
When I was asked to be Jayne and Nick’s Nutters Restaurant wedding photographer, I couldn’t have been happier. This awesome restaurant in the suburbs of Rochdale, is modern, award-winning, and the perfect wedding venue thanks to its great menu and superb location, enjoying six and a half acres of countryside in its grounds. The building itself is actually a former stately home, Wolstenholme Manor, which was bought by celebrity chef Andrew Nutter and his family in 2003. All this makes for a truly unique wedding venue which uses the best locally sourced produce to create some seriously good food.
Jayne and Nick were a relaxed couple who already had a son and were planning a catholic church wedding followed by a reception at Nutters. They didn’t want any fuss from their photographer, which suited me just fine because that’s what I’m all about. The day started with bride prep at Jayne’s house and when I arrived they were already ahead of schedule. Jayne had already had her hair done and was putting the finishing touches to her make-up. I was pleased to see the champagne had already been opened and a glasses had been passed around!
I couldn’t help but laugh with everyone when it came time for our bride to adorn her wedding dress. I think her chief bridesmaid was perhaps pulling the back strings a little tight! Not long after, the red double decker bus arrived, and Jayne had a quick peak through her blinds at her special wedding transportation! Why, do you ask, would a bride hire a whole bus to take a small bridal party to the church? Because afterwards it would take the whole wedding party to the reception venue of course! Alas, there was a minor snag when it became apparent that Jayne’s sister was running rather behind schedule, which meant the bus was forced to block traffic for quite some time! The driver had to stand at the end of the road and wave on ant traffic that tried to turn down the narrow road.
But, hey, it’s a wedding! They’re big events with a life of their own, anything can happen, and that’s why I love them! Jayne’s Dad arrived and we soon got on the bus. I always like it when I can join one or both of the soon-to-be-married couple as they ride their way to the ceremony, as it cane make for some unique photos. We arrived at the church and Jayne couldn’t have looked happier as she alighted the bus. Our groom, his groomsmen and the rest of the guests were already seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin. We were a little late to be fair!
Nick couldn’t help but look in awe as the father of the bride led his daughter down the aisle. Their son Will came too, acting as trusted ring bearer for his mum and dad. A Catholic ceremony is often slightly longer than their church of England counterparts, and even more so when compared to those held at registry offices, but no-one was ever bored. A laid back and witty priest meant that there was plenty of laughter throughout, interspersed with a few romantic hymns. The first kiss was committed to the sound of cheers and applause and you can tell by the look on their faces, just how happy our newlyweds were as they walked back down the aisle. Upon exiting the church they were met with hugs, kisses and plenty of confetti. There was even a mini confetti cannon in the shape of a bottle of booze!
Everyone got on the bus and we all headed to Nutters for the wedding reception. Husband and wife had a few photos with the bus and then we all headed to the grass to have a big group photo. I’m a documentary wedding photographer so there’s on obligation to have any family and couple photos if you don’t want to….but most couples do. It’s a good way to get guaranteed photos of all your loved ones.
It was time for the wedding breakfast and Jayne and Nick were welcomed into the dining hall to more cheering and applause. Naturally, the speeches were hilarious, and Nick was ribbed several times by his brother who was also his best man. It always nice to capture the reactions of the guests as well as those of the married couple. This helps you to remember the spirit of the day.
As day turned to night and warm evening light shone through, everyone moved outside to the relax with the drinks and have a bit of natter. The children entertained themselves with games of tick and hide and seek. After some more chilling, it was time to cook the cake. Sometimes the cake-cutting can be a bit of a stiff event. Posing with a knife can be pretty awkward and that’s why I don’t set up it, I just let you do your thing and cut the cake! Jayne and Nick on the other hand clearly had a great time as they forced a knife through a very tasty looking cake!
The first dance started with a bow from our couple and continued in earnest as all the wedding guests filmed and took photos on their phones of this romantic occasion. It wasn’t long before the band were ripping out some banging tunes and all of the bride and groom’s family friends joined them on the dance floor. There was some pretty splendid air guitar to be seen, especially from our very happy bride, and even Jayne’s dad joined in. They later had an impromptu father-daughter dance, which was very emotional for everyone watching.
Congratulations to Jayne and Nick! Thanks for choosing me as your Nutters Restaurant wedding photographer!