Southdowns Manor is a unique country retreat where couples can enjoy exclusive use of the house and grounds for their magical day. As Hampshire wedding venues go, this place really is lovely so I’m not in the least bit surprised that Karen and Barrie decided to marry here.
If you happen to be a follower of my blog, you’ll recognise these two from their pre-wedding session at Wickham old railway. They met as children and fell in love adults, they were engaged outside of the Princess Castle at Disneyland Paris and, on on the last day of August this year, surrounded by their friends and family, they promised to love one another forever. I was choked by the emotion in the room during the ceremony and continued to well up at various points throughout the day, such is the depth of the love between Karen and Barrie and their little family.
I feel so very blessed to have been a part of this day.
I remember my first phone conversation with Becky, I recall that she was chatty and enthusiastic and couldn’t say enough lovely things about her fiance, Tom. She told me that he was the life and soul of the party, that he was going to have an army of Groomsmen (and he really did!) and that they were planning a day that would be peppered with live music, played by their very talented friends. It was in a slightly more timid manner that Becky pointed out that she was not, in fact, particularly looking forward to being photographed, that she was a little more quiet and reserved than Tom and wasn’t sure how she would get on with being the centre of attention. She had me. When someone is that honest and open with you, how can you fail but to want to say ‘I want to be the photographer to make it not-scary for you!’
They married at St Mary’s Church in the stunningly beautiful village of Bildeston in Bury St Edmund, a church that held great sentimental attachment to them. Following a sermon about Toblerone’s (yes, really!) and a some incredibly rousing hymns (honestly, I nearly burst into tears it sounded so amazing) the Bride and Groom, along with their wedding party, travelled to their stunning wedding reception venue, Hengrave Hall near Bury St Edmund. This place is beyond beautiful! It was the first time we’d photographed her and I’m so pleased that we had the opportunity! The staff were great, the food was great and the venue itself is stunning with photographic opportunities at every turn. They effortlessly coped with a large number of guests without even seeming to be slightly ruffled – you’ve gotta love that!
I’m so pleased that Becky got in touch that day and that she and Tom allowed me the pleasure of documenting such a special day for them.
You cannot fail to smile when you’re around these two…Emma is a bubble of enthusiasm and John’s ability to make her laugh make them two people that you just want to spend more time with. Joined by their lovely children, this was a family wedding that I was keen to photograph from the outset.
When Emma got in touch about the photography for their big day, they were yet to confirm a location but Three Choirs Wickham Vineyard was in the running…she had my attention. Knowing how beautiful vines look in summer sunshine I was delighted when they asked me to document their day and confirmed that they would be marrying at St Mary’s Church, Warsash and celebrating with a Vineyard Wedding Reception. Three Choirs took over management of the Vineyard relatively recently and when Emma and John looked at the barn where they were hoping to have their reception, it was just a shell with a tractor in the middle of it! Many months on, their vision of a fun filled, laid back, wedding with a hint of rustic charm was executed beautifully as the team at Wickham pulled out the stops to make the day special.
John got ready with his son and best friend (his two best men) at Marriott Meon Valley whilst Emma and their daughters enjoyed all their creature comforts at home in Warsash. The house was alive with a gentle buzz of activity as people skipped from room to room getting ready, except for the two flower girls…they were positively bouncing! I adore the preparation part of wedding photography, capturing the excitement and anticipation in the build up to the couple seeing each other at the ceremony is such a wonderful gift to document.
The day flowed beautifully, the ceremony was personal and touching and the opportunity to enjoy a drink in the sunshine at Wickham Vineyard, or partake in lawn games, was very much appreciated by all the guests who had all been dreading the forecasted drenching of rain! Three Choirs did an outstanding job of creating a moutwatering Malaysian buffet and nothing was too much trouble for them.
Such a fabulous day with wonderful people. Enjoy the pictures!
This. This is the reason I no longer work Sundays*. That photograph you see of my son being amazed at my…hck hmm…beauty(!?) as he sees me for the first time in my bed-sheet wedding dress. Yup. This was Sunday, this was me making time to play Weddings with my gorgeous boy. Wearing a Minion T Shirt and Cravat (he’s a trend setter!) he covered his eyes as I walked into the lounge and Geoffers grabbed the camera in time to document this beautiful moment…followed by the absolute smacker of a kiss that followed. He tells me that our Wedding was his favourite and best day and that he especially liked the bit where we ate Smarties. (It’s worth pointing out that I don’t recall us eating any Smarties…but then I don’t think my dress was worthy of his reaction either so I’ll let his imagination prevail!)
I have had to work Sundays for most of my working life, it was expected as part of waitressing and at the DIY store where I worked whilst at College and afterwards, it became part of my life whilst I undertook shift work for the Police. I found myself years later in the business of photography with many clients looking to weekends for their sessions and I was constantly putting my family second. Whilst I never particularly relished Sunday working (I’d always rather be going to Church, seeing family and eating a roast!) I was happy enough to accommodate as I hated the idea of letting anyone down.
For some time now, though, I have been trying to separate a little time off in my week for my family and generally, as each week finishes, I feel I have failed. The odd nursery rhyme with Beatrice and a quick jigsaw puzzle with George, squished in-between a morning of editing and afternoon of seeing clients just wasn’t cutting it…and down-time with my fella was almost non-existent. I’d had enough! Two weeks ago I announced. “That’s it! I’m not working Sunday’s anymore!” I’m not sure anyone believe me but I heard Geoffers telling family the other day ‘Abi doesn’t work Sundays now’ and just hearing those words, I felt a huge weight off my shoulders! A day when I don’t have to think about responding to emails, a day when I don’t have to watch the clock and get back to my desk… a day to play dressing-up with my Three year old.
