Oddly, I began this year’s season right back where I ended last year , with a wedding at Symondsbury Tithe Barn, right here in Dorset. The weather was unexpectedly lovely – bright and warm, and not at all what I expect to contend with for a February wedding!
I arrived at the Old Post Office to meet up with Eleanor, her mum and her three bridesmaids for the final stages of the ladies preps with make up & dresses etc.
Eleanor’s dress was a stunning 50’s inspired Mikado gown, with a flattering bateau neck, low V-back and gorgeous button detailing. The full, box pleated skirt finished the simple, elegant outline, and she looked beautiful right down to her Jimmy Choos.
The bridesmaids dazzled – quite literally – in fabulously sequinned dresses. On a dull day they would have shone, but we were so lucky with the sunshine that they literally it up the room – in all the weddings I’ve covered I’ve never had such sparkling bridesmaids. Definitely my new favourites!
Eleanor’s Dad arrived and after a rather emotional greeting when he saw Eleanor I left them to go and find Rodger at the barn.
Meeting up with him and his best man we awaited the arrival of the bridesmaids, followed by Eleanor and her dad – and Rodger was visibly moved as she walked down the aisle to him.
Once they were husband and wife, Eleanor and Rodger enjoyed a confetti tunnel from the barn out into the gardens and – unbelievably for a February wedding – everyone stayed outside to enjoy the drinks reception in the early Spring sunshine.
Before long Eleanor could be found slipping into her riding boots under her dress, and we went back through the barn to greet Chester, Eleanor’s horse! A quick leg up from Rodger and she managed to sit side-saddle in her dress to include Chester in the wedding, while he greeted the guests like a total celebrity.
Once Eleanor was back in her shoes we popped into the gardens for a few family formals, and then I took Eleanor & Rodger for a quiet wander; time for a little peace and a brief quiet spell together.
Back at the barn it was time to come in for the meal – the barn looked very pretty covered in fairylights, with the table decorations reflecting the wedding flowers in vintage shades of dusky rose pink. The two long trestle tables are always a great idea (rather than the smaller round tables that are the more common layout), and the guests all chatted happily together.
The speeches included the father of the Bride toasting in the medium of song, with his accomplices all dressed up in wigs etc. Then we moved on to the cutting of the cake, and evening guests began arriving as the band set up. Fire pits were welcomed in the garden, and groups gathered around them to toast marshmallows as the last of the daylight had faded.
Rodger and Eleanor celebrated with a fabulous routine as their first dance as husband and wife, and the floor quickly filled as the evening party got under way and I made my goodbyes.
Congratulations to you both – it was a wonderful day and I loved being part of it.
Credit where credit is due
Wedding Dress by – Ronald Joyce Bride Shoes by – Jimmy Choo
Florist – Martha in The Meadow Band – The Money
Caterers – Dorset Fine Dining
Venue – Symondsbury Tithe Barn
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Symondsbury Tithe Barn Wedding
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All the lovely details from Eleanor and Rodger’s wedding at Symondsbury Tithe Barn in Dorset….
