OUR KENTISH CEREMONY
MARRIED AT THE SECRET GARDEN
ASHFORD HOLLY AND NIGEL THOMSON-CAGE WANTED AN INTIMATE WEDDING IN AN OUTDOOR SETTING , AND FOUND EVERYTHING THEY WERE LOOKING FOR AT THE SECRET GARDEN
Photography by : Camilla Harney Photography
THE VENUE We had been to The Secret Garden for an afternoon tea before and really liked the venue . As we were having a small wedding , we wanted a venue that wouldn ’ t look empty with fewer guests . We wanted to get married outside so The Secret Garden was perfect for us .
THE OUTFITS My dress was a Morilee dress from Alta Costura Bride in Maidstone . I was open to trying different styles but when I tried this one on it felt right . I liked that there were flowers on the top detailing ; I felt it matched the venue well . We saw a suit at The Wedding Experience show and so we visited The Kent Wedding Centre at the Hop Farm . The suit was just what we wanted and so Nigel only needed to try that one on .
THE RECEPTION After the ceremony , we had our reception in the glasshouse at The Secret Garden . This was perfect for a small wedding as the room didn ’ t look empty . We also liked that we could all sit on one big table together .
Our food was amazing - we had canapés , main courses of beef , chicken or cod , and then dessert . Many of our guests commented on how great the food was .
We didn ’ t have speeches or evening entertainment ; we didn ’ t want a ‘ party ’ after the wedding . This was one reason we chose this venue . We could have the day the way we wanted and not do things for the sake of it .
After our food , we spent time with our family and friends and I provided some music to be played in the background . After a while the cake was cut and we enjoyed that together .
THE PHOTOGRAPHY Our photographer was Camilla Harney . We chose Camilla because we really loved the images on her website . Also , she had worked at the venue before so we felt confident she would know where best to get good photos . She offered a package that suited our needs ; we didn ’ t want a photographer for the whole day , just someone to capture the ceremony , group shots and couple shots . Camilla made the most of the time we had her for , and we got all of the photos we had hoped for and more .
THE HIGHLIGHT Our highlight was once the ceremony was over and after we had walked down the aisle . Although the ceremony went well , it was a relief it was over and we could now enjoy the rest of the day together .
78 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | SUMMER 2023