Sandbanks Beach Wedding Morning Preparations
Last weekend we were getting very excited about shooting Alec and Vicky’s black and ivory art deco Sandbanks beach wedding. The last Sandbanks Hotel wedding photographs we produced were spectacular- reflecting the beauty of this stunning venue.They had planned it to include a little of everything, music, magic, food and beaches.
You can see more of our Sandbanks Hotel wedding photographs here or read our Sandbanks Hotel wedding photographers wedding venue review here.
It’s not often I find a bride on her wedding morning having her hair done with her feet up on a wine rack! Vicky’s open plan living room and kitchen was such a light and open space to take photographs in. Everyone was in such a relaxed mood for the upcoming Sandbanks beach wedding.
As make up was applied and hair styled the girls cracked open a couple of bottles of Verve Clique to toast the day ahead. Vicky’s two best friends (the bridesmaids) emerged wearing their stylish 1930’s black numbers. I had an opportunity to shoot the custom-made gorgeous Ivory wedding dress, as it hung in the window of the master bedroom.
Family and friends arrived to help with the mornings preparations. In particular the VW camper was transformed into a decorated wedding car. Flowers like I had never seen before were delivered from
Simply Flower. Each made with the petals individually selected from a mass of roses, adorned with feathers.
In her dress and antique jewellery Vicky looked stunning, exuding happiness and a classical, retro style.
Sandbanks Hotel Wedding Groom Preparation
Meanwhile the chaps were at Sandbanks Hotel, in Poole, Dorset. Alec and his best friend since school days (the best man) had chosen matching wedding day pants in a red tartan. To fit with the girls retro theme they had also selected black shirts, red braces and classical black and white spats.
As the wedding guests started to arrive on the beach terrace a couple of cool beers in the sun quenched their thirst.
I arrived at the hotel before the bridal party and was glad to see that Sebastian Chene, wedding organiser extraordinaire had everything expertly controlled. I’m almost certain that he moves so fast around a wedding coordinating staff and ceremony that he can leave a room before he enters it!
Sandbanks Beach Wedding Ceremony
The Sandbanks hotel is now utilising its sun terrace for outdoor weddings. Overlooking the glowing yellow sand of Sandbanks beach and the azure sea stretching around the coast to Bournemouth. The chair covers perfectly matched the black and ivory theme. Diana Saxby, civil celebrant from Grace the Day conducted a wonderful service from behind a beach themed archway made from natural materials.
As an extra personal touch Vicky and Alec had written their own vows that were so heartfelt that I could see many a dewy eye in the audience. After some further readings and a naughty sprinkling of confetti (!) the guests followed them along the sun terrace to bask in the sunshine with drinks and canapé’s. ‘Gemini Jazz‘ Jazz band started playing their favourite soothing melodies. I cannot express how lovely an outdoor wedding is in the sunshine. Particularly with the views offered by the Sandbanks hotel. We quickly took the guests down onto the beach for some group photographs, which also gave them an opportunity to dip a toe in the sea and feel the warm sand under their feet.
A Black and White Art Deco Wedding
Back on the sun terrace Chris Keward, ‘
international magician‘, entertained children and adults alike. We could always tell where he was by the whoops of glee that his tricks produced.
Inside the compass room the wedding theme was at its most noticeable with retro styled table names (all named after Elvis songs) upon black and diamond decorated tables. We’ve never seen an art-deco wedding cake before. Presented with huge black feathers it certainly looked amazing (and tasted amazing as we were to find out later). The compass room has such an amazing panoramic view across the sea and beach. In the sunlight it is such a bright space and at night positively glows over the shoreline.
Whilst the children were entertained with toys and wedding bubbles. The speeches kept the guests laughing and sighing, including a poetic duet from Vicky’s bridesmaids.
Sandbanks Beach Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception
After a superb meal (the sandbanks chefs are well renowned) the cake was cut and a photo booth set up. As the evening guests arrived and milled around the bar the DJ set up all kinds of wonderful lighting and a sound system in the Compass Room. We stole away with Alec and Vicky. Down to the shore-line just as the sun was setting and then took a stroll along the sandy beach as the sky turned all shades of pink and blue over the sea.
Back inside the central fire was lit and after their guests had filtered in the happy couple surprised everyone with a rather well coordinated first dance. The dance floor was packed for the rest of the evening. Before we left we took a breather on the beach to capture the glowing venue that had come into for Alec and Vicky’s Sandbanks beach wedding
A Black and White Art Deco Wedding
