Dorset Wedding photographers in Bournemouth, Poole, New Forest, Salisbury and Winchester

The Wedding of Gemma and Chris at Corfe Castle

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:35:28 +0000

About a 40-minute drive from us is Corfe Castle. It’s the name given to both the distinctive majestic ruins and the village that lies at the foot of them. It’s a place I know well having relatives who live there but we’d never been lucky enough to shoot a wedding there until Gemma and Chris got in touch with us. The Purbeck area is so beautiful and Gemma and Chris really made the most of it with a reception just up the road at the picturesque Kingston Country Courtyard.

Although we arranged to meet at The Greyhound pub opposite St Edward’s Church we chanced on Chris (far right) and his Groomsmen whilst we were parking up our car so we joined them in the walk up to the drinking hole.

There was just some time for a quick Groom nerve-settling G&T to get introduced to everyone and snap up the rings…

before we all made our way over to the church.

The Grainger String Quartet did an excellent job of playing both before the ceremony and during the drinks reception.

Gemma’s Mum waiting proudly.

Gemma, her brother and her bridesmaids were greeted by a mass of onlookers.

I had such an amazing spot in the church where I could see everything but was tucked up behind the choir. Meanwhile, Ian stayed at the back to capture the arrival of the bride.

Gemma’s Aunt also conducted part of the service making it very personal to both of them.

The wind was playing havoc with the confetti.

With most of the formal group shots done at the church we all made our way over to Kingston Country Courtyard to continue the party and get some more snaps in the rear garden.

Whilst the guests were enjoying their bubbly and canapés we snapped up the beautiful reception room.

Gemma and her mum made their three layer cake themselves. Gemma’s mum told me all about their intensive sugar crafting course and I have to say, I was so impressed with the level of detail in those sugar flowers and leaves. Good job!

Once the room was set up in was time for the receiving line…

and the speeches (including banter from two of the three Best Men).

Humiliation rituals done and dusted we left the guests to enjoy their meal and the rest of the wedding day.

With thanks congratulations to Gemma and Chris x

Wedding Preview: Gemma and Chris

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:36:08 +0000

Yesterday we went back over to the Purbecks for the wedding of Gemma and Chris which took place at The Church of St Edward King and Martyr, right slap bang in the middle of Corfe Castle village. It was a very grand ceremony made all the more special by the fact Gemma’s Aunt conducted part of the service, including the lighting of Unity Candles.

Wedding Prep Shots: Kathy and Mark

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:31:18 +0000

We met up with Kathy and Mark last night over in Wareham to talk through their wedding details, have a catch-up and peak through the door at Lady St Mary Church where they’ll be tying the knot in a few of weeks. It’s going to prove to be an action-packed day as after a ceremony over in the Purbecks we’ll all be making our way over to Bournemouth for a reception and party at The Cumberland Hotel.

When we were walking around Wareham we found out Kathy’s mum has been an absolute star and arranged it for us to use the grounds of The Priory Hotel next to the church just after the ceremony so we can get some portraits in peace and quiet. There are so many pretty nooks and crannies here and we’re so impressed with the gesture and forward-thinking. Good work Kathy’s mum!

Wedding Prep Shot: Kara and Ryan

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:21:51 +0000

Yesterday we walked to our venue to meet up with Kara and Ryan and their two little girls for their wedding prep at The Chine Hotel in Boscombe. We’ve been to The Chine a couple of times just to have a nose and check out their spa but have never ventured around the grounds with an amazing view of Boscombe Beach and its own pathway down to the sands to boot. This hotel has an immense three acres of secret garden out the back, which is crazy if you know the area well (we live just round the corner and have walked past it every week without ever realising). Kara and Ryan’s guests will be lucky enough to have full reign on their wedding day.

It was a real scorcher of a day and as well as going through the details of the wedding times we took some shots of the whole family in the garden and a few of Kara and Ryan on their own. Here’s my fav:

The Wedding of Helen and Chris at Cafe Shore, Sandbanks

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:47:28 +0000

First of all I should probably make a public apology to Ian for telling him to run back up to our house just as we were leaving for Helen and Chris’ wedding at Cafe Shore in Sandbanks to go and put a tie on. It was a very, very hot day you see and we’ve always said it’s more important for us to be comfortable so we can concentrate on doing our job and being able to move around easily rather than being dolled up to the nines and suffering the consequences. I probably should have known better. I knew how laid back Helen and Chris wanted their day to be and no sooner had we got out of our car we spotted Chris, the Groom and Graham the Best Man looking extremely stylish but sans tie. Sorry Ian!

Cafe Shore is a lovely, modern, tasteful wedding venue and was closed off for the whole day and night from the public so all the guests had full reign of the joint. There are loads of little nooks and crannies, bold colours and gorgeous furniture not to mention an unspoilt view of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.

With all the guests seated Helen’s Mum kept an eye out for the bridal Hackney Carriage.

I ran inside to stand up the front during the wedding leaving Ian to capture Helen’s arrival, so when she walked down the aisle it was a nice little treat for me too. She looked amazing in her Candy Anthony dress, pearls, pink shoes and gorgeous netted veil.

Have you got the RINGS?!? I heard him say.

Rather than present us with a long list of formal family shots the bride and groom chose just to have one family shot and then use the time wisely to enjoy the party and talk with their guests.

