Kirsty & Michael’s wedding at Woburn Abbey & Woburn Safari Park, with an Elephant!
These two got to spend time with an elephant during their wedding reception…that is one amazing way to celebrate getting married!
I first met Kirsty at The Bluewater Wedding Fair and as she talked about their wedding it sounded like it would be such a fun day. As soon as she told me that they were not only getting married at the gorgeous Woburn Abbey but that they were having their reception at Woburn Safari Park and would get to spend some time with one of the elephants I was hooked. I love elephants, so the prospect of photographing one at a wedding was too good to miss.
It was an early start and an early ceremony time for Kirsty and Michaels Woburn Abbey and Safari Park wedding. Surrounded by her best friends and sister Kirsty got ready at the nearby Woburn Hotel. Soon it was time to leave and a lovely, laid back start to the day moved on to a calm and happy ceremony in the beautiful setting of the Sculpture Gallery at Woburn Abbey. At the end of the simple ceremony, Kirsty and Michael were announced as husband and wife. Big beaming smiles and cuddles showed just how happy they were to be married. The first part of the reception was at the Sculpture Gallery. While their guests chatted and drank tea and coffee (it was still pretty early by this point) we took a wander around the grounds of the Abbey for a few photos. Before long it was time for the reception part two and to head to Woburn Safari Park.
The reception at the Safari park is held in the Safari Lodge. The building overlooks the lake and the Desert Springs area, which is where the Meerkats live. As the guests arrived, drinks were served and Kirsty and Michael made their entrance. The couple had chosen a barbeque for their wedding meal, which was cooked outside on the veranda. The whole feel of the day was really informal and friendly and their choice of venue and food just added to that. The decorations were simple and pretty with the main focal point being an awesome cake by Choccywoccydoodah. After the meal, it was time for speeches. Some heartfelt words from Michael and kind words from Kirsty’s dad were followed by speeches by Michael’s two best men. This was the time for laughs and some serious embarrassment on Michael’s part!
After the speeches, the guests mingled and it was time for Kirsty, Michael and I to go and meet the elephant. This was the most wonderful experience. I’m not sure who was most excited, me or Kirsty and Michael! While they stood close and fed her bananas I took photos of the whole thing, a really special moment for everyone. When it was time to go we took a wander down towards the Meerkats and the lake to get a few final photos. When we returned the magician they had hired had arrived and he was soon entertaining the guests. Some of Kirsty and Michael’s friends and family took to the dance floor and it wasn’t long before the DJ started and the dance floor filled, with some serious moves being pulled.
It was a beautiful evening with the sun setting over the lake and I took the opportunity for a few more photos of the couple with the gorgeous golden hour light. It was a real pleasure to capture Kirsty and Michael’s wedding, such a lovely, laid back and relaxed wedding day…with an elephant!
Suppliers
Venue – Woburn Abbey and Woburn Safari Park
Wedding dress – Ellis Bridal from Mia Sposa
Hair and Makeup – Samantha Norman
Cake – Choccywoccydoodah
I hope you have enjoyed this Woburn Abbey and Safari Park wedding (with an elephant special guest)! You can check out this beautiful boho outdoor wedding at South Farm for another wedding where animals made an appearance!
Thanks for popping by
Fiona x
