Last Friday (3rd July 2015) I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the wedding of Laura and Susanth, they both got ready at the beautiful 5 star Alconbury Guest House before heading to the gorgeous High Rocks for their wedding.
Leading up to their wedding I asked Laura and Susanth a handful of questions about their particular wedding theme and other wedding details, here's their answers;
1. What is the theme and colours of your wedding?
We have gone for a 'classic' (and hopefully 'classy!') wedding feel, and our theme colours are cream and pale blue.
2. How did you come up with your theme?
It was partly accidental! To be thrifty, I had ordered a dress online to be made in China , but when it arrived it didn't look as nice as I hoped. Fortunately Cancer Research UK came to the rescue! - My mum noticed that their local store started selling second hand wedding dresses, and I found one that fitted beautifully. It was much more of a classic wedding dress style - even slightly more 'princessy' - than I would have generally envisaged choosing, but it looked lovely on. And so after that we just made other choices in keeping with that style, so for example, tailcoats for the men. I have always loved blue hydrangeas and I liked the combination with romantic cream roses, so that's how the colour scheme happened. I'm afraid Susanth didn't get too much say! ;-) We are also having a marriage blessing in a Church, a couple of days after the civil wedding, and for that, we will be in Indian dress, so I feel very lucky to get to wear a sari as well as a traditional white dress.
3. Please list the name and website of the wedding pros you’ve hired:
Wedding Venue(s) - High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells
Photographer - Gavin Conlan (gavin conlan photography Ltd)
Video - Felicity at The Wedding Video Company
Entertainment (Band) – Take 5 Party Band
Florist - Bromley Blooms
Wedding Dress Designer - No idea! Second hand from Cancer Research UK charity store.
Bridal Hair Stylist - Jo Walker, via Make Me Sparkle agency
Bridal Make Up Artist – Jo Walker, via Make Me Sparkle agency
Wedding Cake - Cakes by Penny and Sue
Bridal Shoes - Pink by Paradox London
Wedding Planner - Me (with a little help from Susanth, Mum and Dad)
4. How did the two of you meet?
We met through a mutual friend, Lindsey, who Susanth went to university with in the U.S. Lindsey was worked at the same charity as I was volunteering for in Hyderabad, India. She introduced me to Susanth and his sister when we all went for pizza and ice cream one Sunday. Later, we got chatting on social media and decided to meet up... the rest is history! :-)
5. How long did you spend planning your wedding and have you any budget advice?
We were very restricted because of visas - we got engaged in December, applied for the 'marriage' visa which we received at the end of March and then could we start planning, but we only until August before the visa expires. So it was about 4-5 months! I can tell you that most wedding venues and suppliers expect much more than a few months notice, especially for summer weddings. But we have been really lucky finding a great place and many wonderful people to help us. It has definitely helped that we are getting married on a Friday, rather than weekend day. So, for budget conscious brides I would recommend doing that, and for other budget advice, I would say, just take a step back and don't get carried away - you don't /need/ to spend thousands of pounds hiring a funky car for 3 hours, or on a dress you will wear for less than one day. Check out charity stores, check out Preloved. Having a lovely day isn't about what you spend, it's about having a fun and meaningful day with the people that matter. Having said that, don't skimp on a decent photographer - after all, the pictures will be the things that last. ;-)
6. What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
Having Susanth put the ring on my finger and feeling the joy of that moment. Also having a live band for me is really special. Not to mention catching up with lots of friends and family since I lived abroad for 8 years. So that's three things!
Susanth says, "Seeing Laura walk down the aisle".
7. Any other details I should know about?
Our first dance will be to 'I'm Yours' by Jason Mraz.. We had a hard time choosing because I love so much different music but Susanth is not keen on so many things. But this piece is contemporary to when we have known each other and is a happy, cheerful, chilled out love song. We are following it up with 'My Baby Just Cares For Me' as I love the late, great, Nina Simone and I hope that will get everyone dancing. We have a little wedding webiste at http://susanthandlaura.wix.com/wedding. We thought this would be handy for providing info to our guests, although we discovered the URL was just too much for some of our older relatives to figure out. :-D
Whilst I'm editing their wedding I wanted to share a selection of my personal favourites with you to enjoy, feel free to use these images on your social media profiles (as long as you do not remove my watermark) and feel to leave Laura and Susanth a lovely comment below!!
