Salomons Estate is one of my absolute favourite venues in Kent. Located just outside Tunbridge Wells, it boasts a bright, photogenic bridal suite perfect for morning preparations, stunning outdoor spaces, some hidden natural gems ideal for couple photos, and an airy area for wedding dinners and speeches.
In this blog post, I’m excited to share some photos from Melissa and Joe's wedding day—a day that felt light, bright, and truly joyful!
When chatting with Melissa and Joe before the wedding, they emphasised that they wanted natural, candid, in-the-moment photos so this is what I've focused on throghout the day.
Morning Preparations
The day began in one of the Salomons Estate's elegant bridal suites, where Melissa and her bridal party were getting ready. I always look out for interesting and flattering angles, without turning the morning into a photoshoot. I believe there is beauty to be found in however things and moments are unfolding naturally, especially on days so important as your wedding day!
Ceremony
The ceremony took place outside, white carpet running all the way down from the Manor House stairway to the beautiful flower arch, under which Melissa and Joe exhanged their vows.
Couple's florist Yvette Kerridge done an absolutely stunning job, decorating the place in such an elegant, sophisticated and romantic way.
After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, guests burst into action, throwing colorful confetti as Melissa and Joe exited on the white carpet after the ceremony. The couple were warmly greeted by everyone they held dear. It was pure, unfiltered joy—smiles everywhere, laughter echoing, and an atmosphere that just radiated good vibes. The moment felt incredibly genuine and full of love, making it one of those days you'll never forget.
Family and Bridal Party Photos
After giving the couple some time to hug and chat with most of their guests—and allowing the brilliant venue staff to clear away the chairs and carpet after the ceremony—we gathered everyone on the stairs at Salomons Estate for a big wedding party photo. After that, we snapped some lovely family photos, as well as shots with the bridesmaids and groomsmen—perfect keepsakes for the family album.
Reception Continues...
After the family and bridal party photos, the couple continued to enjoy their day, mingling with their loved ones as I snapped candid moments along the way. I stayed unobtrusive yet ready at every moment, capturing those spontaneous shots of the couple and their guests—the kind of natural, in-the-moment memories Melissa and Joe had dreamed of.
Decor and venue set up
While the main focus at every wedding is capturing the joyful moments of the couple and their guests, I always make it a point to document all the little details too—like the table decor and the overall room setup that add so much character to the day.
A huge shout-out goes to the incredibly talented team behind it all: couple's florist Yvette Kerridge, the brilliant baker at Belle's Bakery (https://bellesbakery.co.uk), and the amazing decorator at Bow's Hire (https://www.bowshire.co.uk). Their work truly brought every element of the day to life!
Wedding Dinner and Speeches
During the speeches, the emotions ran high—each heartfelt word brought smiles, laughter, and even a few tears. It was truly beautiful and so special to witness the raw, genuine expressions of love and support. As family and friends shared their stories and toasts, I made sure to capture all those candid, spontaneous moments—the subtle glances, the quiet chuckles, and the heartfelt hugs that truly encapsulated the spirit of the day.
Couple Portraits
After the wedding dinner and toasts, Melissa and Joe, along with myself, headed out to capture some natural, effortless couple photos that felt genuine and unscripted—exactly how they wanted their special moments to be remembered.
Salomons Estate proved to be the perfect spot for these intimate photos. Just a short walk away, we found a private area away from the hustle and bustle of the reception—a blessing for couples who might feel a bit self-conscious having their photos taken in front of guests. The area also offered stunning natural backdrops, adding a touch of romance and authenticity to every shot.
Cake cutting and first dance
Finally, I captured those quintessential moments when the happy couple cut their cake and shared their first dance. The energy in the room was palpable as the DJ from https://exp-ent.co.uk/ set a perfect party vibe, keeping everyone on their toes and the atmosphere buzzing with excitement.
Final Words
It was such a joy and privillege to capture Melissa and Joe's wedding day and Salomons Estate. I hope that the couple will be able to look back at these photos and remember their special day for years, even generations to come.
Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Kent or anywhere else in the UK? Get in touch to discuss your wedding plans and ideas, or click here to see our packages and offers.
With Love,
Justina x
Comments