Here is our second round of contenders all looking to secure a place in the final of our Wedding of the Year competition. Vote for who you'd like to see go through to the final, which will be held in spring next year.
Voting for this round closes on 20 January 2012.
Couple: Nicole and Andrew Barke Date: 5th June, 2011 Venue: Leez Priory, Chelmsford Colour scheme: Pale pink and aubergine
Nicole and Andrew celebrated their nuptials with a romantic big day at Leez Priory in Chelmsford. They were lucky enough to say 'I do' al fresco in the grounds of the venue and enjoyed their first dance outdoors.
Nicole on... Marriage: Since getting married, we have been able to spend more time together and enjoy each others' company a lot more. I love coming home from work to find Andrew already there waiting for me.
Anniversary celebrations: We wanted to go to New York for our honeymoon but unfortunately the funds wouldn't stretch that far. We have been saving ever since and hope to make it there to celebrate our one year anniversary.
Why they should win: Our wedding is an example of how you can have a magical day without spending a huge amount of money. We were on a tight budget but we managed to stick to it. It was a day neither of us will ever forget and if we could re-live it over and over again, we would.
Meet the contenders
Couple: Elise and James Laker Date: 3rd December, 2010 Ceremony venue: Christ Church, Wanstead Reception venue: Hylands House, Chelmsford Colour scheme: Red and gold
A blanket of snow was the perfect accessory for Elise and James' festive celebration. However, they were unsure if the big day would go ahead when the roof of their church caved in a few months before the big day. Despite this unexpected turn of events, our first round winners managed to organise a different church in time.
Elise's mum was diagnosed with cancer a few months before the wedding and the couple were concerned she might not be able to attend. Luckily, she enjoyed her day as mother-of-the-bride, but sadly passed away the following February.
Elise on... Marriage: The best thing about being married is how relaxed it makes you as you feel like you're part of a team. We're still as happy as we were on our big day and can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together as husband and wife.
Anniversary celebrations: James is taking me on a surprise weekend away to celebrate our first year as husband and wife. It would have been my mum's birthday the day after our anniversary so it will be extra special to do something nice that weekend.
Why they should win: We think we're deserving of the title because lots of unexpected things happened in the run up to the big day but somehow we still had the most magical white wedding.
Couple: Katie and Chris May Date: 21st January, 2011 Venue: Fennes, Braintree Colour scheme: Silver and ivory
Katie and Chris enjoyed an emotional and intimate big day at Fennes in Braintree. With help from their family and friends, the couple were able to have the wedding they had been dreaming about for the past 10 years.
Katie on... Marriage: The best thing about being married is having somebody else to share your life with. I love waking up in the morning and seeing Chris with his wedding ring on, knowing he is finally my husband.
Anniversary celebrations: A week before we went on our honeymoon, we found out we are expecting our first child. Depending on the size of my bump, we will either be spending our first anniversary in a romantic restaurant or at home. I am hoping Chris will cook for us and spoil me rotten!
Why they should win: Our wedding day was truly perfect and we wouldn't change a thing. Marrying Chris was the best day of my life. We know marriage isn't going to be easy, but we are looking forward to facing the ups and downs together. Our wedding was just the beginning...
Couple: Alison and William Rugg Date: 31st March, 2011 Ceremony venue: St Peter's Church, Brentwood Reception venue: The Tower Arms, Brentwood Colour scheme: Purple, ivory and black
Alison and William's big day was a fun-filled celebration with their nearest and dearest. Though they arranged the whole event in just three months, the loved-up couple were more than happy with the results. In fact, the only thing they managed to forget was a cake stand but luckily William's dad was on hand to source one at the last minute.
Alison on... Marriage: The best thing about finally being married to Billy is waking up every morning to see my best friend by my side. There is nothing better than sharing a hug with your husband at the end of a long day.
Anniversary celebrations: Our first anniversary will be spent as a new family as we have our first baby on the way - hopefully we can enjoy a bit of romance too.
Why they should win: We are both so excited to have made it all the way to the final! Our wedding will always be one of the most memorable, special days of our lives but winning the competition is up to everyone else to decide. We thought it was perfect and we'd love to share it with everyone.
Couple: Nicole and Andrew Barke Date: 5th June, 2011 Venue: Leez Priory, Chelmsford Colour scheme: Pale pink and aubergine
Nicole and Andrew celebrated their nuptials with a romantic big day at Leez Priory in Chelmsford. They were lucky enough to say 'I do' al fresco in the grounds of the venue and enjoyed their first dance outdoors.
Nicole on... Marriage: Since getting married, we have been able to spend more time together and enjoy each others' company a lot more. I love coming home from work to find Andrew already there waiting for me.
Anniversary celebrations: We wanted to go to New York for our honeymoon but unfortunately the funds wouldn't stretch that far. We have been saving ever since and hope to make it there to celebrate our one year anniversary.
Why they should win: Our wedding is an example of how you can have a magical day without spending a huge amount of money. We were on a tight budget but we managed to stick to it. It was a day neither of us will ever forget and if we could re-live it over and over again, we would.
The overall winners will not only claim the Wedding of the Year title and enjoy seeing their big day featured in An Essex Wedding, they'll also win a romantic two-night break at Down Hall Country House Hotel.
Located near Stansted, this beautiful 16th century hotel is ideal for pre-wedding getaways or mini-moons, and also provides a truly atmospheric backdrop to any big day thanks to its lavish historical features and stately rooms, each of which is licensed for civil ceremonies. Boasting 110 acres of surrounding woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens, the venue is the ideal country retreat, and the winning couple will also be treated to a sumptuous breakfast and dinner on each day of their stay.
Down Hall Country House Hotel offers a variety of packages to suit any bride and groom. You can choose to have the hard work done for you with an all-inclusive package, or decide to choose different elements to create the perfect tailor-made wedding. The hotel can accommodate up to 120 guests for the ceremony and up to 150 people for the reception.
