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Bride's veil blows in wind at Hanbury Manor wedding Hertfordshire

Hanbury Manor Wedding Photographers

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, Wedding Venues2 Comments

It is always a pleasure as a Hanbury Manor wedding photographer to return to one of Hertfordshire’s best wedding venues.

Wedding couple in big deckchair at Hanbury Manor

It’s a large well maintained and pretty venue, with great grounds and excellent staff to match.

Wedding couple laugh in gardens of Hanbury Manor

When Yui and Mark booked us last year I was excited to hear of their plans and wise choice of venue.

Bride getting makeup for Hanbury Manor wedding day

Before the big day itself we had a great chance to get to know each other a little better with a lovely engagement shoot on central London’s Southbank, and then on to the Tower Bridge and Butlers Wharf areas.

Groom gets ready in mirror for Hanbury Manor wedding

The wedding day itself started with us capturing Yui and her bridesmaids preparations, and also friends and staff as they set up the ceremony and receptions rooms too. Mark and his best man arrived shortly after to check everything was going to plan and of course to meet and greet friends and family.

Wedding ceremony at Hanbury Manor wide shot

I particularly appreciated the fantastic floral arrangements of blossom trees used for both the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and the lanterns and origami birds on the place settings.

Wedding recessional at Hanbury Manor photo

One of the wonderful benefits of a wedding day at Hanbury Manor is the chance to use their magnificent Poles Hall as a venue for the wedding ceremony. This former chapel is very grand and even has it’s own minstrels gallery! It looked truly beautiful decked out in the bride and groom’s choice of blossoms. The manor itself is a grade II listed building which is mainly Victorian, but the history of dwellings on the site starts all the way back in the sixteeneth century.

Confetti throw at Hanbury Manor wedding day

After a lovely ceremony and then confetti throw in the courtyard of Hanbury we did some family photos and the usual reportage of the drinks reception, before zooming off on a golf buggy to create some couple shots around the grounds of the manor, which is also has a very popular golf course.

Bride and groom in daffodils at Hanbury Manor Wedding

We were back in good time for the couple’s grand entrance for their wedding breakfast in the Thundridge Suite. After speeches and cutting of the cake it was time for Yui and Mark’s first dance, and as a photographer I always appreciate a good confetti cannon explosion right in the middle of one!

Wedding couple walking in Hanbury Manor walled garden

I stayed to capture some good old boogeying on down, as well as the tossing of the bouquet and Yui’s wedding garter.

Hole in the wall wedding at Hanbury Manor

All in all a fantastic day for these two lovebirds and their Hanbury Manor wedding photographers.

Confetti cannon explodes during Hambury Manor wedding first dance

By David Green

Poles Hall Hanbury Manor ready for wedding ceremony photo

Here’s a peek at the couples pre wedding shoot: London Engagement shoot at Southbank and Tower Bridge again

Here’s a little September 2018 update, we’ve just received this fantastic and detailed review from Yui and Mark on google Plus with a blog post about it here:

Another 5 star review for David and Joanna – thank you!!!

And here is the screen grab and text:

September google review for Big Day Weddings photographers

From Google Reviews:

“Big Day Weddings was hands down one of the best choices we made when it came to suppliers for our wedding. We’d done a lot of research and searched high and low – both online and offline – for photographers whose work we liked and that we knew we would feel comfortable working with. It was quite by accident that we discovered David and Joanna, and oh boy did they fit the bill! We actually came across them via a highly complimentary online review from a couple whose wedding they’d shot, and who had also used the videographers that we ended up using. We decided to contact Big Day Weddings as we thought it would be a nice idea to have a team of photographers and videographers who’d worked together before. They’d also gotten great feedback from previous clients, their prices were reasonable and they offered a range of affordable packages that fit what we were looking for. Our decision was cemented the moment we got on the phone and spoke to David. He’s genuinely friendly and approachable and put us at ease immediately. He listened to our preferences, offered suggestions, and, as the big day approached, was happy to run through the programme to make sure everything would go smoothly. On our wedding day, both David and Joanna were absolutely wonderful, dealing with our guests, the venue staff, bridal party nerves, and everything in between, like complete pros. As for the wedding photos, they turned out BRILLIANTLY, and turnaround time was pretty quick. We were so impressed with the many beautiful images of us, our families, the guests, the venue, and all the key moments. In addition, David and Joanna had managed to capture many other little things that made up the day such as decor features, wedding memorabilia, and other details that so many people miss. As photographers, they are are highly skilled, talented, and experienced, but what sets them apart has to be their personalities and people skills….they are so amiable, funny, and fantastic to work with! Nervous in front of the camera, or not sure what to do? Have a difficult guest or two who hates having their picture taken? Then you NEED someone like David to shoot your wedding! He really knows what to say and do at the right moment, and how to bring out the best in people so that you will get the best shots possible. The shots they captured will serve as wonderful reminders of one of the best days of our lives. Big Day Weddings is the BEST: David and Joanna are absolute gems….a fab team, and truly one of a kind. Really chuffed to have worked with them….they have our highest recommendation!”

