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Old T|horns Wedding by Sainte Croix Photography

Love and Laughter – Old Thorns Liphook Wedding

Old Thorns Wedding in the Summer

A summer wedding on a glorious day in late July at Old Thorns Hotel met with Nikki and Richard’s wedding ideals. I liked what they had in mind and they loved my creative story-telling photography since they found me as a Hampshire Wedding Photographer via a wedding photo on Google. The story of the day was to be told at Old Thorns in Hampshire, a hotel with multiple restaurants, a full spa, a well respected golf course and with all these choices it makes for the ideal wedding venue for many tastes!
The story of their day follows but first a quick highlights video to see it all in one hit…

Bridal Preparation at Old Thorns

The story started in the brand-new apartments at Old Thorns. Richard wasn’t aware that Nikki was getting ready in the penthouse just above him until being ushered out! The new apartments though, wow! The penthouse suites are huge and I loved the light from the huge windows. You’ll notice I also enjoyed the huge photo in the living area!
I always capture the wedding day story with candid photography, which Nikki and Richard liked the idea of, unposed and unstaged. It meant they could get on with their day and enjoy it to the fullest. That all started here, where I loved seeking out creative ways to tell the story, Nikki applying her own make-up and her sister helping with the wedding dress. As soon as Nikki had her dress on I left ahead of her so I could capture some shots of the waiting groom and of course her arrival. It is only a 5 min walk from the new apartments but I imagine when it is your wedding day it feels a lot longer! During the morning their realisation of this special moment in life was deep in their thoughts and clear to see as they got ready; So lovely to see that energy change instantly as their eyes met along the aisle, but you will have to wait too as that comes after the mornings photos….

wedding Ceremony in the Hampshire Suite at Old Thorns

Richard and guests were ready and waiting for the bride to be in the Hampshire Suite at Old Thorns. For the guests there were great country views all down one side of the room which also means lots of light in this beautiful barn-like room. The grooms Father was there at the front too, a man of the cloth, he would be performing the ceremony.

Everyone was excited to see Nikki enter to be walked down the aisle by her father but none more so than Richard who couldn’t wait! The whole ceremony was really fun, Richard’s Dad’s service was brilliant, really set a great tone for the day. The personal touches made it even more of a special occasion, and the room felt intimate yet light with relaxed details like the scattered petals lining the aisle. It was a ceremony that everyone enjoyed.

A lovely warm day allowed guests to spill out onto the patio for the drinks reception. SInce a lot of Richard’s family had flown in from South Africa I’m pretty sure they were pleased for the good weather!  I love this part of the day for all the happy reactions between the guests, the hugs and laughter as family come together (likely one of those rare occasions for too many of us!)

Newly-wed at Old Thorns Hotel

After hugs kisses and greetings Nikki and Richard made a little escape in a golf buggy, through the woodlands to a high vantage point for a great view. Nikki had found me on google through my photos of newly-weds. I really love to do creative portraiture with couples and yet still keep with my unposed style throughout. This meant that the newly-weds could enjoy a precious moment together while the flow of the story is maintained, and they get this beautiful real life photos of them on their day, genuinely enjoying themselves. They were having such a laugh the whole time, obviously so clearly in love. The places permitted for photographer are a little limited by the rules set but I enjoy a challenge! All within this one small area I found lots of great creative opportunities which meant the newly-weds didn’t have to go far too. 

Wedding Breakfast at Old Thorns

On such a nice day it was actually great to jump back in the golf buggy and zip through the woodland views back to the reception where the guests were waiting with this amazing bubble confetti welcoming; such a great idea! Looked beautiful for Nikki and Richard; also  really good fun and had everyone playing with bubbles and laughing. The laughter continued into the speeches though Richard had everyone reaching for the tissues with such a touching speech ending with a well deserved cheer from the guests. All the speeches went down so well and with the sun still shining after their enjoying a meal with everyone they escaped to enjoy the beautiful golden hour as the sun dipped lower into the sky. I absolutely love this time of day, the light can be at it’s best so I was so pleased that they went out to enjoy it too. Plus it gave the bride and groom even more lovely photos of them together, showing their love for one another in this beautiful warm glow.

Whilst the sun was just hovering on the horizon they nipped back into the Hampshire suite to cut their cake and go straight to the dance floor for their first dance as Husband and Wife. I loved making use of that natural light to show them dancing through the sunset on their wedding day, such a perfect ending to a happy, vibrant, fun and warm wedding.
Congratulations Nikki and Richard!

Thank You!

Thank you for viewing, I hope you have enjoyed Nikki and Richards wedding day story at Old Thorns Hotel, Liphook. As hampshire wedding photographer this was close to me and I love telling stories everywhere through photography; if I can do that for you please get in touch.
A massive thank you to Nikki and Richard for having me as your wedding photographer, really loved your day you two are perfect together, could see that all day. Congratulations!
~ Adam de-Ste-Croix

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