Melissa and Joe booked me as their wedding photographer last August and were my first wedding booking of the year. They both live in London, but have family in Brighton and Hove and chose to get married here. I started the day at The Hilton Brighton Metropole on the seafront where Melissa, her Mum and bridesmaids were preparing for the day. It did seem like a small bomb had been let off in the room by the time I left, but Melissa and her crew were looking great.
The wedding was at Sacred Heart Church in Hove, I turned up just as Joe, family, best man and ushers were arriving. I’d visited the church the week before to introduce myself, and to find out their policy on wedding photography. I try to do this whenever possible so I know exactly what I can do on the day. I was shown round by Deacon Paul, who was really helpful, and told me I could do almost anything, as long as I didn’t run around waving my arms in the air. I try to be as discreet as I possibly can during every wedding ceremony, but it’s great to know that you won’t be annoying anyone if you move quietly around the church.
The ceremony was conducted by Father Carl, who, when Melissa said she was feeling a bit nervous on arrival, confessed that even he got nervous at weddings. During the ceremony, bride and groom both looked like they were enjoying every minute.
Melissa and Joe had told me that they wanted a few shots on the Hove seafront, so we drove down there after the ceremony. I was worried earlier in the day because the weather was so gloomy, but by this time the sun was out and the light was a bit too bright (Never happy us photographers!). We managed to get a few shots, then the bride and groom had a quick glass of champagne before we headed off again.
The reception was held at Pangdean Barn in Pyecombe, just outside Brighton. I’ve been here a few times now, it’s a great venue and they always manage events very nicely. It was a bit too cold to stand in the gardens so most of the socialising went on inside. Even though it was freezing, the light was OK, so we went outside for the group and formal photos. After the groups I had just enough time to take a few more photos of the bride and groom before it got dark, and they went back in for the wedding breakfast.

Melissa preparing for her wedding at The Hilton Brighton Metropole

The bridal bouquet

Joe and his brother waiting in the church

Melissa and Joe exchanging rings

Melissa and Joe coming out of the church after the ceremony

The newly weds on the seafront in Hove

On the seafront

Enjoying some February sunshine on the seafront

Walking back to the car along the seafront

Last one before leaving for the wedding reception

Bride and groom having a glass of champagne in the car

Joe getting a lift at Pangdean Barn

Joe and Melissa posing in front of the barn at Pangdean

Another quick shot before the wedding breakfast at Pangdean

Enjoying some confetti inside Pangdean Barn

The wedding rings in front of the (cheesy) cake

Melissa, Joe and friends after the wedding breakfast
Information on booking me as your wedding photographer in Sussex here















Olivia with her mother and sister getting ready for the wedding
Olivia altering her veil at her parents house in Wimbledon
At the window seat in Wimbledon before leaving for the wedding
Exchanging rings at The Guards Chapel in Birdcage Walk
The wedding guests at the chapel
Olivia and Tom at the altar during the ceremony
The newly weds and guests outside the Guards Chapel
The wedding car driving past the guard of honour at Wellington Barracks
Olivia and Tom outside Wellington Barracks after sunset
In front of Wellington Barracks
Tom relaxing with some friends at the wedding reception
And another outside the barracks














by DaveP
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