When should I book newborn photography

Most parents book during pregnancy to secure a date within the first two weeks after birth.

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Yes. I bring my full mobile newborn studio with wraps, blankets and lighting to your home so everything is relaxed and easy.

How far in advance should we book wedding photography

Many couples book twelve months ahead but weekday and smaller weddings can be available sooner.

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Yes. I photograph small weddings, civil ceremonies and destination weddings across Europe and beyond.

Gaynes Park, Epping, Essex Barn wedding for Sara & David

Gill Flett
2 days ago
6 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Just married at Gaynes Park, David and Sara walk through a shower of confetti surrounded by smiling guests under the trees of the Walled Garden

How it started

David and Sara met in May 2021 and have been together ever since. Over four and a half years and plenty of adventures later, David proposed in Lithuania, while riding horses through a forest to a beach with David's daughters. They stopped to walk along the shore, and as the girls secretly recorded on their phones, David got down on one knee.

Why choose Gaynes Park Wedding

Gaynes Park wedding venue gardens and pathways including the Orangery, Walled Garden and decorative brick features

When it came to choosing a venue, Gaynes Park felt right. It’s roughly halfway between where they both grew up and had the intimate feel they wanted. The layout lets the atmosphere build naturally through the day. All so close together so that the wedding couple and their guests don't have far to walk on the day.

Flatlays of personalised ring box, jewellery, flowers and shoes; ceremony setup in The Orangery at Gaynes Park with floral arrangements and natural light

Gaynes Park is a contemporary barn style wedding venue in Essex set within a historic estate near Epping. It’s surrounded by countryside and woodland but still easy to get to from London. The long drive makes for a lovely entrance, and the different areas like the Walled Garden, Orangery and Gather Barn mean everything flows easily. As a wedding photographer, it’s one of those places that gives you options without having to leave the grounds taking up precious time.

Morning preparations

On the morning of the wedding, I arrived to find a very happy buzz in the cottage. Sara was with David's daughters, her childhood best friend and her fabulous Mum - a fellow Scot! Hair and makeup were beautifully done by Emma Poppy Hair and Make Up. The wedding dress was hanging on the mirror in the room was made by Grace & Lace Bridal. It was the perfect dress for Sara.

There was orange juice, a few glasses of fizz, and a lot of laughter. I stepped out early to get venue and garden shots before the clouds rolled in. The rain came quickly, but it passed just as fast.

Bride getting ready at Gaynes Park with help from bridesmaids and mum, buttoning up the dress and sharing a hug before the ceremony

The Boys

Meanwhile, David was with his groomsmen getting ready nearby. In the pouring rain - David's Godmother and Baptist Minister - came with me under a brolley to find the boys. We found them and the hugs began!

Groom preparing for wedding at Gaynes Park, tying tie, checking mirror and hugging family member

It was relaxed and full of banter. His groomsmen were old friends and there was an easy, familiar energy as they helped each other with ties and jackets, sharing laughs before heading to the ceremony.

Groom laughing with groomsmen outdoors before wedding ceremony at Gaynes Park

His groomsmen were old friends and there was an easy, familiar energy as they helped each other with ties and jackets, sharing laughs before heading to the ceremony.

Before the ceremony

The bridal party gathered outside the cottage just before the ceremony whist the Registrars interviewed the Bride. Anticipation was building!

Then it was time for The First Look - a wonderful moment between Sara and her Dad - seeing his daughter as a beautiful bride for the first time - thankfully I had a job to do so the tears were controlled!

Bride wearing Grace and Lace wedding dress in bridal suite at Gaynes Park

Sara ready for her ceremony

Emotional first look between bride and her father in bridal suite at Gaynes Park

The First Look!

The ceremony

The ceremony took place in the Orangery, filled with soft light and flowers from Oakwood Florist. Sara walked in on her father’s arm, led by Darcey and Cora.

Bridesmaids and children walking down the aisle at Gaynes Park wedding with groom and best man waiting

David said his favourite moment was seeing them walk in. The weight of that moment, all of them coming together, was something you could feel.

Groom and best man waiting at the altar; bride walking down the aisle with her father under the trees at Gaynes Park

David's Godmother welcomed the happy couple before handing back to the Registrars to officiate.

Black and white photos of the ceremony with guests watching, the bride and groom at the front, and the emotional walk down the aisle

The cuteness took over! Sara’s nephew took his role as ring bearer so seriously. He carried a hand carved ring box with care. It meant so much to him that Sara and David gave it to him at the end of the day. A small detail that said everything.

Ring exchange with the help of a young ring bearer, guests clapping, and the couple’s first kiss inside The Orangery at Gaynes Park”

Close friend reading a poem - the couple standing together, close-up of hands held.

Readings and moments like these make a ceremony so personal.

Then a final bless from Mandy - David's Godmother

Groom's Godmother reading touching words to the bride and groom during the ceremony, surrounded by loved ones

Confetti and relax!

