Preview: Christina & Michael’s Wedding Photography at Penshurst Place

On Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing Christina & Michael’s wedding at the always-beautiful Penshurst Place. My coverage began at an AirBnB property in Leigh, where Christina was getting ready with her six bridesmaids, maid of honour, and her mum. The cottage looked out over the village green, and inside was a hive of excitement with Nicky Dowdall-Smith doing hair and Stephanie Palmer & Minnie House of Beauty on make-up.

Once everyone was ready, we had a couple of lovely “first looks” — first with Christina's dad, and then with the bridesmaids, and then we all drove over to Penshurst for the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Michael and the groomsmen had started their day with a quick stop at The Leicester Arms for a drink before making their way over to St John the Baptist Church in the centre of Penshurst. It’s a striking village church, and Revd Lisa Cornell led a heartfelt ceremony which included hymns supported by a choir, readings from both mums, and the lighting of candles for loved ones who couldn’t be there. One of those special touches that made the service so personal.

Afterwards, guests spilled out into the sunshine for confetti and congratulations before Christina & Michael took a short drive together in their Rolls Royce Phantom. They returned to Penshurst Place where the celebrations continued in the Courtyard with drinks, canapés, and the beautiful sound of a string quartet. We paused here for some relaxed family photos (including Grandma Fay and Grandma Peggy, both on top form!) before I stole the couple away for portraits around the gardens. Christina wore her mum’s veil for these shots, which made them all the more special.

The wedding breakfast followed, with speeches from Bob (Christina’s dad), Michael, & Finn (the best man) followed by cake cutting & then Christina & Michael opened the dancefloor with their first dance to “Unchained Melody” by Elvis Presley. Everyone then joined them on the dancefloor and Christina shared dances with her dad, her sister, and her mum.

Congratulations Christina & Michael — what a fantastic day!