EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Claire Muffett-Reece | Editor claire.muffett-reece@county.wedding Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing Editor and Beauty Editor Melissa Barker | Senior Editor, Grooms and Travel Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers | 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

@countyweddingmagazines

Visit us online at county.wedding and countyweddingevents.com www.jamesaugustusphotography.com Summer loving

Can you believe we’re over halfway through the year already? Nope, neither can I! It only seems like yesterday that it was dark by 5pm and I spent my time turning up the thermostat while the husband kept on turning it down… But here we are – it’s summer at long last! With this in mind I hope your days are spent soaking up the sun, be it in Essex or abroad, all the while poring over this latest issue of your favourite wedding magazine.

First up, I’ve got to talk about the incredible reader weddings we’ve got for you to take a look at, starting on page 31. Here, brides Debbie and Becca sealed their love with a fantastic ceremony at Colchester Town Hall, while over on page 43 Craig and Cameron made their vows to one another at Friern Manor. Please do watch their wedding video; I’m not ashamed to say I welled up listening to their emotionpacked speeches.

Next, turn to page 36 to read all about Natalie and Mark’s amazing Tuffon Hall celebrations. This was truly a celebration like no other, as the couple won their wedding day, worth £26,000! A staggering 24 Essex businesses came together to thank Natalie, a midwife, and Mark, a paramedic, for their dedication throughout COVID 19. Just be sure to have those tissues at the ready yet again, as the tragic loss they’ve experienced, and commitment to one another, is sure to bring a tear to your eye.

We’ve also got plenty of the county’s finest wedding suppliers on hand to help you prepare for the best day of your lives. Find out which blooms work best for all seasons with our flowers’ guide, over on page 59. Want to continue supporting local? Our handmade feature on page 53 showcases some of the finest talent Essex has to offer. All that plus the best beauty, fashion, grooms’ news and honeymoon help you’ve come to expect in every jam-packed issue.

See you in September, Claire x

Claire Muffett-Reece, Editor

90 WIN!

A two-night stay in the Lake District

9 THE ONLY WAY IS ARG Now you can book TOWIE’s Arg as your wedding singer! 43 CARRIED AWAY Craig and Cameron’s wedding was full of love and laughter

79 TRUE BLUE Who says you have to wear white for your wedding?

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. www.instagram.com/michaelsmith.photography

36 DANCING SHOES I’m a sucker for a good dancing pic, and these three don’t fail to disappoint!

19 TIPI TIME Why not consider Chalkney Water Meadows for your big day?

An indescribably romantic setting for your perfect day, Markshall Estate is the one you have been looking for…

From the moment you enquire to the very last dance, we are on hand. With our expert Wedding Coordinator, tour the venue and begin to create your perfect day. We have a fantastic list of recommended suppliers, and you can rest assured that no detail will go unchecked. This is your special day and we are with you every step of the way.

• 2,350 ACRES OF SERENE ESSEX COUNTRYSIDE • • 48 HOUR VENUE HIRE • • 2 UNIQUE WEDDING LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM • • PRIVATE PREPARATION SUITE •

THE FORMAL GARDEN

Just a few steps from the historic Coach House is the beautiful Parterre Garden. Get married surrounded by delicate blooms, scented borders and majestic trees, it’s the ideal location for a summer wedding. THE COACH HOUSE

Our grand yet intimate 18th century Coach House overlooks the Arboretum and lakes. Hold your ceremony and wedding breakfast in this historic red brick and timber-framed masterpiece with rustic beams, beautiful details and a private terrace. Have the day of your dreams in this romantic setting TIPI WEDDINGS

Marry under the canopy of our ancient trees with a Woodland Wedding, then celebrate in a tipi situated in our stunning secluded meadow. Our dedicated team will guide you through your wedding day.