Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer

Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer | Megan & Leigh

I’m a lover of all seasons, but I have to say being able to capture the spring fields of gold and blue for Megan & Leigh’s engagement shoot coupled with the summer blooms for their wedding, I feel I really got the best of sceneries for them both! I love being able to get to know a couple better during this relaxed time together… Here’s a peek at their E-Shoot:

Megan and Leigh chose the gorgeous Southdowns Manor for their wedding. A beautiful venue which provides the perfect spots for everyone to get ready, plus rooms so the guests can really let their hair down without having to worry about the journey home!

It felt like a spa with Megan and her girls in their matching robes and slippers having their hair and makeup done! The bridal suite was free to hold the gorgeous dresses and accesories away from the risk of mascara smudges and rogue directional hairspray! I love being able to capture the details… so much thought has gone into everything, it’s very easy to forget once the day has passed. I think it’s wonderful when people choose a special scent to wear on their wedding day… using that perfume or cologne again at a later date can really evoke the senses bringing those memories back to the surface!

The flowers were beautifully put together with their soft colours and tones, I adored the juxtaposition of their delicacies against the industrial outside fire-escape and roof tiles!

The boys were busy bustling together to all get dressed in another room… although there was calm, there was definitely a touch of chaos too!! Being a big group of boxers, there was also a lot of fists and growls as they cheered each other on! The bridal party and groomsmen also consisted of Megan & Leigh’s children, so it was lovely to see them in their parental roles helping their kids whilst also getting ready themselves!

The bridal suite at Southdowns Manor is decorated in stunning soft blues with a four poster bed taking pride of place. Clear from the clutter of the earlier hair and make-up prep it made for an incredibly peaceful (and photogenic) space for Megan to be helped into her dress.

The venue was all set up for an outdoors ceremony, which was perfect on such a warm and sunny day… there was not a cloud in the sky! The flowers and decor fit the soft white and pink tones of Megan’s colour schemes while the boys offered up a contrast in their blue suits. Leigh showing pride of place in his tweed finish.

You could absolutely feel and see the joy on both Megan and Leigh’s faces as the ceremony started. Thankfully sheltered from the harsh sun under the canopy of Southdowns Manor’s outdoor ceremony space, they just looked a picture of radiance as they said their vows to each other.

With the team on hand with cold beers, bubbly and refreshments the guests were completely looked after. The weather and outdoor space providing the perfect setting for a relaxed celebration once the vows had been exchanged!

Due to it being the height of summer, we had planned the group and newlywed photos in stages. As a Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer it’s important to recognise the seasons and how the light plays into that… making the most of the light available whilst ensuring the couple don’t feel they’re on a constant photoshoot! The bonus of summer is the days are long so we can schedule in short bursts throughout the day.

I tend to choose shaded areas to keep people of of the direct sun, not only for comfort, but generally it’s far more flattering to have the softer light on us rather than squinting eyes or sunglasses being the order of the day!

First up, the family groups and a quick newlywed session while they’re on the flush of that adrenaline high! With their children playing a major part of their day it was great to incorporate them into the group shots, but also capture what they (and the other guests) were up to while they were patiently waiting for their turn!

It was time for the wedding breakfast and speeches, so making the most of the wonderful walkway at the venue, Megan and Leigh walked through a cloud of confetti before greeting their guests in turn using their stunning flower wall. As always, the food at Southdowns was absolutely delicious and the team serving with a professionalism that surpasses many restaurants.

The speeches were met with tears of joy and laughter (and maybe a little shame courtesy of the cheeky best man who proved himself to be a worthy orator). I love listening to the speeches, sometimes I get so caught up in the emotion of it all I have to remind myself I’m their photographer!! To be honest, I’m usually brimming with some sort of emotion throughout the day while I’m feeling all the feels!

While the room was being turned around and prepared for the evening party, many of the guests used this time to pop to their rooms to refresh. It’s so convenient having this facility on site, us girls love to touch up our hair and make-up!! I’m sure the guys take advantage of the space too checking out the two fully stocked bars available (of course, I’m generalising here, but you get my gist!)

This was the perfect time to take Megan and Leigh away for their newlywed portraits. I knew that Megan and Leigh wanted a combo of a candid document of their day plus some killer shots for their album of the two of them looking their finest, so we got to work! The sun was still high in the sky, but the light and tones around the grounds were just perfect.

Humble brag, I’ve picked up several awards from The Master Photographers Association from this session with Megan and Leigh including Wedding Photographer of the Year in my South Central Region. I love being able to create art for my couples, and their happiness is always my main objective, but I’m very happy to also be recognised professionally for my work.

The evening celebrations continued with guests relaxing in the grounds, soaking in the warm air… although the warmth could have come from the cigar smoking endeavours haha!! The cutting of the cake and first dance followed into the evening with the resident DJ providing the tunes. The guests partied hard and really seemed to take the whole relaxed and party vibe in their stride! It was like they were made for this wedding!!

We took a final stroll around the grounds with Megan and Leigh as the sun lowered, giving them some time to just enjoy each others company. It really is such a versatile and beautiful venue to marry in, it’s hard to not take advantage of all the opportunities! The flower wall proved to be a perfect place to capture some portraits while guests rested from all that heavy dancing!!

As we bid our goodbyes to the happy couple and guests, we embarked on the next stage of our photographic mission…. the uploading of files, editing and album design!

Megan and Leigh chose the Italian handmade Young Book by Graphistudio, a stunning contemporary album designed with the soft tones of their colour scheme in mind. It looked absolutely gorgeous and will stand the test of time as they look at this legacy of memories for years to come.

Thank you so much for choosing me to capture the memories of your day! It was a gorgeous day filled with so much love, laughter and friendship. A true pleasure to witness.

I wish you all the best for your future,

xX Fiona Xx

Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer | Megan & Leigh

Southdowns Manor Wedding Photographer | Megan & Leigh