I thought it might make for an interesting change if I pulled out a few of my favourite snaps from the day and explain what I like about them.
This first one I love because it’s a new take on the tired old group photo. This was taken a little later in the day than I would usually go group shots, we were actually doing a couples portrait with Maggie and James. Everyone else was hanging about so we decided to let them join in. Suddenly Maggie’s sister suggested we get a Friends photo using the outdoor furniture, and what an amazing idea that turned out to be.
During that same sunset photo shoot Maggie and James decided they wanted to show off some of their martial arts moves. What follows is a selection of snaps that could easily be misconstrued as a married couple’s first disagreement.
The next one I like because it’s just a crazy moment where James appears to be trying to avoid seeing Maggie in her dress. In reality they weren’t particularly bothered about seeing each other beforehand, but I still love the moment.
Here’s a moment that represents a Polish tradition.
The bride tossing her bouquet is a pretty common thing here in the UK. Whoever catches the bouquet will be the next to get married, apparently.
Well, in Poland the Groom then tosses his necktie, and whichever eligible bachelor catches is then has to dance with the lady who caught the bouquet.
I think this is a tradition that needs to happen more often here in England, it was a great moment.
More Images From the Album
So that was a little run through my favoutire moments from the day. Here is a whole bunch more photos to have a scroll through.
All photos in this article were taken by JLM Wedding Photography.
If you’re looking for wedding photo ideas on glamourous websites, or even Pinterest and Instagram, then you have to keep in mind that those photos were taken by different people at different times, in different conditions and possible in a different location.
Shit, the word ‘different’ just lost all meaning for me. Dammit I liked that word.
Wedding photography these days revolves around capturing natural moments.
Once you start giving your photographer lists of photos you want taken then they stop capturing natural moments, because they have to try to contrive unnatural moments that look natural, because it happened naturally at someone else’s wedding once.
Not everyone bursts into tears, that moment when you both clap eyes on each other as one of you walks down the aisle is a moment to behold.
Straight off the bat this is one of my favourite shots, and one that I make sure I’m in position for every time.
Walking Through Confetti
It actually takes quite a lot of ushering on my part to get people into the right position.
Once I give everyone the go-ahead, it’s all natural.
Sometimes guests throw the confetti into the couples faces, sometimes they swallow a little and choke, sometimes they look down, look up, get separated in the confusion….
Whilst there is nothing natural about the situation, the moment is genuine, loads of fun and makes for amazing natural photos.
Just the Two Of Us
These are the headline shots. Your new profile pic. The ones you’ll get printed onto canvas.
The couples portrait is another must have for me when I’m photographing a wedding day.
Be warned, this is where Pinterest and Insta-fueled dreams can be dashed.
As a seasoned wedding photographer, I know the best time of day to get portraits. I also know how to find for the best locations at any venue.
What I cannot do is stop the rain, remove the clouds or create rolling hills in a town centre.
This is where you need to trust your photographer.
You will get amazing photos of the two of you, just be open-minded about the look and feel.
All the Other Crazy Things That Happen At Your Wedding
It’s Your Wedding!
It is full of people you care about, meaning some of the best photos are people just doing stuff at your wedding.
You might not get the same feelings when you look at other people’s natural moments, but when the antics are all you and your friends on your special day, every moment will be a treasure.
The First Dance
The last of the formalities.
Clench up for one last routine and then you can relax and finally say hello to Uncle Melv who flew all the way from Australia just to come to your wedding.
Party Time
Girls, kick off the high-heels and slide on the flats.
Guys, undo your top button and wrap your tie around your head.
The formalities are done. The wedding was a success, you’re married!
In my time running a photography club in Sheffield I have been to Sheffield General Cemetery quite a few times. It’s an amazing place full of atmosphere in the middle of Sheffield. I know this phrase gets overused these days, but it is definitely a hidden gem.
At first glance it you might think this is just an overgrown mess, full of old decrepit gravestones, weeds and old trees. Yes, it is a little ungainly, but that is what gives it a spooky charm ideal for all kinds of seasonal occasions. The Samuel Worth Chapel has been recently revamped so that it now perfectly serves a low-key wedding ceremony and reception. The plain white walls provide a blank canvas for you to make your own with flowers and decorations, whilst the bar and bathrooms give your guests everything they’ll need to enjoy themselves in comfort.
