Jody and Tracie Deane 27th August 2009

We first met Tracie when she was a bridesmaid at her sister Paula's wedding 3 years ago. Jody was bestman to Ryan and three years later the roles reversed and Paula was bridesmaid to Tracie and Ryan Bestman to Jody.

The day was a little overcast but warm and it wasn't raining! Well not until the evening, by which time it didn't matter.

The venue for the ceremony and reception was The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, another beautiful location for wedding photography.

Tracie was well organised and had everything under control. Everything happened on time and quite often early. Jody, the guests and even the bride arrived early.

The ceremony was very emotional.

A drinks reception followed in the Italian garden where the bridal party and group photographs were taken before heading off into the gardens with the Bride and Groom.

The majority of the photographs of the couple were taken in The Japanese Garden, the pond allows for some fabulous reflections. We also made use of The Imperial Teahouse, Thatched Summerhouse and the bridge on our trip around the garden.

On our return for the wedding breakfast we stopped off at The Roman Gardens before going through to the Grotto which was aglow with tealights.

Tracie and Jody greeted their guests before sitting down to enjoy a delicious hog roast. Thanks for inviting us to join you at your wedding breakfast, we thoroughly enjoyed it and it was nice chatting to some of your guests. We were made to feel very welcome.

The evening started with the traditional first dance followed by more up tempo party hits which the girls especially to enjoyed.

Congratulations to you both, we wish you health, wealth and happiness in your life together.

Ryan and Claire's Wedding 22nd August 2009

As we left home for Ryan and Claire's wedding it was raining. The forecast however was good so we just had to hope that it would brighten as the day went on.

The venue was The Orchid hotel which the couple had chosen because it was close to the sea providing an ideal location for beach photography.The hotel has a contemporary boutique style with an Indonesian flavour and the ceremony (weather permitting) is under a canopy in the secluded Indonesian courtyard, this reminded Ryan and Claire of some of their travels together.

We had arrived early as it was the second day of the air show and a record number of people were expected. So glad we did as the car parks and beach were filling up quickly making travelling difficult. We prefer to be an hour early than 10 minutes late.

The weather was improving as the day went on and there was glorious sunshine for the ceremony and drinks in the courtyard.

Claire looked stunning, her dress was absolutely perfect for her. Ryan looked good too!

We took some photos around the hotel grounds before the wedding breakfast and once the afternoon reception was over we whisked Ryan and Claire off to the beach for some location shots.

We chose Durley Chine where by this time the air show crowds had dispersed leaving the beach clear for us. As we headed off towards the beach the couple were applauded by onlookers in the Harvester and were offered congratulations from people walking the promenade and relaxing in their beach huts. One onlooker even wanted them to share some wine with his family in their beach hut!

Ryan and Claire seemed to enjoy the attention which they weren't expecting. After 20mins or so we headed off back to The Orchid for the evening reception and their first dance.

Ryan and Claire are on honeymoon in Mauritius and we look forward to seeing them again.

We wish them all the very best for their life together and congratulations Ryan on passing your exams.

Mark & Polly's Wedding 19th August 2009

Mark & Polly chose Kingston Country Courtyard for their special day.

Here you can dress the barn as you wish and it looked lovely decorated with flowers and lights.

We came across Mark who was taking in the spectacular views over the Purbecks, fine tuning his speech and reading a book on our way to meet Polly who we found being pampered. We spent some time with her for the usual bridal preparations.

We met the men for a while before returning to Polly who was now almost ready.

After an emotional ceremony Mark and Polly exited the barn to 'How Do You Like Your Eggs In The Morning?' an unusual choice but it certainly reflects their personalities. The guests were invited to join the couple in the gardens for a blessing on the bridge conducted by Rev. Hugh Maddox.

While the barn was being turned around for the wedding breakfast a champagne reception was held in the gardens under the shade of the trees which was enjoyed by the wedding guests while we took the traditional group photos.

Photographs of the Bridal party and the Bride and Groom were taken before the guests returned

to the barn for the wedding breakfast. A barbecue was the perfect choice for such a hot and sunny day.

The evening's entertainment was a Ceilidh, with music provided by 'Swing Your Partner'. It was lively and cheerful with the steps being called by Kate from the band. Everyone participated and had a great time.

We wish Mark and Polly all the very best for their future together and hope that they have a lifetime of joy and laughter.

Andrew & Louise's Wedding 15th August 2009

The weather was overcast, but quite warm and although rain wasn't forecast it certainly kept trying.

We arrived at Louise's parents home where she was getting ready. It was very calm and everything was going to plan. We started by photographing the dress, veil, shoes and jewellery. The flowers arrived soon after and things were beginning to gather momentum.

Polly the youngest bridesmaid arrived ready so we took a few photographs while we were waiting for Louise.

Louise followed soon after.

We managed to get everyone outside in the garden for a few traditional photos before leaving to meet the Groom, Bestman and two of the ushers at St John's in Bere Regis.

After a few photos the guests started to arrive and the ushers took up their duties by handing out the order of service and showing people to their seats. Bill was one of the youngest ushers that we have encountered and he carried out his duties very competently and enjoyed being in the Groom's immediate party.

The bridesmaids arrived and were followed quickly by the bride. They all arrived early as Louise was keen to start the ceremony on time.

As the Bride & Groom left the chuch we managed to get the traditional kiss at the church door before anyone else left the church. As the congregation left they were handed rose petal confetti which was later thrown over the couple. We took the formal group photographs at the chuch door before inviting the guests to make their way to the reception venue.

As the guests headed off we returned into the church with the couple for a few atmospheric shots, we were not allowed to photograph the ceremony so came up with an alternative as the church really is quite photogenic and looked amazing decorated with flowers.

The couple left shortly after to follow their guests to the Salterns Hotel and enjoyed a glass of champagne on the way.

On arrival at the Hotel we had took some photos in the garden of the bridal party, before a few more of the Bride and Groom. The guests gathered in the garden for a photo of everyone before heading in for the wedding breakfast.

The speeches were before the meal, this is now quite fashionable as it allows the speakers to finish their formal duties allowing them to relax and enjoy their meal.

The wedding breakfast was rounded off with a visit to the Ice Cream Cart which had been arranged by the couple. Even though I heard the guests saying that they couldn't eat another thing they still managed to find room for the delicious Purbeck Ice Cream and if they couldn't manage a whole one it was shared!

We would like to wish Andrew and Louise a very happy future together and look forward to seeing them on their return from honeymoon.