Helen and Philippe’s Sherborne Castle wedding photographs are as unique as the cultural mix that they brought to their spectacular wedding day at Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne Castle. We would describe their wedding photographs as visual cocktail of English and Chinese tradition stirred with a French flair!.
The summer sun shone brightly as we arrived early in Sherborne, Dorset. We took the opportunity to create some photographs of the incredible abbey wedding venue before guests arrived.
Wedding Morning Coffee At The Half Moon In Sherborne
We found Philippe outside the Half Moon. Here he enjoyed a coffee with some of his wedding guests. After which he returned to his room to don his wedding attire. When wedding ready he next headed for the Abbey. He and his groomsmen greeted guests as they arrived.
Sherborne Castle Wedding Photographs -Bridal Preparations
Meanwhile Helen was getting ready at her parents house, just one street away from Sherborne Abbey. Being so close there was no need to worry about transport on the morning of this Sherborne Castle Wedding. As well as her parents in attendance there were her four bridesmaids looking stunning in navy blue dresses and four cute flower girls in white. After everyone’s hair and makeup had been checked it was time to leave. Next we took a short five minute journey in the hot sun, along the old streets of Sherborne, arriving at Sherborne Abbey wedding venue.
Sherborne Abbey Wedding Ceremony Photographs
The bridal party then paused inside the entrance to Sherborne Abbey wedding venue. As they made their way down the aisle music was played by a violinist. Helen was escorted up the aisle by her father followed by her bridesmaids and flower girls. Meanwhile Philippe waited with nervous excitement with his best man at the front.
With bride and groom now front and center traditional wedding hymns were sung. Guests then enjoyed a number of readings from friends and family and the happy couple made their promises to each other. After the exchange of rings and blessing it was time to take care of the paperwork. This completed, the happy newly weds came back down the aisle arm in arm as husband and wife.
Helen and Philippe then emerged from Sherborne Abbey into the bright sunshine. Wedding guests had lined the edge of the path to shower them with confetti as they made the short walk towards their wedding transport. Linked to Philippe’s love of cycling the best man and Philippe’s brother had agreed to ride to Sherborne Castle on a electric assist trike built by local bike shop Riley’s Cycles. They then took off through the streets of Sherborne towards the castle enthusiastically escorted by their flower girls and faster guests!
Sherborne Castle Wedding Photographs Of Garden Drinks Reception
Many wedding guests had made their way to Sherborne Castle by the time the newly weds arrived. Everyone enjoyed a drinks reception with canapés supplied by Dorset Fine Dining in the gardens of the Orangery.
We captured a few group photographs before the wedding guests were treated to a wonderful surprise. As Helen and Philippe lived in Hong Kong they wanted to bring an aspect of Chinese culture to their very English wedding. They did this by means of the spectacular Dragon of the South Chinese lion dance team that then performed for their guests.
Sherborne Castle Wedding Breakfast And Speeches
All of the merrily chatting guests took their places for the wedding breakfast so that the newly weds could make their entrance.
The Hong Kong theme continued inside the marquee with Chinese lanterns and paper dragons. Next, wedding speeches were delivered between courses of the wedding breakfast.
The first wedding speech came from the mother of the bride, impressively translated in French. This was very well received and was then followed by the father of the bride. His speech, in English was full of dry wit and had the whole marquee laughing. The bride herself gave a very eloquent and funny speech which was a hard act to follow. Philippe gave it a good go, making jokes and being very entertaining as he did. To bring the speeches to a close his best man/ brother gave an equally entertaining speech which was translated into French.
Wedding Marquee Evening Entertainment And Dancing Photos
After dessert we managed to steal the bride and groom away for some photographs in the grounds of this historic Dorset castle. Having returned them to their guests it was then time to cut the cake followed by first dance. Iggy Wedding DJ was on hand to provide the lighting and soundtrack to the evening. Next, the happy couple took their first dance while guests circled the dance floor.
It didn’t take long for the guests to join them as they danced to an eclectic playlist curated by the bride and groom. After much great dancing the wedding cake was served in the orangery alongside cheeses and biscuits. We left Sherborne Castle with the marquee glowing to the laughter of the guests dancing the night away.
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