Nettlestead Place Summer Wedding Vow Renewal with Steve & Gill
Last August I made my first visit to Nettlestead Place in Kent for Steve & Gill's wedding vow renewal. Despite it being a fairly short day with a small number of guests than I'm typically used to at weddings, there was still plenty to photograph and get excited about, and lots of little moments and guest reactions to capture throughout the morning and afternoon. I've always wanted to photograph an event at Nettlestead Place, and I wasn't disappointed at the house and grounds. It may be a small self-contained venue, but it doesn't lack for beautiful gardens and architecture. Hopefully I'll find myself back here again in the not too distance future, but for now, enjoy this gorgeously intimate vow renewal!
Situated between Maidstone and Tonbridge, Nettlestead Place commands a stunning location in the Kent countryside. A long tree-lined drive brings you to the main house which is full of character and is right next door to a lake which is definitely the focal point of the venue! A small wooden gazebo sits nearby where today's ceremony took place. Further down in the grounds is a large marquee, perfect for receptions of all sizes. For today's vow renewal I was assisting Mykey Day Photography.
After spending a bit of time with Steve and the 'groomsmen', we soon headed to Nettlestead Place as Gill was still getting ready with her 'bridesmaids' for the day, including some of her children and her mum. It wasn't long before she got into her dress - much to the excitement of the girls!
Outside the guests were arriving, while the groomsmen ensured those buttonholes were just right, before everyone gathered by the gazebo waiting for Gill to arrive, escorted by her son. Family and friends alike took their turn to tell their own stories of the happy couple, including two of Gill's daughters, before her and Steve had their turn to renew their weddings vows (and swap rings, too!) We even had a guitar performance to round off proceedings.
Afterwards, everyone gathered in the shade of the trees to drink and nibble on canapes before heading into the marquee for afternoon tea. Laid out in pristine white tablecloths and crockery, with beautiful bouquets in china teapots, everyone was soon tucking into cakes and sandwiches, but not before a toast from the happy couple and the obligatory cutting of the cake (and the accompanying buttercream on Steve's nose!)
Whilst this may not have been a full on wedding, it was still a really happy occasion nonetheless, and it was heart-warming to see just how happy Steve and Gill were together. They were truly lovely people, and I've no doubt their time together will be even more amazing going forward.
Weddings may be a big part of my job as a photographer, but smaller events like this as just as important for me, and I'm always on hand to quote for more bespoke events and smaller wedding ceremonies alike. If you'd like to chat further about what I can offer you, please get in touch here and send me some details.
