The Midland Hotel Wedding Photography

Celebrating The Wedding of Ayo & Edward by Midland Wedding Photographer Mick Cookson

A winter wedding at The Midland. Bliss; especially when your London-based clients ‘come home’ for their City Centre wedding, booking me as their Midland Wedding Photographer Manchester.

I caught up nice and early with Ayo and her bridesmaids getting ready – one of whom had just flown in from New York! And…it was a good job I did, since Ayo was keen to be ready early, get organised and enjoy the day. I like that in a bride – no chance of running late!

It was great being back at The Midland too – a fantastic venue in the heart of Manchester, full of character (and photo opportunities!) Ahead of schedule, I jumped into a cab and headed for Woodley Methodist Church in Stockport – ‘back home’ for the ceremony. The minister there was really helpful, and allowed me – plus two videographers full run of the church to do our thing. We didn’t abuse the privilege, and worked together as a team….as it should be.

I caught up with Edward calmly having his button hole fitted by a friend. He was in great spirits – the strong silent type, but funny with it too. On cue, sorry…slightly early…a quietly excited Ayo appeared around the corner, in a classic Bentley – driven expertly by Paul from P&A Wedding Cars.

From the church, we headed back into Manchester for some Bride & Groom formal portraits, while the guests made their way into town. I normally allow 20-30 mins for these, and we used the time wisely, shooting both outside and inside the classic building…and nobody missed us, or noticed we were gone. Perfect!

From a drinks reception, we headed back outside for a few family group shots…

…then back into the wedding breakfast, where there was lots of noise for the newlyweds as they attempted to enter the room quietly. No chance!

Speeches first, then into an African wedding ceremony, where all the family members dressed in authentic African attire. Ayo was led into the room, in a dancing conga, while suitably-attired Edwards stood waiting ‘on stage’. With a family elder supervising, Ayo & Edward exchanged vows and were then mobbed by the family, dancing to the brilliant live music, pinning money onto the newlyweds. It was organised chaos and brilliant fun to shoot…

One quick bouquet throw later, the traditional cake cutting (to a mass of paparazzo!) and we were into the first dance. Things slowed a little at this point. But not for long. Nope, the tempo and volume went up to eleven when Groove Corporation fired up….a brilliant live band too! Check them out…