There are some wedding days that feel like they’re lifted straight from a modern fairy tale, and Jen and Michael’s August celebration at Ashridge House in Berkhamsted was exactly that. Set against one of Hertfordshire’s most iconic and historic backdrops, their day was filled with heartfelt moments, effortless style and the kind of joy that radiates through every guest.

Both Jen and Michael spent the morning getting ready onsite, which meant I could capture every part of their story without missing a beat. Jen got ready surrounded by a lively bridal party of eight bridesmaids, filling the room with laughter, music and that wonderful anticipation you only get on a wedding morning.

A favourite moment was Jen stepping into her stunning gown with help from her mum and Maid of Honor. The first look with her bridesmaids was full of shrieks, tears and tight hugs – and her dad’s first look shortly after was just as emotional. These moments always feel like such an honour to capture.

Meanwhile, guests gathered in Ashridge House’s breathtaking ceremony space, the Main Hall. The bannisters were dressed with stunning florals, adding organic texture and elegance to the already grand architecture of the once Royal residence.

Jen walked down the iconic Ashridge stairs beaming with her Father by her side. Their ceremony was warm, heartfelt, and full of personality—exactly like them.

After the “I do’s”, came the confetti moments, which created some of my favourite frames of the day.

As guests mingled and enjoyed the drinks reception, I whisked the happy couple off for portraits in the Italian gardens and by Ashridge’s art installations. The early-afternoon light was soft, flattering, and perfect for the romantic yet effortless feel they wanted.

Jen and Michael were then reunited with their guests to capture the must have shots they had requested – including a moustached shot of the bride and her bridal party, a first for me!

From there, everyone made their way to be seated for the wedding breakfast. Jen and Michael’s entrance was full of cheers, followed by a series of heartfelt and hilarious speeches from the Father of the Bride, Maid of Honor, Best Men and Michael himself.

As evening fell, guests gathered around the dance floor. Jen and Michael cut their beautifully crafted cake before the music began and Jen shared a magical dance with her father before the bride and groom enjoyed their first dance as a married couple.

Later in the evening, we gathered everyone outside once more for sparklers, and then a stunning firework display.

From start to finish, Jen and Michael’s Ashridge House wedding was elegant, emotional and endlessly fun. Every moment felt meaningful and the stuff fairytale dreams are made of.

Little Black Book of Wedding Suppliers:

Wedding Dress – Made with Love Bridal

Suit – The Cad and the Dandy

Hair – Bridal by Coral

Makeup – Makeup by ZK (Zoe Kennedy)

Florist – Untamed Florals

Cake – Bloom & Crumb

Entertainment – Kai Stafford at Signature Moments

Stationery – Tiggity Boo

A wide view of a grand, historic stately home with battlements and a prominent spire, set back from a large, dry grassy lawn under a cloudy sky. A Union Jack flag flies from the main building.
A man wearing a white shirt and blue trousers sitting on a wooden chair, putting on a brown leather shoe in a room with dark wood panelled walls. The man is gazing out through a large window.
A group of men, some wearing white shirts and ties, toasting with champagne glasses around a dark wooden table in a wood-paneled room.
A black and white close-up of a smiling woman, wearing a light collared shirt, putting on an earring while looking into a large, ornate framed mirror. A wedding dress hangs on a hanger to the left.
A bride in a white gown and her eight bridesmaids, all wearing long dresses in shades of blue, standing in a line under a stone archway with gothic-style architecture and holding bright bouquets.
A close-up of a staircase decorated with lush floral arrangements featuring pink, coral, and red flowers, and illuminated by rows of tall, flickering LED candles.
A couple kissing during a wedding ceremony on a grand, carpeted staircase inside a stately hall. Guests stand on the stairs and watch, and a statue is set into the wall above.
An aerial view looking down at a bride in a white gown and a groom in a blue suit walking down a turquoise patterned runner on a staircase as confetti falls, surrounded by applauding guests.
A close-up of a couple embracing outdoors on a lawn with a stone stately home in the blurred background. The groom, in a blue suit, is kissing the bride on the forehead. She is holding a large, colorful bouquet.
A large group photo of the wedding party and guests standing on a wide stone staircase in front of the stately home, all cheering and raising their hands in the air.
A bride and eight bridesmaids, all holding bouquets high in the air, standing on a gravel path in a garden setting with trees and the stately home in the background.
A three-tier white wedding cake decorated with fresh dahlias and roses in shades of pink, orange, and maroon, and light blue piping details on the bottom tier. A pale blue ribbon is tied around the base.
A full-length portrait of a couple outdoors in a manicured garden. The groom, in a blue suit, is kissing the bride on the forehead as she looks back over her shoulder and smiles. A fountain is visible in the background.
A black and white photo of a couple performing their first dance on a dance floor, with the groom dipping the bride and kissing her as guests watch in the background.
A couple standing with their arms around each other, viewed from behind, watching a colourful fireworks display at night.

An Elegant August Wedding at Ashridge House — Jen & Michael

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