Port Lympne Mansions is such a beautiful setting for a wedding, in my opinion it doesn’t matter what time of year it is, this venue in Kent has amazing features both inside and out.
Martine and Dick invited family and friends to celebrate their wedding in mid October, a little too cold for an outdoor ceremony so it took place in the Long room. Each room is different but all show murals or paintings of exotic wildlife in their wild habitat, it is simply stunning. The wild animal park which the Mansion sits in also offers safaris for wedding parties which I have also been lucky enough to experience at a previous wedding.
Like a number of the weddings I photograph, Martine and Dick had requested not to have any formal shots, just a couple of themselves and one of Martines children, other than that they simply wanted me to capture everyone enjoying the day. This kind of freedom to photograph the wedding as I see it and not have to concern myself with taking group photos allows that bit longer during the day to document what’s going on before the wedding breakfast begins.
Being escorted down the aisle by her son, Martine looked beautiful wearing a dress that suited her to a tee. The ceremony went without a hitch, just the usual struggle to fit rings on fingers that swell when people get a little warm and anxious and then it was through to enjoy canapés and drinks surrounded by walls covered with jungles and wild animals.
This wedding had a wonderful atmosphere, it was relaxed and friendly, with everyone there looking like they were enjoying themselves. The wedding breakfast took place in what they call the conservatory, this had a warm and inviting feel to it with drapes above and fairy lights wrapping the beams. The food looked exquisite, fresh whole salmon and a selection of hot and cold meats, fish and vegetable dishes served by the chef and waitresses as a buffet, it was a shame Dick felt to nervous about his speech to eat much, hopefully he enjoyed a little more afterwards.
This was a fairly short wedding for me and leaving before the speeches felt a little strange since I had stayed for a while during the meal capturing guests at their tables between courses. However it was a pleasure to again meet such a lovely couple who I hope enjoy many more happy years together.
To view another wedding at this beautiful venue check out Simon and Davids Wedding Blog post.
I’d love to find out more about your wedding day plans so please feel free to drop me an email via the Contact page and check my availability.