BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY 2015 by Rebecca Douglas Photography

Rebecca Douglas PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST OF 2015

BEST OF 2015 A year in review As 2015 draws to a close, I wanted to put something special together, to celebrate all of the wonderful weddings I have been lucky enough to be part of. And so, the ‘Best of 2015’ Magazine has been lovingly put together to share some of the magic moments I’ve had the joy of seeing.

Its been such an amazing year, I’ve captured 50 weddings across, Kent and the home counties, Cornwall and Paris. You have taken me to the coast; the countryside; to cities and villages; to barns, a chateau and castles; elegant manor houses and boutique hotels.

We’ve laughed in the face of howling winds, thick fog and danced joyfully in the rain. We’ve laughed, hugged and cried, and sometimes laughed so hard we cried. You’ve said yes when I spied shimmers of amazing rays of light and chased the fading sun into dusk. You’ve EEK’ed with me and thanked our lucky stars when flurries of snow scurried through, and come to play when available darkness of night arrives. Most of all you’ve welcomed me in and allowed yourselves to just be fabulous, as you.

BEST OF 2015 A year in review I’ve had work featured on Love My Dress, Rock My Wedding, Rock n Roll Bride, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, French Wedding Style, Creative Brides, You and Your Wedding and printed in national magazines; Perfect Wedding and Wedding Ideas and local magazines; A Kentish Ceremony, Kent Bride and Your Kent Wedding.

I won an award for the ‘Best Use of Artifical Light’ from Photography Farm and had three images handpicked for Nikon’s ‘I AM 2015’ review of the year.

Behind the scenes, its been a bittersweet year with the joy of relocating our house and my office to our forever home wit these views of the sea in Ramsgate. But this has been met with grief for the sudden losses of my dear Grandma and my Aunt, who left us just three weeks apart and are so deeply missed. This magazine is dedicated to them both in loving memory.

Every experience on this journey of life teaches you something, we are always learning. These personal losses have really enriched how I shoot at weddings, for the people that we all hold dear and share that special day with are what makes a wedding. I feel this is where I have developed this year, I’ve been even more tuned in to seeing those little connections, as I know how important photos are at reminding our futures selves of how we feel at the moment it was made. I’ve been shooting with my heart wide open and its allowed me to sense more authentic little connections.

For all of the amazing people I have shared special moments with in 2015, I hope you had a glorious first married Christmas and that the year has been full of more happy times for you, your family and friends.

I am looking forward to the moments of excitement and joy that the dawn of 2016 holds and I am so super thrilled to be able to share the magic with so many marvellous couples.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Rebecca xxx

GARBRIELLA & IAIN Lower Grange Farm ~ Maidstone

Gabriella & Iain had a seriously cool boho wedding at Lower Grange Farm near Maidstone in June. I adore their love story, being childhood sweethearts and following each other around the country so they can be together. The kitchen side was full of colour popping bouquet by amazing florist Joanne Truby Floral Design and everyone was swooning over them. I instantly had a tummy flip when I saw Gabriella’s amazing ASOS wedding dress, which she also used to find the gorgeous bridesmaid dresses.

Gabriella is a super talented musician and she and her friends had learned a ‘This will be’

by Natalie Cole and wowzers, she can really sing it was soooooo good! They back to cut the cake and signal the opening of the bake off cake table and then took to the dance floor for their first dance. Everyone was rocking the floor as we slipped out for a few last shots in the dreamy light before I left them partying away…..just swoon, these guys, this light….my heart swells with joy!

LUCY & GEORGE Chateau Bouffemont ~ Paris

Lucy & George married at the incredible Château Bouffémontjust north of Paris today.

With 30 of their loved ones travelling from their home of Australia to celebrate with them it really was a special day. Lucy was pampered by the very lovely CCC ciara costenoble coiffure and CHARLES GILLMAN COSMETICS before their ceremony which was led Une belle cérémonie, par Claire Bay – officiante and they were scerenaded by Quatuor Adélys. -

The beautiful florals were created by Lisa at French Flower Style and their scent filled the room! Sarp and his team at the Chateau were just fabulous to work with and picking just a few previews has been such a task as today has just been fabulously magical!

KATIE & CHRIS P reston Court ~ Canterbury

Katie & Chris had a glorious May wedding at Preston Court near Canterbury after taking their vows at St Mildreds, the cute church tucked away just next door to their reception.

