I remember when I first met Amy she warmly greeted me into her home in Kent, where her beautiful dog said hello to me as well. It felt like I had known her for years and we just got on so well. Dan got home from a run and we joked that he would go for a run on his wedding day and may wear his running fleece as he loved it so much. I hung with them for longer than I usually would especially on a first time meeting. Amy booked me in full that day. We continued out friendship via instagram where we chatted frequently. Then covid hit and Amy & Dan’s wedding was postponed to the following year.

On the day of Amy & Dan’s wedding I turned up to Havenfield hall and was met with some awesome suppliers and owners of the place who made me feel so at home. I popped my head into where bridal prep was taking place and Amy came over and gave me the biggest cuddle and then presented me with a gift a beautiful bee necklace and some unicorn sweets and the most heartfelt card ever. I still wear the necklace everyday.

I absolutely adored capturing their day, with humping donkeys, swarming flying ants and the most kindest, sweetest couple with a bunch of friends and family who adore them as much as I did. It was perfect. I asked them to answer some questions for this blog post so please continuing reading and then of course let the pictures showcase how lovely the day was.

How did you both meet?

Dan added me on Facebook. He was 18 and I was 16. 

How did you know they were the one?

From the moment we met we loved each other's company straight away. We laugh so much, we're best friends and he's my home. 

Can you tell me how you proposed?

Dan got down on one knee just before crossing the finish line at the Brighton Marathon. 

What made you guys choose your wedding venue?

The minute we arrived we both knew we wanted to get married there. It was absolutely perfect and the team always made us feel so at home and comfortable! 

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day?

We wanted the decoration to be simple, for our wedding party to feel confident and gorgeous and for it to be elegant and timeless. 

What was your first song and why?

All of me by John Legend. When Dan first heard it on the radio he came home and said he'd heard a song which really reminded him of me. 

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be?

Plan your wedding together. I love that Dan and I have made all of the decisions together, it's been a real team effort and project for the both of us and we had a lot of fun doing everything as a couple. 

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?

Communication is key. Be brave for each other and be kind to each other. Grow together. 

Wedding Suppliers

Hair stylist: Luxe hair and make up 

Website: @luxe_hair_makeup

Make up artist: luxe hair and make up and beauty by sammie Marsden 

Website: @s.marsden_

Brides Dress: Ivy Rose 

Website: http://www.ivyrosebridal.co.uk/

Bridesmaids dresses: Chi chi london 

Website: https://www.chichiclothing.com

Brides Shoes: chi chi london 

Website: https://www.chichiclothing.com

Grooms Shoes: Moss Bros 

Website: https://www.moss.co.uk/

Suits: Moss Bros & DKNY

Website: https://www.moss.co.uk/

Florist and Venue Decoration: yours sincerely flowers 

Website: @yours_sincerely_flowers

Cake: The Lane, Deal

Website: https://www.thelanedeal.co.uk/

Band/DJ: DJ Dare (Nick Dare) 

Website: https://linktr.ee/Itsdare

Car/Transport Hirer: Havenfield Hall 

Website: http://www.havenfieldhall.com/

The gorgeous Katie and Simon got married in November at the stunning venue called Secret Garden., Kent. The weather was picture perfect deep blue skies, gentle sunshine and just the right amount of cloud. I have been obsessing over this wedding for ages - Katies style had me written all over it. It was hard not to “borrow” the dress and Dr Martens haha.

What I adore about this wedding is Katie use to teach my children at primary school, she was also a bridesmaids to another wedding I photographed who was also a teacher who taught my children as well. You can find the wedding here Emma & Jack

On the day itself I was chatting away to her parents completely forgetting that these guys have seen me very very drunk as a plus 1 to another wedding many years ago and the bride from that wedding was also a guest and remembered me, I actually got on the dance floor with a young man and we did a strictly come dancing style dance where I ended up flashing my knickers to everyone - I got a standing ovation for it though 💁

I cannot believe I forgot about how I basically entertained the guests with my dancing or didn’t make the connection who Katies parents were 😂, we had a giggle over it.

