One of those wonderful weddings where it all just comes together perfectly, Emily & Kim’s marriage and celebration at gorgeous Deans Court in Wimborne, Dorset, was a real Summer highlight.
I’ve been lucky enough to photograph several weddings at this stunning house over the years, and every one has been wonderful. Equally wonderful has been seeing how it’s evolved as a wedding venue; each time I’ve returned there has been some new development, something new to explore and to work with. This time round it was a biggie: the new outdoor ceremony setup at the back of the house, spreading out into those beautiful gardens. And in fact these too had been taken to the next level with new paths, borders and plants, all adding up to make what was already an A-star venue in my book now an A-star plus. All we needed now was a little touch of sunshine. And that we duly received. Before all that though, prep (both bride and groom) at the wonderful Gate House on the edge of the estate – one of the several accommodation options which can be taken along with the use of the venue itself. They managed to stay out of each others’ line of sight (pretty easily done in a house that size, to be fair) while I got to zip around anywhere and everywhere capturing all those little moments…
The gods were smiling on us for this one in another way too. The couple had arranged it all at pretty short notice after becoming aware of availability owing to works being done t the house. This meant that certain aspects were likely to be scaffolded, and we wouldn’t know where it was still up until pretty much the day itself. No great hardship really as there is still so much beauty there, but happily (and with all due credit to the owners and staff there who much have really pushed things along and helped to clear it away at the earliest opportunity) the vast majority of it was already down. You’ll have to look pretty carefully to find many signs of it in any of the photos in this post, that’s for sure!
I do love an outdoor ceremony, and the area here at Deans Court is a fab addition. The view looking back from the house, towards the marquee where all the post-marriage celebrations take place – is stunning (if you’ve got time to take any of it in when you’re mid-nuptial, that is) and you could see just how much all the guests were enjoying being there and soaking it all up. Especially in that magical Summer sunshine we’d been so blessed with!
The reception area – centred around the marquee beyond the back lawn – has also been tweaked and polished since I was last here and it’s looking fantastic. And another thing that was looking fantastic merits a special shout-out at this point; the catering by Molecular Magic was something else. Of all the wedding catering I have ever seen these guys have the wow factor! Canapes were astonishing, the main meal was simply beautiful, and yet dramatic at the same time (gallery-worthy plates served to billows of dry ice), and a dessert station which frankly got absolutely ransacked. And I was fortunate enough to sample the full wedding breakfast myself (thank you Emily & Kim!) and can say without hesitation that it tasted every bit as good as it looked.
There are many reasons to love Deans Court as a wedding venue but one of the absolute tip top is the beauty of the grounds and the amount they provide you to work with when it comes to the couple portraits. So much variety, so many lovely quiet little spaces tucked away… I don’t think I could ever get tired of strolling around here with a bride and groom and a camera in my hand…
Back to the party to find guests chilling in that magical golden hour light. As we rolled on into the evening the fire pit was lit, marshmallows were plonked on sticks ready for toasting, frisbees were lobbed… and then it was party time. And these guys definitely looked like a party crowd.
An absolutely awesome wedding, an outdoor ceremony on a perfect Summer’s day, wonderful couple with fab happy smiley family and friends, stunning venue… this is me living the wedding photography dream! Huge congratulations to Emily & Kim, and thank you so much for having me there to capture it all!
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Making it possible…
Venue: Deans Court
Hair & Make Up: Amazing Face
Catering: Molecular Magic
DJ: Coastal Discos
Cake: The Bride!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this snapshot of Emily & Kim’s stunning 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 Deans Court 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!