What a way to kick off 2026.
A Winter Wedding Across Sheffield and Kelham Island
Meg and Ryan’s wedding was one of those days that just had an incredible energy from start to finish - the kind where you arrive knowing it's going to be special before anything has even happened.
The fact it all came together the way it did makes it even better… because this entire wedding was planned in just four months.
From the other side of the world.
No pressure.
Meg and Ryan were living in Australia when they started planning their wedding back home in Sheffield and Barnsley, going from 30° sunshine to minus 3° winter weather - although somehow, by some miracle, the weather was actually on our side for most of the day.
Getting Ready at Kenwood Hall
The morning began with Meg getting ready at Kenwood Hall Hotel in Sheffield with her bridesmaids.
There’s always a certain buzz when a wedding has been long-distance planned - family and friends all together, everyone excited, a bit of “I can’t believe this is actually happening.”
Meg was so calm all morning, just soaking everything in, surrounded by her girls while hair and makeup got underway.
When she stepped into her dress from Emily Bridalwear it was one of those moments where the room just goes quiet for a second. Absolutely stunning.
An Emotional Ceremony at Sheffield Registry Office
The ceremony took place at Sheffield Registry Office, and honestly it was one of the most emotional ceremonies I’ve photographed.
Meg and Ryan wrote their own personal vows and there were definitely a few teary eyes in the room.
Moments like that are always my favourite to capture - real emotion, real reactions, people completely present in the moment.
It felt incredibly intimate and meaningful, despite the busy day ahead.
Celebratory Drinks at the Graduate, Sheffield
After the ceremony we did some confetti (obviously, this is a must!), Meg and Ryan also had a few family photos. Afterwards everyone made their way to The Graduate for celebratory drinks.
This part of the day had such a relaxed, fun atmosphere - hugs, laughter, glasses clinking, people catching up after travelling from all over the place.
Photos Around Kelham Island
From there we headed over to Kelham Island for some portraits.
Kelham is one of my favourite areas in Sheffield for photos - a mix of industrial backdrops, cool architecture and loads of character.
Despite the cold winter weather, Meg and Ryan absolutely smashed it. Completely natural, completely themselves, and honestly just having a laugh together the whole time.
They even had a photo together on the street they used to live on at Kelham Island before moving to Australia!
Pie + Peas at The Hide
The room at The Hide was full of that perfect mix of emotion and laughter. One minute people were wiping away tears, the next everyone was in fits of laughter. Those are always the best kind of speeches - the ones that feel completely real and totally personal to the couple.
There were so many lovely moments woven throughout - and little insights into Meg and Ryan’s relationship that just made you smile. You could really feel how loved they both are by everyone in that room.
A Proper Party at The Hide
The evening reception took place at The Hide in Kelham Island - and what a cool venue.
As soon as everyone arrived the atmosphere kicked up another level.
There was pie and peas, incredible live music from The Pretty Ugly Band, and one of my favourite moments of the whole day - one of Meg’s bridesmaids jumping up to sing Ryan’s favourite song after the first dance.
Those spontaneous moments are the things that make a wedding feel truly personal.
Ryan and his best man also fully committed to a slightly chaotic photoshoot moment which I fully supported.
By this point the dance floor was in full swing and the party well and truly underway.
From Instagram to One Incredible Wedding Day
When Meg and Ryan first got in touch back in August, we jumped on a video call and I immediately had that feeling that we were going to get on like a house on fire.
Fast forward to October when I finally met Meg in person (Ryan sadly struck down with flu that day), and it genuinely felt like catching up with an old friend.
Then their wedding day arrived and seeing their love for each other - and the way they care so deeply for the people around them - just confirmed everything.
They created a day that felt full of warmth, laughter and genuine connection.
And honestly, that’s exactly what weddings should be about.
Thank You Meg + Ryan
Meg and Ryan - thank you so much for trusting me to capture such a huge chapter of your lives.
And for finding me in the wonderfully chaotic sea of photographers on Instagram.
What an honour.
What a wedding.
What a way to start the year.
Wedding Suppliers
Venue - The Hide, Kelham Island
Dress - Emily Bridalwear
Makeup - Arianna Bowler Makeup Artist
Hair - Kelly Hanks Hair Design
Flowers - Orchids Flowers and Venue Styling
Suit - Moss Bros
Cake - Sweet Temptation Cake
Rings - Austen & Blake
Confetti - The Whole Bride
Band - The Pretty Ugly Band
Planning your wedding at The Hide?
If you’re planning your wedding at The Hide, it’s such a cool venue with so with much character - the perfect setting for a relaxed wedding day.
If you’re looking for a photographer who will capture the real moments, keep things calm, and make sure your day never feels like a photoshoot, I’d absolutely love to hear from you.
You can get in touch via my contact page to check availability for your date - I’d love to hear all about your plans.
