Andrew Newson 04/01/2023 Andrew Newson 04/01/2023

A Brighton Wedding

A gorgeous Brighton wedding at The Royal Pavilions and The Grand Hotel.

As well as shooting my own weddings I also second shoot sometimes for other photographers.

When Hannah Phipps asked for a second shooter for a wedding in Brighton I jumped at the chance! Brighton is one of my favourite places, we got married in Brighton on the pier in 2005 and I’ve been itching to photograph a wedding in Brighton.

This wedding was taking place at the stunning Royal Pavilions followed by a reception at The Grand Hotel.

I have to admit I have never been inside the Pavilions and it did not disappoint. Also the couple were allowed to have confetti outside which is not usually allowed.

The Grand Hotel is an impressive place and suited their Art Deco theme perfectly. There were 3 best men and included in their speech was a special song dedicated to the groom - they are all in a band together!

We headed to the beach for couples’ photos but it was very windy but still very beautiful.

I would love to photograph more weddings in Brighton as there are so many incredible venues and of course the beach! Please get in touch if you are planning a Brighton wedding.

Andrew Newson 01/02/2022 Andrew Newson 01/02/2022

And the bridesmaids wore.....

Bridesmaid dress inspiration

Bridesmaid dresses

So you’ve picked your best friends and/or family members to be a part of your special day but what to dress them in?

You could pick a nod to the 1980’s style of satin meringue dress but that would be mean - and of course there is always the chance that they might return the ‘favour’ when they get married!

I like the idea of choosing a dress that they might wear again. I know all my bridesmaids wore theirs at leat once more. I should add that this was the second dress that I chose for them - a below the knee, black strapless number. The first dresses were full length, burgundy, very bridesmaid looking and probably wouldn’t be worn again (that wasn’t the reason I changed my mind though!).

I’m not one to follow trends (see my wardrobe for details) but looking back over my past weddings pastels seem to be the most popular - particularly in shades of blue.

If you are currently trying to pick out bridesmaid dresses here are some of my favourites to give you a bit of inspiration…

So what are you going to dress your best girls in? Do let me know!

With thanks to Simon Butler, Nisha Keaton and Imogen Eve for having me along to second shoot for some of the above weddings.

Andrew Newson 16/12/2021 Andrew Newson 16/12/2021

Clare & Luke's Wedding at Chafford Park Estate, Tunbridge Wells

Clare and Luke’s wedding at Chafford Park Estate

The last day of July saw my first ever wedding at Chafford Park Estate (and also first of two weddings there).

Clare and Luke booked me in early 2019 for their New Year’s Eve wedding in 2020. Which of course didn't happen. It was rescheduled to July 2021 and it was worth the wait!

I met Claire, her parents and bridesmaids getting ready at The Royal Wells Hotel to capture a little bit of bridal prep before they headed off in a friend’s vintage VW camper to the venue - Chafford Park.

Chafford park has two beautiful barns available, Clare and Luke were having their wedding in the smaller one and the reception in the bigger barn.

The weather was a little bit of a mixed bag but it held off enough for Clare to make a dry entrance!

The ceremony was beautiful and joyful and went without a hitch!

After the ceremony it Clare and Luke went for a very short drive in Luke’s beloved and balloon filled, VW Golf Mark 1 before being covered in confetti (the couple not the car!)

The it was drinks, relaxing, chatting and a little bit of magic!

…interspersed with group photos….

…. and also whisking the bride and groom off for some portraits in the beautiful grounds of the estate, and with Luke’s car.

The delicious wedding breakfast was hosted in the bigger of the two barns after the speeches.

And then after the bouquet toss it was party time! An incredible live band called Shakedown and tunes from Mint DJs

Such a lovely day. Congratulations Mr & Mrs Bookham!

Here’s a list of Claire and Luke’s incredible suppliers:

Venue - Chafford Park Estate
Hair - HD Hair designs
Makeup - R.M.MUA and Rebecca Tolton MUA
Flowers - The Floral Workshop
Dress - Maggie Sottero (Alaina) purchased at Go Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses - Maya Dress - Next
Suits - Moss Bros hire
Cake - Jeys Heavenly Events
Venue styling - Hire Your Day
Catering - Leave it to us
Balloon Wall - Boutique Balloon Studio
DJ - Mint DJs
Band - Shakedown

Andrew Newson 14/12/2021 Andrew Newson 14/12/2021

Toni & Ben's wedding at Blackstock Country Estate, East Sussex

Toni and Ben’s wedding at Blackstock Country Estate

I stepped in to photograph Toni and Ben’s wedding very last minute, due to their booked photographer catching the dreaded C (and I had some big shoes to fill as their original photographer is amazing).

My first time at Blackstock Country Estate and what a delight! Toni looked just stunning as she walked down the aisle with her lovely son.

After drinks and greeting their guests, the newly weds and I went for a quick spin on the safari jeep to take some portraits by the lake (and the kids had a go too!)

The gorgeous barn was set up ready for speeches and the wedding breakfast (a very good BBQ!)

Cake cutting (delicious cake made by the groom’s sister), relaxing and another quick couple’s portrait session before the evening party kicked off.

And what a party! After the first dance as a surprise for the couple’s son, who is mad about Michael Jackson, they booked an MJ impersonator! (Rory Jackson from Briton’s Got Talent)