Chorcha Harper and Glen Kershaw

Manchester’s historic town hall was the picturesque setting for a wedding steeped in fun, food, and romance

When British-Thai Chorcha Harper, 29, first met British-Iranian sales director Glen Kershaw, 36, in their hometown of Manchester in 2004, little did she know that in just over 12 years time she would be marrying him in the local town hall. “We were only familiar enough with each other to say hello in passing,” says Chorcha, “Then randomly, we met again as ex-pats on an evening out with mutual friends in Dubai and went on our first date that week. Technically our first date was dinner in Roberto’s, but he couldn’t wait until then and helped me out with a trip to Ikea a couple of days before.” Within two years they were engaged.

Walking the stairs helped by bridesmaids Emma and Emily

Photography by Melissa Beattie

Both hailing from Manchester, UK choosing the venue for their wedding was easy. “We were so close to marrying in Dubai, but we have such an affinity with our home town that it simply couldn’t have been anywhere else,” explains Chorcha. “The town hall is such a beautiful building; a real icon of Manchester. It was simple for us. Why pay a fortune for a country manor when this gorgeous piece of the city’s heritage is everything you need and more?”

The couple chose to wed in the month of April, in the picturesque season of spring, to avoid Manchester’s typically grey skies, and on the day were pleasantly surprised that the weather was on their side. Arriving at the imposing historical building that is Manchester Town Hall, Chorcha stepped out of her chauffeur driven white Rolls-Royce, accompanied by her bridesmaids and best friends Emily and Emma. “There was not a dry eye in the house during the ceremony, and I think a lot of that had to do with the emotion-stirring music prior to my arrival from the string quartet,” she says. “My husband cried when he saw me and I really didn’t expect that – it was so magical!”

Chorcha arrives in a white Rolls-Royce

Photography by Melissa Beattie

After the service, the couple’s 75 guests made the one-minute journey across the way to Mr Cooper’s House & Garden at The Midland Hotel, the oldest hotel in Manchester, where the real celebrations began over canapés provided by the Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan. “This was definitely a wedding for people who appreciate good food, experimental cooking and interesting restaurants,” says Chorcha. “We really went to town on the food, starting with inventive cream of celeriac soup with crispy kale and roast chicken ravioli, followed by traditional Cumbrian roast beef that melted in your mouth. For dessert; a sprawling cheese board, and mini Manchester tarts,” served buffet style in the bar area. “I didn’t want people sat down for too long.”

At the dinner, the happy couple shunned the tradition of a top table, choosing a sweetheart table instead. “Sitting there together high on our emotions and watching all our friends and family enjoy themselves over dinner, full of happiness, was wonderful. It also gave us a breather before the full evening party – it was one of the best decisions we made.”

Left: Chorcha holds her bouquet of O’Hara roses, hydrangea, jasmine and olive leaves. Right: The groom in his bespoke suit by Ascot & Chapels.

Photography by Melissa Beattie

The late night party kicked off with the couple’s first dance to Phil Collins’ ‘Groovy Kind of Love,’ a song that perfectly matched this groovy kind of wedding.