Wedding of Emma & Andy Compton Acres

It's always lovely when a couple come to us through a recommendation from a previous client, in fact we are lucky that most of our couples come to us this way and Emma and Andy were no exception to this. A wonderful sunny day (at last!) arrived at Emma's house just before she returned from the hairdressers - soon the house was full - bridesmaids, make-up artists, Mum's and Dad, oh and of course me! The house was full of laughter as the girls prepared and everyone seemed really relaxed. Off to the venue - The Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole Dorset, a lovely venue and one we attend fairly frequently. Stunning gardens which definitely need the weather to be good to appreciate their beauty, friendly staff and a wonderful contemporary building for the service and reception. I found Andy with his best man Nathan (whom I also know very well as he is a manager at the Haven Hotel in Poole another venue we attend regularly - small world!) and also his guard of honour. Andy was considerably nervous, but looked very smart in his uniform, a stiff drink helped a little!
Emma finally arrived with her entourage in a stretch limousine and Andy finally got to see his beautiful bride as she processed down the aisle towards him on the arm of her very proud Dad. The service was very emotional and touching - at last they were married!
Canapes and drinks in the gardens, a beautiful meal, hilarious and touching speeches and a really great band to see out the night.
The whole day was a fantastic event, the sun shone from beginning to end - Emma and Andy are a really lovely couple and deserve all the happiness in the world

Emma & Andy E-Shoot at Upton Country Park Poole

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.

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.

Emma & Lee, Haven Hotel

I always enjoy working at the Haven - but when you have a lovely couple, the sun is shining, and they're keen to get on the beach then the day is made for me.
Emma was one of those brides who never stopped laughing, and her smile was so infectious the whole day flew with the whole wedding party loving every minute.
Emma's dress was brilliant in the sea breeze, and we got some great shots down on the sand.