Charlotte and Shane are my first wedding of 2021 and they decided to have a celebrant-led ceremony in the well manicured grounds at Stonelees. I was delighted to be able to join them for their ceremony which took place completely outdoors. Another benefit of a celebrant-led occasion!
Charlotte and Shane were already married early on during Covid and wanted to celebrate with their family and friends. A celebrant-led ceremony was perfect for their needs. Stonelees (https://www.stonelees.com/weddings) is a beautiful venue set in wonderful grounds near Ramsgate, Kent. I love working here. The team is highly professional and discrete. The grounds are always incredibly well maintained … and we get to go out on golf buggies for couples portraits. What’s not to love?
The morning of Charlotte and Shane’s wedding started with rain. Heavy rain. As guests began to arrive, the rain eased and it was quite overcast.
Overcast but bright is great for photographs. No glaring highlights nor squinting eyes. Here are Shane and his best man and brother, Ryan. Shane was looking extremely dapper in a navy suit … and his shoes were amazing!
I have photographed celebrant-led ceremonies in the past but this was my first to feature a unity candle lighting and a sand ceremony. Sand is blended by those chosen by the bride and groom and in this case, it was Charlotte and Shane along with their children.
We were being kept up-to-date as to the timing of the bride and soon enough, everyone was ready …
Charlotte and Shane made personal words of love to each other. A celebrant-led ceremony is very different to one conducted by a registrar. You decide on what you want to say and Charlotte’s words in particular were very emotional. Barely a dry eye!
And this is the result … a blended family and each colour represents a different attribute. It was my first time working with celebrant Nicki Cartmill from Signature Ceremonies (https://www.signatureceremonieskent.co.uk/) but hopefully not my last.
After exchange of rings, it was time to walk back down the aisle as Mr and Mrs. Much confetti throwing but I love this moment with Charlotte and Shane’s son:
After formals, we had time to take some photos with the bridal party … and Charlotte and Shane’s children. I love this image, truly a reflection of us all jumping for joy!
And then time to go out on the buggies … this is one of my favourite parts. The couple has time to take a breath and spend time with each other (and me …) and we get some beautiful and varied images for them.
I would very much like to wish my lovely bride and groom all the happiness in the world for your future life together. Thank you for making it such a wonderful and personal day and it truly was an honour to be part of your celebrations xx
P.S. If you are planning a celebrant-led ceremony or a wedding, do check out my wedding portfolio and I’d love to hear about your plans: https://www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk/wedding-portfolio/
