Lorna and Nathan …their bright and beautiful wedding at Archbishops Palace {sneak peek}

Such a wonderful day. I was introduced to this lovely couple by one of the members of our local camera club where I used to be a member. And I’m so glad that I was. From start to finish, from an amazing welcome at bridal prep with mum Sheenagh who was just the most incredibly helpful and organised mum, to the girls in dressing gowns and family from New Zealand, to a groom who wasn’t showing the slightest hint of nerves … to the fun bus ride (including pokestops), an emotional ceremony at Archbishops Palace in Maidstone and a wonderful reception venue at The Plough Inn which had been turned into a festival extravaganza … to the ice cream van, the hot food cones, the smiles, the laughter, a few tears and gorgeous Ronnie … oh, it was a great day!!!

Lorna, you absolutely glowed!

And our handsome groom … see, no nerves!

We took a few moments for some portraits after the ceremony in the herb garden right by the Archbishops Palace and the light was amazing!

And who couldn’t resist this super handsome chap who wanted to be in all the photographs!

We even got a sunset!

You can see why I was smiling all the way home – what an amazing job I have, spending time with such wonderful people, capturing the love and laughter and creating memories for them to share.  I’m working hard to finalise your images but in the meantime, much love to you both xxx

Debbie and Liam and their outdoor wedding at Stonelees {sneak peek}

I first met up with Debbie and Liam at their venue Stonelees Golf Centre last year and we immediately hit it off. As their wedding was held on a Friday, they had taken advantage of a great weekday package offered by the venue and I was booked to be part of their day.

And what a day. As we arrived, there was a huge rain shower and Chelsea, the lovely wedding co-ordinator was starting to worry that they would have to bring the ceremony inside. But patience is a virtue, the sun came out and everything was just perfect for Debbie and Liam’s lakeside wedding.

The lovely Nige with his amazing 1954 Pontiac was willing and ready to take us to Pegwell Bay nature park for a few shots … and he provided champagne for the new Mr and Mrs Smith!

And it was so worth it!

After the wedding breakfast had been enjoyed (and thank you SO much for the delicious meal, Debbie and Liam, and compliments also to the chef … oh, that pannacotta …), we jumped into two buggies and sped off around the beautifully manicured courses …

And I’m so glad we did …

All in all, this was one amazing day and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it and meeting Debbie and Liam’s families and friends. I was made to feel so incredibly welcome and Debbie and Liam were so very generous with their time so that we could get some great shots.

I can’t wait to share your final images with you and will be working had to get them edited and ready.

Congratulations to you both and hope that the rest of your evening celebrations went as well as those during the day xx

Catherine and Andrew’s wedding at The Guildhall in Sandwich … and Logan … {sneak peek}

Logan is four. He is super cute. And he knows it.  He was such a huge part of Catherine and Andrew’s fabulous wedding at The Guildhall in Sandwich and was cheeky and cute and well behaved throughout!

I first met Catherine with her parents at a wedding fair and was complemented on my work, particularly by Catherine’s father.  I learned further that Catherine’s parents are keen photographers and was so pleased that Catherine and Andrew decided to book with me so that I could capture their day in the style that they liked so much.

And it didn’t disappoint – Catherine and Andrew gave me so much portrait time with them and it really was worth every minute – a huge thank you also to best man, Daniel, who walked the streets of Sandwich with us, stopping traffic when required and holding reflectors too!

Can you spot cheeky Logan?

Sandwich is a beautiful town with many medieval houses still remaining. It was one of the Cinque Ports but is now located around two miles inland from the sea.

And seems to be popular with cyclists …

It has so many great places in which to photograph a bride and groom …

And can be a little windy at times!

The weather was perfect, warm enough to stroll along the river and for guests to enjoy the views.

There are so many great photographs from this lovely couple’s wedding and I’m looking forward to working through and editing them to share on their return from their “family moon”.

Thank you both again for giving me so much time with you and for being such fun to work with … much love xxx

A lovely testimonial from a lovely family

I had the pleasure of photographing Charlotte and Jon’s wedding at Oakwood House last March.  And we met up with much warmer weather back at their wedding venue to catch up and for some family photographs.

