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.
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.
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.
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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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Some of my Old Rectory weddings from the blog archives
So, you’re getting married and you’re looking for a wedding venue in Sheffield.
I won’t do a full review of each venue because I only really get to experience them on the day, there are a lot more factors involved.
Since I am never so nosy as to ask how much people paid for their venue I cannot comment on value for money, that is something you will have to decided for yourselves once you have your quote from the venue.
Instead I have decided to show you a few photos of each venue highlighting why I liked them from my perspective as the photographer.
I will share a few points about what I liked and give you a link to the venue’s website so you can find out more about it.
It’s probably worth noting that these are the best wedding venues that I personally have photographed in, there are probably others out there too.
This is an ongoing project and as I visit more venues that I like I will get them added on here, so do keep checking back.
Oh and can you do me a huge favour?
If you do end up booking one of these venue based on my recommendation, it would be amazing if you could tell them you heard about them via JLM Wedding Photography. I won’t get any kickbacks from it directly, but you never know :-).
To be honest, I’m probably not the right photographer for you.
Find Out Why
Wedding Reception Venues in and around Sheffield
Rossington Hall, Doncaster
Highlights: A spectacular building with very attractive grounds. Attentive staff and bags of character.
Photographer’s tip: Inside Rossington Hall is indeed beautiful, it is also rather dark. Be prepared with your own lighting, fast lenses and cameras which are happy in low light.
An absolute fairytale wedding venue. I pretty much guarantee that you’ll fall in love with this gothic stately home. It might look a little intimidating from the outside, inside it is wonderfully cosy, and as magnificently composed inside as one would expect from such a grand venue.
You won’t need to do much work decorating here!
Photographers’ tip: Bring a wide angle lens, there is plenty of grand spectacle to take in.
Very charming little self-contained venue. Run with pride by the owners, you’ll instantly feel the warmth when you meet the team. Definitely worth a look.
Photographers’ tip: Get yourself (and the couple) across the road to to corn field at sunset for some stunning portraits.
Highlights: Unique bare-brick interiors, plenty of space and very accessible.
Photographers’ tip: This is a former army barracks so all the hotel corridors are outside. They make for a handy vantage point over the courtyard for large group photos.
Highlights: Off the beaten track this one. Tonnes of ‘indie’ character, plus you’ll be able to tell your friends you had your wedding reception where they filmed the Job Centre scene in the Full Monty movie.
Photographers’ tip: Plan for your evening shots to have an urban feeling, there are no gardens here.
Highlights: The default wedding ceremony venue in Sheffield. Despite the fact that they turn around a seemingly endless flow of weddings every Saturday I have never known anyone feel rushed or treated like it was anything other than the most important day of their lives.
Photographers’ tip: Get your photos on the entrance lobby steps taken before your ceremony because you will be leaving via the rear and another party will probably be occupying the entrance by the time you are out.
The Millennium Gallery is bang in the centre of Sheffield, and handy for the train station. Convenience is, of course, no reason to choose your wedding venue. The Sheffield Millennium Gallery is bright, open and a blank canvas, meaning you can decorate it in your own style with nothing to clash.
Definitely an option worth considering.
Photographer’s Tip: Make sure you head into Sheffield for some portraits. You can wander into the Winter Gardens for your group photos in any weather, and there are loads of urban portrait options right on the doorstep.
A staple of the Barnsley wedding scene, Wortley Hall should be on everyone’s list of must-view wedding venues in the South Yorkshire area. Especially if you are looking for a traditional yet modern wedding venue with extensive grounds and spectacular scenery inside and out.
Photographer’s tip: If it’s raining and you can’t get your group photos outside then the upper landing is a great spot for group shots.
Located just off Eccleshall Road in Sheffield, Whirlowbook Hall is another must-view wedding venue.
If the beautiful gardens aren’t glorious enough for your photos you can always take a short run out to the peak district. When you get back you have a hall filled with character and charm. A real winner of a wedding venue.
Photographer’s Tip: Since the grounds are a public space watch out for dog-walkers in the background of your pictures.
Whilst I am not aware of any actual superstitions around getting married in a cemetery, I’m sure many would consider it an on choice.
Nevertheless, the Samuel Worth Chapel is a beautiful building that is well worth a look.
Highlights: Inside the chapel is a blank canvas. Basically four empty walls, so you can do anything you want to make it really match your style.
Photographers Tip: If you’re a photographer based in Sheffield then you have almost certainly been here with your camera. Don’t forget to take a walk around the grounds for some amazingly atmospheric portraits.
Say what you will about the Garrison Hotel in Hillsborough, you cannot deny this place is oozing with character. It is an old army barracks so you can enjoy a unique outdoor corridors leading to the rooms, beautiful stonework everywhere and a very intimate yet spacious function room.
So, Janet and Pete managed to pick a magnificent venue and their choice of days was magical, weather-wise. There was the small matter of Sheffield Wednesday playing a critical match down in Wembley which seemed to distract a few guests, but that never dampened the spirits.
A beautiful day in a really unique venue.
Would you like to talk to me about photographing your wedding? Contact me and let’s find out if I’m available.
If you would like to talk to me about photographing your wedding fill in the contact form with your details, or alternatively you can contact me directly on 07739 113409 or photos@jameslmorgan.co.uk.