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Outdoor Jewish wedding ceremony at Shendish Manor

Shendish Manor wedding photographers, fun in the sun!

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London venues and events, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

Shendish Manor is another of Hertfordshire’s more grand locations worth considering for a couple’s special day.

Jewish Dancing at Shendish Manor wedding reception

As Shendish Manor wedding photographers we were pleased to provide images for their new wedding brochure which featured photos from Gemma and David’s big day described here in this blog post.

Wedding dress hanging at Shendish Manor

Bride dress and mirror Shendish Manor wedding

Shendish Manor caters for weddings of all faiths and nationalities, and Gemma and David’s wedding was a grand and stylish Jewish celebration.

Groom by mirror Shendish Manor Hotel

Groom laughs getting ready for Shendish Manor Hotel wedding

We had all been crossing fingers for rain free weather as their ceremony and ‘Chuppah’ (wedding canopy) was located splendidly and rather dramatically on the lawns at the back of Shendish. All told Shendish Manor actually has about 160 acres of gardens and parkland, so it’s huge!

Bridal makeup Shendish Manor wedding morning

Bride looks out of window at her Shendish Manor wedding

Those crossed fingers worked as it was a gloriously sunny day, all day.

Groomsmen walking to Shendish Manor wedding

Coverage started with Gemma and David’s preparations within the hotel, and their interactions with friends and family arriving and assisting.

Jewish-wedding-ceremony-at-Shendish-Manor-Hotel-gardensBride and groom kiss after Shendish Manor wedding

Following in typical Jewish wedding day tradition once bride and groom were ready David assembled with the male side of the family for his “Tish”. This is a chance for the groom to meet publicly with his rabbi, get advice, have a drink, and sign a pre wedding document know as a ‘ketubah’, basically a Jewish wedding contract.

Wedding couple by tree at Shendish Manor

Gemma meanwhile prepared in a separate room for her “Bedeken” which is a veiling ceremony whereby groom enters and checks that this really is his bride! This is usually with only close family and wedding party and in our experience is typically a touching and emotion affair too, as it the first time future man and wife see each on the day.

Wedding couple in grounds of Shendish ManorBride and groom kiss by tree Shendish Manor wedding

After this it was out into the rather warm sunshine for a beautiful ceremony conducted under their wedding ‘Chuppah’ which is the canopy that everything happens beneath, also good for shading from the sun!

The formal ceremony ended with the grooms breaking of the glass underfoot and the celebrations began in earnest.

After some family photos we spent time with the bride and groom in the immediate grounds of Shendish. We were on a tight timescale (nothing unusual there!) so we had about 25 minutes to create some special memories.

For the rest of the day along with the wedding breakfast, toasts and speeches there was plenty of Israeli dancing and enthusiastic boogying on down throughout the evening.

A memorable Shendish manor wedding day for sure, and one I know David and Gemma will always cherish.

By David Green

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couple laugh by tree at Fanhams Hall wedding in Hertfordshire

Great Hertfordshire wedding venues to consider for your ceremonies and receptions

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

When it comes to counties with great wedding venues for both ceremonies and receptions, few can beat Hertfordshire! The sheer range of quality and choice is almost overwhelming.

Whenever we are booked for a wedding, whether that is in the home counties or central London, we always make a point of asking which other venues couples had a look at. You could call it professional curiosity, or just plain nosey, but we love to know that people value and why!

Funky photo of wedding party at Fanhams Hall Hertfordshire

As far as this post is concerned we are going to concentrate solely on venues in Hertfordshire. We will post some photos we have taken in those places, and where relevant include links to previous articles and wedding days we have featured at them.

We have no vested interest in these suggestions as we don’t pay to be on anyones recommended supplier list. So many times in initial enquiries we hear a similar story, a couple quite naturally has checked out a venues list of preferred suppliers first and then cast their net wider perhaps unconvinced at what they find. Our experience from speaking to most venues is that if you pay them per year you will be featured, which is hardly an independent recommendation! Thank you to Google for making this optional for wedding photographers and brides and grooms to be 🙂

Ok so on to our personal take on some of the lovely Hertfordshire wedding venues we have worked at, and in no particular order:

Fanhams Hall

It is a rare couple looking for quality in Hertfordshire that will not have had Fanhams Hall on their bucket list of places to consider for their wedding. We have photographed there countless times, and whatever the weather have never ever had a dull day.

