Kent Wedding Photographer, Matt Rock Photography - my 2023 review

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I thought i’d share a little insight to some of my wedding work and reviews from 2023 with some of my favourite images… I might have to produce another, blog part two as I hadn’t expected to include so many and there are lots of weddings not featured.

Wedding at South Lodge Hotel Brighton Road, Horsham, RH13 6PS, and then onto The Cider Trap, Wobblegate Farm

Black & White photo of the Bride and Groom walking back to their wedding car
Matt is amazing!! Our pictures have completely blown us away!
Matt was so easy to work with, his communication was spot on and we felt completely safe in his hands!
On the day, Matt was great! He made us and our wedding guests feel so at ease, and as a result got some brilliant candid pictures that really captured the spirit of our day! Can’t recommend matt highly enough!
— Sarah & Martin 20.12.23
Colour photo of the Bridesmaid helping the Bride get ready in window light
The best man helping the Groom with his suit

Photographing weddings at this time of year is a real joy; with all the lights, cosy warm rooms and the anticipation of Christmas just around the corner. This was a standout wedding in 2023 for me because the groom was a friend who i’ve know for a few years and also a great videographer / film maker himself. The lovely family and friends that attended this wedding always helps make my job that much more fun!


Wedding at Lympne Castle, The St, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LQ

Matt was one of the first people we contacted when planning our wedding and he was so helpful and friendly when we had issues with our venue. He was so easy to talk to about what we wanted, helping us decide what to book.

On the day he was really good at helping us get some really lovely shots- they show the whole day and everyone that was there so well! Loads of our guests have said how friendly he was- very happy with everything!
— Katherine & Neil 28th October 2023
Drone shot showing the front of Lympne Castle with Autumnal colours
Bride & Groom walking through the court yeard into the confetti
Drone shot of Lympne Castle and surrounding countryside
Colour photo of the Bride & Groom portrait outside the castle door with a puddle reflection
Colour photo of Bride & Groom walking up Lympne Castle driveway
Colour photo of the Bride & Groom at Lympne Castle entrance gate
The Bride & Broom's first dance
First Dance

Autumn is an amazing time of year for weddings and the outcome is beautiful photographs to cherish forever - simple as that. The colours are beautiful, the weather is unpredictable and Lympne Castle really shines at this time of year. I’ve been on the recommended list of photographers at Lympne Castle for a few years now and always love coming back. The Bride & Groom were very welcoming and their gust were fun to work with. Really loved this one!


Wedding at 0ne Warick Park Hotel, 1 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TA

Matt was great to have as our photographer - we love the candid approach! He was very easy to work with, he took all the pictures we wanted and was great at getting shots of friends & family, the pictures turned out great and we couldn’t be happier. We received loads of great quality pictures, and what’s more he’s fun to have around on the day!
— Maisie & Jonny - 5th August 2023
Bridesmaids looking at a hotel sign that says 'Hello Gorgeous'
Colour photo of the Bridesmaid opening the hotel room door to the usher
Bride having her makeup added
oroid photo being taken by a guest
Pile of poloroid photos on a table with wine glasses
Bride looking in the mirror laughing with her bridesmaid crying
Bride portrait, standing with her flowers looking out of the window
Black & White photo of the Bride in the window
Black & White photo of the Bride looking at her two bridesmaids
Bridesmaids fanning the brides armpits while bride waves her arms and flowers in the air
Bride walking to the ceremony in the hotel coridor
Bride in the lift pushing the 0 floor button
Groom waiting for his bride
Bride in tears as she walks down the aisle
Bride and groom during wedding ceremony
Bride & Groom walking
Bride & Groom confetti walk

Bride and Groom photo walk
Couple clinking wine glasses
Bride & Groom messing around
Bride & Groom eating their wedding donuts
Bride and Groom fun first dance

The sun doesn’t always shine in August and this was one of the only wet weddings I shot in 2023. Despite this, it was the perfect venue for a rainy day. There was no outside space to use apart from a public footpath but it was enough to get some great outdoor photos and we had a break in the rain until after we’d finished the groups. So it may have rained but it didn’t disturb or intrude on the photos and the fun. Some of the wedding were Scottish so lots of Kilts on show and half of the family were from France and they performed a family tradition after the first dance and it was fantastic atmosphere. Wonderful day!


