Craft & Cleaver St Albans Wedding

Charis & Craig's wedding was one of those super untraditional celebrations, that took place in a venue that isn't officially a wedding venue. Enter The Craft & Cleaver in St Albans, a smokehouse moments away from the high-street.

The Craft & Cleaver held special significance for Chris and Craig, who moved in together during lockdown and looked forward to their special meals from there during those bizarre times.

St Albans Registry Office Wedding Photographer

The wedding kicked off at an old favourite, St Albans Registry Office. Charis arrived in style, her beautiful and unusual dress, with touches of green and gold blew me away...and her bridespeople in green matched perfectly.

Unsurprisingly, the ceremony was full of laughter. These two didn't stop beaming all day - so much so that it was a real challenge narrowing down their photos because basically every single one featured a massive smile.

Craft & Cleaver St Albans Wedding Photographer

It was then a quick drive down the road to the Craft & Cleaver, with all its wood panels, neon and copious amounts of meat (help my little vegetarian heart!).

Craig & Charis did some wedding things I absolutely love - firstly, they chose a venue they loved with food they were really excited about and a self-created playlist so the music was first class (you've got to say that in an Alan Partridge voice otherwise it's a ridiculous compliment). They had their speeches standing by the bar with everyone gathered around them - this set up for speeches is maybe my favourite...not that there's anything wrong with sitting at a table, but, everyone bunched up together close to the speaker is just lovely and intimate.

I want to take a moment to talk about the wedding cake. The most leaningest cake I've ever seen. The story goes that Craig and Charis didn't realise it was supposed to go in the fridge so it started to bend as it melted, then put it in the freezer so it would solidify in its slanting position. They claimed it looked like the Sorting Hat. We watched with bated breath as they cut the cake...and I was poised for my first ever collapsing cake photo in my long career. But, the little cake that could held up to their slicing and the room erupted. I'll pretend I wasn't mildly disappointed that I wasn't getting my toppling cake photo.

After the formalities, came Rock'n'roll bingo, hosted by a surprise drag queen. Yes, one of the groomsmen appeared to host the bingo in full drag. While I was too busy snapping away to play along, I was still having loads of fun recognising each song...and watching all the perplexed faces.

And, of course, they closed out with a first dance and some dance floor time before round two of bingo commenced.

These two and their guests were just the most fun, I adored this wedding. On with the photos...!

NICE PEOPLE (CREDITS)

Photographer - Hannah Mia Photography

Ceremony Venue - St Albans Registry Office

Reception Venue - Craft & Cleaver

Florist - The Little Flower Company

Wedding Dress - Bridal Reloved, Shrewsbury

Hair - Trinder Hair Studios

Make up - Bare Minerals

Suits - Waterers

Wedding Cake - Ole & Steen