Hannah and Dexter’s industrial-chic wedding at Fivefourstudios in Manchester on September 7th, 2018, was a masterclass in blending modern style with playful personality. The blank canvas of the studio allowed the couple to bring their unique vision to life, incorporating elements like giant balloons, a stunning flower arch, and custom stationery. The overall aesthetic was elevated by the addition of glitter confetti and mismatched pastel bridesmaid dresses adorned with sequins. Hannah’s show-stopping two-piece bridal separates from Martina Liana, featuring a dramatic tulle skirt, stole the spotlight. Meanwhile, Dexter and his groomsmen looked dapper in grey check suits paired with pink ties. The couple’s wild and bountiful florals added to the whimsical atmosphere, which was further enhanced by the impressive menu and inflatable twister room. Special thanks go out to Ellie Grace Photography for capturing these incredible moments and sharing them with us.
The Proposal
As we celebrated our 4th anniversary over a long weekend in Vienna, Dexter had planned a surprise visit to Schonnbrunn Palace and its expansive gardens. However, mother nature had other ideas, and as we arrived at the palace, the sky darkened and a torrential downpour ensued. Undeterred, we donned Dexter’s raincoat and continued our stroll through the picturesque gardens, taking in the beauty of the surroundings. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of an unforgettable experience. As we walked, Dexter suddenly stopped and pulled out his new GoPro, mentioning he wanted to capture a special moment on camera. In that instant, time stood still as he got down on one knee and proposed to me in the rain, the perfect blend of romance and adventure. The rest of our trip was a whirlwind of excitement, as we shared the news with loved ones and began making plans for our upcoming wedding.
The Vision
From the outset, Dexter and I were on the same page when it came to our wedding vision. We didn’t spend too much time deliberating over the finer details; instead, we quickly settled on a shared goal: to host an unforgettable ‘big party’ that would bring together all the people who mattered most to us. Our aim was simple – to create an atmosphere where everyone could let loose and have a blast celebrating with us.
The Planning Process
When we finally secured Fivefourstudios in January 2018, we had approximately nine months to plan our special day. Considering we both had full-time jobs and were inexperienced in wedding planning, the timeframe felt daunting. However, due to Fivefourstudios’ relatively new presence in the wedding market, they paired us with InnerCity Weddings – a company that excels in planning unique weddings for independent venues in the North. Ellie at InnerCity Weddings proved instrumental in connecting us with our desired suppliers. This collaboration enabled us to work with smaller, niche businesses that aligned with our vision.Initially, the first month or so was overwhelming as we confirmed key suppliers and gained a sense of their overall understanding of our wedding goals. Once this foundation was established, we enjoyed a few relaxing summer months where we could focus on daily life without being consumed by wedding-related stress. In retrospect, we believe it’s essential to strike a balance between planning and reality, allowing yourself time to recharge and reevaluate priorities. This approach helped us avoid overthinking and overspending on non-essential elements.
Budget
The Venue
As we embarked on our wedding planning journey, finding the perfect venue was a top priority for us. After conducting an exhaustive online search, we stumbled upon Fivefourstudios, a relatively new player in the Manchester wedding scene. We were immediately drawn to its urban charm, spacious layout, and unique character that set it apart from more traditional venues. Our excitement only grew when we finally had the chance to visit in person. The venue exceeded our expectations, boasting three sleek photo studios that served as blank canvases for our creative vision. A network of cozy nooks, snug spaces, and a fantastic bar added to the venue’s allure, while an inviting courtyard provided a picturesque spot for outdoor celebrations. What truly set Fivefourstudios apart, however, was its exceptional staff. Throughout the planning process and on the big day itself, they were nothing short of phenomenal – supportive, attentive, and dedicated to bringing our vision to life. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this incredible venue to anyone seeking a non-traditional setting in Manchester.
