Saying “I Do” within the Kentish Savannah

Capturing this wedding for Katie and Matt last summer was nothing short of magical.

We were blessed with a beautifully, hot, summer day in early July. The sky was blue, the animals were chattering in the distance, and the drinks were flowing!

Katie and Matt, with the help of the fantastic team at Port Lympne, planned a spectacular wedding day that was bursting with fruity cocktails, fresh flowers, lawn games and lots, and lots of laughter.

As schools had not yet broken up for the summer, we were incredibly lucky to find that there were minimal visitors, beyond those on the couple’s guest list, which made the day feel all the more special (and regal) as we wandered the quiet grounds of this historic, Grade Two listed mansion tucked away just outside of the quiet town of Hythe in Kent.

Katie and her Bride Squad started their morning in one of the main house’s decadent, safari-themed rooms, where hair and make-up were taking place accompanied by the finest fizz and sweet treats from London’s Betty’s.

While the girls were getting their glam on, the boys were across the reserve in one of the famous Tree Houses, enjoying a slightly, slower-paced morning.

The happy couple were wed in a beautifully, intimate legal ceremony within the infamous, floral-adorned Pergola.

Following the ceremony, once the vows were complete, confetti had been thrown and the group photos completed, Toastmasters, Jonathan and Nikki were on hand throughout the afternoon to ensure everything ran smoothly, offering their expertise and assistance where needed, and, most importantly, keeping the guests thoroughly hydrated!

The wedding breakfast later took place in the newly renovated Orangery where Katie and Matt were enthusiastically welcomed to join the party already in motion by their loving guests as Husband and Wife!

Before this fun and energetic entrance, we had snuck away for a quiet stroll in the sunshine and taken a lap around the grounds to visit several of the mansion’s more secluded spots for those all-important couple portraits.

Katie and Matt’s day was full of fun perfectly blended with an elegant sophistication.

It was a true delight to witness and capture. And despite the many steps accumulated throughout the day, all whilst being 35 weeks pregnant(!), I couldn’t have wished for a better day for such a wonderful and enchanting couple.

Wedding Supplier Dream Team

Primary Photographer; Lori Young Photography
Second Shooter; Kayley Bull Photography
Venue: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Makeup Artist: Sara Austin
Florist: Lilac and Lace
Live Music: The Small Band Company
Stationery: Wonder Wedding Stationery
Cheese Tower: La Fromagerie
Wedding Dress: Pronovias