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

 

 

Voting starts for Coral and Carl {Your Kent Wedding magazine wedding of the year}

I’m delighted to see that the lovely Coral and Carl, who were married in September at Winters Barns are in the final round of entrants for this year’s Your Kent Wedding Magazine wedding of the year!

You can vote for this lovely couple by clicking on the link … I know, for certain, that Coral has been waiting for this moment … so please do support them by giving your vote (and using everyone around you’s laptop, tablet, phone …)

It would be great to see another of my couples in the final round … so I am keeping everything crossed and hoping that Coral and Carl will be successful!

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

Voting is open for the next round of Your Kent Wedding magazine … for Alex and Sam

I photograph fun and creative couples. Who work hard to ensure that their weddings are enjoyable for everyone … including their photographer!

I am delighted to say that Alex and Sam, whose wedding I photographed in June has been accepted as one of the entrants for this round of the competition for Your Kent Wedding Magazine’s wedding of the year 2017.

The sneak peek of their great wedding at the Crescent Turner in Whitstable is here on the blog: Alex and Sam at the Crescent Turner.

It was a truly spectacular day and I would love to see their wedding featured in more depth … so get voting!

Click here and vote for Alex and Sam

And then, ask all your friends and families to vote too!

Nikola and Joshua … day of sunshine and showers {sneak peek}

I was recommended to Niki and Joshua by one of my brides, the lovely Heather, and I was so happy to be booked for this lovely couple’s wedding. We consulted, in depth, before the day so that I was clear what was important to them both. In particular, Niki wanted a shot of her and her parents walking her across the pedestrian crossing on their way to the church … obviously this would be weather dependent but Niki was confident. And rightly so. Their ceremony took place at Queens Road Baptist Church in Broadstairs and Niki’s flat is about one minute’s walk away – perfect!

We met first at Niki’s hairdressers, Jagz, where the girls were having both hair and make-up done … which creative some fun images … and then we returned to Niki’s flat where final touches were made and a bit of crying was done …

And, as you can see, the weather was perfect to stroll across to the church.

Josh was waiting patiently for his bride along with many members of their church. He did happen to point out to Niki that she may have been a minute or two late … something which he incorporated into his speech later!

I love this gentle touch from a daughter to a mother … emotions often run high at weddings and Niki needed to take a moment before making her declarations … although at one point Josh quipped “You don’t have to go ahead if you don’t want to” which lightened the  moment hugely!

I love, love LOVE this signing of the registry image which, for me, shows how close this family has become.

Confetti inside? Well, by this time, the heavens had opened and it was torrential rain! Thanks to Lynne who offered to clear up afterwards – it must have been quite a job!

The weather forecast apps which we had been frantically checking earlier in the day were absolutely spot on. During the course of their delicious wedding breakfast at The Botany Bay Hotel, the skies cleared and we managed to find a few moments to go down to the beach for a few portraits. And it was totally worth it.

Time always goes so quickly on a wedding day and all too soon it was time for Niki and Josh’s first dance which was choreographed perfectly and a huge surprise for all the guests (P.S. I knew … but I think I may have been the only one …)

Thank you to Niki and Josh’s family and friends, including Laura (Niki’s sister and amazing organisational guru) and gorgeous Libby (and flowergirl Leah) who smiled beautifully all the way through and made the day truly wonderful to photograph.

I wish you much love, luck and happiness in your married life together and am delighted to have been a small part of your day.  I’m looking forward to editing and sharing your final images so that you can relive your wonderful wedding day again and again!

Hugs to you all, Sam xx

Vicky and Simon … married (it rained a bit …) {sneak peek}

Saturday saw me and my assistant Sarah, raising our eyes to the heavens … and getting rained on. Vicky and Simon were married at beautiful St James Church in Egerton with a marquee reception back at their home near Headcorn. Plans were made, umbrellas purchased, torches to hand (it gets dark in the countryside) and their celebrations were underway. I have known Vicky for a few years as her company is one of my corporate clients and we had kept in touch in the lead up to the day.  Vicky had worked tirelessly to create a gentle country-themed wedding, after all, she reminded me on a couple of occasions that she is “a country girl” … with flowers home grown and the bouquets all made by my lovely bride on the morning of her wedding, I knew it was going to be fun!

