What a stunning wedding at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve with Steph and Rory! Even the cold, wind, and rain couldn’t dampen what was such an amazing day, which included a wedding Safari watching the Rhinos, Lions, and other exotic animals from the zoo. Steph and Rory are easily two of the most kindest and fun-loving people you’re likely to meet. It was a pleasure, an honour and a lot of fun being in their company on Saturday and a wedding I’ll always remember.
First names: Stephanie and Rory
Ages: 31, 29
Wedding date: 27/11/2021
Venue: Port Lympne
How did you guys meet, tell me all?
We met whilst we were at University (Kent) during a lab practical where we were running a gel electrophoresis and we shook our gels at each other. After that, we both were randomly assigned to the same study group for out final thesis and spent more time together and I accidentally shot Steph with a pen which she still holds a grudge over me for.
How did you get engaged, is there a cool story?
One of Steph’s favourite artists (G-Dragon) was touring the UK and we were both excited to book tickets for the show. I bought a few light sticks beforehand and modified the stick to hold a ring inside. Then I secretly planned to have someone take our photo and during the encore but we were randomly given upgraded seats nearer the stage! Someone very kindly took photos for us though. I opened up the wand to reveal the ring and proposed to Steph. The actual ring was safe at home as I was terrified it would fling out!
What made you choose your wedding venue, did you look at many?
Port Lympne is a special place, their animal conservation work is fantastic and we wanted a place that was simultaneously elegant and unique. We both loved the idea of the safari during the day and though it was such a cool thing to do on the wedding that was really special.
What was the inspiration/theme of your wedding?
Neither of us are particularly conventional and we really wanted to move away from the idea of a standard wedding. We also took inspiration from previous experiences and aimed to have no large gaps in the day and provide as much food and drink as humanly possible to ensure everyone is well fed and looked after. In terms of theme, Port Lympne is so beautiful by itself that we just wanted to compliment and add a few uniquely Steph and Rory pieces.
What is your first song and why?
No real plans for a typical first dance. Based on the evening we had planned; we didn’t really think that the first dance was something we wanted and isn’t particularly something people would expect from us.
What would be your number one tip to other couples planning their wedding?
Rory: Make sure you have a well organised spreadsheet! You can’t have too much information and if it’s worth writing down in the first place, do it properly.
Steph: Be prepared to compromise based on feedback, but never forget it is your and your partners wedding after all!
Check out Steph and Rory’s Wedding at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve 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 Steph and Rory’s Wedding at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve
Hair stylist: Angela Williams (RKW Hair) Website: https://rkwhair.co.uk/20-years-of-hairdressing/ Instagram: @rkwhair Make up artist: Clare Lake Website: https://www.clarelakemakeupartist.co.uk/ Instagram: @clarelakemua Brides dress: Charlotte Wilden Website: https://www.wildenlondon.com/ Instagram: @wildenlondon Bridesmaids dresses: Coast Website: https://www.coastfashion.com/ Instagram: @coastfashion Suits: Moss Bros Website: https://www.moss.co.uk/ Instagram: @mossbros Florist: Chic Weddings Website: https://www.chicweddings.co.uk/ Instagram: @chicwedsuk Cake: Coco and Cobi Website: https://cobiandcoco.com/ Instagram: @cobi_and_coco_cakes Caterer: Port Lympne Website: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/weddings/ Instagram: @portlympneweddings Band/DJ: Sean and Guy (Function Central) Website: https://www.functioncentral.co.uk/band/sean-guy Instagram: @functioncentral Stationary: TwistStationary, LucyMarchStudio, TheLaserFox Website: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TwistStationery, https://www.etsy.com/shop/LucyMarchStudio, https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheLaserFox Instagram: @twist.stationery, @lucymarchstudio, @thelaserfox Casinos: LCL Casinos Website: https://www.lclcasinohire.co.uk/ Instagram: @lclcasinohire
Are you looking for a wedding photographer? Would you like someone who photographs it in an alternative, fun and natural way? Fancy seeing your wedding pictures on my Instagram and on other cool wedding blogs? Get in touch and let me know all about your day! I need to know the date, ceremony and reception details and most importantly all the ideas you have!
Wedding at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve // Copyright Ross Hurley 2021 // UK Wedding Photographer
