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A Last-Minute Styled Shoot at The Alverbank, Gosport

Sometimes the best shoots are the ones that come together at the very last minute, and this one was proof!

After a last-minute change of plans, The Alverbank in Gosport very kindly opened their doors to us, and WOW. Three jaw-dropping couture gowns, a gorgeous bouquet, an incredible team and a LOT of flash. 😂

Honestly? I think it might be one of my favourite shoots EVER.

Bride in the Red Rococo gown by David Western Couture on the staircase at The Alverbank, Gosport, with window light patterns

The Alverbank, Gosport

If you’ve never been to The Alverbank, you’re missing out! It sits in Stanley Park in Gosport, looking out over the Solent towards the Isle of Wight, and it’s been around since 1842. Rich wood panelling, sweeping staircases, chandeliers, a grand piano and so many characterful corners. Every room had something, and for a flash lover like me, it was basically a playground!

Bride in a red gown and lace veil in the grand hallway at The Alverbank, Gosport, framed by lanterns and the staircase

Look One: The Lovers

We kicked things off with something a bit cheeky! The Lovers is a separate fitted bodice with hip flares and a pure silk bubble skirt, finished with a cheeky bow. Add a pair of platform heels and Carrie absolutely bossing it, and what a way to start!

Bride in The Lovers gown by David Western Couture on the roll top bath in the bridal suite at The Alverbank, Gosport
Bride lounging with platform heels over a red velvet chair at The Alverbank bridal styled shoot
Bride in The Lovers gown by David Western Couture by the leaded windows at The Alverbank, Gosport

The landing was where things got really fun. That chandelier shot with the upside-down reflection? It’s a mirror held right up to the camera.

Flash lit bridal portrait on the landing at The Alverbank with a chandelier and mirror reflection
Bride in The Lovers gown by David Western Couture on the landing at The Alverbank, Gosport, with chandeliers glowing below
Bride glancing over her shoulder on the landing at The Alverbank, shot into a mirror

Then a little moment at that gorgeous grand piano. Just look at that face!

Bride with a flower crown and bouquet leaning on the grand piano at The Alverbank, Gosport

Look Two: The Gold Damask

Next up, the Gold Damask. Another two piece, with a fitted bodice, a flared hip, gorgeous gold bow detail and a pleated skirt made for drama. We took it outside into the gardens first, because that dress deserved some fresh air!

Bride in the Gold Damask gown by David Western Couture in the gardens at The Alverbank, Gosport
Back view of the Gold Damask gown by David Western Couture in the gardens at The Alverbank
Bridal bouquet and Gold Damask bodice detail at The Alverbank styled shoot

Back inside, Carrie found a new friend on the wall, so we had a cheeky bit of fun with the artwork!

Bride with a fan posing beside an oil painting at The Alverbank, Gosport

The navy dining room with that glowing pendant lamp was SO moody, I could have stayed in there all day.

Bride in ivory and gold in the navy dining room at The Alverbank, lit with off camera flash under a pendant lamp

And then the wine cabinet! I gelled the cabinet orange to match the gold of the dress and lit Carrie separately in the next room. Cheers to that! 🥂

Bride sipping wine through the Alverbank wine cabinet, lit with an orange gelled flash
Wide view of the wine cabinet at The Alverbank with the bride seen through the shelves

Then we stopped for a lovely lunch, which, let’s be honest, we all needed!

Look Three: The Red Rococo

And we saved the showstopper till last. The Red Rococo is one seriously dramatic two piece gown, with a separate bodice covered in gold and ruby red detail, a caged wide hip pleated skirt and a matching full length lace veil. Add a stare that could stop traffic and… WOW.

On the staircase, the window was throwing the most beautiful pattern across the wall, so I let the sun do its thing and popped a softbox above for her face. It looks like a still from a period drama, am I right?!

Bride in a red gown and veil on the landing beside an oil portrait at The Alverbank

Then into the big bright room with those huge windows, with the light pouring in across the floor.

Bride in a red couture gown in a bright room with tall windows at The Alverbank, Gosport

Framing her in the doorway was a must!

Bride in a red gown with arms outstretched in a doorway at The Alverbank, Gosport
Back view of a red veil and train framed by double doors at The Alverbank

Then we went close. Wrapping her up in that veil like a little Red Riding Hood moment… I mean, LOOK at those eyes! 👀

Close bridal portrait with a red lace veil wrapped like a hood, lit with flash
Close up of blue eyes and red lips framed by a red lace veil at The Alverbank

And we finished up outside among the trees, right next to the hotel’s outdoor ceremony space.

Bride in a red gown and veil among the trees by the outdoor ceremony space at The Alverbank, Gosport

A huge thank you to The Alverbank for having us, and to the most amazing team for making it such a fun day. I can’t wait to do it all again!

Click here to see the full gallery

Thinking About The Alverbank?

If you’re getting married at The Alverbank, or anywhere around Gosport, Portsmouth and Hampshire, and you love a bit of drama with your fun, I’d LOVE to hear from you. I’m ranked top ten in the world for flash, and this is the kind of thing I can do with it. See more in my flash wedding photography blog, or have a scroll through my portfolio.

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The Dream Team

  • Couture: David Western Couture
  • Model: Carrie, The Ginger Goddess
  • Florals: Green House Florist
  • Venue: The Alverbank, Gosport
  • Photography and flash wrangling: Emma Staley Photography

Planning a Hampshire wedding? Have a nosy at my guide to the best wedding venues in Hampshire, all ones I’ve actually photographed!

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