On A Cold But Heartwarming Winter’s Day
St Michaels Manor in St Albans is a beautiful setting for a winter wedding. Alison and Stephen were recommended to me by a friend whose wedding I’d photographed a few years before, so it was great to see a few familiar friendly faces at their wedding.
We were in the depths of winter, but thankfully we had gorgeous blue skies for the whole day.
Wedding Ceremony in Great Gaddesdon
Alison and Stephen were married at the gorgeous St. John the Baptist Church in the village of Great Gaddesdon, with their reception at St.Michael’s Manor in St.Albans.
This was my first visit assignment at the church, and what a stunner it is! It’s located in such a pretty location – the idyllic village is a picture postcard setting on every level.
The ceremony was wonderful, it was such an intimate heartfelt service. Their closest family and friends had travelled from far and wide to be with them on this special day.
Alison showed great enthusiasm for the outdoor pictures, especially since she was wearing a very delicate and elegant gown for this brisk winters day! We had a lovely confetti aisle, and a few other poses in the grounds before we all froze!
Wedding Reception at St Michaels Manor St Albans
This was such a lovely wedding to capture, the couple booked exclusive use of St Michaels Manor in St Albans for their celebration reception. And once everyone was in the warm, the celebrations continued until late into the night.
The pretty lakeside gardens were too chilly for the guests to explore on the day, but the views through the windows were divine.
Their florist decorated the hotel beautifully with huge arrangements of gorgeous white roses everywhere! The gorgeous fabrics, colourful artworks, and the overall wow colour scheme they’ve used throughout the hotel contributed to the fabulous photographs on the day.
Laughter and smiles were evident all around on the day. The atmosphere inside this charming hotel was electric; this resulted in so many great picture opportunities for me.
My Favourite Picture On The Day
I took my favourite pictures over the lake at dusk. With my signature floodlighting, I illuminated the building, lake and couple for a really dramatic shot. It was damned cold, but Alison and Stephen were really keen for me to capture this shot.
It’s rare I use Photoshop in my floodlit images, but in this shot I’ve removed the vehicles that were visible in the car park. To see examples of how I use my floodlighting effects, click on this blog link: Low Light Wedding Photography.
Brief History – St Michaels Manor
St Michaels Manor was built by John Gape in the 16th Century, a prominent local figure, erected on the medieval foundations of a previous grand house. The Gape family continued to own the house until the current owners purchased it in the 1960s.
It’s perfectly located in the centre of old St. Albans, where old coaching inns and stunning period houses sit cheek by jowl in pretty Fishpool Street. Close by is the River Ver and Verulamium Park, and a few minutes stroll away is the magnificent St. Albans Abbey.
This Manor House hotel sits within five acres of fabulous gardens, including a one-acre lake.
Kind Words
Dear Mark,
Thank you for the superb pictures of our wedding. You have captured some stunning images and provided us with wonderful memories of such a special day in our lives.
It was great how you took the time before the wedding to meet with us and explain everything. Your insight even helped us plan the timings throughout the day to get all the pictures we wanted.
You did a wonderful job of organising us for the group photos and were very accommodating of our requests. You even managed to get us organised after the meal when some of the group were less cooperative.
The photos from the preparations, church, reception and dancing are memories that we will cherish forever.
Thank you, Alison & Stephen
