Steph & Gaz - A Joyful Salford Wedding Celebration at The Black Friar Pub - Manchester Wedding Photography
“You and I, we don’t wanna be like them
We can make it ‘til the end
Nothing can come between you and I
Not even the gods above
Can separate the two of us
No, nothing can come between you and I
Oh, you and I”
Steph and Gaz absolutely stole my heart with their wedding reception at the iconic Black Friar pub in Salford. After tying the knot in a dreamy St Lucia elopement on the 18th of June, they returned home to Manchester to celebrate in style with over 150 of their closest friends and family—and I had the absolute pleasure of capturing every joyful, laughter-filled moment.
As a Salford and Manchester city centre wedding photographer, I see a lot of fantastic venues, but The Black Friar was something special. Nestled just outside Manchester city centre, it brought a brilliant mix of historic charm and laid-back pub vibes—the perfect spot for an evening that was all about food, friendship, and fun.
Steph’s incredible maid of honour, Gemma, worked her magic to dress the venue to perfection. Think soft florals, warm lighting, and thoughtful little touches that made the space feel beautifully personal. You could feel the love in the air from the moment guests arrived.
The couple chose to skip a traditional ceremony, instead opting to book me for relaxed wedding party photography in Salford—and I was totally in my element! The energy was infectious. There were hugs, happy tears, and non-stop dancing. It was a real celebration of love, without any of the usual formalities.
One of my favourite moments? Gaz surprising Steph with a heartfelt speech that had everyone tearing up—including me behind the camera. It was genuine, moving, and full of admiration for his brilliant new wife. Moments like that remind me why I love doing what I do.
From candid laughs at the bar to stolen kisses under the fairy lights outside, this reception was bursting with real, unfiltered joy. It was the kind of evening where everyone left with full hearts (and probably full bellies too—the food was unreal).
If you're planning a laid-back, love-filled wedding party in Salford or Manchester city centre, I can't recommend The Black Friar enough. And if you’re after a photographer who’ll jump right into the heart of the celebration and capture the magic as it unfolds—well, I’d love to hear from you.
Cheers to Steph & Gaz for throwing one hell of a party. What a night.
