Category: Church Wedding

The Compasses Pattiswick

The Compasses Pattiswick

A new wedding venue in North Essex close to Coggeshall. The lovely country setting of the venue is ideal for a bespoke wedding Reception or other family celebration. The venue was previously a restaurant and has an excellent large kitchen, lounge, dining and dancing areas! The gardens have country views which will be ideal for our style of photography. It looks fantastic for our signature sunset wedding shots! The Compasses Pattiswick is run by a highly experienced wedding event organiser Paul Gooding, who we have worked with many times previously. We look forward to our first commission at this venue.

The Compasses Pattiswick

March 27, 2017
Boreham House Wedding Photography for Nicola & Philip

Boreham House Wedding Photography for Nicola & Philip

Boreham House Wedding Photography – Nicola and Philip’s summer wedding Reception was held at the stunning Boreham House following their Church Ceremony at St Mary’s, Great Baddow. We arrived at Nicola and Philip’s house on a glorious morning. Nicky and her Bridesmaids were having their make up applied and finished outside on the patio in the garden, it was such a warm day. Whilst we got on with taking detail pictures of the dress and accessories upstairs we could keep an eye on what was happening from the bedroom window. The Flowergirls were the first to get dressed they had a few pictures taken in the garden.

The Bridesmaids were next to get ready as they were going to help Nicola get ready. Dressed, Nicola looked so elegant! After the pictures in the garden with her Mother, the Bridesmaids and Flowergirls, it was time for us to depart for St Mary’s Church, Great Baddow. Philip was at the Church when we got there and when all the Groomsmen arrived we took a few pictures. Many of the Wedding Guests arrived at the Church on the double decker bus. This always makes for some nice arrival pictures. Nicola arrived a little later and we took action pictures of them all as they walked unto the Church doorway. the Flowergrirls led the way into the Church. Nicola walked up the aisle holding a lighted candle in remembrance of her Father. Following the service, whilst waiting for everyone to exit the Church, Nicola and Philip had a few minutes to mingle. A few requested family pictures and Bridal Party were taken at the Church before the Guests led the path down to the Lych Gate for confetti. Nicola and Philip then left the Church for their Wedding Reception at Boreham House. Using the time wisely we took a couple of car pictures and a few pictures of them in front of Boreham House before the Guests arrived. The Drinks Reception was held on the back lawn. During the rest of the afternoon we took a few special pictures for Nicola and Philip and some relaxed Bridal Party pictures. The Speeches followed the Wedding Breakfast. Nicola’s Mum made a lovely Speech and the Speeches by the Groom and the Best Men were excellent! Some wonderful moments! Afterwards Nicola and Philip cut their Wedding Cake.The grounds around Boreham House are superb so in the time between the end of the Wedding Breakfast and the start of the evening Reception Guests took a walk around. A short time was spent with Nicola and Philip away from the Guests for a few pictures of them together in the soft evening light, a wonderful Sunset as well! On our return more of the Evening Guests had arrived. With the Band set up the evening celebrations began. After capturing some evening pictures of the celebrations it was time for us to disappear, not leave! Nicky and Phil as a surprise to their Guests were going to have Fireworks later on in the evening. We made ourselves scarce, appearing later on when the Guests were asked to go around to the front of Boreham House. What a magnificent display of fireworks! Really pleased with our pictures, after the display we said our ‘goodbyes” and left them to continue with the party.. It was lovely to see Bex and Pete again at Nicky and Phil’s Wedding, we photographed their Wedding at Spains Hall a few years ago. Bex did extremely well on the day helping Nicky despite it being a hot day and expecting! As for Nicky and Phil, congratulations on your Wedding, a wonderful day!

February 7, 2017
Pre-Wedding Pictures for Trish & Chris

Pre-Wedding Pictures for Trish & Chris

Trish and Chris came to see us one afternoon before their Wedding at St Margaret’s Church, Downham, followed by a Reception at Crabbs Barn, Kelvedon. After having a chat about their Wedding Day and filling in the details we then went out to take a few pictures of them. The time spent with Trish and Chris is enough to put them at ease, find out a bit more about them and be very relaxed! Happy with the outcome and now looking forward to their Wedding Day.

January 2, 2017
Wedding Photography Down Hall for Natasha and Ryan

Wedding Photography Down Hall for Natasha and Ryan

It was nice to make a welcome return to the stunning Down Hall for Natasha and Ryan’s summer Wedding. Our day started early with our first trip of the day to Down Hall Country House Hotel, which is where Natasha was getting ready. On arrival Natasha was well on the way with her preparations, everything was running smoothly. This was a good thing as Natasha and Ryan’s Church Wedding was back in Witham at mid-day. Natasha’s Wedding Dress and Accessories were laid out ready to be photographed so we got on with doing these. The first of the Bridesmaids got dressed and then lent a helping hand, as did Mum, in dressing Natasha. With Natasha ready we took a few pictures of her in the room whilst the Bridesmaids finished off their preparations. We didn’t have to wait for long, which was great. We were then able to go out of the room onto the landing and stairs where there was more space and take a few pictures of all of them.

