Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel Wedding Photography - Mia & Elliot

Mia & Elliot

Mia and Elliott celebrated their incredible wedding at the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel.

Originally a 19th-century warehouse, the V&A is a popular city centre venue that I have shot at countless times, and have seen it transformed with an impressive renovation in recent years.

My day, as ever, started early at the bridal prep, capturing all the goings-on as Mia had her hair and make-up prepped for the day ahead, along with the rest of her family.

Then it was over to the other side of the hotel to catch up with Elliott and his brother-turned-best-man as they got suited and booted, before heading outside for a few quick portraits.

And, putting the miles in as I often do on a wedding day, I was back over to Mia to capture the final touches being put to her beautiful dress.

At Jewish weddings, before the ceremony the men gather for a drink of whiskey while the groom signs the marriage certificate, which is known as a ‘tish’.

And at Elliott’s, the atmosphere and sense of excitement for the day ahead was already palpable.

Immediately following the tish was the bedeken, where Elliot pulled the veil over his soon-to-be-wife, and then it was on to the ceremony.

Walking down the aisle to the exceptional vocal talents of Shruli Portnoy of the Portnoy Brothers is a genuine treat for any bride - indeed, my own brother and sister-in-law had them sing at their wedding! - and so it was for Mia and Elliott too.

The ceremony was beautiful, and before I knew it the couple had made their way back up the aisle, through the hotel lobby, and to the ‘yichud' room, where the newly weds get to spend a few moments alone at a Jewish wedding.

The weather managed to hold off long enough for us to get the family pics in the bag with the hotel’s fountain in the front of the hotel providing a lovely backdrop.

And a quick walk by the canal was all that was needed to capture a few quick pictures of the happy couple alone together.

And then proceedings kicked up another gear as Elliott and Mia hit the dance floor.

Jewish dance floors can be intimidating places for the uninitiated, and I know of many a photographer reduced to their trembling knees at the prospect of having to photograph them.

I, however, absolutely love them, and positively thrive in the crazy melee of swinging arms, stamping feet and spinning bodies.

Give me the energy and action of a Jewish wedding dance floor over a quiet, empty one any day!

The speeches throughout the evening were at various times humourous, poignant and sincere, and the emotions they stirred in the heart were reflected in the faces of all who were present to hear them - a particular treat for me as a wedding photographer.

But with an atmosphere as warm and fun as it really was, the evening truly belonged on the dance floor.

Another huge, huge congrats to the happy couple!

And here for your viewing pleasure is but a small selection of my pics from their big day:

Venue - Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel

Organiser - Qube Events

Hair - Elliot Kilner