I have know this beautiful bride since she was five, so this wedding was always going to be very close to my heart. Louise is my husbands cousin and has always been a huge part of our lives. It has been a privilege to watch her grow into the amazing woman she is. So having the honour of photographing her wedding will always be a very special moment for me.
The wedding took place at Harry Warren House, a 19th century house that has the best views of Harry Rocks, and with a short walk you’re on a sandy beach overlooking the bay. To say this venue has the best view is an understatement. The views were even more stunning on the big day as the weather was sublime. We could have been on the French Riviera, especially with all the little boats out on the water.
The day started off at The Pines Hotel in Swanage. We were in the Purbeck Suite, which had a a balcony with the most stunning views over the water. The wedding morning was full of the usual comings and goings, different people popping their heads in to say hello or to ask questions, in between people having their make up and hair done. The lovely Bex Elizabeth hair was in charge of all make up and hair duties on the day.
In the corner of the room hung the wedding dress. It was a beautiful lace and chiffon pearl white dress by Maggie Sottero design. It was so delicate and pretty. It had a intricate scalloped design and four little covered buttons on each sleeve.
The bouquet, boutonnieres and the flower crown were delivered, which bought much excitement, as Louise is a lover of all things nature, particularly flora and fauna, so she specifically picked the flowers and colours that she wanted. It was an orange and yellow theme, with natural greens, of course. It really suited the day as it was so bright and sunny, just like the weather. There was also a floral archway at the wedding venue, that would be a focal feature at the end of the alter. They were all made by the very talented Willow and Wisps Florist. I have to say that the floral archway was magnificent and I highly recommend having one if you are having a marquee wedding.
After a discussion with some of the family members about how they don’t ever cry, they hadn’t had for years, and they didn’t think they would, as soon as the flower crown was put on Louise’s head that all changed. It was a really special and emotional moment, but also with a few giggles. It all become real, she was getting married.
We took some photographs on the balcony, the azure blue sea and sky made a lovely contrast against the oranges and yellows of the bouquet and the soft white of the wedding dress.
It was time to make our way to the venue, the bride and her lovely father were taken there in an adorable ivory morris minor cabriolet.
The view as you arrived there was spectacular. The beauty of this place would be difficult to forget. One thing I love with my wedding photograph is I try to include nature and natural backdrops. I feel the backdrops of my photographs are so important. I try to create a picture as a whole, and not think that I can photoshop that out later. Whether it’s sand dunes, floral gardens or the South Downs, I try to incorporate it into my pictures and I always appreciate wherever I am lucky enough to be.
The ceremony was lovely. It was conducted by friends of the groom. There were readings by both of the wonderful mums, and the sweetest ring bearer. I did not have to photograph the ceremony as the happy couple had asked a friend of theirs to photograph some of the days proceedings. It’s impossible to be in the group photographs, and take them at the same time, so having someone else there was lovely.
After the ceremony we had the longest confetti walk I think I have ever done. It was dried petal confetti, which I love. It is always beautiful soft colours, it smells great, and its good for the environment. It’s also a lovely thing for friends and family to do to collect their petals all year.
In the liminal period between the ceremony and wedding breakfast, we all enjoyed the amazing surroundings we were in. There were much needed cold drinks, cornettos and yummy hors d’oeuvres. The music was supplied by a brilliant DJ who had solar-powered decks in a wheelbarrow. It was the culmination of all you could want, your favourite people in a beautiful location, on a glorious day, listening to some great tunes whilst eating ice-cream.
I managed to steal the newlyweds away from their guests for some couple shots ( as I always like to do). We went to the quiet conifer garden, which had a beautiful copper and terracotta colour acer in it. It made for a stunning backdrop, but it did make it look more like autumn than a hot summer day. The orange tones really matched the wedding colour theme.
I have spoken a lot about the wonderful bride, but not about the groom. Ben is a wonderful person. He is kind, and thoughtful and we are so lucky that he is a part of our family. They are a very special couple.
The speeches were lovely, emotional and funny, there were some great stories and of course many lovely things said about this fabulous couple. They were slightly interrupted by an Amazon delivery driver. The brides very thoughtful mother had order boxes of white fans for the guests, as she knew it was going to be a very hot day. The brother of the bride managed to ad-lib it in to part of his speech as he handed them out to the guests. They were great speeches, and it was so lovely that the bride and the grooms sister also did a speech. I would love to see more of my brides taking to the mic.
The rest of this magical day consisted of more drinking, dancing and eating. All things that make a great party. I also got to steal them again for more couple shots, but this time we were on the beach as the sun was going down. The bride has also changed into an evening outfit that was much cooler than her long sleeved lace dress. This dress was so pretty. it was floaty with a green botanical print on it. I wish I had thought to do the same thing as rolling up the legs on my jumpsuit made it loose all its style, but it certainly made it more refreshing.
I can’t believe it has been a year already. It really was a special day. I love weddings so much as they encapsulate all the things that make life special, love, laughter, good friends and good food. A chance to have a drink and a dance and to be with the ones you love.
I count myself very lucky to have been a part of this remarkable day and to be a member of this family.
