Fit for a princess: the wedding of Simon and Annabel Clarke

The wedding of Simon and Annabel Clarke at St Edward’s Church, Corfe Castle followed by a reception at Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle, Dorset.

Photography: Dave Jackson Photography

We wanted everyone to get to know each other so planned a two night stay at Mortons for our wedding. Everyone arrived the night before to the most delicious buffet I’ve ever had and spent the night socialising. It was a lovely way to start the celebrations.

Having had a good nights sleep, I spent the morning strangely calm but felt the excitement start to bubble as I had my hair and make-up done.

As I walked down the staircase to see my family waiting a wave of emotion swept over me. I was trying desperately not to cry and ruin my make-up!

We walked across the road to the church with one of Mortons’ wonderful members of staff kindly stopping the traffic for me. As cars drove past they were tooting and waving. I remember turning around to my mum and bridesmaids and saying that I really felt like a princess.

My mother gave me away. As we walked hand in hand down the aisle my friend was playing the trumpet. The ceremony was just perfect, emotional with tears of happiness and also a lot of laughter. We couldn’t have found a nicer person to deliver our service than Reverend Andrea Hagenbuch.

We asked our photographers if we could go up into the gorgeous ruins of Corfe Castle for our photos. We had a champagne picnic in the grounds of Mortons House before the bridal party made their way up to the top of the ruins to have some truly stunning shots.

The speeches were both emotional and hilarious and came before dinner to allow the best man, and Simon to relax through the delicious meal. Our first dance was to Nina Simone’s ‘I’m Feeling Good’. The band ‘The Drat Pack’ were absolutely amazing and Simon found his dancing feet and was flying me around the room! The atmosphere all night was perfect with everyone dancing and most definitely having a good time. We just didn’t want the night to end.

Having saved for a few years we decided to take a year off to go travelling on our honeymoon. As I write this I’m in Canada on an island off Vancouver! We’ve been enjoying the outdoors and have even seen a bear! Next stop south east Asia!

THE DETAILS

Photography: Dave Jackson Photography, 01202 718502, davejackson-photography.co.uk

Venue: Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle, Dorset, 01929 480988, mortonshouse.co.uk

Dress: Fairy Tale Weddings, fairy-tale-weddings.co.uk

Groom: Moss Brothers, Windsor, mossbros.co.uk

Accessories: I borrowed my beautiful headpiece from a friend who bought it in Singapore. And my bracelet was an 18th birthday gift. Everything else from Fairy Tale Weddings.

Stationery: Handmade by bride and bride’s mother

Catering: Mortons House Hotel, Corfe Castle, Dorset, 01929 480988, mortonshouse.co.uk

Cake: Le Papillon Patisserie, lepapillonpatisserie.com

Entertainment: The Drat Pack, thedratpack.co.uk

To see more of Simon and Annabel’s wedding pictures see our online gallery or the 2013 issue of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire BRIDE