Posts tagged kent wedding photographer
Embracing the wedding chaos and turning it into an adventure. How to enjoy planning a wedding.
bride and groom drinks chilston manner

You are getting married yay! But now you are left with the task of choosing a wedding venue, photographer, make up artist you’ve basically become a badass boss on the hunt for amazing people to make your wedding vision a reality right? Thats a lot of researching and reading the same spill on websites and honestly when I was planning my wedding it all become too much. Cue streamlining and simplifying things.

Organising a wedding is like having a second job, I totally hear ya! And before you know it the day has arrived and it’s gone in a flash and what’s left from the day and all the planning? Besides a partner for life is your photos. So make sure you choose with your heart on this one because photographing emotions, preserving those feelings takes skill.

You are likely to missed so much on the day being pulled in various directions so having someone there to document those behind the scenes moments from the day will honestly make you feel like you are getting married all over again only this time in the comfort of your home and in your loungewear. Just promise you will print your images and have them allover your walls!

Part of our journey is hugely based on friendship, I like people and enjoy being around people so learning about each other for me is essential gimme the nitty gritty. It’s important to feel comfortable and that works both ways.

I have put together a top tips guide focusing on mindset and mindfulness so you as a couple can embrace the whirlwind that is organising a wedding whilst still enjoying the process. Cos lets face it weddings can be stressful so its important to surround yourself with suppliers who are simply more than a supplier but an experience in themselves.

Remember to breathe.

embrace the chaos and have an adventure.

So lets get to it here are some helpful tips that easy to implement.

  • I am sucker for stationary especially a planner but then I never use the planner I know I know, I am an official wombat even my child gave me a certificate and everything. But on this journey of buying all the things I thought I needed for a wedding I discovered actually all I need is checklist and somewhere to store links/bookmarks bring me my phone!

  • When searching for suppliers ask yourself and your fiancé what is most important to you? Give yourself 3 keywords for each supplier category each to focus on see if any of your words match up. For example - Venue my keywords were accessibility, barn and vibe. My husbands was abroad, fun and cost somehow we are a match but ya know opposites and all that. However we took the word fun and vibe and well decided to elope. But these keywords will help you focus yourself on what’s important to you both for your big day.

Another example photographer - friendly, informal, creative

  • By focusing on those key features it will half your searching journey trust me. You can gauge pretty quickly if the supplier/venue fit with your aesthetic and their website is usually a good indicator. You want a client experience with your vendors after all you are relying on them to help with the vision of your day.

  • Be realistic in your budget bride book have a useful tool for couples which show average prices for vendors/suppliers. Photography isn’t just a case of turning up and taking pictures it really is an experience and a lot more than just pressing a button. I recommend listing in order what is truly important/essential to you.

  • Book in some you and fiancé time as you can imagine planning and organising a wedding brings out a whole new level of stress and I mean that in the kindest way possible, down time is a must with no wedding talk. You heard of a mini moon before your actual honeymoon well use that notion and have a mini escape and hang out with your fiancé and no going to a wedding fair isn’t the same as hanging out.

  • Book in an engagement shoot. I have one included in my full day package these are lots of fun and its an afternoon with your person with some lovely images of your both which can also be used as save the date cards. Completely unposed and just a little insight into your love story. These take place in and around Kent. I particularly enjoy woodland portrait photography sessions.

  • Get yourself a wedding planner/coodinator it will take the stress out of the day but also the lead up to the day. Most venues have a coordinator make sure you have them onboard to help the day run smoothly.

  • Wedding fairs are great and useful but also an overwhelming experience (make sure you book in a meal/treat afterwards). Now you might find your perfect supplier at one of these events after all it is a meet and greet experience. Reach out to suppliers schedule in a zoom call or go and meet in person if thats an option.

  • Family politics - ask yourself this do I want to someone there who I haven’t seen in years just to please family members? The answer is only if YOU want them too.

