Gaby and Mark’s wedding at The Church in the Woods, Hastings took place on a hot and sunny day back in June. I’d already spent some time with them on their pre wedding shoot down on Hastings seafront and knew their wedding day was going to be fun to photograph since they were so easy to chat to and get along with. Funnily enough it wasn’t until outside the church that I recognised Mark’s sister to be a friend of 2 other couples weddings I’d photographed where she and her partner had been guests.
Gaby and her father were greeted at the church gates by the friendly and charismatic vicar, her bridesmaids and a very attentive little dog who took an instant liking to her dads leg and was extremely reluctant to leave, despite it’s owners embarrassed attempts to call it away. I loved Gaby’s reaction, no panics about it jumping up on her dress just laughter!
The ceremony was a traditional affair with a fit of the giggles thrown in when the hymn lyrics didn’t match the tune. In fact the whole day saw plenty of laughter as well as a few tears during the heart felt speeches. How there weren’t actual pain induced tears from some of the kids swinging the croquet mallets so close to each other remains a mystery to me as they were missing each other by inches!
Many church weddings in Kent and the South East that I photograph are followed by a reception in a marquee, village hall or barn, with the couple and their families decorating it themselves and this was the case for Gaby and Mark. With the sun shining and perfect garden area outside it was ideal for their afternoon tea which seems to have become more and more popular, perhaps a return to how wedding receptions were many years ago?
The late afternoon light was beautiful so before the first dance we took some couple shots out near the orchard, I love it when couples are ready to go when the light is good, makes such a difference to the end results.
With sun going down and Gaby’s dad accompanying the singers on his harmonica the first dance got under way and my time with this lovely couple was coming to an end, it was honestly a pleasure and yet again a really enjoyable wedding day to have the privilege to be a part of so thank you both.
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