Karen & Andrew’s June Garden Wedding at South Lodge

Imagine getting married in the place where your love story first began.

For Karen and Andrew, that place was South Lodge. It’s where they had their first proper date, so there was never really any question about where they’d say “I do”.

As a South Lodge wedding photographer, there’s something wonderful about returning to a place that holds that kind of meaning.

On a warm June afternoon, surrounded by the grounds of this beautiful Victorian country house near Horsham, it was the perfect day for a South Lodge garden wedding.

A Love Story That Began at South Lodge

Karen and Andrew told me their favourite things about South Lodge were the old house and the beautiful gardens. It’s easy to see why.

South Lodge holds a special place at the dinner table too. The Camellia, the hotel’s own restaurant, is one of Andrew’s favourite places to eat.

If you’re dreaming of a garden wedding with a grand country house as your backdrop, this is a day you can easily picture yourself in.

Walking Down to Meet Andrew

Karen and Andrew decided against a first look. They wanted to wait until the ceremony to see each other.

When I asked Karen which part of the day she most wanted to wow her guests, her answer was simple. Walking down to meet Andrew.

She was given away by her son Joe, who clearly loved every second of being in front of the camera.

The ceremony took place outside, in front of the pavilion on the lower lawns, with South Lodge’s iconic façade as the backdrop.

Around 70 guests gathered on a sunny afternoon with the lightest of cloud cover. It was the kind of summer day that feels made for a wedding.

Then came that walk back up the aisle as husband and wife, with guests cheering them on.

Drinks, Canapés and Live Music on the Terrace

After the ceremony, guests wandered up to the terrace for canapés and drinks.

Singer and acoustic guitarist Chris Harper provided the soundtrack. He’s someone I’ve seen at many weddings, and he never fails to impress.

He played and sang well-known, laid-back songs that perfectly matched the relaxed, sunny mood of the afternoon. It’s the kind of music that makes guests smile without them even realising why.

Karen looked stunning in a simple, classic white gown. Her bouquet was a beautiful mix of blush and champagne roses, soft pink peonies, hot pink roses and sweet peas.

Lush, romantic and perfectly in keeping with the summer setting.

Speeches on the Steps

The speeches followed on the steps at the rear of the hotel, overlooking the main terrace. It was here that one of the most memorable moments of the day unfolded.

A remembrance candle burned nearby, a quiet and moving tribute to those who couldn’t be there.

As Andrew spoke, the expressions on Karen’s face and Joe’s face said everything. Pure love, pride and connection.

No amount of planning can create a moment like that. It’s why, during the speeches, I’m always watching the people listening, not just the person speaking.

Wandering Through the Long Grass

Karen and Andrew weren’t keen on formal poses, and that suited me perfectly.

Instead, I simply headed out across the rear lawns and down through the long grass that leads to the lake, where there’s even a seat suspended from a tree. It’s just a short walk from the hotel.

Then I let them wander hand in hand. It’s one of my favourite ways to photograph a couple, because it gives you natural, smiling images that reflect who you really are.

And if you love black and white wedding photos, this one’s for you.

First Dance and a Party in the Gladstone Room

The evening moved into the Gladstone Room, a beautiful, light-filled space with triple-aspect windows and views of the South Downs.

Day guests were joined by evening arrivals, with Toastmaster Dan looking after proceedings.

Their first dance to You Make Me Feel Brand New by Simply Red brought everything together beautifully. It was a song as warm and genuine as the day itself.

Then the music switched to Will Smith’s Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, and the dance floor came to life.

A Relaxed South Lodge Garden Wedding

South Lodge provides a genuinely grand backdrop, but this was at its heart a relaxed, joyful celebration.

Karen is naturally fun and quick to laugh, and Andrew shares that same easy, gentle energy. Everybody dressed beautifully, everybody laughed, and the whole day felt both special and completely natural.

If you’re planning a South Lodge garden wedding of your own, I hope Karen and Andrew’s day gives you a little inspiration.

Suppliers

Venue – South Lodge
Toastmaster – Toastmaster Dan
Singer and guitarist – Chris Harper

Planning a Wedding at South Lodge?

If you’re getting married at South Lodge and you’d love relaxed, award-winning photography from someone who knows these grounds inside out, I’d love to hear about your plans.

Want to see more? Read Christy & Ben’s South Lodge wedding ▸

You might also like my Ashdown Park wedding photographer page.