I’ll admit to being slightly worried when Saturday morning dawned grey and gloomy with rain pouring down as I had been looking forward to photographing Justine & Michael’s wedding and a lot of the day involved outdoor activities – including an outdoor ceremony. But our luck was in and as I arrived at the farmhouse where everyone was getting ready the rain stopped and some blue sky was even visible in the far distance!
I thought Justine might be a bit stressed out by the weather but not at all…she was completely relaxed about it which was a great attitude to take. With both her and Michael, as well as many of their family and friends, staying in the same location I was able to get pictures of both the bride and groom’s preparations before heading over to Mapperton House and Gardens for the ceremony.
It’s not that often that I get the chance to photograph an outdoor ceremony so I really enjoyed Justine & Michael’s which took place under a little stone building in the gardens of Mapperton House, Dorset. The guests were all protected by a tent whilst they watched the service, but the rain stayed away. During the drinks reception in the beautiful gardens there was the odd shower but it didn’t dampen anyones spirits and soon passed.
I took Justine & Michael off for their portrait session around the gardens before everyone headed off to the reception venue…River Cottage HQ just over the border into Devon.
What a fantastic place River Cottage HQ is! It was an adventure from the start as everyone boarded a trailer being pulled by a tractor to make it down the steep hillside to Park Farm. Some people chose to keep warm by the wood burner in the yurt, whilst others enjoyed the sunshine in the vegetable gardens, where they helped themselves to strawberries and peas straight off the plants. And I couldn’t miss out on photographing the food preparations inside the kitchen!
I don’t normally eat canapes at receptions as I don’t think it’s right for vendors to do so when they have been bought for the guests, but there were so many on offer at River Cottage that I just couldn’t resist and I can vouch for the food being AMAZING!
Soon it was time for everyone to be seated inside the converted threshing barn for the speeches. And then just before dinner was served, head chef Neil came out to talk the guests through the menu….which sounded delicious!
Suppliers: Dress: Orhan Tailoring; Cake: Cakes by Lisa Notley; Florist: Susie Edwards
If you were a guest at Justine & Michael’s wedding you can register to see the full picture gallery (after the bride and groom have seen them first of course!) by clicking HERE. In the meantime please enjoy a sneak preview of a few images from their day below:
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