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/

 

Sharon and John arrived in style for their Canterbury wedding … on a red London bus called Mabel with a real conductor {sneak peek}

I was delighted to be asked to capture Sharon and John’s Canterbury ceremony at Wellington House in Canterbury. Only short coverage was required but it was great fun from start to finish. The couple made their grand entrance, along with about half of their guests, on a Red London Bus called Mabel from YMS Travel. With a real conductor!

The bus didn’t really break down …

Wellington House is a great venue for more intimate weddings and, as a photographer, you feel really involved!

We moved on to the Millers Arms where drinks and canapes awaited. Just across the road is the entrance to Sollys Orchard and the weir which incorporates the River Stour. It’s a popular cut through for tourists and locals alike but amazingly we had it to ourselves … for about a minute!

The weather was just perfect and the orchard area provided just the right amount of shade for a few formals that Sharon and John had requested. And I do love this shot through the flowers … an intimate moment captured.

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with this lovely couple and their families and friends before they left for their mini-moon … congratulations to you both and I’m looking forward to sharing your final edits with you as soon as possible! Hugs Sam xx

Joyce and Stewart and their super relaxed wedding at The Tower House in Canterbury {sneak peek}

I knew from the first moment that I met Joyce and Stewart that their wedding would not follow a conventional path. Bearing in mind that they have been together for 21 years and that Joyce took the bold decision to propose to Stewart on 29 February this year … and that friends and family from all points of the compass attended … and that I was able to speak German during a wedding … oh, it was just a wonderful day from start to finish.  Joyce and Stewart were married at The Tower House in Canterbury and the processed through the streets of Canterbury to their reception venue at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge to round of spontaneous applause and even a quick rendition of “Here Comes the Bride” by some street musicians!

Between them, Joyce and Stewart have six grandchildren who all recited from the poem “The Owl and The Pussy Cat” after the ceremony.

We strolled through Solly’s Orchard and past the monastery, pausing for a few portraits and to allow guests to catch up.

It was truly joyful!

This was the first time that I had photographed at the Cathedral Lodge and the gardens afford amazing views of the Cathedral which Stewart and Joyce’s guests very much enjoyed.

All in all, it was a wedding that I will never forget. The joy, the smiles, the processing through the City streets, and the absolute delight that this couple have finally tied the knot!

Sara and Ben – a fabulous short coverage wedding in Canterbury

I met Sara and Ben a few months ago at a wedding fair and they asked if I was available to cover their ceremony … I was already booked to photograph a wedding from 1pm on the same day … but they were getting married in the morning … and local to me and so we agreed that we could make it work … and we did!

I love this littlie shot … photography isn’t for everyone, you know!!! But I love that Sara joined in with the little ones too!

The registry office in Canterbury, in Wellington House, is an intimate venue and so I had the chance to capture the entire ceremony from very close in …

Such a cute little helper who handed the bride and groom their rings!

The weather, which had been beautiful on arrival, was starting to threaten rain so we got all the “formal” shots that we needed and then had a few minutes to get some bride and groom portraits.

Sara, you looked amazing!

And all too soon, my bride and groom were being whisked off to their reception and I had to pack up my equipment and speed off to photograph my second wedding in one day!

Congratulations to Sara and Ben and it was great to see you again and meet your families and friends. And I’m so glad to have been a tiny part of your day! xxx

Lorraine and Isaac and their sunshine and showers Canterbury wedding {sneak peek}

I was delighted to be booked by Lorraine and Isaac and we met up before their wedding to look through albums and chat more about their day. As Lorraine had grown up in Canterbury, they decided to marry at St Thomas’s in Burgate, a beautiful Catholic church in the heart of Canterbury and then to continue their celebrations at Westgate Hall which is at the other end of the high street. Lorraine’s colours were blue and daffodil yellow which suited her bridesmaids’ colouring perfectly and really shone through what was, at times, a rainy day!  In fact, as Isaac arrived, the heavens opened and the boys had to charge through a huge downpour … but as Lorraine arrived (a little late …), the sun had broken through again and we didn’t see any more rain for the entire day.

Isaac showed no hint of nerves … and it was such fun to photograph the boys in the doorway of the church …

And Jamal and Bianca – oh you are just gorgeous!

Lorraine’s dress was beautifully detailed and suited her perfectly, and she really stole the show as she, escorted by her brother Charles, entered the church.

My second shooter, Sarah, climbed the narrow stairs and captured this wonderful moment at the exchange of rings …

See what I mean about the gorgeous bridesmaids dresses – ladies, you are amazing!

We had time for a tiny walk in Canterbury but Lorraine and Isaac were keen to get off to their reception venue so that they could spend time with all their guests …

We managed to sneak out for a few portraits just around the corner from the reception venue and this lovely couple only had eyes for each other!

Isaac, you have the most engaging smile and Lorraine, you worked it!

The first dance was in front of their guests – Charles invited them all to stand and join in and it created a wonderful backdrop for the first dance shots!

