The Yarrow Hotel is a venue that I visited years ago and had never had the opportunity to photograph a wedding there. Until I met Lorna and John. Theirs is a blended family and when we met up in advance of their wedding at the Yarrow and they chatted through their plans, I knew it was going to be a day filled with laughter. Having popped the question on a bench in Broadstairs with an ice cream from Morelli’s (https://www.morellisgelato.com/), The Yarrow Hotel was the perfect venue for their June wedding.
I work with a team of excellent suppliers orchestrated by Thanetian Events (https://thanetianevents.co.uk/) and it’s always great to see the beautiful creations by this fabulous team. The floristry, as always, was wonderful and fitted seamlessly with the decor and table settings (https://www.ramsgateflorist.co.uk/).
And the cake. Lizzie never disappoints (https://lizziebizziecakes.com/).
And now to bridal prep. The room at The Yarrow Hotel where Lorna was getting ready is huge. Lots of lovely natural light and feeling of space and calm. Again, I was working amongst friends with the lovely Karen on hair (https://www.facebook.com/hairathomebykarenthanet/).
Meanwhile, John and his best man and groomsmen were already in their suits. With the bride and groom getting ready at the same venue, it’s easy for me to flit between the two.
The all important rings were ready and being well looked after by John’s best man and the guests were starting to arrive. The outdoor ceremony area was looking lovely and the weather was bright if a little breezy. It was time to go back up to see Lorna and her bridesmaids and it was getting busy.
Meanwhile Lorna and John’s guests had been gathering and were ushered into place in the gardens to the rear of The Yarrow Hotel.
And it was time for the bride to arrive. Escorted in by her son and then greeted halfway along the aisle by her dad.
It was a super windy afternoon and Lorna’s elegant long veil caught the wind.
No sooner than words and rings were exchanged, Lorna and John were married. I think I might have some strong competition from this keen little lad …
Lorna and John and their guests moved onto a drinks and canape reception. It’s a great time for a photographer to stroll around and capture the love and laughter. And there was certainly lots of that. Then time for formals …
The wedding breakfast followed with toasts and speeches and a poem written by one of the bride’s daughters. As a photographer, hearing the words spoken about your couple can be quite emotional. You realise that this day is one for celebration and getting together.
While the guests were enjoying the garden after the meal, Lorna and John had organised for one of their friends to take us all to the beach at Broadstairs. We visited the very bench where John proposed and even jumped the queue at Morelli’s to get an ice cream. The beach was nearly deserted and we took time to make some fabulous portraits.
All too soon it was time to return to the Yarrow Hotel and for Lorna and John to rejoin their guests. Cake cutting done and it was time for the first dance. I have to say that the guests really threw themselves into the dancing and it was really great to be amongst them!
Congratulations to you both and I wish you many, many years of happiness together. And lots of ice-cream!
