Countryside Wedding Photos with Hannah and Mark

After our last wedding in Swanage we were back in the car driving through the gorgeous Dorset countryside. We began the day at Hannah’s family farm in Symondsbury, Dorset. This would be the location for her countryside wedding photos and where the girls would prepare.

A very excited Hannah was quick to show us the marquee from Taddle Farm Tents and some of the personalised details that her and Mark had in store for this special day. A huge marque stood in the field behind the family home. Inside were three long tables with a top table at the end. Each place setting was named with an apple. Multicoloured Chinese lanterns hung from festoon lighting across the draped ceiling. Hannah took us to her dads ‘shed’ a barn near the entrance to the property. Inside were two sofas and a display of Marks home brew bottles beers. Each one had a different name and label featuring photos of the family and friends.

Countryside Wedding Photos of Bridal Preparation

Back at the farmhouse the bridesmaids were whizzing  about with a buzz of anticipation, having hair styled and running errands.

Jess from Model Makeovers (one of our recommended wedding suppliers) was on hand to ensure that they were all looking their best. The bridesmaid’s dresses matched the gents’ trousers in navy blue. The flowers arrived from C J Flowers  looking amazing with bright colours mixed in with greenery.

Before she knew it Hannah was helped into her dress by all of her bridesmaids and her mother whilst outside a family friend brought his stunning classical car out of the field for the trip to church.

Countryside Wedding Photos of Groom Preparation

I left Tom with the girls and headed for West Bay in Bridport to meet the chaps. I found them on the beach readying themselves for their wedding morning swim! They all paused at the top of the beach while I had got into position near the water. I gave them the signal and they all rushed down into the water. Most then dunked themselves in the water and then posed for a group photograph. Mark was ceremonially splashed by everyone before they returned to the beach. The sun popped out and Mark and several of his groomsmen began throwing an American football about.

I reconvened with Mark and two of his groomsmen at a local pub for some breakfast before heading back to get ‘wedding ready’.  Mark and his groomsmen wore tweed jackets with matching waistcoats and blue trousers with matching ties. Mark had gone the extra mile with the wedding date stitched into the lining of his tailored jacket. He proudly this showed off to the groomsmen while they all enjoyed a drink at The Ilchester Arms in Symondsbury.

After a quick drink he made his way across the road to Symondsbury church. Here he welcomed guests before taking his place at the altar to await the bridal party . First to arrive were the bridesmaids who waited outside with the flower girl.

Hannah arrived accompanied by her father in a blue classic car with the roof down. After a few words with the vicar she and her bridal party were ready to enter the church. Either side of two readings the couple made their promises to each other and exchanged rings. Applause rang out as they made the journey down the aisle as husband and wife. We gathered guests outside for a confetti shot outside the church in the sunshine.

Countryside Wedding Photos Speeches and Wedding Breakfast

Most of the guests had made it back to the farm to welcome the new Mr and Mrs as they arrived in the wedding car. The drinks reception outside of the marquee was fuelled by a wheel barrow full of beer and some very interesting home-made gin. After a few group photographs and a few drinks the guests took their places inside the marquee. The newly-weds were announced and applause welcomed them in as they too took their places.

The wedding breakfast was served by Hungry Mule caterers and featured some loafs of bread cleverly topped with a monogram H & M.

Hannah’s dad kicked of the speeches with one of the funniest speeches that we have ever heard (we have heard a lot of wedding speeches). Mark then followed with words of thanks to everyone involved and complements for his new wife. To finish off the speeches Mark had two best men. In a tag team style they took turns in offering words of thanks with a few embarrassing stories at his expense thrown in for good measure. They finished with a toast to the happy couple.

Countryside Wedding Photos Evening Entertainment

Evening entertainment started with a first for us…. sheep racing!! All guests were invited to the other side of the field for this event. The sheep had numbers on their sides corresponding to the numbers on the tables. Hannah’s mother, father and uncles were given the job of starting and officiating this wedding race. Sheep number 5 won the race and Hannah’s mother was quick to show off the winner to the crowd of guests.

On returning to the marquee the cake which was a tower of profiteroles supplied by Coastal Cake was cut while the The Goodfoot Band sound checked and everyone got ready for the first dance.

The new Mr and Mrs performed a specially choreographed dance to the delight of everyone watching. It didn’t take long for the guests to join them boogeying away to the live music.

With the sun going down and a chill in the air numerous fire pits were sparked into life as well as the six giant Swedish Torches that were in a circle just beyond the marquees. P A Bar Hire ensured that everyone was kept refreshed with cocktails and other tasty beverages.

The sound track for the late party was provides by Tony James Discos. The fire pits and the Swedish torches smoked away into the night while cigars and home-made ales and gin was consumed.

You can see what Julia & Matt thought of our wedding photography service in their Dorset wedding photography review

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