Here’s a look back to far sunnier days – Elizabeth and Andrew’s simply stunning, elegant wedding at The Salutation, Sandwich from last summer. (For any reality TV fans, you may know this venue – Steph and Dom from Gogglebox own the hotel, but sadly no longer live there so didn’t put in an appearance….)
If you’re getting married at this stunning venue I’d love to hear from you to discuss your wedding photography!
Special thanks go to the amazing Laura at Your Wedding Your Way for the seamless running of the day, and Humanist celebrant Leigh Derbyshire for a lovely relaxed service!
Bridal Prep
I started the day at The Salutation, where everyone was getting ready. The wedding blessing was going to be held out on the stunning back lawn – as Elizabeth and Andrew were already married, they’d be having a Humanist wedding ceremony – one advantage to this is that their ‘outdoor wedding’ could be truly outdoors. Not only did this allow full use of the garden and stunning backdrop, it allowed me the freedom to move round for photography and to get some different angles (without interrupting things, of course!) a bit more than usual.
This was truly a family affair but had also been well thought out – so child minders were on hand to look after the youngest members of the team (slightly older ones and adults were off playing football) and keep them entertained with bubbles which made for great photography.
Once some of the girls had started to arrive back from the hairdressers, I made my way upstairs with them to document the makeup and general preparations in the gorgeous bridal suite.
After a while we were joined by the bride, who was straight into makeup. The lovely directional light in the bridal suite was great for photography! Elizabeth was keenly watched by all the young flowergirls, her adult bridesmaid and her mum, so there was plenty to shoot.
Once the dress was on, in a change of procedure, Elizabeth helped her bridesmaid with her dress! A few quick touch-ups and, once we were joined by the boys in their cute kilts, it was time for the off!
The Ceremony
After capturing Elizabeth and her wedding party making their way down the stunning staircase, a quick run to the front to meet up with Andrew and his best man, and prepare for the entrance of the bridal party!
The humanist ceremony that followed was so lovely and relaxed and everyone enjoyed the setting, although for some the sun was pretty hot! The boys were perfect ring-bearers and then even found time to play with the windfall apples whilst the register was being signed.
After the ceremony bride, groom and the boys exited through confetti and walked round to the terrace, for reception drinks and canapes.
Reception
The guests joined Elizabeth and Andrew in the sunshine for drinks and canapes on the terrace. After a quick few group shots, some of the guests went for a wander around the impressive and extensive gardens at The Salutation, whilst others stayed close to the champagne!
When the guests were called through to be seated, Elizabeth, Andrew and I stayed behind for some quick portraits before we followed the guests into the amazingly decorated marquee – the Scottish theme was subtle but distinctive – fair to say the marquee looked amazing thanks to all the hard work put in by Laura and her team!
Speeches, portraits and Evening
Once everyone had eaten (the food was amazing, I happily tucked into mine out on the terrace!) I took the happy couple back out into the lovely evening sunshine to another part of the gardens for a few final portraits, before we headed back into the marquee for speeches – Bride, Groom and then of course Bestman entertained with some witty, touching and loving speeches.
Everyone enjoyed the last of the evening sunshine before making their way into the main part of The Salutation for evening drinks and then the bride and groom kicking off the evening with a great first dance! The dancefloor was soon packed as the great band got everyone up and dancing!
Congratulations once again to Elizabeth and Andrew!
All photography copyright David Burke Photography 2018
Absolutely beautiful photos David. You are an extremely impressive photographer who has captured this couple and their children really accurately. I was very pleased to conduct their Humanist ceremony – their personal vows were truly lovely. I wish them lots of success and happiness in the future.
Thanks Leigh! Such a lovely service conducted with passion and laughter – makes such a difference to have a relaxed service in a stunning outdoor setting!