Two pilots getting married in an aircraft hangar?! Tell me more!
Shuttleworth Collection Aircraft Hangar Wedding
Claudia and Richard got married last June in the grand Shuttleworth House, which is a beautiful venue in Old Warden, between Biggleswade and Bedford. The couple got in touch with me at the end of 2018 to tell me all about their amazing plans for a travel themed Shuttleworth Collection wedding – famous for its historic planes. The couple are both commercial airline pilots and met whilst doing their training. It was really fitting that they chose Hangar 3 at Shuttleworth as the venue to celebrate their wedding day!
Getting ready
To begin the day Claudia got ready in one of the rooms in Shuttleworth House with her mum and bridesmaids. The atmosphere was very chilled out, but I could tell that Claudia was a bit nervous! Claudia’s little niece was so sweet in her little flower girl dress! Claudia looked stunning in her lace gown, and her hair was finished with fresh flowers and veil. I loved her shoes – bright pink and sparkly! You just got a glimpse of them as she walked along. She looked absolutely incredible. I think her dad was a little emotional as he saw Claudia in her dress for the first time! The bridal party then walked the short distance to get to the ceremony, down the grand house’s impressive staircase.
The ceremony
Claudia and Richard had their ceremony in the Morning Room of the grand house. The plans had originally been to have the ceremony outdoors in the summer house but sadly it wasn’t to be due to the weather, but it was beautiful nonetheless. The large windows let in plenty of lovely natural light despite a drizzly day, and it was the perfect setting for Claudia and Richard to say their vows. During the ceremony there were some lovely readings from close family and friends.
Once the couple had been announced as husband and wife (to much cheering!), they made their exit from the Morning Room and moved into the next room for the drinks reception. As a surprise to all their guests they were greeted by a steel band, playing whilst everyone mingled and chatted. There was even a little bit of dancing! After taking some photos of the guests enjoying themselves, it was time for some quick group photos back in the Morning Room, and then we had a fabulous confetti throw inside too. Claudia and Richard certainly took my advice on buying LOTS of confetti. I always say you should buy lots more than you think you need!
Thankfully the drizzle abated and we made it outside for a few couples portraits, before the next stage of the day began!
The reception
Once the drinks reception had concluded, the guests jumped on a vintage bus to take them down to Hangar 3 where there were more cocktails awaiting them as they arrived.
Claudia and Richard had decorated the venue perfectly, with a beautiful flowers and a travel theme – very fitting given the couple’s profession! Each guest had a tiny suitcase filled with chocolates. Each table was named for a country or city which had meaning for the couple. Places that their family hailed from or where they had flown to or visited together. One touch that I loved were the bottles of alcohol that hail from each country were placed on the centre of the corresponding table with glass to ensure everyone could sample them! I really loved the way that the theme of travel was tied in throughout the whole day, including on the cake, which had been beautifully made by one of the couple’s friends and featured a tiny Claudia and Richard flying a plane as a topper!
For the wedding breakfast they had some delicious food, and then the speeches followed. Claudia’s dad, Richard and Richard’s best man spoke (paying off of a debt was included in the best man’s speech!) and then Claudia’s twin sister and her younger brother also said a few words. Following the speeches, the guests walked outside of the hangar to be greeted by a vintage ice cream truck! It was a surprise for everyone planned by the bride and groom.
The first dance was to L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole, and they finished off the evening with some serious shapes being thrown as the band played! Before I left, we snuck into the museum hangar for a few quick photos with the planes!
I really loved this wedding. Claudia and Richard are so lovely, and their guests made me feel so welcome! One of them even insisted on getting me a gin and tonic to enjoy during dinner!
I love shooting weddings at Shuttleworth weddings because the grounds are so gorgeous. And there are so many different options for couples tying the knot here, including the house and the Swiss Garden. This was my first time capturing celebrations at the Shuttleworth Collection in Hangar 3 – how often do you get a chance to have a slap up meal in an aircraft hangar!
Claudia and Richard’s wedding was so unique and personal to them and so much fun. Take a look below for some photos from their Shuttleworth Collection wedding!
If you’re planning a wedding at the Shuttleworth Collection, please get in touch! I would love to hear from you!
Suppliers
Venue: https://www.shuttleworth.org/
Flowers: https://fieldgateflowers.co.uk/
Band: http://www.the-sessions.co.uk/
Steel Band: http://kingdonsteeldrums.co.uk/
Make Up: https://hannahspendelowmakeup.co.uk/
Hair: http://sitting-pretty.co
Vintage Ice Cream Van: http://penelopesvintageicecream.co.uk/
