Debra & Philip, Audley's Wood

Stuart had a great day with Debra and Philip, this was a real family affair right from the start. Debra and Philip had been together for a while and both had children. It was the children that really brought them together and they weren't going to forget that fact on their big day. The children played a very big part in the wedding and the whole event was more like a huge family party.
The ceremony itself took place at All Saints Church in Clatsford, Debra arrived in a very large stretch limousine and despite being with Philip for sometime was still very nervous. However the nerves soon abated when she saw Philip for the first time as she came down the aisle and the ceremony was full of fun and laughter.
After the ceremony the couple left for their reception at Audley's Wood near Basingstoke where the party continued. The venue was decorated with brightly coloured balloons (for children of all ages, including Stuart of course), and the festivities were lively indeed. After the formal meal a band took over and the family all partied well into the night - Philip even took a turn on the mike and belted out a couple of cracking songs. A great day was had by all, including Stuart who does like a good boogie!

Rebecca & Oliver, St Bartholomews Corsham

Now this is a love story...
Oliver came to work for Rebecca's Dads company (an engineering firm) just as Rebecca left the company for while to go overseas (they had met before and Oliver was smitten). On her return to her Dads company Oliver wasted no time in getting to know Rebecca better, and soon the couple were head over heels in love. Oliver proposed to Rebecca in the beautiful grounds of Stourhead and it was lovely that we all went back there to do their engagement shoot.
The wedding day itself was a beautiful sunny autumn day... perfect for them and me - I just love the light on those kind of days.
Rebecca was unusually nervous - you have to understand that at work Rebecca, although in management, is really one of the lads and very much at home in jeans, overalls and boots, absolutely not a girlie kind of girl. But on Saturday she looked absolutely stunning in her dress. Oliver on the other hand, when I met him outside the church, seemed full of confidence and just couldn't wait to greet his bride.

St Bartholomews in Corsham is a lovely church and there is always a very warm welcome and a very relaxed atmosphere. Rebecca arrived at the church (still very nervous) in a Mercedes, however there were also several classic cars attending as both families are very keen on renovating these vehicles - they really added to the sense of the occasion and fitted in so well with Rebecca and Oliver. The ceremony was very emotional, and at last the couple emerged into the lovely Autumn sun all smiles and no nerves to be seen anywhere.

From the church the couple left in a lovely classic car to find their Marquee which was situated literally in the middle of a farmers field in Whittney - Fantastic! Just the perfect location, beautiful views all round and no one to disturb the festivities. The decorations were fantastic - the table cards were all famous car makes! The food was delicious (always appreciated when you are fed ;-) ) and the atmosphere was wonderful. Everyone was very friendly and this was such a lovely relaxed wedding where time just seemed to stand still... I almost didn't want to go home.

Kirsty & Luke, The Barn and Norton Park Hotel

Luke and Kirsty are a fab couple, I actually did Luke's twin brothers wedding last year, so it was lovely to catch up with some familiar faces. Different venue from last year though - this time the venue was the fantastic thatched Barn at Norton Park Hotel. Kirsty had put an enormous amount of time and thought into the colours and decorations for her wedding, yellow Gerbera's and green apples, a brilliant and vibrant combination that worked so well on just so many levels.

Kirsty looked stunning in her dress, the ceremony itself, actually taken by one of Kirsty's relateives who is a registrar, was emotional but a relaxed affair. After the ceremony the couple and their guests retired to the beautiful gardens down by the picturesque lake for Pimms and Strawberries. The weather that had threatened to spoil the events had had a change of heart and the afternoon was mellow and warm, making it a perfect day.

The wedding breakfast was a wonderful affair and the speeches hilarious. The evening saw a mix of entertainment including a Caricaturist, Roulette and Blackjack Tables and a DJ that made sure the guests danced well into the night.

Jean & Jamie's e-shoot with Courtenay

A gorgeous late summers evening at Cut Mill, Hinton St Mary.

Rachel & Darren, Chewton Glen & Harbour Heights

Rachel and Darren's ceremony and wedding breakfast took place at the fantastic Chewton Glen Hotel. This part of the day was a small family affair with just 30 people attending. Rachel and Darren have been together for a while and have a couple of lovely daughters who acted as Rachel's bridesmaids (they looked just beautiful in their pink dresses!). Rachel was very nervous before the ceremony but the nerves soon vanished as the couple exchanged their vows. After the ceremony itself, the whole family relaxed on the terrace overlooking the lovely gardens and enjoyed Pimms, canapes and Champagne - a beautiful Summers day. Rachel and Darren took a little quiet time out to accompany me for some romantic shots in the fabulous grounds, and then returned to join their families for a lovely relaxed meal. The speeches followed which were emotional and hilarious alike.

