Wedding photography at Hedingham Castle
The next wedding to feature on my blog is the marriage of Hayley and Lee. They tied the knot at Hedingham Castle back in May of this year. It’s around a 1-hour drive from my office, so I made sure that I left with plenty of time to spare. As always, I arrived nice and early and got a coffee in one of the local cafes. Once I arrived at the Castle, I started by capturing images of the surrounding grounds and buildings.
Hedingham Castle is a stunning venue that I have visited numerous times over the years and photographed a few weddings at. Being a bit of a history geek myself, it’s pretty amazing to step inside a building that is over 900 years old. What a cool place to get married, too! It’s been also used in lots of films and television programs, so it’s a great place to visit.
It was a gorgeous late spring day, and the guests could enjoy the stunning grounds outside until late in the evening. We were still outside just before the first dance capturing photos of them enjoying garden games and drinks. It was light until almost 9 pm so we went for one final evening stroll to get some gorgeous portraits just ahead of the first dance.
Below you can read a little bit more about their wedding day, along with some questions that I sent over to them to learn a little bit more about their wedding day plans. I hope that you enjoy the read and finding out more about Hayley and Lee.
A little more about Hedingham Castle Wedding Venue
As already mentioned above, the Norman Keep is over 900 years old, wow that place has some history! The building across the bridge to the keep is still occupied by descendants of the original owners. What an amazing place to call your home.
Some couples pick to have their reception within the walls of the keep, and there is also the mansion across the bridge for you to pick from!
How did you meet?
Our very first meeting we don’t actually remember, it was only after chatting at a mutual friend’s (Rem) party and then going to add each other on Facebook that we realised we were already friends!
How did he propose?
Our very first meeting we don’t actually remember, it was only after chatting at a mutual friend’s (Rem) party and then going to add each other on facebook that we realised we were already friends!
What Wedding Venue/s did you choose and why?
Hedingham Castle. We aren’t religious so knew it wouldn’t be a church wedding. After viewing a couple of places we loved the look of Hedingham – the ceremony takes place by candlelight in the keep and is so romantic. We also loved the history of the place. It provided everything we wanted in a venue, including outside space for drinks and large dancefloor. The wedding team at the venue were also fantastic from the first time we looked round so we knew we would be well looked after.
Where did you buy your dress?
Bellisima in South Woodham Ferrers. I was really nervous about shopping for a wedding dress but they made it relaxed and fun. I actually only ended up going to the one shop! It was also handy they did in house alterations so I didn’t need to find my own seamstress.
What about the grooms suit?
Anthony formal wear in Billericay. We had 3 piece tails for the Groom and Groomsmen as well as the fathers. We had planned on buying suits but the tails really made it look extra special. They also provided the shirts and cravat. We had planned to go with swagger and swoon for the cravats which had fantastic customer service but as they were included we just stuck with Anthony’s.
Did you have a theme or colour scheme for your wedding?
We did – I did have to explain to Lee that you do tend to have a colour scheme for weddings! We had lilac and Navy as our colours and then the table names and stationary (Table plan, Table names etc.) had a Galapagos theme as a nod to where we were engaged.
What source did you use for wedding inspiration?
Pinterest was brilliant for ideas and saving them all in one place. Also things like hitched.com or a few wedding fairs. We also tried to think of what we had really liked from weddings we had been to previously.
If you could turn back the clock before planning started, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t stress about it. We were pretty organised with everything and I should have trusted a little more that everything will be ok on the day and if little things don’t go quite to plan – they don’t matter, you’re there to get married and that’s most important.
Oh, and there are lots of different “lilacs” – check if they match!
What was your favourite photograph from the day?
(Hayley)There are so many! I love the one of us laughing as the confetti is being thrown. I also love the ones of my dad seeing me in my dress for the first time – that was a really special moment.
(Lee) I’d agree with the confetti shot one or the ones of the first dance.
What song did you choose for your 1st dance?
Was "Gary Derbridge Photography" the right photographer for you?
Absolutely – we loved his style of photos and that’s why we went with him. He was so easy and stress free to work with prior to the wedding which was really important for us. On the day he was fantastic – relaxed, friendly and just fitted in with the whole day. He was so friendly my mum forgot that she didn’t actually know him and gave him a hug at the end of the evening!
Your suppliers?
Venue: Hedingham Castle.
Wedding Dress: Bellisima, South Woodham Ferrers. (I also got my Veil and hair clip from here)
Men’s suits: Anthony’s formal wear, Billericay
Florist: The Willows.
Cake: Cakes at Kims, Chelmsford (Page on facebook: Cakes at Kims)
Hair: The perfect marriage (Jo and Jo)
Make-up: The perfect marriage (Jo and Jo)
Videographer: White in Motion
Photo Booth: Betty Booths
First Dance – E and E Dance
Band – The Haywains (Entertainment Nation)
String Quartet – Scintillo
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of our suppliers – they were all fantastic!
Are you getting married at Hedingham Castle?
If you are soon to tie the knot at Hedingham Castle and are yet to have chosen a photographer for your big day, then I would love to help. I have over 12 years experience in the wedding photography industry and have shot at Hedingham Castle lots of times in the past.
If you get in touch I would love to have a chat about your day and let you know what services I can offer you. I always recommend a meeting with me so that you can learn if I am the right fit! My office is in Southend, however, I can also offer virtual meetings too if that is not convenient for you.
I look forward to hearing all about your special day very soon!