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 CWE
 
May/June 2025
 

May/June 2025

 
Welcome to wedding season! May marks the true start of summer weddings. Sun equals fun, so any colour goes, from muted mochas to neon brights. Your day, your way has never been truer as your options aren’t dictated by freezing conditions. And, at the end of the day, us Brits are used to a bit of rain, so whatever happens we’ll be drinking our Pimm’s having a darn good time! If you’re counting down the weeks – or days, the big decisions are made, so, relax and enjoy this special time. For those starting their wedding journey, well let’s get planning!

This issue, we speak to local cake makers, all artists in their field. I’m forever blown away by the attention to detail these edible masterpieces involve. They really are too good to eat! We also chat to a selection of Essex-based bridal boutiques, who introduce us to their favourite gowns in stock.

As always, we have three real weddings. As a 9 ‘til 5 Dolly Parton lovin’ gal, Hannah and Ben’s amazing western-themed wedding had me online straightaway buying my own pair of cowboy boots! They pulled off a day to be proud of! Then there’s Abby and Ed who wed at Villiers Barn, who opted for post ceremony ‘Aperol Hour’ - a genius concept and makes for great photos! Lastly, Alison and Jack Grogan married at Colchester Oyster Fishery, the first wedding to ever take place there! And what a location it is! To submit your own nuptials to An Essex Wedding, get in touch via our simple online form: www.anessex.wedding/get-involved

That’s not all – there’s also new-season bridal fashion, brilliant beauty buys, news, venues and more!

Happy reading!

Rachel x
 
The ultimate hoedown
Image credit: The Bearded Photographers
 
The ultimate hoedown
 
Stetsons and sundowners set the scene for Hannah and Ben’s amazing western-themed wedding!

Read all the details of the big day on page 35 of the current issue available: www.anessex.wedding/free-download
 
Win diamond jewellery worth £800 from 77Diamonds
 
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Going Local
Image credit: www.mattwing.co.uk
 
Going Local
 
Braxted Park

At the heart of a vast walled estate, you’ll find Braxted Park Estate’s magnificent country house and its stunning gardens. The intimate gardens that connect Braxted House to the grand Wedding Pavilion provide an idyllic setting for any wedding vision. Within the historic Walled Garden guests can enjoy a series of themed ‘rooms’ that include a romantic English Garden, a Knott Garden and an Italian Garden. The year-round interest each provides beautiful and varied backdrops for photographs.

Combining elegance and romance throughout its interior, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to saying, ‘I do’. The Orangery exudes romance, with Roman-inspired murals and arched windows that look out over the grounds. Alternatively, during the warmer months, tie the knot outdoors at the heart of the walled garden as your guests soak up the sun. Braxted Park Estate even has its own church, so you could have a religious ceremony just a few minutes away from the house should you wish to. Each option is capable of seating up to 170 guests.

When it comes to receptions, The Pavilion is perfectly equipped for parties both large and small. This versatile space offers plenty of room for up to 350 guests and comes with neutral décor so you can truly make it your own. The in-house catering team are on hand to create some spectacular menus for your special day, while come evening, a state-of-the- art sound and lighting system and huge dancefloor ensures you can enjoy yourselves long into the night.

Visit: www.braxtedparkweddings.co.uk

Check out more local venues on page 25 of the current issue available now: www.anessex.wedding/free-download
 
Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options
 
Introducing Cake Spiral™ - the next evolution in cake displays by Prop Options
 
Prop Options, the UK-based innovators setting the standard for modern cake styling, has launched Cake Spiral – the industry's first fully flat-pack spiral cake support to hit the professional market. Made from high-quality, food-safe acrylic, Cake Spiral transforms from flat to full-height spiral in seconds – no tools, no bending, no shaping required. The structure simply pulls into place, locks securely between tiers, and can be styled and set up in moments. It is the only spiral cake stand on the market to combine fold-flat portability with genuine structural support.

Read more......
 
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Bridal beauty with Elizabeth Grant Skin Care
 
Bridal beauty with Elizabeth Grant Skin Care
 
For every bride, glowing, flawless skin is just as important as the perfect dress. The secret to achieving a radiant, camera-ready complexion lies in preparation, and Elizabeth Grant Skin Care is here to ensure your skin is at its absolute best in the lead-up to your big day and beyond. Founded by Elizabeth Grant, a former makeup artist to Golden Era Hollywood icons at London's Elstree Studios, this skincare collection is steeped in expertise and designed to enhance your natural beauty under makeup and in real life.

Read more......
 
A romantic escape - in Portugal
 
A romantic escape - in Portugal
 
Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Cascais in Portugal offers the best of everything: beaches, enchanting streets, delicious restaurants.

Read more......
 
Forthcoming Events
 
Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. To view more events, please visit the events page on our website...

21 Sep 2025 - Orsett Hall Wedding Show
Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Essex, RM16 3HS
www.countyweddingevents.com/orsett-hall-wedding-show-21092025
 
5 Oct 2025 - Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater
Bluewater Parkway, Dartford, Greenhithe DA9 9ST
www.countyweddingevents.com/signature-wedding-show-at-bluewater-05102025

12 Oct 2025 - Layer Marney Tower Wedding Show
Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US
www.countyweddingevents.com/layer-marney-tower-wedding-show-12102025

26 Oct 2025 - Braxted Park Estate Wedding Show
Braxted Park Estate, Great Braxted, Essex, CM8 3EN
www.countyweddingevents.com/braxted-park-may-wedding-show-26102025

Are you a venue or show organiser hosting your own wedding event, open day or showcase? Then submit your event details here now: www.county.wedding/events-add
 
View the latest issue of An Essex Wedding for FREE!
 
Full of wedding ideas, expert advice and talented local suppliers, An Essex Wedding is now available for free – simply follow this link to download the latest issue.

For even more inspiration, you can also check out our previous issues. Interested in areas outside of Essex?

You can read any of our other 18 regional wedding magazines here. Happy planning!