This was such a fun Riverhill Himalayan Gardens wedding. Suzi and Luke went from the traditional service at their local church, to an all-out party, in amongst the gorgeous gardens of Riverhill. This will be a wedding I remember for some time. Check it all out below.
First names: Suzi & Luke
Ages: Both 31
Wedding date: 25th June 2022
Venue: St George’s Church (ceremony), Riverhill Himalayan Gardens (reception)
How did you guys meet, tell me all?
We matched on a dating app – Hinge. Had our first date at a pub in Vauxhall, hit it off straight away and have been together ever since.
How did you get engaged, is there a cool story?
Having moved in together after 3 months of meeting, we then survived locked-down 1 and 2 and got engaged in the summer of 2020. We went to Devon to see Luke’s family and on route to his mum’s we went for a walk in Dane’s Wood – Suzi wasn’t too happy about the fact she was in flip-flops at the time – and Luke popped the question. After this, whilst Suzi was meant to be on annual leave at the time, she had to take an urgent work phone call and spent the next hour sat in the car outside her mother-in-laws house on the phone to a client! You can tell who’s the workaholic in the relationship! Safe to say we celebrated well afterwards.
What made you choose your wedding venue, did you look at many?
The intention was always to have the ceremony at the village church in Weald where Suzi grew up. Suzi’s parents, aunt & uncle and sister & new brother-in-law have all been married there.
For the reception venue, having looked online at a handful of venues in the area and originally not wanting a marquee style wedding, Luke (being old before his time), wanted to go for a walk around Riverhill Himalayan Gardens just up the road. As soon as we set foot in the gardens, we both knew it was where we wanted to get married – it was a blank canvas in terms of how we can style the wedding, from the tipi to the caterers and flowers – and we’ve loved every minute of being able to make the wedding bespoke to us.
With Luke being a keen gardener as well, the venue suited us perfectly.
Tell me about your dress? Who was it designed by and was there a particular style you were drawn too?
My dress was designed by Justin Alexander. I always wanted a plain dress (no lace or bling!) that makes a statement. I had my eye on one in particular that I knew was stocked at Isabella Grace in Tunbridge Wells. I went into my first appointment with an open mind and a view to try on different styles as you never know what will suit – often you’ll be surprised! Whilst I liked a couple of styles I wouldn’t have thought of, the dress I had my eye on was perfect and I went for it – it was the first one I tried on! The train on my dress is detachable too so I can make an entrance at the church and I get two dresses in one so I can do a quick change for the evening reception.
What was the inspiration/theme/styling of your wedding?
We ended up taking inspiration from some of our favourite plants and flowers (calla lilies, strelitzia), as well as our African honeymoon to Kenya and Zanzibar. Greens, burnt orange and earthy colours are displayed throughout our wedding, with a few rustic touches as well and are complimented by the variety of plants and foliage surrounding our venue too.
We want the wedding to be quite casual and fun throughout and have brought in a sax player to provide some house music and create the chilled/fun atmosphere we’re after during the drinks reception – inspired by Suzi’s girls holidays to Ibiza and Marbella over the years.
What is your first song and why?
If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
We wanted something a bit different to your typical Buble/Coldplay first dance songs and also one that works well both for our Motown band and with a sax – yes we brought another sax in just for this! Whilst the song wasn’t originally written for this purpose, the lyrics are also quite apt for a wedding – “Everything means nothing, If I Ain’t Got You”
What would be your number one tip to other couples planning their wedding?
Invest in entertainment – it’s the main thing everyone remembers (other than the bride & groom!) and keeps everyone going.
Check out Suzi and Luke’s fun Riverhill Himalayan Gardens wedding in Kent below.
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The photography: All images were captured with two Canon R6 cameras.
Lenses: Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM, Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM, and the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM.
Other awesome suppliers from Suzi and Luke’s amazing Riverhill Himalayan Gardens wedding in kent.
Bride’s Hair stylist: Family’s hair dresser - not on Instagram Make up artist: Helena Sergeant Website: https://www.helenasergeant.com Instagram: @bridalmakeupkentandsussex Bridal dress design: Justin Alexander Website: https://www.justinalexander.com Instagram: @justinalexander Brides dress boutique: Isabella Grace Website: https://www.isabellagracebridal.com Instagram: @isabellagracebridal Bridesmaids dresses: Rewritten Bridesmaids Website: https://www.wearerewritten.com Instagram: @rewrittenbridesmaids Suits: Zebel Website: https://www.zebel.co.uk Instagram: @zebelbespoke Florist: Emily&Me Website: https://www.emilyandme.co.uk Instagram: @emilyandmeweddingflorist Cake: Georgia & Lydia (friends of the groom) Instagram: @melk.york and @lydiaward123 Caterer: Tandem Catering Website: https://tandemcateringsevenoaks.co.uk Instagram: @tandem_catering_sevenoaks Band/DJ: Superstrut - hired through Function Central Website: https://www.functioncentral.co.uk Instagram: @functioncentral Stationary: Tavern Creative Website: https://www.taverncreative.com Instagram: @taverncreative Tipi Supplier: MyTipiEvent Website: https://mytipievent.co.uk Instagram: @mytipievent Sax Player: Abi Rose Website: https://abirosemusic.com Instagram: @abirosesax
