Getting Married in Suffolk?
Tuesday, June 10, 2014A while ago I spent a rather lovely afternoon wandering around the beautiful and picturesque Easton Grange on the day of their wedding fayre. I'd been invited along to see the result of an extensive renovation and I have to say, the result is stunning!
Set in the quiet Suffolk countryside, I drove down the long drive with the radio blaring. Stepping out of my car I was struck by an amazing sense of calm. I live off the beaten track so quiet and calm surroundings are not new to me but this was something else.
I wandered down to the entrance and could see for miles around in all directions, Suffolk has some lovely views and big, big skies.
The ceremony barn
Inside was just as serene as the outside making it the perfect setting for a wedding. The ceremony barn adjoins the reception barn by way of a spacious bar area overlooking a courtyard, with stunning views beyond.
The bar area
The reception barn
The reception barn from the outside
The barn has been converted with sensitivity and to a very high standard. There is space and light accompanied by a feeling of being very much at home. My photographs just do not do it justice (so I've pinched some from their brochure).
In addition to the main buildings, there is The Bakehouse, for the bride and groom to enjoy their wedding night, and The Longhouse with seven double bedrooms available for rent. Once again they have been restored to a very high standard, with exceptional attention to detail. I wanted to move in and never, ever, leave.
The Bakehouse (left) and The Longhouse (right)
The Bridal Suite in The Bakehouse
Just three of the seven rooms in The Longhouse
Imagine eating breakfast, looking out over the Suffolk countryside on your first morning as a married couple before joining your family in The Longhouse to discuss and swap stories of your day... (I always maintain that the post-event discussion is just as much fun as the event itself).
A private patio area for the Bride and Groom
The Longhouse breakfast table that comfortably seats 16
This is already a long post and I haven't even touched on the exclusive caterer - Galloping Gourmet. The tasty morsels being served to whet your appetite on the day of the fayre where incredible - in taste and in appearance.
The Galloping Gourmets
Even the actual menu looks good enough to eat!
Having just given up dairy, the sight of all this cheese was torturous.
Reading through the menu now makes my mouth water... crispy risotto balls of sun-dried tomato and Parmesan / ravioli of king prawns, ginger and coriander, saffron and garlic cream / Caerphilly cheese and leek sausage, watercress and sun blushed tomato chutney... you get the idea right?
If you are planning a wedding, I'd also urge you to seek out Ted Prior, Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies. Ted is a rather lovely gentleman who I warmed to immediately. He looked very dapper in his striking uniform and he told me that when he puts it on, he squares his shoulders and feels himself standing taller. He plays a role that requires impeccable manners, a calm demeanor and yet needs to be a commanding presence too. I think he'd be a wonderful addition to any wedding, he's very charming and would add something quite special to your day.
The beautiful cakes of Amelie's Kitchen
Onto one of my favourite subjects - cake. I also met Helen Ward, who is the baker behind the delicious and beautifully crafted cakes of Amelie's Kitchen. Not only did they taste amazing (yep, I had more than my fair share of samples, my favourite being the white chocolate mud cake with passion fruit filling and white chocolate swiss meringue buttercream) but they look stunning too.
I honestly think that you need to visit this venue in order to really appreciate the true beauty of it. It would make a stunning and unique wedding venue. And let me tell you, when I got home Andy got a serious ear bending about how beautiful it is and how perfect it would be for our wedding (a little presumptuous perhaps as we're not engaged but a girl can dream).
So, what do you think? Gorgeous, right?
Love
Thank you to Easton Grange for inviting me along. All opinions are my own.
4 comments
SO brilliantly stunning xx
ReplyDeleteit absolutely is! The photos don't come near to capturing it.
DeleteOoooh, it looks lovely! We considered Suffolk for getting married in- not sure if we looked at this place or not?!x
ReplyDeleteoh my! It looks beautiful. Suffolk is a particularly gorgeous place, non? Easton Grange does look a stunning venue for a wedding and those bedrooms *swoons* x
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment x