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Lulworth Castle Dorset wedding of Nicola & Nick

It’s been a while, but last weekend I found myself back at one of my favourite wedding venues in Dorset, Lulworth Castle, to photograph the wedding of Nicola and Nick – who had been friends since they were toddlers! They lost touch for a while, but met again five years ago and as with all great friendships they simply picked up where they left off, immediately friends again, and soon much more than friends.

Nicola and the girls got ready at another favourite venue of mine, The Pig On The Beach, and the rooms were filled with fun and calm, enjoying champagne and sandwiches as Caroline from Amazing Face put the finishing touches to hair and make up.

The bridesmaids were dressed in a beautiful and unusual dove grey, which contrasted perfectly with the soft country summer pink theme of the day, echoed in the roses and peonies throughout the flowers. Nicola herself looked beautiful in a Caroline Castigliano gown of ivory corded lace with an elegant boat neck and sophisticated low back, accessorised with jewellery from her father.

I left the Pig for the 30 minute drive to Lulworth Castle, knowing Nicola and her bridesmaids wouldn’t be far behind me. As it turned out Nicola wasn’t, but the bridesmaid’s driver accidentally took the scenic route and arrived 10 minutes later than the bride!

The ceremony was held in the castle, and thankfully just as the bridal party moved inside the rain came down in earnest.

There were a few nerves on show as the string quartet struck up to play in Nicola and her dad, but as is always the way they both calmed as soon as they caught sight of each other.

Once they had made their vows and were declared an official Mr & Mrs we managed to head out briefly in a handy break in the rain for a big group shot & the confetti throwing on the steps of the castle. The guests managed to enjoy a quarter of an hour outside on the terrace before the rain drove them in again. Thankfully weather’s not an issue at Lulworth Castle – there’s plenty of space for the guests, and the castle is so light and airy it feels bright on the dullest of English summer days. Obviously the two families have known each other for a long time, and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed as everyone mingled and enjoyed the drinks and canapés.

I gave up on waiting for another break in the rain, and we decided to simply do the few family formal portraits inside before the guests were invited to move to the dining hall for the wedding breakfast and speeches.

Finally after the meal the sun decided that it was June after all, and a gloriously golden evening broke out – Nicola, Nick and I grabbed our chance and headed out into the grounds for a peaceful wander – and a few moments for the couple to catch their breath and some time alone. Nicola, wearing very high heels in an effort to increase her diminutive size next to Nick’s 6′ 7″ frame had real trouble with sinking in the wet grass; obviously Nick did the only thing he could, scooping her up and carrying her there and back.

The String Quartet played through the laid-back drinks party, adding to the gentle air of charm floating through the castle.  Nick and Nicola cut the cake (with a very large sword), then headed straight onto the dancefloor as the evening band struck up for the first dance.

I left as the party really got underway, and that recalcitrant sun was setting beautifully over the castle.

Congratulations Nicola & Nick – your day was beautiful, and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. I wish you all the very best in your new life together.

bride having her hair done pre-wedding

Courtenay x

bride gets into her dress
Bride and her father in wedding car
bride climbs steps to castle
bridal party enter castle
dad walks daughter down the aisle
the ceremony begins
couple take wedding vows
happily married
first kiss as husband and wife
signing the register with witnesses
couple exit the ceremony
confetti on the castle steps
guests enjoy drinks and canapes
guests mingle outside castle
bride enjoys string quartet
wedding speeches toasts
funny wedding speeches
couple take a walk
groom carries his bride
bride and groom take a romantic stroll
look out to sea
quiet time in castle grounds
gentle walk in the sunshine
groom gives his bride a lift
a romantic kiss up in the clouds
evening wedding guests arrive
couple cut the wedding cake
couple take first dance
evening band entertains guests

Credit where credit is due!

Hair & Make-up – Amazing Face

Wedding Cars – Select Chauffer Services

Catering/Flowers/Decorations – Nomad

String Quartet – Arioso

Venue – Lulworth Castle & Estate

Wedding Band – Falltones

Wedding Dress by Caroline Castigliano :  Mens attire by Moss Bros

If you would like to see Nicola & Nick’s whole wedding album when it goes live, click the following link and add your details to be automatically notified.

Lulworth Castle Wedding

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All the lovely details from Nicola and Nick’s wedding day at the lovely Lulworth Castle in Dorset

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