It's not often I photograph a wedding where the couple cut their cake with a sword, but Nicole & Billi's wedding at Penshurst Place was never going to be short of personal touches!
The day began just around the corner at The Leicester Arms in Penshurst, where Nicole got ready with her bridesmaids and family, while Billi prepared with his son Elias, best man and groomsmen.
Their ceremony took place in the Courtyard at Penshurst Place, with Nicole's dad walking her down the aisle and live music from Ellie Louise. Nicole & Billi had chosen to exchange their personal vows privately earlier that morning, but there was still a surprise waiting during the ceremony. Rather than having traditional ring bearers, an auntie from each side of the family had unknowingly been chosen for the job. The rings had been secretly placed beneath their chairs, and during the ceremony they discovered they were responsible for bringing them forward. A lovely way to involve two members of the family — particularly when neither had any idea it was coming!
Afterwards, everyone headed out onto the South Lawn for drinks and canapés, with Ellie Louise continuing to provide the music as guests enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of Penshurst Place.
The speeches were spread throughout the wedding breakfast, with Nicole's dad, best man Jack and Billi each taking their turn between courses.
Then came the aforementioned sword! One of Billi's friends is a blacksmith and had hand-forged it especially for the wedding. Naturally, there was only one appropriate way to put it to use, so Nicole & Billi wielded it together to cut their wedding cake.
The evening celebrations then got underway with their first dance to Yungblud's version of I Was Made for Lovin' You, before Riot took over for the evening party.
From surprise ring bearers to cutting the cake with a hand-forged sword, there were plenty of details that made this wedding completely their own.
Congratulations Nicole & Billi — thank you for having me there to capture your day!
Suppliers:
- Riot - band
- Ellie Louise Music - https://www.ellielouisemusic.co.uk
- Clair De Lune illustrator - clairdeluneillustrate.co.uk
- Layla Mohamed, Live Art - No website.
- Chicweddings - chicweddings.co.uk
- Ellie Varrier-Smith - Cake, No website.
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