Holly and Dan married on a sunny summer’s day at The Orangery in Maidstone, Kent. The day ran from Holly getting ready with her mum and bridesmaids, through the ceremony and confetti, to portraits in the grounds, drinks outside, the wedding breakfast and the speeches.
Arriving in the sunshine
Guests arrived in proper summer sunshine, which set the tone for the whole day and put everyone at ease from the start.
Getting ready
Before the ceremony, Holly got ready with her mum and her bridesmaids. There was a lot of laughing, a few quieter moments with her mum, and the kind of excited energy you only get from friends sharing a big day.
The ceremony
The ceremony was in the main space at The Orangery, with daylight coming in, and there was no need for flash. It’s an intimate room, so every guest felt close to the vows.
Confetti and portraits
After the ceremony came the confetti. With the sun out, it made for bright, happy pictures as family and friends showered Holly and Dan.
Then the two of them went out into the grounds for their portraits. The gardens give a good mix, from more formal areas to softer, more natural corners.
Drinks outside and family photos
The warm weather meant the drinks reception could be outdoors. Families and friends relaxed in the sun, children played on the lawns, and there were plenty of unguarded moments to photograph.
The family photos used both the gardens and the building, so there was a choice between relaxed groups outside and more classic pictures against the architecture.
Wedding breakfast and speeches
Then everyone went in for the wedding breakfast. The coverage finished with the speeches, and the layout of the room meant every guest could see and hear the speakers, so the reactions came naturally.
Congratulations to Holly and Dan.
Planning a wedding at The Orangery, Maidstone
- Use the grounds. The gardens give you variety for couple portraits and family groups without going anywhere.
- Plan for drinks outside. On a warm day the drinks reception works well outdoors, and it’s where a lot of the relaxed pictures come from.
- Keep the family groups quick. Nobody enjoys standing in a line, and it shows on their faces if you drag it out.
- Decide when coverage ends. Holly and Dan’s finished with the speeches. Think about whether you want the first dance and evening too.
For another wedding near Maidstone, see my Leeds Castle wedding photographer page. For more Kent weddings, see Tunbridge Wells and Hever Castle, or have a look at my prices and send me your date.
