What happens when two botanists marry? You get a gorgeous bird and estuary themed wedding in a beautiful location right next to a beach, obviously!

Louise and Andy wed at East Quay Venue in Whitstable, a stunning heritage building with direct sea views. Whitstable is one of my favourite places in the country, so a seaside wedding in Whitstable always hold a very special place in my heart. This venue is gorgeous too: with a mixture of industrial chic and rustic charm, it’s chockful of character. It actually used to be the oyster grading room in one of the building’s previous incarnations – and Louise and Andy’s laidback seaside wedding day certainly gets top marks from me! 

Guests were greeted by an enormous chalkboard sign, painted by Made by Jo with birds in flight, and then by a gorgeous floral installation at the bottom of the staircase, created by the extremely talented Helen from Blubelle Creative. Pink blooms sprung from a cloud of foliage and greenery and trailed all the way up the stairs, inviting guests to come and take their seat. Louise and her bridesmaids also had gorgeous bouquets, full of bright, colourful statement blooms that were a burst of joy.  

We started the morning getting ready at the Hotel Continental, with the lovely Poppy Tallulah on hair and make up duty. After that, Louise and her dad hopped into an exquisite cherry red vintage car and it was showtime! The ceremony was super relaxed and super romantic, a perfect fit for them – and all the while with breathtaking beach views. Seaside weddings always have a special quality about them, as they’re so grounded. 

After the ceremony, we co-ordinated a confetti throw (which is always a riot – nothing like your loved ones pelting things at your face), and then everyone chilled by the beachfront in the crisp March sun for a bit, accompanied by a one man banjo band. 

In the meantime, the venue staff cleared the ceremony setup and transformed the space into a beautiful, fairy-lit reception. Long trestle tables were staggered throughout the room, laid with dusky coloured table runners and bud vases filled with more of Blubelle’s gorgeous blooms. Their table names were all named after birds, and guests each got a little bottle of Buckfast which doubled up as their place setting. Andy and Louise stood up to do a speech together (yes! More brides’ speeches, please) followed by their nearest and dearest, then food arrived – then, the party started! 

This Whitstable wedding was the perfect example of how wonderful and laidback weddings can be, and also some incredible seaside wedding inspiration too. Congratulations Andy and Louise! 

Wedding Venue - The East Quay Whitstable

Florist - BluBell Creative

Chalk Board's - Made By Jo

Get in touch if you would like Matilda to photograph your seaside wedding. Matilda is a Kent based Alternative London Wedding Photographer who specialises in modern, natural, creative wedding photography. Her work can be described as natural documentary style of photography, she captures the story of your day in a hands off laidback way. Wedding photography for creative laidback couples who want wedding photography that’s not “wedding photography”. Matilda is available to shoot weddings, natural family sessions, elopements, couples sessions in London, the South East and through out the UK.