Holiday Inn Hotel Ashford Kent Summer Wedding with Simon & Kelly

After second shooting and assisting at a number of weddings for other photographers around Kent and Sussex, I felt ready to do my own weddings. I decided to run a competition to drum up some interest and offer one couple free photography, and heavy discounts to the 4 other couples. Simon and Kelly sadly didn't win, but they did get a big discount on their wedding photography as a runner up.

Situated just off Jnc 9 of the M20, the Holiday Inn Hotel in the north of Ashford served as the venue for Simon and Kelly's summer wedding back in August. Whilst it didn't seem to initially lend itself to hosting weddings, I was surprised at the possibilities it afforded - from the outdoor spaces to the wooden beams in the ceremony room which gave everything a bit more character.

I arrived early for Kelly's morning preparations, and it was a pretty crowded hotel room with four bridesmaids and lots of children running about as well. Despite this I found some space to photograph some of the bridal details, including the dresses, flowers and Kelly's sparkly shoes! When everyone was ready there was just time for some bridal portraits and a teary first look with Kelly's dad before the ceremony was due to begin.

Afterwards everyone headed outside to the lovely verandah area to enjoy the sunshine, before I gathered the guests for a confetti throw and a few group photos with the wedding party and close family members. Their reception was elegantly decorated with floral touches and disposable cameras on the tables for guests to use - a nice touch but perhaps not the best value for money as the quality of images taken is often pretty low (partly due to the cameras and partly due to drunken guests!)

There was certainly lots of cheer amongst the guests during the speeches, with lots of gifts being given out to key guests and family, and lots of hugs and kisses! as the sun was beginning to get low now I took Simon and Kelly outside and into a neighbouring field (we may have had to move a metal fence panel out of the way). I had spied thid field earlier in the day, and the long grasses and wildflowers were the ideal backdrop for the happy couple in the fading summer sun.

The evening was now in full swing back inside, so it was time to cut the cake and hit the dancefloor. Everyone else soon joined in after the first dance, with lots of energy and some wicked shapes being thrown by the guests long into the night I'm sure. If you're planning your own hotel wedding somewhere in Kent, or anywhere in the southeast or beyond, head over to my wedding photography page for more details, or get in touch to check my availability for your date.