It was then off to the Harbour Heights Hotel (a venue I attend regularly) for the evening reception and time to catch up with Darren and Rachel's friends; all 150 of them! A fantastic evening barbecue on the terraces with the stunning views over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island, and a brilliant covers band that kept the wedding rocking until the late hours.

All in all a fantastic day was had by all.

Claire & Nick, Compton Acres

Claire and Nick are a lovely couple, shy and quite private people, they have been together a while and have a lovely little girl. Stuart new he was going to have a good day with Claire and Nick after their pre-shoot down on Sandbanks beach. The couple were just very relaxed and to them their wedding day was about family and children especially their gorgeous daughter.

The day itself was true to their thoughts and desires, a lovely family event, gentle, fun and romantic. Stuart did manage to take Claire and Nick off for a small break without the children, and they were glad to have a little 'them' time, which also allowed Stuart to capture some tender moments, in the beautiful grounds of Compton Acres.

Not the large type of wedding we are used to covering, but wonderful all the same, and the evening did end up with a great band and plenty of dancing, whilst other guests just wandered amongst the lovely Chinese gardens.

Nicky & Daron, Wilton House

Nicky & Daron were married in Wilton House - and despite the forecaster threats the rain held off all day! They key for the day was fun - Nicky and Daron are definitely a couple who enjoy a good time, and the planners had ensured that the whole wedding was going to be one big party!
Nicky had a lot of bridesmaids, all dressed beautifully in white or coffee silk, and despite the bedlam of the full house for the morning preparations she just looked so excited as she arrived at Wilton House and walked to the State rooms where Daron was waiting (suddenly very nervous!).
After the ceremony and some time in the s Wilton House, everyone headed back to Nicky and Daron's where they had a marquee in the garden, quite spectacularly decorated with gorgeously lit trees - inside! The gardens filled with guests relaxing and chatting, until it was time for Nicky & Daron to make their grand entrance into the marquee. After the speeches the party started in earnest! They kicked off with a Swing band who Stuart said were great, and then a rock group and the dancing and champagne continued well into the night, allowing Stuart to indulge in his passion for party images!

Laura & Christopher's e-shoot with Courtenay

A horrible wet day forced us into the studio, despite the weather mans predictions of a break in the rain.

Lucy & Graham, Crown Hotel Blandford Forum

Okay now this is another love story... Lucy and Graham first met at School at the tender ages of 14 and 15 and immediately fell in love. Now you might say this is very young and as with many things time will tell its own story. But for Lucy and Graham this was just the beginning of a long and beautiful road together. Their love continued to blossom throughout their school days and it soon became apparent that the couple were inseparable. School over and University loomed for Graham, would this find a way to intervene in the couples relationship - no way! Lucy and Graham kept in constant contact and would visit each other regularly and on Grahams return from University the couple finally moved in together, all that was now left to cement their relationship was marriage and Graham now with a good career in the family business popped the well expected question. Of course Lucy said yes at once and the fairy-tale was nearly complete.

On the big day I went to Lucy's house in the morning where she and her Bridesmaids and close family were getting ready. Excitement was the order of the day - not a nerve in sight... Lucy was just bursting with laughter and love and just couldn't wait to get her stunning dress on and get to her childhood sweetheart at the church.

Graham waiting at the church (St Mary's in Stalbridge), was also excited, but perhaps a little more nervous. at last Lucy arrived and the couple finally cemented their long love affair with the exchange of rings and beautiful vows.

Off to the reception at the Crown Hotel in Blandford forum, a real family affair. Both families obviously knew each other very well by now, and so this was indeed a very happy event as it seemed to be just one seamless family bubbling with pride and joy, glad to be finally officially united.

The evening saw the arrival of many many friends that the infectious Lucy and Graham had gathered to them over the years. This gave way to a fantastic party that lasted well into the night, and from what I have heard since, some well into the next day!

Best wishes to you both Lucy and Graham you are a lovely couple.

Louisa & Simon, Lulworth Castle

Ian had a fabulous day with Louisa and Simon, they were a very lovely laid back couple who had put a lot of time and effort into their wedding. Louisa had taken a lot of trouble over the little details of the day to make sure everything was just perfect and the flower arrangements were particularly stunning. The weather was kind with plenty of sunshine, which is just what is needed at Lulworth Castle. Louisa's family had all come over from China, which made for a lively mix with Simon's family, there was a lot of catching up to do and this added to a very emotional event, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house during the ceremony. It was a very relaxed day, with loads of small people running about adding to the excitement of the event. In the evening things heated up with a fabulous band who had everyone up and dancing almost immediately, the atmosphere was just wonderful. The day culminated with a wonderful fireworks display which lit up the grounds and castle with fantastic colours...a perfect end to a perfect day.