Welcome to the blog of Lizzie and Pete’s Lainston House wedding photography. If you’re also thinking of a Lainston House wedding, a barn wedding, or a Winchester wedding with romantic, rustic elements, then firstly: congratulations; and secondly: this blog post is for you!
Lainston House wedding venue
The setting Lizzie and Pete chose for their wedding day couldn’t have been more perfect: the wonderful Lainston House wedding venue in Winchester. It’s a 17th century country house that sits at the top of a long, sweeping driveway, nestled in 63 acres of gorgeous countryside.
The bridal party got ready there in one of the grand suites, with Sabrina from Love is in the Hair and Katy Djokic on hair and make up duty. Lizzie had thought of loads of really cute details, like getting her bridesmaids matching monogrammed dressing gowns for the morning. As well as spending the time snapping her and her girls, it also gave me time to capture her amazing Charlotte Mills shoes. Embedded in the sole of one shoe was a silver sixpence, and on the other foot the ‘something old, something new’ inscription. I’ve had a few Charlotte Mills brides this year, and every single time I love that incredibly special detail!
The Dawley Barn
One of the spaces that makes a Lainston House wedding so wonderful is The Dawley Barn. The 17th century barn has a modern feel, whilst the high ceilings and original beam details keep the rustic feel. Though it’s attached to the main house it also feels like its own separate space, like you’ve walked into the scene of a fairytale.
It certainly felt like a fairytale for Lizzie and Pete’s day. With fairylights strung across the ceiling beams, soft fabric tied around the chairs and a bough of foliage hanging in front of the fabric backdrop, the styling was super romantic.
The flowers by Jo Hicks were also amazing, with blush pink feature flowers and plenty of greenery to match the decor. Cute bud vases full of flowers sat at the end of each row of chairs, while the top of the aisle was decorated with two bigger arrangements, alongside pillar candles, hurricane lanterns and logs. All in all, Lizzie and Pete nailed the autumnal rustic romance they were going for with their Lainston House wedding (even when – especially when – Lizzie said some of her vows wrong; there were lots of giggles, and it was a lovely moment.)
Drinks reception entertainment
After the confetti throw, Lizzie, Pete and their guests congregated in the beautifully kept gardens for the drinks reception. Beers were served in wheelbarrows while elegant, delicious canapés came around on trays.
Lizzie and Pete’s attention to details continued through to this drinks reception, too. They had not one, not two, but three entertainers mingling with guests (so make sure you save this Lainston House wedding for later, if you’re looking for unique ways to entertain your loved ones on your big day!)
Entertainment
First up was Sensible Pencil, aka Chrissy Marshall, who was drawing incredible, hilarious caricatures of willing guests. They also had Stephen Simmons Magic working the crowd, and wowing their guests with his amazing tricks. Finally, to set the scene, they had Dan Goode playing the saxophone, for some smooth, soulful vibes.
Whilst these guys were working their magic – literally, in Stephen’s case – I took the all-important group shots, and some portraits shots of Lizzie and Pete too. There are so many gorgeous spaces to choose from as a Lainston House wedding photographer, and we made sure to make use of the stunning gardens as a beautiful backdrop.
Rustic autumnal wedding reception
During this time, the Lainston House wedding team had transformed The Dawley Barn from ceremony to reception space. Lizzie and Pete’s soft, rustic, autumnal wedding theme continued here, with accent colours of sage green and light pink. For the table plan, they’d strung cards and twine up around a dark wood frame. It was then decorated with more stunning flowers and pampas grass. At each table, the table number featured a picture of young Lizzie and Pete (who were so adorable!)
After the meal, guests made their way to the bar area, where the cake-cutting was taking place. Here they could find the cake table – well, actually, they could find all three cake tables. As well as the pink and white three-tiered wedding cake, Lizzie and Pete also provided some delicious-looking cake pops. Across them both, they had some incredible, unusual flavours: banana, red velvet and vanilla, as well as honeycomb, Smartie and strawberry.
Then, it was time to move back into the Dawley Barn once more, this time to dance the night away. Kickstarted by Lizzie and Pete’s gorgeous first dance, their guests were well up for the dancefloor! They paused only to grab a drink from the cocktail van outside before returning! They also had a photobooth, but not like any photobooth you’ve ever seen before! Alongside the requisite camera and suitcase full of fun props, the booth had its own inflatable walls. It looked a bit like a bouncy castle, and was every bit as fun as one!
Though the rain had (thankfully) held off during the garden reception, it had rained whilst guests were eating and drinking. However, Lizzie and Pete totally took this in their stride! Check out the romantic photos of them in the rain!
Lainston House wedding photography
If you’re looking for someone to capture your Lainston House wedding – I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch here to tell me all about your plans; I can’t wait to hear them!
Suppliers
Venue: Lainston House https://www.exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house/weddings/
Flowers: Jo Hicks Flowers http://www.johicksflowers.co.uk
Hair: Love Is In The Hair http://www.loveisinthehair.co.uk
Beauty: Katy Djokic Hair and Makeup http://www.weddinghairstylingandmakeup.co.uk
Videography: The Camera Chaps http://www.thecamerachapweddings.com
Caricature artists: Sensible Pencil https://sensiblepencil.com/
Magician: Stephen Simmons https://www.stephensimmonsmagic.co.uk/
Saxophone: Dan Goode http://www.dangoodeofficial.co.uk
love emma x