After a few pictures of Natasha we left to go to St Nicolas Church in Witham. Ryan was there when we arrived with his Best Man and Ushers. It was at this time a shower of rain made an appearance but thankfully not for long! It had dried up by the time Natasha arrived. With the Guests seated in the Church, Natasha took her Father’s arm and walked up the path to make her entrance. After the service, we quickly took a couple of pictures outside the Church, before the Guests lined the path for the confetti throwing. It was then off to Down Hall for the Reception. We took a couple of pictures outside Down Hall as Natasha and Ryan arrived, Whilst the rest of the Guests were arriving we took them for a short walk around the grounds for their pictures. Natasha and Ryan then had time to socialise with their Guests before we got on with the family pictures and fun Bridal pictures, which were great. During this time the Guests were entertained by Natasha’s Uncle Gavin who is also a Magician. It was soon time for the Receiving Line prior to theWedding Breakfast. The Speeches followed before everyone came out of the room so it could be set up for the evening. It was a beautiful evening and the ‘golden hour’ beckoned. Once the room was ready, it was time for the cake cutting followed by Natasha and Ryan’s First Dance. Surprise! During their dance, the music changed, dancers emerged from the people watching and took to the dance floor! The Flashmob dance began! Natasha and Ryan’s Parents joined them as well! Brilliant! What a performance! Soon after this it was time for us to leave them to continue the celebrations. Congratulations to Natasha and Ryan on a lovely day! Well done to Natasha, your timings were impeccable! It was nice to work with Mark Greatbach again and for the first time Philip White Visuals.

December 20, 2016
Smeetham Hall Barn Wedding Photographers for Danielle & Rick

Smeetham Hall Barn Wedding Photographers for Danielle & Rick

We were Smeetham Hall Barn Wedding Photographers for Danielle and Rick on a hot summer day. First of all Danielle was getting ready at The Mill Hotel, Sudbury. Danielle was there with her family and friends who were staying there, having arrived from Australia for her and Rick’s Wedding Day. Danielle was having her hair done so we got on with taking the accessory pictures, keeping an eye on the preparations as well. The Bridesmaids were doing a grand job sorting everything out as Danielle’s Mum was unfortunately not feeling very well and couldn’t help as much as she wanted. Excitement was building as the time was as always, going quickly. With the hair and make-up finished they all changed into their dresses. The Horse and Carriage arrived which increased the excitement. We had a little time for a few pictures when they were all dressed, including a picture of the girls looking down from the balcony of their room before we had to leave.

Danielle and Rick wanted a Church Wedding which was at the wonderful St Andrews Church, Bulmer. We met Rick there with his Best Man and Ushers and took a few pictures. Guests were arriving so they made their way into Church before the arrival of Danielle. A short time later Danielle arrived. Although the day was warm and bright, it was also windy so we took the minimum of pictures letting Danielle and the rest of the party get into the Church as quickly as possible. After the service Danielle and Rick wanted a few family pictures at the Church before they walked down the avenue of trees while their Guests threw confetti. The happy couple got into the carriage for short journey to Smeetham Hall Barn which was the Venue for the Wedding Reception. After everybody arrived at Smeetham and had a chance to relax during the Drinks Reception we got on with creating some pictures. Taking the Bridal Party away to the Lake for some fun Bridal Party photographs worked well, before they left us with Danielle and Rick for their together pictures. Opportunities for lovely pictures at Smeetham are plentiful, if there is the time and the couple want the pictures! After taking Danielle and Rick’s pictures it was time for the greeting line, before the start of the Wedding Breakfast. Good timing, it then rained for a while! Speeches were during the meal, introduced by Jimmy Lee Entertainment and Danielle and Rick cut their Wedding Cake. During the evening we captured a few pictures of the evening celebrations including the First Dance. From when Danielle booked us for their Wedding, she really wanted a sunset, but as we know this cannot be ordered or guaranteed! Earlier on they, got a rainbow, fingers crossed for a sunset. Danielle and Rick spent the time with us, watching the sun go down, a beautiful sunset! A wonderful end to our day as Smeetham Hall Barn Wedding Photographers.

