The Beautiful Wedding of Simone and Alex: A Kent Wedding Photographer Story
As a Kent Wedding Photographer, capturing the love and joy of couples on their wedding day is a privilege I cherish. When Simone and Alex approached me to photograph their wedding at The Plough at Leigh, I was thrilled. Their love story, full of Autumn ‘Wellie Walks’ and Alex’s love for Liverpool (well Alex at least), promised to make for a fun day.
The Morning of the Wedding
The wedding day in June started at Simone’s parents’ house, a warm and welcoming home that was brimming with excitement. As a Kent Wedding Photographer, I love these moments of anticipation. Lauren Garfitt worked her magic with hair and makeup, ensuring Simone looked radiant. And I loved Millie and Charlie, the family’s adorable Shih Tzu-Yorkie crosses, who were as excited as anyone about the big day.
Simone’s dress, a beautiful creation from Lillian West at Perfection Bridal in Maidstone, sat beautifully. And her sis wore a stunning dress from Fairy Godmother in Tonbridge, adding a touch of fairytale charm to the morning.
The Journey to The Plough
As we started out journey, we made a special stop at Penshurst Place. Here we captured some heartfelt moments of Simone with her dad and the family’s MG. A cherished car they’ve had for 15 years. As a Kent Wedding Photographer, capturing the bond between father and daughter was a highlight for me (as well as on the dance floor later).
Upon arriving at The Plough, the excitement was palpable. Alex, a devoted Liverpool football fan, was surrounded by friends and family. The venue was beautifully decorated with flowers from Sarah at Flourish & Grow, creating a stunning backdrop for the day.
The Ceremony and Reception
The ceremony was a beautiful affair, filled with nervous excitment. As Simone walked down the aisle, Alex’s face lit up with joy and even a few tears. Guests couldn’t believe it! It was clear to everyone that they were meant to be together.
After the ceremony, we started the celebrations right away. The Plough at Leigh always provided a perfect setting for the reception, with its rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere. Sharon Lord Cakes created a masterpiece of a wedding cake that not only looked spectacular but tasted divine I was told.
One of the fun touches of the day was the use of red smoke bombs for some of the photos. Alex’s love for Liverpool FC inspired this idea. Despite one of the bombs not working (but we had a backup, always have a backup plan), the result was fantastic and it was just a blast to do! These photos added a vibrant and playful element to the gallery.
Behind the Scenes and the Couple’s Favourite Moments
One of the things Simone and Alex loved was the behind-the-scenes footage I captured as a Kent Wedding Photographer, during their day. When they saw these clips, they exclaimed, “Didn’t realise you were videoing as well, so nice to relive that moment!” It’s these little surprises that make my job as a Kent Wedding Photographer so rewarding.
I asked them about their biggest fear before hiring a Kent Wedding Photographer, Simone and Alex shared, “Our biggest fear was finding a photographer who could capture all aspects of our day. When the day is over, photographs are one of the things we have to look back on and relive the day through, so it was important to find a photographer we could trust. Terence instantly put us at ease during numerous video calls. Our gallery came out better than we could have imagined, we love our photos so much!”
Their favourite photos also speak volumes about their experience. Simone’s favourite below, captured her joy and relaxation in a moment where she felt truly happy and swept up in the day. She recalls, “When I look back at it, I can still feel how I felt and the fun we had taking these photos.”
For Alex, the below image, is a standout. He remembers feeling relaxed and happy, even though he had been apprehensive. “The picture that Terence has taken shows that we were both so happy and most probably laughing about why we were so worried!” he said.
A Day Filled with Laughter and Love
The entire day was filled with moments that were all about the love and joy of Simone and Alex’s relationship. During the wedding breakfast, I managed to capture a rare photo of Alex’s Granny. She isn’t fond of having her picture taken. Seeing her laugh and smile was a testament to the fun atmosphere of the day. Simone and Alex noted, “We had so many people coming up to us during and after the day, saying what a great guy Terence was and how he managed to be everywhere with perfect timing.”
The Dances and Surprises
Two dances stood out during the reception. The father-daughter dance was a lovely moment that left some guest’s teary-eyed. The bond between Simone and her dad was close As a Kent Wedding Photographer, capturing this was an honour. On the flip side, the mother-son dance was awesome, fun, and energetic display that had everyone cheering!
A special mention must go to the unique presence of one of Alex’s mates who couldn’t be there on the day. In true wedding spirit, a cardboard cut-out of him was included in a bunch of photos. I loved that this added a touch of humour and making sure he was “there” to celebrate with them. These photos became a instant classic for me.
Gary Lucci, a good friend of mine, kept the dance floor alive with his DJ skills. He ensuring that the celebration continued late into the night. The couple and their guests danced and celebrated, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
I asked them to reflect on their experience, Simone and Alex said: “Having Terence as our photographer was just like having another friend with us. He was so laid back and made us feel so comfortable with everything going on. Terence would make us laugh whilst taking pictures, getting natural and ‘in the moment’ shots which has given us a vast variety of different pictures in our gallery.”
Who doesn’t like to hear a great recommendation: “If you ever need a photographer for any occasion, I would not hesitate to recommend Terence. He will capture so many special photos, and it would be one of the best investments you make. You won’t feel like you’re on a photoshoot, you’ll feel like you’re with an old friend that is bloody good at taking photographs.”
As a Kent Wedding Photographer, days like these remind me why I love what I do. Capturing the essence of Simone and Alex’s love story at The Plough at Leigh was an honour. Their wedding day was filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments that will be cherished forever.