The Readings & Music
As we planned our special day, Dexter and I decided to involve close friends Holly and Jack in the ceremony. We gave them free rein to choose their own readings, with only one condition: keep it light-hearted and enjoyable! Holly selected ‘A bridge across forever’ by Richard Bach, a beautiful passage celebrating the power of true partnerships. Meanwhile, Jack surprised us all by writing his own adaptation of Oasis’ Wonderwall, cleverly reworking the lyrics to reflect our relationship’s ups and downs. The audience loved it, and we couldn’t help but laugh along with them.Music played a vital role in setting the tone for each moment of our wedding day. We spent hours crafting bespoke Spotify playlists for different parts of the celebration, ensuring the right emotions were evoked at every stage. What’s lovely is that we still enjoy listening to these playlists today, whenever we want to relive the magic of that special day.Of course, no party would be complete without a fantastic DJ to keep the dance floor packed all night long. We wanted our evening reception to be an unforgettable experience, free from cheesy wedding tunes. At a wedding fair, we stumbled upon ‘Wedding Jam’ and discovered DJ Paul McGuire – what a find! He expertly read the room, playing a diverse range of tracks that kept everyone entertained until the very end, when we reluctantly bid farewell at 1am. Our photographer Ellie captured some amazing shots of our guests having the time of their lives, including a few who might have gotten just a little too into the party spirit!
Your Outfits & Accessories
I’ll never forget the experience of finding my wedding dress at Bridal Boutique Warwickshire in Henley in Arden, a charming store that has been a go-to destination for several members of my family. Having heard about the boutique’s excellent service from my sisters, who had both found their dream dresses there years ago, I was thrilled to visit with my mum and sisters. From the moment we walked in, Ally and her team made us feel at ease, taking the time to understand my vision and provide personalized guidance throughout the process. That’s how I discovered my stunning two-piece Martina Liana corset and stone tulle skirt, perfectly complemented by the subtle color palette of our venue’s bright white canvas rooms. The dress was truly the icing on the cake, but it wasn’t long before we started thinking about accessories to complete the look. For jewelry, I turned to Missoma, an online retailer offering a diverse range of delicate and elegant gold pieces that fit my understated style. As for shoes, I had been searching high and low for the perfect pair, and it was during a shopping trip with friends at Selfridges that I fell head over heels in love with light pink satin Micheal Kors heeled sandals. With their platform soles and buckled straps, they not only added a touch of glamour to my overall look but also ensured my comfort throughout the entire day – from 12pm to 2am!
Groomsmen
Dexter’s Best Man, George, was an integral part of his special day. As his younger brother, George has always been incredibly close to Dexter, and this bond shone through in the lead-up to their wedding. With 26 friends invited to join the stag weekend, George impressively organized the entire event without a hitch. The group claimed to have had an unforgettable time, with no disasters or mishaps to speak of.George also rose to the challenge when it came to crafting his Best Man speech. Despite initially fretting over it, he ended up acing the task and leaving a lasting impression on their friends and family. Weeks after the wedding, people were still raving about his hilarious performance!In addition to his impressive organizational skills and eloquent speaking abilities, George also lent his graphic design expertise to create bespoke stationery for the couple’s big day. His talent in capturing the essence of the venue, Italian honeymoon theme, and overall mood allowed him to produce stunning invitations, order of service, menus, and table plans that perfectly reflected the tone and style of the wedding.Dexter had a clear vision for their outfits, seeking coordinated yet non-matching attire inspired by the bridesmaid dresses. He opted for a three-piece grey Lambretta suit with a plain grey jacket from Next to add contrast. George, on the other hand, wore the full three-piece matching grey chequered suit. The grooms’ ensembles were completed with white shirts and woven pink ties from TM Lewin.As a token of appreciation, Dexter treated himself to black Loake semi-brogues and gifted George a pair of black polished Monk Straps from ALDO. Their outfits were further embellished with a buttonhole from the florist, gold tie pins from ASOS, and Junghans watches – including one that I gifted Dexter on his special day.
Bridesmaids
I chose four dear friends, each with their distinct personality and flair, to stand by my side on my wedding day. To honor their individuality, I wanted their outfits to reflect their unique style. Inspired by Pinterest examples of mixed bridesmaid dresses, we settled on a common thread – the tones and sparkle of our wedding theme – but selected styles and lengths that suited each woman’s persona. ASOS proved to be an ideal partner in this endeavor, offering a diverse range of dresses that fit our color palette and embellishments. As a premier customer, I appreciated being able to have the dresses delivered directly to my bridesmaids, who resided across the country.
