It’s all about the “getting ready!”

We were delighted to welcome Caro London to Swanton Morley House and Gardens last August for a rather special photoshoot to celebrate the launch of their new wedding range of beautiful kimono style robes.

We think that these robes and slips would make any bride and her bridal party feel extra special and are perfect to wear during the morning of the big day.  They are also available in a range of luscious Caro London prints and with matching accessories and elegant gift boxes we think they would make very welcome and gorgeous gifts for bridesmaids, Mums and future Mother-in-Laws!  

The first part of our shoot was set near our deck under our magnificent Lawson Cypress tree which is a lovely area for an elegant alfresco breakfast.  The English Canapé Company were the perfect choice to provide the delicious food which included natural yogurt, summer berry and granola pots and fresh fruit and vanilla custard tartlets.  The English Canape Company, who are one of our recommended caterers for our wedding venue, specialise in in taking quintessentially English favourites, flavours and ingredients to create delightful handmade canapés, picnics and elegant dining options which not only look amazing but taste fantastic too!

Our beautiful models, Rachel, Ellie, Molly, Phoebe and Zoe looked amazing in their Caro London robes and Penny, our in-house florist, was on hand (as ever!) to provide the stunning florals which included votives filled with pretty blooms to compliment the elegant and relaxed breakfast setting.  In addition, Penny created some beautiful bridal bouquets using flowers and foliage from our gardens and some delicate flowers for the bridesmaids hair.  

 

 

With so many beautiful areas in our gardens to enjoy, our shoot continued with brunch in one of our woodland gardens.  Canapés included quails eggs wrapped in smoked salmon and Lincolnshire sausage, vine tomato and quail egg open sandwiches were also enjoyed. 

With so many fabric styles to choose from which can also be mixed and matched, we simply adore Caro London’s robes and especially the delicate white robe with it’s floral embroidery which would be perfect for any bride to wear whilst getting ready.

We are delighted to advise that Caro London is also currently offering 10% off the entire range – please see the website for more details and quote CAROBRIDES10 when ordering.

And… just when you thought you could not get anymore prettiness we were also delighted to have Ellice with us from ElliceLydia who makes beautiful and delicate lingerie in her studio in Norfolk.  Every piece of her intimate apparel is lovingly handmade and has been designed to allow girls to feel beautiful and sexy in their underwear, no matter what their size.

We loved the delicate lace designs which looked stunning on our bride especially with Caro London’s white embroidered wedding robe.   To see Ellice’s full range please visit her website, ElliceLydia.

We would like to thank everyone for coming together for this shoot and hope we have provided lots of inspiration for brides planning their special day!

Location: Swanton Morley House & Gardens, Florist: Crown House Flowers, Photography: Swanton Morley Studios, Robes and slips: Caro London,  Catering: The English Canape Company, Lingerie: ElliceLydia, Stylist: Caro London, Hair & Makeup: Sally Stillingfleet, Models: Rachel, Ellie, Molly, Phoebe and Zoe

 

 

Alistair and Rebecca – A stunning Autumn Wedding!

Many congratulations to Alistair and Rebecca who married at Swanton Morley House and Gardens in October on a glorious autumn day!

We loved the couple’s styling for their special day with lots of wonderful autumnal florals and special touches which all added to a fun filled day for Alistair and Rebecca and all their families and friends.

Rebecca looked simply stunning in her elegant wedding gown and was accompanied perfectly by her bridesmaids, who wore different styles of dresses but in complimenting tones.  The couple’s ceremony was very moving and they received the biggest cheer from their guests at the end of their ceremony! 

As it was a warm day, everybody was able to enjoy drinks and canapés in our gardens whilst Liz Greenhalgh captured some amazing images using the rich autumn colours of our gardens as a backdrop.  Guests later enjoyed a wonderful wedding breakfast and as the light faded, beautiful candles and delicate fairy lights lit-up our courtyard marquee.   

Alistair and Rebecca hired an amazing live group, The Electric Soul Band, who had all the guests up dancing and singing the night away – there was even a special appearance from Rebecca’s brother who sang with the band too! 

We wish this wonderful couple every happiness for their married life together!

Watch Alistair and Rebecca’s beautiful wedding highlights video of their stunning day in October last year by clicking the link below.  Video is by kind permission of Ben of Foster Filming – a highly recommended videographer and all round lovely guy!

Norfolk Wedding Video

Photography by kind permission of Liz Greenhalgh Photography, Floristry by Crown House Flowers, Catering by Back to Your Place, Bar Hire by Twilight Bars, Live music by Electric Soul Club 

When the bride-to-be is an interior designer, you know that her wedding is going to be super stylish… well Ria and David’s wedding certainly didn’t disappoint and we were delighted to host their wedding reception here at Swanton Morley House and Gardens last September.   

Ria and David chose Jason from Jason Mark Harris Wedding Photography to capture their special day and we are delighted to share Jason’s stunning images of this beautiful wedding.

Ria started her day with her bridal party at the very chic St Giles Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Norwich and we absolutely love the image showing the moment Ria’s Dad first saw Ria in her elegant lace wedding gown.

Ria and David’s wedding ceremony was held at St Margaret’s Church in Old Catton, Norwich and whilst the skies were cloudy everybody was delighted that the rain held off so that the guests could still enjoy some confetti throwing at the end of the service. 

The rain did eventually start upon David and Ria’s arrival at Swanton Morley House and Gardens but this did not deter them from getting some lovely shots on our tree lined drive and in the woodland whilst guests enjoyed drinks and canapés  

Ria and David chose peach, pink and blush hues with copper and lace details for their florals and décor and our courtyard marquee looked gorgeous with long vintage tables dressed with lace runners, foliage garlands, candles and elegant glassware.  Ria and David also added lots of lovely details, which included a vintage help yourself drinks station and beautiful hand-made scented candles which were given as wedding favours.

Everybody enjoyed a delicious wedding breakfast provided by Florentina, followed by some great speeches. And although the skies stubbornly remained grey and moody, this didn’t deter our couple or their photographers from capturing some memorable images of their happy day.

 

 

Later, guests enjoyed the wedding cake and freshly made pizza’s which were made to order and cooked in a pizza oven.  Ria and David had also been lucky enough to “win” their wedding bar by being the 100th wedding bar of the year for East Coast Bars and therefore, their guests got to enjoy complimentary drinks all evening whilst dancing the night away!   

David and Ria’s day was filled with love and laughter (and uber amounts of style!) and we wish them both every future happiness for their married life together.

Photography by kind permission of  Jason Mark Harris Wedding Photography, Catering and Pizza oven by Florentina, Bar Services by East Coast Bars, Floristry by Crown House Flowers, Table and Chair Hire by Anthology, Glassware by Helene Millet, Styling Props by The Little Lending Company 

As we have now come to the end of our 2016 wedding season, it’s time to catch-up on lots of news posts and we are delighted to start with the images from a rather lovely shoot we did in the summer this year…

On a very hot July day, we welcomed Holly from Willow and Pearl who designs and makes stunning multi-way bridesmaids and flower girl dresses.  The shoot was planned to celebrate the launch of Willow and Pearl’s new colour ranges which included Periwinkle, Blush, Sage, Heather and Wisteria and whilst these colours looked stunning together Holly and her stylist Kate (By Kate Elizabeth) decided to create four different sets to showcase the new colours whilst making use of different areas of our gardens and grounds.

The team also included Penny from Crown House Flowers who created some rather special florals for each shoot and  Lanoi Hansakda and Jeahan Tuddenham who provided stunning hair styling and make-up for our gorgeous models Emma, Liz, Hollie, Sophie and Lanoi.

Provence

The first shoot entitled “Provence” featured Willow and Pearls beautiful Periwinkle Pearl gowns which are a lovely soft blue and looked gorgeous against all the lavender which was in full bloom in our gardens.   We also had a bride, Emma, for this shoot who wore her own elegant wedding dress from her actual wedding which was just the week before!

Penny created a beautiful bridal bouquet and bridesmaids posies which included lavender, rosemary and poppy seed heads.   The elegant look was completed with lavender fizz and delightful afternoon tea treats.

Enchanted Forest

For the second part of the shoot we moved to the edge of our woodland and used the shade of our majestic oak and sycamore trees.  Our models wore Sage and Blush Willow gowns which were all wrapped in different ways to highlight how versatile these dresses are – in fact there are endless ways to wrap these dresses! To finish the look, Penny wove delicate daisies into the braids of our models hair and the dresses were complemented with crystal accessories.

