Jean & Jamie, Minterne House and Chantmarle Manor

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.

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!

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.