The Priory Wareham Wedding Photographs of Katie and Christopher
We arrived early on the morning of Katie and Christopher’s The Priory Wareham wedding staring at the dark clouds above. We weren’t that worried as Katie’s parents are known locally as the owners of the gorgeous luxury boutique hotel on the banks of the river Frome.
Inside the family home there was a calm buzz of activity. Downstairs parents quietly supplied drinks and double checked the day’s arrangements. Upstairs bridesmaids were making the final touches to their preparations.
The girls circled the bedroom, finishing hair and makeup in the mirrors, applying perfume, adjusting outfits and trying on varying pieces of jewellery. The only stationary piece of personal ornamentation was a beautiful pearl bracelet Christopher had given to his bride to be.
In the next room Katie’s gorgeous wedding dress hung in a window. This was no ordinary dress. This was a custom-made, floor length A-line silk number. It was fitted with pockets and a high neck long sleeve lace shrug. Next to this hung a monogrammed chapel length veil.
As Katie applied her final touches the bridesmaids waited in anticipation in the living room below. Before she knew it Katie was being laced into her dress. In the combination of soft natural light and down lighting looked absolutely breath-taking. Her Father was at a loss for words upon seeing her for the first time.
It is rare that a bride is early on her wedding morning but with less than 100 meters to walk to the church there was time to kill. The girls spied out on passing wedding guests, sat, relaxed and enjoyed some up-beat music.
From this point on umbrellas were the order of the day. As the heavens opened and the bridal party were escorted to the church under cover of canopies.
Meanwhile Murray found Christopher and the groom’s party round the corner in the bar of The Old Granary in Wareham. They were in good spirits, readying themselves all suited and booted, welcoming guests as they arrived.
After a few steadying drinks Christopher, his best man and groomsmen made the short journey to St Mary’s Church in Wareham. Ushers were assigned their welcoming duties and everyone waited in anticipation of Katie’s arrival.
St Mary’s in Wareham is a lovely Church wedding venue to photograph. Not only is the Vicar friendly and welcoming but even called us prior to the wedding to discuss the day’s plans! Inside the white walls reflect a good amount of light and the stained glass windows at either end of the aisle are breath-taking. Today the church was overflowing with the whites and greens of the wedding flowers. The Oak and Owl florists had created a work of art.
Katie, her father and the girls arrived in from the rain and the wonderful wedding service began. The vicar conducted a wedding ceremony full of laughter and tears (mainly Christopher’s tears of joy!).
There was even some noticeable dancing going on amongst the wedding party as the Choir sang ‘Can’t Smile Without You’ during the signing of the register.
The Priory Wareham Wedding Reception Photos
A quick dash through the rain and the close family shared a moment in the Drawing room of The Priory Wareham wedding venue.
The wedding guests were welcomed into a huge bright marquee in one of the The Priory Wareham wedding venue’s gardens with champagne, canapés and music. Julie Lewis added a timeless air of enjoyment to proceedings with piano and saxophone.
The marquee had been beautifully decorated, some form of magic (the staff were amazing) had transported the flowers from the church. Even the marquee poles were decorated with white roses and green foliage.
At the end of the service table stood an impressive wedding cake from Mark Bennett Artisan Baker. The three-tier iced giant was adorned with fruit and flowers and demanded people’s attention as they walked past.
Katie and Christopher entered to a shower of confetti and spent the drinks reception engaging, laughing and catching up with their happy guests.
The Priory Wareham Wedding Photographs
Outside the rain had lessened so we stole the happy couple away for a walk around the hotel grounds. Laughter and the happy chatter of the guests set to music from The Priory Wareham wedding could be heard drifting all the way down to the river.
The wedding breakfast was called. In time saw guests emerging from the marquee, rubbing their stomachs and complementing the lobster and steak.
The Priory Wareham Wedding Speeches Photographs
Glasses were charged and the traditional wedding speeches were performed from the dance floor. As the rain outside drummed a heavier beat on the marquee canvas the guests encircled the speakers, laughing, crying and cringing and the content delivered. Christopher was even presented with a pair of flip-flops and a huge pair of shorts (he prefers a more ‘relaxed’ dress code) from his now father-in-law.
The Priory Wareham Wedding Evening Photographs
Having recovered from the emotional roller coaster of the speeches guests were treated to an interactive photo booth from Magic Mirror. Christopher and Katie called their guests attention for Lemochello toasts and as the rain had ceased we stole them away for some photographs by the river, pod and lake.
Inside the marquee the bar had opened and the wedding band were sound checking. Outside Katie threw her bouquet and the guests enjoyed the soft glow of the sun beginning to set over the church and gardens.
The Jukebox Jets announced the first dance and the happy couple wowed their guests with some pretty impressive moves. The guests found the band’s performance so hypnotic we wouldn’t be surprised if the dance floor stayed full all night.
As you can see from the photographs The Priory Wareham wedding venue is gorgeous, the perfect setting for the perfect day, whatever the weather.
You can see what Katie and Chris thought of our documentary wedding photography services in Dorset in their Wareham wedding photography review.
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