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

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

 

 

“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

Juliette and Sam … and Sam and Sam [wedding day in full]

Now that the weather has turned colder here in the UK, it’s time to start taking a look back at those gorgeously warm summer days. Juliette and Sam were married at Elvey Farm (elveyfarm.co.uk) which is situated deep in the gorgeous Kent countryside. The weather for their early September wedding stayed light and bright. It was wonderful to join this family again for a second celebration (Juliette’s sister was married two years ago  – you can see her wedding to Chris here) and so there were lots of lovely familiar faces!

Sam’s parents were just the most welcoming and were looking after arriving guests …

Not at all confusing. The groom is Sam, his best man is Sam and I’m Sam. You won’t be surprised to hear that whenever the name Sam was called, we all answered!

Juliette was shortly to arrive in the same car which transported her sister to her wedding two years before!

Juliette’s bridal gown was from the amazing Zoe at www.weddingdresskent.co.uk – Zoe has become a personal friend over the years and always looks after her brides perfectly so Juliette’s beautiful, sleek gown was always going to be the best!

Juliette’s bouquet and floral arrangements were from The Flower Bouquet. Stunning!

Just a brief pause to recollect their thoughts …

Elvey Farm is surrounded by farmland and we were spoiled for choice for locations. We popped out for five minutes here and there throughout the afternoon, chasing great light.

The meal was enjoyed, the speeches (with embarrassing photographs) went flawlessly and time, as everyone knows, marches on and it was soon time for Juliette and Sam’s first dance.

They also had s’mores and a firepit and sparklers too!

Such a wonderful day and to hear stories and meet friends and families is always a joy. Wishing you both much love, luck and happiness now and always xxx

 

Flowers – The Flower Bouquet 

Music – Penfold

Hair – Hair by Cara

Make up – Lydia Rae Make Up

Sara and Simon married at The Old Brewery Store in Faversham {sneak peek}

How wonderful, as a Faversham photographer, to be booked for a local wedding and what an amazing story this lovely couple, Sara and Simon, share. Childhood sweethearts who went their separate ways, found each other again and then celebrated their love on a September Friday in Faversham. The forecast was for rain and, indeed, when Simon arrived, he’d been caught in a downpour on the way … but, incredibly, the afternoon stayed dry and we managed to get all of their formal photographs taken outside!  It was just meant to be …

If you look really closely, you will see that Simon’s tie pin has “friend of the groom” written on it. He thought it might make Sara laugh …

Sara’s matron of honour and her two bridesmaids looked stunning in different shades of purple and patiently waited for our bride to arrive.

Their joy was evident. And captivating. I photographed their ceremony tucked away behind some beautiful old beams which are a feature of this venue, steeped in history (you can find out more here). It was great to work with Samantha, the wedding co-ordinator again (not at all confusing for anyone …)!

As the rain held off, Sara and Simon led their guests along the streets around to the The Old Brewery Store.

Every bride and groom has to have a photograph taken under the clock … it’s part of the brewery history. You can probably see the packing cases behind my lovely couple but, as their wedding was on a Friday, the brewery is a working one (and has been since 1698) so we have to be aware of hazards and are guided through by the very helpful staff.

Sara and Simon were married at 4pm which meant that I could offer them a short coverage package.  We managed to fit in a cheeky little “first dance” and then it was time for me to leave them to their celebrations.

It was so lovely to work locally again and to be able to capture some memories for this fabulous couple.  I look forward to editing and sharing your images with you and wish you both all the love and happiness for your married life together xx

 

Bridal gown: Victoria Grace Bridal

Coral and Carl married at Winters Barns {sneak peek}

Coral and Carl had booked me on the strength of a recommendation from a school friend of Coral’s whose wedding I’d photographed at the same venue two years ago.  When I met up with this lovely couple in person, I just knew that their day would be fun and enjoyable to photograph. Especially when so many of their friends have nicknames!

I started at bride and groom prep – lively and busy … and with Coral’s nan’s brooch on her bouquet, memories of those loved ones who could not celebrate with Coral an Carl were ever present.

An amazing blush pink wedding gown

And no peeking whilst the bride and her bridesmaids got changed. These flowergirls are just super cute!

The boys, meanwhile, were looking suitably nervous …

And I love this joyful image as Coral and Carl are the first to celebrate!

In nine years, I’ve never seen a group of groomsmen perform the Haka – I guess there’s a first for everything!

Despite running a tiny bit late, Carla from ACM Films, and I managed to sneak away for a few portraits with our gorgeous couple.