I arrived at Katie’s parents in North Foreland to find everyone getting ready in pretty dressing gowns, being pampered by Beauty By Victoria, bubbles flowing and meeting some her amazing family and friends who have helped with bringing their wedding together.

Katie’s sister-in-law runs the leading bridal boutique The Bridal Way in Ramsgate and helped Katie find her dream dress and was there as bridesmaid for the all important finishing touches on the day. One of her best friends is a super talented florist at Gardenia of London and wow did she rock it with all of the blush blooms, peonies, roses and so many more!

ANGHARAD & JACK East Quay ~ Whitstable

Angharad and Jack are just adorable and they had a gorgeous winter wedding day at East Quay Venue in Whitstable. Their beautiful florals were by Jane at Graham Greener, such a seasonal wintery mix. Angharad got ready at Hotel Continental and was pampered by Sarah Rumsey Beauty.

I swooned over their details (along with the decor there) before being whisked to their ceremony. It was possibly the windiest day, but that didn’t stop us giggling in the hoolie and later, dancing in the rain! I loved their first dance, seeing them getting covered in confetti.

LINDSAY & JONATHAN Ridge Farm Studios ~ Surrey

Lindsay and Jonathan had a wonderful wedding weekend at Ridge Farm Studios in Rusper in Surrey. Ridge Farm is a fabulous old farm house with a difference as tucked away down this Sussex country lane is a recording studio that saw the likes of Queen, Pearl Jam and Roxy Music to name a few, lay down tunes here in surroundings complete with pool, fit for any rock star!

It was lovely to pop over to the Pool House and meet Bex of Blush Floral Design who was installing the most amazing florals and seeing Lindsay’s reaction to her bouquet was a treat! An epic 1967 Mustang arrived to take Lindsay to church and deliver her back with Jonathan after their ceremony! I totally adored capturing their day, a beautiful relaxed celebration to kick off the start of married life together. The last image is a favourite – the blankets they lay on were crafted by Lindsay’s Gran – how wonderful!

RACHEL & ANTHONY Winter’s Barn ~ Canterbury

Rachel & Anthony had a wicked day at Winters Barns having crafted away from months and doing their own flowers the barn looked beautiful! The weather was kind and their dream outdoor ceremony came true

We giggled through their portraits and the sun made a perfectly timed appearance.

Before I left them partying away to epic band JukeBox we headed outside for some after dark shots and a little bit of magic‌

STEPHANIE & DAVID The Secret Gardens ~ Ashford

Stephanie and David had a magical day at Secret Garden Kent today in the most glorious September sun. Family had travelled from Yorkshire and South Africa to celebrate with them and it was just wonderful.

Steph made her bouquets and button holes from paper – they are seriously epic!

Their whole day was really relaxed and they had so much time with their guests as well as grabbing small pockets of time out together for portraits throughout their day which really helped to add to the relaxed vibe.

HANNAH & JAMIE Home Farm ~ Lamberhurst

Hannah and Jamie had the most glorious winter wedding, with the festivities taking place in Lamberhurst at their church and at Hannah’s family farm. They had a wonderful ceremony with so many lovely moments and three Christmas Carols before heading back to the family farm where a winter wonderland was waiting.

They had arranged one of the outside barns with trailers and hay which made for a great backdrop for some of their group shots with friends and their bridal and groom’s party.

We were even graced with a little magic rain!

LUCY & KRISTIAN The Bell & St Mary’s ~ Sandiwch

Lucy & Kristian had a relaxed autumnal wedding at The Bell Hotel in Sandwich and guests strolled on down to St Mary’s Art Centre for their reception. Lucy looked stunning in her dress from Fross Wedding Collections, with bespoke sleeves and lace shoulder detail by Nova Clarke’s Workshop!

With Lucy ‘s brother Simon Dewey on video, Rebecca Brown Make Up Artist and Megan Stankiste Bridal Hairdressing and amazing florals from Black Iris, it was a treat to work with such a talented Thanet based team. So, close to home in fact that Lucy & Kristian live just a road away from me so I’ll be hand delivering their photos. I’ve loved capturing their love, chasing sunsets and basking in the still of the night!!

