When a couple tells me their wedding day vibe is “fun”… listen, you know I’m already packing my camera and party spirit. That’s basically my love language. So when Naomi and Nigel said they wanted a relaxed, joyful day surrounded by loved ones, I knew this was going to be a wedding I’d be talking about for a long time (and not just to my dog, either).
These two? They didn’t just plan a wedding; they planned an experience. And lucky me, I got to be their photographer for the day! Capturing the laughter, the tears (yes, including mine), and everything in between.
Getting Ready at the Gorgeous Letchworth Hall Hotel
The day kicked off at Letchworth Hall Hotel, a stunning 17th-century manor house turned hotel. Built in 1620, it’s the kind of place you half expect to bump into a ghost or at least a very well-dressed history buff. But instead of ghosts, we had a bridal party of legends getting ready in a suite roomy enough for hair, makeup, dresses, snacks, suppliers (hi!), and a bit of a dance break or two.
Naomi had her matron of honour, three bridesmaids, and her flower girl with her, and they were all so chilled you’d think they were getting ready for brunch, not a wedding. I mean it Zen-level chilled.
A few weeks before the big day, Naomi had mentioned (with a cheeky little smile) that her dress was “a bit different.” As a photographer, I live for those kinds of surprises. So when I walked into the room and spotted it hanging off the wardrobe, my excitement went up faster than a cork out of prosecco.
I relocated it to a majestic carved wooden mantlepiece because this dress? It deserved its moment.
It was a brilliant white off-the-shoulder number with navy blue sequin flowers scattered across the bodice and skirt like a starry night sky. Honestly, it was giving couture energy, absolutely stunning and utterly Naomi. (Shout out to [Bridal Dress Company Link] for such a unique masterpiece.)
Naomi herself was as chilled as a mojito in the shade. Nothing rattled her. Her bridal party followed suit, supportive, sparkly, and probably low-key professional hype women.
And then came the chariot.
Yep, a 1966 retro VW campervan, polished to perfection and accessorised with adorable vintage touches. It was the kind of vehicle you’d expect to see at a beach wedding in Malibu, and it looked incredible parked outside Letchworth Hall.
But before we zoomed off, we squeezed in a very special moment, a first look with Naomi’s dad. We sat him down (comfort first!) and when he saw his daughter in that incredible dress… well, let’s just say the tears came faster than you can say “I forgot my tissues.” A beautiful, emotional moment between a proud dad and his radiant daughter.
A Woodland Wedding to Remember
Now, if you could bottle wedding vibes, Naomi and Nigel’s ceremony would be labelled “Chilled Happiness with a Hint of Sentiment”.
Their ceremony took place in the heart of a woodland venue that sits snugly between Hitchin and Letchworth, and wow, what a spot. We’re talking haybales, a marquee, garden games, and that village fête energy that just screams “good times incoming.”
Decorated in stunning blue and white floral arrangements (courtesy of the amazing [Florist Link Here]) with matching ribbons hanging from the archway, the setting was nothing short of magical.
Nigel, waiting patiently, was visibly nervous (as any groom would be), but the man was a trooper. Despite the butterflies, his face lit up the second he saw Naomi. And let me tell you when she stepped down that aisle? You could hear the collective gasp from the trees. It was one of those “every romcom has led to this moment” kind of walks.
The ceremony itself was split into two parts: a celebrant-led legal ceremony followed by a beautiful religious blessing by their pastor. Vows were exchanged, tears were shed (yes, mine again), and even the pastor couldn’t hold back a little sniffle. We were all puddles, and proud of it.
Then came the confetti shower, a whirlwind of colour, laughter, and that “just married” glow that can’t be faked. The joy was palpable. After a quick celebratory drink (hydration is key, folks), we headed off for couple portraits.
Portraits, Campervans & a Swing Set Surprise
We took full advantage of the venue’s rustic charm, a stroll through the trees, some campervan glamour shots, and even a spontaneous go on the garden swing. Nigel’s sons were on hand to give the couple a cheeky push, creating a moment full of giggles and, thankfully, zero injuries.
It’s those unscripted moments, the laughter, the playful shoves, the “oh no, my shoe’s stuck in the grass!” that truly bring wedding photos to life.
Feasting, Speeches, Ice Cream Dreams & That Bouquet Game-Changer
Soon enough, it was time to feast and feast they did. The wedding breakfast was a buzzing, emotional rollercoaster with heartfelt speeches, thoughtful thank-you gifts, and a few more happy tears (because why not?).
And then… the ice cream van arrived.
Not just any ice cream van, a gorgeous retro number that had guests lining up like kids on the last day of school. Worth. Every. Second.
With full bellies and sugar highs kicking in, the lawn games picked up again, kids ran wild in the best possible way, and the whole place felt like the happiest summer camp ever.
Then Naomi changed the game with her non-traditional bouquet toss, a genius idea. Instead of throwing it over her shoulder, each single guest grabbed a ribbon attached to the bouquet. Naomi slowly snipped them away, one by one, until the last ribbon left revealed the winner. It was tense. It was dramatic. It was genius. And the lucky lady looked absolutely delighted (and maybe slightly terrified).
Cutting the Cake & Dancing Into the Night
The cake? Three-tiered beauty with real pressed flowers, practically edible art. After a joyful cut (no cake casualties, don’t worry), we moved straight into the first dance. Naomi and Nigel twirled, smiled, and swayed into their new chapter together.
Then the guests hit the dance floor, and let’s just say… moves were made. Some iconic, some questionable, all fabulous.
And That’s a Wrap… Kind Of
This day was the exact reason I do what I do. Laughter, joy, connection, and the total trust from two incredible humans to capture every moment of it. Naomi and Nigel, you absolute legends thank you for letting me be part of your beautifully fun, heart-warming, totally-you wedding day.
If you’re planning a relaxed, joy-filled wedding and want someone who’ll capture it all with heart, humour and a camera, I’m your person.
📍 Suppliers Featured
- Venue: :https://www.enchantedgardenevents.co.uk/ https://sadiecentre.org/
- Hotel: https://www.fairviewhotelscollection.com/our-hotels/vovo-letchworth-hall/
- Bridal Dress: https://www.weddingworkshop.co.uk/
- Flowers: https://www.annasflowersshop.com/
- Ice Cream Van: https://www.icebaby.co.uk/ICE/HOME.html
- Cake: https://www.crafty-baker.co.uk/
- Campervan: https://luckypennyweddings.co.uk/