It was clear from the start that my time doing wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth was going to be very special. I’ve photographed weddings in the creative sector of Birmingham before – Fazeley Studios and The Custard Factory are always extremely popular – and The Bond Company proved to be no different. In fact, it’s recommended by the Birmingham Mail as one of the top wedding venues in the entire city!
I started my day with the bride and her family at Hotel Ibis on New Street. The atmosphere was alive with excitement as Georgina and her bridesmaids prepared for the big day, enjoying a homemade wedding breakfast of strawberries, chocolate spread and biscuits, accompanied by a glass of prosecco. Georgina’s bridal gown was incredibly elegant and almost fairy-like, complemented by a stylish bouquet.
The journey to the wedding venue was no more than a ten-minute drive (as most things in the city centre are). Located next to one of Birmingham’s many canals, The Bond Company really is quite charming: a renovated red-brick Victorian building with an outdoor bar area and planted courtyard. As the guests began to arrive I joined everyone outside for pre-wedding drinks. Inside the civil ceremony was already set up; bunting and little fairy lights hung over the wedding aisle to add that personal, cosy touch.
Soon everyone was seated, waiting in anticipation as Georgina’s father escorted her up the aisle to join Dan, her husband-to-be. The couple looked lovely together, smiling and laughing as they made their vows and exchanged rings, the array of lights creating a really romantic backdrop for the big moment. I took the opportunity to capture the newlyweds signing the registry book, along with two sets of very proud parents.
After the confetti had been thrown and many congratulations exchanged, it was time for the group photos. Thankfully the sun was beaming and the blue skies were reflected brilliantly in the canal; it was a perfect day for shooting outdoor wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth. Standing at the water’s edge, with graffiti illustrations of Birmingham creating a bright and vivid setting, the guests smiled and posed in the sunshine. It was a joy to work with such an imaginative space, capturing the tones of a late summer afternoon.
The array of inspiring views and the mix of old and new made my time doing wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth an extremely enjoyable experience, allowing me to express my creativity. There’s just something about being at the heart of a creative community, so steeped in heritage and culture, that gives you the perfect blend of historical and contemporary modern.
Perhaps the most enjoyable part of my day shooting wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth was whisking Dan and Georgina away for a private photo session. The old brick walls and remnants of an industrial past provided a stunning backdrop for the newlyweds, and we soon found all the best locations. The Bond Company has so much historical value and I felt that really came through in my photos. One of my favourite shots I took during my time doing wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth, is of Dan and Georgina standing together in a vast, roofless area, the rustic walls ad age-worn beams contrasting brilliantly with the blue sky above.
The wedding reception was held in the adjoining Gatehouse, a converted warehouse that houses a modish yet minimalistic space for entertaining and dining. With floor-to-ceiling windows allowing for plenty of natural light, combined with the vivacious colours of the disco, I knew that capturing the evening’s wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth was going to be wonderful.
I always love picking up on the small details that make a wedding personal, and when I spotted the seating arrangement board it became clear that the bride and groom were quite the explorers, with table names such as Stanley, Lok Fu and Disneyland.
After the speeches were made the guests tucked into a scrumptious assortment of breads, cheeses, salads, pies, nibbles, cakes and sweets. It was a rather decadent display, which was of course accompanied by a selection of wines and cold beverages – the caterers at The Bond Company did a fantastic job. There was a LOT of cake – which was due to the couple’s “Great Wedding Bake Off”.
Dan and Georgina kick-started the evening with their first dance, and everyone soon joined in. Another part of shooting wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth included my photo booth. I find letting the guests dress up in flamboyant wigs and pull funny faces in front of the camera is the best accompaniment for any disco, and it’s always good fun sneaking in those behind the scenes photos. I snapped a great one of the newlyweds with some inflatables.
Thank you, Dan and Georgina, for inviting me to do your wedding photography at The Bond Company, Digbeth. You made it fun and memorable for everyone, and I wish you both the happiest of futures together.