A.x
*Except for in the case of stonkingly fabulous Weddings. I can never turn down one of those!!
There are no words that can honestly and truthfully justify the fabulousness of this day. It starts with a couple who are not only ridiculously easy to be around, to laugh with and to photograph but whose love is so beautiful that I kept finding myself just watching them and smiling to myself…I must have looked seriously odd! (Moreso even than usual! 🙂 Honestly, someone, somewhere, once said: I crave a love so deep that it makes the ocean jealous. I can only assume that they must have witnessed Jessie and Brad together.
From the far away shores of Australia, Jessie and Brad planned their nuptials whilst involving family and friends from the other side of the world. Most couples would shy away from planning a day so many miles away but it was clear that it was important for Jessie to get back to her roots and marry near where she grew up. Jessie’s mother took on the great job of arranging all that she could for them and I must say, did an astounding job!! The flowers, cake, head-dresses and stationary…everywhere I looked there were simply gorgeous touches.
The preparations, on the morning of the big day, took place against the backdrop of Blackwood Forest. The log-cabins were full of the sounds of excitement; laughter filled the air and amidst the dishing out of gifts and hugs, there were moments full of thoughtfulness, emotion and complete hysteria from the flower girls! Time ran away with us (as is so often the way!) and in no time at all Jessie and Brad made their way to Micheldever where they made their vows to one another at the church of St Mary The Virgin. The service was personalised with beautiful readings from Brad’s sisters and Jessie’s Grandmother and, alongside the hymns and prayers, there were wonderful moments of lightness and laughter…these always make lovely moments for a photographer!
Following an incredible confetti exit from the church (you HAVE to check out their faces!) the celebrations moved to Wherwell Priory, a stunning country house between Winchester and Andover. The weather could not have been more perfect and, surrounded by peaceful grounds and parkland, Jessie and Brad’s exquisitely decorated marquee provided the perfect venue for their stylish celebrations. I feel I should take this moment to also say a MASSIVE thank you to the bridal party who were great fun to spend time with and didn’t bat an eyelid when I continually chased them for pictures…to Kimberley and Sophie, in particular, for being such kind and attentive bridesmaids to Jessie, when a bride has this kind of support and help my job becomes so easy!
As for Jessie and Brad, they are, without doubt, one of the most wonderful couples I’ve ever had the pleasure of working and becoming friends with. Judging by the outpouring of love for them from the guests on their big day, these guys clearly cherish their friends and family as much as they cherish one another and I feel so blessed to have been invited into their lives. Of course, they’re absolutely stuck with me now as when a couple are this fun to photograph you don’t let them go easily…the fact that they’re living in Australia is only a very small issue! 🙂
A little shout out to the following suppliers:
Venue: Wherwell Priory, Wherwell, Hampshire
Catering: Mange 2 Events. (A huge thank you to Georgie Webb, I’m not sure we’ve ever been so well fed!)
Florist: Catherine Coombes
Hair & Make-Up: Gemma Sutton Videography: Teardrop Films (I owe Matt a HUGE thank you for referring these guys to me!!!!
Stationary: Designed and made by Jessie & Brad
The Bride Wore: Panola Dress by Raffaele Cicuia
The Groom Wore: A custom made suit of his own design, by Oscar Hunt in Melbourne
Entertainment: Joe Singfield
Enjoy the images – I cannot tell you how excited I am to share these…. x
Being invited into someone’s home, in the first precious days of their baby’s life, is simply one of the most extraordinary experiences. In my bag I carry multiple lenses, under my arm I have a selection of props and in my mind I have an idea of the sort of images I might like to create but what you can never predict is how the session will go. For every sleepy, angelic baby there is always a hungry, unsettled and just plain grouchy one! I’m always horribly conscious that these new parents find themselves with a, virtual, stranger in their home documenting their early days of parenting as they attempt to soothe their baby…well, just let me tell you now, Jill and Pip were that couple.
I’m sure Jill and Pip won’t mind me saying that our newborn session with their first-born, James, wasn’t of the sleepy and docile variety! James was, in every way, adorable and perfect but he wanted to be cuddled – non stop! We managed a few well timed, slightly calmer, images, but Jill was armed with gorgeous hand-knitted accessories and he was having none of it. It didn’t phase me in the slightest as my main wish is to document early newborn days as naturally as possible (OK, with a few cute poses thrown in along the way if the opportunity presents itself!) but if, in those early days, they just want to be held? Then that’s what I’ll capture; those cosy, snuggly, perfect cuddles. I’m pleased to say, however, that James more than made up for that first session at our toddling session when he was an absolute cutie-pie! 🙂
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was invited back to their new home to meet their new addition, baby Genevieve. Well, this was a whole different experience! This time we chatted and ate cake and spent out time cooing over how well behaved this little lady was being for us. We worked our way through various different accessories and still had time for a few cosy family cuddles. I couldn’t help but think that it would have been easier on Jill and Pip had it been the other way around as I’ve always felt a little guilty that the original session didn’t go quite as they had wished…but clearly it didn’t put them off and I’m SO pleased that we were able to make use of those gorgeous knits at last!
Photographing and meeting new people is something I enjoy immensely but documenting families that I have become friends with, like these guys, is just the icing on the cake. (Mmm….cake!)
I’m beyond happy to share images of this little cutie and her lovely family….go on…take a peek.
x
And just because…here is James perfectly demonstrating the etiquette for eating cake amongst friends 🙂
Cake lovers take note – THIS is how you eat cake! 🙂
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