I couldn’t have been more excited about this wedding back in August. Not only was it third time lucky for this couple (thanks covid), but it was a wedding in a wood. I LOVE the outdoors so to have a woodland wedding was an absolute dream. I knew of Lila’s Wood near Wiggington and Hastoe in Hertfordshire, but there’s no public access so I was really excited to finally see it, and to be able to photograph this absolutely magical wedding venue.
Natalie and Phil had been due to get married in June 2020, and ended up postponing. It was all for the best though, as during the pandemic they had their second child so they were able to have their 3 year old son AND 1 year old daughter at their wedding.
I started the day at the couple’s house to capture Natalie getting ready with her 4 bridesmaids. Phil was doing his prep down the road too so I popped to see him and help with the buttonholes (all part of the service!). Having a very natural wedding, Natalie chose to go with entirely seasonal flowers – bouquets for all the ladies of course and Natalie had the most stunning floral crown too. Olivia from Wetherly did the most amazing job. Natalie also had the most awesome Converse trainers so she would be as comfy as possible in the woods – embroidered with flowers and beads, what’s not to love!
The ceremony itself was intimate and personal. Performed by Humanist celebrant, Nat Raybould, the children were invloved in ‘signing’ the marriage certificate with their painted handprints, there was a ring blessing, and even a sing along! With baby Jude needing a cuddle at the start and Nate wondering around freely it was the most beautiful and relaxed family affair.
After the ceremony it was of course time to party! A rustic barbeque followed and great speeches, including from the bride and no less than two best men (one of whom I used to do a paper round with, talk about a small world!). After the first dance we were lucky enough to get a glorious sunset so I snuck off with the bride and groom for some golden hour couple portraits in the adjacent fields by Tring Park – what an end to a perfect day!
Venue – Woodland Weddings
Florals – Wetherly
Hair and Make Up – Story Hair and Make Up
Celebrant – Nat Raybould
Bridesmaid Dresses – Rewritten Bridesmaids
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