KARA & CRAIG Leeds Castle ~ Kent

Mr & Mrs May got married in May in the Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle and wow was it spectacular wedding! I’ve loved getting to know the guys and Kara and I have had a mutual cat appreciation society going on with our cat mad instagram posts, if she could have got Colin there, she’d have jumped at the chance!

Kara got ready with her girls in the bridal sweet and she told me the story of getting their bespoke bridesmaid dresses made by Dig for Victory in Brighton, pretty as a peach they were! After taking their vows, they enjoyed a drinks reception in the springtime sun before we were all whisked off in a golf buggy to take in some of the grounds for photos.

I loved how pretty their reception room looked with jam jars of blooms and gingerbread men and women favours!

SOPHIA & ANTHONY The Gallivant ~ Camber Sands

Sophia and Anthony had the most epic day, marrying at The Gallivant at Camber Sands.

Sophia was being pampered by wonderful Ellie at The Beauty Aisle and Liz from Simply Beautiful Wedding Hair styled in a pretty piece by Charlotte at My Fayre Favourite.

Fabulous duo Keith and Andy at Ignite Films were capturing their day in cinematic style too.

It was such a treat to work with so many wedding friends and I cried when Frida arrived with her bouquet for Sohpia, such a team together at Frida & Sophia Floral Design. The last light of day was a total treat with a dramatic sunset erupting and after dark, with the help of the ignite guys, we created a rather dramatic shot! What a great of a day it has been and I am happy to my toes for these two who clearly adore each other.

CAELI & HELEN Stoke Newington Town Hall & Hackney West Reservoir ~ London

aeli & Helen had the most gorgeous wedding at Stoke Newington Town Hall and Hackney West Reservoir at the start of July. They got ready at their local, The Rose & Crown which, handily, was right opposite Stoke Newington Town Hall. They were getting ready with their Mums, maids of honour and were being pampered by Mel and Eric from Mel Kinsman Bridal Make-Up and their stunning dresses were customised and altered by Satish from Elite Alterations.

Their personalised service was led by Jenny from Knight Ceremonies, I cried during their vows and promises. After their ceremony, we took a short car ride to a wonderfully quirky Cobblers Yard for their portraits, it got my heart singing, with these two so adoringly in love teamed with the charm of the derelict site! they’d planned a sparkler exit at midnight was instead a torrential down pour, I said, “do you want to come and dance in the rain”.

To my absolute joy, they gave me a “hell yeah” and we created some magic!

JODIE & TOBY Cooling Castle ~ Kent

Jodie & Toby might just be the luckiest couple, with the weather clearing after all the storms and a little oasis of a day arrived, bright and crisp for their wedding at Cooling Castle Barn. Jodie got ready at her Mum’s with amazing team Vicki Lord Bridal Hair and Wedding Makeup by Nicola – Professional Makeup Artist pampering her and the girls.

It was lovely to work with John Oakley, Theresa and the team at Cooling Castle and the reception room florals by Floral Explosionlooked stunning! We were treated to the most amazing sunset and a lovely gentle mist hung in the air for the last shot of the night!

JOSIE & JOE Port Lympne Reserve ~ Kent

Josie and Joe had an epic wedding at Port Lympne Mansion House and even fed the tigers during their celebrations in February this year. Getting to know these guys has been a treat, with so many things in common, even with them relocating to my beloved Sheffield where I met Mark at uni, so we have chatted about so much more than weddings! During their drinks reception we were whisked away to the tiger enclosure where Josie and Joe were going to feed the enchanting pair, Delta and Calcutta.

To be able to see Josie and Joe share this experience on their wedding day was magical and it is going to stay with me forever, to be so close to such magnificent animals was a moment of a lifetime. The excitement didn’t stop there as everyone grabbed coats and blankets and jumped onto the safari trucks, seeing so many more animals. With the wonderful weather, we were able to head out onto the terrace of the mansion house and be in awe of the star filled skies.

CLARE & MATT Chiddingstone Castle ~ Kent

Once upon a few days into this new year, Clare and Matt got married at the historic and charming Chiddingstone Castle. Their intimate ceremony was in The Grand Hall, with around thirty of their closest friends and family there to witness their vows. After Matt leapt up the aisle with excitement, the bubbles were flowing and we captured some of their group shots. The bridal party went for a wander to The Orangery for photos and everyone went back to the castle to leave time for some portraits with Clare and Matt.

