Photographing a wedding at Broome Park Hotel in Kent is an experience that stays with you. This grand country manor, with its sprawling gardens and centuries-old architecture, has an innate elegance that elevates any event. But on this particular day, with 200 guests, a wedding dress fit for royalty, and details that bordered on the cinematic, it became nothing short of extraordinary.
The morning light at Broome Park Hotel filtered softly through the tall, ornate windows of the luxurious bridal suite, casting a warm, golden glow that seemed to wrap everything in quiet splendour. The room itself was a scene of old-world elegance: rich, draped curtains framed the windows, while an antique vanity, polished to a high shine, stood adorned with delicate perfume bottles, pearl hairpins, and bouquets of flowers.
Lisa sat in a plush, high-backed chair; her reflection caught in the mirror. The light touched her face gently, highlighting her features and creating a natural radiance. Her hair was styled with elegance, pinned back with a jewelled comb that caught the light with every subtle movement. As the makeup artist applied Lisa’s final touches — a touch of lipstick, a delicate adjustment of her veil — I captured candid moments: the soft, reflective smile as Lisa looked out the window at the lush grounds below, the quiet concentration as her mother fastened a bracelet around her wrist. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and warmth, a mixture of serenity and excitement. Behind her, bridesmaids in matching silk robes moved gracefully, helping with the train that would later trail down the grand staircase and across the aisle. The gentle hum of conversation and shared laughter filled the room, creating a sense of closeness and celebration. The morning was not just preparation; it was a moment suspended in time, where every detail, every glance, and every fleeting second told the story of a bride on the cusp of a day that would be remembered forever.
Inside the manor’s grand hall, where chandeliers sparkled overhead and natural light streamed through tall windows, the guests congregated before being ushered to the outside ceremony venue in the extensive grounds of Broome Park. I clicked the shutter as the bridal party moved down the aisle, Lisa’s train flowing like a regal tide behind her. Her expression was serene, with just a hint of a smile, eyes fixed ahead. I stole glances at Matty, capturing the second his composure softened into an unguarded, overwhelmed smile as their eyes met. Vows exchanged beneath a floral archway were as touching as they were elegant, with soft, heartfelt words resonating in the grandeur of the Italian gardens.
After the ceremony, the couple took to the lush lawns of Broome Park. The vast estate, with its sweeping views and ancient trees, offered no shortage of breath taking backdrops. I directed the Lisa & Matty to stroll together in the Italian gardens where capturing these moments felt like documenting scenes from an epic romance, each shot more regal than the last. For the group images, the vintage car came into play as we posed them in front of the manor house with a classic cream & blue 1930’s Beauford, laughter spilling into the stillness of the afternoon. Those candid shots — the couple’s shared smiles, the groom playfully sweeping the bride off her feet — held the true spirit of the day.
The reception hall was alive with colour and sound. A live band, set against a backdrop of the light & airy marquee and flickering candlelight, played an upbeat mix that kept the energy high. Guests filled the dance floor, their joy infectious. Natasha & I moved around, capturing laughter, clinking glasses, and friends reunited for the first time in ages. The centrepiece of the reception was the largest, most ornate wedding cake I had ever seen. It stood tall and imposing, with tiers upon tiers decorated in a cascade of sugar flowers and golden detailing. It felt almost like a piece of art, and photographing it required finding the perfect angle to showcase its grandeur without missing the delighted expressions of guests marvelling at it. As the night settled in, the couple’s first dance, under a canopy of soft lights, was a picture-perfect moment. Lisa & Matty moved gracefully with each turn. I captured every smile, every twirl, every gaze that passed between them. Finally, as the night wound down, I framed one last shot of party photos and the epic celebration taking place with DJ lights and candles casting a warm halo. With guests’ laughter trailing in the background and the vintage car now at rest, the image encapsulated everything about this wedding; epic, elegant, and unforgettable.
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