Gorgeous rustic wedding at Offley Place in Hertfordshire
The weather was wonderfully warm and sunny for a day in late September. A perfect Autumnal day for Liz & Dan’s pretty, rustic wedding at Offley Place in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. I arrived a little early to have a wander around the venue, take some photos of the place and enjoy some sunshine and calm before the main event kicked off.
Liz arrived at Offley Place with hair and make up all done and ready to get into her dress and do the final touches before the ceremony. While she was upstairs in one of the large bedrooms, Dan and the guests arrived and made their way into the glass-roofed conservatory. I was really taken with this room, the open brickwork, the glass ceiling and light streaming in from the windows made it feel like the outside was brought in. A really lovely space for a wedding ceremony.
A slightly nervous Liz got into her dress and after final makeup, touches was ready to go. Her beautiful sparkly heels were carried by her bridesmaid as she made her way barefoot down the elegant staircase, cautious of a wobble with high heels while negotiating the stairs!
Dan was waiting at the end of the aisle as first Liz’s sister walked down and then Liz and her Dad made their way to the front of the room. The happy couple stood side by side under the flower arch and said their vows to each other in a wonderful and emotional ceremony. A kiss and an air punch from Liz marked the moment they were announced as husband and wife…a brilliant way to celebrate the moment!
As the couple walked back down the aisle together they were swept into one of the rooms for a private moment and a glass of champagne. Their guests were escorted outside and primed with confetti, ready for the couple to make their grand entrance and mark the start of the afternoon’s celebrations. It was one of those perfect afternoons, where the sun was shining and it was warm enough to be outside basking, but not so hot that it was uncomfortable. Everyone grabbed drinks, found a sunny spot and started catching up and chattering. Towards the end of the reception Liz, Dan and I took a wander around the grounds for a few photos. There are so many lovely spots around Offley Place. The gated garden is very pretty and a picturesque spot, while the hotel itself offers a lovely backdrop with the dark red and rust coloured ivy climbing across the walls.
Soon it was time for the meal and then the speeches. Plenty more emotional moments followed, with happy tears and plenty of laughter. They had created such a pretty room with beautiful flowers in whites and greens, rustic touches with hessian runners and lots of lovely little details on the tables. Dan being a Star Wars fan, the cake was a subtle tribute to the films with Han Solo & Princess Leia figures on top and a little Ewok poking his head out the bottom of the cake. I always love little touches like this, things that make the day and the style of the day very personal to the couple.
After the speeches, I whisked Liz & Dan off for a few more photos. As the sun dropped we got the most beautiful sunset for a few short moments, but happy moments that we could take advantage of. I always love the early evening portrait time, as with most couples by this time Liz & Dan were relaxed and happy to have a few moments together away from the hustle and bustle of the day.
We got back in time for the first dance and after a few moments of dancing together, they were joined by the guests on the dance floor. The music soon turned more fast-paced and the dance floor filled with some very enthusiastic dancers! Including Dan doing his very best Mick Jagger impression. I left the couple with their guests having a lot of fun dancing the night away and making the most of the quirky photo booth they had hired as extra evening entertainment. As I made my way to the car I spotted their final surprise… a fish & chip van. All ready to serve the evening buffet, a great way to end a night!
It was such a pleasure to photograph Liz & Dan’s wedding at Offley Place. A laid back, happy day with gorgeous rustic style and two of the loveliest people.
Suppliers
Venue – Offley Place
Hair & Makeup – Vicky Brown
Brides dress – Phil Collins from Emma Elizabeth Bridal in Twickenham
Grooms suit – Clifford Burr
Florist – Ellie at Wild Ivy Flowers
Cake – made by Grooms mum and decorated by family friend Leona Newman
DJ – Global Hire DJ
Hope you have enjoyed this wedding. If you are looking for inspiration for you Hertfordshire wedding take a browse through Caroline & Simon’s fabulous Hatfield House wedding in Hertfordshire.
Thanks for popping by
Fiona x
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