Work's night out... a glass of wine... it can be a dangerous mix. In the case of Gemma and Graham, it proved to be anything but. What had started out as acquaintances as colleagues at work, lead onto a much more romantic relationship, following said work's night out, and a glass or two of wine. In fact, it ended up requiring them to go looking for a wedding photographer in Manchester not so long after...
On the 26th of January, exactly one year on from Graham popping the big question, I found myself in the stunning Great John Street Hotel in Manchester, as the dedicated wedding photographer for the gorgeous Gemma and her dapper groom to be Graham. A particular favourite of mine when it comes to wedding venues in Manchester I must say, but it became just a piece in the perfect jigsaw, as I enjoyed a wonderful wedding with this fabulous couple. A fantastic and fun bride and groom, from start to finish... and the best man's speech had more than one or two people smiling throughout. We had pipers piping at the hotel entrance as the ceremony began, an unreal saxophonist during the drinks reception and lots more. A real treat for me as the wedding photographer, and a privilege to be a part of.
As I have said, this all started on a work's night out, before the wheels were well and truly set in motion, on 26th January 2018. With clear guidelines and rules set in place by both regarding extravagant displays of public proposals being a serious 'no no', Graham decided to go for a spot of romance, followed by a more private popping of said question, back at their apartment in Manchester. Following the dinner date, however, Gemma was curious as to why Graham was acting unusual. Fidgety... no. Sweating... no. Anxious... no. They say that no one knows you better than your partner, so when Detective Gemma noticed that Graham had barely touched his glass of wine over dinner, she knew something was unusual about the evening. Our bride to be's mind was soon put at rest as they returned home and she realised that the lack of interest in wine, was down to a certain question he had in store. As the wedding photographer telling you the story, I'm sure you can guess that the answer was a resounding 'yes'!
Earlier on, I mentioned the sensational saxophonist that greeted us at the drinks reception, and it would be amiss of me to not highlight it further. In fact, when guests talk about the wedding day itself, Gemma mentioned that it is the main thing people remember and chat about, and certainly a highlight for me. The three words you need to look for on Google (other search engines available) are Girl On Sax. You won't be disappointed. Whilst friends and family pinpoint this as a particularly magical moment, it was lovely to hear that both Graham and Gemma shared a different one as their special memory of the day.
"For me, it was walking in to the ceremony and seeing Graham waiting for me. Graham said it was actually the same for him... when he first saw me that day. The entire day was very memorable, and we loved every bit of it, but if we had to chose one specific part, that would be it." Gemma
I've mentioned before how magical Great John Street is, and it was a delight to return. Our newlyweds told me that they had settled on GJS, for a number of reasons. They'd firstly visited a number of times before in a business environment, always commenting on how it would be a lovely wedding venue. Intimate, charming, relaxed... all words that they had in mind, and all words that this stunning venue fitted perfectly. The Winter wedding, candlelit, roof top drinks overlooking the great city of Manchester... the romance and charm of this old school house is easy to see... amazing place! Whether it is an intimate occasion or full on, no holds barred, all the family wedding, Great John Street Hotel has something for everyone. And it isn't just the bricks and decor that are memorable. The staff are such lovely people and a BIG part of what makes it so special.
The fabulous couple finished off the celebrations with what sounds like a magical trip to Mexico, and Secrets Akumal... I hope they had a fantastic time and that they have many more wonderful years together. To Gemma and Graham!
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Great John Street Hotel, Manchester.
