Kathy & Ge - A Giddy & Gorgeous Chinese Wedding at Manchester Hall - Manchester Hall Weddings
“Catch hands now and face one another to make your vows.
Look at one another—remember this moment in time.
Before this moment you have been many things to one another—acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last three years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never be quite the same between you. ”
Photographing Kathy and Ge's wedding at Manchester Hall was a heartwarming and culturally rich experience. This special day seamlessly merged traditional Chinese customs with the charm and history of Manchester, the city where their love story began a decade ago as students.
The celebration was made even more poignant by the presence of 58 guests, many of whom had traveled all the way from China to share in the couple's joy. This strong sense of community and family was felt from the very beginning of the day. Myself and videographer Hannah started by capturing the intimate and significant Chinese Tea Ceremony. In this ritual, Kathy and Ge poured and presented tea to both sets of parents as a sign of respect and gratitude—a beautiful tradition steeped in meaning and affection.
Following this, we whisked Kathy away for an outfit change, preparing for the emotional moment when Ge would see his bride for the first time just before the wedding ceremony. This touching encounter took place at the base of Manchester Hall's iconic staircase, and the look of awe and love on Ge's face as he saw Kathy was truly a sight to behold. His reaction was one of those genuine moments that make wedding photography so rewarding.
The rest of the day unfolded as a mesmerizing blend of Chinese traditions and British celebrations. From intricate cultural elements to the lively atmosphere of a classic British wedding, the juxtaposition was perfect. Moving speeches were delivered in both English and Mandarin, ensuring every guest felt included and understood, no matter which side of the globe they were from.
One of the highlights was sneaking onto Manchester Hall's roof terrace for some final portraits as the sun began to set. The view provided a stunning backdrop, a perfect representation of the city that played such a big part in Kathy and Ge's love story.
Their wedding was not just a celebration of their union but also a beautiful reminder of how love can bridge cultures and create a shared tapestry rich in traditions, memories, and new beginnings. It was an honour to be part of such a heartfelt day and to capture moments that will be treasured for years to come.
