Getting married in the historic city of Canterbury in style

As we’re nearing the end of summer I can’t help but remember a spectacularly sunny day in October, a stunning couple, and the most vibrant yet intimate LGBTQ+ Canterbury Wedding Photography experience at the Abode Hotel in Canterbury. The theme of the day was definitely “colourful,” and this couple embraced it in the most fabulous way — both grooms decked out in stunning pink suits that were bold and breathtaking. As someone with a serious obsession with colourful blazers (I own at least 2 pink ones as well as yellow and blue…oops it’s not about me!), these outfits were an absolute dream to photograph!

The day began in Dover, Kent

I have to say that this was probably THE closest I’ve ever had to start photographing a wedding day at, although I’m yet to shoot a wedding at Kearsney Abbey (wink wink). But one of the grooms was getting ready a few streets over from me and his partner was getting ready just up the hill several minutes from there, and I must say it felt delightful and strange to have only a few minutes of driving to be at the prep location where we all know the wedding really starts.

Wedding prep photography is where my heart is

It’s no secret on my socials that I’m a tad in love with the getting ready part of the day. I think it’s such a joyous (and yes sometimes a little stressful) few hours of anticipation that you typically don’t share with your spouse-to-be, but you have your whole gang and/or close family with you. The pre-gaming if you will.

I love witnessing and capturing the behind the scenes of a big day in the lives of a couple in love. Which they then get to share with each other once the gallery has been delivered.

Ceremony at the Canterbury Abode Hotel

I haven’t photographed a wedding at the Abode Hotel although I often shoot weddings and events in Canterbury, so it was just a matter of time. I was a little nervous about mixing up wedding guests and normal hotel guests but the wedding ceremony turned wedding breakfast area were tucked away just enough for no one to wander off or in.

The ceremony was short and sweet, and I definitely shed a tear or two! From the flower girl to the readings to the vows, everything was full of joy and love. Speaking of flowers, they were done by the wonderful Lauren from Lauren’s Flowers and Fragrances.

Couples portraits

Canterbury is one busy city, from tourists to students to just local residents going about their business in town. So thinking of an accessible location for couples portraits that would be no further than a few minutes walk was going to be somewhat challenging.

At first I contacted the Franciscan Gardens next door to see if we could possibly pop in for a few pics. Sadly they were under construction at the time so I’ve yet to visit and take photographs inside this well-kept Canterbury secret. On the day I thought we’d go just to this bridge across the River Stour on the High Street and back, but we got a little distracted by this tiny patch of green just one street away – Three Cities Garden on Best Lane. I’ve always been of the belief that you don’t need the most breathtaking backdrop to capture genuine emotions and the simpler the better. All I want is some good light, some space and some people in love that can forget there’s a camera in front of them.

On the way back before heading into the wedding breakfast, the newlyweds had a moment to themselves just outside their venue and I thought it was so sweet.

Group Photos at the Beaney Library

Okay, truth be told we got quite a few groups done inside the Abode Hotel, but I couldn’t resist taking a few larger group shots on the steps in front of the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge aka the library – one of the arguably coolest buildings on the Canterbury High Street.

Canterbury Cathedral

After the meal we wanted to do a few more couples pics with a stunning view from the hotel suite (okay I’m slightly taking back what I said about simple backdrops). The Canterbury Cathedral is part of the city so much that not having it somewhere in your wedding photos if you do get married in Canterbury is probably illegal. Probably.

If you ever book me as your wedding photographer you can always play it by ear on the day. While I may be a bossy b during group photos (there’s like no other way!), nothing and I mean NOTHING is more important than your wellbeing and your feelings. I might recommend doing some couples photos at certain times because of the light or location or schedule, but it’s all ultimately up to you. So if you say you want a minute or whatever without photos because you need some down time I really truly get it. And for me people being comfortable and not feeling forced is always the priority, we can snap a few pics within 5 mins if you want it and that can be enough. No pressure. Your wedding is about you.

Speeches and partaay

We had these cute little cupcakes by Sponge instead of the cake and then it was time for speeches. Always so many emotions all across the room and great stories.

And then came the dancing! Possibly my other favorite part of a wedding day because I get to live vicariously through all you party animals.

And here’s some personal favs from the day that are just fun! Candids are definitely the name of the game for me.

If you want some more autumn wedding inspo – check out my blog about a micro-wedding in Ramsgate.