  • Book your important suppliers asap if they aren’t available on your date ask them if they would recommend anyone who would fit your vibe.

  • Don’t leave the little details to last minute - diy wedding? get your peeps involved and make a day of it crafting and throw in a little party afterwards - Gin, glitter and stationary = heaven.

  • I have a wonderful photoplan template I like to send my couples leading up to the day containing a timeline which really helps them visualise any gaps in the day.

Hayne house wedding photographer bride on bouncy castle
Taking the camera shy vibes and turning them into photography epic-ness - effortlessly
— My husband

And I repeat and will say it over and over again - the one thing I say to my couples is schedule in some alone time during the day and get those canapés to go. After the ceremony you will hardly spend anytime with each other besides your portraits session which is where I like to bring my romantic A game. Prompts and bringing back the feelings of the day. I also tend to take the Micky out of myself.

  • Have a day/morning/afternoon whichever works with no phone if anything it will help prepare you for on the day when usually your phone isn’t to hand. If having a phone to hand on the day is essential then have a wedding dress with hidden pockets - seriously best idea ever! or simply designate/given a contact number for someone who will be with you and your partner during prep.

  • Talking of dresses - once you have found the one, make sure you sit down whilst trying the dress on - you’ll thank me on the day.

  • The wedding dress should fit you, not you fit into the wedding dress - if needs be get a seamstress. I don’t advise being uncomfortable all day by wearing suck everything in pants. Embrace your body and eat that cake!

  • I am a body positive person and fully embrace that mindset on the wedding day. I understand the pressure you may face surrounding losing weight, dieting, all to fit in that dress for one day. Thats a lot of pressure to put on yourself and the diet culture and targeting brides is outrageous and should be banned.

  • I go to every wedding with a sewing kit, pain killers, gel heels basically a mini self care kit I highly recommend having something similar either for bridal prep or in the toilets for guests.

confetti bride and groom with dogs

  • Practice asking for help - daunting I know but its okay to say I need some help, also at the same time having boundaries set in place you can say ‘NO’. You are not here to please everyone you are here with one goal in mind and that is to get married your way.

  • Let your speeches come from the heart - please don’t use google as a template as a photographer I have heard similar speeches numerous times and its not a copy and paste job. I am true supporter in both couples saying some words - consider doing it before you eat so the tables look lovely in the photos strongly advise you do not do speeches between courses urgh!

  • It goes without saying but be kind to yourself, embrace the storm and go on an adventure instead. Look chaos in the eye and tell it to F off. Bring the vibe, if you are enjoying yourselves then your wedding guests are enjoying themselves, happiness, laughter is infectious and will add to the day knowing everyone is having fun. SO bring the ViBE.

  • You can never have too much confetti. 100% the only time where less is more isn’t an option.

A professional wedding photographer is ALWAYS going to be worth the investment. You will never regret investing in your photography. Being based in Kent I have been to some amazing weddings, I have a few favourites and lucky enough to be on their recommendations list. a few are Winters barn, Hayne house, Chapel house estate and Crown lodge all stunning wedding venues in Kent.

Bring the vibe

smile so hard your cheeks ache.

Play and have fun, let your inner child venture out, weddings don’t need to be stiff no matter how you get married be it formal, relaxed, diy, destination just be yourself be silly, soppy, belly laugh and do it all with your favourite person.

bride and wye downs

Well I hope this was helpful. and if you want me for your day please get in touch

winters barn wedding
Elegant Wedding at Havenfield Hall, Folkestone, Kent - Amy & Dan

I remember when I first met Amy she warmly greeted me into her home in Kent, where her beautiful dog said hello to me as well. It felt like I had known her for years and we just got on so well. Dan got home from a run and we joked that he would go for a run on his wedding day and may wear his running fleece as he loved it so much. I hung with them for longer than I usually would especially on a first time meeting. Amy booked me in full that day. We continued out friendship via instagram where we chatted frequently. Then covid hit and Amy & Dan’s wedding was postponed to the following year.