I loved their meal plans, a fine banquet provided for by the wonderful Alex at Urban Pantry in The Grand Hall and it looked totally fabulous and very grand indeed! Then more guests arrived while we went for some more photos around the castle and Clare and Matt were announced in for speeches, with the Best Men literally raising toast for the newlyweds toast! After speeches, the castle museum was open for guests to wonder and we popped outside for some night shots around the castle.

EMMA & ROSS Chilston Park ~ Lenham

Emma & Ross had a wonderful woodland wedding at Chilston Park today. With florals from Heather and Wood – Wedding and Event Hire and amazing rustic creations, the venue looked amazing! We were totally blessed with glorious golden light during the day, a super sunset.

As night fell, I gathered their fleet of wicker woodland creatures outisde on a bed of fallen leaves and a gentle mist clung to the air for an enchanting woodland scene! Lovely Iain Baker Wedding DJ entertained everyone with some couples trivia and I left everyone dancing away. I am so happy for this lovely pair who met at uni in Yorkshire (big up Yorkshire!!!) and soon two will become three!

HANNAH & MATT The Orangery ~ Maidstone

Hannah and Matt had a glorious day, pampered by Kent Bridal Stylists, getting married at beautiful Boxley Church and then on to their reception at Orangery Maidstone.

The florals by talented Florist in the Forest looked amazing and I adored their sweet treats from Meringue Girls. We were totally blessed with dreamy golden light for some swoonworthy evening portraits!

GEMMA & RICHARD The Abode ~ Canterbury

On a bright and crisp January day, Gemma and Richard celebrated their wedding at The Abode in Canterbury. They had gathered their friends and family almost a month to the day after they had whisked themselves away to take their vows surrounded by nature on safari in South Africa just before Christmas. Gemma looked amazing in her gorgeous Mooski dress from Karen at Rock The Frock Bridal Boutique teamed with bespoke shoes from the fabulous Merle and Morris.

We met an hour before guests arrived as the wanted to wander the quirky and historic streets of Canterbury. I used to live there so we’d chatted a route to see all the best bits As we set off up the high street, everyone gasped with joy and congratulated them and we paused for photos outside Debenhams. One of the ladies from Elizabeth Arden rushed out and gave Gemma a bag full of treats and invited them in for a photo in the shop window!

LOTTIE & DONK Oakwood House ~ Maidstone

Lottie & Donk celebrated their wedding at Oakwood House in Farmer Style on Valentine’s Day in Feburary this year! Lottie’s Dad rolled out his vintage buses for their transport to the church while Donk organised for them to travel in style back to their reception in a tractor! It was such a beautiful day that they had crafted with Lottie’s Mum making the bridesmaid dresses and so many of the decorations to tie in with their rustic meets purple reception.

I loved their cake and it was such a fun cake cut with everyone counting down and popping party poppers while they cut in! The joy of winter weddings is that you get darkness to play with and with these guys, a tractor too! So we had a good old play with some off camera flash to capture some fun shots of when the Farmer got his wife!

HAYLEY & IAN Elvetham Hotel ~ Hampshire

Hayley & Ian had a marvellous spring wedding in March at the grand Elvetham Hotel in Hampshire. Their ceremony took place in a historic, oak panelled room before the sun appeared for their drinks reception on the terrace. With the sun setting so early in the day in spring, their time together for photos before speeches was bathed in lovely golden light and we wandered around the stunning grounds together.

Leading into their cake cut and first dance, everyone cleared the dining hall for sparklers and into a beautiful rooms where DJ2K was all set to rock the dance floor. While everyone danced away, we slipped out to the riverside for some final shots together and the gentle mist added so much atmosphere as Ian span Hayley in her amazing House of Mooshki 50s dress and I left the guys watching them laugh and giggle together as the went back in to their party.

ESTELLE & CHARLIE Blackheath Halls ~ London

Estelle and Charlie married today at beautiful Blackheath Halls​in London. The venue felt fitting with them being an actors and writers and they had so many wow moments up there sleeves today! We spent time capturing their portraits around the theatre as ‘Act One’ closed and ‘Act Two commenced.

