Wedding Photography Mercure Hotel St albans – Anthony and Sarah

Tite – Wedding Photography Mercure Hotel St albans – Anthony and Sarah

Bride – Sarah Willis

Groom – Anthony O’Donnell

Best Man – Steven O’Donnell

Flower girl – Hollie O’Donnell

Pageboy – Ben O’Donnell

Bridesmaids – Laura, Beccy & Kirsty

Brides Parents – Suman and David

Grooms Parents – Dot and Pat

MC – Martin Willis

How We Met.

I met Anthony 8 years ago when he was at his brother Stevens wedding. We hit it off straight away becoming friends and kept in touch on Facebook etc.  Since then I have photographed many of his family and friends weddings, studio pictures of the family amongst other things.  In June 2017 Anthony proposed to Sarah in London. I got a call a month or so after and they both came over to see me. I met Sarah and thought what a beautiful girl she was, they booked me for their big day.

The Wedding Day.

All week the weather was hot and sunny. The morning of the wedding was perfect with the sun out and a blue sky.  The weather did change slightly later but it was fine and all worked out ok.  I arrived at The Hotel to see Anthony and get some shots of him getting ready. He was  in the room nice and chilled after having an early night. Steven walked in and they both started getting ready. Dot then came in with Bethan, Holly and Ben.   I got some nice shots to capture this part of the morning. I love just blending into the background and catching the story as it unfolds. The boys were now ready and we went out into the sunshine.  Anthony saw some of his guests and was looking very sharp in his suit. I then made my way over to Sarahs parents house to see the bride.

When I arrived at the house I met David the father of the bride. We got talking and I could see that he was a very proud dad and was looking forward to a brilliant day.  When I went in to see Sarah she was having her make up done. She looked absolutely beautiful. The bridesmaids were in there with her and were such a lovely group of ladies. I went up and got some shots of the accessories and the wedding dress.  The bridesmaids then got into their dresses and Sarah got into hers.  She was now ready and it was time for David  to see his beautiful daughter in her dress.  She came down the stairs and his face was a picture… tears and a moment that I will never forget “It blew me away”.

The bridesmaids then got into the car with Suman the mother of the bride and they made their way to the hotel.  I took this opportunity to take some lovely shots of Sarah in her wedding dress… she looked absolutely breathtaking. It was at this point David took a moment and had a nice whisky.. I got a lovely shot of him.  I then made my way over to the hotel to get ready for the ceremony.

When I arrived at the hotel I saw lots of people I knew from Anthonys family.  I felt that I was amongst friends seeing Bethan, Steve, Hollie and Ben.   The ceremony was beautiful with two readings and finishing with a kiss as they sealed the end of the civil ceremony. Afterwards we went out into the grounds and I started taking some natural pictures of everyone as they congratulated the couple.  A dark cloud came over and we all went in for 15 minutes until it blew over. I then shot all the family and friends shots and finished with some fun shots walking etc. All the time in the background guests were updating us all with the football score – yes this was a tottenham game and there were a lot of very big spurs fans ..especially Anthony and his brother Steve who never miss a game.

The marquee was now set and ready.. Bethan had done an amazing job getting the room looking amazing and even making the deserts herself. Everyone went in and took their seats for the meal. It was at this point that Martin announced the entrance of the bride and groom. 160 guests all shouted and screamed as the bride and groom came in.  We then had the wedding speeches..David, Anthony and then Steve. Three brilliant speeches all great in their own way. The speeches finished with Steve giving a brilliant insight into their childhood with some interesting stories.  The meal was then served and it was now time for the cutting of the cake.

The Bride and Groom then took their position on the dance floor for their first dance. This was beautiful moment with everyone joining in half way through. I took some great dancing shots with the brides brother Martin displaying some of the best dance moves I’ve seen in a few years.

Sarah and Anthony, what a fantastic day.  It went perfect and I felt privileged to be a part of it all. Have a lovely honeymoon in the Maldives and I will see you very soon for the viewing. JP.

Looking for a wedding photographer to photograph your wedding ? Here are some pictures  that I have selected from the day. Enjoy!

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 have enjoyed reading this then please like and share.  When people like and share I know they enjoy reading and looking at the pictures so please like share and comment. Wedding Photography Mercure Hotel St albans – Anthony and Sarah photographed and written © John Paul O’Donnell Photography.

I love photographing weddings in Hertfordshire and Essex  and would be thrilled to be your  wedding photographer. If you’d like to find out more about my services, check availability for your wedding date or just chat about your wedding plans, do get in touch.

I also photograph destination weddings in Ireland and Italy so wherever you’re getting married, it would be a pleasure to be your destination wedding photographer.

It would be wonderful to hear from you soon or to connect on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.