Dorset Wedding Photographer | English Oak Vineyard Wedding
Megan & James
“When i was a child every single thing could blow my mind. soaking it all up for fun but now i only soak up wine ”
James absolutely broke down when he saw Megan walk down the aisle at St Marys in Lytchett Matravers. It was such an emotional moment. What made this particular wedding even more special- other than the fact they were both the most LOVELY people on the planet- was that Megan and James are clearly not just lovers. They make up such an amazing team who happen to be best friends, too. Both of them planned their wedding wholeheartedly together- and it’s seems like that’s the key to the start of any long lasting marriage.
Following the service, they were greeted by their closest loved ones at the English Oak Vineyard. Megan & James shared a post ceremony walk amongst the lush, green vineyard, thriving in Dorset’s beautiful countryside. Immediately afterwards, everyone toasted and celebrated over a glass of English Oak Vineyard’s very own sparkling wine. The cake adorned two lobsters, a gentle nod to the couple’s favourite American sitcom.
As the sun dipped lower in the horizon, guests transitioned to the marquee where it was decorated with oversized paper lanterns, bronze accents, and blush and white florals. The open side of the marquee allowed guests to continue to admire the beautiful vines throughout dusk.
Beyond the obviously spectacular views at English Oak, Megan & James set such a romantic atmosphere and the love was definitely felt across the vineyard.
They, along with their friends and family made me feel so welcome. It was an absolute pleasure piecing their day together.
SUPPLIERS
Venue | English Oak Vineyard
Dress | Pronovias
Planning | Bellissimo Weddings
Enjoy this English Oak Vineyard wedding in Dorset—
Dorset Wedding Photographer | Countryside Wedding at Family Farm, featuring Abbots Court Rural Escape
KATHERINE & TERRAN
Katherine and Terran’s playful and authentic wedding in Dorset started off in the quant little village of Winterborne Kingston. Vows, laughter and tears were shed at St. Nicholas’ Church, only a thirty second walk from their sweet country cottage.
After the ceremony, K & T drove down to the stunning Abbots Court Rural Retreat in a vintage blue VW bug. There,Katherine and Terran shared a cosy little stroll amongst the walled gardens for some couples’ portraits on this beautiful Spring day in May. Abbots Court is a Victorian Farm House set on private land, nestled in the beautiful countryside of Dorset.
Their guests welcomed them back at Katherine’s parent’s farm near Wareham, Dorset – their reception was held in a beautiful sail cloth tent in a field. The most amazing setting – festoon lights at sundown, LOTS of candles and festoon lighting – oh, and a big disco ball! Because of the translucent sides/roof, it glowed in the evening and looked amazing!
Here’s the absolute proof that your wedding day will be amazing because of who you are, and what you say and do, and who you invite, and how the day FEELS, over and above how it looks.
Enjoy this English Country wedding in Dorset
And make sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
VENUE | Abbots Court Rural Escape
SAIL CLOTH TENT | Coastal Tents
FLOWERS | Martha & the Meadow
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE | Chameleon Bride
DRESS DESIGNER | Maggie Sottero
MAKEUP | Claire Bowring
HAIR | Kate Eliza
CATERING | Rebecca Green Bespoke Catering
Dorset Wedding Photographer | Intimate Autumnal Micro Wedding
Yllina & Charlie
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”
— Ursula K. Le Guin.
What I adore the most about photographing wedding days is that there are absolutely no rules.
When weddings were allowed to go ahead with number restrictions towards the end of 2020, more couples have chosen to go micro and make their day more intimate. I think couples have realised that it’s not always about where auntie Jean sits at the reception, or when traditions get lost over the years and in return upsets the mother of the groom. It’s you and your fiancés day, it’s about the two of you. The greatest part about micro weddings is the people that are present are the ones who have been there the most.
Your life has always been about your people… and just like they’ve been on the journey towards your wedding day, they’ll be there in your marriage too.
You didn’t get here without their support, the phone calls when you needed them the most, the encouragement when you needed the extra push, the correcting when you lost sight of the truth, or the late nights over a bottle red laughing until you cried.
We were never meant to venture alone and I think that’s why weddings are so special. They aren’t only a reminder of commitment- but of community and how much richer life is when it’s shared with others
Don’t loose sight of your people. Your wedding isn’t just a day to share appreciation for the past, but an invitation to join your future.
Yllina and Charlie had their nearest and dearest with them in a cosy little village Powerstock in Dorset. It was so relaxed and stress-free. Not a worry in sight and the love that shon through these two where electric.
If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Dorset or anywhere in the UK, please reach out. Nothing excites me more than real, genuine weddings with the main focus being the couple.
Dorset Wedding Photographer | Studland Bay House Wedding
Gemma & Carlos
A beautiful family wedding at Studland Bay House, nestled on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset overlooking the Isle of Wight and Old Harry Rocks. Gemma and Carlos were surrounded by their family and friends, a fair few were Carlos’ family who travelled from Portugal.