Confetti throw at Fanhams Hall wedding

Both inside and outside of Fanhams has so much depth and variety in terms of locations and ambience a good photographer is spoilt for choice. From wonderful themed gardens with fountains, walls, bridges and pagodas to elegant internal stair cases and grand receptions rooms and more. Don’t take the rather boring and old fashioned wedding albums on display there as too much indication of what can be achieved! Fanhams Hall as a premier Hertfordshire wedding venue never disappoints.

super wide shot at Fanhams Hall wedding

Take a look at a recent Fanhams Hall wedding from ourselves here: Fanhams Hall Wedding Photographers, with laughter love and fun in the sun!

and here too: Another fabulous Fanhams Hall wedding day in sunny Hertfordshire

Offley Place

Offley Place is a gem of a venue lying on the border of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. It has a lovely large conservatory dedicated for the provision of wedding ceremonies, which then gets turned around during the drinks reception ready for any ensuing wedding breakfast. The grounds are nice and mature with plenty of nooks and crannies for interesting photography, and the classic 17th century manor house interiors are also pretty for extras shots, or in case of inclement weather.

wedding couple on bench at Offley Place Hertfordshire

Here’s one of our wedding days at Offley on the blog: Offley Place wedding photography. It’s not London, it’s the Hertfordshire Bedfordshire border

Groom and best man at London wedding photo

Wedding recessional photo Offley Place

Shendish Manor

Shendish manor is a very versatile wedding venue, and is able to cater to both small and large numbers of guests. The last time we were there the large scale ceremony was held outside in the grounds, and the reception inside. The hotel itself is set in 160 acres of gardens and parkland, and of course it has it’s own golf course, a bonus for those addicted to the sport! Historically there has been a manor house on the site since the 1300’s with most of todays buildings dating from the early Victorian age.

Jewish dancing at Shendish Manor wedding reception

Outdoor Jewish wedding ceremony at Shendish Manor

Of course with so many venues in Hertfordshire this can never be a truly comprehensive list, but we just wanted to highlight some of our favourites. Other locations that we regularly photograph in that are worthy consideration are: West Lodge Park, Theobalds Park, Hatfield House, Knebworth House and barn, Brockett Hall and Moor Park.

Bride and groom kiss after Shendish Manor wedding

By David Green

Bride looks out of window at her Shendish Manor wedding

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Bride and groom at St Pauls Cathedral fisheye lens

London’s best wedding venues that are both iconic and alternative

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London Wedding Photographer, Wedding VenuesNo Comments

We feel pretty sure many an excited pair of hands has typed the words ‘London’s best wedding venues’ into a google search looking for inspiration and ideas for their big day. I know we did! After more than ten years as wedding photographers in and around the capital we’ve worked at a huge amount of them, so we feel qualified to give something of an inside view.

We have picked five of what we consider to be the best London wedding venues for both their iconic value, and also their quirkiness and ability to add an extra measure of “memorable” to your day.

London eye engagement photo silhouette

We have not been paid anything to favour any particular venue, or received favours in return, and what may also be obvious but is worth stating, is that what may be the “best” for one couple and their families may not be right for another. We’ve also added a sixth recommendation as a wild-card.

Of course there is nothing wrong in picking a classic London Hotel venue such as The Dorchester, Savoy or Claridges for a wedding day, or more boutique hotels such as The Goring or Brown’s. We photograph at these all the time, and they are all great in themselves. So too are dedicated venues and manor houses, golf retreats and the like around the home counties. However the focus of this article is fantastic alternatives around central London.

So here we go, in no particular order, and with our wild-card choice at the end. All photos are ours, with relevant links to previous posts by ourselves from wedding days there.

The Official London Eye

Opened on the very last day of the previous millennium, 31st December 1999, the London Eye has quickly become one of the most iconic and visited sites on the capital’s skyline. Standing at a height of 135 metres it is an unbelievably imposing piece of architecture leaning over the Thames on the Southbank. Great news is that its capsules are licensed to host civil wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions.

London Eye wedding photographers coca cola kiss photo

For a couple planning their wedding on the wheel they can expect VIP treatment and personal coordinators to look after their every need. Proceedings usually start with the wedding party assembling in the Eye Lounge across the way for some champagne and nibbles, and then when the time comes a fast track escort to their private capsule.

Bride and groom walking to their London Eye Wedding ceremony

The inside with be decorated with flowers, and registrars will be there waiting to greet you. For the first cycle of the wheel the wedding ceremony and register signing will commence. For a second cycle its time for a traditional drinks reception. We have absolutely loved every wedding we have photographed on the London Eye, and of course so have all the brides and grooms! You don’t get much more memorable than this.

Here is a recent wedding there from the blog: London Eye Wedding Photographers Time Out Recommended

London Zoo Weddings

Probably no one has photographed more London Zoo weddings than we have. One of the many great things about a big day at the zoo is that you have a choice of venues for both the ceremony and reception. For larger gatherings there is the Prince Albert Suite which can cater for between 80 to 240 guests. For a more intimate affair there’s the Mappin Pavilion for groups of between 45 to 80.

