Hadlow Manor Hotel Arabian Nights Summer Wedding with Chris & Charlotte

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. Chris and Charlotte sadly didn't win, but they did get a big discount on their wedding photography as a runner up.

Right from our very first meeting before they booked me, I knew Chris and Charlotte's wedding at the Hadlow Manor Hotel in Kent was going to be something special - and I wasn't disappointed! I arrived nice and early for Charlotte's bridal preparations in the morning, in one of the larger rooms in the main Georgian building, and already there was colour everywhere - vibrant oranges, purples and pinks which was already hinting at the overall wedding theme.

Charlotte looked amazing in her strapless lace dress, complete with an intricate hairpiece, asshe made her way to the ceremony room, which had similarly been decorated with the same bright colours, along with some lanterns and elephant bunting. Chris definitely shed a few tears during the ceremony, but this soon changed to laughter as he nervously said his vows (and slipped in a few mistakes along the way, much to everone's amusement!)

Afterwards there was lots of dancing and fun to be had on the grass as everyone enjoyed the live band and attampted an impromptu confetti toss (which mostly missed!) before a few group photos of everyone. As there was still time before the wedding breakfast, I took Chris and Charlotte for a wander for their couples photos, and we found the cutest enclosed garden area where we spent most of this time.

Inside, their reception and tables had been decorated in the most amazing Moroccan/Arabian Nights theme, with lashings of colour, lanterns and cushions everywhere. The only exception to all this was the enourmous wedding cake, which was actually tiered with wheels of cheese and grapes! Oh and the cricket bat table plan - a bit of a nod to Chris and his love for the game.

Once the meal and speeches were over, there was a bit of a lull as the dancefloor was cleared and Charlotte disappeared. But she soon returned with some friends - her bellydancing troupe! Together they had all perfected a routine set to the story of Cindarella and performed it for all the wedding guests to enjoy. This was certainly going to be a wedding to remember as it's definitely not something you see every day!

The performance was, as you can imagine, well received, and after Charlotte for changed back into her wedding dress, she and Chris took to the dancefloor for their first dance before the lights dimmed and everyone else joined in for an amazing party late into the night. Honestly I was having such a good time by the end that Chris and Charlotte were practically ordering me to go home.

This was such an incredible day, and I couldn't be happier for these two - such a fun couple full of joy in their lives. If you're planning a wedding with a little something different 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.