GRACE & DAVID'S LANGTONS HOUSE WEDDING

It has been wonderful seeing couples change their approach to weddings over the last few years. I have always photographed smaller weddings, but there has been a distinct rise in couples choosing intimate weddings and I am here for it. Grace and David had a twilight winter wedding at Langtons House in Hornchurch. We chose to mix things up and started the afternoon with portraits in Langtons Gardens. Their close family and friends then joined us for photos before heading into the house for their twilight ceremony. Lastly we wandering outside after dark for confetti and to throw the bouquet. For anyone thinking of doing things differently, go for it!

For more winter wedding inspiration, check out Mel and Phil’s London wedding at Clissold House and the West Reservoir Centre.

SACHI & JOSHUA'S GOSFIELD HALL WEDDING

Today, I am sharing some of my favourite photos from Sachi and Joshua’s Sri Lankan British fusion wedding at Gosfield Hall in Essex. There were traditional Sri Lankan wedding customs, a sword, drummers and dancers, followed by a Christian blessing, confetti, wonderful speeches, sparklers, a champagne tower and lots of dancing! Certainly a day to remember. Congratulations Sachi and Joshua.

After the traditional Sri Lankan ceremony, Sachi and Joshua returned to their suite to get ready for their blessing ceremony whilst the guests enjoyed the Sri Lankan drummers and dance.

After the blessing, we popped outside for a few group photos before dinner.

For more wedding inspiration, check out Cheryl and Stuart’s wedding at Leez Priory.

ED & RACHEL'S THAMES CHASE WEDDING

This wedding was a lovely local one for me. Ed and Rachel’s wedding ceremony was at Langtons House in Hornchurch in the Grand Hall. Then they held their reception at Thames Chase forest in Upminster Essex. It’s not the first time one of my groom’s has changed into shorts and a Hawaiian shirt after their ceremony, which summed up the wonderfully relaxed vibe of the day.

After photos in Langtons Gardens, we headed to Thames Chase in Upminster for the reception. Ed and Rachel hired the Essex Barn on the edge of the woodlands which is available for dry hire. With the help of family and friends, the barn was transformed. It was a chilled relaxed afternoon in the sunshine and the evening party was as vibrant as the colourful decor.

For more Thames Chase Upminster wedding inspiration, check out Mike and Steph’s Wedding.

RICH & MANDY'S WEDDING AT BINGHAM RIVERHOUSE

Rich and Mandy’s wedding at Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond London had me smiling from ear to ear. This pair did not stop smiling and it was infectious. The vibrant flowers, location by the river and the dance floor action was brilliant. The day started with an intimate civil ceremony and was then followed by a humanist ceremony led by Brighton based celebrant Roxy Hayde. It was my first visit to the Bingham Riverhouse for a wedding. I am looking forward to getting a back there as it was wonderful, and the chef and his team were absolutely superb.

Mandy & Rich’s Awesome Supplier List
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Venue and Catering - Bingham Riverhouse Richmond
Celebrant - Roxy Celebrates Love
Florist - Emporium London
Groom’s suit - Edit Suits
Bridal dress - Rembo Styling
Bridesmaid dresses - Rewritten
Hairdresser - Lucy St John
Band - Nexus

For more London wedding inspiration, check out Amy and John’s wedding at Stoke Newington Town Hall and The Old Church.

MELANIE & NEIL'S INGATESTONE HALL WEDDING

Here we go, a little sample of Melanie & Neil’s super chilled vibrant wedding at Ingatestone Hall which is nestled in the Essex countryside. Ingatestone Hall is full of historical charm and set in the most stunning landscape. I loved it. Enough talking from me, see for yourself. Especially check out the party photos, that dance floor was on fire!

The rain held off to enable Melanie and Neil to have an outdoor wedding ceremony nestled in the woodlands of Ingatestone Hall, and their drinks reception within the scenic walled gardens.

Dinner and dancing took place in the marquee under the vibrant decor installed by Bubblegum Balloons.

