A Poole Harbour Wedding

We met with Helen and Paul at their home to discuss their Wedding Plans.  We were delighted to hear that they had organised a boat trip for all their friends and family around the harbour on the ‘Purbeck Princess’ to follow their Ceremony at Poole Guildhall.

Groom, Best Man and Ushers

We began our wedding shoot in Poole Old Town’s traditional pub, ‘The Angel” which is conveniently situated opposite the Guildhall. Here we met with Paul, his brother, who was Best Man and the Ushers to take some casual shots.

It was our first wedding shoot at the Guildhall and since we met with Helen and Paul a month before their big day to take a look at the venue, we were very impressed!  Built in 1769, this Grade-2 listed building had stood empty for 16 years.  Now restored it’s former glory, Poole Guildhall now boasts a large ceremony room that can hold up to 120 guests.  Making it “one of the gems in Poole’s heritage”.

Pretty in Pink, The Bride Arrives in a stretched Limousine!

Poole Guildhall is an ideal Venue in one of the most outstandingly beautiful regions of the South UK.  Poole Harbour is Europe’s largest natural harbour, with the town of Poole on its shores. This location has much to offer, from the grand 18th Century Guildhall Register Office in Poole’s historic Old Town, contemporary hotels and restaurants with stunning harbour views, an Italian Villa in the south’s finest privately owned gardens or luxury boutique hotels in beautiful countryside on the outskirts of town you are spoilt for choice!
Helen arrived with the bridesmaids in a stretched Limousine; Helen appeared from the car dressed in a stylish pale pink wedding dress, holding a beautiful pink bouquet to match- her face was beaming!

Pink Wedding Dress, Pink Bouquet

Bride and Bridesmaids outside The Guildhall, Poole

The Bridesmaids were dressed in a cool blue grey dresses, which complimented the Bride perfectly.

The Guildhall, Wedding Venue Poole

Newly Wed at Poole Guildhall

Husband and Wife

The ceremony was charming and the interior of the Guildhall was both light and elegant, which made for some beautiful shots.

Group Shot on the steps of Poole Guildhall

Helen and Paul on the Deck, Poole Harbour

After the ceremony, the guests gathered on the steps of the Guildhall for their group shot, before we all headed for the Quay, where our boat was awaiting.  We joined the congregation for an around the harbour trip.  We even took some shots up on deck and were pleasantly surprised by the temperature.

The Custom House, Wedding Reception, Poole Quay

The Purbeck Princess made its way back to Poole Quay - the trip was complete.  The Reception Venue was only a stones throw away, situated on the Quayside- The Custom House seemed the perfect spot for a cosy evening to celebrate.  Inside the decor was stunning, with candles, lime green anthuriums, cut limes and bright pink gerbera daises.  It was a warm and sophisticated affair!

Reception Flowers, The custom House, Poole

Reception Venue, The Custom House, Poole Quay

The couple were to spend their first evening as Husband and Wife in the newly refurbished ‘Hotel du Vin’, which again is walking distance from the Quay! The Hotel du Vin, Poole is a luxury Georgian town house situated in the old town. The hotel offers a bistro, a well-stocked bar, as well as a wine cellar and Bothy Lodge.

Hotel du Vin, Poole Old Town

We left the couple to enjoy their evening and had thoroughly enjoyed photographing their Wedding day!

Poole Old Town

A couple of hours from London, feel a world away as Poole provides a stunning location for a contemporary wedding.

Whether you are looking for lavish glamour or intimate elegance, Poole’s spectacular harbour and surroundings provide a truly continental experience - and the perfect place to celebrate with family and friends.

The Custom House

Upstairs at The Custom House, Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HP

Tel: (01202) 676767
E-mail: customhouse@customhouse.co.uk

The Guildhall

The Register Office,The Guildhall, Market Street, Poole, BH15 1NP
Email:registrars@poole.gov.uk
Tel: 01202 633744

Romantic Breaks at the Hotel du Vin

Hotel du Vin & Bistro

Hotel du Vin & Bistro, Thames Street, The Quay, Poole, BH15 1JN

Tel: 01202 785570
Website: http://www.hotelduvin.com/
General Manager: Lesley Skelt

Country Wedding Venue, The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton

This Autumn Anna and Stuart were wed at The Langton Arms, an attractive 17th Century Thatched Inn, nestling in the Tarrant Valley in the village of Tarrant Monkton.

