New Bride Top Tips #5

So, our next set of top tips from our last year couples is in and hot off the press. Daniel and Christine got married on the 25th of July last year at the lovely Gordleton Mill in Hampshire. The wedding ceremony itself was held outside, and we were lucky that it was one of the loveliest warm and sunny days of the whole of last year. A very relaxed day, the perfect wedding!

This is what Daniel and Christine have to say…

Hi Courtenay

Firstly our favourite picture; It is (without a shadow of a doubt) the one of us on the bridge in black and White looking down at you by the river. We had it as our front page on the album. The reason why it is our favourite is that it could be a cold winters day or a hot sunny afternoon. It is timeless. The trees and surrounding background create the feel of a very outside wedding which is exactly what we wanted. Although it is a semi staged photo, you managed to create a completely natural look. Hat off to you Sir.

Our three top tips:

1. Work out your guest numbers straight away.

2. Choose a location that can accommodate your numbers and that reflects what you want to achieve from your day. Natural and relaxed or formal and structured. This will help massively with the overall flow of the day.

3. Finally, don’t cut costs when it comes to choosing a photographer. We have been to over 20 weddings in the past three years and there is no one less intrusive, more relaxed and as skilled at telling your story through photos than Courtenay.

Speak to you soon.

Best wishes

Dan and Christine

Wedding Photographer Dorset – Courtenay Photographic

Eshoot with Rebecca & Mark Sturminster Mill Dorset

Another bitterly cold day and off to Sturminster Mill (near Sturminster Newton Dorset) for Rebecca and Mark’s eshoot. We survived the cold, and managed to get some great shots too! Rebecca and Mark are getting married in a few weeks at the lovely Gordleton Mill in Hampshire.

A few of my favourite shots for their session.

Dorset Wedding Photographer – Courtenay Photographic

Katie & Thomas eshoot New Forest Hampshire

Went for a wander with Katie and Thomas today in the wonderful New Forest for their eshoot, love the colours this time of year and it always helps when the sun shines. Their wedding is coming up very soon at Lakeview Manor near Honiton in Somerset, keep your eye out for their pictures on here!



Wedding Photographer Dorset – Courtenay Photographic

Gordleton Mill Hampshire Wedding of Christine & Daniel

A lovely sunny day, not too hot but just right for a wedding. Off to see the boys first today and I arrive at Daniels parents house (in Ferndown Dorset) to find the preparations in full swing. I am familiar with this house as I covered Daniels sister Emma’s wedding at The Haven a couple of years ago.
Boy preps done, off to Gordleton Mill in Hampshire famous it seems not only for its beauty, food and very warm reception, but a duck called Crispie! On arrival I go up to the honeymoon suite to find the lovely Christine, who is also in full preparation swing.
All preps now done I head downstairs and out into the lovely gardens to where the ceremony is to take place. Christine and Daniel have already officially ‘tied the knot’ the day before at the local registry office, just the formalities (legal bits!). Today Christine and Daniel are going to have a more personal humanist ceremony for family and close friends.
Guests and family start to arrive and soon it is time for everyone to take their places for the ceremony. Christine looks a picture of loveliness as she is escorted by her father across the gardens to her waiting man Daniel. A touching and personal ceremony follows and soon Mr and Mrs Marston proudly exit down their garden aisle.
Drinks canapes, a few family formals and some quiet shots with the happy couple, the afternoon meanders through its intended path, everyone enjoying the sunshine and relaxed atmosphere.
Indoors now, speeches, a lovely meal and the official cutting of the cake. Evening guests begin to arrive and the time draws near for Christine and Daniels first dance as man and wife. Now the party begins in earnest and its my time to leave. A wonderful relaxed, beautiful wedding, I wouldn’t have expected anything else from Christine and Daniel – I wish them all the happiness in the world.

Courtenay Hitchcock is a Dorset Wedding Photographer

Kim & Zack’s eshoot at The Vyne near Basingstoke Hampshire

Met up with Kim and Zack at the lovely National Trust property The Vyne (near Basingstone) for their eshoot. The weather was lovely and we were able to make full use of the beautiful grounds. Looking forward to their wedding coming up which is to be held at the Manor of Groves in Herftfordshire.

Wedding Photography Dorset – Courtenay Photographic

Audleys Wood Hampshire Wedding of Lyndsey & Jeegar

Lyndsey and Jeegar got married at Audleys Wood Hotel a fine former Victorian Hunting lodge hidden in 7 acres of Hampshire countryside. Again it looked like the British summer was going to disappoint us as the morning slowly turned from just being slightly overcast to a dreary damp drizzle. Still the weather would not dampen the spirits and the days festivities began in earnest.
Up to the girls first, a room filled with laughter and I have to say complete calmness, the usual comings and goings – hair and makeup and the beautiful dresses, bridesmaids, flowergirls, and Mums and Dads. Soon Lyndsey was looking stunning in her dress and ready to marry her man.
The boys it has to be said left things a little later than perhaps they should have to get ready, but with typical blokey style they pulled it off with some panache and time to spare to allow the all important drink in the bar before the ceremony.
The ceremony itself was a touching affair and at last Lyndsey and Jeegar could finally call themselves husband and wife. Outside the party processed to play some garden games – giant Jenga, Boules and the like, still drizzling slightly a few umbrella’s put pay to that and the happy couple and their guests enjoyed champagne, canapes the games and good warm company of friendship.
Then to the marquee for the wedding breakfast – once everyone was seated safely inside and enjoying their meal, the sky cleared and the sun came out! Typical – still after the meal and hilarious speeches at least this allowed the guests to mingle outside in the warm evening sunshine, whilst Lyndsey Jeegar and I were able to slip off for a few quiet romantic shots.
Back to the marquee, welcoming more guests for the evening fun and then the first dance. The party then really kicked up a gear and everyone partied the night away. Lyndsey and Jeegar are a very lovely warm and genuine couple, I wish them every happiness.



Wedding Photography Dorset – Courtenay Photographic

Lyndsey & Jeegar eShoot New Forset Lymington Hampshire

Headed into the New Forest somewhere near Lymington Hampshire for Lyndsey and Jeegar’s eshoot. Lyndsey and Jeegar’s wedding which is coming up soon is going to be held at Audleys Wood in Hampshire.

Wedding Photographer Dorset – Courtenay Photographic