I really like Prim & Steve's style - both in the clothes they wore and the feel of their day. They managed to create an extremely close-knit and chilled out vibe to their wedding. Let's start with the venue - Oxon Hoath. I've never shot a wedding here before and after being there a couple of minutes, you can't help but wonder why this place isn't booked out for weddings 365 days a year - well, the answer is through a combination of their choice, and because the place is currently up for sale, so they can't take bookings on when they don't know who the new owners and what their intentions will be. I don't know how far in advance they are taking bookings, but if you're yet to book your venue, I highly recommend checking this place out.
This gem of a venue is hidden away between Tonbridge and Kings Hill. As soon as you drive between the gates and onto the grounds, you're dazzled with stunning views across the valley towards Hadlow. It is a Grade-II listed manor house that the wedding has exclusive use of, with accommodation for around 50 guests. The rooms are generally spacious and light filled, and the ceremony room (which is the library) is beautiful and full of character. I'll leave the description there as this is starting to sound like a sales pitch for the venue, but trust me, it's a amazing choice for weddings.
After Prim and Steve's wedding ceremony, they'd opted for something unique for their "wedding breakfast". They'd organised various picnic benches around the grounds closest to the house, with table clothes, and decorative flowers arranged by Primrose - she also prepared the bouquets, buttonholes, and all decorative flowers for the venue. She has a real talent so I wasn't surprised that she is actually making a professional move into floristry. They had a bar outside serving beers from kegs they'd arranged, and wine from a stock of 240 bottles (!!). The food was provided by The Pizza Project with antipasti for starters, and unlimited pizza for main course. This went down a treat with their guests (and me) and really kept the relaxed vibe they'd aimed for.
After the food, I took them for a few portraits in the gardens close by, and also out in the fields near the entrance to the 73 acre grounds where those views I mentioned could really be appreciated. Then it was back for speeches (once again outside with the guests seated on the benches), before we all headed inside for the party. They had a played track for their first dance, but after that, something a little different - a bandeoke. No, I've never heard of it either, but I'm sure I'll hear of it again. This was karaoke with a backing band and singers. Now, I'm not sure if the guests are all just good singers, but if not, the support of the live band made a tremendous difference to my normal experience of karaoke. Everyone sounded great and the atmosphere was incredible. I realise it may not be for everyone but if you have enough guests brave enough, this is an amazing idea for your wedding.
You can probably tell from all this, how much I enjoyed photographing Prim and Steve's wedding. But you know what? Even with all of these elements, it is the people that matter most, and Prim and Steve were such a nice couple that it was mainly because of them for why I had such a good time. The unlimited pizza sure was appreciated though 🙂
Congratulations Prim and Steve!
Now, here is a bit more about the couple and their day, in their own words:
In brief (or as long as you like), how did you meet, & how did you become engaged?
"We actually met back in the day on tinder, and it turned out that Steve’s best friend had recently started dating Primrose’s housemate! We both have a love of escape rooms, somewhere along the line it became our “thing” -whenever we went away we’d plan to do one. Steve had organised an escape room from Primrose’s birthday and had planned that the ring would be planted in the last box - fortunately we completed the game!"
How long did you take to plan your wedding?
"About a year - we’d always known what we wanted to do - it was just a case of finding the right venue"
What made you choose your wedding venues and how did you decorate them?
"We wanted a super fun day with our loved ones. We didn't want anything traditional just a big party and everything we loved (karaoke and pizza!!)"
What inspired you to style your day the way you did? E.g. a particular era, muse, colour etc. or were you guided by religious or cultural values and preferences?
"We wanted a really fun day, with lots of food and wine and dancing!"
How did you decide on your dress and accessories?
"I fell in love with her dress as soon as I saw it!"
How did you decide on the outfits for the groom and groomsmen?
"We always knew that Steve wasn't going to wear anything boring, so it was a case of finding the right thing. At one point he was looking at a jazzy gold suit, fortunately I got there in time to prevent that from happening. We chose a champagne/ blush pink for the Groomsmen and bridesmaids as it was a pretty summer colour to match the flowers!"
Who gave you away / walked you down the aisle? And did you walk down the aisle to a particular song?
"We wanted to stick with not being traditional about “giving away”, so I walked down the aisle on my own, but both my mum and dad had walked down just before me"
Please describe your wedding breakfast and the reasons behind it?
"We had unlimited pizza and nibbles outside on picnic benches, with no formal seating plan and in the evening we had unlimited chips and toppings! We love pizza (hence our Italian honeymoon) and we really just wanted a relaxed atmosphere"
Did you provide wedding favours?
"No"
Please describe your cake and why you chose it?
"One of our lovely friends made amazing cookies and we got a chocolate cake"
What was your first dance track and what did it mean to you?
"JP Cooper - Closer. We both just really love the words of the song"
What was your favourite part of the day and why?
"We really enjoyed going off to have photos together. It was really special to have that time together away from everyone - and of course seeing each other at the end of the aisle"
What led you to choose Parkershots as your photographer and please can you comment on their work?
"We loved the style of your photos on your website and after talking to you we felt very reassured that you were on the same page as us. We couldn’t be happier with our photos, they were incredible and exactly what we hoped for. You made us feel at ease throughout the whole day and we didn't feel awkward about it (which is usually the case!)"
On reflection, is there anything you would have done differently with foresight?
"Honestly no, we loved every second"
If you could impart any words of wisdom to a bride to be planning her marriage and wedding day, what would they be?
"Enjoy every second of the day and don't stress about the small things - no one will even notice them!"
Suppliers:
- Beer: National Mobile bars www.nationalmobilebars.co.uk
- Day time food: The Pizza Project info@thepizzaproject.co.ukThepizzaproject.co.uk Pizza, with charcuterie, antipasti and salads
- Evening food: Naked chips info@nakedchips.co.uk
- Karaoke Band: Bandioke ross@bandeoke-experience.co.uk.
- Flowers - Primrose instagram account to be confirmed!
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