A Greater Manchester Wedding
The weather was rather gloomy on a late January day in Manchester (as we are led to believe it always is!) but this wasn’t going to stop Liane and Scott having an absolutely fantastic wedding day!
The Wedding venue, Chetham’s Library, Manchester
Chetham’s Library is a free public library, an imposing sandstone building, hidden in plain sight in the heart of Manchester City Centre. Dating back to 1421 the building was originally built to house the priests of Manchester Collegiate Church, before the Library started acquiring books in August 1655 and has since become a collection of national and international importance.
As a wedding venue Chetham’s is a rather special location, with a unique atmosphere. Surrounded by amazing architecture the venue provides a perfect escape from the modern outside world.
It was at this fantastic venue that the bride along with her close female friends and family gathered to prepare for the big day, with a little assistance from Jodie A Smith hair and make-up team.
The Old Wellington, Manchester
Meanwhile, at the Old Wellington pub, just around the corner in another part of Medieval Manchester, the groom met with family and friends for a few pre-ceremony drinks and a little catch up.
Fun fact: The Old Wellington was built in 1552, and is the oldest building of its kind in Manchester. The building was built next to the Market Square, now Market Street however, the half-timbered traditional building was moved just 100m from its original site in 1998.
The Ceremony in The Baronial Hall at Chetham’s
Breaking slightly with tradition the bride and groom met each other at the rear of the hall, a wonderful moment as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day, before walking each other down the isle surrounded by emotional friends and family, and the sound of the grand piano echoing around the hall.
The ceremony was shorter than most but none the less everything was covered, the vows, romance, a little humour and perhaps a few tears from a number of the guests! As the very happy couple walked back down the isle guest showered them with confetti before following on to give their personal congratulations and to tuck into the post ceremony drinks.
It was then onto the formal photographs, although Chetham’s is a large space, a lot of the rooms are long and narrow, making an indoor space for the larger group photographs quite a challenge, however we did find room upstairs in the Audit room, with its leaded windows and wooden panelling making a perfect backdrop.
As the day continued so did the partying, through the Wedding breakfast, followed by the speeches and onto the first dance, then it was time for everyone to let loose on the dancefloor!
Overall Chetham’s is an amazing wedding venue for those looking for a little break from the norm and in the heart of Manchester City centre.
A little more about Chetham’s Library
Within the walls of this late-medieval building are a host of rooms to entice any couple seeking to escape the norm. The Baronial hall, a wonderfully preserved 15th century medieval hall. The Association room, originally housing the kitchens of Chetham’s hospital school still retaining many fascinating features. The Audit room, accessed through the Library itself, originally part of the College warden’s accommodation, still with many of its original features, wooden panelling and plasterwork dating back to the 17th century is today a photographers dream, with wonderful natural light pouring through the windows onto the natural backdrop of the room. And the library itself, row upon row of books and manuscripts, with light creeping through the window apertures at the end of each row, just being in this room makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time to a period long forgotten.
Fellow Wedding Suppliers involved
The brides amazing wedding dress Dress was made by Stuart Parvin The flowers were supplied and arranged by Ashley Holden The groom suit was by Timothy Everest and his shoes were by Greson Those amazing hand painted signs were by Mikes fine designs The catering as always at Chetham’s was by Vanilla in all Seasons Lighting by Hipswing
If your planning your special wedding day then do not hesitate to get in touch!