It wasn’t just the pre-Raphaelite paintings that made Allie and Kate’s Manchester Art Gallery wedding iconic: it was every single thing they did that represented them as a couple.

Your wedding day should be undeniably, unmistakably yours – and Allie and Kate made sure that their wedding day was not only full of love and laughter but also loads of personal touches that perfectly reflected them as a couple. And if you’re like Marni, that’s all well and good, but how can I take inspiration from Allie and Kate’s Manchester Art Gallery wedding and make it my own? then don’t worry – I got you! Scroll down to find out more…

Inclusive humanist ceremony

For their Manchester Art Gallery wedding ceremony, Allie and Kate opted for a humanist ceremony. Humanist ceremonies are always some of the best, because they allow you to craft a totally bespoke ceremony. 

This one was extra special because it was led by Kate’s mum, who is a Humanist celebrant based in Lincolnshire. She kicked off by addressing the room as “Lords, ladies and jelly babies”, which set the tone for the awesome, heart-warming rest of the ceremony! The ceremony also included a lovely singalong to Stand By Me (for more Humanist ceremonies including singalongs, check out Amy and Aaron’s Peckham wedding.) 

Kate looked like an absolute pre-Raphaelite dream as she walked into the ceremony space with an ethereal veil over her face. She wore a dress that she’d found in a charity shop and – wait for it – customised with fairy lights in the skirt to surprise Allie. (OBSESSED!). Allie wore a dark blue suit with a faint check, a red shirt, and a buttonhole made from West Ham brochures.

Manchester Art Gallery Wedding

As soon as Kate and Allie got in touch, I was obsessed with their vision for the day – because it’s not every day you get to shoot a wedding surrounded by priceless art, is it?! Their ceremony took place in the middle of the most incredible selection of paintings, in the Victorian Galleries (in particular, Gallery 10). 

They and their guests were surrounded by incredible works in ornate gold frames, hung on deep red walls. At the back of the room there was also a fascinating exhibit called Whose Power On Display? which came with a stunning patterned wallpaper, so there was a fab backdrop whichever way you looked. After the ceremony, Kate and Allie celebrated with a drinks reception in Gallery 7.

You can hire out loads of different spaces for a Manchester Art Gallery wedding, including the Victorian Hall, but (again, because they thought about everything!) Gallery 10 was of special significance to Kate and Allie because it features a huge painting of Sappho by Auguste Charles Mengin. 

Meaningful moments and portraits 

Sappho was an Ancient Greek poet who often dedicated her poems to the young female pupils who studied with her on the isle of Lesbos, and is the origin of the modern day word Lesbian. For this reason, Kate and Allie specifically requested some of their couples portraits include this painting because – in their own words – “Kate is especially fond of the 10 ft tall painting of Sappho with her baps out”. Who am I to refuse?! 

Another (iconic) request they had for portraits was a group photo with all of their guests doing the crossed hammers with their arms as homage to Allie being a big West Ham fan because – again, in their own words – Allie is “the most intensely Cockney person you’ll ever meet.” They also chose to exit to their guests blowing bubbles which is a great alternative to a traditional confetti throw.

After leaving their Manchester Art Gallery wedding, we headed to the nearby Gay Village for some more portraits. In particular, Kate and Allie wanted to visit Sackville Gardens and get portraits with the statue of Alan Turing. 

Reception at South West Manchester Cricket Club

Yet another cool thing Kate and Allie did was ensure their wedding was on a timeline that worked for them, which meant having their wedding reception the day after their ceremony. 

They held it at South West Manchester Cricket Club (which was, as it goes, walking distance from where I lived. That’s not a requirement for my couples – on the contrary, I love to travel for weddings and will go wherever love does – but it’s always a nice surprise!)  As well as food, drink, and a claret and blue cake (the colours of West Ham), they also had dancing and some inflatable dinosaur outfits (obviously!). They even had a little crafting corner, which was such an inspired idea for people who want to get involved but don’t love getting up to boogie on the dancefloor! 

Making your wedding your own

This wedding was just the best day, and a total honour to be a part of. But I haven’t forgotten that I promised you some tips on how to translate all this beauty to your own wedding day! So here’s a couple of ways that you can totally, 100% embrace and embody yourselves in your wedding day, a la Kate and Allie’s Manchester Art Gallery wedding:

• Have a humanist or independent ceremony that allows personalisation, ensuring your wedding reflects you and your relationship
• Wear what you want – and if that includes fairy lights, go for it
• Pick a venue that speaks to you – even if it’s not a “traditional” wedding venue
• Have fun with your photos. This doesn’t mean you have to come to me with a strict list of poses and places (on the contrary, it’s part of my job to ensure you don’t have to!), but instead that you’re open to some creativity, fun and informality as part of the process

Manchester wedding photographer

If you’re planning a Manchester Art Gallery wedding and are looking for an alternative wedding photographer to capture it for you, I’d absolutely love to chat. Or perhaps you’re getting married elsewhere in the world but love the fun, relaxed vibe of these photos. Either way, you can get in touch here to tell me all about your plans – inflatable dinosaurs are optional but encouraged!

Suppliers:

Ceremony Venue: Manchester Art Gallery https://manchesterartgallery.org 

Reception Venue: South West Manchester Cricket Club https://swmcc.org.uk/ 

Celebrant – Shelley Wills https://www.celebrantlincolnshire.uk/ 

Kate’s dress – from Bury Hospice Bridal Boutique

Allie’s suit – Suit Direct https://www.suitdirect.co.uk/ 

Kate’s hair (colour) – www.instagram.com/stevenaustinhairartist/ 

Cake: Cakes by Lorraine