Summer wedding at Buxted Park Hotel

Buxted Park Hotel is one of those venues that I always love to go back to in East Sussex. With its Georgian styling and modern comforts it definitely meets all the expectations of a luxury wedding venue. The venue is less than a ten minute drive from me and is one of my favourite venues to shoot at. I love the character and charm that it offers.

The lead up

I was honoured to photograph Jordan and Zoe’s special day at Buxted Park Hotel. They hadn’t given me much of a breif and said that they would just give me the reins. This is always great to hear, knowing your clients trust you is a key part of the booking process. During the lead up to the wedding, Zoe always interacted with my posts on social media. As much as this is a confidence boost it equally adds to the pressure of my role and outcome of the day.

Routine start

Upon arrival, I was eager to go in and meet the bride and bridesmaids. In this case, the beautiful Zoe and her gorgeous friends. Im always nervous walking in, you never know what to expect. Everyone was on a high and the atmosphere was great, the banter started. I instantly knew it was going to be a good day full of fun and laughter.

I always start my routine with the details. Dress, shoes, flowers and so on. The chandelier is my go to in any luxury wedding venue.

I thought I would add the ring to this shoe shot. Sometimes the shoes compliment the engagement ring.

One shot that Zoe had asked for was my setting spray shot. I set this photo up at many of my weddings. It’s a really atmospheric shot once you get the lighting right.

I asked to use the make-up artists ring light to ad something else to the frame.

I then went on to meet with Jordan and his groomsmen. As you expect, music was playing and drinks were ordered. Then I hear the best man shout my name. It was an old school friend, what are the chances? I took a few snaps of the details but they was mostly ready.

It’s usually the girls that make a mess when getting ready but in this case, I think the boys showed them up!

I loved these custom cuff links. It is the little details that make your day unique to you.

Whilst the girls were getting the finishing touches done, I went down to meet with Jordan for a few portraits before the ceremony.

Finishing touches done, it was time for Zoe to walk down to the Orangery to meet her groom.

Ceremony in the Orangery

The orangery is one of the best features for getting married at Buxted Park Hotel. Yes, it can be very warm in the summer but what a beautiful setting. Jordan was very nervous waiting for his soon to be wife who was accompanied by her Father. As soon as they saw each other the love filled the room!

They were besotted with each other and forgot all eyes were on them and enjoyed their moment.

You can see the love Zoe has for Jordan.

Confetti

The confetti shot is one of the best parts of the day for all of the guests as well as me. You just never know how the photo will turn out. There is no guarantee with these shots. I find stopping the couple for a kiss increases my chances of capturing that special moment. We went straight in to group photos and got all the formalities done and out the way.

Speeches

I absolutely adore photographing speeches. They are always full of emotion which sometimes brings a tear or two and you can always count on the smiles when the best man is delivering his speech. Jordan blew everyone away with his speech, talking about the highs and the lows whilst cracking a few jokes without forgetting to mention how beautiful his wife looked.

Portraits

Once Jordan and Zoe had finished their wedding breakfast, we decided to go out whilst the sun was nice and low which is a perfect time to get those golden hour pics! This is my favourite part of the day. I get to set everything up so these images are all down to me. Most of the time my couples are shy in front of the camera but this couple were naturals! We wandered around the venue grounds finding a few features. I could have spent hours shooting there. Buxted Park Hotel has a lot to offer for sure!

The evening

By the time we finished couple portraits and cutting of the cake, it was time to put on their dancing shoes and what a ball they had!

Jordan and Zoe’s wedding was one of those days that always springs back to mind, as it was effortless and natural. You know you’ve done a good job when one of the bridesmaids books you for her special day!