close to such a vibrant city centre as Manchester means that I’m suitably spoilt for choice for interesting and unique wedding venues. Whilst I am a repeat offender and indeed a recommended supplier at some of the more established city centre wedding venues, I’ve also been lucky to book weddings as some hidden gems - some non-traditional wedding and event spaces that take my damn breath away. Last week I had the great pleasure of shooting the AMAZING wedding of Jo & Scott in Manchester University’s Council Chambers followed by a proper knees-up at exciting new venue LEAF on Portland Street. I was blown away by the staff (and the food!!) at LEAF - it’s IMPECCABLY run and fun and relaxed and casual but still special. I had a BALL spending an evening there. So I was THRILLED to learn that I’d get to return to this eclectic space just a week later for the marvellous Deborah & Nick’s evening wedding reception, preceded by an emotional ceremony at the iconic Manchester institution, Chetham’s School of Music - aka Hogwarts.

Deborah & Nick got in touch just a few months ago to book in for their February wedding. From start to finish they have been SO laid back and relaxed about their plans but also firm in the idea that it’s THEIR day and they were eschewing some traditions for an early evening celebration that was elegant, timeless and focused on THEM rather than conventional expectations. I ADORE this pair who both work in the medical industry, Deborah more on the admin side and Nick as a nurse. They are low-key hilarious and warm and have such big hearts. I met up with Deborah in the afternoon at the Radisson Blu Hotel who chose to forgo bridesmaids and was doing her own makeup alongside her lovely parents who had travelled down from Scotland. She was STUNNING in her dove grey gown ordered bespoke from Etsy topped with a beaded Catherine Deane capelet and finished off with the softest looking flat ankle booties. Her fiery hair was accented with the dried blooms that made up her bouquet. After kicking out her parents, Nick arrived for a ‘first look’ at his beautiful bride snazzily dressed in a blue tweed Mark Darcy three-piece suit. The moment they saw each other, all nerves and jitters melted away and the day was (mostly) smooth sailing.

Deb and Nick opted to have their portraits at Chetham’s before the ceremony which was AMAZING because we had so much time to play and explore this incredible historic campus and all it’s nooks and crannies - including a visit to the very famous library. They walked down the aisle together to the strains of a string quartet (led by one of Chetham’s own former students!) and had several lovely readings and very personal handwritten vows. After a drinks reception and guest tours of the library, we all piled onto a double decker bus and headed off to LEAF. Manchester in the rain on a Saturday night meant we hit some diabolical traffic on the way over - but the guests were all in good spirits and we were greeted on arrival by Tom and the LEAF team who had poured mragaritas and gin and set out buckets of beer - all quickly and gratefully enjoyed! The guests enjoyed a serious FEAST by the LEAF kitchen and after a quick change by Deb into a KILLER emerald sequinned mini dress, the party carried on into the night to the tunes of swing band The Gelatos.

I had the BEST time yesterday with Deborah & Nick and feel so proud of what I’ve captured for them - here’s a bit of a sneak peek of what we got up…

Wedding Dream Team

Ceremony Venue - Chetham’s School of Music https://chethams.com/

Reception Venue - LEAF on Portland Street https://www.thisisleaf.co.uk/portland-st

Dress - Etsy https://www.etsy.com/

Suit - Mark Darcy https://marcdarcy.co.uk/

String Quartet - Rylands String Quartet http://www.rylandsstringquartet.com/

Band - The Gelatos https://www.facebook.com/thegelatos