Emma and Aaron married in an outdoor ceremony at Stonelees {sneak peek}

The forecast was for thunderstorms. Never the forecast that a wedding photographer wants to see, especially when her clients have an outdoors ceremony planned … but someone was smiling on my lovely couple and, although the weather was a bit windy, there was hardly a cloud in the sky and their dream outdoors ceremony went ahead. The gardens at Stonelees looked amazing as always, their attention to detail is second to none. Emma and Aaron had a twilight ceremony with their celebrations starting at 4pm but I arrived a little earlier to capture some behind the scenes, and detail shots for them too.

 

 

 

Emma had let me know in advance that her brother, Danny, was intending to propose to his girlfriend Chelsey. We orchestrated this for during the bouquet toss where Emma, instead of throwing her bouquet, turned around and gave it to Chelsey, saying “You might be needing this” and then stepped to one side to reveal her brother, on one knee … I”m delighted to say that Chelsey said yes!

 

 

 

After the meal, the lovely Brian took us out on a buggy to speed around the grounds and to give us the opportunity to get some fabulous bride and groom portraits. This is a great idea and, as the venue is within a golf club, the grounds are pristine! And just the right timing for blossom too …

 

 

 

Emma had read some of my previous blogs about weddings that I’ve photographed at Stonelees and she particularly wanted one on the bridge … I was more than happy to oblige!

 

I was delighted that the weather was just perfect for this lovely couple. They have been together for 15 years, have two sons and didn’t stop laughing all day. The connection between them is palpable and I very much enjoyed being part of their day. I’m looking forward to editing and sharing their images and I wish you both many, many years of happiness together x

P.S. And Danny, if you are looking for a wedding photographer, I can recommend a good one!!! (Me!)

Rachel and Christopher- a lovely local wedding in Faversham {sneak peek}

As a Faversham based photographer, it’s always lovely to have local weddings and to work with local people (who I often bump into in the supermarket .. but that’s another story). So you can imagine my delight when the gorgeous Rachel and handsome Chris met me at a wedding fair and subsequently booked me to capture their day. We had kept in touch in the lead up to the wedding and kept bumping into each other and then, suddenly, the time came and it was their turn to celebrate. As weddings go, this was pretty fun – a wonderful fusion of Northern Irish flair and Canadian hospitality. Warm words were spoken and many miles travelled and it was a wonderful, relaxed and friendly day.

And now to show a few images … but it isn’t a few … it’s quite a few …

When you have a bride this beautiful … you put her in a tiny tight alleyway alongside the Air BnB where her parents were staying!!

The boys, who had leisurely had breakfast in Faversham, looked pretty smart!

Now, my beautiful bride is a self-confessed blinker … so I had to be aware of this when taking portraits … no problems in this shot as proud dad Mark looks on.

A lovely first kiss after a personal ceremony delivered by Reverend Simon who I’ve had the pleasure of working with before.

A touch breezy …

Rachel and Chris chose to be transported in style by the fabulous team from Buttonholes and Bouquets who I’ve worked in the past. Lovely to see you both again!

After the meal, we had time to stroll out into the grounds for a few images whilst the guests were enjoying post-dinner drinks in the sunshine. Sometimes this can be a nice time for the bride and groom to be alone … with me …

Despite Rachel not being too keen on having a first dance, with the encouragement of their DJ, Ian, and their families and friends, they did and it was great to see everyone join in as soon as I’d got the shot!

Spending time with the lovely couple really does make me believe in the sentiment below “Love is a fairy tale come true”

And I wish Rachel and Chris the most wonderful married life together, full of adventures and laughter. Congratulations to you both, it was a pleasure to be part of your day xxx

Sheenagh and Jeff married at Boughton Golf Club … and then the storm came … {wedding sneak peek}

We have had hardly any rain in the South East of England for what seems likes months. And when I looked at the forecast for Sheenagh and Jeff’s wedding day, I realised that it could be “interesting” … with super hot, 35 degree temperatures during the day and potential flash flooding and storms forecast for early evening, this could be a challenging day … but it was spectacular. I have photographed for Sheenagh’s family in the past, for Lorna and Nathan’s wedding and so I saw lots of familiar faces and was made to feel extremely welcome.