Wedding at The Oak Barn, Frame Farm, Iden Green Rd, Benenden, Cranbrook TN17 4EZ

We couldn’t be happier with all the photos we had taken on our wedding day by Matt Matt made us feel so relaxed and we hardly knew he was there. Matt captured so many lovely memories from throughout the day and we love how the pictures tell the story of our special day so perfectly. We have had so many lovely comments from the photos Matt took.
Would highly recommend :)
Thank you
— Liza and Dexter - 7th July 2023
Bride and bridesmaids walking up the stairs to the venue
Brides flowers with pendant
Groom looking in the mirror combing hair
Groom looking nervous and ushers fixing his cufflinks
Groom portriat
Bride in mirror reflection brides mum helping with dress
Brides reveals her dress to her dad and bridesmaids
Bride having a drink
Groom and ushers
Bridesmaids walking to the ceremony
Bride walking with her dad to the ceremony
Groom waiting for his bride
Bride walking down the aisle with her dad
Bride and groom during their outdoor ceremony
Bride and groom laughing during the ceremony
Exchange of the rings
Bride & grooms first kiss
Bride signing the wedding certificate
Confetti
Confetti walk
Brdesmaids and ushers
Bride and groom walking in the sun
Bride and groom walking black and white
Bride & Groom portrait holding hands
Bride and Groom portrait laughing
Silhouette of the Bride and Groom
Bride and Groom first dance

Hot hot hot! Lovely wedding and we all survived the heat. I’m lucky to be a recommended supplier here at The Oak Barn, Frame Farm and have been for a couple of years. The first time I was lucky enough to shoot here I knew it was going to be a popular venue. The guest were all very friendly and the couple were welcoming and it felt like I spent the day with a group of friends. Always my favorite way to enjoy a wedding.


Matt was a dream on our big day. He was efficient, funny and a great part of our wedding day. He worked candidly for the majority of the day, which is what we wanted, but he still got those ‘posed’ shots that were important to us.
He also turned around our final photos a lot quicker than we expected and we are so happy with the result and the photo film too - which made me cry happy tears! We currently have over 200 photos favourited for printing, which just tells you how happy we are! Thank you again Matt.
— Kelly & Oliver - 16th June 2023
Drone shot of Salomons Estate
Confetti walk
Bride and Groom confetti walk
Bride and groom with bridesmaids
Black and White photo of the Bride and Groom and brides mum
Cheers!
Bride and portrait on the bridge
Bride and Groom walking downstairs
Bride and groom portrait
Bridal party with coloured smoke cannons
Smoke Cannons
Bride and Groom first dance

Another hot day at this wonderful wedding. A gorgeous couple and really friendly too. I felt so welcome with their friends and family which helps me enjoy the day far better and I’m lucky that I get lots of weddings who’s guests are friendly and welcoming. Another fun bunch of people, great venue and a very hot and sunny day. Oh and I almost forgot; this was the first wedding i’ve shot smoke cannons. For some reason they have passed me by until now.

If you decide to use these cannons at your wedding you must be very careful and I would recommend sticking to just the bridal party. They are fun and can make for some lovely colourful photos but proceed with caution….

If you made it this far - THANK YOU! - Hope you enjoyed seeing a little window into my 2023 weddings if you or a friend would like to chat more about your wedding get in touch below.

The Oak Barn Frame Farm Wedding Photographer

I WORK QUICKLY, QUIETLY & UNOBTRUSIVELY;

CAPTURING THOSE CANDID MOMENTS YOU NEVER KNEW HAPPENED.

A KENT WEDDING VENUE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

Matt,
You were an absolute legend! Thank you so much, I had so many comments about how nice you were and that you fitted in perfectly to the day. I can’t recommend you highly enough.
— Mrs & Mrs Ellis

When Emma & Bradley first contacted me and asked me to be their wedding photographer, back in January 2021, I asked the same question as always; “where are you getting married?” Often the answer is one i’m familiar with or at a venue I have already worked at.

However, The Oak Barn, Frame Farm in Kent was not one of those venues. Actually I’d never heard of it, let alone worked there before. So the first thing I did was look at their website and it looked lovely. So I was very excited when they booked me as I knew it would be a special place for me to work.

I was not disappointed...

The wedding day itself went really well; lovely guests and great weather, which is always a bonus when it comes to the unpredictable English climate & even more lucky for the helicopter pilot!

I started the day as I normally do - candid photos of the the bride getting ready and then it was a quick 25 minute dash through the countryside to the church for their ceremony. I say a quick dash, it was more like a hair raising race through lots of twisty small country lanes trying to follow the brides wedding car…




After some light refreshments it was the Bride & Grooms time to go and catch the helicopter and meet us all back at the venue.







