Brighton Bandstand Wedding Photography

It was a very windy day, down on Brighton seafront on the day of Xin-Wang & Tom’s Brighton Bandstand wedding. This wedding features a few bikes, a windswept veil, and after a stormy looking sky, eventually some lovely blue skies! As her name suggests Xin-Wang (or Shelley to her friends) is Chinese and her Parents made the long journey over from China for her wedding to Tom whose family were rather more local. I’ve shot at the bandstand many a time, but never for a wedding so this was one I was really looking forward to.  As outdoor wedding venues go, this one is very weather dependent though it offers enough shelter should the heavens open.

Brighton Bandstand Wedding Photography

On arrival, the venue dressers were putting the final touches on the bandstand just as the guests slowly started to arrive – first were Tom’s mum and Aunt with confetti & bubbles for everyone, then Tom looking very dapper in black tie. Friends of the couple arrived and there were some fun sign language conversations between families until the interpreter arrived. I love seaside weddings as they always invoke a kind of seaside excitement for me and as I regularly shoot weddings in Brighton, I’m very familiar with the promenade and hotels along the seafront. Xin-Wang’s designer dress had come all the way from China with her parents the week before the wedding and as a bit of a fashionista, I was looking forward to seeing what she’d chosen.

It wasn’t long before Xin-Wang arrived with her Dad in a vintage rolls royce where she had her meeting with the registrars in the car before the ceremony, as Tom was eagerly awaiting his bride. And then the ceremony began and they were married. She looked incredible as her windswept veil misbehaved a few times and then the sun came out just in time for a wander down to the pier for a few relaxed photos, whilst their guests headed over to the Grand Hotel for champagne.

Brighton Wedding Photography

We drove down to the pier and took some photos on the boardwalk as well as a few on the beach where there was a local art installation. Regular readers of my blog know how much I love to incorporate any artwork in and around wedding venues that I’m shooting and after that we headed over to the Grand. Xin-Wang & Tom were cheered into their drinks reception and lunch got underway followed by some lovely speeches. Xin-Wang’s Dad gave a very poignant speech with the use of his interpreter, and Tom’s step-dad read a touching poem he’d penned himself for the occasion. Very personal touches. After an outfit change into a gorgeous red dress (an auspicious colour in China), Xin-Wang and Tom took to the dance floor and wowed guests with a tango! A very brave choice but they pulled it off with a lot of enthusiasm!  If you’re planning a wedding in Brighton at the bandstand or any Brighton venue, and like my documentary approach, get in touch here and I’ll send you a brochure and info on how I’d capture your wedding celebrations. If you’d like to check out a few more weddings take a look at this gorgeous Elmore Court wedding or this stunning Hampton Court House wedding for starters. Thank you Xin-Wang & Tom for choosing me x