I started Saturday at KHD, a large hair salon in Broadstone owned by my bride’s aunt, and where I met the entire female portion of the wedding party! All the bridesmaids plus my bride Amanda were in matching floral pyjamas, and the atmosphere was really fun – very much a family affair with Gran and Mum there too. Everyone had their hair done, and Amanda had her beautiful Cathedral-length train fitted as well; I’ve never seen one go on this early in the day, and I’ll admit I did wonder how she was going to manage over the next few hours until she was in her dress. I needn’t have worried – a niftily placed coat hanger was used to loop it around neatly and keep her (and it!) looking fabulous.
I followed the girls back to the house in Colehill for continued preps – make up was done, but before Amanda was in her dress I had to head off to make sure I was in place for the next part of the day.
On my way to the church I stopped briefly down the road at the reception – a marquee in a family friend’s field handily placed right next to the village hall in Pamphill. As I stepped inside the marquee to photograph the decoration details a heavy shower burst over head. Thankfully it cleared as quickly as it arrived, but I knew we were forecast for a very wet afternoon – everyone was just crossing fingers it held out long enough.
Finished at the marquee I headed literally just up the road to St Stephens, which is the original church of the Kingston Lacey estate, where I met a slightly nervous Tim with his groomsmen. I’d been there a few minutes when guests began to arrive – all at once, I’ve never before seen a long queue just to get in to the church!
Thankfully the dry weather seemed to be holding on, and before long the bridesmaids arrived, wearing matching crossover chiffon dresses. They were shortly followed by Amanda and her father in a stylish Rolls Royce. Amanda looked beautiful in her dress – a simple and heavy backless gown falling away from a boat neck, with unusual long leg of mutton sleeves. The cathedral train was now on full display and the effect was stylish and elegant.
The weather kept on holding as Amanda and her father entered the church but as she and Tim exited as husband and wife the drizzle began. The Bride & Groom made a dash for the wedding car to the reception, and all the guests headed out to walk the few minutes up the lane through the woods to the reception. Umbrellas made an appearance as the ever-increasing rain threatened the whole wedding party.
The last few guests scurried soggily into the marquee just as the heavens opened, leaving us with torrential rain for the rest of afternoon.
Inside the marquee the weather didn’t matter – beautifully decorated, the vintage bulbs were a really effective way to light up the marquee and the full length side window meant it wasn’t too dark despite the black clouds. Obviously the drink reception was inside the marquee, thanks to the weather, and slid seamlessly into the wedding breakfast and speeches.
We did see a little break in the weather, and Amanda, Tim & I grabbed the opportunity to escape for a few quiet moments. It was obviously sodden outside, and Amanda’s dress was soon filthy around the hem, despite us sticking to the lane.
Back in the marquee Amanda threw bouquet as the band finished setting up, and everyone watched the first dance before filling the dance floor to get the evening party under way.
Congratulations Amanda & Tim – it was a beautiful day despite the weather; thanks for letting me be part of it.
And now, some of the many images from the day…..
Credit where credit is due!
Wedding Cake – Sweetcheeks Bakehouse Catering – The Tickled Pig Flowers & Decorations – Raffia & Twine
Marquee – Abbas Marquees Toast Master – Colin Fry Entertainment through – Events Organised
N.B.
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Pamphill Dorset Marquee Wedding
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All the very lovely details from Amanda and Tim’s wedding at St Stephens Church and then the Village Hall (Marquee) in Pamphill (Kingston Lacy) nr Wimborne Dorset….
