The summer of 2018 continued to shine! On this beautiful July day, the wind decided to also join the party on the North East Coast. Our venue for the first half of the day was South Shields Town Hall. As a registry office, it’s rather impressive. This grade II listed building was built in 1910 and has recently been restored to its original Edwardian splendour. Lisa is from Jarrow in Tyne & Wear. We often get weddings in the area through her networking and the town hall is a really popular venue. It has really helpful staff and they give a full hour between wedding services. Because of this, South Shields Town Hall is quite a lad back for a registry office. You don’t find the staff chasing you out of the building. Best of all you haven’t got the worry of another wedding party getting in the way.
Arriving at South Shields Town Hall
Because Gillian & Paul lived a distance from our studio and local to Lisa, she had organised all the planning sessions in South Shields. So I was meeting Paul for the first time, that morning. The lads stroll over to Town Hall as if they were on their way to the match. After tucking a few shirts in giving them the once over Paul, his Bestman and 3 young lads looked very smart. Straight away, I knew Paul was going to be a joker. He was a bundle of nerves and wisecracks. I got the impression he was a little reluctant to have his photo taken. Meanwhile, his Bestman was treating this as a model shoot was loving it.
Gillian’s Bridal Prep
Lisa covered Gillian’s parents home in South Shields for the girls’ bridal prep. Gillian had wanted Lisa to capture her getting her wedding dress on so the girls already had their Hair & Makeup done. Her flower girls, as always were stealing the show. They loved having hugs and their photos were taken. Lisa caught Gillian’s dad’s expression as he saw her for the first time on their staircase. She looked amazing!
The Reception Room
South Shields Town Hall has 2 service rooms. The larger is the Reception Room. Its a wonderfully lite space with large stained glass windows and not one but 2 Marble fireplaces. The dark wood contrasts beautifully against the ornate plasterwork.
Paul & Gillian’s guests were having great fun and making the most of the occasion. Paul’s mum has Alzheimer’s and everyone was concerned about how she would cope with a busy wedding service. At this point, she was really enjoying the occasion and taking it all in her stride.
The Wedding Service
Paul & Gillian had been together a long time before deciding to get married. With 4 children, they were a ready-made family. Gillian’s arrival at the service seemed to make all of Paul’s nerves disappear and he
Fun & Games outside the Town Hall
After a
Rather than torture everyone taking groups outside we decided to return to the twin staircase inside. While setting up for Paul’s side of the family, things started to get a little overwhelming for his mum. Thankfully we managed to round up the family quickly and get the shot without stressing her too much. The family was extremely protective of her to their credit.
Marine Park, South Shields
After letting the family get off to the party at Hedworth Hall we had a little detour to Marine Park. On the way, we had to deal with Lisa accidentally reversing into my newly bought car. When you’re at a wedding, if this sort of thing happens, you just have to put them to one side and keep your focus on your customers. There was no damage so we just cracked on and caught up with the bride & groom.
Marine Park is just a few minutes from South Shields Town Hall. Hedworth Hall has no grounds or greenery so we had planned to bring Gillian & Paul here for something a little different before their party started.
Hedworth Hall, South Shields
By the time we got to Hedworth Hall in South
At this point we left what promised, to be a great party. If your getting married in South Shield and would like to know who Gillian & Paul used to help make their wedding special then check out the following list.
- Brides Dress from YAP Bridal
- Bridesmaids Dresses from Boohoo.com
- Flowers & Button Holes from Wild With Love
- Grooms & Grooms men’s from Slaters Menswear
- Cake Supplier – The Little Cakery
- Hair by Paula at Fusion Hair
- Makeup by Faye Holmes
- Letter Lights, Candy Cart & Photobooth from The Tyneside Photobooth Company
- Venue – Hedworth Hall
- Saxophonist – Harry Mears
Hedworth Hall Marine Park Registry Office South Shields Town Hall