When Chelsea and Aaron booked their wedding in Romsey Abbey, the Vicar advised them to book a photographer who was familiar with the tricky lighting conditions in this immense, historic church. And so they found and booked me.
Sixteen months later, their Abbey wedding came around – and what a fabulous day it turned out to be. For me, it began with photographing Chelsea and her bridesmaids Katie and Charlotte getting ready. There I caught up again with make-up artist Olivia, who had exhibited alongside me at the White Horse Hotel in Romsey last year. The pastel bouquets brought in by Kay from Pomp and Petals looked absolutely gorgeous – there were many more floral displays to enjoy later on at Kimbridge Barn.
The North Porch at Romsey Abbey is a great place to display cathedral-length bridal trains and Chelsea took full advantage, with her Essence of Australia dress from Anya Bridal Couture.
Photographic challenges at Romsey Abbey? It’s almost the size of a cathedral with a wide, high nave. Plain glazing in the big west window makes the west end lighter than many churches but it gets darker ask you walk towards the high altar. It also has quite a long nave, so your photographer needs to be nimble to get great photos of your procession. To cover the extra angles available, I brought in a second photographer, Jenny, who also photographed the groomsmen getting ready. She caught some lovely shots of Aaron smiling at Chelsea as she reached him at the end of her stately walk up the aisle.
The Revd Sally Wormersley conducted their service, and Romsey Abbey Choir led the hymns. Jenny and I took photographs throughout very discreetly – I always shoot silently during wedding ceremonies.
Some 45 minutes later, Chelsea and Aaron enjoyed their first walk together down the aisle as husband and wife. After confetti, I took a range of formal portraits on the green outside Romsey Abbey. Hazy sunshine made for perfect lighting for them.
Candid photographs were the order of the day for Chelsea and Aaron’s reception. Jenny and I mingled politely with the guests, looking for meaningful moments. The wedding breakfast was an intimate meal, in the Boot Room at Kimbridge Barn. The catering team laid the table beautifully for the occasion.
The main function room was a great place for Chelsea and Aaron to cut their cake, after which A-List Band struck up for the evening’s dancing. What a perfect summer wedding!
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Get the look
Florist: Pomp and Petals Bridal boutique: Anya Bridal Couture Dress designer: Essence of Australia Hair and make-up: Olivia Marshall Chelsea’s shoes: Coast Fashion Cake-maker: Little House of Cake Wedding Band: A-LIST Aaron’s shoes: Clarks Chelsea’s rings: Goldsmiths Stationery: Bespoke Invites Welcome sign: Mally’s Crafts Place settings: Lottie Louise Designs Aaron’s suit: Moss Bros Car: Premier CarriageLead photographer: Dom Brenton Second photographer: Jenny OwensAre you looking for a Romsey Abbey wedding photographer?You might also enjoy…
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