I’ve been known to have dreams about Chaffeymoor Grange. It’s one of those places that really sticks in your mind. Dawn and Justin’s wedding marked our fifth visit there. They’ve all been so different but what’s stood out is how comfortable and at home everyone feels there - like they’ve been staying for a week rather than a matter of hours.

We arrived this time to be greeted by a row of flying arrows. Lots of guests were staying at the house for the whole weekend and an archery class and tournament had been arranged. This kept Justin and the rest of the guests busy whilst the house was set up for the ceremony and reception, all taking place in the downstairs of the house, whilst Dawn got ready in one of the upstairs bedrooms.

The day was relaxed with close family and friends, and Basil the Basset Hound watching over the proceedings.

Dawn looked fabulous in one of my favourite Candy Anthony dresses, complete with green sash and feathered netted veil. Meanwhile the house was filled with amazing florals from G Lily (Sabine’s flowers never fail to wow me, they are always immaculately presented with punchy, classy colours). There were lots of other thoughtful details such as a handmade mosaic created by Justin and a family heirloom pocket watch set to the exact time Dawn and Justin got married.

Things were kept nice and informal for the wedding breakfast with Dawn’s Dad and Justin’s Mum saying a few words.

From all accounts everyone had a lovely stay and day at Chaffeymoor.

Posted with thanks and congratulations to Dawn and Justin x

We can’t think of a more perfect place to hold a wedding for close family and friends than the beautiful Chaffeymoor Grange. Lying slap bang in the middle of the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire border it boasts some amazing views over the The Blackmoor Vale. More importantly, it has ten magnificently decorated bedrooms for guests and a pretty outstanding TV den in the cellar!

Lisa and Ian were to make the most of their venue for the entire weekend - it was a house party and wedding all rolled into one. When we arrived at Chaffeymoor guests were enjoying the start of their weekend croquet tournament and trying to get their heads round the rules. Meanwhile, Lisa and her mum and sister got ready upstairs carefully avoiding Ian, the Groom until they went down to the pub for their own morning preps.

Each room in the house was decorated with its own pretty purple orchid to match the tones of Lisa’s bouquet. We’ve now shot quite a few weddings at Chaffeymoor with flowers prepped by The Gilded Lily and they consistently impress us with their work.

Whilst Ian (photography) went off with Ian (groom) and the boys (the abundance of Ians became very confusing), I stayed at Chaffeymoor with the girls.

It was all very calm at the house and with no danger of bumping into the groom we had the luxury of using lots of different rooms to sort the make-up, hair and dress. The ceremony began at a leisurely 4pm and it was nice for everyone to be able to take their time.

The ceremony took place in Chaffeymoor’s Oak Room. Poor Lindsay and Rik, the owners of Chaffeymoor, normally have to lug these sofas out of the room ready for the ceremony (and they’re mighty heavy). However, Lisa and Ian decided to embrace the cosy set-up and their guests watched the ceremony in comfort. We thought it was a great idea and it kept the day super relaxed and laid back!

After the ceremony the guests made the most of the sunny day with canapés and champagne on the terrace.

Then we took some family shots. There were some guests who had travelled a long way to be there.

This may have been the smallest wedding party bunch we’ve shot but I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed the formal group shots more. After taking the essential shots guests started suggesting random set-ups for us to capture. Trouble is, some of the party had moved along to chat and drink their champers by this time and missed the discussion. We must have seemed like the most random wedding photographers

We took some more sedate group shots as well, I can assure you.

Those done it was nearly time for the guests to sit down for their meal. There was just some time for a bit of post-ceremony football.

Until the ball fell in Chaffeymoor’s huge pond.

With a little bit of teamwork they soon got their ball back.

We stayed at Chaffeymoor whilst guests enjoyed their meal around one big table. There were no formal speeches at all but we could hear plenty of laughter coming from that room.

It was getting pretty late after this and it was a real reminder that the days are getting a lot shorter as the sun set fast. We still had some time to take some dusk shots around the garden of the bride and groom. Lisa and Ian took us up on the offer of a full engagement shoot early in the year so they were real pros by now. It was great seeing the guestbook we made up for them get such a good response and lovely to see the pages fill up with comments.

There wasn’t any evening entertainment so to speak of, but with a mighty playlist a huge stock of beer and wine, and the knowledge the guests didn’t have to travel far to get to their beds that night, there was no stopping the party.

We hope you, your family and all your friends had an amazing bank holiday weekend at Chaffeymoor, Lisa and Ian. Congratulations to you both! x

We’ve just got back this morning from a wedding at one of the most unique country house venues we know, Chaffeymoor Grange. Lisa and Ian’s wedding was a super-relaxed do with a late afternoon ceremony complete with settees for their guests. They’ve got the house for the whole weekend so we’ve left them to wind down after an exciting day and continue their weekend croquet tournament.

Lisa and Ian weren’t afraid to heat things up for some portrait shots around Chaffeymoor’s grounds and house as you can see below. In fact, it got so intense and smokin’ that the fire alarms went off mid-shoot (but that might have been because someone also forgot to open the chimney flue when lighting the fireplace).