Written in the Stars
March 22, 2016
Alan and Carol's October Wedding at Old Thorns Manor House
Carol has known me since I was born; she and her family lived opposite my family home, and she went to school with my older sister. I met Alan many years ago when they got together and they have remained close friends of the family. It was a real privilege for me to be asked to take their wedding photographs when they decided to tie the knot in October last year after many years as a couple and two children together. It is always special to photograph friends and family members on their big days, not only as I get to be surrounded by the banter of people I already know very well, but also for the opportunity to capture a memory for them which will last forever.
There was a theme throughout the day of stars and moons, reflecting the couple's interest in astronomy and tying in colour-wise to Carol's Scottish heritage. Sumptuous midnight blues and glistening silvers were mixed with thistles, the national flower of Scotland. Carol's gorgeous bouquet contained all of these alongside cream roses, and she spent time with a jewellery designer coming up with this wonderful shimmering star tiara.
The couple chose Old Thorns Manor House in Liphook, Hampshire for its stunning setting in 400 acres overlooking the rolling countryside of the South Downs. Not just a proud Scot, Carol's father is also a keen golfer so the fact that the Hotel also boasts a world class golf course was a major draw! Alan and Carol both spent their pre-wedding night in the hotel at Old Thorns, which meant the atmosphere was full of hustle and bustle, and made it easy for me to mission back and forth between rooms to capture all the action.
The wedding day itself was not without its drama, you will see as the story unfolds, but the couple and the guests faced the adversity head on with humour and support. The morning of the wedding saw Carol preparing with the help of her sister, niece and her daughter Kaitlin. Poor Kaitlin had come down with a nasty sickness bug the day before, but had started to perk up in the morning. Check out her cheeky grin as she gets her hair done by the wonderful team at ID.
Carol did not want to compromise on comfort, especially in the 'warm feet' department, so was ecstatic when she discovered these awesome Victorian style boots to complete her wedding outfit!
Carol was the epitome of bridal charm. She looked utterly beautiful; her hair and makeup elegant and natural, allowing that radiant smile to stream through, and the delicate lacy dress made her the essence of style and grace.
I popped over to see how the gents were getting on and could see that Alan and his best man were also dressed to impress! I framed Alan in the mirror for this shot, and this theme of reflection seemed to keep cropping up throughout the wedding. I used plenty of light on Alan here, and this coupled with the reflection gives him power and presence, with his best man blurred mysteriously in the foreground.
You can see the warmth and love between three generations in this next image featuring Carol's father decked out in all his Highland finery alongside his daughter and granddaughter.
There was a harmonious feeling of relaxed contentment throughout this wedding which perhaps came with the knowledge that the couple had never really seen the need to get married, (always being happy and content in their life together) until one day when Alan flung the idea out there with a typically chilled - 'let's do it!!' The love between the two of them just radiated, each of them confident enough in the other to throw a couple of surprises into the mix too! The first surprise was for Alan; Carol discovered in the throes of having her mascara applied that Lauren from ID is also a talented singer and fronts the band 'Lady and the Dukes'. While chatting over the makeup they arranged a spontaneous musical treat; a guitar was dropped off for her at the venue and she accompanied Carol with a little bit of Eva Cassidy's 'Songbird' down the aisle! What service!
As I mentioned before, the day was not without its fair share of drama! Alan had been awoken at 4am that morning by their son Michael- it would seem that little Kaitlin had kindly passed her sickness bug along to her brother! You would never tell though from the couples beaming faces, and the next three images show a little bit of the family connection which was evident throughout the day. I love the couple's clasped hands and the darkness and light, moon and stars feel of the contrasting dress and suit behind. In the other two you can see the couple smiling down at little Kaitlin, who gazes lovingly back at them, and even Michael struggled out of bed to be there in the front row, uniting the family together as they enter a new chapter in their lives.
In typical British style, the weather couldn't quite make up its mind but after the ceremony the rain cleared and we grabbed the opportunity to get out into the grounds. Carol and Alan put their poorly children to bed for a snooze and we zoomed off into the countryside in a very speedy and glamorous getaway vehicle - a golf buggy! The couple were full of laughs as we made the most of the stunning views and autumnal colours. I captured a more intimate, romantic image of the two of them enjoying some peace, framed with forest foliage, as well as a comedy moment when Alan helped Carol cross the muddy golf course by holding up her skirt, exposing those cheeky boots and having a right old giggle.
Back to the madness and we had some group shots outside before heading into the light and spacious Hampshire Suite at the hotel. I actually had my fair share of 'family connection' throughout the wedding; my husband and both my parents were in attendance (in fact my mum made the cake!!) and my six year old daughter was very keen to 'help mummy out' with the photography. It was really lovely to have her there, and fitted in with the family atmosphere throughout the day. Here we are 'in action,' Lola crouched down beside me trying to make people say cheese!
Lola was chief 'reflector holder' for the following few images as we trooped inside for the next section of the day. Alan had hand crafted each name card on either a star or a moon, and with the help of events stylists Strawberry Fizz from Emsworth, the couple had created their own galaxy on each table: silver table runners, mirrors and tall jars of water mixed with blue ink and floating candles really set off the muted colours of the room and showcased their theme perfectly. The bottom image shows the reflection of the suite in the large mirror - plenty of room for mingling and relaxing.
The meal and speeches were full of little touches and a few surprises! The family friendly feel was continued with a letterbox for cards hand decorated by the children, and a wish jar for guests wanting to send luck to the couple. It was clear that Alan and Carol are loved not only by family, there was an abundance of friends present and a great vibe - these guys are obviously a popular couple! The best man had come over from the Netherlands for the wedding and prepared an amazingly interactive and humorous speech featuring audience participation and confetti canons!
As night time descended, Kaitlin and Michael awoke feeling a bit sprightlier and I captured this lovely family portrait of the four of them together in the courtyard.
The next shot uses a dramatic, almost comet-like mirror we found in the hotel to frame the newlyweds as they share a kiss. I love how the planetary theme kept cropping up even outside the details the couple had organised, some might say it was 'written in the stars!'
Carol and Alan then surprised us all as they took to the dance floor with a choreographed routine fit for the likes of Strictly Come Dancing! The joy was flowing at this point - the children felt a bit cheerier and the party got into full swing.
Drama was to rear its ugly head once more though - no one could have predicted this next story! Alan had engineered a surprise firework display for Carol, and we're not talking a couple of Catherine wheels in the garden here - this was a full scale operation! As the firework technicians set the scene, the guests were forced to concoct elaborate distractions to keep Carol at bay when one of the team BROKE HIS LEG setting up!!!!
Everyone kept their cool and worked together and eventually the display got underway. What a show! Carol was thrilled, you can see in their faces here the pure joy as Alan ended the display with a fiery star and moon to pull the astronomical theme together and really make the crowd go 'ahhhhhhhh'!!
The thoughtful care with which both Alan and Carol had approached the day and the way they worked with their children and their guests to overcome all the obstacles thrown at them was heart-warming. They certainly proved that they are a good team! I love this final shot of them, lovingly gazing up at the fireworks, celebrating the life they have shared together up to now, and marking its future with a bang!
Carol and Alan, I feel honoured to have been able to help capture your special day. Despite growing up with you just across the road, it gave me a glimpse into how strong and loving your relationship really is, and long may it continue!
With love, Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A