As a Hertfordshire based wedding photographer, I get to work at the very best wedding venues in the county and this is certainly the case when I return to capture wedding photography at The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club. Gemma and Callum chose the perfect location for their gorgeous autumn wedding.
On the day I woke to a crisp bright and sunny day and headed over to Gemma’s parents’ house where she and her bridal party were getting ready. The girls were really excited with Gemma’s three sisters as bridesmaids and the newest addition to the family Gemma’s baby nephew. Things were looking very organised with co-ordinated robes, a make-up artist and hairstylist on site and a bit of bubbly to settle any last-minute nerves. I busied myself taking images of the bridal party and those all important wedding detail shots.
Now it’s always lovely to meet and work with other professionals in the wedding industry and Liam from True Capture Media who was there to capture the wedding film and was a pleasure to work alongside.
Gemma looked amazing in a gorgeous satin dress with a v-neckline and a gorgeous A-line skirt that gave her a fairytale silhouette in all of my images. She bought it at Enchanted Bridal Boutique in Sawbridgeworth. Her look was enhanced by a beautiful bouquet of flowers in rich autumnal colours and she smiled all day. Gemma’s bridesmaids looked elegant in deep burgundy colour dresses. Before heading off to the church, I captured a really sweet first look moment between the bride and her father.
Experienced Hertfordshire wedding photographer
The catholic wedding ceremony was held at Church of Our lady of the Immaculate Conception & St Joseph, which is the Gemma’s family church where she and her sisters have taken communion. It’s always extra special when there’s a family connection to the church. And Gemma travelled there in style in a 1930’s style Regent Landaulette that was hired from Classic Wedding Car Hire.
At the church, I met up with Callum who along with his groom’s party, was looking very smart in a petrol blue suit, with waistcoat and smart brown brogue shoes.
There followed a really beautiful ceremony, Gemma and Callum beaming at each other right the way through. Afterwards we organised a fun confetti run for Callum and Gemma as they exited the church into brilliant warm autumnal sunshine.
As it was such a crisp bright day, I took some great group images of the wedding party outside at the entrance of the church as well as some informal images of Gemma and Callum’s guests congratulating the happy couple. Everybody then headed to The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club for the reception.
Storytelling wedding photography in Hertfordshire
There are many reasons why I love capturing wedding photography at The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club, the most obvious one being that is simply a beautiful venue to photograph.
An 18th century Grade II listed mansion with beautiful gardens and grounds that offer an endless array of perfect backdrops for wedding photography. Also, their in-house wedding co-ordinator Mellissa and her team at The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club take great care of every detail to ensure that couples and their guests get an unforgettable day. Nothing is ever too much trouble for these guys. They’re a real pleasure to work with which ensures that all the events of the day fall into place seamlessly.
On arrival everybody was greeted by toastmaster Eammon Durr (A Traditional Toast Master) who worked tirelessly to ensure the wedding ran smoothly allowing Gemma and Callum to relax and give their guests their full attention knowing that their wedding was in safe and experienced hands. It was a real treat to work alongside Eammon who kept a caring eye out for his bride and groom all day, not to mention guests young and old, and even this wedding photographer!
Celebrations started with a drink’s reception outside, which was such a treat at an October wedding. Guests were entertained with live music by Revival Function Band, who did an intimate acoustic set, and then returned in the evening with an impressive nine-piece band.
As always, they were amazing!
I took the chance to get some great group images of the wedding party in the beautifully manicured gardens as well as some candid shots of guests happily mingling and enjoying themselves.
Creative and Natural Hertfordshire wedding photography
With guests happily catered for, myself, Liam from True Capture Media, Mellissa the wedding co-ordinator and Gemma and Callum all headed out into the gardens and grounds for a for a romantic photoshoot. We drove a convoy of three golf buggies, it was really fun and undoubtably a memorable moment for Gemma and Callum.
It was lovely to see Gemma and Callum step out of their wedding for a few minutes to enjoy a ride in the buggy, and a tour of the gardens and grounds. And I got some really romantic images of them set against the low sunshine bursting with autumnal colours.
The wedding breakfast was hosted in the Colonial Suite and it was dressed beautifully in an autumnal theme with rustic red and gold colours and decorated with fun pumpkins.
After a delicious wedding meal prepared by The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club’s team of talented in-house chefs, there were some speeches. Gemma’s dad’s speech was emotional and fun. Callum’s speech was wonderfully moving and heartfelt and perfectly delivered, and the best man speech was funny and ended with Callum wearing a Viking helmet in a nod to his favourite Netflix show.
When the speeches were over, I popped outside with Gemma and Callum to capture a dramatic shot at the front of the venue after dark. I used strobe flashes and portable studio flash to light them and the whole mansion house up. I love to make dramatic wedding photos like this!
Autumn wedding photography in Hertfordshire
Evening celebrations started with the cutting of an elegant two-tier wedding cake, this was followed by a romantic first dance for Gemma and Callum to live musical accompaniment. Not that they were on the dancefloor alone for long. Revival Function Band were there to bring the party and the dancefloor remained full all night long, and I took the chance to get stuck in resulting in loads of really fun dancefloor images.
A wonderfully fun family-friendly wedding for a lovely couple at a stunning Hertfordshire wedding venue. Congratulations to Gemma and Callum and thank you for choosing me to tell the story of your day. I loved it!
If, like Gemma and Callum, you’re thinking of having your wedding in Hertfordshire and are looking for an experienced Hertfordshire wedding photographer to tell the story of your day with beautiful storytelling images. Then feel free to get in touch. I’d love to hear about your wedding plans.
I’ll leave the last words to Gemma and Callum. Here’s what they had to say about me.
“Thank you so much, the photos are beautiful and amazing, such lovely memories. Thank you for capturing out special day, we are both so pleased with the photos.”
