We had been looking forward to capturing some Dorset castle wedding photographs with the lovely Chloe and Jonathan since shooting their Durdle Door engagement photographs on the Jurassic Coast.

Bridal Preparation Photographs at Woodsford Castle

First of all I joined the girls early at The Landmark Trust’s stunning Woodsford castle just outside Dorchester. Outside the impressive stone building were parked a shiny, ribboned Rangerover and an even more shiny classic open top Jaguar.

Looking up at the bridesmaids peering out at me from the 14th century stone castle I thought that we were in for a hell of a day. It is certainly not usual to be taking Dorset castle wedding photographs this early in the day. If it is good enough for Hardy himself to visit it would be good enough for the girl’s wedding morning preparations.

Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs of Woodsford Castle Classic Jaguar at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs

Inside the huge ancient building I found an exceptionally happy yet calm Chloe surrounded by her bridesmaids in various states of readiness. While the girls whizzed about the huge rooms I captured the morning’s proceedings utilising the natural shafts of light that backlit and illuminated from the huge stone windows.

In a side bedroom hung several Greco roman bridesmaids’ dresses from twobirds Bridesmaid in various shades of green, nicely tying in with the wedding colour theme. A gorgeous pair of Harriet Wilde peony gold wedding shoes caught my eye – It turns out I love Chloe’s sense of taste.

Blue and green bridesmaid dresses hang at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Golden wedding shoes at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs

Inside another bedroom, hanging from a particularly imposing version of The Cholmondeley Ladies I discovered Chloe’s breath-taking wedding dress fom Ruth Millian Bridal Coture. An open-backed ivory silk dress was covered with top to bottom applique. To finish gold and diamante detailing surrounded the plunging neck line.

Wedding dress hangs in front of old painting at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Golden dress detail at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs

Documentary Wedding Photographs of Bridal Preparations

Next Jonathan scored some serious brownie points with a delivery of a pair of beautiful emerald ear rings. The perfect colour for what was turning out to be Chloe’s perfect day.

Bride receives wedding gift at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs

As Tara Sanger makeup artist extraordinaire busily styled wedding makeup in one window the Laura Mackenzie worked her magic with wedding hair in another. Huge bouquets of stunning multi coloured wedding flowers arrived, expertly created by none other than Jonathan’s mother and family friend Terri Brown. The floral scent was added to that of the perfume, hairspray and the must of old manor house.

Bride has make up done at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Bridesmaid in mirror from Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Father of the bride prepares at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Bridal preparation at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Hair dressing at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Morning preparation at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Bride on morning of Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Bridesmaids hair sprayed at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs

Finishing touches were added to the hair and makeup and the bridesmaids donned their green Greco roman style bridesmaids’ dresses. Each choosing one of the myriad of ways of tying them. The ever grinning Chloe was helped into her wedding dress by her mother and a bridesmaid. Standing in the Kingsroom with Chloe and her bridesmaids I was surrounded by an incredibly stunning bridal party.

dorset-castle-wedding-photographs-016 Bride, mother and bridesmaids on morning Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Bridesmaids on morning of Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Bridesmaid help bride with dress at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Bride dries her eyes at Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs Mother of bride pulls face as hair styling produces steam from her hair on wedding morning Beautiful bride in white wedding dress looks at herself in mirror on wedding morning in Dorset Beautiful mother of bride in pearls has floral hat pinned into her wedding hair Stunning red head bride with huge multi coloured wedding bouquet at Woodsford Castle Father of bride has button hole pinned by mother of bride on wedding morning Beautiful bride in gorgous wedding dress steps out of Woodsford castle on wedding morning

Groom Preparation Photographs in Lulworth, Dorset

Meanwhile Murray found Jonathan, his family and groomsmen in good spirits at Breach House in west Lulworth. The groomsmen had been allocated specific roles, one of which was the videography provided by Shoot it Yourself.

Groom in red boxers forgets to put on his clothes on wedding morning in Dorset Groomsman ties green wedding cravate in driftwood framed mirror on wedding morning Naked groom smiles as he prepares for his wedding day in Lulworth Groom ties green cravate in mirror on wedding morning in Lulworth Dorset

In keeping with the impressive wedding morning gifts Chloe had purchased an original 1960’s gold Omega Seamaster for her husband to be.

Classic 1960s Omega Seamaster gold wrist watch wedding morning present for groom

The chaps took very little time to transform into their wedding suits. Each with matching ivory waistcoats and deep green cravats and handkerchiefs. Next on the order of the day was a visit to Lulworth Castle itself to ensure everything was as it should be and to add the final touches to decorations and presents.

Father of the groom has cravate adjusted whilst talking to flowergirls on wedding morning Groomsmen in green cravates take wedding morning selfie watched by flowergirl Thatched roof of breach house weddign accomodation in Lulworth, Dorset with groomsman dorset-castle-wedding-photographs-035 Wedding flowers in wooden candle stick at Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset

Printed order of service for St Andrews Church weddign at Lulworth Castle Dorset

St Andrews Church, Lulworth Estate Wedding Ceremony Photos

With tasks complete the chaps headed to St Andrews Church in the Grounds of Lulworth Castle. In the sunshine outside Reverend Hugh Maddox (the huggable vicar) greeted them along with their own priest Father Mark.