Full of laughter, hugs, and plenty of dancing in the evening followed by sparklers and a fire pit. There day could have not been more perfect. Parabéns Gemma & Carlos!
VENUE | Studland Bay House
CHURCH | St NICHOLAS, STUDLAND
BAND | THE INDIE BEATS
Enjoy this Studland Bay House wedding on the South Coast of Dorset-
And make sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
Pre-Wedding Questionnaires- Some of the Questions that may you may be asked
WEDDING PLANNING
It’s no secret that a wedding is (normally) a once-off event for you and your better half. It is an incredibly special, expensive, intimate day to say the least. Your wedding photographer is so much more than just someone who takes pretty pictures on the day. Most wedding venues have a day-of coordinator or planner included and will assist you on the lead up to your wedding. Your photographer however will want to make sure you are as prepared as possible so you get the most out of your photos from this monumental day!
So what is a pre-wedding questionnaire? From a photography point of view, it’s important to make sure you have a plan of action for your photographer and so that they know what to expect from you, as well as help you know how to best organise the day. 2-3 months leading up to your date is a good time to receive this then about 1-2 months before the wedding, a scheduled phone call to go over everything that is filled out in the questionnaire.
Below I’ve listed some key topics , all questions that I ask my clients
General Timeline of the Day
It sounds fairly obvious, but knowing the overall timeline of the day’s key events beforehand is crucial. This gives your photographer an opportunity to prepare based on how the day’s events are set to unfold. It also helps to know if your timeline needs to be changed or tweaked in order to accommodate photos. That being said, your photos should always be revolved around your day, and not the other way around!
Locations of Events and Venues
It’s not uncommon when the bride and groom are both getting ready at different locations and want getting ready photos. There’s the ceremony location, sometimes again to a different place for additional photos and finally the reception venue. That’s 5 locations alone just there! It’s important to know exact addresses for all of these places ahead of time so you can create a map and decide how much travel time is needed for everything. Including any special instructions for parking is an additional bonus :)
Formal Photo Shot List
The formal photographs are a wedding tradition that is one in my opinion that will never just be a trend. Although they can be a definite mood-killer to your guests, they’re a super special way to remember who was there on your wedding day. Get this list together ahead of time. Family photos are never fun, so the faster you get through them, the better. And what better way then to have an organised list ahead of time!
Which Details are Important to You
This applies to both the people at your wedding and the special details that make up your day. Maybe there are relatives that have traveled all the way from Australia. Maybe a family heirloom has been sewn into the groom’s jacket. Maybe you got engaged in Paris and they’ll be a surprise mime for the guests during the drinks reception. Have you also planned to do your couple’s photos when this happens? Most of the time your photographer will capture these photos regardless, but some of these people and special things might not always be obvious. Letting your photographer know these things ahead of time means these things that excite you and means the most won’t be missed.
Are there any family politics?
Are there any split family situations that your photographer should be aware of? Are mum and dad divorced and don’t want to be in photos together? You need to know so you don’t accidentally offend someone. Is big brother bringing a girlfriend but the bride doesn’t want her in family photos? Get these concerns out in the open before the wedding day, including them in your wedding questionnaire.
Who are some of your other Suppliers?
Your suppliers are a huge part in your planning process but each individual service plays an equally important role in creating the perfect day. It is essential that everyone involved in the wedding sees its delivery as a partnership. Letting your photographer know who your florist, MUA, band etc is can be really useful. This can be an important question if you plan on sending photos to vendors or getting your wedding published. Any photos you post need to have all the suppliers credited, and it’s common practise to have the photographer credited in return.
3 REASONS YOUR SECOND WEDDING IS STILL WORTH THE HYPE
WEDDING TIPS
It’s not often you get a second chance at something in life. But when you do, it's one of the rare times you have the advantage of experience and perspective. And when it comes to planning a wedding, this can be invaluable.
I can speak first hand about this experience. My first wedding day was special. it was rustic, set on acres of vineyard in southern California. I was 25 years young and wanted this day to be my one and only. I played with the idea to have a modest dress, but quickly reconsidered because the long train and bushy veil was much more of a bridal vibe. Or at least that’s what I kept telling myself it was. It seemed as though the rules of planning a wedding where against me because of what I should do versus what I truly loved.
My current partner and I aren’t married yet, but do plan on having a wedding in the future. I’m nearly ten years older than I was the first time round. Sure, my tastes have evolved and trends have changed, but more importantly our wedding will reflect the couple that we are, not on what tradition dictates.
“The wedding is only the beginning,not the accomplishment.”
