Natasha & Chris – Fanhams Hall Wedding
Natasha and Chris’ Fanhams Hall wedding was a day shaped by elegance, tradition and a thoughtfully planned celebration. From separate preparations within the historic suites of Fanhams Hall to a heartfelt ceremony at St Andrew’s Church in Hertford, their wedding blended classic romance with cherished cultural traditions.
Fanhams Hall in Ware, Hertfordshire, offered the perfect backdrop. Chosen for its beautiful gardens and open spaces, it allowed guests to mingle freely outdoors while providing stunning architectural surroundings for portraits. The couple had always envisioned their photographs set against those gardens, and as the day unfolded, it became clear they had chosen well.
The Wedding Team
- Wedding Coordinator: Lauren Thomas – Fanhams Hall
- Photography: Deji Johnson Photography
- Ceremony Venue: St Andrew’s Church, Hertford
- Reception Venue: Fanhams Hall, Ware
- Bride’s Dress: Rosa Clará
- Groom’s Suit: Hawes & Curtis
- Florist: Sally – Halo Blossom
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
- Hair & Make-up: Adie Hair & Make Up
- Cake: Anne-Louise – Sugar Blossom Cakes Co
- Daytime Entertainment: Bethany Amelia
- Evening Entertainment: Evo Entertainment
- Transport: Premier Carriage Wedding Cars
- Stationery: Fine Lines Stationery
- Evening Dress: Luce Sposa
- Balloons: Bubblegum Balloons
Morning Preparations at Fanhams Hall
The day began quietly within the Chestnut and Conker Suites at Fanhams Hall. Natasha prepared alongside her bridesmaids, her mother Georgiana and grandmother Monica nearby, while Chris readied himself separately with his closest friends and family.
Professional hair styling created a calm but purposeful atmosphere in the bridal suite. There was anticipation, but also a sense of composure. Natasha had spoken about looking forward to seeing Chris at the church, that symbolic moment when everything becomes real. The morning felt like a gentle build towards that moment.
Before leaving, we captured relaxed portraits with her parents and bridesmaids, as planned in their morning timeline. Outside, the vintage classic cars waited, adding a timeless quality to their departure for St Andrew’s Church.
A Ceremony at St Andrew’s Church, Hertford
St Andrew’s Church provided a traditional and meaningful setting for their vows. As Natasha arrived, the atmosphere shifted from anticipation to emotion. The ceremony itself was heartfelt and personal, framed by family and long-standing friendships.
Following the service, we moved seamlessly into the formal group photographs. With Jeremy Li expertly organising guests, the process flowed efficiently. Natasha and Chris had carefully planned their list, ensuring immediate family and extended relatives were included without prolonging the moment.
Then came the “money shot” they had envisioned: the joyful bent-over kiss as confetti rained down around them. Applause echoed, confetti filled the air, and the image perfectly captured their happiness.
Portraits in the Gardens of Fanhams Hall
Returning to Fanhams Hall, the gardens became central to the story of the day. The sweeping lawns and manicured hedges offered space for natural, editorial-style portraits while guests enjoyed drinks and canapés outdoors.
Natasha and Chris had chosen the venue specifically for this setting. Their couple portraits reflected that decision. Carefully guided composition balanced with genuine interaction created images that felt both natural and unforced.
Later in the afternoon, Natasha changed into her second dress. We returned to the gardens for another set of portraits before dinner, the softer light complementing the delicate structure of her gown.
A Chinese Tea Ceremony
One of the most significant moments of the afternoon was the Chinese tea ceremony held on the gazebo lawn. Surrounded by older family members, it was a moment of cultural honour and connection. This ceremony carried a quieter, more intimate tone than the earlier church ceremony. Capturing these exchanges required sensitivity and awareness, allowing the importance of the ritual to remain central. For Natasha and Chris, this was more than a tradition; it was a tribute to family and heritage.
“WOW, we absolutely love the photos! The quality and different angles are amazing, and you captured the whole day from start to finish so beautifully.”
Black Tie, Speeches and Evening Celebration
With a large circle of friends from school, university and work, Natasha wanted to ensure each group felt included. Rather than lengthy formal photographs, we divided them across the afternoon and pre-dinner drinks, capturing natural group moments once everyone had changed into black tie.
Chris and his university friends embraced the opportunity for relaxed, characterful photographs. Laughter, movement and genuine camaraderie defined these frames, contrasting beautifully with the more structured family portraits earlier in the day.
Speeches followed the meal, delivered by Natasha’s father Humbert, Best Man Max and Chris himself. Each brought warmth and humour, strengthening the sense of shared history present throughout the room.
An Evening of Energy and Choreographed Moments
As evening settled, the Great Hall transformed for dancing. Natasha and Chris had rehearsed a choreographed first dance, complete with a lift and a dramatic side lean. Knowing these moments in advance allowed me to anticipate the movement and capture the defining frames cleanly and confidently. From that point, the dance floor remained full. Evo Entertainment carried the atmosphere late into the night, while guests enjoyed the party both indoors and out.
Closing Reflections
Natasha and Chris’ Fanhams Hall wedding combined thoughtful planning with heartfelt spontaneity. From church vows to garden portraits and cultural traditions, every part of the day reflected who they are together. Fanhams Hall proved once again to be a versatile and elegant setting, offering both architectural grandeur and open garden spaces ideal for natural photography.
I photograph weddings across Hertfordshire, London and internationally. If you are planning your own Fanhams Hall wedding, I would be delighted to hear more about your plans.