THE EDMONDS
Hotel du Vin, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
VINTAGE ANALOGUE FILM PHOTOGRAPHY AT hotel du vin, An elegant kent venue
Weddings are all about celebrating love, and when that celebration takes place at a venue as exquisite as Hotel Du Vin in Tunbridge Wells, the experience becomes truly magical. As a second shooter at a recent wedding held at this iconic venue, I had the pleasure of capturing some of the most intimate and joyful moments on film—a medium that perfectly complements the timeless charm of this Grade II-listed building.
Hotel Du Vin, located in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, is an elegant wedding venue with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. Originally a private residence, this stunning mansion has been meticulously preserved and transformed into a boutique hotel that offers a unique blend of vintage decor, luxurious accommodations, and picturesque outdoor spaces.
The venue boasts several exquisite private rooms, a tranquil courtyard, and even a vineyard, providing the perfect backdrop for weddings and civil partnerships. Whether you’re drawn to the mansion’s sophisticated interiors or its idyllic gardens, Hotel Du Vin promises a wedding day filled with elegance and charm.
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY: A Venue Steeped in History and Elegance
35mm wedding film photography
For this wedding I overlapped with the main photographer in order to shoot documentary style analogue film photos of later part of the wedding day, including the evening celebrations.
For this wedding I used high quality black and white and colour films as well as experimenting with film stocks you wouldn’t normally associate with weddings
If you’re an analogue aficionado and have a favourite film stock, let me know! The most popular film stocks are Kodak and Ilford with my couples for their weddings.
Capturing your wedding day on film
Experience the magic of genuine moments through classic film photography.
As a photographer who specialises in analogue photography, I was thrilled to document this wedding on film. There’s something incredibly special about the way film captures light, texture, and emotion, adding a timeless quality to every image. Shooting film also allows me to be more intentional with each shot, focusing on the details that make the day unique.
I joined the main photographer, Lori Young, after the ceremony and spent the day photographing the guests as they mingled in the courtyard, the heartfelt moments of the reception, and the lively energy of the evening dancing. The unpredictable British weather added its own touch to the day, with summer storms giving way to a cooler evening that set the stage for an unforgettable dance floor celebration.
After capturing your moments on film, I have the photos processed and scanned by a reliable lab. This process typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks.
Once complete, you’ll receive a link to your online gallery. From there, you have the choice to download the digital scans or have the option of creating exquisite prints. You can also create timeless photo album with your favourites, providing you with a cherished keepsake to revisit in the years ahead.
Relive the smallest moments, even as memories fade away…
The benefits of a second shooter
As a second shooter, my role is to complement the work of the main photographer, providing additional coverage that enhances the overall wedding album. Because I shoot on film, I handle the developing and scanning of my images, ensuring that they maintain the authenticity and depth that only film can provide. If you’re considering adding a second shooter to your wedding day, I recommend discussing it with your main photographer to see how it can fit within their workflow and contract.
Capturing guests’ laughter and giggles at the wedding reception
Your fairytale wedding at Hotel du Vin
Hotel Du Vin offers everything you need to bring your wedding vision to life, from a dedicated wedding coordinator to bespoke menus crafted by the head chef and sommelier. After dining and dancing the night away, you and your guests can retire to the hotel’s luxurious suites, each one thoughtfully designed to provide the perfect end to a perfect day.
For couples who love the idea of capturing their wedding on film, I’d love to discuss how I can help you create a timeless record of your big day. My approach to photography is discreet and unobtrusive, allowing you to fully enjoy your celebration while I focus on preserving those fleeting moments that you’ll treasure forever.
Afternoon Tea at the Edmonds’ wedding reception at Hotel du vin
FAQs about analogue film photography
DO YOU OFFER HOURLY OR HALF-DAY RATES?
If you’re local to Tunbridge Wells (I live in the centre) then I can offer hourly and half-day or shorter day rates for film photography.
If your wedding venue is further away, or you’re using multiple venues for your wedding, I’ll need to charge for travel time or a full day (whichever is cheaper).
I’m able to travel anywhere in the UK and overseas, but I would need to add on additional costs for accommodation and any visa/carnet requirements.
HOW MANY IMAGES WILL I GET?
This is really down to you but normally if you hire me as a second shooter you can expect to see around 125 to 350 photos—it really depends on how many you want and decide to pay for. I don’t take nearly as many photos as a digital photographer but I have a very high rate of ‘keepers’ (meaning they’re good photos) as I’ll have carefully chosen the composition, lighting and colours for the shot.
If I’m your main photographer then we’ll agree the balance of digital and/or film photographs that you’d like me to shoot. If you want more analogue photos that’s an option too, but the developing and scanning costs will need to be added on.
DO YOU WORK AS A MAIN SHOOTER OR A SECOND SHOOTER?
Although I offer myself as a (digital) main shooter, if I’m shooting film, I love second shooting as it means I can take the time to get some amazing angles and capture unique shots of your day. I’m easy-going and friendly, I love working alongside a main shooter.
I can overlap with your main shooter, if they leave after the first dance, so that you get more photos of your evening celebrations, fireworks, sparklers, and evening performers, so you don’t miss out on having photos of this part of the day.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY FILM PHOTOS?
It’s possible I’ll get the scans back from the lab within 3 weeks; so much quicker than for digital as there’s almost no editing required for film photos—the picture is created at the time of taking and the ‘look’ and the gorgeous grain comes from the camera and the film itself.
If you’re having Polaroid photos, normally I’ll send these over in the post once they’ve fully developed, as I also scan these for you.
DO YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS YOU’D LIKE
TO ASK ME?
Feel free to email me if you have other questions you’d like to ask me or you’re interested in hiring me as your second shooter using analogue cameras at your wedding.
Film Photography: Why not have a unique something ‘old’ at your wedding?
If you’re interested in having analogue film photos taken of your day, either as a second shooter or a main shooter, why not get in touch to check if I’m free for your date, let me know your budget if you have one, as well as tell me about you both and all about your wedding day.
Essays are welcome—I love hearing all about weddings!
