Written by Jack Glennie | Hampshire Documentary Wedding Photographer
There is something genuinely magical about stepping onto a wedding day that combines historic country house charm with tranquil, manicured grounds. This season, as a Hampshire documentary wedding photographer, I had the incredible privilege of joining forces with the brilliant Lewis Horsley to second-shoot a breathtaking wedding down at The Old Vicarage Country House near Highcliffe in Dorset a stones throw from the New Forest.
Nestled amidst lush greenery and stunning Victorian architecture, The Old Vicarage is an absolute dream for candid storytelling. It offers an intimate, exclusive-use countryside setting that instantly puts couples and guests at ease.
A Warm Welcome: Drinks on the Lawn
After the ceremony took place at a separate local venue, the newly married couple and their guests arrived at The Old Vicarage for a sunlit post-ceremony drinks reception.
The expansive lawns immediately set a relaxed, celebratory tone. Working alongside Lewis, our focus here was entirely unposed and candid: guests mingling over glasses of champagne, spontaneous laughter by the flower beds, and the effortless energy of an afternoon spent celebrating outdoors. We also gathered everyone on the lawn for the group shots, keeping the flow fun and efficient so the couple could get straight back to enjoying their guests.
Speeches and Celebrations Inside the Tent
As the afternoon rolled on, everyone headed over to the tent on the grounds for the wedding breakfast. Framed by the gorgeous surrounding gardens, the tent provided a wonderfully intimate yet spacious atmosphere for the meal.
Right as dinner wrapped up, the speeches began. For a documentary photographer, speeches are absolute gold dust, and working with Lewis meant we could cover every angle—from the best man's nervous pacing to the room erupting in laughter, and the emotional glances shared between the couple and their families.
First Dance and Evening Gardens
The evening kicked off with a brilliant first dance on the dance floor, setting the stage for an electric party atmosphere. But what made the evening truly special was the layout of the venue. Between trips to the dance floor, guests kept stepping back outside to enjoy the evening air, strolling through the illuminated country gardens as twilight settled in.
Golden Hour in the Meadow
As the sun began to dip, Lewis and I took the couple out for a golden hour portrait session in the meadow nestled right behind the venue. The tall grass, soft evening light, and wide-open countryside skies created a breathtaking backdrop. We kept the shoot completely relaxed and natural, letting them take a quiet moment away from the crowd while we captured the raw, unscripted chemistry between them.
Final Thoughts
Stepping into a venue like The Old Vicarage Country House alongside a talented photographer like Lewis is a reminder of why I love this work. It’s all about capturing real people, genuine moments, and the unique atmosphere of a truly special day.
A massive thank you to Lewis for having me along for the ride. Whether you are planning a celebration at The Old Vicarage or searching for a natural, documentary-style wedding photographer in Hampshire, Dorset, or the surrounding counties, get in touch—I would love to hear all about your story!
check lewis out here: https://www.lewishorsley.com/
