THE BEST GARDEN WEDDING PARTY EVER.

Katy and Mark got married last July at the home of Katy’s family friends, Southover House, which is a pretty grand 7 bedroom house in Tolpuddle with endless gardens and outdoor activities, Katy used to holiday here with her family when she was younger so it obviously held a lot of memories for her. It was one of the most fun weddings I’ve shot and even the rain didn’t dampen the day!

Getting ready

Katy got ready at the house with her girls, and the atmosphere was full of excitement. The window from the bedroom looked out over the ceremony area so we could see new guests arriving and the boys making finishing touches which added to the buzz. The boys were busy doing last minute organising and greeting guests – while, I expect, secretly praying the black cloud didn’t get any closer.

The outdoor ceremony

The ceremony was officiated by Katy’s brother in the gardens, which is actually where he himself got married too. With the beautiful backdrop of open Dorset countryside it’s the perfect setting for a wedding and the fact that there were so many family links and memories made it all the better. During the ceremony they had several readings, some emotional, some hilarious! It was so personal and really fun, I love it when I laugh and cry during the same ceremony! They also had a super talented friend of theirs sing for everyone which made Mark cry and in turn made Katy laugh!

The party

The reception was in a tipi in the gardens that had been decorated throughout with wildflowers. It looked absolutely incredible and they did a really excellent job of creating laidback chic! It was a total DIY wedding, which I really enjoy as there are so many personal elements to photograph and you get to know the couple’s little quirks.

We’d had such a roasting hot summer, and this day started out that way, but by the end of the ceremony the wind had arrived which made for an epic first kiss photo. Katy then lost her veil to the wind down by the lake! We made it back to the tipi just as the rain came, and oh WOW did it rain! There were a few hairy moments during the speeches where I think we were all wondering if the tipi was going to collapse under all the water but it held up! We literally had all the weathers that day. except snow actually, there was no snow.

For dinner they used Flaming Peaches, which was loved by all the guests. The first dance was x rated, and they finished off the evening with sparklers and a silent disco. The party is generally my favourite part of the day but this party was something else. The music from Music for London was absolutely brilliant, got everyone on the dance floor and played the best songs! Katy & Mark’s friend who had sung during the ceremony had another go with the band too which went down a storm with everyone.

The couple

Katy wore a Charlie Brear dress and Mark wore his own suit and they looked so sytlish. Katy’s pants were an unknown brand but they had a pussy cat’s face on so… THAT’S AWESOME.

Katy and Mark’s wedding had such a chilled vibe and was so much fun. Here’s their awesome wedding!

Oh, and if you’re planning a garden wedding, get in touch!

Suppliers (in Katy’s words!)

• Hair Salon Sapphire Styling – Wendy Peart
• Dress Designer Charlie Brear
• Bridesmaids Dresses Asos
• Tuxes/Suits Whatever they already have
• Bride’s shoes um…. new look…..
• Groom’s shoes No clue
• Jewellery Maybe but nothing expensive!
• Flowers There is a Pick your own farm in Sherborne called Black Shed Farm
• Lighting Probably fairy lights?
• Entertainment Music for London
• Alcohol Hopefully lots. Grape juice, pints and then BYOB for the after the party
• Caterers Flaming Peaches
• Accommodation People are glamping at the venue – Victoria Lily Events.
• Cake My Mum’s friend – Mark is in charge of cake decoration which he is very excited about….
• Decor Just flowers
• Tables/LinensWe are not posh enough for table cloths
• Invitations & Stationery Using the office printer / guillotine when everyone from work has gone home.