Leeds Castle wedding photography? Yes please! I knew when I met Carmela and Rich that this was going to be a great wedding. Leeds Castle is one of the most stunning venues in Kent – add an outgoing bride and groom into the mix and I knew it would be a great wedding day.

Originally dating from 1119, Leeds Castle, near Maidstone is set on an island surrounded by the river Len to form a moat. Two parts of the castle are available to hire – the main castle itself and the exclusive Maidens Tower, which caters for more intimate wedding parties.

Having met Carmela and Rich twice before the wedding, I knew they were my sort of couple – laid back, relaxed and really excited and interested in the photos we would create. Their pre-wedding shoot had shown me that Carmela was really confident and a natural, and that they were both relaxed in front of the camera. Add in the stunning location, and I was really looking forward to my time with them and their guests, a lot of whom had made the trip over from Canada to see Carmela tie the knot.

The day started with bridal preparations in the Maidens Tower. It’s fair to say Carmela was quite excited when she arrived!

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Carmela’s fantastic dress was then brought up into the amazing room in the Maidens Tower, where she and her two bridesmaids got ready for the wedding.

Leeds Castle wedding photography

Leeds Castle wedding photography

Leeds Castle wedding photography

Leeds Castle wedding photography

2Leeds Castle wedding photography

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After some quick bridal portraits, I captured the moment Carmela’s dad saw her for the first time.

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Just time for some guest candid pictures before Carmela and her wedding party made their way to the stunning ceremony room.

Leeds Castle wedding photography

Leeds Castle wedding photography

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And then onto the ceremony, which had some great emotional moments.

Leeds Castle wedding photography

Leeds Castle wedding photographer

Leeds Castle wedding photographer

Leeds Castle wedding photographer

Leeds Castle wedding photographer

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After the ceremony, Carmela and Rich welcomed family and guests, who then enjoyed drinks and canapes in the private garden at the Maidens Tower.

maidens tower wedding photographer

maidens tower wedding photographer

maidens tower wedding photographer

maidens tower wedding photographer

maidens tower wedding photographer

After the group shots, I took the couple out for a tour around the stunning grounds at Leeds Castle. We had decided to do two bride and groom sessions – the second one being after the castle had closed to the general public later in the evening.

maidens tower wedding photographer

maidens tower wedding photographer

leeds castle wedding photos

leeds castle wedding photos

leeds castle wedding photos

leeds castle wedding photos

leeds castle wedding photos

A few quick detail shots before the Bride and Groom made their entrance (Canadian/US style!) into the room.

Come back in a few days for part 2 – speeches, stunning evening portraits, bouquet toss, garter toss and dancing!

If you’re getting married at Leeds Castle, please contact me to discuss your requirements.

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2012