A brilliant day, Teri and I started off at Jo's parents house and then I was able to meet up with the guys getting ready in Wimborne near the Minster itself. Morning time is always a great mix of excitement and fun and Jo, her family and bridesmaids were great, lots of chatting between getting ready and just a great atmosphere throughout the whole house.
The guys met up at a free house in Wimborne (known for it's traditional ales) and lots of the wedding guests also joined us, including Matt's parents and we were able to get a few impromptu portraits. Morning time occasionally includes the exchange of presents or cards which can be very emotional so it was lovely to see Matt (and Jo's brothers) reading the card Jo had sent.
Wimborne Minster Church itself is a stunning building, beautiful facade and the inside can be almost overwhelming in it's grandeur with huge high vaulted ceilings and Norman columns, with the Minster proper built around the 12th Century. As is usual for any wedding ceremony photographers should be neither seen nor heard and having both Teri and I photograph means we can often get two different angles without needing to move around (not that we would generally!). The wedding ceremony photographed from the guests side shows off the church and the environment with the images from the front view (actually near to where the choir sits) captures the expression and emotion which guests often won't see!
The wedding reception was back at a venue with a lot of sentimental value to us, Canford School (just a short drive from Wimborne Minster), I spent many a day fishing along the banks of the Stour as well as attending weddings and christenings at Canford Church Chapel. It was also the reception venue for one of the early weddings Teri and I photographed together so there's a bit of history there!
Canford School Manor stands in fine parkland beside the River Stour just outside Wimborne in Dorset. The ancient buildings and fine surroundings lend themselves to many private events and make the venue in demand for wedding receptions. The Grand Hall and hand crafted oak staircase are works of art and though quite dimly lit we we able to use the stairwell for group images and beautiful portraits of the couple.
The Great Hall and long rooms especially give Canford School a 'Harry Potter' feel and the carved oak staircase with it's gold and power blue ceiling are very special, we love to use environment in our wedding photography and Canford School has a wealth of features that really must be included :)
Thank you Jo and Matt for trusting Teri and I with creating your wedding images and for making us feel so welcome and included on the wedding day. It was truly a pleasure to get to know you and your families and we wish you a wonderful and future together, many congratulations!
