Some weddings just feel like a big exhale. No fuss. No performance. Just two people, their favourite humans, and a day that unfolded with effortless joy. From the very start, Charlie & Zanna’s wedding had that energy — relaxed, genuine, and filled with laughter. All in all, it was everything a heartfelt family celebration should be.
Getting Ready at Home
Zanna spent the morning at her parents’ home in Benenden, Kent — a place already packed with decades of memories. Naturally, there’s something so special about getting ready in the house where you grew up. It’s as if every wall and window quietly cheers you on.
At the same time the atmosphere was calm and unhurried. Gifts were exchanged, laughter spilled through the kitchen and hugs flowed freely as everyone prepared for the ceremony. Meanwhile, her dad worked down at the bottom of the garden, setting up the marquee with help from family friends.
Together, they arranged flowers, laid the place settings and created a space that overlooked the Kent countryside — a view that instantly stole your breath. Bit by bit, the heart of the celebration came to life and before long, everything felt ready.
When it was time to leave, a gleaming Rolls Royce pulled up outside. After a few last photos, Zanna shared a hug with her mum, linked arms with her dad and they set off for the church.
The Ceremony at St George’s Church
St George’s Church sat just a short drive from home, and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful setting. Tall birch trees lined the aisle, forming a soft, natural frame that made the space feel serene. In many ways, it felt as though the outside world had been invited in — which I loved, because I’m always drawn to anything rooted in nature.
Once inside, the mood shifted from the gentle buzz of anticipation to something calm and deeply emotional. What stood out most wasn’t one grand moment, but rather the atmosphere. Family and friends leaned in during the hymns. Charlie and Zanna exchanged quiet smiles. Altogether, there was this deep, familiar sense of togetherness — the kind that only grows when people have known each other for years.
Then came the confetti line and honestly, epic doesn’t even begin to describe it! Guests showered the couple in handfuls of petals, laughter ringing through the churchyard. At the very end, waiting under the tunnel of confetti, was a Ferrari with the number plate Charlie 4 Zan — a gleaming, sunlit getaway that turned every head. As a result, the whole moment felt like something straight out of a film.
A Garden Party Reception
After the ceremony, everyone returned to Zanna’s parents’ garden, which had been transformed into the dreamiest reception space. The marquee glowed with fairy lights, long wooden tables and overflowing summer blooms. All in all, it felt relaxed, joyful and completely true to them.
Garden weddings are my absolute favourite to photograph. For one thing, they hold a kind of intimacy you don’t find at bigger venues. For another, they invite everyone to unwind and simply be themselves. Kids can run barefoot on the grass, grandparents can sip champagne in their favourite chairs and every moment feels like part of one long family gathering.
Moreover, as the evening unfolded, the garden came alive — conversations hummed, music drifted through the air and soft laughter carried under the stars.
Why I Loved This Wedding
Ultimately, what I loved most about Charlie & Zanna’s day was the sense of togetherness. Everyone helped. Everyone celebrated. Because of that, the whole day felt organic and real — more like a heartfelt family gathering than a production. That’s exactly the kind of wedding I love to capture: the unposed, documentary moments that become stories you’ll tell for years.
Although this wedding took place in Kent, I’m based in Northamptonshire and photograph relaxed, family-centred celebrations across the Midlands and beyond. Whether it’s a countryside garden party like Charlie & Zanna’s or a stylish town-hall wedding in London, my approach stays the same — I blend in like a guest, capture the real moments and ultimately deliver images that feel like stills from your favourite film.
So, if you’re planning your wedding and want your story told in a natural, documentary way, I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Get in touch here to start planning your day.
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