Fanhams Hall wedding photography
Fanhams Hall
What a joy it was to be back at the wonderful Fanhams Hall Hotel, my most nostalgic venue to photograph, thanks to all the fond memories I have working here. As a Fanhams Hall wedding supplier, I have photographed many a beautiful wedding at this venue, and it is always a pleasure to work at this venue. The grounds are immaculate at any time of the year and the venue is such a harmonious blend of traditional and distinct. The Jacobean architecture combined with Japanese gardens makes such a distinct backdrop for all types of weddings.
Engagement photography
I first met this lovely couple last April, amongst the covid chaos! Once restrictions had dropped we decided to meet in a pub garden, an exciting setting after my year of zoom calls! We chatted away over drinks, talking weddings and connecting with our love of travel as they told me about their amazing honeymoon plans to Borneo. Rachael & Constantine are so relaxed with each other, and I was delighted when they got back in touch shortly after we met, to book me to be their wedding photographer, for their August wedding at Fanhams Hall.
Rachael and Con also wanted an engagement shoot at Hatfield House. This is such a fun and effective way to get to know a couple and makes photography on their wedding day feel even more relaxed - you can see some of the photographs from this shoot here
August wedding
Rachael and Con were hopeful for some sunshine on their August wedding day, but actually ended up with 35 degree heat! The morning started beautifully, the bridal party chatting away in their matching PJ’s then slipping into their beautiful sage green, off the shoulder brides maids dresses; each one individually styled and an absolutely perfect colour scheme for an August wedding! Rachael shined in her dress which was beautifully detailed on the bodice, catching and enhancing the natural light coming through the tall windows at Fanhams Hall. Meanwhile Con was getting suited and booted, with a very special pair of wedding day cuff links completing his suit. Rachael walked down the aisle of the Long Gallery with the biggest smile. They exchanged their vows in a perfectly elegant ceremony, then shared a kiss and walked onto the reception as husband and wife! All captured by Dana & myself only breaking into a small sweat in 35 degrees heat! I lie - it was boiling!! But everything was more than perfect even the beautiful bouquet looked amazing throughout.
Wedding photos
Family from from Greece to Newcastle, travelled to the wedding at Fanhams Hall and travel was the theme in The Great Hall, with carefully selected table decorations and favours, the room looked just like they had imagined. It was Rachael’s avid love of rugby that took centre piece in Con's speeches. already proving himself to be top husband, surprised her with a variety of signed rugby clothes including a pair of signed pants!
Golden hour photography
As the sun began to go down, we snuck away with l Rachael and Constantine for a golden hour shoot among the Fanhams Hall gardens including the famous Japanese red bridge. A gorgeous time of day to take photographs of the bride and groom, with warm, low light catching Rachaels dress and veil. We may guide couples on where to stand but it is the interaction between them that I want us to capture. Con had been worried about having his photograph taken, but after the engagement photography at Hatfield House, he knew what to expect and he was pretty good in front of the camera too. I am pretty sure there is a Next catalogue model contract in one of those photos!!
First dance photography
After the photographs it was time to party with a live band that I am sure we all appreciate even more now restrictions have gone. A brilliant band and an amazing party. Dana & I found it hard to actually put the cameras down and leave and you'll see we captured quite a few of the first dance and guests dancing.
Rachael and Constantine, thank you so much for having me photograph your beautiful day. Working with you both was such a joy! May you have many more stories and adventures of your travels, now as husband and wife!
Sara x
Wedding Suppliers:
This really was the perfect day and although it takes the creative choices of the bride and groom it is also their choices of suppliers that brings it all together and here they all are:
Photographer - Sara Epstein Weddings
Venue - Fanhams Hall Hotel
Flowers - Bloomin Gorgeous Flowers
Videographers - Your Wedding Films
Make up - CJ Beauty & Co
Dress - Elysee Bridal
Live band - Mark Sul Music
Cake - Buttered Up Cakes
Table Decoration - Creative Tree Designs
String Quartet - Bow Fiddle