Melissa and Dave were married at St. Michael’s Manor Hotel in St Albans and asked me to be their wedding photographer. I arrived at Melissa’s house in Harpenden early one sunny day as she was about to start her bridal preparations . It was the beginning of a wonderful, fun-filled day that I loved from start to finish.
After capturing some shots of Melissa getting ready I popped over to take some photos of Dave and his best man. They were getting ready at a friend’s house a short distance away. This was also a good opportunity to get some close-ups of the wedding rings. It’s lovely to see both the bride and groom as they prepare in their different ways. Then it was back to Melissa for her final preparations – she looked stunning!
Travelling to the wedding venue in style!
Before long the guests started to arrive at their house ready to travel to the venue together. A routemaster pulled up outside their home and we all boarded the bus for the journey to St. Michael’s Manor Hotel. It’s a wonderful place set in five acres of beautiful private gardens and even has it’s own lake.
Melissa and Dave are both Scottish and had asked a family member to play the bagpipes as Melissa walked up the aisle. Actually I think these were called small pipes but I’m no expert! Whatever they’re called it sounded beautiful and was the perfect start to their ceremony. After an emotional and touching service the guests all followed the happy couple on to the terrace. This was the perfect location for drinks, canapés and bubbles overlooking the grounds. I did manage to whisk Melissa and Dave away from the party for a bit to get some wedding portraits of the happy couple.
Wedding breakfast and bagpipes!
The reception was also held in the hotel so it was such a relaxed day. One of the highlights of the day for me was after the meal. At this point a full set of bagpipes was passed around the guests for them all to have a go. It was great fun to watch, but I must admit to being a little relieved when they were back in the hands on an expert again!
After a fabulous meal it was back on to the Routemaster for the return to the bride and groom’s home. With the bagpipes still going strong we travelled back to their house in Harpenden where many more evening guests arrived and the partying went on long into the night.
As this wedding photographer set off back to London with a smile on her face and the sound of the pipes ringing in her ears, it was lovely to look back on another delightful wedding with another lovely couple.
