Salomons Estate Wedding Photographer | Laura and Mike

When I first spoke to Laura in the latter part of 2015 she was busy planning a long distance wedding as the couple lived in Florida. After meeting her in person in the New Year I was delighted that she chose us to photograph their big day, covering their getting ready time up until they sat down for their wedding breakfast.
Laura and Mike’s wedding ceremony was held in St Paul’s Church in Rusthall Tunbridge Wells followed by their reception at Salomons Estate also in Tunbridge Wells.
Getting Ready
Laura arrived along with her bridesmaids and mum at Salomons after having had her hair done by Sarah Dolley at Impressions Salon in Tunbridge Wells. They all got ready in the Lakeview Room which has a large balcony that overlooks the wonderful grounds and, of course, the lake! Laura was very lucky to have her friend and make up artist Xandra Ruy do her make up. It was sad that Laura’s sister could not be with her for the day as she has given birth to her baby girl a little earlier than expected. Laura did manage to speak to her a couple of times and was able to show her sister what she looked like in her dress – technology can be a wonderful thing!
The boys got themselves dressed in another room at Salomons and then Jim took them off to the grounds for a few groom and group shots. There was much excitement when the girls spotted the boys in the grounds from their view from balcony! The boys soon, however, headed off to the church.
Laura looked stunning in her wedding gown from Isabella Grace Bridal in Tunbridge Wells as did her bridesmaids who were all dressed in matching aubergine. There was time for a couple of family shots with the bride before heading off to the church.
The Ceremony
We had shot a wedding at St Paul’s the year before and it’s a stunning and very large church. Ronnie the vicar is also very easy going as long as the photographer is respectful which of course we are! Ronnie always makes the address after the ceremony fun and relevant and had he certainly had everyone laughing! After meeting and greeting their guests outside of the church the couple headed off back to Salomons for their reception.
The Details
Laura and Mike’s reception tables were dressed beautifully and definitely something I could relate to as they used pictures of their pets for table names; both cats and dogs! Their flowers were created by Mrs Florist and their cake by the Carry On Cake Company.
The Afternoon
After some lovely family groups and my favourite shots of the day, the confetti line, we headed out into the grounds for some quiet time and some shots of the couple alone. As the weather was so warm and bright we were able to do a circuit of the gardens and grounds, from the lake around to the lily pond and back to the house where we grabbed a couple of shots in the museum. Once the couple headed into their wedding breakfast we took our leave.
Take a look at a few shots from their day.
Credits and links for the lovely wedding suppliers:
Venue – Salomons Estate
Wedding Dress – Isabella Grace Bridal
Florist – Mrs Florist Tunbridge Wells
Cake – Carry On Cake Company
Car Hire – Matthew Glynne – Aarion Wedding Cars
Videographer – East Kent Wedding Video
Penny Young Photography – Salomons Estate Wedding Photographer