Sarah and I left to a full dance floor and I don’t doubt that it remained full for the entire evening. It was a pleasure to work at this venue and this was their first wedding reception held at the Westgate Hall … the first of many, I’m sure.

Thank you again to Lorraine and Isaac for being such a joy to photograph and Sarah and I had an absolutely amazing time … we wish you all the luck, joy and happiness you deserve and can’t wait to catch up on your return … from your second wedding in Kenya! Much love xxx

Your Kent Wedding of the Year competition – Sian and Jason

I was delighted to hear from editor Ivana at the Your Kent Wedding magazine that one of my lovely couples, Sian and Jason, who were married at Howfield Manor on 31 December last year, have been shortlisted in this round of the Your Kent Wedding of the Year competition.

Voting is now live and it would be amazing if you could take just a few minutes and pop over to vote for them:

Your Kent Wedding – vote for Sian and Jason

But hurry, voting finishes on 20 May … and I would love to see their wedding featured in the magazine!

The Tower House in Canterbury – a unique wedding venue

I had the pleasure of spending an hour or two at this lovely venue right in the city centre of Canterbury and just next to the river.  Hayley, who co-ordinates events at The Tower House (towerhousecanterbury.co.uk), showed me around and explained a little more about the venue itself.

The Tower House can hold weddings, celebrations (such as wedding or birthday lunches) and corporate events too.

From the website: “The Tower House is an intimate and sophisticated venue, offering a touch of originality and a sense of grandeur. Tower House is fully licensed to host your wedding, civil ceremony or reception for up to 70 people.”

And I totally agree. The venue is quirky and, from a photography perspective, offers an amazing amount of options for portraits, formal shots, along with the beautiful ceremony room which looks out on the gardens.  Drinks and canapes are held outside on the veranda but there is always the option to host the event inside if the weather doesn’t play ball.

This is the room set aside for bridal preparations … light and spacious!

And the potential for amazing portraits …

If you are looking for a unique city centre venue that can host lots of different events, The Tower House might just be the place for you.

And, of course, if you are looking for a photographer, do drop me a line sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk and I’d be more than happy to chat further!

 

 

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge wedding open day

I had the pleasure last Sunday of popping along to the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge (www.canterburycathedrallodge.org/) to do some behind-the-scenes photographs of the set-up for their open day.

Catherine, one of the wedding co-ordinators, excitedly explained that there were lots of brides and grooms coming along who had either already booked their wedding at this unique venue or who were in the process of making that decision … and I’m quite sure that seeing the room and table settings beautifully created by Emily and her team at www.idodevoteddreams.co.uk and flowers by the talented team at contemporaryflowers.co.uk would inspire any couple to book this amazing venue.

The themes were, amongst others “Glitz and Glamour”, “Vintage Tea”and “Rustic” but I must say my favourite was “Glitz and Glamour”. The sequined tablecloth and beautiful flower filled candelabra was just stunning. Contact me and used the code “SEQUINS”, and you’ll get a 10% discount of the full day wedding package (new enquiries only).

I’m sure that the day went extremely well judging by how many brides and grooms were there at the start and I’m very much looking forward to photographing Robyn and Paul’s wedding at this extraordinary venue later this year.

Do drop me a line at sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk if you are planning your wedding and looking for a photographer who is local to Canterbury … and don’t forget the sequins!!

 

Kirsty and Robin – a wedding at Wellington House and The Abode {sneak peek}

Often, my bookings come from word of mouth referrals for weddings often a year or even 18 months away. When Kirsty called to check my availability, she enquired if I was available for a Tuesday in July. I checked my calendar for 2015 and confirmed I was. She then told me that it was for 2014 … in only eight days. There are particular reasons why Kirsty and Robin organised their wedding in such a short time. And if you know them, you will know why. But I was honoured to be able to capture their special day – and Kirsty was such an amazingly calm bride, who sent me so much information, that I knew we would get on brilliantly. I first met Kirsty and Robin on the morning of their wedding and they are an incredible couple. Thank you so much for asking me along and I’m delighted to share your sneak peek(s) …

There’s quite a “fad” at weddings to bring along large sized balloons for the couple portraits … well, this one wins hands down!

Kirsty and Robin, thank you so, so much for making my job an absolute delight. For being so warm and welcoming and thanks to your family and friends for helping organise, cajole and encourage a flagging, and very hot, photographer! I’ll be working on your edits just as soon as I can … much love Sam xx

Hayley and Dominic – married at Winters Barn {sneak peek}

My first wedding of the year. I was fearful of even looking at the weather report after the amount of rain we’ve had in the UK lately and the 80mph winds. But, it rained at the right times and the sun came out at the right times. The wind didn’t die down until much later in the evening but it didn’t matter … it really didn’t.

Hayley and Dominic, here’s your sneak peek – thank you both so very much for trusting me and allowing me to drag you outside when it would have been much easier to stay in the warm. But I think it was worth it and I hope you do too …

Have a wonderful honeymoon and I’m looking forward to working on your wedding images and sharing them on your return. Much love xxx