This past Wednesday (24th June 2015) I photographed my first wedding at the stunning Gosfield Hall in Essex, Gosfield Hall is only 15mins from me and honestly it's a blessing because it's such a beautiful wedding venue to work at.

Gosfield Hall was built on the Gosfield estate, a site given to Robert Le Claire by William The Conqueror in 1066.  The Hall was Commisioned by Sir John Wentworth in 1545.  He wanted a defensible house, but King Henry VII had re-imposed a heavy tax on the building of castles.  Sir John compromised by building Gosfield Hall, which was capable of withstanding an attack or seige.  It was built around the courtyard with no ground floor windows, and entry was only possible by the huge postern gate by the west front.  It even has a secret chamber large enough to deposit dubious liquids on unwelcome visitors, which is still here today - so watch out!!  The original west wing still remains today, unchanged since Tudor times.

Lisa and Rob gave me the honour of photographing their wedding, they found me via the wedding suppliers directory hitched.co.uk and the rest they say is history.  

Lisa and Rob are an amazing couple their family and friends were brilliant and everyone made me feel so welcome, it was an absolute joy to have the responsibility of capturing the legacy of their wedding day.   

Leading up to their wedding I asked Lisa and Rob a handful of questions about their particular wedding theme and other wedding details, here's their answers;

1. What is the theme and colours of your wedding?

Shades of Blue

2. How did you come up with your theme?

We have a shared love of the colour blue which we thought would bring a modern contrast to the historic building interior

3. Please list the name and website of the wedding pros you’ve hired:

Wedding Venue(s)  - Gosfield Hall

Officiant/Minister - Braintree Registrar

Photographer - Gavin Conlan (gavin conlan photography Ltd)

Video - Not Applicable

Entertainment (DJ and Photo booth) – DJ Luke Bailey and gavin conlan photography Ltd (Photo booth)

Florist - Megan Martin, The Willows

Wedding Dress Designer - Madeline Gardner New York

Bridal Hair Stylist -  Lesley Holloway

Bridal Make Up Artist –  Sam Holloway

Wedding Cake - Andrea Barker, Essex Wedding Cakes

Bridal Shoes -  Jenna Dwyer, Charlie Co. Shoes / Montalto

Wedding Planner -  Gaynor Pearson (Gosfield Hall)

4. How long did you spend planning your wedding and have you any budget advice?

Five months. We moved house in January and then looked at our funds and decided that we wanted to spend the "decorating money" on our special day!!! As for the budget advice, talk to each other about what you really want /need. Rob had to reign me in a bit on small things that he didn't really think added to our day!

5. What are you most looking forward to on your wedding day?

Saying the big "I do" and actually being able to call each other husband and wife

6. Any other details I should know about ?

Rob and I have been through some tough times together, the main one being when I lost my Dad suddenly. Rob's amazing support through that pulled me out of the darkness. In the early days I couldn't bare the thought of getting married without my Dad being there; but my overwhelming love for Rob grew so much that I couldn't imagine life without me being his wife. It will be a very difficult day but I know that Dad would be very happy with my choice of such a good man. 

First Dance - A Thousand Years, Christina Perri

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Whilst I'm editing their wedding I wanted to share a selection of my personal favourites with you to enjoy, feel free to use these images on your social media profiles (as long as you do not remove my watermark) and feel to leave Lisa and Rob a lovely comment below!!

All the best, Gavin