Helen and Alex’s Four Seasons Hampshire wedding exudes luxury and sophistication. Their December 19th, 2020 celebration masterfully incorporates the festive season, infusing warmth and atmosphere into every detail. The muted natural tones, accented with gold and blush, create a visually stunning color palette. The tables, lined with candles that cast a twinkling glow, perfectly capture the essence of romance. I deeply admire Helen and Alex’s approach to wedding planning, particularly in light of their decision to trim their guest list to 14 from 150, resulting in an intimate celebration that felt truly magical. Their commitment to celebrating their marriage is further solidified by plans for a second, larger wedding next year. The Kate Gray Photography team kindly shares these breathtaking images, offering a glimpse into a deeply inspiring real-life wedding story.
Four Seasons Hampshire Wedding
The Proposal
As Helen and I share a passion for travel and the ocean, I knew that proposing to her on a beach would be a moment she’d never forget. To make it an unforgettable experience, I planned a surprise trip to the Epic Sana Hotel and Spa in Portugal, where we spent a long weekend indulging in delicious food, fine wine, and rejuvenating spa treatments. The highlight of our weekend was a romantic dinner at a beachside restaurant recommended by the hotel. I arranged for her favorite champagne to be waiting for us, and we enjoyed a leisurely meal in a secluded area with breathtaking views of the ocean. As the sun began to set, Helen suggested a walk on the beach, which I cleverly timed to coincide with our dinner’s end. Our stroll took us to a picturesque spot with no one else around, where I popped the question and asked her to be my wife.
The Vision
As Covid-19 forced us to scale back from an initial guest list of 150 to just 14, our vision for the big day underwent a significant shift. Our trusted wedding planner and florist stepped in to create a brand new design for the intimate celebration. With a focus on coziness, we prioritized having a weekend-long party with our loved ones, as well as ensuring our beloved Cavapoochon, Stanley, could join in on the fun. We aimed for a subtle nod to Christmas without going overboard – think sophisticated, understated elegance rather than bright colors and bold decorations. This was also important given our plans to reuse the original venue and design for a second wedding with 150 guests in December 2022, so we needed to make this celebration feel distinct from its larger counterpart.
The Venue
When selecting The Four Seasons Hampshire for our special day, flexibility was a top priority due to the uncertainty surrounding government restrictions at the time. Our initial site visit took place in September, but subsequent lockdowns forced us to put plans on hold until just two weeks before the wedding. Despite these challenges, the team at The Four Seasons Hampshire demonstrated remarkable understanding and accommodating spirit. We were particularly impressed with their exquisite cuisine and the array of activities they offered to keep our guests entertained throughout the weekend. From country sports like shooting and archery to spa treatments, afternoon tea, brunch, ice skating, and even horse-drawn carriage rides, there was never a dull moment. The overall experience was truly exceptional, making it an unforgettable celebration for all involved.
Your Outfits
As I embarked on the wedding dress shopping experience at Blush Bridal Boutique in Uppermill, I knew exactly what I was looking for – a classic, elegant gown that exuded timeless sophistication. And then, I found it: Morilee by Madeline Gardner. The moment I laid eyes on the dress, I felt an instant connection; its understated sexiness and refined charm won me over. I’m thrilled to have found ‘the one’ and can’t wait to wear it again in 2022. Meanwhile, my groom’s attire was carefully curated at Hugo Boss in Guildford. A particularly insightful remark from the sales assistant stuck with me – he emphasized that shoes and belt should match the suit to create a cohesive look and direct attention to the face rather than the feet. I initially had reservations about blue shoes, but they surprisingly worked beautifully. The three-piece navy suit, complete with matching coat, was a stylish choice, complemented by a blush-hued tie and pocket square that harmonized with the bouquet.
The Ceremony & Music
The ceremony’s soundtrack was elevated by Lewis Bolland’s exceptional piano skills. He not only performed a beautiful rendition of Canon in D for our processional, but also tailored his music to fit the occasion. For instance, he played Tom Walker’s Better Half of Me during the signing of the register, creating a romantic atmosphere. As we recessed, I Giorni took center stage, further solidifying the memories we’ve created. Discover more wedding readings and wedding song inspiration to make your special day even more unforgettable.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
Our choice of photographer, Kate Gray Photography, was a deliberate one. Having worked with her at our original venue on multiple occasions, we were so impressed by her work that we decided to stick with her even when our venue changed. The same can be said for our videographer, Matt from Unique Wedding Productions. We loved his style so much that we didn’t hesitate to book him again when the venue changed. Now, as we prepare for our 2022 wedding, it’s exciting to think about how seamlessly the photography and videography will flow between the two events.
