Carly & Jamie - A Joyful, Emotional Liverpool Wedding at The Reader - Liverpool Wedding Photography

“I love you
For putting your hand
Into my heaped-up heart
And passing over
All the foolish, weak things
That you can’t help
Dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out
Into the light
All the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked
Quite far enough to find.”

— Roy Croft

Carly & Jamie are those extraordinary clients that instantly felt like friends - from our first meeting where poor Jamie could hardly get a word in edgewise over Carly & my high-energy wedding chatter to their pre-wedding shoot at RHS Bridgewater where we worked through any awkwardness with a silly face or quick joke and I got to hear all about how they got together and how truly magical it is that they found each other in this world and then culminating in yesterday’s WONDEROUS all-weather celebration of their story and Liverpool and the people they love most in this world. I have literally never laughed so hard!

Carly & Jamie bucked tradition and got ready together in the super-swank John Lennon suite at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel. Joined also by bridesmaids Louisa & Charlotte (and an assist from legend Nell), wedding prep was a DIY affair as Carly did her own hair and makeup before donning the dreamy slate-blue thirties-inspired gown she had altered herself. Jamie smartened up in coordinating blue Harris tweed and Loakes before making his way over to the town hall in anticipation of his bride’s arrival in a hired vintage red Mercedes-Benz convertible, driven by her brother.

On this enchanting summer day, I had the privilege of photographing Carly and Jamie's breathtaking Liverpool wedding. The proceedings began with an intimate ceremony at Liverpool Town Hall, where the couple exchanged vows witnessed only by their closest family and friends. The historic venue provided a timeless backdrop, filled with love and emotion. As the newlyweds sealed their commitment with a kiss, their joy radiated throughout the grand hall. We then walked to the square behind for a gleeful confetti toss and quick tapas and fizz break at El Gato Negro.

Moving on to the evening's celebration, we ventured to The Reader in Calderstones Park, where an all-weather garden party awaited. Full disclosure: a journey that should have taken me just 10 minutes got stymied by sudden downpours and the mid-afternoon school run! Despite the rush, I still managed to rock up in time for the couple to be piped in by a solo bagpiper and from there the day stretched ahead. I had never shot a wedding at the ICONIC Reader Mansion but the charming outdoor setting showcased the couple's love for nature, with vibrant flowers and whimsical decor adorning the space.

With an Italian family-style feast provided for nearly 100 guests, some UNBELIEVABLE speeches and a signature high-energy first dance to Chaka Khan, Carly & Jamie did their wedding day exactly their way and it truly was perfection. The day was a labour of love, a testament to their incredibly strong connection and commitment and I felt so so lucky to have been chosen to capture it for them. Here’s a little sneak peek of what we got up to…