Here’s the last part of Cat and Kevin’s lovely winter wedding from back in January at the stunning Cooling Castle Barn in Kent.
After their ceremony, Cat and Kevin made their traditional Cooling Castle exit from the ceremony room for some time alone in the barn. I always take this opportunity to capture some detail shots while the bride and groom enjoy a glass of champagne. Having photographed at Cooling many, many times, I can honestly say I’ve never seen it looking so amazing! Cat and Kevin had put a lot of time, effort and love into making the barn looking even more amazing than usual, including adding extra lights which really made the detail shots twinkle! It wasn’t just the bride and groom who’d been hard at work though – Toby, Kevin’s son, had individually made loom band favours for all the guests!
Once the champagne was finished, I photographed Cat and Kevin inside before we braved the sunny (but windy) outside for a few traditional shots in front of the towers, after which Cat and Kevin rejoined their guests for some drinks and canapes.
All too soon it was time for the groups, and then for the guests to make their way into the barn to take their seats for the wedding breakfast and the entrance of the bride and groom!
Cat’s uncle Robert (Who’d given her away) then made the first speech of the day – a very accomplished public speaker, his speech detailed how the families were coming together – a really touching, heartfelt few moments. The guests then settled down for their meal, plus a surprise challenge – using the table cameras, they were given a list of things to photograph during the meal and evening – including the bride and groom kissing and, turning the tables on me, the photographer taking a photo! There was also a quiz about Cat and Kevin which the guests enjoyed filling out (and winning!)
During the meal, Cat’s friend Dave Ryan sang from up on the balcony, which provided some lovely background music (and again I loved having the extra ceiling fairy lights to photograph through – Cooling should install them permanently!)
Kevin then made his groom’s speech, talking about how he’d met the lovely Cat and how their family was now complete. Then it was time for Guy, Kevin’s brother, to go into detail about Kevin, including incredibly professional props!
After the meal, and once the room had been turned round, it was time for the first dance – Dave had reappeared with the rest of his band, The Shenanigans, to provide the evening entertainment (and they were fantastic!), providing the background to some great dance moves!
Here are my favourites from the last part of their day – Congratulations once again to Cat and Kevin!
If you’re looking for wedding photography coverage at Cooling Castle Barn, please contact me to check availability and discuss your requirements.
All photographs copyright David Burke photography 2015
Once again, a lovely batch of pictures that perfectly reflect that wonderful day!
Cat, you look truly beautiful! Xxx
Wow David, another lovely account of our special day! Love it!! We are so touched by your account and so pleased we found you! Thank you again.
For anyone reading this and considering David as your wedding or special event photographer….. Look no further, you won’t just get fantastic photography, you’ll get to work with a genuinely nice guy who is great fun, professional and just makes the whole experience even better.
Cat and Kevin Plater