Melanie & Neil’s Awesome Supplier List
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Videography - Chris Turner Films
Venue - Ingatestone Hall
Caterers - Bouquet Garni and The Pizza Post
Florist - Bev
Cake - Kristy Kreme
Groom’s suit - Hawes & Curtis
Bridal dress - Charlie Brear
Bridesmaid dresses - Closet London
Makeup artist - Justine Warwick
Hairdresser - Kayleigh Veale
Live Band - Republic
Venue decorator - Bubblegum Balloons

Here’s another one for you. Check out Natacha and Noel’s black tie wedding at That Amazing Place in Harlow Essex.

DILYS & PHIL'S WEDDING THAT AMAZING PLACE

Today I am taking you back to Dilys and Phil’s fusion summer wedding at That Amazing Place. I had the most brilliant day with the most smiley and giggly couple I think I have ever met. When they smiled, I smiled. It was deliciously infectious. Dilys and Phil got ready at The Amazing Place in the company of close friends and family. Their ceremony took place outdoors by the lake which made a perfect backdrop.

Dinner took place in the marquee on the lawns, but not before Dilys and Phil danced into the venue following the bridal and groom’s party who weren’t afraid to show us their dance moves. After the speeches, Dilys decided to throw her bouquet outside and the women didn’t disappoint when it came to racing for the bouquet. As the evening drew in, the guests moved into the main house and hit the dancefloor. Dilys and Phil changed into traditional African dress during the evening and rejoined the dancefloor looking absolutely superb.

Thank you Dilys and Phil for having Teri and I capture your day, we felt honoured and you have left us with lasting memories that we will cherish.

Dilys and Phil’s Awesome Supplier List
Venue - That Amazing Place
Florist - Browns Blooms & Balloons
Hair and Makeup Artist - Yalliz Beauty
Bridesmaids Gowns - Chi Chi
Caterer - Food Junkie/Premier Crew
Cake - Egg & Moos
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Videography - Third Reel Films

For more outdoor wedding inspiration, check out Ben & Amy’s wedding at Maiden’s Barn in Essex.

See more wedding inspiration on my Instagram feed and feel free to pin your favourites on to your Pinterest Board. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who is more about capturing your day in a natural, fun and unobtrusive way, then you are in the right place. Get in touch and tell me about your plans.

JEN & TOM'S OLD LUXTERS BARN WEDDING

I started the day at Danesfield House Spa in Marlow for Jen’s bridal prep ahead of this Old Luxters Barn Wedding. In keeping with the autumnal feel, the bridesmaids wore beautiful wine colour dresses. Jen’s bridal gown made by Grace Phillips was perfect for the season too and had pockets! Got to love a dress with pockets! The ceremony and reception took place in rustic Old Luxters Barn nestled in the grounds of Chiltern Valley Winery in Oxfordshire. The lit fairly lights draped from the ceiling beams make the barn very pretty. It was a beautiful place for a wedding. Big thank you to Jen and Tom for trusting us to capture their amazing day. We loved every minute.

Jen and Tom’s Awesome Suppliers
Ceremony and reception location - Old Luxters Barn, Oxfordshire
Makeup - Lauren Hall MUA
Hairdresser - Marie Jjuuko, Creative Director, Fake it Hair and Nails, Chalfont St Peter
Florist - Alex Jordan, Zaza Floristry
Bridal dress - Grace Phillips gown from White Lace and Butterflies
Bridal shoes - Charlotte Mills
Bridesmaid’s dresses - David’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit - Lemmings Menswear Chalfont St Peter
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Caterer - Old Luxters Barn
Cake baker - Cherry Tree Cakerie
Singer - Tat Thomas

For more winter wedding inspiration, check out Kat & Jay’s wedding at Old Brook Barn in Essex.

See more wedding inspiration on my Instagram feed and feel free to pin your favourites on to your Pinterest Board. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who is more about capturing your day in a natural, fun and unobtrusive way, then you are in the right place. Get in touch and tell me about your plans.

