Dorset Wedding Photographs of Bridal Preparation

After our last Kingston Country Courtyard wedding photographs we have been anxiously waiting to create Ellie and Dan’s Kingston Country Courtyard wedding photographs. Ever since their engagement shoot at Dancing Ledge we knew they would be having a stunning wedding day.

I arrived at Dan’s family home in Harmans Cross to find bridal preparations in full swing. Ellie seemed to be a rock amongst a swirling sea. As the girls whirled around the room the white and green wedding bouquets arrived (to much happy appraisal). The familiar face of Cat Mutter wedding makeup artist extraordinaire made me grin because I knew the girls were in safe hands.

A plethora of pastel pink Greco- Roman bridesmaid’s dresses framed one doorway while in another hung Ellie’s gorgeous wedding dress. Her stunning trumpet sleeveless dress showed off its detailing with diamantes sparkling in the morning light.

Ellie’s mother kept a watchful eye (and pair of hands) over the hair styling, joining in with the relaxed, and jovial feel to the bridal preparations. The gorgeous location overlooking the Purbeck countryside and masses of natural light beating into the room made for a wonderful set of images.

Ellie’s bridesmaids disappeared to change and Ellie was helped into her wedding dress. The ladies emerged looking like something beautiful from a Grecian tale only to gasp in awe and cry at the sight of Ellie in her dress. I have to agree with the girls, Ellie looked stunning, the combination of her natural beauty, choice of dress, the morning’s styling and her huge smile took everyone’s breath away.

Ellie further induced tears by presenting her bridesmaids with silver knot ear rings and framed photographs of them together. Outside a lovely white classic Rolls Royce wedding car arrived to take the girls into Corfe Castle.

Purbeck Wedding Photographs of Groom Preparation

Meanwhile Murray arrived at Kingston Country Courtyard to find Dan and his groomsmen looking and feeling very relaxed. As the morning preparations had not yet begun he explored the wedding barn. Personalised decoration was everywhere. The place settings and table names were taken from areas local to Purbeck such as Putlake, Knitson and Norden. Opposite the end of the top table sat the wedding cake decorated with white flowers. Strings of fairy lights and ribboned floral birdcages hung from the wooden roof beams.

On his return to the courtyard he found Dan had suited and booted in less than five minutes! His best man and groomsmen were less swift so Dan traversed the courtyard to deliver presents of cuff links to them in their various stages of undress.

The chaps dressed and were wearing their new cuff links as the buttonholes arrived. One of the grooms men’s girlfriends expertly placed them on their jacket lapels.  The groomsmen all looked incredibly smart in stylish blue suits and grey waistcoats.

Murray and the group set off down Kingston hill headed for Corfe where there were final checks at the church before having time for a walk to the Greyhound pub. As a result they were able to take a moment in the garden overlooking Corfe Castle and enjoy a quick pint.

Once back at the church Dan and his groomsmen welcomed guests as they arrived. Two groomsmen were on hand to issue the orders of service (with pictures from the engagement shoot). One even took time to read through the order of service with Dan so that he knew what to expect! Dan then took his place at the front of the church next to his brother and best man Tom as everyone awaited the arrival of the bridal party.

Corfe Castle Dorset Church Wedding Photographs

First to arrive were the bridesmaids who gathered outside the church gates. Ellie pulled up in her white Rolls Royce wedding car with her father. A brief pause in the church doorway saw one of her attentive bridesmaids adjust Ellie’s wedding dress train. It was then time for the bridal party to enter the church.

The church was full of happy smiles. Dan and Ellie beamed from ear to ear throughout the entire Corfe Castle church wedding ceremony. Wendy Allen wedding saxophonist played beautiful music from the rear of the church as the happy couple signed the register.

The wedding guests made a corridor outside the stone church doorway. As the newly weds passed they launched confetti into the air falling around them like multi coloured snow.

Whilst wedding guests mingled on the church lawns we organised group photographs set against the ruins of Corfe Castle. The wedding party then headed back to Kingston. Consequently we followed to capture more Kingston Country Courtyard wedding photos at the drinks reception.

Kingston Country Courtyard Wedding Drinks Reception Photos

The wedding couple and their guests enjoyed drinks and canapés in the gorgeous grounds whilst the sounds of Wendy’s saxophone drifted out across the countryside. Because the setting is so stunning, with panoramic views over the Purbeck countryside we love taking Kingston Country Courtyard wedding photographs.

The guests happily chatted whilst we took the opportunity to steal the newly weds away for some Kingston Country Courtyard wedding photos with the view. Fortunately we are the only wedding photographers now allowed to use the neighbouring farmer’s field. Fortunate because the field affords a truly spectacular panorama across the country valley into Corfe.

Kingston Country Courtyard Photographs of Wedding Breakfast

With rain threatening the guests were invited into the barn for the wedding breakfast. After everyone had enjoyed their meal it was time for the speeches. Ellie’s father started the heart-felt sentiment and side-splitting jokes, followed shortly by Dan himself. Finally the best man’s speech had many of the guests in tears and laughter. After they enjoyed desert many of the guests returned to the garden to take in the view with drinks.

Evening Reception Photos at Kingston Country Courtyard Wedding

Teenage Kicks wedding band set up as the barn was cleared and turned around. Some guests could not wait for the first dance. As a result they tested out the dance floor while the band were sound checking.

Teenage Kicks wedding band announced that the time had arrived for Ellie and Dan to cut their cake. This beautiful four tier cream coloured wedding cake took pride of place in the middle of the dance floor. Ellie then threw her bouquet toward the group of ladies that had gathered behind her. As a result they all jockeyed for best position to catch it!

Wedding guests surrounded the dance floor to watch the first dance. Dan and Ellie, beaming from ear to ear as they danced together.  Most of the wedding guests couldn’t hold back and therefore after a minute joined the happy couple. Thanks to Teenage Kicks amazing musical talents a sea of activity enveloped the dance floor with shapes being thrown everywhere. Consequently Ellie’s dancing skills were in demand and it was lovely to see her dancing with her grandad and some of the groomsmen.

As predicted we loved creating Ellie and Dan’s Kingston Country courtyard wedding photographs at a day full of love, joy and happiness.

You can read what Dan and Ellie thought of our Dorset wedding photography services in their Kingston Country Courtyard photographs review.

If you are looking at Kingston Country Courtyard wedding venue for your big day you can see our next Kingston Country Courtyard wedding photographs on our blog here.

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