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Wedding of the year competition

 

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.

 

Congratulations to our winners!

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.

Enter the wedding of the year competition

 

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.

 

Photography by SE Photography
www.seweddingphotography.co.uk

 

Click here to vote!

 

 

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...

 

Photography by WhatImage Photography
www.whatimage.com

 

Click here to vote!

 

 

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.

 

Photography by Carmel Jane Photography
www.carmeljane.co.uk

 

Click here to vote!

 

 

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.

 

Photography by Bailey Photography
www.bailey-photography.co.uk

 

Click here to vote!

 

 

 

What’s the prize?

 

 

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.

For more information, call wedding planner Anna Oliver on 01279 732 153 or email aoliver@downhall.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.downhall.co.uk

 

 

Terms & Conditions

 

  • Competitions are not open to employees (or their immediate families) of KD Media Publishing Ltd.
  • The competition closing date is subject to change without prior notice.
  • The winner(s) will be notified in writing.
  • The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • The prize is not transferable and has no monetary value.
  • If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
  • No purchase necessary to enter and there is no charge to enter via the website.
  • This prize is based on double occupancy and can be taken from Sunday to Thursday.
  • Cannot be used in conjunction with any other Milsom Hotel offers.
  • Prize excludes Christmas, New Year and Valentine's Day and is subject to availability.

 

This week, the editor loves...

This week, these stunning peep-toe stilettos from designer Aruna Seth really caught my eye.

They would look great with a vintage style gown and would add a quirky splash of colour to any big day look.

Louise Prance
Louise Prance, Editor of An Essex Wedding magazine



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