Alice & Sam - A Hometown Rugby Club Wedding in a Heat Wave but Make it SO Chic - Lancashire Wedding Photography
“You have stolen my heart,You have stolen my heart,And I, I won’t let it go,”
Every now and then, you photograph a wedding that feels less like a big production and more like the best day out with all your favourite people.
Alice and Sam's wedding was exactly that.
After twelve years together – having met in halls on their very first day at university – this was a wedding that had been a long time coming. You could feel it in every hug, every speech, every smile. Everyone had been waiting for this day, and it was worth every second.
The morning began at their home in Ramsbottom, where they chose to get ready together. It set the tone for the whole day: relaxed, joyful and completely true to who they are. Their ginger cat, Eddie, made a very important appearance too, naturally taking his role as honorary wedding guest very seriously.
From there, we headed to the beautiful Clitheroe Library for their ceremony. If you've never considered a library wedding, this might just change your mind. It was intimate, full of character and, despite the soaring temperatures outside, wonderfully calm inside. Well… as calm as a room full of people trying not to cry can be.
And yes, it really was hot.
Thirty-six degrees. In Lancashire.
Not one of the venues had air conditioning, but somehow nobody cared. There was something about the heatwave that made everyone slow down a little. Nobody rushed. Nobody worried. Everyone simply enjoyed being together.
After the ceremony, we did exactly what felt right.
We wandered next door for a well-earned pint in the pub to cool down before making our way to Tre Ciccio in Ramsbottom for one of the most relaxed wedding meals I've photographed. Great food, plenty of laughter and the sort of atmosphere that makes you wish you were a guest.
The celebrations finished at Bury Sports Club, where Sam has played rugby for years. And if you've ever wondered whether you can have your wedding reception at a rugby club and still make it feel effortlessly stylish, the answer is an emphatic yes.
With thoughtful styling, brilliant people and a packed dance floor (thanks to epic wedding band and my pals, The Hustle!) , it felt every bit as special as any country house wedding I've photographed. More importantly, it felt unmistakably theirs.
That's always the part I love most.
As a Manchester wedding photographer, I'm drawn to weddings that feel personal rather than perfect. The ones where the timeline leaves room for a spontaneous pint, where your cat features in the morning preparations, and where your favourite place to celebrate is the rugby club that's been part of your life for years.
Because years from now, those are the details that will take you straight back.
Alice and Sam, thank you for trusting me with your story. It was an absolute joy to be your time machine for the day.