Play the music photo-film below and turn up the volume…


If you would like to book your Award Winning Wedding Photography contact me HERE for more information

Suppliers below:

Venue: @theoakbarnff - Website here

Hair & Make up: @makeupangelcouk

Ice Cream van: @indulgent_ice_creams

Dress Alterations: @bridalalterationsmaidstone

Sax Player: @davebraziersax

Photography - Me! @mattrockprophoto

Follow me on social media:

The Darenth Wedding Photographer - Matt Rock

The Darenth, Shoreham

Kent Wedding at The Darenth

Rebecca & Xavier during their portraits

Thank you SO much. All our family and friends said how much they loved you!
These are AMAZING thankyou so much, you do such fantastic work!
You have made our week!
— Mr & Mrs Tinto; Bride & Groom

Photo-film - Press play and turn up the volume - 3 minutes 45 seconds

Rebecca & Xavier received there complimentary wedding photo-film as part of my SPECIAL OFFER to our NHS & Emergency Services staff - See this offer HERE

A beautiful September wedding photographed last year at The Darenth, Shoreham.

This was a beautiful day in September, the weather was great and after meeting them at the venue for their complimentary wedding pre-shoot (part of my Emergency Services special offer) a few weeks before I knew straight away they were a lovely couple - Being a wedding photographer is even better when you work with friendly, happy couples.

My day started as it often does, by heading over to their home to meet Rebecca & her bridesmaids as they were getting ready for the big day.

Bridal prep is a good place to start your wedding photos and I love capturing everyones excitement, nerves and anticipation for what the day will have in store for us all.

Rebecca & Xavier found me via The Darenth in Shoreham; and booked me back in January 2021 - I’m lucky that Kerry & Jason who run The Darenth recommend me to their couples; which means I work there a lot and it’s a perfect place to tie the knot with many options to have your ceremony indoors or out on the lawn.



After the ceremony they had a chance to chat with all their friends and family and have some celebration bubbles before going outside. This is a good opportunity for some group photos; which I feel is a small but very important part of the day.

I shoot in a documentary style throughout the day and I candidly capture the moments that happen at a wedding by observing what happens without getting in the way. However I believe it is important to have a small amount of group portraits made of your closest family and friends. I love to get these where ever possible before the wedding breakfast.

There was even a bit of time for Xavier to see the wedding car on the way…


As soon as we were back inside, the wedding breakfast was ready to begin and the food was served. This means only one thing.

The speeches were not far behind.

Followed closely by the party and first dance.

Whilst everyone is having fun and eating their meal I am still busy saving and backing up all the images i’ve made up to that point before getting to work again after the meal to capture the wedding party and first dance - we can’t be too careful with these precious images and by the time I go to bed they will have been backed up 4 times in 4 separate places.



If you would like to book your Award Winning Wedding Photography contact me HERE for more information


Award Winning Photography: Matt Rock - @mattrockprophoto

Venue: The Darenth - @weddingvenuekent

Location: Shoreham, Kent

Videographer: @mooncastfilms

DJ: @devotedeventsuk

Other blogs featuring The Darenth


Make sure you follow me on social media - below - to see some more up to date content

BEAUTIFUL - CREATIVE - TIMELESS

The Castle Westenhanger - Kent Wedding Photographer - Matt Rock

A look back to September, 2017 - The wedding of Kayleigh & Jack - The Castle, Westenhanger, Kent.

Due to COVID-19 there was not much work on in 2020 and early 2021, so I thought I would take a look back at ‘the old days’. To a wedding held at one of my favourite Kent wedding venues.

This wedding has some great memories for me and I can not wait to work there again this year. (all being well of course)

Kayleigh & Jack were recommended to me from both The Castle, Westenhanger and their friends; a couple I had worked with the year before. Recommendations is where most of my wedding work comes from.


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The weather was good, the couple were really lovely and everyone seemed to have a great day celebrating Kayleigh & Jack’s wedding. One word to describe this wedding was ‘FUN’.

It was 14th September 2017 and as is often the case, my day started at 11.30am.

When I turned up at Westenhanger Castle the bride prep was all going well and no-one seemed to be too stressed, which is a good start to any wedding day.

I normally work alone during a wedding and most of the time the day starts with bride prep. The first time I get to see the groom is often at the church or ceremony venue. However, The Castle, Westenhanger is a venue that i’m able to shoot the boys getting ready as well. This is because there is a dedicated brides room upstairs and the boys use downstairs. They never see each other before the ceremony starts but I can go between the two rooms getting both sides of the story.

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Candid, documentary wedding photography is best when it starts at the beginning.

Which is why my wedding collections offer full day coverage, starting at the bride prep. (and groom prep if possible) This helps to make your wedding album complete and when you look back on your wedding day in the years that follow it will give you the chance to re-live it all over again - from start to finish.

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Set in 14 acres of magnificent Kent countryside, The Castle Westenhanger has it all. A medieval castle steeped in history with a stunning manor house, castle turrets, and romantic ruins, it’s the perfect location for your dream wedding.