The marquee was already looking stunning and Vicky sped round the corner, dress in hand to get ready.

 

Vicky, you looked amazing. Your dress was so flattering (and not the green, gypsy style that you kept teasing Simon about!)

We were so lucky to get a tiny break so that we can have bridal portraits with her lovely girls outside … and Vicky also sensibly took refuge in the beautiful vintage Rolls Royce, Miss Grace from Clive at www.buttonholesandbouquetsweddingcars.com

As the girls were nearly ready to go, I sped off to the church to find Simon who was greeting arriving guests and sheltering from the rain, although from this shot, you wouldn’t know it was actually raining! The buttonholes were cleverly created from ordnance survey maps, very fitting for Simon’s profession!

The ceremony was beautifully conducted by Sheila, St James’s vicar, who was exceptionally accommodating to Sarah and I as long as we didn’t draw attention to ourselves. Talented Georgia sang during the signing of the register and the wedding guests raised the roof to a rousing rendition of Jerusalem.

As it was sadly still raining as the bride and groom were ready to process from the church, we managed to keep them dry by remaining right by the doorway … I was kept dry by the sterling efforts of the ushers and the light was beautiful!

We briefly discussed whether we should orchestrate the confetti shot back at the marquee but decided we would give it a go along the tree lined exit to the church … and it was worth it – we captured some great expressions and relevant umbrellas (rain, rain go away!).

Quirky details and an amazing cake of cheese awaited us on our return to the marquee!

After scones and cake (oh the cake … yum!), we did manage to get outside for a few portraits while there was still a little bit of light in the sky …

And then our bride serenaded our groom to huge applause!

We had planned a “back lit umbrella shot with rain drops” on our departure … but would you believe it, by the time it was dark enough for this particular shot, it has STOPPED RAINING!!! So Sarah and I bid our lovely bride and groom farewell and found our way back to our cars (the torches came in very handy!).

All in all, a wonderful day which was not at all affected by the odd spot of rain … congratulations to you both, Vicky and Simon, and the love that you share for each other is so very evident in our images … I’m looking forward to editing and sharing them with you and working with you both to create a bespoke album filled with memories and love!

Fordwich Town Hall – the smallest town hall in Great Britain {styled shoot}

Having photographed a wedding at Fordwich Town Hall earlier in June, I was delighted to be invited back by the lovely venue organiser, Melanie, who runs a highly successful wedding stationery company, Daisy Sheep Shop, and also finds time to facilitate events at the Town Hall. Working with a top quality list of suppliers (which you can find below), and the lovely Katie and Shannon, who totally worked their dresses, it was a very successful morning!

We worked also with Fordwich River Tours and Ethelbert …

Beautiful make up by Gemma Morpurgo …

And the bridal floristry talents of Lucy Day at www.wildbloom.co.uk enhanced the beautiful bridal gowns from the lovely Zoe at Brides by Zoë who is based in Canterbury.

The bright sunshine in conjunction with amazing blue skies was perfect for this shoot (with a few lighting challenges for the photographer …)

I love the “messy plait” by bridal hair stylist Helen at Stevies Styles … stunning!

And, of course, not forgetting to mention our beautiful little flowergirl who posed and smiled and giggled … and so well behaved too!

I was also able to photograph beautiful wedding favours by the incredibly talented Jennifer at Oast House Gifts – I’ve worked with Jennifer and seen many of her beautiful and exceptionally intricate wedding favours – she is one of the most patient people I know!

A huge thank you to everyone who gave up their time on a very hot Monday in June and if you are looking for top quality local Kent wedding suppliers, then you’ve found them here!

Venue: Fordwich Town Hall near Canterbury

Bridal gowns: www.weddingdresskent.co.uk

Bridal bouquets: Lucy Day at www.wildbloom.co.uk

Bridal makeup: Gemma Morpurgo

Bridal hair stylist: Helen at Stevies Styles

Wedding favours: Jennifer at www.oasthousegifts.com

Photographer: www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk