Wedding Day Inspiration and Coral Elegance at Swanton Morley House 

Modern elegance, incorporating Pantone’s colour of 2019, “Living Coral”, was the theme of this season’s wedding day bridal shoot at Swanton Morley House and Gardens.   

Introduction

It was a pleasure to welcome some of Norfolk’s finest wedding suppliers on a cold and rather wet day in February but, we were all warmed by this colourful and inspirational styled wedding shoot.  The idea of the shoot came from Amber Briggs of Love Wedding Cakes who wanted to showcase how couples could add bright and warm colours into their wedding day, by either adding small accents and “pops” of colour or by embracing a full colourful spectrum.  Living Coral is a perfect colour to add depth, warmth and vibrancy to a wedding colour scheme and compliments many other colours too.  For our shoot we also added cool greys and hot pinks to give a modern elegant feel.

The Venue 

Here at Swanton Morley House and Gardens, we are known for our 10 acres of beautiful gardens, meadow and woodland.  However, our love of gardens also extends into our elegant wedding venue rooms which surround our unique courtyard marquee.  With planting throughout, our courtyard has a lovely Mediterranean feel and flows seamlessly through double french doors into the surrounding rooms of the converted stables with double height ceilings, exposed oak beams and panelled walls.   

Available for weddings between May and October, we are an exclusive wedding venue offering only a limited number of weddings each year.  For the shoot we used the courtyard marquee, ceremony room and even ventured outside to one of our covered seating areas.   So, whatever the weather our venue can always offer plenty of areas to capture stunning wedding imagery.  

The Wedding Imagery 

The imagery for our shoot was captured by Tim Stephenson Photography and videography was by Mike Savory.  Both are award winning and experts in their field and worked incredibly hard to capture the shoot perfectly.  They have a fun and relaxed style which puts couples at ease but definitely have all the skills and creativity to capture beautiful and timeless wedding imagery.  

The Bridal Gowns 

The gorgeous bridal gowns were provided by Adella, a luxurious bridal boutique located at the historic Ketteringham Hall in Norfolk.  Owner, Amy brought a selection of bridal gowns and accessories from the boutique’s extensive range which includes designer labels and Adella’s own collection which is designed in-house and exclusive to them.  

Libby wore a Madison James gown in ivory champagne with a beautifully fluid chiffon skirt, balanced with an intricately beaded bodice and cold shoulder detailing.  This gorgeous gown was also teamed with a bespoke designed hand painted leather jacket by artist BertieValentine for an effortlessly cool bridal cover-up. 

Lydia, also wore a Madison James gown in ivory and silver.  This gorgeous sheath styled dress included a delicate featherlike lace and sequined detailing with a tiered effect.  

Jumara wore a Dando London Gown in ivory.  This stunning all-over lace column style gown, featured shoe string straps with a sweetheart neckline, cut-out illusion side panels and a dropped V-back.  

The Bridesmaids Dresses 

The bridesmaids dresses were designed and made by Holly at Willow and Pearl and featured their newest sleeve design which has been added to their “create your own” designer dress range.  The “Waterfall” sleeve is the sixth sleeve to be added to their range, sitting alongside six bodice options, two dress lengths and 51 colour options bringing the total number of different dress design combinations to a dizzying 3,672. 

For the shoot, Holly selected the Temple dress with its classic straight bateau neckline, the Cloud dress with it’s draped cowl neck and the Fern v-neck dress.  These were all made from their signature fabric in coral with all the bodices being paired with the new Waterfall sleeve.  The beautiful jersey fabric is incredibly flattering to all shapes and sizes and has lovely movement and femininity.  Designing affordable dresses that women feel comfortable and confident in is something that Willow and Pearl are very proud of.  

The Hair and Make-up 

The elegant and romantic make-up and hairstyles were created by make-up artist Amanda and bridal hair stylist Michelle for Amanda Steed Hair and Make-up.  With a passion for make-up looks which enhance brides natural beauty and elegant hairstyles to suit face shapes and bridal gowns, Amanda and her team are experts in creating contemporary looks with a timeless feel.

Using soft peaches and warm tones, Amanda created a natural look that was sophisticated and beautifully complimented our models stylish bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses.

Michelle, added to the overall look with some amazing hairstyles, mixing between plaits and twists to create texture and shape with a classic twist.  Libby’s hair was styled with fishtail braids crossing over with a Dutch braid through to the top and finishing with an infinity braid and beach waves.  For Lydia’s hair, Michelle created a low textured chignon bun and Jaumara’s elegant up-do included braids and twisted rose shapes.  

The Wedding Cakes 

Amber of Love Weddings Cakes designed and made an elegant trio of cakes which created a stunning display.  The cakes included a single tier cake, hand painted in a watercolour ombre effect of coral through to white.  The two tier cake was decorated with a delicate grey marble finish and the centre piece was a four tier cake finished in white icing with a beautiful contemporary edge.  All the cakes were decorated with handcrafted sugar flowers in shades of bright coral, peach and pink and included gorgeous roses and blousy peonies.

The Flowers 

The stunning flowers arrangements for the shoot were designed by Corrina of Olive et Fleur.  Corrina used a colour pallet of warm coral and peachy tones, hot pinks, fresh greens, whites and slivers to create sumptuous handtied bridal and bridesmaids bouquets. Brimming was blooms, including the elegant “Juliet” rose by David Austin, the bouquets also included tulips, ranunculus and anemones with texture being added with the use of ferns, delicate waxflowers and succulents.  

