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Home > An Elegant Country House Jewish Wedding at Fennes, Essex, UK

An Elegant Country House Jewish Wedding at Fennes, Essex, UK

23/10/2025 by Karen Cinnamon

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

We love a country house Jewish wedding, and Carla and Ben’s is simply divine! Essex’s Fennes was the dreamiest spot for this very special day, with its timelessly romantic vibes and picturesque grounds.  

The verdant outdoor environs made the ideal backdrop for the couple’s striking acrylic outdoor chuppah, delicately adorned with white flowers – the juxtaposition of the contemporary chuppah design with the traditional style of the venue is just perfection.

When it came time to choose a photographer to capture their special day, Carla and Ben knew that only Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Kate Swerdlow would do. In the bride’s words, “Kate has been a part of my family events since my bat mitzvah in 2011. Having her as my wedding photographer 14 years has been so special to me and my family and we couldn’t be more grateful to her. She captured our day perfectly, we smiled all the way through looking back at our wedding pictures and we love them so much.”

We’re also delighted that the duo found the colorful ketubah of their dreams – which now adorns the walls of their bedroom – through Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Ketubah.com.

Read on for the full story of this magical day in Carla’s own words…

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

How We Met

Carla, the bride: We met on a dating app!

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

A Country House Wedding 

Fennes in Braintree – the most beautiful country manor house that was exclusive hire, giving our wedding day an intimate feel.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Clean and Elegant

Colour scheme – blush pink and white. Our wedding style was very neutral and clean, very elegant.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Invitation/Stationery

We used Invitation London for invitations.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Dress

My dress was from Pure Couture in Beaconsfield. My dress was satin and classic with a scooped strapless neckline, a sparkling back detail and a very long train. My dress came with a detachable bow, which I put on for the evening reception. I went into this shop with my eye on this dress, and when I walked out wearing the dress and saw my mum crying, I knew it was the one. I felt like a princess.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Ceremony & Chuppah

Our chuppah design was an acrylic chuppah with white flowers – simple and elegant. We gave our bottles of water with our wedding logo on them and personalised fans for our guests to use during the chuppah ceremony as this was outside.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Ketubah

We were looking for a ketubah that had lots of colour on it to put up in our bedroom. We chose our ketubah design from Ketubah.com.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Our music choice

We had the most amazing band – Totem. They are the most energetic, talented and fun band to have on your special day. They are incredible and get everyone dancing all night long, we have not stopped getting compliments on how amazing they are.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Flowers

Flowers by Alina brought our vision to life. All flowers on my bridesmaids bouquets, centre pieces and button holes were gypsopehlia and my bouquet had a little touch of blush pink roses.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Photographer and videographer

Our photographer Kate Swerdlow has been a part of my family events since my bat mitzvah in 2011. Having her as my wedding photographer 14 years has been so special to me and my family and we couldn’t be more grateful to her. She captured our day perfectly, we smiled all the way through looking back at our wedding pictures and we love them so much.

Our videographer Jag was highly recommended by my mum who actually used him last year for her wedding. Jag made us feel so calm and comfortable and was a pleasure to be around all day.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Honeymoon

We are going to Saint Vincent for two weeks of relaxing on the beach.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

Advice to couples currently planning their wedding

Enjoy every minute and nothing else matters on the day. Try to to stay calm, be present and enjoy your day together as a couple.

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

CARLA & BEN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Photography – Kate Swerdlow
Ketubah – Ketubah.com {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club} 
Venue – Fennes
Bride’s dress – Pure Couture
Flowers – Flowers by Alina
DJ – Totem
Stationery/Invitation – Invitation London


If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.


 

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Filed Under: Outdoor, Uncategorized, Real Jewish Weddings, Jewish Garden Weddings Tagged With: Totem wedding entertainment, Ketubah.com, Flowers by Alina, Totem, UK Jewish Wedding, Kate Swerdlow Photography, Braintree Jewish Wedding, Fennes Wedding Venue, UK, Invitations London, Pure Couture

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