After working mainly as a wedding photographer for several years, I now devote most of my time to family photography. I do however still love to photograph a select number of weddings every year. When I was asked about this one at North Hill Farm a couple of years ago I just couldn’t say no. It sounded like it was going to be fun from beginning to end!
Rosie and Chris were planning to marry at North Hill Farm. It really is one of the most stunning settings for a wedding I’ve ever seen, located in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. It’s so picturesque it’s hard to believe it’s only a few minutes drive away from the M25.
Rain, rain, go away……
Early in August I met up with Rosie, who was getting ready at the Bedford Arms Hotel, just down the road from the Farm. I love this time in the wedding day. I love the excitement of the preparations, the laughter and merriment from the bridesmaids, the whole day stretching out ahead. It’s a truly special time. On this particular day there was a lot of talk of the weather, which was threatening storms. Rosie and Chris were hoping to have an outdoor service at North Hill Farm so rain was the last thing we needed. We were all checking the weather forecast every few minutes and it was decided, quite last minute, to throw caution to the wind and keep the wedding service outside. So it was all fingers crossed that the storm missed Chorleywood!
Once Rosie was ready she was driven on the coolest motorbike I’ve ever seen to the Farm. Chris was waiting nervously with his four best men (yes four!) and family and friends were waiting excitedly for the service. It was a wonderful sight with some of the guests perched on bales of hay.
Perfect, dramatic and dry ceremony!
The service was nothing short of magical. Rosie & Chris had written their own special, very moving vows. And the weather was wonderful, if not slightly dramatic. The skies were stunning – the blue sky was dotted with swirling clouds and we could literally see the storm passing by. Not one drop of rain fell during the service, although the wind grew stronger towards the end and threatened to remove Rosie’s veil at one point!
After the beautiful service it was on to drinks, canapés and group shots. After this Rosie and Chris made their way back to the Bedford Arms for a civil service with close family.
The wedding breakfast took place in huge tepees which had been beautifully decorated by Chris and his friends. Then it was on to some hilarious speeches by the groom, the bride and her father and all four best men. And then the party really got going with Top of the Pops themed dancing.
The whole day and setting of this wedding were unforgettable and Rosie and Chris were truly delightful. It made me really happy to have returned to being a wedding photographer again.
