12 from Maisie & Tom, Herne Bay Pier Wedding

Aaaaah Maisie and Tom….. Tom and Maisie….. what a wacky pair you are!!

Ok, so what do I write about THIS one???

Firstly, they like being near the sea. Or to be more truthful, in the sea. So Herne Bay pier was the chosen location. Makes sense to me! Probably still not close enough to the water, one does have to wonder if the idea of 100+ guests spending the day floating around on surf boards was discussed??

Secondly, they are genuinely lovely humans. And they are surrounded by equally lovely humans. And all that loveliness did come together for one beautiful day on a pier in Kent, and everyone did party like twas 1999. I’m rambling but you get the gist, it was, for want of a better word, a sh*t load of fun. One of those days that I really did feel lucky to do what I do. “Is this really work??” I thought as I wondered around with a camera in one hand and a beer in the other…

So Maisie and Tom, this one’s for you, I very much hope you love it!

12 from Steph & Scott, the House Meadow

So I’ve been shooting weddings for 13 years. And yet SOMEHOW I’d never been to The House Meadow?? Which is bizarre. And annoying, because it’s a bit damn beautiful there.

Well, lucky for me Steph and Scott decided to get married there AND choose me to shoot the wedding. Lovely stuff!

Thus on a scoldingly hot day in June, the magic happened, and much happiness ensued. For it was a day of joy and merriment, with dancing and horses. And beer, lots of wine. Some shots. More wine. More shots, and more dancing. You get the gist, it was awesome.

Oh, and AGAIN, I hate sounding cliche, but another gorgeous pair of humans. Plus a cool crowd to spend the day with. Yes yes, I got very lucky chosen to shoot this day, and it needs to be said!

Steph and Scott, this ones for youuuuuuuuuuuuu….

Gav

12 from Alice & Luke, Goodnestone Park

Howdy! So at lunchtime today I was choosing the photos for this blog, when suddenly I had this idea: what if the Alice and Luke wanted to write the words?? I mean, it was their wedding, so they will know more than me! So I messaged Alice and….. I present to you my first ever blog written by… the bride and groom! How very awesome.

“Gavin asked Alice if we’d be up for taking over his blog and writing about our wedding and so she said yes and promptly asked me to do it.

I’m Luke, for anyone who doesn’t know (which is probably most) I like coffee, miniature schnauzers and generally eating anything. Alice and I met at school and have been together ever since. She’s great, really fun and let’s me do whatever I want (mostly).

Our wedding was at Chartham church, in the village that Alice grew up, with friends and family coming from far and wide to see us get wed. Our daughter Pepper even came to see us when we came out the church (unfortunately she couldn’t make the service due to having too much sass).

We then took a trip down the road to our reception venue Goodnestone Park, and my goodness what a cracking place that is. The weather was perfect, and the beer was delicious. After a few hours schmoozing on the lawn, we sat down for a good porking in the courtyard. Then came the cake, lovingly baked by Alice’s mum Clare, accompanied by a single origin Colombian micro lot filter coffee by Garage Coffee (apparently they’re a big deal).

Our evening guests arrived just as the speeches began and plenty of laughs were had. Paul (Alice’s Dad) and James (my brother and best man) shared some great memories, and fortunately I came off quite well in both. I said a few words as well, and even managed to get our guests to boo my new wife. Good times.

Then came our band, the fantastic ‘Groove Zoo’. At the beginning of their second set Alice was invited on the stage to sing alongside them. As she finished I went to shake their hand to say how great it was, but found myself pulled onto stage and into the next song. Fortunately I smashed out a version of ‘This is how we do it’, although my thighs didn’t thank me for it. Don’t ask.

We were so grateful for everyone who came along to celebrate/drink/eat cheese with us. It couldn’t have been better. So what a cracking affair, and we can’t believe it’s all over. If only there was a way to remember all the wonderful moments...”

12 from Dani & Chris Wedding, Bury Court Barn

Good morning!! (It’s 08:52 as I write this to be precise, and I have a decaf tea). So I thought I’d start my day by writing about this G O R G E O U S day!!

At this point I have to insert my cliched comment about how beaut Dani and Chris were/are, but seriously they really really are!! That’s one of the things I hate about blogs like this, because there’s a danger that it all becomes so rinse repeat, and I’d hate anyone to ever think that! Because they really are lovely. Like seriously, actually, lovely, cool, fun human people!! And I feel so damn happy they chose me to be there to document their wedding!

So, you get the gist. I like Dani and Chris.

