Same Sex Wedding Photographer Hertfordshire

St Michael's Manor Wedding Photographer

Nick & James had not one, but two ceremonies in one day. Choosing to have their legal ceremony in an intimate, wood panelled room with just three guests (plus their two dogs, of course!). And then walking straight into their big, colourful, music-fulled humanist ceremony in the orangery at St Michael's Manor. I loved this, they had a private moment to do the legal bit and then a celebrant-led ceremony with all their guests that looked exactly how they wanted.

Humanist Wedding Hertfordshire

Let's talk about this ceremony for a moment. Not only did they walk down the aisle together with their beautiful dogs, but, before they even appeared, secret gospel singers appeared from seats between guests to sing their entrance number. The ceremony was punctuated with more live singing, more dogs, lots of personal vows and a truly touching clip of Ian McKellen reading 'Dear Mama' from 'More Tales of the City'. I'm largely immune to crying at weddings now (or I'm good at tuning my heart out during the emotional bits), but, this one got the tears flowing.

100% Documentary Wedding Photographer

Speaking of this music-filled wedding, Nick is a teacher and had his schools jazz band playing during the drinks reception. They were amazing and only a little scuppered by the breeze blowing their sheet music across the conservatory every five minutes. The grooms also had a first dance with a musical flair - a Moulin Rouge first dance, complete with spinning beneath confetti.

Nick and James wanted no posed photos! You read that right...not a single couple portrait or family photo. Now, I enjoy taking some (speedy and not-cheesy) posed photos. But, being able to capture this wedding 100% documentary style was amazing. It was just all people having fun, laughing and dogs. Not sure if I mentioned the dogs in the last few seconds...!

OK, let me talk about the dogs for a moment! Now, we all know I love a wedding dog. Nick and James had their two dogs as guests of honour, complete with beautiful floral garlands. One of my absolute favourite photos from the day is the couple dancing, with the dogs in their arms, as the gospel choir sang during the register signing. Us pet people know there's nothing better than dancing with your pets. But, not only did they have their dogs there, but, their guests also brought their dogs. It made the reception feel like a glorious, laidback garden party, with everyone chatting in the sun, with their dogs snuffling around the beautiful grounds of St Michael's Manor.

NICE PEOPLE (CREDITS)

Photographer - Hannah Mia Photography

Venue - St Michael's Manor

Florist - Flower Box St Albans

Gospel Choir - Big Gospel Choir

Celebrant - Dawn Rees

Evening Food - Peddling Pizza