Rownhams House wedding photography with Jenny & Tom. Way, way back in the day Rownhams was where I grew up. My house was one one side of the school and across the road, Rownhams House on the other. And until (ahem, quite a few) years later I heard about it as a wedding venue I had absolutely no idea it was there. What an absolutely beautiful venue, what gorgeous grounds, and what a total surprise. Tucked away down a little back road half way between Romsey and Southampton, you’d have no idea it was there even as you turn in to the drive, and then suddenly there you are, transported to an oasis of wedding venue heaven. And today it was to be the reception venue for Jenny & Tom’s big day.
But as if that wasn’t dream venue enough on its own, we also had the total beauty that is Romsey Abbey to add in to the mix as that was to be the scene for the marriage itself. Bridal prep was all systems go at the White Horse Hotel and Brasserie (the Abbey and the White Horse fit very neatly together – it’s a superb wedding combo) while Tom and the boys filled the couple’s house with all things groom prep; iron permanently on the go, men walking around without shirts on looking for cuff links, that sort of thing….
It’s great when everything’s happening nearby as it means I can flit between both sides; I do like to capture a bit of the groom prep too if I’m able, but of course there are always things to photograph as the bride gets ready. Capturing the little details is always fun, but really it’s all about the emotion, the anticipation as far as I’m concerned, especially as assorted friends and family members start to make their way to the church; it all starts to feel very real!
Romsey Abbey is a gorgeous church for a wedding. It’s built to quite some scale so you really do feel like you’re somewhere special, but it still seems to be able to hold on to a sense of intimacy whatever size of the wedding party. And if you fancy a nice aisle walk the Abbey has plenty of aisle to walk down. Jenny looked absolutely beautiful arriving on her father’s arm – just look at that dress! (Plenty more photos of that further down the blog too).
Before moving on to Rownhams House for the reception, Jenny & Tom had arranged for their camper van wedding car to make a little stop by the riverside at the bottom end of town (a really lovely little corner with an old mill spanning the water which anyone who knows Romsey will know well) for a quick couple of portraits and a quiet moment together.
So many beautiful features in and around Rownhams House, but one in particular leaps out – how about that dining room! What a magnificent space, and how appropriate for such a grand celebration. Happily when it came to the speeches everyone had brought their A-game and easily matched the surroundings.
Speaking of surroundings, once the meal and speeches were concluded I was able to slip out with our bride and groom for a few more portraits and a bit of an explore of the grounds. They’re huge! Seriously, you’d have no idea all this was tucked away here. There’s a lake. And that’s surrounded by woodland. Formal gardens, outbuildings, and along with all of this the incredible coach house which serves as base camp for the evening party. This place is awesome!
Fab, fab day – full of love and emotion, just as a wedding should be! Massive congratulations to the happy couple, and wishing you many years of joy together!
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I hope you’ve enjoyed this selection of photos from Jenny & Tom’s wonderful day. There are plenty more for friends and family to view in their private viewing gallery, but you’ll need to ask them for the password first.
If you are currently planning your Rownhams House wedding photography and would like to know more about my 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!