We share a mutual love of Britpop with this couple. Not only were our ears filled with sweet sweet tunes throughout the day, but some essential albums were used as table names. Chris put together the most amazing playlist that pumped through the speakers the whole day without any repetition. Chris - you are our playlist hero! We probably won’t ever get the chance to shoot table settings to McAlmont and Butler ever again and that’s a real shame!

Whilst everyone had their reception drinks the ceremony room was turned around for the wedding breakfast.

The speeches took place after the main meal but before dessert which seems like a very good compromise between nerves and hunger.

Helen’s very special fossil hammer.

I won’t repeat what was said.

OK, so I LOVE cake but this has to be the most beautiful alternative- three tiers of cheese. It was just incredible!

Of course, a knife’s no good for cutting cheese like this. What you need is a cheese wire.

Once the meal was over we had just a bit of time to take some couple shots over the road on the beach and on Cafe Shore’s terrace.

It was here that we discovered Chris had matching pink socks.

The beach was pretty packed but we managed to find some nice quiet spots.

Then it was time to dance! The First Dance tune of choice was Radiohead’s cover of Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better”.

Despite being a fairly cloudy day the evening ended with a dramatic, pink sunset. A fitting end to a lovely wedding.

With congratulations to Helen and Chris x

Wedding Preview: Helen and Chris

admin — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:51:07 +0000

Yesterday we shot the harbour-side wedding of Helen and Chris at Café Shore in Sandbanks, Poole. It was a day packed full of gorgeous details and lots of laughter. These guys set out to make their day their own and they pulled off a wedding that was relaxed, stylish and original. Just as a taster, check out the cheese cake - it’s a head-turner!

Wedding Prep Shots: Gemma and Chris

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:23:14 +0000

We went Purbeck-side this weekend to meet up with Gemma and Chris and have a chat about their wedding which will take place at the Church of St Edward, Corfe Castle with a reception at the lovely Kingston Country Courtyard. We couldn’t think of a better place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon and we were happy to have a play around the bottom of the garden for a little tester shoot.

We probably won’t be able to get this far down into the field on the wedding day though as it involves climbing up a stone wall - wedding gear isn’t really designed for that.

Oh, and for the record. If you, like me, suffer from severe hayfever, messing around in a field of long grass probably isn’t the wisest idea.

We’re looking forward to your wedding you two!

The Wedding of Alli and Tony at Langtry Manor

admin — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:59:40 +0000

We shot a very small and intimate week day wedding at Langtry Manor recently which saw Alli and Tony tie the knot on the beautiful, freshly-laid lawn in the mid-afternoon sun. We were only at the wedding for a couple of hours in total but in that time we captured some lovely details and got another chance to photograph an outdoor ceremony. We love ‘em.

Langtry Manor always impresses us with how much care and attention they put into each wedding so we knew Alli and Tony were in good hands. The outdoor set-up looked really beautiful, especially with the white wood gazebo kitted up with summery flower baskets.

Alli and Tony had just a few close family and friends at the ceremony and meal and all the major players had their own, bespoke button hole.

Alli and her daughter were getting ready in the Lillie Langtry room which overlooked the lawn so she could sneek a peak out at everyone when she was getting ready. Her dad gave everyone updates on the progress from the room’s balcony.

Once the registrar had arrived it was time to start the ceremony and make the way out of Langtry Manor’s front entrance and down the specially laid red carpet.

Alli and Tony kept things nice and relaxed and fun during the ceremony .

But I think they were very pleased to get the formals over and have a nice celebratory drink.

The bouquets of both the bride and bridesmaid were so pretty they deserve equal attention.

We had a bit of time before their meal to capture some family shots on the lawn.

And then we took a visit to the honeymoon suit for some quick portraits.

Because of the smaller wedding party the tables were set out in a big rectangle with everyone facing each other. That gave the opportunity for a mighty spectacular table centre.

Alli and Tony wanted to keep things super relaxed so there were no speeches but a very yummy Langtry Manor meal to look forward to. So, once everyone had seated we left them to enjoy the rest of their day.

Congratulations Alli and Tony x

Wedding at Chaffeymoor Grange, Bourton

admin — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:34:13 +0000

We recently made our way back to one of our favourite venues, Chaffeymoor Grange in Bourton near the Dorset and Somerset Border. This private house specialises in house parties, so some of the guests at this wedding were able to enjoy the whole weekend here. Lucky things!

Although we’ve photographed there a couple of times before now we’ve never seen it set up with a marquee in the garden. It was truly stunning. There were so many lovely details throughout the day and it was a blessing to be able to make the most of the house’s beautiful interior as well as the grounds.

Due to exceptional circumstances we’ve agreed to post just a few details on our blog from the day, but there should be enough to let you get a sense of the day. We’re pleased to say we’ll be back at Chaffeymoor Grange later on in the year. Every wedding is always so different there and it’s a perfect place for couples to really make the day (and the house) their own.

Wedding Preview: Alli and Tony

admin — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:27:32 +0000

Today we photographed the wedding of Alli and Tony at Langtry Manor Hotel in Bournemouth. It was a super relaxed affair with just a small selection of close family and friends for their gorgeous outdoor ceremony.

We’ve shot at Langtry Manor quite a few times before now but we’ve never been lucky enough to be at a wedding on their lawn before. We left Alli and Tony today enjoying the meal with their family over the road at Langtry Lodge. We absolutely loved the set-up for the meal tables with everyone facing each other for that cosy, intimate feel and all the details were so pretty and thoughtful.