The show build with excitement when London Gay Big Band​rocked the stage, with Estlle joining them to sing. Blackheath Fireworks were in full swing and I have to say, I love these guys – we ran to get to a view point and it was so worth it. Then a surprise guest arrived, Regina Dwight, singing and cracking some whit and her and Estelle sang a duet and closed her show! It has been truly wonderful and everyone was looked after by Tierney’s Caterers​. Here are just a few preivews of their day.

LISA & MIKE Cooling Castle ~ Kent

Lisa & Mike had a stunning spring wedding at Cooling Castle Barns with a feel reminiscent of vintage Hollywood glamour. We were blessed with glorious light all day and we slipped out just after the speeches to bask in the epic golden light, further heightening the glamour of their day.

They had the epic White Dress Films there to create a video of their day and The Vintage Floral Design Company creating their amazing florals. There were so many lovely moments, her Dad’s first look, the stillness in church and the party getting started after their first dance, it was just so magical!

JESS & ADAM Hilltop Hotel ~ Kent

Jess and Adam had a wonderful snow filled winter wedding at Hilltop Hotel in Stansted in January this year! Getting to know Jess and Adam along their journey to their has been a total treat. Ignite Films motion were there to capture their day, these guys are amazing and I love working as part of a creative team capturing moments!

After the ceremony, it was time for everyone to kick off the party and then the excitement of snow arrived, perfectly timed between courses. It was so magical to step out and grab some portraits and seeing everyone’s faces full of glee was a joy! The snow made another appearance after dark and there was a vintage lamp in the garden that we went to which felt like we’d stepped back in time to the golden era of cinema for some real Hollywood romance!

LYNDSEY & RICHARD Marleybrook House ~ Canterbury

Lyndsey & Richard had a lovely countryside wedding at Marleybrook House near Canterbury in June this year. I had such a giggle with Lyndsey and her girls in the Bridal Suite while they were being looked after by Juliet Make Up & Hair. Time flew and in not time we were in the walled garden seeing this fab pair exchange their vows before going to the orchard garden for their drinks reception.

I swooned over the florals all day which were created by Frida and Sophia Floral Design.

They were helped by Emma’s Pantry who helped to dress the venue and she also made their pretty mint cake complete with their cats! We had a few quiet moments for some magical night shots before I left the guys partying away!

LAURA & DAN Mountain’s Country House - Kent

Laura and Dan had a wonderful day at Mountains Country House in Hildenborough.

There are so many moments that made my heart fill with joy today. There are so many emotions that fly past in a blink and I just adored time with Laura excitedly making her way downstairs, to her Dad nervously waiting in the lounge and her grandma arriving, so full of pride.

That moment when the registrar announces you as husband and wife and your Mum aims to fire confetti at you and your husband spinning your round the dance floor‌..its these moments that make my tummy flip and are the essense of a wedding day. These guys are just so fun to be around and today was such a treat!

LACIE & BLAIR Swarling Manor ~ Canterbury

Lacie & Blair had a wonderfully elegant Swarling Manor wedding in the countryside near Canterbury. With family and friends travelling to their wedding with them from Australia meant they’d really created a very special celebration of all of their loved ones coming together. Lacie got ready at her parents house with all of her bridesmaids and they were being pampered by Juliet Make Up and Hair in a lovely outdoor garden suite her Dad had set up that morning!

The florals looked so beautiful with the arch at the gazebo being the star of the show, created by talented Emily and Me. The drinks reception was in the comfortably shaded rose garden with acoustic music and there was such a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The marquee looked so pretty, with the mix of whites, pinks and rose metallics it really was the perfect setting for their meal by Debs and the fab team at Chives Catering.

JO & MIKE Alexander House Hotel ~ Surrey

Jo and Mike married in the lovely village church in Turner’s Hill in Sussex and had their reception at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa. Jo was pampered by her lovely friend who is part of the super talented team at ID Makeup, Hair, Beauty.

Their reception room looked stunning, with florals by Little Tin Shed, so sparkly and guests had to find their place names on the giant christmas tree which was great fun.

Their day has been captured by all round fab cap Matt at Teardrop Films As we partied into the evening, some magic rain arrived‌.eeek!!

