Wedding guests dance and celebrate in a bright, white-walled reception venue with high vaulted ceilings.
Wedding guests enjoy a lively reception celebration with champagne toasts and laughter at an indoor venue.

"Matt! Honestly - so incredible! We couldn’t be happier. So much fun to relive it all and so many amazing memories captured that we didn’t see on the day. Cannot wait to go through them all 100 times over with everyone. Thank you thank you thank you. Such a talent, the photos are perfect. Everyone is going to adore seeing these. Appreciate you loads. Thank you thank you! You are the BEST! ❤️"

Two people share an intimate moment at the altar during a wedding ceremony with floral arrangements by a large window.

Charlie & Harrison's Same-Sex Black Tie Wedding at LIMEKILN in Sussex


So, full disclosure, I'm going to do my best to explain just how good Charlie & Harrison's same-sex black tie wedding at LIMEKILN was, but I don't honestly know if I can do it justice!


The word 'luxury' is now a massively over-used word, particularly in the business of weddings, but I think this black tie wedding and it's quiet, understated luxury vibe redefines the word for me! Charlie & Harrison came into wedding planning with so much humility, kindness and warmth, which shone through in every detail of their day. Their decisions and choices were based purely around creating an experience that made everyone feel loved, valued and welcome, and that absolutely extended to those of us strapping in for a day at work!


Their energy is hard to describe but, considering this was the first (and hopefully not last) time we were in the same room together after a couple of FaceTime calls, they made me feel like family! The love they have for the people around them is a beautiful thing and the emotion and connection that created on the day was a dream to shoot.


Also, LIMEKILN was the perfect place for these guys to host their wedding day. The vibe matched perfectly and their desire to create an experience mirrored Charlie & Harrison's brief to a tea. LIMEKILN is the premier wedding venue in Sussex and, after 2 trips there in 2025, I cannot wait to go back again!


So, let's get into it, starting with some prep...

A panoramic sequence showing a white house with brown roof set against an autumn landscape at different angles.
A sequence of black and white photos showing dress shoes walking across a wooden floor.
A person in a white dress shirt looks at a robe while someone takes a photo with a phone in the mirror.
Black and white portrait sequence showing a person's contemplative expressions in a white collared shirt.
Wedding party members help each other adjust bowties and formal attire while getting ready in a hallway.
Professional portrait photos in soft pink tones showing different poses and expressions.
Black and white series of cropped photos showing hands clasped together against a striped background.
Dramatic black and white sequence shows a person in formal attire moving through dark hallway with moody lighting.
Black and white photo showing wedding preparations in a room with natural window light.
Close-up of a person in a black suit adjusting a vibrant red rose boutonniere on their lapel.
A person in a white tuxedo jacket and black bowtie has a red rose boutonniere pinned to their lapel by someone else.
Black and white photo series showing details of someone adjusting their formal white tuxedo jacket and bow tie.
A groom in a classic white tuxedo jacket with black bow tie gazes thoughtfully to the side in a formal portrait series.
People dancing together in a social dance setting with ornate wall decorations in the background.

Wedding photography at LIMEKILN, Sussex



So, if you're reading this and thinking "Portraits before the ceremony? Can we do that?!" the answer is YES PLEASE!! So good. Charlie & Harrison chose to prioritise some time before their ceremony to shoot a bunch of portraits, so we/they had nothing but time afterwards to just spend with their guests. Trust me, your future selves will be super-grateful for this choice. My approach is to always give my couples maximum time after the ceremony to spend with their guests, but this was even better. And, as you'll see from the photos a bit later, there was so much emotion and connection between everyone, that time was very well spent!


Also, when you've got 2 guys who basically look like movie stars, you get gold! Charlie & Harrison gave me an amazing opportunity to lean into something a bit different (for me) with their portraits and, because they wanted to dedicate some time to them without the pressure of being away from their guests, we got to try out some cool stuff and make some awesome photos.

