Michelle & Joe - A Raucous & Stylish Manchester Art Gallery Wedding (with bonus drag queen!) - Manchester Wedding Photographer

“I just want to be there
When we’re caught in the rain
I just want to see you laugh not cry
I just want to feel you
When the night puts on its cloak
I’m lost for words don’t tell me
’Cause all I can say
I love you ‘till the end”

— The Pogues

If you’re planning a wedding at Manchester Art Gallery in the most iconic Northern city centre, you’ll find tons of inspo from this wedding!

Michelle and Joe got married at Manchester Art Gallery, which is the most UNIQUE and inspiring wedding venue in the centre of Manchester, just steps from St. Peter's Square in one direction and Piccadilly Gardens in another - with vast rooms and walls adorned by some of the most prominent and pre-eminant artists throughout history. It was one of the most fun weddings I’ve shot and even the weather played ball!

The serious part

The ceremony was a beautiful service the Lowry room, surrounded by incredible works of art. During the ceremony the happy couple grinned right through the vows - they couldn't take their eyes off each other! It was sweet and silly and so so special.And I know it was made even sweeter after a covid cancellation to have their favourite people under one roof!

They decorated the area with flowers, which I loved. The reception was in the main hall at Manchester Art Gallery – I love this venue because it truly decorates itself and is the perfect location for stunning city-centre portraits and quiet moments later on. Weddings at Manchester Art Gallery are amazing, because the building is just incredible.

Why Manchester Art Gallery is a great place to get married

Manchester Art Gallery has a really vibrant atmosphere, and is one of the coolest places to get married in the centre of Manchester. The venue offers a truly unique setting, run to perfection by the wonderful Victoria and her team – and there are loads of amazing places that are perfect for photos.

The Party

The couple served drinks on the main gallery following the 4:30pm ceremony in the afternoon, and Manchester's own Drag superstar Annabelle Lecter to perfom with gusto in the evening. Every choice Michelle & Joe made contributed to a SERIOUS party atmosphere and I had an absolute BALL hanging out with them and their pals all day.From the Kirspy Creme donut tower to Ms. Lecter's FIERCE performance, Michelle & Joe's wedding was SPECTACULAR. For dinner they had proper wedding grub, and the first dance to the Pogues was beautifully emotional, ushering their day into evening.

The Couple

Michelle wore a KILLER crop top and skirt combo (with pockets!) in the day, swapping in a silky camisole & leather jacket in the evening and Joe wore a dapper tuxedo and they looked really perfect. Every choice was made intentionally and I LOVED how involved groom Joe was in the wedding planning process. They made such an awesome team and the result was a wedding day that was so unapologetically THEM!

The couple got in touch with me years ago, and their enquiry really intrigued me. They said they wanted a relaxed photographer, and I loved that they seemed so much fun. I first met Michelle and her ‘squad’ at the National Wedding SHow and we literally could have chatted for hours! At their pre-wedding shoot last month we got on BRILLIANTLY and I knew we'd have the best time when the day rolled around.