That dress! I love wedding dresses, not that I've ever worn one. I love the thought the bride puts into choosing the one for her special day and the stories she tells of where, when and why she chose that particular one after seeing and trying on so many.
When I arrived at Thournerbury Woods Estate for Gemma & Ben's wedding I was thrilled when I saw the beautifully painted doors outside the cottage where Gemma was getting ready. The pastel blue and the black ironwork hinges framed her dress making it the centre of attention.
It's rare for me to take a dress outside due to the fear of onlookers seeing it before the wedding ceremony and more importantly a gust of wind catching it and throwing it on the ground! Neither were concerns on the morning of Gemma's wedding though as the cottage was out of view and the day was bright and perfectly still without a breath of wind.
As soon as the photograph was taken of the wedding dress the dress was taken back upstairs to Gemma.
If your a future bride reading this, please give consideration to a nice coat hanger for the wedding and bridesmaids dresses. Think about how the room looks, particularly if you are staying there the evening before.
When I arrive in the morning the wedding dress and details are often the first things I photograph so it's important to tidy away any bags etc that you don't want in the photographs.
Some photographers say they are documentary and for that reason won't move a single item as they say that's how it was on the day. To be honest they are absolutely right in what they are saying. I, on the other hand, would describe my style of photojournalistic with an element of fashion photography mixed in. I will move that carrier bag from the image if I feel it would detract from delivering unspoilt photographs to my clients. After all, its what they come to expect when choosing me from the photographs they have viewed on my website.
More about Thournerbury Woods Estate
Hidden on the coastal border of Hampshire and West Sussex, within 50 acres of private woodland, the Tournerbury Woods Estate & Woods Cottage provides an idyllic setting for an unforgettable wedding day. This unique wedding & reception venue boasts an unrivalled location in the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Tournerbury Woods is a peaceful and secluded estate, boasting outstanding views across Chichester Harbour and stunning scenery for your all important photographs.
On the day, you will have exclusive use of this fantastic marquee venue for your reception and with the breath-taking woodland backdrop, you and your guests will be in glorious privacy for all the celebrations.
Their caterers have years of experience providing delicious dishes to our guests, however, we allow you to bring your own catering team if you prefer.
For you and your guests’ overnight accommodation, the beautifully refurbished Tournerbury Woods Cottage sleeps up to eight people. The grounds offer fantastic camping opportunities for your adventurous guests to sleep beneath the stars.
This hidden gem of a venue is the only Ancient semi-natural Woodland and seaside wedding venue in England. Tournerbury Woods Estate is a magical setting, close to nature and full of character and is sure to be the ideal place for a memorable day.
Location: The Tournerbury Woods Estate, Tournerbury Lane, Hampshire, PO11 9DL.