After our last Harbour Heights wedding photographs we couldn’t wait for Kirsty and Dan’s big day. We arrived early on the morning of Kirsty and Dan’s Harbour Heights wedding photos at KHD Hairdressers in Poole. The girls were well into their wedding preparations, with the smell of hot tongs and hairspray permeating the air. I left Tom to capture the morning’s moments - he looked like the calm amongst the chaos!
Harbour Heights Wedding Photos of Bridal Preparation
The wonderfully bright room, covered in ornate framed mirrors was the perfect location for wedding morning photographs. KHD’s hair and makeup artists whirled about the room, working on Kirsty, her bridesmaids, her mother, grandmother and even one of her close friends all at the same time.
The cups of tea and laughter flowed while Kirsty remaining a calming influence on all. Wedding hair was finished and her veil and tiara were added. As she was without her dress she looked more like a princess than a bride.
A quick drive back to her house and I could see more of the preparation that had gone into today’s red wedding. Beautiful red and white bouquets from Simply Flower greeted us as the front door opened. The fireplace held a bunch of wedding cards and above the patio doors hung red and white wedding bunting with the couple’s initials.
Upstairs Kirsty’s stunning detailed white A-line wedding dress hung, backlit, glowing in the window. The bridesmaids disappeared and returned looking striking in their red dresses. With just enough time to give her panda teddy one last hug Kirsty was helped into her wedding dress and the fanning began.
Downstairs Kirsty’s parents and the bridesmaids welcomed her with gasps and applauds. I could see where Kirsty gets her infectious sense of humour as her father joked about with one of the bridesmaids bouquets and showed me his hilarious ‘Shark face’.
I knew the time to leave was approaching upon seeing the familiar face of Jason from Dorset Dub Hire outside with his gorgeous wedding transport. Lulu, the 1960 VW split screen and Lillie the 1972 bay looked incredible with their red and white wedding ribbons.
On the way to the church we stopped at Pamphill Dairy Farmshop (Kirsty’s workplace) so that her colleagues could coo over how beautiful she looked.
Harbour Heights Wedding Photos of Groom Preparation
Meanwhile I arrived at Daniels parents’ house on the morning of his Harbour Heights wedding photos to a hive of activity. The chaps quickly donned their wedding suits with matching red cravats and socks. All hip flasks were topped up ready for the big day. Outside a Roll Royce silver spur from RR Elite Wedding Car Hire (one of our recommended wedding suppliers), complete with matching red ribbons waited in to the sunshine. The same ribbons were then added to Daniel’s father’s Jaguar which sat on the driveway.
There was just enough time for a few photos outside the house before setting off in convoy to Kingston Lacy church. Many guests had gathered outside and Daniel greeted them all with huge smiles and jokes.
Before entering the English stone church Dan and his groomsmen drank a toast from their hip flasks and then went looking for the vicar. The church was beautifully decorated by the ever talented Maria from Simply Flower. Reds, white and greens were everywhere. The pew ends proudly displayed more red roses and green foliage tied with white lace.
Dorset Church Wedding Ceremony Photographs
With the groom waiting at the aisle the bridal party arrived in the two gorgeous Volkswagen wedding camper vans. They gathered nervously outside the church entrance. Once the Vicar had finished addressing the congregation Kirsty was led into the church by her three bridesmaids and accompanied by her father.
The traditional Church of England wedding ceremony was lovely, full of heartfelt sentiment. Behind the scenes Tom was able to move from behind the choir stalls up into the organ pipes. This unusual angle provided a perfect elevated view back onto the congregation.
Emerging from the dark church into the bright sunshine the newly weds were again all smiles and laughter. The guests showered them with confetti before we quickly organised some group shots between the camper vans.
The VWs headed for Harbour heights, stopping briefly at Evening Hill in Poole. We love using this location when capturing Harbour Heights wedding photos. The view over Poole harbour and Brownsea Island is to die for.
Harbour Heights Wedding Photos of Drinks Reception
A mile down the road at Harbour Heights Hotel the wedding guests were enjoying welcome drinks on the sun terrace. A similar view across Poole Harbour and the sounds of wedding saxophonist Claire Manners made for a wonderful time.
The Hytes Suite looked beautiful, decorated with red flower displays in their high standing centerpieces. Red sashes added colour to the chairs and more flower arrangements beautifully framed the top table.
Harbour Heights Wedding Photos of Speeches and Wedding Breakfast
Sebastien, FJB’s amazing wedding co-ordinator then made the call for wedding breakfast. The receiving line saw the guests to their tables for the wedding speeches. The Best Man’s speech had the crowd in stitches with the groom receiving a marriage tool kit of fancy dress. In addition Dan seemed most pleased with the 3 litre bottle of Staffordshire Brewery’s Cheddleton Golden Ale. This then took pride of place on the top table.
Guests then enjoyed the Harbour Heights famously tasty food. A happy silence descending upon the previously raucous room.
Harbour Heights Wedding Evening Reception Photos
Back out on the sun terrace the guests enjoyed after dinner drinks. Kirsty and Dan headed up to the bridal suite to enjoy the view, while downstairs the hotel staff turned the Hytes Suite around.
After relaxing in luxury the newly weds returned to greet their evening guests and cut the fantastic wedding cake from Love-a-Cake . First dance saw Kirsty and Dan swirl about the low disco lights of the dance floor while surrounded by family and friends. Finally the guests needed very little encouragement to join the happy couple and dance the night away with the excellent Gem Roadshow Wedding DJ.
Out in the orange glow of the evening light on the sun terrace the smells of BBQ and the view were tempting evening guests outside before the view disappeared for the night.
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