Sand ceremony wedding: Peterborough wedding
A sand wedding ceremony with the nearest and dearest.
Lucy and Daniel got married in June at a local venue in their hometown of Peterborough at Peterborough Holiday Inn, which is set amongst some lovely grounds close to both the River Nene, Thorpe Wood and Ferry Meadows in Peterborough. It was such a happy day and the sun shone all day long! Lucy had found me online looking for a wedding photographer in Peterborough and we totally clicked when we met for a coffee at Peterborough Holiday Inn – West, just 9 weeks before the big day. When she told me about the non-traditional sand wedding ceremony, I could not wait to witness it all!
Bridal prep
Lucy got ready at the Peterborough Holiday Inn - West hotel in a suite with her family and the atmosphere was full of excitement. You could also feel the nerves, which was only natural. I was welcomed in and was totally amazed at how tidy the place was and how Lucy had prepared all the bridal details and dresses ready for me to photograph! I could totally document through photography naturally and without any setup or posing. This also meant Lucy and Dan could have the storytelling photography that I offer.
Groom Prep
Daniel had got ready at his home with his brother and arrived in good time to meet and greet the guests which produced some more touching storytelling wedding photography. The beauty of having the whole wedding in one venue also meant I was able to leave the bridal prep and join the groom to capture these moments. We had a laugh with his brother and I got a few childhood stories out of them – all making for some funny wedding photos! And I also had a little time to capture how he was feeling before the big 'I do'.
Once Lucy was ready, a knock at the door told us the father of the bride was also ready to see his daughter. It was a proud moment for the father. Gifts, flowers, and tears were exchanged. The bride then walked the short distance to get to the ceremony which was in one of the suites in the hotel. The ceremony room was ready and waiting with music being played on violin and cello from the Chapel Hill Duo.
The wedding details
The ceremony took place in the Burghley & Thorpe Suite. The room had been decorated by the bride Lucy, the night before. She had added lovely touches such as balloons, scattered gems, and flowers in the room.
The sand ceremony wedding
During the ceremony, both Lucy and Dan celebrated their union with a sand wedding ceremony. It was so personal and very emotional and made the wedding truly unique.
What’s a wedding sand ceremony? Well, a sand wedding ceremony is a type of 'unity' ceremony.
Lucy, Dan and Lucy's daughter each had different coloured sand and took it in turns pouring it into one clear vessel, forming a layered effect. This symbolised the 'coming together' of the families. It was incredibly moving and there were a good handful of tears! This really was a wedding with a difference due to the ceremony. I had never seen a sand ceremony before but had read about them and had even considered one for my own wedding! It was a beautiful way for a marriage to be blessed. It was both meaningful and memorable. It was great to see a non-traditional wedding ceremony service which was blessed by a celebrant.
The Wedding Reception
The reception was in a private room at the venue. It was a D.I.Y (Do it yourself) wedding, which I love because not only can you make it budget-friendly but it really is the ultimate way of making it more personal. The table decor and the room, from top to bottom, had been decorated by the bride. She had made the centrepieces, the memory table and the sweet cart. Lucy had filled up the photo booth with props and prepared packs to keep the kids entertained. So much thought, effort, and love. She totally deserved the cheer she got during the wedding breakfast speeches.
The speeches & PARTAAY
The speeches were at the end of the meal and both emotional and hilarious. Quite a few funny stories about the groom and his brother (which I won't forget!) and Dan had us all in tears with his adoration of Lucy. The first dance followed an entrance to a footy anthem of Dan's rival supporting team. It was a funny entrance which he had not been expecting as it had been a surprise organised by the bride.
They then danced their first dance before getting everyone on the dance floor. More guests arrived at the party at this point and they danced and drank long into the evening. A good thing about having a local wedding is that you can really party into the night and not have to worry about getting home! And with it being at a hotel it was a double bonus as many could just crawl back to their room. Great idea Lucy & Dan!
Here’s what they had to say:
“Our amazing photographer Gina was like a member of the family! We love you and you made our day amazing!"
Awww, shucks, you guys!! Thank you!!
Dream Team:
Venue: Holiday Inn - Peterborough // Entertainment: Chapel Hill Duo // Decor: Bride's own // Cake: Bride's close friend // MUA: Beautz
I love photographing relaxed, intimate and non-traditional weddings because they’re always got such a great atmosphere. If you’re throwing a non-traditional wedding and want photographs that tell your story of the day then go get in touch with me – a wedding photographer working in Peterborough, Rutland, Stamford and beyond.
