As usual, you can watch the slideshow and/or read on for a bit more information about Sophie & Barney’s big day!

Prep

Having everything in one place meant that whilst I covered bridal prep with Sophie, my good friend Chris Shotton covered groom prep with Barney. Both had quite sizeable ‘squads’ with them and there was a great party atmosphere going on – plenty of shots and tunes with the ladies (including Gran!) in the amazing bridal suite at Gosfield Hall.

While Sophie was getting her makeup done, Chris captured Barney’s arrival, gift opening from his mum and then the boys getting ready and heading out for some portraits.

Meanwhile back with Sophie it was time for her to get into her stunning gown – complete with pockets (top hint brides – pockets in a wedding dress are AWSOME) – with the help of her mum and aunt. After a few further touchups it was then time for the big reveal to the squad and then two very, very emotional moments as first Sophie’s dad then step-dad saw her for the first time.

Ceremony

Once all the preps were finished, we headed out into the beautiful hot summer sunshine to the outdoor ceremony area at Gosfield Hall. Once everyone was seated, it was time for the bridal party to make their entrance – quite a long walk but worth it so we could get shots of everyone. Some lovely touching moments from Barney on seeing his little girl – loads of emotion on display which is always good for us to photograph and so nice to see! Sophie was walked up the aisle by both dads which again was very touching. After the ceremony the couple made their exit, whilst the guests made their way round to the courtyard for confetti.

Reception

Once everyone had made their way into the courtyard, Sophie and Barney came out through a confetti line to begin their reception – hugs and congratulations all round! Their incredible singer then started up to get the party atmosphere going – plenty of dancing in the sun!

After letting the guys enjoy their reception drinks it was time to round everyone up for some groups and head for some well-earned shade! While we waited for people to make their way over, I grabbed some quick portraits of the guys. Once the groups were done, a quick piggyback for Sophie and we headed back to the reception.

Once the room was ready to photograph I headed up to capture the details – the room in Gosfield is incredible, and I love the mirrors both ends!

Soon it was time for everyone to take their seats, and for the happy couple to make their grand entrance.

Evening

After the meal it was time for the speeches and once again they didn’t disappoint with the emotion, but also lots of laughter. Let’s just say the best man was relieved when he finished his speech!!

Once the speeches were done and dusted we headed out for some portraits in the beautiful evening golden hour light in the amazing wheat field next to Gosfield – this was my favourite part of the day! These guys were just absolute naturals together – just so many great moments to photograph.

Then it was back for the first dance and party. Once Sophie and Barney had finished their first dance and Sophie had danced with her dad, she went off to change into an evening party dress while the evening entertainment got underway – Paul Hardcastle Jr who is just all action – Dj’ing, sax playing, singing, rapping and drumming! Barney took a turn on the microphone as well as the party really got into full swing!!

And to finish off the evening, we took a select group of guests out into the evening for a sparkler send off!

Congratulations to Sophie and Barney and thanks for having me along to your incredible wedding!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2023

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Swallows Oast is a lovely traditional Oast House wedding venue in East Sussex with a lovely outdoor ceremony location, it’s own woodland walk and another ceremony location in the woods, and then further on a stunning meadow with views – great for photographing couples portraits!

I arrived a little early on the morning of the wedding so took a walk up to the meadow for a look, only to find myself stuck sheltering under the oak tree for 15 minutes while the heavens opened – not a great start! Luckily the weather cleared eventually leading to a beautiful hot, sunny, summers day!

Bridal Prep

I do love it when everything’s on one site – no mad dashing around going from parents house, to the church, to the venue etc. Everything’s on one site at Swallows Oast meaning I could dip in and out of bridal prep to capture Will’s arrival, the ceremony location (set up late due to the rain) and guests arriving.

As usual I started the day with Kate and the bridesmaids in the stunning bridal suite at Swallows Oast – the bedroom provides a very stylish and chic backdrop to photograph the details, including Kate’s beautiful Kate Halfpenny wedding dress! That skirt – OMG!

Bridal prep was a very laid back affair as the ladies were all doing their own hair and makeup, which also meant I could sneak out to capture a few photographs of Kate’s amazing bouquet, supplied by the talented ladies at Colonnade Florist  – in a lovely, unique move, some of Kate’s friends had arranged for artist Nicola King to paint her bouquet, so we both had fun photographing it. If you’re on Instagram, Nicola’s subsequent painting of Kate’s flowers is up on her feed  @kingnicola

Arrivals and the boys

During a few opportune moments in bridal prep I nipped out to catch Will and his entourage arriving, the guys admiring the setup inside the barn, button holes going on before we made our way up tot he top field for a toast and a few quick portraits.

