If you have been following Pike Photography you may recognise this lovely couple. Emily and Ben are both paramedics for The London Ambulance Service. In 2020 not only did they find themselves on the front lines of a global pandemic, but like so many couples that year they had to put their wedding plans on hold too. Myself and a team of amazing Hertfordshire wedding suppliers put on a faux ceremony and wedding photo-shoot for them at the time. Check that out here.
I am delighted to report that the summer of 2021 saw our amazing NHS couple make their vows for real. And, they were able to do so in front of family and friends at the beautiful Hertfordshire venue, Essendon Country Club. This is the story of their real wedding day and the incredible celebration that it was!
Emily and Ben are green through and through - ambulance service green that is and this a theme that ran through their entire wedding day. Emily and her family enjoyed a relaxing morning getting ready for the big day ahead in the spa at the luxurious Sopwell House near St Albans. When it was time for Emily and her bridesmaids to travel to Essendon Country Club there was only one vehicle that would do. A 1968 ambulance (with London Ambulance Service heritage of course)!
Welcoming guests and coolly awaiting the arrival of his beautiful bride, Groom Ben was supported by best woman and fellow medic Sarah and his brother Dan. The ceremony, set up in The Grand Hall at Essendon looked stunning, adorned with ambulance trinkets and masses upon masses of bright and beautiful flowers by The Wedding Flower Company. Many of the arrangements paying homage to another of the bride and groom’s passions, tea! Vintage tea sets and Fortnum & Mason tins adding a charming and personal touch to the wedding decoration.
Having been through so much and having waited for so long it really was a big moment when Emily finally walked down the aisle on her father’s arm. Awaited by Ben and all of their family and friends it was a very special part of a day that would be cherished all the more now that it was finally happening. Registrars attended from Hatfield Register Office to conduct the legal ceremony in a service that was personally tailored to our couple. Mother of the groom and grandmother of the bride both made emotional readings as guests (and the photographer) did their best to stifle a tear!
Essendon Country Club’s Grand Barn is a superbly photogenic place to hold a wedding reception. It’s a big space that can accommodate a big wedding, but one that never feels overly cavernous thanks to its rustic beams and charming warm barn features. A favourite feature has to be the big staircase that ascends directly into the middle of the room. This guarantees that the bride and groom can make a grand first entrance as Mr and Mrs.
The grounds of Essendon Country Club comprise two golf courses nestled within beautiful south Hertfordshire countryside. It’s a vast estate and for this reason the venue put on a very special service for their wedding couples (and their lucky photographer!). A chauffeured golf buggy ride around the grounds for their photo-shoot! So, shortly before dinner was served the three of us climbed aboard and were whisked away to some of the most scenic spots of the club.
Emily and Ben chose to schedule speeches ahead of their wedding breakfast service. This is something that I have seen becoming more popular in recent year. More so couples prefer to have the main formalities of the day completed before dinner so that everyone (not least those making speeches!) can relax and enjoy their meals.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by the very awesome Disco Nyts. I’ve had the privilege of working with James, Disco Nyts’ founder, on several occasions now. Without fail he always throws an epic floor filling party (that leads to epic dancefloor photos!) from first dance to lights up. I can also attest from prior experience, when a group of hardworking emergency service staff get an opportunity to let their hair down it is going to be one hell of a party. And this was certainly no exception.
It was a real privilege to be a part of this journey with Emily and Ben and to photograph them getting married (twice!). Here’s to many happy years ahead for our awesome paramedic couple!
If you are planning a wedding at the beautiful Essendon Country Club and would like to talk about how we can make some epic wedding photos together please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thank you very much to Meg (sister of the bride) for this rare behind the scenes glimpse at a Pike Photography wedding!
