When it comes to wedding photography backdrops the wonderful Holywell Estate in Hampshire has got it so right. I absolutely love photographing here - it's just so my kind of space - so I was over the moon when Annie & Phil approached me to capture their outdoor ceremony and reception here. As a venue it's got so much going on: the tranquillity of the walled garden which plays host to the bulk of the day's proceedings, the wonderful rolling countryside of the South Downs which makes up the wider estate with its bluebell woods, sweeping driveways and of course that stunning manor house at the centre of it all, and the excellent stretch tent which serves as base camp for all of the day's celebrations. But of course it's the people which really make a wedding, and Annie & Phil, their family and friends, were just so lovely and so much fun to be around and photograph right from the off that it was always going to be one of those dream occasions. I might have slightly overshot this one: the images below really are just a small selection from the day as a taster but it was just impossible not to with so much going on. Oh, and there was a dog as if that wasn't already enough!
An outdoor wedding ceremony always brings an extra element of excitement if the weather isn't entirely playing ball. It's pretty fair to say that for Annie & Phil it went right to the wire, and I mean literally as the bride was getting out of the car and preparing to walk down the aisle. To be fair it played out just as the forecasts were predicting and all credit to everyone involved for keeping the faith! A gorgeously sunny morning had given way to drizzle, which in turn morphed into proper old-school rain drops as guests started to arrive at the walled garden of the Holywell Estate. We were all so keen for the outdoor ceremony to happen (there was of course a plan B which was to relocate with seating inside the stretch tent) as it just looked absolutely stunning out there with a floral display down the aisle which was off the charts. As the decent weather gave its first few hints that it might just return it was all hands on deck to dry and wipe down all of the seating before guests could take their seats.
While all this was happening inside the garden Annie and bridesmaids were pulling up outside and preparing to make their entrance. The first order or business though was to be greeted by their dog (kept on a very tight lead but allowed just enough slack to get close enough for a ruffle behind the ears). Muddy paws and white wedding dresses are not the best pairing immediately before the ceremony). And then, as the rain finally eased up (and to huge sighs of relief from everyone involved) it was time...
Check out that confetti! It's something I see fairly often: having your guests throw their confetti as you walk back down the aisle, rather than arranging a separate line-up outside, and it works great. A real moment. (And not only for outdoor ceremonies like this: I've seen it many times indoors too. All you need is a willing venue and someone who's agreed to do the sweeping). But for Annie & Phil's wedding there was soooo much and it looked absolutely awesome, especially with those incredible flowers lining the aisle and the Holywell Estate's beautiful gazebo as the backdrop. What a scene. And then - another bonus with an outdoor ceremony here - you're already in the middle of the party. The walled garden is just made for this part of the day: it's such wonderful, laid back countryside vibes. The views are gorgeous, the space works brilliantly and everywhere you look you see people just soaking it all up and having a great time.
The walled garden really shines when it comes to the evening celebrations. The bar is in full swing, the firepits are blazing, and there's a real party vibe in the air. We were able to sneak away for a few more couple portraits (this is always a great time to do this: everything is nice and chilled, you don't feel the pressure to still be working the room and saying hi to everyone, and of course the light is so often just perfect at this time of day). A good thing to bear in mind at the Holywell Estate is that you have a number of really lovely - and quiet - photo stops just a few steps away from the waled garden, so you don't have to worry about venturing far from the party to get the shots.
Back in the garden we had Steve Charrett working the crowd with his awesome magic skills (I see Steve at quite a few weddings as he's a hugely popular choice and a real entertainer, which is great news for me as it means loads of great reaction photos), and then doubling down on the entertainment front a live wedding band - the Carousels - kicking off with the first dance and getting the marquee properly rocking. I say it every time but if you can stretch to a band for the evening I'd really recommend giving it some real consideration. And following on from our couple's example here if you've got enough left in the kitty for a couple of confetti cannons to fire off mid-first dance then your party is literally going to go with a bang!
I really love the Holywell Estate as a venue. It's such a beautiful spot and is always looking its absolute best every time I see it. As I'm going around capturing the day I can see just how much all of the guests - as well as the bride and groom of course - are enjoying being there. If countryside and outdoor spaces are anywhere near being a big deal for you I really would recommend checking it out as one of your Hampshire wedding venue options.
And a huge thank you to Catherine Dunning of Love That Wedding, wedding coordinator extroadinare, for all her help throughout the wedding, and the excellent John Watson for all his additional photography as my second shooter for the day.
Making it happen:
Venue: Holywell Estate
Wedding Coordinator: Catherine Dunning - Love That Wedding
Dress: Olive Blossom Bridal
Catering: Chilli Pepper Catering
Flowers: Artificial Hannah
Magician: Steve Charrett
Drinks Reception Band: Ten Foot Troubadours
Evening Band: The Carousels
If you are currently planning your Holywell Estate wedding and would like to know more about my wedding photography availability, packages and prices please do drop me a line through the contact form link below.
