Jessica’s parents had put together the most mouthwatering breakfast buffet ready for the bridal preps at their home. There were cream buns, profiteroles, marshmallows, sausages, jellies, sushi and dips. From the word “go” it was like walking in on a party. This set the scene for the entire wedding day at Athelhampton House - one big party.

When I first arrived the girls weren’t back from the hairdressers yet so I savoured some quiet time to snap up all the pretty details from the day. It was a calming influence photographing Jessica’s shoes next to the garden wind-chimes, helped along by a generous serving of Peppermint tea. If I’m ever asked to put together a rider for times like these I’ll add wind-chimes, tea and marshmallows again.

Andy had left a surprise gift of pretty earrings for Jessica which worked so well with her dress and very lovely full-length veil. Incidentally, Jessica’s Dad had been kept from taking a peek at the dress before the wedding day so there was a special moment for him too.

There were two things on Jessica’s mind that morning; all the usual bridal worries like getting the make-up right and the dress on, and keeping an eye on the Grand Prix qualifying. She’s a big Formula One nut - so much so Jenson Button even got a special mention in the ceremony.

While I was busy with Jessica’s preps Ian had made his way to Athelhampton House in Dorchester where the ceremony and reception was held. Guests were greeted to the sounds of a bagpiper as they gathered on the lawn. It was around 20 degrees that day - a freaky, fake summer, without a cloud in sight.

After an emotional entrance and the exchange of rings all of the congregation joined in with an impressive cover of The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love”. Especially considering there was no backing track.

Post ceremony the guests gathered outside to enjoy a drink whilst Jessica and Andy went for a spin in their car. We then shot all the family groups during the drinks reception and soaked up the sun before heading in to the Long Hall Restaurant for the wedding breakfast.

Click here to jump straight to Part Two

Following on from Part One of Jessica and Andy’s Wedding at Athelhampton House, the guests tucked in to their meal leaving the speeches for desserts. Thanks to Jessica and Andy for treating us to our own private dining experience!

As we were eating and taking our break the Best Man cheekily rushed passed us waving Andy’s speech notes in his hand which he had stolen from the his jacket pocket. Ever the organised pro, however, Andy had distributed a back-up copy to a trusted guest. Tee hee. Needless to say, the speeches were lively and full of banter.

The Best Man’s speech ended just in time for us to catch the last glimpses of daylight so we took a dusk-lit tour to capture some portraits of Jessica and Andy, then left them to enjoy their evening entertainment.

Posted with thanks and congratulations to Jessica and Andy x

Updated: The full post about Jessica & Andy’s Athelhampton wedding can be read here…

Yesterday, Jessica and Andy tied the knot at Athelhampton House near Dorchester. We’d never shot there before but that ceremony room is something special. It was a day of laughter and lucking out on the freaky fake summer. There were a few tears of happiness, a ceremony “singalong” and a lot of stripey socks. Lots more to follow soon…

Don’t let the bright, glorious sun in these photos fool you. It was SO cold when we met up with Jessica and Andy for their wedding prep. Kudos goes to them for being sporting enough to take off their coats in some of the pics whilst I shivered in a massive padded jacket.

It’s become a bit of a trademark / weird obsession for us to break the ice with our couples by taking them on the Noddy Train down to the picture-perfect Hengistbury Head (ssshhh…sometimes, Ian and I catch the Bournemouth Noddy Train back from town when we’ve been shopping and can’t be bothered to walk back. Don’t tell anyone! I love ‘em) In fairness, it was Jessica and Andy’s request to venture down to the spot and all piling into the plywood carriage of a children’s road train seemed like the warmest and quickest option.

In just a few week’s time these guys will be getting wed at Athelhampton House about an hour’s drive from the beach. It’s not really feasible for us to get to the seaside on the wedding day so we had an engagement session on the sand during our preps instead. Here are some shots from our Sunday morning session.

Too daring for my liking, jumping from slippery rocks five weeks before your Wedding Day

We can’t wait to shoot at Athelhampton House with you Jessica and Andy!