Dating back to 1343, The Castle Westenhanger enjoys a rich history and was once King Henry VIII’s preferred party palace. It has since been lovingly restored into a fully licensed, exclusive-use wedding and events venue with three stunning inside and outside ceremony options.
— https://www.westenhangercastle.co.uk

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I try to fuse together my candid photos with some natural portraits where possible. I find this can give the couple some time to breath and think about what they are about to do.

This portrait above was made once the bride was ready and before she was about to walk outside to meet her groom.

The image below is of the groom and his best man just after he saw Kayleigh walking out of the Castle door for the first time - his best man can tell the emotions are now starting to get real.

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There isn’t long to wait until the wedding breakfast is served and the dreaded speeches to begin. This is always a great time for candid emotional photos. Nerves and the fear of public speaking is always on show here.

My advice would be to embrace the fear and enjoy it because as soon as it’s over you will probably want to say more.

Anyway it’s really the best man who needs to worry. There is a lot more expectation on him to be funny and of course interesting.

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Tip for the best man:

Not everyone finds the best man stories appropriate to share with the rest of the guests...

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As soon as the wedding breakfast has been eaten and the speeches are finished, it’s time to welcome the evening guests, cut the cake, let your hair down and start the evening off with a bang.

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This was a wedding i’ll remember and the Castle Westenhanger is a great venue to hold your wedding day celebrations. See link here: https://www.westenhangercastle.co.uk/

If you would like to get in touch and find out what I can offer you for your big day, please contact me on 07970668592 or see the ‘contact me’ link below.

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Photo-Films from The Castle, Westenhanger

Photo-Film

Hit the play button in the middle to watch Kayleigh & Jacks Photo-Film below.

PHOTO-FILM

Hit the play button in the middle to watch another wedding from Westenhanger Castle - August 2019

Photo-Film

Hit the play button in the middle to watch another wedding from Westenhanger Castle - July 2018

Photo-Film

Hit the play button in the middle to watch another wedding from Westenhanger Castle - August 2018


View the wedding blog of Denise & Joe, Westenhanger Castle - August 2019 - BLOG

BEAUTIFUL - CREATIVE - TIMELESS

Venue: Westenhanger Castle

Photography by: Matt Rock Photography

Tel: 07970 668592 - E: matt@mattrockphotography.com

Source: https://www.mattrockphotography.com

Kent Wedding Photographer - Matt Rock

The Manor Gatehouse - Dartford Registry Office

The wedding of Jon & Andrew - 31 March 2021

The wedding of Jon & Andrew - 31 March 2021



Like most weddings from last year Jon & Andrew had to re-book their wedding from the end of 2020 due to - YES you’ve guest it, more restrictions, lockdowns and all the other terms we have gotten used to in the last 15 months.

This meant it was going to be my first wedding of 2021 and what a lovely start to the year it was. Jon & Andrew are great. They have been together for over 27 years and in the UK gay marriage has been recognised since 2014. Which begs the question…. Why has it taken them this long? I guess life just gets in the way and then a little pandemic happened. But finally the 31st March 2021 was set. Their day was always going to be a small wedding; Mum, Sister, brother-in-law and of course me their wedding photographer.

I went to their house for a few candid photos of them first and then after a small detour to pick Mum up we met all at the Manor Gatehouse - the historic registry office in Dartford, Kent.

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The Manor Gatehouse

The Manor Gatehouse

Henry VIII chose the site to construct a Manor House between 1541 and 1544 for his personal use. Anne of Cleves was given the Manor House as part of her divorce settlement by Henry, and lived there between 1553 and 1557. Elizabeth I retained the use of the Manor House but only stayed there on two occasions. Today it is just the Gatehouse that remains, offering a choice of two rooms for ceremonies.
— Quote https://www.akentishceremony.com/register-offices/056a7474/
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After a short but lovely ceremony we headed outside for some photos before heading off home. I said it was a small ceremony but it was a very important one. We were meant to go to Eagle Heights afterwards for cream tea, however due to restrictions that was not allowed.

Although Jon & Andrew have asked me to photograph the event and we will be meeting again this afternoon - 19th May 2021 - the day I am writing this blog. So that’s something to look forward to later - We all love a bit of cake...

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Photo-film below - turn up the volume - 3 minutes long

To be continued….

BEAUTIFUL - CREATIVE -TIMELESS

Venue: The Manor Gatehouse, Dartford - Part of A Kentish Ceremony

Photography: Matt Rock Photography

Getting married in a pandemic - Kent Wedding Photographer - Matt Rock

Wedding Photography at The Manor Gatehouse, Dartford - 2020

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2020 was a bit of a curve ball for us all.

