Joanne & Kevin // Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, Essex

Joanne and Kevin’s wedding took place at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf Club and Spa in Essex. This family-owned business has been established for over 80 years and welcomes guests from all over Essex, Suffolk and the rest of the UK. The team at Stoke by Nayland made sure their guests were made to feel welcome, valued and important from the minute they turned into the driveway.

It was a busy morning with many golfers looking to take advantage of the winter sun. Whilst the bridal preparations were underway, I spent some time out on the course… not with my clubs, but the drone. After a lot of discussion with the nearby golfers and explaining that I would be flying a drone in the area, I was able to take-off and get some amazing shots of the surrounding area – made better by the naturally warm colours of the autumn leaves. 

With windswept hair, and wet feet from the dewy grass, I made my way into the hotel to shoot the bride and groom preparations.

The ceremony was back dropped with a view overlooking the golf course and lake, and was followed by reception drinks at the bar. Once the wedding breakfast had begun, I ventured back out on to the course to get some establishing shots of the venue with the gimbal.

The evening ended with some amazing fireworks which created a beautiful smoke cloud that lit up with the explosions over the lake.

Thanks to Christopher Smith at http://smiththeweddingphotographer.co.uk for being a pleasure to work alongside, and to the team at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa for their kindness and hard work throughout the day. I look forward to shooting at this venue in the future and, hopefully, alongside Chris Smith again.

Congratulations Joanne and Kevin! I wish you both a long and happy marriage.