A Rainy but Brilliant Wedding at Myrtle’s Courtyard, Hampton Estate
Avril and Paul. What a couple. What a day. From the moment I arrived at bridal prep I knew this was going to be one of those weddings that stays with you.
“She made everyone feel at ease.”
Avril & Paul, Hampton Estate
Bridal Prep at The Tellers Arms, Farnham
Bridal prep started at The Tellers Arms in Farnham and the energy was already electric. Avril is one of those people who fills a room with her personality and her laugh is completely contagious. But amongst all the fun and excitement there were some really beautiful quiet moments too.
Avril’s nan was there getting her hair and make up done alongside her granddaughter which was just the sweetest thing. We had a lovely moment where nan helped Avril put on her necklace, and then they sat together going through Avril’s book of advice from her bridesmaids, funny, heartfelt and completely lovely. Exactly the kind of moment I live for.
As the time drew closer Avril got beautifully emotional, a few happy tears getting into her dress and then a first look with her dad that was just perfect.
The Ceremony at Myrtle’s Courtyard, Hampton Estate
Myrtle’s Courtyard is set in the award winning historic parkland of the Hampton Estate near Farnham, a beautiful cluster of Victorian farm buildings with beautiful views and that beautiful rustic charm that makes everything feel completely dreamy.
Avril was determined to have her outdoor ceremony and the weather absolutely delivered just long enough for it to happen. Dramatic skies, the wind blowing through the wildflowers, and a bride who simply did not care because she was marrying her soulmate. It was a celebrant led ceremony which meant every single word felt personal, warm and completely them.
And then there was the ring bearer. Their dog. In a pink harness. With the ring box attached. I am absolutely obsessed and it was without question one of the most lush details I have ever photographed at a wedding 😍
The groomsmen were absolutely on top form before the ceremony, joking around and generally being completely ridiculous for the camera, exactly the energy needed to balance out the happy tears that followed.
Paul’s sister delivered a reading outside under that dramatic stormy sky that had the whole outdoor ceremony creasing with laughter. The ceremony was filled with belly laughs and happy tears in equal measure and it was absolutely perfect.
As soon as the confetti was thrown and the family formals were done the heavens well and truly opened, but honestly it didn’t dampen a single spirit.
The Reception
Inside the barn Avril’s decor was absolutely beautiful. Wildflowers everywhere, pastel napkins along one long banquet table and the ceiling covered in fairy lights giving the whole room the warmest glow. It looked incredible.
Despite the rain guests were out in the courtyard playing garden games, completely unbothered. Avril and Paul came outside into the downpour for couples portraits under clear umbrellas and were in the absolute best spirits throughout.
The speeches were hilarious: Paul delivered a brilliant groom’s speech and his grown up son followed with one that had everyone in stitches. I also set up a shot I loved, the whole room waving their pastel napkins with Avril and Paul placed right down the centre of the table and a little off camera flash to create something a bit different.
And then the evening. The dancefloor erupted from the very first song and when the DJ played Shots and a trolley full of shots was wheeled out to the dancefloor, well. That was the moment I knew this party was going to go on a very long time 😂
Thinking About Myrtle’s Courtyard, Hampton Estate for Your Wedding?
Myrtle’s Courtyard is a truly special venue near Farnham in Surrey. Rustic, characterful and set within lovely historic parkland, it looks beautiful whatever the weather.
If you are planning a wedding at the Hampton Estate or anywhere across Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex and beyond and you are looking for a fun candid photographer who will capture every real and joyful moment of your day, I would love to hear from you 😊
The Rain, The Umbrellas And A Shots Trolley
Avril was determined to have her ceremony outside, and by some miracle the rain held off until the very moment it finished. We then whipped through the family formals at speed before the heavens properly opened.
Because of the weather we had not managed any couples portraits at all, so when the rain eased off somewhere between mains and puddings, out came the clear umbrellas and off we dashed. Ten minutes, soggy shoes, some of my favourite photos of the day.
Later on the dancefloor went absolutely wild, helped enormously by a shots trolley being wheeled out to the song Shots. Of course it was.
What Avril & Paul Said
“Emma is an incredible photographer and we were so lucky to have her join us on our wedding day. She made everyone feel at ease and the pictures we received truly capture the personalities of our guests. Thank you Emma!”
Avril & Paul, Hampton Estate