Tarrant Monkton, Blandford is a small thatched Dorset hamlet, surrounded by some of the most spectacular countryside in England, which has changed little since it was immortalised in the novels of Thomas Hardy at the turn of the century.

Bride and Groom, Tarrant Monkton

Anna and Stuart booked our services a month before their big day, Anna told us that she was still making her wedding dress and she had to work on it in secret for a few hours every night so Stuart did not take a peep! The couple were very relaxed and wanted their day to be the same.  With 20 guests we were looking forward to a small and intimate wedding. We discussed their big day and the style of photography they were looking for.  Anna was certainly not short of ideas and wanted many relaxed photographs of the couple having fun!  So we were certainly up for that!

Bride with Mother Getting Ready Shots

The venue proved to be an excellent choice and the village was idyllic for many of the impromptu shots. I began the day by meeting the Bride, her mother and the Bridesmaids in the room where the couple were staying that night at The Langton Arms to take some Getting Ready Shots.  The room was light and we were able to take some very graceful shots of the bride, moments before the ceremony.

Brides Shoes, Getting Ready Shots

Bridal Photography, Dorset

The ceremony was intimate with Anna’s Polish family, Stuarts family and close friends of the Bride and Groom.  It was a special day for the families to meet and spend some time with Anna and Stuart.

After the ceremony we wondered down the quaint country lanes following the newly weds, making our way to a white bridge, which stands over the river Tarrant. The wedding organiser then took us to the country garden of the beautiful thatched Taddlestone Cottage, one of the cottages that provide accommodation in the village.  The cottage and garden looked like a scene from a fairytale storybook. The cottage was bursting with character and featured a wishing well inside.  The garden was simply magical!  We explored every nook and cranny for quirky features.  We found horseshoe decorated walls, stone mushrooms and archways covered in English roses.  The low orange sun shone on the leaves, which were turning bright shades of red, brown and orange. We were able to capture some stunning photographs of the happy couple in this picturesque Wonderland.

Relaxed, Natural Photograph of the Bride and Groom

Country Garden of The Langton Arms

Bride and Groom in a Country Garden, Blandford, Dorset

The Langton Arms Civil Ceremony: The Langton Arms is proud to be one of a select few to offer a Civil Wedding Licence – a wonderful achievement for this rural country pub, which has grown to become one of the most popular venues for wedding receptions in the area.

Wedding Planning: Offering you a simply unique experience, with our tailor-made service that is second to none, focusing on putting your needs first. Proprietor Barbara Cossins is an exquisite hostess, ensuring that every aspect of your Wedding Day runs smoothly, from choosing personalised menus, flowers, cakes etc., to organising the entertainment for your Wedding Reception.

The Langton Arms can cater for between 40 and 200 guests. If your Wedding is to be a modest occasion, our intimate Stables restaurant is the perfect location for your guests. For a larger party “The Tarrant Room” is ideal – or for that really special touch, why not enjoy a marquee on the lawn?

Accommodation: We have six comfortably furnished bedrooms for you and your guests – and we have recently been awarded the AA 4 out of 5 diamonds for our accommodation. Further bed and breakfast accommodation is available on request, and being located within walking distance of the pub, in the village of Tarrant Monkton, it offers your guests the perfect opportunity to relax and spend more time in this truly unforgettable corner of rural Dorset.

The Menu: Prices can vary to suit your requirements, from an informal finger buffet (£12.50 per head) to a lavish sit down dinner (starting at £22.50 per head)

Plenty of reasons to get in touch for an informal chat about your BIG DAY!

The Langton Arms is so much more than a pub – with award winning menus, excellent accommodation, conference facilities, a civil wedding license and a caring team of staff, it offers the warmest of welcomes.

Bride Portraiture, The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton

If you are looking for that special wedding venue with a relaxed atmosphere then why not get in touch!
The Langton Arms,
Tarrant Monkton,
Nr Blandford,
Dorset,
DT11 8RX

Phone:+44 (0)1258 830225

Email: info@thelangtonarms.co.uk

Website: http://www.thelangtonarms.co.uk
If you would like a taste of what the Langton Arms has to offer they serve food all day at weekends, in the front bar, from 11.30am to 10.00pm on Saturdays and 12.00pm to 9.00pm on Sundays.

The New Forest, Hampshire

Careys Manor Hotel and Senspa offers elegant, English tradition combined with contemporary oriental sophistication, making it the ideal place to enjoy a stress-free and relaxing wedding.

