This week’s wedding saw me hopping on a ferry over to the delightful Isle of Wight for Lizzie and Tom’s wedding by the sea. The summer continued to smile kindly upon us with great weather.
It was my first time at Osborne House and I took the time the day prior to the wedding to take a tour of the grounds and house itself. As a former home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert it is naturally steeped in history. If you ever get the chance to visit the English Heritage run property then do so; it’s fascinating and gave me just the inspiration I needed to photograph Tom and Lizzie’s day.
The relationship between Queen Victoria and Albert is one of the great love stories of the 19th century, so what could be a more appropriate place to hold a wedding than in the home they once shared together.
The wonderful thing about Osborne House and its grounds is the sheer variety of moods this fantastic location envokes. Tom and Lizzie used this to their advantage. The house and grounds immediately surrounding it are grand and stately – they held their drinks reception in the sunken garden, which was quite formal and elegant. Following the drinks reception, all their guests were transported by vintage bus to Osborne House’s private beach. They continued the party on the private beach where the wedding breakfast was held – in this case, a barbecue right on the sand. This was wonderfully relaxed and informal and gave the day the perfect mix of elegance and fun.
Queen Victoria said in a letter to Sir Robert Peel on 22nd June 1845 “We are more and more delighted with this lovely spot….the combination of sea, trees…the purest air, make it a perfect paradise.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Here’s some of my favourites!
The wedding itself was held at St Mildred’s in Whippingham. I observed events throughout the service from Queen Victoria’s private pew. I was honoured to be able to take such an exclusive position! Jonathan, the vicar was such a lovely guy, he was so accommodating and made my job very easy.
Married!
Ushering at it’s finest! Lizzie’s brother was one of the ushers who made the day so easy, pointing guests in the right direction, at the right time. Here he is directing guests for the shot below.
Vintage buses transported all the guests down to Queen Victoria’s private beach.
Just a quick reminder – this is The Isle of Wight, not the Caribbean!
This picture was taken in Queen Victoria’s changing room.
The beach at Osborne House was also the location used in the film Mrs Brown starring Dame Judi Dench.
I would not normally be an advocate of using toilets as a backdrop – but when they are Queen Victoria’s toilets and as pretty as these, I’ll make an exception.
The tropical theme continued in the marquee.
The speeches continued right through the evening.
Congratulations Lizzie & Tom!
If you were a guest at the wedding you can register to see all the photographs once the bride and groom have seen them. Click Here
by Kerry Morgan
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