September wedding at The Old Kent Barn

A September Wedding at The Old Kent Barn

July 12, 2025

Weddings

Even though I have been a recommended photographer at The Old Kent Barn since 2019, there’s always something special about photographing a wedding there. Not just because it’s one of the most popular, picturesque venues in the county, but because they do weddings super well. Over the past five years I’ve come to know the people, rhythms, and little hidden corners pretty intuitively. I’m proud to be a recommended photographer here, and even prouder when couples like Emma and Mason entrust me with capturing their wedding day in this incredible setting.

Their September wedding at The Old Kent Barn was particularly memorable. Originally planned for April, we shifted the date together due to some personal circumstances that needed time and space. Life happens, it’s not always predictable. This changeability is something I could accommodate as I deliberately keep my calendar lean to prioritise care and flexibility. What unfolded was a beautifully honest and joy-filled day, full of courage and real human connection.

Lovely Suppliers:

Photography : @tomkeenanphotography 

Makeup : @makeupbyhali 

Venue : @theoldkentbarn  (where I’m a recommended supplier)

Hair Stylist : @rosscos_hairdressers 

Wedding Dress : @amore.brides  (where I’m also a recommended supplier!)

Decor : @js_perfections 

Cake/Bakery : @ericakes_official 

Jewellery : @iconicjewellerystore_ashford 

Entertainer : @nickallentenor 

Contents

Outdoor ceremony space at A September Wedding at The Old Kent Barn

There’s no shortcut to being recommended by a venue like The Old Kent Barn. It’s something that’s earned slowly, showing up not just with a camera but a kind personality. Since 2019, the team here has trusted me to photograph their couples because I know the space and they trust my character. They have seen me bring what I bring and do a decent job: they even wrote me this lovely review:

“We’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Tom Keenan on numerous weddings here at The Old Kent Barn, and we can say with confidence that he is an absolute joy to work with. Tom brings a calm and credible presence to every wedding, helping couples feel relaxed and allowing the day to unfold naturally. His documentary-style approach beautifully captures the genuine moments that make each wedding unique, without ever feeling intrusive or staged.

From a venue’s perspective, Tom is incredibly easy to work with. Professional, respectful, and seamlessly integrated into the flow of the day. His ability to blend in while still capturing the most important memories is just one of the many reasons we regularly recommend him to our couples. If you’re looking for a talented photographer who will document your day with sincerity and skill, Tom is a fantastic choice.”

Massive thanks to Kylie for writing this for me. I understand the values the venue holds: thoughtful coordination for every wedding. Working here feels like a genuine partnership, and I’m proud to be part of their recommended list year after year.

Luxury wedding photographer Tom Keenan in his studio

Getting Ready in the Refreshed Bridal Suite

Let’s get into Emma & Mason’s September wedding at The Old Kent Barn! One of the things I always notice for a September wedding at The Old Kent Barn is how the morning is always quiet and chill. The team are always cracking on with preparations in the outdoor & indoor spaces whilst the September light filtered gently through the newly refurbished bridal suite. It’s worth noting during these summer months the suite now includes air conditioning which I would say is essential nowadays.

Emma’s wedding morning was warm and joyful. Her long-time hairdressers, the brilliant Rosscos, were busy working their magic, while luxury make-up artist Hali brought her trademark finesse and calm. There was a relaxed buzz in the room with champagne flutes clinking, hairspray floating through the air, and whenever fear started to surface the love of family and friends brought calm to Emma.

It’s these moments of laughter, nerves and connection that I love capturing. Everyone feels different on a wedding morning, but it’s usually mixed feelings all together.

One of the advantages Emma and Mason had was choosing to add a second shooter to their essential photography package. For larger weddings or where both partners are getting ready in different places, a second photographer makes a big difference. Allowing me to cover both angles of the story without rushing is super helpful and something I always recommend where budget allows.

What stood out to me during prep was how tight-knit the group felt. Emma was clearly surrounded by people who knew her inside out and were ready to support her through every beat of the day. There was fun but also sensitivity and as someone who photographs weddings with both a documentary eye and a compassionate heart, that atmosphere is a dream to work in.

Cheers at this high-end wedding with champagne
Editorial shot of bridesmaids cheersing

An Outdoor Ceremony Full of Joy and Emotion

The Old Kent Barn’s outdoor ceremony space has always been idillic, and Emma and Mason’s ceremony under the white shelter was the same. September gifted us one of those gorgeous days where the sun was out but it wasn’t absolutely roasting.

Their ceremony was modest in scale, but rich in emotion. When Emma’s father walked her down the aisle, you could see he was doing well keeping it together. I’ve seen so many weddings over the years, and each one is uniquely lovely. This one felt raw in the most beautiful way where I remembered the April postponing and the courage Emma has. The bridesmaids were visibly moved by this too, and even guests sitting further back were dabbing their eyes.

