Set just days before Christmas, Kelly and Jack’s wedding at the grand Fanhams Hall was a celebration brimming with festive magic, military tradition and pure joy.
Can you tell me about your theme if you had one, the inspiration behind it and how you incorporated it into your wedding?
With a 20th of December date, a Christmas theme felt inevitable. When we first saw Fanhams Hall with its roaring fireplaces, we instantly imagined it dressed for the season. Once we secured the date, we leaned into a luxe Christmas look, rich greens and twinkling fairy lights over the traditional red and holly.
What first drew you to your wedding venue?
We knew we wanted a military wedding, with Jack in his No.1s, so we needed a venue with presence and the grandeur of Fanhams Hall fit perfectly. From the Long Gallery to The Great Hall, we loved that our wedding could flow across different spaces rather than being confined to one. On the day, grandparents gravitated to the bar by the fire while the little ones discovered the sweets in The Wadesmill, exactly the way
we’d imagined.
What was the atmosphere like on the big day?
We deliberately chose the last working Friday before Christmas, when most guests had clocked off for the year. With just five days to go, the mood was electric – festive, fun and full of anticipation. Everyone was ready to celebrate, and the whole day felt like one big party.
How did your chosen venue go above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect?
In the year leading up, Lauren was incredible – always at the end of an email, no matter how big or small the query. On the day, Rachel looked after us flawlessly, from keeping everything running smoothly to helping me surprise Jack with the singing waiters!
Who was your chosen Photographer and why did you choose them?
We chose Tom Halliday, who had photographed my sister’s (Kelly) wedding seven years earlier. His moody, atmospheric style was always going to be the perfect fit, no one else could have captured the day the way he did.
What was the most memorable part of your day?
After the whirlwind morning and our cermony, Rachel appeared with two drinks and led us to a small room to one side where we could sit and take a breather. We relaxed on the sofa, took each other in properly, and took our time reeling on how amazing the day was already. It was a very special moment for us.
Equally unforgettable were the Tailored Tenors during the wedding breakfast. One disguised himself as a waiter serving food, while the other walked in carrying a Domino’s box asking who had ordered pizza. After a few nervous giggles from guests, the skit suddenly erupted into song – and within minutes, every single person was on their feet, waving napkins and singing along to ‘It Must Be Love’. The atmosphere was electric, and it’s a moment we’ll never forget.
For more information about holding your wedding at Fanhams Hall call 01920 460511 or visit www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/weddings
Fanhams Hall Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 7PZ