Back to the wedding it was full retro, with dinosaur cake made by the amazing Cake Witch her cakes literally fill the room with the most inviting delicious smell and taste divine! Then there is that dress literally a unicorns dream, my candy floss sparkly bride! The Secret Garden in Kent is so pretty and whimsical it really is a photographers delight as a Kent wedding photographers I get excited when I find out the venue booked is here. With its wild flower meadows, quirky green house, cobbled pavements and sparkly lights everywhere - heaven.

I asked Katie and Simon a few questions so I’ll let them finish the blog post off. If you love the pictures then leave the couple some love in the comments!

How did you both meet?
I joined the Dungeons and Dragons group that Simon was already in and he used to walk me to the train station afterwards.

How did you know they were the one?
It was at a Cure concert in Hyde Park, I’d last seen them when I was 15 with my first boyfriend and I remember looking at Simon and thinking ‘and now I’m seeing them with my last boyfriend’.

Can you tell me how you proposed?
It was Christmas day and I had a shocking hangover and was in my pajamas. Simon got home from work and after we’d open our presents I was on the sofa stuffing my face with cheese when he handed me a card with a lot of very romantic sentiments and ‘PS Close your eyes’ at the end.

What made you guys choose your wedding venue?
The sausage rolls. We both decided quite early on that food would be one of the most important elements and The Secret Garden do the most amazing homemade sausage rolls.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day?
There wasn’t any! We just picked a lots of different things that we loved, everything from Portal to Jurassic Park to my love of giant neon puns and threw them together then hoped for the best.

What was your first song and why?
The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel. We realised we didn’t actually have ‘a song’ so in the name of democracy we made playlist where we both added songs we loved and picked from there.

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be?
Don’t read too many articles about what you ‘must’ do and when. It will stress you out and on the day you won’t even notice the placecards you spent hours looking for.

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?
Whenever possible don’t take life too seriously.

Wedding Suppliers
Hair stylist: Christopher Wise
Website: @chris_snips
Make up artist: Jessica Hawkins
Website: https://www.jessicahawkinsmakeup.com/
Brides Dress: WardrobeByDulcinea
Website: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WardrobeByDulcinea
Bridesmaids dresses: Willow and Pearl
Website: https://willowandpearl.co.uk/
Brides Shoes: Dr Martens
Website: https://www.drmartens.com/
Suits: Next
Website: www.next.co.uk
Florist and Venue Decoration: Anemone Blue
Website: https://www.anemoneblue.co.uk/
Cake: The Cake Witch
Website: https://thecakewitch.co.uk/
Band/DJ: Fred Clark and Iain Baker
Website: https://www.fredclark.co.uk/
https://www.iainbakerweddingdj.co.uk/

This wedding for me for was wedding goals, the styling, the colour palette and the live music throughout was phenomenal. Charlotte & Brett got married at Hayne House, Kent ( I am a recommended supplier for the venue yay). Charlotte and Brett were simply awesome, so happy to allow me to document the day as I saw it. Charlottes dad is bonkers but equally adorable and so much fun and as a whole the day was literally just fun and full of laughter! Congratulations guys and thank you so much for letting me capture your beautiful day!

How did you both meet? He was the DJ in the priz, local nightclub, and The club manager was my best friend. She introduced us and I only started going out with him because I got free drinks and he had a nice car!! Hahah

How did you know they were the one? He listened to me, he took the time to understand me and he gives the best foot massages.

Can you tell me how you proposed? He proposed on Xmas eve at a family party. He put the ring inside a cracker and pulled it with me. I didn’t realise and was more interested in the pink party hat!

What made you guys choose your wedding venue? The staff. The Hayne house staff were just phenomenal and put us at ease after a bad experience. The venue is beautiful and speaks for itself.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day? I wanted eclectic and minimal, lots of greenery to set it off. I love plants so there had to be plenty of them.

What was your first song and why? Let’s stay together Al green. We both just love the song and the words mean a lot to us.

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be? Take as many moments as you can to look at what’s going on around you. Also family will always come together regardless of the history and squash it for a day- don’t sweat it.

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?
Set aside time for each other and do different things together. Throw each other a compliment every now and then always helps.

