Even though we have photographed many times at Rhinefield House, we always like to scope out wedding venues a little ahead of time if we are able. About 2 weeks before the wedding I popped down to see the wedding co-ordinator and have a good look round. At that time the large curtains were closed behind the Christmas tree in the Grand Hall and I asked if on the day they could be opened. This worked out perfectly for the ceremony images as from the back the Christmas tree was illuminated against the large window and from the front there was beautiful soft natural light for the couple throughout the wedding service.
We love photographing weddings and environmental portraits in the New Forest, Rhinefield Hotel is known as the "Jewel in the Forest" and though there are other great wedding venues in the New Forest the tree lined approach and romantic Gothic facade makes a beautiful backdrop for wedding images.
Emma and Mark picked the shortest day of the year for their wedding, the winter solstice (December 21st) the weather on the day could not have been better. Based on the rain through the summer we would recommend a lot more winter weddings! I think Mark was secretly wishing for a bit of snow but in the end it was very mild and we were able to use the outside for both the romantic alone shots and the semi-formal family images.
After the first dance we went outside with Emma and Mark to take some evening images with the hotel in the background and even then it didn't feel cold! A perfect finish to a magical day in the New Forest :)
