Debbie and Viv at Leeds Town Hall

When Debbie and Viv first asked me to photograph their wedding, all they knew was that they were going to get married at the Brodrick Suite at the Town Hall, and then move on to the Adelphi (the finest pub in Leeds, if you ask me). 

As we began planning the event, I gave them the advice I give to all of my couples, and recommended they look at the traditions and patterns of weddings, and take their guests on the same emotional adventure whilst discarding anything they didn't feel was relevant to them. Although civil partnerships are a brand new thing with no historical traditions, people expect certain things from a ceremony, and there are some symbols which are just too meaningful to pass over. Take what you want, lose what you don't, but make sure everyone knows you are married.

It was clear from the moment guests began arriving in 1920s outfits that something special was going to happen. What they created for themselves was a totally original, warm and fun celebration of their relationship with the full participation of friends and family.

Out of all the weddings I've experienced, this was only the second I've been at where the crowd spontaneously cheered when the couple entered the room, and again when they were declared married. Absolutely lovely, and although I feel this way about all of the ceremonies I attend, I have to say that it was a true honour to be there.

Don and James's Wedding

As promised in my last instalment, this was the wedding that led to the reception that led to the delicate state in which I found myself photographing 13 noisy children in Halifax the next day.

Don was my manager when I took a temp job on my return to Leeds after my bachelors degree, and whilst I settled into a full time contract with the company around my part time post-grad courses (I've always been a busy person).

My memories of Friday night drinks with the rest of the staff over the 3 years I was there are far from clear, but out of that fuzzy, dry-ice in a night-club type of haze, there are some very sharply illuminated scenes in which there are visible Don dancing like a madman, encouraging me to dance like a mad woman, and lots and lots and lots of beer. And laughter.

We both moved on from that company a few years ago, so it was a particular pleasure and an honour when I received a message on Facebook asking me to be the photographer for Don and James when they finally did the decent thing and married each other after 18years together.

Jo and I teamed up again and returned with delight to Oulton Hall, which we knew well as our old studio had been in Oulton village. It was a perfect late September day, some cloud cover but still warm, and despite both the grooms nerves, it developed into a wonderful relaxed celebration, with loving friends and family visibly proud to be there.

Here are a few of my shots of the big day.

Part of me wishes I'd had my camera at the evening do, but then I wouldn't have managed 2 hours of dancing.....