Is Abbots Court the best new wedding venue in Dorset?
Photographing weddings in October can be challenging at times, and the weather can be more challenging, but L + O didn’t need to worry on their wedding day! Abbots Court Rural Retreat and wedding venue are one of my new favourites venues from 2022 and I am thrilled to show you some of the photography!
Because between the beautifully renovated country home, the walled garden with pergola, the Victorian stables, glamping pods and the garden pavilion, there are lots of spots for a variety of photographs and changes of scenery for your guests. The wedding day flow is perfect as it allows you to get as many natural moments throughout the day with different backdrops.
In summary, I had met L + O twice at two weddings before their own; a September wedding at Gosfield Hall and a very Christmassy wedding in Bedfordshire. So when they contacted me to say they were getting married and asked me to photograph, I was ecstatic! Stunning florals, a gorgeous dress, flawless styling, and an unforgettable day. This wedding was beyond beautiful.
Chic bridal styling for a country house wedding
Olivia’s bridal look was just perfect for a stylish country house wedding. Her dress – Rembo Styling from Angelica Bridal, was effortlessly beautiful, with beautifully embroidered outlines and a flowing slit for an effortlessly relaxed look. Paired with a very chic bow veil from Botias Accessories, Jimmy Choo, and tidy updo her look was stunning so much so her bridal portraits has featured on Harpers Bazaar UK.
But even with Rembo and Jimmy Choo making an appearance, the bouquet was an absolute highlight for me. White roses, eucalyptus, and thistle combined to make a dreamy arrangement.
Whilst prep was unfolding for Olivia; downstairs in the bar, Lewis was enjoying drinks supplied by a very helpful and skilled Groomsman. The bar is the perfect spot for a catch-up with the groomsmen before welcoming guests to the venue.
Wedding ceremony in the Abbots Court Victorian Stables
The Stables at Abbots Court are perfect for wedding photography. The newly refurbished space has been designed perfectly – with natural light streaming through many beautifully painted windows; the high ceilings and modern light bulbs were the perfect juxtaposition of old and new.
And, of course it’s important to mention the floral hoops attached to the ceiling allowing florists to add whatever they wish to make the room even more personal to the couple and the colour scheme. I loved all the greenery added to the hoops for Olivia and Lewis’ wedding day – it brought the perfect pop of colour to the building.
Lot’s to see and not enough time!
After the ceremony, Lewis and Olivia stepped out of the stables and were met with lots of smiling faces and showers of confetti. It was such a wonderfully happy moment to capture.
I followed the newly married couple towards the Abbots Court Manor house for quick cheers before arranging the party for a group photograph. The gravel next to the parking was used as it had been raining earlier in the day, and I wanted to avoid guests getting muddy shoes! I worked my photoshopped magic and removed a few cars in the background.
The guests then walked across from the Manor house to the walled gardens for champagne and canapes. What makes Abbots Court a very unique wedding venue is the ability for the couple to take photos away from the guests without an audience.
Abbots Court Couple Photography
One of my favourite parts of any wedding day is the couple’s portraits. The morning flew by, the ceremony was so special, with some tear-jerking readings from family members, and then there were 100 smiley, excited guests trying to congratulate the couple and catch up. It’s essential to take even a minute away to catch up as a couple and be in the moment.
What makes Abbots Court a unique wedding venue is the ability for the couple to take photos away from the guests without an audience. After Lewis and Olivia had enjoyed some time with their guests, we headed off to the front of the Manor to take photographs that would last a lifetime.
Abbots Court is an exclusive-hire venue, and it is in the middle of nowhere – no cars racing past, only the sound of the wind whistling through the fallen leaves. It was blissful and the photography just shows you how peacefully the setting truly is.
How joyful it is to be a wedding photographer!
Without a doubt, I am so lucky call wedding photography my full-time job; it is the best. I strive to capture all the finer details, the in-between moments of laughter, the chinking of the glasses as your guests cheer and the hugs your parents give you just after you say I do. These moments are precious, and you will have them to enjoy for many years.
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day, I’d love to hear from you – I am currently planning my own wedding day so have lots of ideas. Please get in touch today for a chat about all things wedding planning whether your looking for Abbots Court Photography or anywhere else in the world for that matter.
