It takes two

Chris Kelly and Michelle Parkin-Kelly

Where: The Lowry Centre, Salford Quays

Photography: Rob Martin

Chris’s graduation ceremony had been held at The Lowry, we wanted somewhere that felt like ‘us’ and that we had a connection with, so this was perfect. We also loved the idea of having a cultural venue.

I wanted something simple from the outset, knowing that the big ‘princess’ style dresses just wasn’t ‘me’. The dress I chose was the first I tried on, it was simple but without being plain.

We chose a light green colour scheme – we wanted a natural colour and the theme was continued into a guestbook tree, a plum tree to which our guests could add paper leaves with their wishes for our married life. I chose ten calla lilies for my bouquet, one for every year we have been together. Chris also wore one as a buttonhole with white roses for the groomsmen and the bridesmaid’s bouquet, which felt like a nice gesture to my dad, a proud Yorkshireman who passed away several years ago.

My mother, who is from Malaysia wore the traditional dress of her Chinese-Malaysian family’s ethic group, Nyonya.

I was a little nervous before the wedding, not knowing what to expect. I was also concerned that I saw everyone on the day and remain ‘in the moment’ as others told me the day would just fly by.

I was amazed at how relaxed I was on the day, it was great to have friends and family around who I could rely on; I even got a ‘Congratulations’ from the postman who was walking past as I got into the car in my wedding dress!

The ceremony was lovely. We were looking out onto the water at Salford Quays from the Hexagon room, a string quartet were set up at the back and played Pachelbel’s Canon as I walked down the aisle, followed by Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, sealed, delivered’. I know it sounds cheesy, but it sounds fabulous played by a string quartet!

We also held a second wedding in Malaysia for more than 70 of my family. We had a traditional Tea Ceremony and all the female family members wore the same outfit, (in various colours), as my mother’s on the wedding day in Salford.

THE DETAILS

Photography: Rob Martin Photos, robmartinphotos.co.uk

Venue: The Lowry Centre, Salford Quays, 0161 876 2040, thelowry.com/conference

Flowers: June’s Florist, Southport, 01704 541000, junetheflorist.com

Linen: All Event’s Covered, Manchester, alleventscovered.co.uk

Lighting: Ultra Lighting Hire, 07999 351246, ultralightinghire.co.uk

Groom: Moss Bros, Manchester

To see more of Chris and Michelle’s wedding album see our online gallery or the 2013 issue of Chehsire and Lancashire BRIDE