rebecca and craig city wedding - south shields town hall and wylam brewery, newcastle.

This wedding had a unique spin in that it took place over two days. The first day was the ceremony that took place at South Shields Town Hall just outside of Newcastle. The ceremony was intimate, with just Rebecca and Craig’s immediate family in attendance. This was my first wedding at South Shields Town Hall and I was amazed at the beauty and scale of the building! It was absolutely wonderful! From the outside, the building dominates the area with its stunning architecture. Inside, things get even better, with a wonderful grand staircase leading us to the main wedding room, the Reception Room. This room can hold up to 120 guests, but as this was the only wedding on the day, the staff decided the wedding could be held in their best room.

The Reception Room is absolutely stunning, with it’s huge tall ceilings and beautiful architecture, it was an absolute dream to shoot in…even the lighting was good! It made a stunning backdrop for the wedding. I have gotten this far without mentioning the wonderful couple, Rebecca and Craig. I could not have asked anything more from a wedding couple. They made the photos throughout their own, and the only guidance I provided was where to stand and walk, that was more or less it! They made my job so easy.

With the two families seated and Craig waiting in anticipation but looking cool as a cucumber, it was time for the ceremony to get underway. Rebecca entered looking stunning. Post the “I do’s”, there was a chance to do some photos indoors, as the weather outside was very brisk and Rebecca preferred to have the photos inside, which was fine by me as the venue was stunning.

After this were some portrait shots with just Rebecca and Craig; as I mentioned, they were a delight to shoot. No awkwardness, nothing staged. All natural photography of the couple making the most of their moment.

On to day 2, and this took place at Wylam Brewery in Newcastle. I absolutely love this venue! It is the perfect blend of old and new and the exterior of the building is just as stunning, with a large pond (or lake!) just outside the brewery. Some quick group shots, this time with more family and friends on the steps of the brewery entrance, and then some exterior portrait shots with Rebecca and Craig. The light was perfect as the sun was beginning to set in this wonderful November light. Again, it was a simple case of asking the couple to stand or walk in a certain location. Kissing, hugging, holding hands, smiling…that was all on them, and they didn’t disappoint. This is all I ask of my couples when shooting, not much, is it? You can read more about my approach right here. For more of a guide, download, well, my guide!

We were also lucky enough to have some portraits inside the actual brewery. I love alternative locations like this. They make for such interesting wedding photography. I don’t think a location needs to look beautiful, I think it is more important that a location is interesting! I cannot wait to shoot at Wylam Brewery again and if you are thinking of having a wedding there, you MUST check it out for yourself! I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Portrait shots done, it’s back inside as more guests arrive and Rebecca and Craig do their meet and greet. Once everyone arrives and is seated, the speeches begin, followed by the first dance. Finally, it’s dinner time! I had a chance to have some of the food; again, it was stunning! Being the photographer, however, I had to almost rush my food, unfortunately, but I thought it was lovely.

As the evening drew on, the band Borderland got ready and were soon rocking the place with their music. As the night went on, the dance floor got busier, and this is where the fun really began! I am free to get in there and just enjoy myself as the pressure is now off. Now only need to deliver some killer dance floor photos!

This was a wonderful couple of days and I was honoured to be part of it. I think it’s an awesome idea to split your wedding over two days, especially if you want the ceremony to be a more intimate, family only affair. It certainly brings down costs and everyone seemed really energetic on the second night.

Congrats again to Rebecca and Craig! If you want to know anything more about this wedding or the venues, just get in touch.