Alex & Carly - A Relaxed Leeds Civic Hall Wedding & Dakota Hotel Reception
Back in April, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Alex and Carly’s wedding and it was one of those days that just reminded me what weddings are really all about.
I’d met up with Alex and Carly a few weeks before the wedding for a drink and a proper catch-up. I always love doing this because it’s so nice to meet in person before the big day and these two were just absolutely my kind of people. We chatted about wedding plans, life, and all things non-wedding too, and I left thinking how pleased I was that they’d found me. It sounds cheesy, but finding couples that just feel like your people is one of my favourite parts of this job.
So when their wedding day finally arrived, it felt like I was turning up to photograph friends rather than clients.
A Relaxed Morning At Dakota Hotel Leeds
Carly was getting ready at Dakota Hotel in Leeds and I immediately loved how relaxed she was. No huge fuss, just excitement about marrying her best friend. She’d done her own hair, and even more impressively, she’d made her flowers herself the night before. I absolutely love this!! Weddings don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest days are the most beautiful, and Alex and Carly’s day was exactly that.
Once Carly was ready, we hopped in a taxi over to Leeds Civic Hall, where Alex was waiting with their friends & families. Everyone was so happy and excited, and there was such a lovely atmosphere as guests arrived. Alex had the biggest smile on his face and it was obvious these two couldn’t wait to make things official.
Their Leeds Civic Hall wedding ceremony was perfect.
Short, sweet and full of joy.
These two were absolutely beaming throughout the whole thing and you could just tell how thrilled they were to finally be husband and wife.
After the ceremony, we headed out onto the famous Leeds Civic Hall steps for confetti and group photos. It always makes me smile seeing everyone come together after the ceremony and it’s such a lovely opportunity to get some beautiful candids of your loved ones congratulating you.
Wedding Photos Around Leeds Civic Hall
Once friends and family headed down to Dakota Hotel, I stayed behind with Alex and Carly for some portraits around Civic Hall. The week before, I’d visited and the cherry blossom trees behind Leeds Civic Hall were still looking beautiful, so I was secretly hoping we’d get lucky.
Sadly, we’d just missed them!
But honestly, it didn’t matter one bit. We explored around the front of the building and behind Civic Hall and spent some time taking the most relaxed portraits. Alex and Carly were absolute naturals and spending time with them felt more like hanging out with friends than work.
And that’s exactly how I want my couples to feel.
I always do my best to keep your couples portraits moving so theres no awkward, stiff posing. It’s more about just going for a little wander and chatting with each other while I capture you both laughing and happy!
Celebrating At Dakota Hotel Leeds
Before long, we jumped back in a taxi and headed down to Dakota Hotel, where drinks were flowing and guests were enjoying canapés. One thing I absolutely love about smaller weddings is that everyone gets chance to properly spend time together, and there was such a lovely atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
Alex’s dad gave a wonderful speech, there were lots of laughs, lots of smiles and plenty of glasses being raised to the newlyweds.
And after a few drinks and lots of celebrations, my time with these two came to an end.
I left them surrounded by family and friends, exactly where they wanted to be.
Honestly, it was just a perfect day. Just two people completely in love, marrying their best friend.
And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Kind words from Alex & Carly:
"Everyone just loved having her around. She is friendly, sociable, calm and also extremely professional. The final photos are brilliant, we absolutely love them. Fern really captured the essence of the day, and each photograph has us reliving the beautiful moments every time we look through them. If you are looking for a photographer for your wedding, don’t look any further. Thank you so much, Fern!"
If you’re planning a Leeds Civic Hall wedding, celebrating at Dakota Hotel or getting married anywhere in Yorkshire, I’d absolutely love to hear all about your plans.
Whether you’re having 10 guests or 100, keeping things simple or planning the biggest party, I’m all about capturing weddings in a relaxed, natural way and telling the story of your day exactly as it happened.
The Suppliers
Bridal Prep Venue: Dakota Hotel, Leeds
Ceremony Venue: Leeds Civic Hall
Dress: Victoria Beckham
Makeup: Fi Farelly