Hotel du Vin Wedding /Liza O'Malley Brighton Wedding Photographer

“Woohooooooooooooo thank you so much. We are halfway through the photos and crying with happiness. Love them so so so much. Can’t thank you enough. ? ? ?….We had a slideshow with the close family yesterday they are obsessed with photos too. We are so lucky to have found such a fantastic photographer thank you so much”.

Local Brighton Wedding

YEE HA! I thought when the lovely Abeni and Kane got in touch to tell me about their Hotel du Vin Wedding they were planning in Brighton. ( I gotta admit I love shooting local couples, close to home, not far to drive to… Brightonian weddings!!) The Hotel du Vin Brighton is an awesome venue as well with super friendly and helpful staff, PLUS a great location pretty much right on the Brighton Beach front. I’m getting to know these guys really well now this having been my second wedding at the Hotel du Vin Brighton this year.

Abeni and Kane had some lovely surprises planned for their wedding… Abeni’s aunt the opera singer would be singing them into the ceremony, there was a change of clothes into traditional Nigerian clothing for 20 family members (including Abeni and Kane) in the evening for the traditional Money Spray Dance.

Perfect Brighton Wedding Venue – Hotel du Vin

When I first met these two loved up Brightonians at the Hotel du Vin itself for a coffee and chat, they told me about the type of wedding they dreamed of…one that was relaxed, happy but also all about family. (Abeni and Kane I reckon you guys hit the nail on the head on all counts – What a day to remember forever – you both looked soooooo gorgeous and happy).

Abeni and Kane first met at a Club in Pool Valley and love watching documentaries, going on long walks and taking photos! (I knew I was going to love working with them ?!) Their favourite things in life are each other, family and deserts!! They loved the character and location of the Hotel du Vin.

Second Photographer

Super organised and stunningly beautiful Abeni was sure from the beginning that she wanted a second photographer. I was lucky that the lovely Lauren Jarmey from Lace Photography was keen and available. I had second shot with Lauren before and she was more than fab. Great company, she read my mind at times and awesome images. The advantages of having a second photographer are huge, it means more coverage getting ready, I could be taking the bridal prep shots with Abeni whilst Lauren captured the Kane and the boys getting organised and having a pre-ceremony beer plus guests arriving and a few details in the stunning ceremony room. We also got some beautiful shots between us of the incredibly moving ceremony and hilarious and emotional (again) speeches. All angles were covered. Thanks again Lauren – fab job.

Planning Their Hotel du Vin Wedding…

They were planning a large wedding of 80 for the ceremony and double that in the evening. With everything all at the same venue, it meant more time for Abeni and Kane to enjoy their guests not having to move from venue to venue. Their theme was to be dusty autumnal shades and clean white linen. The couple had some great tips for other couples planning their wedding

“try and do as much as possible in the beginning and space out the jobs. Also have regular sit down wedding meetings and catch-ups with each other so you both feel involved and choose things together. Above all – enjoy the process”!

Bridal Prep at the Hotel du Vin

Wow, I don’t think I have ever been in such a large room before for wedding prep…The Crystal Suite was gorgeous and huge! and it needed to be what with hair and makeup stylists, seven bridesmaids, five unbelievably excited flower girls, one proud Mum and the beautiful bride. Abeni despite having told me she was going to be so nervous on the day, just looked amazing and was a calm force of bridal nature amongst everyone getting ready.

Ceremony & Confetti!

After a short but very moving ceremony, we were lucky that the predicted storms and rain held off just long enough for confetti throwing, group photos and a quick run to the beachfront for Abeni and Kane and me (with umbrellas and best man in tow!) We literally only had 5 minutes for some quick photos before the rain started. I was so glad that Abeni and Kane trusted me enough and listened when I said we had to finish up the group shots and head to the beach before it poured down! I also had a plan B as well for some couple photos in their suite after the speeches.

It is always so fab to get some outside photos to show the environment (in this case the busy Brighton promenade and Ship Street outside Hotel du Vin and just be outside! It means we have a really good range of images from inside and out. I can get some really cool alternative angles, show off the venue and local area plus the light is always better outside! Well during the day anyway!

Emotional and Hilarious Speeches

Yep this was going to be another of those days where there were loads of great speeches (my fave) and they had me in tears. ?Lauren and I both captured some gorgeous reactions, love and laughs during the speeches. I loved being so moved and connected at weddings.

Party Time!

The party time kicked off with a bang with Abeni and Kane cutting their cake and having a very romantic first dance. Then it was a heaving dance floor until 9pm until the family made a grand entrance complete in their matching Nigerian Costume. Abeni and Kane were showered with money during the Spray Dance and of course, I was in my element as these awesome bright colours and amazing vibe led to great fun photos.

I loved Abeni and Kane’s wedding and meeting their lovely families. Thank you guys for choosing me as your photographer I am so chuffed you love your photos! Check out another Brighton Wedding here!