Mapperton Gardens, Dorset: Paula & Tim’s midsummer wedding

Midsummer’s Day is a really romantic date for a wedding, and this year it was about as perfect as it could be, with glorious sunshine all day long and the most spectacular sunset.  Paula and Tim chose to get married at Mapperton Gardens, the beautiful home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich.  The gardens are set in a rolling Dorset valley, and made the most stunning venue for Paula and Tim’s outdoor ceremony and reception.  They arrived together in the back of a (beautifully decorated!) jeep, with their lovely lurcher, Freddie, then strolled across the gardens to lead their guests to the ceremony.  I think one of the highlights of my year will be the point where all the guests were given song sheets and asked to do an unaccompanied rendition of Dean Martin’s ‘That’s Amore’!  It was wonderful!

Then, with live music from Stompin’ Dave bouncing cheerfully through the gardens, everyone was served drinks and canapés next to the Orangerie.  Guest enjoyed exploring the beautiful gardens, sitting down on blankets to listen to the music and just joining in and having a good old boogie!  Everyone then moved up to the lovely Sawmill Cafe for a relaxed and delicious meal, more outdoor stomping and dancing, and the most beautiful pink sunset across the Dorset fields.  A magical midsummer’s day indeed!