Anyway, the day was beautiful, the venue (Bury Court Barn) was beautiful, the weather was beautiful, the guests were mostly beautiful… I kid, they were all beautiful!!

Enough waffle, Dani and Chris, this one’s for you!

Gav

12 from Sharon & Richard, a Port Lympne Wedding

I could probably write a lot of fluff about Sharon and Richards wedding, but that’s not me is it! The simple fact is that they are 2 genuine, beautiful humans, full of style, and I was the lucky guy that got to spend it with them documenting a so very very awesome day.

Add to that the fact that literally everyone was so lovely, I could just happily go around chatting and taking pics. I was the very epitome of a pig in mud!

Oh, and the kids. Utter gold. Talented, funny, energetic.

Honestly, that was such a perfect day. (except for that 5 minute period during the ceremony where the sun turned itself up to 1 billion degrees!!)

Sharon, Richard, this 12 is for you!

Gav

12 from Suze & Mikes Kent Wedding

The Wedding of Suze and Mike, Bridge, June 15th 2019.

So, firstly, I’ve upped it from 8 images to 12. Why?? Because one doesn’t stand still in this world, you gotta keep things fresh right? Also, it was just really hard to reduce the day to 8 images!

So, Suze and Mike had one of those oh so lovely days in the sun, in the parents garden, surrounded by hundreds of their family and friends. A quick jaunt to the local church and then a walk back for much merriment, many a beverage and plenty of dancing! I prefer to let the photos do the talking, so… I give to you, Suze and Mike!

8 from Ceri & Kevin, a Marleybrooks Wedding

COLOUR!!!! Aaaah yeah, colour was the theme for Ceri and Kevins day. And no one disappointed!

I so often say to people that you should make your day as fun and cool and awesome and personal and on and on as you can, because why the hell not?? Not that I needed to tell these guys, because they knew what they wanted. A colourful fun day at Marleybrooks, and that’s exactly what they got. All guests advised on the invite to be as bold and colourful in their attire as possible. Very very awesome.

Ceri, Kevin, this 8 from is for you!

Gav

8 from Jenny & Rich, Herne Bay Pier

When you get asked to shoot a wedding that will take place entirely on a pier, the immediate reaction is “umm, that’s awesome!” And that first reaction was pretty much spot on. A wedding on Herne Bay pier is awesome. Fact. Just so very very cool!!

And that is where Jenny and Rich got married this June, on a damn fine day.

They even added a classic Mustang to the mix, you know, just for extra coolness!

A lovely day, with perfect weather, a very summer festival feel and a pleasure to be part of!

Gav

8 from Kate & Robbie, a Dreys Wedding

I’ve probably said it before, but when I came up with the idea of writing a blog that featured just 8 photos, I thought I was being clever. Well, I was wrong. It’s REALLY REALLY hard reducing a few hundred photos down to 8!!

Anyway, Kate and Robbies was no exception. I’ve cut some pretty damn decent pics (if I do say so!). Now, the negative is that I don’t get to show you those pics AND it takes age! The positive is that when they get their photos, there will still be some awesome surprises in there! I like to think of this as the movie trailer. Can’t be giving all the juicy stuff away too soon!

At this point I should probably say a few things about K&R and their day at the rather awesome Dreys. I like these guys. I like them a lot. Their story is lovely, and I was very very happy to be there to document the day.

I should also mention the weather, which to quote me, was a dick! Proper, full on, apocalyptic downpours followed by sun. You gotta love this country eh!

But, and I mean this, it didn’t stop everyone having a great time, which was definitely helped by them having a superb band (which briefly featured the groom himself on drums, too cool).

Kate & Robbie, this 8 is for you!

Gav

8 from Iria & Gareth, London Rowing Club

I confess: I didn’t know much about Putney until a couple of weeks before the wedding. Considering how many times I’ve been to London, that’s pretty poor! Anyway, we had a coffee and oh look, Putney is lovely!

Fast forward a month and I had the pleasure of shooting Iria and Gareths wedding, on a glorious day! The venue, London Rowing Club, overlooking the Thames, has quickly become one of my favourites. Full of character, a balcony, just the nicest, most relaxed place.

Now, it also helps when you have a couple looking as good as these guys! Effortless in front of the camera (thank you!) and smiling all day, you can’t ask for more.

Truly a beaut day and a pleasure to be part of! Iria and Gaz, this 8 are for you!