I was all set for my busiest year of shooting weddings since starting my business way back in 2006.

It was 2019, and I had a busy year after winning the Kent Wedding Photographer of the Year - 2019. I was all prepared for a busy year ahead; I had a minor operation booked in for the start January 2020 (which went well thanks to our amazing NHS) and my first wedding of the year was booked in for late March. So plenty of time to rest and recover before the hard work and fun started.

Then came COVID-19…

Fast forward a year to December 2020 and out of the 32 weddings I had booked in, only 3 of them were able to go ahead due to government restrictions.

To say it was a stressful year professionally is an understatement. However, I still count myself very lucky. Receiving the government grants, having some great clients who were still prepared to stick with me and some who paid their fees upfront. This meant I was able to keep my business going and look forward to a busier 2021.

We are still not out of the woods just yet, but with the vaccine being rolled out and an amazing NHS - it’s got to a positive move forward.

2020 will be a year to remember - or maybe forget.

2020 will be a year to remember - or maybe forget.

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Amy and John were great throughout all of this. They had originally booked me almost 2 years before, in 2018 and their original date was set for 10th April 2020. They even recommended me to John’s sister and I shot her wedding in 2019. But as soon as the lockdown was looking like a possibility their date was soon changed to later in the year and we postponed it to 14th November 2020. At this point we were all hopeful this virus would be under control by the summer of 2020.

As this new date approached however it was clear that things were getting worse - not better. So they made the difficult decision to move their wedding date for a second time and bring it forward to 30th September 2020. Which as it turned out was a great move on their part as another venue lockdown was just around the corner…

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Below are some of my favourite memories from their wedding day - 30th September 2020

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So that was the moment it all happened - all the years of planning a wedding, postponing it twice, a pandemic and the compulsory wearing of face masks.

It all came down to the fact that two people just wanted to get married!

That’s it!

There was not going to be any lavish after party with 150 guests, no big embarrassing speech from the best man, no DJ, no first dance and no honeymoon.

Just two young people who were desperate to get married and start a new life together as Mr & Mrs.

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Then it was all down to the local pub for burger & chips & few drinks.

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It was great to be part of Amy & John’s special day and although it was not as they would have chosen, I felt they still had the best day, spent with close friends and family. I mentioned before that i’d photographed John’s sisters wedding back in 2019, so for me it was good to catch up with the family again too.

I made a music photo-film from their wedding and you can see this below.

Thanks for reading and as we look to March / April and the summer of 2021, let us hope it will be a bit more ‘back to normal’ and weddings can once again be a regular occurrence in our diaries.

Suppliers:

Ceremony: Manor Gatehouse, Dartford Registry Office, Dartford, Kent - A Kentish Ceremony @kentishceremony

Pub: The Malt Shovel, Dartford, Kent @maltshoveldartf

If you know any suppliers that I have missed, please contact me me as I would love to include their details here.


Need help deciding? See my BLOG below for some more inspiration.

pandemic noun
plural pandemics
Definition of pandemic
1 : an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area (such as multiple countries or continents) and typically affects a significant proportion of the population : a pandemic outbreak of a disease
a global pandemic
Influenza pandemics seem to strike every few decades and to kill by the million—at least 1m in 1968; perhaps 100m in the “Spanish” flu of 1918-19.
— The Economist
— https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pandemic



Source: https://www.mattrockphotography.com

Darenth Valley Wedding Photography - Emma & Luke 2020

The Darenth Wedding Photographer

Recommended Wedding Photographer

Emma & Luke booked me for their wedding back in March 2019 and were meant to be married in June 2020 at The Darenth, a lovely wedding venue in Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent. This venue has changed so much over the last 4 years and it should be a venue you look at too. One of the great features at The Darenth is that you have the option to get married inside or outside.

So with the date set it was all go go go and looking forward to the wedding… Then 2020 happened! Being the year it is, over 95% of weddings were postponed to later in the year or into 2021. Emma & Luke wanted to move the date back to August 2020 and of course I still wanted to be involved and lucky enough I had the date available too.

We managed to get the new date booked in a couple of months later for August and they had a lovely outside wedding planned. Lots of couples book a pre-shoot to get used to the camera before the big day but due to COVID-19 and lockdown, we didn’t have many dates free for theirs so we met just a couple of days before the wedding for some photos and then it was wedding time soon after.

Pre-shoot at The Darenth

Pre-shoot at The Darenth

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times for some of us; making sure all the people you love are there, the dress is perfect, the venue knows what you want, the groom arrives sober and the best man doesn’t ruin the day with the worst speech in history! Alongside that there are all the other little details that need to be planned, booked and paid for. Then add a little virus into the mix - COVID-19 - and it can take on a whole new level of stress.

