This blog’s wedding day was spread across not one but TWO stunning parks in South Manchester: Bramall Park and Oddfellows on the Park as chosen by the fantastic couple, Donna and Andrew.
When I asked them what their must-haves were for the big day, they said they needed it to be fun, relaxed and informal. Those were the key points they carried through their wedding planning process. For the wedding ceremony, they wanted only their closest loved ones to watch them get married at an intimate wedding venue. Bramall Hall ticked that box for them, especially because the beautiful park holds a special place in their hearts, as this is where they walk their little Shih Tzus all the time!
There were also practical considerations to take on for their wedding guests and the rest of the day. Donna and Andrew wanted somewhere close by, preferably with an outside space and rooms for the guests to stay over if they wanted to. Catering was a big factor as well. The couple was after somewhere that would provide simple, filling and classic food. Nothing too fancy and fussy that wouldn’t fill up the wedding guests and keep them going through the busy day and lively evening party. Oddfellows on the Park was ideal!
With their dream wedding venues picked, Donna and Andrew booked me as their wedding photographer, again because I ticked the boxes for their must-haves. They were after the same things in their wedding photography: nothing too formal or posed and they felt very relaxed in my company.
Bridal preparation in the Kendal Suite
Although the wedding ceremony was at Bramall Hall, Donna started her day in one of the Kendal Suites at Oddfellows on the Park. The studio-style suite featured a modern four-poster king-size bed and a cosy seating area. The original Victorian windows let in plenty of natural light – a photographer’s dream – and treetop views of the huge Bruntwood Park. The suite was spacious enough to accommodate the bridal party as well as the hair and makeup artists.
The room of course had tea and coffee-making facilities but the bride and other ladies opted for fizz to celebrate the exciting occasion.
Intimate Ceremony at Bramall Hall
After the bridal preparation, it was time for the ceremony at Bramall Hall with Donna making her entrance in a classic white taxi cab. The couple exchanged vows in The Great Hall of this historic and stunning venue which has stained glass windows and stone flag flooring throughout.
The dark wood featured on the beams and seating can make the lighting a challenge for a wedding photographer but getting it right in this space creates warm and dramatic – as well as romantic – wedding photography.
The lovely ceremony was made very personal with Donna and Andrew writing their own vows accompanied by special music choices. They told me it was exactly what they wanted, where they wanted and with the people they wanted.
I’m a fan of Bramall Hall, not just for the setting but because the friendly event team from Stockport Events look after this venue as well as some of my local favourites like Chadkirk Chapel.
An Autumnal Theme at The Oddfellows on the Park
Once the ceremony was over, it was time to head back to Oddfellows on the Park for the wedding breakfast and evening party starting with reception drinks and canapés (some of the nicest I’ve ever had – and I’ve had a few!)
This was my second visit to The Oddfellows on the Park in Cheadle but I’m a regular at the lovely grounds called Bruntwood Park because my toddler LOVES its giant sandpit and duck pond.
When I arrived at the beautiful wedding venue, the couple had spread Autumnal vibes through their decorations and details. Not only is it Donna’s favourite season, but the wedding also took place on Halloween weekend, so they incorporated lots of touches like pumpkins throughout the styling of both venues and their entire wedding. From bouquets to buttonholes and centrepieces to cake toppers, there were vibrant orange and deep red flowers that added a pop of colour to the overall theme.
A Couple with Flair…and Flares
Donna and Andrew wanted to add a touch of fun to their portrait photos. They bought smoke flares in several colours and involved the bridesmaids and groomsmen. They, of course, chose their favourite football colours for themselves (red and blue)!
After a couple of portraits, it was time to sit down for the meal and speeches. Guests enjoyed hearty pies and mash. Donna and Andrew didn’t want anything fussy or pretentious, because that’s not their style.
Filled with good food and good booze, the speeches then filled the guests with laughter and of course emotion.
One Amazing Wedding Day Like This
Sparks were literally flying as Donna and Andrew went out into the October evening to light up some sparklers in the outdoor space with their closest friends and family surrounding them. Another challenge for any wedding photographer but one which makes for some amazing wedding photography when you catch the right moments!
Being a late Autumn wedding, the guests then needed to get back into the building to warm up, and what better way to do that than to hit the dance floor?
The evening party kicked off with Donna and Andrew’s favourite song: One Day Like This by Elbow. A classic Manchester anthem. There was a bit of swaying on the dancefloor before the couple’s friends and family joined in to sing out loud.
There was so much for a wedding photographer like me to capture and enjoy at the party. I specialise in candid shots which show everyone at their best and having the best time. Getting right into the action – whether it’s on the dancefloor or by the photobooth – means that I can guarantee my couples some incredibly fun wedding photos to add to their memories and albums.
Donna and Andrew certainly created an awesome wedding day, not just for themselves, but for their nearest and dearest to enjoy and remember. I’m so glad that this happy couple chose me to take part in their special day.
Looking for your photographer at The Oddfellows on the Park? Or anywhere else? Here’s what Donna and Andrew said about me:
“Thomas was our wedding photographer for our wedding in October and we are so glad we chose him!
When we met Thomas initially early last year, we both said how much we liked him on meeting him and his photos were exactly what we wanted. He has a nice relaxed vibe about him and he’s very easy to get on with.
The main thing for us was we didn’t want to spend hours away from our guests posing for pictures, it’s not our style at all, we wanted a photographer that would blend in with our guests, take pictures throughout the day as everything was happening and capture those moments we never knew we would want photos of! And that’s exactly what he did!
All of our guests commented on him, saying how fun he was, how funny and relaxed he was and how amazing all the pictures are that he’s done for us. He integrated well with the guests, captured some amazing moments and we are really happy with our wedding pictures.
We would highly recommend our fave French man to be part of your special day, he did exactly what we asked of him and we will cherish our lovely wedding pictures.
Thanks so much Thomas! xx “
