I’m always happy when a couple enquires about a Southover House wedding – it’s a beautiful Dorset wedding venue, a light and airy Georgian country house tucked into the peaceful Piddle Valley (and to be honest I love the fact I can be working such a beautful wedding venue so close to home!).
Below is a real wedding story of a recent Southover House wedding – it’s Paula & Richard’s big day.
If you’re looking for a photographer for your own wedding at Southover House, do get in touch – I’d love to have a chat about your own plans!
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of covering a Southover House Wedding; a new-to-me venue (and that doesn’t happen often these days!). I started the day at the beautiful Southover House near Tolpuddle. The house had been entirely taken over for the wedding, and when I arrived it was already mad busy with lots of rooms taken by family & close friends, some seriously cute little bridesmaids having fun running around with balloons and the usual Wedding Day chaos in the Bridal Suite itself.
When I got to her, Paula was in Hair and Make Up stage, so after spending some time with the ladies I nipped down to the marquee (which is attached to house) to capture some of the details in the peace a wedding breakfast room always enjoys in the early parts of a wedding day. I have to be honest, I love the air of anticipation that lays over a dressed-and-waiting wedding room!
Back up to Paula where the Make Up and Hair were still in process, with bridesmaids and Mum now in the chair and Paula in final touches for her hair. Sadly I didn’t get to stay for the wedding gown stage as I was due with the Richard at his house before going on to the church.
I arrived at the boys in Winterborne Zelston to find everyone already suited and booted, and the boys quite happy for me to move straight on to the church, just a two minute walk down the road.
St Mary’s is an incredibly pretty parish church, set back from road down a green lane which runs along the river. After a quick tour of the empty church (and popping my head in on the bell ringers) the guests were beginning to arrive and I caught Richard with his groomsmen and family walking up the lane together.
The Bridal Party soon arrived – the little ones gorgeous in white with soft sage green sashes, and Nicky, Paula’s Matron of Honour, looking elegant in a soft strapless full length gown of palest shell pink. All the bridesmaids carried natural posies of white flowers, and the little ones had pretty white-flowered headdresses echoing the sage and white of their dresses.
As the last guests slipped into the church Paula and her Dad arrived in glorious style in a gorgeous 1949 Jaguar, her full skirt echoing the bridesmaid’s chiffon with lace creating an illusion neckline over the sweetheart fitted bodice. The Bridal bouquet carried the theme of white warmed by touches of softest apricot from roses and foxgloves.
The church service was led by two vicars; the current vicar of St Marys conducted the service, but in a lovely personal touch the address was spoken by Richard’s childhood vicar – now retired, he returned by personal request and spoke beautifully.
Once they were officially husband and wife, Richard and Paula signed the register and left the church – in a change to the usual run of the day they immediately walked down to the river for a few quiet moments together.
The guests waited back at the church, and the couple performed a second exit through the confetti tunnel before we all took off back to Southover House.
The weather was warm and bright – and though overcast we’d had no rain, so everyone was able to enjoy drinks outside on the terrace before getting together on the lawn for the small number of formal photographs. A short while later Paula, Richard and I went for a short stroll around the gardens to create some quiet personal images of just the two of them before everyone was due in the marquee for the wedding breakfast.
Speeches and cake cutting followed in the usual manner, but as the band set up it became apparent a small calamity had occurred – and an electrical hiccup meant a silent band, so the first dance was delayed! Thankfully the power issues weren’t terminal, and after an hour or so things were back on track – Paula & Richard lead the way with their first dance as husband and wife, and as I took my leave the floor had already filled for the night’s party.
Here are some of the many images of the day….
Credit where due
Make-up – Clair Bowring Wedding Car – Superwed Cars Catering & wedding Cake – Flaming Peaches
Flowers – Martha & The Meadow Venue – Southover House Band – The Simon Faulkner Band
Dress by Ivory & Co Bridal Shoes by Rainbow Club Jewellery by Hamiltons Hatton Garden Mens attire by FL Mabb
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All the lovely details from Paula and Richards Wedding day. First the Church St Mary’s at Winterborne Zelston and then the reception at Southover House near Tollpuddle Dorset.