Emily & Josh’s Wedding Near the Banks of the River Wear.
Emily & Josh’s wedding was the third we had attended at the Quayside Exchange In Sunderland. We knew we were going to have a great time. Emily & Josh were fun and easy going and we had photographed some of their family in the past. The only thing in doubt was whether Josh’s mum would be well enough to attend due to illness. We were keeping our fingers crossed for them.
One Morning in Sunderland
Lisa had the early start covering Emily’s bridal prep with her parents, sister & best friend who was so at home we mistook him for family. There was little sign of nerves as Emily & her sister joked around. I planned to meet Josh & his brother at the Quayside Exchange.
The Quayside Exchange
Back on the 21st of February 2020, Covid was just bad flu that was happening in China. We never dreamt it would affect our lives the way it did just a few weeks later. On that day our biggest worry was the weather. The Quayside Exchange is a wonderful, flexible venue with different floors catering for different sized weddings. Emily & Josh wanted an intimate wedding and had chosen the Vaulted Suite, a beautifully restored basement with exposed brick vaulted ceilings. The forecast threatened continuous rain all day. Would we get to use the wonderful outdoor terrace overlooking the River Wear or struggle indoors?
Emily looked stunning as she added her jewellery and a dash of perfume. The dining room was chock full with photos of past memories of the family. I like to think we were adding to this great collection.
Making Everything Thing Perfect at the Quayside Exchange
Sadly Josh’s mum was unable to attend so Josh & his Dad wanted to record the ceremony for her and live stream it back to her hospital room. I remember being paranoid that I might block the recording camera’s view. Space was tight in the vault room. It was one service we didn’t mind lots of phone cameras. Josh was desperate to make his mum feel part of their big day.
After a lovely service and a few reception drinks, we headed outside as the weather continued to hold. At the start of the day, I had visions of squeezing the groups into cellar rooms. I kept checking my phone that reported rain and then looking up to blue skies. Each outdoor group was a bonus.
Messing about on the River Wear
We always like to steal the bride & groom away for a little while. Emily & Josh’s bridal party was just small so we asked them to tag along for some fun, and we headed to the rear of the Quayside Exchange which looks onto the banks of the River Wear. We had a stiff wind to contend with but would take that instead of steady rain.
Walls of Glass and Blue Skies
As a student, I once did a fashion shoot against an all-glass office building and had never had the opportunity since. When I spotted the building I thought I’d indulge in some blue sky love. The office staff inside were fascinated. We kept our couple so busy they didn’t realise they had an audience on the other side of the glass.
We had such a laugh together and Emily was a real trooper. Remember, this was February with a strong wind blowing from the river and Emily was braving it with bare shoulders. We love these shots with the Port of Sunderland in the background.
Three Speeches Between Two Rooms
The wedding breakfast spanned two adjoining rooms. The only place to hold the speeches was in an archway between the splendid rooms. It was a challenge with little opportunity to get shots without blocking the guests’ view.
February Nights at the Quayside Exchange
We started to run out of room inside as night fell and the bar got busier. So, Lisa & I grabbed a chaise longue and set up outside. Everyone was having a laugh and the drinks were flowing. It was all fun & games until someone jumped on the chaise and broke its poor leg. We propped it up long enough to get a few more hilarious shots and then we had to own up to the staff that we’d broken it.
Emily & Josh are an amazing couple. Great fun, down to earth, & not afraid to have a laugh. Sadly, we didn’t get the opportunity to present the photos to them at the studio. Covid hit, the country went into lockdown, and all we could do was send them their images. We know they loved them and Halo Photography hope they’ve enjoyed their first year together as a married couple.
Here are some of Emily & Josh’s suppliers that made their wedding day unique.
- Flowers by The Pink and Passionate florist
- Cake by Dana Bird @ Canny Cupcakes
- Hair by Kerry Wedding Hair
- Makeup by Beauty on the Mount
- Venue – The Quayside Exchange
