It started with the shoes. An irregular choice some might say. They had me fired up from the outset though and this is coming from someone who owns just two pairs, not of the same variety, possibly a good thing considering how long I spend on my feet on wedding days.
Sue & Nigel. We talked a lot about their wedding day, about my involvement in documenting it, and an enriching process it was for me. Christchurch Harbour Hotel for bridal preparations and some of the loveliest window light I’ve yet encountered. Sopley Mill for the ceremony and celebrations in great rustic comfort amidst the Dorset countryside and amongst exuberant family and friends.
It’s a fulfilling process to observe two people carefully planning something that’s of such great significance, creating something that is significantly true to who they both are, and being allowed to get to the heart of it all and tell the story.
So. About those shoes.
Sopley Mill. Not quite that rustic though.
Nigel, a talented graphic designer (look up Rubberneck Creative), produced a beautiful set of coordinated printed materials for the day.
Sue & Nigel delivered themselves up the aisle.
I'm too transfixed myself to conjure up a fitting caption but as I'm here, between the lines, I'll mention that Ringwood Registrars put on an extra special civil ceremony infused with thoughtful words that go beyond the bare legal requirements. It was a pleasure to observe them conduct the ceremony.
Images should be allowed to speak for themselves. Actually I doubt the efficacy of such an assertion. I just wanted to mention how endeared I am to the manner in which Sue is preparing her hands for what's coming next :~)
Oh. Kay. So it's going to be one of those kind of weddings (the kind I have great fun at).
I don't know who you are. I don't know what you were... talking about? I do know that I want to thank you.
Thank you for being there. For being there for me. Okay I know strictly speaking you were there for Sue & Nigel but so was I, we both were, and this was the result. I think they'll be happy :~)
Wouldn't you just love to know?
The all important details.
There is a context to this.
No better receiving line.
The proprietor goes to all the effort of branding his apron and I go and shoot wide open. Look up Barford Farmhouse Ice Cream. Absolutely delicious, and he'll cycle his cart to your wedding.
Nobody knew where to look when the Best Man delivered his speech.
But he was a stand-up kinda guy.
After a brief escape to chase the sunset there was time for a bit more gesticulation before the first dance...
... and the cutting of that exquisite cake made of cheeses.
The olfactory wisdom of eschewing fruit cake suddenly hit Nigel.
Did I know what I was doing? Yep. Was it wise? Nope. Do I care?...
... Always.
Lots more images to come once the gallery is up. Do leave a comment below if you’d like to be notified once it’s ready or drop me a message via email if you’re feeling coy.
Contact Dorset wedding photographer Phillip Allen : phill@misterphill.com : 07870 696248
by Phillip Allen
show hide 21 comments
Hazel Lewis - Beautiful pictures – lovely lighting and very relaxed and natural looking photos as a result. It’s like being there!
Carrie - Wonderful storytelling photographs yet again Phill! I love the way it appears Nigel has an icecream in his hand one minute, then a microphone the next! Plus that guest with that fabulous story, hand gestures and facial expressions! What a series!
Andy Brooks - Thats the most unusual cake I have ever seen!
A lovely set of images – superb black and whites (I take my hat of to you sir).
Personal favorite is the B&W image of the lovely couple sat by the field gate. You have picked up something quite romantic there and within the image, the gateway is almost symbolic.
Nigel Thorne - Only hours after these sublime images were presented, we have been inundated with compliments about how natural and stunning these memories have been captured. Sue and I have been up most of the night, laughing, crying and sighing over these and can’t thank you enough for your skill, creativity and passion that you bring.
Ian Tramaseur - Again, great photos sir. Shame you couldn’t get all your ducks (swans) lined up…
Tobiah - great photos and great story telling :D
Joey Chandler - Wow – these are beautiful – great energy and wonderful colors. Across the board amazing. Love the shoe shots (and I don’t think I’ve ever said that). Nice work for sure.
matt shumate - Amazing once again, Phill. Love them all. You always tell such a great story with your photos. I enjoy every second of it. Undoubtedly your couples enjoy a lifetime of it.
Nathan Gilmer - Your black and whites are gorgeous! As is everything else. Beautiful work.
gabe aceves - storytelling done well. simple as that. lovely stuff.
Avelaine Scyrup - Those are wicked shoes! I am totally checking out that website now. Oh and the rest of the photos are not bad either =)
Sue - Phill, thank you for capturing those wonderful moments through our day that we would have missed. I literally can’t stop looking at them ( the’re making me late for work!) magical images from a photographic genius……we heart you Phill ; )
Kim Robbins - Your lighting is perfect. Love the ones of the couple by the fence. Perfect.
Mark Kalkwarf - You have an amazing eye my friend and have captured some beautiful moments here. Your black and white images blow me away every time I look at them. Brilliant work once again, well done.
Joseph Yarrow - Oh Phill, we do love you.
Paul Von Rieter - Those shoes are epic. srsly,
I love the last couple images. they are too rad for words.
RaShea Drake - I am in love with those shoes, that bride sure has some exquisite taste! Not only in shoes, but in pretty much everything: dress, cake of cheese (I’m a cheese fanatic), and the venue :D
Fabulous job, I really love that you can see how everyone is having such a great time.
Barbara Thorne - Such beautiful photo’s of my son and his new wife you captured the day perfectly. Thank you
ed peers - Fantastic stuff! Great images – you have a great eye for finding awesome light!
Debbie Harris - These are the most beautiful photographs i have ever seen.
Heather - I love your use of space and vivid processing!
Karen Vincent Mclachlan - beautiful pictures! xx