COMBERMERE ABBEY WEDDING

Combermere Abbey! What an incredible place for a wedding. This wedding venue is nestled in the rural borders of Cheshire and Shropshire in the Northwest of England. This place is a real treat! I took another road trip to Shropshire to shoot the wedding of Kathryn and Jack along side my best buddy Teresa. My main job was to focus on the groom and assist capturing the day in my usual documentary style. Anyway, that is enough chatter. Here are some highlights!

See more wedding inspiration on my Instagram feed and feel free to pin your favourites on to your Pinterest Board. If you are looking for a wedding photographer who is more about capturing your day in a natural, fun and unobtrusive way, then you are in the right place. Get in touch and tell me about your plans.

LAURA & JACK'S MULBERRY HOUSE WEDDING

Today’s feature is all about Laura and Jack’s elegant Mulberry House Wedding set in the Essex countryside.

After the ceremony, the guests followed Jack and Laura round to the lawns for pre-dinner drinks and canapes.

After dinner, we headed out for a little walk on the grounds of Mulberry House before rejoining the guests on the dancefloor.

Laura & Jack’s Awesome Supplier List
Ceremony and reception venue - Mulberry House
Florist and venue decorator - TJ Designer Weddings
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Bridal gown - Justin Alexander
Bridesmaids gowns - ASOS
Groom’s suit - Next
Makeup artist - Krystal Dawn
Hairdresser - Lauren Carpenter
Cake baker - Cake Cuisine
Videographer - Look Back and Remember
Singer - Che Chesterman

FINN & DARIA'S BLAKE HALL WEDDING

Rain on your wedding day is meant to be good luck! But I say, a wedding is not about the weather, it’s about the people and no matter the weather, we will have a great time. That was certainly the case for Finn and Daria’s winter wedding at Blake Hall.

Finn & Daria’s Awesome Supplier List
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Venue - Blake Hall
Caterer - Water’s Edge
Florist - The Botanical Shed
Groom’s suit - Edit Suits
Bridal dress - Go Bridal Tunbridge Wells
Hairdresser - Anna Rose Hair
Makeup - Nicola Morris
Stationery - Liberty

For more Blake Hall wedding inspiration, check out Mark and Nicola’s summer wedding

RHIANNON & ANDREW'S EAST MERSEA HALL WEDDING

Here we go, a colourful autumn wedding at East Mersea Hall. Fabulous example of how not to let the rain spoil your day.

Rhiannon & Andrew’s Awesome Supplier List
Venue - East Mersea Hall
Florist - Miss Fleur Floral Design
Groom’s suit - Slaters
Bridal Dress - Lovely Bride
Bridesmaids Dresses - Duntery
Makeup Artist and Hairdresser - Holly Carter
Caterer - East Mersea Hall
Cake - M&S
Band - The Cassettes
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography

Check out Natacha & Noel’s autumn wedding at That Amazing Place

COLIN & HAYLEY'S EAST MERSEA HALL WEDDING

My first wedding at East Mersea Hall was an absolute cracker. The venue was new and had opened just weeks before. Tucked away in the countryside, the grounds of the venue were beautiful and a short drive away from East Mersea beach. Colin and Hayley were married at St Edmund Church which was on the grounds of East Mersea Hall. After a confetti exit, Colin and Hayley led the guests back to East Mersea Hall for drinks, canapes and oysters. Dinner was opened by some pretty hilarious speeches by the father of the bride, Colin and the two bestmen. After an evening walk around the grounds with Colin and Hayley, they kicked off the evening with their first dance and a whole lot of dancing. Here are a few of my favourite photos from their day.

Colin & Hayley’s Awesome Supplier List
Venue - East Mersea Hall
Florist - Amega Fleur
Groom’s suit - Neal and Palmer
Bridal Dress - Essence by Australia
Bridesmaids Dresses - Chi Chi London
Makeup Artist and Hairdresser - Ruby Rae
Hairdresser - Marina Moore
Caterer - Premier Crew
Cake - Choccolotties
Singer - Charlotte Day
String Quartet - Estillo
DJ - Evo
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography

For more East Mersea Hall wedding inspiration, check out Rhiannon & Andrew’s autumn wedding.

