Bonfire night saw me undertake some Hotel du Vin Kent wedding photography for April & Stuart’s wedding. Although I undertake wedding photography all over Kent and the UK, it’s a handy location for me as it’s 5 mins drive from my house – which makes a change!

Louisa and I love Hotel du Vin, it’s where we go for a drink and in fact it’s where we’re going to get married! It’s got a lovely shabby-chic look to it and a great ambiance, although for a photographer, the hotel is quite challenging – it’s very dark inside (although lighter now they have redecorated the Dom Perignon gallery which used to have black and aubergine walls….) and the main room is lined on every surface with mirrors – so trying not to get yourself in the shot, your flash in the shot or your flash on the ceiling is tricky!!!! Anyway, I love a challenge….

After a few detail shots, I joined April in the sumptuous Hush Heath Room – the best room in the hotel! Luckily no-one was using the bath that’s actually in the bedroom (there is a separate shower as well…) All the mum’s (3) were getting their makeup done so it was a busy bridal prep…

April used to be in a covers band – they played in the evening reception, so there’ll be loads of photos to follow from that in part 2 – so the day had quite a ‘rocky’ feel to it (music, not the ‘Adriannnnn’ one….) such as these amazing order of the day CD folios…

Once all the mum’s had finished, it was then time for April’s makeup session and a glass of champagne..then while April was putting her dress on, I nipped downstairs (I always love bridal preps/ceremony/service in one place!) to capture Stuart’s portraits, and then back up to accompany April down the lovely staircase to the ceremony room and then in for the ceremony itself.

April’s Aussie girls entertained everyone during the ceremony with the most unusual reading at a wedding I’ve ever seen!

After the ceremony, April and Stuart greeted their guests and had a glass of champagne whilst we took some casual portraits, then after the group shots we captured some bride and groom portraits in the fading light, before heading inside to make use of videolight.

And then onto the meal and speeches, including a very heart-felt video presentation from April’s dad, who unfortunately was too ill to make the trip over from Australia.

Come back in the next few days for part 2 – the evening! Lot’s of dancing, band and sparkler shots !!!

If you’re getting married and are looking for Hotel du Vin Kent wedding photography, please contact me to discuss your requirements.

All images copyright David Burke Photography 2011