November 11, 2016
Family Portrait pictures and Pre-Wedding meeting

Family Portrait pictures and Pre-Wedding meeting

Family Portrait pictures and Pre-Wedding – Charlotte and Paul asked us if we could include a few pictures of the family together with the dogs whilst we were taking their pre-wedding pictures. That was absolutely fine with us, so arrangements were made. Charlotte and Paul suggested meeting one evening at St Peter’s Church, Great Totham, which is where Charlotte and Paul are getting married. Whilst the evening sun was still out we took a few pictures of Charlotte and Paul then found a different area to take the family pictures. The dogs were well behaved and we had some pleasing results. We were all pleased the pictures went well because one of the dogs, Cosmo, unfortunately was put to sleep a few days later. Memories!

October 18, 2016
Jimmys Farm Wedding Reception

Jimmys Farm Wedding Reception

A first for us, a Jimmys Farm Wedding Reception! A Wedding with a difference! Let’s start at the beginning of Andrea and Simon’s Wedding Day. Our first port of call on day of the Wedding was arriving at Andrea’s Parents’ home. Andrea was in the final stages of having her make-up and hair done so after capturing a couple of pictures we got on with taking pictures of Andrea’s Wedding Dress and accessories. Sarah, Andrea’s sister, Sarah, helped Andrea then get into her Wedding Dress. Andrea’s Father was waiting downstairs and we were there to capture the moment. It had been raining earlier but had dried up enough for us to take some family pictures outside on the patio. With a few bridal portraits and the car pictures taken we then left to go to St Mary the Virgin Church, Langham, Colchester. Arriving at this lovely Church, we met with Simon and his Best Man, Dan. Car shots were first! Simon had the use of Dan’s own TVR! Before the Guests started to arrive we took some requested family pictures as well as some pictures of Simon. Simon and Dan and the ‘Usherettes’ then went about their duties. The pathway leading up to the Church gives the opportunity of some nice Guest arrival pictures which we took. The Guests were seated in the Church when Andrea arrived for the Wedding Ceremony. After the service, with everybody in the church grounds we got on with the requested pictures. Fingers had been crossed for the weather to hold as Andrea and Simon wanted the majority of the family and group pictures taken at the Church. It worked! Once these were completed, Andrea and Simon were covered with confetti at the Lych Gate. Afterwards the Guests left to go to Jimmy’s Farm and Simon and Andrea went for a very short drive. They then returned to the Church wanting a few shots down the driveway and also had the opportunity of getting some different pictures overlooking Dedham Vale. Not to be missed! Deciding to take their ‘together’ pictures and other pictures around proved to be a good idea! Arriving at Jimmy’s Farm, the sun was out and the Guests enjoyed the Drinks Reception. Sarah who is married to Dan awaited for Andrea and Simon to arrive. The four of them then walked together into Jimmy’s Farm to where the the Guests were. Some lovely pictures! Andrea and Simon had time to socialise with their guests as we only had an everybody picture and a few informal group shots to take. The meal was inside the Barn and when the Guests were seated Andrea and Simon made their entrance. A lovely atmosphere! Platters of sumptuous BBQ food from the Farm were provided for the guests to help themselves to. Following the meal Andrea and Simon cut their Wedding Cake. It was a nice evening so the Guests mingled outside before the First Dance. After the First Dance there was a beautiful sunset and to top it all, a moon shot as well! What a truly enjoyable day! Thank you Anna, (lovely to see you), and Craig, (hope you enjoyed your friend’s stag do!) whose Wedding we photographed at Crabbs Barn in 2014, for recommending us.

