Key takeaways

  • This Liverpool real wedding took place at the iconic St George’s Hall city centre venue.
  • Gemma wore the Sebastiane wedding dress by Anna Sorrano from wed2b Liverpool.
  • The couple got engaged at Crosby Beach, where they first met.
  • The day combined elegant ceremony styling with a relaxed city-centre party atmosphere.

How Gemma and Ray Met

Just as the world was locking down in 2020, this happy couple began their love story. “We met on Crosby Beach five years ago, just as lockdown was happening,” says Gemma. “So, our journey continued via messaging until the restrictions lifted and we could begin properly.”

A Crosby Beach Proposal to Remember 

Romantically, the couple got engaged on the very same beach three years later, as the world was opening up again. “We went for a walk along Crosby Beach on a windy April evening,” says Gemma. “Ray walked me up one of the sand dunes where he got down on one knee and proposed. It was so special I couldn't even speak! I never in a million years thought I’d meet my soul mate and best friend. I’d been single my whole life but, as soon as I met Ray, I knew he was ‘The One’.”

Finding the Dress at wed2b Liverpool

Then the wedding planning began in earnest. Gemma discovered wed2b via social media and headed to her nearest store, wed2b Liverpool. “The girls there were all amazing and so helpful,” she smiles. “They made my Mum, Nan and my maid of honour very welcome and really put me at ease.”

After trying lots of different designs, Gemma kept going back to one in particular, the Sebastiane wedding dress by Anna Sorrano. It was a gorgeous, off-the-shoulder lace mermaid with a dramatic scalloped-edge train. “I felt the most comfortable and the most 'me' in this dress,” she says. “I also got my beautiful veil, hair clip and bridal robe at wed2b, too.”

Why Gemma and Ray chose a Liverpool wedding venue

The couple chose St George's Hall Registry, a grand Liverpool wedding venue for their wedding on 19th July. “We wanted it there as it’s a monumental building in Liverpool and we knew the pictures would be amazing,” says Gemma.

Getting Ready at The Shankly Hotel

On the big day Gemma spent a fun morning getting ready with her eight bridesmaids and two flower girls at the Shankly Hotel in the city centre. “We had rain the morning of the wedding but I heard an old wives’ tale, which said that if you bury a sausage the night before your wedding you get nice weather!” she says. “And it seemed to work! It rained as we got to the registry but then after the service the weather was gorgeous.”

Ceremony at St George’s Hall

The beautiful bride walked down the aisle at St George’s Hall with her dad, Robert. “We walked in to ‘Lifetime’ by Justin Bieber,” she says. “Later, my sister Lauren did a reading and we signed our documents to ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’ by UB40. Then we walked out to ‘Sweet Disposition' by Temper Trap. It was very relaxed, just how we wanted it.”

After the 'I Do' – Celebrating in Liverpool City Centre 

Then it was time to celebrate. “We went and had pictures taken around the city and then headed to Osqas, stylish function suites in the city centre, where we were having our party,” says Gemma.

The wedding breakfast was a fun menu of:

  • Smash burgers 
  • Fish and chips 
  • Loaded waffles

Wedding styling, details and personal touches

The colour for the day was a soft lilac and the couple really wanted to create a relaxed, party atmosphere. “We had shots of tequila rose for our wedding favours,” says Gemma. “There was also a live singer, a 360 photo booth for the night and glow sticks and flip flops for guests to have fun with. Our first dance was to ‘All My Love’ by Coldplay, as the song lyrics are very fitting for us.”

Favourite Moments & Wedding Advice 

It was family and friends that made the day really special for this bride. “It was just the best day,” says Gemma. “Especially my 85 year old nan getting to be there. All our friends and family joining in the party celebrations with us was so special. My advice to other couples is just to soak in every moment and take time, even if it’s just 10 minutes, to be together.”

Liverpool Wedding Suppliers 

Photographer: Jennifer Gardener

Venue: St George’s Hall Liverpool wedding 

Wedding dress: Liverpool wed2b

Hair and makeup: So Coco Rouge

Catering: Wild Truffle

Photo Booth: 360 Pose and Party

Decor: Jakeyjays Cafe

Singer: Charley Close

FAQs

Where was this Liverpool real wedding held?

It was a St George’s Hall Liverpool wedding.

Which wedding dress did Gemma choose from wed2b Liverpool?

Gemma chose the Sebastiane wedding dress by Anna Sorrano, an off-the-shoulder lace mermaid with a dramatic scalloped-edge train.

Why is St George’s Hall a popular Liverpool wedding venue?

St George's Hall Registry Office is an iconic building for a Liverpool wedding. Situated in the city centre, it’s a stunning Grade I listed venue with grand interiors that can accommodate up to 70 people for a civil ceremony. 

Where did Gemma and Ray take their Liverpool wedding photos?

The newlyweds took their photos around Liverpool city centre and outside St George’s Hall.

What inspired the styling for this Liverpool real wedding?
This couple’s Liverpool wedding inspiration was just to create a relaxed party atmosphere with a their soft lilac colour scheme and fun extras, such as a photo booth, glow sticks and flip flops.

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