South Woodham Ferrers
I have been a wedding photographer for 15 years, and this page shares a little about the town I grew up in and still call home.
My family moved here in 1983, during a marketing campaign aimed at attracting young families to this ‘new town’, which was planned and built in line with the Essex Design Guide. I even own a copy of the council guidebook, published in the 1970s, detailing the town’s planning and building timeline.
South Woodham Ferrers even had its own theme tune and advert.
In this photograph from 1986 (I believe), you can see me eating candy floss while walking home from a rainy May Day fête in Saltcoats Park with my mum and sister.
Middle-earth in Essex
The town planners of South Woodham Ferrers, seeking inspiration beyond the 1973 Essex Design Guide, turned to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien for naming the streets.
Celeborn Street
Celeborn Street will lead you up The Withywindle.
Gandalf’s Ride
Take a walk down Gandalf’s Ride and you could end up down Hobbiton Hill.
Clements Green Creek
Clements Green Creek, off the River Crouch at Marsh Farm Country Park, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest located in South Woodham Ferrers.
The River Crouch
Spar
Will always be Mister Gees to me.
Sainsbury’s South Woodham Ferrers
After decades of Asda’s retail domination a competitor finally opened in November 2019.
KFC
The River Crouch
Inchbonnie Road
The view of the corner of Gandalf’s Ride from Inchbonnie road.
Hullbridge Road
South Woodham is renowned as a new town, yet a few older buildings have endured the test of time. Among these is the house along Hullbridge Road, once home to a small shop known as Orchard Stores. George, who resided in the shop during his childhood in World War II, has shared his story, which you can read here on the BBC website.
South Woodham Ferrers Railway Station
The South Woodham Ferrers Railway Station, opened in 1889 by the Great Eastern Railway Company, underwent a few name changes. Initially named Woodham Ferris station, it was later known as Woodham Ferrers, and eventually, in 2007, the ‘South’ was added to its name.
The view down the track toward Wickford is one direction, while the other leads to Southminster. Before 1939, passengers could also board trains to Maldon from this station.
King Edward’s Road
Probably my favorite road in town, it’s one of the older streets. However it didn’t exist when the station was named Woodham Ferris. It began as a grass track earlier in the 20th century, and in the ’60s and ’70s, new homes started to appear. It was eventually surfaced and became a proper road in 1978. The formal inception of the new town plans began in 1975.
Hullbridge Road
Near the station. To the right is Champions Way, and behind this car, you can spot the flats at The Cedars. I have a particular interest in the architectural plans for these flats, which were designed in 1976. The typography used in these plans is something I am a bit of a fan of.
The Essex Countryside
Looking out towards Woodham Ferrers (top Woodham).
Millie celebrating at her wedding reception on a vineyard overlooking South Woodham Ferrers
South Woodham Ferrers Wedding Photographer
If you’ve landed on this page in search of a wedding photographer in South Woodham Ferrers, you’re in the right place!
The best starting point is my home page, where you can learn about my documentary style and how I approach wedding photography candidly. This will help you determine if my style suits your personalities and how you want your day captured.
I have been a professional full-time wedding photographer for 14 years and have lived in South Woodham for 40.
Latchingdon Wedding
Pip and Polly held their wedding reception in a marquee, with views of the River Crouch.
Stow Maries Wedding
Anna in the sunlight after marrying James in the The Church of St Mary & St Margaret.
South Woodham Ferrers Wedding Suppliers
I am not the only one in this small town.
First up, we have Bellissima Weddings, who have been helping brides say yes to the dress for over two decades! Laura and her loyal team go above and beyond for every bride that walks through their door. They stock bridal gowns from many designers, including Eliza Jane Howell, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, and many more.
Here are a few pictures from a Bellissima photoshoot at the local Althorne wedding venue, High House. Amelia, the manager, was our model for the day. As I specialise in a documentary style of wedding photography, my favorites from the shoot tend to be the more genuine moments—such as during the preparations when Amelia sat on the bench to chat with the handyman, and the High House gardeners working in the background as Amelia walks past
Where to find Bellissima Weddings designer dress boutique:
22 Market Square
South Woodham Ferrers
CM3 5XA
High House Wedding Venue
One of the closest wedding venues to South Woodham Ferrers, High House in Althorne is a picturesque location set in six acres of landscaped gardens. This stunning venue features a rustic barn, a thatched gazebo, pool, and its own vineyard, along with luxury accommodations, a beautiful Monet-style bridge, and exclusive use for weddings.
Philip Smith Visuals
Next up, we have Phil of Philip Smith Visuals, who, like myself, grew up here in South Woodham, and we attended the same secondary school (he was a couple of years below me). Our paths crossed later on due to a shared love of music, and eventually, in the realm of capturing weddings!
We have worked together at many weddings over the years, and he’s an absolute delight to work alongside.
Delicate Daisy – Essex Floral Specialists
And finally, we have everything you need for your wedding flowers right here in town at Delicate Daisy, just a stone’s throw from Asda.
I’ve been fortunate to receive their bouquets as gifts on my birthday the past few years. Here is a photo of a beautiful arrangement they kindly created for me to decorate my table at the Alpheton Hall Barns open day last autumn.
Stow Maries Garden Wedding
Yes, this is the venue for a wedding reception located right on the border of South Woodham Ferrers and Stow Maries, offering a beautiful garden wedding in the month of September.
The Brownstock Festival
Once upon a time there was a music festival on the border of South Woodham Ferrers and Stow Maries.
Some amazing acts came to our little corner of Essex— Grandmaster Flash, Kelis, and The Darkness to name just a few.
I had the pleasure of photographing the festival for many years. Many happy memories.
Radar Hill
Looking out over the town in the snow.