Charis and Mike wanted a proper winter wedding. As things turned out, their luck was in. You see, in the week before the wedding, temperatures in the UK took a sharp turn to the negative degrees. This brought the first frost and one with quite a bite to it. This would be ideal, but the forecast all week had been for rain on their actual wedding day. I must admit that I was a little concerned for them and their guests should the forecast be correct. Everyone would have had a good day regardless, but it's definitely more enjoyable if everyone isn't running for cover the whole day. Even on the morning of the wedding, the forecast was still showing rain for the day, and yet when looking out over Tunbridge Wells there was a perfect Wintry morning. Thick frost covering all surfaces and rich golden sunlight hitting the last leaves on the trees. Amazingly, this sunshine stayed for the whole day leading them to count their blessings many a time. And the next day? A barrage of snow arrived in the afternoon bringing the country to a standstill. Now, it would have been cool to get some photos in the snow, but it also would have made travel on the day much more difficult for them and their guests. I just hope everyone got home OK and the newly weds were able to fly off on their honeymoon.
I joined Charis in the morning at her parent's house in Tunbridge Wells where her close friend & bridesmaid, Rachel, was doing her hair and make-up. This helped create a totally relaxed atmosphere and a very happy bride. Once ready, Charis and her dad travelled to the church in a classic VW Beetle and the bridesmaids left in a VW Camper. New Life Church in Tunbridge Wells was a big part of Charis' life growing up and her father is one of the pastors so you could tell this meant a lot to them.
After the service, we all headed to The Beacon where I took the couple for a few portraits and then family photos before the sun left us, and the guests enjoyed drinks in the main building with a live band playing. They then moved down to the Yurt for the wedding breakfast. The yurt looks amazing any time of year, but with their chosen table decorations and hanging mistletoe, it looked extra stunning.
We then all moved back up to the main building for cake cutting, the first dance, and the party. Charis and Mike had practiced a choreographed first dance, that went down a treat with their guests, and despite a certain sports result that evening, everyone was in top spirits.
Wishing you both lots of happiness together.
Suppliers:
- Venue: The Beacon
- Florist: Colonnade Flowers
- Makeup and Hair: Makeup in Orangeries (Rachel Mannix)
- Caterers: The Beacon
- Cake at church: Liz Johnston and Sue Hooke (Aunties!)
- Cake at Beacon: Naomi King (sister-in-law)
- Singer at church: Gabriella Bossman (Instagram)
- Second performance singer: Naomi King (sister-in-law)
- Both Bands: Function Fever
- Dress shop: The Pantiles Bride
- Dress designer: Enzoani
- Grooms and Groomsmen Kilts:MacGregor and MacDuff
- Transport: VW Brides
- Dance Choreography: Sallie-Beth from Save the First Dance
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