All the best, Gavin
photograph of the exterior of Alconbury Guest House. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
interior of the breakfast room at Alconbury Guest House. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
interior of the breakfast room at Alconbury Guest House showcasing the piano. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
exterior of the beautiful garden of Alconbury Guest House. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail photograph of the brides wedding dress hanging over the balcony in the garden of Alconbury Guest House. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
exterior of the beautiful garden of Alconbury Guest House showcasing the stunning balcony. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative close up detail photograph of the brides wedding dress on display in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail photograph of the brides wedding dress and three bridesmaids dresses on display in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and her bridesmaids before they get dressed in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail photograph of the wedding rings. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom doing up the buttons on his shirt. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom getting dressed. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative fashion portrait of the groom putting on his cuff links. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the best man helping the groom get dressed. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom looking in the mirror. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal portrait of the mother of the bride helping her daughter get dressed in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal portrait of the mother of the bride and the bridesmaids helping the bride get dressed in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal portrait of one of the bridesmaids helping the bride put on her wedding shoes in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal portrait holding her bouquet of flowers in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal portrait of the bride posing on the balcony. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride with her mother and father in the luxurious Balcony Suite. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
fun photograph of the rabbit statues in the garden of the Alconbury Guest House. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and her bridesmaids sitting on the pink garden swing chair in the garden of the Alconbury Guest House. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and her bridesmaids laughing together in the garden of Alconbury Guest House. Wedding photography at Alconbury Guest House by gavin conlan photography Ltd
exterior photograph of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative exterior photograph of the red High Rocks signage. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative reflection photograph showcasing the High Rocks entry into The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative photograph showcasing the Presidents Suite signage. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail photograph showcasing the order of service of Susanth and Laura's Wedding. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride looking at her flowers whilst sitting in her wedding car. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride stepping out of the wedding car before she heads into High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom and his best man waiting for the ceremony to begin in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative ceremony portrait of the bride walking down the aisle with her father in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative ceremony portrait of the bride and her father walking down the aisle smiling towards the groom in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative ceremony portrait of the bride, brides father, groom and best man waiting for the ceremony to begin in Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative ceremony portrait of the bride and groom sitting down listening to one of the bridesmaids doing her reading in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative close up portrait of the groom during the wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom holding hands during the wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom holding hands as the grooms says his vows during the wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative close up portrait of the bride during the wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom smiling and laughing during their wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom putting the ring on his brides finger during their wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride putting the ring on her grooms finger during their wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom sharing their first kiss as Mr and Mrs during their wedding ceremony in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative ceremony portrait of the bridesmaid giving her reading in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks.Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom looking at each other after signing the registrar in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative ceremony portrait of the bride and groom sitting down listening to one of the bridesmaids and guest giving their reading in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks.Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom walking down the aisle as the new Mr and Mrs in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative landscape portrait showcasing the High Rocks sign and map of The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom with all their guests during their drinks reception in The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative and fun portrait of the bride and groom and both sets of parents at The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative and fun portrait of the bride and groom with both sets of parents and siblings at The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom with both sets of parents and siblings at The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the guests throwing confetti over the bride and groom in The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
portrait of the father of the bride during his speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the father of the bride during his speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative and fun portrait of the groom during his speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom during his speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative black and white portrait of the groom during his speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride giving a toast to absent family and friends during her speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative and fun portrait of the best man during his speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the top table all laughing during the best mans speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the best man during his speech in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom cutting their wedding cake with all their guests looking on in celebration. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom cuddling and looking at the camera in The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative fine art portrait of the bride and groom at the top of The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative fine art portrait of the bride and groom posing together at the top of The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom posing at the top of The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative fine art portrait of the bride and groom kissing at the top of The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal portrait at the top of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative groom portrait at the top of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal fine art portrait at the top of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative fashion portrait of the groom at the top of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative fine art portrait of the bride and groom kissing underneath the brides veil. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative fine art portrait of the bride and groom posing on a bridge in the grounds of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom kissing on a bridge in the grounds of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
fun and creative portrait of the bride and groom walking along laughing in the grounds of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
fun and romantic portrait of the bride and groom kissing in the grounds of the Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom during their first dance in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom and the band playing during their first dance in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
beautiful and emotive portrait of the groom with his mother and father in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
gorgeous portrait of the groom with his sister and parents in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
stunning portrait of the groom taken in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
beautiful and emotive fashion bridal portrait taken in the Presidents Suite of High Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd