Whitstable Castle Kent Winter Wedding with Andrew & Maddie

Just a few days before Christmas, Andrew and Maddie had their festive wedding at Whitstable Castle on the north Kent coast. This was my last wedding of the year, and it's rare to have my wedding season extend so late, but it was a lovely way to finish off 2022. Andrew's grandmother actually bought one of my photography packages as a wedding present for the two of them, so award for most awesome grandparent definitely goes to her!

After meeting the two of them (and Andrew's grandmother) for a tour around the venue a few months beforehand, the wedding day soon arrived, and the castle had been beautifully decorated ready for Christmas, with a huge tree in the middle of the main staircase, and plenty more elsewhere, including either side of the fireplace in the indoor ceremony space, which would be lit ahead of the ceremony.

As Maddie would be getting ready elsewhere in the morning, she wasn't too bothered about having bridal prep captured, so I travelled straight to the venue. Andrew and his best man were there nice and early, so we got some slightly staged groom prep photos instead before the guests began to arrive. As the ceremony began, Andrew finally saw Maddie in her wedding dress - a beautifully colourful cream and floral piece that instantly injected a sense of colour into the day, perfectly matching her bubbly personality.

Unlike Andrew's family and friends, Maddie's family had made the long journey all the way from California for the occasion, and it was lovely to see them all there to watch their daughter tie the knot. After the ceremony and some drinks in the bar, we all headed outside for some group photos and the all important confetti throw - yet more colour and excitement! I tried to keep this part of the day brief, as the weather wasn't particularly warm, and the sunlight was quickly fading. But there was still time for some quick couples photos around the grounds before taking Andrew & Maddie back inside before the wedding breakfast.

With the ceremony room now turned around for the meal, the personality and colour continued with pastel details and disco balls covering the tables, a great complement to the traditional festive colours. After the meal and the speeches, Maddie introduced a great little game - a pickle hunt - a bit of a tradition for her and her family at Christmas involving the guests searching for Christmas ornaments resembling pickles that had been hidden around the castle.

Prizes were then given out to everyone who had found a pickle, and there was a great selection to choose from! It was decided this would be done instead of the traditional favours, and I think it was such a lovely alternative that added an element of fun to the day. With the pickle hunt over, everyone headed downstairs as I got set up for the evening reception.

Andrew & Maddie's wedding cake continued the colourful and flamboyant theme, and after this was cut they headed onto the dancefloor for their first dance. Maddie then had a second dance with her dad, followed by Andrew and his mum, before the rest of their guests joined them. This was such a fun wedding to end the year on, and I wish both Andrew & Maddie all the best for the future.

Whether you're planning a big lavish wedding, or something much smaller, head over to my wedding photography page for prices and lots of information on how I can help make your day as memorable and as awesome as possible! You can also get in touch to enquire about your wedding date to see if I'm available.