Cat & Sam have a close connection to the area of Rye in East Sussex. Camber Sands was the location of their first date, is regularly a place they visit, and was also the location where Sam proposed to Cat. It was an easy decision to have their wedding in the area too.
Before the big day, I had the pleasure of meeting them at Camber Sands for a pre-wedding portrait session. It was a little cold, & a little windy, but so much fun walking around the dunes with them and photographing them at a location that means so much to them.
I started my coverage of their wedding day at The George in Rye, where both Cat & Sam were getting ready. With Christmas around the corner, the streets of Rye, The George, and Rye Town Hall were all looking beautifully festive. I think I counted at least 4 Christmas Trees just around The George.
Once ready, it was just a short walk up the hill to Rye Town Hall for the wedding ceremony. I've photographed a few weddings at Rye Town Hall over the years and have always liked it. It has a lovely historic and yet informal feel to it. Once married (and after a few family photos were taken), they were led down the hill to The George by the Town Crier. I forgot the chap's name but he always does a brilliant job at this.
Back at The George, everyone enjoyed canapes, English sparkling wine and mulled wine, and I took Cat & Sam for a few portraits around the area. It's such a beautiful town and we were very lucky to have a sunny day (Storm Darragh arrived with strong wind and rain the next day!).
Their wedding breakfast was served in the ballroom, which was followed by speeches from Nigel (father of the bride), Cat, Sam, & Mike (the best man). I really enjoyed all the speeches but a few things really stand out in my memory : Nigel's interesting word choice to say before photos; Cat & Sam talking about the history of their relationship; and a very heartfelt speech from Mike about his friendship with Sam. Also, Sam came up with a novel game to play during the best man's speech - "best man bingo". He gave out large cards to each table with various words on that were to be crossed out when mentioned in the speech. I've not seen this done before and it added an extra element to an already fun part of the day.
Whilst the room was turned around for the evening dancing, Cat & Sam led their guests outside for some fun with sparklers. During this time one of the groomsmen imitated the town crier to get everyone's attention, and then like the caped crusader responding to his bat signal, the town crier appeared around the corner, much to everyone's delight.
Congratulations Cat & Sam! It was a truly beautiful wedding to be a part of!
Suppliers:
- Hair & make-up: Grace Benson, https://gracebensonmakeup.com
- Videographer: Steve Burkett, Video4aday, https://www.video4aday.co.uk
- Flowers: Lucy at Cafe des Fleurs, Rye https://www.cafedesfleurs.co.uk/weddings
- Sam & Groom’s suits: Moss Bros
- Bride’s dress: made by the bride
- Photo Booth: https://www.photoboothdudes.co.uk
- Cake: Cakes by Ashleigh https://www.cakesbyashleigh.co.uk
- DJ: FTB events http://ftbgroup.co.uk
- Wedding newspapers (from the Newspaper club https://www.newspaperclub.com)
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