But Emma & Luke seemed to be so relaxed and calm about it and the day went perfectly. Ok, it wasn’t exactly how they planned it to be but they got their outdoor wedding they wanted and all their close family and friends were there to celebrate with them too.

As with most weddings I shoot, coverage starts with the Bride getting ready. I love to blend in & capture these images of the excitement and sometimes chaos.

Watch their Photo-film below - just hit the PLAY button

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As I said, I love starting the day shooting bride preparations. It’s a time that is full of expectations, nerves and excitement. I can really get the natural photos that I like to get which tell the story of the day. It also gives me the chance, if time allows, to get some beautiful portraits of the bride too.

As Emma came out of the house it started to rain very lightly - This was not a good start as she was all set for an outside ceremony at The Darenth and we were all a bit concerned about it getting worse...

However, by the time we’d arrived at The Darenth the rain had stopped and it was back to the original plan of having an outside ceremony - although it was very windy - terrible for my hair!

But I don’t think Luke the groom was too worried.

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After a few reception drinks & the cake was cut, we were off out for some portraits & group photos. Then onto the Kings Arms, Shoreham for some food and more drinks. We took the short walk, just down the road & over the beautiful bridge.

The Darenth is situated near to the lovely little village of Shoreham, Sevenoaks. About a 5 - 10 minutes walk away and a great place to go for some couple portraits after your ceremony.

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With all that has happened in 2020 with COVID, this wedding still went ahead and it was a great wedding day. Although it was a bit different to a wedding in a normal year, due to you know what but the wedding was a big success and from an outsiders point of view it went very very well and everyone seemed to love being there to celebrate it with Emma & Luke - I know I did! Yes it was different but every wedding I have ever photographed since 2006 has been different.

The one thing I try to do with every wedding is tell a story of the day and this wedding will be one of only a very small number of weddings that took place in 2020 (this was my first 2020 wedding & I’ve photographed just 3 up to this point - November 2020) and that will be the story these two lovely people will tell their grandchildren many years from now…

“What year did you get married Nan?”

“Let me tell you about COVID 2020…. “

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The Darenth - Contact the team:

Station Road, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7SA

info@thedarenth.com - 01959 522944 - www.thedarenth.com

DARENTH VALLEY PHOTO-FILMS - BELOW - PRESS PLAY & TURN UP THE VOLUME

SUPPLIERS:

Venue: The Darenth

Pub: The Kings Arms, Church St, Shoreham, Sevenoaks TN14 7SJ

Flowers: Mr Flower Ltd - https://mrflower.co.uk

Dress: Wed2b - https://www.wed2b.co.uk/bridal-shops/london/kent/wed2b-bromley

Rings: Beverbrooks - http://beaverbrooks.co.uk

Photographer: Matt Rock Photography

Other supplier information will be added as soon as possible.

Source: https://www.mattrockphotography.com

Twilight Wedding by Rowhill Grange Wedding Photographer

Natalie & Jason’s beautiful late November wedding day at Rowhill Grange - November 2019 - Wedding photos by: Matt Rock Photography

The Clockhouse & Thatchers Loft, Rowhill Grange, Dartford, Kent

The Clockhouse & Thatchers Loft, Rowhill Grange, Dartford, Kent

With lots of Autumn colours still falling from the trees, Natalie & Jason’s twilight Kent wedding in late November was a beautifully sunny & dry day. I love days like this when it’s cold with bright blue sky. I knew this was going to be a very relaxed day without any fuss. Because, when we met up to discuss the details of their day Natalie & Jason had already said they wanted a relaxed wedding day with natural, candid photos to look back on in their wedding album - No posing required here...

There was lots going on when I arrived at Rowhill Grange that afternoon. I was greeted with big smiles from the bride and her mum at the Thatchers loft suite in The Clockhouse.

Bride prep for a twilight wedding is always much later than normal and it felt like everyone was ready for a great afternoon wedding and a big party in the evening.

The champagne had already been popped a few times I think - the shots weren’t going to be far behind! It was the afternoon after-all.

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By now, Jason and his sons had arrived downstairs, ready to welcome more guests to the The Clockhouse bar. Having the two areas close by I can move easily and quickly from the Bride to the Groom to capture both the girls getting ready and the boys greeting guests arriving and getting the last minute plans finalised.

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After a few more drinks all the girls start to get ready and that is normally my time to go elsewhere for a few moments. Although sometimes venues, like at Rowhill Grange have a good area for changing, so I don’t need to go far and can still document the wedding as though I am one of the guests, and not be that ‘official’ photographer who gets in the way and barks orders at everyone... Nobody likes those photographers.

