My last wedding of 2018 took place at Deans Place Hotel in Alfriston.
This stunning venue occupies a beautiful piece of the Sussex countryside – between the sea and the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park - set on the banks of the Cuckmere River and surrounded by four acres of lush gardens, giving it a truly idyllic setting.
This was a wedding to be remembered for all the right reasons, including a beautiful bride, a very emotional groom, fantastic guests and stunning scenery!
I first met Dean about 11 years ago but after many years out of touch his fiancé Emma contacted me to capture their special day, I met with them at their home in Surrey back in August and was immediately excited about their big day.
On arrival, as so often happens, I found Emma upstairs with her 4 bridesmaids and Dean at the bar with his groomsmen!
Emma appeared calm and collected, Dean on the other hand was highly emotional – and any wedding photographer will tell you that emotional grooms are the best to capture!
Their service took place in the beautiful Garden Suite and was followed by drinks and canapes in the Terrace Lounge.
I always think that it’s important for the guests to be able to enjoy a drink and for the newly married couple to be able to speak with their guests and grab 10 minutes by themselves before we start with the photos.
The group and family photos took place on the main lawn area with the building offering a stunning backdrop, once all of the formals were complete the bridal and grooms parties stayed to have a bit of fun, always a bonus when everyone is up for a laugh and feeling relaxed!
I’m not usually one to overly pose people but the men had specifically asked for a photo of them holding Dean in the air, I especially enjoyed making out that I hadn’t taken the perfect photo yet so they had to hold him longer, mean I know!
The guests eventually made their way in to the Alfriston Suite where Dean & Emma had named all of the tables after Caribbean islands that they were due to dock at on their honeymoon cruise.
Next came one of the funniest and most unexpected speeches I’ve yet to hear – Dean stood up and blurted out that he’d lost his speech and had to go and find it – what ensued next was him leaving us to watch a 9 minute hilarious video of him running home and back to get the speech whilst he sat at the bar enjoying a pint – well played sir!
After cutting their fantastic bride and groom caterpillar cakes, Dean and Emma made their way to the dancefloor for their first dance.
They invited their guests up halfway through the song and these guys didn’t need asking twice! The dancefloor was filled with some of the most enthusiastic dance moves I’ve ever seen!
What a party!!!