Expectations the second time around are more realistic. The pressure of planning the "perfect" wedding (spoiler: it doesn't exist) can reduce first-time brides to nervous wrecks, and understandably so. The expectations of family and friends are outrageous (back off guys, it's not your day). Which is why getting married for a second time can actually be much more enjoyable. After all, you’ve been down that aisle before.
So, you’re getting married for the second time? This topic shouldn’t become taboo and no-one should tell you that it can’t or won’t be special. This other person in your life IS the love of your life and you both should have the day you both deserve. With a first marriage, couples tend to see the wedding as the goal. The second time though, they recognise that the wedding is only the beginning, not the accomplishment. It's what comes after that matters.
Here are 3 reasons why your second wedding deserves aaaaaall the hype:
Your Wedding Dress
It’s completely up to you whether you wear a white wedding dress or go for something a little more informal and personal to you. If you missed out on the fairytale princess gown first time around then you might want to go for the wow factor this time, fair enough. Conversely, if you wore white before you may prefer to wear something very different. For some, maybe that means a mini dress or something colourful, for others something low is more fitting – for instance a formal, beautifully tailored jumpsuit like these by Ghost. Brides shouldn’t be relegated to only white dresses. It’s not your mum’s wedding this time, you really can do what you want!
“You really can do what you want!’
Your Guest List
If you have been married before then chances are you understand the importance of the actual marriage vows you take on a slightly different deeper level, and the significance of your new lasting relationship. Your people who have been there to support you both during the highs and lows. You (and perhaps your fiancé too) are getting married for the second time so your choice about your guest list will seem clearer. Mutual friends and close family members will trump over the acquaintance from the office and your second-cousins-twice-removed.n Don’t worry about offending anyone if they don’t get invited to your wedding. They can still be happy for you!
Break traditions
As mentioned before, planning a wedding day can be overshadowed by the pressure of following rules and traditions. I could probably write an entirely separate blog post on this subject alone. Without bringing up the “D” word, marriages where never meant to end traditionally, right? So why not go the whole hog and do everything untraditionally here on out!? Fancy having the reception the day before the wedding? Do it! Get matching tattoos instead of exchanging rings? Done. Maybe you could start a new tradition together without resulting in something old or blue.
Of course, this doesn't apply to second weddings only- you guys do YOU for whatever number wedding it may be!
I’m of the belief that you deserve the best, feel your best and get to celebrate/dance/drink the day away with the love of your life- and have it documented well ;) Get in touch to enquire about your wedding in Dorset. I’d love to capture it.
Hampshire Wedding Photographer | Beaulieu Inn Hotel in the New Forest
NATALIE + TOM
Natalie and Tom’s classy wedding at the Beaulieu Inn Hotel in the New Forest, Hampshire was a
Natalie and Tom had a beautiful wedding a the Beaulieu Inn Hotel in the New Forest. Followed by a lovely dinner and celebration with their loved ones. It was my absolute pleasure to document their day.
Enjoy this Beaulieu Inn Hotel wedding in the New Forest, Hampshire
And make sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
Bride in Rime Aradoky Dress | Rock & Roll Themed City Wedding at the Asylum Chapel
BETHAN + THANIM
Everything about Bethan and Thani’s Wedding day was so sexy and cool. They held their wedding celebrations at the Asylum Chapel by Maverick Projects, followed by a reception at Tanner Warehouse in Bermondsey. They envisioned a personal, fun and laid back day, which was also a celebration of the relationship they have with their family and friends. Bethan & Thanim consider themselves “foodies” and put most of their emphasis on the food, drink and entertainment. I can attest that this was quite party — and the pictures tell the story of a very fun day. It was my absolute pleasure to document their day.
Bridal Prep | Artist Residence, Pimlico
Venue | Asylum Chapel
Catering | Tanner Warehouse
Flowers | Victoria Windsor
Dress Designer | Rime Arodaky
Bridal Boutique | The Mews Bridal
Maid of Honour Dress | Sissel Edelbo
Band | The Bloody Mary Brass Band
Post Ceremony Drinks | The Prosecco Van
Cake | Dunn’s Bakery
Dorset Wedding Photographer | Black Tie Elegance at Chedington Grange
ALLISON + LUKE
Handpicked-highlights from the Summer of 2017 at the absolutely elegant Chedington Grange in north Dorset. I assisted this wedding for the insanely talented Robin Goodlad.
This wedding crossed and united continents, with Ali being Jewish American, and Luke, British. Elements were taken from both styles and blended so beautifully. The Jewish ceremony was magical, outdoor under the Chuppah in the bright Dorset sunshine. Later in the evening, the party started with the Hora, the lively and entertaining traditional Jewish dance where the family of the bride and groom are hoisted in the air on chairs as part of the first dance. I was honoured to be part of such an amazing day and contribute to some of their evergreen memories at Chedington Grange (and maybe a slight obsession with the Choos). Thanks Ali + Luke, and of course RG! :)
