A Glorious Countryside Wedding in Hampshire

Hampshire wedding photography at Selborne Church followed by a beautiful garden and marquee reception.

The couple sneal a cheeky kiss in as their mothers witness the signing of the register

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…

English country garden in the summer sunshine during bridal preparations The garden all set up for the party yet to come The early stages of bridal hair and make up black and white candid photo Dress hanging and shoes A bridesmaid laughing during the bridal prep Colour candid photographs of bridal preparations Colour photos of make up Black and white photos of bride and bridesmaid getting ready The groom with his groomsmen before the wedding, in a beer garden Groom portrait with groomsmen in background Church interior wide view from the entrance Floral details inside selborne church Church interior details Groom and guests waiting for the start of the wedding Wide view of church from the rear down the aisle to where groom and best men are standing Button hole and ring details Groom and best man waiting in the church for the wedding party to arrive The bridal party getting ready to leave for the church Bride and bridesmaids ready to leave for the church Finishing touches of veil and bouquet for the bride The bridal party walk across the field between the house and the church Bride and bridesmaids walking up the hill towards the church The back of the dress and the bride walks through the churchyard in the sunshine

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.

The groom waiting with best men for the bride to arrive Bridesmaids walking down the aisle at the start of the marriage service The bride walks down the aisle on her father's arm The bride arrives at the end of the aisle Friends giving readings at the start of the service Black and white photos of bride and groom sat for the readings The bride laughing during the marriage service The couple turn to each other to make their voews. Photograph from the rear of the church The exchange of rings The couple exchange wedding rings Wedding guests look on as the couple seal their marriage An enthusiastic kiss! The couple sneal a cheeky kiss in as their mothers witness the signing of the register Guests watch as the marriage register is signed The couple start their walk down the aisle together Bride and groom walk down the aisle as husband and wife Wedding guests follow the couple out of the church Black and white candid photography as the couple take a moment in the now-empty church The couple walk outside to be greeted by confetti

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…

The couple lead their wedding guests through the churchyard to the wedding reception Wedding guests start the descent of the hill between the church and the garden reception Steep grassy hill and high heels make for an interesting combination Garden wedding reception in the summer sinshine Wedding guests enjoying drinks and canapes in the garden Garden wedding reception drinks party Black and white candid photographs of guests during the wedding reception Black and white documentary wedding photography Group photos in the garden of the family home Group photographs Wedding party group photos ni the garden Couple portraits in the garden English country garden wedding photography couple portraits Black and white couple portraits in the garden The couple walk along a country lane Black and white portraits of bride and groom Couple in the garden wedding portraits Bride's bouquet detail

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 😉

Interior set up for country garden marquee reception Marquee decoration details of seating plan and wedding favour The couple are announced in to the marquee to kick off the celebrations Wedding guests cheer as the couple make their entrance to the marquee The groom is greeted enthusiastically by his friends The two mothers share a moment during the reception Wedding guests cheer the couple A bridesmaid gives an opening speech The father of the bride stands to make his speech Black and white photos of guests watching the speeches The groom begins his wedding speech Shots for the guests during the groom's speech as the bride watches on Black and white photo of best men giving their speech Reality kicks in for the groom as his best men begin their speech Groom reaction to the best man's speech as the props come out Wedding guests react to the best man's speech Wedding guests join in a singalong to round off the speeches Kids and dancefloors The evening celebrations get into full flow Marquee interior as daytime turns to evening The band kick off the evening party Bride and groom first dance Wedding guests surround the couple for their first dance Bride and groom kissing on the dancefloor Party time at the marquee reception The groom is lifted onto his friends' shoulders during the evening party Black and white candid party photos Dancefloor action More partying The bride throws the bouquet

Massive congratulations Sophie & Chris, and thank you so much for having me there to capture it all!

– – –

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.

CONTACT ME

Thanks as ever for reading, and come back again soon for many more photos from many more beautiful weddings!