A Spring Wedding Full of Joy at New Place Hotel, Southampton
It was a gloriously sunny May day when these two said “I do” at the stunning New Place Hotel in Southampton. With its elegant manor house steeped in history, beautiful gardens bursting into bloom, and a dedicated reception space just for them, the couple knew they’d found the perfect all-in-one wedding venue—and it was only ten minutes from home! This is where we met Josh & Karina during one of the PMN Wedding Fayres at which we always exhibit. We love photographing weddings at New Place Hotel, it’s one of my favourite Hampshire wedding venues.
A Warm and Welcoming Start
The day began in the gorgeous getting-ready suite, full of laughter and excitement as the bridal party gathered. Matching floral crowns and pastel dresses added a springtime feel, while the atmosphere was a mix of nerves and happiness. The bride’s relaxed but emotional first look with her father was a tender moment—his face said it all as he saw his daughter in her beautiful wedding gown for the first time. As was the look from the bridesmaids and close friends who had gathered by the door to take a first look. The look of delight on their faces is priceless. Karina’s bracelet had once belonged to her grandmother and had been gifted by her grandfather who looked on with pride when he saw Karina and the bracelet.
A Ceremony Filled With Happy Tears
Set inside the historic manor house, the ceremony was simple and heartfelt. The bride and groom beamed as they exchanged vows, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when they shared their first kiss—cue the applause and big grins all round!
After the ceremony, the newlyweds were showered in confetti under the shade of the stately gates, with sunlight streaming through the trees. It was one of those perfect English spring moments, full of colour and light.
Personal Touches and Family Connections
One of the bride’s favourite touches was a wedding photo family tree, lovingly displayed on the table at the wedding breakfast. It featured wedding photos from their parents’ and grandparents’ marriages—a subtle but beautiful way to honour the legacy of love in their lives. Karina especially asked for a photo to be taken just like the one on the family tree, so this photo in time would be added to the tree.
Golden Hour, Dancing, and Magic
As the golden evening light crept into the gardens, we stole a few quiet moments for bride and groom portraits. The couple’s chemistry was effortless, and their happiness shone through every frame. They wanted a private spot in the garden to read each other vows they had written but were not part of the wedding ceremony. We photographed from a distance and caught the most wonderful image of the two of them deep in conversation.
Later, under fairy-lit drapes, the dance floor came alive. The bride’s lift into the air during the dancing drew cheers from the crowd—it was the perfect combination of joy and celebration.
Final Thoughts
As a documentary wedding photographer in Southampton, it was such a joy to capture this relaxed, love-filled day from start to finish. With family at the heart of it all, it was a true celebration of connection, laughter, and memories made together. The majority of our wedding images are candid, documentary style, with only the group and couple photos being posed.
Karina left such a lovely Google review, it was such a joy to be part of their fabulous day:
Highly recommend Myriame! We first met her at a wedding fayre and she stood out as being so kind, calm and attentive! Myriame is very responsive to questions and highly knowledgeable. We met with her before the wedding to have a little photoshoot to get comfortable with her and the camera, which was great for us as both very nervous and camera shy! On the day Myriame was absolutely amazing at keeping us calm and gently directing us to get the best photos. We felt very comfortable with her and she was very adaptable when we got a little overwhelmed towards the end. Myriame made sure we had some beautiful photos and managed to capture some lovely candid family moments also. These amazing photos we will treasure. Thank you Myriame x
Here is their love story in Karina’s words:
How did you choose your venue and what made this your ideal venue?
What part of the wedding process were you most excited about?
Please tell me about your proposal, who proposed, where and how?
Did your wedding date have any special meaning to you?
How long did it take you to find the dress of your dreams? Any tips you can offer other brides?
Tell me about your wedding suites and colour theme
How did you personalise your wedding day?
What song did you choose for your first dance and why?
What is your favourite image from your wedding gallery and why?
What advice would you give newly engaged couples in planning for their wedding?
