A Blustery Micro Wedding at St Mary’s Church, Portchester
This little micro wedding at St Mary’s Church in Portchester was proof that you can squeeze so much magic into a short amount of time. From the moment I arrived to meet Tim and the most wonderfully relaxed vicar, I knew this was going to be a really special one.
“Highly recommend Emma to anyone looking for a talented and passionate photographer!”
Dragana, St Mary’s Church Portchester
St Mary’s Church, Portchester Castle
St Mary’s is one of those venues that stops you in your tracks when you arrive. Nearly 900 years old and sitting within the ancient walls of Portchester Castle, one of the best preserved Roman forts in northern Europe, it is described as one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Hampshire and honestly that is no exaggeration. The approach through the castle gateway is extraordinary and the Norman interior with its beautiful arched stonework creates the most incredible atmosphere for a ceremony.
The Ceremony
Dragana arrived on her brother’s arm and she looked absolutely lovely. The whole ceremony had a wonderfully warm and intimate feel, small, relaxed and completely full of joy.
The weather outside was properly blustery, moody dramatic skies, the kind where you’re never quite sure if it’s about to downpour, but inside that ancient church it felt completely cosy and perfect.
After the ceremony I had a very clear plan. Cheer line first, confetti throw second, that way I could keep the cafe out of the background of the confetti shots. I explained this very carefully to the guests.
About 90 percent of them threw the confetti on the first throw anyway 😂
But honestly it caused the most brilliant chaos and the laughs and the genuine joy in those moments were completely priceless. Sometimes the unplanned moments are the best ones and this was absolutely one of them.
Then came the champagne spray which Dragana and Tim absolutely nailed.
And then, the blue Mustang with the roof down. What an exit. Genuinely iconic.
Couples Portraits at Portchester Castle
For couples portraits we stayed in the castle grounds, some shots with that magnificent church behind them, others with the ancient castle walls as the backdrop. The dramatic blustery sky doing its thing overhead just made everything even more cinematic. Dragana and Tim were completely relaxed and natural in front of the camera and the results were just lovely.
A short day but absolutely packed with heart, laughter and some really lovely images in one of Hampshire’s most historic settings.
Thinking About St Mary’s Church Portchester for Your Wedding?
If you are looking for a truly unique and historic setting for your wedding in Hampshire then St Mary’s Church inside Portchester Castle is absolutely worth considering. Nearly 900 years of history, extraordinary architecture and those incredible castle grounds, there is nowhere quite like it.
If you are planning a wedding at Portchester or anywhere across Hampshire, West Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and beyond and you are looking for a fun candid photographer who will capture every real and joyful moment, I would love to hear from you 😊
Dragana, Tim And The Champagne Spray
Dragana is loud and bubbly, Tim is much quieter and more reserved, and together they were a joy. We may have bullied Tim a tiny bit during the portraits, but it was all good banter and he took it brilliantly.
Dragana had seen my champagne spray shot and was DETERMINED to recreate it outside the church, heart shaped sunglasses and all. So that is exactly what we did. Her personality shines through every single frame.
See more of my work as a Hampshire wedding photographer.
What Dragana Said
“We couldn’t be happier with our experience! Emma was absolutely amazing from start to finish. She captured every special moment of our wedding so beautifully, from the big, emotional highlights to the little candid details we’ll treasure forever. Her calm presence, professionalism, and eye for detail made us feel completely at ease. We’re so grateful to have these stunning memories to look back on. Highly recommend Emma to anyone looking for a talented and passionate photographer!”
Dragana, St Mary’s Church Portchester
Getting married near Portchester? Have a nosy at my Portsmouth wedding photographer page!
Planning a Hampshire wedding? Have a nosy at my guide to the best wedding venues in Hampshire, all ones I’ve actually photographed!