Black and white photo series of people in formal attire laughing together while standing next to a classic white car.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos pose together next to a white vintage car at a wedding venue.
Two people in formal attire pose playfully with a white classic car outside a house with red banners.
A wedding party walks together on a gravel path outside a building with classic cars visible in the background.
Close-up view of hands gripping a classic car steering wheel with chrome details and wooden trim.
Black and white artistic wedding photo series showing intimate moments between couple in white attire.
Couple shares romantic moment in bright white room with industrial windows and elegant floral arrangements.
A romantic wedding moment captured in a sequence showing two people in formal attire sharing tender glances and embraces.
A couple in formal attire shares a romantic moment beside elegant floral arrangements in a bright indoor venue.
A series of candid black and white photos showing two people in tuxedos sharing intimate laughing moments together.
Film noir style black and white image sequence showing figures in dark shadows walking through doorways and corridors.
Groomsmen in formal attire walk down a modern hallway with large windows and wall sconces.
A couple embraces on a grassy lawn with a white building in the background during an autumn day.
Two people in formal attire walking and laughing together on a green lawn with stone walls and autumn trees.
Two people in formal attire walk together and smile on a green lawn with houses visible in the background.
Two people in formal attire playfully run and dance together on a grassy field in black and white photography.

Wedding Ceremony at LIMEKILN


Wedding ceremonies are always an emotional time, but when the celebrant is your Aunt, it's even more emotionally-charged and personal. Karlina is a professional wedding celebrant and one I've worked with before. She's actually the reason I got to share this day with Harrison & Charlie! Karlina is Harrison's Aunt and she recommended me to them when they started their planning. I want to say now, very publicly, Karlina; THANK YOU!! You're the best. If you're looking for a celebrant, stop looking and get her locked in for your day. You won't regret it!

A group of people gather around a table for a wine tasting event in a modern restaurant setting.
A group of friends enjoying drinks and conversation together at a restaurant or bar.
A group of people in formal attire gather at an event, holding drinks and engaged in conversation.
People dance and celebrate at a wedding reception in front of a decorative white wall with artistic swirl patterns.
A black and white panoramic photo shows people getting ready in a bridal suite before a wedding ceremony.
A groom in a black tuxedo and bow tie reads from a book during a wedding ceremony, captured in black and white.
A series of five connected photos showing a couple's emotional first look moment at their wedding.
Two bridesmaids in white dresses share a joyful moment with someone in a navy suit during a wedding celebration.
A group of people in formal attire sharing a celebratory drink together at a special event.
Artistic black and white fashion portrait series showing a figure in white clothing against minimalist backgrounds.
A group of people in formal attire share joyful moments while getting ready for a wedding celebration.
A couple shares an intimate moment at their wedding ceremony against a decorative patterned wall.
Couples dancing and socializing at an elegant indoor reception with hardwood floors and warm lighting.
A couple walks down the aisle at their wedding ceremony in an elegant venue with exposed brick and wooden chairs.
A panoramic view of a wedding reception venue with guests mingling in an elegant white-walled room with vaulted ceilings.
Wedding couple sharing intimate moments during ceremony in sunlit venue with large windows and greenery.
Wedding party members share laughter during an indoor ceremony by large windows with natural light streaming in.
A bright white chapel interior with vaulted ceilings and wooden beams hosts an intimate wedding ceremony.
A row of bridesmaids in light-colored dresses hold bouquets while standing by large windows in a bright room.
Wedding party members in formal attire line up by large windows in a bright venue with floral arrangements.
A group of people in formal attire stand together in a line with green leaves visible in the foreground.
A wedding party stands in a bright indoor venue with large windows and floral decorations.
A black and white photo shows wedding guests mingling and laughing at a reception by large windows.
A couple shares a romantic moment at the altar during their wedding ceremony in a bright white barn venue with floral arrangements.
Wedding guests raise their hands in celebration during a joyful reception in a bright, airy venue.
Wedding guests celebrate with confetti and dancing in a bright white reception venue during a joyous celebration.

The Reception



This might be my favourite part of the day. As a documentary wedding photographer, my approach and priority is always to give my couples maximum time with their guests, to enjoy moments just like these. And because we shot most of their portraits before the ceremony, I could give Charlie & Harrison even more time. The energy in the room during this time is so damn good, and you shouldn't be anywhere other than right in the middle of it!