There are plenty of traditional places around Sheffield to get married. For those looking to break from tradition, the Sheffield General Cemetery is definitely worth a look. Yes you’ll have to get over the idea of getting married in a cemetery, and you’ll get a lot of people making jokes about it being symbolic of the death of your freedom, if you can get over that then you’ll have a wedding that your guests will be talking about for years to come.
That brings us nicely on to Gabi and Matthew, who not only ‘got over’ the idea of getting married in a cemetery but embraced it. Their humanist ceremony at the General Cemetery was all about rejecting traditional wedding stuff and doing their own thing.
From the outset, Gabi and Matthew didn’t want to be tied down by outdated wedding traditions.
They got ready together, arrived together and walked down the aisle together.
This meant that we were able to get a few nice snaps on the steps of the Town Hall with the two of them together, something you can’t always do when the bride arrives after everyone else has settled in the ceremony room.
These photos from Sheffield Town Hall were taken on the Friday prior to their Sheffield General Cemetery wedding day on the Saturday.
The Wedding Celebration @ Sheffield General Cemetery
Fast forward to Saturday morning and we’re at Gabi and Matthew’s home in Sheffield. Again both getting ready and travelling to the wedding together.
The relaxed vibe continued throughout the day as guests gradually arrived at the Samuel Worth Chapel at the Sheffield General Cemetery.
Thankfully it was a beautiful day (considering it was October in Britain). It did rain a little in the late evening but this didn’t cause any issues since the food trucks had long gone by then.
Oh man did I mention the food trucks?
You know there is a reason I don’t lose weight even though I spend my days on my feet :-). Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some amazing food at weddings in the past, but I am very partial to street food. I was invited by Gabi and Matthew to get myself some food from the trucks; still I politely waited until most of the guests had gotten their dinner before I joined the queue. I opted for Shoot The Bull since I liked the look of the steak sandwich, but by the time I got to the front they were out of beef. I ended up with the halloumi, all I can say is never have I been so pleased that my first choice wasn’t available. Highly recommended :-).
The Dream Team
Before we get to the photos I think it’s worth dropping some links to the hard working small businesses that made this day possible.
When Genevieve and Yunok told me that their cake was being made by their friend Rahul, who had won the Great British Bake Off last year, I think I just took for granted that I was in for a treat when I saw it.
Obviously I was not disappointed; the cake was unbelievable.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen some pretty spectacular cakes in my time, I do attend weddings for a living after all.
This creation was on another level, truly worthy of a GBBO winner.
I must admit, I felt pretty bad by the end of the day about having taken for granted that the cake would be stunning.
As soon as I saw Rahul at the ceremony I could tell he was under pressure. He wasn’t just a guest at his friends’ wedding, he had a cake to deliver. The construction was mostly done by that point, but he still had to make sure it stayed upright and was finished off, and then stayed that way until it was time to be cut.
I could tell that he was trying to enjoy the wedding ceremony, but also just wanted to get back to his cake.
Anyway, having learned by lesson about taking talented people for granted, I happily went about my business taking photos.
So, here are a few of the highlights in slideshow form. If you can’t watch the slideshow then you can also scroll through them down below.
To be honest, I’m probably not the right photographer for you.
One thing about photographing weddings is that it never feels like work. Every wedding is different, every family is unique and no two days are ever the same.
Having said that, Danielle & Josh’s wedding at Halifax Hall in Sheffield was a day unlike any other.
From the start it was obvious that the priority was having fun, above all else.
Well, I guess the real priority was to get married, but also have an absolute blast doing it.
So yeah, maybe the ceremony lasted longer than usual because everyone was chatting and dancing. Nobody minded that the speeches were still going on at 9pm.
This was not just a wedding, it was a party. A true celebration of the love and friendship in the room.
I’m not going to keep banging on about it, check out the photos and see for yourself!
