A Relaxed and Beautiful Rye Wedding at The George in Rye - Toby & Sophie
Some weddings just stick with you-and not just because you’re photographing them, but because you’re living them too. Toby & Sophie’s day in Rye was one of those weddings for me. It was closer to home in more ways than one-Toby is actually my partner’s brother! So yeah, a little extra pressure maybe, but mostly just a huge honour to be trusted with capturing it.
Rye, if you’ve never been, is an absolute gem. Cobbled streets, crooked old buildings, proper English charm everywhere you look. A photographer’s dream, honestly. The weather had us a bit nervous at first (classic UK), but it eased up as the morning rolled on-and by the time we were walking to the church, things had cleared beautifully.
Morning at The Ypres Castle Inn
My day began at The Ypres Castle Inn, a historic pub nestled within Rye’s medieval walls. Toby and his groomsmen were there, enjoying a quiet pint and some laughter before the ceremony. I had my trusty 35mm camera in hand, capturing some of the candid moments-the shared jokes, the nervous smiles, the final adjustments to ties and cufflinks.
Ceremony at St Mary’s Church
We then walked up the steps and towards St Mary’s Church, where the wedding ceremony took place. The service itself was traditional Anglican high church, led by a vicar who was not only welcoming but had everyone laughing within minutes. He was more than happy for me and the photographers to move around during the ceremony, so I set up two angles and also recorded the whole thing for the couple-something they really wanted.
The church itself is stunning-huge stone pillars, stained glass, that soft light that just makes everything look timeless. After the vows, rings, and a few happy tears, we spilled out into the street to be greeted by cheers, confetti, and a little bit of sunshine.
Strolling Through Rye
One of my favourite bits of the day was the walk back through Rye’s cobbled lanes to The George. It felt very “them”-relaxed, stylish, surrounded by friends.
Reception at The George in Rye
The reception was held at The George in Rye, a boutique hotel known for its blend of Georgian elegance and modern comfort. The place was buzzing-Prosecco popping, amazing canapés going round, and that kind of excited chatter that just fills a room. The George in Rye really is a dream venue. Georgian features, big windows, soft light—it’s elegant without feeling overdone, which suited the whole vibe of the day perfectly.
As always, I tried to stay pretty low-key. I’ve found that’s when you get the best stuff—when people aren’t really thinking about the camera. I hung back, shot candids, slipped between groups during the drinks reception, and let the story unfold naturally.
Dinner was a three-course knockout, followed by a round of genuinely moving (and hilarious) speeches. I recorded all the speeches in full for them. Sometimes you forget how much those words mean until you hear them again years later.
Toby’s best man, Jack, gave an emotional speech about the bond in their friendship group-how Toby being open with his feelings helped bring them all closer. It was so beautiful to witness.
Then Toby stood up and beautifully spoke about Sophie. He also read a tribute to his mum, which had pretty much everyone reaching for tissues. It’s these moments that remind me why I love doing this.
As the evening progressed, the ballroom transformed into a lively dance floor. A live band played classic hits, and guests danced the night away. I continued to capture the energy and joy, focusing on the candid moments-the laughter, the embraces, the spontaneous dance moves. These are the memories that last a lifetime.
Reflecting on the Day
Toby and Sophie’s wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, personal touches, and genuine emotion. Rye, with its historic charm and picturesque setting, provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration. The George in Rye offered an elegant yet relaxed venue that suited their style perfectly.
Rye, as a wedding location, is an absolute dream. It’s one of those places where history, charm and character all meet in one place. If you’re planning a wedding at The George in Rye, or anywhere in this beautiful town, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re after something small and intimate or a big celebration, Rye just has that magic.
Looking for a Rye Wedding Photographer?
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding photographer in Rye who’ll capture your day in a relaxed, honest and natural way-someone who’s not going to turn your wedding into a full-blown photo shoot-I’d love to have a chat.
If you’re planning a wedding in Rye or at The George in Rye and are looking for a photographer who values candid, authentic moments, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat about your special day.