This additional to Sheenagh and Jeff’s wedding cake is just perfect for Jeff’s profession and he cut the wedding cake stand himself!

With two bike outriders, the groom stopped traffic throughout Canterbury on his way across to Boughton Golf Club!

Sheenagh, you looked amazing and you received so many compliments during the day. Stylish and elegant and so very, very happy!

Sheenagh did give me one “must get” shot and that was of Jeff’s reaction. And he delivered …

Bearing in mind the soaring temperatures, my lovely bride and groom were cool, calm and collected all day.

And could hardly take their eyes off each other. I love a love story, don’t you?

With the storm clouds looming, the dramatic sky created a perfect foil for the confetti shot … and within minutes of this image, the heavens opened and the rain was torrential … it’s all in the timing!

It really was the most wonderful day and to see so many of Sheenagh and Jeff’s loved ones celebrating and some having travelled huge distances too. The beauty of the wedding packages that I offer is that a secure online gallery which can be shared with family and friends so even if your loved ones are far away, they can still enjoy looking through your wedding day story.

If you are planning a Kent wedding, please do get in touch: sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk and we can chat … you can also take a look at my beautiful new website: http://www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk

Congratulations again to Sheenagh and Jeff and I hope that our paths will cross again in the future xx

Kirstie and Chris … and Tyler … wedding at Stonelees {sneak peek}

It was hot, hot, hot. The grounds at Stonelees Golf Centre where I’m lucky to be one of their recommended photographers looked amazing despite the fact that there has been no rain for weeks … and Kirstie and Chris looked pretty spectacular too! How those boys remained cool, calm and collected in their three piece suits, I don’t know … but they did and Kirstie and her bridesmaids looked stunning too.

But there was a young man who stole the show. Tyler, who is just seven years old, proudly escorted his mum to be married and also gave a fabulous speech. Weddings are emotional and there were tears but much laughter too and I was delighted to be part of these wonderful celebrations.

Here are a few images that sum up their day – I know that Kirstie is waiting to see them!Emerald green is a popular colour so far this year .. and Kirstie had accented Kelly and Kara’s dresses and bouquets with beautiful brooches.Tears, yes, but huge smiles also. And that boy can smile!We did “formal” and then we did “relaxed” – Kirstie and Chris are young and so was their bridal party so it seem right to inject a bit of fun …After the meal and speeches, during room turnaround, the bride and groom get the chance to go out around the grounds in a buggy. Driving one of these can be a bit challenging (eh Chris?) and so I’m lucky to have Brian who drives me around … and thank you to the lovely Chelsea who co-ordinates everything at Stonelees.Kirstie and Chris’s wedding was a twilight wedding with a late ceremony but we still managed to get a lovely variety of images during the time that we had together.

 

It was fabulous to be part of their day and I wish them all the very best of luck in the future as a family with the lovely Tyler and am looking forward to editing their images and sharing many more memories.

Congratulations xxx

The Golden Hour – family photoshoots

With the amount of rain we’ve had in Kent recently, it’s difficult to remember what warm weather feels like … but it will return. It will.

Although it’s great to have a bright sunny day for photographs, it isn’t always the best light as far as photography is concerned. Harsh, bright sun can cast unattractive shadows on the face and that’s why you’ll often find photographers looking for “open shade” or an area that isn’t in bright sunshine.

Early evening photoshoots at this time of year are perfect for capturing those lazy summer days.

We are so lucky in our local area of Faversham, Whitstable, Canterbury and Herne Bay that we are surrounded by glorious and photo-perfect areas.

If you are considering booking a family photoshoot over the summer, please do feel free to get in touch by emailing me sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk – details on pricing are here – prices are from £195.

Hope to hear from you soon!

 

Selina and Ally married in Loose {sneak peek}

What a beautiful day for a wedding! There was the threat of rain but it didn’t appear and the sun shone on my lovely wedding couple, Ally and Selina and their families and friends. Ally and Selina were married in All Saints Church in Loose (All Saints), a beautiful village just on the outskirts of Maidstone. With a river running through and water cascading down the winding streets, it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the County Town centre.

I spent a busy hour with the girls at bridal prep and watched Selina transform into the beautiful bride that had planned everything down to the final detail. As a mother of six, she is the ultimate organiser!

After arriving in a stretch limo (how that driver managed to reverse down the tiny streets to the church, I have no idea!) … they were all excited about getting into church!

Those who we have loved and are no longer here were remembered in so many ways.

Little Cameron (or Freckles as I’ve named him) was ring bearer along with Poppy and paid close attention …

After tea and cakes and formals, we had time to stroll down to the river which forms the heart of the village.

We made out way back into Maidstone for the reception and after speeches and gifts and food, Ally and Selina had invested time in learning a choreographed first dance … they were nervous but were wonderful to watch.

And there’s a bench tucked away in a far corner which made for a great final image!

Congratulations Ally and Selina, it was truly an honour to be part of your day and to be mentioned in speeches too! How lovely! I’m looking forward to editing and sharing your images from your celebrations and thank you all again for making feel so very welcome (and great to see some familiar faces again too!).

Much love to you both xxx

 

 

Angela and Ali renewed their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary {sneak peek}

Yesterday was truly a celebration, joyful, full of laughter and a little damp … the weather forecast couldn’t make up its mind but it didn’t matter one tiny bit.

I had the pleasure of capturing Angela and Ali’s renewal of vows at the Archbishops Palace in Maidstone. In ten years of being a full time wedding photographer, this was my first and I was delighted to be part of it.

Ali and their two sons look incredibly smart, confident and handsome … and the girls looked pretty great too!

As we left the ceremony, the heavens opened but we were lucky to find a little bit of cover in the herb garden for a few images … Angela was so relaxed and didn’t mind at all being out in the rain!

The image pretty much sums this lovely couple up to a tee. They laugh. With each other. All the time. And the love they have is tangible.

And when a bride wears personalised, sparkly Converse, what’s not to love!

And this young lady in red is the wonderful person who put us in touch. Thank you Elaine and it was, as always, a joy to see you and your family.

Even the cake topper reflected the longevity of their relationship … and the sweetie cart was a huge hit with everyone!

You danced to your original first dance. And were applauded by family and friends, some of whom were at your original ceremony, twenty-five years ago.

Thank you for being such an amazing, fun and joyful couple. I felt truly honoured to be part of your special day and it was wonderful too to take a look through your original wedding album … you’ve hardly changed a bit!

Here’s to the next twenty-five years! xxx

Knockwood Bespoke Receptions – styled wedding photoshoot

We have had the most beautiful weather in the UK recently and I was honoured to be invited along to take some promotional images at Knockwood Bespoke Receptions near Canterbury. This gorgeous and new-to-the-market is what’s known as a “dry hire”. Basically, the venue provides the land and you then personalise your wedding to suit you. They have a great list of local suppliers and on the April open day, My Tipi Event set up in the grounds and provided and wonderful backdrop for many of Knockwood’s recommended suppliers of which I am delighted to be one!

It was great to work with some “old friends” and to meet new local suppliers too. The weather, as you can see from the images, was absolutely glorious and very, very hot. As a photographer, I would usually not choose to shoot portrait images at this time of day, waiting until the heat and the sun have faded a little but I always love a challenge and we managed to achieve some wonderful shots and I hope you like them too.

