That Amazing Place Wedding Photography
The Venue
This was my first visit to That Amazing Place a former 15th century monastery nestled in the beautiful Essex countryside. It is also known as Hubbards Hall, but I think ‘That Amazing Place’ suits it perfectly. When I visit a venue for the first time I usually arrive early to have a good look around. My approach is to document the day naturally, rather than plan shots, but it’s good to get some ideas for places for the portraits and family groups.
I arrived to find the florists in full swing creating a stunning floral arch, and Ellie getting ready in the Wedding Cottage.
Marriage Ceremony
At 2pm the ceremony took place in the Lakeview Lounge, a bright and elegant space with gorgeous bay sash windows providing views towards the lake. After with the guests spilled out into the beautifully manicured garden with confetti and bubble blowers at the ready to shower the newly married Mr and Mrs Freeman.
Portraits in the beautiful gardens
For the portraits I was spoilt for choice. The rambling gardens provide endless possibilities and top marks to Ellie and Michael for being willing to wander through the woodland around the lake in less than ideal outfits. These natural and relaxed portraits are my favourite photographs from the day and I’m particularly pleased with the shot from across the lake, the couple framed by trees and selected in the water. I’ve also included some photographs of the very friendly and inquisitive cat who joined us for a while and took great interest in my camera and had a good nose about in my bag of lenses.
Planning a wedding at That Amazing Place
This was a wonderful day, and I hope the first of many more visits to a truly ‘amazing place’. Thanks so much Ellie and Michael for having me along to photograph your day, it really was a pleasure. This was a really enjoyable wedding at a beautiful Essex venue. If you are planning a wedding and searching for That Amazing Place wedding photography I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch for details of my availability.
From Ellie and Michael:
“Thank you so much for all your hard work, we are so incredibly pleased with them…The slideshow looks amazing. So many beautiful pics, just sent the link to my family and can’t wait to hear their reactions”.
Suppliers directory
Venue: That Amazing Place, Essex
Wedding Dress Designer: Allure
Hair and Makeup: Bride herself
Flowers: Urban Flower Farmer
Cake: M&S (decorated by Ellie herself)
Suits: Ted Baker at Moss Bros
The Wedding in Ellie’s Own Words
How We Met
Michael and I met through a mutual friend when he invited us both to support him in a talent show where he was going to perform some magic tricks. Oli’s act turned out a little disastrous, but it was still a magical night, and Michael and I haven’t stopped sharing everything in our lives since.
The Proposal
Michael proposed by the lake outside the Victoria & Albert restaurant in Disney World Florida. It was after a meal at the chef’s table with the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle in the background.
Choosing Our Venue – That Amazing Place
When I started planning the day, I knew I wanted all the traditional elements but in a fun, relaxed and informal way. Michael left almost everything to me (phew) and I tried my best to stick to a glamorous but timeless theme based around lots of roses. I visited That Amazing Place on a whim with my mum after being a little disappointed by another wedding venue in the area. I found That Amazing Place on Google and called to check if we would be able to come and visit without an appointment. The owner, Paul, was incredibly positive and friendly; he told us to come over and have a look. We both immediately fell in love with the place and the lovely people there. The atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for: relaxed, peaceful, welcoming, and fun. The decor was relatively neutral and very tasteful, allowing me to decorate as I wished without having to worry about garish blue carpets or red velvet curtains overwhelming my colour scheme. I loved it so much that I immediately put a deposit down, with Michael giving the ok over the phone.
A Relaxed Day
In order to have a relaxed day, I tried to be organised. I did anything I possibly could ahead of time and delegated all the tasks that had to be left for the day to groomsmen and bridesmaids. This left myself, Michael, and my mum free to do pretty much nothing other than turn up. The only thing I did on the day was some cake decorating, which I wasn’t too bothered about, but thought would be fun. On the big day I don’t think any bride should have to worry about anything other than enjoying herself; I’m so pleased that I can look back and not remember myself stressed.
Special Moments
On the day, the speeches, preparing to walk down the aisle outside the ceremony room, and wading through the greenery with Nick were among the most special and memorable parts. A great moment from the day was when Michael picked me and my 20lb dress up and threw me over his shoulder for the Dirty Dancing song. Another funny moment was when a giant cricket crawled its way in between the many layers of my dress outside the dining room. Michael had to shout to Oli who had already announced us in that we needed another minute. I was low-key screaming internally but he managed to get it out quickly; not all heroes wear capes.
Favourite Photographs
Even though it’s incredibly difficult to choose, one of my favourite photos of the day is of Michael crouching to stroke the cat. I think Nick captured this moment beautifully, the photo almost looks like it’s moving. I love the picture of my maid of honour and I getting ready, where the hairspray leaving the tube is visible, and the one of Michael after he told an inappropriate joke during his speech. It really shows his personality and makes me smile. All the photos are incredibly precious, and I look forward to spotting the heart-warming, beautiful, and sometimes funny things I hadn’t noticed in them for many years to come.
