Enjoy looking through my latest Kent Wedding photography blog
The old Kent Barn wedding photographer
The old kent barn wedding photographer - “From the word go Matt listened to our vision for our day, the style we wanted and the natural shots we hoped to capture- and that he did.
Old Kent Barn wedding photography
Ah, weddings…. I remember them, everyone is happy, everyone is having fun - seems a long way away at the minute in the midst of this whole pandemic - anyhoo, a fantastic time to reflect on my last wedding of 2020 at the old kent barn and it was a cracker.
Matt and charlotte 1 - 0 Storm Dennis
Matt and Charlotte had a fantastic vision for their wedding day - it was truly and honestly a fantastically fun wedding - in fact i have never delivered so many photos in a single gallery which just goes to demonstrate how much fun it was.
Storm Dennis was a factor - but in a no way a hindrance as we worked extra hard to execute charlottes vision of trying to get her some outdoor photos in amongst the rain and winds - up steps mr Trott with his direct line to god to give us just ten minutes of rain free weather - which he (or she - i havent got the foggiest) kindly delivered just after the ceremony.
The day started with bridal prep with some fantastic opportunities in the large dressing area at the old kent barn for some eye-watering photos - hair and make up provided by the amazing Jade sayer and Kirsty Smith
That first reveal:
I always ask my couples if they would like a first reveal to dad/mum or someone special - and this one did not disappoint - such a beautiful moment and you can just see the emotion in the photo. My favourite is where you can see charlottes reflection in front of her bridesmaids as well as everyone’s reactions.
The old Kent Barn venue
The Barn looked absolutely stunning - honestly such a gorgeous venue here with so many opportunities for photographs. Not only that but the staff were heads above any other venue i have worked at - if you are thinking of booking or have booked at the The Old Kent Barn you will not be disappointed - the organisation was simply out of this world
The Ceremony
Firstly I doth my cap to the venue staff who had to get Charlotte from the preparation area to the main barn - this photo tells the whole story about the care and attention they pay to ensure Charlotte could get to the barn without being troubled by that terribly rude storm.
The ceremony was a real tear jerker - how Matt you held it together i don’t know, I was a wreck on my wedding day.
Introducing Mr and Mrs Harris:
Yes…. we got ten minutes of rain free opportunity (not wind - but there are some tricks to minimise that) - I asked if the guys still wanted some outdoor photos and was met with a resounding yes - challenge accepted - screw you Dennis we are going to create some magic!
Bring on the food, speeches and an amazing magician:
Post the family photos, it was time for the wedding breakfast - Matt and Charlotte paid for a magician to entertain guests at this point and he was so so good - have a look at some of the reactions below to his tricks:
Let the dancing commence:
The first dance was beautiful, with Charlotte and her Dad breaking into a fantastically choreographed ditty straight after - so many smiles! Then it was time for people to bust some serious TikTok worthy moves on the dance floor - good job guys:
Honestly well done guys on such a fabulous wedding - I had such a good time and so did your guests. It was a pleasure meeting you both and all your fantastic friends and family. Enjoy the photos and I hope you have many many years of enjoyment from them.
Matt
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From Matt and Charlotte:
“From the word go Matt listened to our vision for our day, the style we wanted and the natural shots we hoped to capture- and that he did.
The whole process was so smooth and easy and Matt was helpful every step of the way, from choosing images on Pinterest to show our preferred style to on the day, being in all the right places at all the right times.
Even when Storm Dennis hit, Matt knew just what to do and got us the outdoor pictures we so desperately wanted as a couple.
We were thrilled with everything and can’t thank Matt enough. And if that wasn’t enough, we certainly didn’t expect a slideshow of highlights when opening our gallery for the first time - such a special touch.
Matt then surprised us again by sending us a personalized memory stick and a selection of our favourite shots printed that we’ve now framed for our home.
Everyone has said how amazing our photos are and how well they capture the day and we couldn’t agree more.”
Suppliers on the day:
Venue: https://www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk/
Flowers: http://www.distinctlyfloral.co.uk/
Make up: https://www.facebook.com/JadeSayerMUA/
Hair: https://www.facebook.com/HairbykirstySmith49/
Cake: https://www.facebook.com/BonBonCakes2/
Video: https://www.visualline.co.uk/
Don't worry about wedding day weather
Jo had her heart set on those beautiful fading sun golden hour photos you get just before sunset. So we had planned this in for the right time, but when that time came their little baby (just four months old) was struggling, he wanted cuddles and feeding and by the time he was settled the sun had dipped below the horizon.
For each wedding I always bring along all my equipment and said (imagine me in a superhero stance!) “don’t worry I will recreate it”.
Let me introduce Harry and Jo and let you in on a bit of a secret. That’s not actually the sun!
Whaaaaatttt (i couldn’t work out how to add gif’s to a blog post so that’s the best i can do!
