It was still dark on a chilly September morning when we departed Swanage in order to create Hannah and Giles’ Hethfelton House Wedding Photographs.
Arriving through the gardens of this Georgian Style manor house as the sun is rising above the countryside woodland is quite a treat for the senses. This stunning, exclusive wedding venue is owned by the Jim Cronin Memorial Fund (our friends at Monkey World) and as you can see is one of the finest of Dorset’s wedding venues.
Hethfelton House Wedding Photographs of Bridal Preparation
Upstairs in the master bedroom I found Hannah, her two bridesmaids, mother and father and flower girl. To say they were calm and quiet would be an understatement. They happily got on with their wedding morning routine in almost silence.
As the low orange morning light moved around the building it highlighted the autumn colours in the woods and the morning mists in the distance. I realised it was these views that probably called the calm and quiet. As a result had to drag myself away from the transfixing panoramic the windows offered.
The centre point of activity in the room was the amazing Jenny D. She worked flat out, expertly styling all the ladies wedding hair and make up. Shelley and her incredible staff from the venue were on hand if needed but rarely seen.
Meanwhile in the dressing room, Hannah’s gorgeous Maggie Sottero wedding dress hung in the window. The appliqué defined in the sunlight as the dress glowed. Opposite hung the deep red couture bridesmaids dresses from Courtesan Boutique.
Next, Hannah’s mother helped her into her wedding dress as the bridesmaids changed next door. She emerged looking absolutely breath taking, her father was at a loss for words.
Outside the sun was now hot and bright. It reflected off the polished paint and metal work of the vintage Badsworth wedding car from RK Prestige.
Documentary Groom Preparation Photographs in Dorset
Meanwhile Murray was still on the Isle of Purbeck. He arrived at Giles’s parent’s house in Studland to be greeted by Giles, the chaps and some impressive panoramic views of the Purbeck coastline.
The sun started to come as they busied themselves in preparation for the big day ahead. With them all in suits they gathered in the kitchen to try to tie their deep red cravats. Relatively calm and collected Giles opened his presents from his wife to be.
A Mercedes stretched limo pulled up outside and the grooms party prepared to leave the house, not before Giles’ mother had shouted helpful instructions from a balcony!
Wimborne Minster Wedding Ceremony Photographs
After a quick pre-ceremony drink at the White Hart in Wimborne the guys headed to Wimborne Minster. It felt a little odd preparing to create Hethfelton House wedding photographs and then travelling to Wimborne Minster. But this 12th Century building is a monster of a wedding venue. Full of history and architectural beauty it leaves any visitor in awe. Once there, Giles gathered his groomsmen for a team talk before greeting guests and taking his place at the front.
First to arrive were the bridesmaids who waited at the rear of minster. Hannah arrived with her father in a classic black and white wedding car. She then joined her bridesmaids and had a moment to gather herself before entering from the back door.
You could see Hannah’s huge smile the entire length of the Minster away, so turning round to see her Giles won the most excited groom of the year award.
In a lovely Christian wedding ceremony Hannah’s father gave her hand away, the minster was full of smiles and welling up eyes. In between hymns the guests were treated to readings from Hannah’s brother and one of the groomsmen. The happy couple signed the register and walked back down the aisle as a beaming husband and wife.
Hethfelton House Wedding Photographs of Drinks Reception
Back at Hethfelton House the guests were welcomed onto the patio for a drinks reception in the sun overlooking the stunning grounds. Hannah and Giles arrived to many congratulations, drinks and canapés circulated and a game of croquet kicked off on the lawns. It’s stunning scenes like this that make us proud to be Dorset wedding photographers.
While guest enjoyed themselves we stole away close family and wedding party for some quick group photographs on one of the lawns. Once finished we accompanied Hannah and Giles on a walk around the gorgeous formal gardens and woodlands. With the bright sun and the flowers still blooming this was the perfect location for their Hethfelton House wedding photographs.
Meanwhile the wedding guests had formed a confetti tunnel for bride and groom to walk through. Upon their return Hannah & Giles were showered with an impressive amount of confetti.
Hethfelton House Wedding Photographs of Wedding Breakfast
The call went out for wedding breakfast and for the first time the guests were able to appreciate Hethfelton house’s dining room. The entrance foyer had been decorated with pictures from Hannah and Giles’s past, a card table and a wooden engraved signing book.
Once they had found their tables the guests welcomed in their bride and groom with a loud standing ovation. The mouth-watering three course meal was supplied by Red Cherry Catering. We could tell it was being enjoyed as we had to check that the guests were in fact still present as they ate in happy silence.
Hethfelton House Wedding Photographs of Wedding Speeches
Bellies were full of tasty food and a few glasses of wine, consequently the happy volume levels were turned up just in time for wedding speeches.
First the Father of bride opened proceedings with words of love, advice and a couple of obligatory dad jokes. Giles’ wonderful sense of humour swept about the room and he finished his speech with words of thanks. Finally his best man kept the crowd attentive, laughing and clapping to the end.
Hethfelton House Wedding Photographs of Wedding Evening Reception
In the entrance foyer the bar opened. As the dining room was quickly turned round guests meandered between the bar and outside space. Canopies and gardens were lit with fairy lights and outdoor fire (with brick chimney).
Meanwhile, back inside the legendary Mark Gerard from Pegasus Disco (one of our recommended wedding suppliers) was set up and raring to go. He announced the cutting of the cake and so the three tier edible sculpture crafted by Lisa Notley was divided by knife. Next the happy couple gently swirled about the dance floor for their first dance. Surrounded by friends and family and holding their love they couldn’t have looked happier.
The wedding guests soon joined them, Mark cranked up the tempo a notch and the crowds danced the night away swathed in multi-coloured disco lights.
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