Braxted Park wedding photography by Martin Beddall Photography

Reportage photography at a Braxted Park wedding

A Braxted Park wedding for Emma and Michael last week. An occasion for their young daughter, Isla, also. She had a big day too! A day of big smiles, laughter, pouts, tears, dancing, food, drink and being a bit sick…. a day to remind her of when she’s older.

Now depending upon which football team you may follow, you may recognize Michael. He’s a centre-back at Birmingham City. Moody portrait on the website! This wedding took place on the opening day of the Euros – but no big screen in the marquee. Had it been the following day, and England’s opening match against Russia……..then perhaps?

(Showing my age…but I remember shooting a wedding in 2001, the night England beat Germany 5.1. There had been a small TV in the venue reception and as news got out about the scoreline, wedding guests started trickling out of the dinner to gather around the small screen, to watch a rare victory.)

Braxted Park wedding venue

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve shot at Braxted Park. It was a bit warmer than last time. Just off the A12, between Chelmsford and Colchester, it’s a smart wedding venue. One of the best wedding venues in Essex and it’s changed a bit since I was last there. The Orangery, where the ceremony took place, has definitely improved. No longer an ugly air con unit in the background. The new changing room for the bride is a bit of a squeeze though. But it’s where the coverage began, as Emma got ready with family and friends – a bit chaotic. (Which is good for pictures!) A short walk to the Orangery, where Michael waited, surrounded by his brothers and friends.

The ceremony complete – Braxted has a routine, before drinks in the walled garden. By now in the warm sunshine. Then into the massive marquee for the meal, speeches and dancing. Plus some very competitive bouquet catching and a champagne shower!