EASTWELL Manor Wedding Photographer
Wedding stories from your top London & Kent based documentary wedding photographer!
Emily & Max's Wedding: A Day of Dance, Love, and Pure Magic at Eastwell Manor
When I think about Emily and Max’s wedding, it feels like a dream. From their laid-back vibe to the out-of-the-box surprises, their day at Eastwell Manor was a whirlwind of joy, love, and ABBA – yes, ABBA. A lot of ABBA.
Let’s rewind. Emily and Max aren’t your average couple, and their wedding wasn’t your average day. These two are a force of nature. Emily, a San Francisco transplant, and Max, a true romantic, proved that even the most awkward first encounter (hello, electric candle fiasco!) can lead to a lifetime of laughter. And if you thought that was an interesting start, their engagement story? Chef’s kiss. It involved a cat, a beach walk, and, of course, a surprise ABBA flash mob. You’ll get to know them a little more later—trust me, these two are amazing.
Getting Ready: Behind-the-Scenes Antics
It all kicked off at Eastwell Manor, as a documentary wedding photographer venues that are this effortlessly stunning are a dream. As I wandered around capturing those all-important prep shots, it wasn’t hard to see the excitement (and a little nervousness) in the air. The bridesmaids were all primped and prepped by some of the best in the biz: @charleyfinchhairstylist and @emilychaplinhair (who also happens to be Emily’s closest friend—cue the perfect photo op moment). And can we talk about that dress? Nancy at @laceandliberty really nailed it with a custom design that made Emily look like a goddess. I’m still swooning.
Outdoor Ceremony by the Fountain: Love in the Air (and Flowers Everywhere)
The ceremony was a vibe. Picture this: A beautiful outdoor setting, a fountain that sounds like a dream, and a group of people just soaking in the love. Emily walked down the aisle, radiant as always, with her nieces stealing the show as flower girls (seriously, my heart melted). It was one of those moments where you stop, breathe, and think, “This is what love looks like.”
Fun fact: The flowers at this wedding were all locally sourced from @theflowerfarmdenstroude, with @botanicalbloomskent’s Angie working her floral magic. Oh, and did I mention the DIY vibe? The family members were hands-on, too, doing a little flower arranging the day before the wedding. A perfect blend of love, personal touch, and blooming talent.
Drinks Reception & Epic Dance Moves
After the ceremony, the party moved to the terrace where guests mingled and sipped cocktails. The sun was shining, the drinks were flowing, music playing! But the best moment? The wedding party’s entrance into the sit-down reception. I’m talking about an epic choreographed dance to their favourite Abba song that was pure brilliance.
Cue some seriously impressive moves by Emily, Max, and the entire crew. This wasn’t your typical wedding march into the reception. No, this was a dance-off, with sparkles in the air and everyone in high spirits. It was infectious. And if I hadn’t been running around taking photos, I might’ve joined in myself.
The Speech (or Should We Say, “Performance”?): ABBA Strikes Again
Then, there was the speech. I mean, a speech is just a speech, right? Well, not when it’s a choreographed ABBA number complete with rewritten lyrics to tell Emily and Max’s love story. Yes, I said ABBA. Again. It was golden. Everyone, from bridesmaids to groomsmen, was in on it, and let me tell you – they didn’t miss a beat. It was so much fun, and so uniquely “Emily & Max” that it had everyone laughing, crying, and probably considering signing up for ABBA dance lessons.
Sunset Ceilidh and Fireworks: The Night Keeps Getting Better
As the evening drew in, we had a sunset ceilidh (yes, you read that correctly) on the grass, and it was like stepping into a magical movie. The ceilidh band, Blag, were on fire, and so was everyone on the dance floor. The energy was next level.
And of course, what would a wedding be without a bouquet toss? Emily nailed it, and honestly, the lucky lady who caught it has bragging rights for life.
The Dance Floor: No One Wanted the Night to End
Finally, the night ended with dancing, DJ @mintdjs spinning all the right tracks, and more ABBA (obviously). The dance floor was electric, with everyone from Emily and Max’s family to their friends cutting loose. At this point, I felt like I was at the wedding of the year (and I’m biased, but I think I was right).
Oh, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better the fireworks started and it felt like we were all inside a dream. The sky lit up, and with it, the love and laughter that had been building all day. The vibe? Pure joy, silliness, and everything you could hope for at a wedding.
A Review That Left Me Blushing
I always appreciate kind words from my couples, but what Emily and Max wrote about me made me tear up (in a good way). Here’s what they had to say:
“Gemma is a phenomenal photographer. She was soooo low profile and somehow so central to the day. We really didn’t want a photographer who directed us around, and even with me specifically telling her we hate posing, she managed to get stunning photos that look like she spent hours telling us how to stand and pose. I’m in awe of her talent, truly. If you want a documentary style photographer who makes you look absolutely beautiful and doesn’t occupy your entire day with photography, Gemma is your person. We literally just had our wedding and she took photos, and they were amazing. She didn’t stop the flow, interrupt things, make us miss anything. I’m genuinely in awe at how talented she is. Stop your research and hire Gemma right now.”
Needless to say, I almost cried again.
The Crew That Made It Happen
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team of suppliers. Major shoutout to:
@eastwell_manor for the stunning venue
@thecakeplace_ashford and @bakedbouquetsbymel for the seriously gorgeous cakes and cupcakes
@botanicalbloomskent for the floral perfection
@mintdjs for the beats that kept us on our feet
@blagceilidh for making sure the ceilidh was unforgettable
@makeupbykateryan and @charleyfinchhairstylist for keeping the bridal party flawless
@laceandliberty for the dress of the century
And @ajpyrotechnics for those fireworks that had everyone gasping in awe
In Conclusion
This wedding wasn’t just about the beautiful setting, the incredible food, or the insane dance moves (although they were all important). It was about Emily and Max, two people who were clearly made for each other, celebrating their love with their closest friends and family in a way that was uniquely them. It was a celebration of love, laughter, and ABBA—and I can honestly say it was one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever had the pleasure of documenting.
Emily & Max, thank you for letting me be a part of your epic day. It was nothing short of a blast.
As a London & Kent based documentary wedding photographer I just adore capturing days like this!
You guys, I promise—if you want a wedding that’s more fun than formal, full of personality, and completely unforgettable, this is the vibe to go for. And if you want me to capture it? You know where to find me. :)