Minterne House Wedding Photography: Dawn and Carl's Autumn Wedding

The magic of Marshwood Manor unfolded on the wedding day of Vadia and Scott. Sunny skies bathed the venue in a warm glow. They perfectly complemented the love radiating from the couple. Murray and I were there to capture every heartfelt moment and infectious laugh.

Getting Ready: Wedding Preparations at Marshwood Manor

While Murray explored the stunning wedding venue and grounds, I found a very happy Vadia. She was with her Lithuanian family in the Lodge at Marshwood. I could immediately sense the excited anticipation. Family members were greeted and joined in the morning preparations. Vadia's hair and makeup were expertly styled. This was in the bright conservatory, overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Vadia’s Preparations in the Lodge at Marshwood Manor

In true Vadia style, a splash of color was added to the occasion. She wore a pair of bright red wedding heels and had red roses in her bouquet and a cheeky red lace garter.

The bridal party enjoyed fresh air on the deck. They also liked the warmth the bright sun brought to the conservatory.

Finally, the moment arrived. Vadia was helped into her stunning dress. Her father arrived to walk her down the aisle. This was a rare event. The bride was early. As such Vadia enjoyed a little special time alone with her father.

Scott Gets Ready in The Tack Room

Meanwhile, calm surrounded Scott. He hung out with his brother and his brother’s dog in The Tack Room on the other side of the Manor buildings. This location had a different style than Vadia’s modern one. It had rustic beams and exposed brick.

Murray could tell that the anticipation for seeing his bride simmering just beneath the surface. The happy chaps used the large mirrors to aid in the preparation. It was the perfect situation for some unintrusive reflection photos.

Marshwood Manor Wedding Ceremony: A Celebration of Love

Guests gathered around the woodland bower. It was covered in flowers by Kate from Style and Wonder. Scott waited with his brother and the registrar. Vaida and her dad walked through the sunbeams, which provided patches of warming light on the woodland walk. Silence descended amongst the guests upon their log seats in the amphitheatre.

A Woodland Wedding Ceremony

As the clock struck 1:00 PM, all eyes turned towards the Woodland Arbour. Vadia was escorted by her proud dad, walked down the aislek. Scott’s face beamed with such a huge smile that no words were needed to express his loive. Guests were treated to an outdoor woodland wedding ceremony that was a wonderful blend of tradition and intimacy. A testament to the deep connection between Vadia and Scott.

They stood beneath the arbour’s flowers and gazed into each other’s eyes. Vadia and Scott exchanged rings and vows and sealed their union with the first kiss. With a standing ovation and cries of celebration from the wedding party, Scott carried his wife across the wooden bridge.

Wedding Drinks Reception Photographs

After a woodland greeting line, we took the guests into the wildflower meadow. Out from the cover of the woods, we arranged the guests in a gauntlet. Vadia and Scott then emerged into a jubilant shower of confetti, their faces alight with pure joy.

For this time of year, we were so lucky with the weather. As the autumn sun started to dip the wedding enjoyed a drinks reception on the lawns. Garden games added to the fun. After formal family photos, we took Vadia and Scott away for some couple shots in the now low, orange sun coming through the trees.

Back at the drinks reception Vadia's sister was entertaining all with some lovely live music. Guests gathered for the first Lithuanian wedding tradition of the day. The happy couple's parents joined them for the consumption of vodka, bread, and salt. Each item symbolizing the three life elements they would now have together: joy, tears, and work.

One of the many advantages of hiring a wedding photography duo is that we can be at two places at once. Murray kept photographing the guests moving into the courtyard. I went back to the Victorian brick Haybarn to see how things were progressing inside.

A Vegan Wedding Feast by Vegan Magda

Much to my delight I found that Kate had been working her magic indoors. Floral arrangements hung from the ceiling and walls. They were beautifully arranged with candles and wooden decorations on the tables. The room was a feat for the senses, and none more than the amazing smells coming from the kitchen.

I found Vegan Magda busy at work, like a cross between a chef and a magician. She whizzed about the small space, stirring pots of fresh foraged mushroom broth and mashing potatoes. She tended to pans and ovens, all while kindly guiding me through the evening’s menu. It has to be said that Magda produces the best vegan wedding catering we have ever smelled or tasted.

A Marshwood Manor Wedding Breakfast Feast for the Senses

With all the candles lit the guests were seated in the warmth of the Haybarn, standing to welcome the newlyweds into their wedding breakfast. As we always talk through the logistics of a big day with a couple beforehand we knew we were in for a spectacular evening of food and entertainment. Which was all kicked off with a heartwarming speech by Scott’s mother.