On the day of Amy & Dan’s wedding I turned up to Havenfield hall and was met with some awesome suppliers and owners of the place who made me feel so at home. I popped my head into where bridal prep was taking place and Amy came over and gave me the biggest cuddle and then presented me with a gift a beautiful bee necklace and some unicorn sweets and the most heartfelt card ever. I still wear the necklace everyday.

I absolutely adored capturing their day, with humping donkeys, swarming flying ants and the most kindest, sweetest couple with a bunch of friends and family who adore them as much as I did. It was perfect. I asked them to answer some questions for this blog post so please continuing reading and then of course let the pictures showcase how lovely the day was.

How did you both meet?

Dan added me on Facebook. He was 18 and I was 16. 

How did you know they were the one?

From the moment we met we loved each other's company straight away. We laugh so much, we're best friends and he's my home. 

Can you tell me how you proposed?

Dan got down on one knee just before crossing the finish line at the Brighton Marathon. 

What made you guys choose your wedding venue?

The minute we arrived we both knew we wanted to get married there. It was absolutely perfect and the team always made us feel so at home and comfortable! 

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day?

We wanted the decoration to be simple, for our wedding party to feel confident and gorgeous and for it to be elegant and timeless. 

What was your first song and why?

All of me by John Legend. When Dan first heard it on the radio he came home and said he'd heard a song which really reminded him of me. 

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be?

Plan your wedding together. I love that Dan and I have made all of the decisions together, it's been a real team effort and project for the both of us and we had a lot of fun doing everything as a couple. 

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?

Communication is key. Be brave for each other and be kind to each other. Grow together. 

Wedding Suppliers

Hair stylist: Luxe hair and make up 

Website: @luxe_hair_makeup

Make up artist: luxe hair and make up and beauty by sammie Marsden 

Website: @s.marsden_

Brides Dress: Ivy Rose 

Website: http://www.ivyrosebridal.co.uk/

Bridesmaids dresses: Chi chi london 

Website: https://www.chichiclothing.com

Brides Shoes: chi chi london 

Website: https://www.chichiclothing.com

Grooms Shoes: Moss Bros 

Website: https://www.moss.co.uk/

Suits: Moss Bros & DKNY

Website: https://www.moss.co.uk/

Florist and Venue Decoration: yours sincerely flowers 

Website: @yours_sincerely_flowers

Cake: The Lane, Deal

Website: https://www.thelanedeal.co.uk/

Band/DJ: DJ Dare (Nick Dare) 

Website: https://linktr.ee/Itsdare

Car/Transport Hirer: Havenfield Hall 

Website: http://www.havenfieldhall.com/


Katie & Simon Alternative, Vibrant Wedding at the Secret Garden, Ashford, Kent

The gorgeous Katie and Simon got married in November at the stunning venue called Secret Garden., Kent. The weather was picture perfect deep blue skies, gentle sunshine and just the right amount of cloud. I have been obsessing over this wedding for ages - Katies style had me written all over it. It was hard not to “borrow” the dress and Dr Martens haha.

What I adore about this wedding is Katie use to teach my children at primary school, she was also a bridesmaids to another wedding I photographed who was also a teacher who taught my children as well. You can find the wedding here Emma & Jack

On the day itself I was chatting away to her parents completely forgetting that these guys have seen me very very drunk as a plus 1 to another wedding many years ago and the bride from that wedding was also a guest and remembered me, I actually got on the dance floor with a young man and we did a strictly come dancing style dance where I ended up flashing my knickers to everyone - I got a standing ovation for it though 💁

I cannot believe I forgot about how I basically entertained the guests with my dancing or didn’t make the connection who Katies parents were 😂, we had a giggle over it.

Back to the wedding it was full retro, with dinosaur cake made by the amazing Cake Witch her cakes literally fill the room with the most inviting delicious smell and taste divine! Then there is that dress literally a unicorns dream, my candy floss sparkly bride! The Secret Garden in Kent is so pretty and whimsical it really is a photographers delight as a Kent wedding photographers I get excited when I find out the venue booked is here. With its wild flower meadows, quirky green house, cobbled pavements and sparkly lights everywhere - heaven.

I asked Katie and Simon a few questions so I’ll let them finish the blog post off. If you love the pictures then leave the couple some love in the comments!

How did you both meet?
I joined the Dungeons and Dragons group that Simon was already in and he used to walk me to the train station afterwards.

How did you know they were the one?
It was at a Cure concert in Hyde Park, I’d last seen them when I was 15 with my first boyfriend and I remember looking at Simon and thinking ‘and now I’m seeing them with my last boyfriend’.

Can you tell me how you proposed?
It was Christmas day and I had a shocking hangover and was in my pajamas. Simon got home from work and after we’d open our presents I was on the sofa stuffing my face with cheese when he handed me a card with a lot of very romantic sentiments and ‘PS Close your eyes’ at the end.

What made you guys choose your wedding venue?
The sausage rolls. We both decided quite early on that food would be one of the most important elements and The Secret Garden do the most amazing homemade sausage rolls.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day?
There wasn’t any! We just picked a lots of different things that we loved, everything from Portal to Jurassic Park to my love of giant neon puns and threw them together then hoped for the best.

What was your first song and why?
The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel. We realised we didn’t actually have ‘a song’ so in the name of democracy we made playlist where we both added songs we loved and picked from there.

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be?
Don’t read too many articles about what you ‘must’ do and when. It will stress you out and on the day you won’t even notice the placecards you spent hours looking for.

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?
Whenever possible don’t take life too seriously.

Wedding Suppliers
Hair stylist: Christopher Wise
Website: @chris_snips
Make up artist: Jessica Hawkins
Website: https://www.jessicahawkinsmakeup.com/
Brides Dress: WardrobeByDulcinea
Website: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WardrobeByDulcinea
Bridesmaids dresses: Willow and Pearl
Website: https://willowandpearl.co.uk/
Brides Shoes: Dr Martens
Website: https://www.drmartens.com/
Suits: Next
Website: www.next.co.uk
Florist and Venue Decoration: Anemone Blue
Website: https://www.anemoneblue.co.uk/
Cake: The Cake Witch
Website: https://thecakewitch.co.uk/
Band/DJ: Fred Clark and Iain Baker
Website: https://www.fredclark.co.uk/
https://www.iainbakerweddingdj.co.uk/

Amy & Barnaby London Wedding | St Barts

Finally able to catch on my blogging yay!!

The lovely Amy & Barnaby got married in October and what wintry day that was kinda added to the vintage vibe somehow with the super cute umbrellas and the vintage buses. Gave me lots of opportunities to get some rain shot. The colour them was green and gold which I loved! Even had a green bus. They got married at old marylebone town hall a very pretty venue. During the ceremony a dog started barking in the room next door which was highly amusing as it was during the vows of my memory serves me correctly! The bus was an absolute giggle was a ton of prosecco which the father of the bride kept giving to me he obviously remembered from when I photographed his other daughters wedding! I asked Amy and Barnaby some questions about their day here is what they said. If you love the pictures leave the couple some love.

How did you both meet?
Plenty of Fish dating app

How did you know they were the one?
We got on from the first meeting, we just talked and talked. We clicked pretty much straight away.

Can you tell me how you proposed?
On a holiday in Berlin, in a fancy hotel bar.

What made you guys choose your wedding venue?
The space was perfect, just the right size for the number of people. We loved the large windows, especially at night with the fairy lights. The location was great to.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day?
Barney gave me an Irish Claddagh engagement ring with an emerald. This gave me the idea for the colour scheme and theme.

What was your first song and why?
‘Is that Alright’ by Lady Gaga from the A Star is Born soundtrack. It's just beautiful. Listen to the lyrics and you'll find there isn't a more perfect first dance song.

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be?
Book the venue and wedding ceremony early and the rest will fall into place. Don't stress about the small things, none of that really matters at the end of the day. It's just about you, your partner and the ones you love being together. That is what you remember when it's all over.

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?
Be honest, try new things from time to time and sometimes you just need to be silly with each other!

Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony Venue: Old Marylebone Town Hall

Website https://www.adaytoremember.london/old-marylebone-town-hall

Reception Venue: St Barts Brewery

Website https://stbartsbrewery.com

Hair stylist: Lipstick & Curls

Website: http://www.lipstickandcurls.net/

Make up artist: Lipstick & Curls

Website: http://www.lipstickandcurls.net/

Brides Dress: Fairy Goth Mother

Website: https://www.fairygothmother.co.uk/

Bridesmaids dresses: Pretty Kitty

Website: https://prettykittyfashion.co.uk/

Brides Shoes: Rainbow Club

Website:https://www.rainbowclub.co.uk/

Grooms Shoes:Debenhams

Website:https://www.debenhams.com/

Suits: Youngs Hire wear

Website:https://www.youngshirewear.co.uk/

Florist and Venue Decoration: Marks & Spencers for Flowers. Decorations from various shops inc.

Website: https://www.marksandspencer.com/

Cake: Marks & Spencers

Website:https://www.marksandspencer.com/c/food-to-order/wedding-cakes

Band/DJ: DJ Jason King

Website:http://www.kingtones.co.uk/

Car/Transport Hirer:The London Bus Company

Website:https://www.thelondonbuscompany.co.uk/

Charlotte & Brett Wedding | Haynes House, Kent

This wedding for me for was wedding goals, the styling, the colour palette and the live music throughout was phenomenal. Charlotte & Brett got married at Hayne House, Kent ( I am a recommended supplier for the venue yay). Charlotte and Brett were simply awesome, so happy to allow me to document the day as I saw it. Charlottes dad is bonkers but equally adorable and so much fun and as a whole the day was literally just fun and full of laughter! Congratulations guys and thank you so much for letting me capture your beautiful day!

How did you both meet? He was the DJ in the priz, local nightclub, and The club manager was my best friend. She introduced us and I only started going out with him because I got free drinks and he had a nice car!! Hahah

How did you know they were the one? He listened to me, he took the time to understand me and he gives the best foot massages.

Can you tell me how you proposed? He proposed on Xmas eve at a family party. He put the ring inside a cracker and pulled it with me. I didn’t realise and was more interested in the pink party hat!

What made you guys choose your wedding venue? The staff. The Hayne house staff were just phenomenal and put us at ease after a bad experience. The venue is beautiful and speaks for itself.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day? I wanted eclectic and minimal, lots of greenery to set it off. I love plants so there had to be plenty of them.

What was your first song and why? Let’s stay together Al green. We both just love the song and the words mean a lot to us.

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be? Take as many moments as you can to look at what’s going on around you. Also family will always come together regardless of the history and squash it for a day- don’t sweat it.

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?
Set aside time for each other and do different things together. Throw each other a compliment every now and then always helps.


Wedding Suppliers
Make up artist: Olivia Goldberg Make-up
Website: @oliviagoldbergmakeup
Brides Dress: Ivy Rose
Website: @ivy_rose_brides
Bridesmaids dresses: ASOS
Website: ASOS
Suits: Moss Bros
Website: Moss Bros
Florist and Venue Decoration: Emily & Me
Website: @emilyandmeweddingflorist fun fact I photographed their first ever wedding!
Band/DJ: Club Live
Website: @clubliveuk

Hope you love the photos as much as I do!


If you fancy having a photographer like me capture your day then please get in touch!I am more than just a photographer, I am your personal cheerleader, agony aunt, seamstress, go getter and just someone who values who you are as a couple and ultimately a friend :0)

Carla x



Rebecca & Simon | Crown Lodge Wedding, Kent

Rebecca and Simon’s wedding was absolutely stunning, I loved the fact she wore blue shoes. These guys were up for anything and were happy to allow me to be creative and fully supporting of various ideas and visions I had. I love the Crown lodge in Wye, Kent the venue is so ideal for a rustic vibe and the views well they are unquestionable. We rounded up the day with the mist gorgeous sunset across the downs. Anyway here is what the couple have to say abut their day and planning. Make sure you scroll down and check out their gorgeous photos.

How did you both meet?
Simons sisters wedding. Knew each before but this is where it all began.

How did you know they were the one?
Rebecca - Because he loves me on my good days and my bad days.
Simon - Because she is selfless, always puts me first, and has mad me into a better man.

Can you tell me how you proposed?
I took Simon to Las Vegas for his 30th, and he proposed the night we arrived in our room with a beautiful view of the strip.

What made you guys choose your wedding venue?
It was beautiful, we both instantly fell in love with it and it had the most amazing views.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day?
Blue, my favourite colour with everything natural and subtle to match the venue.

What was your first song and why?
Ed Sheehan - Tenerife Sea. We both love the song and it comments on how I look beautiful in my dress.

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be?
Be patient and understanding, and remember if you can get through planning a wedding you get through anything.

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?
Enjoy the little things and make time for each other. Don’t get lost in every day life but enjoy spending time together.

Wedding Suppliers
Hair stylist: Kay Sharp, from Sharp and Owen in Gravesend.
Website: www.sharp-owen.com/
Make up artist: Alicia Cooper (my cousin)
Website: Facebook - LUXE hair & makeup by Alicia Kirsty Cooper
Brides Dress: WED2B Ashford
Website: https://www.wed2b.co.uk/
Bridesmaids dresses: Quiz
Website: www.quizclothing.co.uk
Brides Shoes: Rainbow Club
Website: https://www.rainbowclub.co.uk/wedding-shoes/bride
Grooms Shoes: Dune
Website: https://www.dunelondon.com/
Suits: House of Fraser
Website: https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/
Florist: Weddings by Amelia (was bespoke floral designs by Amelia)
Website: www.bespokefloraldesigns.co.uk
Venue Decoration: All done by me.
Cake: The Abbey Cake Shop
Website: Facebook - The Abbey Cake Shop
Band/DJ: Karl Vince from KarDan Entertainment
Website: Facebook - KarDan Entertainment
Car/Transport Hirer: My dad and Simons sisters cars for drop off.
Website:

want someone like me to capture your day? Then please get in touch

Zoe & Jonny / Wadhurst Castle Wedding / Sussex Wedding

Zoe & Jonny got married at Wadhurst Castle, Sussex. Cool venue and doggo friendly - bonus! They are a gorgeous couple and completely into photography so got to have some creative fun with them! Anyway I sent them some homework and absolutely love what they said in their questionnaire! Hope you love the images as much as I do and if you fancy having a photographer who is more than just a photographer on your day to capture it then please get in touch. I wanna know all about your plans and can help, advise and recommend a number of suppliers.

Here’s what they said.

How did you both meet? 

We met at Focus DIY in 2003. Jonny already worked there and I got a job on the checkouts on Saturday’s whilst completing my A-Levels. 

How did you know they were the one? 

Zoe: I know its cliché to say, but we are soul mates. We have always ‘got each other’ and are always on the ‘same page’. We have grown up together and grown closer during that time but our outlook and goals have always included one another. I just couldn’t imagine my life without Jonny and his commitment to coming to see me every weekend in London did and will forever mean everything to me because neither one of us wanted to give up on what we had. 

Jonny: Zoe has always made me really happy and when she went off to University I knew then she was the one because of how much I missed her and I just wanted to be with her. I spent three years driving to London every weekend so I could spend time with her. I love her so much and always will. 

Can you tell me how you proposed? 