Gav

8 from Jess & Ross, Chateau de Jalesnes

If I had to describe Chateau de Jalesnes I’d say …. High ceilings tower over stone floors juxtaposed with warm wooden parquetry. The sweet smokey smell of a log fire mingles with the scent of freshly-picked flowers….

Yeah, I’d definitely use the word juxtaposed. I haven’t actually heard that word since the Super Furry Animals released Juxtaposed With You. I’m digressing…

Jess and Ross, they got married there! If you didn’t know that, you do now. And ruddy nora was it an awesome few days. As you can tell from the photos they overcame the horrific weather to have an amazing time. I’m fairly certain they had a couple of glasses of champagne along the way, and a few pool parties.

Anyway, it was such a privilege to be the guy to document their day, Jess, Ross, this 8 from is for you!

Gav

8 from Taylor & Dan, a Millbridge Court Wedding

It’s February 2017, I’m sat in a hotel in Hong Kong a couple of days after shooting a wedding, and I’m suddenly overwhelmingly conscious of the fact that I’ve neglected my website for 2 years. I’d stopped blogging, why?Honestly, due to the fact that I was shooting 50+ weddings a year. And at that moment I suddenly had this idea…. set yourself a number of photos to blog from every wedding (well, as many weddings as possible!). So I randomly chose 8. The other theory behind this was that what you, the couple, get is a little taste of the day, but not the full roast and potatoes! It’s something to get you excited. The movie trailer if you will!

Fast forward 2 and a bit years and I’m thoroughly regretting that I chose 8. Because time and again I’m sat here trying to whittle it down, and it’s a bloody nightmare!!

And so with that, I have had to brutally cut Taylor and Dans day down to 8. Which is ridiculous tbh, but still, at least when they get the full set they will have many awesome surprises awaiting them!!

Taylor, Dan, this 8 from is for youuuuuuuuuu!

Gav

8 from Charlie & Ed, a Hayne House Wedding

Oh Charlie and Ed, I want to say manly things, but you really are an insanely cute couple!!

Married on a beaut day at Hayne House near Hythe in Kent, the sun did shine, the birds did sing and the booze did get consumed!

And congrats on providing the most confetti I’ve ever seen. Made for some funny photos!

Oh, and yeah, the dogs had to feature as 2 of the 8 photos. I’d have probably had abuse if I hadn’t, I’m not as stupid as I look :D

Charlie and Ed, these 8 are for you! Many more to follow.

Gav

The Venue

Hayne House is a family run venue, set in 35 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. A brand-new unique Orangery, former Hunting Pavilion of Edward VIII with its five bedrooms, and a quintessential English Cottage garden for your wedding ceremony and wedding reception.

The Orangery is light, airy and with the doors flung open, it's like being seated in the gardens. Purpose-built for hosting weddings, with all your needs in mind, at any time of the year, the Orangery offers you a flexible, contemporary, stylish and eco-friendly venue for a way of celebrating and entertaining suited to modern weddings - something truly different, in that it is built with laughter, light, luxury and love as standard!

Within easy reach to London and the South East, we are a popular choice for couples seeking an intimate countryside feel.  This beautiful wedding venue offers exclusive use with the freedom to dress the venue to suit your individual styles and personalities.

8 from Sally & Ben, an East Quay Wedding

Hi there!

I live by the sea (not in a pineapple under the sea…) which means that when I get to shoot a wedding at the East Quay, I instantly feel at home. Throw into the mix a lovely couple and guests, and you’ve got yourself one happy Gav! Everyone was lovely, everyone dressed well, the scene constantly looked amazing, the feel of the day was a happy/relaxed one. Oh, and the weather, after a brief drop of rain during the service, was good to us!

And yeah, we got ourselves a sunset. One of my favourite things about East Quay is the sunsets! I honestly had such a lush time shooting this day.

Sally & Ben, this 8 from’s for you!

The venue

The East Quay Building is a licensed wedding venue in Whitstable Harbour with direct sea views. The venue is the original oyster grading room of the Seasalter and Ham Fishery Company. It retains its original brick structure and coastal heritage charm.

 The East Quay has a large dining room, dance floor, stage and open-plan kitchen, as well as a mezzanine level.

