Yesterday I joined Marina & Joff for their wedding at Bradford Cathedral & The Midland Hotel in central Bradford!
I hope you enjoy our the story of this special day!
Clare & I headed into central Bradford to join the gang; Team Bride at The Midland Hotel, and Team Groom at the cottages around the Cathedral.
The weather was looking a tad ominous!
I headed into the beautiful, historic The Midland Hotel to join Marina & the Girls.  It’s a brilliant hotel, formerly the flagship hotel for the Midland Railway built in their  their hayday in the 1880’s, with several ballrooms, it’s very own platform and some of the finest Victorian interiors in the city!
Marina and the girls were busy dolling themselves up
But because no girls really like me photographing them before they’ve had chance to put on their makeup, I generally take the dress and shoes for a walk to see if I can find somewhere fun to place them. Â The opulent staircases made a fine location
Meanwhile, over in the grounds of the Cathedral the groom’s wedding party were doing the last few jobs & enjoying a bite to eat
The ceremony was in Bradford Cathedral. Before meeting Marina & Joff, I’d never even known where this awesome building was.  It’s almost hidden on the hill overlooking Bradford and is magnificent inside.
For some reason I always thought cathedrals were Catholic in denomination, but this one was Anglican.
Groom Team Assemble!
Meanwhile, back with the girls, frocks were going on
I like this one
Marina looked stunning!
As predicted by the ol’ BBC Weather, it was tipping it down as we left – but it certainly didn’t dampen spirits
Bang on time!
This popular pair managed to fill the cathedral!
The choir & organist were arguably the best I’ve ever heard. Â The organist is a bit of a famous prodigy (no parochial duff notes or chasing ahead of the congregation today!). Â As Joff & I waited at the end of the aisle for Marina’s entrance, the choir belted out a beautiful piece, right behind me, and made all the hairs on my neck stand up! Â The kind of stuff cathedrals were built for.
One of the lovely features of this service was that the vicar was Joff’s dad! Â It must be a genuine honour for all three of these guys above.
Confetti bomb!
We were so lucky the weather held off long enough to whistle through the family shots
Though the wind was still playing games with Marina’s veil, forcing bridesmaid Liz into a Matrix bullet-time style duck!
The wedding party were a fun crowd & good sports!
It’s all about the sneaky funky socks!
As the rain started up, the gang took shelter inside the Cathedral to enjoy Spanish-inspired Sangria & tapas nibbles.
They cut the cake too and cunningly served the different flavoured tiers as part of the afternoon reception.
Official cake test: IT’S GOOD!
While guests were shepherded down to the Midland Hotel, I took the newlyweds for a quick spin round the Cathedral for a few portraits.
One of my favourite parts of the magnificently restored Midland Hotel is the vintage passageway down to the (new closed) railway platform.
It’s like going back in time!
The staircase was a fine spot for a final portrait before heading in for the wedding meal.
The ornate Princes Ballroom at the hotel played host to the wedding breakfast
The speeches were a delight, with a particularly personal and touching speech from Chris, the best man.
Then as we were only staying until the speeches, we bid our farewells…
Or at least until I remembered there was a funky mirrored lift in the entrance, and asked if they fancied one last epic pic!
What a cracking day all round. Â Thank you Marina, Joff & your lovely friends and family for asking us along and making us feel so welcome. Â Here’s hoping you have a fabulous honeymoon and a brilliant life together.
x Barnaby & Clare x