Covid has had an effect on all our lives. None more so than couples who are wedding planning. Postponements, rescheduling, family members being pinged. For Jen and Peter, the third time’s a charm. And that’s how we ended up meeting each other. An urgent phone call from a good friend of mine who had been taken unwell resulted in me getting my kit together along with Jen and Peter’s details and making my way to their ceremony venue, Our Lady Star of the Sea (https://ourlady-broadstairs.org.uk/). The weather forecast was not the best, rain in the morning, possible rain in the afternoon, you get the picture.

I arrived before the groom, introduced myself to the priest, took a speedy look around … and then Peter arrived, with his two boys, and it was game on.

Those boys, so handsome and so well behaved.

We had a few moments for portraits with Peter and then with his close family and soon it was time for their guests to head into the church. After so many restrictions as a result of Covid, the relaxing of some of those restrictions meant that guests didn’t have to wear masks outside and could freely mingle. Oh it felt good to hear voices and laughter and celebration.

And then Jen arrived, with sister Sandra as bridesmaid. Such a beautiful, sparkly gown. And a big smile!

Jen and Peter were just .. happy. Over the moon to be married. Delighted to have their families and friends around them.

I love the “new wedding ring fiddle”. Jen and Peter both did this very well indeed. After the ceremony and blessing, we headed back outside. We made the decision to have the family formals in the shade of the church which meant that guests didn’t have to wait too long until they were “released from service” and could make their way over to the reception venue at Pegwell Bay Hotel (https://www.pegwellbayhotel.co.uk/) which has stunning views over the sea. And the weather … no rain … yet.

Jen and Peter were so relaxed. I mean, r e l a x e d. After their chauffeur driven limousine from Driven to Perfection (https://driventoperfection.co.uk/) with its cool, air conditioned interior, the newlyweds were greeted by Richard, their co-ordinator, with a glass of something bubbly.

Pegwell Bay is in a beautiful location, overlooking the ocean. With a large air conditioned function room, which was decorated by Thanetian Events (https://thanetianevents.co.uk/) and their team in gorgeous cream with hydrangeas and candelabra. A stunning flower wall made for a wonderful backdrop. Pegwell also has a large outside veranda which gave plenty of space for less formal photos, for the kids to run (how much energy?) and for everyone to catch up.

We had time between main course and dessert to step out and get some portraits …

The day seemed to go so quickly. The children were using up all their energy an then getting ready for the evening’s entertainment …

We had time for a few more family portraits … Jen has lots of brothers and sisters and there were cousins galore. There was jumping, posing and so much laughter.

Cake cut done and then time for the first dance.

All in all, a wonderful day. With such little notice and time to learn names, I don’t think I did too badly …

If you are looking for a Kent based photographer (either short notice for 2021 or 2022), don’t hesitate to get in touch:

https://www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk/contact/

Wishing Jen and Peter all the best for their married life together xx

P.S. And it didn’t rain!