Laura & Arwyn – Autumnal Kent Wedding

“Thank you so so much – they are amazing! We absolutely love them…you are very talented! The ones in the wood are just incredible – thank you so much! We’re so impressed with the speed as well  – everything has just been fantastic from start to finish.” 

Autumnal Marquee Wedding

It’s funny how life works out isn’t it? I had a phone-call one day when I was in a car park, from a lovely mother of a bride-to-be, asking if I was free after describing her daughter’s wedding day which sounded wonderful. Sadly I was already booked, and recommended some fellow photographer friends and went about my day. Around 18 months later, I had another call, from a familiar voice, who went on to remind me she had called before and now her second daughter was also to be married! They hadn’t fixed a date at this point, and I was only free on the second option and I ended the call with my fingers crossed.

It’s not often I pray for someone to choose an Autumnal date over a Summer one, but I REALLY wanted to photograph this wedding and was absolutely thrilled when they called to confirm they were going ahead with October. The reason for this backstory was, I know that Laura was concerned about how the wedding would work in late Autumn. I have photographed marquee weddings in the absolute dead of Winter and I personally feel that the atmosphere in the darker months is so gorgeous, and despite the weather, marquees always look fab.

Along came & went the sunshine that Autumn can be blessed with, and so crept up the forecast of heavy rain on their day. I must say I felt utterly gutted for both Laura & Arwyn, the logistics of a rainy wedding can be a bit tricky and of course everything seems easier when the sun is shining. But I knew that I had to make sure they made the best of it, and had THE best day ever.

So here is the story of Laura & Arwyn. A windy, rainy, thankfully not-too-chilly day. But it was AWESOME.

Meeting Laura’s girls was an absolute highlight, they truly were the perfect bridesmaids, all upbeat, ready to help, smiling, positive and really great fun. Among them of course was her lovely sister Tamsin who’s wedding I missed out on, who was just such a pro on the day and never stopped looking out for Laura. The wedding was set at Laura’s lovely folks’ house, a stunning position in Kent and the perfect garden space for the MOST amazing marquee! It really did take my breath away, if you’re considering a marquee wedding, this is definitely the kind to look into! (More on why later). The flowers by Darling & Wild were simply stunning. Such an incredible mix of deep reds, brights and greens, the perfect palette for Autumn and looked so striking against the girls’ dresses. Laura’s dress was also lovely, simple yet so pretty, I’m now a real fan of Rembo Styling! We had a great time with the prep photos and onto the church we went.

To say the wind picked up a little would be an understatement – however, the photos of the girls and Laura heading up the path to the doors are some of my favourites. Full of smiles and happiness, I was completely in awe of how Laura took it all in her stride. Being an absolute stunner it was no surprised she still looked picture perfect by the time she reached her lovely Arwyn, and stayed that way into the night. It was a beautiful ceremony, with such quaint singing by the choir and a reading from Laura’s Grandfather, Rex.

We exited into a bit of a storm but nevertheless went for it. Umbrellas + confetti = the best photos. I have said it before that a canopy of umbrellas makes for such a fun image, and I was proved right. Despite what seemed like a chaotic time, everyone just smiled and laughed and headed off back to the reception. Laura & Arwyn and I had planned to do a few couple photographs in the woods on the way home, they questioned whether it was worth it but I am SO glad I suggested (read as, bullied) them into it, the photos we captured will be in my portfolio for years. I LOVED the contrasting umbrella with the deep greens in the woods. It was such a special few moments and a memory that will forever stay with me.

A bustling marquee greeted us upon our return and the laughter and hugs continued. I could see that the rain wasn’t going to let up, and I needed an action plan for the group photos. There are a lot of different styles of marquee, but the reason I am so fond of this style, is the ceiling height. The clear defined spaces of dance-floor & tables and areas to mingle, were cleverly separated by the beautiful tablescapes & the stunning flowers. I knew I had to make the most of those of hanging flower ‘crowns’ – Apologies, I am not a florist, I should really know what they are called…! And with a little help from the groom’s party (also fab chaps I should mention) we cleared the dance floor to make way for the group photos. I was SO impressed with how lovely & cooperative all their guests were, and for indoor group photos I was so happy with the results.

Time for dinner and speeches came, and as ever, they were funny, silly, witty and heartfelt. My time spent with both Arwyn and Laura’s families was such a pleasurable one. I just felt right at home the moment I arrived and I didn’t want to head home when it was time! The very best part of shooting weddings such as these, is I hope to stay friends with my couples long after their big day. And I am SO delighted that I will get to see lots of their guests again as I am photographing Arwyn’s sister’s wedding next year. Bring on the reunion and the fun, I’ve no doubt it will be just as wonderful as this day was. Thank you L&A, for making me so happy & proud to be a part of your celebrations. You really were a joy to work with, and I will forever love rainy weddings now, thanks to you too. Here are a few of my faves from your day! xx

If you like what you see above and would like to chat about your day, please do get in touch! I’d love to hear from you!