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Jess & Freddie’s Barnston Lodge Wedding

by Emma Hla
Images by Tim Wood Photo.
Barnston Lodge in Essex is a winner. Its vast open spaces and gorgeous features make it a great venue to photograph. Add to this a huge marquee, rustic flowers and a Mariachi band and it’s hard to find a better venue to celebrate your big day.

Jess and Freddie chose this spot for their wedding reception and today their story is told through the eyes of their photographer Tim Wood.

Notes from the Photographer

Tim says…

On the day the temperature was topping 34 degrees – clear blue skies and a gentle breeze meant the weather couldn’t have been better, though the cake had to stay refrigerated otherwise it’d have melted!

Jess looked incredible having spent the morning relaxing and getting ready with the help of The Wedding Hair Boutique and Beauty By Zoe.

Jess and Freddie arrived in a Chevrolet Chevelle 396 SS in rich red which rumbled up the stones and was parked just outside the main house.

The marquee,  Ambassador Marquees, was vast, clean white with a transparent ceiling. The tables were bathed in the warm sunshine and looked stunning, with black candles in rose gold stands, and simple, clean decoration. Despite the heat, it remained cool inside and once the sides were opened, the breeze kept things fresh!

The cake itself was made by Jess’ cousin and was one of the best cakes I have seen this season. A semi-naked 3 tier cake that, despite the heat, stood tall and looked incredible. Finished with gold chocolate, more flowers and a gold hoop as a flower arch, everyone including myself felt bad watching the cake being cut – it was that good!

Catering was provided by Brian, a good friend who has known the couple for years.

Stunning flowers were provided by Hedges + Flowers – plump white and soft pink roses not only looked great, but smelt wonderful too. Jess’ bouquet was a real highlight.

In the grounds of Barnston Lodge, the space meant that the guests (over 120) could all spread out and enjoy the welcome shade from the trees. A number of deck chairs were provided and these were snapped up quickly by the guests!

From a photographers point of view, Barnston Lodge is a brilliant choice of venue. There is a huge amount of space to take advantage of, meaning that if you are having a big wedding, the venue can easily accommodate.

One bonus of a big venue is the ability to take a few moments away from the party and spend time together and absorb the day. Weddings move fast, especially for you as the couple, so anytime you can take together is a huge bonus.

Barnston has a wonderful path leading up to the house which is quiet and great for portraits, as well as a large pond and jetty, and out the back, some big rolling fields mean you can take walks for photos, or just to absorb the day and enjoy each others company.

As the evening progressed, the marquee had been changed into a huge dance floor – DJ Junior is a family friend and kept the music flowing into the small hours.

Credits

Venue Barnston Lodge

Photography Tim Wood Photo

Flowers Hedges + Flowers

Hair The Wedding Hair Boutique

Makeup Beauty by Zoe

Band Mariachi Rey

Marquee Ambassador Marquees

Styling Elf Occasions

Hire TM Event Hire

DJ DJ Junior

Tags: Barnston Lodge Weddings, Coco Collection, Country House, Essex, Marquee, Modern Vintage, Real Wedding, Tim Wood Photo, Wedding Inspiration
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Barnston Lodge is a beautiful 18th Century manor house with stunning grounds in the heart of the Essex countryside, providing a stylish setting for...
Meet the author
Emma Hla
Emma is the founder & curator of these award-winning pages. Passionate about venues, interiors and a good Whiskey Sour. You'll also find Emma working as a Creative Director consulting for wedding venues around the UK.
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