Beauty
To minimize wedding day stress, I decided to outsource my beauty routine to a professional. Amba Logan, recommended by InnerCity weddings, was hired to travel to our Manchester apartment on the big day to do my makeup and hair, as well as style the locks of my bridesmaids as a special treat. Following a trial at her charming Bakewell studio, I was thrilled with the natural look she created for me, and felt completely at ease in her presence – a rare occurrence for someone who’s typically uneasy about having their face worked on! On the morning of the wedding, Amba arrived early with an assistant and efficiently tackled the hairdos of all five of us, plus my own makeup and that of two additional bridesmaids. It was like a well-choreographed dance, and her calm professionalism helped keep the morning relaxed and stress-free.
The Flowers
We were thrilled to have Diddibox Flowers, a talented florist company from Sale, bring our wedding vision to life. Ally and Bec were instrumental in creating arrangements that perfectly captured our desired aesthetic. Although we had some ideas, we’re not exactly green-thumbed and wouldn’t know a Hydrangea from a Peony. The duo immediately put us at ease, expertly translating our vision into beautiful, seasonal flowers that added the right personality and ambiance to our arrangements. They crafted stunning bouquets for me and my bridesmaids, corsages and button holes for family members, and even created a relaxed setting on our tables. However, it was their show-stopping archway, designed as the backdrop for our ceremony and many of our photos, that truly stole the show. This masterpiece included all the necessary elements and even featured an additional small arrangement at the bottom, which added the perfect finishing touch. As I walked down the aisle and caught my first glimpse of the setup, it was a moment I won’t soon forget.
The Details & Décor
As I poured over Pinterest, a mix of inspiration and practicality guided my décor decisions. My husband and I drew from various ideas we liked, blending them with an Italian twist since it’s where we were heading on our Honeymoon and because we were asking for gifts to help fund the trip. We wanted everything to tie together seamlessly.What truly stood out were the elements that brought vibrancy without overpowering the venue’s clean, bright atmosphere. The giant pastel balloons in the ceremony room and delicate tassel garlands in the main space did just that – adding a touch of whimsy and potentially stunning visuals for photos!Our prosecco station was another focal point. As we’re both enthusiasts of this celebratory drink, opting out of champagne, we wanted to turn it into an event. Our balloon supplier’s ‘bubble’ installation on the wall and our creative use of buckets and decorations brought the area to life, making it a hotspot for socializing.The tables were crucial in setting the tone for the day. To buck tradition, we opted for three long sets of trestle tables, ensuring we could sit amidst our guests and allowing everyone else to mingle freely. This approach paid off, as the dinner was filled with lively chatter throughout.
The Food
The food and beverage aspect was a crucial consideration for us. As foodies at heart, we wanted to ensure that our guests left feeling satisfied and content. To achieve this, InnerCity Weddings connected us with Chris Hale from Pop Up North, who crafted a bespoke menu tailored to our Italian theme and informal sharing-style eating preferences. The menu underwent several tweaks based on our feedback, which only added to our excitement. Despite the risk of hiring a caterer without prior experience, Chris did not disappoint. Each course was exceptional, and the sharing platters fostered a lively atmosphere among our guests. We received an overwhelming number of compliments on the food in the weeks that followed, and we were thrilled. The evening fare also proved to be a huge hit. We hired Pig & Rhubarb to set up their stone-baked pizza oven in the courtyard, offering four delicious variants from 9pm onwards. A queue formed throughout the night, as these pizzas were truly irresistible. Luckily, my resourceful husband had thought ahead to reserve the final pizza of the night, allowing us to enjoy it back at our hotel before departing early the next morning.
The Cake
While we’re big fans of cake, we deliberately sidestepped traditional wedding customs and opted out of the formal cake cutting ceremony. Instead, our catering team surprised us with a truly enchanting dessert – a flower pot treat that left all our guests utterly delighted. The visual spectacle was so impressive that it’s impossible to put into words; you simply have to experience it for yourself!
