Following on from my last post of Ratna and Anton’s pre-wedding shoot, here’s my photographic take on their beautiful intimate family wedding in Tunbridge Wells. Having met the guys for their pre-wedding shoot on the Friday night, and having shot Regina & Rhys’ wedding at Penshurst on the Saturday, come the Sunday it was back with Ratna and Anton for their ceremony at Tunbridge Wells Register Office, followed by a reception at The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells (and if you’re getting married at either of these venues, do please contact me to discuss your wedding photography).
This was such a lovely wedding – a real international feel with Anton’s family from Spain and Ratna’s family from Thailand (along with her Indian heritage as well). Also great that there was so much emotion on show, as you’ll see from the photos outside after the ceremony – hugs all round!
This was such an intimate wedding party, with just immediate family from both sides and me! People sometimes think it’s going to be hard to capture great documentary wedding photography without a huge crowd to disappear into; I actually find a small crowd easy – a bit of friendly banter and almost seeing yourself as a guest allows you to really become part of the wedding. These guys all really accepted me being around on the day, so much so that I almost gave a speech myself at the end!
You can watch a slideshow of their images below, or read on for a bit more information on their lovely wedding day.
Bride and Groom prep
I joined both families at a local Tunbridge Wells hotel for bride and groom prep, and divided my time between Anton’s groom prep and Ratna and her mum and sisters in bridal prep. While all was fairly calm with Anton and his mum, things were a bit more busy down with Ratna it’s fair to say! I was slightly concerned we were going to run late, but just at the last minute things clicked into place with almost military precision!
Ceremony
Once everyone was ready, I hot-footed it over to the Register Office in Tunbridge Wells to get ready for Anton’s arrival. Once he and the guests were inside I waited for Ratna and then once she was being interviewed by the registrars, joined the wedding guests for the lovely, intimate ceremony. Once outside, a quick confetti throw and then the real magic started to happen – just so many lovely heartfelt hugs, which were amazing for me to photograph. After a few minutes outside, everyone made their way over to The Beacon for the wedding reception.
Reception
After the short drive, Ratna and Anton led their guests down to The Beacon and were met by the manager and one very, very chilled out dog who wasn’t moving from his spot on the steps for anyone! The guests had plenty of confetti left so we had another confetti run down the stairs (carefully walking past our doggy friend) before everyone made their way up to the deck area for drinks and canapes. Due to Covid staffing issues, Ratna and Anton actually had the whole of the Beacon to themselves which was an added bonus for them.
Over a drink and with some delicious food, family gifts and cards were exchanged and facetime calls made to relatives who couldn’t attend in person. We then made our way down to the middle part of the newly landscaped gardens (which are a fantastic addition to the offering of the Beacon – I’m looking forward to shooting a ceremony out there!!!) for some quick family groups before I took Ratna and Anton to photograph some portraits in the lower parts of the grounds.
Once we’d captured some portraits, it was back up for an outdoor cake-cut with a view, before everyone made their way through to take their seats for the wedding breakfast. Once everyone was settled in, each guest took it in turns to make a speech which was so touching. As my time with the guys was up at the end of the speeches, I felt like I almost had to give one! A few words of thanks and it was time for me to then head off for a well-earned rest!
Congratulations again to Ratna and Anton on their stunning wedding day!
If you’re getting married at The Beacon and want to discuss your wedding photography, do please get in touch – I’d love to hear your wedding plans!
All photographs copyright Kent Wedding Photographer David Burke Photography 2022