Some weddings are less like work and more like just being a guest at a friend’s wedding. This was definitely true of Katherine & James’s relaxed and creative rainbow themed day at The Secret Garden in Kent. We’d only met by skype before the wedding but as soon as we met on the day I felt like Katherine and James were old friends, we had so much fun together all day.

The couple chose to have a ‘first look.’ These are more common in America where all of the photographs take place before the ceremony so you can crack straight on with the party and spend the time with your guests (quite a good idea dontcha think?). But more and more UK couples are opting for first looks and they’re such a brilliant idea. Abandoning tradition and seeing each other before hand really breaks those nerves down and gives you time to have a reflective moment alone before you go out there (weddings can be overwhelming with all those people to see!). It allows the first time you see each other to be caught on camera- as you can see it was so special to capture all the emotion of that moment, and don’t you just love Katherine’s Temperley dress?

Katherine has a theatrical past and met lots of her close friends at drama school,  naturally she wanted to include this creative element and two friends performed songs as part of the ceremony. The guests also sang the couple into dinner with an a capella version of ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ a la Glee. It put tingles down my spine, what a way to enter your wedding breakfast! They also had their very own wedding programme for each of the guests to take away as a momento including a bio for each of the wedding party and key players,  even I had my very own bio included! Each table was also named after a show or theatrical event attended by Katherine & James and even had the original tickets attached.

Along with the theatrical element Katherine and James had chosen a rainbow theme, which even extended to each of the wedding party being given a colour of the rainbow to wear with matching sunnies! Katherine’s wedding ring was even set with multi coloured gems to match the theme and remind her of the day forever.

It was such a pleasure to get to know this lovely pair, and it was so clear from the day just how loved and loving they are with their friends and family. It was such a special day, thanks for having me guys. I’m so thrilled to call you friends. And thanks for pairing me up with an awesome partner in crime Olly of Storybook Films too- check out his film at the end of the post!