A Black Wedding Dress, Pizza & Discoballs: The recipe for An Alternative Wedding at Houchins
Georgia & Leo’s Alternative wedding at Houchins, Essex
Some weddings take themselves very seriously. This wasn't one of them.
When Georgia & Leo got married at Houchins in April 2026, they created a day that felt completely & unapologetically like them.
There was a black wedding dress.
There were platform trainers.
There were movie references.
Temporary tattoos.
Disco balls.
Pizza.
But it all came together so well! Nothing was a performance and they threw out the rulebook of what a wedding was ‘supposed’ to look like and made sure they stated true to themselves.
Why Houchins Works So Well For Alternative Weddings
Houchins is one of those venues that has such a good balance of feeling ‘wedding-y’ enough without feeling overly stuffy or too formal.
It has beautiful outside space, plenty of room for people to get ready, loads of character but it also gives couples room to make the day their own. Houchins adapts to your vision rather than forcing you into a particular style - which I think makes it a cool AF blank canvas.
Georgia & Leo filled the space with personality and created a day that felt fun, relaxed and slightly chaotic in the best possible way.
You can most definitely wear alternative wedding outfits!
If you're here wondering whether you can wear black on your wedding day, consider this your sign.
Georgia absolutely rocked an incredible black wedding dress paired with huge platform trainers and looked cool as fuck. Leo matched the energy perfectly in a checked suit complete with some very excellent accessories and pin badges.
I think wedding outfits are at their best when they reflect the people wearing them. Whether that's a white jumpsuit, a black dress, a velvet suit , a cape or your favourite pair of trainers. Wear what makes you feel like yourself. You'll enjoy the day more and your photos will thank you for it.
Movie References, Temporary Tattoos & Tiny Details That Matter
For me I think weddings should be FULL of your personalities and the best wedding details are always the personal ones, because they tell a story.
There were little nods to films, favourite things, shared interests and inside jokes. It was colourful and quirky without being too over the top or ‘serious’. There was a temporary tattoo station that guests got totally stuck into and Leos nan made the cake complete with a little doggo figure having a bite!
Documentary Wedding Photography At Houchins
One of the reasons I loved photographing this wedding so much is because there was so much room for things to naturally unfold.
The ceremony was led by a celebrant, making it feel personal, relaxed and completely centred around Georgia & Leo. They did shots, they laughed, guests laughed, drank shots and they danced back down the aisle.
They spent the rest of the day doing what I always hope couples get to do: Actually enjoying their wedding.
For me I primarily work in a documentary/observational way. So this time for me is the best time to take photos of them enjoying themselves with their friends and family.
I get to photograph the real reactions.The weird bits, the funny moments, the hugs, the canapes coming out. So many moments that just happen that are a true reflection of your day.
Sunshine, Swings & Slightly Weird Portraits
For portraits, we kept things relaxed but definitely leaned into the weird and wonderful side of things.
Georgia & Leo mentioned on our pre-wedding call that they loved the slightly quirky, Wes Anderson-inspired photos I create and they were the perfect couple for that vibe which I am ALWAYS down to do!
That said, I never want portraits to feel overly posed or performative. My approach is always to let people be themselves, guide them into good light and occasionally ask them to give me their best album cover energy. But the rest is you being you - whether that's weird, silly, cute or romantic. I want to capture your authentic selves.
I’m obsessed with what we captured. A proper mix of relaxed moments, silly portraits and a some that look like they belong on the cover of a very niche indie film or an obscure vinyl.
Thinking About An Alternative Wedding At Houchins?
If you're planning a wedding at Houchins and want photos that capture the atmosphere, the personality and all the wonderfully weird little moments in between, I'd love to hear about it.
I photograph alternative weddings across Essex for couples who want to do things their own way.
Houchins Wedding Venue FAQ
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Absolutely. Houchins is flexible enough to suit a huge range of wedding styles, from classic celebrations through to colourful, alternative weddings packed with personality.
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Yes. Many couples choose a celebrant ceremony to create a more personal experience that reflects their relationship and values.
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Yes. The venue has beautiful gardens, trees, open spaces and plenty of locations for relaxed couple portraits.
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Houchins can host both intimate weddings and larger celebrations, making it a versatile Essex wedding venue.
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Yes. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces means the venue works beautifully in spring, summer, autumn and winter.
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Alternative weddings focus on personality over tradition. That might mean wearing a black wedding dress, having a celebrant ceremony, choosing non-traditional music or simply planning a day that reflects who you are as a couple rather than following expectations.