A Magical Summer Wedding In A Walled Garden With Celebrant Ceremony And Marquee Reception At The Little Dower House Of Old Windsor
Where do I start with Zahra and Simon’s big day?! Well, probably back in 2019 when Zahra contacted me and told me all about her wedding plans at Little Dower House. I’d hooked up with Susie and Hamish (who own this exclusive and utterly gorgeous private venue) the year before, but I remember being so excited to hear from Zahra and absolutely thrilled when she and Simon booked me to shoot their wedding the following year. You can find out more about the Little Dower House estate from an earlier visit here.
Of course, 2020 turned everything on its head, and I felt so sorry they had to postpone. Gutted in fact. Then with further uncertainty and much heartache, the wedding was postponed a second time to July 2022. But hurray! The day finally arrived, the sun came out (not too blistering hot like the previous weeks temperatures of 40o), and Zahra and Simon got to have the most long-awaited, perfect, and thoroughly deserved wedding day.
Every bride is excited on her wedding day, but Zahra was positively buzzing as she got ready with her trusty bridesmaids in the Little Hideaway, the separate annexe of the Little Dower House. It really is the perfect spot for bridal preparations and just a short walk from the house to the walled garden.
Zahra chose a stunning bridal gown by Caroline Castigliano (Mariah), with a fitted silk satin bodice and full and floaty, layered silk organza skirt. Oh and as Zahra gleefully pointed out, it had pockets! Every bride needs pockets don’t they? If only to look super cool!
Zahra teamed her frock with a pair of sparkly Jimmy Choo pumps (Romy in platinum ice), and a delicate diamond necklace and earrings. Her heavenly and heavily scented bouquet featured roses, mallow, dahlia, mint and eucalyptus, amongst other florals, and was perfect for the relaxed country chic setting.
Zahra’s bridesmaids were on hand to offer help and support throughout the day, and looked fabulous in sage green satin frocks. I also loved the little flower girl’s frock in floral embroidered organza. The couple’s boys looked very smart in their little jackets (and did a wonderful job with their readings later on).
The ceremony was conducted by the wonderful celebrant Jenny Knight, and I took some time before the ceremony to chat about what was planned and work out where I could best capture the ceremony, whilst keeping things as unobtrusive and relaxed as possible for Zahra and Simon. This is one of the reasons I prefer to shoot a wedding like this alone, just nipping in and out and capturing all the little moments without guests (and my couple) feeling the photography is taking over. Needless to say, the ceremony was absolutely wonderful. Relaxed, super personal, emotional, and inclusive for all guests.
After the ceremony, drinks were served in the the beautiful walled garden, where I also took the group shots and some lush bride and groom portraits. It’s the perfect backdrop and I felt utterly spoilt for choice when choosing backdrops. The wedding party then moved onto enjoy further drinks in the Summerhouse Garden. Then gradually everyone made their way across the wild flower meadow to the paddock for canapés, games, and for those who wished to partake, a nice glass of draft beer (which looked very inviting 🙂 )!
Zahra and Simon booked Caper & Berry to provide food and drink, and as always everything was delicious (obviously I have to sample of it or I can’t give my honest opinion). Their beautiful wedding cake was made by their friend Ester, of Sugar Lily Cakery, and it looked delicious (why do I always leave before the CAKE?! 🙂
I always enjoy documenting all the emotions of the speeches, and their speeches were no exception. However, from a photography perspective, my day was really topped off in brilliant style with the bride and groom and their respective parties, as well as the couple’s boys, and a mad 5 minutes with smoke bombs. We had a brilliant time and a proper laugh, and I love these particular photos as they seem to have really captured the fun and joy of the day.
I loved documenting everything about this wedding, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the people at the centre of it, the couple and their promise, commitment, and love for each other. Zahra and Simon were wonderful and their day joyous. I’m so thrilled they finally got to have the wedding of their dreams in this enchanted, fairy tale of a location. It could not have been more perfect.
Guys, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness with your gorgeous family. Thank you so much for asking me to capture these precious memories. Enjoy your preview. J x
If you would like to see my latest Little Dower House wedding click here.
Suppliers
Venue – Little Dower House, Old Windsor
Dress – Caroline Castigliano
Shoes – Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids Dresses – Confetti Bridesmaid
Flower Girl Dresses – Lilly And Bo
Flowers – Babylon Flowers
MUA – Jo Stringer
Hair – Steph from La Medusa
Wedding Cake – Sugar Lily Cakery
Wedding breakfast, canapés etc – Caper & Berry
Celebrant – Jenny from Knight Ceremonies
Marquee – Alternative Structures
Seating – Event Furniture Hire
Menus & Signage – PM Printed UK
Bar – Platinum Mobile Bars
Beer – Rent A Keg
DJ – Stuart Lee
Band – Chasing Deer
And finally….
Susie and Hamish host a limited number of weddings each year for lucky couples who choose this venue. if you are one of them get in touch as I would love to hear from you.
Where to now?
Little Dower House June 2023 wedding
