confetti, singing waiters, sparklers, and a balloon drop, a dream day at rufflets hotel

When Claire and Craig told me they envisioned a chilled-out wedding at Rufflets Hotel where they could spend as much time as possible with their guests, I was so on board. After all, weddings should be about having fun and soaking in every second with your loved ones, right?! 🙌 That’s why I always have a pre-wedding call with my couples to iron out the details and chat through what’s most important to them—whether it’s the vibe, specific moments, or just ensuring there’s zero stress on the big day.

Ceremony Fun & Sentimental Prep Moments

Their ceremony was an absolute joy—super sweet, with a hilarious twist. Claire’s dad’s phone rang (yep, mid-ceremony), and the whole room erupted in laughter. Turns out, this was an inside joke referencing a friend’s wedding where the exact same thing happened. Talk about lightening the mood and setting the tone for the laid-back day ahead! 😂

The morning prep was all about keeping things simple but making time for some fun moments, too—like a cheeky bathtub photo session! 🛁 We also set up a super emotional first look with Claire’s dad, which, let me tell you, had everyone in happy tears. Her bridesmaids were the ultimate hype team, and honestly, there’s no better way to shake off the nerves than having your girls build you up before that aisle walk!

Rufflets Hotel: The Dreamy Backdrop

Now, let’s talk about Rufflets Hotel. That place is a photographer’s dream! The red ivy climbing up the walls is the most stunning backdrop for those group photos—it’s basically begging to be in every shot. 🍁 So, after the ceremony, I always recommend my couples take a quick 5-10 minutes alone together while we wrangle guests for the confetti shot. Perfect for a quiet breather (and a wee cuddle, of course).

Once that confetti’s been thrown, we dive right into the family group photos. It’s super easy to gather everyone while they’re already assembled, and Claire and Craig made it clear—quick is key! ⏳ These two were all about spending the majority of their day with guests, and I’m all for that!

Candid Moments & Party Vibes at Rufflets Hotel

After a breezy 10-minute couple portrait session (seriously, nothing felt rushed!), Claire and Craig were back with their guests, mingling, laughing, and soaking in all the love. They were big on capturing candid moments, so while Josh, my second shooter, and I were working the room, there were tons of chances for their guests to grab a photo with the happy couple. I always make it a priority to capture the people who were there to celebrate—because those candid, in-the-moment shots are pure gold! ✨

Surprise Singing Waiters & All the Fun

And then… the big surprise during dinner! Just as dessert was wrapping up, one of the waitresses took a tumble, cutlery clattering to the floor. Everyone rushed to help her (as you would!), but then—BOOM! She burst into song! 🎤🎶 Yep, surprise singing waiters had everyone up, dancing, and belting out tunes all around the room. It was absolutely electric, and it totally gave everyone a second wind after dinner, getting them ready to party hard into the night.

A Dog Cake Topper, Gym Love, and a Balloon Drop

Their cake was one of the cutest I’ve seen—topped with a little figurine of their dog and a nod to Claire’s love for the gym. 🐾💪 But that wasn’t the last surprise of the night—oh no. As the dancing kicked off, they had a balloon drop! 🎈 The kids went wild, playing a massive game of keepy-uppy (and honestly, so did a few of the adults 😂). It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day.

Feeling the Wedding Vibes? Let’s Chat!

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as fun, laid-back, and unique as Claire and Craig’s (with a few epic surprises thrown in), let’s chat! You can get in touch here and check out my free resources page for some planning inspo. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter where I share real wedding stories, behind-the-scenes tips, and alllll the helpful advice to get you ready for your big day.

Until next time! 🎉

Claire and Craig’s Rufflet’s Hotel Wedding Suppliers

Photo/Video – Danielle Leslie Photography
Florist – Bonnie Bunches
Cake – Philippa Rose Cake Design
Cake Topper – Artlocke Designs
Balloon Artist –
Singing Waiters –
Claire’s Dress –
Craig’s Outfit –
Band –