Wedding Suppliers
Make up artist: Olivia Goldberg Make-up
Website: @oliviagoldbergmakeup
Brides Dress: Ivy Rose
Website: @ivy_rose_brides
Bridesmaids dresses: ASOS
Website: ASOS
Suits: Moss Bros
Website: Moss Bros
Florist and Venue Decoration: Emily & Me
Website: @emilyandmeweddingflorist fun fact I photographed their first ever wedding!
Band/DJ: Club Live
Website: @clubliveuk

Hope you love the photos as much as I do!

If you fancy having a photographer like me capture your day then please get in touch!I am more than just a photographer, I am your personal cheerleader, agony aunt, seamstress, go getter and just someone who values who you are as a couple and ultimately a friend :0)

Carla x

Rebecca and Simon’s wedding was absolutely stunning, I loved the fact she wore blue shoes. These guys were up for anything and were happy to allow me to be creative and fully supporting of various ideas and visions I had. I love the Crown lodge in Wye, Kent the venue is so ideal for a rustic vibe and the views well they are unquestionable. We rounded up the day with the mist gorgeous sunset across the downs. Anyway here is what the couple have to say abut their day and planning. Make sure you scroll down and check out their gorgeous photos.

How did you both meet?
Simons sisters wedding. Knew each before but this is where it all began.

How did you know they were the one?
Rebecca - Because he loves me on my good days and my bad days.
Simon - Because she is selfless, always puts me first, and has mad me into a better man.

Can you tell me how you proposed?
I took Simon to Las Vegas for his 30th, and he proposed the night we arrived in our room with a beautiful view of the strip.

What made you guys choose your wedding venue?
It was beautiful, we both instantly fell in love with it and it had the most amazing views.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme/day?
Blue, my favourite colour with everything natural and subtle to match the venue.

What was your first song and why?
Ed Sheehan - Tenerife Sea. We both love the song and it comments on how I look beautiful in my dress.

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be?
Be patient and understanding, and remember if you can get through planning a wedding you get through anything.

What tips would you give to couples to keep that spark alive?
Enjoy the little things and make time for each other. Don’t get lost in every day life but enjoy spending time together.

Wedding Suppliers
Hair stylist: Kay Sharp, from Sharp and Owen in Gravesend.
Website: www.sharp-owen.com/
Make up artist: Alicia Cooper (my cousin)
Website: Facebook - LUXE hair & makeup by Alicia Kirsty Cooper
Brides Dress: WED2B Ashford
Website: https://www.wed2b.co.uk/
Bridesmaids dresses: Quiz
Website: www.quizclothing.co.uk
Brides Shoes: Rainbow Club
Website: https://www.rainbowclub.co.uk/wedding-shoes/bride
Grooms Shoes: Dune
Website: https://www.dunelondon.com/
Suits: House of Fraser
Website: https://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/
Florist: Weddings by Amelia (was bespoke floral designs by Amelia)
Website: www.bespokefloraldesigns.co.uk
Venue Decoration: All done by me.
Cake: The Abbey Cake Shop
Website: Facebook - The Abbey Cake Shop
Band/DJ: Karl Vince from KarDan Entertainment
Website: Facebook - KarDan Entertainment
Car/Transport Hirer: My dad and Simons sisters cars for drop off.
Website:

want someone like me to capture your day? Then please get in touch

So the gorgeous Amanda & Paul got married at East Quay, Whitstable Kent in May. Amanda and Paul were the most relaxed, chilled couple I have ever met, no speeches, no fist dance as such or cake cutting (cake was a doughnut tower). The wedding was purely focussed on having a good time and partying with old school tunes and house music which I LOVED not gonna lie I danced a fair bit and even asked for their playlist so I could party later on haha!

They had an ice-cream truck where Amanda and Paul had a go at serving up 99’s to their guests - which is harder than it looks Mr Whippy has a mind of its own.

The sunset was magnificent as usual in Whitstable.

Amanda looked absolutely stunning her dress was simply stunning, paired with the most awesome rose gold converse trainers - which were my size (no I didn’t try them on, but considered it 🤣)

What else can I say? This wedding was pure fun, full of happiness and amazing music, via their playlist and a live band!

