On Friday I had the pleasure of photographing Ali & Tom's wedding at the beautiful Beacon in Tunbridge Wells.
It was one of the hottest wedding days I've photographed in quite some time, with temperatures soaring above 30°C, but Ali & Tom coped with it brilliantly. I imagine, though, that Ali was particularly glad she'd packed a shorter dress for the evening dancing.
My coverage began with a few photographs around the venue before joining Ali for bridal preparations. She was getting ready with her mum, two bridesmaids and her daughter, while Lauren Garfitt took care of hair and make-up. I spent some time photographing the bridal details before popping over to see Tom and his two best men for a few portraits together.
The ceremony was beautifully led by celebrant Roxy Hyde and took place overlooking the Kent countryside. Afterwards, guests gathered outside for confetti before Ali & Tom and their immediate families briefly headed inside to complete the legal marriage ceremony with the registrar.
The drinks reception took place on the lawn, where guests enjoyed canapés, lawn games and freshly shucked oysters while making the most of the glorious sunshine.
The wedding breakfast yurt looked beautiful, with stationery by Lynda Loves and flowers by Thistle and String.
The speeches were a real highlight of the day. Ali's brothers spoke beautifully, with one particularly touching moment as he shared the words he felt their late father would have wanted to say, expressing just how proud he would have been, and how proud the two brothers and their mum were of her. Before the meal, he also introduced me to the Selkirk Grace by Robert Burns — something I'd never heard before but will certainly remember.
Tom's speech was full of warmth and gratitude, not only for Ali but also for his parents, his best men and everyone who had joined them to celebrate. The best men then took everyone through the different chapters of Tom's life, sharing stories from their friendship that had the room laughing throughout. To top it all off, Tom was presented with a framed Arsenal shirt signed by the entire first-team squad. If it wasn't already, I suspect that sealed the title of "best day ever" for Tom.
As the evening approached, we stepped outside for a quick few portraits before Ali & Tom cut their cake and took to the dancefloor for their first dance. Toby Boyle Music then kept the celebrations going as guests filled the dancefloor to round off a fantastic day.
It was such a pleasure to be part of this wedding. The day was full of love, sunshine, laughter and some truly memorable moments.
Congratulations Ali & Tom — thank you for having me there to capture it.
Suppliers:
- Wedding stationary - Lynda Loves
- Cake - Cake Blossoms
- Cheese cake - The Cheese Shop
- Wedding Celebrant - Roxy Hayde
- Band - Toby Boyle Music
- Flowers - Thistle and String
- Hair and makeup - Lauren Garfitt
- Bridal dress - The Pantiles Bride
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