Laid back Summer weddings at Wadhurst Castle
This outdoor country summer wedding at Wadhurst Castle was just beautiful. The day started with the bridal party getting ready in one of the large stately bedrooms with breathtaking views over the Sussex countryside. The bride wanted a very relaxed day - she and the groom had an 18 month old toddler so they were keen to avoid too much formality. So she didn’t have a big bridal party of bridesmaids as such - instead she had her closest friends with her to join in with the preparations so they could all have a fun morning getting ready together.
The bridal prep is one of my favourite parts to photograph as it’s always full of excitement. And there was plenty of banter amongst this gorgeous group! With @microbladingbymolly doing their makeup and @carlybridglandx taking care of their hair, they all looked gorgeous.
After a typical spell of rain, the day of the wedding heralded beautiful blue skies and lots of sunshine so the ceremony itself was held outside in Wadhurst’s walled garden. And it was stunning. The entrance was through a huge wooden door in a secret garden style wall. Flowers lined the walls and paths.
The groom’s father strummed away on his guitar while the groom arrived with their adorable toddler. The ceremony itself was relaxed and full of love and laughter - just like they’d hoped it would be. When you have an 18 month old wanting to join in (giving you his favourite floppy-eared bunny to hold during the exchanging of the rings), anything goes, and they did not stop smiling.
Drinks in hand, we wandered around the gorgeous grounds of Wadhurst Castle in the glorious sunshine for their newly wed photographs as they laughed and joked, thoroughly enjoying their amazing day. Wadhurst is a photographer’s dream - it’s so picturesque and has everything from sweeping views to hidden gems.
After drinks and speeches on the terrace, everyone headed back to the bride’s parents’ house where the garden had been completely kitted out with marquee, gin cocktails in vintage teapots and a little Hawaiian style bar offering even more cocktails. With Polaroid cameras for the obligatory selfies and a fish and chip van for dinner, everything was taken care of. The whole day was very much a family affair with everyone being so closely involved in making sure the couple’s dream for their big day came true. And it was beautiful.
Venue: www.wadhurstcastle.co.uk
Hair: @carlybridgelandx
Makeup: @microbladingandbeautybymolly
Dress: www.jjshouse.co.uk