And I was delighted to receive such lovely words from a proud mum …

It was an absolute pleasure xxx

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!!

 

Sarah and James {pre-wedding photoshoot}

What a windy day – but gorgeously sunny and just great fun! Sarah and James are getting married in June and their wedding is having a 1950’s theme … here’s your sneak peek!

We met at Hall Place Gardens near Bexleyheath, which is well known to me. I used to go there with my family as a child and can remember my nan taking cuttings of the geraniums … The gardens were full of life and lots of people … and ducklings and tame baby squirrels!

Can’t wait for your wedding … it truly is going to be rock ‘n’ roll!

{Black and white} or {colour} … which do you prefer?

I am often asked whether I can produce images in black and white – with the onset of the digital age, you may think that it is just a case of flicking a switch and … hey presto … the image is black and white. However, not every image converts well to black and white and photographers seem to have an “eye” for the ones which will work.

So I thought I would process a couple of images that I took recently of gorgeous young Freya … tell me what you think … colour or black and white?

I am quietly confident that Freya’s family are going to love these images, whether they are in black and white or colour, but do let me know what you think?

And if you are looking for a family photographer based near Faversham, do drop me an email on sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk and check out my website at www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk for more info and prices.

Wedding consultation at {Rowhill Grange Hotel and Spa}

What an amazing day to consult with a couple planning their wedding in 2012. And a wonderful day to be introduced to a new venue (to me). Of course, I had my camera with me …

The venue is truly beautiful, with lakes in the grounds, an outside pergola in which you can get married, accommodation for everyone and a spa too.

You can find out more on the website here: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk but here’s one final image of the main building …

Birthday party photoshoot {sneak peek}

What a fun way to spend a couple of hours … gorgeous birthday girl Francesca with her three friends … all vying to be the next “Top Model”! Check out the sneak peek below …

The girls were great fun and very creative. Which makes for some super photos! Lucky birthday girl Francesca will receive an album made up of images of her choice from the online gallery which will go live in the next few days. What a great way to remember your birthday!

If you are interested in booking a birthday party photoshoot with me, more details on pricing can be found on my website: www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk and you can drop me an email sam@samanthajonesphotography.co.uk. It’s a great and unusual way of entertaining your children … especially if they have “Top Model” tendencies!

Kinga and Ian {wedding} – the story of the day

The English weather can bring some surprises … in the middle of February it felt, at times, like a late spring day. And we had some wonderful blue skies into the bargain.

Mid-February found me at Hever Castle in Kent, to photograph the wedding celebrations of Kinga and Ian (you may have seen their {sneak peek}). The day started off overcast and cloudy, but before the 3pm ceremony, the clouds broke …

Ian isn’t too comfortable with having his photo taken, but his sons, who acted as his “best men” were certainly not backwards in coming forwards, hence the “catalogue shot” here on the bridge at Hever!

And then off to the Tulip room, where Kinga was finalising her preparations …

And with her sister as bridesmaid …

and joined by her mum, dad, sister and daughter, Lily …

we were ready for the ceremony which took place within the castle … the room is dark, but we were so lucky – the sun broke through and lit up the happy couple beautifully!

After the ceremony, with readings in both English and Polish, we were guided around the castle for some wonderful photographs …

… and then into the grounds …

Everything was just perfect, the Italian garden was bathed in beautiful sunshine and we strolled around, learning some of the history of Hever Castle and the Astor family.

Then back to the castle …

for formal photographs and then into the hall for some entertainment provided by Etienne who is a personal friend of the groom!

And then the wedding breakfast, with wonderful speeches from all, including the bridesmaid and the bride! And the first traditional job as husband and wife … cutting the cake!

And then it was sadly time for me to leave … but safe in the knowledge that I witnessed a truly beautiful ceremony with a couple who are evidently very much in love! I am looking forward to seeing Kinga and Ian (and Lily) on their return to the UK and to show them all of the images from their wonderful day!