Some couples like to have everything 'just so', planning every last detail down to the last hairpin, taking everything so seriously.
And some couples just wanna have fun...
The day started, as usual, with the boys. While unflustered groom Matt and his brother nursed their hangovers, I grabbed a few detail shots.
While Dad did the important work of rustling up a full English, that staunch cornerstone of a wedding day, and the ultimate breakfast of champions.
And the boys did the equally important and no less gruelling work of breakfasting.
And then it was down the Tunbridge Wells Hotel, in the picturesque and quintessentially English Pantiles. We were blessed with a glorious and very un-English hot sunny spring day. Since the refurbishment in 2012 the hotel boasts the perfect mix of modern comfort and convenience with Regency charm and character.
Queen Victoria made frequent visits to the hotel in the early part of the 19th century and later granted the use of her coat of arms, which is displayed at the top of the building. Queen Laura, visiting in 2017 for her wedding prep granted that her kids could stay in the room to get changed, but that the parents should confine themselves to sitting outside the hotel bar terrace and sipping lemondae in the sun.
Although it first opened its doors as a hotel in 1880, The Tunbridge Wells Spa Hotel was originally built in 1766 as a country mansion. Like all big Georgian houses it boasts many intriguing and charming nooks and crannies in its maze of stairwells and corridors.
I was spoiled for choice for places to hang Laura's dress, although of course these labyrinthine Georgian buildings are also quite narrow, which was a challenge. Laura's beautifully understated and stylish dress was by Alfred Angelo bought from http://www.abcweddingdresses.co.uk/
Meanwhile, back with the girls for a moment, someone didn't take too kindly to having their hair done.
While some of the older guests merely looked on impassively.
There were a few tears of happiness when the dress went on, partly because Laura is just a big sentimental softy and partly because she looked so lovely.
and just as lovely were all her bridesmaids
Now here's an irony. How often is a bride late for her own wedding with the registrar fretting and wondering where she is? Not so often are the tables turned, with the bride wondering - where the hell's my registrar?!
The lads, meanwhile were still, characteristically, completely unflustered
The ceremony was held at the Mansion House registry office in Tunbridge Wells, a nice light and spacious venue, with plenty of room for the cheekiest of boys to muck around. (that goes for Matt and Vince too)
Like a trooper Laura managed not to cry as Dad led her up the aisle.
And then caved in when she got there.
Caption for this face please?
Awww...
While the registry office is lovely, there's no access to any grounds as such, so I took the wedding party off for an expedition to Calverley Grounds, just behind. While it would have been a long, long walk to the best part of the gardens, we still managed to find some trees and some shade for our group formal shots.
For future reference - must tell groom not to keep his eyes closed during the confetti shot...
And then it was off to the Grub and Liquor for the reception.
And despite the chaotic day, we still grabbed ten minutes to nip out in the last of the evening light to grab some romantic, fun portraits shots around The Pantiles.
With the help of awesome wedding DJ David Cardoso and some subdued lighting, we got the party started.
And still these two couldn't stop with the kissing. So much love!
not sure what's going on here, but mad stuff does happen at parties, right?
Although one very sensible young lady is watching serenely and sensibly from the sidelines
Congratulations Matt and Laura and love to the family x