Groom and groomsmen laugh outside church on wedding morning in Dorset St Andrews English Church wedding venue at Lulworth Castle, Dorset Groom talks to vicar in Church doorway at St Andews Church, Lulworth castle wedding

While guests arrived across the countryside backdrop the groomsmen were set into action greeting and guiding. Jonathan spoke to and laughed with all, eventually taking his place at the front of the church as I arrived. The Stringendo string trio had set up ready to entertain.

Groom laughing as he waits for bride in old English stone church in Dorset countryside

Outside the Range rover pulled up with the beautiful bridesmaids. The flower girls and page boy joined them for Chloe’s arrival in her father’s classic Jaguar. While inside the waiting had taken over Jonathan’s thoughts. He quickly went from joking to nervous as the congregation stood for the entrance of the bride.

Documentary wedding photograph of flowergirl in cream at countryside wedding in Dorset Page boy, bridesmaids, flowergirls and vicar wait for bride ouside old english country church Bridesmaids in green greco roman dresses welcome classic Jaguar wedding car at Dorset courntryside church Bride arrives in classic Jaguar wedding car at St Andrews Church on Lulworth Estate Bridal party arrives at Countryside church wedding in Dorset at Lulworth Castle Bride in sunlight waits outside church weddign ceremony at Luworth Castle Portrait wedding photograph of groomsman at Lulworth Castle church wedding Nervous groom bites his lip as her waits for his bride in church at Lulworth Castle church

From the very front of the church I could clearly capture the procession walking up the aisle. I noticed that Chloe was yet again on the verge of tears. The heart-warming and uplifting wedding ceremony soon saw away any wet eyes. The happy couple couldn’t help themselves but laugh throughout. They left the church in a shower of confetti and the explosion of joy on their faces could not be missed.

Bridesmaid in green greco roman bridesmaid dress leads in wedding procession at Church Bride and her father walk down the aisle at St Andrews Church wedding at Lulworth Castle Bride with tears in hers eyes arrives at the top of the aisle at Church wedding in Dorset Happy bride smiles at camera during Lulworth Castle church wedding service Father of the bride gives his daughter away at Lulworth Castle church wedding ceremony Bridesmaid smiles as bride and groom are married in Church at Lulworth Castle Weddign ceremony at St Andrews Church Lulworth Castle wedding venue Bride and groom look back at wedding guests at Lulworth Castle church wedding Orange wedding confetti photograph at Lulworth Castle church wedding Bride and groom at St Andrews Church Lulworth Castle wedding

A ‘just married sign’ and cans were then added to the Jaguar. As the newly-weds took it for a drive the guests headed over to Lulworth Castle. You can see more of our Lulworth Castle wedding photographs here or read our Lulworth Castle wedding photographers wedding venue review here. They all gathered on the huge stone staircase outside the castle to greet the arrival of the Mr and Mrs. With everyone in the same place we quickly took the opportunity to take some group photographs.

Bride and groom laugh in classic Jaguar wedding car with ribbons at Lulworth Castle Classic Jaguar wedding car with just married sign leaves Lulworth Castle wedding Lulworth castle wedding photographs with classic wedding car arriving Father of the bride portrait during group photographs at Lulworth Castle Dorset Castle wedding photographs of castle reflection in classic Jaguar wedding car

Blonde pregnant bridesmaid in green greco roman bridesmaid dress at Lulworth Castle Groom with champagne portrait photograph during group photographs Groom hugs the huggable vicar at Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset Naughty flower girls on stone steps during Lulworth castle wedding group photographs Groomsmen mess about with groom during Lulworth Castle wedding group photographs

Lulworth Castle Wedding Drinks Reception Photographs

Lulworth Castle filled with the happy chatter of wedding guests enjoying the drinks reception, while canapés and cream teas were served. This was the guests first opportunity to appreciate the amazing job of venue styling performed by Nomad catering (now Rabbit and Rose). Southern Mobile Bar had set up in the corner and was catering for all drinking needs. The wonderful sounds of the string trio echoed around the ancient stone walls.

Outside on the lawns the wedding guests enjoyed lawn games and more drinks. After a while we stole Chloe and Jonathan away for a walk to the Catholic chapel so we could capture some couple photographs.

Bride and groom on stone steps of Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset The catholic chapel with bride and groom at Lulworth Castle wedding in Dorset Bride and groom kiss at Lulworth Castle Catholic Chapel Bride and groom couple photograph at Lulworth Castle Catholic Chapel Bride and groom in the grounds of Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset

Documentary Photographs of Lulworth Castle Wedding Breakfast

Meanwhile, back at the Castle the call for wedding breakfast went out. The guests formed a greeting line and as a result hugs and kisses were given to all. A Purbeck map table plan greeted guests into the main hall. Circular tables were adorned with floral displays atop wooden candle sticks, name stones, candles and drinks. Everywhere you looked greenery, flowers and candles sat upon almost all the horizontal surfaces.

