Magnificent Milton Abbey, Dorset - Faye & Collins' Wedding
There's no need to hold back when you're describing Milton Abbey in Dorset as a wedding venue - it's absolutely stunning. Everything about it is simply beautiful: the glorious Abbey itself; the wonderful buildings of the public school which the Abbey is attached to; the magnificently maintained parkland grounds - landscaped by Capability Brown no less - in which the school sits surrounded by rolling hills and fields; the picture-postcard village of Milton Abbas down the road... all just magnificent. What a treat to be asked to photograph a wedding there, and it was with great pleasure that I captured Faye & Collins' big day in the height of Summer.
Bridal preparations took place at the very pleasant Hambro Arms pub in the neighbouring village, a leisurely trot away if you happen to be arriving in a horse-drawn carriage! More on that in a moment, but as Faye and horses set out on their journey I was able to catch up with our groom as his guests arrived - he'd been keeping himself occupied that morning by playing a spot of croquet on the lawns (rather than indulging in a round of golf on the school's private golf course, some of which you can just about see to the right of the image above. How come my school didn't have its own golf course?).
As the guests took their seats for the start of the service, the horses and carriage swung into view at the far end of the drive to make their way down to the main entrance of the Abbey. Faye made her way down the aisle on her father's arm, led by their absolutely gorgeous little daughter, and the ceremony was in motion. It's a magnificent building, and looks particularly impressive from the rear as you look down the aisle towards the high altar - what a setting in which to make your vows!
Back out and into the summer sunshine (albeit with some very heavy and dramatic clouds rolling in from the west), and an opportunity for guests to explore the grounds and get started on the canapes as our bride and groom headed out for a tour in the carriage. I don't know much about horses - my wife's the specialist on that score - but these were some real beauties, and what a lovely way to take a few moments after the ceremony to soak it all up.
Drinks and canapes were served on the lawns overlooking the cricket pitch, with those heavenly Dorset views stretching off into the distance, and then for the wedding breakfast we headed in to the school's dining hall. So many beautiful spots, wonderful angles - check out the quadrant for a group photo location - to play with here, I think I could photograph a hundred weddings at Milton Abbey and still be finding new things to work with.
As the evening drew in at the end of a gorgeous day I headed back out with Faye and Collins into the grounds for a final few photos of just the two of them, surrounded by the peace and calm of the countryside and that wonderful soft late summer evening light.
Huge congratulations Faye & Collins on an absolutely wonderful wedding, and wishing you many very happy years together.
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The images above are just a small selection from the full set. Friends and family can view all of the others, and the slideshow, in Faye & Collins' private gallery (but you'll need to ask them for the password first).
If you are planning your Milton Abbey wedding and would like to know more about my wedding photography services, packages and prices, please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your plans and ask me any questions you might have. I'm only too happy to help however I can.
I hope you enjoyed this little blog post, and thanks - as ever - for reading. Come back soon for more images from a whole bunch of stunning summer weddings.
Stephen