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 Cullen | 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

ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James www.jamesaugustusphotography.com It’s A Family Affair

Iwas chuffed when the powers that be at KD Events & Publishing Towers approved my suggestion to run bride and groom, Louise and Dewar, along with their gorgeous boys, as our latest cover stars. Why? It’s no longer the case of girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl falls pregnant and so starts family life. These days it can be girl meets girl, or they meets them – and kids can come before or after your nuptials. That’s why I was keen to have an entire family on the November/December cover. Long gone is the notion that you have to marry the opposite sex – and that you should be in wedlock before having a child. At the end of the day, if you fall for your soulmate and have children before you get hitched, good on you! And if you decide having kids isn’t your bag, relax with your decision and be proud of it.

Now that I’ve got off my stool and had my say, it’s time to talk about our fantastic issue and all we’ve got in store for you over the next 100 pages. There’s Louise and Dewar’s fantastic wedding, of course, over on page 36 – if you like the thought of guys in kilts you’ll be in for a nice surprise! Afterwards, turn to page 75, and check out a ton of regional music and entertainment suppliers to delight your guests. You’ve casino tables, superhero characters, a live artist and plenty of singers and DJs to explore, before moving on to page 81 for advice from wedding experts aplenty. All that plus fab competitions, stunning Essex venues, head turning bridal jewellery and the latest news and views from the best county in the country.

See you in 2023! Claire x

Claire Muffett-Reece, Editor 81 SLICE OF HEAVEN Imagine your guests’ delight when pizza is served at your big day!

88 WIN!

A luxury getaway with hotel brand GuestHouse

@CountyWeddingMagazines

@CountyWeddings

@countyweddingmagazines

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. 9 HOT NEW VENUE Turn to our news pages to find out more!

www.katelowephotography.com 75 GAME ON Who can resist an old fashioned arcade game?

www.ambervarghesephotography.com/ www.chicwedding-photography.com

DADDY’S GIRL I love seeing a bride’s dad walk her down the aisle – just look at how proud Jess’s (p31), Louise’s (p36) and Holly’s (p43) fathers are!

49 TRUE ROMANCE Unbelievable inspiration from our regional shoot

www.instagram.com/josephkinerman

25 WEDDING WONDERLAND Gosfield Hall looks incredible in the snow!

ONE OF THE LARGEST WEDDING SHOWS TO BE HELD IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, SURREY

• Free entry • Win a luxury honeymoon • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Bridal fashion shows • Entertainment • Refreshments • Covid-19 secure

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of

Hosted at Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0SL Pre-register at countyweddingevents.com/registration

Follow us on /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents

Hosted at

Wedding Planner

BRIDGE END GARDEN

Bridge End Garden was created around 1840 by Francis Gibson, a local Quaker businessman, the gardens are Grade II* Listed.In the stunning settings of the apple trees with the gentle patter of the fountain, makes the Walled Garden a delightful venue for your wedding reception, your guests can wander around the rose garden, have fun in the hedge maze and soak up the afternoon sun.

For more information please email bookings@saffronwalden.gov.uk