Same-sex wedding photography at Froyle Park in Hampshire. The blossom was out for Annie & Hannah’s Froyle Park wedding. Spring was very much in the air, and this meant that they were able to make the most of the fantastic outdoor ceremony space for their special day. This superb exclusive-use venue nestled on the Hampshire – Surrey border, has it all in spades. So many incredible opportunities for your wedding photography, from the grandeur of the main manor house – both inside and out – think textured stonework, dark wood panelling, staircases… – to the tree-lined avenues, formal gardens and sweeping countryside views beyond… Throw this lovely couple into the mix and add in a really fun bunch of family and friends and you’ve got the makings of an absolute classic.
One great advantage with Froyle Park as a wedding venue is that not only is there an abundance of rooms to use for your preparations, you have completely different areas of the house to take advantage of. This means that the couple and their entourages can stay well out of each others’ way as they get ready – no danger of pre-ceremony spoilers or dress reveals here. Meanwhile everyone else had the run of the house, in particular the children who took the opportunity to practise for their roles in the ceremony later down in the main hall.
The reality of an outdoor ceremony in the UK is that the final decision is often made on the day – always with one eye on the weather. Happily it was agreed that any danger of soggy guests had passed and we would indeed be out in the open. This was fab news as the outdoor ceremony space at Froyle Park really is a big attraction of the venue – a purpose-built space with views towards the South Downs, and the beautiful feature of the the formal garden’s dome to marry beneath.
In a fun little twist with this same sex wedding we had two arrivals of the bride, both Hannah & Annie choosing to walk own the aisle. A really nice arrangement as everyone gets to make their entrance, and we still have that iconic moment where the couple see each other for the first time as we move towards the start of the ceremony. The gardens here make for such a lovely walk – framed by the tree in the centre and with all the guest seating enclosed within the little box hedges which run around the ceremony space. I really can’t think of another outdoor ceremony set-up like this one.
Another nice touch was the extent to which other guests were a feature of the ceremony, with several readings and music in various guises. I always love it when you have variety like this through the ceremony. It’s clearly so meaningful to the couple of course that friends and family are able to participate, but also from a photography perspective it gives me so much to work with in terms of the storytelling aspect of my coverage. (It’s also a great way to pop off lots of portraits of unsuspecting guests as they concentrate on proceedings and tent not to notice me in the background capturing their reactions. Especially if one or two emotional little tears make an appearance).
Back down the aisle, now as wife and wife, and after a shower of confetti we were into the celebrations. I love how the day just flows so naturally here – everything just happens to be in the right place and one part of the day simply flows into the next; ceremony to drinks on the terrace, then into the dining room for the wedding breakfast, then a quick step outside for the last of the evening light… And in amongst all that, so many little nooks and corners just a few steps away for your photography to take place and a whole raft of options and backdrops. This really works for me as I love to give my couples a wide variety of images without it feeling like they’ve been dragged away from their party, so when we’re able to snatch these little moments without the guests even really noticing that we’ve slipped away it’s just ideal.
With speeches done and dusted it was back outside for the last of the evening light and a few garden games as the reception room was turned around for the evening party. Time also for Annie to slip into her evening wedding trainers: check those beauties out. The AFC Wimbledon theme by the way is because Annie is not only a supporter of the esteemed Wombles; she also sits on their board so she’s obviously a bit nuts for them! Anyway, no excuses for not dancing through the night with a pair of those on your feet. (Set off nicely with the socks too).
An absolutely awesome wedding – I loved every moment of photographing this day. Huge congratulations to the happy couple. The photos above are just a small selection – friends and family can see the full set lpus the slideshow set to music in Annie & Hannah’s private gallery ( www.stephen-duncan.co.uk/clients/hannah-annie-at-froyle-park/) but you’ll need to ask them for the password first.
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Making it happen…
Venue: FROYLE PARK
Dress (Annie): SASS & GRACE
Dress (Hannah): OLIVIA GEORGE BRIDAL
Suits: HUNTER & GREY'S
Make Up: LISA VIRGO
Hair: AMBER-LEA COUTURE
Catering: WHITE TRUFFLE
Flowers: JUDITH SEARLE
Cake: FOREVER CAKE CREATIONS
If you are currently planning your Froyle Park wedding and would like to know more about my wedding photography services, packages and prices, please do get in touch to check availability and ask me any questions you might have. I’m only too happy to help however I can.
