Victoria and Ed - The Gallivant
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve written a blog, as I have been very lucky to be busy working again, and I’ve been in the middle of a room renovation.
The wedding of Victoria & Ed was the first wedding I had photographed since the beginning of the pandemic that had no restrictions. I was a little bit nervous as I hadn’t been in a room with that many people for a while, but I was very excited too. Victoria and Ed were such a wonderful couple so they made my job very easy. They had their wedding cancelled the previous year due to Covid-19, so we were all very happy that this day was finally happening.
The Gallivant is a lovely venue. It is a boutique hotel at the beautiful beach area of Camber Sands. I had been watching the weather all week and hoping for sunshine so we could get out on to the sand dunes for some photographs. We were lucky. The sun shone for this beautiful couple and we got some amazing shots of them, with the most stunning views.
My day started in one of the gorgeous hotel rooms with the bridal party, they were getting their hair and make-up done by Kitty-Boo Creative. The bridesmaids were wearing delicate powder blue dresses that were able to have different styles for the ties at the back. The Maid-of-Honour was wearing a lovely and complimentary wine coloured dress. The brides beautiful Champagne coloured bodice dress was from Tying the Knot Bridal. It was hanging up in a perfect position above the roll-top bath. The pretty mixed coloured bouquets and boutonnières were by the in-house florist The Flower House Studio. It is always so lovely to be part of this pre-wedding moment, there is such a frisson of excitement. There were tears, laughter and plenty of champagne (obviously not for me).
When everyone was ready, and after some photographs it was time to walk to the ceremony room. It was decorated with fabulous vintage swimming costumes in frames. The hotel has a California beach theme with lots of plants and bleached wood. We were so lucky, because as soon as we got inside the heavens opened. It is said to be good luck to have rain on your wedding day, it’s even more lucky that it stops as soon as the ceremony is finished. The ceremony was a beautiful, sweet and an emotional event. It was such a special moment, especially as they had to wait over a year for it. After the I do’s and a quick hello to everyone I whisked the couple away to the Camber Sands dunes. It was only across the road. There was a steep hill of sand to climb so understandably the brides shoes had to be taken off, and the groom was such a gentleman as he helped with the shoes, flowers and the train of the dress. We got to the sand dunes and looked out across the sea, it was a stunning day with a glorious blue sky. The colours were beautiful, pale, yellow sand, azure blue sky and delicate wispy green grasses.
I always think it’s so import that the newlywed couple find this quiet time with only them and the photographer. The rest of their day will be so busy and crazy that you won’t get the time to be on your own and reflect that you’ve just tied the knot.
We took so many gorgeous photographs on the sand dunes, and Victoria and Ed were so much fun and were great to photograph. They really got into the spirit of it all they were relaxed and a delight to be with.
As with all weddings everything runs to a very tight schedule, so we didn't have too long at the beach for the photographs, and we wanted to go back to the hotel and photograph the bridal/groom parties and family members. The Gallivant had some beautiful gardens for the photographs, so we were able to really make the most of this stunning location. If you’re going to hire a beautiful venue it really seems a shame to only have photographs in one area of the grounds. Make the most of these stunning places as you don’t want to regret anything. Make sure there is time planned in for it. I have photographed some weddings and only been given fifteen minutes for the couple shots. It’s a bit mad and can be done, but it’s not as enjoyable or relaxing for all involved.
It was then time for the delicious meal and all the wonderful, emotional and funny speeches, there was even a song! After that it was the cutting the wedding cake. It was a stunning naked cake that was decorated with beautiful flowers. It was made by The White House in Rye. Then it was the first dance and party time! It was wonderful that dancing and music were allowed again, it really is the fun party element of what can be a very official and stressful day. It’s the time everyone can relax and celebrate to the joy of a wedding.
I had a wonderful day spent photographing this beautiful couple and their lovely family and friends. It’s been very difficult to choose what photographs to share from the hundreds of their gorgeous photos. It really was a special day and I am so grateful to have such a lovely job spent with fabulous people on one of their happiest days. Does it get better than that?!
