Hampshire wedding photography at Selborne Church followed by a beautiful garden and marquee reception.
There’s always something really special about a homecoming wedding, with friends and family all coming together to celebrate with the couple in a place of real significance to the bride and groom. That was definitely the case here with Sophie and Chris’s incredible day as guests descended on Selborne, a lovely little village deep in rural Hampshire, for one of the most fun weddings I think I’ve ever seen.
So in the heart of the village you have this beautiful, picture-postcard country church. Down the road there is, naturally, a pub which served conveniently as a pre-wedding meeting point for groom and guests, and then tucked way down this little country lane you have the bride’s family home, scene of both the bridal preparations and the celebrations. And between house and church, that hill. More on that later…
What an absolutely beautiful set-up – I was in photographer heaven zipping between the bases capturing all the build-up. Eventually groom and guests had been corralled to the church and it was time for Sophie to start the short stroll with the help of her bridesmaids. It’s popular walking country around here, but for all the traffic the footpath here receives (part of the hangers way, which as it happens is a very lovely and surprisingly hilly walk which I did last year) I doubt that it’s often tackled in a wedding dress. Thank goodness that the sun was out and the ground was dry though – it could have been a very different experience in the wet.
St Mary’s Church is Selborne is a real beauty, a quintessentially English country church sat in the heart of the village. It ticks every box from a photo point of view – as well as looking gorgeous inside and out it’s also got those bonus side isles and discreet little places to tuck yourself away, meaning that I could get on with capturing the ceremony from various angles without being any kind of distraction. Which is just as it should be – all eyes should be on the bride and groom, not on anything else. And I have to say a huge thank you to the vicar and team at the church who were so wonderfully accommodating and thoughful, really keen that the couple were able to get the photos that they wanted.
Anyway, one charming service and several very enthusiastic kisses later Sophie and Chris were back outside being showered with confetti before leading their guests back down the hill to the garden wedding reception. When we’d chatted previously they’d suggested that in place of a more conventional group photo of everyone, we could make sue of the hill and capture it in a more candid style as people made their way down. When I saw the hill i totally got why – killer idea! Big thanks to the groomsmen who helped here by gently encouraging guests to fan out far and wide from the top of the hill. And yes, once you’re on it the hill suddenly does become a fair bit steeper than it looks from either end. Grassy slopes and stilettos may not be the most natural of bedfellows but unless I missed it I don’t think we lost anyone on the descent. And once they made it down to the bottom happily there was plenty of booze to help everyone fortify themselves ready for the celebrations…
And just as well, because there was a lot of celebrating to be done. Good news though – Sophie and Chris’s family and friends were more than up to the task – this was one epic party! (I happened to bump into the band – who were absolutely awesome by the way and who I would recommend in a flash; details below – at another wedding a couple of weeks ago and they’re still talking about it, it was that good). And a Peri Peri chicken BBQ for your wedding breakfast? That’s the way to please a marquee full of guests in full celebration mode.
Anyway, I’m getting way too carried away and writing far too many words now – let’s just get back to the photos. Speeches, singing, band, dancing, cake… you know how it works. Just superb. 10/10 for this one guys and I reckon you’ve got a bright future in wedding planning if you ever feel the calling 😉
Massive congratulations Sophie & Chris, and thank you so much for having me there to capture it all!
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Making it possible…
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Selborne (ceremony)
Home reception (marquee provided by Pitch Perfect Marquees)
Catering: Tandem Catering
Music: OJ’s Soul Band
I hope you’ve enjoyed this snapshot of Sophie & Chris’s stunning day. Friends and family can view the rest of the photos and an extended slideshow in their private viewing gallery, but you’ll need to ask them for the password first.
If you are currently planning your Deans Court 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.
Thanks as ever for reading, and come back again soon for many more photos from many more beautiful weddings!