Garden wedding in Kent

It was a real treat to second shoot alongside the lovely Nicola Dawson, and this wedding had it all! This county is known as the garden of England and it’s easy to see why.

Lettie and Jon had their legal ceremony in London earlier in the year but had always planned to have their main celebration at Lettie’s parents home. And this garden wedding in Kent was absolutely stunning. The family home lent itself perfectly for bridal prep while I headed off to the groomsmen who got ready at the Leicester Arms in Penshurst.

The ceremony

Winding down through the main garden and over a bridge you reached a secluded woodland opening which provided the perfect spot for their ceremony. Standing under a stunning floral arch, accompanied by their son and adopted pug, Lettie and Jon’s good friend led the celebration. It was both personal, funny and touching. A total highlight was everyone singing a rendition of Florence and the Machine’s You’ve Got the Love. Goose bump moment!

Reception and party

Guests enjoyed drinks around the pool and in the stunning gardens before eating in the beautifully decorated marquee that reflected Jon’s Sri Lankan heritage. Before everyone entered the marquee the couple carried out a tradition typical at Sri Lankan weddings. Lighting an oil lamp is said to bring good luck to newlyweds and Lettie and Jon chose close family members to join in the ritual.

We were blessed with a ten minute golden hour as the evening party got underway. And with a backdrop of a wild flower garden it was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Weddings at a family home really are something special. Memories from childhood in the home you grew up in must make it incredible special to marry in the same place. Congratulations Lettie and Jon!

For more garden wedding inspiration see this blog post.