Will & Jessica officially tied the knot at St Osmund’s Church, followed by a stunning reception at St Giles House, an exclusive estate located in the very heart of Dorset. This beloved and award-winning family home boasts a rich history, acres of picturesque parkland and a famous Sunken Garden – it is, quite frankly, a photographer’s dream and it was without a doubt the perfect backdrop the Will and Jessica’s nuptials.
The bride had got in touch with me after a recommendation. She had attended a friend’s wedding that I had photographed, and quickly fell in love with the images of their wedding day. I love getting bookings through a recommendation and it often means I get to see and catch-up with my previous couples too, so it’s a real win-win! As soon as I met the happy couple, I just knew we were going to get along. They were friendly, fun and easy going – a vibe that effortlessly translated into their celebration.
Will and Jessica opted for an autumn wedding, featuring rich jewel tones, seasonal blooms and bridesmaid dresses inspired by an autumnal colour scheme. The overall styling and décor were utterly delicious – it was impossible not to get swept up in the romance and atmosphere!
I spent the morning snapping away as Jessica got ready at her mum’s house with the bridal party, capturing the pre-ceremony nerves, the excited giggles and of course, all the bubbles and fizz on the go. As the ceremony finally arrived, the groom’s expression of sheer happiness as he saw his bride walking down the aisle was one I’ll remember forever! My second shooter, Hannah, was at the back of the church, ready to capture these moments from a different angle and perspective. There are so many meaningful moments that are important to document, so I offer a second shooter within my packages for wedding photography. After the couple had said, ‘I Do’ we caught the confetti shot on camera, which is always a photograph full of joy and is often one of my favourites.
Guests moved from the ceremony to St Giles House for the reception and this stunning country house wedding venue in Dorset definitely took everyone’s breath away! The Library, with its magical fireplace, charming old books and ornate ceiling was oozing with character. It was a jaw-droppingly beautiful setting for Will and Jessica to wine and dine with their guests. There is room for up to 120 people to sit down during the wedding breakfast, and the couple styled it with statement florals, metallic candelabra and lots of decadent details.
They were spoilt with beautiful weather for their autumn wedding, aside from a light sprinkling of rain when we were capturing the bridesmaid group shots! We managed to snap the girls as they ran back to the house for cover – an image that we’re sure Jessica will look back on fondly. It was one of those truly ‘authentic’ moments that captures the day in all its glory – smiles, laughter and of course, the odd hiccup here and there! The swing at St Giles House is an absolute must if you are getting married here – it was the perfect spot to sit as newlyweds and to really savour every second of what was a very special day.
From Jessica’s wonderfully unique wedding dress to the autumnal floral bouquets, the overall relaxed vibe and their incredible wedding venue, I loved being a part of their big day. It was truly unforgettable – a huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Reddin for choosing me to capture your love story on camera.