In the early 90s, just before becoming an actor, I worked at the old Everyman, long before the new building was erected. It gave me so many great memories, so I was super excited about shooting Gemma and Neil’s rustic, relaxed and romantic wedding at the new Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. The building is a modern and exciting well-thought-out venue, with lots of interesting floor levels, so I’m really stoked to share some of the best bits of this day from my favourite part of Liverpool – Hope Street.
I always love to hear the backstory to my couples, and Neil and Gemma’s was a wonderful tale of long-distance love. Their eyes first met across a bar in October 2012, but as fate would have it this wasn’t to be the time for them, and they lost touch until Jan 2014 when Gemma got back in contact with Neil and their story began. Little did he know, Gemma had already accepted a job in Dubai so they only had 6 months together before committing to a very long-distance relationship. Not long after, they committed to the decision that Gemma would only stay 2 years before coming back to Neil.
On the weekend Gemma was due to move back to Liverpool, Neil surprised her and flew out to Dubai where he was perched on the balcony of her 10th-floor apartment holding a very special box. Following the proposal, the couple rented their own flat for 1 year before moving in with Neil’s mum to save for their first home and moving into it just 9 months later.
Wedding Inspiraton
St Paul’s in West Derby was chosen as it reminded Gemma of back home in Ireland. The Everyman Theatre was an interesting, unique venue which we could envisage ourselves celebrating our marriage in from the moment we walked through the door says Gemma. The interior of the venue was very in keeping with our style. Pinterest boards inspired colours and themes that we liked such as blues, greys, rose gold, wooden/ rustic decorations.
DIY Projects
Gemma and Neil got really creative to bring the rustic feel to their wedding. Pallets were sourced, sanded down and used for the order of the day and seating plans. Metal piping was sourced and shaped into a photo backdrop in the venue. They saved corks which were used to hold the place settings on the tables and used wine/ champagne/spirit bottles as vases for the flowers on the dinner tables. Jam jars were collected and used for tea lights for the evening reception.
