Spains Hall Wedding – Melanie and Andy
It had been a while since I had photographed a wedding at Spains Hall and when I arrived it was another gorgeous day and the lawns and gardens were looking fantastic.
I initially met up with the bride, Melanie, over in the main house for her bridal preparations before then making my way to go and find Andy who was getting ready in one of the cottages.
Here’s Mel and Andy to tell us more about their wedding.
How did you decide on the venue you had your reception?
We found Spains Hall online and when we visited it in summer 2013, the moment we drove through the gates and into the beautiful grounds, it felt special. As we looked around the venue and met some of the staff, we felt more and more that this was the venue for us. The attention to detail was amazing and everyone we met was friendly and helpful –a very special place.
Was there a theme to your wedding? If yes what was the theme and why?
The main theme was that we wanted the day to be relaxed and informal, but we also went for a bit of a vintage/garden fete theme, with bunting, cottage flowers and a ceilidh in the evening. We wanted the day to be like a party for all of our friends and family, during which we happened to get married. Neither of us is particularly formal and we feel this was reflected in things like the flower arrangements, the dress code and the bride’s hair, etc.
What style was your wedding dress and who was it by?
The dress was by Ellis Bridals and was again quite vintage in style, with a sweetheart neckline and satin dress, but with high cut sheer fabric at the front and back which was embroidered lace with pearls and crystals. It was a simple dress but with some beautiful detail.
What was the best moment(s) of your wedding day?
We both felt that the ceremony was the most special moment. Seeing each other at either end of the aisle and knowing how long we have waited for this moment felt wonderful. Having our son, Logan carried down the aisle by the bride’s sister was also very special.
Were there any meanings behind any of the aspects of your wedding? i.e Theme, colour, food, seating arrangements, cake, venue?
The main meaning behind the majority of the aspects of the wedding was things that we both love. For example, the cake was not a traditional wedding cake, instead, we had 4 home made cakes that we love (carrot cake, lemon drizzle, chocolate fudge and Victoria sponge). We also went for bangers and mash for our wedding breakfast, again, because we love this type of food and didn’t want an overly formal meal. We both love the outdoors, so the colours were greens and pastels and the flowers were bunches of cottage garden flowers which looked like they had just been picked and gathered into bunches.
What was the title of the song for your first dance? Why did you choose that particular song?
Our first dance was actually the Gay Gordon, which is a ceilidh dance. We wanted a dance that others could join in – we were never going to learn a dance! The more meaningful songs came towards the end, Eva Cassidy’s Songbird and the groom had made a recording of him singing Coldplay’s ‘Scientist’ but with amended wording, also while playing the guitar. It was the most beautiful song of the day.
Are you getting Married at Spains Hall?
You can find out more about my wedding photography services here https://jeffturnbull.co.uk/essex-wedding-photography/
I’d love to have a chat with you both and find out all about your big day. Call or Text 07961 100 580 or email Jeff@JeffTurnbull.com or
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More Photographs from Mel and Andy’s Spains Hall Wedding Venue
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