An Outdoor Wedding and Tipi Reception at Lodge Farm, Hitchin | Olivia + Lucas
An outdoor ceremony in a secret garden on the outskirts of Hitchin, nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, a tipi reception, garden games, heartfelt speeches and fun times with gorgeous family and friends. Olivia and Lucas’s English country wedding at Lodge Farm was just perfect.
I’d been excited for their wedding ever since I met them on their stunning engagement shoot. Great fun to be around, total naturals with the camera, and so comfortable with each other – I knew their wedding was going to be full of fun. And I wasn’t wrong.
This is their story. Enjoy x
As a Hertfordshire documentary wedding photographer, I’m always looking for the moments that help tell the story of the day. Not just the headline shots – the moment you see each other on the aisle, the kiss, the confetti, the first dance – it goes without saying that those are the images that traditionally symbolise your wedding day.
But the story of your day isn’t told by those isolated moments alone – as special and as important as they are.
Your story is all the little moments, the big moments, the moments you see and the moments you don’t see. The hugs between old friends and the laughter between long lost relatives. They’re the snapshots that create the narrative of your story – photos of the people, the giggles, the chatter, the colours, the outfits and the fashions – the details that take you straight back to your day to help you relive it – whether you’re looking back at your photos on your first anniversary or your ruby anniversary – and every day in between.
So, whilst polishing shoes may not be the most important shot of the day, it’s part of the build up, a setting-the-scene moment that helps to tell the story of your day. And that’s what I do – tell the very best wedding story of all – yours.
I’m always on the lookout for quirky or symbolic details, and loved this little sign I spied at Olivia’s family home. It set the tone for the day perfectly.
Bridal preparations are one of my favourite parts of the day. All the to-ing and fro-ing of florists, bridesmaids, make up artists and bridal hairdressers – the last few moments with friends and family – I love being a people watcher with a camera during these few hours as all the excitement, nerves and fun before the ceremony builds.
Olivia was born in this room. How fitting and special for her to get ready for her wedding in the room she made her entrance to the world. I love details like this.
Pastel pinks and country flowers were perfect for the rustic, country vibe of this outdoor wedding.
Olivia and Lucas were wed in a private ceremony within the Secret Garden at Lodge Farm House. Hidden away behind a veil of trees, it’s a beautiful spot for an outdoor ceremony.
After the ceremony guests enjoyed garden games and drinks, whilst we took a few moments to make some pretty pictures, just Olivia, Lucas, me and the fabulous Nicki who was second shooting with me.
…before heading into the tipi for speeches, food, drink and dancing!
~ The cast ~
Olivia & Lucas
~ Support crew ~
Venue | Lodge Farm
Tipi suppliers | Country Tipis
Dress | Brides of Berkhamstead
Floristry | Sarah Rogers Flowers
Make up | Self styled with Olivia’s lovely sister, Rose
Hair | Sally Villaverde Lopez
~ In their words ~
“We absolutely adore the photographs you took on the day and will treasure them for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much for all of your dedication and care and taking the time to capture the perfect images. We feel so lucky to have had you there with us. My mum is also over the moon as we finally have an up to date whole family photo where everyone is looking!
“As an aside almost every single guest has commented on how lovely you both were- so professional and friendly. We will highly recommend you to any local friends who are getting married over the next few years!”