I’ve known Hannah and Dan for a good few years now, and after one thing or another, not least Covid causing havoc, we got there on the third wedding date!
“We loved you! You were always our first choice, and so supportive after everything that happened before. Always friendly and we both knew you would take fantastic photographs.”
This romantic couple opted for a micro wedding at the pretty Cheltenham Minster St Marys which is nestled behind one of the main shopping streets in Cheltenham. Its a little jewel of a church hidden in the very heart of the town with a thriving church community. It was the perfect spot for their wedding vows to be made.
And following their wedding ceremony we all headed off to the very elegant setting of Ellenborough Park for their reception drinks and dinner. Being under restrictions at the time; Hannah and Dan and their friends and family were limited in numbers and had to have their reception outside. The Ellenborough Park team headed up by Zoe worked incredibly hard to ensure that their day was magical. Even when the heavens opened and I for one got soaked to the skin!
A romantic and beautifully traditional wedding for a beautiful romantic couple. And without further ado, here is their Wedding Story in their own words…
“The men all wore navy suits, Dan wore a different waistcoat to the other groomsmen.”
“I loved the design of the dress, and at the back has a row of buttons all the way down which I absolutely love.”
Nikki’s Notes: I love the absolute joy on Hannah’s face as she walks up the Church path to her wedding. She was met by the Rector Richard who also lead the wedding ceremony.
Nikki’s Notes: St Marys has the most incredible stained glass windows. including this circular one above.
“We enjoyed it all! But our most favourite part was the ceremony.”
“We just wanted to say a big thank you to Nikki for being our photographer for our wedding. We were so pleased (and relieved!) when she said she was available. Nikki is such a friendly, kind person and although she was our official wedding photographer, it was like having a good friend photograph us on our wedding day which made it even more special.”
“The wedding march by Wagner (organ).”
Nikki’s Notes: Quite a crowd had gathered outside the Church to see the new Mr and Mrs! Such wonderful support from friends and the Church community.
“My something borrowed was my sister’s veil, my something old were my shoes (although not that old, they were 4 years old!) and my something blue was my garter made by my Grandmother.”
“A few times due to the pandemic! But approximately 6 months.”
“The Lake District”
Nikki’s Notes: I was thrilled to bits that the three images I entered into Nationals from Hannah and Dan’s wedding all received Bronzes!
“We loved you!
You were always our first choice, and so supportive after everything that happened before.
Always friendly and we both knew you would take fantastic photographs.”
“Someone told me just to enjoy every part of the day, and try not to be too nervous – now I realise exactly what they meant – I’d love to go back and do it all again!”
Hannah and Dan are both doctors and first met in Sheffield when they did their first foundation jobs together. They were friends for sometime before romance blossomed and decided together that the time was right to get married.
Nikki’s Notes: Hannah and Dan loved the romance of the wooden swing seat with the beautiful architecture of Ellenborough Park in the background.
However when we came to take this image (thanks to the pandemic and social distancing requirements) behind the swing between Hannah and Dan and the building was a huge tented area, pods for dining, and many outdoor heaters! Not quite the look we were going for.
And so some Photoshop magic happened to ensure that Hannah and Dan had the image they wanted!
“We loved the venue, the surrounding views and the food”
Nikki’s Notes: Another glorious Bronze Bar at Nationals for the above image!
Nikki’s Notes: Dan and Hannah’s Mothers presented them with bread which is an old Polish tradition.
The sharing of the bread, salt and wine is an old Polish tradition between parents and their children on their wedding days.
The bread symbolises that the parents are hoping that their children will never hunger or be in need. The salt is there to remind the couple that their life may be difficult at times, and they must learn to cope with life’s struggles.
Nikki’s Notes: As well as the delicious meal that was to be served later on, this lovely couple couldn’t resist treating everyone to one of Ellenborough Park’s famous afternoon teas!
“Yes, well almost!”
“We absolutely loved having a small wedding, and would hugely recommend it, to anyone.
It made the day so special and really intimate.
We are having a party later in the year to celebrate with all our family and friends who have supported us along the way.”
Nikki’s Notes: When we get time at weddings we do like to try and take portraits for guests as well. So don’t be surprised if you are a guest at a wedding we attend and get asked if you’d like your photograph taken!
“We had a choice of 3 different starters, roast dinner (lamb, my husband’s favourite) and a vegetarian option and either chocolate pudding for desert of pavlova (there was again a choice of 3).”
Nikki’s Notes: I love that as Hannah and Dan are both doctors, that they had a vintage doctors bag for their wedding cards!
“Not really, everyone was amazing!
Lyla from Cotswold Wedding Company decorated the table along with Jo and Vikki from Bloomers of Cheltenham who all did an amazing job.”
“We went for Victoria sponge cake.”
Nikki’s Notes: Hannah’s lovely Dad had made a video montage full of messages from friends and family who couldn’t be there in person due to the restrictions on numbers.
“The videos my dad organised to be played at our wedding of the people who couldn’t be there really made it special for us.”
Nikki’s Notes: Even the Best Man had to send his speech via video link (below)!
Nikki’s Notes: And the final Bronze Bar was for the image below which is one of my all time favourites!
Photography by Me!
Ceremony venue: St Mary’s Minster, Cheltenham
Reception venue: Ellenborough Park
Flowers: Mixture of pink, white and purple flowers from Bloomers of Cheltenham
Dress: Dress was from Sarah Elizabeth Bridal in Cheltenham
Bridesmaid dresses: Bought online from Seraphine
Groom’s outfit: Slaters
Cake: Cotswold Cake Kitchen
Catering: Ellenborough Park
Transport: Nostalgia Cars
Hair and beauty: Hair – Juliet Draper (I did my own make up)
Rings including engagement ring: From local jeweller in Cheltenham