Lulworth Castle Wedding Photos – Bridal Preparation
We have been looking forward to capturing some Lulworth Castle wedding photos since taking Sarah and Gaudi on a windy clifftop stroll for their Kimmeridge Bay Engagement Photographs back in the autumn. After an incredible year last year of 2017’s stunning Dorset wedding photography, we were raring to get 2018 underway.
We set off from Swanage heading for Sarah’s parents’ home in Beaminster. After driving across the sunny, rolling hills of Dorset we found Sarah with her three bridesmaids and parents. The girls all wore matching dressing gowns with a red flower design. Fiona from FLC Makeup and Hair was busy showing off her expert skills. Whilst Sarah’s parents flittered about attending to the girl’s every need, a relaxed yet excited mood had set in for all.
A Wedding Dress To Die For
Upstairs Sarah’s gorgeous dress hung in the window, a gorgeous combination of an incredibly appliqué bodice with a simple A-line skirt. Once she had been helped into it Sarah looked incredible in her dress, the detailing sweeping over the open back.
Downstairs Jason from Dorset Dub Hire had arrived with Lu Lu, ready to transport the ladies.
Groom Preparation Photographs
Meanwhile, I found Gaudi with his best men, groomsmen, and friends at The Lindens in East Lulworth. It didn’t take long for the guys to get ready and into the garden sunshine on the morning of this Lulworth castle wedding.
The chaps wore blue suits complemented with blue bow ties from Mrs Bow Tie with matching pocket squares. The groom wore a tie made from the same material as his groomsmen and a blue waistcoat. After a few ‘team’ photos in the garden, we all set off down the road to the Weld Arms pub.
This was just a pit stop on route to Lulworth castle where Gaudi got to pour his own pint! Other wedding guests had also made the decision to stop at the watering hole. Feeling refreshed the groom party left behind the guests and made their way into the Lulworth Estate. The Union Jack of Great Britain and the Unity flag of South Africa flew in front of Lulworth Castle symbolising the coming together of this lovely couple. We feel privileged to be recommended wedding photographers at Lulworth Castle and love working at this stunning Dorset wedding venue.
Lulworth Castle Wedding Ceremony Photographs
Sarah and Gaudi had put some serious thought into the castle decorations. Personal touches included a monogrammed signing book, light-box bar sign and confetti that had been collected over the months leading up to the big day. Every little detail adds its own special feel to the Lulworth Castle wedding photos.
The dining room had been set up for the ceremony with giant candle lanterns and green flower sprays down the aisle. Tall arrangements stood either side of the signing table all handcrafted by the amazing Clair Lythgoe.
Gaudi and his groomsmen busied themselves outside greeting guests as they arrived. The room filled, Gaudi (looking a little contemplative) and his best men stood front and center awaiting the arrival of the bridal party.
The bridal party arrived in Lulu, the 1960 split screen camper van. Sarah, her father and bridesmaids were met by her sister and two nephews outside the castle. Her nephews carried a message for the groom “Last chance to run!” followed by the bridal party.
Gaudi was still waiting for his bride after reading the message! Next to see him were the bridesmaids followed by a beaming Sarah, accompanied by her father. Once Sarah’s father ‘gave her away’ he took his seat leaving the newlyweds to be with the registrar.
After a short reading Sarah and Gaudi made their promises to one another surrounded by friends and family. Wedding rings were exchanged and looking around there was barely a dry eye in the room. The marriage was sealed with a kiss followed by much cheering and merriment!! Pete from Moo’s Movies was on hand to capture the proceedings on video.
Lulworth Castle Drinks Reception Photographs
The guests poured out of the castle to line the stone staircase armed with confetti. The newly-weds made their way down the steps as they were showered in confetti.
We then gathered everybody on the steps for a group photograph. With a number of other group shots taken care of the guests were welcomed into Lulworth Castle’s Rose Garden for a drinks reception.
Outdoor Wedding Entertainment
As well as drinks there were canapés supplied by Beales and scattered around bowls of traditional South African Biltong. May Crick “Girl on Sax” entertained everyone as they enjoyed the refreshments in the warm sun.
Gaudi had another surprise for his new wife. Out of nowhere appeared magician Greg Williamson , he blew the minds of the wedding party with his trickery and continued to entertain the guests during the drinks reception.
With the sun shining and music playing it was wonderful to be outside in the grounds, capturing Lulworth Castle wedding photos.
Lulworth Castle Wedding Photos – Wedding Breakfast
Inside the stone walls, The Saloon had been decorated with the same style as the dining room by Clair Lythgoe. Among the classic yellow roses, greenery, and purple thistles were a number of incredible Protea flowers. Protea is the national flower of South Africa and had been imported specially for the day.
Continuing with the South African details the table plan was made up from animals found in that part of the world. These therefore included Whales, zebras, Crocodiles and Giraffes. Each of these beautiful illustrated on the hand made water colour design.
Lulworth Castle Wedding Speeches Photographs
Bucking tradition the speeches were either end of a mouth-watering main course, served up by Beales Gourmet Catering. Firstly the father of the bride told of funny stories of his daughter growing up and welcomed his son-in-law into the family. Gaudi next thanked everyone who contributed to making the day so special and his beautiful new wife.
Next the guests took a break from the wedding breakfast the Colts Wedding band set up for the evening entertainment we were able to capture some of our favourite style if images. A huge advantage of working as a photography duo is the ability to capture the same moment but from different viewpoints.
After the main course it was the turn of the two best men. Both gave heartfelt speeches complete with stories of comedic moments that they had shared with Gaudi over the years leading up to this day. A message from South Africa was played over the sound system and the whole room was awash with tears. Finally the speeches were brought to a close with one last loud toast.
Lulworth Castle Wedding Photos of Evening Entertainment
Next the guests were ushered into the salon where the band had set up for the evening festivities and Amps and Lamps had been getting the lighting just right. Then Sarah and Gaudi took to the dance floor as a married couple for the first dance. After throwing some shapes of their own they quickly beckoned their guests to join them. Next the wedding band smashed classic tunes and the dance floor erupted… couples, kids, grannies, everyone was dancing.
Inflatable instruments, hats, props, glasses and masks were then distributed. I don’t think we have seen such a lively dance-floor for some time. It didn’t let up after the band’s first set as we were joined again by Girl on Sax May Crick. She played her sax along to a set of Ibiza club Classics which had the dance-floor bouncing into the evening.
Still buzzing we left this incredible wedding in the hopes of being able to sleep before the next day’s engagement photographs.
You can see what Sarah & Gaudi think of our Lulworth Castle wedding photography services in their review of Dorset wedding photographers.
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