Purbeck Wedding Photographs at Durlston Castle Wedding Venue

After our last Durlston Castle wedding photographs we were very excited to be working this spectacular seaside venue again.

Purbeck Wedding Photographs of Bridal Preparation

I arrived on a sunny Swanage morning to take some stunning Purbeck wedding photographs. In the large, bright apartment that Liz and the girls were using for the weekend. I immediately noticed three poignant things; everyone was acting very, very calm. There was no running or rushing. Liz was going to enjoy her day and that meant savouring every moment. Secondly Liz had a gorgeous pug/ lab cross who was hankering for my attention and third was the wedding dress.

Hanging in front a window in the ‘spare room’ Liz’s chosen dress gently glimmered in the sunlight. The intricate patterning swirled about the entire dress, finished with laced sequins adding a very subtle amount of bling – gorgeous.

As I captured the girls adjusting hair and makeup in the huge wooden framed mirror a wonderful floral scent drifted about the apartment. Liz had chosen sweet pea flowers bouquets.

It wasn’t long after Liz’s lovely dog tried to turn her bridesmaid’s wedding shoes into peep toes (see dog shaming below!) and her mum was helping her into her dress. Now breathtakingly beautiful all of the ladies were ready for the big day ahead.

Purbeck Wedding Photographs of Groom Preparation

Meanwhile Murray joined Tom and the chaps nearby. They were already looking the part in striking blue wedding suits. They attempted to correctly apply the lovely button holes from Lauren of Concept Flowers.

A pint was called for in The Crow’s Nest Inn over the road. They headed down the hill to Swanage Town Hall to greet the wedding guests.

Once everyone was settled into the beautiful Council Chambers Tom stood patiently awaiting his bride to be.

Swanage Town Hall Wedding Ceremony Photos

We love taking photographs at our local registry venue. The Swanage council chambers are such a large part of our town’s history. They make for wonderful Purbeck wedding photographs. Looking like a cross between a princess and angel Liz added to the beauty of the room.

A wonderfully bright ceremony saw lovely music and readings from friends and a lot of laughter amongst the guests.

Outside in the glorious sunshine Liz and Tom exited through the carved stone Mercer’s Hall frontage to a shower of multi coloured confetti. With some time to spare we organised a handful of group photographs. The guests joked and chatted before walking through the lanes to the wedding coach.

Durlston Castle Wedding Reception Photographs

As I have said before we love creating Durlston Castle wedding photographs. It has to be one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Swanage if not Dorset. It has everything for beautiful Purbeck wedding photographs, cool Purbeck stone spaces inside. Sun soaked sea and coastal views are available from up on high. A nature reserve, woodland and not forgetting the huge Victorian stone globe.

Under the guidance of the ever amazing Polly from Blue Bay Events Liz and Tom had put a lot of thought into the finer wedding details. In the beautifully decorated wedding gallery the guests were to find a cheese stack, his and hers questionnaires, hangover kits, an instant ‘Polaroid’ camera, a peg board and flip-flops for the evenings dancing.

Overlooking the sea on the castle’s sun terrace Tom and Liz’s guests enjoyed a drinks reception. Tasty canapés were next  supplied by Seventh Wave catering. We like to allow the guests time to relax and have a drink or two before organising any group photographs. On the wooden steps of the amphitheatre, looking out to see with the castle rising into the background there is no finer location to take some Purbeck wedding photographs.

Before wedding breakfast was called we had the chance to steal the happy couple away. A walk down to the coastal path and up to the huge Victorian stone globe made for some stunning Purbeck wedding photographs.

Durlston Castle Wedding Breakfast Photographs

Again we witnessed Seventh Wave produce an incredibly tasty (and amazing smelling) BBQ wedding breakfast. Much to the delight of the now seated guests.

The wedding speeches made them laugh and in some cases roll about the aisles. Even though the light had dimmed in the wedding gallery it is designed as such a bright space we had no problem capturing the backlit top table.

Before they knew it Tom and Liz were cutting their wedding cake (which featured not only caricatures of themselves but also their pets).

Liz threw her wedding bouquet and I think her bridesmaid that caught it was utterly surprised. I know her boyfriend was!

Durlston Castle Wedding Evening Photographs

As a treat for everyone The Juma Seel Band had set up. They added a Caribbean flavour to the proceedings. In fact the tunes were so catching that the wedding party couldn’t help but dance. Out on the sun terrace and a conga line quickly formed led by none other than the couple’s dog!

As she danced by the sea with her new husband I noticed that Liz had changed from her wedding heels to something a little more practical. White converse trainers with L & T written in diamantés!

With a cooling and moistening of the air outside the party moved into the gallery terrace. More conga lines formed around the room as the evening guests arrived.

Durlston Castle First Dance Wedding Photographs

We were glad to see that Mark Gerrard from Pegasus Disco (one of our recommended DJ wedding suppliers) had set up. He is an expert at keeping the party dancing all night. Under the disco lighting Liz and Tom took to the dance floor for their first dance. As if they never stopped were joined by the throngs of dancing guests.

This is how we left Durlston Castle wedding venue, a mixture of colourful lighting, laughter and the sounds of happy dancing coming from the gallery. “Quite apt for such a lovely couple” Murray commented.

You can see what Tom and Liz think of our documentary wedding photography services in their Durlston Castle Wedding Photographers review.

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