Last week on a lovely sunny Autumnal day I headed off to Corfe Mullen and a little cottage that had been hired for Cat and her entourage to get ready for the day ahead. After the morning with the girls it was time to head on over to the village of Shapwick and the local pub to find James and the boys having a pre wedding lunch. There were a fair few guests around too as it was a great place to meet up, with the Church being only a couple of minutes walk away; in fact the venue for the rest of the day’s celebrations Bishops Court Farm is also only a few minutes walk from there too. Today’s celebrations are going to have a little bit of a military feel about them, because James is a pilot in the RAF. There is certainly a military guard of honour and a few other uniforms besides, James also has a Scottish heritage, so a fair few kilts including his own will also be on show today.

Soon it’s time to head over to St Bartholomew’s Church and settle in to await the arrival of the lovely Bride…. Cat made her grand entrance and a wonderful tender and happy ceremony followed. Out into the lovely sunshine through the guard of honour Mr & Mrs Hamilton made their exit to the waiting applauding crowd of friends, family and well-wishers.  Hearty congratulations all round, hugs and kisses and confetti strewn. Then, following the Piper, a lovely walk along the bank of the river Stour to Bishops Court Farm to find Champagne and canapés awaiting all.

Gentle relaxation in the lovely grounds of Bishops Court Farm, drinks by the gentle meandering river, laughter rippling across the lawns and orchards, the house and marquee forming a resplendent backdrop. Time to capture those important family photographs (and a few silly ones chucked in) and then a gentle wander with Cat and James to capture a few romantic pictures and a breather for them away from the madding crowd.

Back to the throng, and Cat throws her bouquet to the gathered excited few and its time to be called into the marquee for the wedding breakfast; Cat and James make their next grand entrance of the day into the marquee to the sound of the pipes again.

After dinner, the wedding speeches, much laughter and entertainment to behold, and then to the wedding cake and Cat and James make the first cut (to much applause!). A little break now, and time for everyone to catch their breath, before Cat and James make their last official entrance of the day and take to the dance floor to perform a fantastic and extravagant first dance rendition of The Hand Jive from the film Grease!

Now it’s everyone else’s turn to take to the dance floor – its Ceilidh Time!!

My turn to leave, though …but what a fab day it’s been

(We’re trying out a new gallery system for posting weddings on the blog. Hopefully it’ll make viewing them easier, faster and more fun – let us know what you think, good or bad!)

Credit where credit is due

Caterer – Liz lamont Catering Florist – Sue Smith  Cars – Middlemitch Cars

Dress by – Caroline Castigliano

Dorset Wedding Photography by Courtenay Photographic Ltd