What a treat to return to beautiful Deans Court in Wimborne, Dorset to provide the photography for Sara & David’s delightful Summer wedding. I first found and fell in love with this wonderful venue at another wedding a few years ago, and on that occasion we only made use of the gorgeous grounds and gardens. This time round (with warm thanks to both the owners and to the rain which decided to make an appearance) we were able to spend time inside the house too, just to add an extra sprinkle of special to an already stunning occasion…
The Deans Court estate was our base for the day, with both bride and groom prep taking place here before relocating several miles further into deepest Dorset for the ceremony, followed by a return to the house for the celebrations. Tucked away in a corner of the grounds, next to an orchard, lie a couple of charming little cottages and this is where our groom and his entourage were to be found, while the girls had made themselves very much at home in the magnificent Gate House at the end of the drive. The perfect set-up for a photographer, meaning that I could flit between the two and capture all the action.
The ceremony took place at St Peter’s Church in Hinton St Mary, way out into the Dorset countryside. It’s exactly the sort of place you imagine when you try and picture a perfect little Dorset village. Sadly we didn’t get to see too much of it as at that point the rain was making its presence felt, but a few heavy skies never hurt the look of a wedding photo in my view and everyone made it safely into the church thanks to an army of groomsmen with golf umbrellas. And once inside, the little church was absolutely beautiful – perfectly fitting for such a gorgeous bride and groom. Sadly, no photography permitted during the service itself but images of guests arriving, the bridal entrance, signing of the register and walk back down the aisle should hopefully give a good idea of what this cute little church has to offer.
And so back through the rolling Dorset hills to Deans Court for the wedding reception. The clouds were brooding once again but happily everyone managed to arrive and spend some time outside before the rain came down, at which point we very gladly decamped inside this absolutely gorgeous manor house for drinks and canapes while the weather cleared once again. It really is such a beautiful space in there and I understand that it’s not often opened up for wedding parties so I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to photograph inside there as well as around the grounds and gardens.
Happily the worst of the weather soon passed through and we were able to get back outside for group photos and then portraits of the couple as the other guests made their way across the lawn to the marquee for the wedding breakfast. The gardens here really are such a huge attraction – there are so many wonderful spots from grand vistas through to intimate little corners. Formal floral gardens, river, bridge, lake, stonework… you name it, chances are you’ll be able to find it. I think I would struggle to exhaust the photographic possibilities here however many times I returned. Sara & David absolutely nailed it, picking up just where we’d let off from the pre-wedding shoot a few weeks previously. They were then returned safely to their guests for their grand entrance to the marquee and their wedding breakfast, before the bulk of the speeches (preceded with welcoming words from our father of the bride).
As the evening drew in and the band set up I was able to steal our bride and groom away for a quick final few photographs in that wonderful light, before we returned once more for the cutting of the cake and the kicking off of the party.
Great band, superb food, top dancefloor action, beautiful bride and groom, fabulous friends… now that’s what I call a wedding! What a magnificent day, and what a fantastic couple (who once again proved that a little bit of rain never got in the way of a magical wedding day). An absolute treat to have been there to capture Sara & David’s day – massive congratulations to you both, and wishing you many very happy years together.
Making it possible…
Venue (ceremony): St Peter’s, Hinton St Mary
Venue (reception): Deans Court, Wimborne, Dorset
Hair & Make up: Amazing Face, Dorset
Dress: White Mischielf, Hen Field
Flowers: Rustic Rose, Sturminster Newton
Caterers: Milkshed Catering
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I hope you’ve enjoyed this little selection of images from the day. That’s just part of the finished set, and friends and family can view the full series, and the storytelling slideshow, in Sara & David’s private online gallery (although 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!
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