Here’s another one from last year – Michelle and James’ beautiful, relaxed wedding at Little Hermitage near Gravesend in Kent.
Michelle and James were my second long-distance couple from last year – we organised everything while the guys were in Canada, then they came over for their wedding here, followed by another family ceremony in Canada.
I loved this wedding as the guys were just so chilled, relaxed and friendly and truly made me feel a part of their stunning wedding day – it does make things so much easier.
I started the day with a quick trip around Little Hermitage to check whether we’d be having the ceremony outside in the gazebo – unfortunately, even though the weather was lovely, it had rained quite a lot previously so the ground in the shadow of the building was just too wet. Still, the Ivory room made for an equally stunning ceremony backdrop.
I then popped upstairs to join Michelle, the mums, bridesmaid and flower girl for bridal prep. This was just so much fun, with big smiles all round and lovely interaction between Michelle and her little flower girl.
Soon it was time to get ready for James and the boys to arrive in style, courtesy of James’ sisters partner’s awesome custom car which was just a work of art!
After some quick groom portraits, it was back upstairs to catch Michelle getting into her stunning dress, before everyone made their way into the ceremony to await the arrival of the bridal party.
The entrance of the bridal party started off smoothly, until I head the sound that I’d dreaded (but not experienced until then) as the rings went AWOL on the poor ring bearers! Luckily, we wee on a solid floor rather than in a church with floorboards, so amid much laughter the rings were retrieved before Michelle made her entrance!
After the lovely service, the bride and groom danced back down the aisle to ‘Stand by Me’ which was a great surprise for the guests and great to photograph, I love these sorts of moments!
Everyone then made their way outside for drinks in the sunshine and to congratulate the bride and groom. Once we’d finished off the few group shots, I took Michelle and James back inside the Little Hermitage for some quick bride and groom portraits using the lovely window light at the front of the building.
We finished off the drinks reception with a big group shot of everyone at the back of Little Hermitage followed by confetti! Bride and groom then made their grand entrance up the back steps and into the wedding breakfast – Michelle clearly enjoyed this moment!
Between courses, I took the guys back out into the late afternoon summer sunshine for some further portraits, after which we were treated to some awesome speeches, including one from the bride – some great, touching moments.
Whilst the Ivory room was turned round for some dancing, the guests enjoyed the last of the evening sunshine. When the room was ready, the bride and groom enjoyed an emotional first dance, followed by a dad/daughter dance (fair to see the emotional floodgates opened here, for everyone!) whilst James danced with his mum.
At the end of the first few dances was another truly touching, emotional moment as Michelle presented her bouquet to the longest married couple at the wedding – James’ grandparents who’d been married for an impressive fifty five years. Even more amazingly, Michelle’s grandparents back in Canada (who unfortunately couldn’t make the trip over) have now celebrated sixty five years of marriage – truly a lesson to us all!
Everyone who fancied a dance then made their way down into the dedicated bar/dancefloor area at Little Hermitage. The kids were fascinated by the old well that’s set into the dancefloor – the glass over the lit shaft isn’t for those scared of heights, but it looks amazing!
Whilst out doing my final venue shots, Mick, the owner of the custom car, made a grand exit to many waves – at which point I said my goodbyes and left the guys to party the rest of the evening away!
Congratulations once again to Michelle & James (and happy first wedding anniversary!) – in the meantime, here are my favourites from their day!
If you’re getting married at Little Hermitage and are looking for wedding photography, do please get in touch to discuss your day.
All images copyright David Burke Photography 2015