BEN & KATIE'S BRAXTED PARK WEDDING

My first visit to Braxted Park was for Ben and Katie’s summer wedding. Here are some of my favourite shots from the day.

After the church ceremony, everyone returned to Braxted Park for the drinks reception in the gardens.

Dinner and speeches took place in the marquee.

The evening kick off with Katie throwing her bouquet. The dancefloor was opened first with Ben and Katie’s first dance, followed by Katie inviting her Dad for a dance too.

Katie & Ben’s Awesome Supplier List
Venue - Braxted Park
Church - St Luke’s Church Upminster Cranham
Celebrant - Michael Vickers
Florist - The Florist on the Green, Great Totham
Groom’s suit - Anthony’s Formal Wear
Bridal Dress - Romford Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses - Silk Fred
Makeup Artist - Jo Riley
Hairdresser - Kirsty Alger
Car - Platinum Cars
Singer - Serena Grant (Serenity via Entertainment Nation)
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography

Check out Jack & Laura’s autumn wedding at Mulberry House.

ROSA & JOHN'S TRESEREN WEDDING

I took a roadtrip from Essex to Cornwall for Rosa & John’s vibrant wedding in a beautiful part of the West country. They decided to elope to Cornwall with their closest family and friends and have an intimate wedding at Treseren. It was a super relaxed day. Nestled in the Cornish countryside, Treseren is a beautiful exclusive venue designed for small weddings. Full of stylish character, it is quite a treat! Check out the photographic story of their day!

Don’t stop here. Check out Kristina & Tony’s elopement to Morocco.

NOEL & NATACHA'S THAT AMAZING PLACE WEDDING

On the blog today is Natacha and Noel’s autumn wedding at That Amazing Place in Harlow Essex. Full of smiles, laughter and the occasional emotional tear. It was a glamorous black tie affair for the groomsmen and the bridemaids. The occasional shower of rain didn’t spoil the day. Check it out, it’s a beauty.

Here’s another one for you. Check out Dilys and Phil’s summer wedding at That Amazing Place.

PHILIPPA & WAYNE'S BELVOIR CASTLE WEDDING

Philippa and Wayne’s wedding took place in the fairytale setting of Belvoir Castle in the town of Grantham in North East Leicestershire. Even though we had a rainy and foggy start to the day, we had the stunning castle to hide in! I worked alongside my friend and colleague Jay Anderson who covered video. Philippa and Wayne wanted a fully candid day, so that means very few formal staged photos. Our focus was to capture the day in a heavy documentary style. Real moments that summed up their day. Here are a few of my favourite photos.

After the ceremony, Philippa and Wayne led the guests to a drawing room for drinks. Once the rain stopped, everyone went outside to the castle gardens.

Later in the afternoon, the guests travelled to the marquee which is based by a lake nestled in another part of the castle grounds for dinner, dancing and entertainment including a fire eater!

Check out more fantastic real weddings here.

ELIZABETH & RAYMOND'S GOSFIELD HALL WEDDING

2022 started with the elegant Gosfield Hall winter wedding of Elizabeth and Raymond. Navy, gold and white were the overarching colour theme of the day. We had a brilliant day, plenty of smiles and laughter.

Raymond and the groomsmen got ready in an adjacent suite to Elizabeth. This made it easier to capture both of them getting ready.

The ceremony took place in the Long Gallery.

After the ceremony, Raymond and Elizabeth led the guests outside into the courtyard to throw confetti before joining them inside for drinks.

Being winter, it was pretty cold so we weren’t planning to venture outside, but there was a rather unexpected heavy hailstone shower to made the grounds look as though it had snowed. We nipped outside briefly to take a few photos, and then the sun started to break through the clouds giving us both a snowy and golden look. It was a perfect Disney fairytale moment!

Before the guests were seated for dinner, we spent 10 minutes taking a few photos inside of Gosfield Hall, incorporating the stunning decor into portraits of Raymond and Elizabeth.

The reception room styling was stunning, brought together by florist Elegance of Essex, providing a warm setting for dinner and speeches.

