ESSEX COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING

SAM & DAN’S ESSEX COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING

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A SIMPLY STUNNING COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING

When Sam and Dan first got in touch with me about being the photographer to provide the images for their Country House Wedding in Essex, I was so excited – they were planning the most beautiful and stylish wedding with A string quartet too, who added a beautiful backdrop and ambience to the day, with their wonderful music. Sam and Dan are the loveliest people and I couldn’t wait to shoot their wedding – It was such a pleasure to meet such wonderful people all celebrating the Wedding of a wonderful couple!

GETTING READY

I began the morning at Gosfield Hall’s cottage, where the girls were getting ready together, and it was so relaxed because these girls were living up to the Cyndi Lauper song “Girls just wanna have fun”, honestly there was loads of banter and I loved it!

Sam’s dress was something out of this world, she wore A stunning white wedding dress, supplied by Amorae Bridal in Ongar and the bridesmaids wore a combination of two-tone purple dresses, which blended into the weddings colours seamlessly.

Dan and his Groomsmen wore classic three-piece suits in grey, which were hired from the ever-popular Moss Brothers and they looked so incredible. For the most part, they got ready at another location, but the guy’s all rocked up in a gleaming black Ford Thunderbird convertible at Gosfield Hall to finish off their preparations.

The girls moved to the bridal suite, which was grandeur in decor and styling. This room was a wedding photographer’s dream, and I could have happily spent all day in there. I loved this Bridal prep session. The girls were so full of fun and laughter, but also so helpful too. Easily one of the best I have done – so thanks to you fine ladies for making my task such a pleasure!

THE CEREMONY

The wedding took place in the Grand Salon room, and was a gorgeous ceremony, with all the emotion expected for such a brilliant couple. They had some beautiful readings, which was a wonderful touch to an already magical day.

The grand salon was the perfect place at Gosfield Hall for Sam and Dan’s ceremony. With light pouring in from the full-length windows to the side, it really lit up the room and helped make the images even more beautiful. After the ceremony, The happily married couple and guests tucked into some canapes and refreshing drinks and were then ushered into the courtyard, where a string quartet played some classic Disney music, which is Sam’s favourite, and then Sam and Dan had the traditional confetti shower, which they finished with a romantic kiss. The hot sun was playing a part too, and guests were rightly looking for shade, though it’s hard to find at Gosfield Hall, as it surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and open and rural grounds.

THE RECEPTION

The wedding reception took place In one of the many exquisite rooms at this wonderful Country House – The Ballroom and it was so full of character, which made it so perfect for this romantic couple and their lovely family and friends! It was a beautifully sunny day and extremely hot – at one point the mercury hit the sweltering high of 35c. There were plenty of hot guests, but they were all having such a wonderful time celebrating Sam & Dan’s special day, I don’t think they minded one bit! This lot really were a tight-knit bunch.

During the reception, Sam & Dan had the most electric first dance it was unreal! It started off with the typically slow and traditional, but then and completely unexpected they roared into a set that was just fantastic. They kept it a secret from everyone and it was one of those where you kept going “wow”, “fantastic”. Honestly, it was the most brilliant first dance I have ever witnessed and my highlight of a very special and emotional day. I regretted having to leave, as these guys were so wonderful, but it was one that I will remember with fondness.

THE COUPLE

Sam and Dan actually both met on online dating, our first date was in TGIFridays and we frequently go back there for dinner dates. We knew from our first date there that we had both met someone special and it progressed from there.

We got engaged on the 11th of February 2017 which was 2 days before my birthday. Daniel had decided to plan my birthday party for that year and it was all a surprise. I just thought he was planning a surprise birthday party but it was actually a disguise for him to propose.

On the night I got all dressed up with no idea where I was going. Daniel had invited all of my best friends to come over and our sisters, we all went to a gorgeous bar and nightclub overlooking St. Paul’s which was the place where Daniel and I had our first kiss. I had always wanted to go to this bar but we had never gone. Daniel had pre-paid for drinks, food and I had a birthday cake.

Then Daniel said that we should all go outside for a photograph in front of St Paul’s. Everyone took a picture of me and Daniel first, they counted down from 3,2,1 and when they got to 1 Daniel went down on one knee and held open a ring box. Everyone was there to witness it, take pictures, videos and it was just amazing!

WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT EACH OTHER

Sam on Dan – His sensitivity, his caring nature, how much he loves his family. 

Dan on Sam – Humour is a big one. I mentioned it in my speech but we will literally share the biggest belly laughs.

Her connection with people. Her friends & family. She will make instant friendships with strangers and I have never seen anyone with a stronger group of friends!

Most importantly would simply be how she completes me. She gives me strength and a reason to succeed.

COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE – GOSFIELD HALL

What made you fall in love with your wedding venue Gosfield Hall? We chose Gosfield Hall because of How stunning and grand it was! From our first walk around, we fell in love with it. It was so grand, elegant and the grounds were stunning. We just knew that our guests would have an amazing day there and we could picture getting married there.

PERSONAL THANKS

I would like to extend a personal thanks to Dan’s Nan, who created some stunning bouquets and buttonholes! They were exquisite.

Also huge thanks to the wonderful Stephanie Davies who handmade all of the stationary in a Disney theme for this wonderful wedding – Your work is fantastic!

Lightbox MUA – Having worked on quite a few weddings with these talented ladies, I can honestly say there isn’t anyone else I would personally recommend over these ladies. Tayla and her team are some of the very best I have worked with and will continue to recommend.

Faye and the whole team at Gosfield Hall and Country House Weddings

Honestly to be a professional wedding photographer and to get the most out of any wedding venue you need help and cooperation from Wedding venues and vendors alike. This is my dream venue and it is because not only do they have such a wonderful location but the staff are so helpful and accommodating. My first time shooting here, but boy was it a delight!

Thanks To you all!