Masters Of Ceremony and Music

Simas and Arturas, the dynamic duo acting as MCs for the day, kept the energy high, introducing both family and friends to speak to the room. As the speeches unfolded, they were filled with heartfelt emotions and witty anecdotes. We ensured every tear and chuckle was preserved for the future. Vadia’s sister, Davia then presented Magda, who kindly talked the guests through the dining experience they were about to enjoy. The broth was used to warm succulent dumplings and vegetables. Then, a homemade roasted seitan and vegetable main sent tastebuds wild.

With bellies full of food and wine guests were ushered outside for the cutting of the cake. It’s not often we see a wedding cake out in the open air of the night but Angie from Mon Belle Amore had beautifully presented her three tier creation as such.

Lithuanian Wedding Traditions at Marshwood Manor

Next, the surrounding guests were treated to the second Lithuanian tradition. The newlyweds' parents pass on the šeimos židinys (literally 'family's fireside'). In this case a candle in a ceramic orchid holder. The fire represents the spirituality, coziness, and warmth of the family. They made a tear-filling speech about how life should be harmonic and that whatever happens, you have to tend the fire of your family.

A Marshwood Manor Wedding Evening To Remember

Back inside guests enjoyed the comfort of the lounge bar whilst the Haybarn was turned around for the rest of the festivities. The Plus Ones wedding band set up on stage under disco and fairy lighting.

Again we were able to capture not only these ongoings but also Vadia and Scott rehersing their first dance. You could tell that Vadia was a trained dancer. Scott, despite his nerves, moved in true sync with her.

Back in the bar Paddy, a guest with a competitive streak a mile wide, found himself locked in an epic chess battle with Scott. The globe guestbook, a unique touch, became a canvas for heartfelt messages and well wishes from loved ones across the globe. The rest of the guests took their seats in the haybarn for the evening entertainment.

Talented Wedding Songs, Speeches and Music

We seem to work with many creative couples (professional musicians writing songs for each other overlooking the Cornish sea springs to mind). Today was to be no exception.

Simas and Arturas introduced the acts with their own guide to Lithuanian traditions and plenty of jokes to boot. Vadia’s sister played guitar to a beautiful song sung by friends and children. Speeches filled the air with sentiment and hilarity, we could tell that the guests were thoroughly entertained.

A Correographed First Dance With a Professional Dancer

Vadia and her friends even showed off their flamenco dancing skills to rapturous applause. The Plus Ones then accompanied Vadia and Scott for their epic first dance routine. All cumulating in a very brave full-body lift!

Wedding Dancing Photos In A Dorset Barn

Then, when we thought it was not possible, the party changed up another gear! Chairs were whisked away to make way for the dancing guests. Who, pretty much spent the rest of the evening fuelled by amazing food and the love and energy of the day having it large on the dancefloor. The plus ones were certainly loving the vibe. Vadia not only threw her bouquet but had her garter torn from her thigh by Scott’s teeth!

Night Time Wedding Couple Photographs

We decided that after all that dancing now would be a good time for 10 minutes of calm. And slipped the happy couple out of the back door to the flower meadow for some flash-lit couple shots under the epic starry sky.

Upon their return, a conga line formed and the dancing went even more wild! As Murray covered the dancefloor shenanigans. I followed Vadia and a friend outside. They practiced a bit of calming acro yoga in the cold night air!

Amber Dust Wedding Ceremony

The plus ones finished their set with some high-energy classics and as it was now midnight, it was time for the last Lithuanian tradition of the day.

Outside a fire pit crackled invitingly, casting a warm glow on a unique Lithuanian ritual - the amber dust blessing. For those of you not familiar with his tradition it is amazing, not just visually spectacular but utterly heartwarming. Guests would approach the fire one by one. They'd take a handful of amber dust, make a wish for the newlyweds, and throw the dust into the flames. This created a spectacular ball of fire. Guests, enveloped in the mystical smoke, showered the couple with good luck and prosperity. All accompanied by a captivating performance by a Diva playing guitar filling the air with gentle soulful melodies

Vadia & Scott's Marshwood Manor Wedding: A Day to Remember

Vadia and Scott's wedding day was a story of love, laughter, and a dash of Lithuanian tradition. From the heartwarming ceremony to the firelit revelry, every moment pulsed with joy.

As ever-present wedding photographers we, were honoured to capture the essence of this beautiful celebration. We wish Vadia and Scott a lifetime of happiness together, their love story forever etched in the memories we helped create.

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