A black and white photo collage showing candid wedding moments with guests and wedding party members at a celebration.
Emotional wedding celebration moment with guests hugging and reacting joyfully in a bright indoor venue.
A series of candid moments showing joyful embraces and laughter at an indoor celebration event.
People sharing warm hugs and emotional moments during what appears to be a wedding reception in a white room.
Wedding guests share joyful moments and laughter during an indoor celebration.
Romantic moments captured in a series of wedding photos showing tender kisses and embraces in an elegant indoor setting.
Wedding attendees gather in conversation near a bright window during a formal celebration.
Guests mingle and socialize at an elegant indoor wedding reception.
Guests embrace and celebrate at a formal wedding reception in an elegant indoor venue.
A black and white photo strip showing multiple candid moments of people embracing and celebrating at an event.
Wedding guests mingle and chat while holding champagne glasses at an elegant indoor reception.
A crowded wedding reception shows guests mingling and hugging in a bright indoor space.
Wedding guests share warm embraces and conversations during a reception in an elegant indoor venue.
A black and white photo collage shows people dancing and celebrating at what appears to be a wedding reception.
A black and white candid photo shows a group of people laughing and socializing at an indoor event.
A series of black and white photos showing joyful moments and embraces at what appears to be a wedding celebration.
Candid moments of joyful dancing and embraces at a wedding reception celebration.
A crowded reception or networking event with people mingling and conversing in a bright indoor space.
Well-dressed guests in formal attire laugh and socialize while holding champagne glasses at an elegant event.
People enjoying drinks and conversation at an elegant indoor reception or social gathering.
A black and white candid photo showing people engaged in lively conversation at a social gathering.
People in formal attire share a candid moment of laughter during a black and white event.
Wedding guests in formal attire gather together to take selfies and photos during a celebration.
A group of wedding guests laugh and smile while holding drinks during a reception celebration.
A group of people socializing and mingling at an indoor event with drinks in hand.
A joyful moment captured at a wedding reception as guests embrace and celebrate together.
Wedding guests mingle and socialize during an indoor reception celebration at an elegant venue.
A couple shares a romantic dance together at an elegant wedding reception in a beautifully decorated ballroom.
Black and white photo of people enjoying drinks and conversation at an elegant social gathering.
People embrace and hug each other emotionally in a bright indoor hallway during what appears to be a special occasion.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together at an indoor reception venue during a festive celebration.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together during a lively reception in an elegant venue with large windows.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos and white dinner jackets walk and laugh together on hardwood floors at a wedding venue.
Two people in formal attire stand at an elegant reception table with floral centerpieces and place settings.
Wedding guests dance together in a line during a reception celebration on an outdoor patio.
A series of candid wedding photos showing romantic moments between the newlyweds during their celebration.
A wedding party laughs together during a candid moment in an outdoor garden setting.
Wedding party members walk together across a grassy lawn in formal attire during an outdoor celebration.
Wedding guests raise their glasses in celebration during a toast at an elegant indoor reception.
A series of black and white photos showing joyful expressions and laughter at a wedding celebration.
Black and white photo of an emotional embrace at a wedding celebration with guests watching in the background.
Guests mingle and embrace at an elegant indoor reception with exposed brick walls and warm lighting.
People sharing joyful moments and hugs at a formal gathering in an industrial-chic venue.
Wedding reception guests socializing and laughing in front of exposed brick walls with decorative lighting.
Candid moments captured between guests during a celebration in a warmly lit indoor space.
A group of formally dressed guests share a joyful moment at an elegant wedding reception with a chandelier in the background.

Luxe Wedding Details


Okay, this is VERY rare for me. I always shoot the details, but very rarely share them, because I'll always prioritise the people and human connection elements of a wedding day. BUT, when the details are this considered and elegant, they deserve their own time and space. From a custom emblem to custom embroidered napkins for each guest, Charlie & Harrison absolutely nailed it. Also, with Harrison working for Jo Malone, LIMEKILN didn't just look incredible, it smelled like an absolute paradise!