Well…we kind of just decided together in June 2018 that the time was right! We have been together for so many years and have always talked about the future and ‘when we get married’ that after attending a friend’s beautiful wedding in Majorca we were once again talking about ‘our wedding’ and how we would do things and Jonny said ‘shall we just do it?’ and that was it. We started planning and got married just over a year later. 

What made you guys choose your wedding venue? 

I was searching for dog friendly wedding venues!! It was very important to us that our beloved cocker spaniel Coco was a part of our day. I had never imagined looking at a castle before but up popped Wadhurst Castle. As soon as we pulled up and walked around to the back and saw the beautiful views and landscaped gardens, we just knew that’s where we wanted to get married. The icing on the cake was the stunning walled garden which was licenced to marry us outside (another thing on our wish list) and meant that Coco would be able to run around in a safe, enclosed space! Then we saw the castle itself, which was absolutely beautiful and the rooms all interconnect which allowed for a free flowing and open space between the bar, dance floor and dining room. The bridal suite, wow…the room itself is absolutely stunning but you are drawn to the balcony and windows which are floor to ceiling revealing the most amazing view of East Sussex. It was just perfect in every way. On top of that Sue the venue manager was so helpful, relaxed and made us feel extremely welcome, important and could visualise our ideas and offered some of her own. We left feeling extremely excited after we booked our wedding for Thursday 8th August 2019 ☺ 

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day? 

I have always loved the rustic/vintage look and always imaged having old ladders, crates, log slices as centre pieces and started to buy/source these items. We decided to collect glass jars and decorated them with lace/beads. My Mum is amazing at arts and crafts and she made all of the bunting and dream catchers (something I had seen on Pinterest and loved!). I found a lovely little shop in Hastings Old Town which sells the most beautiful dried flowers and I decided to use them, that way we were able to prepare all of the decorations prior to a couple of days before. I then found a company called The Artisan Dried Flower Company that make wedding bouquets, button holes and corsages using wild meadow flowers which fitted perfectly with the other flowers I had already bought helped to reflect/capture the vintage theme, plus, we got to keep them all!! 

What was your first dance and why? 

Eric Clapton, You Look Wonderful Tonight. 

Jonny: It just reflects everything about Zoe and how wonderful she looked not only that night, but the whole day! 

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be? 

During the (wedding) day itself take some time away from everybody to spend 5/10 minutes alone. The day goes incredibly fast and you will probably feel like you barely see your new husband/wife as you are circulating around your friends and family. 

What tips would you give to keep that spark alive? 

Tell each other that you love them – every day! 

Talk…talk about anything and listen 

Laugh with each other 

Make time for each other

Support each other’s own interests 

Wedding Suppliers

Hair Stylist: Kitty Radford-Earle (Friend)

Website: 

Make-up: Own make-up 

Brides Dress: Jesus Peiro

Website: http://www.pantilesbride.com/

Bridesmaids Dresses: ASOS Design maxi dress with flutter sleeve and lace insert

Website: https://www.asos.com/women/dresses/bridesmaid-dresses/

Brides Shoes: Warehouse sandals with toe post

Website: https://www.asos.com/warehouse/warehouse-sandals-with-toe-post

Suits: Empire Mills Signature British Wool – Taupe 

Website: https://www3.next.co.uk/g232237s10#542317

Grooms Shoes: Derby Lace Up – Tan 

Website: https://www3.next.co.uk/g23398s10#193365

Florist and Venue Decoration 

Bouquets, button holes and corsages – Wild Meadow dried flowers

Website: The Artisan Dried Flower Company - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/558352450/wild-meadow-dried-flower-lapel-corsage?ref=yr_purchases

Centre Pieces / Decoration – dried flowers from Reste, Hastings 

Website: www.reste.co.uk 

Cake: Sandra Brasier (Friend) 

Website:

DJ: Alfie Eldridge from Matt Maurice Event Production

Website: www.mattmaurice.co.uk 


Amanda & Paul - East Quay Wedding - Kent

So the gorgeous Amanda & Paul got married at East Quay, Whitstable Kent in May. Amanda and Paul were the most relaxed, chilled couple I have ever met, no speeches, no fist dance as such or cake cutting (cake was a doughnut tower). The wedding was purely focussed on having a good time and partying with old school tunes and house music which I LOVED not gonna lie I danced a fair bit and even asked for their playlist so I could party later on haha!

