Our shoot last weekend in Charminster, Dorchester was undoubtedly the smallest and shortest wedding we’ve ever done. We met up with Nina and Keith last year at their home and knew straight away that we wanted to shoot this one. Despite the fact we knew we would only be there for a few hours Charminster had so much character we instantly fell in love with it. Nina also told us right from the start she was planning to walk to St Mary’s Church and because it was so local even the gate down the end of their road would be kitted out with flowers.

I was cursing the weather that morning. We normally have a back-up plan for formal photography should the unfortunate happen and the day be a wash out, but as we knew we wouldn’t be given a chance to capture many special moments down the aisle we really wanted to be able to take some leisurely shots around the church grounds before and after the ceremony. Luckily, although clouds whizzed by the whole day we really lucked out. We couldn’t have wished for more beautiful weather.

We arrived in good time to snap up some of the details around the church grounds. Then leaving Ian to catch up with the Groom party I made my way to meet Nina for some all-important bridal preparation shots. Nina and Keith have such a beautiful home and the Bridal Party looked stunning.

Add to that a very co-operative and patient pretty bridesmaid.

and I think the loveliest bridesmaid dress I’ve ever seen. So Jane Austen! Or as we’re in Dorchester Thomas Hardy would be more appropriate. ‘Far From the Madding Crowd’, maybe.

Upstairs smaller details were being prepared. Here’s the ‘Something Blue’…

Of course, let’s not forget the Groom.

Or the dogs!

Sorry doggies, but you’re not allowed to come to the wedding

Door locked and someone found to keep hold of Nina’s keys, Tesco clubcard and memory stick we all had just a short walk to St Mary’s Church.

Nina was being given away by her mum. She made an entrance through the rear of the church…

Oh, I nearly forgot. Here’s a glimpse of the main entrance.

No, Vicar. We promise not to take any shots inside the church… Well, maybe just one.

After a lovely service (you’ll just have to take my word for it) and register signed we spent some time in the church grounds.

And made use of the nearby river. I even went for a paddle (and am still trying to get flint splinters out of my feet. Those stones were sharp!) Nina and Keith’s reception was to be held at Cerne Abbas and they laid on a double decker to transport all the guests from the church.

So with everybody boarded we bid our goodbyes. And with a big ‘toot toot’ they were off…

Posted with thanks and congratulations to Mr and Mrs Grimmett.