Elizabeth & Tom came all the way from the USA to marry at stunning Milton Abbey – Tom just happens to be a past pupil of the magnificent school to which the Abbey is attached so it was a real homecoming. And what an absolutely incredible wedding they put together. This really is one of my all time favourite wedding venues and it’s always such a pleasure to return, and I’m so pleased that I was able to be there to capture this one! And that dress… oh yes, the dress – I would not have missed photographing that for the world!


The wedding pretty much took over the entire Village of Milton Abbas. Bridal preparations at the Three Little Pigs cottage on the high street (I’ve often wondered what it’s like inside those iconic thatched buildings which line the road down the hill for which this charming village is so famous. Spoiler alert: absolutely gorgeous) while the Groom and entourage made their base at the Hambro Arms just up the road. This excellent pub has seen its fair share of weddings over the years. In fact, I don’t think I’ve every photographed a wedding here which hasn’t involved me crossing the threshold at some point during the day. The perfect location for a pre-ceremony lunch with the groomsmen for sure.

A collection of countryside property and pub images showcasing rustic buildings and outdoor scenes in rural settings.
A collection of wedding detail shots showing rings, dress, invitations, and accessories arranged in a photo collage.
A bride in a white dress poses near a window with natural light streaming in during a wedding photoshoot.
A collection of candid wedding photography moments showing couples and guests in romantic and celebratory settings.
A delicate white wedding bouquet with pearls and greenery shown in two different angles.
Wedding detail shots of flowers, rings, and decor arranged in an elegant collage style layout.
A bride in a white wedding gown shares an emotional moment during her wedding preparations.
A series of black and white wedding photographs showing preparations and moments from a bridal ceremony.
A series of small town buildings and roads nestled among green hills and trees along a scenic rural pathway.
A romantic wedding celebration with guests and couple sharing intimate moments in a warmly lit indoor venue.
A couple signs legal documents at a table with pens and paperwork spread out during a formal meeting.
People in white shirts and formal attire gather closely together in what appears to be a social event or celebration.
Wedding guests enjoy dinner and conversation at rustic venue with exposed brick walls and wooden beams.

The School and Abbey are located a mile or so along a little road which winds away from the village, nestled in the most perfect little valley surrounded by the Dorset hills. The word idyllic was invented just so that I can describe places like this; it’s absolute heaven (and for the American guests about as perfect an example of that rolling English countryside as they could have hoped for). Conveniently there also isn’t another house in sight making it an absolutely superb place to throw a massive party with lots of dancing late into the night. Which is just as well…

Historic Sherborne Abbey in Dorset stands majestically against a bright blue summer sky with green trees surrounding it.
Gothic cathedral interior with vaulted ceiling, ornate columns and stained glass windows illuminates the grand nave.
A series of wedding photos showing candid moments between a couple and guests during a celebration.
Elegant church altar decorated with cascading floral arrangements in white and pink with greenery accents.
A series of wedding photographs showing candid moments between a couple in elegant formal attire at an outdoor venue.
People sit in wooden church pews during a traditional wedding ceremony in a historic stone chapel interior.
People in formal attire share a joyful moment together in a sunny meadow with rolling green hills in the background.
A wedding party gathers under a grand stone archway during an elegant outdoor ceremony.
A collection of elegant wedding photos showing couples in romantic outdoor and indoor venue settings.
Wedding party gathered under elegant stone archways in a historic venue with natural lighting.
A black and white photo sequence shows people falling over in a domino effect on a cobblestone street.
Wedding guests gather inside a historic church with wooden pews and ornate architectural details.
A series of candid wedding preparation moments showing bridesmaids getting ready in matching pink dresses.
Wedding guests share joyful moments and conversations during an elegant indoor reception celebration.
Wedding ceremony candid moments captured in black and white and color photography.
Elegant church wedding ceremony with guests seated in wooden pews beneath vaulted gothic arches.
Wedding party members mingle and interact during candid moments at a formal celebration.
Intimate wedding ceremony moments with guests gathered in an indoor setting.
A black and white panoramic wedding ceremony photo showing guests standing in a church with sunlight streaming through windows.
Elegant black and white wedding photograph on church steps with bride's flowing dress creating dramatic composition.
Black and white wedding photos showing a bride in a flowing gown with train walking through a Gothic church corridor.
Gothic church cloister with stone arches and dramatic lighting creates an elegant architectural corridor.
A romantic wedding photo collage showing tender moments between a couple in formal attire at their ceremony.
Close-up of bride and groom holding hands during wedding ceremony with white dress and black suit visible.
Black and white wedding photography in a historic church cloister with elegant architectural details.
Wedding ceremony preparations in a historic stone church cloister with natural light streaming through windows.
Interior view of a Gothic cathedral with ornate stone carvings, stained glass windows, and rows of wooden pews.
A wedding ceremony takes place inside an ornate cathedral with high vaulted ceilings and decorative stone columns.
Black and white wedding photos showing intimate moments during a ceremony and reception with dancing and celebration.

A really interesting service which alongside the traditional CofE marriage also incorporated Russian Orthodox elements, most significantly a crowning ceremony for the bride and groom. Now that we’re in the church you can see what I mean about that incredible dress – what an absolute stunner, and so well suited to the scale and majesty of the Abbey. Great work Elizabeth!


