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.
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…
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?
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 private viewing gallery, 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.
Thanks as ever for reading, and come back again soon for many more photos from many more beautiful weddings!
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