My first wedding of 2019 was a real treat. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the hussle of a crazy wedding day. Less than a week after New Year’s Day though it is nice to shift it down a gear and just make the day about relaxing and celebrating marriage.
Having photographed quite a few weddings at The Old Rectory in Handsworth, Sheffield, I reckon I’m pretty well placed to give you a unique perspective on what it’s like to have your wedding there.
First of all, if you are undecided about whether the Old Rectory is the wedding venue for you, get down there and have a look around. Don’t let the fact that it is in the middle of Handsworth put you off.
For being in the middle of a busy spot it really does feel like such a peaceful place. Even when you’re outside there is such a tranquillity to the grounds.
Wedding Ceremony Room Layout Options at The Old Rectory
Inside it has a cosy feeling. The rooms are well spread out with plenty of milling about space if your guests don’t want to go outside.
There are two rooms you could get married in, depending on the size of your party. Ballifield is the smaller option and accommodates up to 50 wedding guests. It is a beautifully cosy room with a fireplace and plenty of natural light.
If you have a larger wedding party then you can also opt to have your ceremony in the main hall.
Then you can really max out your guest list.
Whichever room you go for you can be sure that you will be well looked after before, during and after the ceremony. The team looking after proceedings are always very friendly yet professional, taking care of the tiniest of details whilst making sure you get exactly what you want when you want it.
Quick Availability Check
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Wedding Breakfast at The Old Rectory
After the ceremony you and your guests will have the opportunity to retire either outside or into the many other rooms for a drinks reception. Meanwhile the Old Rectory team will be busy getting the main hall ready for your wedding breakfast.
Being such a huge hall there is plenty of room for a well attended wedding breakfast, so there should be no problem fitting everyone in.
Evening Wedding Reception
So you’ve had your dinner, done your speeches and drank plenty of wine. Now all there is left to do is cut your cake, dance your first dance and then boogie the night away.
After dinner you and your guests will once again be entertained away from the mail hall as the team create space for the dance floor. Before you know it, you’ll be invited to take centre stage.
Oh and you see that big balloon that has been hanging from the ceiling of the main hall all day? You might want to make sure you are dancing underneath it during your first dance.
Evening Portraits in the Gardens of The Old Rectory
There is one last photo-opp to be had once the sun has set at The Old Rectory. If the weather is favourable, take a little stroll into the gardens with your photographer and make the most of the beautiful fairy lights.
Conclusion
The Old Rectory in Handsworth definitely gets my seal of approval,
As a wedding venue you have everything you could need. It’s a cosy venue, beautiful gardens, friendly and helpful staff, good food and enough space to bring along whatever entertainment you fancy.
Plus, it’s only about 10 minutes away from JLM HQ so very handy indeed for me 🙂
Wedding Photography For Your Old Rectory Wedding
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All the photos you see in this article were taken by JLM Wedding Photography. To request a quote for your wedding pop your details into the form below. You can expect a response within a few hours, if not check your spam folder.
Some of my Old Rectory weddings from the blog archives
I have lived in Sheffield since 2000. When I first moved here there was a building fondly referred to as the Egg Box. It was a bizarre, lumpy 1960s style building. I don’t remember it that well though because it was demolished soon after I arrived.
In its place adjacent to the recently opened Millennium Gallery came the Winter Gardens followed by a host of hotels, offices and restaurants in the new St Paul’s Complex.
The Millennium Gallery has been a part of my Sheffield life for the last 15 years, I have been taking photos of it since 2003! Yet somehow this was my first wedding there.
Winter Gardens – April 2003 St Paul’s Complex – April 2003
Sheffield Novotel Hotel
Our morning began in the Novotel, which is literally a stone’s throw from the Millennium Gallery.
When I arrived Rachel and Chief Bridesmaid Edie were wrestling with the in-room coffee machine. Having eventually figured out how to get water into it Edie declared herself the official Barista and went about the important business of making sure everyone, including myself, were well looked after, coffee-wise.
Other than a little coffee spillage there was very little drama about the morning. Everything was calm and peaceful and there was plenty of time for everyone to get ready without rushing. I definitely prefer it that way :-).
