Glimmers of Gold
August 28, 2018
Hannah & Ben's Langstone Hotel Summer Wedding
Hannah and Ben tied the knot in the Langstone Hotel which sits on the north tip of Portsmouth’s Hayling Island. With vast seascape views across the Sweare Deep channel, the setting offered a glorious feast of evolving colour and light, as the sea ebbed with the changing tides and the sun glistened across the waters that day. In a venue perfect for soaking up the impressive panoramic views from it’s circular glazed reception suite, the wedding party were treated to spectacular views both inside and out. The clear skies and warm sun melting to the loveliest golden tones, truly created the perfect wedding weather.
Ben was staying at the Langstone Hotel and was getting ready there in advance of the ceremony (which was also to be hosted at the hotel). It became more and more apparent as the morning progressed that this groom was a fun-loving guy, young at heart and with a cheerful and playful demeanor. Many things pointed to this fact but the pink socks were just one indication towards his zest for life!
It was lovely to see throughout the day that family and all generations were valued, included and considered. From Hannah and Ben’s little baby boy Dexter as one of the youngest in the party, right through to treasured grandparents. Togetherness it seemed, was the key. With regards to the groomsmen, Ben’s brother took the role of best man alongside close friend Craig, whilst both his father and Hannah’s father were ushers. Dexter of course was the chief page boy and so, all in all, a close-knit group it was! Men in Black style, the guys did their best at remaining cool and those who were without sunglasses added the perfect symmetrical framing to the composition.
Back in Southbourne, Hannah was getting ready with her entourage at her home. Being just around the corner from my studio I found this to be a very handy location indeed! Despite five bridesmaids, two flower girls, a bride, a page boy and other bodies filling every corner of the house, the girls were on schedule and amidst the fun of their preparations had allowed me plenty of time to capture some beautiful classic portraits ahead of their journey to the island. The gorgeous flower girls wore elegant white dresses with delicate gold cap sleeves and carried sweet white posies. Dexter looked very handsome, sporting a cute navy blue waistcoat and white shirt tucked into his smart little trousers.
Hannah just beamed as a bride, the epitome of radiance in her A-line bridal gown with sweetheart neckline. The sheer illusion lace bodice with scoop neck and cap sleeve were such pretty features of the dress, an additional flattering element was the detailed belt cinched in at the waist. Makeup artist Charlotte perfected Hannah’s naturally pretty look and as a hairdresser herself, Hannah would only ever allow her own boss at Frogg Ltd to style her hair!
Throughout the day we were keen to capture pictures of all the friends and family that obviously meant so much to the happy couple. Having now formally tied the knot and exchanged vows, we took some time to photograph these very important people, not least starting with the newly titled West Family!! It was fun to seize some very natural moments amongst some fun and silly ones too!
Hannah’s friends enjoyed a ‘Ta-daaaa’ celebratory moment as they posed to showcase the bride striking her own confident pose!
All grooms need a bit of support from their mates but when faced by a piggy back challenge, Ben opted to take on the supporting role (Maybe through fear of being dropped!)
In a slightly more serious effort, the bridal party came together for a group capture, shaded by the large trees to the sides and set to a beautiful backdrop of pale blue sky and the shallow green and watery seabed at low tide. Hannah had chosen a unique selection of accent colours by which to theme the day, with each bridesmaid assigned an individual standout shade. The pick n’ mix candy tones of the bridal party offered a creative and bright palette and together were a lovely reflection of Hannah’s vibrant and fun personality!
The inspired colour theme echoed throughout the flowers and decor which were all tied together with the subtle yet common theme of gold. The venue’s classic muted interior styling acted as the perfect blank white canvas which enabled the accents of colour and gold to pop through in the floral arrangements, candle holders and other decor details such as gold Mr & Mrs display letters and the large framed table plan.
Whilst we noted many glints of gold inside, outside it was golden hour for the summer sun. As the reception meal came to a close and speeches and laughter softened to a hum, we snatched that perfect window of time where the sun was lowering just above the horizon. Hannah and Ben savoured this most romantic pocket of light as this dreamy sunset turned into the start of a perfect evening for the couple.
Before heading back to their guests to hit the dancefloor and party the night away, Hannah and Ben took one last look into the distant skies feeling the excitement and expectation of the new horizons awaiting their little family.
What a day of light, love and laughter! I loved capturing the special moments for you Hannah and Ben and wish you the birghtest future! May it be full of colour and vibrancy just like yourselves with memories like glimmers of gold that you can treasure forever! Congratulations Mr and Mrs West!
Love Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A