I had a great time photographing Vicky & Rab's wedding at Oak Tree Barn. Their eldest child is in the same school class as my son, so I was really looking forward to their wedding anyway, but also because this is a new venue for me. It was established in 2021, is located just outside my hometown of Tunbridge Wells, and is surrounded by fields with lots of cool & quirky features to it, giving a very relaxed and rustic vibe.
I started my day with Vicky, her 2 maids of honour & bridesmaids at the onsite salon, where they were all having hair and make-up done, before joining Rab and his groomsmen when they arrived for pre-ceremony refreshments.
Their ceremony took place at the very cool outside location here - set in a flat area, down slope from the main buildings and lawn, and overlooking fields. It is surrounded by trees and has hay bales for guest seating, and an amazing 'chapel' constructed of wood and corrugated iron. It even has a stained glass window.
Before the bridal party's arrival, the couple's son and Rab's best man, prepped the area. Donning glitter bum-bags and sunglasses, and to the tune of 2 Unlimited "Get Ready for this", they danced up and down the aisle throwing confetti. It got everyone even more excited for the ceremony, and I know Vicky & Rab were especially proud of their boy for doing it.
After the ceremony, they had drinks, canapes, and photos, with the kids wasting no time before hitting the hired bouncy castle and inflatable assault course. The wedding breakfast was a hog roast & ice-creams for dessert, with speeches from the maids of honour, the groom, and best man in between courses.
As the sun set, they got the evening party started with their 'first dance' to "In Case You Didn't Know" by Brett Young, and then things really kicked up a notch. DJ Francis Renato (an old school friend to the couple) provided the music, and the guests swarmed the dancefloor. The best man and another guest had the microphone at times, singing along to certain songs, guests appeared and disappeared wearing various props from photobooth stand, and every now again I saw the home-made signs (used during the speeches) being carried around the room reading "Shit on it" and "Shalom".
Congratulations Vicky & Rab! It was a real blast.
Suppliers:
- Venue: Oak Tree Barn
- Hair and make up: Jessica Simpson (salon at the venue)
- Caterers: Fine dining
- Entertainment: Tonbridge bouncy castles And Photo Booth
- Suits: Moss Ted Baker
- Dress shop: Wed2Be
- Videography: Cut Above Productions
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