Imagine putting in eleven or twelve hours as a wedding photographer. Now imagine your wedding photography second shooter doesn’t turn up and you have to do the job of two photographers. Now imagine starting what has now turned into a thirteen hour day that begins with a round of golf and a five mile hike across a hilly golf course. On a hot summer day. In long trousers. Well I guess there must be two kinds of people, because while a lot might complain, I can’t think of a better start to the day. But then I was lucky here because if there ARE two kinds of people, then Lucy and Phil would fall into the “wonderful, warm-hearted, generous, funny, authentic and downright lovely and awesome” category.
So, it is Phil the groom, unsurprisingly, who is the golf fanatic. And this was the preferred start to the day, which is no doubt why they chose The Old Thorns Hotel in Hampshire for their wedding venue. With over 150 bedrooms, 18-hole championship golf course, state-of-the-art health club and spa facilities, as well as 51 self catering apartments, Old Thorns is one of the south of England’s most highly regarded resort destinations. They actually have two wedding ceremony rooms, though things are so well organised here, you can have two weddings going on simultaneously without them disturbing one another, which is quite a feat. The Old Thorns also boasts a luxurious day spa perfect for a weekend girl’s retreat or a Valentine’s getaway.
Back to Lucy and Phil, a truly lovely couple who have been in love for forever. Finally they decided to tie the knot and brought together the most wonderful, hilarious, warm-hearted friends and family, along with some fabulous singing waiters, for a day that was brimming with joy and affection.
I’ll confess, as a wedding photographer, my personal favourite part of the day is when we were taken around the grounds and up into the forest for our romantic couples wedding portrait photography session. Set in the picturesque landscape of the South Downs, the breathtaking views over the rolling Hampshire hills and lush, serene countryside complement the tranquil serenity of the surrounding woodland.
But it is true to say that was only just my favourite part of the day, because, from chilled prep in the beautifully appointed apartment rooms, to the simple but moving wedding ceremony itself, from the hilarious speeches to the cake cut and first dance with live band, every part of Lucy and Phil’s day was just awesome. Congratulations, guys x
