What a way to start photographing my 2020 weddings – the elegant wedding of Harriet and Tim at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells on a simply stunning, sunny winter’s day!
As usual, you can watch a slide show of images or scroll down to read a bit more in-depth about their day (or do both of course!)
I’d met Harriet & Tim a few times – as they’re not based in the UK we had a few meetings when we could – they were both very clear about what sort of coverage they wanted for their wedding – namely documentary coverage, with minimal ‘set up’ detail shots, groups and only a few couples shots. Having this sort of knowledge ahead of time is perfect as it allows me to plan my coverage, know what sort of shots the couple want and also gives me loads of time to really dedicate to the documentary side of things.
Suppliers:
Venue: Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells
Flowers: Darling And Wild
String duet: Premiere String Quartet
DJ: Mint DJ
Pre-Ceremony
I started the day at Hotel du Vin in Tunbridge Wells (a really stunning venue and one of my favourites!) photographing a few scene setting shots on what was a simply beautiful sunny, crisp winter’s day, then moved onto documenting guest arrivals. Harriet wasn’t particularly fussed on me photographing bridal prep so I just headed up once she was in her amazing backless wedding dress to capture the mood as the ladies saw her dress and then spend a final few minutes preparing for the wedding ceremony. I loved the extra challenge of capturing detail shots ‘on the fly’ as they happened – to be honest a lot of dresses come alive once on and in their proper shape – then it’s all about waiting for light to catch them!
Ceremony
The strong winter sunlight was flooding through the windows of the Lombard room – such a lovely warm glow making the room look even more beautiful than ever!
Reception
As it was such a stunning day we headed straight out into the setting sunlight for a couple of very quick portraits – as Harriet and Tim mostly wanted documentary photography of their wedding, we literally spent 5 minutes outside capturing a couple of shots, before heading back into the warmth to rejoin the other guests enjoying canapes and drinks (including cask ales set up for them in the reception area of Hotel du Vin).
Wedding breakfast and Speeches
After a couple of quick group shots (if you want good documentary coverage of your wedding always worth keeping these to the absolute minimum!) we photographed the stunning details in the Lombard room before it was time for the guests to make their way through to take their seats for the wedding breakfast, followed by the bride and groom.
After the main course we were treated to some fantastic speeches (including the great moment when Harriet’s dad got her sister’s name wrong) before the guests moved onto dessert. Again, I always keep an eye out during breaks in the meal as it’s a great time to pick up some candid moments.
Evening reception
After the meal the guests relaxed and enjoyed finishing their drinks before the room was turned round for the evening reception. Harriet & Tim did things their own way and didn’t stick to tradition so there was no cake cut, or set first dance – everyone just joined them on the dancefloor! As it was a late ceremony, by this stage of the evening everyone was up for a dance and there were some epic moves, accompanied by light up glasses (not quite sure where they came from!) and a fantastic light show (made all the better by the mirrors all round the room!) from Mint Disco.
Congratulations once again to Harriet & Tim! If you’re getting married at Hotel du Vin please get in touch to discuss your wedding photography!
Copyright David Burke Photography 2020