Italian Villa Wedding Photos - Holly & Barney’s Winter Wine Wedding

Having recently worked at a Christmas wedding at this wedding venue we were super excited to be returning for Holly & Anthony’s Italian Villa wedding photos. You can see more of our The Italian Villa Wedding photographs here. Even if the weather forecast was looking a little scary. Holly and Barney had told us that their winter wedding would have a wine theme. Originally we thought that this meant an exceptionally boozy day would occur. Fortunately they were referring to their colour scheme!

Italian Villa Wedding Photos – Wedding Morning Photographs

I arrived on the wedding morning at Harbour Heights Hotel’s bridal suite to find the girls in the full swing of bridal preparations. As they buzzed about the room in their matching check nightshirts to music I got a handle on the feel that the images would incorporate.

A relaxed yet excited vibe then spread amongst the girls. They had already visited Clarence’s Hair Dressers so make up application was the order of the morning. Holly’s stunning vintage style dress hung in the window against the equally beautiful view across Poole Harbour to our Isle of Purbeck.

This was a morning of personal touches. Holly’s white wedding shoes had a Disney embellishment on the soles. Personalised champagne glasses were utilised with Bucks fizz. It was lovely to see Natalie Notley showing of her wedding make up skills. I was surprised to see one of the bride’s friends was doubling as wedding hair stylist.

 

With a Met Office yellow warning of rain and wind the girls were keeping an eye on the situation outside. As I was shooting I noticed the light levels dramatically drop as the sky darkened. For a brief moment before sleeting and raining I watched it snow. A rare sight in this part of the country. One would assume that this would make any bride glum on her wedding morning. Conversely this one small meteorological act had holly grinning from ear to ear. “Snow on your wedding day is good luck, so I’m happy” she pronounced.

Italian Villa Wedding Photos – Bridal Preparation at The Harbour Heights Hotel

To their surprise Holly had bought her girls some jewellery gifts that perfectly complemented her own personal choice. Then the beautiful wedding flowers arrived. Hill View wedding florists yet again produced a stunning array. The bouquets contained pink roses, wine coloured flowers and green winter foliage. Holly’s slightly larger bouquet also incorporated a broach with a picture of her mother.

With final touches to hair and make up Holly’s bridesmaids next donned their wine coloured bridesmaid’s dresses. The Father of the Bride arrived, lending his own endearing sense of humour to the occasion. Holly had thoughtfully made a him a wedding morning card which she presented with a gift of cufflinks. Everyone tried desperately to keep dry eyes.

The girls agreed that the morning had flown past. It was now time for Holly to get into her dress. Her bridesmaids buttoned her in and attached her veil. I’m sure I saw a quickly passing nervous expression as she got used to moving in her beautiful garment. In the corner of the room holly’s father couldn’t have looked any prouder of his stunning daughter.

Outside Lucy, Dorset Dubhire’s stunning 1974 VW Bay van arrived. The bridesmaids were chauffeur driven by Jason to the Italian Villa wedding venue. Holly and father took the opportunity to spend some calming quiet time alone before the van returned.

Italian Villa Wedding Photos – Groom Preparation Photographs

Meanwhile on the other side of Bournemouth Murray arrived to photograph Barney and his groomsmen. At the family home against the backdrop of Christmas decorations and tree the chaps transformed to gentlemen. Barney’s son sported a three piece suit, which matched those being donned by the larger members of the party.

Under Barney’s mother’s watchful eye wine coloured ties and pocket squares were then added and styled. Holly had sent a wedding morning gift of artwork made from the lyrics to Wonderwall. Judging by Barney’s reaction he was defiantly an Oasis fan.

After checking several times that they had defiantly got the rings and appropriate speeches the chaps then left to be picked up outside by Jason and Lucy.

