Candid Wedding Photographer Dorset

Behind the scenes| A documentary blog on the Wedding index Dorset styled shoot- Italian Villa, Compton Acres

If you live in Dorset and you are getting married, The Italian Villa, Compton Acres in Poole is a dream wedding venue. The romantic villa, set above the formal Italian gardens, overlooks the exquisite ornamental lake, stone water fountain, bronze statues, grand stone staircases and a stone grotto surrounded by lush floral displays or reds and yellows. You really do get the sense of being in the mediterranean; who wouldn't want to get married here?

When Gemma from the Wedding Index Dorset contacted me and asked if I wanted to be involved in the Italian Villa shoot, I jumped at the chance. However, my role was not the primary photographer this time. It was to capture the behind the scenes, and to get a feel for what happens in preparation for my own styled shoot later that month.

I arrived eager, yet nervous to the hustle and bustle of various local wedding suppliers (list below) in full preparation mode for the shoot. I was welcomed, warmly, by a very smily member of the Italian Villa team, Lauren, and Gemma kindly showed me around, introducing me to all the other Dorset wedding vendors involved. . The cake was being carefully placed by a window, overlooking the timeless lake beautifully dappled with water-lillies in full bloom. Floral displays were being plumped, model brides sat patiently in old school director chairs being pampered, and linens were carefully woven around chivalry chairs. I will admit I was nervous to meet the lead photographer, Annie Mason. Whilst I have been so lucky meeting wonderful suppliers I always worry that there will be a sense of competition or animosity. However, my worries were quickly swept away when I introduced myself to Annie, I was welcomed with a smile and the go ahead to tag along.

What is a styled shoot?

A styled shoot is a collaboration of local suppliers that come together to create something beautiful. It is not about competition, unkindness, its about collaboration, celebrating each other's successes and trying something new. It is centred around creating beautiful images to use for advertisement - so there is a lot of pressure on the photographer not only on the day, but also during the editing process to provide images for lots of wedding vendors.  Whilst, I was a little nervous attending my first ever styled shoot Annie was as cool as a cucumber and took everything in her stride alongside two stunning models, Emily and Steve.

The Shoot

The photoshoot encompassed a mock ceremony at the base of the steps with Dorset Celebrant Caron Khan. Followed by some posed shots on the stairs directed by Annie. Shortly after we made our way to the Japanese Gardens where Emily, Steve, Lauren and Gemma tentatively made their way over the stepping stones, trying not to fall in, or get the dress wet which was followed by lots of natural laughter- my favourite.

After a short break, the photography continued with photos on the balcony of the Sienna Suite, and elegant wedding tablescapes of olive greens, ivory candles, golden cutlery and bud vases brimming with curated floral decorations in the Medici Suite. After some fun photographs in the Sienna Suite (which is the perfect space when the party is in full swing) we headed for the final photographs of the champagne tower courtesy of  Copper Still Mobile.

What I loved the most about this shoot was how all the women (and Steve!) rallied round each other, supporting each other and praising one another. The photos really do show how hard everyone worked and I am sure you will agree, if you are looking for a timeless, elegant wedding, the Italian Villa, Compton Acres is just the perfect venue.



You can see more of this shoot in the Wedding Index Dorset Magazine- out now!