Aneasha and Andrew’s were married at the ever-popular Cooling Castle Barn near Rochester in Kent – here are some of my favourite photographs and the story of their day!

Bridal and Groom Prep

Weddings at Cooling Castle are great as everything’s in one place and the fantastic events team at Cooling ensure the day runs like clockwork. I started the day by joining Aneasha and quite a large contingent of family and friends in the new bridal suite, which is so lovely – elegant and spacious and with great light for photography. There was loads of fun and laughter – especially once the rum had been broken out – and plenty of comings and goings to document, which kept me busy! The champagne opening was also fun – maybe not for Aneasha’s bridesmaid who very nearly dropped the bottle on opening!

Meanwhile, Craig Prentis joined Andrew and the boys who, along with Andrew’s mum and sister, were putting the finishing touches to the reception barn (which as always, looked amazing!) Once the barn decorations had been finished, the boys went off to get changed in one of the on-site bedrooms.

Once the boys were ready, they headed out to meet and greet guests, while I stayed with Aneasha and the girls for the final stages of prep and then the dresses going on. Everyone was really happy and excited – well, apart from one flower girl who wasn’t all that that keen to get her dress on!

The Ceremony

Before long it was time for Aneasha, accompanied by her Grandad, to make the traditional walk to the ceremony barn to meet with the registrars. I then met up with Craig to document Andrew and the guests before the start of the ceremony.

Once we were ready for the off, the bridesmaids made their entrance before Aneasha made her way (carefully, as I always advise!) down the stairs and into the ceremony.

A lovely service followed, filled with plenty of joy and laughter – these guys had a ball!

After the service, the guys danced down the aisle, and into the ceremony barn for their customary quiet time.

Wedding Reception

While Craig and the guests filed through to the bar for a drink (not Craig, obviously!), I took Aneasha and Andrew to the front of the barn for the quick customary portraits in front of the castle towers, followed by a few at various spots around the grounds.

Once we were finished, everyone made their way outside to line up for confetti – which was amazing – Andrew especially was pretty well targetted but always makes for great reactions!

After a quick impromptu bouquet toss, it was time for group photos – we were so lucky with the weather so these were quickly done and dusted before everyone relaxed with canapes and reception drinks.

The Wedding Breakfast

Before long it was quickly time for me to photograph the details in the stunning main barn – which looks extra special and photographs so well with the additional fairy lights and then prepare for the receiving line. With the usual Cooling efficiency (thanks to Julie the toastmaster) 150 people were through the receiving line on time and sat down, as we then welcomed Aneasha and Andrew in, and straight into the speeches (after grace). We had a couple of speeches, and an unusual order – but I love covering speeches as you get great reactions. Up first we had Aneasha’s grandad, followed by Andrew’s dad, Aneasha’s mum, best man and finally the groom.

Evening Reception

During the meal I nipped outside to keep an eye out for any portrait opportunities – the weather had been dry but overcast, so when I spotted a tiny bit of a sunset  we broke out the the flash and got outside for a few final portraits, before making our way back in to join the fun (table 5 were especially good fun!) during the meal.

Everyone made their way back to the bar whilst the main barn was quickly turned round for the evening reception, which kicked off with a great, fun cake cut, followed by the first dance and party!

Congratulations once again to Aneasha and Andrew!

If you’re getting married at Cooling Castle Barn, do please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography coverage.

All wedding photography images copyright David Burke Photography 2018