CLAIRE & TOM Botleys Mansion ~ Surrey

Claire and Tom had a dreamy Spring wedding in March at the very elegant Botleys Mansion in Surrey, which is part of the stunning Bijou Exclusive Wedding Venue Collection. Claire was getting ready in the bridal suite with her Mum and Bridesmaids and there was such an excited atmosphere as tunes rolled from a wicked playlist!

The Conservatory was full of amazing florals by the wonderful Birsken and Claire had picked out accents of metallic rose gold which just looked stunning! It was a total treat to work with Skinny Boy Films and the film the created bought me to tears watching it, it really is magical. Claire and Tom had a surprise for everyone with their first dance and had been training in the weeks leading up to their wedding with a wonderful choreographed routine before everyone hit the dance floor.

LOUISE & AARON The Salutation & Bell Hotel ~ Sandwich

Louise and Aaron had an elegant spring wedding in May this year at marrying at St Clements Church, having photos at The Salutation Gardens and their reception The Bell Hotel in Sandwich. They assembled such great team for their day, with Rebecca Brown Make Up and Maxine from Glamorous & Groomed pampering the girls in the morning, Jean from The Bridal Gallery helping Louise find her dream dress and Flowers by SP creating the most dreamy mix of soft, natural white blooms.

We had so much fun capturing their portraits around gorgeous Sandwich and I love that we got to capture some time after dinner before heading in for their amazing choreographed first dance. Just before we left them to party away, we drifted out to the quayside to capture the dramatic dusky skies.

HOLLY & JAMES RAC Woodcote ~ Surrey

Holly & James had a wonderful wedding day at RAC Golf Club, Woodcote Park today and it was sucha fun day! Holly’s Mum made her amazing wedding dress and James wore his Army uniform for the ceremony. I loved their exit music Jurassic Park played by the organist and their super cute dinosaur cake topper!

Now the Dinosaur and the Lovely Other Dinosaur are old. Look at them. Together they stand on the hill telling each other stories and feeling the warmth of the sun on their backs.

And that, my friends, is how it is with love.

Let us all be Dinosaurs and Lovely Other Dinosaurs together. For the sun is warm. And the world is a beautiful place.

SAMMY & CHRIS Knebworth Barns ~ Hertfordshire

Sammy & Chris had a marvellous May wedding at Knebworth House Barns in Hertfordshire.

I was so excited to be capturing their day as Sammy’s little sister is my amazing assistant Lucy, so to capture such a special day for their family was a real honour! Sammy was getting ready at her parents with her bridesmaids and grandparents and family arrived through the morning before we set off to church.

It was a treat to capture their day with fellow creatives and amazing movie makes Skinny Boy Films and I always adore working with them. The evening party got off to a storming start with Sammy’s Dad’s band playing, for one night only as FOB, the wedding acronyms had tickled Tony! We headed out at dusk for some final portraits and some big skies by the trees filled with mistletoe.

JULIA & STEVE Lympne Castle ~ Kent

Julia and Steve married in spring at the very romantic setting of Lympne Castle in April this year. I have admired their relaxed approach in the build up to their big day, arranging everything in just a few months, it was an honour to shoot their day with them both being photographers too!

After the dancing started, we set off into the dark to have some fun with off camera flash, sparklers and smoke grenades. When they days are shorter in spring, its fun to play in the dark and create some unique images. I have to thank Gareth at Lympne Castle too for helping me get my projector set up to create the last shot of this feature, projected glitter sparkles!

RACHEL & KEVIN Frasers at Coldharbour Farm ~ Kent

Rachel & Kevin had a romantic and rustic wedding at Frasers at Coldharbour Farm which is tucked away in Egerton Village near Ashford. The venue looked so pretty with such pretty florals from amazing Katherine, a.k.a Florist in the Forest. After their ceremony, everyone enjoyed the crazy golf on the lawn, which tied in the story of their first date!

Just before dinner, we went for a photo stroll around the gorgeous grounds before they were announced in for their wedding breakfast. They’d taken dance lessons for their first dance together and everyone was beaming as they glided around the floor with accompaniment from great wedding band Jukebox. As I left there was a little bit of rain, enough to make it magical with some lighting tricks. I totally adored seeing their admiration for each other and loved capturing their special day.

NIKITA & DAVE Trevenna ~ Bodmin Moor ~ Cornwall

Wow, what an amazing day Nikita and Dave had at Trevenna Barns in Cornwall. I was thrilled when they asked me to travel with them to tell their wedding story. Their guests stayed on site in lots of quirky farm buildings which made for a really relaxed day. It was such a treat to shoot somewhere so beautiful with two amazing souls.

