“Hey Stan! We just had a really lovely evening going through these incredible pictures, we could not be more pleased with them, you’ve captured the spirit and joy of the day perfectly!!! You’re just the best and we were so lucky to have you!!“

– Stef and Pete

The kindest and sweetest couple, with such a unique connection. That’s what comes to mind when I think about Stef and Pete and their wedding at The Dreys in Kent. On the day, I remember thinking that the venue really reflected and matched who they are as a couple – outdoorsy, laid back, genuine, unique.

I truly had the best time photographing their wedding. From the bridal prep with the girls and Stef’s dad in the morning, to the last bit of dancing at The Dreys in the evening. The atmosphere during the whole wedding was just right. Their guests were the loveliest bunch. I’ll admit now, I didn’t see the wildness and incredible shapes that unfolded on the dancefloor coming at all. Not the slightest bit. Since then I’ve learned not to attempt to predict dancefloor energy based on the vibes during the day.

The whole day was made easier and more pleasant by working with The Wedding Dolls (the coordinators on the day) who were brilliant. They were in charge of planning and coordinating Stef and Pete’s wedding and it couldn’t have gone any smoother than it did. It was also a pleasure working alongside Alex – fellow videographer who was a bliss to spend the day with.

Stef and Pete’s Wedding at The Dreys

Why Couples Choose The Dreys as Their Wedding Venue

The Dreys describe themselves as a modern fairy tale venue. I think that’s spot on. Charming, rustic, gorgeous. Just a few words I’d use to describe the venue. The Dreys was made with nature in mind – it’s a haven in the middle of nowhere where amazing celebrations happen without making a negative impact on the surroundings.

I love that in huge part the venue was made using reclaimed items. The main shelter used to be a spray booth at the Honda factory on the Isle of Sheppey. They used repurposed scaffold boards for the flooring. The toilets were once a horse box. And it all looks in place. Family owned, too.

The Dreys is located between Maidstone and Sittingbourne in Kent which makes it easy to get to for brides and grooms from Kent, London, even Essex and Sussex. They’ve got two wedding ceremony spaces that accommodate up to 150 guests and they’re licensed.

I love venues like The Dreys where you can have it all and you don’t have to travel between different locations. Being able to get ready on site if you stay the night before, have your legal ceremony, reception, meal and dancing all in the same place makes things so much easier.

You book the venue and you automatically get The Wedding Dolls as your planners and coordinators for the day. The girls are hands down the most professional planning team I’ve worked with, without being bossy or full on. Calm, collected and very much on time. I loved working with them at Stef and Pete’s wedding.

We were getting close to the party at Stef and Pete’s wedding but before that it was time for some natural couple portraits. I love these and still, I never pose couples. I let them bring the best in each other. The connection Stef and Pete had was just so special. Sometimes it takes a minute before you can start seeing the genuine expressions of the couples and what they’re really like during the natural portraits time. With Stef and Pete you could see it instantly. They were completely at ease and were able to be themselves and show their true connection. We also got the most magical sunset to complement it all.

And then… the PARTY. It was simply wild. There isn’t a better word to describe the dancefloor at their wedding. From the first dance until the end. Das Brass did a fantastic job. They didn’t just lift the energy, they matched the vibe of the crowd perfectly and it resulted in what I can only describe as a mini-rave. It still puts a smile on my face remembering it all.

A Venue for (Wedding) Photography Lovers

I’ve got no doubt that whoever designed the venue had a great talent for design and a strong sense for harmony and balance. It’s a wedding photographer’s dream. From the woodland path guided by festoon lights on both sides that leads to the heart of the venue, to the ceremony areas, the rustic shelter, the dining area, dancefloor and the beautiful grounds, the cottages and glamping tents on site, it’s all gorgeous and a joy to photograph.

There is a green backdrop almost everywhere you turn which makes it all look and feel natural. I love colour and The Dreys is a fantastic place to capture lots of it. Colourful wedding outfits stand out beautifully against the natural greens and rustic-y browns of the venue.

It’s great to photograph in overcast weather, as well as sunshine. We had both during Stef and Pete’s celebration and I loved the results. I loved the light, too. During the woodland ceremony the thick foliage of the trees diffused the natural sunlight nicely, creating some dappled light to work with. What I especially loved was that we got the setting sun illuminate the open dancefloor area – so unique and incredible.

I had a blast photographing Stef and Pete’s wedding at The Dreys. It was a day full of life, beautiful moments and ended in the best possible way – with one heck of a party. Stef and Pete – huge congrats once again and thank you so much for having me at your wedding.

The Lovely Suppliers Involved

Venue – The Dreys

Planners and coordinators – The Wedding Dolls

Dress – Isabella Grace Bridal

Hair & Make up – Hannah Hennessy

Flowers – Coco & Bloom

Video – Alex Brown

Band – Das Brass

Thank you so much for reading. If you’re getting married at The Dreys, or anywhere else, and you’re after photos that feel like you, tell the story of your wedding like it felt, have a nosey around my website. I’d love to hear from you.

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