Links to the other awesome suppliers are below:

Jade Shona – Make Up Artist
http://www.jadeshonamakeup.weebly.com
​
My Tipi Event
http://www.mytipievent.co.uk

Kent Party Props – Event Styling
http://www.kentpartyprops.com

Brides by Zoe
http://www.weddingdresskent.co.uk

Amanda Jane Venue Stylist
http://www.amanda-jane.co.uk/

Anna’s Country Flowers
http://www.annascountryflowers.co.uk

UP Do’s for I Do’s
https://www.facebook.com/updosforidosx/

 

“We aren’t made of sugar” – Kelly and John’s wedding at Westenhanger Castle {sneak peek}

My first wedding of the year found me at Westenhanger Castle where I had met bride and groom, Kelly and John, at an open day last year. I was delighted when they decided to go ahead and book my services for full day coverage as it has been a while since my last wedding at the Castle.

I arrived to blue skies and Castle looking resplendent – spring seems to be taking its time to arrive this year and the weather has been somewhat unpredictable. Bride Kelly was determined to be married outside but on checking the weather forecast, it would be touch-and-go …

John and best man, Martyn, arrived in excellent time and so we had a few minutes to get their portrait shots in the grounds. John is quite the joker and he and Kelly, who have been together for over three years, are a perfect match!

Another delightful little attendee at this wedding was flower girl, and daughter of the bride and groom, gorgeous Lily-Rose … she beamed and posed and was just full of energy all day!

Lily-Rose also helped out by handing the wedding bands to her mummy and daddy with the assistance of Martyn. She certainly stole my heart and I’m sure those of many of the guests.

The weather had stayed fine long enough for the outdoor ceremony of Kelly’s dreams although it was a little windy at times. We took a few minutes whilst their guests were enjoying welcome drinks to get a few candid shots of the newlyweds as the clouds were beginning to gather …

The afternoon was spent eating, drinking and enjoying the talents of magician Neil Colley who certainly got some great reactions from his table tricks!

Now I’ve really had to cut down the amount of images for Kelly and John’s sneak peek otherwise it would have turned into the whole story of the day (which will come after my lovely bride and groom have seen their final edited images).

Huge congratulations to you both and thank you for making my year of weddings start in such a joyful and positive way. By the sounds of the disco as I was leaving Westenhanger, I would imagine that you all danced the night away!

Wishing you much love and happiness and I am quite sure that your wonderful sense of humour and fun will make each day wonderful! Love Sam xx

P.S. The reason for the title of this post … a phrase used by one of Kelly’s family when we went back outside for formal shots and it was spitting with rain … thanks to everyone who humoured my idea of venturing back outside – I think it was worth it!

P.P.S. Thanks also to Kelly and John for the white chocolate mice – I’m rather loving this tradition started by Kerry and Andy

2017 – a look back at a wonderful year

2017 was certainly an interesting and, at times, challenging year. It’s the first time I’ve photographed a wedding on my birthday which was a wonderful start to the year and also I was delighted to see so many of my couples and their weddings being featured in magazines. Every single wedding has been great fun, working with my lovely couples to create memories. Whether it was a short coverage wedding, or a full day, I am truly amazed how individual and fantastic you all are.

The weather has sent some challenges too but we achieved so much. It was so wonderful to see some familiar faces too during the course of the year, as bridesmaids or matrons of honour. To meet all of you and to share just a tiny part of your journey was a true honour.

Weddings are joyful occasions but there is also sadness too. Thinking of those who can’t be with us for our celebrations and those who are no longer here … those who we have loved are always in our hearts.

Love brings families together, we create memories to be cherished for years to come. As a photographer, I feel truly blessed to be part of these journeys … and to celebrate with each and every one of you.

We also had a family wedding in 2017 too …

And we could not have been prouder of Hollie and Oli and Leo, Dexter and Jay and are delighted to see what a wonderful family they have become.

Wishing all of my couples the most wonderful future and I’m excited to join many more amazing couples in 2018!