The first thing you notice when you meet Sarah & Wayne is how much they both smile. They laugh and giggle together and have so much fun in each others company. It’s wonderfully infectious being around people who see the world in such a glorious way. I spent most of their wedding day with a huge smile on my face. How can you not when surrounded by such joy and love?

They chose to hold their elegant wedding at Leeds Castle. This is the most stunning place situated in Kent. It’s a venue I know well from photographing Heather & Jays’ wedding. It was one of Henry VIII’s castles and has a real historic grandeur, while managing to also offer a relaxed feel to a wedding day.

The day started in a bit of a whirl. Traffic jams (thanks to Operation Stack) meant that Sarah, her bridesmaids and her mum were all a little late arriving at the Castle. Sarah’s happy, laid back nature meant this didn’t phase her in the slightest. They arrived in a flurry of smiles, hugs and all got down to the job of getting ready to have an amazing day. One of the things I always love about wedding mornings is seeing the dress my bride has chosen and the style they went for. I love that there are so many options for dresses and you really can choose something that fits your personality, your style and your shape. It’s not often I find myself going seriously loopy about a wedding dress, but Sarah’s gorgeous Temperley Bridal dress made me want to get married again just so I would have the excuse to try one on!

Everything about their day was elegant, yet relaxed and not over fussy. You can truly see that, while they clearly enjoyed having a pretty wedding with lovely details, the important bit was the two of them and their families celebrating and having fun. I don’t often get the chance to share the actual vows that my couples said but today I can. Sarah & Wayne’s wedding was shared on Nu Bride earlier this week, so I took the opportunity to write down their words to each other so you can read them too. I love them! They are heartwarming, funny and so personal. I’m sure you can see why there were tears and laughter from their guests throughout the vows!

Wayne’s vows

Dear Sarah, I promise to grow old with you side by side

Even when you shrivel up or grow too wide

I promise to make you happy whatever it may take

Even when your snoring keeps me awake

I promise to wake you when you get lazy

Even if it means I get you crazy

I promise to keep you safe and sound

Even when rats come at you from the ground

I promise to catch you when you fall

Because you are the most clumsy of them all

And I promise to love you for all time

Hopefully you understand through this rhyme

Sarah’s vows

Dear Wayne, I feel so lucky to have you by my side for the past 10 years, I know today is the day we are getting married, but you have already been my family for a long time. You have definitely brought out the best in me and made me a better person, and I hope I have done the same for you. We are no longer the silly teenagers we used to be, I have matured a lot, you have not matured at all my dear. But I love the fact that you are so playful, and after 10 years, you still make everyday so exciting for me, and I know at the end of the day when I come home, you will make me laugh. What I love most about you is that behind all the playfulness, the immaturity, the jokes and pranks is such a beautiful, kind, caring, person. You always see the best in people, you never hold a grudge, and I know I can always count on you to be there for me as you have always been there for me in the past. And I promise to never take you for granted, to listen to your advice, and occasionally take it. I promise to go and watch you play badminton more often, and to hoover up as many spiders as I need, for you to feel safe. I hope we continue to support each other’s dreams and stand by each other. I promise to laugh with you, when times are good, and endure with you when they are bad. To love you, cherish you and to grow old and fat and wrinkly with you.

It was a wonderful day. Two amazing people, surrounded by their loved ones, celebrating their love and having a lot of fun in the process!  It was a real pleasure to be a part of Sarah & Wayne’s special day and I was thrilled to capture their elegant wedding at Leeds Castle. Enjoy!

Here are the people who helped make Sarah & Wayne’s the wonderful day it was. I want to do a special little shout out to Talking Fly, who were the videographers for the day. They were brilliant to work with and a company who I now recommend to my couples. I also now recommend Lucy Jayne for make up too, after seeing the brilliant job she did.

Venue – Leeds Castle

Florist – Leeds Castle Florist

Brides dress – Temperley Bridal

Shoes – Charlotte Olympia

Bridesmaids dresses – made to order

Videographer – Talking Fly

Make up – Lucy Jayne

Hair – Vicki Lord

Music through ceremony & reception – Regent String Quartet

Jewellery – Tiffany

Cake – All Shapes & Slices

Hope you have enjoyed this wedding.

This wonderful wedding has also been featured on the blog Nu Bride.

Thanks for popping by

Fiona x