Durlston Castle Wedding Photographs
The story of Kathryn and Andrew’s Durlston Castle wedding photographs starts on the Dorset Coast. Looking down at Anvil point Lighthouse Cottages from Durlston country park we descended the winding coastal path through whirling winds and sideways rain. It seemed apt that Kathryn and Andrew had chosen such a well weathered location for their wedding morning preparations.
Durlston Castle Wedding Photographs of Bridal Preparation
Cosy inside the gorgeous building I joined Kathryn and the girls as Murray accompanied the chaps as they readied themselves for the day ahead. Kathryn and the bridal party were on incredibly good form. All sported matching dressing gowns and joked about the adverse weather as the flower girls ran around the cottage.
Jenny D Hair and Makeup had set up in the dining room and worked her magic as the girls chatted, laughed and checked the cloudy sky. The wedding flowers arrived and were placed around the room within which Kathryn’s gorgeous white wedding dress hung. Charlie Trim Floristry (one of our recommended wedding suppliers) had again outdone herself. The white and purple rose bouquets not only looked but smelled amazing.
The low warm lights of the building were punctuated by the comparatively blue natural light coming in through the small windows. The contrast was perfect for capturing portraits during the morning’s activities.
Champagne was opened and with hair and makeup complete the bridesmaids all donned their Greco Roman bridesmaid’s dresses. Given the hundreds of possible ways of tying this style of dress the bridesmaids were extremely time efficient.
Kathryn’s father arrived from next door, immediately brining his unique sense of humour to the occasion.
Kathryn, now looking even more stunning with her bridal hair and makeup complete was helped into her dress. Her father couldn’t contain his emotions when he saw her for the first time in her dress. Many a tear was shed as the veil was applied and the girls rallied themselves to brace the elements for the short journey to Durlston Castle wedding venue.
Durlston Castle Wedding Photographs of Groom Preparation
Meanwhile, next door the chaps wedding morning preparations were under way. They were only missing one key ingredient – the groom! Arriving back from a wedding morning chore Andrew and the gents went from normal to dapper in what seemed like no time at all.
Andrew donned a three piece tail suit in dark grey over a white waistcoat and pink cravat. Whilst the groomsmen perfectly complimented the style with matching grey suits and white ties. With a break in the weather they walked to the castle, checking that decorations and signage were all in place.
With chores and checks ticked off there was nothing left to do but head up to the Belvedere suit at the very top of the castle and have a drink. The Belvedere suite has one of the most stunning views in Purbeck, over the sea and around Durlston bay. Not a bad place to start your wedding day! Back downstairs the chaps then welcomed the arriving guests into the gallery room.
Durlston Castle Wedding Ceremony Photographs
As part of the 2011 Durlston Castle renovations the gallery is a stunning wedding ceremony room. One of the reasons why we love taking Durlston Castle wedding photographs. Not only does it look over the sea on two sides but it is a delightful combination of Purbeck stone wall, wood and metal all highlighted with the natural light from the roof and wall windows.
Everyone was entertained by the wonderful sounds of Julian Ward on guitar. It seemed that in between the chatting and Joking Andrew had developed some nerves. This became more apparent when he teared up as the flower girls lead bridesmaids down aisle sprinkling petals.
Andrew was not alone. As Kathryn’s father walked her into the room and down the aisle tears were rolling down his cheeks. As a delightful distraction from the emotion of the moment the wedding ceremony was full of joking and laughter.
Durlston Castle Wedding Photographs of Sea Side Wedding Reception
After signing the marriage register the newly weds exited onto the sea facing terrace through a whirling curtain of confetti.
A quick walk through the castle saw guests stopping at Little Beau’s ice cream cart on the way to a drinks reception in the belvedere suite.
The weather held just long enough for us to organise some group photographs against the backdrop of the stunning coastal views.
Meanwhile, downstairs the gallery was turned around by the incredible Polly Smith and her team from Blue Bay Events (one of our recommended Dorset wedding suppliers). In fact Durlston Castle wedding photographs would not be complete without the organisational skills and experience of Polly and her team. The room looked amazing, purple/ pink flowers from Charlie Trim decorated almost every horizontal surface and a subtle seaside them was revealed. With the additions from Perfectly Pretty Linen the room was perfect.
Durlston Castle Wedding Breakfast Photographs
Guests were greeted by a surfboard shaped table plan. The wedding tables were named after beaches and seaside places. Place names were written on hand painted pebbles. Yes the bride and groom and gone to the painstaking trouble of acquiring and hand paining individual pebbles! As a feather in the cap of the seaside theme the top table even overlooked the sea.
Seventh Wave Catering again showed off their culinary skills, causing a happy silence to descend during wedding breakfast. In contrast the wedding speeches were a pretty raucous affair. With full on belly laughter and even some hilarious heckling during the father of the bride’s speech.
Durlston Castle Wedding Evening Reception Photographs
With happy stomachs and hearts the wedding party again exited the gallery onto the terrace and lawns to witness Kathryn throwing her bouquet. The excitement on the face of the guest that caught the bouquet was only matched by the worry on the face of her partner!
We took ten minutes out to steal the happy couple away to relax down by Durlston Castle’s Victorian Stone globe. This was the perfect place for them to take a breather and have some couple shots.
As guests were treated to a spectacular sun set they started to head back inside for the cutting of the stunning wedding cake (from Lulubelles Cakes). They then surrounded the dance floor. The legend that is Iggy DJ (one of our recommended Dorset wedding suppliers) had set up and announced the first dance. Still laughing away and so obviously head over heels Kathryn and Andrew swirled about the dancefloor surrounded by their family and friends. The music was notched up a gear and the dancefloor filled.
We left we wedding dancing the night away in a gorgeous stone castle overlooking the sea in coastal country park. What a wonderful venue for a wonderful day. Yet again we loved producing these Durlston Castle wedding photographs.
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