It was a huge pleasure to document Sophie and Tom’s Otham Court wedding and reception in East Sussex. I started at the reception venue to photograph some of the preparations and set up. Cowbeech Farm is a private house with wonderful sprawling gardens owned by long – standing family friends of Sophie and Tom. The tables looked perfectly prepared for a late afternoon wedding breakfast.

My next stop was a short hop to see Sophie, her bridesmaids and flower girls getting ready. Sophie presented them with beautiful, personalised gifts which they were all thrilled with.

The 12th century chapel at Otham Court is set in sweeping rural grounds. I had to wriggle through the standing room only section to catch Sophie and her father coming in. The registrar invited me to come up to the couple during the ceremony. That isn’t something I would usually do unless agreed in advance with my clients.  In addition, I’ve never had a registrar speak to me mid-ceremony before. Tom beckoned me up and I found myself rather bizarrely in brief conversation with the registrar and groom in the middle of the ceremony!

Afterwards, everyone made their way to Cowbeech farm for the reception with drinks on arrival and plenty of time to explore the gardens before the wedding breakfast and speeches. Sophie and Tom cut the cake just before their ‘official’ first dance and that got the music and dancing going.  A surprise firework display followed which was a wonderful end to the evening. To find out more about how I work click here.