I first met Laura and Will a year ago, at the Canalhouse’s wedding fayre. It’s a lovely venue and one that’s particularly close to my heart, because when I first moved down to Nottingham in 2000, I got a job here working behind the bar! In fact, they used to send me out on a cute wee rowing boat at night to light the candles along the entrance to the canal – so it always makes me smile when I’m back shooting here, remembering the good old days. I’m pretty sure the manager back then only gave me the job because I was Scottish, and he liked my accent, but still – I got to go in a boat. Anyway, it’s great to now be a recommended supplier at the Canalhouse, and I’m happy to be spending more fun times back down by the water.

QUIRKY, FUN WEDDING IN NOTTINGHAM

Back to Will and Laura, anyway…

From start to finish, their big day was full of fun and laughter. They both delivered their own personalised wedding vows at West Bridgford Registry, and as you can see from the pictures, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. After the ceremony, they were announced to their nearest and dearest as bride and groom, and everyone celebrated by chucking loads and loads of confetti over them. I always tell couples to buy plenty of confetti, as it just brings out the fun in everyone. On this occasion, Will’s bro had a great time chucking all the left-overs at him – so none of it went to waste!

The new Mr and Mrs then spent some time hanging out with their pals in the gardens in West Bridgford, whilst two of their very talented friends played the fiddle. Everybody found it very entertaining, and especially Lauras’ grandad, who you can see in these pics having the time of his life! By now, the guests were getting thirsty, and they were more than ready for a few beers at the Canalhouse, so we grabbed a few posed family and friend shots before me, Laura and Will stayed in West Bridgford to get some lovely photos in the park. We were very lucky, as the autumnal colours were in full bloom, and Nottingham was looking gorgeous that day. Will heroically piggybacked Laura to the prettiest sections of the park, so that we could get some shots in the very best places – and let’s face it, when is a piggyback picture not fantastic?

We then jumped into my car, and headed over to the Canalhouse. Before joining their guests, the happy couple went for a short walk over the bridge. The Canalhouse and Waterside area have lots of great backdrops that are brilliant for photographs, and they were really popping in the perfect light by the time we got there.

No one was disappointed by the speeches, and true to form Will’s best men – his brothers – did him proud, and had the whole room in stitches (if you look closely at the photographs, you can see some extra references to Willy in there…). It was a great day spent with great people; I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, with plenty more laughs to come, I’m sure!

“Melissa was our wedding photographer in October 2023. We had a wonderfully great time with her – she was such fun, and the photos she created were fantastic. She was energetic and organised, and she may us feel really at ease for our couples shoot – something we hadn’t done before! We highly recommend Melissa as your wedding photographer!”

CANALHOUSE NOTTINGHAM – CITY CENTRE WEDDING

When choosing the a wedding venue in Nottingham, it’s often the case that couples visit quite a few trying to figure out which one suits them best. So let me tell you a little more about this lovely waterfront location.

The Canalhouse is one of Nottingham’s most famous and unusual venues — a Grade II-listed building, with the Nottingham Canal running right through the middle of it. It’s been beautifully restored from its old life as a factory and museum, and it was named a couple of years ago as Nottingham’s ‘Pub of the Year’. But even more than that, it’s also the perfect place to celebrate getting married!

Located right in the middle of Nottingham — just around the corner from the train and bus stations, and only a short stroll from Nottingham Castle in one direction, and the Council House registry office in the other — the Canalhouse has everything you and your guests could possibly want. The main reception room is a bit rustic, a bit old-school industrial, and very cool and romantic. You’ve got fairy lights, bare brick, wooden beams, and loads of original fixtures and fittings — the kind of place you’d expect to find out in the countryside, but conveniently located in the middle of Notts!

It’s a really versatile space, accommodating smaller groups of 50, and bigger ones of about 180. It’s never too busy, and never too sparse — whatever the size of your party, it’ll work well here. I love this venue, because it’s like a blank canvas for each couple: you’ll work with the lovely Amy and her team to plan your special day, which could involve everything from magicians and caricaturists to blackjack tables and a photobooth. Amy’s one of the best in the biz, and she has loads of contacts when it comes to hooking you up with your perfect florist, stationer, stylist, and DJ — and if you’d prefer a band, they’ve got a great stage space, too.

Whatever you’re imagining your wedding day to be, Amy and her team will make it happen — whether that’s a sit-down breakfast with you and your guests to start the day, a lovely meal in the evening, or a great buffet when the lights go down. With a private bar and bathroom, your own special entrance to the venue, and the chance to have the place decorated and set up however you want it, you’re onto a winner with the Canalhouse. A Nottingham reception venue that I’m happy to recommend! If you would like to find out more info about getting married at the Canalhouse you can find out lots of info here