Fanhams Hall wedding photographer – Ian and Rachel
Titled – Fanhams Hall wedding photographer – Ian and Rachel. This Christmas wedding took place in The Long Gallery at this ideal Hertfordshire venue.
Date – 18th December 2021
Bride – Rachel Devereaux-Evans
Groom – Ian Barnard
Ceremony and Reception – Fanhams Hall
Photographer – John Paul ODonnell Photography.
Music – Herts Events
Make Up – Beautiful You
Hair – Anna Rose Porter
I first met Rachel and Ian back in October 2019. They were getting married at the fantastic Fanhams Hall. We got on straight away, hitting it off; chatting about their wedding. The next thing they were booked in with me for their wedding on 19th December 2020. Then out of the blue Covid-19 came along weighing everything up with the government restrictions they decided the best thing to do was move their wedding a year later to 18/12/21.
The wedding day came and what a day it was. The weather was chilly, but bright, dry and fresh. Rachel and Ian had the whole venue to themselves, no other weddings were taking place which was a bonus. I started at 11am, Ian was getting ready with his two sons Alastair and Robert. They put their suits on, the next thing they were having a competitive game of table football. This made for some great photos and I got a lovely window shot of Ian looking out taking everything in. He had just had a few minutes to himself so it was a nice moment to capture. It was time to head over to see Rachel and meet the girls and of course the mother of the bride.
Rachel was having her hair and make up done, the bridesmaids were all outside the door so I took a quick shot of them in the window of the Long Gallery. It was a pleasure to work with Sam – (Beautiful You make up) and Anna Rose Porter (hair) – they were both so lovely to have around as well as being absolute pro’s at what they do!
The ceremony took place in The Long Gallery which is without doubt one of the best rooms in Hertfordshire to get married in. Situated on the first floor it was originally a stunning picture gallery. Hand-carved oak panelling and an ornate ceiling with beautiful chandeliers really set the scene for the most perfect day. Being dual aspect, The Long Gallery has stunning 180 degree views of the gardens. Jackie Earle (registrar) conducted the wedding beautifully and it finished with a kiss when they became husband and wife.
After the drinks reception we headed out for the main photos with all the family and friends. Whilst out there we headed down to the main gardens and I used the gates, steps and courtyard for the main pictures of the couple. Ian and Rachel have a very natural, fun way with each other. As a photographer you look for those smiles and little looks because they are what takes the photographs to a higher lever. Well there was plenty of them all day long. Brides always ask us “What happens if it rains?”, well in my years of experience photographing weddings I have always been able to get time outside with the couple. If the lights dropping then we bring the lighting out and if its cold we take the bulk of the photographs inside. Amazing photographs can be captured in a short amount of time. I always keep an eye on the weather ready to dash out at the right moment.
After some beautiful shots by the fire we headed into The Great Hall for the wedding breakfast. The meal was absolutely beautiful, Fanhams food is always exceptional. The champagne was poured and the speeches started. Out of the hundreds of speeches I have heard, Ians was without doubt one of the absolute best; a trueuelly gifted public speaker. After a quick turnaround for the evenings dancing it was time to cut the cake and have their first dance. The party was in full flow and everyone was up.
I set a beautiful evening shot up out in the courtyard with the house lit up and by the main staircase . Then it was time to say goodbye and leave Ian and Rachel to enjoy the rest of their day.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ* These Images are low resolution. Anyone wishing to use them for social media purposes please make sure that the Logo is seen and not cropped out and that credit is given to John Paul O’Donnell Photography and tagged Instagram @jp.odonnell.146
Rachel and Ian, it has been great getting to know you and to have the pleasure of photographing your day. Have a great honeymoon, I look forward to seeing you in the new year for the viewing. JP 
