Orsett Hall Hotel Essex Countryside Summer Wedding with Andriy & Olga

Andriy and Olga had been together for a number of years, and even have a daughter together, so they decided to make it official and get married on a sunny June day. I joined Olga and the bridal party as they got ready at the Thurrock Hotel, just on the other side of the Dartford Crossing. As well as lots of natural 'candid' style photos, I had the chance to capture some of the beautiful details like Olga's shoes and flowers, and the dresses all hung up over the bed.

We were soon joined by more people, including Andriy and Olga's mothers, and the daughters of the bridesmaids. Olga even got involved too by helping to tie up the backs of her bridesmaid's dresses, being being helped into her own dress. I left everyone to finish getting ready and headed to the wedding venue.

The Orsett Hall Hotel is a fabulous country house style venue just outside the village of the same name. With a grand central building and expansive grounds, this is a stunning place to get married. The private chapel is set apart from the rest of the hotel, enabling a grand entrance as you make your way to the ceremony. It had been decorated with large floral pieces inside, and the dark wooden benches really contrast with the white walls and ceiling.

With everyone seated and Andriy waiting nervously, Olga arrived and those nerves soon turned to smiles and laughter. There were even a few tears from the bridesmaids! Afterwards there was a shower of confetti for the newlyweds, and Olga even threw her bouquet! After some group photos I took the couple for some photos of their own back inside the hotel and around the grounds, with their daughter tagging along too.

It wasn't long before their guests wanted in on the action, and they joined us for some more group photos before everyone headed back to one of the large wooden gazebos next to the Garden Brasserie, where a spread of food, drinks and the wedding cake had been laid out for everyone. There were a few speeches and plenty of toasts to the happy couple before the cake was cut and divided amongst the guests.

My coverage ended shortly after, so I wished everyone well and congratulated Andriy and Olga once again, This was a lovely summer wedding in Essex, and a great venue too that I hope to return to some day. If you're planning your own wedding in Essex, or anywhere in the southeast or beyond, head over to my wedding photography page for more details, or get in touch to check my availability for your date.