Leeds Castle Wedding Photographer | Sophia and Thomas
We felt privileged to be able to share in the romance and merriment of this destination wedding. Although it was home ground for us and for Thomas’ family, most of Sofia’s family had flown in all the way from her native Mexico, excited and delighted at the prospect of a modern twist on a traditional English wedding in one of Britain’s most romantic and historic castles.
Sofia and Thomas had only one brief for us, to be able to capture their happiness so that the memories would be forever theirs to treasure. They had seen some of our work and were keen for us to enhance the romance of the day through our lenses, using our romantic style that plays with pastels and natural looks in an elegant and timeless way. Their wish was our command, we couldn’t wait to get started, especially when we heard that their venue was the magnificent Leeds Castle. There were so many lovely moments they had together that we felt lucky enough to capture on film.
This gorgeous couple, who laughed more throughout their day than any couple we’d seen in a long time, had originally met online and after their first date lasting eight, yes EIGHT hours, they both knew something special had happened. So after starting a tradition of giving Sofia little mini ‘capsule’ gifts on special occasions (each with a cute message inside), Thomas used one of these little delights to surprise her on Christmas Day, surrounded by their family. When Sofia spotted the word ‘wife’ in the sentence, she turned to Thomas, who she discovered on one knee (yes, he was red faced and still wearing his reindeer pajamas) and he popped the all-important question. Of course, the answer was yes, and champagne was soon opened and everyone danced and laughed in their pajamas. 
Leeds Castle Wedding Photography
On the day itself, Sofia and her Mother shared some special, sentimental moments, and Thomas was very well cared for by all the women in his family, they then met at the most stunning gothic church, which suited the occasion (and Sofia’s amazingly dramatic cathedral-length train!) perfectly. The church was festooned with pure, white flowers; the floor, the pews and a gorgeous canopy at the altar – orchids and peonies spilled over in abundance, and Thomas met his bride at the altar with a natural smile and delight for all to see. They took their vows framed by the magically colorful stained glass rose window behind and eventually sealed their union with a kiss that was truly worthy of a Hollywood movie!
The wedding party then moved on to the amazingly special Leeds Castle to continue the celebrations. The outside is a fairytale itself, with turrets and terraces (where the couple enjoyed some quiet moments), as well as a stunning moat where we enjoyed taking advantage of the light in the photographs, using the amazing backdrop of the castle.
Cloistered in the heart of the castle, amid the ancient beams and old stone walls, the tables for the meal made a pretty contrast with the fresh, white linen and soft, cotton-like flowers. It was truly reminiscent of old medieval banqueting hall but with modern elegance. This was a really special place that was home to their five tiered cake with simple lines and clean style, and presented a welcoming backdrop for the tears, laughter and hilarity of the speeches – we’ve never laughed as much at a wedding!
Later in the evening, the sound of the band began to echo through the ancient halls, and Sofia, in her elegant, timeless gown, took to the floor with her handsome husband, her dress was again admired, with its lace floral embellishments and soft sleeves gracing her pretty frame, every inch the bride.
This wedding had it all. Utter romance, family and friends, down to earth moments of sheer delight and hilarity, great food and entertainment. Everything that the couple wished for had come together on this spectacular day, in the unique and phenomenal setting of this exceptional castle, which has stood the test of time since the 9th Century. As the evening fell, the outside of the castle looked as enchanting as any place on earth, uplit and resplendent – the true epitome of a fairy tale. This Leeds Castle wedding really was the setting of a truly enchanted evening for Thomas and Sofia.
