Alma and Ross’s sun filled September wedding at beautiful Hampshire wedding venue Lainston House
Alma and Ross chose to marry at the beautiful church of St Stephen’s in the village of Sparsholt, and held their reception just down the lane at the stunning Lainston House. This was my second trip down to Lainston House this season, as I also photographed the venue for their parent company Exclusive earlier this year. It was the perfect way to have a look around the venue ahead of the couple’s wedding, and I was really looking forward to returning. It’s so pretty and its grounds extensive. It reminds me a little of a very grand doll’s house!
The couple are super organised (they booked me a year and a half ago), and this was a perfectly planned and very relaxed and easygoing wedding. We had previously chatted only by email, but I instantly warmed to this lovely couple who were an absolute treat throughout the day. This may be because like me, they are animal people (Ross will soon begin veterinary studies). Oh and their friends and family were also lovely and great fun. It really was a super day and the perfect country wedding.
I had been advised that I wouldn’t be able to take any photographs during certain parts of the service, but I have to say the Reverand Jax was wonderful. She suggested lots of places to stand, and invited me to move forward during various parts of the ceremony so that I might get some great angles. It was totally unexpected, and I’m so grateful for her helping to ensure Alma and Ross have some lovely photographic memories of the ceremony, as well as this beautiful church.
The weather was a huge bonus. Not too hot, but bright and sunny with the kind of sky we photographers love! Both the church and Lainston House looked magnificent in the sunshine, and we got to take full advantage of both settings for their photographs.
Alma and Ross are keen ballroom dancers, so the wedding breakfast had a ballroom theme with the tables being named after various dances. The top table was called the ‘Judge’s Table’, and later the couple treated their guests to a beautiful first dance. I would say what type of dance it was, but I’ll probably get it wrong and then look a bit of a twit, but lets just say I’d give it 4 10’s! 🙂
Now it’s September, the nights are really drawing in, so to get some golden hours shots you’ve got to be quick. I grabbed the couple for an extra 15 minute portrait session after their main cause, and simply love these soft, romantic images. It was so worth them delaying their dessert! Alma looked incredible in her beaded lace and satin dress. Her hair and makeup were just perfect from start to finish, and her bouquet so fresh and pretty looking.
Alma and Ross, it really was such a gorgeous day and I hope it was everything you dreamed it would be. Have a wonderful honeymoon, enjoy your new puppy, and I hope you love these previews. J x
Being ballroom dancers, Ross and Alma’s wedding guests were in for an absolute treat.
Venue – Lainston House
Alma’s beaded lace and satin dress – Ellis Bridal available from Surrey Brides.
Flowers – Hattie Rose Flowers
