Dorset Countryside Wedding Photographs with Rich & Lou
We have been waiting for Rich and Lou’s Dorset countryside wedding for what seems like an age. If their Swanage Beach Engagement shoot was anything to go by we were in for a fun-packed and adventurous day. These two are head over heels in love with each other, the Dorset countryside, and their dog Bunsen!
On a sunny summer’s morning in the heart of the Purbeck countryside, we found Lou and her ladies busying themselves at Keepers Cottage. The family home was serving as a Dorset Countryside Wedding staging post. Outside in the gorgeous county garden Rich’s father’s Classic British racing green Bentley and Lou’s 2CV greeted us, ready to play their part in the Dorset countryside wedding activities.
Dorset Countryside Wedding Bridal Preparations
Inside, the bedroom and bathroom were utilised by the exceptionally talented Cat Mutter Dorset countryside wedding Makeup Artist and Laura Mackenzie Dorset countryside wedding Hair Stylist.
As the girls popped from room to room organising themselves and other guests Bunsen was taking it all in his stride, relaxing in whichever doorway provided the best shade.
Lou’s wedding dress hung in the spare room window, the light beaming through, illuminating all of its beautiful lace and beaded details.
There was a lovely relaxed yet jovial mood throughout the stone cottage. Tor from Bloom Dorset countryside wedding Florists delivered her beautiful wedding bouquets. Countryside wedding flowers in pinks and blues introduced a wonderful floral scent to the morning’s proceedings.
As with most wedding mornings I utilised my vast wedding experience and created a blue silk cravat for Bunsen. He was definitely less impressed than the ladies by my skills!
As the hair and makeup styling concentrated on Lou, her bridesmaid donned her dress and her close family patiently waited downstairs.
Rich’s father arrived to collect his wonderfully restored Bentley, added ribbons and drove to Corfe, followed closely by Murray.
After a quick flurry of speech writing Lou was helped into her dress.The transformation from gorgeous to stunning was complete.
A couple of squirts of perfume and a little dance later and she was ready for her Dorset countryside wedding.
Final touches took place downstairs– with the bright natural daylight light blasting in through the front door. Lou was a little worried that her father’s speech was smaller than the five-pound note it was wrapped in (I made a mental note to go low in the speeches betting!).
I joined Lou and her father for the 2CV drive through the country lanes to St Edward’s Church in the beautiful village of Corfe. The perfect setting for the start of a sunny Dorset countryside wedding.
Dorset Countryside Wedding Groom Preparations
Meanwhile Murray found Rich and best men peeking out of a cottage window in Corfe getting ready for their Dorset countryside wedding. Inside, Rich’s nieces had transformed into lovely little flower girls– cute as buttons in their floral head pieces.
Murray noted that the chaps repeatedly checked that they still had the rings. Rich was the lucky recipient of a new TAG watch, which he proudly showed off to everyone!
Once suited and booted, there was just enough time to again check that they did indeed have the rings in their possession and leave for Corfe Church. Their first task was to safely escort gran into the church and second was to visit The Greyhound Pub for a swift half! In the bright sunshine they greeted the wave of wedding guests arriving to the Dorset countryside wedding with a need for liquid refreshment.
Toby (the rather dapper groomsmen) greeted the guests into St Edward’s church with orders of service illustrated by his very talented wife Janine Drayson.
Dorset Countryside Wedding Service Photos
With all of the guests now seated Bunsen lay on the cool stone floor still taking it all in his stride. Outside the sound of a two-horse power engine announced Lou’s stylish arrival.
As a Dorset countryside wedding venue we love working at St Edwards Church. The vicar has a fantastic sense of humour and the building allows us to shoot wedding services stood away from the action. The stone detail, textures and tones are wonderful.
Two readings and a lot of laughter later the happy couple found themselves signing the register. They exited the church through the impressive stone archway into the bright sunshine outside.
Dorset Countryside Wedding Castle Venue
We quickly organised and shot confetti, bubble and group photographs, all with the wonderful backdrop of Corfe Castle. A Dorset countryside wedding with a truly Dorset icon.
The guests departed for the next Dorset countryside wedding venue. I joined Rich and Lou in the ruins of Corfe Castle for some ‘couple shots’. We hate ‘posing’ a bride and groom, it only ever leads to images that look unnatural to the bride and groom. Therefore often working from afar with very little direction to achieve images of the couple as they truly are.
We quickly jumped in our car and headed off to Rollington Barn. A little used Dorset countryside wedding venue, Rollington Barn is gorgeous. Located on a farm at the foot of the Purbeck hills it is a hidden gem for a Dorset countryside wedding.
Dorset Countryside Wedding Barn Venue
Tor from Bloom, Dorset countryside wedding Florists had expertly decorated the barn with a spread of soft coloured country flowers, perfectly complementing the stone and woodwork. She had created what can only be described as a mammoth floral archway at the entrance. Fairy lights and a huge floral R & L and love hearts hung from the stone walls.
Outside stood Dorris, Love Cake Catering’s retro ice cream van who was serving her famous cocktail menu. Guests were gathered around straw bales enjoying Pims in jam jars. The Bentley complete with Rich and Lou arrived to rapturous applauds and hugs and kisses were shared around.
Dorset Countryside Wedding Reception Photographs
Lou was then treated to a surprise as her favourite hose arrived, beautifully dressed in ribbons and flowers. It is the first time we have had a bride actually ride a horse in her wedding dress. Being adventurous she happily trotted about the farm.
Framed chalk boards denoted the activities of the day. The chalkboard ‘ wedding map’ revealed the sheer amount of thought that had gone into this Dorset countryside wedding.
Quoits, Giant Jenga and a huge sandpit (with deck chairs,buckets and spades) entertained the guests on one side of the courtyard. Across the straw bale seating sat a ‘photo booth van’ and a huge bride and groom caricature with cut out heads.
Back in the barn Love Cake Catering served high tea of home made sandwiches, pork pies and cakes. The food was so good that we caught a couple of the guests sneaking trays away for themselves.
In the background three and a half local lambs cooked gently on a barbecue fired by Toby’s Greenwood Workshop charcoal.
As darker clouds threatened Rich took the opportunity to disappear with three of the lads for a spin in the Bentley .
Looking at the sky the guests sensibly added wellies and umbrellas (including Lou’s wonderful white western wedding wellies). 
We all set off up the nearby hill which provided stunning views across Corfe Castle and valley.
In between rain showers champagne was served in tea pots and cups. Wedding toasts were made against the stormy looking sky. The decorated farm tractor and trailer delivered more guests and we organised a group photograph.
A quick trek back down the hill and the bar had opened. Lou took some quiet time to make some last-minute adjustments to her speech.
Dorset Countryside Wedding Breakfast and Speeches
Now with storm lighting and rain restricting outdoor play the lamb buffet was served along trestle tables and straw bale seats in the barn.
As thunder rumbled over the hills rain hammered down. Wedding guests were treated to some wonderful speeches inside the cosy barn. There was a lot of laughter, quite a few tears and we got to experience Lou’s ‘teacher voice’. All greeted with wild applause from the guests.
Over an hour had passed in the blink of an eye – I didn’t win the speech bets!
In our many years as Dorset countryside wedding photographers we have seen wedding cakes cut by swords, hunting knives, saws, rulers and even a chain saw. We have no idea what type of crazy machete looking farm tool Lou and Rich chose to dissect theirs with!
Dorset Countryside Wedding Evening and Dancing Photos
Still smiling from ear to hear Rich and Lou took to the dance floor, busting out some serious moves! After which the rest of the guests were invited to join them. They danced the night away to the funky sounds of their Dorset countryside wedding band.
As predicted Rich and Lou’s Dorset countryside wedding was a mixture of love, fun and adventure. Next time I see a speech so small it can be wrapped in a five-pound note I am betting high on the timings!
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