A Wholesome Wedding for Melissa & Kane
at the White Hart, Great Yeldham, Essex
ROMANTIC, MODERN, CREATIVE WEDDINGS
A Relaxed, Creative Wedding at The White Hart, Great Yeldham, Essex
Melissa and Kane’s wedding at The White Hart in Great Yeldham was a joyful, creative celebration rooted in love, community, and doing things their own way. As a wedding photographer drawn to couples who step outside tradition, this day felt perfectly aligned with everything I love about photographing weddings.
Set in the Essex countryside near the Suffolk border, The White Hart is a beautiful venue for relaxed weddings with soul. With its timber-beamed rooms, warm atmosphere, and character-filled spaces, it’s ideal for couples wanting something rustic yet refined, full of heart without feeling overly traditional.
A Calm, Creative Morning & Thoughtful Details
The day began upstairs in one of The White Hart’s getting-ready rooms, with a calm buzz of excitement as Melissa and her bridal party prepared together. I arrived a little early, something I always try to do, especially when photographing a venue for the first time. Having already visited with Melissa and Kane, I knew the light, layout and flow which makes the day feel even more relaxed.
Melissa was grounded and calm, sharing quiet laughter with her bridesmaids as soft natural light filled the room. They giggled while peeking out of the window to spot the groomsmen arriving below. Those small, in-between moments that make mornings like this so special to document.
Before the ceremony, I photographed the beautiful DIY details Melissa had lovingly put together. She’s incredibly creative, and it showed in every thoughtful touch from the colour palette to the real candlelight (always a favourite). The ceremony and reception spaces felt personal, warm, and unmistakably them.
We captured a few gentle bridal portraits. Melissa said she didn’t know what to do, but she was completely natural, radiant, relaxed and full of joy.
One of the most touching moments of the morning was Melissa’s first look with her dad. Quiet, emotional, and full of meaning.
A Ceremony Full of Feeling & Joyful Portraits
The ceremony was officiated by Suffolk registrars and began with the bridal party entering two by two alongside the groomsmen, creating such a lovely energy as they walked in smiling together.
As Melissa entered, Kane’s reaction was immediate and full of emotion, one of those moments where the whole room feels it. Their connection was undeniable. Just after the heartfelt ceremony, they walked down the staircase together, creating one of my favourite images of the day. Timeless, emotional, and almost painterly.
Outside, the confetti throw was full of energy, laughter, and colour. From there, we moved into group photos. Melissa and Kane were really mindful about making time for photography, which allowed everything to feel unhurried and fun.
Alongside classic group shots, they wanted something more creative, a mafia-style party portraits with serious expressions, followed by playful motion-blur images of everyone running around them while they stood still in the centre. Fun, expressive, and completely them.
Romantic Couples Portraits at The White Hart, Great Yeldham
As we all met before the wedding date to check through the location we already had a good idea of where we were going to do the couples portraits. Nature being used as a natural backdrop is a key ting within my work that my couples are drawn to with relaxed and easy prompts that bring out the best. This is where my more editorial style comes in. There will be gentle guidance but the documentary style still remains as once you have warmed up I give less and less direction because you all start to do things natural, which is so beautiful to see.
Speeches, Celebration & A Day Rooted in Love
Dinner was delicious, and I loved sitting with guests. Something I often choose to do as it helps everyone feel more relaxed around me and I enjoy getting to know the guests.
Speeches followed, full of warmth and emotion. Melissa’s dad, Kane’s best man, Kane himself (who became so overwhelmed with love that Melissa gently stepped in to help him finish), and Melissa’s own words created a beautiful mix of laughter and happy tears.
The evening flowed into a relaxed celebration with a Polaroid guest book, photo booth props, and plenty of dancing. I especially loved the multiple first dances with parents, adding even more meaning to the night.
What stood out most was the heart behind the day, the kindness of family, the support of friends, and the care woven through every moment. Melissa and Kane are deeply loved people, and this wedding reflected that in the most genuine way.
Planning a wedding in Suffolk Surrey London Norfolk or beyond?
If you're planning a wedding that's more tree ceremony than stately home, more local pottery than champagne Towers,
and more about connection than convention I'd love to be your photographer.
A work across Suffolk Norfolk Surrey London and beyond with couples who value creativity,
honesty and heart. Whether you're eloping in a forest, throwing a DIY wedding in a
village hall, or planning something totally non-traditional in a London Art space, I'm here for it
Kind words from Melissa & Kane
We spent a lot of time researching wedding photographers before coming across Kezia and we knew as soon as we saw her portfolio that she was the photographer for us!
Her style is so beautiful and authentic and made us both feel so beautiful! Kezia was professional from start to finish which for us was almost a 2 and a half year process.
Kezia even came to our venue with us 6 months before our wedding to scope out potential photos opportunities which to me
shows how dedicated and passionate she is about making everything perfect and catered to you.
On the day Kezia arrived early and was such a lovely presence to have with us on our day.
She is friendly, funny and professional and made us both feel relaxed throughout which is a challenge as we are both quite awkward in front of a camera.
When we received our photos we could not have been happier with them!
They are all so beautiful and there are so many to look through and cherish forever.
Thank you for making everything so perfect and helping make our day so special.
Get in touch, lets chat!
Lets capture your love story. Your way.
A professional third wheel for humans in love.
TEAM:
Photographer - Kezia Tan
Dress - Allure Bride from Essex Bridal and Outlet
Suit - Happy Gentleman
Venue - The White Hart
Catering - The White Hart
Cake - Cake is my second favourite C word
Flowers - Evelyn Rose Floristry
Brides Shoes - Chichi Clothing
Hair - Lipstick & Locks
Video - Bamford Films