”We had the most amazing destination wedding earlier this year in Italy and capturing the day was very important to us. We completed a lot of research on photographers abroad which the venue recommended etc but decided to take our own photographer, which is where we found the GingerBeard!

Before the wedding Paul was great, very approachable whilst always providing his professional opinion.

During the wedding he and his second shooter Nick were perfect, very subtle making guests feel at ease but when needed to be, very vocal which helped to get those all important shots.

Post wedding Paul has again, over delivered. We knew he was very busy but he kept us informed and would send little “teaser” photos, to my wife, which would build the excitement.

Our photos had been edited and were ready 8 weeks after the wedding and we were quite simply blown away.

We have already recommended Paul to friends and can’t thank him enough!”

Jen & Tom Brennan.

Suppliers.

Ceremony:  Bellagio Town Hall

Venue:  Hotel Royal Victoria

Dress:  Penny Gray Bridal Boutique

Suit:  NEXT

Hair:  Victoria Lecoustre

Flowers:  Inspirations 

How did you meet?

Our paths crossed in our local, your old place of work, The 3 Stags : )

How did you propose?  

I decided to ask the question during a surprise trip for Jens 30th birthday.

Having completed hours of research trying to find the perfect destination I finally decided on Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy.

On the second day of our trip and the day before Jens 30th birthday I had a day exploring the lake planned, finishing at Villa Melzi as Bellagio, which is situated with the most amazing views over the lake.

After a short walk admiring the gardens at Villa Melzi we found the perfect spot to take a few pictures or so Jen thought! So the GoPro was set up and with Jen completely unaware, enjoying the views, she turned to find me on one knee with a ring in hand!

Why did you choose your venue?

We decided to return to the place of the proposal, Bellagio, Lake Como and found a venue which allowed our wedding party to enjoy the picturesque views over the lake from early afternoon till late at night.

What did you love about your dress, suit & accessory choices?

Dress – It took some time but the saying “you know as soon as you put in on” was correct for me. I felt like it suited our destination and just loved the detail on the dress.

Suit – We kept is casual. With both outfits we wanted to be comfortable and ourselves. A smart shirt and blazer was the perfect ‘suit’ for the groom. Not forgetting the pocket square for that extra touch!

Where did your ideas for your theme come from?

We didn’t have a particular theme but focused on keeping things simple.

Why did you choose your first dance song and where did it come from?

We had a silent disco which we created the playlists for and whilst high with excitement and element of surprise we both came out dancing to different songs… which we cant quite remember! : )

What was your favourite part of the day?

Our favourite part of the day was when we took a moment to ourselves. All of our guests had headed to be seated for some food and we both stayed with our acoustic guitarist while he played ‘all you need is love’ by the Beatles. We simply looked at each other, looked at the view and smiled. A moment we will never forget.

What made you choose Ginger Beard Weddings to capture your day?

Paul filled us with confidence and we knew we made the right decision from the moment we had our first consultation. We were not disappointed as Paul went above and beyond

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day?

It’s your day, remember that everything you do, plan and pay for is for yourselves, don’t be afraid to surprise, enjoy and take a moment to reflect on your wonderful day.

Suppliers.

Ceremony:  Manchester Cathedral

Venue:  Great John Street Hotel

Dress:  Agape Bridal Boutique

Shoes:  Jimmy Choo

Hair & Make Up:  Jodie A Smith

Flowers:  Tamaryn Treasures

Cake:  Sweet Jem’s Bakery

Band:  The Fat Cats

Tell me briefly about the build up and you wedding day?

We got married 2 years after we got engaged. Which gave us loads of time to plan and decide what we wanted. But it still flew by!

We went through 8 bridesmaid dresses, until we found 1 which all 6 bridesmaids liked! Stressful!!! (But I chose the first dress I tried on)

Hogan (our lovely pooch) ate my wedding planning book 2 months before the wedding! Nearly put him up for sale!

Richard went to Croatia on his Stag-Do. Where he was made to walk around the town dressed as a baby, in a bright pink onies with matching bonquet.

I went to Barcelona with the ‘bride squad’ travelling in a ‘Muggle to Mrs’ top, the rest of the group in ‘I solemnly swear I’m up to no good’ tops (Cheesy Harry Potter banter!) We had an awesome time of drunken nights and amazing tapas!

How did you meet?

We met in Blackdog Ballroom in the Northern Quarter bank holiday weekend 2013. I had my phone stolen and lost my friends on the night out, Richard was my ‘knight in shining amour’. We have been together everyday since! (I never did find out what Rich did with my phone ????)

How did you propose?

On a beach in Mexico October 2016. I found a part of the beach that I know would be memorable to both of us. When the moment came I couldn’t get the ring out of my pocket, So I waited until Becky wasn’t looking at me again and just sunk to my knee. I opened the box and looked at my wife to be as I said “Rebecca will you marry me”.

Why did you choose your venue?

We wanted a city centre wedding. Also the location was perfect so close to Manchester Cathedral. The rooftop area is definitely what appealed to us about the venue, as well as the look and feel. It had a personal and unique feel which felt right for our day. The food was awesome too!

What did you love about your dress, suit & accessory choices?

I loved that it was the first one I tried on, it was exactly what I imagined. All the bridesmaids had a pandora bracelet, with a charm which matched my Something Blue.

Richard felt ‘dapper’ in his suit. All the groomsmen had a personalised hipflask and pocketwatch.

Where did your ideas for your theme come from?

Pretty much all from Pinterest and Not On The High Street!

Why did you choose your first dance song and where did it come from?

We chose it together as a song we both liked. It also came on the radio when I had my first fitting of my wedding dress in the shop!

What was your favourite part of the day?

Richard’s favourite part of the day was watching me coming down the aisle. He cried and felt it was the happiest moment of his life so far.

Mine was coming into the reception meal and being announced as Mr & Mrs West for the first time. As well as our closest friends and family giving speeches (the good and the bad). The maid of honour poem came out on top!

What made you choose Ginger Beard Weddings to capture your day?

We loved the relaxed style and non-traditional stiff wedding photos from your previous work. We were both super nervous about the prewedding shoot, but as soon as we had done it we knew you would be the best person for the job. On the day we and others barely noticed the cameras at the most important parts, but you managed to capture them all!

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day?

Write your thank you cards at the same time as your invitations!! Would have loved for someone to suggest that to me!!

Make a list of the really important things you want to do during the day, and have someone remind you. So you don’t forget things!! (like throwing your bouquet!)