Sarah and James’ beautiful wedding in St Albans was a perfect day of love, laughter and autumnal colour. Our couple married at St Stephen’s Church in the city before enjoying an amazing reception party in a Country Tipis tipi at the Holly Bush pub in the nearby village of Potters Crouch.
I joined Sarah and her family at their parent’s home in St Albans where preparations were well underway. The girls helped each other with hair and makeup, prosecco was poured, and in the Kitchen, Sarah’s dad took a last careful check through his speech.
Sarah had her wedding flowers prepared by Two Girls And Some Flowers. They arrived at the house mid-morning and to say the bride was delighted with them is a massive understatement. The flowers were gorgeous and exactly what Sarah had dreamed of. Just look at those velvet greens, rustic browns and brilliant pops of autumnal burnt orange!
Sarah wore a stunning gown by Sincerity Bridal from Birds Bridal with a sweetheart neckline off the shoulders and a ballgown skirt. Complete with her flower crown she looked every bit the stunning autumn bride.
The morning flew by. Before we knew it the cars arrived, and it was time to make our way to the church where groom James was welcoming guests and eagerly awaiting his bride.
St Stephen’s Church is over 1,000 years old and is found set back from the old Roman road of Watling Street in the city of St Albans. Inside it is beautifully bright and light, a lot more so than is commonly the case in a church (always something that is welcomed by a wedding photographer!) Autumn sunshine streamed through the colourful stained glass windows as Sarah and her entourage made their way down the aisle, groom James’ face lighting up at the sight of his beautiful bride.
With vows made and rings exchanged we snapped a few pictures in the sunny churchyard as Sarah and James received hugs, kisses and handshakes of congratulations from friends and family.
Welcome drinks and delicious canopes awaited at the Holly Bush pub. A striking tipi nestled between the trees in the garden area with rolling Hertfordshire countryside beyond. The Holy Bush pub is somewhat of a hidden gem, quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of central St Albans. It’s a very pretty pub inside and out. Combined with the tipi it made for a perfect countryside wedding venue.
Not only was it a lovely wedding venue, but the pub held a special place in the bride’s family history. Sarah told me that her family had been visiting the Holy Bush for years and that it had even been the venue of her mum and dad’s first ever date.
I’ve proudly worked alongside Country Tipis for many years, their structures are just super cool. Here are some more reasons why I love to photograph tipi weddings.
Sarah and her sisters dressed the tipi themselves. Continuing the rustic autumnal them and colours throughout. With vintage cut glass, candle sticks and beautiful green and burnt orange florals. Hand cut wooden favors and signage, paper lanterns and fairy lights aplenty. Everything tied in perfectly.
Sarah and James chose to hold their speeches before the dinner service (FYI, the most delicious and satisfying BBQ food!). This is a trend I have noticed becoming more popular. It enables the speech makers to relax and enjoy their meal without feeling anxious about impending public speaking.
After dessert I invited Sarah and James to pop out for a couple of quick photos since the sun was setting beautifully. You can’t always guarantee a perfect golden hour, it depends on the weather conditions of the day, but it is usually the best time for pretty photos and well worth sneeking out for a quick mini shoot!
When we returned to the garden an ice-cream van that Sarah and James had arranged was set up and busy dishing out all sorts of sweet treats. Much to the delight of the children and the adult guests alike (and the photographer!)
As the light faded the party mood went into full swing. The ever-awesome James of Disco Nyts keeping the dancefloor filled, belting out tune after tune from behind his rustic, neon adorned DJ booth.
It really was a privilege to be a little part of Sarah and James’ gorgeous autumnal wedding day in St Albans. I love the colours and tones at this special time of the year and the fact that Sarah’s theme and designs for her day leant into this so perfectly made it a real pleasure to photograph. These images are all bursting with colour as a result.
If you are planning a wedding in St Albans, another venue here in Hertfordshire, or somewhere further afield, and you’d like to have a chat about your wedding photography, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! I’d love to hear what you have planned and talk to you about how we can make epic wedding photos together.