Perfect weather arrived today for their outdoor ceremony and dreamy light arrived for their portraits too! It was such a special time that we grabbed, jumping into my car and popping out onto Bodmin Moor at sunset and we saw the moonrise too! Darkness fell as I left and the guys had started on the celebratory cigars which looked all kinds of awesome when it was backlit!

CATHY & SEAMUS Mountains Coutnry House ~ Kent

Cathy & Seamus had a wonderful spring wedding at Mountains Country House in Hildenborough in March this year. As the music started to play, the bridesmaids entered and then there was a gap, and a longer gap before a very emotional Cathy put Seamus’s growing nerves at ease as she walked down the aisle beaming through her happy tears!

After their ceremony the spring weather meant it was warm enough to have their drinks reception outside before heading into the marquee for their meal. I loved the size of the marquee with the dance area being revealed and the party got into full swing. We had plenty of darkness to step outside to have fun with smoke grenades and sparklers too!

HANNAH & CHRIS Udimore Village Hall ~ Sussex

Han & Chris had a wonderful celebration at the start of June, with morning prep at The George in Rye and their reception at Udimore Village Hall in Sussex. Their gorgeous children Bea & George were getting ready with her The got married at St Mary’s Church next to the village hall The hall looked gorgeous with quirky props Han hired from lovely wedding stylist Bellaboo and Beau and the amazing naked cake by talented Sylvia’s Kitchen.

In the marquee Han had worked away on the decor making so many things and the crowning glory was an amazing ceiling floral installation from Alex Ball Flowers and she is based in the village. Their day was lovely and relaxed and so we grabbed pockets of time for photos, exploring the stunning countryside surrounds and ramshackle old farm yard throughout the day.

JAMES & JENNA Hever Castle ~ Kent

James and Jenna had a gorgeous rustic wedding at Hever Castle in July. They’d met over a challenge of drawing an owl and so it was only right that the beautiful birds made an appearance at their wedding and this rippled through their lovely ‘after the hunt’ theme to their day. Jenna’s amazing dress was from Isabella Grace Bridal Boutique and florals were by Emily & Me.

Hever Castle is such a stunning venue to shoot at and we took a stroll through the Italian Gardens down to the lake and the dramatic Loggia. After dinner in the Astor Wing everyone walked over the draw bridge for a bubble exit before the party started in the Moat Restaurant. Before I left the lovely guys partying away, we popped to the castle, which was gently lit in the dusk light for a few magical shots.

JAMIE & AMY The Spa Hotel ~ Saltburn-by-the-sea

In August, I had the joy of seeing two great friends marry and become another Dr & Mrs Douglas, joining Mark and I with the same title! They celebrated at The Spa Hotel in Saltburn-by-the-sea and when the sun set, we stepped outside for some portraits against the amazing coastal skyline. So happy to my toes for these two!

CARLO & ANNIE Marleybrook House ~ Canterbury

Annie & Carlo had the most heartwarming wedding day at Marleybrook House on one totally summery summer’s day! On the day Annie got ready in the bridal suite, I loved her Monsoon Dress, teamed with royal blue Rachel Simpson Shoes and pretty hand picked florals from Blooming Green. After their vows in the Walled Garden gently led into a drinks reception with jenga and lawn games and the big revel of the Tardis as a surprise for their guests!

They are both serious Whovian’s, getting engaged in the Tadis in Cardiff, meant it was only right one was their on their day. The renowned team at Anderson Caterers looked after everyone for a super meal. Their awesome wedding car was the Bumblebee from the Transformers movie, boy did that engine roar! It was great to work with the fabulous guys from Ignite Films and we’d chatted ahead of their wedding about some after dark tricks for the Tardis.

CHARLOTTE & MIKE At home in Leeds ~ Maidstone

Chatlotte & Mike Married today at their family church and celebrated at Charlotte’s parents and her childhood home. During their ceremony their super cute some Darcy was Christened making it a special day for everyone! Their day was so full of love, weaved through everything they had made and crafted for their day.