The Sage and Blush colours looked stunning together and are perfect for Brides looking to have their bridesmaids in “mismatched” gowns which allows them to choose complimentary colours and styles.

Magical Meadow

Our meadow, with it’s mowed paths, is a lovely part of the garden in July when the grasses reach waist height and on a warm day is a filled with butterflies and dragonflies.  For this part of the shoot, our models all wore Blush Willow dresses and this soft colour looked amazing amongst the delicate grasses.

Dark Romance

The final part to the shoot (and probably our favourite, although it is hard to choose!) was set in our woodland within our glade garden.  Our models wore Heather and Wisteria gowns which are gorgeous shades of plum and lilac and once more looked stunning together.  We loved the botanical feel to this part of the shoot and especially loved the bouquets Penny created using ferns and other foliage and the rather special floral fascinators she made to compliment the bouquets.

We would like to thank everyone for coming together for this shoot and hope we have provided lots of bridesmaid inspiration!
Location: Swanton Morley House & Gardens, Florist: Crown House Flowers, Photography: Swanton Morley Studios, Dresses: Willow & Pearl, Stylist: By Kate Elizabeth, Makeup: Lanoi Hansakda, Hair Stylist: Jeahan Tuddenham, Models: Emma, Liz, Hollie, Sophie & Lanoi

 

Chris and Jaqueta say “I do”

Many congratulations to Chris and Jaqueta who recently married at Swanton Morley House and Gardens with a beautiful outside ceremony under our magnificent and ancient Lawson Cypress tree.

On one of the warmest days of the summer, the weather was just perfect for an outside ceremony and with Jaqueta’s love of flowers, our gardens provided a lovely backdrop for the couple to exchange their vows.  Further floral arrangements and hanging garlands of flowers in peach and green tones added to the setting and were reflected in Jaqueta’s bouquet which looked stunning with her full length bridal gown and jade green shoes!

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed Pimms and canapés on the terrace and played garden games on our lawns including having a go on some of the biggest space hoppers we have ever seen!  Later, guests moved to our courtyard marquee which had also been decorated with beautiful floral arrangements.  Everybody enjoyed a delicious three course wedding breakfast and there was much more food later with cupcakes, a hog roast and a sweet buffet which kept all the guests topped up whilst being entertained by a live band and disco.

Chris and Jaqueta added lots of personal touches to their day and with the help of their family and close friends, set up a great “superhero” inspired selfie area which many guests enjoyed and we look forward to seeing some of these images soon.  This all added to the fun and relaxed day Chris and Jaqueta hoped for which we think they certainly achieved.

Many congratulations again to Chris and Jaqueta and wish you all the very best for your married life together!

Flowers by Crown House Flowers, Catering by Florentina, Hog Roast by H.V. Graves, Bar Services by Twilight Bars.

Andy and Jodie say “I do!”

Many congratulations to Andy and Jodie who recently married at Swanton Morley House and Gardens and who had the most elegant day surrounded by family and friends.  Their wedding was held in our ceremony room which was decorated with floral displays by Crown House Flowers that included peonies and pink and cream roses to give a wonderful English garden feel.

Jodie looked stunning in her ivory lace wedding gown and her bridesmaids wore elegant blush pink dresses. Jodie and Andy’s dogs, Maggie and Clover, who came to the ceremony wore cream bows!

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks and canapés on our terrace and lawns whilst chatting and enjoying garden games and some selfie fun!  Later, everybody moved to our courtyard marquee for a delicious three course wedding breakfast provided by Back to Your Place.  The marquee had also been decorated with pink and cream roses and peonies and a beautiful foliage garland on the centre pole.

Jodie and Andy’s wedding cake had been made by their friend and included little miniatures of themselves and even their dog Maggie!  Guests enjoyed the wedding cake together with a hog roast in the evening and later danced the night away with a disco in our dance room.

The following images are by kind permission of Jodie and Andy’s fabulous wedding photographer, Jo of Summer Love Photography.  We think these gorgeous images perfectly capture this wonderful wedding – thank you Jo for sharing!

We wish Jodie and Andy all the very best for their future married life together!

Flowers by Crown House Flowers, Catering by Back to Your Place, Photography by Summer Love Photography, Hog Roast by Lilwalls, DJ by Saturn Entertainments.

