Colourful outdoor Dorset wedding at Abbotsbury Gardens

“We love the photos!!! Thank you soooo much xxx” – Hayley & Simon

Hayley and Simon had their outdoor Dorset wedding in Summer at the spectacular Abbotsbury Gardens, which is a beautiful subtropical garden in Dorset. It was the most fabulous wedding day and the sun even made an appearance!

I have known Hayley for many years, we had worked together when I was a Graphic Designer, so it was really lovely to be there to photograph her wedding.

Getting ready at their home

Hayley and Simon got ready at their home, and the atmosphere was full of excitement. Hayley’s hair and makeup artist was a close friend, which made the morning prep even more special. The couple then rode together to get to the ceremony. They travelled in their VW campervan, with me driving in convoy. We stopped off on the way to the ceremony to get some photos along the Jurassic Coast, an area the couple love.

The outdoor humanist ceremony

The ceremony was a humanist service under the gazebo. The gazebo sits in the middle of an oasis of tropical plants, a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, they read their own vows, with their loved ones around them and their beloved dogs close by. It was such a personal service and so emotional. The ceremony was beautiful and funny but poignant one. A real celebration for Hayley and Simon, but slightly saddened because Hayley’s dad was no longer there to be part of the day.

After the ceremony Hayley, Simon and I took a walk around the gardens to capture some photos of the two of them and their dogs. We then made our way to the reception, to join all their guests.

Outdoor Dorset wedding festival party with live music

The reception was so much fun. They are an outdoor-loving, laid back couple so to follow on from their outdoor Dorset wedding ceremony, they created a fabulous outdoor wedding festival for their reception. They had a cider tent and ice cream stand and had decorated the marque with rainbow bunting and bright coloured pompoms.

After a buffet dinner, with some amazing homemade pies, the couple gathered everyone outside for speeches. I love photographing speeches outside, while all the guests are surrounding the speakers. It’s a perfect way for everyone to see and be a part of the speeches, and great for capturing reaction shots. The speeches, like the ceremony, were funny, emotional and heartfelt. There were thank you’s and happy stories shared.

As the evening approached and the light faded it was time for the dancing. The band got the party started and after a short first dance, the guests soon joined Hayley and Simon on the dancefloor. As I finished up the cider was flowing, the dancing was lively and I’m pretty sure there were a few sore heads the next day.

Hayley and Simon’s outdoor Dorset wedding had such a fun atmosphere and was so laid back. It was a total pleasure to be a part of and to photograph. Here’s their awesome wedding, enjoy!

If you’re planning a fabulous outdoor wedding, get in touch!