Charlotte’s sister made their awesome cake, complete with paramedic husband and wife cake topper! They had an amazing choreographed first dance and afterwards we popped out for some night shots in the front garden under the tree with the leaves starting to turn all autumnal!

RACHEL & LUKE The Secret Gardens ~ Ashford

Rachel & Luke had a glorious wedding at Secret Garden Kent with all of their loved ones with them to celebrate. They had assembled an amazing and talented team of suppliers which started with Wedding Makeup by Nicola – Professional Makeup Artist pampering the bridal party at Conningbrook Hotel and the cinematic geniuses at Ignite Films in the form of Keith and Andy arrived to start telling the wedding story there too.

Lovely Fi from Anemone Blue arrived with florals and put the finishing rustic blooms in Rachel’s hair before she got into her stunning dress from Isabella Grace Bridal Boutique.

VW Brides and Polly Pootles were waiting to whisk the bridal party to the ceremony in style. The drinks reception took place on the manicured lawns at Secret Gardens before everyone took to the marquee for the wedding breakfast. The dance floor was led in safe hands with Iain Baker Wedding DJ‌..

NICOLA & JACK High Rocks ~ Tunbridge Wells

Nicola and Jak had super wedding at St Mark’s in Tunbridge Wells and then they got a black cab to a steam train from Groombridge Station through to their reception at High Rocks!! We had so much fun at the station, it really felt like we stepped back in time and there was even time for an ice cream too!

It was beyond epic and the light was just dreamy which added some extra flare to the photos. We were the last wedding to access the rocks and we climbed them at dusk for some magical twilight shots at the top and some dramatic off camera flash shots in the rocks when we were back near the entrance. My tummy flips at the wonderful sense of nostagia in their images with the wonderful locations we got to journey through on their day!

LAUREN & NICK Court Lodge ~ Stansted Village ~ Kent

Lauren & Nik had a wonderfully rustic wedding at St Mary’s Church in Stansted Village led by a really awesome vicar, and afterwards, the congregation walked down the hill to The Court Lodge for their drinks reception which was serenaded with a lovely ragtime band in the beautiful gardens. The barn looked so pretty, with all of the DIY projects Lauren & Nik had been working on coming together so superbly combined with the dreamy florals

by Blue Daisies in Meopham.

The fabulous team at Ladercraft Catering had created a wonderful meal for everybody before their emotional speeches. I loved the little escape to the fields we had together and before I could ask Lauren if she was ok with the stile into the field, she was up and over. I’m so lucky my couples are so awesome! When it came to the dance floor, the atmosphere in the barn was epic, with smoke and lasers from the DJ and all of the lights they’d hung in the days running up the their wedding looked a treat.

A CHRISTMAS BATH Assembly Rooms ~ Bath

I had the total honour of working with my dear friend Lydia Stamps Photography second shooting with her on her last wedding before she goes on maternity leave! The gorgeous Christmas affair took place in the spa town of Bath. It was such a treat to capture such a gorgeous day in such a pretty location, with their ceremony in a stunning church.

Their portraits were on the Royal Crescent and their reception in the elegant Bath Assembly Rooms. I loved second shooting, being in spots I don’t normally see the day from when in the hot seat! I’m so thrilled that Lydia finished her year with such a wonderful couple sharing such a beautiful day and her are a few frames from where I stood!

LISA & MATT P reston Court ~ Canterbury

Lisa and Matt had elegant wedding at Preston Court near Canterbury in June this year.

Lisa got ready at The Salutation in Sandwich and was being pampered by Zoe Marie Make Up, AMG Hair Design and Jenna J Hair along with her Mum and bridesmaids. Lisa looked stunning in her Justin Alexander Dress and I love her Rachel Simpson Shoes time whizzed by and we were ready to leave. Before we did we snuck into the lounge where the iconic Gogglebox sofa hides, where Steph and Dom record their show.

They had such a fun reception full of lawn games and everyone moved to the courtyard for carousel fun to a glorious organ recital. Their luscious meal was expertly catered for by Stella Grove Personal Chef before their wonderful speeches followed. We were blessed with the arrival of some gorgeous golden light just before the dance floor was ready to be torn up and boy did these guys rock it! As dusk arrived it was dark enough to play with sparklers and capture a treat of a carousel shot.

Rebecca Douglas PHOTOGRAPHY

BEST OF 2015 www.rebeccadouglas.co.uk