Careys Manor Hotel, Hampshire

The Bride and Groom certainly took advantage of the Senspa, organising a romantic evening session to end their special day.  The Senspa has many delights to choose-from ranging from the luxurious hydrotherapy pool, soothing thermal rooms and revitalising sensory showers to the gentle Thai trained therapists, the Senspa offers indulgent treatments and exquisite Thai food….. certainly Something New!

Bridesmaid in Blue

The day was carried out with style; the children arrived together in a stretched limousine so undoubtedly enjoyed their journey to Careys Manor Hotel!  The Bride was next to arrive and she definitely made heads turn as we caught a glimpse of a beautiful baby blue Cadillac.  With a chauffeur dressed as Elvis, this really added to the occasion.  The car even matched the bridesmaid’s bright blue dresses.

Bride arrives in Style!

Bride and Groom

Michele’s dress was elegant and sleek and she made a celebrity styled entrance making her way up the regal red carpet, with her father.  The ceremony was filled with laughter and tears, it was very moving! Just as the couple were saying their vows the sun broke through the clouds and came pouring into the room, it was a special moment. The happy family then gathered for photographs as the newly weds signed the register.

Signing the Register

Guests then made their way to the front lawn where the children played and friends and family gathered in the sun. The rainclouds had truly vanished by now. The wedding breakfast followed soon after, the room was decorated with blue ribbons and white Gerbera daises. We took a peek at the cake, which was a scene of the couple bathing in the sun; they were off to Egypt for their honeymoon. The speeches entertained everyone and presents were given to all the children that helped on Michele and Chris’ special day.  We left the guests to enjoy the evening and the dance floor!

Groom and Son at Reception

Whether you are interested in a stylish country wedding or you fancy being pampered with a spa break you are guaranteed to feel relaxed, revived and refreshed.  Midweek and weekend spa breaks also available.  Go on treat yourself!

New Forest Wedding

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst
New Forest SO42 7RH

Wedding Co-ordinator: Françoise Gysemans

Telephone: 01590 625204
Fax: 01590 622799
E-mail: francoise@careysmanor.com
www.careysmanor.com
www.senspa.co.uk

Kingston Maurward, Dorchester

The ceremony was beautiful, with piano playing and a reading of the poem ‘The Owl and the Pussy Cat’. The rain held back as the couple opened the doors onto the grounds, to greet their guests moments after the ceremony.  The couple were beaming and Clare cried ‘We’re Married!’ standing at the top of the stairs, Pimms in hand.  The couple were congratulated my family and friends.

Newly weds, Jonathan and Clare

We then ventured around the park, making our way down towards the ducks and swans that gathered by the lake, to begin Clare and Jonathan’s couple shoot.  We walked up the stone stairs towards the formal gardens stopping on stone steps, next to colourful boarders and by neatly cut box hedges to take a snap on our way to the ‘Temple of The Four Winds’.  This stunning feature made for some romantic and dramatic images.

Couple under the Temple of The Four Winds

We always enjoy stealing the couple from the wedding congregation for a few moments after the ceremony, as it gives them the chance to have a few moments together.

A venture around Kingston Maurward Gardens

Kingston Maurward House is said to be Dorset’s Best kept Secret and we can see why, full of character and surrounded by gardens, lakes, fields and woodland.  It really is a hidden treasure.

Kingston Maurward House was built between 1717 and 1720 for George Pitt, probably to the design of the architect John James of Greenwich. Eighteen years earlier Pitt had married Laura, the last of the Greys, who lived in the Elizabethan Manor House at Kingston Maurward. The Greys had owned the Estate for many generations, acquiring it through marriage, from the Maurwards who were the ancient Lords of the area.

The gardens have undergone extensive restoration since 1990. The Gardens and Animal Park are now open to the public all year.

Civil Licence - Yes
Service: Up to 200 people
Reception: Up to 200 people

If you would like to find out more about this venue for your wedding contact the Conference and Banqueting Manager for further information:

Hospitality Team
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1305 215050
FACSIMILE: +44 (0)1305 215001
EMAIL: hospitality@kmc.ac.uk

WEBSITE: www.kmc.ac.uk/hospitality

Kingston Maurward
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8PY

Claire and Jamie

Our latest themed wedding was shot at the quintessential English manor house in the quaint countryside of Dorchester. “Athelhampton House and Gardens” was the perfect setting for Claire and Jamie’s Regency style Wedding.

