Laura’s dad said he couldn’t believe that his daughter had started running after meeting Geoff. And not just running. Entering, and completing the London Marathon and at the end of the race, Geoff proposed. They viewed their venue, Mount Ephraim, and according to Lucy, venue co-ordinator extraordinaire, they fell in love straightaway.

I first met Laura and Geoff at Mount Ephraim for our initial consultation in July 2019 for their April 2020 wedding. Which was postponed … until November 2020. Then postponed again until March 2021 … and finally booked for 29 July 2021. What a journey! It had been very windy the day before, rain was threatened but no .. the weather gods smiled on Mount Ephraim and on Laura and Geoff.

Their wedding theme was purple … and their table plans and decorations based on the London Underground map:

The reception room at Mount Ephraim looked spectacular, such attention to detail. Laura and Geoff had alternative wedding favours too, a mug with the initial of the guest, tea and a biscuit too. A lovely and very practical memory of their wedding celebrations.

Geoff, his best man Dave, and his groomsmen were dressed in tails from Penguins based in Chatham (https://www.penguinsuits.co.uk/) and had buttonholes which complemented the purple colour theme:

Mount Ephraim (https://www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk/) is steeped in family history and is situated just outside of Faversham with splendid gardens, a Miz Maze, lakes and cascading fountains. And quirky places to photograph the wedding rings:

The lovely Nicki Humbles from https://www.hairandmakeupcompany.co.uk/ was working her magic.

Laura had her sister, Gill, as matron of honour and her two daughters as flower girls. As you can imagine, having postponed a wedding so many times and having younger members of the bridal party, this resulted in multiple dresses being purchased (http://www.hibrowbrides.co.uk/) and many, many pairs of shoes. The dresses were an unusual design, very flattering. This led to lots of dancing and spinning (from the younger two …). And stunning floristry, as always, from the talented Jane at Graham Greener (https://www.grahamgreener.com/).

Geoff and the arriving guests were soon seated, ready for the bride’s arrival, accompanied by dad, Geoff.

Laura, you looked stunning, Your bridal gown (from Jodie Bridal: https://www.jodibridal.co.uk/) was absolutely perfect for you. Elegant, sleek, incredibly flattering with some sparkles too. The ceremony area at Mount Ephraim is in the magnificent hall and allows for some different perspectives on the ring exchange:

The weather stayed fine, the sun had come out and so we were able to get all of the formals on the magnificent steps at Mount Ephraim. And a bridal portrait or two …

Laura, in particular, is a keen photographer and had lots of ideas for locations for bride and groom portraits. Indeed, they had purchased a yearly pass to the grounds at Mount Ephraim so that they could visit often.

The guests were treated to an exquisitely tasting wedding breakfast and, sitting in a room close by, it was so lovely to hear voices. People catching up. Laughter. It’s been so long. Speeches were given and despite any nerves, were heartfelt and emotional. The evening was set fair and guests strolled around the grounds. The children found their way to the Miz Maze and evening guests were starting to arrive.

We had chatted through the possibility of “golden hour” portraits and sunset captures but we were worried that the clouds which were building might block out the sun.

They didn’t:

Laura and Geoff were happy to take a short walk along the main drive at Mount Ephraim which has a nice, open aspect, to capture these images. By this time, Laura had sensibly changed into flip flops. We could hear the music starting from Jason at Sound South (https://www.southsound.co.uk/) and Laura and Geoff were looking forward to spending time and their guests.

What an amazing day for this couple who were truly delighted to be married. They were cool, calm and collected. They value photography as a lasting memory for their celebrations. I felt truly honoured to be a small part of their day and wish them all the very best for the future lives together.

Laura and Geoff, you are perfect for one another xx

P.S. If you are planning a Kent wedding and want to chat, please do get in touch. My current prices are listed on my site: https://www.samanthajonesphotography.co.uk/wedding-pricing/