A Brewery, A Barn, Bands and a Badger- A Bloody good wedding!
Barn Wedding- Dorchester, Dorset
Cerne Abbas Brewery Wedding
I met Clo, her Mum and little doggo at The Engine Room on Poundbury and chatted all things wedding around a year or so before the big day. Clo made it clear that they wanted a big party, and with an Irish heritage, a party it would be; with up to 300 people invited! Clo described a beautiful church service, followed by a barn reception with lots of local bands and of course Cerne Abbas brew! They were not into posed photos and just wanted all the fun captured candidly so I just knew we were good fit.
The day of the wedding
The day started off at Clo's family home. The weather was absolutely scorching and when I arrived the bride, bridesmaids, best friends and flower girls were all huddle on the lawn in front of the cottage popping their make up on. There was a quick shout as a huge delivery of bacon and sausage baps arrived and everyone dug in to stock up on the calories for what was going to be an amazing day.
As a documentary photographer, I always get stuck right in. Capturing the little movements, moments and chatting to everyone to help them feel relaxed in my presence The last thing I want anyone to feel on their wedding day is more anxious, or increased demands!
I captured Clo getting her hair done, getting into her dress and the first look with her Dad before rushing to my car to get to the church. Unfortunately, in typical Dorchester style, the traffic was a nightmare and the main road from the house to the church was closed! Thankfully, I got there in time, and after parking up my little van I head straight for the church to photograph guests piling in, and of course a nervous Groom!
One thing that lots of couples do not realise is that Churches are, typically, more strict when it comes to photography. Obviously the service is sacred, and the photography has to fit around this moment. Some Vicars/Priests are very accommodating, allowing you to go anywhere in the Church. However, some restrict you to just one spot, some even do not allow any photography at all! So if you have chosen to get married in a Church it is really important you discuss photography in advance so that you are not disappointed on the day.
Thankfully, I was allowed some freedom to move in the beautiful little church in Dorchester to allow me to photograph some special moments. It was also really refreshing to see everyone focused on the couple- I do not remember there being any phones/cameras- other than mine!
After some quick group shots in the church garden, the guests headed off to the Cerne Abbas Brewery, whilst Clo, Harvey and myself disappeared for some down time and some quick couple photos.
I always encourage my couples to have some time together even if you are not wanting any photos together. Why? The day will fly by so quickly so having time together to review the day can slow it down a little. Also, I find lots of couples end up spending more time away from each other during the day than they hoped, so pulling back through out the day is really important- after all the day is about the two of you as a couple! The day can be overstimulating too, and many of my couples are neurodivergent so having time to yourselves can help to regulate from an overly stimulating day.
However, from a photography point of view, I love to capture this moment. After the stress of the vows and being on show is out of the way, you tend to be more relaxed, totally loved up and its the perfect opportunity for candid couple photos; connect, go for a walk and a talk and let me capture it- naturally.
I had done a site visit before the wedding day when it was in its rawest form, so when I turned up the Brewery with it decorated in flowers, bunting, garden games and boho accessories, I was in awe! Clo and Harvey's family had spent long evenings leading up to the wedding to create a master piece and it really showed.
Ella from ECB Events was also onsite through out the day to help with the organisation of the time line- and I have to say a coordinator is really worth its weight in gold to help organise things especially when there are lots of guests, or things happening. Ella was ready with a glass in hand for when Clo and Harvey arrived and tried to help me organise the guests for the confetti shot- which I have to say is near on impossible with that many guests, even with my big voice. Guests were gathered for the speeches which were full of love, laughter, an even an Irish song. There were lots of tears, cheers and celebrations and were probably up there with one of the most tearful crowds!
This is when the party started
As I said, Clo and Harvey were very clear that they wanted a party, that is exactly what they had! The Brewery was decorated with garden games, there were little comfy nooks around the site for people to sit and enjoy themselves and they even had an Ice Cream van pull up to serve unlimited Ice-Creams to everyone; I have to say I did enjoy a cheeky kinder bueno whippy myself! They had also booked 4 local bands, Wessex Pistols, Skimmity Hitchers, Hungry Grass and Pronghorn to party the night away. And that they did! Clo and Harvey did not want to be dragged away for golden hour photos, they wanted to dance! Again, this is the joy of candid photography, you are in control- you don't have to go off for photos if you don't want to. One of my highlights had to be the sacrifice of the virgin badger who led a conga around the brewery, followed by a guest stripping down to their pants during a dance off showing a vibrant little green frog tattoo on his hip. I do have a photo but I don't think it is fair to show it haha.
I left the wedding as the sun was setting behind the brewery creating this stunning golden glow, with guests drinking, dancing, chatting and enjoying the warm summers evening. I really do hope I get to go back to the brewery but any weddings there will struggle to top the vibe of this mega festival style wedding.
Venue: Cerne Abbas Brewery - Barn Wedding Dorset, near Dorchester
Wedding Co-ordinator - Ella from ECB Events
Florist: Brothers Farm
Photographer: Kelly Tawse Photography - Dorset Candid Wedding Photography
