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.

Jen & Andy, Harbour Heights

Jen got ready at home on the first wet Saturday of the year - but was determined not to let the break in the weather spoil the day. As I arrived at the church the clouds burst, and big fat rain just sheeted down. The road outside the church was flooded within minutes, practically all the way to the church door, and I was starting to think I'd have Jens dad carrying her from the car. Thankfully the floodwaters drained away very quickly, and by the time Andy arrived the waters were gone, leaving Jen to make her grand church entrance in style.
Andy was very nervous as he waited for Jen, but seemed to relax as she arrived. Jen waited till she got her vows out the way before turning to the congregation and breathing a very theatrical sigh of relief!
Harbour Heights was the reception venue for the second week running, but instead of the beach Jen and Andy decided to use the clifftop for their portrait images, which made a nice change. The wind was blowing a hooly up there, which meant some great veil shots before it wrapped itself tightly around Andy and refused to let go.

Claire & Mark, Westover Hall

Stuart had a great pre-shoot with Claire and Mark, lots of fun down on Bournemouth beach, and he just knew the wedding was going to be great.
First thing in the morning, he arrived at Claire's parents house for the preparation shots, and immediately got caught up with the family. Occasionally the brides house on the morning of the wedding can be quiet and a little nervous - Claire was simply brimming with excitement, and it was catching. Stuart remembered to get the Jimmy Choo's as requested, and some beautiful shots of Claire dressing. He does love to make the most of the colours in his work - and Claire's gorgeous red hair was made for him.
The ceremony was at Canford Magna church, a huge, beautiful building with amazing windows - and an incredibly nice Vicar who gave Stuart carte blanche to move during the service, which meant Stuart was able to get some great shots actually during the vows.
The reception was at Westover Hall, a favourite location of ours. It's a great hall, with amazing light inside, and it has the added bonus of beautiful gardens AND access to the beach. there's also always a breeze on the clifftop, which always makes for some brilliant veil shots.
Claire had organised a butterfly release during the day, which caused some amusement as they really didn't take kindly to being sucked out of their boxes by the vortex of the wind at the grand moment of release... before simply disappearing into the middle distance!
The speeches were excellent, lots of laughter, and a few tears too - Mark and his brother (the best man) made a great double act.

Caroline & Robin, Harbour Heights.

Caroline and Robin were the first of a run of weddings I have down on the Poole coast. I enjoy these hotels as the light is always great, and the beach provides so many great opportunities not usually available in town hotels.
Caroline and Robin are such a great couple - really warm and friendly. Caroline got ready at her Mums house, but I had the opportunity to catch the boys in the morning at Harbour Heights as well, which is always nice to add to the story of the day.
The huge sky-blue Buick which Caroline travelled to church in was a great surprise - and just a gift for a photographer on a sunny day. As All Saints in Branksome is a little restrictive for photographers, I was able to spend a happy ten minutes during the service gloating over all the chrome with the chauffeur :) Whilst outside I bumped into next weeks couple Jen & Andy, who had come to recce the church 'in action'!
It was a beautiful evening weather-wise, and the view from the patio across Poole harbour is always special at sunset.

Nicola & James, Saunton Sands Hotel

Fremington and Saunton Sands were new locations for Stuart, so he drove down a couple of weeks before to have a good look round and see what was there. Nicola and James were a really fun couple at their pre-wed, so Stuart came back very excited: the access to the beach was perfect, and the beach itself was beautiful - all he hoped for was the weather!
The day started out wet and grey, and the shots of the guests going in to church featured many umbrellas.
Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time Nicola arrived at the church - and when they had reached the reception the grey skies were clearing fast.
They got the formals completed in the hotel grounds, and then a group of 'the boys' and 'the girls' headed off down to the beach, James gallantly carrying Nicola over a puddle on the way.
Everyone had a lot of fun on the sand - and in the water - before heading back up to the hotel for the evening party to begin.