“I don’t believe in magic,” the young boy said. The old man smiled. “You will when you see her.”
~ Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
There is something utterly magical about Mary and James. We knew this from when we first met during their Oxford engagement session. Their gorgeous Luton Hoo wedding carried that special spark too. Tears of happiness and laughter from and for our couple accompanied each moment. From the gasps of joy at seeing Mary in her dress ready to walk down the aisle. To whoops of delight as her and James stood side by side ready to exchange their vows. Their love was noticeable throughout the day even at the times they were apart. You could simply feel it. To witness their beautiful connection is enough to convince the most unbelieving soul that love exists. Love is Magic. Mary and James, so are you. We loved capturing you both as you forged lifelong memories together on your wonderful wedding day at Luton Hoo. May you carry this abundance of love into many happy years of married life together inspiring everyone who sees it!
There is nothing we adore more than the sophistication of a black tie wedding.
Our Groom reminded us exactly why by looking exceedingly dashing in his tuxedo and bow tie.
Bow ties were straightened, rings were found, champagne popped and a lot of banter exchanged while the men made sure they were in tip top shape for occasion!
As we joined Mary and the girls we were met with a different kind of excitement. A softer, more feminine, exhilaration filled the room as our beautiful Bride prepared for the day.
Sumptuous florals and sparkly details such as Mary’s elegant Lori Blu heels set the tone for all the prettiness to follow…
Primped and styled to perfection, by beauty team Sarah Ashley Hair and Charlotte Tilbury makeup artist Olivia Angel, our Bride was ready to step into her dress.
Our breath caught when Mary revealed her full Bridal look. A mesmerizing two piece design by Berta Bridal from The Wedding Club was simply perfect.
About to get married Mary could not stop glowing as the recognition of the moment made itself felt.
The stunning Lady Zia suite at Luton Hoo was a fabulous setting to get ready in. Our Bride could get dressed in the quiet of the bedroom while all the girls and parents were enjoying time together in the adjoining sitting room.
Mary you looked exquisite…your beauty and tenderness breathtaking.
We’ll never forget how Mary transformed from beautiful Bride to adoring Aunt as she dressed her angel faced nephew Brody. Oh our hearts did melt!
As cute as Brody was, and boy is he adorable, he could not steal the limelight from Mary as our Bride walked out of the Lady Zia bedroom to greet her parents and bridesmaids!
This must be how the term jaw dropping is defined!
Mary then went on to open thoughtful gifts from her loved ones and fiance…
With happy tears held at bay we spent a few moments taking some bridal portraits of Mary in the Lady Zia suite at Luton Hoo.
When make-up and hair is done on time and well in advance our Brides can enjoy priceless moments with their loved ones and have timeless portraits taken they’ll treasure for years to come too.
The intricate lace detailing of her Berta Bridal dress and a cathedral length veil matched Mary’s refined beauty.
Beautiful window light and our gorgeous Bride is a recipe for perfection!
With all the tears from watching Mary open her gifts now dried the Bridesmaids, so pretty in soft pink dresses, were ready for their photos too!
The wonderful connection shared by sisters and friends…and how cute is littlest bridesmaid Florence too?!
The time came for Mary to descend the sweeping spiral staircase at Luton Hoo.
The vaulted ceiling and marble sculptures of the grand staircase at Luton Hoo made for a suitably dramatic departure to the Church.
We loved capturing our Bride on her father’s arm and with Bridesmaids in tow as they made their way down the amazing staircase at Luton Hoo; certainly a photo for the wedding album!
Mary and her father had a vintage Bentley to take them to the Church.
With thunderstorms in the morning we were all relieved that the weather was behaving just in time for the ceremony.
We just love the look on James’s face as he sees his beautiful Bride to be…this is the magic moment, isn’t it?!
A lovely service in the impressive surroundings of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harpenden ensued.
As Mary and James exchanged their vows and rings they could have been the only two people in the world…
The occasion was sealed with a kiss!
The look of happiness as James and Mary realised they are now husband and wife!
Outside of the Church blue skies greeted our newlyweds as they made their way through an avenue of confetti.
On arrival at Luton Hoo we made the most of the amazing weather by taking some couple’s portraits outside.
The formal gardens at Luton Hoo provided stunning vistas for some environmental portraits of our Bride and Groom.
We love incorporating the landscape in our photos to really showcase the atmosphere of the setting.
Our Bride was utterly graceful at all times, paying no attention to the chilly Spring breeze as we worked quickly to take some gorgeous photos.
A sheltered alcove gifted us with golden stone walls and beautiful light for classic portraits of Mary and James.
Our beautiful Bride has two gorgeous sisters. Thank you Emilienne for joining us during portraits to help Mary with her dress, veil and flowers whenever needed!
As you can imagine we could have spent forever capturing this beautiful pair but as we always promise we returned our couple to their guests as soon as possible!
With a bridal party as good looking as this we had to take some photos of everyone together including the giant balloons!
After portraits and formal group photos it was time for champagne and the wedding reception. Mary designed a stunning scape to show off the 5 tiered dusky pink cake by Ann Peters Cakes.
Julie Nicholls Wedding & Events made sure the Ballroom of the Warren Weir at Luton Hoo looked sensational and exactly as our couple had envisioned.
Candelabra overflowed with soft pink floral arrangements by Sadie Rose Florist and paper goods designed by Julie Nicholls provided gorgeous detail.
After enjoying some champagne with their guests our Bride and Groom were welcomed to their Wedding Breakfast.
A floral installation in pink and white provided a spectacular backdrop for capturing the speeches…
As well as all the lovely reactions on the top table!
The pièce de résistance was the giant flower wall that greeted guests to the ballroom. We couldn’t leave the wall exclusively for selfies and simply had to capture Mary and James in front of it too!
After dinner and speeches it was time for Mary and James to cut their amazing wedding cake.
Which led to our happy couple opening the dancefloor with their romantic First Dance… Congratulations Mary and James, you couldn’t have had a more fabulous wedding day!
Thank you to everyone who made Mary and James’s Luton Hoo Wedding so magical!
Appreciation & Credit…
Wedding Venue: Luton Hoo
Ceremony Location: Our Lady of Lourdes RC at Harpendon
Wedding Stylist & Stationery by: Julie Nicholls Weddings & Events
Dress: Berta Bridal from The Wedding Club
Shoes: Lori Blu
Makeup: Olivia Angel {Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Artist}
Hair: Sarah Ashley Hair
Floral Design: Sadie Rose Florist
Cake: Ann Peters Cakes
Flower Wall, Chairs & Candlelabra: Dress It Yourself Ltd
Singer, DJ & Toastmaster: John Sessions
Video: Wedding Memories
Luton Hoo Wedding Photography: Weddings by Nicola & Glen
