My bucket list isn’t very long. There are a few things I’d like to do and this was one of them.
I first met Jessica at a wedding fair near Ashford and it truly was a chance meeting. After chatting with Jessica and her mum, I found out that Jessica and Tom would be celebrating at Danson House (https://www.akentishceremony.com/register-offices/danson-house/) which is situated in Danson Park, a stone’s throw away from where I used to go to school. We used to have to run past the derelict remains of Danson House when doing our long distance running at school (which I hated, I’m much more of a “sprint and get it over with” girl) and I had always wanted to photograph a wedding when it was restored … and so I pretty much “begged” Jess to book me. She conferred with fiance Tom, and came back to let me know the good news … I was booked!
Fast forward a few months, contract signed and hold the date fee paid, when I got a surprise message from Jess to let me know that all was still going ahead … but that they were expecting a baby! Even more good news to celebrate. We messaged back and forth, going through details, confirming timings and names and then it was the day itself. Starting at bridal prep at The Leicester Arms (https://www.theleicesterarmspenshurst.co.uk/) where the weather was looking slightly .. threatening …





Bridal prep was going full steam ahead. Bridesmaids in baths featured quite heavily as did prosecco, laughter and the team from Bridal Beauty Kent (https://bridalbeautykent.co.uk/) keeping everyone calm.



Jess’s beautiful gown, which needed only the tiniest alteration to accommodate her neat baby bump was from Mia Rose Bridal (https://www.miarosebridal.co.uk/).

From bridal prep, then off to Danson House (with a slightly scary delay on the M25) but we all made it in one piece, Jess being transported in style.

I hadn’t met Tom prior to the wedding so had to make an educated guess … nervous chap, looking smart in the right place at the right time … 15 years of experience has got me to this point! Love the pocket flowers and indeed all the bouquets and blooms from the team at Faux Meadow.





A lovely ceremony and soon we were back outside to take advantage of the wonderful steps of the iconic building. As it’s a register office and not a venue, we don’t have the luxury of lots of time outside the front and so we were efficient and worked through the formals list in no time at all.



Then off to the Leicester Arms where the sun had come out and we had blue skies. Exactly as ordered by my lovely bride.



Confetti needs to be lots and visible. The confetti for Jess and Tom was LOTS!!


We had time after confetti for me to take some additional photographs with Jess and her bridesmaids, Tom and his groomsmen, family photos, couple shots and then, as the light was fading, Jess and Tom encouraged their guests back inside to enjoy the warm, welcoming ambience of the Leicester Arms.
Truly a delightful way to start off 2024 which feels very odd writing this in 2025! A tick off the bucket list and a wonderful wedding to boot … and I get to meet Jess and Tom’s new addition for a family photoshoot this spring.
If you’d like to find out more about the way I work, please feel free to get in touch: