This wedding was a very special wedding for me as I had the great honor of photographing the wedding of one of my best friends. Carlie, the bride was a bridesmaid at my own wedding and she met Mark online one boring night whilst house sitting for me when I was on holiday and thank God she did! Mark was clearly made for Carlie and Carlie made for Mark. I knew the first time she spoke of him to me she was smitten and when she announced her engagement and approached me to hire me to photograph her wedding I was so excited and happy for them both. Carlie and Mark got married in Beaulieu Abbey and their reception was held at the Domus in Beaulieu. It was a beautiful setting for a beautiful couple! The reception was decked out with a homage to Mark's Scottish roots and utilised Carlie's flare for crafts with so many lovely homemade touches.
Carlie's hair was a beautiful creation by Kriss Weeks of Hair elegance
The head piece and jewellery were purchased from etsy.com and had rose gold details
These gorgeous kimonos were purchased from etsy.com and were personalized for Carlie and her bridesmaids.
The dress had the most fabulous back and was altered to fit like a glove by one of the bride's best friends, Rosie.
Carlie went for a full length Veil which complimented her elegant dress.
I love to photograph the details and accessories such as shoes and the garter. You want to remember those special little extras you purchased for your wedding.
Whilst Carlie was getting ready my second shooter Lucy, of Lasting impressions by lucy
captured the groom's preparations...
Mark and his best man got ready at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst.
Then the flowers were collected at the florist in Beaulieu
and it was time for some dutch courage...
Off to the church now. The ceremony was held at Beaulieu abbey
I love to see the excitement on the bride's face before she sees her husband to be and while i was capturing this my second shooter Lucy was capturing the groom's reaction to the bride's entrance. Having a second shooter is a nice extra to have!
The ceremony was an intimate affair and the church was idyllic
I love it when i can partially silhouette the couple in an archway or a doorway. The shadows really add drama and interest to the picture.
After the ceremony we had a few quick group photos in the cloisters. I find that a lot of my clients prefer only a few essential group pictures. In the old days the group pictures were an endless conveyor belt of different guest combinations and could drag on. I'm happy that my documentary style of photography is growing in popularity and this has become more preferable to the traditional group pics.
while the guests relaxed and had a few drinks....
....I headed off with Carlie and Mark for a few couples photographs on the river
The reception was held at the Domus #domuswedding in the grounds of Beaulieu motor museum.
I loved the effort that was put into all the little details
These antler bottle openers were awesome and adorable.
The cake was a creation by Emma Woodbury and suited the theme and rustic surroundings perfectly.
Before the sunset I took the happy couple into the gardens around the Domus for some romantic sunset pictures #couplesshoot
oops! we forgot the lock with the couples name and wedding date engraved upon the lock for this creative love lock tree. That's okay the event planners at Beaulieu have agreed the newly weds can return with the lock so we will have a mini shoot on their anniversary to get these pictures!
The bride was missing Connie her horse who unfortunately due to logistics we could not get involved in her special day so this hedge was a bit of a substitute. #blushingbridegoneforaride
As I said before i love to capture details. I use a macro lens as you can get the details really clear and sharp. These rings were understated and beautiful.
The cake was cut. It had a different flavour for each tier and my slice of chocolate orange was absolutely delicious!
The first dance was Annie's song by John Denver.
The bride's friend was in an amazing band playing a range of rock and indie tunes and some well known favourites. The big town boppers are well known locally and are a great option if you are considering a band at your wedding.
then the happy couple their last picture by the grand fire place. #winterwedding
for more pictures check out a selection of my favourites in this mini gallery.
