Bridal Preparation at Purbeck House Hotel Wedding Photographs
We began our day at the wonderful Purbeck House Hotel which occupies the highest point in Swanage High Street, looking out over the town. A contrast to our last wedding at Purbeck Valley Farm, overlooking the countryside. Being one of the great venues that is local to us we have been here many times over the years. You can see other Purbeck House Hotel wedding photographs here.
In one of the rooms at the top of the hotel we found Fiona and her bridesmaids. The amazing team from Amazing Face (one of our recommended wedding suppliers) Bridal Hair and Makeup were getting them all ready for Fiona’s big day. The blue fading to white bridesmaid’s dresses hung in the window alongside the smaller soft gold-coloured flower girl dresses. In the middle of them all was Fiona’s classic wedding dress with lace detail. Once all the dresses were on the two bridesmaids and three flower girls left Fiona and her sister. They headed downstairs where the VW bus from Dorset Dub Hire waited to transport them to the church. Fiona and her sister enjoyed the last moment with a good luck drink, song, and dance before heading downstairs themselves.
Groom Preparation Before Purbeck House Hotel Wedding Photographs
I made the short journey just a few roads from the hotel to find Aidey at Taunton House B&B all the time looking out for what he had told us he was using as his wedding transport …. His VW Beach Buggy. Safe to say I heard it before I saw it. He had been out with one of his groomsmen running last-minute errands. Aidey got ready in his room at the B&B and emerged donning his wedding suit and top hat to complete the look. He jumped in the beach buggy with his brother and headed to the closest watering hole. This happened to be the Red Lion. After a quick glass of Dutch courage, they all headed for St Edwards Catholic Church.
Church service before Purbeck House Hotel Wedding Photographs
Once there the gents busied themselves distributing the orders of service and greeting guests. Aidey was busy flying around the church setting up his Go Pros to capture footage of the big day. With the church almost full it was time for Aidey to take his place front and center. The bridesmaids and flower girls arrived and the VW bus had headed back to the hotel.
The flower girls led the way, one holding a chalkboard while the other two carried simple yellow flowers. Next, the bridesmaids followed by Fiona and her sister. The Catholic service was conducted by the Deacon with readings from one of the groomsmen and a family friend. Aidey and Fiona made their promises to each other and without any further ado they were married.
On the way to Purbeck House Hotel Wedding Photographs
After the ceremony, the guests were asked to join the bride and groom on the station of Swanage’s famous railway station.
The guests assembled for a photo on the railway platform and headed back to the drink reception at Purbeck House Hotel. The bride, groom, and wedding photographers/transport had a number of stops to make on the way. The first stop was on Swanage seafront by the clock tower. The VW bus was parked up beachside and was joined by Aidey’s beach buggy. The drivers of said transport were asked to reconvene a short distance away by the Parade Fish and Chip shop where no chips were eaten or fed to the swarming seagulls (honestly!). After some more photos by the seaside and amusements the bride and groom were returned to the hotel.
Reception at Purbeck House Hotel Wedding Photographs
At the hotel, the bridesmaids and flower girls were waiting on the steps with the groomsmen to shower the newlyweds with confetti. Toastmaster Stuart A Jowett welcomed them with glasses of bubbles before introducing them as the new Mr and Mrs as they joined the drinks reception. After helping us with organising some group photographs Stuart passed over the Master of Ceremonies duty to Iggy Wedding DJ (one of our recommended Dorset wedding suppliers). He would be the host for the remainder of the day. After speeches from Fiona’s stepfather, Aidey, and his Best Man everyone enjoyed the wedding breakfast.
Next was the cutting of the cake, this cake however was made from wheels of cheese (9KG in total!). This drew a crowd, after which Iggy hosted a Mr and Mrs quiz which was accompanied with video footage of their proposal. Dry ice engulfed the dance floor and the newlyweds as they took their first dance as a married couple. As we left we couldn’t help but notice the Garden Conservatory, glowing below the now misty night sky.
Looking for a Purbeck House Hotel wedding photographer?
