The Old Rectory - Dunton, Basildon

 The Old Rectory is a hidden gem situated at the end of a tree lined road just off the Lower Dunton road.

This 18th century manor house recently hosted Anne & Andys big day, which was one of those rare occasions from this summer, where the sun was absolutely blistering.

The bride choose big striking sunflowers which were displayed throughout the venue and bunched together to create a stunning but simple bouquet.


A steady flow of Pimms and a sunset to boot, summer 2011 did on brief occasions put on a show, lucky for Anne & Andy this day was one of the nicest ones

Got the t-shirt - Emma & Will

Emma & Will's big day was at Parklands - Quendon Hall, the forecasted rain showers never materialised and the happy couple and their guests were able to enjoy a pimms or two in the venues magnificent grounds...even the deer made a well timed appearance...here are Emmas thoughts on her big day

In the build up to your big day, what excited you the most and what (if any) anxiety’s did you have?   

The biggest anxiety I had was not knowing how everything was going to look all together and if the venue would do everything the way I wanted it done but they were very good and the whole day came together just the way we had planned it. I also was very excited about the whole day and did not want it to go too fast, unfortunately we could not control this bit but we enjoyed every minute.

Can you describe how the pair of you felt on the morning of your big day?

I as the bride was very calm and could not wait to see Will. I just sat back on the morning of the wedding and took everything in. However Will was the opposite, he was very nervous and did not know what to do with himself J                                               

Past bride & grooms-to-be have told me that any nerves they had on the day subsided the moment they came together in the ceremony room, would you concur with this?
Most definitely once you are together it is almost like the pressure is off and you can start enjoying your day together.

If you had your chance to do it all over again,what (if anything) would you do different?

We would have had the whole day professionally recorded.We got a family member to do this but the video camera broke down before the speeches so we did not capture the whole day, which was a shame because the day goes so fast and we would have loved to look back on it.

                                  

What advice would you give future brides & grooms to be

Enjoy the day and be calm, don't worry about anything as come the day there is nothing you can do, and to be honest, you will not notice if something is not in the right place or even if not everyone turns up.

Also make sure you take time out throughout the day to find each other because the day is about you two and you don't want to look back and think that you did not get the time to enjoy it together.

Ye Olde Plough House

Karen & Kristian's big day was at Ye Olde Plough House, Upminster. First time photographing a wedding 

at this venue, really lovely venue and a huge lawn for the kids to run around safely

Got the t-shirt - Alicia & Michael

Alicia & Michaels big day started at Our lady of Lourdes church in Rayleigh, then we all went to Crabbs barn Kelverdon where the drinks flowed and the Bride & Groom pulled off the dance routine they have been practising to perfection...here are Alicias thoughts about her big day.

In the build up to your big day, what excited you the most and what (if any) anxiety’s did you have?   

I was very excited about the church service as I wanted it to be enjoyable for everyone.  


I'd had a few comments from various aunts etc along the lines of "It's not going to be one of those long boring Catholic services is it?"  I don't think a service in which the bride and groom walk out of the church to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, "Who Loves You Pretty Baby?" can be called boring.  


I was so pleased my children were there to sing (I'm a teacher) and that the church was full.
I was also excited about my dress, but also I suppose that is what I was most worried about too.  Even after numerous dress fittings there is always that fear of will it fit on the day?  I just wanted everything to go well and it did.

Can you describe how the pair of you felt on the morning of your big day?

I think we were both looking forward to seeing each other and also excited about seeing family and freinds and having them all in the same place sharing our happy memories.  
I didn't really feel nervous, just happy and excited.  Michael always had in the back of his mind the speech which is what he was most worried about, but there was no need to be as it went very well.

Past bride & grooms-to-be have told me that any nerves they had on the day subsided the moment they came together in the ceremony room, would you concur with this?

I wasn't nervous about anything, I got a bit emotional walking down the aisle but I think I was overwhelmed.  Michael says he 200% concurs.  He didn't realise that was how everybody felt.

What was the best source of advice and inspiration you found in planning your wedding?

Good advice was not to rush into booking things.  Visit as many wedding fayres as you can.

If you had your chance to do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do different?

Different suit shop as we were let down very badly by ours.  Also I wouldn't book Honey Moon with a certain big company as we had quite a few unnecessary problems in this area.

What advice would you give my future brides & grooms to be?

Enjoy every minute of your day, it goes so quickly.  Take it all in.  Have fun.  You can't change anything on the day so relax and enjoy.

Got the t-shirt

Throughout this year i shall be quizzing all the bride & grooms i am photographing. 
I will be asking them how the special day went, and grab any words of wisdom they can give you to help plan your wedding

First up is the lovely Claire and her hubby Colin, they got married at the end of January at the Rochford hotel, here are Claires thoughts:

So In the build up to your big day, what excited you the most and what (if any) anxiety’s did you have?   

TBH I was surprisingly calm in the lead up to my wedding day. Yet I was very excited about the whole event, more so just sharing such a special day with those nearest and dearest to me.

Can you describe how the pair of you felt on the morning of your big day?

Again calm, I was waiting for the moment of panic but because it all just felt so right I knew I had nothing to worry about.

Colin was surprisingly calm also and enjoyed the meeting and greeting.

Past bride & grooms-to-be have told me that any nerves they had on the day subsided the moment they came together in the ceremony room, would you concur with this?

Not for me, this was the moment my nerves hit, I was centre of attention and by the time I was standing next to my hubby to be my legs were shaking uncontrollable under my dress! Colin however could see/feel my nerves so held and stroked my hand then the nerves faded.

If you had your chance to do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do different?

The day itself I wouldn’t change, however little things did go wrong but nothing that I would allow to spoil the day.

What advice would you give my future brides & grooms to be   

I’m an extremely organised person and I lived by ‘budget spreadsheet’. This listed everything and I mean everything that had to organised and paid for, it was also a great way to keep on top of it all and you won’t forget anything, trust me!

Shop around, there are some great bargains to be found, you do not have to get in debt for your big day and you certainly don’t want to start married life in debt.

In the evening you and your husband try to take 5mins out for yourselves, go stand in the corner and take everything in around you. Also don’t panic about trying to get round to see everyone, let people come to you and most importantly enjoy every moment of this special day.

Message for Lee

I was told that when choosing a photographer that it’s important you have a rapport with them and that you feel comfortable in their company. This was instant when we met and because of this you made not only me but my friends and family feel extremely comfortable and also made it enjoyable when taking pictures on our day. I couldn’t have wished for anyone better and was over the moon with the end result. Thank you Lee

Rochford Hotel

Here are a few selected pics to have a nose at, taken at the Rochford Hotel (formally Mason Renolfs)

                                                                                    

    

Friern Manor, Dunton

A popular venue situated in Dunton, Brentwood. These are a selection of images taken at Laura & Joe's recent wedding...Laura is the recipient of the "most nervous bride" award, but she told me her anxiety disappeared the moment she walked in the room and saw Joe...bless her