Ceremony

All too soon it was time for the guests to be seated for the ceremony and for us to await the bridesmaids and then Kate’s entrance. Kate was walked down the aisle by her brother, but stopped and had a lovely moment with her dad before finally making her way up to Will for the start of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Kate and Will made their exit and then came back through a confetti line before leading the guests over to start their reception with a very welcome cooling drink and some amazing canapes.

Reception

Some lovely candid moments to capture during their reception with LOTS of hugs (which I love photographing!) and excitement. Soon it was time to capture a few group shots (in some shade!!) before I accompanied the wedding party on the short walk up to the meadow for a few more stylized portraits of them all, followed by some quick couples portraits.

Wedding breakfast & Evening

After the big group shot of all the guests and a few more candids, I made my way in to photograph the lovely details inside Swallows Oast, including a drink (Sloe gin etc.) for each guest – always fun capturing these going down!

Soon it was time for everyone to make their way into the Oast house and be seated for the entrance of the bride and groom!

After the wedding breakfast we were treated to some really funny speeches with some heartfelt moments as well.

Once the wedding breakfast was finished I quickly whisked Kate and Will back up to the meadow for some golden hour portraits in the beautiful evening sunshine before we came back for the cake cut, first dance and then some amazing dance moves from Will as the guests partied to an amazing band!

Congratulations to Kate & Will! If you’re interested in having me photograph your wedding, please contact me I’d love to hear your plans!

All images copyright Kent wedding photographer David Burke Photography 2023

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I started what was a beautiful, hot sunny day at The Mansion House (Tunbridge Wells Register Office) waiting for the arrival of Marcus and the guests. Once everyone had made their way inside, I waited outside for Charlotte to arrive. Whenever I photograph a wedding without bridal prep, I’m always conscious to be on the look out to still capture detail shots such as the dress, and the harsh sunlight really made Charlottes incredible dress details pop!

Once inside it was time for the ceremony, as usual conducted beautifully by the Registrars – I love these smaller weddings where things are a bit more informal!

After the ceremony the guests made their way by car to Hotel du Vin, whilst Marcus, Charlotte and myself took the short walk through Calverley Park so we could capture some couples portraits in the upper park of the park, which has fantastic grasslands which just looked incredible on this sunny, hot day!

Once we reached Hotel du Vin we quickly went through the groups (which Charlotte organised with military precision – very impressive!), then I documented the details and shot candids of the guests. A few more quick couples photos then it was time for the guests to be seated, the couples entrance and cake cut, then it was time for me to leave.

Congratulations to Charlotte and Marcus!

If you’re getting married at Hotel du Vin or The Mansion House, do please get in touch to discuss your coverage!

All images copyright David Burke Photography 2023

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Prep

I joined Emma, Mark and their super-cute daughter for prep at a new venue to me – The Vines of Rochester. Run by the same amazing team who are behind Cooling Castle, The Vines offers something a bit different – a Tipi for the ceremony and an all-round amazing location right in the oldest part of Rochester.

As both Mark and Emma were getting ready at the venue, I was able to cover bride and groom prep and just really document events as they unfolded and the relaxed nature of everything left me loads of time to photograph the details as well. Emma was joined by her daughter but also mum, bridesmaids and nieces so there was loads going on during bridal prep!

Soon it was time for Emma to get into her stunning dress (so different to the usual dresses I see) and then just chill out with mum until it was time to go downstairs.

Ceremony

Once everyone was ready, it was time for another lovely touch that we don’t do that regularly in the UK – a first look! Emma made her way down to meet Mark and then they had their chat with the registrar while I made my way over to the amazing Tipi in the gardens of The Vines to get ready for the ceremony and the entrance of the bride AND groom together – another great moment.

After the ceremony the happy couple made their exit and shared a moment while the guests got organised outside The Vines for the confetti run!!

Reception

Emma, Mark and their family and friends now enjoyed the amazing sunny weather and some amazing food from the team at The Vines – once again the guys just wanted a laid back vibe so there was no formal sit down meal, just absolutely loads of courses and dishes coming out constantly – it just kept coming!

