Marie and Neil married at The Gardens in Yalding {sneak peek}

When I first met Marie and Neil, the weather was warm and the ground at The Gardens, Yalding were beautiful. Marie spoke about her wish for snow on her wedding day and as I drove across Detling, her wish was coming true with sideways snow flurries!  However by the time I arrived at their venue, the snow had stopped and was replaced by a rather fearsome and cold wind.

So here are just a few sneak peek images of their special day …

We even managed to get outside for a super speedy couple portrait session!

And, oh my goodness, what a sky! Two minutes on the balcony and some amazing images captured!

This is the first wedding I’ve photographed at this venue and I hope to return in the future. Huge congratulations to Marie and Neil and what a way to finish my wedding photography year!

 

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

The voting starts now … Kerry and Andy’s wedding at Harty Ferry

Get those devices at the ready.  Check out the link. Vote for Kerry and Andy and their February wedding at The Ferry House Inn … Go!

Kerry and Andy to win!

You can see more of their wedding sneak peek right here

Robyn and Paul married at St Martin’s, Herne {sneak peek}

A November wedding. We hoped for blue skies and white fluffy clouds … and we got them, but we also got a decidedly chilly day!  It rained at the right times for Robyn and Paul’s celebrations and I honestly don’t think I’ve seen a bride and groom so relaxed in each other’s company. Paul didn’t stop buzzing around all day and Robyn was just so happy to become Mrs Bentley, that she absolutely glowed! Having photographed the groom’s sisterCharlotte’s wedding to Jonathan at Oakwood House last year, and also Dani  (the bride’s sister) and Mattie-May’s wedding at East Quay in the same year, I felt as though I was one of the family with so many familiar faces.

It’s hard to choose the images for a sneak peek … but here we go!

The groom and best man … joined by Jake and Mason, who are the bride and groom’s two sons …

Robyn, you took my breath away when you arrived … and so much dress!!!

St Martin’s church in Herne is currently swathed in scaffolding so we popped round the back and the light was absolutely gorgeous!

A drive in the Bentley to Canterbury Cathedral Lodge for the reception and we managed to get a few shots in front of the Cathedral before going into the warm and before the rain arrived!

Robyn’s sister, Dani, had created an amazing naked cake … she’s on Instagram as @mrscullenscakes … go find her, she’s incredible!

And I loved how both Mason and Jake managed to join in the first dance …

It was such a fun day and despite the chilly weather, an absolute delight to photograph this fabulous couple.  Wishing you fun on your break away and excited to share your final images with you as soon as I can.  Congratulations to you both! xxx

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

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!

Rachel and Michael married at All Saints on a gale force windy day {sneak peek}

You know sometimes how you look at the weather report and can’t quite believe what you are seeing?  Here in the UK we have had a glorious spell of weather leading up to Rachel and Michael’s celebrations at All Saints in Whitstable. But then it changed. Forecasts were for heavy rain, extremely strong winds and pretty rotten all round.

But the rain gods smiled on this fabulous couple. A mere sprinkle of rain after their exit from church … although, I must say, on arrival at Brogdale, their reception venue, it was a touch windy … but this detracted in no way from the smiles and joy that I saw throughout their day from them both and their families and friends.

One of the best “dad reactions” that I’ve seen this year!

Then off to church …

Vicar Simon Tillotson has requested this shot in the past when I photographed Lydia and Peter’s wedding four years ago …

Grandpa was definitely on the list of “must get” shots and, at 99 years of old, was incredibly dashing!

And then off to Brogdale Collections near Faversham for Rachel and Michael’s reception … just look at the sky!!

We took a few minutes for some shots in the orchards, accompanied by venue co-ordinator Sara …

And yes, you are Just Married!

Tears flowed freely during the emotional speeches and all too soon it was time for the first dance … which Rachel and Michael excelled as and had obviously put in loads of practice!

Thanks to everyone who made my day so enjoyable, to the bridesmaids for being amazing, to everyone for smiling, to the ushers and best man, Russell, who helped during portraits and for light holding.

And to the newlyweds, for having me along for an amazing day and for being such a lovely couple who are obviously so right for each other and who I wish much love and many adventures in their married life to come 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

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

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