I have mentioned here many times that I grew up in the theatre - that photographing weddings is like a glorious, all-day theatrical production: every supplier is a player and we all have our parts to play. We negotiate timings, we’re positioned at the word go, the textiles are costumes and the lights shine the brightest on our couples. We’re all there to tell a story, this time a love story. How fitting then that yesterday’s wedding finally brought me back to the theatre: the iconic Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats on the edge of Manchester City Centre.

This year I have fallen even more in love with my couples - as if that were even possible! I’m leaning into the speeches, even the ones I heard variations of before. I’m asking about how they met, I’m listening and seeking out those in-between moments. I’m posing less and waiting for the real moments more. But I’m also acting more assertively as director, to ensure that when I do need their attention, I can hold it if only to capture those specific family portraits they’ve requested. I am learning so much in 2024.

Hannah & Jonny chose, after seven wonderful and very happy years together, to tie the knot surrounded by nearly 140 of their very dearest friends and family. This rowdy bunch made my job a dream, their energy all day was infectious as was their clear adoration for Hannah & Jonny. I think I made 4 new besties as the day went on! Opting to have the legal proceedings on Thursday with just their close family present (and me, nipping into town just before the school run!), their celebrant on Saturday, the wonderful Steph, crafted a beautifully personal ceremony with anecdotes about how the happy couple met and fell in love. In a candlelit space dressed to the nines by my work wife Kate and her crew at Florence & Vera Events, the theatre was resplendent in autumn-toned florals by Sian at the Flower Lounge & disco balls and streamers by Stacy at Love Lights the Way. In fact, Hannah & Jonny had chosen suppliers I have worked with and loved throughout my career. In addition to Kate, Stacy & Sian, I was thrilled to rock up to bride prep and lovely Becca & Nicola were beautifying our bridal squad!

Following the emotional and sweet ceremony, we snapped family portraits before we headed into the bar for grazing tables and cocktails. The day stretched out to include some beautifully heartfelt and hilarious speeches, some sweet couple portraits utilising the industrial charm of Ancoats and a Kylie Minogue first dance that kicked off with MC Lana and her own Drag Race-inspired rap!

I spent yesterday truly surrounded in love, I have officially joined the ranks of those 140 amazing humans who gathered together to shower Hannah & Jonny in love and glitter and Kylie. I had the BEST day capturing these memories for them, here’s a little sneak peek of what we got up to…