I may be a Hertfordshire wedding photographer, but this is a job that takes me the length and breadth of the UK (and sometimes abroad for location weddings too). Organic bookings come through from friends and family of previous couples and from other wedding suppliers and this frequently takes me to weddings in new exciting places.
Rutland Hall Hotel Wedding Photography and Videography
Content Creator, Tanya, of Your Reel Wedding kindly recommended me to Lorna and Keith. As soon as we all started chatting I knew this was going to be an amazing wedding to be a part of. The couple were getting married at Rutland Hall Hotel. Set in 70 acres of parkland with the stunning backdrop of Rutland Water itself, this is one gorgeous wedding venue!
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I arrived at Rutland Hall Hotel nice and early. It is a big venue and I wanted time to get a clear idea of where everything was happening and scope out the best spots for photos later on. I also do some dorky photographer things like plotting where the sun will move across the sky so that I know where best to position people for the most beautiful photos throughout the day.
I joined Keith with his best man and brother in their suite on an upper floor. The guys were getting themselves ready in good time (not always the case in the groomsmen’s room!) We got some nice candid shots as they did their ties and boutonnieres. And, I couldn’t resist a shot or two of the handsome groom out on the balcony to take in the grand Rutland Hall in the background.
Vibrant and Colourful Wedding Photography
Bride Lorna was with her mum and sisters in the huge bridal suite over in the main hall itself. There was laughter, nerves, makeup and boob tape. It was all going on! Autumnal sunshine streamed through the big bay windows of the grand room. Tanya suggested we move some of the furniture from the main window so that the ladies could complete their final preparations in the perfect light. When you have a setting like this it is well worth making the most of it!
Lorna wore an elegant and romantic long sleeved A-line gown with V-neck and she looked absolutely stunning. Her bridesmaids who wore burnt orange and the beautiful bouquets, bursting with autumnal colours, all fit perfectly with the season and the location. We did some photos outside in front of the hall. Then, Tanya and I made our way up to the Pavilion Venue, where guests were taking their seats and groom Keith was readying himself for the start of the ceremony.
Rutland Hall Hotel Wedding Photographer
Once the guests had been seated and the bridal party had been chauffeured to the Pavilion (Rutland Hall Hotel is a sprawling venue so golf buggies are used to get around it) the ceremony began. Unbeknownst to Keith, Lorna had a big surprise for him - the ceremony started with a recording of their daughter. A gorgeous moment and a lovely way to include her in mummy and daddy’s special occasion.
Led by local registrars the ceremony was a delight to photograph. Not included here (as photos of her are reserved just for family) Lorna and Keith’s daughter stayed close to her parents for much of the service and in her father’s arms whenever she could be. This was a ceremony for the three of them as a family.
Experienced Rutland Hall Hotel Wedding Photographer
Once the ceremony was complete (and all those happy tears wiped away) it was confetti time. Being October it was a little bit chilly but everyone excitedly piled outside regardless. Confetti was handed out and the couple made the most epic confetti run! Lorna and Keith had chosen large circular tissue paper type confetti and lots of it. In my experience this type of confetti always works the best and makes for amazing photos.
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With family photos in the bag and a quick little couples shoot outside, we retreated to the warmth of the Pavilion Venue. The couple’s theme of greens, oranges and white ran through to their room décor. The room mirroring the autumnal colours that were outside. Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés and then before long it was time to be seated and the speeches began.
Golden hour wedding photography
Throughout the dinner service I kept a keen eye on the conditions outside. Lorna and Keith wanted to get some golden hour photos and we needed to time it just right. So, as the guests chatted and enjoyed post dinner coffees we snuck outside for another mini-photoshoot. Tanya and I led the way and picked out a spot overlooking the lake with the sun setting across the water. It was perfect and as the couple enjoyed the moment together we made some gorgeous photos and mobile content.
Rutland Wedding Photographer
We’d also pop back down to the main hall later on after dark for some romantic photos on the grand wooden staircase. Then it was first dance and party time, a live band keeping the dancefloor filled throughout the evening!
Creative Wedding Photography for Hertfordshire and beyond
Thank you so much Lorna and Keith for choosing me to photograph your amazing autumn wedding day at the beautiful Rutland Hall Hotel, it really was a pleasure!
If you are planning a wedding at Rutland Hall Hotel, here in Hertfordshire, or somewhere else further afield, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to chat to me about how we can capture lots and lots of awesome photos of it!