Millennium Gallery Wedding
The day continued in a similar style. Smooth and relaxed, just as Rachel and Kevin had wanted.
The ceremony was stylishly minimalist, suiting the style of the gallery well. For October the weather was beautiful so the guests were able to enjoy a lot of time outside too, making great use of the balcony.
As the sun started to set we went out for a walk in town, getting a few chilled portraits in the Peace Gardens and other choice spots around the vicinity.
The evening closed out with a final bonus for me, half price parking. :-). Always a great result.
Some Photos
I imagine what you really want to see are the photos, so here is a selection of highlights from the gallery.
The last time I checked there were over 17,237 wedding photographers living on my street.
You have a heck of a lot of choice when it comes to finding a wedding photographer.
Does that make it a buyer’s market? Maybe. You can easily find someone willing to photograph your wedding whatever your budget.
I can tell you that I wouldn’t want to be looking for a photographer right now though, because literally anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves a wedding photographer. How are you possibly going to narrow down your options and rule out all the cowboys?
Well, I’m here to help you cross one off your list. Me.
Here are 4 reasons why I’m probably not the right wedding photographer for you.
I have my own style and it isn’t trendy!
Like any other art form, wedding photography follows trends.
A few years ago all the trendy photographers were emulating the popular Instagram style filters of the time by giving their photos a sort of washed out look.
Before that the trend was heavy white vignetting and the dreaded black and white with a pop of colour.
Nowadays many popular photographers are following the trend of muting the colours, leaving images looking rather brown.
I’ll be honest, I think it looks good if done well, but it just isn’t me.
I always favour emphasising natural colours, so things look like they really did at the time.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not ripping on those who follow trends. I do like the look, it’s just not me.
So, if you’re after instant Instagram-able wedding photos, maybe I’m not for you.
I don’t coach, guide or pose people
Professional models know how to strike a pose and look amazing every time the camera takes a shot. Good for them.
If you’re not a professional model then you’ll probably be expecting a photographer to put you into special poses, arrange your limbs in such a way as to make you look like you really know what you are doing.
Well, not if I’m your photographer.
I don’t tell people what to do or how to stand.
I work with real people who are happy, in love, and really just want a break from the chaos that is their wedding day.
I just leave couples to enjoy each others company and quietly watch for the right moments to capture.
If you like to be contorted and manipulated into magazine style poses then I am definitely not the right photographer for you.
Speaking of magazine style poses…
My photos don’t look like glossy Vogue cover images
You know those hyper-stylised, ultra glamorous celebrity wedding photos?
They probably took hours of planning, an entire team to pull together and a tonne of time that the couple didn’t get to spend with their friends and families at their wedding.
Sorry, you ain’t getting photos like that at your wedding if you choose me.
If you end up stuck with me all you’ll get are hundreds of photos of you, your family and friends enjoying themselves.
For portraits, you’re just going to have to make do with a good old fashioned sunset.
I’m too expensive
Like I said at the start, there are thousands of wedding photographers around. Enough that you can easily find someone to fit your budget.
Even though my prices are actually pretty closely aligned to industry average in the UK, I’m definitely not the cheapest. I don’t compete on price. In fact I don’t think of myself as a competitor at all. If you love my photos and my approach to taking photos then you will find my prices perfectly reasonable.
If you don’t think I’m worth it then I’m probably not the right photographer for you.
Conclusion
I have just given you four really good reasons to not choose me as your wedding photographer. In reality there are probably loads more factors that should effect your decision..
There only needs to be one thing that makes someone the right photographer for you, and that is something you can’t put in a list.
You are looking for someone with the right attitude, the right personality and who gives you the right feeling when you talk to them and look at their past work.
This article is all about making you think about what is important when choosing your photographer.
If you came up with other reasons why I’m no good for you I would love to hear them, genuinely.
You need to remember that you are in the middle of Sheffield City Centre, so parking is limited.
Well, to be fair, it isn’t limited so much as expensive.
Fortunately that shouldn’t be a problem for the bride since official wedding cars are permitted to park outside the front of the Town Hall for the duration of the wedding ceremony.
