This was my first time photographing at Highfield Park in Hampshire. We were fortunate to have a fine day in early May. I started the day with the groom and the groomsmen at home, as the second shooter. However I took over as primary photographer because the other person had to go home after bridal prep (hence why you won’t see those photos) – just one good reason to have two photographers.
Groom preparation
The guys were really chilled getting ready together at the groom’s house. Since they were organised and ready early, there was time to enjoy some beers in the garden. One of the highlights was meeting pet bunny Joey, only a pity that he wasn’t able to attend the wedding, but he did at least have time to pose with the wedding rings!
Highfield Park
On arrival at Highfield, there was plenty of time for guests to mingle before the wedding ceremony. This was a good time to capture some relaxed candid photographs.
And in addition I did both portraits of the groom and group photos of him with his family and groomsmen.
The arrival of the bride
The wedding ceremony took place in the Wellington room and everyone went in to await the arrival of the bride.
Lucy arrived looking amazing with her Dad in a Viscount vintage style wedding limousine.
The wedding ceremony
The wedding theme was pale pink, green and white and the bridal bouquet was a mixture of roses to match the theme. The ceremony was emotional, with readings and music played by their friends and family.
There were great reactions from the guests when the couple shared their first kiss. The father of the bride punched the air in delight and the two little page boys looked thrilled, as everyone clapped in celebration for the new spouses.
After the signing of the register it was straight outside for the confetti. The guests made a walkway for the newly weds to walk through.
Couple photos
Firstly we took the opportunity to do some photography with the car before it left. The chauffeur very helpfully took the hood down, which allowed the bride and groom to sit on the back for some fun photos. (Wedding car from Christophers wedding cars). Secondly we wandered up the beautiful tree-lined drive and then over to a large patch of bluebells that were still blooming. And finally we went round the other side of the building to the stone folly, for more couple shots and also some group photos with the parents and bridal party.
The speeches
The speeches happened after the wedding breakfast in the Chamberlain room. I love photographing all of the reactions and emotions during this point of the wedding day. As is traditional, there were speeches from the father of the bride, the groom and the best man.
Evening photos
After the speeches, the happy couple had a chance to walk round the tables and chat with their guests. Then I took them outside briefly for their second photo session of the day to capture some evening photos because they had requested them. When they went back in to the reception it was time to cut the cake, after which the couple surprised everyone with a specially choreographed dance.
Sparklers
For the last surprise of the evening we took everyone outside the venue for sparklers. Finally they all headed back indoors to hit the dance floor and party the night away.
Are you getting married at Highfield Park? I’d love to work with you. Please get in touch to check my availability for your wedding photography. Or if you’d like to see more of my work then please head over to my wedding portfolio page
