Here’s the first part of the St Leonards church Hythe wedding photography for Jane and Kirk’s lovely Kent wedding. Jane and Kirk were married at St Leonards church, with a reception at the stunning Westenhanger Castle.
St Leonard’s church is set high above Hythe in the beautiful old area of the town – it’s a large church with great natural light inside. One interesting fact about St Leonard’s is that it’s crypt holds an ossuary, with the bones of 4000 skeletons on display – perhaps NOT the best area of the church to use for bride and groom portraits, but interesting all the same!
After the wedding, the reception was to be held at the stunning Westenhanger Castle, near Folkestone racecourse. A Grade 1 listed house, Westenhanger was regularly visted by Royalty in the 16th Century. More recently, since 1996 the Forge family have restored the Castle and it’s now a romantic wedding venue.
I started the day as usual with the bride and bridesmaids for bridal prep photography – aiming to capture the details and the story of the morning as it unfolded. First with the girls in makeup, then Jane getting into her fabulous dress.
A few quick bridal portraits in the fantastic light, then I set off to join the boys at the church.
Once I’d navigated the very, very small, winding roads up to the church, I joined Kirk and the boys and then captured the guests as they arrived.
The brides arrival!
I then joined Kirk at the front of the church to capture the brides entrance. During the first hymn I moved to the back of the church to shoot throughout the wedding.
The bride and groom greeted their guests outside in the sunshine, then after a quick confetti shot made their way to the lovely Westenganger Castle for their reception – pictures of which follow in the next post so come back soon!
If you’re getting married at St Leonard’s church Hythe, or having your wedding reception at Westenhanger Castle, please contact me to discuss your requirements!
David Burke is a Kent Wedding Photographer who specialises in photojournalism coupled with stunning bride and groom portraiture. David works throughout Kent, East and West Sussex, Essex and Surrey and is also available to photograph weddings throughout the UK and abroad.
All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2012