Seeing The Gold Through A Wedding Window
November 23, 2016
Ailis & Chris' Wedding At The Elvetham, Hampshire
Sometimes photography is like looking through a window into someone else's world and each picture offers you a little piece of golden information about the person you are photographing. As my window cleaner, Chris must have had plenty of opportunities to have a nose through my windows at home, and finally it was my chance to have a nosey into his world, on probably the most important day ever! (Obviously both being complete professionals at what we do, I say this in jest, ahum!)
Seriously though, I was truly very honoured to be asked to photograph Chris as he married his stunning Irish beauty Ailis, and with great expectation I prepared myself for some comedy moments and larks in-between the seriousness and solemness of vows and oaths. (It was probably a good job I had anticipated the former)! But although I joke, this day amongst laughs had some truly spectacular moments which were really wonderful to be a part of.
On the wedding morning I arrived at the very funky and unique G! Boutique Hotel in Southsea where the groom was getting ready. I was directed to the correct suite whereby I stumbled upon a seemingly romantic scene involving a happy couple, (disturbingly not THE happy couple)…a dodgy start? (Well I thought so!)
Happy that the big day had now truly commenced, Chris was in great spirits with the anticipation of the wonderful day that lay ahead and of course with the excitement of seeing Ailis as his beautiful bride! In fact, the sign on the door summed it up very aptly as you could say Chris was, 'Giddy with delight'!
Within minutes of meeting these guys I soon picked up on the fact that whilst Chris was keen to appear smart for his big day, he was casual and relaxed in his approach to his attire. On the contrary his Best Man was a particularly neat and fastidious character - attention to detail was imperative. Which was why I found it hilarious when upon taking this next shot I noticed this gigantic hole in his sock!
After an amusing start to the day, over in Fareham I was relieved to discover that Ailis was bringing some class to the party! Getting ready in her family home, the beautiful bride was being helped by her mum into the stunning gown that she had designed and handmade with her daughter. It's deep v-back and beaded detail were so elegant and flattering and the floor-length spanish style lace-edged veil finished the look perfectly, making for a dramatic, breathtaking bride.
What an incredibly special moment between mother and daughter and how proud they must have felt of each other!
Being of traditional Irish heritage, Ailis chose to marry Chris at the Sacred Heart Church in Fareham, a beautiful old flint church where they had a very classic and traditional Roman Catholic service. Ailis travelled to the ceremony in a shiny white classic car with her brothers and was greeted by a group of her dance students (who you'll be able to spy in the car window's reflection).
After the service, Ailis' dance students (dressed in their traditional Irish dance costume) added extra colour and vibrance to the confetti line as the new Mr & Mrs exited the church. The girls also did a special performance at the evening reception which was a lovely salute to their wonderful dance teacher who they clearly held in high esteem.
Both of Ailis' brothers gave her away and also gave wonderful speeches later in the day at the Reception in honour of their late father. Touchingly during the service a song was played of their Dad singing, it was a very poignant moment for the family in the way that they had remembered and included him in the day. No doubt he would have been so very proud of his daughter on her wedding day.
Someone I haven't yet mentioned who was also a key part of the day was Chris' dog who, not only attended the service, but had a pivotal role as the ring bearer! The little Border Terrier did a fabulous job of carrying the rings in his collar and, the faithful companion that he was, made various other appearances throughout the day!
Ailis had chosen gold as the accent colour to embellish her wedding gown and detailed gold knee-length dresses for the bridesmaids (all ten of them!). I loved that the gold represented something of Ailis, her love, courage and sparkle. The pop of the red she included came through her bridesmaid's romantic rose bouquets and her own Hollywood-esque red lipstick which worked as a fantastic contrast bringing glamour, richness and sophistication to the overall look of the bridal party.
Chris and Ailis took to the perfectly manicured lawns within the Private Estate of their grand Hampshire venue, The Elvetham Hotel, where many of the guests were staying. This stunning and picturesque building set in 35 acres of stunning gardens was a spectacular place to celebrate and an amazing backdrop for the couple to be photographed with their nearest and dearest. The couple looked radiant together as they stood afoot of what seemed to be an eternal green avenue of hand-sculpted trees.
A perfectly timed breeze caught Ailis' long veil in this next shot, revealing it's beautiful lace edging and also the elegant back and train to her gown.
Inside the historic, exclusive and lavish Hotel's library, the reception tables were precisely set and the atmosphere created was warm and inviting whilst regal feeling. Candelabras, bringing soft glowing light, stood on each rose-wreath bedecked table and as a hint to the couple's travels and adventures, a gold gilt framed atlas detailed with polaroids and luggage tags pointed the way to guests looking for the correct seat.
The humour and laid back approach from both Chris and Ailis ensured guests an easy-going feel and fun-packed day. It was great to see them laughing on the dance floor and loads of guests soon joining in enjoying a great party atmosphere.
At the end of the night we captured a moment with The Elvatham at night in all it's splendour, with windows alight displaying all ranges of colours. From one end the bold blues, greens and oranges of the disco created a rainbow-like effect from afar which then merged into softer gold and cosy tones, offering warmth and calm at the other end of the building.
Ailis and Chris, it was wonderful having a little window into your world on your beautiful wedding day and thank you for allowing me to capture it for you. I loved all the contrasts in your day; the greenery, the gold, the giggles and grandeur and I'd like to wish you all the best for your future together.
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A