I spent my time just documenting what was going on after we did a couple of quick groups and a quick couples session. Much later on I took Emma and Mark out for a very quick wander around the picturesque old cobbled streets that surround the Vines in the historic part of Rochester – we were going to go down and do some shots outside the castle but unfortunately a huge UB40 gig put paid to those plans, so we stuck to the quieter side streets 🙂

Evening 

Once the amazing puddings had been served we were into the evening section of the wedding. As I mentioned at the start, no speeches or cake cut or official first dance so it was just a case of everyone piling onto the dancefloor and getting the evening started!

All photos copyright David Burke Photography 2023

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As usual, please feel free to read on to learn more about their day with a a selection of pictures, or view the slideshow for lots more pictures and some music.

Bride and Groom Prep

I started the day with Mary at her parents house with all the girls to document them getting ready. As you can see, it was smiles all round and massively chilled even though it was quite a hive of activity. Mary’s dad was on hand with the champagne while the ladies got on with their hair and makeup. Pretty soon it was time for the dress to go on and for me to then shoot off to Tonbridge School for the ceremony.

While I was with Mary, Rob (who was second shooting for me that day) met up with Mickey and all the boys for the final part of groom prep, a few cold beers and then a walk to Tonbridge Castle for some groom shots, before they made their way up to Tonbridge School.

Ceremony 

There can’t really be a more spectacular setting for a church ceremony than the chapel at Tonbridge School – this huge chapel can seat the entire school at once and the banked seating means we as photographers can see more guests than usual so it’s great from our point of view. As you’ll see, there was quite directional light in the chapel on this really sunny day, so I used that to my advantage to create some really high key shots to pick out Mary’s dress and create some drama.

Reception

Following the ceremony, a drinks reception was held in the grounds where the guests enjoyed some Pimms and canapes in the (very hot) summer sunshine. After shooting the groups (in the only bit of shade available, much to the annoyance of guests constantly trying to get a bit of cooling shelter!) I took Mary and Mickey off for a few quick pictures in the library gardens and then when the guests were making their way over to the marquee, we used the drinks reception gardens for some more pictures.

Pretty soon it was time for the bride and groom to make their way over to the marquee – a first for Tonbridge School, I must say the marquee was a fantastic addition to the day and I believe is now a service they will offer going forward – the marquee decorations looked incredible!

Speeches and evening

The speeches were spread throughout the meal during breaks so the rest of the day had a great laid back feel to it, guests made their way out into the evening sunshine and then back in for speeches – Mary’s dad is a teacher at the school so had no problems commanding attention!

As the evening sunshine got to that beautiful golden hour light, we took a quick walk so I could capture a few more portraits before it was time for the bouquet toss, first dance and party!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2022

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This was such a lovely wedding – a real international feel with Anton’s family from Spain and Ratna’s family from Thailand (along with her Indian heritage as well). Also great that there was so much emotion on show, as you’ll see from the photos outside after the ceremony – hugs all round!

This was such an intimate wedding party, with just immediate family from both sides and me! People sometimes think it’s going to be hard to capture great documentary wedding photography without a huge crowd to disappear into; I actually find a small crowd easy – a bit of friendly banter and almost seeing yourself as a guest allows you to really become part of the wedding. These guys all really accepted me being around on the day, so much so that I almost gave a speech myself at the end!

You can watch a slideshow of their images below, or read on for a bit more information on their lovely wedding day.

Bride and Groom prep

I joined both families at a local Tunbridge Wells hotel for bride and groom prep, and divided my time between Anton’s groom prep and Ratna and her mum and sisters in bridal prep. While all was fairly calm with Anton and his mum, things were a bit more busy down with Ratna it’s fair to say! I was slightly concerned we were going to run late, but just at the last minute things clicked into place with almost military precision!

Ceremony

Once everyone was ready, I hot-footed it over to the Register Office in Tunbridge Wells to get ready for Anton’s arrival. Once he and the guests were inside I waited for Ratna and then once she was being interviewed by the registrars, joined the wedding guests for the lovely, intimate ceremony. Once outside, a quick confetti throw and then the real magic started to happen – just so many lovely heartfelt hugs, which were amazing for me to photograph. After a few minutes outside, everyone made their way over to The Beacon for the wedding reception.