A wedding right up my street.

Photographer - Me

Venue - East Quay

Hair & Make Up Jessica Hawkins

Dress Designer Ellis Bridal

Bridal Shop Alta Costura

Shoes Converse

Grooms Suit Woods Designer Clothing

Florist & Decor Jane at Graham Greener

Live Band The Rockpins

So here it is the sneak peek of Jonny & Holly’s wedding which took place on a gloriously hot day in April at cool wedding venue - The Gardens, Yalding, Kent! Now these two are blooming epic, their taste in music is exquisite so much so I got them to send me over their playlist for the day which I have been playing whilst editing their collection. Holly with her boho chic wedding styling and Jonny with his immense suit, I am in love and thoroughly enjoyed being part of their day and also having a dance on the dance floor! Also brides should do a speech! This wedding venue has so much to offer and is a wedding photographers dream.

Over Christmas I was fortunate to document two weddings at Winters Barn. Liz & Tim’s wedding being the last wedding of 2018. Full of Christmas sparkle and joy the whole day was simply a big ball of fun! I love this couple and Liz has been basically my rock before and after her wedding day, she has become what feels like - correction a good friend and I plan to have her and Tim permanently in my life!

The day was a typical crisp winter wedding but to make it even more awesome Liz & Tim had reindeers at their wedding, I never realised how big they was and trust me the saying never work with children and animals applied heavily here these reindeers did not want to have their picture taken unless moss was involved but fortunately I got some super cute shots!

We spent the whole day laughing, full of innuendo’s and I even sung rocky horror show to my gorgeous couple… thats just how I roll. My voice however questionable.

This is the only wedding where I received a gift during speeches which I won’t lie made me well up massively got a big old bottle of gin - yum and some stressticles!

Liz you looked absolutely stunning and definitely a gaga lookalike and Tim worked that top hat and epic beard! Love you guys and I hope you like your sneak peek.

Carla x

Hair and Make up by Occasional and Make up by Marina

Venue Winters Barn

Dj Harry Kilb

Crisp, sunny winters day set the tone for Mike & Zoe’s wedding. The light was glorious. The venue was at winters barn in Kent as always did not disappoint and the added sparkle of Christmas decorations in tow made it eye candy for me! I loved hanging out with Mike and Zoe which really felt like friends hanging out having a laugh at their wedding. We had mulled wine, gingerbread men, all the gorgeous Christmas touches which really made their wedding stunning and I LOVE Christmas so for me it was a really beautiful setup. Zoe looked absolutely stunning and her veil and dress had a real Spanish feel to it, in the morning I ask the question will Mike cry? She was adamant he wouldn’t and I even offered my services of giving him a thud so he would shed a tear but it was not needed as he definitely welled up although… who wouldn’t right??

We basically spent the day laughing and along the way got some artistic, natural photographs of them both who are clearly very much in love and if I recall rightly they have been together for 10 years if not more?!! To top the day off Mike & Zoe became Mr & Mrs Love how cool is that!!

I wish you all the best and look forward to walking the dogs together!!

Carla x

Zoe’s wedding dress was from http://www.withlovebridals.com

Mike’s suit was from Red Herring https://www.debenhams.com/women/red-herring

Flowers and decor by Louise at confetti connections

Cake by Billie from sweet darling cakes

Make up by Lauren Elle Bridal Make up

Hair by Lisa from Perfect wedding Hair

The Ceremony, Wandsworth Town Hall

Catherine and Tom got married at Wandsworth town hall which I was completely blown away by, the Art Deco and marble interior was simply stunning and very elegant. We all caught the bus and drank prosecco and had some yummy gummy sweets.

The Wedding Reception - Balham Bowls

The wedding reception was held at Balham bowls club one of my favourite venues at the moment - really rustic, vintage eclectic decor with a strong music vibe. Catherine looked absolutely stunning in her dress!! It was definitely made for her! First dance was pretty cool as well, dancing to backstreet boys - 'everybody' performed by their live band! Got everyone moving.

Enjoy the photos and if you fancy having someone like me documenting your day then absolutely get in touch!!

