Countryside Manor House Wedding Bridal Preparations
We are more than familiar with most of the countryside manor house wedding venues (our last at Upon House) in Dorset so it was with great excitement that we travelled to Suffolk for Nicky and John’s big day.
Nicky had been super busy on this countryside manor house wedding morning.Her countryside cottage had been decorated with wedding bunting and cards galore adorned the table. Upstairs had been prepared with dresses hanging and optimally placed chairs and mirrors. Calm as a cucumber we found her in an incredibly uplifting mood.
First she had her hair expertly styled by the gorgeous Lindsay McDonald. Nicky presented her flower girl (and god daughter) with some lovely jewellery. She then drove herself and bridesmaid to get wedding make up styled at the exclusive Maison Talbooth treatment rooms and spa.
Back at home the wedding flowers from Gaye Drummond arrived. As well as Nicky’s bouquet of purple, pink and yellow was a flower crown for the flower girl. Before she knew it it was time for Nicky to don her classic vintage style dress from Jenny Packham. With her veil that completing the look Nicky looked stunning, a classy elegant bride. The bridesmaids and flower girls were in pale pink dresses from Ghost. The ladies looked beautiful and Nicky’s father arrived to escort them to the church.
Countryside Manor House Wedding Groom Preparations
John and his groomsmen got ready for the big day at The Sun Inn in Dedham. John wore a blue suit with pale yellow tie and pocket square. His waistcoat had a fine blue paisley pattern on the back which was also in the lining of his jacket. John’s brother (the best man) wore a slightly darker shade of blue with the matching ties and pocket square. Once the rest of the groomsmen were ready we all set of towards St Marys Church in Higham.
Countryside Manor House Church Wedding
John (who had been at the church a little while) took a break from greeting guests to gather his thoughts. As the bridal party’s arrival was imminent he was ushered to take his place at the front.
The bridesmaids and flower girls led the wedding party in to the church with Nicky being delivered to the front by her father. There was barely a dry eye in the church. To begin with the flower girls delivered two readings before a bridesmaid delivered the third. Nicky’s father then confirmed that he agreed to give Nicky’s had in marriage to John. With huge grins on their faces they made their promises to one another and were married, barely taking their eyes off each other.
As they danced back down the aisle as husband and wife there was much cheering and applause. The newly weds took a private moment together outside the rear door to let their guests leave the church. On the way out all were armed with confetti and lined either side of the path. Nicky and John left the church by the front door and were showered with confetti as they did.
Countryside Manor House Wedding Reception
With the venue for the reception only over the road the wedding party walked through the bunting lined fields of grass. Major Fenwick of Higham Place kindly allowed the wedding reception to take place in the grounds of his stunning 16th Century Country House. As guests arrived in one of the many gardens music was supplied by swing band Swing Machine. The guests who had followed the wedding sign posts arrived and a drinks reception was enjoyed by all.
On the lawn stood the reception marquee from County Marquees decorated with a huge floral arrangement to the side of the dance floor, smaller ones on the tables and one stretching almost the whole length of the top table.
Countryside Manor House Wedding Speeches
After being welcomed into the marquee with cheering and clapping the top table were seated. The guests were treated to yet more tears and laughter. It was the father of the bride who kicked off the speeches followed by the best man. Nicky gave thanks to everyone who had helped her plan the wonderful day. John then finished off the speeches giving thanks and much praise for his gorgeous new wife.
Countryside Marquee Wedding First Dance
Evening guests had begun to arrive and enjoyed a drink in the garden. We took the bridal party off for some photographs before returning the bride and groom for their first dance. The music for this was supplied again by Swing Machine who had been joined by even more musicians and two vocalists.
Countryside Manor House Wedding Evening Entertainment
The horsebox trailer from Woodley’s Pizza had been parked on the lawn and the oven inside was lit in preparation for much pizza cooking.
Meanwhile the chaps from Firework Crazy had been out in the field getting ready for the climax of this countryside manor house wedding. Everybody enjoyed the wood fired pizza and drinks on the lawn as the sun went down on this Countryside Manor House Wedding. With a lovely sunset and a darkened sky the guests and newlyweds gathered outside the marquee. All were treated to a magnificent fireworks display and sparklers too!
You can see what Nicky & John thought of our documentary wedding photography service in their countryside wedding photography review