Weddings at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, Hertfordshire

Whilst I attend a wedding most weeks, I very rarely get to be a guest at one. The ones that I have managed to attend have therefore really stood out over the years. Way back in 2007, I attended a particularly lovely wedding at Tewin Bury Farm, and was struck by what a wonderful venue it was - rolling lawns, huge barn and the river Mimram running through the grounds. I remember thinking what a wonderful place it would be to photograph.Last year I got my chance - I was invited by Leah and James to capture their big day a Tewin Bury. That morning with the sun shining down, I arrived at Leah's parents' house in Hemel Hempstead. The girls were in the middle of having their make-up and hair done, whilst small children ratcheted up the air of excitement and slight chaos. As I left, I caught a lovely moment as Mick saw his daughter in her white dress for the first time.I pulled up at St Mary's Church in Hemel Hempstead as the last of the guests arrived. Inside the church, the harpist was warming up whilst Leah's brother set up the video camera to record the service. James welcomed everyone whilst looking very dashing in his military uniform.I snapped away as Leah made her way to the church. Arm in arm with her father, Leah collected herself before walking down the aisle - my favourite photo from the entire day. After a wonderful service, everyone gathered outside in the sun to congratulate the couple, complete with lots of hugging and confetti.We then all traveled over to Tewin Bury Farm. As I made my way over the lawn towards the barn, I heard a song that stopped me in tracks - it was being performed by none other than The Ruby Dolls who had sung at my own wedding! It was such a lovely surprise.After making my way round the lush gardens with the couple to do some formal photos, a receiving line was formed on the way into the wedding breakfast. The barn looked beautiful filled with flowers, table decorations and fairy lights.Following the meal, there were some hilarious speeches and then the room was cleared for the first dance. As everyone crowded onto the dancefloor, I slipped away pausing by the river to take in the setting sun.