A Lovely Intimate Micro-Wedding At Weststreet Vineyard, Essex
Bridal Prep In Great Dunmow, Essex
It’s a very unique time we’re in at the moment. 2020 was the boom year of ‘The Micro Wedding’ which turned out to be the perfect timing for Joe and Chloe in the end. After their original wedding date in June was cancelled, they were able to move it to have an end of summer date in September and what a memorable day they had. As an alternative documentary photographer, I had the absolute privilege of spending the day with the family to capture some awesome frames. It was a perfect English summers day.
Despite there only being 19 guests, it felt like the entire population of Essex was present. Chloe had her bridesmaid to help her, along with her parents and Joe spent the morning getting ready with his best man.
We spent the morning at Chloe’s parent’s house, where there was plenty of champagne flowing. Good start to a wedding that was taking place at a Essex vineyard!! I then headed off to spend some time with the groom and best man whilst they were getting ready. When I arrived, the beers were already flowing…..I could tell this was going to be the perfect day!
I arrived back to the girls pad, and to Malcom (Chloe’s dad) putting the wedding bows on his beloved Porche. I managed to capture the girls finishing off their hair and makeup, and finally Chloe slipping into her dress. Just as we were leaving for Weststreet Vineyard, the neighbours all gathered outside to give Chloe a ‘fizz infused’ send off. They have all known this wonderful bride all her life.
The Ceremony at Weststreet Vineyard, Coggleshall, Essex
The ceremony was a civil service within the grounds of the vineyard. The area was simply decorated with beautiful flowers from Posy & Fern. Chloe walked down the aisle accompanied by her dad, who couldn’t have been more proud. During the ceremony, they had a couple of heartfelt readings from family members. They read their vows, exchanged rings and put smiles on everyone’s faces.
The Reception
Jane at Westfield Vineyard could not have been more helpful during the day. She made the day flow with ease and nothing was too much trouble for her. The guests enjoyed an outside reception, where they sipped on glasses of champagne and nibbled on homemade hors dourves. Whilst everyone else were enjoying each other’s company, I took Chloe and Joe off into the vines to shoot some wedding portraits. This is where the alternative photography comes into play and I get to be creative with the bride and groom. The guests proceeded to dine in the restaurant where they served up an awesome meal with their own wine (and very nice it was too) and after dinner it was time for the speeches. Glasses were filled and raised to toast the happy couple.
After a lovely meal, the guests headed back outside onto the restaurant balcony where they all enjoyed more drinks and socialising. It wasn’t too long before some music started to play and Chloe and Joe had their first dance, and they were quickly followed onto the dancefloor by eager guests to have a boogie themselves. To mark the unprecedented time this couple got married in, we decided to take a group shot with everyone wearing their masks. Chloe and joe then proceeded to cut the wedding cake (which tasted amazing by the way!!).
Their wedding was such a lovely and relaxed micro wedding and capturing it was such a privilege.
If you have enjoyed reading about Chloe and Joe’s gorgeous Westfield Vineyard, you might enjoy reading about a beautiful Braxted Park wedding.
Love Dollface xx
Suppliers
Venue – Weststreet Vineyard, Coggelshall, Essex
Hair – Chloe Goring
Cake - Made by Jen P (Facebook)