An Unconventional Wedding at Bowers Mill, Yorkshire
Grab your confetti and fluff up your tulle, because you're in for a treat. Today's post is not your average wedding chronicle; it's about the union of Cherelle and Jack, a pair of the nicest people I've ever met.
They started chatting online, no swiping right, it was ten years ago, pre-that trend. After meeting in Sheffield - the middle ground between their homes - they hit it off and the little Yorkshire city turned into a regular hangout and where I first met them for their engagement shoot. It was then, after a coffee and a stroll around the city, that I knew these two were one of my couples. They wanted something different, didn't think they could pull off cool, but felt I could jazz them up in the photos and capture their connection.
The Vision: Industrial meets Country
Cherelle and Jack's wedding wasn't about ticking boxes; it was a defiant rejection of the 'standard' weddings populating Pinterest boards worldwide. From day one, their mission was clear—to create a day that was unmistakably 'them'. Not their parents, not their friends—them.
Starting with the choice of venue, the vibe is "industrial meets country," just as Cherelle described during our first video chat. The Venue at Bowers Mill, a 17th-century textile mill nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, offers a large function room that can be split into 2 or 3 spaces. Additionally, there's the quaint 'Spinning Room' with views of the Bowers Mill tower and the historic buildings around it. The whole place has been sympathetically restored, leading to a feeling of chic urban, industrial style amongst the greenery of the Halifax valleys.
The Ceremony: Why Celebrants Rule
On the wedding day, Cherelle got ready in a nearby AirBnB. Picture this: a converted barn, crafted from Yorkshire sandstone, giving a big nod to the styling of their wedding venue. Instead of the legal formalities on the big day, they went for a low-key affair with close family. This way, they had the freedom to cook up some quirky ideas for their wedding - kickstarting the fun right at the ceremony!
The couple got my favorite orange-haired celebrant, Louise of Kickass Gatherings involved. Let me reiterate, Louise's weddings are just fantastic. They strike the perfect balance of personal, fun, and engaging (with audience participation galore). The family and guests are always buzzing afterward, and when you add in the photos - the tears, laughter, and smiles - it's clear why I, an alternative wedding photographer, adore them.
I won't give away too many ideas for your celebrant-led ceremony (that you're definitely going to go ahead and book after reading this) and steal Louise's thunder, but Cherelle and Jack each made a separate grand entrance to the ceremony with close family, none of this 'bride being given away stuff'. They shared their heartfelt vows, to which Jack shed more than a few tears, and even had a touch of an Oprah-style, 'check under your seat to find the ring' moment with their guests. This kind of surprise sets the tone for the day, and when your guests don't anticipate the fun until after the ceremony, it's a blast to drop this little bombshell on them.
The Photos: Alternative Wedding Photographer's Take
As an alternative wedding photographer, I've been fortunate enough to capture some truly unique and memorable moments on my couples' big day. Cherelle and Jack's wedding was no exception.
The photos from their wedding speak for themselves - laughter, tears, and genuine moments captured in time. There's no posing or forced smiles here, just raw emotion and authentic connections between loved ones. As an alternative wedding photographer, this is my favourite kind of wedding to capture - one that is unique, personal, and full of love.
But what about the portraits? How does a 17th century mill-turned business park transform into a backdrop for those couple photographs? Simple. I let Cherelle and Jack be themselves - it helps that we'd done an engagement shoot. They didn't need a grand or extravagant location for their photos to turn out beautifully. Instead, I found unique spots within the mill grounds that reflected their personalities and vision - industrial meets country, resulting in stunning portraits that truly represent who they are as a couple, fun, laughing, silly and great together.
The Reception: Quizzes to Unconventional Cake Cuts
As the reception began, Cherelle and Jack's guests were in for a treat. Instead of your typical wedding games or dancing, they had planned a quiz all about them and their wedding - complete with hilarious answers from both the bride and groom. It was a unique and personal touch that had everyone laughing and feeling even more connected to the couple. Oh, and my table, happened to win too!
After tucking into some incredible grub from The Venue Kitchen, it was time for a laid-back cocktail hour before Cherelle and Jack took a stab at the cake - using a Sheffield-made pen knife - and hit the dance floor.
Now, let's talk about the dance-off. The entire room was grooving, including yours truly and the videographers - because that's the ultimate recipe for candid shots. Go on, take a peek, you'll get what I mean!
Cherelle and Jack's wedding was a perfect example of how a couple can truly make their special day reflect their personalities and values. From the unconventional venue to the unique reception activities, every aspect was personalised and meaningful to them. And that's what I love most about being an alternative, creative wedding photographer - capturing these one-of-a-kind moments that tell each couple's love story in its truest form.
So, if you're currently planning your own wedding, take inspiration from Cherelle and Jack's industrial meets country vision and let your imagination run wild. Remember, it's your day - make it reflect who you are as a couple and create memories that will last a lifetime, and don't forget to give me a shout to photograph them!
The Supplier Dream Team
Venue: The Venue Bowers Mill
Celebrant: Kickass Gatherings
Videography: Twenty Two Moments
Flowers: Moema Floral Design
Styling: Java Bere
Dress: Wed2b
DJ: Sight N Sound Entertainment
Rings: SP Jewellery Design
Catering: The Venue Kitchen