Weddings at the East Quay

Where better than Whitstable to get married? This is your special day, after all, and naturally you want to share it with family and friends not only in a special location but also in a venue that is equally original and full of character. East Quay Venue, housed within one of Whitstable’s oldest buildings located at the end of the east quay harbour, was originally the home of the Seasalter and Ham Oyster Fishery Company and, like the famous Oyster Stores, faced the shore so the oyster companies could keep a watchful eye over their precious oyster beds. Facing still onto that same shingle seashore, East Quay Venue retains the structural features and character from its coastal heritage past, offering a relaxed ‘shabby-chic’ ambience; a place that sits beside the beach and from where you can effortlessly wander to the water’s edge…whenever you choose. And the venue’s authentic seaside atmosphere and charm not only creates an unusual setting for a wedding it is an ideal place, too, for anniversaries and all memorable celebrations.

8 from Candis & Adam, a Winters Barns Wedding

Well, May came and went in the blink of an eye didn’t it. No, not Theresa… the month of May, mine was much better….

So here we are in June and I’m on the big catch up, starting with …. FANFARE!!! …. the wedding of Candis and Adam, which took place at the always gorgeous Winters Barn.

What exactly can I say? Well, we had sun, we had rain, we had snow/hail (no joke, was very weird) and we had Candis looking beaut, and Adam smelled really nice. Aaaah, I tease, Adam looked devine. Actually I think I have a man crush. Damn funny guy!

Anyway, enough waffle, here’s a few pics of their day. Enjoy!

The venue…

Winters Barns

There’s nothing like the romance of a country barn wedding. No barns match Winters Barns for beauty, intimacy, and traditional Kentish character. With enchanting gardens and a stunning interior, Winters Barns is the perfect blend of old and new – a secluded historical venue steeped in history yet just a stone’s throw from Canterbury’s modern amenities.

8 from Nicki & Lewis, an Essexy wedding

See what I did there? I’m so funny….

So yeah, Nicki and Lewis only went and got married. Madness, but also a lot of fun! Because they had it at the church next door, and the party was in Nickis parents garden, tipi, outdoors dancefloor, the works!

All of which made for an immensely cool day!

Nicki, Lewis, this 8 from is fo yo!

8 from Kim & James, an East Quay Wedding

Listen up, I have a massive confession to make - I bloody love weddings by the sea!!

And thus twas a pleasure to shoot Kim and James wedding at East Quay in Whitsable. Now, the thing is, a wedding isn’t just good because of it’s location…. the people are kind of important. Luckily I get to shoot nice people like Kim, James , their friends and family - what a genuinely lovely bunch of humans to spend a day with :0) I had such a good time documenting their day, truly a pleasure. Relaxed, fun, good times!

Whittling this blog down to 8 wasn’t easy, I had to be ruthless with some rather lush shots (if I do say so myself!) but I have done just that, and so here they are.

Kim and James, this one’s for you!

Gav

8 from Pheobe & James, an East Quay Wedding

Good morning!

So a couple of weeks ago I shot the awesome wedding of Pheobe and James at the East Quay in Whitstable. One of my favourite venues, mainly because it’s right by the sea and you never know exactly what weather you’re going to get! And on this day, it was windy as, which made for some awesome pics. Lucky old me!

Was a genuinely cool, fun day. Pheobe and James embraced everything about their wedding day exactly as they should, they had fun, they were relaxed, and the whole day was pretty much perfect!

As a photographer you can’t ask for more than that. Add to that how genuinely lovely their family and friends were, and it just made for a lush day for me to be part of.

Pheobe and James, this 8 from is for you!

Gav

8 from Sarah & Jason, a Winters Barns Wedding

Sarah and Jason, and Anglo/Americano collaboration on a quite ridiculously beautiful day in February at Winters Barns!

So yeah, this was a lush one. The weather was an amazing bonus, but tbh that doesn’t matter much when you spend the day in the company of so many genuinely lovely people.

It was all just so damn lush!

Double use of the word lush. Says it all!

Sarah and Jason, this 8 from is for you

8 from Clare & Mike, a Canary Wharf Wedding

So you know me, I don’t do the fluffy talk. That’s not to say I don’t love a wedding, I do (I mean I’d be weird to take up a career doing something I hate right??), but for me the thing that I love more than all the wedding “stuff” is that genuine bloody wonderful connection that you see between a couple, you know, the one that makes you go “aaaah” (sickening right?). These guys have that. They’ve been together 8 years, and on their wedding day they still have that! How cool is that?

Anyway, some details… they got married in Islington, then we all went over to Browns Brasserie in Canary Wharf for an oh so good reception, complete with lush nibbles (the waiter carrying the tray of pork belly is now my best friend) and K Pop!

The downside? It’s didn’t snow. The forecasters promised, and it just didn’t. Which made me sad.

Much love to Clare and Mike, this 8 is for you!