Just what’s needed on a freezing cold, snowy day in the UK – a look back at the pre-Covid wedding of Emma and Matt in the stunning September sunshine!
Emma and Matt were married at The Plough at Leigh (weirdly, pronounced ‘lie’ rather than ‘lee’) a lovely old traditional pub in the stunning Kent countryside. Having both the ceremony and reception here meant they really could enjoy the beautiful sunny weather in the gardens for long parts of their day.
I started the day at the pub, documenting the set up and then waiting for Matt’s arrival. Once the boys were here, they quickly put on their buttonholes out in the lovely sunshine before I captured some portraits of Matt, after which I documented the guest arrivals – including Emma’s mum and her dogs in their natty wedding outfits!!
The guests all enjoyed a drink in the sunshine before making their way inside whilst I waited out for Emma, her bridesmaids and her dad to arrive. A few last minute bits of prep and then Emma made her way inside to speak to the registrars prior to the ceremony.
Ceremony
Soon it was time for the ceremony so everyone made their way into the lovely barn at The Plough – always great to photograph in here due to the twinkly lights! On Emma and Matt’s day there was some really directional sunlight coming in through the windows at the ceremony end, which made for a great light to pick out details (which as you’ll see I did while Emma and Matt’s witnesses were signing the register – again, when there’s no bridal prep I do look for opportunities to capture details as I see them).
Reception
After the ceremony everyone was led outside by the bride and groom and straight into a confetti shower and a few quick group shots, before garden games, drinks and canapes in the warm late summer sun.
Towards the end of the drinks reception I grabbed the bride and groom for a few minutes of portraits in the shade and then in a few bits of directional sunlight, before I headed back in to document the stunning details once the barn had been turned around (including an amazing cake made by the groom!!)
Speeches and Wedding Breakfast
Soon it was time for everyone to make their way inside and take their seats, closely followed by the bride and groom. Speeches were before the wedding breakfast – including some amazing projected pictures of Matt – always a funny moment!
As the day had started early, the wedding breakfast had finished nice and early so we took the opportunity to head back into the beautiful sunshine for some more quick portraits – awesome golden hour light and a bit cooler by then as well!
The bride and groom rejoined the reception and then once the meal was finished, led everyone outside for coffee in the sun while the barn was turned around for the evening reception and dancing.
Evening Reception
Once everything was set up, it was time to head back into the barn for the cake cut and then straight into the dancing – no first dance so everyone just flooded the dance floor.
The fairy lights in the barn always make for great backgrounds and light trails during the dancing, so I can really go for it with the camera movement!
Once I’d got enough of the dancing it was time for me to say my goodbye’s and leave the bride and groom to dance the night away!
Congratulations once again to Emma and Matt!
All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2021