Brighton Bandstand & Hotel Du Vin Wedding | Sharon + Alexander
With my 2019 wedding season well and truly underway, finding time to blog is not easy, but I will do my best to keep them coming! Today I'm bringing you Sharon and Alexander's gorgeous intimate Brighton wedding. The couple tied the knot in June at Brighton Bandstand accompanied by 22 of their closest family and friends.
I love Brighton Bandstand weddings! Many of my Brighton-based couples consider this iconic structure for their special day, but some are (understandably) nervous about the prospect of the heavens opening and opt for 'safer' venues. Not so Sharon and Alexander, who loved the Bandstand and remained confidently optimistic that the weather would be kind. And happily, so it was!
The day started at the couple's reception venue, Brighton's Hotel Du Vin, where Sharon also had her bridal preparations. I was pleased to see that Sharon had chosen Emma Oliff for her make up, a skilled local make-up artist renowned for her expertise and commitment to using high end cruelty-free products. I've worked with Emma previously at other Brighton weddings, and, in addition to her excellent work, she's always a pleasure to have around on the day - there was lots of laughter during Sharon's bridal prep, as you'll see from the photos below!
Sharon is originally from South Africa, and her father would be travelling to the UK for the first time to give her away. Partly through knowing the story, and partly through the great expressions on their faces, the image of him walking his daughter down the aisle is one of my favourites from the whole wedding. The South African connection was reflected in Sharon's stunning bouquet by Brighton-based Florist Kate Langsdale, which featured the native South African flower King Protea. These beautiful blooms worked perfectly with Sharon's gorgeous dress and the the greens and blues of the bandstand and sea in the background.
After the ceremony, drinks and canapes were served on the bandstand before guests headed off to Brighton's Hotel Du Vin for their reception. I took a little time out with Sharon and Alexander for some couple photos in and around the bandstand and on the beach, making sure to include Brighton's West Pier in the background. I always think there's something romantic about the historical structure, especially when viewed in black and white. I admit to being less keen on the i360, as in most of my Brighton weddings it appears as little more than a very tall pole that usually needs straightening in Photoshop! On this occasion however, the glass viewing pod, or 'doughnut' was on the move, and we managed to catch it on its descent for a somewhat more interesting backdrop.
At Hotel Du Vin, guests were entertained in the courtyard by Megumi, a very talented silhouette artist. I'd never come across silhouette cutting at a wedding before, or indeed anywhere, so was intrigued to see how it was done. Megumi worked quickly with just a pair of scissors and black paper, and I have to say, the likeness of the subjects in profile was astonishing! I later found out that Megumi, who is originally from Japan, is widely regarded as the most talented silhouette artist operating in the UK today. Her work was a great talking point, and guests were able to take home their silhouettes for wedding keepsakes. Something a little different from sugared almonds!
Further guests arrived for the evening, which kicked off with the traditional cake cutting and first dance, accompanied by the sounds of Social Scene, a great acoustic duo, who played into the evening.
This was a day of emotional reunion, happiness and so many special little touches, and was an absolute joy to capture. The two venues were especially perfect for the intimate size of the wedding, while very much having the 'wow factor'. I had a great time candidly telling the story of Sharon and Alexander's day, without once feeling I was being obtrusive, and happily the couple felt the same way, as they wrote afterwards in this lovely testimonial:
We had the pleasure of meeting and working with Jenny earlier this year when she was the photographer at our wedding. She is not just a lovely and easy going person, she is professional and clearly very talented too.
Jenny was unobtrusive during our very small wedding of initially 22 people, and interacted effortlessly with everyone including those who do not typically like having their picture taken. She successfully captured our memorable day as it unfolded, and the pictures and slideshow were beautiful and a true reflection of our day.
We highly recommend Jenny, and are confident that she will be a great asset to your team on the day.
Don’t hesitate, book her now!
Sharon and Alexander
So blog duly written, and now off to pack! I'm excited to be headed to Castle Ceconi near Venice, Italy for a 5-day photography workshop, and while there, will be visiting GraphiStudio, the luxury album manufacturer I use. Sharon and Alexander's gorgeous matted leather album is currently in production and I'm really, really hoping (anyone from GraphiStudio reading this?!) to see their actual album being made!!
I hope you enjoyed this wedding, more to come on my return!
Jenny x
