Rivervale Barn, Hampshire Wedding - Katrina & Callum

Hampshire Wedding Photographer

As a Kent Wedding Photographer, here at Luke Granger Photography we often travel across the UK photographing weddings, which means we are lucky to visit many beautiful wedding venues. We love visiting new and old wedding venues, those that are popular and those that we have never heard of before so we look forward to every wedding for different reasons.

Back in 2019, we exhibited at The South East Wedding Show in Farnborough, Hampshire which led us to meet the lovely Katrina & Callum who were planning their Rivervale Barn Wedding.

Just shy of 2 years and a global pandemic later, here we are at their amazing Hampshire wedding day and I have the pleasure of sharing the day with you all.

A Summer Rivervale Barn Wedding

When we arrived at the beautiful Rivervale Barn in Hampshire we were delighted to see the sun shining and the team making preparations ready for our happy couple to say I Do. Having never visited Rivervale Barn before, we were excited to explore what the venue has to offer and it certainly didn't disappoint.

On the morning of their August Wedding, our groom Callum, was busily working alongside Sophie the Events Manager and the rest of the Rivervale Barn team, perfecting all the last minute finishing touches that the couple had planned. The task of organising boxed favours for every guest, gorgeous centrepieces and confetti cones were keeping Callum distracted from his nerves and it was lovely to see him so involved. It's not just brides who pay attention to the details you know.

Our gorgeous bride Katrina, was across the courtyard getting ready in The Pamper Room, a dedicated space at Rivervale Barn in Hampshire for the bridal party to get ready in style. With an entourage of ladies all getting their hair and makeup done, we left them to enjoy some girly time, returning just as the finishing touches were being made to our bride before she moved over to The Cottage.

The Cottage is small self contained suite available exclusively for couples getting married at Rivervale Barn. With wooden beams, a rustic fireplace nook and an intimate bathroom complete with a roll top bath it's such a beautiful place for couples to enjoy.

After some photographs in the cottage, Kat was soon fully made up and it was time to get into her beautiful Rebecca Ingram wedding dress. You could feel the excitement growing in the room as all the ladies gathered to help with the finishing touches; with flowers and veil in place Kat looked beautiful as did her bridesmaids in their pink summery dresses.

Kat chose to have a first look with her grandad Chris, a moment we love capturing as they always show so much emotion.

After an initial 'wow you look amazing', Chris started telling Kat how everyone had arrived and it was great to see them all; I don't think it was quite the reaction Kat was expecting. Perhaps a little overwhelmed and a tad nervous but It was a really sweet moment. You could tell he was really proud and he told me later on in the day that being asked to give her away was a true honour. What a gent!

Wedding Ceremony at Rivervale Barn, Hampshire

We met with Callum and his Groomsmen at the front of Rivervale Barn and took the opportunity to get some fantastic photographs. Fergus who was the all important Head of 'Ring Security' was on hand to show the rest of the men how it's done. Suited and looking smart in Navy & blush pink, Callum was noticeably less nervous now - It was nearly time to say 'I Do'.

As guests arrived they made their way to be seated at The Spinney, the perfect setting for an August wedding in Hampshire. Depending on whether couples choose to have an indoor or outdoor ceremony at Rivervale Barn, they can choose between the Spinney - an outside seating area with quirky pagoda or use a room within the Ceremony Barn itself, with high ceilings and beautiful beams the barn is lovely but the Spinney is my favourite.

Just before 1:30pm, Callum waited at the end of the aisle as Kat as the bridal party made their way to The Spinney. Kat made the journey from the cottage initially with her Mum, Lorraine who then proudly took her seat in the front row as Grandad Chris walked her down the aisle. A beautiful moment to witness between grandfather and granddaughter but also to see Callum's face light up as he took sight of his bride.

The wedding vows were all you could ask for - romantic promises of life adventures and a few funnies thrown in whilst the couples loved ones looked on with pride. The Registrars themselves were fantastic, a husband and wife team of 30 years with a really healthy outlook to life overall. Their words were so genuine and you could tell they truly love their job, who can blame them - we love ours too.

"A marriage is like a willow tree, during a storm it will bend but it will not break"

Vows said, rings exchanged and register signed, it was time for one last thing, a Kiss!

With the formalities over, it was now time for Mr & Mrs Dodd to enjoy the rest of their wedding day at Rivervale Barn alongside their 60 guests, what better way to start than with a drink!

Hosting a drinks reception out on the terrace and lawn was a fantastic way for guests to mingle and celebrate. The Rivervale Barn team were ensuring everyone had a drink in hand and there was certainly a hum of laughter amongst the guests who were clearly enjoying themselves out in the sunshine.

Sidenote - Never have I had such amazing canapes as they served at Rivervale Barn. Mozzarella balls and mini cones of sausage and chips were the talk of the terrace.

Rivervale Barn is quite a unique Hampshire wedding venue, it's actually someones house. Formally Mill Farm (a working farm and before that Yately Water Mill), the owners hosted their son's wedding within the grounds and saw an opportunity to create a permanent venue. With a vision in mind, together they built the structure and have since hosted hundreds of amazing weddings, what a fantastic idea.

The owners live in the traditional farmhouse, whilst weddings are hosted within the purpose built wedding venue, modern in style but lots of traditional elements and finishing touches. Wedding parties are allocated time to enjoy the main gardens privately but the courtyard is available to use throughout the day. A well organised Hampshire wedding venue, its easy to see why it's such a popular choice.

