A LOVE ON THE OCEAN WAVE
November 11, 2022
Hayley and Chris’s Summer HMS Warrior Wedding at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
It was full steam ahead aboard the HMS Warrior for Hayley and Chris’s wedding day at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this summer. With Chris’s naval background this was the perfect location for this gregarious couple to tie the knot!
Chris of course dressed in full Royal Navy uniform whilst Hayley matched him in style with an elegant beaded art deco evening gown style wedding dress with a hint of sparkle ensuring all the grandeur of a naval celebration.
This lovely couple did a fabulous job of bringing their dream day to life with military precision and clearly enjoyed absolutely every moment as they steered their way through this truly memorable, immersive celebration with their bold and adventurous personalities shining through at every turn.
BOYS, BELTS and BRACES
We made sure to have some fun as we photographed Chris and his groomsmen ceremoniously swapping their civvies for full regalia and formal crisp suits truly capturing the vibe of the morning. These images will both bring back memories for Chris and tell the story for Hayley too as they share their album together.
It was all hands on deck, we can vouch for the best man who definitely fulfilled his ironing duties!
Focussing on the details, we just had to give Chris’s symbolic and meaningful Royal Navy Officer’s Cap and Sword their close up… and the ideal place to balance the wedding rings.
We found it particularly pleasing how impeccably well the golds, whites and blacks of these details tied in with the Victorian beach shelters on the nearby esplanade. Both of which leant a delightful ornateness to this image staged perfectly right by the water.
This iconic seafront location was certainly very appropriate for showcasing Chris and his groomsmen given their strong shared history together.
ALL GIRL CREW
Meanwhile, not so many nautical miles away the girls were equally having a ball getting ready to set sail on this special day, full of giggles as they glammed up.
Hayley put the finishing touches to her look as she sat at her Grandma’s heirloom dressing table, providing a peaceful and poignant moment for her to cherish forever. Taking this angle we were able to capture the serenity of this scene as well as the detail of her skilful up-do by Amy Hambry Bridal and the intricate strap detail of the back of her gorgeous Rosa Clará gown.
Fun and banter then ensued with her bridesmaids as they helped her with her veil, making an altogether fabulous girl crew who all came together to support Hayley on her most special day.
Being fans of bold colours, Hayley and Chris wanted bright colour in their florals to reflect their big personalities. Their choice of purples and pinks combined with greens and ivory was a classy choice to do just this whilst complementing the backdrop of the historic ship and being a fitting accompaniment to the hue of the bridesmaid’s dresses.
With this in mind, we worked with the bold green walls in their bedroom to photograph Hayley’s bridal details allowing her shoes to pop off of the background and show off her stunning bouquet created by the skilful Emily Little at Little and Bloom.
SETTING SAIL
Their choice of maritime location not only tied in seamlessly with their personalities and lifestyle but it also gave them a host of iconic, show stopping backdrops for their wedding photography offering unique lines, textures and angles.
It was important for us to capture as many of these as possible for Hayley and Chris in their wedding photography to mark this momentous occasion as they embark on their maiden voyage as husband and wife on this world-famous vessel.
The sun was shining down on Hayley and her Dad as the dramatic mast towered above them as they paused for a significant moment before boarding to meet the eagerly awaiting Chris…
…who stands strong and proud below deck supported by his best man amidst the ship’s ambient lighting and the twinkly of the fairy lights adorning the steel pillars.
It wasn’t long before the couple were back up on deck amongst a sea of suits and swords for that eagerly awaited kiss as Mr and Mrs McMahon. Hip Hip Hoorah!
ICONIC MOMENTS
Gathering the bridal party for a portrait on the bridge not only brought Hayley and Chris together with their closest friends but it also brought their themes together beautifully – all the while allowing this happy couple to feel on top of the world in this ‘Titanic’ moment.
Their colour scheme and other carefully and cleverly chosen touches were evident in the dining room beneath, further weaving their personal choices throughout the celebrations.
Each table was named after a hill or a mountain they had climbed together which had afforded them spectacular views whilst giving a nod to their acknowledgement of life’s ups and downs that they have navigated together.
The woven greenery and bold purple and pink of their décor leant a romantic wedding feel to this industrial space with its low ceilings and wood and metal interior.
Back on top deck again we captured the last of the Solent’s sun as it disappeared beyond the horizon as Hayley and Chris took a moment together alone to reflect on their special day.
Hayley and Chris we absolutely loved being part of your nautical adventure into married life and seeing how you wove your lively personalities throughout to make your day truly yours. We wish you all the best as you sail through life together, wherever your journey takes you.
Kelly x
Kelly Hearn A.B.I.P.P - A.M.P.A