I recently had the pleasure of photographing Emma and Sam’s documentary wedding in Weymouth, Dorset. I’ve a fondness for military weddings, there’s always such a great atmosphere to work in.

The wedding was exceptionally well planned, with the civil ceremony at Portland Castle and wedding reception at Athelhampton House – my first wedding at this superb estate which is steeped in history dating back to the 14th century.

Winter weddings have exceptional light – often low, warm sun with long, strong shadows. This creates bags of character. If you’re willing to lose a little natural light later in the afternoon you will be rewarded with beautiful morning and early afternoon light. Be smart about your ambient light sources for the evening reception, for instance candles are perfect, and you will be delighted with the photographic results (if your photographer is brave enough to not use flash!).

It’s been really tricky editing these images down to a bite-size, blog friendly body of work –  this was definitely a favourite winter wedding of 2009.