Southdowns Manor Wedding | Natalie & Marc
I met Natalie & Marc in Guildford for our consultation as it was somewhere in the middle of both our towns. I don’t know what it’s like for the couple, but as a photographer there is always an element of anticipation as you don’t really know whether you’re going to click or whether it’s going to be the most awkward “blind date” in a professional sense.
Natalie and Marc were both very easy going, so thankfully there was a click! It was amazing to hear their story where they’d already been engaged for 23 years by that point. They had two older children and Natalie had already changed her name by deed poll 20 years previously. They were finally planning the wedding they’d always hoped for.
Nestled in the middle of Petersfield, West Sussex lies Southdowns Manor, perfect for a wedding. A venue which provides exclusive use, rooms for guests and stunning landscapes that change and evolve with the seasons. It ticked all of Natalie & Marc’s boxes who were very excited for their Southdowns Manor Wedding.
The colour theme for the day was blush and rose-gold. A lot of thought had gone into so many of the little details to incorporate this theme, from the table deore, seat placings, even the beautiful flowers by Micah Marshall.
The bridal suite is a gorgeous blue room with a light and bright four poster bed, perfect for the final preparations once the stages of hair and make-up are complete, with plenty of space for some finishing touches before spending some precious moments as the ceremony draws closer. There were so many personalised details here, can you spot them?
The girls in their blush dresses convened here for Natalie to finally put on her gorgeous Helena Fortley wedding gown. She looked like a style icon with her intricate updo and subtle make-up.
Marc got ready with his groomsmen and son, decked out in vibrant blue suits, the groom standing out in a slightly brighter shade of blue in his tailor made suit by King and Allen. They all looked superb lined up in the sunny July weather for the outdoor ceremony.
Collected by her father, Natalie and her bridesmaids began the journey to their outdoor ceremony. The space decked out beautifully in light and fresh floral features with glimpses of soft pink roses to complement the theme. It was clear that Marc, through all his cheeky banter was lost for words as he watched his bride walk towards him. Such an emotional moment for them to say their vows in front of their friends and family.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and the guests enjoyed their surroundings, entertained by a magician, drinking cocktails that fit the colour theme and perusing the well stocked bars Southdowns Manor has to offer. We used this downtime to capture some group shots as well as some candid happenings. The bright, window lined walkway providing the perfect backdrop for a confetti walk too!
Mr & Mrs Turrington were led into their wedding breakfast to a great applause. The food at a Southdowns Manor Wedding is divine, as a regular photographer there I can attest to how delicious it is. One of my favorite moments is the extra dessert the couple receive by way of the sweetest choux-pastry swans. By this time, everyone’s appetites have been sated and bubbly flowing ready for the speeches. I love this time, being able to settle back and watch the hilarity and tears co-exist in the same sentence.
With the heat of the day still present in the early evening, it was a golden opportunity to take a few moments with Natalie and Marc to capture a few more portraits while they waited for their evening guests to arrive.
One of the things I love about a Southdowns Manor Wedding is how the landscape and surrounding fields change throughout the year. I can visit a few weeks apart and see something totally different to use as a backdrop for a portrait. Natalie & Marc had also chosen one of my favourite videographers, Chloe Rose to capture their day in a complementary medium. It’s great to work with a fellow creative who enhances the legacy of memories the couple receive.
The evening was finished beautifully with the cutting of the cake and their first dance. The lighting at Southdowns Manor a soft pink and lilac to complete their theme.
Once the day has ended and the guests have returned home, my work continues! The images go through various stages of quality control and culling before the editing flow begins. This is quite a long process and often involves a gallon or two of fresh coffee and fresh air to avoid ocular burnout from the computer screen. A worthy process however, as once complete, the digital images, although delivered to the couple, are actually completed with the photographic wedding album.
I partner with Graphistudio in Italy, where every album is handmade. The quality of finish is superb and a must for those who value their memories being a legacy which can be passed from generation to generation.
Natalie and Marc’s album was designed to complement the fresh, bright feel of their day finished with blush linen and rose-gold foil personalised embossment. A perfect completion to their perfect day.
Congratulations Mr & Mrs Turrington, thank you for sharing your day with us, it was a pleasure 🙂
xX Fiona Xx
Southdowns Manor Wedding | Natalie & Marc