One of my favourite moments at this September wedding at The Old Kent Barn came after the vows, when I spotted Emma’s nan who is well into her 90s laughing heartily with the Emma’s Mum. It’s those interactions that demonstrate to me why wedding photography is so powerful: you’re not just creating portraits but capturing proper memories.

Talking about couple portraits, we took a gentle walk starting at the ceremony space and weaving through the garden paths towards the pond. I never rush this part. These aren’t stiff editorial shots designed to impress an industry panel (that many PAY to enter) but they’re quiet, natural portraits that show a couple simply being together. I rarely guide when needed because I mostly observe, letting them be as they are.

And as always, I stay responsive. When the couple later decided to skip golden hour portraits in favour of staying with guests and conserving their energy, I fully supported that choice. Peace and presence always come before photo quantity in my world. Might just be me?

Celebrating in Style: Speeches, Singing Waiters and Support

Weddings aren’t always straightforward emotionally and I think it’s important to talk about that. Emma felt a wave of nerves creep in during the meal and speeches. It’s far more common than people realise, and nothing to be ashamed of. Public attention, heightened emotion, the sheer build-up of the day can all get a bit much.

It’s not every day you have your WHOLE family and friends celebrating you, for the best part of a day. It’s not easy, even when you’re surrounded by love. Check out how much the guests were having a great time.

Great Nan looking at Bride celebrating wedding at The Old Kent Barn

Big Nerves at a Wedding

I hope it’s not TMI, but when it came to the reception at this September wedding at The Old Kent Barn she carried a discreet ice bucket with her. Just in case “that” happened, she took the whole thing in her stride with poise. That level of perseverance, met with care from friends and family, was honestly one of the most touching things I’ve witnessed as a wedding photographer. There’s a quiet strength in that kind of vulnerability, and I felt privileged to document it. Massive respect to you, Emma.

I could have NOT documented it and ignored it, but I’m all about the authentic moments beautifully photographed. I believe it can be done.

The speeches themselves were heartfelt and full of laughter that broke any tension. As a photographer, I don’t just capture the speaker. I look at the listeners, all the reactions, those in-between glances.

Then came one of the biggest surprises of the day: a singing waiter (Nick Allen) who launched into a full-on performance of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, with a vocal range that had everyone floored. It might not be everybody’s thing but it completely transformed the energy of the room. You could see any nerves or tension just melt away. It was joy in motion, and a gift for me to photograph.

Later in the evening, the dancefloor was short-lived — not because of any lack of love, but after everything Emma was emotionally spent. And rightly so, I remember being exhausted by the end of my wedding! Sometimes we imagine weddings as these marathon parties, but they’re also emotionally dense days. It was touching to see her family honour that, surrounding her and Mason with warmth, without forcing a ‘party vibe’ she didn’t have left in the tank. That, to me, is a successful wedding.

Why My Calling Is to Bring Peace Over Production

I’ve never been drawn to the kind of wedding photography that turns the day into a shoot. The couples I work with aren’t trying to recreate a magazine spread because they want to feel present, loved and themselves. That’s where my calling lies. For me, it’s about creating space rather than controlling it.

I’m not there to extract performances, but to protect people’s peace. Of course, I know how to handle light, composition and timing (duh) but more importantly, I know when to step back and simply let the moment be. My job isn’t to manufacture magic but to notice it, quietly, and honour it with care.

Why The Old Kent Barn Couples Choose Me

This couple’s September wedding at The Old Kent Barn story is an example of why people book me. It’s not just that I know the venue inside and out, or that I’ve been recommended here for over five years (though both of those things certainly help). It’s that I treat every wedding with intention, flexibility and care.

I deliberately don’t shoot 30–40 weddings a year. That model may work for some photographers, but I prefer to focus on fewer to give greater attention to those. When Emma and Mason needed to change their date, I had the room to make it work. That kind of availability isn’t always possible in a high-volume business.

My style blends documentary storytelling with naturally editorial portraiture. That means I won’t turn your day into a fashion shoot or vanish into the background and miss bits of your day. I’ll give direction for group photos, but the rest of the time I’m observing, even for the couple portraits watching for real moments.

I’ve also been lucky enough to be recommended by other standout Kent venues including Solton Manor, Reach Court Farm & Marleybrook House. That trust from the wedding community means a lot to me. It tells couples that I’m not just good with a camera, but that I’m easy to work with.

Whether it’s making nan laugh feel seen during the day or navigating emotional overwhelm with care, I’ve got this. My job is photographer but also kind human being. And I love every part of it.

The Old Kent Barn wedding venue in Kent

Thinking of Booking Your Wedding Photography at The Old Kent Barn?

If you’re planning your wedding at The Old Kent Barn and looking for a photographer who’s familiar with the venue do get in touch.

I’ve worked here through the heat of summer to chilly winter months with all sorts of family cultures. Whether you want relaxed coverage or someone who will support you through whatever the day brings, I’m here for it.

You can learn more about me [here], or get in touch directly [here] to check availability. I usually book up 6-12 months in advance. However, occasionally I have flexibility for shorter notice dates too, as Emma and Mason’s story shows.