(You can now view Husna & Oli’s Orchardleigh House Wedding album over on the main wedding photography site if you click here.)

So, a cold but dry morning and I’m off to Orchardleigh House near Frome in Somerset for the wedding of Husna and Oliver. To be honest I’m feeling pretty awful today (got this heavy virus coldy thingy?), but well dosed up and more medicinal supplies pocketed to keep me going throughout the day, I should be ok.
I arrive nice and early to find Husna and Oliver nicely tucked away in two of the estate cottages the Garden House and The Clock Tower (Orchardleigh really have done a good job with these extra accommodations). Then it’s off to the main House and up to the Bonita suite to cover Husna’s getting ready and all the usual pre-wedding preparations.
I catch up with Oliver and the boys downstairs and we have an impromptu photo call, and then it’s off through the Orchardleigh estate to the small village of Lullington to find today’s venue for the ceremony; the lovely All Saints Church.
Soon it is getting busy, guests arriving, the boys now on the scene and Oliver is looking a bit nervous as he patiently waits for his gorgeous Bride. The first car pulls up at the Church gates, and the lovely Bridesmaids embark – all seven of them! Soon its the turn of Husna and she looks simply stunning as she emerges from the car. Down to the church doors, with her entourage and Mum who is giving her away. Husna, a little nervous now, is soon inside and down the aisle to her waiting man. A lovely touching ceremony and it’s back out into the winter air, Mr and Mrs Grimes at last!
Back to the house to catch a warm drink and something to nibble on. We arrive well ahead of the guests who are being bussed back in two or three lots, so Husna, Oliver and I take this opportunity to slip outside into the gardens of Orchardleigh House for a few quiet moments and to capture some romantic images for the album. Back indoors again, and the house is now thronging with the sound of laughter and cheerful banter. I leave Husna and Oliver to mingle with their guests for an hour or so and just quietly get on with capturing the scene unfolding before me.
Time to pop back outside, very quickly too as it’s quite nippy now, a few family formal pictures and its done – we head back inside to the warm. Time for everyone to take their places for the wedding breakfast and for me to have a little break, oh and pop a few more medicinal drugs (I’m holding up!). Back in for the traditional speeches and then everyone moves out into the large hall and various other rooms whilst the main dining room is readied for the evening entertainment. More guests arriving now to share in the festivities, Husna and Oliver return to the dining room and cut their cake, and soon it’s time for them to head to the dance floor. The room fills with excited friends and family, and Husna and Oliver simply trip the light fantastic – a wonderful first dance, full of character and emotion. Now the band kick in and really rocks the house, the floor fills and serious partying begins.
My time to bid farewell, I made it through (with the help of a few pills here and there) and to be honest I am so glad I did as I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this wonderful wedding, with its lovely hosts and guests, for the world. Congratulations Husna and Oliver, I wish you all the best of everything, have a fab honeymoon.

A few of my favourites from the day

Courtenay Photographic – Dorset Wedding Photographer