Portico Library Wedding Photographer
I feel so honoured to have been asked by Lauren and Richard to be the photographer for their beautifully bijou wedding at the enchanting Portico Library in central Manchester. What an incredible and highly unusual wedding venue and a joy to photograph! I love shooting weddings for couples who do things their own way. This perfect occasion was short and sweet, cosy and intimate. It was everything that mattered most.
Central Manchester Hotel Prep
Our couple chose the fabulous Abode hotel for their wedding preparations – gathering all of their guests in the same place, just a short walk through the centre of Manchester to the ceremony venue. Keeping it brief and easy, I just dropped by for some quick shots in the contemporary surrounds of this stylish hotel. I just loved that intense blue in the bridal suite, and brief glimpses of the city beyond the windows. A cool place indeed. From there, I took a stroll with Richard and his groomsmen through the city centre to the library.
Portico Library – A Hidden Gem in Manchester
The Portico Library itself is a hidden gem right in the heart of Manchester city centre. I’ve lived here for over twenty years and have only just heard about it! Founded in 1806 at the height of the industrial revolution, and home to some 25,000 books, the story of the Portico Library is the story of Manchester itself – the first modern city in the world. The Portico Library combines that very history with literature, creativity, artistry and sanctuary to make for a very special place indeed.
The main library and exhibition space is situated under a glorious glass dome and flanked with shelves of ancient books. It’s a fabulous place for wedding guests to gather and enjoy drinks etc. Even more glorious though, is the members’ reading room where the wedding ceremony took place on this occasion. Such an unusual and splendid backdrop for a wedding.
A Manchester Icon
On a high from this unusual, elegant and sophisticated wedding, we had a quick walk through the city centre grabbing some casual portraits along the way. Stopping off for a shot outside Sandinista, where Richard and Lauren first got acquainted, we then headed down to the Blackfriar Pub for some emotional speeches and a meal in a beautifully appointed private room. This pub is another Manchester icon – well, Salford technically – and for good reason. Lovingly restored and recently reopened, it played perfect host to finish this splendid wedding day.
Thank you Lauren and Richard for choosing me to photograph your perfect wedding in the Portico Library, Manchester.
I shoot the day as I find it, with minimal posing and interruption from myself. If you like the sound of this and are looking for a wedding photographer for your wedding in Manchester, or anywhere else for that matter, please check out some more of my featured weddings and my portfolio. Why not drop me a line to chat more. I can’t wait to hear from you.
