Belinda and Bill were guests at one of my previous couples weddings the lovely Milly & Rob and booked me after seeing their photos.

When I heard a little about their day it sounded idyllic, getting married at the church opposite their house and a marquee in the field behind their house… but even a few photos and Belinda’s description didn’t prepare me for how idyllic this gorgeous wedding was.

Heather and I arrived a little early in their village in Essex to have a quick look round at the locations of day. Bill and Belinda have the most incredible 15th Century white cottage directly opposite the church in their village, within a minutes walk is Belinda’s brothers gorgeous new modern house and Bill and Belinda’s garden backs onto the most beautiful meadow which they had mown paths through and a space for the marquee. We stumbled across Bill (whom I hadn’t met) setting up in the field and I asked him if he was part of the wedding… he replied ‘I am the wedding’ which was the line of the day!

All the girls were getting ready together at George and Victoria’s house, the little ones were painting their nails and watching cartoons and the ladies were tucking into a rather yummy spread and having their hair and makeup done. I then headed over to the cottage to meet Bill and his son Arthur who were getting ready together and we quickly found out that Bill and I are both from Cumbria, small world!

Belinda walked the minute to the church with her dad and the most beautiful ceremony followed surrounded by their friends and family. We captured their group photos in the grounds of the church and some awesome confetti shots including the moment Artie emptied the confetti box on Belinda’s head and then Bill and Belinda lead the guests the 30 second walk into their garden for Pimms, yummy canapés and a little sunshine.

We headed off to get some family shots with Bill’s children Artie and Evie and also their little dog Fenton and then I took Bill and Belinda off for some gorgeous shots together.

After some hilarious speeches the most delicious meal of wood fired beef, salads and tarts was served and the cake was cut for dessert with meringues, fruit and cream {one of the yummiest wedding meals I have had!}

The evening finished with a great first dance and the band striking up as the evening quests started to arrive.

I can’t believe this wedding was a whole year ago this weekend. Bill and Belinda I hope yo have had a wonderful first year as husband and wife!