I've been somewhat remiss with my blogging of late thanks to end of year jobs, Christmas and January admin and I've been especially meaning to talk about Lucy and Dom's big day for aaaaaaages but time has passed my by. With this cold and miserable weather I thought chatting about a summer wedding might help with the chills. So, here goes.
It was my second trip to Kent in the space of a week having shot a wedding there earlier in the week and as I headed down with the sun shining and some great tunes in the car I was excited about the prospect of what the day might bring as it was to be an "at home" wedding with a marquee in the garden and these, as I've often said before, are my absolute favourite type of weddings.
First, it was off to see the girls who were all getting ready in a rented house fairly nearby where they were being well looked after by Helen Lee who is one of the most in-demand wedding make-up artists in Kent. Bridal prep is curious time of day, there is nervous tension and excitement in equal measures. Sometimes chaotic, always loud, it's a chance to meet everyone properly as I go about my business of documenting everything whilst trying not to inhale vast amounts of hair spray or trip over shoes or curling tongs.
There was just enough time to head over and see the groom for a few candid snaps before heading back to the girls and their final preparations. It was then off to the church of St Peter & St Paul in Saltwood where there was the most beautiful footpath leading up to the lychgate before getting to the actual church. Lucy wanted to make sure that I could capture the back of her dress and the backdrop for this was absolutely ideal as well as being a good place for Lucy to pause and reflect before she headed in to see Dom.
The service flew by and it was back outside for the confetti shot. At this point the rain decided to come down but this didn't deter the newlyweds or their guests as the umbrellas went up and the confetti was thrown in the air.
The reception was held at Lucy's parents house in a beautifully decorated marquee. Every detail had been carefully thought through and put together under the watchful eye of wedding planner Julia Sibun. There are a lot of elements in play at a wedding but Julia was a steady hand on the tiller - organised, supportive and very relaxed which is exactly what you need from your wedding planner. I have to say as well that the layout of the marquee was perfect for pictures as there were two long tables running through the middle which enabled me to just walk up and down, observe and capture those great natural shots of the guests that I love doing.
Keeping the guests well lubricated were a team of mixologists from Dom's bar business Exquisite Cocktails, the highlight being a retro bicycle which was kitted out as a Gin & Tonic station and which proved to be very popular. In fact it was all a certain photographer could do to not succumb to temptation and sample what was on offer! To help wash the drinks down, guests were treated to a veritable feast by the team of caterers at Kitchen of Kent.
We were soon into the speeches, ably led by not one but two MC's, which went off a treat thanks, in no part, to each speech giver having to down a drink of the MC's choice. Soon it was time to throw some shapes on the dance floor (the guests, not me...well, maybe one or two) and the dancing continued into the small hours.
Dom and Lucy's wedding was one of those days that just flew by, proof if any were needed that it was perfect in every way. One of the main reasons I love photographing weddings is that they are a day that is all about love, positivity and the coming together of friends new and old and that is an energy that is truly infectious. It's when you're in an environment like that that your "job" doesn't really feel like work at all and really, who could ask for anything more?
Make Up - Helen Lee
Bar and Drinks - Exquisite Cocktails
Food - Kitchen of Kent
Wedding planner - Julia Sibun
Videographer - Andy Bird at AB Wedding Videos
Matt is a Surrey Wedding Photographer who also covers weddings and events in London and the Home Counties. If you want to chat about photography for your wedding or event then don't hesitate to get in touch!
It was my second trip to Kent in the space of a week having shot a wedding there earlier in the week and as I headed down with the sun shining and some great tunes in the car I was excited about the prospect of what the day might bring as it was to be an "at home" wedding with a marquee in the garden and these, as I've often said before, are my absolute favourite type of weddings.
First, it was off to see the girls who were all getting ready in a rented house fairly nearby where they were being well looked after by Helen Lee who is one of the most in-demand wedding make-up artists in Kent. Bridal prep is curious time of day, there is nervous tension and excitement in equal measures. Sometimes chaotic, always loud, it's a chance to meet everyone properly as I go about my business of documenting everything whilst trying not to inhale vast amounts of hair spray or trip over shoes or curling tongs.
There was just enough time to head over and see the groom for a few candid snaps before heading back to the girls and their final preparations. It was then off to the church of St Peter & St Paul in Saltwood where there was the most beautiful footpath leading up to the lychgate before getting to the actual church. Lucy wanted to make sure that I could capture the back of her dress and the backdrop for this was absolutely ideal as well as being a good place for Lucy to pause and reflect before she headed in to see Dom.
The service flew by and it was back outside for the confetti shot. At this point the rain decided to come down but this didn't deter the newlyweds or their guests as the umbrellas went up and the confetti was thrown in the air.
The reception was held at Lucy's parents house in a beautifully decorated marquee. Every detail had been carefully thought through and put together under the watchful eye of wedding planner Julia Sibun. There are a lot of elements in play at a wedding but Julia was a steady hand on the tiller - organised, supportive and very relaxed which is exactly what you need from your wedding planner. I have to say as well that the layout of the marquee was perfect for pictures as there were two long tables running through the middle which enabled me to just walk up and down, observe and capture those great natural shots of the guests that I love doing.
Keeping the guests well lubricated were a team of mixologists from Dom's bar business Exquisite Cocktails, the highlight being a retro bicycle which was kitted out as a Gin & Tonic station and which proved to be very popular. In fact it was all a certain photographer could do to not succumb to temptation and sample what was on offer! To help wash the drinks down, guests were treated to a veritable feast by the team of caterers at Kitchen of Kent.
We were soon into the speeches, ably led by not one but two MC's, which went off a treat thanks, in no part, to each speech giver having to down a drink of the MC's choice. Soon it was time to throw some shapes on the dance floor (the guests, not me...well, maybe one or two) and the dancing continued into the small hours.
Dom and Lucy's wedding was one of those days that just flew by, proof if any were needed that it was perfect in every way. One of the main reasons I love photographing weddings is that they are a day that is all about love, positivity and the coming together of friends new and old and that is an energy that is truly infectious. It's when you're in an environment like that that your "job" doesn't really feel like work at all and really, who could ask for anything more?
Make Up - Helen Lee
Bar and Drinks - Exquisite Cocktails
Food - Kitchen of Kent
Wedding planner - Julia Sibun
Videographer - Andy Bird at AB Wedding Videos
Matt is a Surrey Wedding Photographer who also covers weddings and events in London and the Home Counties. If you want to chat about photography for your wedding or event then don't hesitate to get in touch!
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