They had an ice-cream truck where Amanda and Paul had a go at serving up 99’s to their guests - which is harder than it looks Mr Whippy has a mind of its own.

The sunset was magnificent as usual in Whitstable.

Amanda looked absolutely stunning her dress was simply stunning, paired with the most awesome rose gold converse trainers - which were my size (no I didn’t try them on, but considered it 🤣)

What else can I say? This wedding was pure fun, full of happiness and amazing music, via their playlist and a live band!

A wedding right up my street.

Photographer - Me

Venue - East Quay

Hair & Make Up Jessica Hawkins

Dress Designer Ellis Bridal

Bridal Shop Alta Costura

Shoes Converse

Grooms Suit Woods Designer Clothing

Florist & Decor Jane at Graham Greener

Live Band The Rockpins

Valentines Wedding | Cooling Castle Barn, Kent | Sharah & Sam

Sharah & Sam got married on valentines day, the most romantic day of the year at an equally romantic venue, Cooling Castle Barn, Kent.

I met Sharah and Sam 2 years ago when they booked me (top tip book in advance to guarantee your date) they booked a joint package with myself and Andy Bird Videography and instantly I knew they were my kinda couple, we met up a year later for an engagement shoot amongst the bluebells one of my favourite engagement shoots. Sharah & Sam were an amazing couple, utterly gorgeous inside and out and were very happy to go with my creative way of thinking. Sharah’s wedding dress reflected her so well and Sam’s suit equally matched his personality. Sharah wore a pair of Jimmy Choos, which had she of been a size 4 I would of accidentally taken home with me haha! Everything from this wedding had been thought of, styling right through to entertainment!

I am in love with this wedding - can you believe it was in February it was so warm! With perfect light makes me very happy :0) I hope you enjoy the image. If you would like someone like me to capture your day then please get in touch!

Love Carla x

Suppliers list are:

Venue - Cooling Castle Barn

Photographer - Carla Guest Photography

Dress/ veil - Justin Alexander / Bridal perfection

Make Up - Juliette Make up and hair

Florist/ room decor - Danny watchorn designer florist

Bouquet DIY (bride handmade)

Music/live band - Groovezoo

Videographer - Andy Bird

Suits - Marc Darcy

Bridesmaid dresses - Goddiva Fashion

Cake - Vicky at Victoria sponge

Photo Booth & Magician - Juiced Entertainments 

Hair DjL studios 

Liz + Tim | Winters Barn, Canterbury Kent

Over Christmas I was fortunate to document two weddings at Winters Barn. Liz & Tim’s wedding being the last wedding of 2018. Full of Christmas sparkle and joy the whole day was simply a big ball of fun! I love this couple and Liz has been basically my rock before and after her wedding day, she has become what feels like - correction a good friend and I plan to have her and Tim permanently in my life!

The day was a typical crisp winter wedding but to make it even more awesome Liz & Tim had reindeers at their wedding, I never realised how big they was and trust me the saying never work with children and animals applied heavily here these reindeers did not want to have their picture taken unless moss was involved but fortunately I got some super cute shots!

We spent the whole day laughing, full of innuendo’s and I even sung rocky horror show to my gorgeous couple… thats just how I roll. My voice however questionable.

This is the only wedding where I received a gift during speeches which I won’t lie made me well up massively got a big old bottle of gin - yum and some stressticles!

Liz you looked absolutely stunning and definitely a gaga lookalike and Tim worked that top hat and epic beard! Love you guys and I hope you like your sneak peek.

Carla x

Hair and Make up by Occasional and Make up by Marina

Venue Winters Barn

Dj Harry Kilb