EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor, Grooms Editor and Travel Editor danielleh@county.weding Kelly Andrews | Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers | Sarah Hill Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher Digital Marketing Coordinator Katie Laley

Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley

ADVERTISING Sales & Events Director Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarahe@county.wedding Account Manager Kirsty Brindley | 01376 538 490 kirstyb@county.wedding

Subscriptions 01376 514 000 subscriptions@county.wedding

ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James

@CountyWeddingMagazines

@CountyWeddings

@cwm_wedding

Visit us online at county.wedding and countyweddingevents.com

An Essex Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. An Essex Wedding is published six times a year. Subscription rates are £18.20 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing and sent to An Essex Wedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP. I don’t think there’s a new year that I’ve wanted to come around more! Just as we were glad to see the back of 2020, the same goes for 2021 – see ya! The hope of what 2022 will bring is substantial; weddings have been unaffected since July 19th (hallelujah!), and here at An Essex Wedding HQ we’re certainly excited to see the wedding boom continue.

Did you know that there’s, on average, 85,000 festive proposals each year? If you was one of the lucky ones that found a ring under the tree, in a Christmas pudding or at the bottom of a glass of mulled wine, then welcome to the wonderful world of weddings and your first wedding magazine – you’re going to love it!

Choosing your big-day venue is first and foremost the biggest decision to make, as it sets the tone for the rest of the day and gives the wedding planning that much-needed direction. This issue, we’ve got a Beautiful Barns feature; there’s a whopping 20 barn wedding venues in our beloved county, but here’s a special selection to be inspired by. We also shine the spotlight on top venues in the Braintree and Uttlesford districts for those looking to tie the knot here.

What’s more, local photographers share their favourite images since the return of weddings, and local venue styling experts share their advice on what’s hot for 2022. And if that’s not enough to get you super-excited about your nuptials, then there are also two styled shoots showcasing the beauty of winter ‘I dos’ and summer soirees.

Pull up a chair, make a brew and enjoy reading...

Danielle x

Danielle Harvey

Psst! We love featuring local real weddings, so head over to www.anessex.wedding/get-involved to submit your details for an opportunity to grace the pages of An Essex Wedding.

WIN! £1,500 OF DIAMONDS ON PAGE 92

This styled shoot over on page 53, really does transport you to a magical winter wonderland.

Loving the al fresco vibes with this gorgeous styled shoot over on page 59.

I adore this outdoor ceremony setting at Fennes, it makes me want to tie the knot all over again. Check out page 27. Charlie and Sam are the picture of wedded bliss over on page 47.

I adore Fred Siriuex from First Dates, and I also love his new suit line with Moss Bros! Check out page 96.

Surely white is white? Well, there’s actually loads of variations! Check out our expert advice on page 79.

We shine the spotlight on barn wedding venues, and Crondon Park is a mustsee over on page 19.

Oh em gee! I love candles and pina colada so this is right up my street. Check out this new business on page 9.

Lianne threw herself into wedding planning during lockdown and her big day was a sight to behold. Check out page 40.