White building exterior with red door signs and delicate wildflowers growing along gravel pathway.
Red decorative banners with ornate designs hang against white siding, with green foliage and flowers in the foreground.
Modern wedding welcome sign in burgundy red with elegant script text displayed outside a white building entrance.
Long banquet tables with white linens and chairs set up in an elegant reception hall with natural light streaming through windows.
Elegant wedding table setting with white linens, crystal glasses, and pink menu cards decorated with delicate floral arrangements.
Elegant wedding reception tables set with white linens, floral centerpieces and dark wood chairs in a bright dining room.
Minimalist white vase with delicate flowers and lit candle arranged on light surface against window with natural light.
Elegant wedding reception tables with white linens, wooden chairs, and delicate floral centerpieces in a light-filled venue.
Wedding reception place settings with burgundy menus and wine glasses on a white tablecloth.
Black and white image of elegant table settings with lit candles and wine glasses creating a romantic ambiance.
Decorative orange and red paper fans arranged in a row on a dark surface at a wedding reception.
Glowing scented candles in glass jars arranged on a wooden bar counter.
A series of white paper fans with numbers arranged in sequence on a dark surface in black and white photography.
Multiple pink cocktails garnished with citrus slices are lined up on a decorative gold surface in a bar setting.
Black and white photograph of business cards with architectural sketches displayed in a row on a reflective surface.

Sussex Wedding Photographer



So, before the speeches kicked off, while their guests were being seated, we snuck out for a few more portraits. Like I said earlier, when you have grooms who look like these two, you shoot a few more portraits :-) I mean, come on!!


After another quick wander, we all headed into Poplar Hall for the remaining speeches from Harrison, Charlie & Cameron, which were super-heartfelt, emotional and so wholesome, before smashing back some Limoncello shots and getting stuck into the party. Alongside the drinks reception, emotions are always running high during and after the speeches, so I'm always in the mix and looking for those amazingly natural and fleeting moments of connection.

A romantic black and white photo series showing a couple in contrasting white and black formal attire sharing tender moments.
Two people in formal attire embrace during a wedding ceremony, one wearing a white tuxedo and black bowtie.
Two people in formal wedding attire walk hand in hand on a manicured lawn with trees in the background.
Two people in formal attire playfully dance and spin together on a green lawn with trees in the background.
A series of black and white photographs showing people dancing at a wedding reception.
Two people in formal attire walk down a bright hallway decorated with potted plants and white shelving.
A groom in a white tuxedo jacket and black bow tie dances and smiles during a wedding reception.
A bright interior space with large windows, floating shelves, and floral arrangements in a modern design setting.
A close-up candid photo showing genuine laughter and joyful expressions during a celebration.
A black and white collage of people in masks during the COVID-19 pandemic shows various expressions and angles.
Candid moments of people sharing smiles and laughter during a festive gathering.
People seated at formal dining tables in black and white photograph series.
A group of people gather around a table at a wedding reception, enjoying conversation and laughter together.
A group of people sitting at a long table smiling and celebrating during a social gathering.
A tender moment between two grooms in tuxedos sharing a kiss at their wedding reception.
Panoramic view of an elegant white wedding ceremony venue with guests seated in rows beneath crystal chandeliers.
Wedding guests enjoy a candlelit dinner reception with wine bottles and elegant table settings at a formal venue.
A row of groomsmen in black bow ties and tuxedos stand together in a formal wedding lineup.
A group of people laughing and smiling while gathered at a social event in an indoor setting.
People celebrate at a wedding reception with lit candles and red roses decorating elegant white tables.
Black and white photo of a lively wedding reception with guests seated at tables in a bright room with white walls.
A bright modern retail store interior with white shelving, decorative trim, and potted plants along the walls.
Guests share laughter and conversation at an elegant dinner reception with wine glasses and formal attire.
Black and white candid photo of guests laughing and enjoying themselves during a wedding reception.
Wedding guests raise their glasses in celebration during a reception toast at an indoor venue.
Wedding guests gathered around a dining table while speakers deliver toasts during an elegant reception celebration.

Party Time!



Okay, so the formalities are all done, and it's time to head back to The Kiln bar and the Lounge for cocktail hour and one hell of a party! And it really was one hell of a party!


