Smedmore House
Hidden along the Jurassic Coast, with views of Kimmeridge Bay, is Smedmore House.
An 18th century country house, where Meg & Joe decided to host their wedding day, transforming the formal grounds into their own relaxed, festival-inspired celebration.
Everyone had stayed in the house, and the day was starting with a family breakfast, and the excitement of the day ahead.
Armed with many a cup of tea, their friends and family set up the outdoor ceremony area, and preparations began!
Bridal Prep
Meg spent the morning in the suite, being pampered by her glam squad, playing with their dog, and all with the perfect window to be able to spy on the preparations and guests arriving.
Groom Prep
Joe, our Groom, got ready with his Groomsmen in the parlour. And yes, you do spy water canons in amongst the photos.
A Change Of Plan
The views of the Jurassic Coast are one of the reasons couples fall in love with Smedmore House, and they had arranged their outdoor ceremony to take full advantage of that. However, this is England, and the weather had other plans. Just as everyone got seated, the skies opened, and it poured with rain!
But this is why you surround yourself with the best people. The guests took it in their stride and moved all the chairs and decorations back up the hill to the marquee. Towels were handed out for guests to dry themselves, whilst others moved all the tables that had been set up for later, creating an improvised marquee ceremony space. Guests even rearranged the flowers to make the space even more beautiful.
The Ceremony
Now that everyone was dry, the ceremony could begin.
Surrounded by their friends and family, under the warmth of the marquee, Meg & Joe said their I dos
Private Vows
The rain had stopped, so the Registrars suggested that we take our newlyweds back to where they had originally planned, for private vows.
This moment was not planned, but it became a beautiful, intimate moment, just for them – proof that sometimes the unplanned parts of a wedding day create the most powerful photographs.
Afternoon Celebrations!
Now the rain had officially gone, the party could really begin!
The Pimms was poured, the confetti thrown, cheers rang throughout the Dorset countryside, music played, and mischief & chaos reigned – exactly the kind of high-energy wedding celebration I love to photograph!
Paella & Speeches
I don’t know who it was, but someone managed to reset the entire marquee and dry it out, whilst we were in the garden sipping our Pimms (you’re amazing mystery person).
The marquee was filled with flowers, personal touches, and paella was the perfect choice. After a cold, wet start, but needing that spice to keep the party going, it hit the spot!
The speeches were beautiful. Personal and moving, we were all crying.
Evening Celebrations & A LOT of Dancing!
These guys know how to PARTY!!! The dancefloor was packed, the tequila was flowing, the music was on point, and we danced that night away!!!!
