Sam is amongst the most multi-faceted of people I’ve encountered in life; notably astute, incisive in matters of politics and society and with an analytical capacity that suggests expansive right-field capabilities yet in tandem with this she displays a gentle tendency towards the romantic, the beauty of things and the enjoyment of creative pursuit. She commissioned me to photograph her wedding so I dare say the psychological profiling may not have been an expected aspect of the service. It’s rarely though that I have an opportunity to experience the minds of my clients over a prolonged period of time (and all the others are certainly fascinating people too) as in this case I have, via Twitter.
Pete is not so active on Twitter. It did become clear through his Best Man’s speech that he does more than well in serving up the same kaleidoscope of psychological fascination via Facebook. Modern forms of social communication and interaction have a way of painting quite fascinating pictures of people when used with intelligence, or indeed when used without intelligence though in both cases here, intelligence it certainly is.
They married at Stanwell House in Lymington, Hampshire. I came to tell their story.
If only there were time on wedding days to set up group photographs the same way.
I got me some great ideas for portraits too.
The notion of spontaneous documentary photography being a relatively new phenomena in the world of weddings is instantly turned around when one sees key photographs from the weddings of grandparents. Things have a way of moving in cycles. That's why I'm bracing myself for an eventual resurgence of Edwardian wedding photography. Hold still for ten seconds please.
Sam populates the Escort Tree. I'd not come across this device before. Find the leaf with your name on and it will guide you to your table.
Sam has an interesting tale to tell when it comes to the flowers, and the supplier she found to provide them. Nursery Fresh are located in Havant, Hampshire. Situated on what appears to be a normal suburban street, on turning down their driveway you discover seven acres of greenhouse where, well, you’d very much least expect it. A bit like Narnia, perhaps, but without the wardrobe and the Turkish Delight. Or the lion. No witches either. Very much akin to my garden, though the greenhouse is a mere eight foot by six in that particular case. Nursery Fresh are likewise avid bloggers, something I’d not yet encountered in the world of floristry. Sam describes them as “brilliant.”
I imagine Table 7 was populated by some interesting characters. With many thanks to Sam & Pete I was seated on The Princess Bride, so to speak, later in the day. Certainly brilliant company there too.
Always follow the shoes, I say...
...though sometimes they might misdirect you. I think.
Pete.
Testament to things that passed before the shoes brought me this way.
Box of buttonholes. Room full of groomsmen. Cat amongst pigeons. Here we go...
Pete quickly got the measure of our metaphorical feline miscreant.
Time to go. And time for me to pick up the trail of those shoes.
Fitting attire, for both our central subjects.
Sam searches for her identity, in a hotel room wardrobe. Maybe there's Turkish Delight in there somewhere. The registrar is happy to wait; there's no starting without her.
I thought Sam might be pushing the envelope on bridal fashion somewhat but then I must have blinked (or turned around for a moment). I've not seen that trick done with a whole shirt before.
"I didn't bring a crochet needle," Sam confessed. Confirmation she's been following my blog since first booking then, and good to know that Emma D of BB's advice has travelled well.
"How's ... it ... going ... back there?!" "Fine. Fine. Everything's fine." Words I may not have heard but the sentiment is, I dare say, accurate.
The laugh was a silent one, out of deference to Sam's level of mental comfort.
I've not seen it done faster though, even with a crochet needle.
In Sam’s words:
My dress was by Lynn Ashworth; she makes everything herself at her house in Kent. I bought it at Evangeline Rose in Godalming from a fabulous Canadian called Beverley who also supplied the veil.
In my words:
Beverley certainly provided perfect guidance.
In the words of a stranger, passing through that night:
“Who are the crew in tonight then?”
The choice of terminology brought me to a halt, temporarily.
“The crew?” I asked. Perhaps it came out more as exclamation.
It didn’t seem to match with the suit he was wearing and the suit itself had suggested he might be a guest anyway. The question put paid to that notion. Then I remembered that Lymington is, after all, something of a yachting town and the term ‘crew’ therefore befitting of the norm, a norm. Furthermore I realised I was over-analysing things again (but it’s an aspect of my nature and my nature directs how I photograph things).
“The people. Where are they from?”
“Oh, from the New Forest,” I explained, minimally.
“Her dress is fantastic. Not that I’m in to that kind of thing mind you, but really, it’s fantastic.”
“It is indeed,” I agreed.
Back to the moment…
The look. It speaks volumes. I fully concur with all that it says.
Sam's Dad agrees.
Coming Soon : Part Two : A Marriage
Contact Hampshire wedding photographer Phillip Allen : phill@misterphill.com : 07870 696248
by Phillip Allen
show hide 17 comments
Sam Shepherd - “not that I’m into that sort of thing…”! I love that. Neither am I really, but if you can’t have a big dress on your wedding day, when can you?
PS: not that we didn’t know they’d be brilliant, but we LOVE these pics. can’t wait for part two!
Ashley Gillett - Gorgeous photos Phill. Love you black and whites. The bride and groom must be so happy!!
LisaF - Lots of inspired ideas – I particularly like the books as table names – documented superbly, as always! Will look forward to seeing part two.
Lauren - What a gorgeous Bride!! and Yes, that dress is amazing, gorgeous captures Phill all that detail.. just divine!
Alexander Gardner - Phill, I LOVE your Black & whites! So rich and a great compliment to a fantastic couple!
Jon - Sublime, beautifully seen all of it, nice work
Jon
Jessie - Beautiful! I love your detail shots. The shoes on the painting…so cool.
Paul Rowland - Geez your work is great – I especially love your perspective in how you capture all of the small moments throughout the day.
Magan Blasig - So incredibly beautiful, Phill! LOVE these. :)
Emma cotterill - Stunning photos of a fabulous day ! I would recommend you to anyone!
Az - Great job Phil, I would love to shoot a wedding at Stanwell House sometime.
Amber Hughes - Beautiful set Phil – can’t wait to see the rest!
Pam - The photo of Sam coming down the stairs is my absolute favourite; it provokes such a strong emotional reaction in me. I’ve teared up each time I’ve looked at it (which is 3 times and counting B~)
Amanda Basteen - So cute!! I loveee their place settings and table centerpiece ideas as well as the tree. Great set, can’t wait to see more!
Matthew - amazing work, love the details and the venue!
Heather - Fabulous work, Phil. I adore the “getting the dress on” series, great emotion and humor there. :D
Ben - I love the “Ladies” shot. great timing.