Athelhampton House, Dorchester

All the guests went to town with their outfits, the gentlemen were suited and booted in top hats and tails. The ladies dressed in flamboyant velvet and satin dresses, with matching feathers in their hair and ribbon flowers tied to their wrists; the detail was remarkable! Everyone carried off their regency attire so well that the celebrations seemed to be transported back in time. This made for a charming and surreal day, which produced some fabulous photography.

Ribbon Flowers, Athelhampton House Wedding

The civil ceremony took place in The Great Chamber, decked with Jacobean to late Victorian décor. The couple exchanged vows and signed the Register in front of the fireplace in this exquisite room. After a very personal and relaxed ceremony the couple and their guests retired to the gardens.

Group Shot by Dovecote

The group shots were taken in front of the 15th Century dovecote, which still houses dozens of white doves. Guests then made their way to the front lawn, where they were accompanied by a string quartet. Whilst guests entertained themselves in the summers sun, drinking Pims and eating canapés, we took a leisurely stroll around the world famous Elizabethan Gardens, with the couple. The many compartments of the garden form a labyrinth of rooms, each with their own theme and character. Recurring statues and pools made stunning backdrops for the couple’s shoot. Some of the gardens most dramatic features are the twelve giant pyramids, which stand over 30 feet high and the white bridge under the weeping willows which stands over the river piddle.

The partying carried on until the early hours of the morning…

Athelhampton House Entrance

View more of our wedding photography from Athelhampton House, Dorchester.

This wedding venue shouts opulence and is a romantic setting for a stylish civil ceremony. If you wish to find out more visit the Athelhampton House website at: www.athelhampton.co.uk where you will find a downloadable pdf with all the information you need to make an enquiry.

Athelhampton House is just 5 miles from Dorchester town, situated between Bere Regis and Puddletown. The villages nearby offer your guests a range of charming hotels and B&B’s.

So whether you are looking for a wedding venue with a difference or simply fancy a cream tea and wander around the magnificent gardens one Sunday afternoon, Athelhampton House makes for a delightful visit.

Athelhampton House - All Departments
Phone: 01305 848363
Fax: 01305 848135
Email: enquiry@athelhampton.co.uk
Postal Address: Athelhampton House, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG

Click on the link below to go directly to South West Wedding Venues.

http://www.findaweddingvenue.co.uk/modules/xdirectory/viewcat.php?cid=261

You will also find us listed on Find a Wedding Photographer
UK Wedding Photographers

Haven’t chosen your wedding venue yet? The National Trust offer some stunning options for your wedding venue if you are looking for something different. With varying costs to hire there should be something to suit all budgets. The following link will take you to all the venues in the Thames and The Solent region.

Wedding Venues in the Thames and Solent region

Take a look at Lisa Dawn Photography’s Photostream on flickr the online photo and video community. Here you can explore a selection of our latest wedding photography and see photographs we take in our free time and on our travels. This is frequently updated so you can keep track on what we have been upto lately. If you have your own flickr account why not add us to your contacts to see our latest uploads.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisadawnphotography

Chat to Brides and Grooms to be in your local area. Ask your questions and share your dilemmas with others who too are organising their big day on the site’s various web forums.

A hub of advice, tips and ideas. It is free to sign up, so why not start planning your wedding now.

http://www.youandyourwedding.co.uk/

For all of you who got engaged over the Christmas period, 2008 promises to be a great year to get married and we at Lisa Dawn Photography would love to be a part of making your special day unforgettable. We ourselves got engaged at Christmas and are very excited about the year ahead. (We have realised that we can’t take our own photographs!).

We have recently upgraded our photography equipment to keep right up to date with the times and have invested in a new Nikon D300. We are absolutely thrilled with the results and coupled with the new top of the range Flashgun, our photography has reached a new level of professionalism. Don’t worry, this won’t have any effect on our prices, which are still some of the most competitive in the country.

We are now taking bookings for 2008, and would love to discuss your wedding plans with you. Take a look at our Packages page to see what we have to offer. If you would like to know more about us and how we can provide you with stunning wedding photography tailored to your needs, then why not get in contact and arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with us.

We aim to make this site not only an online portfolio of our photography, but an in-depth resource for anyone who is planning to get married in the Dorset area and beyond. If you want to get the latest news on wedding venues, products and advice then be sure to keep our site bookmarked.

We hope you enjoy browsing our new site and remember, it is constantly being updated so check back often to see new our latest developments and news.