Dorset Wedding Photographers Courtenay Photographic Ltd
The Wedding Photographers in Dorset Blog
Back at the fab Combe House near Honiton in Devon yesterday.
Sadly, I can’t divulge the names of my couple, tell you anything about the day or even show you any images, due to the sensitivity of this wedding.
It was a top day though and the sun shone too, bonus! 
Just some of the little details from Lisa and Ben’s big day.
Yesterday I took a little trip to Basingstoke in Hampshire to meet up with Lisa and Ben for their eshoot. We met at the fabulous Vyne now owned by the National Trust but formally a Tudor home built for Lord Sandys Henry V111′s Lord Chamberlain. It was a beautiful sunny summers day and we took our time wandering around the fabulous gardens catching up on the details of their wedding which is coming up very soon at the wonderful Combe House in Devon. Oh and we got some lovely pictures too!
Here are a few images from Lisa and Ben’s eshoot…
So off to one of my favourite locations for a wedding, the fabulous Combe House in Gittisham Devon. Today is the wedding of Rebecca and Christopher, a small family and close friend affair and so it seems the day England are to play Germany in the next round of the World Cup – good timing eh ( I blame England for not winning the group of course, if we had it would have been yesterday’s game! ho hum).
It’s a beautiful warm and sunny summers day and the journey down to Gittisham is a very pleasant one indeed. On arrival at Combe House, I make my way to the Linen suite where Rebecca and so its seems Christopher are getting ready! A little unusual, but hey I like unusual. Christopher is soon suited and booted and off out into the sunshine for a walk about before the coming proceedings, I stay with Rebecca for the rest of her preparations and then head off to capture guests now mingling in the great hall.
Soon its time to head to the Green room for today’s civil ceremony, the registrars are all in place and soon the room fills with Rebecca and Christopher’s family and friends. Christopher takes his place at the front of the room the music begins to play and Rebbecca makes her grand entrance. A lovely ceremony followed by the signing of the marriage register, handing over the official certificate to Rebecca and Mr and Mrs Jones headed out of the Green room through the great Hall into the lovely sunny grounds of Combe House.
Relaxation now, champagne, canapes and good conversation an hour or so to while away and what a stunningly beautiful day to do it in too. A while later we all head for the cover of the large trees in the Grounds of Combe House and the few family formal photographs are achieved. Then its time for Rebecca, Christopher and I to slip away to give them a little quiet time and for me to capture some romantic images for their album.
On our return, Rebecca and Christopher are called in to inspect the dining room and then its time to call the rest of the guests in for the wedding breakfast. Cutting of the lovely wedding cake first this time and then the official speeches, which bring much laughter to all.
My time to end today as there is no official evening party, rather a more informal quiet gathering, but it’s been a very lovely day with very lovely people.
Oh yes and the football? Well it wasn’t like we missed anything anyway was it!
Here are a few of my favourite images from the day…
Credit Where credit is due
Wedding Venue & Catering – Combe House
Wedding Cake – Cake-a-Licious
Wedding Flowers – Poppy’s Flowers
Wedding Dress – Eternity Bride
Jewellery – Jon Richard Shoes by – Pure & Precious Men’s Attire – Moss Bros Rings – Robert Price
Many congratulations to Joanna and Simon Wintle who celebrate their first wedding anniversary today. Joanna and Simon were married a year ago today at the lovely Orestone Manor in Devon.
Best wishes to you both, I hope you have a lovely day.
Courtenay x
(Joanna & Simon in the lovely Gardens of Orestone Manor Devon 10th July 2009)
Well, we thought we had finished our run of “What’s Hot” articles from our favourite suppliers for this year, and then we had a late submission from one of our favourite venue’s to shoot a wedding at! The very Fab and Chic Combe House Hotel in Gittisham Devon – How could we say no? Well of course we couldn’t, so I am very pleased to introduce you to the very lovely Fiona…
WHAT’S HOT AT COMBE HOUSE DEVON FOR WEDDINGS ?
Welcome to “Somewhere Different, Somewhere Special” – that’s Combe House Devon, a diamond amongst country houses in the quintessentially English thatched village of Gittisham. When you get here and discover its serene peace and tranquility in the gorgeous Devon countryside, you could be a million miles from anywhere and yet it’s really close to key travel networks and ideally placed if you’re looking for a central location to gather guests from all points South, West, East and further North too!
(The Fabulous Combe House Hotel set in the beautiful Devon countryside – an idyllic Wedding Venue)
So what’s hot for wedding venues this year?
• At Combe we’re finding that people are definitely seeking something different from the norm. Individuality and Quirkiness , the ability to express themselves and style their celebration are featuring prominently so our three-room dining option is going down a storm. No more table plan worries, a solution to those awkward family situations and you get to move around three rooms with different groups of people rather than being obliged to spend the whole meal in one place! Don’t worry about triple speech-making – everyone can be together in the Great Hall for this.
