An Essex Wedding - March/april 2021 (Issue 97)

www.lavenhamphotographic.co.uk GOSFIELD HALL AND LEEZ PRIORY How can you reassure couples during the pandemic? Throughout the pandemic, couples have preferred to have a viewing appointment from the comfort and safety of their own home. We offer a 3D virtual tour for couples considering having their wedding with us, as well as for those who have already booked to help refresh their minds with a tour of the house and gardens. While restrictions have meant our venues are not available for visits, there is always a team member at the end of the phone, email or on social media. At Country House Weddings we’ve brought in our COVID-19 promise. It protects couples should government legislation surrounding the pandemic prevent their day from going ahead, guaranteeing that we’ll transfer the wedding package to an equivalent date with no additional fee. Aly Claydon-Mills | www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk PLANNING We get unmissable wed-min advice from local experts W e know that planning a wedding can be stressful at times – even more so during a pandemic. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a team of talented wedding suppliers to give you their top tips? Well, that’s where we come in! We’ve pulled together a whole host of advice from some of the county’s best wedding companies to help you get that to-do list ticked off… SOS ROUND ONE ANESTA BROAD PHOTOGRAPHY What are your top tips for booking a photographer? Your photos are one of the few things that you get to keep from your big day, so make sure you choose a photographer who can really capture you as a couple. Have a look at the photographer’s website, read their reviews and browse through their social media to get a feel for their style. If their photos make you smile, laugh or tug at your heart strings, you’re on the right path! How can you help couples adapt their day during the pandemic? Group shots can be as formal or as fun as you like, even when working under social distancing or venue restrictions; the trick is to plan ahead with your photographer. Work out in advance which family and friends will be in each group photo, the best locations, timings and even what style you’d like. Your photographer can then ensure this part of the day runs smoothly. Anesta Broad | www.weddingsbyanesta.com PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA MARIE What are your top tips for booking a photographer? A lot of post-wedding regrets are often photography related. To make a wise choice, find the photographer you want, rather than the package you want. You can always add albums, wall art, etc., but you can’t make bad images look good. Choose someone you trust, who is calm, collected and ready to capture your story in every moment. How can you help couples adapt their day during the pandemic? Don’t get disheartened; this will still be the best day of your life. Write down what will make it so special. Is it the people? The venue? The date? Agree on this together and this will help you make your decisions about when to adapt and when to stick to your guns. Try to choose suppliers who can be flexible – and let them know your priorities so they can work with your best interest at heart. Anna Marie Cooper | www.photographybyannamarie.com www.wed dingsbyanesta.com HYLANDS ESTATE What are your top tips for finding a venue during the pandemic? It’s wise to think about wedding insurance when you’re at the booking stage; this can give you peace of mind when confirming contracts and paying deposits. If you find your plans have to change, don’t panic! Get in touch with your venue to see if an adapted version of your special day is possible. At Hylands we’re flexible about postponements for those who want to wait for their big day, and we also offer an hourly rate for anyone who wants to press ahead with a smaller ceremony when restrictions allow. If you have a dry-hire venue, like Hylands, you may be able to find a smaller space for your wedding. This allows you to scale down your plans while keeping the location you’ve always wanted. Julie Weight | www.hylandsestateweddings.co.uk www.pho tographybyannamarie.com 58