Sea of Love
November 13, 2014
Betony & Ed's Hampshire Wedding
Betony and Ed married at the end of August in Hampshire, incorporating the local area of Southsea into their day through lots of personal touches including delicate handcrafted details. The thoughtful and individual way many elements of the wedding were brought together, made the day a truly unique one.
The couple’s chosen venues were full of class and history, oozing charm and breathtaking architecture. I was excited to step into my first port of call - Stattons Luxury Boutique Hotel in Southsea.
I photographed the groomsmen getting ready and was pleased that they were all on good form and ready to take on some of my creative composition ideas! I often like to take note of the room shape, layout and furniture to use to my advantage in setting up a shot. Using mirrors can be a fun way to incorporate a prop whilst capturing two or more perspectives in one single image. Staircases and bannisters are also great for offering height and light variations and allow the ability to include several people in one place whilst giving prominence on one or two individuals.
I next visited Old Portsmouth where I found Betony and the girls getting ready at her mother’s home. Betony wore a beautiful lace covered gown and looked truly elegant and sophisticated. She had chosen a contemporary style outfit in beachy blues and whites for her bridesmaids which tied in with her seaside theme and offered a modern twist to the overall styling. To recognise this we took a few shots where the compositions and positioning of the girls were a little less traditional, showing off a youthful and slightly funkier side to the bride's personality.
On her own, Betony took one of my favourite classic shots of the day, she simply looked exquisite.
A detail that I loved was Betony’s choice to replace the traditional bouquets with beautiful vintage glass handbags, each displaying a single white Calla Lily and Echeveria flowers. The simplicity of these bags were really effective and it was lovely to see an unusual detail that once again hinted at Betony’s individuality.
I arrived at the next impressive destination of Portsmouth Cathedral to shoot the ceremony. This medieval building is renowned for it’s historic and close association with the sea and the sea-faring communities it served, making it the perfect venue for Ed and Betony’s seaside infused day. Strict rules applied to taking photographs of the service in the Cathedral itself, so we spent some time before and after, capturing the bridal party against a backdrop of dramatic stone arches and columns.
Stealing Ed and Betony away for a moment we were able to take some really stunning pictures in the nave of the Cathedral with it’s ornate golden candelabra hanging overhead and the traditional pointed arches making for a breathtaking backdrop. A dream setting for a wedding photographer!
It was time for the newly married Mr and Mrs Bayliss to go enjoy some bubbly with family and friends. They travelled in vintage style in a powder blue classic convertible Morris Minor to the magnificent Royal Marines Museum for their wedding reception. As they pulled up outside the historical building, they were greeted by everyone waiting for them on the grand sweeping staircase. The superb architecture once again reflected the value for history and tradition that Ed and Betony placed on their wedding day which was reflected beautifully throughout the day.
The couple and their guests sat down to a fantastic meal and surrounded by loved ones. The tables were scattered with pebbles and other beach themed decorations including delicate hand-painted stones which served as name places. The speeches, including one from the Maid of Honour, were hilarious and so well delivered. It was clear to see that friendships and love for family was something the couple intentionally wanted to honour and celebrate, and huge efforts were made to incorporate the guest’s involvement in the day. Even the bunting that decorated the room was handmade by the guests who customised a single flag each, in honour of the couple.
Before the first dance the couple ventured down to the beach to catch up with a few friends and watch the sun go down. This was a precious chilled out time before the party got into full swing back at the Museum where the couple really let their hair down!
Thank you Ed and Betony for having me on board at your beautiful seaside themed wedding!
Here’s wishing you all the luck for your future together.
Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A