We whisked Katrina & Callum off to explore the grounds of Rivervale Barn and enjoy some time alone (accept for us obvs). With picturesque lawns, the flowers in bloom and Rivervale Barn's signature red bridge, we were spoilt for choice as locations for wedding photographs.

Plenty of casual and relaxed shots were captured as our newlyweds discussed the day so far, they admired each other with so much excitement and you could tell they were overjoyed that they could finally experience their day together.

When we spoke with Katrina & Callum a few weeks before their wedding it was clear they had strong family values. Traditional group photographs with their nearest and dearest meant a lot to them and with the help of the ushers we spent a short time capturing different family members together on the lawn.

We often get asked by couples what our style of wedding photography is, so let me share.

Here at Luke Granger Photography we combine 3 elements that we think capture the true essence of a wedding.

Modern Documentary Photography - Capturing moments as they happen in a fun and natural way, we blend into the crowd and guests don't know we are photographing them.

Traditional Portrait Photography - Weddings are the perfect opportunity to create photographs for all the family to treasure, many couples don't see the value of these photographs until a loved one is lost.

Creating Experiences - Confetti, smoke bombs and sparklers can all add to the memories of a wedding day, both for guests and the couple themselves. We inject fun elements into your day which always help make the best wedding photographs.

The perfect blend don't you think?

With traditional group shots of the bridal parties and all key figures of both sides of the family captured, everyone made their way to the courtyard at Rivervale Barn for the all important confetti throwing.

As always there was a few over enthusiastic throwers, it really isn't nice getting a handful of dried petals in your face (those things are harder than they look) but Kat & Callum enjoyed the moment nonetheless. I loved Kat's reaction, she looks so excited.

It was then time for everyone to take a seat within the reception barn at Rivervale. The neutral setting is so versatile and the oak beams lend perfectly to a rustic wedding theme. Longacres florists had created some beautiful displays and even the wedding cake was decorated in pretty pink petals.

Once dinner had been enjoyed, the speeches could begin.

Grandad Chris kicked off the speeches, followed by Maid of Honour (Katrina's sister) Gemma who spoke lovingly of their childhood together. Callum then took the mike before needing the assistance of his wife as although he had remembered his glasses he had printed his speech too small. I think perhaps the dutch courage he had taken may have also hindered him a little but he did fantastic, thanking all the right people in the room and acknowledging the beautiful woman who stands by his side.

Then there was the best man...

Josh had taken his duties as Best Man seriously, knowing full well he wanted to embarrass his friend with tales of their days in University. There was lots of laughter from the guests, a few stern looks and plenty of head shaking shame from the Groom. I believe that is what you call success.

Guests then had time to mingle and enjoy each others company for a short while before the evening reception began. The Bar was open so drinks were flowing and you could tell that everyone was enjoying socialising.

Kat & Callum explored the courtyard at Rivervale Barn for a few minutes before we headed to the front driveway for some more wedding photographs, we are wedding photographers after all.

The driveway at Rivervale Barn in Hampshire sweeps in a curve alongside a large lawn and was an ideal location to enjoy the sunset. Best Man Josh and Groomsman Richard were keen to get involved when they heard the word Smoke Bomb so after a safety briefing our couple were soon kissing under a cloud of blush pink, how romantic.

Evening guests and the DJ had now arrived which means it was time to kick off the evening wedding reception.

Kat & Callum's three tier wedding cake created by Catherines Cake's was beautifully decorated and tasted delicious. The pair cut their cake amongst giggles and took joy in tasting the first slice.

The loved up newlyweds swayed and spun together on the dance floor as their guests looked on. Shortly after, the dance floor was filled with smiling faces as couples danced romantically.

As the night continued, guests bounced around the dance floor enjoying the atmosphere together. The bridesmaids had replaced their heels with their slippers (sensible choice ladies) and with a drink in their hand were partying hard.

But... not as hard as flower girl Isla - alongside another little girl she was glued to the dance floor and the pair were full of energy. In a few years, I fully expect the pair to be living it up on the Ibiza club scene, thoroughly enjoying being in their own bubble of happiness. It was lovely to see such a strong bond between the two of them.

At around 9pm the Pizza bar opened. Yes you read that right, Rivervale Barn has a Pizza bar! Across the courtyard a stone pizza oven manned by a handful of the Rivervale Barn team had begun creating individual pizza's for all the evening guests. Made to order, guests could choose between a handful of ingredients and watch as their pizza cooked, it took about 90 seconds. Kat & Callum had invited us to stay a little longer and we certainly wasn't going to turn down Pizza so we enjoyed a drink and the fresh air before saying our goodbyes, leaving our newlyweds to party a little longer.

Wedding Suppliers for Rivervale Barn, Hampshire

As you can see, we thoroughly enjoyed photographing the wedding of Katrina & Callum at Rivervale Barn in Hampshire. We would like to thank both the couple and their families for welcoming us to be part of their wedding day alongside the team at Rivervale Barn for hosting such a fantastic wedding at their venue.

We would like to pass our thanks onto the following wedding suppliers

Photography - Luke Granger Photography

Videography - Grandad Barry

Venue - Rivervale Barn, Hampshire

Wedding Dress - Rebecca Ingram from Romsey Bridal

Hair - Leanne Elizabeth Hair based in Fordingbridge

Make Up - Rivervale Beauty

Floristry - Longacres

Grooms Suit - Ted Baker

Wedding Cake - Catherines Cakes

Hampshire Registrars

We are delighted to hear that Kat & Callum love their gallery of wedding photographs. After their wedding, we worked alongside them to design their wedding album which is now proudly displayed in their home.

We wish you both an amazing life together,

Luke & Bethany