And after the wedding breakfast and some hilarious speeches (especially from the best man!), we were treated to some absolutely gorgeous backlight from the sun. It all happened at the right time!

Coral and Carl have two rescue cats and they were featured on their bespoke wedding cake topper.

Party Up six piece band provided live music and the guests joined in!

I also managed to persuade my lovely bride and groom outside for a final image in front of their venue Winters Barns … the gorgeous fairy lights created the perfect backdrop.

It was so hard to choose Coral and Carl’s sneak peek images … that’s why there are quite a few. Such an enjoyable day and it really was a pleasure to spend time with you both and your families and friends.  I’m looking forward to editing and sharing your final images and also to creating your bespoke wedding album.

Wishing you both lifelong happiness and a wonderful start to your married life xxx

Heather and Phillip – a Texan wedding at Leeds Castle

I was delighted to be booked, one day in advance, for Texas couple Heather and Phillip’s whistle stop wedding blessing at Leeds Castle. This was my first wedding at this iconic venue although, being local, we have visited a few times as a family.  I was recommended by the lovely Katie Keen of True Blue Ceremonies who I will be working with again this coming August.

It was fun and fast from start to finish!

Heather’s mum, Julie, helped me orchestrate this wedding dress shot …

And the weather was perfect to capture some guest shots just outside the castle. All of the guests were staying overnight and couldn’t hide their obvious delight at being at such a wonderful venue on such a beautiful evening.

Flowergirl Kennedy had the most engaging personality and willing smile!

And Heather looked truly stunning!

I love this image as they walk down the corridor towards the chapel.

Where Phillip and their guests patiently waited.

After the blessing, we were whisked away by David on a golf cart for a tour of the grounds.

As the couple were walking down the steps, the quality of light was great and this is possibly one of my favourite images from my time with Heather and Phillip. Graceful and gentle.

We returned to the castle where the banqueting hall was ready to receive … but there was just time for a few more images. Inside the castle, the light was very low but just at the right moment, there was a shaft of light coming in from an adjacent room … and Heather just glowed!

It was truly an honour to be a small part of creating images for Heather and Phillip and their family and close friends. I am sure that the whole experience will last forever in their memories. Who knows, our paths may cross again in the future … wishing you both a wonderful married life together.

Wendy and Mark married at Eastwell Manor {sneak peek}

So lovely to return to Eastwell Manor … and so lucky that the rain, when it came, came at the right times. Wendy and Mark were married outside with family and friends, some of whom had travelled many miles, to be with them on this special day . Wendy is the most engaging, giggly and lovely bride. Her slim fitting elegant wedding gown was perfect for her personality and, as she is a dance teacher, she holds a pose with style!

With best friend Donna, Donna’s daughter Kia, Wendy’s daughter Eva, and Mark’s two daughters, Lottie and Bella, the bridal party looked stunning. And Wendy … beautiful! Those cheekbones are to die for!!!

A friend of the family, Frank, piped in our bride who was escorted by an extremely proud Paul. Every wedding has a story behind it, and this was emotional …

With Wendy’s son Jack as usher and Mark’s son Lee as best man, it really was a family affair!

As the newlyweds left the ceremony area, the rain started and the guests hurried in to enjoy their welcome drinks. And, as soon as it started, the rain stopped again so we had time for formal shots on the grand steps at Eastwell Manor and also for a few bride and groom portraits in the grounds.

Wisteria? In July? A photographer’s dream!

Thank you to Jim Cattermole, toastmaster, who guided, helped and entertained Wendy and Mark’s guests. So nice to have someone to assist with getting people in the right place at the right time!

Mark’s speech was possibly the best and funniest I’ve heard … Wendy is a little clumsy, so we are lead to believe by new husband Mark, and often leaves little notes around the house, mentioning things that have fallen off, broken … or just don’t work. Mark has kept all these little notes and read out a few … Wendy’s reactions were so animated and the entire room was entertained (my second shooter, Sarah, captured the image top left in this collage … great to have different angles to show).

It was no surprise that Wendy and Mark performed a choreographed first dance … a beautifully executed waltz to everyone’s delight!

Thank you, Wendy and Mark, for being the wedding couple who just kept on giving. The laughter and joy my assistant, Sarah, and I enjoyed witnessed on Saturday was truly a delight. We are proud and honoured to have been able to capture your day and I’m very much looking forward to editing and sharing your final images.  And also so pleased that we will be working together to create the most beautiful keepsake album.

Wishing you both a lifetime of joy and happiness … much love Sam xx