Penton Park in Hampshire
For my first wedding of 2021 I had the pleasure to be at the stunning Penton Park, based in Andover, Hampshire. A little fun fact for everyone is that Penton Park is an exclusive privately owned property wedding venue hosting only twenty weddings in any one year. Currently listed by the London Evening Standard in their top 50 Venues in the UK (the only one in Hampshire), all couples choosing this beautiful and idyllic venue are guaranteed a totally unique and luxury experience.
Being able to capture wedding photography in Hampshire is a blessing, Penton Park is right on my doorstep being in Andover which is such a beautiful area to live in and if you are visiting I urge everyone to take advantage of the surrounding areas, including 10 miles of public footpaths which trail throughout the country fields and please do check out Penton Park as it's a wonder inside and out.
It is always a pleasure to be able to photograph the bride at bridal prep and Catherine rented a very cute little AirBnB just down the road from Penton Park. As you can see from the photos there is such a nice metal vintage staircase which leads up to the rooms. I'll pop the link to this lovely guest house called Chalkcroft Lodge here. The vibe in the lodge was a very relaxed one as Kat and her bridesmaid Hazel got their hair and makeup done. Hazel being Catherine's maid of honour she attended to Kat's every need which is always nice to see because every bride on their wedding day shouldn't have to lift a finger. After Catherine's hair and makeup was finished she came down for a cup of tea and had a laugh with Hazel about memories growing up together.
I couldn't help think how much of an Audrey Hepburn vibe Catherine has going, absolutely beautiful. Before long it was time for Catherine to get in her dress and shortly afterwards her dad knocked at the downstairs door. I told Catherine's dad to wait under the stairs and it will be a surprise that you're there as she's not expecting him yet. My plan worked perfectly and it was great to see both Catherine and her dad lock eyes on each other. I absolutely live for moments like these as you can see everyone trying to keep it together not to ruin everyone's makeup. I think everyone would agree Catherine looked picture perfect!
Micro Wedding at Penton Park
There is something truly magical about micro weddings, something that is hard to put into words. Perhaps the pandemic has caused so much uncertainty in our lives that seeing two people declare their love for one another has become even more poignant? Perhaps because of the pandemic we need and treasure the happy times more than ever? Or maybe it has nothing to do with the pandemic and instead it's because we get to celebrate one of our most treasured days with the utmost important people in our lives.
Whatever it is, micro weddings are so special that they are here to stay and we, for one, are thrilled! The ceremony room was filled with anticipation whilst the guests were being entertained by Luke and awaiting Catherine's entrance. As soon as it was time for the ceremony to start, everybody was eager to see how stunning Catherine looked and she did not disappoint!
As soon as the ceremony was over the couple were cheered out the room where champagne was waiting for them at the front of the venue. Without much direction at all I was able to gather all the friends and family outside in the courtyard for a confetti photo, just one of the benefits of a micro wedding! This will always be one of my favourite photos as it shows how happy Catherine and Luke are together. With reception drinks in the garden for guests to enjoy I swiftly took Kat and Luke off for 10 minutes to get some portrait photos before the hot April sun started to melt my lovely couple!
As venues at this point are still not allowed to host a wedding breakfast and cater for food, Catherine had planned for her and her guests to have picnics at the local school she used to work at and her mother who still does teach was able to agree for them to use the outside space for their wedding picnics! My first wedding breakfast in a school but I absolutely love a challenge!
As a surprise to Luke and Cat their wedding party had organised a social distanced private screening of video messages in the old school hall via a projector. This was really heartwarming as all the messages were from other guests which couldn't attend due to the government restrictions in place. Nevertheless everyone was having a brilliant time watching all the love-felt video messages.
Picnic Celebrations
As the evening progressed the couple had organised for a wedding style picnic celebration which was a very cute idea. The picnics were provided by The Little Kitchen Company. Catherine and Luke were kind enough to provide myself with one and I have to say they were amazingly good! Not long after everyone had finished their picnics we all got up to do a cake cut which Catherine's mum had kindly baked.
Creative Portraits in a School
After we cut the cake I took the couple off for some sunset photos around the school. I have to say this was challenging as school buildings aren't the most glamorous looking buildings but I think I managed ok. I couldn't resist getting Catherine and Luke to have a few photos on the kids playground. We had a blast walking around capturing photos as we went. With the sun setting my time was nearly up with the lovely Catherine and Luke so we just had time to squeeze a quick sparkler photo which I can say was a lot easier to organise with 30 people rather than 80.
I hope you enjoyed my work at Penton Park in Hampshire. If you are planning to get married and are looking for some wedding photography in Hampshire or any of the surrounding home counties, please don't hesitate to reach out to discuss your special day!
Vendors
- Venue: Penton Park
- Photographer: philipquinnellphotography.com @philipquinnellphotography
- Bride's dress: The Reformation
- Groom's suit: Moss Bros
- Makeup & Nails: Sue Risdale Andover Nails
- Flowers: Janet Mary Floral Design
- Picnics: The Little Kitchen Company
Love this Penton Park wedding as much as I do? Want me to photograph your wedding? Get in touch here.
