Nichola and Mikes Autumn Wedding at Fanhams Hall Herts.
Bride – Nichola Sharpe
Groom – Mike Day
Photographer – John Paul ODonnell
Make Up – Bonnie Boon
Band – The Runaways
Dress – Catherine Parry
Venue – Fanhams Hall
Registrar – Richard Edwards
Nichola and Mike’s Fanhams Hall Wedding took place in Autumn 2018. This beautiful Jacobean mansion is tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside just outside Ware. It is a breathtaking mansion where bride and grooms can get married and enjoy their wedding celebrations then afterwards have some breathtaking photos taking in the vast grounds.
I first met Nichola and Mike when they came to a wedding show at Fanhams Hall. They were with their friends Nick and Jackie. We had a lovely chat and shortly afterwards they contacted me and got booked in.
The day started with me arriving at Fanhams Hall approximately 2.5 hours before the ceremony. I started with Mike and Nick and captured some lovely pictures of them getting their suits on and doing their bow ties (long story). They then had some lunch delivered so I headed over to see Nichola. When I got into the room Bonnie Boon was doing the make up, fantastic and wonderful make up artist. But Nichola is a beautiful lady so Bonnie had an easy morning.
I got some lovely pictures of Nichola getting ready, we took the dress out of the protector. It was stunning, designed by the amazing Catherine Parry; pure class.. just as you would expect from Nichola. After a few pictures I left them for a little while and headed down to capture some shots of the guests arriving. The wedding was black tie and everybody looked really good. The civil ceremony was taking place in The Oak Room so I got in there and got set up for the ceremony.
I met Derek the brides dad, he was on a mobility scooter and unfortunately was unable to walk Nichola the whole length of the aisle. Her two sons Chris and Paul walked her three quarters of the way and then Derek walked her the last part. It was a beautiful moment that really touched the heart, Mike was crying and Nichola looked absolutely stunning. The ceremony was performed by Richard Edwards from Hertford Registry Office.
After the ceremony the couple had their reception drinks in the amazing room. I then took everybody out for a large group shot. The sun was out and it was a beautiful autumn day. After the family shots and all the fun ones in between catching the moment. I took the bride and groom down to the formal gardens. I used the fountain and the house as the main backdrop. The light was beautiful and soft which really complimented the couple. Nicholas eyes sparkle at certain angles and she has a lovely natural smile. Mike photographed really well too and got into the pictures very easily. It really was a real pleasure to take their pictures.
We then went back up to join the guests and had some fun with everyone especially Brogan who is Nicholas granddaughter, she really was the little star of the show.
The light was now dropping and all the main pictures were done. Nichola went into the Oak Room which was now set up for the wedding breakfast. The guests all took their seats and sat down for dinner. I shot some nice candid photos during the meal and then got ready for the speeches to start. Derek started the speeches off with some lovely words about his beautiful daughter. Mike then followed, now Mike is a natural and gifted speaker; you just see straight away he’s done a few speeches in his time. Then followed Nick his best man and close friend for 41 years. Nick did brilliantly too and everybody enjoyed listening to some of the stories.
The band were now set and it was time for the couple to cut their wedding cake. They then took their places on the dance floor and had their first dance together as husband and wife. The Runaways are a 4 piece Shadows tribute band and really got the crowd going. The plastic guitars came out and people joined in and interacted with the band. What a great day ints been, so much laughter and such lovely people.
Nichola and Mike, thank you so much for booking me to take your pictures. You really are a lovely couple, whatever I asked to do – you did it. Not only did you do it, you did it with class and ease. I loved your wedding, I loved everything about it and most of all I love the fact that you make such a perfect couple. Your children are also lovely and I enjoyed meeting them all and photographing them with their boyfriends, husbands and wives. Such an amazing day. Heres some of the many pictures I took, enjoy looking and I look forward to seeing you both soon for the viewing. JP x
IMPORTANT * These Images are low resolution. Anyone wishing to use them for social media purposes please make sure that the Logo is seen and that credit is given to John Paul O’Donnell Photography.
If you are still looking for your Wedding Photographer for your big day, get in touch with us. We would love to talk about your wedding plans. Are you considering Fanhams Hall as your wedding venue? Share this post, it might help. Many thanks JP
