Gaynes Park
Anna & Ben

Set against the backdrop of the parkland and farmland surrounding a historic country estate, Gaynes Park made a stunning stage for Anna and Ben’s wedding when they married at the modern barn-style venue in Epping, Essex. In such an idyllic location, it was hard to believe the motorway, Central Line and London itself were all within striking distance!

With a walled garden, an orangery and two barns, the stylish and imaginatively refurbished rural spot was also a gift for me as their photographer. The oak raftered roof of the barn the celebration was held in also provided a great background – this was the Mill Barn, with its mezzanine floor and gallery.

The joy of the day was obvious for everyone to see: while most people smile for the photographers at these occasions, in this case the wide grins really were natural and unforced.

Anna was already beaming as she sat in her rollers having her make-up done, and she didn’t seem to stopped smiling all day!

Her dress was a full-length sleeveless gown with a sweetheart neckline set off by a string of pearls, while her new husband Ben went for a smart three-piece suit rather than the more formal morning attire of top hats and tails.

As usual, a good mix of formal and informal shots makes for a good record of the big day, and Ben and Anna looked particularly happy and romantic photographed against the night sky and set against the flowers and long grass of the walled garden in glorious sunshine.

We captured plenty of lighter moments alongside the official portraits recording their day, like the one of a toddler “telling off” a grown up, and some of the day’s many laughs and hugs. There were also chances to catch close-ups of the details that tell their story – from the canapés and buttonholes of Ben’s best man and ushers, to the bridesmaids’ dresses hanging from a tree and the festoon lights.

We captured the guests in a variety of posed and very informal shots throughout the day – and they clearly loved every second of Anna and Ben’s wedding as much as the couple themselves did.

I know that Anna and Ben are pleased with their wedding photos, and all in all, this was a lovely occasion that we were delighted to be a part of.

Here are some more images from the day: