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 Artwork & Content Coordinator 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 Happy Ever After

Do you know what I’ve enjoyed most about this issue? Looking at our reader weddings! I always love a good ‘how we got together and how my partner proposed’ story, but in fact it was seeing my couples crease up during their celebrations that really put a smile on my face. Yes, it’s a bit of a cliché, but my word it’s true. Looks fade, but laughter is everlasting, so nothing’s more satisfying than seeing two people who truly love each other have a good old snigger at what could well be the silliest of things; something that no one else will truly get but them.

With this in mind let me turn your attention to the three amazing reader weddings we have in store. Over on page 31 meet Emma and Adrian, who met via Tinder when the groom wooed his wife with a poem. Next, on page 36, say hello to Laura and Mike, who met on another dating site before saying ‘I do’ at Gosfield Hall. Finally, turn to page 43, for proof that holiday romances really do last, courtesy of Andrea and Terry! All that plus the best Essex wedding photographers (p57), unbelievable gowns (p71), honeymoon hotspots (p92) and more!

PS I can’t sign off until I’ve mentioned that this is my last issue as Editor of your favourite regional magazine. I’ve honestly loved every minute, but the time’s come for a change, with me now handing over to the oh-so-capable Rachel Westall to guide you in the right direction for all things Essex wedding. Take care and enjoy the planning, but remember at the end of the day your celebration should be all about you and your intended declaring your forever love to one another.

Claire x

Claire Muffett-Reece, Editor 42 OUT WITH A BANG Fireworks are a great way to end your day

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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.

90 WIN!

A fairytale escape to Northern Ireland

57 WHAT A SHOT! Read our spread on the best Essex wedding snappers

https://chrisbradshaw.co 87 SAY CHEESE I’d be hard pushed to resist a cake made of cheese…

31 CRACKING UP We’d love to know what made Emma and Adrian laugh out loud!

19 SHOWSTOPPING VENUE Barnston Lodge is a great space to wed 26 DOWN ON THE BARN Navestock’s 17th century Old Brook Barn hosts just 25 weddings a year!

36 LOVE IS ALL AROUND An amazing celebration at Gosfield Hall

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