Let me Explain
Before each wedding I plan some of my shots. I ask my clients to create mood boards and fill out a questionnaire so I can really get to learn what they love about photos and how they want their wedding photos to make them feel. Jo had her heart set on those beautiful fading sun golden hour photos you get just before sunset.
So we had planned this in for the right time, but when that time came their little baby (just four months old) was struggling, he wanted cuddles and feeding and by the time he was settled the sun had dipped below the horizon.
Jo was so heartbroken
For each wedding I always bring along all my equipment and said (imagine me in a superhero stance!) “don’t worry I will recreate it”. So I set up a flash, i added a warm gel to the front of the flash and added a sphere to diffuse the light. That was all placed behind the couple and I got down low and started shooting. As i was shooting and checking the exposure I could see how gorgeous they were looking. If someone else took this - i wouldn’t have a clue it wasn’t the real sun.
So never worry about the weather or if things don’t quite go to plan - as long as you have a photographer who can deal with any situation then you can still get the photos you dreamed about.
Missenden Abbey wedding photographer
“Then to top of the night - Fireworks. When i was editing i saw one firework that was in the perfect shape of a heart - i mean perfect shape. It was really bugging me - how on earth do you build a firework to do that - i google, i googled and i googled again, even Alexa didn’t know. I had to call Aby to ask - apparently a total fluke said the fireworks company - no tech involved, just right place at the right time.
I think it was more fate - but you decide.”
Sometimes things just come together on a wedding day - and this was one of those days.
Aby and Mark decided they wanted an engagement shoot to try and get comfortable in front of the camera - to the point that Aby even briefed me on a call ahead of the shoot about things I can consider talking to Mark about to try and get him to loosen up - you needn’t have worried Aby!! You were both absolute naturals and that came across on the wedding day as well.
All i need to do as a photographer is make you feel comfortable, be able to make you laugh, pick the perfect light and location for photos and the rest is easy. That’s why Aby and Mark’s couple photos look so natural and relaxed - because they were. Have a look at the one where Mark is cracking up and Aby rolls her eyes - vintage.
The day started well, an early visit to the venue to get the lay of the land and do all my location scouting, a check of how long it takes to get from the Abbey to the church - I nerd out on my logistics - but it makes the day go so much smoother if i can do as much planning as possible.
Bridal prep was providing soooo many good documentary moments - especially Alice who was either eating/drinking/blinking - and mostly a combination of all three. Abys’ timings were absolutely spot on as well - to the second - means we didn’t miss a single photo.
The church was gorgeous and I managed what was quite possibly the longest confetti line of all time - I really must start measuring them - maybe even set an annual competition. After eating the majority of confetti it was a short walk to the Abbey - lots of candid photos and a thoroughly enjoyable couple walk - THANK GOD we went out ahead of speeches for a sunset stroll - the light was perfect and we definitely would have lost it behind the high tree line.
Then to top of the night - Fireworks. With a flash set up to highlight the happy couple I shot away, every firework provided something different - different colours, different light levels - It was wonderful. When i was editing i saw one firework that was in the perfect shape of a heart - i mean perfect shape. It was really bugging me - how on earth do you build a firework to do that - i google, i googled and i googled again, even Alexa didn’t know. I had to call Aby to ask - apparently a total fluke said the fireworks company - no tech involved, just right place at the right time.
I think it was more fate - but you decide.
Thanks guys - all the best for the future on your journey.
Nettlestead place wedding photographer
Katy was super chilled, Alan was even more chilled (how on earth he managed to hold it together when little joshua was walking down the aisle with maid of honour Amy i don’t know - i was in bits) and of course the wonderful Joshua - who after the wedding I am told his body composition is now 65% cake!
This venue is a photographers dream, beautiful house and absolutely stunning gardens - I couldn’t wait to shoot here. It is simply stunning from the moment you drive up the fern lined driveway to the moment you step into the gardens you are presented with absolute beauty - the gorgeous pond/lake (when does a pond become a lake?!?) with the backdrop of the rolling hills.
The wedding was awesome as well - the weather got the memo and although it threatened to spoil the wedding party my trusty anti rain glares meant the rain clouds gave us a wide birth!.
Katy was super chilled, Alan was even more chilled (how on earth he managed to hold it together when little joshua was walking down the aisle with maid of honour Amy i don’t know - i was in bits) and of course the wonderful Joshua - who after the wedding I am told his body composition is now 65% cake!
There was some gorgeous photos at this wedding and some fantastic documentary opportunities as well - especially with the kids - who were all bonkers mad and bloody brilliant at the same time. The evening golden hour photos gave us some fantastic opportunities - delighted how those photos came out - and especially pleased with the lightpainting photo right at the end!
*FUN FACT TIME - What you can’t see is little joshua on an ipad watching Paw Patrol behind the bush whilst mum and dad posed for the photo - I would have included him but trying to keep him still for 30 seconds was probably a wedding bridge too far.
So all in all epic day, fantastic family, lovely weather and gorgeous venue means Matt is one happy camper!