October 2, 2016
Fennes Wedding Photographs for Joanne and Keiran

Fennes Wedding Photographs for Joanne and Keiran

It was a nice day when we arrived at Fennes for Jo and Keiran’s Fairytale Wedding. Jo was getting ready there, so after saying ‘hello’ and a quick chat to the girls, we got on with taking general preparation shots. Joanne’s Wedding Dress and Accessories were in the Fennes Suite so we made sure we took pictures of these before Jo dressed in them. The Bridesmaids and Mum then assisted Joanne with putting her dress on. We took a couple of pictures including the first time Joanne’s Father saw his daughter in her Wedding Dress before we all went downstairs into the Gold Room. That is a nice option when getting ready at Fennes then leaving for the service elsewhere, no guests to see the Bride! After a a few pictures of Joanne and her Bridesmaids, it was time for the Bridesmaids to leave in the Horse & Carriage for St Mary’s Church, Bocking. There was a little time for us to take a few Bridal portraits of Joanne, who looked beautiful, and a couple of pictures with her Parents before it was time for us to leave. Arriving at St. Mary’s Church, the men were carrying out their duties. Knowing the Horse and Carriage was on the way back to Fennes to pick up Joanne and her Father we got on with taking pictures of Keiran with his Groomsmen and Parents, safe in the knowledge that Jo was not going to appear! They then resumed their duties whilst we took a few Guest arrival pictures. Joanne arrived and together with her Bridesmaids walked up the path to the Church for the service. This Wedding service will be remembered for a long time to come! Joanne and Keiran’s Wedding had a ‘Disney’ Theme running throughout and the Vicar played his part! With everybody listening to what the Vicar was saying about Joannne and Keiran, nobody expected him then to burst into the disney song ‘When you wish upon a Star”. A wonderful performance! Some lovely captured moments of surprise for everyone and tears of joy from Joanne! After the service Joanne and Keiran went outside, greeted a few Guests before we got on with a few requested family pictures. Once these were finished, Guests made their way down the path to the entrance gate ready for the confetti throwing. Afterwards it was time to go to Fennes for the Reception. During the Drinks Reception as well as taking some informal pictures of Guests we took a few other pictures and had time for a few pictures of Joanne and Keiran. It started to rain just as we finished the pictures, the Bride and Groom were really lucky! Whilst the Guests made their way down to the Pavilion for the Wedding Breakfast, Jo and Keiran chilled out in the Red Room where we took a shot of them just as they were! The Speeches followed the meal, some brilliant reactions! Later they cut their Wedding Cake and had their First Dance. After taking a few evening pictures we made ourselves scarce so as not to spoil the surprise. There was going to be a Firework display a little later on. Fortunately, when the time came the rain had stopped so everyone could go outside and watch the fabulous display. Happy with our fireworks pictures and after saying our goodbyes we left them to carry on the celebrations. It was a pleasure being part of Joanne and Keiran’s special day, a lovely couple, and thank you both for wanting the pictures. It was nice working with Nicola at Fennes and working with Simply Wedding Movies again.

September 29, 2016
Orsett Hall Wedding Photography for Collette & Tim

Orsett Hall Wedding Photography for Collette & Tim

It has been some time since we provided Wedding Photography at Orsett Hall, so it was nice to be back to photograph the Wedding of Collette and Tim. Our day started at Collette’s Parents’ house where the girls were getting ready. On arrival the girls were chilled, chatting, drinking champagne, whilst getting ready. It was nice to see again Carla Brooks who was doing the make-up on the day. David was at Orsett Hall where the men were getting ready and to capture their final preparations. After taking pictures of Collette’s dress and accessories in between taking pictures of what was happening, it was soon time for everybody to get dressed.Collette looked lovely in her Wedding Dress and the girls looked a picture in their dresses.The weather was fine, dry and bright so into the garden we went for a few pictures. We then made our way to St Mary’s Church, North Stifford, which was where Collette and Tim chose to be married. We managed to get a few pictures of Tim, his Best Man and Ushers in between them carrying out their various duties before the service. Collette arrived shortly afterwards and with everybody seated in the Church with the Bridesmaids leading the way, followed by Collette and her Father, they went down the church path into the Church. After the exchange of vows and wedding rings, it was time for the signing of the Register. Once Collette and Tim signed the Register of their marriage, the Vicar produced the Register which Collette’s parents, Ann and Phil signed when they got married in the Church many years ago. A lovely moment! After the service everyone went outside into the Churchyard for some requested group pictures. Collette and Tim were then showered with confetti before they left the Church to go to the Reception. Whilst the Guests were still arriving at Orsett Hall we took Collette and Tim off for a few minutes around the grounds for their pictures before they socialised with their Guests during the Drinks Reception. During this time we took some informal pictures and some fun bridal pictures. Just before the Wedding Breakfast the Toastmaster showed the way of performing ‘Sabrage’ which is taking the top off the Champagne bottle with a Saber. Tim’s turn to perform this! Accomplished! With everybody seated for the Wedding Breakfast, the Speeches were delivered before the meal. Well done to Adam, the Best Man, a brilliant Speech! At the end of the Wedding Breakfast, a surprise for the Guests! The appearance of the Singing Waiters! As always they provide great entertainment. Everybody later left the room and went outside for the room to be set up for the evening celebrations. It was a beautiful evening and after Collette and Tim had time to talk to their Guests, sunset beckoned, so off we went! Returning a few minutes later it was time for their First Dance. A little while later we left them to continue their celebrations. Thank you Collette and Tim for letting us be your Wedding Photographers and be part of your special day, a truly memorable day spent with a wonderful couple!

September 7, 2016
Gosfield Nature Reserve Engagement Shoot

Gosfield Nature Reserve Engagement Shoot

Gosfield Nature Reserve Engagement Shoot for Jo and Kieran was one of our recent evening jobs. The day had been one of those days where the weather had been unpredictable, but in the end we all made the call and met there. We were pleased we did! The sun was out, we avoided as much as we could a few muddy puddles. This was fun anyway, with Kieran giving Jo piggy-backs where necessary, captured of course! After taking a few pictures we all went to the local pub for a chat about their Wedding details and times. Jo and Kieran are getting married at St Mary’s Church, Bocking with their Wedding Reception at The Fennes Estate soon.

July 15, 2016