A Lulworth estate wedding on leap day- what a way to kick off our 2020 season! As recommended suppliers for Lulworth Castle, we always look forward to shooting there and the stunning visuals it offers. Come rain or shine it never fails to deliver as one of the south coast’s premier wedding venues. After last wedding season’s final winter wedding at Smedmore House in the wind and rain we were looking forward to being back shooting a happy couple. Mark and Beth’s wedding day provided both rain and shine, hail, wind, and rainbows!
Bridal Morning Preparation Photographs
Twas a fresh and blustery morning as we headed for Lulworth a short distance from our home in Swanage. Beth and her two sisters (as bridesmaids for the day) were busy having hair and Makeup styled at the Lulworth Cove Inn.
The weather then flipped from gloomy storm clouds to piercing hot sun and back to loud hailstones outside the windows overlooking the cove. Inside the wonderfully styled room, Beth’s happy relaxed vibe was picked up by anyone who entered.
First, the twins took turns to have their hair styled by Mia and Shannon from the Francesco Group. Stunning white wedding bouquets with green foliage from The English Garden added a floral scent to the proceedings. Beth then opened a card and necklace from Mark (achieving serious husband points!) and gifted her sisters both with jewelry. Mother arrived looking amazing (in her lovely pink slippers) and they all enjoyed bubbles as the morning sunlight again poured into the room.
With time drawing in the twins then donned emerald green bridesmaids dresses and helped Beth into her classic white A-line wedding dress. A speechless father arrived, holding back his tears, whilst outside a classic Austin Princess Vanden Plas from Premier Carriage drew a small crowd.
Groom Preparations In Lulworth
Meanwhile, Murray found Mark, his groomsmen and other members of his friends and family a stone’s throw away at The Lindens. All were soon getting ready and ensuring everybody knew their roles in this Lulworth estate wedding.
Mark and his groomsmen wore grey morning suits with grey waistcoats and green socks. Mark wore the same but his waistcoat was also green.
With everyone in the correct attire, they then all gathered at The Weld Arms. Here they enjoyed a swift drink and enthusiastically met with some early guests. Right on time they left the pub and began the rather windy walk up the driveway. At the church, the groomsmen set about the duties of welcoming guests and distributing the orders of service.
Lulworth Estate Church Wedding
With most of the guests present first to be dropped off were mother and the bridesmaids. They sheltered from the chilly wind in the church doorway. The wedding car then returned with Beth and her father. The bridal party now re-assembled made their way to the rear door of the church. The bridesmaids led the way followed by Beth and her father to the wonderful musical accompaniment of The String Quartet.
We love working in St Andrews church for Lulworth estate weddings. The ancient stone building (mostly designed by Thomas Hardy) seems to change with the seasons. Today the darkened building supplied a wonderful mix of reflected green light (from the walls) natural blue light and storm light (from the windows) and a penetrating red light from the heat lamps.
There was some great humour from the vicar directed at the guests singing ability. After a reading from Mark’s sister, the happy couple made their promises to each other and exchanged rings.
Paperwork completed they came down the aisle to rapturous applause. The guests were armed with confetti and lined the path all the way to the gateway. The rain held off and the confetti showered down on them as they made their way to the car.
Lulworth Castle Wedding Reception
The guests walked the short distance to the castle before the rains came down. The wedding car stopped right outside Lulworth castle staircase, allowing the wedding couple to watch the downpour with a glass of champagne in hand. As they prepared to come up the castle steps a brilliant rainbow appeared right behind them.
Beth and Mark joined the reception in the dining room and were again treated to music from The String Quartet. The saloon had been decorated by The English Garden florist and with extra lighting brought in from Lamps & Amps looked amazing. Tasty canapes from the team from Beales Gourmet did the rounds while magician Alfie was on hand to entertain the guests with a trick or two.
Back inside the Lulworth estate wedding venue guests found their seats in the saloon and Groomsman Paul assumed his Master of Ceremonies role. He gave the most impressive and loud introduction (/comedy routine) of the newlyweds that we have ever heard. Beth and Mark then entered, punching the air with huge smiles at the guest’s cheering and great applause. Once seated at the top table Mother gave a short speech before the wedding breakfast was enjoyed by all.
Lulworth Estate Evening Entertainment Photographs
After the wedding breakfast, it was time for the conclusion of the wedding speeches. First up was groomsman ‘little Paul’ who had everyone in fits of laughter before passing over to the emotional groom. Next up we enjoyed short, tear-jerking speeches from Marks two sons. It was then down to Mark’s older brother to bring the speeches to a close.
After dessert guests made their way to the dining room as the band had finished sound checking. After cutting the wedding cake with a sword it was time for their first dance. Guests were then enthusiastically encouraged to join them soon after they took to the dance floor.
Wedding band The Audio Allstars then banged out some wedding classics. Certain song lyrics were tailored to the bride and groom which had everybody singing along. After an hour or so of continuous dancing, we managed to steal the newlyweds away from the pumping dance floor for two minutes. Outside the illuminated castle, the still grinning love birds kissed in the huge stone doorway while their families and friend partied the night away. The perfect end to the perfect Lulworth estate wedding.
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