Relaxed Spring Wedding at Mount Ephraim Gardens

Hannah and Matthew’s day at Mount Ephraim Gardens was everything I love about being a wedding photographer—laid-back, full of love, and packed with the kind of real, in-between moments that make it all so personal. Nothing felt too staged or overdone; it was all about the people, the connection, and the little pockets of joy that unfolded naturally throughout the day.

Exterior view of Mount Ephraim Gardens wedding venue in Kent on a sunny day, with guests playing lawn games on the grounds

The morning started slowly, the way all good wedding mornings should! Hannah and her bridal party got ready in such a chilled, easy-going way—even with the news that traffic delays were affecting a few guests. There wasn’t even a hint of stress, just that lovely calm anticipation as hair and makeup were done, dresses steamed, and laughter echoed through the rooms. Hannah wore the most stunning silk gown from RIXO (the Clementine—timeless and elegant), she looked incredible before she’d even stepped into it.

Meanwhile, Matthew and his groomsmen were outside setting up lawn games in the garden and enjoying a slow morning of their own. I didn’t spend too much time with them, but every time I wandered through the grounds, I’d spot them chatting, laughing, and getting things ready without a hint of rush. Oh, and Milo—their little cavapoo—completely stole the show in his own tiny tuxedo.

Candid bridal prep scene in a sunlit room at Mount Ephraim, captured in a natural, documentary wedding photography style

Natural black and white moment of the bride having her makeup done by a window at Mount Ephraim, captured in a candid, documentary wedding photography style

Vintage portrait and built-in bookshelf nook inside Mount Ephraim Gardens, showing the character and charm of the wedding venue

View from a window at Mount Ephraim Gardens overlooking blooming magnolia trees and rolling Kent countryside on a clear spring morning

Candid black and white photo of wedding guests playing croquet on the lawn at Mount Ephraim Gardens, captured in a relaxed, documentary style

Candid black and white moment during bridal prep, with guests relaxing on the sofa while hair is styled in the background at Mount Ephraim Gardens

Candid black and white photo of the bride’s mother, brother, and the brother’s husband sharing a quiet morning moment before the wedding at Mount Ephraim

Bride having makeup applied by the window on the wedding morning at Mount Ephraim Gardens, with family watching from the background

Elegant staircase entrance at Mount Ephraim Gardens decorated with wedding flowers, a welcome sign for Hannah and Matthew, and vintage interior details

Elegant interior of Mount Ephraim Gardens set for a wedding reception, with round table, floral centrepieces, and a vintage portrait above a sideboard

Wedding guests enjoying a relaxed morning in the gardens at Mount Ephraim, sitting in the sun with drinks and lawn games in the background

Candid black and white photo of the bride smiling at her reflection during wedding morning preparations at Mount Ephraim Gardens

Candid black and white photo of the bride’s brother helping someone get ready with a lint roller, while bridal prep continues in the background at Mount Ephraim Gardens

Emotional black and white photo of the bride holding hands and sharing a moment with her grandfather on the morning of her wedding at Mount Ephraim Gardens

The bride laughing and holding hands with her grandfather while her grandmother smiles from the sofa during wedding morning prep at Mount Ephraim Gardens

Black and white candid photo of the bride getting ready at Mount Ephraim Gardens, surrounded by her family including grandparents watching from the sofa

The bride beaming as she reveals her wedding dress to loved ones, who smile and react with joy during a candid moment at Mount Ephraim Gardens

Two flower girls in white dresses holding baskets, standing in a softly lit bedroom at Mount Ephraim Gardens, with a marble bust in the foreground

Young flower girl sitting quietly on a vintage sofa in soft window light at Mount Ephraim Gardens, holding her basket next to a gift and a LEGO flower bouquet set

Wedding cake on a table at the bottom of a grand staircase at Mount Ephraim Gardens, surrounded by floral arrangements and vintage portraits

Vintage-inspired wedding cake with cherries, placed beneath a classic portrait and wall sconce at Mount Ephraim Gardens

The bride walks down the grand staircase at Mount Ephraim Gardens with her father, followed by bridesmaids and flower girls

The ceremony took place in the gardens, surrounded by spring flowers and soft sunshine. It was beautifully heartfelt—simple, emotional, and filled with the kind of quiet joy that lingers long after. Afterward, guests made their way back to the main house for confetti, and this part was so much fun to shoot. They’d set up a long confetti line, which meant I could capture every single second of it—from the first flutter to the last petal landing. The photos are full of movement and laughter and those just-married grins that say it all.

Speeches took place before dinner, and they were filled with warmth, laughter, and more than a few teary smiles. Afterwards, we slipped away for some relaxed couple portraits—just the three of us, golden hour light, and a little space to breathe. I love doing portraits after speeches; it gave Hannah and Matthew a moment to catch up, reflect, and just enjoy a few quiet minutes together after everything that had been said and felt. The gardens were bathed in that soft evening glow, and it felt like time slowed down a little.

This was such a special day to be part of—full of love, happy energy, and two people who were just so easy to photograph. Hannah and Matthew, thank you for letting me tell the story of your day. I absolutely loved it.