Amy & Sarah’s Sunderland City Hall Wedding – Love, Rain, and a lively Reception
Sunderland City Hall Wedding Photography – A Story of Love and Resilience
Every wedding tells its own story. Sometimes that story unfolds against a backdrop of blue skies and golden light, other times under dramatic clouds, and sometimes — like with Amy and Sarah’s wedding — it plays out against relentless rain.
This was a day that proved the weather doesn’t matter when love fills the room. A late afternoon wedding in Sunderland’s Mayoral Suite at City Hall, followed by a reception at The Alexandra Steakhouse in Grangetown, gave Amy and Sarah the perfect balance of formality, fun, and family warmth.
It was my honour to be their photographer — and despite getting completely soaked before the first shutter click, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
Arriving Early – Soaked but Ready
One of my personal habits, and something my couples have come to expect, is that I always arrive early. I like to get my bearings, scout out the light, check the flow of guests, and most importantly, soak up the atmosphere.
On this Saturday, “soak up” turned out to be more literal than usual. Sunderland weather in the North East can be unpredictable at the best of times, but this was full-on, sideways rain — the kind that laughs at umbrellas and soaks through coats in seconds.
The short walk from the car park to the City Hall doors was enough to leave me dripping, camera bag heavier with every step. But here’s the thing: rain creates its own story. Guests dashing in under coats, damp jackets hung over chairs, laughter at the shared inconvenience — it all becomes part of the narrative. And as a documentary-style wedding photographer, those are exactly the details I love to capture.
Sunderland City Hall – A Modern Civic Wedding Venue
The Mayoral Suite at Sunderland City Hall is a fascinating venue. It’s a modern, light-filled space, tucked away on the 6th floor of the city’s newest civic building, which opened in 2021 as part of Sunderland’s ambitious regeneration programme.
City halls in the North East have long been central to weddings. Newcastle has its Brutalist Civic Centre, Durham has the historic Shire Hall, and now Sunderland has its sleek, contemporary City Hall. It might lack the ivy-covered charm of a castle or manor house, but it more than makes up for it with accessibility, clean design, and a feeling of civic pride.
On a wet day, the Mayoral Suite really comes into its own. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light still floods in, soft and even, perfect for photography. Even with raindrops streaking down the glass, it gave a sense of being suspended above the city, cocooned in warmth while the storm raged outside.
Guests Arriving – The Build-Up
By the time I’d dried my camera lenses and got set up, guests had begun filtering into the foyer. This is always one of my favourite times at a wedding — the anticipation before the ceremony, the mixture of nerves, laughter, and hugs as people greet each other.
Because of the rain, there wasn’t the usual lingering outside. Instead, guests went straight for shelter, dripping umbrellas in hand. Still, there was plenty of energy. Little clusters formed as friends reunited, children played tag between legs, and conversations filled the room.
One detail stood out: a family who had travelled all the way from Australia to be there. That’s not just dedication; it’s love in action. Their presence was a reminder of how far people will go to celebrate those they care about most.
As more and more guests arrived, the atmosphere built steadily. You could feel the hum of excitement, like a low drum roll before the main event. With around 60 guests, it was the perfect size for a warm, intimate wedding — big enough for laughter to echo, small enough for everyone to feel connected.
Meeting the Brides – Calm Before the Ceremony
Before the registrars were ready, I went to find Amy and Sarah. They had been given a private side room to relax in before the ceremony — a quiet bubble of calm away from the busy foyer.
The scene inside was lovely:
Amy and Sarah, radiant and relaxed, clearly taking comfort from being together even as the anticipation built.
Three bridesmaids, helping with last-minute adjustments and filling the room with chatter and reassurance.
Three flower girls, their dresses pristine despite the weather, full of excitement and occasional giggles.
Elaine, Amy’s mam, a constant, supportive presence, clearly proud of the day.
I took a series of quick portraits here — nothing too posed, just relaxed images capturing the atmosphere of anticipation. The side room’s lighting was gentle, perfect for those intimate shots where expressions matter more than anything else.
These moments, before the ceremony begins, often become some of the most cherished photographs. They capture not just how people looked, but how they felt.
The Ceremony in the Mayoral Suite
When the time came, guests moved into the Mayoral Suite, filling the rows of chairs. Excitement buzzed through the room as everyone waited for the processional to begin.
The order was traditional but full of character:
Bridesmaids and flower girls first, leading the way with a mixture of grace and giggles.
Then Amy, taking her steps with confidence, supported by the smiles around her.
And finally, Sarah, walking in with quiet determination, every eye in the room on her.
It was a beautiful sequence — elegant, heartfelt, and deeply personal.
The ceremony itself was calm, dignified, and filled with love. The registrar spoke warmly, guiding Amy and Sarah through their vows with the perfect blend of formality and affection.
There were laughs, there were tears, and there were looks between the brides that said more than words ever could.
When the registrar declared them married, the room erupted. Applause, cheers, and more than a few happy tears filled the air. It was one of those moments where you know everyone is genuinely rooting for the couple.
Formal Group Photos – Making the Best of the Weather
Normally, I like to take advantage of outdoor settings for group photos — gardens, courtyards, staircases. But Sunderland weather had other ideas.
So we headed down to the ground-floor foyer of City Hall. The space turned out to be a fantastic backdrop: modern, spacious, and easy to organise large groups.
We captured:
The full wedding party — all 60 guests, a challenge to coordinate but worth the effort.
Smaller family groups, each combination carefully arranged so nobody was left out.
Bridesmaids and flower girls, who added a splash of colour and youthful energy to the photos.
Friends, including those who had travelled from Australia — their journey captured forever in the family photos that mattered most.
Photographing in civic spaces like this creates images that are firmly rooted in the couple’s city. Rather than generic greenery, these photos will always say: “This was Sunderland, this was our wedding, this was our moment.”
The Dash to the Reception – Off to Alexandra Steakhouse
Once the group photos were complete, it was time to head to the reception. I made another quick dash through the rain to the car — once again soaked, once again grateful for waterproof camera bags.
The reception venue was The Alexandra Steakhouse in Grangetown, a well-known local restaurant that has become a popular choice for wedding receptions.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, the private room decorated to perfection for Amy and Sarah’s celebration. Round tables filled the space, neatly set for the evening, with plenty of room for speeches and dancing later.
Reception Photography – Capturing the Guests
I always make it a priority to capture as many guests as possible at receptions. These are the moments couples often miss in the whirlwind of the day — a grandparent sharing a laugh with a cousin, a child sneaking extra sweets, friends reunited after years apart.
I moved around the room, photographing candid smiles, warm embraces, and laughter bubbling up at every table. Guests were clearly happy to be part of the day, and that joy comes through in the images.
The Grand Entrance
When Amy and Sarah entered the reception room, the atmosphere lifted again. Guests rose to their feet, applause echoing around the room, cheers loud and heartfelt. The brides’ smiles said it all — this was a crowd filled with love and pride.
Speeches – Emotional, Loving, and Funny
After everyone had settled, it was time for speeches.
Amy spoke first, delivering heartfelt thanks to everyone who had braved the weather and joined them. Her words about Sarah were moving, full of love and sincerity, the kind that makes even the most stoic guest reach for a tissue.
Two best men followed, each bringing their own mix of humour and affection. There were stories, gentle teases, and heartfelt moments that struck the perfect balance between laughter and emotion.
Every speech was met with laughter, applause, and the occasional cheer. It was the kind of speech session that leaves everyone feeling closer, united by shared stories and emotions.
Cutting the Cake
Next came the cake cutting — a classic wedding tradition, always a highlight for guests and photographers alike.
Amy and Sarah had two beautifully decorated cakes, one of which they cut together to the cheers of their guests. Unlike many weddings, they didn’t do the playful “feed each other” moment, nor did they taste the cake then and there. Instead, it was cut, celebrated, and left to be enjoyed later in the evening.
The First Dance – From Tender to Lively
The first dance is always one of the emotional high points of the day. Amy and Sarah took to the dancefloor together, holding each other close as music filled the room.
What began as a tender moment quickly transformed. By the halfway mark, guests had surged forward, joining them on the dancefloor. Children twirled, parents swayed, friends jumped in with laughter and enthusiasm.
By the end of the song, the floor was buzzing with energy, and the party well and truly underway.
Reflections on a Rain-Soaked Day
When couples ask me, “What if it rains on our wedding day?”, my answer is always the same: it doesn’t matter. Rain becomes part of the story. It creates moments of closeness, laughter, and spontaneity.
Amy and Sarah’s wedding is proof. Did the rain make things trickier? Of course. Did it dampen spirits? Not for a second.
In fact, the weather seemed to underline the resilience of the day. Love wins, rain or shine.
Closing Thoughts – Love at the Heart of Sunderland
As I packed up my cameras and stepped back into the wet Sunderland night, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful to Amy and Sarah for trusting me to capture their day. Grateful to their families and friends for their warmth and humour. And grateful that even on the greyest of days, love provides all the colour you need.
This was a wedding about connection, about joy, about resilience. And for me, it was a reminder of why I do what I do: because every wedding, every couple, every story is unique — and every one deserves to be remembered in photographs that last a lifetime.
📸 John Alderson Wedding Photography
Award-Winning Wedding Photographer | Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle & North East England
Specialising in City Hall weddings, LGBTQ+ wedding photography, and storytelling that captures love in all its forms.