One for the road - what’s the worst that can happen?

One for the road - what’s the worst that can happen?

She didn’t like that!

She didn’t like that!

You can watch a short photo-film below - just press the PLAY tab in the middle & turn the volume up - there’s music too!

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Once Natalie, was ready to come down, Jason & all the guests were safely ushered into the ceremony room.

- It was time for the Father-of-the-Bride to see his little girl -

This is the point at which I always imagine seeing my own little girl - who is currently only 4 years old, so plenty of time to save - in her wedding dress on her special day. So I can understand how this guy must be feeling at this point - you can even see a tear in his eye when I made this portrait, just moments before Natalie came down the stairs to see him. When I spoke to him, he seemed a little nervous but very excited to be walking his daughter down the aisle.

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Once the ceremony was over and being a twilight wedding in late November, it was already dark outside which meant everyone stayed indoors to greet Natalie & Jason and congratulate them on getting married. There were lots of guests and lots of cuddles! This part of the wedding is all about capturing the guests, the laughter, the conversations, the hugs, the fights!?

No, not really. I’ve never had any fights break out at one of my weddings - yet.

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Almost time for the Speeches - I love the build up to the wedding speeches and it tends to start early in the day when the best man and Groom are having lots of banter with each other trying to make the other one more nervous as the day goes on. Listening to the speeches often brings out some funny one-liners which make me laugh or an emotional story or two which can often make for great candid photos of the guests reacting to the stories. There weren’t any speeches planned for Natalie & Jason, just a few words of thanks, so I knew these speeches were going to be less formal than others. But in the end they were longer than expected and quite emotional for the people involved - as an experienced wedding photographer I am used to not having too much of a plan because weddings can and often do change throughout the day. With friends, family and a microphone the combination often brings out the emotional side to people and at times like this, if things need to be said to close loved ones - say them.

Images wise, I like to get in close for these shots - almost like a guest at the table - you can get a sense that you, as the viewer, are there in the room and even sitting at the table all over again.

Remember that at a wedding you will only get to see what happens from your perspective. So getting candid, documentary style photos from an experienced photographer can mean you see your wedding day in a totally different way from a totally different angle and these will be memories you will share for a long time, way into the future.

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With all the speeches finished, the tears dried and the cake cut, the room has to have a quick tidy-up & turn around. So there’s time for a few more drinks at the bar and the kids can play outside whilst the band and the DJ’s; The Award Winning Discologic can set up their equipment. Then, it’s time for the the newly married couple to have their first dance as husband and wife.

Then the time that everyone has been waiting for…

P - A - R - T - Y

T - I - M - E

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The Clockhouse & Thatchers Loft, Rowhill Grange, Dartford, Kent

The Clockhouse & Thatchers Loft, Rowhill Grange, Dartford, Kent

If you would like to book me to photograph your wedding with creatively candid, natural, photographs that document your big day and maybe some beautiful couple portraits too, please get in touch HERE. I am a Kent wedding photographer however I am available to work all over the UK and I’d love to work on my first European wedding in the near future too.

Useful supplier links below:

Venue: Rowhill Grange - Wedding Dress: Ring O Roses - Suits: Bespoke & Tailoring -

Bridesmaids Dresses: Lipsy - Singer & Band: Jayne Snow - Flowers: Forever Flowers By Em -

DJ: The Award Winning Discologic - Cake: Belles Bakery - Wedding photos: Matt Rock Photography

To see more of my work please take a click HERE - To see more information about prices, my style and some of your questions answered - click HERE

BEAUTIFUL - CREATIVE - TIMELESS

Source: https://www.mattrockphotography.com

English Castle - Lympne Castle Wedding Photographer - Kent - UK

As a Kent wedding photographer I was lucky to be asked if I would be part of Lympne Castle as a recommended photographer. I’m proud to be part of this wonderful Kent wedding venue. From a photographers perspective there are so many opportunities to photograph a wedding here. Candidly capturing those otherwise unseen moments between you and your guests. It really is a pleasure to work here as a photographer. Aimee and the team will look after you from start to finish.

Are you part of our NHS or Emergency Services? Special Offer - see more information here

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Lympne Castle, Kent, UK

English Castle Weddings

Aimee - 01303 261666 / 01303 267571
aimee@lympnecastle.com

Lympne Castle has been providing hospitality to nobles since the 12th century and Situated in the beautiful village of Lympne, Kent.