Freshly married, bride and groom walked down the aisle and then exited into the Summer sunshine to a shower of confetti, ready to kick off the celebrations. Bringing over a couple of more American traditions we had speeches and cake cutting outside and earlier in he day, before guests moved through to the dining room for the wedding breakfast. We took the opportunity to sneak off in the Summer sunshine for a quick couple of photos on the famous grass steps behind the Abbey as everyone else found their seats (everyone that is except the two bridesmaids on dress-carrying duties) and then it was on with the evening.


The party – the dancing in particular – was a big thing for Elizabeth and Tom and after their awesome first dance (top choreography guys) it became clear why; this was the definitive party crowd. And what a place to throw the biggest party of your lives, eh?

A collection of black and white wedding photographs showing candid moments during a reception celebration.
A group of wedding guests mingle and chat outdoors while holding drinks at an elegant garden reception.
Wedding guests shower the happy couple with flower petals as they exit the church after their ceremony.
Historic Milton Abbey church and grounds in Dorset features Gothic architecture against a bright blue summer sky.
Wedding party poses together against rustic stone wall backdrop with floral bouquets.
Wedding party group photos showing groomsmen and bridesmaids arranged in various poses against stone wall.
A row of diverse landscape and architectural photos showing countryside estates and buildings under blue skies.
Large wedding party group photo taken outside a historic stone castle or manor building with Gothic architecture.
A collection of outdoor wedding celebration photos showing guests and scenic countryside views.
People playing croquet on a lush green lawn with rolling hills and blue sky in the background.
Wedding party and guests enjoying festivities on the grounds of an elegant country estate.
Black and white wedding photos showing guests chatting outdoors and a couple walking along a scenic path.
Black and white candid shots of wedding guests mingling at an outdoor reception.
A black and white panoramic view of people walking across a vast grassy field with trees in the distance.
Elegant white wedding cake decorated with delicate pink and peach flowers shown in two different angles.
A romantic wedding ceremony scene with pink floral arrangements and elegant decor in an outdoor setting.
Wedding guests mingle and celebrate during an outdoor reception near a rustic barn venue.
A group of people gather outdoors for a social event on a sunny day.
A person in a dark suit with a boutonniere smiles while reading from papers during an outdoor event under a green awning.
A bride and groom share a joyful moment while reading papers during their outdoor wedding ceremony.
Black and white wedding reception photos showing guests laughing and celebrating together at an outdoor event.
Wedding ceremony participants gather under an outdoor canopy at a stone church on a sunny day.
A black and white photo collage showing wedding scenes with couples and guests along a cobblestone street.
Elegant table settings with white linens and glassware in an upscale restaurant dining room.
A series of wedding photographs showing candid moments, decor details and venue settings at a rustic indoor celebration.
Elegant wedding decor featuring floral arrangements and vintage architectural details in a rustic venue setting.
Wedding guests enjoy a lively reception celebration with dancing and entertainment in an elegantly decorated venue.
A series of black and white vintage photographs showing people gathered in various indoor and outdoor settings.
A person in a pink dress walks along the green lawn of a historic stone castle estate on a sunny day.
Panoramic view of rolling green hills with scattered trees under a dramatic cloudy sky at sunset.
Historic Milton Abbey church and grounds in Dorset shown in a panoramic series of connected landscape photographs.
Aerial view of a wedding couple standing in a clearing surrounded by lush green hedges and trees.
Wedding party in pink dresses lifts bride's dress on sunny lawn with elegant stone mansion in background.
A couple in wedding attire stands in front of an ornate stone archway at a historic castle or estate.
Bride and groom share tender moments in a series of romantic wedding portraits against stone architecture.
A series of black and white romantic wedding photos showing tender moments between newlyweds during their celebration.
A black and white wedding photo showing a couple walking hand in hand across a scenic hillside landscape.
A black and white wedding portrait captures an intimate moment between newlyweds in a pastoral setting.
Long flowing white wedding dress train spread out on lush green grass with hills in the background.
A romantic wedding couple embraces on a lush green hillside during sunset.
A romantic black and white wedding photo series showing couples dancing and embracing in elegant indoor venues.
A wedding celebration sequence showing dancing, sparklers, and elegant reception moments in a dimly lit venue.
A couple dances together during their first dance at a wedding reception in a dimly lit ballroom.
A saxophonist performs in dramatic lighting against a dark background during a jazz performance.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together on a crowded dance floor during an energetic reception party.
Black and white photographs of performers and musicians on stage during a live concert performance.
Black and white photo of a couple sharing their first dance at a wedding reception with guests watching in an elegant ballroom.
People dancing and enjoying themselves at a crowded party in a black and white photograph.
Black and white photo series showing a wedding reception with dancing guests and formal attire in an elegant venue.
A romantic wedding photo series showing couples against dramatic cloudy skies at sunset in an outdoor setting.

Quite simply an absolutely perfect English Summer wedding – what a day. Huge congratulations to you both, Elizabeth & Tom, and wishing you many very happy years together.


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Making it possible…



Venue: MILTON ABBEY SCHOOL


Hair & Makeup: JENNY DAYTON


Dress: by JUSTIN ALEXANDER, from TRUDY'S BRIDES


Suit: GIEVES & HAWKES


Flowers: THE ENGLISH FLORIST


DJ / Sax: BRENDAN MILLS




I hope you’ve enjoyed this snapshot of Elizabeth & Tom’s incredible day. Friends and family can view the rest of the photos and an extended slideshow in their , but you’ll need to ask them for the password first.


If you are currently planning your Milton Abbey wedding and would like to know more about my wedding photography services, packages and prices, please do get in touch to check availability and ask me any questions you might have. I’m only too happy to help however I can.