Twas a sunny but chilly spring morning as we headed for the Village of West Knighton near Dorchester for Victoria & Karl’s Athelhampton House wedding photographs. Tom was photographing at Victoria’s parents’ home while I was a short distance away at the New Inn.
Documentary Bridal Preparation Photographs
Victoria, her bridesmaids and close family we in such a relaxed fun mood - perfect for wedding morning preparations. As hair and makeup was being styled the laughter and bubbles flowed. The bedroom was covered in wedding details, from charm bracelets to a rather lovely pair of L.K.Bennett x Jenny Packham shoes. In the cool shade of downstairs Tom found the stunning array of wedding flowers from West Dorset Wedding Flowers.
Upstairs Victoria’s stunning wedding dress (from Wedding Time) hung in the window, glowing in the sunlight. The beautiful bridesmaids donned their pale blue dresses and darker shawls and helped with the two flower girls. After which it was time for Victoria to get into her dress (superman would have been proud of her speedy change!). The final act was to button up the lace decorated back of the dress.
There were a few nervous moments before Victoria rushed down the stairs, gathered the troops and headed across the driveway into the waiting wedding car
Groom Preparations for Athelhampton House Wedding
Meanwhile, a short distance away Karl and his three best men prepared for the day. With final adjustments they were wedding ready in the bar, where they enjoyed a drink and a light lunch. Some of the wedding guests joined them before heading off for the wedding venue.
After a short journey we all arrived at Athelhampton House. Here button holes were added to the groom and best men’s jackets. Then they started to carry out their duties of welcoming guests who had started to arrive. With news coming through that the bridal party were on route the best men ushered the guests towards the house. In the great hall a roaring fire warmed the happy guests as they came in and took their places for the ceremony.
Athelhampton House Wedding Ceremony Photographs
The bridesmaids arrived first followed by Victoria and her father. They gathered outside the main door in the sunshine so the registrars could checked the paperwork. The flowers girls and bridesmaids led the bridal party into the Great Hall. After a few calming breaths Victoria and her father made their way down the aisle. Both with beaming grins on their faces.
In front of the warming fire Victoria and Karl made their promises to each other and exchanged rings. ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife’ was followed with applause and cheers. The newly weds had a brief moment to themselves while the guests exited the great hall . Outside the guests waited in anticipation, armed with confetti which showered down on them as they came out.
A Wedding Drinks Reception at Athelhampton House
The new Mr and Mrs and their guests enjoyed drinks and canapés in the spring sunshine. After some group photos we took a stroll around the magnificent gardens. We could still hear the laughter and chatter of the wedding from the other side of the grounds. Here we captured the first images of the two of them before returning to the Great Hall. Inside we were able to use the Oriel window for some magical images of Victoria and Karl and some of Victoria, highlighting her beautiful wedding dress.
Documentary Wedding Photographs of Wedding Breakfast
The wedding guests made their way to the conservatory for the wedding breakfast. With everyone in their seats all stood to welcome the newly weds into the room. Victoria’s father kicked off the speeches with kind words for his daughter and husband. Next up was Karl who gave word of thanks and even got a few laughs all while his new wife looked up at him. The last of the speeches were to come from the three best men. They shared some Karl related cricketing stories and in a tag team style had the room in fits of laughter to a point there was barely a dry eye in the room.
Evening Entertainment at Athelhampton House Wedding
While everyone had been enjoying the wedding breakfast Iggy :: Wedding DJ had been setting up his lights and equipment in the long hall. After the cutting of the cake supplied by Verity’s Creative Cakes the new Mr and Mrs readied themselves for the first dance. Next everyone gathered around the dance floor they took their first dance as husband and wife. During which Iggy’s surprise confetti cannons showered them in confetti for a second time.
Guests joined them on the dance floor throwing shapes and getting their funk on. Meanwhile others enjoyed drinks and yet more amazing wedding food from the buffet.
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