Chloe and Ben are a really lovely couple and I was really looking forward to shooting their special day. The day itself was to be a very local family affair, a real Dorset country wedding. Marrying at the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Cerne Abbas then back to Chloe’s family home just half a mile down the road where a marquee would be waiting in the beautiful gardens. Chloe’s Mum I know had been working especially hard in organising the event and had put an enormous amount of work in to making everything look just right, every tiny detail was just perfect all it needed now was a perfect English Summer day and the scene would be set.
The day itself finally arrived and …… so did the rain! Now when I say rain perhaps I am understating this. A strong gusty wind was also present and the rain came down and horizontally and from below, I kid you not. In fact it was probably one of the worst days this summer has seen so far, unbelievable – what timing, what an utter shame.
Still to the house I went and a very upbeat family I found there, who were simply adjusting their plans to work round the weather; a receiving line through the dining room yes, drinks in the house, an umbrella conveyor service to ferry guests to the marquee, again all changed plans meticulously slid into place and we were set.
After capturing events at the house I proceeded to go down to the Church and set the scene and then catch up with Ben and the boys at the New Inn for a few impromptu shots – and still the rain came down.
Back to the house – I had the privilege to be asked to travel to the church in the wedding car with Chloe and her father (which was good fun too as it was rather a tight squeeze for the chauffeur and I between the umbrellas and my camera paraphernalia). At the Church I dived out into the rain to capture Chloe’s big entrance, I have to say she looked absolutely stunning.
The ceremony was lovely and at last Chloe and Ben appeared triumphant as man and wife at the Church doors to be greeted by me (of course) and yes you guessed it – the rain. It had been decided by Ben and Chloe that they would like to go for a little drive round the local countryside to have some private time and capture a few romantic country photographs (still pouring). I thought at this point, surely thats just not going to happen, but with the couple still laughing off we went to do just that! We stopped in several locations, and on a sunny day I have to say they would have been truly stunning – however now they were really dramatic! I have to say that Chloe and Ben were real stars because out into the rain they got, nothing but nothing was going to stop them from enjoying their day and getting the pictures the desired for their album – I was soaked but hey… all in the name of art!! 
Finally we returned to the house, where we found a very warm welcome indeed. Champagne flowed and the house was filled with laughter, no one paid any attention to the rain outside. I managed to stage a few family formals in the conservatory and capture the general atmosphere in the house – then the receiving line and the conveyor to the marquee. The beautifully decorated marquee stood up well to the raging weather outside and the atmosphere inside was warm hearted, full of laughter and love. A wonderful meal ensued (with Chloe’s multiple choices of puddings being my absolute favourite idea of the day – in fact I’m thinking of asking all my future brides to consider this – if you cant choose one, have them all 
) and then the touching and funny speeches.
About half past seven I stuck my head out of the marquee – no rain!!!! NO RAIN!!! Quick, the large group shot that I hadn’t been able to achieve earlier that was on my couples requested list. Everyone exited the marquee and in no time the shot was done, I even managed to capture a few extra shots of the couple and the parents before yes you guessed it it started to rain again.
Back in to the marquee and the first dance and the evening had begun in style. At last sadly it was my time to leave, a fond farewell to Chloe, Ben and their family and I was out into the dark (and yes very wet night). What a day.
To Chloe and Ben, I know the day weather wise was not ideal but your fun love and laughter dried up all the rain and yes you did have that perfect Dorset country summer wedding. Congratulations to you both, I wish you a long an happy life together.
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