Brook Farm is one of those wedding venues that is so ridiculously picture perfect it is just a wedding photographers dream come true. You turn off from the main road in Cuffley then make your way down a long track. As you drive, the hustle and bustle of town life quickly fades away, the traffic of the nearby M25 falls silent, and you find yourself at the most romantic and tranquil lakeside wedding venue. The centre piece of which is that mirror-like lake with beautiful wildflowers growing along its banks. The lake has an island accessible via a walkway that is adorned with festoon lights and a tipi structure sits opposite ready to host the celebrations. It is a venue with true wow-factor.
Louise spent her wedding morning at home with her sisters, best friend and mum and dad. The house was abuzz with activity and anticipation as everyone got ready for the big day. It was lovely to work alongside both Rachel of Alexandra Wedding Belles and Amanda of Amanda Artistry again who made sure that the ladies looked perfect and as beautiful as can be.
With the girls ready to go and looking totally gawwgeous the wedding cars arrived. No ordinary wedding cars for this paramedic bride, but London Ambulance’s 1967 Morris Wadhams, part of the service’s heritage collection, flanked by a modern response car. Louise’s dad Mick took the opportunity for a quick lie down on the stretcher bed; niece and flower girl, Kensi, did a quick test of the driving controls and the sirens, and with that, we were ready to get underway to Brook Farm!
Groom James was busy welcoming guests to the venue as I arrived. He and his groomsmen wore a stylish blue tweed three piece suit, complete with blush pink tie and and handkerchief.
Guests took their seats on benches that were set out between elegant tall pine trees. Louise had decorated the aisle with white confetti and pretty fresh white flowers in rustic jars, and with festoon lights strung between the tree trunks that swayed gently in the summer breeze.
As the vintage ambulance drew up, the congregation stood, and it was time for Louise and James to get married! A beautiful and moving service was conducted by the groom’s aunt, this made the proceedings particularly personal and extra special for the couple.
Louise wore a stunning Donatella gown by Paul Zeni from Birdcage Bridal. The dress was encrusted with shimmering beadwork and featured a scalloped train and beautiful back detail. Her gorgeous bouquet was designed by Samantha of Perfect Moment Florist. The flowers featuring fresh whites, lush greens and pops of blush pink complemented the wider colour scheme.
Both Louise and James beamed with happiness as they recited personal vows to one another and exchanged wedding rings (by Emma of Decadent Diamonds) beside the lake. With vows made they sat in stylish peacock chairs at a table atop the aisle to sign their wedding certificate.
Louise and James’ colour theme ran through into their tipi décor. I LOVE shooting tipi weddings, they make for such striking structures externally yet cosy and inviting inside. Every couple I photograph has made the tipi their own and dressed it differently. A tipi is a blank canvas that can become anything from the most luxe setting, to one with rustic or boho vibes, or used to perfectly complement a full blown festival wedding.
Louise and James created a rustic chic theme which worked perfectly for the setting. Making use of painted pallets, copper pipe and green ribbon, features were adorned with further florals by Perfect Moment Florist. A beautiful three part naked cake was made by a very talented relative and just check out that personalised bar front!
After dinner service, speeches both heartfelt and hilarious were made in the tipi before guests enjoyed lakeside drinks whilst the sun set. Meanwhile the band and DJ Corabar set up and got ready to get the party started in the tipi.
And, just like that it was time to party! Louise and James took to the floor for their first dance together as husband and wife before the band (the excellent Penny Kings) kicked in with their first set which really had the dance floor jumping.
It really was a huge privilege to be a little part of this perfect, crazy, beautiful day with Louise and James. If you are planning a tipi wedding at Brook Farm or elsewhere please don’t hesitate to get in touch to chat about making some epic photos of it together.
