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Stunning, just stunning!
This is the only word I can think of to describe Hannah & Rob’s wedding at the incredible Ashridge House, Berkhamstead! This former home to Henry VIII and Elizabeth I is a truly magnificent backdrop for any wedding, especially with the very grand, galleried staircase leading to the Main Hall.
The Preparations
Hannah’s day started with bridal preparations with her 3 bridesmaids, including her sister Victoria and her Flower Girl Annie. As this wedding took place during Covid restrictions the girls had to do their own makeup and their hairstylist had to wear a mask, but this didn’t detract from the lovely light atmosphere as they got ready for the day. Hannah’s dress was very stylish and the bridesmaids, Grecian-style dresses were in soft lilac, matching the flowers beautifully. Annie kept herself busy playing games on her iPad and drinking hot chocolate with a spoon.
The boys, meanwhile, were getting ready upstairs in a large wood-panelled room with an amazing view of the grounds. Rob and his groomsmen dressed very smartly in matching grey suits with brown shoes.
The Main Hall
The rather unique thing about Ashridge House is that couples get married on the stairs which creates a lovely stage in the Main Hall for the guests to watch the Ceremony. Shortly before the Ceremony, the 2 groomsmen, Best Man, 2 Bridesmaids, Annie and Rob all gathered by the stairs with Izzy the Events Manager to run through the Ceremony. Everyone stood in the place they would be for the Ceremony and there was a quick run through the Order of Service.
Rachel of ‘Rachel Morgan Wedding Flowers’ was busy decorating the large mantelpiece and staircase with fresh lilac coloured rhododendrons heads and white roses which gave a beautiful scent and really added to the grandeur of the day.
The Ceremony
As Hannah was finishing getting ready, her dad came in to greet her and lead her into the Ceremony down the main staircase which was lined each side with the groomsmen and bridesmaids and Rob waiting for her in the middle. This looked really magical, like a scene in a beautiful romantic film! Micha, one of Rob’s Groomsmen, gave a reading from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Hannah’s dad read a poem called ‘Wild Awake’ by Hilary T Smith.
After the Ceremony, the 21 guests formed 2 lines in the main hall for a lovely indoor confetti shot as the newly weds left the Ceremony room. Then it was drinks outside on the terrace followed by photos in the grounds.
The Gardens
As there is a lovely fountain in the Formal Gardens this was a great place for the guests to gather around for an aerial shot which worked really well (especially for social distancing). Later on, we ‘borrowed’ Hannah & Rob to walk around the gardens for some portrait photos and visit a lovely arch in the hedgerow that they wanted to be photographed under. We then discovered on the other side of this arch was a highly scented and very pretty Rose Garden with an even bigger, rose-covered arch which made for a beautiful backdrop for photos too.
As this wedding was literally the day before Wedding Receptions (up to 30 people) were allowed again we will continue photographing and filming Hannah & Rob’s wedding later this year.
Venue: Ashridge House, Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire
Flowers: Rachel Morgan Wedding Flowers
If you’d like us to be your Ashridge House Wedding Photographer, please