If you have followed me for a while then you will know that I love relaxed and laid back couples who just kick back and enjoy the ride on their wedding day. Sofia and Rory did just that at their gorgeous intimate family wedding at The Secret Garden, one of my favourite venues. The temperatures were a little cooler than they’d hoped for but they made the absolute most of the stunning spaces at the venue and didn’t let it spoil their day one bit.

Their wedding day started in a gorgeous house that they had booked for a few days before. It was large enough to accommodate not just Sofia and Rory and their gorgeous two children but also extended family too. They made a real experience of the whole build up and shared it together which I love!

Sofia looked absolutely amazing on her day. I think her mum, sister and friends thought so too judging by their reactions to the first look. I love a first look and you can check out the other types of shots I look for during the day in my what happens on the day blog.

Their wedding ceremony was beautiful. Some of their family had travelled from abroad and it was the first time they had seen each other since before the pandemic so it was a special occasion on more than one front.

Their reception drinks were held in the glorious gardens which just look lovely no matter what the season but with the late autumn temperatures dropping, their guests made their way to the Glasshouse. The Glasshouse is small, quaint, unique but very, VERY gorgeous. I can’t think of somewhere I would rather hold a really intimate wedding reception. And the Secret Garden afternoon tea is the icing on the cake really.

They had hoped for an outside first dance but with all their guests cosy inside the Glasshouse they decided to change plans and dance in there too. With their harpist just outside they danced, watched by their family and closest friends. It was the first time I’d photographed a dance in that space and it really was quite special.

The Secret Garden is quite unique in that it lends itself well to quite different types of weddings. From large numbers where there is plenty of room for everyone in the gardens, to smaller intimate weddings because whilst the gardens are spacious, they are subtly divided and you don’t feel like everyone will get lost in the space.

Here are a list of Sofia & Rory’s excellent suppliers

Venue @secretgardenkent⁠
Dress @maggiesotterodesigns⁠
Hair and Makeup @roseandgoldbrides⁠
Flowers @karenanemoneblue