Romantic Garden Wedding at Abbot’s Court
Georgina & Alex
This is one of the many weddings that I will always remember with all my love. Georgina and Alex welcomed me with open arms and let me into their wedding day as one of their own. It was also one of the weddings where I felt the most excited and free to photograph; so many things were happening at the same time! Their English garden wedding in Dorset was held at Abbot’s Court; a beautiful, natural setting that can be a wonderful option for couples who want a more laid-back and romantic atmosphere for their big day.
The day began at Almer Manor where G spent the morning with her bridemaids getting ready. Many of the family stayed at the manor the evening before for a relaxed welcome BBQ. The ceremony was opposite the homestay at the church of St Mary’s- just a short walk from the manor. Georgina’s dad’s reaction of seeing her in her Sassi Holford gown was the most heartfelt reveals I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Overwhelming tears of pride beamed from his face around the room and the excitement was all setting in. Once the bridal party was ready to set off to get G married, I could sense a (understandably) nervous bride. As a documentary wedding photographer, I always try and let the day unfold organically, and not intervene when not needed. However, something got me humming The Dixie Cup’s “Chapel of Love” to help lighten the nerves. The next thing I remember was Georgina, her dad, myself and her six bridesmaids all belting the classic tune on our walk to the church together. It was another joyous, wonderful moment in my career I’ll never forget.
Post ceremony, Georgina’s father had his beloved pastel blue Austin Healey waiting for the newly weds, tins cans tied to the bumper and all. Their guests showered them in the classic car as they drove through a tunnel of a confetti shower. They drove together to Abbots Court, a short ten minute drive from the church to kick off their celebrations. Abbots Court is rural wedding venue located in a six acre country field, surrounded by woodland and English countryside. The setting need not much decor, and Georgina envision was brought to life with beautiful pastel toned greens, and simple floral touches for the tablescapes including cosmos and Queen Anne’s lace. The 90-minute drinks reception is when I witnessed everyone getting accustomed to the space, laughter emerging, food and drink leisurely enjoyed. Energy flows, and I let myself be carried by it - guiding me to scenes that barely last a moment, arriving in time to capture them, witnessing interactions creating new ones. All entwined in an endless array of interconnected moments that speak volumes.
I brought two film cameras along with me on the day to photograph alongside my usual digital medium. Analog format is neither better nor worse than digital. Each one gives me what I need at the moments I need it, and that's one of the things that makes me happiest about my photography process. Toasts, speeches and dedications to lost loved ones took the next chapter of the day. The bustling room is filled with the sound of clinking glasses and the hum of conversation, but G and Alex are oblivious to it all and I sense they feel they are the only two people in the room when their eyes meet one another.
As always, I am truly so humble by the people I get to work with who invite me in to their lives and document a day filled with an abundance of love. How lucky am I that I get to witness and help tell the story of two people’s legacy? I’m very lucky, indeed. <3
SUPPLIERS
Venue | Abotts Court
Makeup| Painted by Lauren
Hair | Laura Mackenzie
Flowers | Dorset Flower Co.
Band | Season Band
Videographer | Wedding Highlight Films
Bridal Prep Venue | Almer Manor
Dress | Sassi Holford @ The Dress Teddington
Enjoy this Abbots Court Wedding in Dorset—
