Elizabeth & Ronnie

Elizabeth and Ronnie were married on a super hot summers day at The Orangery, Maidstone – one of our favourite places to be!

Elizabeth chose the on site Wisteria Suite for her bridal prep, which provided a perfect space her all of the girls to chill out and be pampered in the morning.  Elizabeth thoughtfully exchanged gifts for her bridesmaids, which was such a lovely emotional moment, before her Dad arrived in readiness to walk her down the aisle.

The boys, meanwhile, had arrived and were looking so smart in their dinner jackets and bow ties.  Duncan captured some moments of Ronnies wait as I walked with Elizabeth and her wedding party through the stunning grounds of The Orangery and around to the Gazebo where Ronnie and Elizabeth’s family and friends awaited her entrance through the Rose Arch.

As we headed up to the Gazebo for the ceremony the sun shone brightly and I could not help but be wowed by the floral arrangements by Floral Explosion.  The Orangery looked stunning with Gypsophelia across the bridge and the ceremony area decorated with stunning aisle pedestals and a full arch of spectacular floral design at the opening of the Gazebo.

After the ceremony the couple mingled and we took the opportunity to shoot the family groupings that were so important to Elizabeth and Ronnie.  We found a lovely spot of shade along the waterside, not far from family and friends, where those groups could be gathered out of the harsh glare and heat of the sun to ensure everyone stayed comfortable and relaxed.

Elizabeth and Ronnie were so naturally comfortable in front of the camera and it was a pleasure to spend some time wandering to all of their favourite spots in the grounds for some photographs.

They were showered with confetti and greeted by family and friends again before their wedding breakfast commenced.

Lots more mingling on the terrace meant that we were able to capture so many candid shots of the couple spending time with their guests and the delicious food by The Orangery’s in house caterers for wedding breakfast and again for evening buffet meant everyone was well fed and raring to get on the dance floor.

As I said my goodbyes to Ronnie, I then spotted Elizabeth in the corridor.  All packed up and ready to go I checked if she was okay.  She said she was having some trouble with her bustle as the look had broken and she was concerned it would mean she would be less able to enjoy the dancefloor.  Having worked at The Orangery for the last 12 years, I knew exactly where they kept a small stash of bits and bobs for such emergencies and I rushed off to find something that would help.  I returned with needle and cotton and offered to try and fix it for her.  I cannot claim to be great with a needle and cotton (as my mum will tell you!!) but I had a go and left keeping my fingers crossed all would be well.  Thank goodness it held all night and I received the most wonderful email (below) from Elizabeth thanking me.

Elizabeth and Ronnie, it was an absolute pleasure to share your hot summers wedding day with you.  I wish you many happy years of married life ahead and hope to see you again at another family celebration in years to come.