Mexican Wedding at Solton Manor near Dover
April 10, 2025
If you’ve followed me for long you’ll know I love a winter wedding, especially when it takes place at a venue as striking and tucked-away as Solton Manor near Dover. The chilly air, the gathering of loved ones, and the golden hour light hitting the countryside—it all came together beautifully. In fact, it came together in such a way that I still think about this Mexican Wedding at Solton Manor near Dover months later. Why? Like usual, mostly the awesome people who I can’t wait to tell you about.
For couples looking for a wedding photographer at Solton Manor, especially those who want their day captured naturally, look no further. I’m all about editorial and documentary style wedding photography and always will be. This wedding is a perfect example of how intimate, emotion-led moments can be preserved with class and authenticity.
Solton Manor: The Ideal Setting for a Luxury Intimate Wedding
Tucked just off the main road near Dover, Solton Manor feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle. It’s peaceful, self-contained, and incredibly versatile—a rare gem in Kent’s luxury wedding venue scene. While it has the capacity for large weddings, this couple opted for a beautifully intimate celebration with around 50 guests. Because the venue had multiple choices for ceremony spaces, the chosen chapel area felt a perfect size for their wedding. If anything, it offered room to breathe, connect, and truly enjoy the company of their nearest and dearest.
The flow of the day benefited hugely from everything being held on-site. From morning prep in the Manor House, to the ceremony, the reception, dinner and dancing—it was all seamlessly connected. For photography, this is IDEAL. It allows for a more relaxed documentary approach, where I can move naturally between rooms and moments without anything feeling forced or rushed. You don’t have to worry about me or my associate photographers getting stuck in traffic!
A December Wedding with Mexican Vibes and English Charm
It was a December wedding, and yes—it was absolutely freezing. But the warmth of this day had nothing to do with the weather. Half of the wedding party had flown in from sunny Mexico! The contrast between a south coast winter and what they were used to couldn’t have been more stark. But they embraced it with open arms and multiple layers, bringing an incredible energy that filled the venue.
As the sun dipped and the temperatures dropped, guests wrapped up in all of their coats between moments to warm up again—not just by the cosy indoor fires—but with rounds of authentic Mexican tequila, a theme that would thread its way through the evening’s festivities in the best way.
This contrast between the quiet, frosty grounds of Solton Manor and the vibrant joy of this family coming together from opposite sides of the globe was magic.
An Editorial Eye with Documentary Soul
When people ask what kind of wedding photography I do, the answer is usually something like this: editorial, with a documentary heartbeat. That means I’m always tuned in to the unplanned, natural moments—the looks between your family, the laughter during speeches and in this case everybody wearing each other’s hats. However, I also bring a background in fashion and portraiture, so when these moments happen, I photograph them in a way that looks editorial. Those years of experience have given me an expert’s eye for lighting, composition and emotion.
This couple gave me the creative freedom to document their day as it unfolded. That’s what allowed the story of their Mexican Wedding at Solton Manor near Dover to feel real—nothing staged or forced. Just emotion, connection, and celebration, properly captured.
Ceremony with Heart and Family at the Centre
The ceremony took place in one of Solton Manor’s beautifully appointed spaces. With mixed light available, it still made for a warm, welcoming setting that didn’t feel too formal or distant. One thing that stood out immediately was how deeply personal the ceremony was. The bride’s brother stepped up to help conduct parts of it, which made it feel like a true family affair.
There was no performative element for this Mexican Wedding at Solton Manor near Dover—just raw emotion and heartfelt words. Lots of happy tears! It’s moments like these where documentary photography really shines. You can’t script the way a grandparent holds their breath or the way hands people cuddle during vows. As a photographer I can only witness it, and preserve it by getting those soulful photos.
Handmade Florals and Bold Colours: A Personal, Luxurious Touch
One of the most beautiful touches of the day, which I’ve never seen before, came from the bride’s mother, who crafted all the floral arrangements out of card. And these weren’t your average DIY wedding flowers. These were extraordinary—meticulously made, vibrant, and full of personality. They tied in perfectly with the couple’s colourful theme, which added such warmth and joy to the winter setting. Mexican culture isn’t exactly muted in colour, so I was stoked when I saw this styling.
Luxury doesn’t always mean traditional floristry or high-end suppliers. Sometimes, luxury is about deep meaning, time, and effort—like a mother spending weeks creating something truly personal for her daughter’s wedding. These are the details that elevate a day into something unforgettable.
The Importance of Family Time and Flexibility in Photography
From the start, the couple made one thing clear: family time came first. That meant we didn’t have hours for posed couple portraits—and honestly, that suited the day perfectly. We carved out two short ten-minute slots during the quieter parts of the schedule, and those were more than enough for a Mexican Wedding at Solton Manor near Dover .
