Lauren & Paul's wedding at Oxonhoath - part 2

Here’s the second part of Lauren and Paul’s beautiful wedding from the summer – hope you enjoy!

After the service in Tonbridge, Lauren, Paul and their guests made their way to the stunning Oxonhoath, an exclusive-use Grade ii listed manor-house in the Kent countryside not far from Hadlow. The ‘photographer’s dash’ allowed me to beat everyone to the venue and then get set up for their arrival – slightly delayed as the bus had real trouble getting through the gates!

Once that was sorted though, everyone made their way inside for drinks and canapes. I however made my way outside to get setup for surprise number one – a dove release! Lauren and Paul led their guests out and released two doves by hand (to symbolise those who were no longer with them to enjoy their special day) with the rest following from their baskets – a lovely touch, and great fun to capture!

We then quickly whipped through the group photos (including an impromptu aerial one for the groom!) before I took Lauren and Paul inside for their first portraits session in the beautiful natural light of the dance studio.

Once the guests had enjoyed the surroundings outside and in (I particularly loved the library room – so much character!) it was time for the receiving line and then the happy couple’s entrance into the room followed by an early cake cut.

After the meal, I took the bride and groom for some portraits first in the library then outside, making use of the stunning gardens and evening light at Oxonhoath, before it was back inside for some fabulous speeches. At the end of the speeches, Lauren’s sister (also Maid-Of-Honour) announced another surprise, this time for the bride and groom! It was going to be a day of ‘releases’ as everyone made their way back outside for a surprise balloon release – again, great fun to photograph. The idea behind this was that everyone could make a wish on their individual balloon – a lovely idea.

While everyone enjoyed the evening sunshine (and the reception room was turned around for the dancing) the guests were treated to some fantastic close up magic tricks from a local magician – Adam Smith. I love photographing magicians at work, I’m usually just as stumped as the guests! (although at a previous wedding it was funny to see someone’s watch being taken from their wrist when they had no idea – it sometimes helps being sober at a wedding…)

After a few minutes with the guests and magician, I set up some off camera flash using the gallery and stairs area inside the venue, then quickly grabbed Lauren and Paul for one or two quick shots, before it was time for the dancing!

Both Lauren and her sister are heavily involved in dancing, as I’m sure a number of the guests were, so I had high hopes both for the first dance and the dancing in general – and I was not to be disappointed! Some great moves as everyone let their hair down, including the fish and chip cones being used as impromptu hats!