I’m not a person who is openly or comfortably religious. I’m a sceptic (though rarely a cynic), I gravitate to the art of religion, to the mythology, to the storytelling but not easily to the dogme. But there are a few things in this world (and beyond) that I believe with a consuming almost-religious fervour: I believe in science, I believe in the power of positive actions, I believe in keeping an open heart and mind, I believe in the imprint of energy, I believe in coincidence and that, whilst there may not be a ‘grand plan’, we are drawn to circumstances and places and events that lead us home - and that may not be where we thought it would be - it may be a person or a single moment but home is where we can finally can be so breathtakingly still. Above all else, I believe in LOVE. And when all of these elements align and manifest in another human, well that’s just pure perfect dumb luck. Because you can never predict when these supernova events will happen, you’ve just got to make the choice to jump in head first, trust your instincts and hold on for dear life!

The DAZZLING Amber and Andy met and fell in love and embody this spirit of trust and coincidence so so beautifully. We first connected just a few weeks ago when Amber put out the call for a wedding photographer and I was lucky enough that my name was mentioned. But then it got kind of spooky. Because on our inital (nearly 2 hour long) Zoom call, we realised that other forces were at hand: Amber is an American gal (snap!) who fell in love with the gorgeous Andy from Sale (snap!) whilst living in Germany (snap!). We instantly bonded and connected over our love for naughty American snack food, the unique experience of being an American in Manchester, of loving all things vintage and raising wild, sassy daughters. As she shared with me her own love story (in between some helpful interjections by young June!), I was completely captivated by how, against all odds, she and Andy found each other and built a life that is warm and generous and loving and simply radiates off of them and instantly revives everyone in their orbit.

Today was a typical Manchester spring day - grey, torrential rain but full of laughter and joy and an attitude to embrace whatever is thrown at you. After a very moving micro-ceremony at Sale Town Hall with just their extraordinary blended family (in a full-circle moment, I got to witness the marriage with Andy’s sister Stephanie!), we braved the rain, Amber kicked off her shoes and we had a quick run around Sale’s own secret garden for photos. I was so so inspired by this amazing family, by these two unbelievable humans who prove that, obviously, love conquers all.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we got up to…

Wedding Supplier Shout Outs

Cake - Gemma’s Tipsy Kitchen

Jewellery - Wild Solstice

Flowers, Dress, Shoes, everything else - DIY’d with love by the bride and her fam!