Summer Wedding - Houchins, Colchester, Essex
Vanya and Darren’s wedding at Houchins in Colchester was an absolute joy to capture. Houchins is one of my favourite venues in Essex — it has the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern design, with beautiful gardens and flexible spaces that make it ideal for a relaxed wedding day.
The atmosphere throughout the day was everything you’d want from a wedding: fun, laid-back, and full of love.
The day began with Vanya getting ready at Houchins, surrounded by her bridal party and her daughters. The prep space at Houchins has amazing natural light, which makes it perfect for capturing all the little details — from the dress and shoes through to those candid, emotional moments as everyone got ready together.
Some of my favourite shots from the morning are of Vanya with her daughters. There’s something really special about children being such an important part of the day, and those moments always feel extra meaningful to capture.
Before the ceremony, there was also a brilliant first look with the bridal party — plenty of excitement, big reactions, and a lot of laughter!
The couple tied the knot in Houchins’ elegant ceremony barn, with family and friends gathered in the light-filled space. The atmosphere was warm and emotional, and I loved capturing those candid little moments between Vanya and Darren as they said their vows.
After the ceremony, everyone spilled outside into the gardens to enjoy drinks, hugs, and plenty of confetti!
We kept the group shots relaxed and quick so the couple could spend more time celebrating with their guests. Afterwards, I took Vanya and Darren around the grounds for some portraits. Houchins has so many great spots for photos — the gardens, the open fields, and even some of the modern architectural details around the barn.
My style is always a mix of natural moments and a bit of gentle direction to help couples feel comfortable. These portraits really showed off the couple’s personalities as well as the setting.
The reception took place in the main barn where guests enjoyed good food, speeches, and plenty of laughter. One of the highlights of the evening was the cake cut, which always makes for great, celebratory photos and is such a fun moment to capture.
Later on, the dance floor came alive and I stayed to document the party in full swing — it was the perfect ending to an incredible day.
Vanya and Darren’s wedding at Houchins was such a fantastic day and a reminder of why I love photographing weddings at this venue. It has everything a couple could want and is the perfect backdrop for creative, relaxed wedding photography.
If you’re planning your wedding at Houchins and are looking for a photographer who will capture the natural story of the day while also creating portraits you’ll actually love, I’d love to hear from you. My diary for 2026 is now open and availability is limited — get in touch to secure your date.
