As a wedding photographer, my style is a mix of informal documentary coverage and relaxed and fun portraits, and Plas Hafod Hote in North Wales is a perfect venue for this. The grounds provide a beautiful backdrop for natural photos during the wedding reception, and the outdoor area is an excellent space for the guests to mix in the lovely fresh air and flattering natural light. I loved being able to capture some great wedding photos of the couple in the extensive gardens of this gorgeous wedding venue.
Anna and Myles’ eventual wedding at Plas Hafod Hotel
2020 has been a crazy year for weddings. I now can’t even remember the original date that Anna and Myles booked me as their wedding photographer. Nor was it originally going to be at Plas Hafod Hotel in North Wales.
As with all my couples who have been affected by the dreaded Covid-19, I have worked hard to help them move dates. When the first lockdown hit I made the decision that we were all affected. Therefore, the only way forward was to make changing dates as easy as possible. At one point I had Anna and Myles’ wedding pencilled in for 3 different dates in November and December both in North Wales and the North West of England.
We finally got our date and all was planned. I went over everything with them via WhatsApp video and we planned the photography for their day.
The Wedding Day
Anna’s wedding preparation was at The Loft. A beautiful cottage on Pen Yr Orsedd Farm near Mold in North Wales. It has stunning views of the countryside around.
Anna had a few shots that she wanted, but as an experienced wedding photographer, I had these covered.
I arrived and had a chat with Kevin, their videographer, then went and said hi to Anna. She was inside getting her hair and makeup done by Lizzie Griffiths, so I said hello and then got to work. The whole morning flew by.
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Everyone was lovely and happy, with only a few tears of joy. Anna’s reveal to her father was a lovely moment.
Before I knew it, it was time to head to St Matthews Church in Buckley, North Wales. So I jumped in my little Mini and headed over there.
The priest, Neil Kelly, was outside when I arrived, so I introduced myself, and we went over his ground rules for wedding photographers. Thankfully, he was very relaxed and was happy for me to do what I did as long as I was respectful. Which I always am.
I went to get a few shots of Myles with his groomsmen before Anna arrived. Then, the ceremony went beautifully. There were a couple of lovely readings from Anna’s sister and grandfather. Kevin and I were able to get great shots and footage of the bride and groom and their guests.
It was lovely seeing the bride and groom, Anna and Myles, get married, and their wedding was particularly joyful. As a wedding photographer, I really enjoy it when the priest allows confetti after the ceremony.
After their wedding ceremony, we headed over to Plas Hafod Hotel.
Plas Hafod Wedding Photography
Plas Hafod Hotel is a beautiful North Wales venue which I’d not been to before. The grounds are lovely, and the food delicious! On arrival, I met the manager outside the hotel. We decided to get the group shots done immediately so people could get into the warmth. Thanks to covid, they wanted to make sure people went in a certain way and kept them separate from their restaurant guests.
Group shots done, Kevin and I spirited the bride and groom away for some couple portraits. We kept this quite brief as it was cold and the light was going, but we got great shots.
Thanks to Covid, it was never certain if they could have a wedding breakfast on their wedding day. But the rules fell just right in North Wales so that they could. So, after their portraits, the bride and groom entered the ceremony room for their wedding breakfast and speeches. These were very nicely done and were loving and caring.
Kevin and I sat in the bar at Plas Hafod Hotel for a break after the speeches. They provided us with a delicious 3-course meal, which we wolfed down in plenty of time and got ready to go again. After the break, I spent my time getting candid shots of their guests and all the details they’d put in the room.
They finished their wedding day with cake cutting and then went straight onto their first dance. Anna is a dancer, so I was expecting a great first dance. What their guests weren’t expecting was a choreographed father/daughter dance, which was also amazing!
It was an amazing day, and it felt so good to be back shooting weddings.
Getting married in North Wales? Message now to book me as your wedding photographer.
Up to 80 wedding guests and up to 150 evening guests.
Plas Hafod is 1.5 miles from the centre of Mold.
Depending on the day you choose and your number of guests, it will cost between £4700 and £8170.
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