London Zoo wedding photographers couple outside Reptile House image

The catering and general service from the staff is absolutely excellent, some of the best we have ever experienced. As part of their packages your wedding party can have free time around the zoo to explore between the drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts, and you can build in extra experience such as time with meerkats, or exclusive access to the wonderful carousel. Come rain or shine there is always plenty to see, do and photograph.

London Zoo wedding at the penguin pool

Check out our latest London Zoo wedding on the blog here: London Zoo Wedding Photographers Time Out Recommended

Weddings at Lord’s Cricket Ground

Fun group shot at Lords Cricket Ground Wedding

We don’t think you necessarily have to be a cricket fan to enjoy a wedding day at one of England’s most famous and historic sporting grounds. It has everything you need for a fantastic day, from a grand and elegant ceremony in the famous Long Room, to excellent service and various locations for your drinks receptions. Guests can take a fascinating tour onsite of the history of cricket, and there are plenty of areas for photo opportunities. Depending on the size and requirements for your wedding breakfast you can have The Long Room turned around, or walk over to the nearby dedicated Thomas Lord Suite to eat and then party the night away in style.

Wedding ceremony longroom Lords

Read about our latest Lord’s Cricket Ground wedding here: Another great wedding at Lord’s Cricket Ground

Tower Bridge Weddings

Tower Bridge is probably about as iconic as you can get if you think “London.” Since it’s completion in 1894 it has come to be a symbol of the power and beauty of the capital. The wonderful news of course is that you can get both your wedding ceremony and reception on there, with a choice of  locations, all of which we have of course photographed in.

Tower Bridge wedding ceremony photo

The main venue is the North Tower Lounge, with the ability to use the walkways for yourselves and guests too. There is a special bonus for the wedding couple and their photographer, in that they can go right to the top of the tower and photograph on the parapets with it’s great views across The Tower of London and the Thames. It certainly gives me a nice dose of vertigo everytime!

Wedding couple inside Tower Bridge

You can choose the Victorian Engine Rooms for a wonderfully quirky and alternative reception too.

And from the blog here is a typical Tower Bridge wedding: Tower Bridge Wedding – The inside story

Weddings at The Gherkin

Modern chic and very tall, a wedding at The Gherkin, or 30 St Mary Axe as it is also known, is as unforgettable as the fabulous building itself. Run by Searcy’s, your ceremony will be surrounded by glass steel and incredible views of London that literally have to be seen to be believed.

London Gherkin wedding kiss black and white image

Every time we work there it feels like an honour, what it must feel like for a bride and groom must be truly incredible. Never mind that you are marrying the love of your life, just a glance out of the window at the same time is guaranteed to provoke an extra sense of awe! Impeccable service and attention to detail comes as standard there, and epic is pretty much the name of the game at The Gherkin.

London_Gherkin_wedding_photographer

Here’s an example from the blog once again: Gherkin Wedding Photographer

Well there you have our top five picks for London’s Best Wedding Venues, but we wanted to add in an outside wild-card too, because this place is so alternative and quirky it is absolutely definitely worth a look and some research in your wedding planning.

Here it is:

Islington Metal Works weddings

Tucked away behind Angel station in north London is a hidden wedding venue gem in the shape of Islington’s Metal Works. It’s not famous in the sense of the other wedding venues, but what it lacks in fame it makes up for in terms of character quirkiness and sense of fun. Surprise surprise it used to me a metal works, but now it’s a music and event venue and has great spaces for your drinks reception and wedding breakfast. Guaranteed to be memorable, we urge you to consider it if you are looking for something a little different from the norm.

Bridesmaids sit on tank again at London Islington wedding day image

Read about a typical wedding there on the link here: Islington Metal Works wedding day starting at Hampstead’s St Stephen’s church

Couple photo from Islington Metal Works wedding

couple's first dance at Islington Metalworks wedding

Well we hope that was helpful! Feel free to get in touch.

By David Green

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Essenden Country Club wedding photographers couple shot

Another lovely Google review from an Essendon Country Club wedding day

By Barnet Wedding Photographers, London Wedding Photographers, Wedding VenuesOne Comment

Thank you so much Zoe and Marina for your lovely google review, after your fabulous Essendon Country Club wedding. Working on your storybook album this week 🙂

Review and full text below:

“Thank you so much to David and Joanna for capturing our special day. One of the main reasons we chose to go with David and Joanna was their ability and talent to capture the moment and use the lighting in a way we saw no one else do. Believe me we carried out our research and Big Day Weddings was our first choice. We had a great time getting to know them both and David kept us laughing all the way through the day. We highly recommend Big Day Weddings to capture your special day in the most uniquely beautiful way.”

By David Green

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