This Medieval castle should be considered for your Kent wedding. It’s somewhere that I’m very comfortable working at. There are so many great photo opportunities and lots of space for you to explore. Plus if the weather is not on your side the light coming into the dark panelled rooms works so well for the candid, natural images I like to make.

  • Press PLAY below to see a short photo film to music - turn the sound up too.

From the first time you walk down the drive to the castle entrance you get the feel of being in another time in British history.

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If you prefer a Church service there is a beautiful one next door to Lympne Castle

If you prefer a Church service there is a beautiful one next door to Lympne Castle

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  • Another Beautiful Photo Film below - PLAY & turn the music up…

If the weather is on your side the courtyard and gardens are a great place to have a glass of fizz whilst chatting to your guests and enjoying the views that many wedding venues can only dream of. Aimee & the team will always be there to help.

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For the bride who wants to keep it all in one place; getting ready, wedding ceremony, champagne reception, wedding breakfast and the party, this could be perfect.

For your bridal preparations, do you use the cottages or the castle? The choice is yours…

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These rooms are perfect for those natural, candid photos that you will look back on whilst you show your children and grandchildren.

Lympne Castle has lots of space and could cater for those large weddings but just as easily for the smaller ones too.

  • You REALLY should consider this Medieval castle for your wedding

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Since lockdown started on 23rd March 2020 - COVID-19 - has been disrupting our industry and we may be seeing more & more smaller weddings in the future. I can imagine a more intimate wedding at Lympne Castle would be just as beautiful and really bring together the most important people in your life along with a cosy fire place and maybe a wedding singalong or two. I have photographed many weddings at Lympne Castle and I can’t wait to get back there once we have all settled down to some kind of normal again and the wedding industry is back on track.

I personally feel this beautiful, old English Castle in Kent, UK has so much character and will bring the wow factor to your wedding. I have so much fun working here and you will not regret adding this to your list of wedding venues. Contact Aimee to make your appointment.

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  • Hit the PLAY button to see this photo film below - turn the sound up too.

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Being a recommended Kent Wedding Photographer...

In this BLOG I take a closer look at two great wedding venues that I am lucky enough to be recommended by. I will showcase another two soon. Most of my wedding couples find me through their friends recommendations. Another way I get clients is being recommended by many Kent wedding venues, which is a real honour to be trusted by them. These venues are places I like to work at as they all have their own look and style. Here’s a look at the first two on the list - venues who recommend me: The Boathouse, Bexley and The Darenth, Sevenoaks. - Alphabetical order.

Are you part of our NHS or Emergency Services? Special Offer - see more information here

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“Have you worked at my venue before?”

Being recommended by a venue is great and if you are getting married in Kent, Essex and London, the chances are I have worked at your venue.

But there are so many I haven’t yet had the opportunity to see. Which is why I love wedding photography; because shooting at a new venue is very exciting too and as an experienced photographer, working somewhere new is a great opportunity to make photos that no one else has in their wedding album. So I am always looking to work with other venues in Kent, Essex, London too.

In fact I can work all over the UK! So get in touch and we can chat about your plans

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Danson House, &

The Boathouse - Bexley, Kent

They make the perfect combination…

The Boathouse is the closest wedding venue to me and I grew up only a couple of miles away, so I know it well. Set in the beautiful Danson Park in the Borough of Bexley, Kent gives you and your wedding guests lots of outside space with lake views & lots of photo opportunities. There is a terrace out the back of The Boathouse too, which offers a great space to relax after the wedding breakfast and the speeches are all over. You do have the option to hold your wedding ceremony at The Boathouse too. However, lots of wedding ceremonies are held at the nearby Danson House, which is a beautiful Grade 1 listed Palladian villa built in 1766 by Sir John Boyd and is a historic landmark in Bexley.

You can learn more about Danson House - here.

It’s just a short walk from The Boathouse too, which is why they make the perfect combination.

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** Look at this BLOG about my NHS & Emergency Services - SPECIAL OFFER **

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The Darenth, Shoreham, Kent

You can hold your ceremony inside or outside at The Darenth

Attention to detail… This venue has been constantly improving and changing over the last 4 years and is almost unrecognisable. Kerry & Jason have really made this Kent wedding venue one to see. This should, without doubt be one to consider for your wedding. Every time I go there, something else has been improved, changed or been tweaked. The Darenth is just a short country walk from Shoreham, so when the time is right, you can take a few moments away from the party. It’s a lovely walk down to Shoreham & so we can make those special couple portraits I love to make - the best bit is, I work fast and discreet, so you won’t be away from your guests for long.

So if you haven’t seen this Kent wedding venue for a while speak to Kerry on 01959 522944 and take a look around.

You can see my last BLOG here from a wedding at The Darenth last December - 2019.

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