Friern Manor Country Hotel Spring Wedding with Daniel & Emily

I always look forward to heading over the Dartford Crossing into Essex, because I'm always in awe at the wealth of beautiful wedding venues just over the county line, and Friern Manor Country House did not disappoint in that regard for Daniel & Emily's spring wedding back in May 2023.

Both Daniel & Emily were getting ready at the venue in the morning, which made for a much easier day from a photography point of view, as everything was happening in one place. About an hour after I arrived and had begun bridal prep with Emily, my second photographer for the day, Warren, arrived to grab some morning photos with Daniel and the groomsmen before guests began to turn up.

The ceremony itself was held in an outdoor marquee, with lots of natural light flooding in. Emotions were a little high, as a tearful Emily and her dad walked down the aisle, while her bridesmaids and younger members of the wedding party took a seat at the front, looking on during the ceremony.

Afterwards, and to make best use of the iconic front façade, we headed straight back out to the front of the venue for some photos in the driveway and front entrance, before continuing round in the grounds and gardens. Time was a little tight on the day, so we made sure to get the obligatory group photos and that all-important confetti shot before the wedding breakfast began.

Inside, the brick coach house had been beautifully decorated, with a gold and green colour scheme. After the meal as part of the speeches, Emily's dad presented their son Ronald with a personalised Colchester United football kit - clearly wanting to get his grandson in on the action early on!

With the speeches over and the room being turned around, there was plenty of time to get some great candids out in the gardens as the evening guests arrived, before it was time to cut the cake and hit the dancefloor for the first dance. With plenty of spins and twirls, Daniel & Emily certainly put on a show for everyone, before Emily and her dad had their own dance before everyone else joined in.

Another great Essex wedding, and a new venue for me - hopefully I'll get the chance to come back sometime in the future.

Whether you're planning a big lavish wedding, or something much smaller, head over to my wedding photography page for prices and lots of information on how I can help make your day as memorable and as awesome as possible! You can also get in touch to enquire about your wedding date to see if I'm available.