Flowergirls laughing by light stone wall at Lulworth castle wedding venue in Dorset

Happy wedding guest during wedding line up at Lulworth Castle wedding Purbeck map wedding table plan at Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset Multi coloured wedding flowers against distressed stone and brick castle walls Lulworth castle great hall wedding breakfast set up for Dorset Castle wedding photographs

Wedding table name sign in blue love heart with wooden candle stick and candles soft multi coloured wedding flowers at Dorset Castle wedding photographs

Chloe and Jonathan were welcomed into the main hall with a raucous standing ovation. Next a surprise lay in wait for one guest on every table who was gifted a chef’s hat and apron. Appropriately so as they were allocated the job of calving the tables delicious lamb (courtesy of wedding caterers extraordinaire Nomad).

Bride and groom sneak a peek at their wedding guests at Lulworth Castle wedding Bride and groom enter wedding breakfast to standing ovation at Lulworth Castle Top table at Lulworth Castle wedding photograph by one thousand words Groom knights a groomsman with large sword next to suit of armour

Polaroid wedding guestbook with gold framed sign wooden initials Bride take polaroid Dorset Castle wedding photographs of top table Wedding guest wears chefs hat and apron at Lulworth Castle wedding breakfast Wedding guest in chefs hat and apron calves wedding breakfast at Lulworth Castle

With veracious appetites satiated and a truly scrumptious three course meal devoured the wedding party was then treated to the speeches. The sun had disappeared outside and the room so subtly lit we quickly drafted in some of Nomad’s portable up lighters. Jonathan’s home made Limonchello was enjoyed by all during the toasts.

Chloe’s father had everyone in stitches. He was fast to point out that his Jaguar was NOT a wedding present and he wanted the keys back! Jonathan came into his own on the stage in front of the top table. Bringing yet another tear to the eyes of his gorgeous bride. Next his best men relayed embarrassing stories from Jonathan’s past but mainly praised his character. Chloe and Jonathan then distributed gifts to all involved in planning and delivery of the big day.

Father of the bride makes wedding speech at Dorset Castle wedding venue Wedding speech shadow on Castle walls at Lulworth Castle wedding speeches Father of the bride's wedding speech at Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset Grooms father applauds wedding speeches at Lulworth Castle wedding venue Groomsman videos Dorset Castle wedding speeches at Lulworth Castle Grooms speech with large shadow at Dorset Castle wedding photographs Red head bride makes wedding speech at Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset Best men make wedding speeches at Dorset Castle wedding photographs Groom reacts to best men's speeches at Dorset Castle wedding venue Wedding guests toast speeches with groom's home made limoncello

Dorset Castle Wedding Photographs of Evening Entertainment

Next the side room’s sofas and fauna were cleared to make room for the dance floor. Against multi coloured disco lights Chloe and Jonathan cut their wedding cake with a huge sword (as you do!). With the cake cleared they took to the floor for their first dance, swirling eloquently while their nearest and looked on. They finally finished with a huge kiss and invited their applauding friends and family to join them.Bride and groom about to cut wedding cake with sword at Castle wedding in Dorset Bride and groom raise sword into the air after cutting the cake next to a suit of armour Bride laughs during first dance at Lulworth Castle Wedding venue in Dorset Bride and groom kiss during first dance at Lulworth Castle Wedding photographs

I Do’s wedding band took over, keeping the dance floor packed with their covers. They even recruited Jonathan and his groomsmen for a song. Outside in a nearby field Fireworks Solutions were working diligently away to supply the now gathered guests with a visual spectacle.

Father of the bride dancing in disco lights at Dorset Castle wedding photographs The I Do's wedding band lead singer at Dorset Castle wedding venue photographs Wedding guest dancing with pint of beer at Dorset Castle wedding venue Groom and groomsmen sing with wedding band at Dorset Castle wedding Bride shakes it like a polaroid picture at Lulworth Castle wedding venue in Dorset Lulworth Castle wedding venue at night from Dorset Castle wedding photographs

After a wonderful wedding service, drinks, entertainment, amazing food, hilarious speeches and fun dancing there is something very hypnotic about fireworks. As a result Chloe and Jonathan stood arms wrapped around each other. Surrounded by family and friends on steps of a 17th Century castle they watched their wedding fireworks. The fireworks certainly made for stunning Dorset castle wedding photographs.

Wedding fireworks photograph with bride and groom at Lulworth Castle wedding Wedding fireworks reflected in wedding car window and Dorset castle wedding venue Wedding fireworks at Lulworth Castle from Dorset castle wedding photographs

The last of the smoke cleared. As the guests headed through the doors the clapping faded to a dark silence outside. In stark contrast I Do’s wedding band yet again struck up under multi coloured disco lighting and filled the dance floor. Finally evening drinks and food were doing the rounds. We then called time on probably the most amazing Dorset castle wedding photographs we have created this year.

Dorset Castle wedding photographs of wedding guests dancing at Lulworth Castle Wedding guest dancing with tie under disco lights at Lulworth Castle Wedding Dorset Castle wedding photograph of bride dancing in disco lights

 

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Documentary Wedding Photographers In Dorset & Hampshire

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