Bride and groom walking through confetti tunnel, hand in hand, surrounded by smiling guests outside Gaynes Park

After the ceremony, Victoria from the venue brought David and Sara to the end of the entrance to the walled garden for a moment to breath and a Pimms! She then organise the guests to line the path ready with white petals ready to greet their Bride and Groom with a confetti tunnel. She was amazing! This is often my job to organise and I was very grateful to step back from this role! That’s one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph. Joy everywhere. The I stand back and photograph the relief and the love!

Guests mingling, hugging and enjoying drinks during the garden reception with the bride and groom at Gaynes Park

Portraits in the afternoon light

The warm afternoon sun came out just in time for their portraits. A little walk through the garden gave us everything we needed. Open spaces, tucked-away corners and that soft light that always adds something extra. There’s no pressure during this time - we walk, chat and take a breather. These portraits always feel honest and easy and fun! It's probably the only part of your wedding day that you are 'alone' apart from the short scottish female photographer that will make it all painless - hopefully - for you!

The variety at Gaynes Park means we could move from open space to quiet corners without ever feeling rushed and most importantly, not being away from your guests to too long!

Bride and groom by the gates and garden hedges at Gaynes Park, smiling and holding each other in soft afternoon light

Bride and groom cuddled close beneath the arch gate at Gaynes Park, late afternoon sun casting soft light

Couple framed under the fir tree arch and rustic doorway at Gaynes Park, full-length views of the wedding dress and groom’s suit

Relaxed portraits of the bride and groom under the trees, sharing a quiet moment together after the ceremony

Speeches and the wedding breakfast

Rustic barn wedding breakfast layout with sage green runners, table settings and a four-tier wedding cake with white roses and thistles

The Mill Barn was perfect set for dinner and speeches. The styling was simple and thoughtful, with favours by Michelle Ferreira King and a gorgeous cake from Serendipity Cakes. It looked stunning in the window light.

The entrance of the Bride and Groom was loud and fabulous!

Bride and groom entering the barn to a wave of cheers and napkin twirls from guests at Gaynes Park

The wedding breakfast, the atmosphere was already buzzing.

Candid shots of guests laughing, chatting and enjoying drinks around the tables during the wedding breakfast

These kinds of weddings are my favourite. Where the speeches are full of feeling and the reactions are honest. The Father's Speech - should just be renamed the Daughter's Tribute - I am often so moved by theses speeches - even after 20 years.

Candid reactions from guests during speeches, showing laughter, surprise and emotion inside the barn at Gaynes Park

I love watching people laugh and listening to the silences that follow a moving line. It gives me space to shoot without interfering. Just watching and waiting with my cameras.

The Best Man roasts the Groom much to the amusement of the Groom and his guests.

Best Man's speech roasting!

Groom reading his wedding speech and unrolling a long scroll to guests' laughter during the reception at Gaynes Park

There were so many moments to love in the speeches. David gave a touching tribute to his Godmother and the parents who raised him. The Best Man raised a toast with whisky, handing a glass to Sara mid-speech.

Bride reading her speech with heartfelt emotion and laughter, supported by her husband and bridal party at the top table

A wonderful growing trend is for the Bride to give a speech - Sara did a perfect job - why should the bride sit and be spoken for - unless of course, she wants to in which case....

Suprise song performed by one of the Bridesmaid giving a moving moment to the evening followed by applause, tears and hugs during the wedding breakfast

One of the most emotional moments of the day came during the speeches, when David’s daughter stood up and surprised Sara by singing. She’s an actor and singer, and it was one of those gifts you could feel in the room. Sara’s tears said it all. Even the Gaynes Park staff watched on in awe.

Evening celebrations

Bride and groom cutting their elegant white three-tier cake with white roses and thistles during the evening reception

After a quick turn around the barn was ready for the evening celebrations. It was time for the gorgeous cake to be cut and the first dance was expected to follow.

Couple’s first dance under twinkling lights, surrounded by guests smiling and watching the moment unfold

The Bride and Groom's first dance was gorgeous. Their first dance was Van Morrison's "Someone Like You" - surrounded by cheers and big smiles. Indeed this is one of my absolute favourite images of the day - the " We did it!" shot.

Father daughter dance plus the children having fun.

The bride then danced with her dad, and later, the kids hugged and twirled and played like it was the best night ever. David and his best man got the party going and the whole evening felt like it just flowed.

How I work

My photography style is all about letting things unfold. I step in when needed, like during portraits and family group shots, but for most of the day I work quietly. It means your images feel honest and natural. A mix of big moments and the ones you didn’t even see happening.

Gaynes Park gives you the best of both. It feels exclusive without being overdone. The spaces flow into each other. The light moves beautifully through the day. And because the venue is yours, you’re never interrupted.

Thinking about your day

If you’re planning a wedding at Gaynes Park or looking for someone to photograph your day with warmth and honesty, I’d love to hear from you. I photograph weddings across the UK and always aim to create images that feel like your day really felt. Full of connection, movement and meaning.

You can explore more beautiful moments, wedding photography style, candid images and portraits by heading to my wedding photography prices page or sending me a quick message to check your date. I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

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