If you've made it this far I want to say thank you, you're a trooper. I hope the words have been a bit helpful. If you're planning your own wedding at LIMEKILN and you're keen to work with me, I'd love to hear more about your plans. So, get in touch and let's chat! You can also check out some more amazing weddings or check out my portfolio to get more of a feel for my work. And hey, if you're looking for some more same-sex wedding inspiration, check out Hannah & Laura's beautiful same-sex wedding in London.


Right, enough talk, time to party...

Wedding reception guests seated at long tables in an elegant banquet hall with natural lighting and floral centerpieces.
Black and white romantic photos showing intimate moments between a couple laughing and embracing together.
A heartfelt embrace between two people during a wedding reception with dining tables and guests in the background.
A candid moment of laughter and joy being shared between guests during a formal indoor celebration.
A series of candid black and white photographs showing people laughing and interacting at a formal event.
A couple in formal attire shares a joyful moment together during a special celebration.
A group of people gather around tables at a formal dining event, laughing and socializing together.
A sequence of dance moves being performed by couples in a bright indoor studio space.
Wedding guests at a reception dinner table raise their glasses in a celebratory toast.
A group of formally dressed guests share a joyful laugh during an elegant cocktail reception.
Couples dance together in a ballroom during a social dance class or event.
A sequence of wedding reception photos showing guests in formal attire mingling and celebrating at an indoor venue.
Wedding guests laughing and celebrating during a joyful reception in an elegant white-walled venue.
A series of black and white wedding photos showing a reception celebration with guests dancing and mingling.
A group of people in formal attire dancing and celebrating at a wedding reception party.
Guests enjoying drinks and conversation during an elegant wedding reception in a bright, ornate ballroom.
Someone applies makeup in front of a mirror during wedding preparations in a bright, elegant room.
A joyful moment of dancing and laughter at an elegant indoor wedding reception under white tent lighting.
Wedding guests mingle and socialize during an elegant indoor reception with warm lighting and formal attire.
A collection of photo booth strips showing wedding guests posing and having fun at a reception celebration.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a crowded dance floor at an elegant reception venue.
Couples dance together at an elegant wedding reception under warm lighting.
People enjoying drinks and socializing at a crowded bar or party venue.
Three people in black suits and bowties share a lighthearted moment together at a formal event.
A black and white photo booth sequence shows a couple in silhouette sharing intimate moments.
Two people in formal attire share a sweet moment while cutting their wedding cake at an elegantly decorated reception.
Two people share their first dance at a wedding reception while guests look on with phones capturing the moment.
Couples dance together on a ballroom floor under crystal chandeliers during a formal evening event.
A series of candid dance floor moments captured at a formal evening event with couples dancing together.
People dancing together at a dimly lit social event with warm lighting.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating enthusiastically on a lively dance floor with purple lighting.
Energetic crowd of party guests dancing and celebrating at a festive reception with colorful lighting.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating together on a dimly lit dance floor with warm lighting overhead.
Black and white photos show couples slow dancing closely together at what appears to be a vintage dance or party.
Wedding guests dancing and laughing together on a crowded dance floor at an evening reception celebration.
Couples dancing and enjoying themselves at an elegant evening wedding reception with ambient lighting.
Couples dancing together at a nighttime event with colorful pink and blue lighting in a dark venue.
A group of people dancing and celebrating at a dimly lit party or nightclub venue.
People dancing and celebrating at a lively wedding reception with colorful purple lighting and a festive atmosphere.
People dancing and celebrating at a lively nighttime party with colorful lighting and drinks in hand.
Couples dance together at a dimly lit wedding reception or party venue.
A series of candid black and white photos showing joyful laughter and genuine expressions at a social gathering.
A group of people laughing and smiling together at a social gathering in a warmly lit indoor setting.
People mingling and socializing at an elegant indoor event with warm lighting and formal attire.
A black and white photo shows a person dancing in a polka dot dress at what appears to be a dance party or event.
Couples dancing together on a dimly lit dance floor at an evening celebration with colorful lighting effects.
Black and white photo of people dancing and socializing at a crowded nightclub or party venue.
Black and white image showing people gathered at a bar counter in a dimly lit venue.
Black and white photo of people socializing and dancing at a lively party or nightclub.
A row of illuminated homes glows warmly against the dark night sky creating a cozy residential scene.