At the Italian villa the chaps visited the Siena Suite where button holes and corsages were added to their outfits. Meanwhile  the Medici Suite had been dressed with white satin chair ties and gypsophila. A huge spray of pink roses, wine colour flowers and winter foliage adorned the ceremony table. White flower sprays bordered the windows.

We were so happy to see Mike Judd Professional Toastmaster in attendance in his red jacket. A wedding always flows so much more smoothly under Mike’s skilled guidance. Joe pike wedding pianist entertained the arriving guests on the piano. As Barney stood with best man at top of aisle I couldn’t help but noticed that nervous laughter had taken a hold.

Italian Villa Wedding Photos – A Winter Wedding Ceremony

Pete, the wedding videographer from Moo’s Movies  joined me at the front of the room to capture the ceremony. The room quieted and Mike announced the arrival of the bridal party. Holly’s bridesmaids let her and her father down the aisle.

All nerves were lifted upon seeing the huge smile on Holly’s face. Barney was now the happiest man in the room.

We were then treated to a wonderful, heart-warming ceremony that saw the couple exchange vows and rings. Two of the bridesmaids delivered readings and the happy couple had their first kiss to a round of applause.

Mike then led the guests out to the Italian Garden whilst the wedding party enjoyed the shelter of the Classic VW. Holly and Barney exited the villa to a shower from the snow machine and wedding confetti.

Italian Villa Wedding Photos – Drinks Reception

We then took the opportunity to shoot our list of group photographs. Each time whittling down the guests in attendance, sending the rest in to the warmth of the Siena Suite. Meanwhile, around the bar the guests enjoyed a drinks reception and tasty canapés with the soothing sounds of Graeme Budd wedding saxophonist.

While their guests were merrily chatting away we took the happy couple for a walk through the winding paths of Compton Acres stunning gardens. The low sun provided spectacular lighting and reflections in the lakes for these Italian Villa wedding photos. With a quick visit to the candle lit cave and the Italian gardens Holly and Barney headed upstairs to the Verona Suite.

The suite had been beautifully dressed ready for wedding breakfast. Wine coloured floral centrepieces and candles enhanced the classical setting. Holly and Barney then welcomed each of their wedding guests in a greeting line. Next order of the day was for Mike Judd to make the formal introductions.

A wine and white coloured table plan by Lillie and Lottie wedding stationary, adorned with diamanté snowflakes was used for guidance. Once the room was filled the guests were then roused by Mike Judd. He introduced the newly weds into their wedding breakfast to raucous applause.

Italian Villa Wedding Photos – Wedding Breakfast

Beales Gourmet Catering then seamlessly served a mouth-watering three course meal, much to the delight of the hungry crowd. The sun set outside leaving the blue and yellow fairy lights to provide background illumination. Holly and Barney then cut their gorgeous three tier wedding cake surrounded by their guests happily snapping away.

Back in their seats the evening entertainment began in the form of the wedding speeches. Holly’s Father and Barney both read heartfelt speeches that produced a tear or two in corner of guest’s eyes. In contrast the Best Man’s speech produced a few shocked gasps and side splitting laughter.

As the wedding breakfast wound down with coffees we popped outside. We then captured the beautifully lit building reflected in the calm waters of the ornamental lake.

Italian Villa Wedding Photos – Evening Reception

The bar then opened and The Sparks wedding band sound checked as the guests filtered down from upstairs. As his last official duty of the day Mike Judd announced first dance. Against the backdrop of  illuminated LOVE letters, surrounded by family and friends Holly and Barney swirled about the dance floor as one.

With the band now in full swing the guests showed of their finest moves on the dance floor under the bands disco lights. The children almost immediately upstaged the adults by showing them how it should be done! The rustic photo booth from Box photo booths was heavily utilised with fancy dress escaping every now and again. It was no longer unusual for people to order wine at the bar in silly wigs, hats and glasses.

A perfectly fun ending to a perfectly fun winter and wine wedding day. You can see what Holly and Barney think of our services in their Italian Villa Wedding Photographers Review.

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