SETTING THE SCENE

Great backdrops to make your wedding photos stand out from the crowd

The wedding album is a precious memento of your big day to be treasured for years to come. You’ve got your perfect venue, the dream dress, beautiful flowers and a showstopping cake and you want the memories preserved so they can be relived time and time again, right? First and foremost, it’s important to choose a photographer you trust and get on with, after all they’re going to be with you most of the day and you need to feel relaxed and comfortable around them. Luckily, there’s a wealth of talented professionals in the region who are happy to share a snapshot of their work to show that the right backdrop can make all the difference for standout shots.

NATHAN EAMES

www.libraphotographic.co.uk

This image of Matt and Mandy is an example of what can be done when there are no grounds to speak of. This was shot in some long grass at the back of a car park at The Hampshire Hog, Clanfield.

After their ceremony at Wimborne Town Hall, Martyn and Tracy decided to visit a few landmarks on the way to their reception. The weather was wet and windy but it suited this moody shot at Dorset’s Knowlton Henge. At this intimate wedding in Lymington there was time to wander around the lakeside. A few unintended guests decided to join in, providing the perfect photo opportunity.

Nathan says: “Always look for the light; it can make or break a photograph. Consider where the sun will be in the sky when you plan to have your photos taken. Even if it’s indoors the light through a window will impact the image. Find out when golden hour will be, that magical time before sunset. A good photographer will know this and I always talk to my couples about it. Having the knowledge beforehand will help to make sure you allow time for those impactful portraits that you see all over social media.”

The Bodleian Library in Oxford provided a gorgeous backdrop and Daniel wanted to show off the architecture in this shot. Holly and Jack with the Queen Mary in Southampton behind them.

This shot was taken on the beautiful spiral staircase at Highfield Park, Hook.

JUSTINE BURTON

www.bertiesphotography.com

“This couple had to change their wedding plans and venue due to Covid and I wanted to make sure they had the beautiful day they’d originally planned, so I was delighted when they agreed to pop out for photos at sunset. Fleet Pond in Hampshire had fond memories for them both from when they were dating and for Mark growing up, so it was a meaningful backdrop.” Michaela and Rupert in the rolling acres above his father’s farm near Blandford Forum.

Rory and Stu enjoying the moment they were announced husband and husband at Came House, Dorset.

Vikki and Lee on their pre-wedding shoot at Dorset’s Studland beach with beautiful golden light.

Sam says: “Personally, I love a background that either has a feature such as a building, interesting window or doorway. If there’s a beautiful golden hour, then a natural setting like a cornfield or long grass can look amazing. It’s always good to have a range of options in order to give your photographs variety, so try to find a few different spots to give you a gorgeous and interesting set of images.”

This golden-hour picture from Lindsey and Josh’s wedding was shot at the stunning Larmer Tree Gardens venue.

TOM & LIZZIE REDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

www.tomandlizzieredman.com

A woodland setting provides a magical romantic vibe for an outdoor ceremony.

DANIELLE WATKINS

www.daniellewatkinsphotography.com

THE TOUCH

personal Shop handmade in the region

Wedding trends come and go, but love for one-of-a-kind, special details is an enduring theme that’s currently going from strength to strength. Covid-restricted weddings have meant many couples have had more time, and budget, to dedicate to personal touches to add extra meaning, nostalgia or luxury to their big day. Even the little things can make all the difference. Whether it’s a beautiful gown, designed just for you, a bespoke ring to treasure or personalised stationery, getting married provides the perfect opportunity to shop handmade, whatever your budget. What’s more there’s an array of creatives on the doorstep ready to help. We showcase just some of what’s on offer.

The one

Sustainability is a global issue and increasingly influences the choices we make not only in our daily lives, but those all-important landmark occasions too. When it comes to weddings and finding the one, The Real Green Dress offers brides-to-be eco-friendly style that not only looks great but is kind to the planet too. Original, ethical, alternative and vintage are the cornerstones of the business providing different dresses for different brides.

www.martagillner.com With two collections to choose from; Pure, featuring original restored vintage pieces, and Evolution, a unique collection of remodelled gowns, it offers the perfect blend of green recycling and glamour. Working from a converted farm building in Hampshire, Erica Arnold founded the business in 2012 and loves to get creative with designing and all the extra details that make the dresses so special. She says, “There are times when only hand-stitching will do, particularly when restoring or redesigning antique and vintage dresses. Pieces from the 1920s and earlier were embroidered by hand and the trimmings, fastenings and fiddly bits were done by hand too. On more contemporary gowns, a detail such as stitching in a zip by hand can really lift a dress, adding a couture element to what might originally have been a shop-bought garment. Rouleaux loops and fabric-covered buttons are another lovely detail. Recently I hand-stitched 47 buttons down the back of a sleek, fitted gown and remembered to warn the bride-to-be to allow extra time to get dressed!” To find out more visit www.realgreendress.com

The proposal and beyond

Flower power Sweet memories

Based in the heart of Southsea Charlotte Cornelius specialises in bespoke handmade jewellery and has your whole love story covered from the engagement to wedding and eternity rings. Creating special pieces rich in meaning is their trademark; the only limit is your imagination. “Your time with us will be spent designing and creating a ring that’s truly unique to symbolise you and your relationship. Whether you’re overflowing with ideas or need some help we will be delighted to guide and inspire you,” says Charlotte. Visit www.charlottecornelius.co.uk to find out more.

Create your own family heirlooms with dried flower accessories to keep long after the big day is over. “In the same way mothers pass down veils, dresses and rings, wedding accessories made from dried flowers can be saved to be worn by future generations,” says Mary Snee of Andover-based Mary Elizabeth Flowers. She specialises in individually handmade pieces using real, dried and preserved flowers, foliage and grasses, to be worn or for the venue styling. The wedding range includes matching flower crown and buttonhole sets which can be passed on as a meaningful something old or something borrowed. Celebrate the seasons with different styles to complement summer, autumn and winter weddings; great for the whole wedding party to create a stunning coordinated look. Visit www.maryelizabethflowers.co.uk Love and chocolate go together like love and marriage! It’s the little details that make all the difference and Morse Toad has plenty of sweet treats for your loved ones to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for chocolate wedding favours, a unique way to ask your bestie to be your bridesmaid or the perfect proposal, you can do it in style. The company offers a range of goodies all made in the New Forest from delicious Belgian chocolate and the products can be customised to add your own personal touch. Visit www.morsetoad.com and don’t miss our exclusive giveaway on page 13 for the chance to win £100 worth of chocolate delights from their wedding range.

All pairings are from the Charlotte Cornelius aptly named Amora Bridal Collection. The rings are shaped to fit perfectly with matching wedding bands.

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Rock Solid Luxury - Fairtrade - Sustainable Visit our Boutique & Workshop 87a Marmion Road Southsea - charlottecornelius.co.uk

Our mission is to create your perfect wedding cake. Every cake that leaves our kitchen is made fresh, and made with the highest quality ingredients. We work with you and your ideas, or come up with ideas to suit your wedding.

Choosing the cake for your big day could not be easier. Once you’ve booked your consultation we can discuss your ideas and plan the design together, offering a personal and professional service. We use only the finest ingredients, freshly baked and handcrafted with passion and enthusiasm.