Last Saturday (16th May 2015) I had the absolute joy of photographing the wedding of Samantha and Lee at High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells. If you've never visited High Rocks then I suggest you should, you can arrive in style via the Steam Railway (Spa Valley Railway) and High Rocks has its own station in the grounds.
"The magnificent High Rocks, from which we acquire our name, are steeped in history dating back millions of years. Acres of breathtaking sandstone rocks interlinked with eleven bridges, provide a scenic walk in a tranquil woodland setting. Once a stone age camp, now a National Monument these impressive rocks, which belong to The High Rocks complex, have always been a constant source of wonder".
Both Samantha and Lee got ready at The SPA Hotel a 4 star luxurious 18th century house hotel set in 14 acres of picturesque grounds on the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Spa is a family run Hotel offering 70 well appointed and individually styled bedrooms.
Leading up to their wedding I asked Samantha and Lee a handful of questions about how they first met and their particular wedding theme and details, here's their answers;
1. What is the theme and colours of your wedding?
Pink and white
2. How did you come up with your theme?
We have an 8 month old little girl so pink seemed the most appropriate colour
3. Please list the name and website of the wedding pros you’ve hired:
Wedding Venue(s) - High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells
Photographer - Gavin Conlan (gavin conlan photography Ltd)
Video - Matthew Crisp
Entertainment (DJ) – Bob Dyer
Florist - Jo Wilkinson
Wedding Dress Designer - Blackburn Bridal Boutique, Blackheath
Bridal Hair Stylist - Kamuran Enver
Bridal Make Up Artist – Tiffany Humphreys
Wedding Cake - Marks and Spencers
Bridal Shoes - River Island
Wedding Planner - Maggie
4. How did the two of you meet?
We met through a mutual friend (the best man) when I was about 18 and Lee was 21. After being friends for a little while our best man decided enough was enough and done a bit of match making.
5. How long did you spend planning your wedding and have you any budget advice?
9 weeks. We have been engaged for 7 years due to IVF financial commitments and decided due to my Grandad not being very well that if we left it much longer then we may not have the important people there with us.
6. What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?
I'm most looking forward to marrying my best friend and my soul mate and completing my little family.
7. Any other details I should know about ?
Lee and I have been through the worst times together; years of disappointment in failed IVFs and the absolute worst losing our little boy (Frank Aubrey Tilly) at full term after 4 hours together as a family but we have gone through it all together and this has only made us stronger. We now have our beautiful daughter, Summer-Rose Frankie Tilly, and she has completed us both. After 6 years of failed IVF attempts, my Grandad supported us financially to see "The God of IVF" in London and because of this we had Frank and Summer-Rose. Sadly my Grandad who we called "Grumps" passed away this weekend just gone.
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 Samantha and Lee a lovely comment below!!
All the best, Gavin
black and white detail shot of the Samantha and Lee's beautiful table plan. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
exterior detail shot of the entrance of the beautiful 4 star hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative reflective detail shot of the bride's beautiful wedding dress hanging in front of the four poster bed. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
beautiful and creative family portrait photograph. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail shot of the bride's beautiful wedding dress hanging in front of the four poster bed next to her baby daughters dress. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail shot of the bride's baby daughters beautiful dress hanging in front of the four poster bed. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
wedding detail shot of the brides shoes next to her baby daughters shoes. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
close up of the brides bracelet containing sentimental details. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
the bride holding her flowers whilst she is having her make up done. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
The bridesmaids flower bouquet. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
family portrait of the bride and her daughter looking so happy together. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
black and white creative portrait of the bride in her wedding dress. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail shot of their wedding rings displayed on the SPA Hotel magazine . Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
black and white portrait of the groom posing as his getting dressed. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom getting dressed. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative black and white portrait of the best man and usher helping the groom get dressed. Wedding photography at The SPA Hotel by gavin conlan photography Ltd
exterior to the entrance of the rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative detail shot of the red High Rocks sign. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the groom looking back at his bride walking down the aisle with her father. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the groom placing the wedding ring on his brides finger whilst she is looking so happy. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the bride placing the wedding ring on her grooms finger. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the bride and groom cuddling after becoming husband and wife with their guests celebrating. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the bride and groom signing the registrar after becoming husband and wife. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the group photograph of all the guests with the bride and groom in the grounds of The Rocks during their drinks reception. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom with both sets of parents 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 with their beautiful daughter 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 with their beautiful daughter in the grounds of The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative landscape of one of the bridges in the grounds of The Rocks. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
portrait of the father of the bride during his speech. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
portrait of the maid of honour during her speech. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
portrait of the brides sister her bridesmaid during her speech. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
portrait of the groom during his speech. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
portrait of the best man during his speech. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom just before they cut their wedding cake whilst smiling at each other. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the bride and groom during their first dance showing the groom looking so happy. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the bride and groom during their first dance showing the bride looking so happy. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
the bride and groom with their daughter during their first dance. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the bride and groom showcasing the brides wedding ring. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative couple portrait taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative couple portrait of them sharing a kiss taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative couple portrait taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative bridal portrait taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative and fun bridal portrait taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative couple portrait taken at the top of The Rocks whilst posing on one of the bridges at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
a portrait of the groom posing whilst looking at his watch standing in front of bluebells. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative portrait of the groom taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
a relaxed couple portrait taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative couple portrait of them cuddling and smiling taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative couple portrait of the bride looking back at her husband taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
creative couple portrait of them walking together whilst taken at the top of The Rocks at dusk. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd
a night time landscape showcasing High Rocks from the view of the garden. Wedding photography at High Rocks by preferred supplier gavin conlan photography Ltd