Here’s the last part of Julia & Andrew’s beautiful wedding at the stunning Chiddingstone Castle.If you’re getting married at Chiddingstone Castle and are looking for a stunning documentary record of your wedding day, then please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography.
After a lovely outdoor service and drinks reception, the bride and groom made their way into the beautifully decorated marquee for the speeches. Having spoken to Julia’s dad in the morning, he’d said he was going to ‘wing’ his speech. I knew that probably wasn’t going to fit in with the precise timing’s Julia had put in place – and I must admit, most speeches where people wing it are usually a bit…disappointing. I was in for a pleasant and very funny surprise though as his speech was, honestly, one of the funniest father of the bride speeches I’d had the pleasure to photograph (and listen to). Andrew had a tough act to follow, but his speech struck all the right notes – a lovely mixture of touching and funny moments.
It was then onto the best men. Wow. Andrew was a demon rugby player in his school days, being in the school team with Charlie Hodgson and Richard Wrigglesworth (two England international rugby players). Apparently, Andrew taught Charlie ‘everything he knew’ about rugby – this was dispelled in a surprise video message from both players – absolute quality!
Once the speeches were over the guests tucked into their delicious wedding breakfast. During a break in the meal, I snuck Julia and Andrew out into the grounds for a few more quick couples shots in a quiet moment.
The evening sunshine was lovely so the guests all enjoyed drinks and coffee outside, before it was time to head over to the main castle to cut the cake.
And then onto the first dance. Again, a treat for me as it was a real ‘dirty dancing’ moment, with lifts and spins galore – makes a change from the embarrassed slow shuffle – great fun to photograph!
Then the party really got started!
The evening was still lovely so the guests divided their time between hardcore dancing and enjoying the last of the sunshine.
Once I’d finished photographing the dancing, I headed back to the Orangery to see what I could set up in the way of a final, dramatic flash shot. Julia and Andrew joined me after a short while, glad to take a little breather from the dancing I think – although I think holding the dip for ages got to Andrew’s legs in the end!
Congratulations once again to Julia and Andrew!
Additional photography by Tash Lowther
All wedding photography copyright Kent Wedding Photographer David Burke Photography 2016