A Magical Day Showcasing at Rhinefield House in the New Forest as a Live Wedding Artist

When I saw the advertisement for an upcoming wedding showcase at Rhinefield House, one of the most gorgeous venues I have ever visited as a upcoming bride and guest, I knew I had to reach out. Being new to the wedding industry as a live wedding artist, and with only a few examples of my work in this space, I admit I felt a little intimidated. Yet the response from Lyn at The Wedding Index was so positive and encouraging that I immediately booked my space and started planning how my setup would look.

In the lead-up to the day, my nerves were real. Even as a professional artist since 2020, starting something completely new can feel overwhelming. I could see that the weather forecast was not on our side, but given the beauty of the venue and the level of the showcase, I felt confident it would still be an amazing experience. I also knew a little distraction would help calm my nerves, so I packed my camera in hopes of spotting the Tawny Owl that often frequents the area.

I set off early on Sunday morning, making the two and a half hour journey to the New Forest and arriving about an hour before the scheduled setup time. Realising I had forgotten my paintbrush cleaning jars, I quickly stopped in Lyndhurst to pick up two glasses from a charity shop, grabbed some snacks from a nearby convenience store, and even found a teddy bear for my daughter Juliana, who sadly couldn’t join me in the forest as she wanted.

The rain had already started, heavier than expected, but I headed up to Bolderwood to try and find the owl. After driving up and down a few times, I found the tree I was looking for. With a waterproof bag protecting my camera and equipment, I braved the rain, only to discover the owl wasn’t home that day. I headed straight to Rhinefield House, ready to focus on the showcase itself.

From the moment you drive down the stunning driveway, Rhinefield House feels magical. The building, the grounds, the atmosphere it’s all breathtaking. Inside, vendors were setting up their stalls with incredible attention to detail, arranging flowers, shoes, and even pianos beautifully. My space was a little smaller than expected, so I had to adjust my setup on the spot. Thankfully, my waterproof trolley cover saved my paintings from the rain.

Once set up, I began painting and quickly lost myself in the process. Time flew by, and before I knew it, an hour had passed. I took the opportunity to network, exploring the other stalls and chatting with fellow vendors. Everyone was welcoming, and the feedback I received from couples and vendors alike was incredibly positive.

One of my favorite conversations was with Sarah Louise Cakes. Her chocolate mint cake was absolutely incredible. Having grown up surrounded by my mum’s baking, I’ve been hard to impress when it comes to cakes. But Sarah’s creations were a delight, and I even added her to my list for cupcakes for our minimoon!

At the end of the showcase, I had a wonderful conversation with the venue’s wedding coordinators about the possibility of working together in the future. It was a positive and encouraging chat, and I left feeling excited about the opportunities ahead. While the day had its challenges, including the weather, the showcase was beautifully organised, and it was inspiring to see how vendors supported one another. It was a day of networking, showcasing my work, and being part of such a stunning venue.

I look forward to attending more showcases in the New Forest and am excited for the possibility of capturing weddings at Rhinefield House in the future.

Image By Ben Atkins- Unsplash reference of Rhinefield House