(Speeches in the Great Hall at Combe House – wedding of Francesca & Tatton)
• And as a smaller, intimate setting the Georgian Kitchen is definitely a unique option.
• The emphasis is on Privacy and Comfort – a venue where couples feel their guests will be totally at home and can do their own thing without fear of disdainful looks from sometimes over-protective and quite frankly, rather annoying staff. You won’t find that at Combe, we’re all on hand to provide support and care wherever needed, in a professional, friendly yet discreet manner but we also know where to draw the line. It’s something some venues don’t quite get!
(Peace & Tranquility at Combe House a perfect place for romance – Wedding of Tatton & Francesca)
• Next up – Winter Weddings are becoming more popular, let’s face it, the dream of a summer wedding is little more than a myth since lazy summer days have become increasingly elusive. So why not be proactive and choose a wintry option with roaring fires, candlelight and cosy English charm – Combe has this in abundance. Cold is the new Hot! Your guests will have something to look forward to in the bleaker months and you won’t be clashing dates with bridal contemporaries or the social calendar. Plus you’ll have the added advantage of low season costs.
(Getting ready for a Wedding Ceremony in the Great Hall at Combe House – Wedding of Francesca & Tatton)
• Then back to basics, Less is More. Keep it simple, take the stress out of the equation and forget all the paraphernalia of favours and chair covers, fireworks and carriages. Instead, choose a venue like Combe where the classic interior, stunning views, warmth and character speak for itself. After all, what’s it all about – focus on the real meaning of your celebration and let the venue do the rest.
Weddings here are a lot of fun. They’ll attract discerning couples who appreciate sophistication in an understated kind of way and who are searching for something a little bit unusual and quirky (so Courtenay fits in like a dream!). This Elizabethan Manor House has an irresistible blend of original elegance and more contemporary twists on the historical themes. It’s not too vacuous and not too bijou and if you take exclusivity you’ll really feel as if you’ve lived here for years – in fact it’s quite upsetting on Sunday morning when strangers start to return to “your” house! The Linen Suite, beautiful Thatched Cottage or Tommy Wax Signature room with views over the 3500 acre estate present a dilemma in selecting your bridal suite – too much choice! How would you like to be gently woken in the morning with the sound of country life and Combe’s pheasants? Are you a horse lover because you’ll be able to see the thoroughbred Arabian horses gambolling on the nearby hillside and if you’re feline-friendly then you can have Maverick, the cream Burmese house cat, purring contentedly on your lap as you chat to your friends and family – but watch out for your peanuts! Or, if you can’t imagine your wedding day without including your best friend, that’s the four-legged variety, dogs are welcome – we’ve even had one act as ring bearer!
(Drinks reception – Champagne & Canapes in the Great Hall Combe House – Wedding of Francesca & Tatton)
A wedding for two – we’re happy with that. A wedding for 150 with an Indian theme in a giant Teepee and cascades of orchids and gerberas – Viki & Rana, that was one we won’t forget! Marcelle & Nick, a beautiful, elegant, Christmas Wedding. Jacqueline & Myles – paella, partying and plenty of staying power! Tatton & Francesca – vintage buses and vegetarian feasts (their Wedding Story by Courtenay is available to see as a reminder of their very special weekend). We love to make your wedding your own, it’s how it should be, creating a celebration unique to the two of you.
(Francesca & Tatton’s fantastic vintage Bus at Combe House)
Our Wedding Co-ordinator, Fiona, is available Wednesday to Sunday, so viewing is never a problem. Call her on 01404 540400 to arrange a visit and see why Combe is a dream location and hot contender for your special day.
“I couldn’t recommend Combe House, Fiona and her wonderful staff highly enough. If you are looking for that special venue for your wedding, a touch of something different with a warm welcome and first class service, give Fiona at Combe House a call, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”
Courtenay
You may remember, that towards the end of last year I was asked to do a shoot in my natural style for At-Bristol in Bristol naturally! They wanted pictures of families enjoying themselves on the many wonderful interactive displays all very hands on and a science and techie heaven. In fact there are so many wonderful things to do at At-Bristol the whole family will be totally consumed and entertained for the duration of their stay. So much so you may want to come back again almost immediately to fit in all those things you couldn’t the first time!
Anyway I digress.. as well as a few other families that I covered, I also took my family along with me, a great day out for them and maybe a few familiar faces for me. Anyway just recently At-Bristol sent me their new brochure and with other pictures of mine used, right on the front cover…yes you got it, my family 
Anyway here is the brochure, but I cant recommend At-Bristol highly enough, go visit soon as you can…and they are really nice people too, bonus!
Commercial Photographer Dorset – Courtenay photographic.co.uk
