During the months leading up to Gabrielle and Bradley’s wedding day I’ve had the great pleasure of experiencing their energy and commitment to each other and to living life to the full. I’ve hauled a bath around Dorset with them and clambered over obstacles by their side so I knew their wedding day was going to be an adventure in itself. Their passion and attention to detail came out to the full during this special day as they prepared to meet at the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart in Bournemouth to make their vows and went on to celebrate their marriage with a reception and party at the Cumberland Hotel.
First off I went to the groom's home. Meet Bradley. He's not in the slightest bit nervous! :~)
Stanley the Best Man. A nice chap with an iron handshake. I was able to trigger my shutter for the duration of the day though.
Bradley and Stanley get down to business preparing their wedding day suits (as opposed to birthday suits).
Certain profound parallels begin to emerge when I move on to Gabrielle's bridal preparations at her parent's home a few miles down the road. While Gabrielle has her wedding day make-up applied her father Ged (who was particularly good fun to spend time with during the day, as was his good lady wife, Gabrielle's mother, Agnes) gathers himself together.
Helen is a professional make-up artist and a wedding photographer to boot!
Gabrielle's eyes are amongst the best I've had the pleasure to feature in my photographs. They pop, shine and fizzle brightly, if those are appropriate ocular terms!
Gabrielle mind melds with her dress.
The guests congregated in Ink Bar, directly across the narrow road from Sacred Heart Church, prior to the ceremony.
Ink Bar enjoys a refined atmosphere, decor and millinery.
The head usher had his underlings (overlings?) well under control at Sacred Heart Church.
I remain curious as to the purpose of the shaving mirror.
The last photograph of Bradley as an unmarried man (aside from the ones that ensued up until the point that he and Gabrielle were actually announced husband and wife, but you get my drift :~)
Gabrielle brings her irrepressible smile down the aisle with her.
Bradley pays close attention as Father Anthony delivers a lesson on the responsibilities of being a husband.
Gabrielle clearly approves :~) as does her Mum, Agnes, seated behind her.
It's time for the hand over.
Three digits to the right and the deed is done!
Husband & Wife
On to the reception at Bournemouth's Cumberland Hotel.
Time for a celebratory cigar...
... after a fashion :~)
Taking the receiving line in his stride.
A great round of speeches were made, including orations from the mother of the bride and the bride herself (a fantastic break from tradition, fantastically well delivered!)
Then the speeches migrated off the top table into the midst of the guests. Natalie produced a sumptuous wedding cake for the bride and groom.
A speech relay race then ensued.
Congratulations Gabrielle & Bradley!
- Ceremony venue: Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart My thanks to Father Anthony for providing me with excellent expert advice on the layout of the church, prior to Gabrielle and Bradley’s wedding day, that allowed me to find the best possible angles from which to document their marriage ceremony clearly and evocatively.
- Reception and evening party venue: The Cumberland Hotel A sumptuously decorated venue with a modern edge, I was especially impressed by the wedding organisation operation at this hotel. Debbie Shilton-Hewett displayed good grace, humour and a great deal of friendliness in seeing to it that the event flowed with ease and along with Sean Neil provided me, and by extension Gabrielle and Bradley, with an enormous amount of help in setting up an impromptu ‘photo-booth’ for a large series of fun group photographs during the evening. My thanks also to Lisa for her help and guidance when I visited the hotel prior to the wedding day to scout out the location. I must add also that in this line of work I get to sample a great deal of venue catering and there was something especially appetising about the food I was provided with at The Cumberland!
- Professional bridal make-up: Helen Cornelius It’s always something to see a well honed professional at work and the results, which were excellent, lasted throughout the day!
- Wedding cake: Natalie Cambrook It was big, beautiful and brimming with good taste(s).
- Reception musical entertainment: Paul Dennis The real deal as a professional musician and singer, Paul entertained guests throughout the reception with a series of acoustic guitar and song sets. I was highly impressed! 07780707015
- Evening party musical entertainment: Live Lounge They certainly got me into the groove during the evening ‘photo-booth’ session :~)
Contact Bournemouth wedding photographer Phillip Allen : phill@misterphill.com : 07870 696248
by Phillip Allen
show hide 19 comments
John Parker - Another heaped spoonful of lovely – I bow before your reportage ability. :-)
Helen Cornelius - Absolutely love the photos and slideshow!
Paula Kamester - stunning pics, Cant wait to see the rest!
Rebecca Honeywell - Gorgeous photos! Amazing black and whites, you can really get a feel for the day.
Emma - A monochromatic magic show and then… *bosh* have them bright red Kir Royales! Brilliant. Absolutely love the divided room shots and the repeated themes between the bride’s party and the groom’s.
kirsty - The split room shots are so intimate and revealing – I love them!
Phillip Allen - Thanks everyone for your kind comments! :~)
Vida - Oh my gosh! You are the king of b&w! Really great photos, you captured their day perfectly.
Shyann - Great shots!! Love the black and white!!!! Good work!
Thomas Lester - Wow… I can feel the love and happiness. Great job!
Ophelia Photography - This is one amazing image. I would love to see more people dress like this at my weddings!!!! Love love love it.
Stacy McPeek-Smith - I wish I had more time right now, to go through all your posts. You images freeze time perfectly! I felt as if I was there. I felt it. Love it! And I can’t wait to come back often to check on your blog. You left me beautiful comments on mine.. almost brought me to tears! You are truly one of the most talented folks I have come across in a long time and I can’t wait to really sit and peruse over all your work. Bravo and thank you!!!
Victor Saidov Photography - These photo is amazing! Very well done! You got a new fan of your work!
Tony Kieu - Lovely picture !
Corey Ann - This moment was captured beautifully and wonderfully!!
Beki - LOVE this! Great black and white!
Phillip Allen - I’m blown away, by the calibre of all the visitors here as much as for the kindness of all your comments. Many thanks to all of you! :~)
Ben Helton - Amazing stuff Phillip — the depth of your B&W photos is wonderful. I really, really admire your style!
Laura Burlton - Phill, These are really wonderful! I love the PJ style and the setting could not be more beautiful :) I love English weddings!