Gemma & Guy 18th May 2024
Wonderful Chichester Wedding
I love re-living the moments of the weddings I photograph through these blog article. With a rather ominous looking forecast on the horizon, we weren't quite sure what weather we where going to be getting for Guy and Gemmas wedding, but as a wedding photographer who has shot in and all around West Sussex and beyond for the last 10 years I have learnt to embrace all that nature can throw at us, and one thing was not in question, this fun loving Bride and Groom had a day packed with fun and laughter planned.
Chichester has a plethora of stunning wedding venues in the direct and near vicinity of the city, and Hollybank House is one of those very special venues. It is a wedding venue that feels warm, welcoming and still luxurious at the same time. The grounds have to be seen to do them justice, rhododendrons that stretch almost the entire length of one side of the garden, immaculately kept lawns, and all manor of beautiful trees that create such a dramatic back from for wedding party group photos.
The wedding day celebrations started at one of Chichesters most beautiful churches the Bosham Holy trinity church, which feels like a real Tardis. Bosham is a picturesque little village less than 10 minutes from Chichester town centre.
Gemma was busy getting ready into a stunning wedding dress over the road in a very pretty little air b&b which had views of Chichester Harbour. It had plenty of room and a really wonderful orangery that joined the two sides of the house and created a really nice spot to capture a reveal shot of the Bridesmaids all seeing Gem in her dress for the first time. For a wedding photographer there's a few things that make us happy, two of the most important being Smiles, and good light, and despite the initial gloomy forecast we where blessed with both in buckets.
Guy was over at the church, shaking out any last minute nerves and welcoming all the guests. I always find it fascinating photographing the time before the ceremony, both bride and groom go through such a roller coaster of emotions, it's such a privilege to be able to document it.
Bosham trinity church is such a special location, walk to the end of church pathway and you can see the boats sailing by in the harbour. From the outside it is a pretty, fairly modestly sized church, everything you'd expect from a small village church really, when you walk in however it almost takes your breath away. It really is a Tardis, a vast space with beautiful architecture and stain glass which give that textbook soft church light all around the space.
The energy in church weddings is really palpable, having a room full of people all there to celebrate the two of you is so special.
Who doesn't enjoy confetti at a wedding? Churches and Venues in general are getting more eco friendly, Gemma and guy had chosen to have natural petals for there day, they are more expensive but they are so beautiful, and the subtle colour difference is so elegant, all wedding photographers love natural confetti there's some other great options which are really eco friendly like the amazing wedding flowers made by https://petalandbird.co.uk/ who makes the most amazing paper eco friendly options.
Bosham is such a beautiful spot, full of wonder photo opportunities. We decided to walk down to the waters edge on the hard standing. Capturing natural group shot photos in this was is a favourite way of keeping everyone relaxed and making sure the group photos don't all feel the same. Just make sure you keep an eye out for slippery spots and and potential dress running substances left behind by the local wildlife.