Your Photographer
We were fortunate to have Ellie Grace Photography capture the essence of our special day. Through our planner at Inner City Weddings, we discovered Ellie’s unique style, which perfectly aligned with our vision for relaxed and in-the-moment shots. As neither of us is comfortable being photographed, we initially dreaded this part of the wedding. However, Ellie put us at ease from the start, effortlessly capturing moments that felt authentic and not forced. In fact, one of our favorite memories was when Ellie took us on a private photo shoot, allowing us to reconnect and relive the excitement of the day. It was a wonderful experience that we cherished.To make it even more special, Ellie delivered a stunning package with over 1,000 high-quality images, a beautifully curated slideshow set to music, and selected prints for us to enjoy immediately. This thoughtful gift allowed us to relive our wedding day during our three-week honeymoon, and then again when we returned home. It was the perfect way to conclude our romantic getaway before returning to everyday life.
The Honeymoon
Savouring three weeks of la dolce vita in Italy, our journey took us from Florence’s Tuscan charm through the picturesque countryside to the stunning Amalfi Coast. The culinary indulgence was a highlight – we devoured platefuls of al dente pasta and wood-fired pizzas, washed down with liberal amounts of chilled prosecco, wine, and refreshing Aperol Spritz. Amidst the scorching 30-degree-plus sunshine, we explored iconic landmarks, soaking up the rich history and culture. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure proved the perfect antidote to the wedding high, allowing us to unwind and recharge in a truly blissful way.
Memorable Moments
As we looked back on our special day, it’s clear that the ceremony was the emotional pinnacle. Standing before each other, exchanging vows – it’s an experience impossible to fully prepare for, but one that left us both with a deep sense of gratitude and joy. The personal vows we wrote for each other added a layer of intimacy and sincerity to the proceedings, making it all the more meaningful. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to share our love and appreciation for each other with those closest to us, exceeding our expectations in every way.In striking contrast, another unforgettable moment was when we opened the doors to Studio Two, transforming the space into a ‘kids’ room’. With several young nieces and nephews in attendance, we wanted to ensure they had an equally wonderful time as the adults. The inflatable Twister game proved to be a resounding hit – not just with the kids, but with adults too! It brought a lighthearted, playful atmosphere to the day, which was precisely what we aimed for. And at £150 for the day and overnight hire, it was an affordable investment that paid dividends in terms of memories and photo opportunities.
Advice For Other Couples
As you embark on the wedding planning journey, remember that the true essence of this momentous occasion lies in celebrating your love story with those closest to you. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of preparations, opinions from others, and excitement, but don’t let these distractions overshadow what matters most – the union of two souls becoming one. Take time on your special day to connect with each other, savoring every moment and making memories that will last a lifetime. With this perspective, you’ll be able to cherish the experience and have no regrets when looking back on your wedding photos and videos.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
With an abundance of creativity and flair, Hannah and Dexter’s special day came alive through the collaboration of some truly talented individuals. Ellie Grace Photography captured every tender moment, while Fivefourstudios provided a stunning backdrop for the festivities to unfold. Inner City Weddings expertly orchestrated the entire event, ensuring every detail was meticulously taken care of. The gorgeous floral arrangements were courtesy of Diddibox Flowers, which added a pop of color and vibrancy to the atmosphere. Pop Up North took care of the catering, serving up delectable dishes that left everyone in awe. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Pig & Rhubarb brought out their culinary magic, delighting guests with an array of savory delights. To add an extra touch of whimsy, Balloon Smith created magnificent balloon installations that left everyone in wonder. The Word Is Love crafted beautiful light-up letters that spelled out sweet nothings for the happy couple to cherish. Wedding Jam (Paul McGuire) spun a sonic masterpiece that had everyone on their feet, dancing the night away. Amba Logan worked her magic with hair and makeup, transforming Hannah into a radiant beauty. And finally, Bounce A Lot North West brought the house down with an inflatable twister game that left everyone in stitches. It was truly an unforgettable celebration, and we’re honored to have been a part of it.