Helen & Andrew waited 630 days for their wedding day to come. And even when that day was finally near, they had some unexpected issues; I heard the mother of the bride's car caught fire somehow a couple of days prior, and the mother of the groom (who conducted their wedding ceremony) fell over and broke her wrist the day before! But nothing was stopping these two finally having their day.
Their chosen venue for most of the day was Elmley Nature Reserve. It was my first wedding I've photographed here and also the first time I've even visited it. It's an absolutely stunning location though and I'll definitely be back again - whether for more weddings or family days out. In the morning, I joined Helen and her bridesmaids at a cottage on site where she was getting ready. The gardens of this cottage would also be used later on for the drinks reception which gave the wedding a very homely relaxed feel to it.
Once ready, we all made our way out of the nature reserve to St. Mary the Virgin church in Newington. The relaxed feel was carried on here with Andrew's mum, Amanda making everyone in the church feel very welcome and a sign told guests to sit wherever they wished. The church organ was played for guests by a friend of the bride and groom, a small band played the music for the bride's arrival and also for the bride and groom's exit once married, & Andrew's cousin, Emma played the harp whilst the signing of the register occured. A love of music was definitely evident here.
After a few family group photos at the church, everyone returned to Elmley for the celebrations of drinks, canapes, the wedding breakfast, and the party. Once the guests were all seated, and starters were served, the immediate family and closest friends of the bride and groom entered the wedding breakfast barn in pairs, each with an intro from Andrew's brothers and their own choice of music.
Their first dance was "San Francisco Love Affair" by Shawn P Rohif, performed by Shawn P Rohif, a family friend, along with band members who were also friends of the couple. As I alluded to before, this wedding had a very close-knit feel to it, with an obvious love of music.
It was lovely working with Helen & Andrew and so nice to see them finally have their wedding day - an what a beautiful wedding it was too.
Suppliers:
- Venue: https://www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/
- Videography - 1 in Six Billion - our contact there is Ryan Woodard https://www.oneinsixbillion.co.uk/
- Hair and make up artists - xxxx
- Band - Kick up the dust (no website)
- Wedding Dress - from Dotty Bridal - https://dottybridal.co.uk/
- Cars from Kent and Coastal Wedding Cars (Brendan Kinsella) - https://kentandcoastalweddingcars.co.uk/
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