Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local Essex wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
I love the advice from Michelle Lacey of Bumblebee Bridal about how to still look like 'you' on your day : "My advice is to be clear about who you are and what you want, as you must be yourself on your wedding day! Don't think you have to be a 'bride' – instead be 'you' wearing a wedding dress."
Visit www.bumblebeebridal.co.uk to book Michelle for your wedding hair and make-up
Looking for a Colchester wedding venue? Chalkney Water Meadows is hidden away amongst ancient woodland next to a picturesque river and tree-lined lake.
A stunning location for an outdoor celebration, the venue is popular with larger wedding parties who require a little more space, thanks to three linked giant tipis that seat up to 150 guests comfortably for your breakfast – or 180 at a squeeze!
At Chalkney you don't even have to worry about being booted out by midnight – here you can enjoy exclusive use of the venue for the whole weekend. Just imagine a celebration created entirely by yourselves; from delicious three course meals to succulent hog roasts with an endless choice of salad. Plus, no eye-watering drinks' prices but a bespoke menu tailored just for you.
www.browningbros.co.uk
Midwife Natalie and paramedic Mark were the well-deserved winners of an incredible wedding competition for NHS workers, worth £26,000!
Want to know what they won and how they won it? Read our latest issue to read all about it!
Our July August coverstars Cameron and Craig met while performing as cruise ship singers. “We're total opposites, but this is why we love each other so much!” says Cameron. “I'm very particular and know exactly what I want, whereas Craig loves performing and enjoying life. After seeing each other pretty much 24/7 for almost a year, we knew that if we could survive cruise ships without killing each other then we could definitely make it on dry land!”
See their wedding here!
Bride Becca, who married wife Debbie at Colchester Town Hall, loved seeing her friends and family get together after lockdown: "Our guests loved being out and catching up with each another. We were all so busy chatting that the day flew by!"
See their amazing day in our July August issue out now: www.anessex.wedding/free-download
Looking for a videographer? Carl Habbershaw, from Earls Colne Six Eight Video, says: "Start by following social media pages, research websites, and identify the styles you enjoy watching. Look for consistency, emotion, and personality you like before reaching out, researching packages and costs before setting your budget. Most videographers cater for different budgets, and I often discuss bespoke packages to get the film couples want.
You should also say what you want and be clear. If I know what you want and expect, I can tailor films accordingly – it's your film and should reflect who you are after all!
Finally, be sure to organise a videographer early – we're in demand and get booked up quickly! It's definitely the case of the earlier the better, with your wedding film up there with booking venues and photographers."
www.sixeightvideo.com
Confused about what a celebrant does? I asked Braintree-based Carol Cranfield Celebrant, for her advice:
"For a start, you can get married where you like – in a venue, in the garden or woods, on a boat, at home; let your imagination flow. Although not legally binding in the UK at present, this is currently with the Law Commission, and going to government for consideration this year. In the meantime, the legal part of the marriage still needs to be signed and witnessed by a registrar or authorised religious dignitary, which can be done before or after your wedding. That being said, celebrant-led ceremonies are becoming more popular in modern couples wanting to do-away with stuffy traditions that don't mean much to them. I only perform one ceremony a day, so I can concentrate fully on you as a couple. I can help choose poems and readings that best represent you and that are suited to the vibe of your wedding. I can even get your fur-baby involved in your ceremony if you wish – why not have them as your ring bearer? Anything is possible if you choose to use a celebrant!"
Head to www.carolcranfieldcelebrant.co.uk for more information.
Searching for the perfect ring? Head to Rayleigh's Affinity Fine Jewellers for a huge range of samples to view.
“Every ring is made to order, meaning this way the customer can fully tailor their bridal jewellery to exactly what they're looking for," says Affinity's Lauren Fossett. "You can choose widths, weights, colour and clarity of any diamonds, and can even select your own gemstones. We even offer a bespoke wedding ring service that allows you to shape and fit your wedding band to your engagement ring. Our service is competitively priced, and we offer outstanding customer service, liaising with every customer personally.”
Head to www.affinityjewellers.co.uk for more info.
Wow! Just look at this gorgeous floral display from Peldon's Flora & Daisy! If you're looking for some serious flower inspiration don't forget to watch out for our July/August issue of An Essex Wedding! We have flowers for every season covered.
For more information on this amazing floral work head over to Flora & Daisy now!
I LOVE this look on bride Lauren which is in our July/August issue – I asked her hair stylist, Chelsea Taylor from Chelsea Ella Hair, how she got the look:
I sectioned the hair below the crown to the back of Lauren’s ears, backcombing a ponytail just above the nape of the neck before smoothing it over. I then began to curl the front sections with straightening irons, rolling them up and leaving them to set, before tonging the ponytail section in one to create a smooth roll curl. Once the pincurls had set I took down all of the sections and clipped the hair back to her ponytail, all the while keeping the desired height that Lauren wanted.”
www.instagram.com/chelseaellahair
To help you find inspiration for your big day, take a look at what's caught the eye of our editors.
There are literally hundreds of ideas, products and services from wedding suppliers across the UK along with links to their web sites as pointed out by our ever resourceful team.
Take a look at what our Editors Love!