In those brief moments, we created images that felt effortless, beautiful, and authentic. Because we weren’t rushing, and because the couple weren’t pulled away from their guests for long, their energy in those portraits was calm, connected, and real. I’ll be real, it was pretty chilly outside so we did have to be quick!
If you’re planning a wedding at Solton Manor and don’t want to disappear for an hour for couple photos, that’s more than okay. My job is to adapt to your rhythm and document your day in a way that fits you—not the other way around. I’m here to serve you!
A Second Shooter for Full Coverage: Capturing Every Angle
For this wedding, the couple chose extended coverage, including a second photographer and an album, which meant every corner of the day was covered in depth. While I focused on the lead storylines—the couple, the emotional exchanges, the light and tone—my second shooter caught other angles as if I was in two places at once.
This is often overlooked but especially valuable during intimate weddings, where guests are more spread out throughout the venue. A second perspective ensures that nothing is missed, especially when family connection is at the heart of the day. Definitely consider this when picking your photography package or crafting your bespoke quote.
Vegan Food Done Right – Always Appreciated
As a vegan myself, I’ll always quietly celebrate when wedding suppliers put thought into their vegan meal options—and this wedding? They nailed it. My second shooter and I were genuinely grateful for the beautifully made vegan supplier meals we were served. It was the first time I had polenta and it was pretty yum. That kind of detail shows care not just for your guests, but for the whole team supporting your wedding.
And when the team feels taken care of it makes the whole “job” feel more of a joy.
Tequila Toasts and Piñata Smashing: A Mexican Party in Dover
Let’s talk about the evening, because for this Mexican Wedding at Solton Manor near Dover it was unforgettable. The speeches? Toasted with tequila, naturally. The laughter? Constant. And the highlight? A full-blown piñata smashing, which saw everyone from kids to grandparents getting stuck in with absolute joy.
Later, the tequila bottles made their way to the dance floor. It was lairy. There’s something undeniably fun about that image—beautifully dressed guests, dancing the night away, clinking tequila bottles and pouring the contents into each others’ mouths!
Solton Manor transformed from elegant winter venue to full-on fiesta, and every bit of it was authentic to who this couple are.
Editorial-Style Evening Portraits with Winter Light
Even in winter’s fading light, there are still magical moments to be found. As the sun was setting we stole a quiet moment for a few last portraits. Wrapped in a shawl, the bride looked radiant, and the groom—holding her close—wore a smile that said everything. Honestly his smile was just infectious!
These weren’t staged portraits, that’s not my approach. We went for a walk and I encouraged them to warm each other up! As long as you have a keen eye for light, and a couple who were relaxed and happy, you’ve got all you need. That’s the kind of editorial wedding photography I love—where nothing feels stiff or unnatural, and the final images feel classy without losing their emotion.
Why Solton Manor Is One of Kent’s Most Versatile Wedding Venues
If you’re looking at venues across Kent, Solton Manor deserves a top spot on your list. Here’s why it works so well:
- Exclusive Use: You’re not sharing the venue with other weddings or events.
- On-Site Accommodation: Perfect for guests travelling from abroad.
- Indoor and Outdoor Ceremony Options: With beautiful winter light or summer greenery.
- Spacious Yet Intimate: It adapts well to both large celebrations and smaller gatherings.
- Characterful Backdrops: From grand fireplaces to exposed beams, the textures are fantastic for editorial-style photography.
- Privacy and Peace: Set away from main roads but easy to reach, which is ideal logistically and creatively.
Here’s another list of venues in Kent I’ve got my eye on!
Editorial Meets Emotion: My Approach to Wedding Photography at Solton Manor
You won’t find me barking directions or manipulating a moment just to get the “perfect shot.” What I offer is something more nuanced: a storytelling approach, but where it looks cool.
With a background in fashion photography I’ve mentioned previously and 13 years worth of wedding experience, I know how to light, frame, and time images for editorial polish. That said, I’m just as passionate about capturing the laughter, the tears, the dancing, and the quiet in-between moments you didn’t even realise were happening.
Planning a Wedding at Solton Manor? Let’s Talk
Whether you’re planning a luxury celebration or an intimate gathering like this one, Solton Manor offers the perfect setting, and I’d love to help you capture it in a way that feels true to you.
From full-day coverage with second shooters and heirloom albums, to relaxed portrait sessions and natural documentary coverage, I tailor everything to the energy of your day. A word of advice – make sure you feel like you really connect with your photographer – you’ll usually be spending at least 8 hours with them on your wedding day!
I still think about this Mexican Wedding at Solton Manor near Dover often—about the smiles, the dancing, the card florals and the tequila toasts—and I’d be honoured to photograph many more days just like it. Maybe a Spring, Summer Autumn one next?
Getting married at Solton Manor in Kent?
Get in touch and let’s start planning how to capture your day, your way—with artistry, heart and beautiful attention to detail.
Looking for more real wedding inspiration?
Check out weddings I’ve photographed at:
