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