In early March it was my privilege to record what has to be the most energetic, vibrant and eclectic wedding I’ve yet experienced. Petia and Chris married at Poole Guildhall in Dorset before sailing out of Poole Harbour on a yacht and making a beach landing at Studland.
From the beach, the entourage proceeded on to a reception and night party held in the grounds of a National Trust cottage just across the lane from the Bankes Arms (which supplied a barrel of particularly fine real ale, brewed in their own micro brewery, for the celebration).
In many respects a truly global event, guests congregated from as far afield as Bulgaria, Thailand, Australia and Birmingham.
On a day full of smiles and laughter everything went as smoothly as a wedding might, not least due to the fantastic attitude of the Registry Office staff and the degree to which friends and family pitched in to bring together a varied range of elements of the day.
Normally as a photographer I might hope that the clients feel pleased enough with my efforts to recommend me to others. In this case I would recommend the clients to any photographer. Petia and Chris were a delight to work with, their energy was seemingly boundless and their attentiveness to everyone’s needs including mine was appreciated enormously.
For me this didn’t feel like work at all, and I think the last remnants of seaweed (from the beach landing) have now been extracted from my suit!
Chris dutifully awaits the arrival of his bride to be, Petia, at Poole Guildhall.
The Guildhall provides an airy, spacious and elegantly finished venue for wedding ceremonies.
Petia arrives at the Guildhall with her brother Marc, whom is to give her away.
Chris focuses on getting his lines right!
I now pronounce you husband and wife.
The newlyweds are congratulated by a young guest.
The steps of the Guildhall provide for the perfect device to keep all one's guests in place!
Petia & Chris led their wedding party through the streets of Old Poole Town and on to Poole Harbour where their wedding yacht awaited them.
With guests safely aboard it was left to the intrepid Chris to draw the yacht out from its mooring. We set sail to sea with the outboard, ready for the beach landing, trailing behind.
Champagne on a yacht. The high life indeed! :~)
Having sailed out of Poole Harbour the party arrived off the shore of Studland Beach on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. The first wave boarded the beach launch and prepared for landing.
Yacht's skipper, Dave, fixes a firm path for shore.
... and into the water everyone goes! An exhilarating chapter in a day full of celebration.
One of the guests caught me demonstrating my intrepid commitment to capturing the moment (images courtesy of Chris Curran)
If Capa shot weddings ... they'd likely be less sharp than this one but I somehow felt a connection with one of my photographic heroes none-the-less.
Landlubbers again.
Old friends come together to share food and fond words. Let the celebrations commence.
Chris's dad celebrated his 80th birthday in tandem with the wedding day. A sprightly and very quick witted man, he also has the makings of a model. A highly photogenic chap!
Snap!
... and then it was time to take to the dance floor.
Love was in the air, everywhere I looked around.
The party went on into the wee small hours.
Christopher's Mum & Dad took to the floor in style.
Congratulations Petia & Chris!
Contact Bournemouth wedding photographer Phillip Allen : phill@misterphill.com : 07870 696248
by Phillip Allen
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greg thurtle - I love poole guildhall – great images!
Love the party ones on the boat – did you have to swim home?