The Styling & Decor
We opted for a understated yet sophisticated nod to Christmas, eschewing traditional hues of red, green and gold. Our florist at White Lilac skillfully combined flowers with seasonal foliage, steel berries, waxed fruits and candles to craft an inviting atmosphere replete with ambiance. The arrangement featured a harmonious blend of whites, the natural greens of the foliage, blush undertones and soft gold accents, which lent itself beautifully to the use of clear glass, metallics and glass tealights.Our wedding planner further elevated the aesthetic by selecting exquisite tableware from Couvert, pale grey tablecloths paired with darker grey napkins from Just 4 Linen, and we rented elegant white chairs from Options Greathire, which boasted a luxurious appearance and superior comfort compared to standard chiavari chairs.Due to COVID-19 regulations, we deviated from the customary round tables for our meal and instead opted for three square tables. This layout allowed us to accommodate more than one household per table, ultimately resulting in a cozy atmosphere. We also creatively addressed the social distancing guidelines by designing a ‘Social distancing is temporary, love lasts forever’ sign, which served as a gentle reminder to our guests while maintaining a lighthearted tone. Additionally, we commissioned personalized masks for our attendees.Despite having only 14 guests (including ourselves), we still chose to feature a two-tier cake, primarily due to its aesthetic appeal and the desire to offer two distinct flavors.
The Honeymoon
Our initial plans for an unforgettable African safari took a dramatic turn when it got cancelled. In its place, we opted for a scenic getaway to the picturesque Lake District in the UK. However, as restrictions continued to tighten their grip, we found ourselves confined to the comfort of our own homes. While the experience was certainly disappointing, we remain hopeful that our African adventure will come to fruition sooner rather than later.
Memorable Moments
The memories of our special day are still etched vividly in our minds, but one moment that truly stands out is when we first laid eyes on the wedding breakfast room. The attention to detail and creativity of White Lilac and Caroline’s design left us breathless. The sheer beauty of the space was only surpassed by the excitement and joy that filled the air as we shared this intimate setting with our loved ones.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without a touch of magic in the form of fireworks. These spectacular displays added an extra layer of enchantment to our wedding day. The icing on the cake was having Jess, the exceptional venue coordinator at The Four Seasons, orchestrate a special treat for us – s’mores and sparklers to enjoy together.
Advice For Other Couples
As the uncertainty of the situation unfolded, our advice would be to focus on the things that can be controlled, rather than stressing about the unpredictable aspects. We had always envisioned getting married, regardless of the guest count, and we held fast to that vision. Having Caroline, our exceptional wedding planner, by our side was a dream come true. Her boundless creativity, meticulous organisation, and ability to think outside the box made all the difference. With Caroline’s expertise, we were able to relax, knowing that every detail was being expertly managed. The outcome was a day that exceeded our wildest expectations.Of course, none of this would have been possible without the talented professionals who contributed to making our special day so unforgettable. A huge thank you to Kate Gray Photography for capturing our memories, Unique Wedding Productions for their stunning film, and Four Seasons Hampshire for hosting us in such style. We’re also grateful to White Lilac for the exquisite florals, Jeni’s Cakes & Flowers for the delectable treats, Morilee by Madeline Gardner for Helen’s breathtaking gown, Hugo Boss for Alex’s dashing suit, Lewis Bolland Music for the enchanting piano melodies, Pains Fireworks for the show-stopping pyrotechnics display, Country Sports for their unique team-building solutions, Papier for the beautiful stationery, Olivia Mills for the stunning hair and makeup, Couvert Just 4 Linen & Options Greathire for the impeccable décor, and Caroline Sian Weddings & Events for her invaluable guidance. And to Helen and Alex, you both looked absolutely incredible on your special day – we can’t wait to see what’s in store for your next celebration!