Reception

After the short drive, Ratna and Anton led their guests down to The Beacon and were met by the manager and one very, very chilled out dog who wasn’t moving from his spot on the steps for anyone! The guests had plenty of confetti left so we had another confetti run down the stairs (carefully walking past our doggy friend) before everyone made their way up to the deck area for drinks and canapes. Due to Covid staffing issues, Ratna and Anton actually had the whole of the Beacon to themselves which was an added bonus for them.

Over a drink and with some delicious food, family gifts and cards were exchanged and facetime calls made to relatives who couldn’t attend in person. We then made our way down to the middle part of the newly landscaped gardens (which are a fantastic addition to the offering of the Beacon – I’m looking forward to shooting a ceremony out there!!!) for some quick family groups before I took Ratna and Anton to photograph some portraits in the lower parts of the grounds.

Once we’d captured some portraits, it was back up for an outdoor cake-cut with a view, before everyone made their way through to take their seats for the wedding breakfast. Once everyone was settled in, each guest took it in turns to make a speech which was so touching. As my time with the guys was up at the end of the speeches, I felt like I almost had to give one! A few words of thanks and it was time for me to then head off for a well-earned rest!

Congratulations again to Ratna and Anton on their stunning wedding day!

If you’re getting married at The Beacon and want to discuss your wedding photography, do please get in touch – I’d love to hear your wedding plans!

All photographs copyright Kent Wedding Photographer David Burke Photography 2022

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I met Ratna and Anton at a new spot for me – Teston Bridge Country Park. Having arrived a little earlier, I scoped out some great spots and we walked the route in the lovely evening sunshine. As you can see, They’d both really made an effort with their outfits – Anton looked great but Ratna looked truly stunning in her Lehenga and jewelry. These guys were both naturals so working with them, the light and location (and Ratna’s sister dress-wrangling behind the scenes!) I got some amazing photographs.

I’ll blog their stunning, intimate wedding in a few days – in the meantime I hope you enjoy their pre-wedding shoot.

All images copyright David Burke Photography 2022

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As usual, you can watch a slideshow of images or read on for further info on their amazing day.

Bridal Prep

I started the (very rainy!) day with Regina, her bridesmaids and parents at the Leicester Arms in the quaint little Kent village of Penshurst. St John The Baptist is a 50m walk from the pub and then Penshurst Place is 2 minutes further on. All great walks in the sun, not so great in the pouring rain so I was praying the weather cleared up a bit!

Regina was going to change dresses for the evening reception so there were lots of great details to photograph. After that, it was, as usual, telling the story of the day – Regina doing her own makeup, the bridesmaids making up some bouquets and the general excitement and build up. As you can see, despite the weather, smiles were still the order of the day!

Ceremony

As soon as Regina was in her dress, I headed over to St John’s to join Rhys, the boys and Neil who was second shooting for me. Although guest numbers were unrestricted, we still had some Covid restrictions so Regina and Rhys provided face shields for every guest so we could at least see those lovely smiling faces!

After getting guest candids it was time to head back out into the rain, just in time to catch Regina and the bridal party making their way over to the ceremony under umbrellas. A quick couple of portraits and groups under the cover, then time for the walk up the path into the ceremony.

After the lovely service in the stunning church, it was back out – into the rain! We hastily organised a confetti line up the path towards Penshurst Place for the happy couple to walk through.

Reception

Regina and Rhys braved the elements on the walk to Penshurst Place using the footpath, followed by some of the hardier members of their wedding. The newlyweds then greeted guests under cover, before moving on into the newest element of Penshurst Place – their amazing new Capri tent! This really was a fantastic addition and I loved the juxtaposition of the new, modern lines against the old of Penshurst.

After photographing guests and some of the details, I took the happy couple for some indoor portraits using the natural light from a staircase. We noticed the rain had then eased off and the guys were happy to get out and about for some couples pictures in the extensive grounds. Special thanks to Regina for being so cool about getting her dress wet – but I suppose knowing you have another one for the evening  helps a little bit.

Wedding breakfast

Once we’d done the couples portraits, it was time for those few important group shots before everyone made their way up to the Sunderland Room for the wedding breakfast. There were a couple of nods to the heritage of both the bride and groom – A welsh love spoon for Rhys, and the vodka was soon flowing for Regina’s family.

