All the interesting bits from Courtenay Photographic: October 2007

I was back at Kingston Maurward for Laura and Christopher's wedding this weekend. Always a favourite venue, made even nicer by the beautiful Autumnal sunshine which meant everyone could get outside and enjoy the grounds by the lake.
The ceremony took place in the library of course, and the roaring fire in the hall was beautifully welcoming.
Laura had put a lot of thought into the small details of the day - Her dress was gorgeous with thick lace, the cake was very different (which is always nice), the butterfly release was fun (Butterfly's have a special significance for Laura, and were a theme that ran throughout the day), the magician was very good, and the fact that Laura & Christopher had learned to Jive especially for their first dance really finished the day off perfectly.
There were lots of very cute children haring around, and myself and the shy little 4yr old bridesmaid were firm friends by mid-afternoon!

Jean and Jamie are a lovely couple and I was really looking forward to this wedding as it was at a couple of favourite locations of mine - Minterne House and Chantmarle Manor.

The day itself unfortunately wasn't terribly inspiring on the weather front, it was misty and drizzly, which was a shame. But nonetheless spirits were high, I arrived at Jeans House in the morning where the early preparations were I have to say coming together very nicely and in a very calm manor (which is not always the case!). Jean had hired a very unusual mode of transport to go to her wedding in - a VW camper van with VERY bright orange tinted windows! When sitting inside it felt like something out of an Austin Powers party - great fun and different too. I do like different.

From the house I proceeded to Minterne House where the ceremony and drinks reception were to take place, a truly beautiful Manor dating back to the 1620's. Jamie arrived looking a bit nervous, but looking good kitted out in his family Tartan Kilt. At last it was time for the arrival of the Bride and for the ceremony to begin. Jean looked absolutely stunning, and from the look on Jamie's face as she headed down the aisle to meet him I think he was completely blown away.

After the ceremony the couple retired to one of the large Drawing Rooms for drinks as it was still a bit damp outside. However after a while it seemed to brighten up a little and guests began to fill some of the beautiful gardens - Minterne House boasts some 1300 acres of beautiful grounds.

It was then time to wind our way through the country lanes to our final destination for the day and where the meal and evening reception would take place - the beautiful Medieval 13th century Chantmarle Manor at Frome St Quentin. The meal itself and the evening festivities were to actually take place in a large Marquee situated on one of the top lawns, however all the guests also had full use of the house.

On arrival at Chantmarle the sun finally made a proper appearance and Jean, Jamie and I were able to escape for 15 minutes to capture a few beautiful private moments.

The marquee was beautifully decorated and the flower arrangements were stunning Autumnal arrangements of flowers and seasonal fruits, rich reds, oranges, browns and gold, fabulous.

The atmosphere was wonderful, warm and friendly, the food was sublime, and the speeches hilarious. The evening was hosted by a fantastic band and all danced away until late in the night.

All in all, just the fantastic day that I had been looking forward to.