Chaffeymoor Grange Dorset Wedding of Natalie & Rebecca

By Courtenay

Last Saturday was a lovely change of pace for me; I had an unusually late start as I wasn’t needed for bridal preps, and simply had to head over to Gillingham Town Hall for the afternoon wedding of Natalie and Rebecca.

The weather remained kind, and as I arrived the guests were already milling around outside catching up with long-lost relations and introducing new ones (as families always seem to do at weddings!). The brides arrived together, and wanting to avoid the guests before the ceremony began they snuck in round the back via the garden, enjoying a few minutes together before the formalities began. Rebecca was wearing a floor-length dove grey silk gown with a beautiful floral print, and Natalie was similarly elegant in a white trouser suit with echoes of Rebecca’s dress in her a grey silk camisole, and coral heels which matched Rebecca’s dress perfectly. Both brides carried matching simple bouquets of gypsophila.

With two brides new rules were made for the bridal procession – neither wanted to be up front and waiting like a groom, so Rebecca came down the aisle escorted by her brother, followed by Natalie who was escorted by her father.
The atmosphere for the ceremony was wonderful – warm and fun, and the lovely ceremony was filled with personal touches and lots of laughter.

Once they were finally married, we all took off to Chaffeymoor Grange for the relaxed and informal reception.
The Grange had been beautifully decorated with a vintage British theme – everywhere I looked there were more details. I especially loved their idea of providing everyone with an enamel mug (plus a pen to write their names on!), which they could simply return to the large Kilner drinks dispenser as they wished!

All around were sweet peas in jars, bunting, straw bales and blankets, and more formal flower arrangements from purple and white country garden flowers. As the guests arrived, they joined together for drinks and canapés on the terrace – and many migrated to the second terrace to take part in the lawn games Giant Jenga, toss the beanbags, horseshoe quoits, swingball, boules and even space hoppers!

We interrupted the chatter briefly for a few quick formals on the steps of Chaffeymoor Grange, but tried not to make too much dent in the flow of everyone having a lot of fun!
As usual, I slipped away with Natalie & Rebecca for some quiet pictures in the grounds, enjoying a walk through the gardens and the peace down by the pond.

Sadly we had to head back to the house as the rain began, and what satrted as mizzle began to rain in earnest. The barbecue was swiftly moved under cover and the guests headed into the house out of the weather (which didn’t dampen the fabulous mood in the slightest). The house looked just as pretty as the gardens, lit with candles, tealights and yet more country flowers in old jars. And I left the wedding party there, just as they were about to settle down for their wedding breakfast together.

Thank you, Rebecca and Natalie, it was a genuine pleasure to share your wonderful day.