‘Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale’. Michelle & Paul’s special day looked just like how you imagine a fairytale wedding at the stunning Highcliffe Castle which was filled with fabulous blooms by the talented Jennifer Poynter.
I started the day bright and early with Michelle and her bridesmaids at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in the New Forest whilst Andrew from Andrew Christopher Photography was with Paul and the boys at the couples home near Ringwood.
The guys arrived at the beautiful seaside castle in a vintage split-screen VW campervan and had some photographs taken around the castle grounds whilst Michelle and her father were driven in a lovely Rolls-Royce to the ceremony.
Paul asked his two sons to be ushers and they had the great responsibility of presenting the wedding rings during the ceremony – a very special moment! Paul’s daughter was their flower-girl who gave her Dad the biggest, loveliest hug when she walked down the aisle.
Highcliffe Castle has the most gorgeous natural light flooding in from all the windows which overlook the gardens. It was a photographer’s dream to capture! After their ceremony we used the wonderful grounds for the group photographs, then myself and the happy couple walked down to the beach for some couple portraits whilst the guests made their way across the New Forest to the Balmer Lawn Wedding Reception.
The marquee at Balmer Lawn Hotel looked absolutely stunning, Jennifer Poynter Flowers had created gorgeous floral displays and decorated an incredible 4-tier naked wedding cake which was made by a friend of the bride and groom – It looked (and smelt) delicious!
Just like Michelle & Paul, their guests were a great laugh. One guest even asked if I could pretend he was famous whilst I was photographing him – I do love funny requests!
I love photographing wedding rings and isn’t Michelle’s engagement ring so pretty!
Whilst the marquee got ready for the band and the guests hit the bar, Andrew and myself took Michelle & Paul away for a quick few photographs around the grounds of the Balmer Lawn Hotel. Then all that was left was to cut the cake and the first dance then we let the happy couple and their guests party into the night! To view the rest of their wedding images please contact the bride and groom for the password before finding their online gallery here.Thank you Michelle & Paul for letting me be part of your very special day!