A Candid Cromwell Hotel & Flava Bar Wedding | Stevenage Photographer
When Alex and Lee told me they were neighbours living just two doors down from each other, I knew their story was something special. Their friendship evolved into an undeniable romance, culminating in an incredible Cromwell Hotel Stevenage wedding that spanned three iconic local spots. Ultimately, my job was to capture the photos of their day exactly as it happened. Therefore, I focused on a documentary approach to preserve the genuine, unfiltered energy of their celebration.
Getting Ready for a Cromwell Hotel Stevenage Wedding
The wedding morning kicked off at The Cromwell Hotel in Old Stevenage. Undoubtedly, this historic estate once home to Oliver Cromwell’s secretary set a stunning backdrop for our early photography. Meanwhile, the bridal suite transformed into a hub of glamorous anticipation. Because Alex loves a dramatic aesthetic, I was ready to capture some epic wedding photos when she finally revealed her dress.
She completely delivered. Surprisingly, the gown was a brilliant Vinted find that fit her perfectly. With its sweetheart neckline and dreamy layers of tulle, the photos of her in that dress look like pure royalty. Consequently, against the rich, historic woodwork of the hotel, every photo of her and her emerald-clad bridesmaids was a wedding photography dream.
A Heartwarming First Look & Royal Transport
Before leaving the hotel, we arranged a first look with her dad. Honestly, capturing the raw emotion in a wedding photo during these moments is exactly why I love shooting candid photography. His reaction was incredibly moving; in fact, I had to wipe a sneaky tear from behind my camera.
Once outside, it was clear this wasn’t going to be standard transport. Instead, Alex secured a breathtaking glass pumpkin carriage drawn by two white horses. Naturally, taking photos of this royal arrival through the streets of Stevenage was an unforgettable experience.
Dream Lighting at St. Nicholas Church
Despite a slight delay getting into her spectacular gown, her entrance at St. Nicholas Church was worth every second. As a wedding photographer, this church is an absolute dream, particularly because the natural lighting falls so beautifully across the aisle. Furthermore, shooting with my favourite Sigma 85 1.4 lens made everything click into place, offering some of the most striking architectural framing for the ceremony photos.
As she walked down the aisle, Lee was entirely captivated. Ultimately, capturing his mesmerised expression under that historic ceiling is a standout moment of the entire wedding photography collection.
Unfiltered Moments at Flava Bar
Following a joyous confetti toss outside the church, the party moved to Flava Bar for the reception. First, the bouquet toss perfectly immortalised the competitive spirit of the single ladies in the photos. Later, the champagne flowed, and the couple shared a wildly passionate first dance, providing some incredibly spirited wedding photography.
Then came the cake. Generally speaking, warm rooms and tiered cakes can be a risky mix. As a result of the heat inside Flava Bar, the cake began to visibly sweat and lean, turning the cake-cutting photo into a hilarious memory. Alex took one bite, looked right at the guests and my camera lens, and bluntly declared, “Nope. That’s not it!” Undeniably, that kind of unfiltered realness makes for the absolute best candid wedding photos.
Night Photos on the Streets of Stevenage
The night wasn’t over yet. Soon after, Alex changed into a spectacular sequin and ostrich-feather evening dress, dropping Lee’s jaw all over again. Therefore, we took the photography out into the streets outside the venue for some vibrant, dynamic night photos.
The energy of the wedding party under the streetlights was electric. Whenever you are documenting a lively celebration, these spontaneous street sessions result in the perfect final photos to cap off an incredible day of wedding photography.
Are you planning a local Stevenage or Hertfordshire wedding? If you want a photographer who captures the unfiltered, hilarious, and beautiful reality of your day, get in touch via my contact page to check my availability.
For couples who LOVE epic photography, but absolutely HATE being posed.
Venue: https://cromwellstevenage.co.uk/
Glass Pumpkin carriage: https://www.towniescarriagehire.co.uk/
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