As a Kent wedding photographer it’s nice to get out and about and photograph weddings in different counties and at different venues. I was delighted to photograph the wedding of Marie and Tom at St Mary the Virgin, High Easter, with a reception at the ‘adjoining’ restaurant, The Punchbowl.

High Easter is a small, quaint village off the beaten track in Essex. The setup for the wedding was a first for me – The Punchbowl actually backs onto St Marys church ground, so the wedding drinks reception was actually in the churchyard. Afterwards, everyone made their way into the grounds of The Punchbowl for the wedding breakfast in their amazing marquee.

I started the day with bridal preparations at Marie’s parents house. the girls were at the hairdressers when I arrived, which allowed me some time to capture Marie’s beautiful gown – a bespoke ‘My One and Only’ designed by the fabulous Stewart Parvin. The dress was a corded fishtail design with a soft sweetheart neckline, worn with a capped sleeve bolero, all supplied by my great friends Reggie and Mo at The Bespoke Wardrobe in Ingatestone.

Once the dress had been captured, I moved onto the usual (but important!) details – including a lovely pair of Jimmy Choos!

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Whilst the girls were still in the hairdressers, mum had the finishing touches applied to her makeup whilst dad went over his speech…

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Once everyone had returned from the hairdressers, Marie set a fun task whilst she was in makeup – she asked her three bridesmaids to draw a picture of their guess at her dress. One of them was virtually spot on!

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The bridesmaids all did their own makeup, whilst dad then, having finished his fatherly wedding duties, relaxed (the boys have it easy!)

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The bride in makeup…

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And then into the stunning dress….

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I then left to join Chris Shotton, who was second shooting for me, at the church of St Mary The Virgin, High Easter. With The Punchbowl in such close proximity, we could grab some detail shots early – including Tom’s amazing VW Beetle that he’d lovingly restored in time for the special day!

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Once I’d captured the brides entrance, unfortunately church rules meant we weren’t able to shoot again until the signing of the register – always a shame, but rules are rules…and for once it allowed me to listen to the service and relax!

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As the guests made their way over to the edge of the church yard for reception drinks, I took the opportunity for some shots with the cars and then the church itself.

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Come back soon for part 2 – the reception, with surprise Mariachi band!

All photographs copyright David Burke Photography 2012