Once the breakfast was complete, it was on to the speeches with loads of touching and hilarious moments in equal measure!

Evening Reception

Regina headed off to get changed into her evening (dry!) dress before it was time to cut the cake in the Baron’s Hall, followed by a first dance out back in the Capri tent. Regina wanted some portraits in her second dress so as the light was going quickly, we headed back out to find some more spots in the incredible garden at Penshurst!

Then back into the Capri tent for more dancing as the party had started! Guests started to gravitate to the front of Penshurst for some evening food from the pizza van. It’s fair to say a second party had started out the front, where the bride enjoyed a cigar, before confetti canons were produced as a surprise, so I had to be quick to set up and get it!!

There was also another surprise being set up – Regina had organised surprise fireworks for Rhys and the guests. At this point, I was a bit stuck as I needed to set up ready to capture the fireworks, but had told Rhys we were leaving so as not to spoil the surprise – however, he steadfastly refused to leave the front party (and why not!) as he was having too good a time. I managed to get Regina to drag him back to the dancefloor and we got set up (by the skin of our teeth, it must be said!!) for the fireworks!

What an amazing wedding with so many elements to it, but what a day! Congratulations once again to Regina and Rhys!

All Photographs copyright David Burke 2021

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Bride and Groom Prep

As usual I started the day with the bride to photograph bridal prep – all the details and comings and goings as Charlotte, the bridesmaids, flower girls and Charlotte’s parents all gathered at their house (which Charlotte had done such a fab job renovating whilst James was on a tour with the Army!). Once I’d finished the details I moved on to hair and makeup which was in full swing.

Meanwhile, Robert (my second photographer for the day) was with James, his parents and all the boys at a local hotel to photograph groom prep.

Service

Once everyone was ready, I headed off to the church to meet up with James and photograph guest arrivals. Soon, it was time for me to head outside and await the arrival of the bridal party. I had a few minutes with Charlotte outside while we waited for her dad to park up, so I was able to document the little details while we waited. Dresses look great hung up, but they look even better when they’re on and in nice, dramatic sunlight!

Soon it was time to head inside for the lovely service, taken by Ravi. As you’ll see, we had a great moment when it was time for the first kiss when Charlotte had a fit of hysterics which was brilliant – the first kiss did happen…eventually!

After the service the newlyweds greeted their guests in the beautiful sunshine outside the church – so lovely to see hugs back again!!! A few quick groups and then it was time for confetti before we all headed off to the wonderful Broome Park Hotel for the reception.

Reception

We all made our way back to the lovely Broome Park Hotel for a drinks reception out in the stunning sunshine. After a few more groups and some quick bride and groom portraits it was soon time to head indoors for the wedding breakfast.

After the speeches, we made our way back out into the lovely evening golden hour sunshine for some more bride and groom portraits before it was time to cut the cake and then the bride and groom had their first dance. A Dad Daughter dance followed – I think the necessary practice didn’t quite happen so a spontaneous freeform sort of dance followed – very, very funny!

Due to the Covid guidelines at the time, there was no evening dancing so my evening finished after photographing a game of Mr and Mrs which everyone loved, at which point I left the guys to enjoy the rest of their wedding evening!

Congratulations again to Charlotte & James!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2021.

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I started the day bright and early at Islington Town Hall, documenting guest arrivals and then waiting to photograph Antoinette and Michael’s arrival in their white London Cab. Once the bride and groom had greeted their guests, they were interviewed by the (excellent as always) Registrars, before it was time to start the ceremony. Although slightly strange with everyone dotted around to ensure social distancing, the guys had a great relaxed, fun-filled ceremony.

Afterwards, I took the bride and groom for two minutes for some portraits whilst everyone made their way outside. Confetti on the steps and a few quick group shots done, the bride and groom were congratulated by their guests and greeted a special doggy well-wisher – so cute!!

While the guests made their way over to Frederick’s, I jumped into the taxi with the bride and groom so we could stop off along the way for a few quick portraits, before they made their entrance to the incredibly funky restaurant, where the guests were all waiting for their arrival!

Whilst the bride and groom chatted with their guests, I documented the day for them until it was time for a few quick speeches, and then it was time for me to hop on the train back to Tunbridge Wells and leave the wedding party enjoying their spectacular looking food – the sandwich at Charing Cross left me feeling a bit jealous!

Congratulations to Antoinette and Michael!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2021

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