One option is to arrange for a bus to bring your guests from the reception venue into town, thus saving them the trouble of finding parking.
That’s exactly what Susan and Kevin did to get their guests to and from the Ibis Style in Barnsley.
The Bride’s Stealth Arrival
Many brides-to-be worry about being seen by guests at their arrival.
After-all, their arrival in front of the Sheffield Town Hall is unlikely to be discrete.
Fortunately, the attendants at the Town Hall are particularly good at this.
They will make sure all the guests are safely tucked away in the ceremony room before the bride’s arrival.
The wedding car has the added advantage of being able to park outside the Town Hall for the duration of the ceremony.
Having said that, I’m not sure they would usually be allowed to park on the pavement like they did at Kay & Lynval’s wedding.
The Groom’s Arrival
Sorry fellas, the arrival of the Groom at a wedding at the Town Hall is much less grand.
Basically you’ll just arrive at some point, probably about half an hour before your appointed ceremony time, to greet your guests.
Shortly before the bride is due to arrive the Groom will be taken into the ceremony room to be interviewed.
Once the interview is complete the guests will be invited to take their seats in the ceremony room.
Most Grooms opt for the discrete arrival, often with a stop at a local city centre pub for a pint of Dutch courage.
Before we carry on to the ceremony I have a quick photography related tip:
If you want photos on the main staircase get them before the ceremony. You are not likely to be allowed back afterwards because another wedding party will be arriving after you.
After the ceremony you will be ushered out of the building via a different exit, i.e. not the main entrance with the staircase.
This makes it tricky to get photos of both of you together since you won’t actually see each other before the ceremony.
In my experience, some have used the time for a ‘first look’ photo.
Most of the time it is a great chance for photos of the Groom and his Groomsmen to get some snaps together.
It is also a good place for photos of the Bridal party, not to mention that special moment where the Father of the Bride sees his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time.
How Long is the Wedding Ceremony at the Town Hall?
This can depend on whether you invite guest to perform readings.
Typically the ceremony lasts about 20 minutes from the arrival of the Bride to leaving the room.
The Sheffield Town Hall has several rooms typically used for wedding ceremonies.
Downstairs are three smaller rooms connected by a large anti-room which is used as a waiting area for guests prior to the ceremony.
This waiting area is the first room you enter as you turn right through the main entrance.
These smaller rooms host several wedding ceremonies a day and are best suited for parties of up to 50 guests.
Upstairs is a much more private affair, better suited to larger wedding parties.
The main room is partitioned to form a ceremony room and a drinks reception room.
The Mirror room is where you will have the ceremony, so named because of the huge mirror at one end.
The main dividing wall lifts away at the conclusion of the ceremony allowing guests to wander freely across to the Mandela room for drinks and canapes.
Pro Photo Tip #2
This is more a tip for the photographer than anyone else.
The huge mirror in the Mirror Room is right in front of the couple as they get married.
It then stands behind them as they sign their contracts.
My advice, stay low and always check for your own reflection before you take a photo!
Confetti – Where and When?
For ‘downstairs’ weddings where you are lead out of the side exit, that staircase is the place for confetti.
You might want to ask your guests to line the walkway and throw their confetti as you pass them.
You can also wait until you get to the main path and do the same there.
However you do it, keep it outside!
Pro Photo Tip #3
After the ceremony you may be thinking the Peace Gardens would be an ideal spot for photos.
Whilst that is true in principle, keep in mind that on a sunny Saturday afternoon it will be packed!
Not to mention that in August it will be overtaken by Sheffield By The Seaside, so you will have no chance.
My advice is to either make use of the nearby Winter Gardens, or look for interesting locations between buildings for your group photos.
Conclusion
If you have never been to a wedding at the Sheffield Town Hall before it may seem a little intimidating.
Hopefully this guide has helped you to understand what you can expect, where you should go and how to make the most of your wedding ceremony.
As you can probably tell, I have attended more than my fair share of weddings at the Town Hall. If you have any questions that I haven’t covered in this article please feel free to ask.
If you would like to talk to me about photographing your wedding why not Get In Touch?
