Whilst Marianne from Normal People was capturing everyone’s attention across the country, all eyes were firmly on my wonderful bride Marianne and groom Euan. Their intimate Didsbury Parsonage wedding ceremony and The Lead Station wedding reception were a perfect example of how your wedding day can be laid back but still luxurious; intimate but still impactful.

Getting ready at home

Before their Didsbury Parsonage wedding ceremony, the day started with Marianne and her bridesmaids getting ready at her sister’s (who was also one of her bridesmaids) house. Her parents, nieces and daughter were also there, so the morning had a lovely cosy feel to it alongside the nerves and excitement!

Whilst she was having her makeup done the flowers arrived, and we all gasped when the crown jewels (pun intended) were revealed: a huge flower crown made of greenery, blue, peach, and yellow buds that looked incredible when tied around her buzzcut head. With the crown in place, it was time to hop into a vintage cream Campervan and get to the ceremony!

Intimate Didsbury Parsonage wedding ceremony

Marianne and Euan had an intimate Didsbury Parsonage wedding ceremony with just their closest friends and family, on account of Marianne’s Dad being vulnerable and wanting him to be able to take part in and enjoy the day.

There are a few rooms you can use for your Didsbury Parsonage wedding, but Marianne and Euan went for the ground floor room. This one has striking red walls featuring colourful artwork, and a stunning floor-to-ceiling bay window with stained glass detail which would provide the backdrop to the ceremony. The aisle was decorated either side with a bunch of flowers in the same brilliant bold shades as Marianne’s flower crown and the bouquets, and the signing table also featured an arrangement on top of a vintage tablecloth that echoed the boho lace on Marianne’s dress. 

It’s not just the aesthetic that made a Didsbury Parsonage wedding perfect, either, but the whole ethos of the space too. As a Grade II listed building, the parsonage itself is owned by a trust whose aim is to preserve a central space for the local community – and community and connection were at the heart of this day. 

After the ceremony Marianne and Euan exited into the gardens in a shower of confetti, before I whisked them away for some portraits on the original village green (shoutout to the trees and the incredible autumnal tones of those leaves, by the way!) Then we made our way back to Didsbury Parsonage for a drinks reception on the covered terrace (though by this point Marianne had put on a sensational bridal jacket, a pink sequinned bomber number). Here, her dad made a speech that was short but really emotional, and a true privilege to witness. 

Laidback The Lead Station wedding reception

Following their Didsbury Parsonage wedding ceremony, Marianne and Euan got back into the campervan to make their way to The Lead Station. Watching them arrive at their The Lead Station wedding reception was amazing, as all of their friends and family (a lot of whom hadn’t been at the ceremony) were gathered outside to welcome them! 

The Lead Station is another hyperlocal venue: a police station-turned-restaurant, it’s now somewhat of a Chorlton institution. Marianne and Euan had hired the whole venue for their reception, so they were able to totally make the space their own.

They kicked off with a drinks reception in the bar area before moving through to the restaurant for the main portion of their The Lead Station wedding reception. After a delicious dinner, they enjoyed some more speeches, including one by Marianne – more speeches by brides, please! Then, with the end section of the conservatory having been cleared, it was time to party, courtesy of Marianne’s brother-in-law’s band, who were aptly named Das Party. The dance floor was full from start to finish – which is always a good sign!

Alternative Manchester wedding photographer

Being asked to shoot any wedding is a privilege, but especially at an intimate wedding where every spot has been carefully allocated: so thank you, Marianne and Euan, for having me photograph your gorgeous Didsbury Parsonage and The Lead Station wedding. 

If you’re thinking about having a Didsbury Parsonage wedding or celebrating at the Lead Station and are on the hunt for an alternative Manchester wedding photographer to capture it, I’d love to chat – hi, I’m Marni, and I’m your gal! 

Or maybe you’re looking at a different venue, either way, I’d love to chat about your plans. You can get in touch here to tell me all about them…no details spared, please! 

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Venue(s): Didsbury Parsonage, The Lead Station

Marianne’s Outfit: Daisy Brides

Euan’s Outfit: The Noble Suitor 

Hair & Make Up: Rebecca Anderton

Flowers: Diddibox Flowers

Cake: Friend, Rhia Netherton

Band: Das Party