Elizabeth & Raymond’s Awesome Supplier List
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Venue - Gosfield Hall
Caterer - Gosfield Hall
Florist - Elegance of Essex
Cakes by Jazlins - Jazlins Cakes
Groom’s suit - Hawes & Curtis
Bridal dress - Wed2Be
Bridesmaid dresses - Little Mistress
Makeup artist - Faye Neill
Hairdresser - Carly Williams
DJ - Intryst
Musician - Saxman Justyn

MARK & NICOLA'S BLAKE HALL WEDDING

Blake Hall was a popular wedding venue for me in 2022, as I returned there 5 times for weddings in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. It is a beautiful venue all year round. Mark & Nicola’s Blake Hall wedding took place in the summer. Gorgeous weather, gorgeous styling and so much laughter. It all came together perfectly.

Mark & Nicola’s Awesome Supplier List
Photography - Anesta Broad Photography
Venue - Blake Hall
Caterer - Waters Edge
Crazy Golf - Mr Tees Crazy Golf
Florist - Wild Things Blossom
Cake - Cake Cuisine Essex
Groom’s suit - Gray Palmers
Bridal dress - Clifford Burr Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses - Jacqueline Louise Bridal
Makeup artist - Makeup by Kayleigh
Hairdresser - Helen Green
DJ & Photobooth - Lovelight Entertainment
Venue decorator - Essex Emporium & Elf Occasion
Musician - Josh Gernon

WEDDING CEREMONY - QUESTIONS TO ASK

Whether you have already chosen the date and location for your wedding ceremony or still deciding, there are plenty of questions that you need to ask the person conducting your ceremony including a few about wedding photography. I asked friends, family and my past couples what questions they asked when planning their own wedding ceremonies.  Everyone was very generous in sharing questions and experiences, so much so that I had a tough time narrowing down a top ten. Instead I settled on the top twenty questions to ask whoever is presiding over your service!

1. Can you talk me through what to expect before and during the ceremony?

2. What do we need to provide before the wedding (for example, birth certificate)?

3. Are we required to take any premarital or religious classes prior to the ceremony?

4. How much does the ceremony cost?

5. How long does the service take? The average length of a church wedding ceremony is 45 minutes, however, ceremonies in a registry office can be just 20 minutes long.

6. How many guests can the church/venue accommodate during the service?

7. Where will everyone stand/sit during the ceremony…bridal party, readers, etc?

8. What are the legalities? A friend explained how her ceremony took place in a 700 year old chapel which was bound by ancient rules and customs.  Written permission was required from all members of the choir/organist in order to have a videographer. Fortunately, this didn’t cause a problem. Always check about copyright of any music needed, ask if venues have legal permission and relevant licenses to play the songs that you would like.

9. Can guests park at the ceremony location? “It may sound a bit practical but it’s handy to know about parking as the church we used had people to direct parking and they kept areas clear for us to arrive and leave.”

10. How can we personalise the ceremony? There are often opportunities for you to make your service personal to you from customising your order of service to writing your own wedding vows. Remember to ask for ideas and examples.

11. Is there another ceremony booked immediately before or after ours?

12. For an outdoor ceremony, what is the backup plan in case it rains?

13. Are there musical instruments available for use such as a piano or organ? Are there any bylaws or restrictions on when the church bells can be rung?

14. Can we have a rehearsal and who should attend?

15. Are there any photography or videography restrictions? Do you allow the use of flash photography? Some registrars or vicars object to the use of flash photography and have strict rules about when photos cannot be taken such as during the vows or at the signing of the register. Always check beforehand so that you and others can be prepared.

16. Where and when can photos be taken?

17. What is the cancellation policy?

18. What time before the ceremony can we have access to decorate?

19. Can we take our flowers from the ceremony venue to the reception venue?

20. Are we allowed to throw confetti?

21. And one more for luck and my personal favourite, which came up more than once…can you have tissues at the ready? “We had someone leave a bottle of water and some tissues in the front pew of the bride’s side of the church as bridemaids don’t have pockets or handbags!”