Gilbert White’s Hampshire Barn creative wedding photography

Sophie + Pete

What a lovely wedding! You know the feeling when you meet someone and you know they are just the kindest and easiest to get on with? That is how I felt when I spoke to Sophie and Pete on skype when we first started chatting about their wedding photography at Gilbert White’s Hampshire barn. We instantly clicked and when we met for their engagement shoot in London we felt we could have chatted for ages!

Sophie and Pete are also a perfect match for each other. They met on ‘Guardian soulmates’ online dating site. Pete proposed at the Nationals gig in September to the song “I need my girl” which they used for their first dance. They now have been together for 7.5 years and almost two years ago had a beautiful daughter called Imogen. Imogen is such a cute and funny little child. She actually enjoyed the ceremony admiring Mummy and Daddy during the exchange of vows and then she stole the spotlight by making everybody laugh!

Read more about this wedding and why Sophie and Pete chose me as their Hampshire wedding photographer below the photos!

Gilbert White’s Hampshire Barn for our wedding

We wanted to find a beautiful rustic space that was a blank canvas to add our own touches and personality. We didn’t want anything overly formal. In terms of inspiration we just went with our instincts at the time. The Gilbert White’s 16th Century Hampshire barn and view to the field is so gorgeous, we wanted it to be relaxed and fun with no particular formalities. We wanted people to just enjoy each other’s company in beautiful surroundings.

Simple DIY wedding decorations

We made the ribbon display using a branch from our garden as we wanted a backdrop for the ceremony. The flowers were pulled together and arranged by friends on the morning of the wedding. Everyone did an amazing job pulling stuff together. The white and green lanterns were hung from the beams on the morning to create a magical feel.

Our wedding outfits

We had a colour scheme (gold, grey and green) and everybody worked off it in whatever way they chose to. We didn’t want anything to match as it’s just not us! For the bride’s dress I wanted something quite ethereal looking but never thought I’d go for something so wedding dress-y! When I tried a dress by Essence of Australia on it just felt like he right one for the day (although maybe not the most practical for dancing but I gave it my best shot) and the groom has always fancied a herringbone suit and this was the perfect excuse! Smart but grounded!

Our ceremony and choice of readings

We selected the readings very carefully. Neither of us are into the overly lovey dovey stuff so we found a mix of readings that speak to us and our relationship. We had the Vow by Clare Shaw, a poem by Tracy Emin, Shakespeare’s sonnet “let Not the marriage of true minds…” and a song by Leonard Cohen (dance me to the end of love) as Leonard Cohen is one incredible man!

Our first dance song

The National – I need my girl – the song Pete proposed to me too after he had spilt a drink on me (by accident) at Hammersmith Apollo. Our music tastes can be quite different but we meet in the middle with The National and their music resonates with both of us. For the rest of the party we chose the playlist as we were keen to just have Music we and our friends love and we thought we’d select that better than any DJ

Our favourite part of the day and a bit of advice

Apart from the ceremony, which was magical, the speeches were an emotional roller-coaster. But all of it was amazing – we loved every minute although it all went way too fast. We are hoping the photos might help us fill in the gaps! The atmosphere in the barn was incredible.

Take a minute to stop and take it all in. Don’t sweat the small stuff – if you have everyone you love to spend time with there it really doesn’t matter. People make a wedding, not things.

Why we chose Joasis Photography as our Hampshire wedding photographer

Jo was amazing!! From the first Skype to the end of the day – she told us she would exceed expectations and she did! We had 100 per cent confidence that Jo would do a brilliant job and her style is captivating. Thank you so much! 

Wedding inspiration board:

Venue: The Gilbert White’s 16th Century Hampshire Barn

Wedding dress: Essence of Australia from May & Grace Bridal

Florist: Bridal Flowers Direct

Hand drawn calligraphy: Alice Chorley 

Cake: Milk street kitchen

Groom suit and shoes: Jennis and Warmann Stoke Newington

Catering: Pretty pieces perfect days and Catch a fire pizza

Vintage furniture: Rustic hire

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Joasis Photography is Hampshire wedding photographer specialising in natural yet artistic wedding photography.

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