Ellie & Dino – 27th May 2022
Greek / Italian Wedding at Hertfordshire Manor House
I met Ellie and Dino way back in 2018 when they got engaged. They ran through all their amazing plans for the ceremony and I couldn’t wait to document it. Just a couple of months before the wedding, the UK went into it’s first lockdown and the big day had to be postponed. It was another two years until this lovely couple were finally able to get married and what a wedding it was! If you’re looking for an Offley Place wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you!
Pre-Wedding Preparations
Ellie got ready with her eight bridesmaids and close family at her parents home on a sunny day in May. The girls couldn’t wait to see the dress Ellie had picked to walk down the aisle in! One of my favourite shots from the whole day is the bridal party’s reaction when they saw her in that beautiful Hayley Paige gown. Whilst I was photographing the girls, my second shooter, Sam, went to capture the groomsmen getting ready. The couple decided they wanted a traditional Greek wedding and wanted to uphold some of the customary rituals, like the Stolisma. A red sash is tied around the groom’s waist three times by close family members and it symbolises fertility.
Tying the Knot at a Greek Orthodox Church
As the wedding party made their way to the ceremony, guests congregated in the beautiful sunshine outside the Twelve Apostles Church in Hatfield. The air was full of excitement as close friends and family took their seats for the couple’s long awaited big day.
Dino was a bit teary when he saw his beautiful bride-to-be walk down the aisle with her dad. A traditional Greek ceremony followed with the Service of Betrothal (the exchanging of the rings) and the Service of Crowning. Guests cheered and threw confetti once the couple had said their vows and everyone made their way to the wedding reception at Offley Place.
Offley Place Wedding Reception
This 17th Century manor house is situated in the rural village of Great Offley surrounded by Hertfordshire countryside. The couple made their grand entrance via the sweeping drive leading up to the house. When it came to a location for couple and group portraits, we were spoilt for choice. Offley place has a beautiful rose garden, orchard and surrounding gardens which provide the perfect backdrop for portraits.
Ellie and Dino had arranged for Cleopatra, an incredible Greek band, to introduce them and their family into the room to kick off the reception. There was an electric atmosphere as everyone got onto the dance floor to welcome the newlyweds. Guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal before Ellie’s dad, Dino and his best man took to the mic to say some emotional and heartfelt words about the couple.
After the speeches, everybody made their way to the dance floor to watch the couple have their first dance as husband and wife. Money was thrown at the newlyweds as they danced and a few opportunistic kids pocketed a couple of notes! A fun and enjoyable evening was had by all with lots of traditional Greek dancing, and some Italian songs for Ellie’s mum’s family. The night ended with fireworks in the grounds with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It was such an honour to be an Offley Place wedding photographer for this amazing couple’s big day…it was certainly worth the wait!
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