I’m feeling quite proud of English Wedding Blog this week. Today’s real wedding in Dorset is one reason for my pride — it’s such a lovely countryside wedding day, relaxed and happy and full of ideas.
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Andy and Polly were married at Bryanston School Church, Blandford Forum, Dorset. Their wedding reception was in a marquee on the lawn at Hanford School, Child Okeford, Dorset.
They chose Somerset wedding photographer Simon Biffen to photograph their day — and he documents their wedding beautifully. The pictures I have to show you today start with clay pigeon shooting and take us through the wedding ceremony, reception and on to twilight… it’s a beautiful English wedding and I do hope you enjoy the feature!
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Polly & Andy’s country wedding in Dorset
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Who proposed, and how?
Having met and worked together at The Banda School in Kenya for three years, Andy told Polly they were going on cricket tour to Tanzania for a few days.
As Polly kept inviting people on the trip, many people had to be told that the cricket tour was not happening, but were asked to go along with the story! The friends even put empty suitcases into the car the evening before the trip so that Polly would not become suspicious!
Instead of driving to Tanzania from Nairobi Andy turned into a small airport and as a surprise the couple flew up to Loisaba Lodge in the Laikipia Game Reserve in Northern Kenya.
After several wonderful game drives, Andy brought out the stunning diamond ring and popped the question under a beautiful fig tree by a river as the couple had gin and tonics!
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Wedding photographer:
Simon Biffen
How would you describe your wedding style?
Traditional, country, relaxed and extremely happy!
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Polly and Andy had a religious ceremony, with readings ‘On Marriage’ by Kahlil Gibran and Colossians 3 v 12–17.
Andy wore a grey double breasted waistcoat with a navy blue tie, navy morning suit with navy pin stripe trousers. Polly wore the beautiful Genesis dress by Marylise.
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Memorable wedding day moments:
Everyone’s smiling faces throughout the day. The brilliant church service, great food and crazy dancing!!
Wedding day advice:
Try to relax and enjoy it all. As soon as you walk down the aisle try to look around you and smile at your guests, this should put you at ease.
Take in as much as you can, take the time to look around you and be happy that all these people are there to celebrate your marriage. You will have it all planned so there is nothing to worry about, relax and enjoy being with all your friends and family.
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What were your wedding day highlights?
Seeing all our friends and family together and enjoying themselves. Awesome dancing – everyone smiling and laughing.
Wedding venue styling and details:
Having lived in Kenya for four years, the couple had lots of African details for their wedding in Dorset. The tables were named after the couple’s favourite places in Kenya. These were illustrated on a large map of Kenya to show where the tables were located, Masai spears, and shukas (blankets) completed the theme. The individual name settings were carved ebony safari animals with name tags.
Music and entertainment:
Jim Etherington and his amazing band. They had the whole reception up and dancing the night away. An extremely talented group of musicians who seemed to enjoy themselves as much as the guests did — perfect!
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Recommended wedding suppliers:
- Sarah McDonnell at Indulge Bakery in Shaftesbury provided the most wonderful, delicious food.
- Dorset Party Marquees were fantastic – we loved all the detail in our marquee.
- Simon Biffen was the best wedding photographer we could have hoped for. He made a huge effort to meet up with us and visit both the locations before the wedding day. He even went in search of the groom’s party at 8am in a field in the middle of Dorset where they were doing some pre-wedding clay pigeon shooting! The photos he took were excellent and his creative flair blended perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere we enjoyed. We are delighted with the photos which are a fantastic memory of our amazing day.
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