Chichester Harbour Hotel Wedding Photographer | India & Russell

I met India & Russell earlier this year when they were on the search for a wedding photographer. After being a couple for many years and well settled into family life with their three children, they felt it about time to tie the knot!

As with all of my couples, the first thing we embarked upon was the pre-wedding test shoot. Here’s a snap below, but the full link to that blog is here, where they frolicked in the Bluebells and Fields of Gold. It was a great morning to get to know one another better and teach India & Russ the finer art of being natural and comfortable in front of the camera

India and Russell had chosen the Chichester Harbour Hotel in West Sussex as their wedding venue. India was getting ready in The Cottage, the cosy 1 bedroom apartment that is adjoined to the hotel, yet independently accessed. While India was busy having her make-up done by Kiri, her daughter and niece kindly offered to help me with the dress photography! This gorgeous, figure hugging gown was from Proposals, a bridal boutique in the heart of Chichester (where I also got mine from over 10 years ago!)

Taking a few moments to see how the men were getting along with their task of getting ready, it seemed they had decided to get ahead of the game and make a start on having a pre-wedding drink or two while going over their speeches… And why not, with the bar perfectly placed between the bedrooms and the ceremony hall, it would have been rude not to!

A lovely day at the beginning of June, the wedding was timed perfectly as the ceremony room had just undergone a major refurb. It looked crisp, fresh and bright! With the chair covers and sashes complementing the peach, sage and fresh green colour palate if the bridal party. A stunning summer blend.

Popping back to see how the girls were getting on, it was incredible seeing India getting into her dress. It was if that gown were made for her. Stunning and slinky, India was every bit the gorgeous bride. While Mum was helping her into those last squeezes of the corset, the girls kept me busy again with some cheeky portraits!

One of the great things about getting ready and married in the same location is that as a Chichester Harbour Hotel Wedding Photographer I can flit back and forth, to and fro between all members of the bridal party. India and Russell’s two sons joined us this time looking superb in their matching suits.

The ceremony was a delight, every chair was filled, family and friends abundant. The happiness and love was clear to see as India and Russell married in front of their nearest and dearest. With a personal poem read out by Indie’s mum that was a real tear jerker…. As a wedding photographer, I’m over 10 years in and I still haven’t yet got immune to the emotional response in me when I attend people’s weddings! It’s a good job I’m hidden behind the camera!!

We took a quick detour with the family to Priory Park, just next door to the Chichester Harbour Hotel. The kids leapt and whooped their way across, thankful for the open space! All the cousins together created a fizzing ball of energy! At times, it could be described as herding cats, but we all got there in one piece for a few family portraits before spending some moments with India and Russell.

While guests enjoyed the bar and caught up with each other, the room at the hotel was swiftly turned around ready for the wedding breakfast. A delicious three course meal that consisted of beautifully presented carpaccio starters, chicken and fish courses and puddings that looked like they stepped out of a culinary magazine. The speeches were delivered before the meal to a room of laughter and smiles.

Making the most of the long summer evening, the guests enjoyed the deck and the outdoor space after the wedding breakfast. India and Russell were keen to take some pictures with their friends who had travelled from near and far to join them on their wedding day. We also caught India’s sisters and their kids playing up to the camera!!

The party soon kicked off in the evening with sounds spinning from the decks by Nick, one of Toast Functions brilliant DJ’s… With a magic mirror photo-booth and jars of sweets available for your own pick-a-mix there was much to do. The first dance was a special moment before they were joined by their daughter and the rest of the guests. Before we left the party to carry on enjoying themselves, we took a short break with India and Russell to capture some final portraits using the original Georgian staircase that dominates the front of this historic building. As a Wedding Photographer at Chichester Harbour Hotel it is impossible to not use their gorgeous features

To complete their wedding collection, India and Russell opted for an Original Wedding Album, by Graphistudio, personalised in white cloud leatherette set into a colour coordinated Design Box in sage grey maple and finished with a pink leatherette internal. A beautiful way to ensure they can look back and hold on to these memories for years to come.

Many congratulations Mr & Mrs Dillingham, it has been a pleasure getting to know you both and capturing your precious memories. I’m sure we’ll see you again as your family grow and new portraits need capturing.

Big love,

Fiona xx

FionaMillsArt | Chichester Harbour Hotel Wedding Photographer | India & Russell