Chris and Rachel say “I do!”

Many congratulations to Chris and Rachel who recently married at Swanton Morley House & Gardens and who brought together a beautiful wedding inspired by their love of sailing and the beach.  Surrounded by family and close friends, Chris and Rachel tied the knot in our ceremony room which was decorated with lots of stunning flower arrangements in creams and blues.  Rachel looked stunning in her beautiful wedding gown and her bridal bouquet, which was arranged by a family friend, was an elegant design of cream roses and freesias.

Special mention has to made for Rachel’s Dad, Richard, who expertly choreographed the ceremony music to ensure they both walked down the aisle to the formula one racing car theme which was a complete surprise to Chris and all the guests and brought in another personal aspect to Chris and Rachel’s day – their love of motor sport!

After the ceremony, everyone headed to the terrace and enjoyed Pimms and canapés whilst a Jazz band played on the deck and then later guests headed into our courtyard marquee for a delicious wedding breakfast.

There were so many lovely touches to Chris and Rachel’s special day and we loved the shades of blue the couple used for their tableware, decorations and gorgeous three tier wedding cake.  Later, guests were treated to fish and chips (of course!) and enjoyed dancing the night away.

We wish Chris and Rachel every happiness for their future together!

Flowers by Crown House Flowers, Catering by Florentina, Evening Bar by East Coast Bars, Cake by Shortcakes, Jazz band by Eddie Seales Big Band, Evening Disco by Chica DJ

Congratulations Heidi and Dan!

Our congratulations to Heidi and Dan who recently married at Wymondham Abbey and held their wedding reception at Swanton Morley House and Gardens. This was a reception with a difference with not just one but two marquees!

Upon arrival, guests were treated to delicious canapés and ice-cream in the gardens whilst enjoying the sunshine and playing lawn games.  Later, guests moved to the marquee in the meadow for a vintage afternoon tea.

Heidi looked stunning in her beautiful fairytale wedding gown and both herself and Dan worked really hard at adding lots of personal touches to make their day truly unique including their own cocktail recipes!  A special mention, however, has to go to Heidi’s brother, Philip who handmade the wedding signage which looked fantastic in the gardens.

For the evening, guests moved to our courtyard marquee and danced and even sang with the band – One Night Standeoke who were great fun.  With a delicious hog roast, a cheese table, chocolates and a five-tier wedding cake in the evening this was definitely a reception for foodies!

We wish Dan and Heidi all the very best for their future and hope they had a relaxing honeymoon.

We are delighted to be celebrating British Flower Week this year with a special British Flower Arrangements for British Flower Week Workshop on Wednesday 15th June 2016.

In celebration of British Flower Week, this fun filled workshop will be focusing on arranging beautiful British Blooms.  Bring along your favourite vase and learn how to prepare and make stunning arrangements with lots of inspirational ideas and tips on how to create more beautiful arrangements for the home.

Also, as a special celebration for British Flower Week we will also be creating an elegant posy for you to pass on.  What better way to make someone’s day then by giving them some British flowers?  Why not surprise a neighbour, relative, friend or even a complete stranger and create a smile with British flowers!

Includes all flowers, materials, equipment, expert tuition, coffee and cake and all designs made can be taken home.  For this workshop, please bring along your own vase and a large box to assist with transporting your arrangement home.   Vases will also be available to purchase on the day.

9.30am to 12.30pm – £48 per person,

Please contact us for further information or to book a place.

Will and Tina say “I do!”

Many congratulations to Tina and Will who recently married at Swanton Morley House and Gardens surrounded by close family and friends.  Their intimate and elegant wedding was full of fun with lots of personal touches which everyone enjoyed.  Tina and Will chose cream and olive green colours for their wedding floristry and Penny, our in house florist, created wonderful displays for the ceremony room, marquee and even a garland for our swing for two in our woodland.   With potted olive trees, elements of lace and lots of candles and fairy lights, the ceremony room and marquee had the most romantic feel.

We were delighted that the rain stayed away so Tina and Will were able to have some photographs in our gardens before they relaxed with their guests with a glass of bubbly and delicious canapés.   Guests also enjoyed a mouth watering three course wedding breakfast, provided by Back to Your Place, in our courtyard marquee and later danced the night away!

We wish Tina and Will all the very best for a long and happy marriage from all of us at Swanton Morley House!