Emma and Jack booked me last year just before Christmas - fortunately I was available and  especially after Emma told me about her wedding I was really excited and pleased I was free for her day! Emma use to be my daughters school teacher when she lived in Kent. Emma's friend who also taught my daughter recommended me to Emma, I am so glad she did! The wedding was pretty cool arriving in style on a vintage green bus, whilst the groom arrived in style on a red double decker bus. We had prosecco, amazing old school tunes which filled the bus with laughter and cheer as we attempted to sing in tune ha! Heres what Emma and Jack have to say about their awesome day!!

How did you both meet? We met at a party hosted by Chris, Jack's brother and one of my best friends. Our paths had never crossed until then.

Jack can you tell me how you proposed to Emma? Emma has always said that she never wanted to be proposed to as she felt that it was important for a couple to decide together whether they were ready to get married or not, not just the man. So we both woke up one Saturday morning and decided that it was something we wanted to do, then we went from there. Not particularly romantic, but suited us both perfectly.

What made you guys choose your wedding venue? We chose Asia House in the heart of Westminster as it is in the heart of our favourite city and Emma's birthplace. We loved the idea of getting married in the centre of London and then giving our family and friends a little tour of our favourite landmarks (whilst drinking bubbly) on some vintage London buses. For the reception we chose The Balham Bowls Club in Balham, just up the road from Emma's parents home in Clapham. It is a really laid back, quirky venue where the staff were so friendly, flexible and helpful. We wanted our wedding to be relaxed and fun for everyone above anything else and we felt that The Balham Bowls Club ticked all of the boxes for us.

What was your inspiration behind your wedding theme? We had quite a mish-mash of themes. We wanted to include some of our favourite things but in a way that meant the wedding was enjoyable for all of our family and friends. Music is very important to us and we carefully selected music from a range of decades (with the help of our friend Jan) which provoked a feeling of nostalgia. We decorated the room at The Balham Bowls Club with plenty of candles, but for us, the room really had it's own unique character which we didn't want to change.

Our seating plan was a 1939 version of the London Underground map which was a nod to our beloved London, as well as the buses. The tables were named after some of our favourite bands and singers so we used our 45'' records of the artists to mark the tables. The menus were printed on the back of Ladybird book front cover post cards, which we carefully matched to our guests, to much delight (and dismay!). Gin bottles acted as vases for the flowers and the favours were a mixed cd which included some of the tunes played at the wedding.

So all in all, a real eclectic mix! 

What was your first song and why? Our first song was a medley. We started off with a slow dance to La Mer by Charles Trenet as we really love it. Then it cut into The Twist by Chubby Checker (a nod to the sixties). At this point the best men/women and bridesmaids came on and joined in the routine. The medley included:

Misirlou by Dick Dale ( a great tune, a great dance move)

Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush (Emma's favourite song of all time)

Riverdance ( a nod to our Irish family)

Twist and Shout by The Beatles (one of Jack's favourites)

If you could give any couples getting married one tip what would it be? Don't worry or stress about the little things-they really, really don't matter. Above all, enjoy every minute!

Wedding Suppliers

Photographer: Carla Guest Photography

Hair stylist: Lipstick and Curls, Goshka Topolska

Website: www.lipstickandcurls.net

Make up artist: Lipstick and Curls, Goshka Topolska

Website: www.lipstickandcurls.net

Brides Dress: Candy Anthony

Website: candyanthony.com

Bridesmaids dresses: Coast

Website: www.coast-stores.com

Brides Shoes: Vivienne Westwood and Melissa

Website: www.nonnon.co.uk

Grooms Shoes: Marks and Spencer

Website: www.marksandspencer.com

Suits: Burtons

Website: www.burton.co.uk

Florist and Venue Decoration: The Flower Sanctuary Balham (plus a bit a DIY!)

Website: www.flowersanctuary.co.uk

Cake: June Bridges (Jack's nan)

Band/DJ: Imagine the Beatles

Website: www.imaginethebeatles.co.uk

Car/Transport Hirer: The London Bus Company

Website: www.thelondonbuscompany.co.uk

Wedding Venue: Asia House followed by The Balham Bowls Club

Website: asiahouse.org      balhambowlsclub.com