Danielle & Richard’s Wakehurst Place Wedding followed day one of their weekend of wedding celebrations that started at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion (click here if you missed that post). Day two started with coverage of Danielle’s preparations at home – a fabulous industrial designed apartment on the south coast, where all the girls had gathered with Danielle to get ready. They had a totally rocking play list on, and lots of champagne to kick start the day when I arrived. Danielle had another fabulous dress for her second wedding day – a long one this time with gorgeous detailing, and once dressed, they headed off to St Peter’s in central Brighton for their church blessing.
Church Ceremony at St Peter’s Brighton
The church aisle was lined with little buckets of sunflowers and other summer flowers with a huge love sign at the end – that’s what it’s all about after all – with a delighted Richard awaiting his gorgeous Bride who was  being traditionally walked down the aisle by her Dad.
After the ceremony and some beautiful singing, there were Pimms & canapés in the church hall before heading off to Wakehurst Place, also known as the Kew Gardens in the Sussex countryside, which was blooming lovely!
Jazz and Pimms in the grounds of Wakehurst Place
The drinks reception with a jazzy accompaniment welcomed guests in the glorious sunshine at Wakehurst Place where there were literally sunflowers, everywhere! Danielle & Richard kicked things off with their cake cutting – they were keen to get that done and have the cake served as desert. And then straight into dinner which had so many speeches I lost count! Danielle’s Dad and Uncle had everyone belly laughing and whooping in no time, and there were quite a few tears shed by the bridesmaids and mums. Whenever guests clinked glasses, the newlyweds had to kiss and that got the crowd going and kept the speeches coming for a long while!!
Speeches in the Caribbean Tradition!
After lots of eating and drinking, guests spilled out on the lawns or walked in the grounds before speeches part two took place – they literally had so many people wanting to speak as is traditional with Caribbean weddings, that they ran out of time!! In no time, their amazing live band turned up the volume and got the party started and everyone hit the dance floor. There was great Dad dancing and even some Aunty dancing!! I’d highly recommend a live band at your wedding if you’re still thinking about it – they make all the difference to the atmosphere.
I’ve done a few 2-day weekend wedding celebrations this year and have had a fab time shooting them all. If you’re looking for a Sussex wedding photographer, get in touch! Â My photography style is all about the stories. Not posed fake photos but ones that you’ll love and come back to year after year. HUGE congrats again to Danielle & Richard – I loved every minute of it and thank you for choosing me xx
