Bank Holiday Monday – and after a fabulously hot weekend I had the pleasure of heading down to Parley Manor for the wedding of Vicky and Lee. Sadly the sun decided not to follow me there – but at least it wasn’t raining. (the weather’s always a concern for a British Wedding – but really there’s nothing you can do about it, so having a contingency plan and then just taking what you get is the best way forwards. A couple of the most memorable weddings I’ve covered were drowned in torrential downpours, so a bit of grey weather is never an issue; particularly when, like Vicky and Lee, the day is filled with the bright warmth of family and friends – more than enough to keep us all happy!).
Vicky & Lee met while at Uni – she’s now training to be a GP whilst Lee is already a hospital doctor. As I wasn’t covering the preps, the day started a little later than usual for me, just as guests were arriving for the one o’clock ceremony. When Vicky arrived I joined her and her four bridesmaids, all looking gorgeous in matching deep plum gowns. Vicky looked beautiful in a stunning lace-covered Justin Alexander dress with a chapel-length train, and the unusual dried flower bouquets were a really pretty touch, echoed through her hair piece and Lee’s Buttonhole too.
There was a slight hold up, however, as Vicky’s elderly Gran got caught in traffic. Thankfully the registrars had nowhere else to be, so the 30 minute delay really didn’t matter. And though some couples would have their nerves shredded by such a delay, Vicky and Lee were probably one of the most calm, relaxed couples I’ve worked with and it didn’t matter to them at all.
Vicky’s family are all locals from the Poole area, whereas Lee’s came from the Bolton/Manchester area, so there was a real North-South mix of accents – but both sides mixed and mingled brilliantly to create a wonderfully warm and relaxed atmosphere.
The ceremony was held in Parley Manor’s intimate and romantic Pavilion, and once Vicky & Lee were husband and wife the guests filled the grounds to enjoy a glass of something chilled and have some fun with the garden games. Quoits and Noughts & Crosses were very popular, and I’d never seen the large playing cards for snap before. Everyone also got to enjoy the Popcorn & Ice Cream carts as they relaxed, caught up with family and made new friends the way people always seem to do at weddings.
I managed to steal Vicky & Lee away for a few quiet moments together before they led their guests into the beautifully-lit Walled Garden Marquee for the wedding breakfast and speeches before the band kicked off the evening with the first dance (and I noticed the sun finally decided to show its face!).
Thank you Vicky and Lee – your whole day was such a relaxed, chilled out wedding, it was a pleasure to be a small part of it. Have a wonderful time in Madagascar with those ring tailed lemurs.
Courtenay x
Credit where credit is due!
Venue – Parley Manor
Band – BB3
Dress by Justin Alexander
Men’s Attire – Regent Tailoring
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All the very lovely details from Vicky and Lee’s wedding at Parley Manor in Dorset …
