Connie and Ricky’s autumn wedding at The Secret Gardens in Ashford, Kent
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of photographing Connie and Ricky’s autumn wedding at The Secret Gardens in Ashford, Kent. With the season in full swing, the gardens looked stunning, showcasing warm tones mixed with crisp greenery – a natural, relaxed backdrop that fit the couple’s style perfectly. The Secret Gardens is a brilliant choice for couples in Kent who want a venue with understated charm and character.
Bridal Preparations in the New Bridal Room
Connie started the day in the venue’s new bridal prep room, which is a great addition to The Secret Gardens. Spacious, well-lit, and thoughtfully designed, it made the perfect space for capturing those early moments. The relaxed atmosphere was matched by a lovely sense of excitement as Connie prepared for the day ahead, surrounded by her closest friends.
An Intimate Ceremony in The Secret Gardens’ Chapel
This was my first time shooting in the chapel at The Secret Gardens, and it’s an ideal setting for a small, intimate ceremony. The chapel has a mix of natural light and original features that add character without being overly formal. Connie and Ricky exchanged their vows here, surrounded by close friends and family, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a wedding of this size.
The Chapel - Ceremony Area
Confetti in the Courtyard
The confetti moment in the courtyard was one of the highlights. After the ceremony, Connie and Ricky walked out to cheers and a shower of confetti from their guests. The rustic brick walls and autumn colours of The Secret Gardens’ courtyard provided a perfect setting, creating naturally beautiful photos without the need for much direction – just people enjoying the moment.
Confetti in the Courtyard
A Unique Katsu Cod Curry for the Reception
Adding a bit of personality to the day, the couple chose a Katsu cod curry for the reception meal, a refreshing change from traditional wedding food. Guests appreciated the twist, and it suited the relaxed feel of the celebration. It’s these little touches that make a wedding unique and personal to the couple, something I always love to capture.
A Relaxed Celebration with Family and Friends
Overall, Connie and Ricky’s wedding was refreshingly low-key. No formalities or rigid timelines, just a genuine gathering of friends and family enjoying each other’s company in a beautiful setting. The Secret Gardens provided the perfect backdrop for this kind of laid-back celebration, and the autumnal colours only added to the natural charm of the place.
Cake Cutting on the Dance Floor and a Night of Music
After the meal, Connie and Ricky cut their cake right in the centre of the dance floor, which was a great choice. It created a natural transition into the evening, gathering everyone around and setting the stage for the night’s celebrations. With the DJ spinning a mix of funk and soul tracks, the atmosphere was lively, and the dance floor quickly filled up. It was a brilliant way to kick off the evening, and the guests kept the energy going well into the night.
Wedding Photography at The Secret Gardens
As a Kent-based wedding photographer, The Secret Gardens in Ashford is a fantastic venue to work at, offering varied backdrops that fit both formal and relaxed styles. If you’re planning a wedding in Kent and looking for a photographer who captures those natural, candid moments, feel free to get in touch. You can see more from this and other weddings on my wedding photography portfolio.
