Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Wedding with Dorset Ceremonies, Cream Cadillac & Chesil Beach Portraits

As a Dorset wedding photographer, I get to witness all kinds of love stories, but this one at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens was something special. Think tropical vibes, vintage wheels, garden games, and a whole lot of laughter and booze....

I knew it was going to be a fun day when the original consultation with Ruth at Caffeine was over 2 hours long, boy did we get chatting! Ruth and Josh chose to have their ceremony outdoors, surrounded by the lush greenery of Abbotsbury. Dorset Ceremonies led a beautiful service and with Josh's sister giving a reading through a river of tears there was hardly a dry eye around! The gardens felt like a secret paradise, offering so much space to move around and photograph from every angle. With that and the couple’s relaxed vibe, everything felt like a holiday on a Caribbean island. .

Ruth arrived in a stunning cream wedding Cadillac (from the Cadillac Wedding Car Hire Dorset) that looked like it had driven straight out of a 1950s movie. It was the perfect touch, classic, cool, and totally Ruth. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a proper afternoon tea from Loose Moose Catering in the marquee, complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream. After a quick sarnie and cake I snuck off with the couple for portraits around the gardens, and wow, every corner was a dream. Ferns, flowers, winding paths, you feel like Alice and Wonderland. We stopped for some quick kisses and cuddles on our walk around the garden with a stop at the huge leaves which really makes you feel like you have shrunk!

After some heart felt speeches from Josh's brother, we headed to Chesil Beach for some evening portraits. Now, I’d love to say we had golden hour, but nope, Dorset had other plans. Instead, we got soft, moody light and about 470 fishermen dotted along the shore. Honestly, it was like a casting call for “Britain’s Got Fisherman.” But the couple didn’t mind one bit. They practised their first dance on the pebbles, laughed into the wind, and made magic happen. That’s the beauty of relaxed wedding photography; real moments, no pressure. Although, to be honest in the back of my mind I was thinking about was how much editing I was going to have to do to remove the fisherman.

Back at the gardens, the party kicked off with garden games that got very competitive. A vintage Limbo garden game turned competitive between the kids, and even the adults were getting involved egging the children on. The kids were everywhere, obviously in the best way, and a few decided I was their new best mate. One even joined me for dinner, gave me a full rundown of her favourite activities, and offered me half a sausage roll. I declined the roll but accepted the friendship.

And then came the bar. The bride and groom didn’t just open it, they became it. At one point, they were behind the counter pouring shots for everyone I'm sure it got messy when I left.... I’m not saying they should quit their day jobs, but if I ever need a mobile bar team, I know who to call; it was truly epic!

This Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens wedding was everything I love about being a Dorset wedding photographer; laid-back, full of heart, and bursting with personality. From garden games to Chesil Beach portraits, it was a day of real connection, real joy, and a whole lot of fun.

Venue: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset

Car: Marilyn Cadillac- Cadillac wedding car hire Dorset.

Flowers - Unknown

Dress - Unknown

Caterer- Loose Moose Catering, Weymouth