The bold colours and lavish flowers were also used for the two striking pedestal arrangements and also included masses of greenery, trailing ivy and jasmine for a elegant flowing look.

The luxurious floral theme was continued with blooms and greenery being added to the table décor and Corrina dotted roses, ranunculas and tulips amongst the wispy jasmine trails to evoke a fresh garden inspired feel for wedding dining. 

 

The Table Setting and Wedding Stationery

To set the scene for elegant dining, our wedding breakfast table was dressed with a runner of wispy foliages and contrasting peach and pink florals.  The tableware, which was provided by CMA Hire included their white marbled glass plates and their new range of stylish matt grey concrete plates.  The look was completed with dove grey linens, antique gold cutlery and glassware including smoke grey water tumblers.  

Sam of Sam Wood Design, handcrafts beautiful and bespoke wedding stationery which are unique to every couple.  For our shoot Sam created sophisticated wedding invitations and complimentary wedding stationery items using a coral watercolour wash on white card for a crisp and clean look.  Other designs including, bespoke menus, table numbers and a welcome sign were hand painted in white onto clear acrylic boards with washes of coral on the reverse to give the designs a burst of colour.  

And finally…

We hope this beautiful shoot provides lots of wedding day ideas and inspiration and finally, but by no means least, we finish with Mike’s beautiful storytelling film of the shoot which also includes some behind the scenes moments.

Coral Elegance Film

With thanks to the suppliers who brought this wonderful shoot together.

Credits 

Venue: Swanton Morley House and Gardens, Photography: Tim Stephenson Photography , Videography: Mike Savory, Bridal Boutique: Adella Bridal Boutique, Bridesmaids dresses: Willow & Pearl, Wedding cakes: Love Wedding Cakes, Floristry: Olive Et Fleur, Hair and Make-up: Amanda Steed Hair and Make-up, Tableware: CMA Hire, Stationery and signage:  Sam Wood Design, Models:  Lydia, Libby and Jumara.  

Congratulations to Charlotte and Jonathan! 

Many congratulations to Charlotte and Jonathan who married at Swanton Morley House in October and fully embraced the glorious autumn season.

Surrounded by close friends and family, Charlotte and Jonathan exchanged their vows in our Ceremony Room which was decorated with beautiful florals by Crown House Flowers to give a lovely autumn feel.

Charlotte love of sunflowers shone through. These cheery blooms were included in her wedding floristry which were perfectly complimented with warm creamy tones and lots of foliage. We were also delighted to grow a small variety of sunflower (“Vanilla Ice”) which Charlotte wore in her hair and looked gorgeous.

Charlotte’s full length wedding gown with lace sleeves was stunning. Her bridesmaids, who wore dresses in a delicate yellow, complimented this beautiful autumn wedding perfectly.

As musicians, beautiful music played a special part in Charlotte and Jonathan’s day and guests were also able to enjoy our gardens in the warm autumn sunshine. Many guests participated in lawn games whilst enjoying canapes and drinks.

Later guests moved to our courtyard marquee and were served afternoon tea and were entertained by the wedding speeches.

Charlotte and Jonathan chose Liz Bishop Photography to capture their special day and she really made the most of the stunning autumn colour in our gardens and also captured some beautiful evening shots. 

Later, guests enjoyed dancing and a delicious hog roast.  In addition, a variety of puddings from the “Puddings Club” by Back to Your Place were set-out so guests could help themselves.  A four-tier wedding cake which was elegantly decorated with beautiful sugar flowers, was also enjoyed by guests who certainly went home full!

Our congratulations again to Charlotte and Jonathan and we wish them every happiness for their future together! 

Images by kind permission of Liz Bishop Photography, caterers: Back to Your Place, florist: Crown House Flowers, bar: East Coast Bars, wedding cake: Love Wedding Cakes, DJ: Mark Stanford  

A gorgeous August wedding for Sarah and Calvin 

Photography by kind permission of SummerLove Photography 

Welcome to Lynsey and Stephen’s summer wedding!

Photography by kind permission of SummerLily Studio

Sarah and Ben’s elegant wedding 

Photography by kind permission of James Kilcoin Photography

Welcome to Matt and Lauren’s special day at our unique Norfolk wedding venue! 

We are delighted to share the stunning images of Matt and Lauren’s wedding which was on a particularly hot day in June! 

The couple married at St Mary’s Church, North Elmham, which has a magnificent stained glass window.  Large pedestal arrangements of roses and peonies decorated the church and surrounded by family and friends, Matt and Lauren exchanged their vows.

Lauren looked stunning in her Eternity Bridal wedding dress and was accompanied by her bridesmaids who wore soft pink full length gowns and a gorgeous flower girl who wore a pretty cream dress.  Matt and Lauren’s son, Finley was a delightful pageboy and wore a suit to match his dad’s! Nala, Finley’s little sister also looked gorgeous in her little dress and the whole wedding was filled with love and laughter with Matt and Lauren’s children very much at the heart of their day. 

After the wedding ceremony, Matt and Lauren and their guests arrived at Swanton Morley House for their wedding reception.  With the sun shining, everybody was able to enjoy our gardens whilst having drinks, canapés and playing lawn games and listening to the violinists play from the deck area.

Later, guests moved to our courtyard marquee for a three course wedding breakfast.  The marquee not only looked stunning with flower arrangements which included roses, peonies and rosemary but smelt gorgeous too! Matt and Lauren’s wedding cake with handmade sugar peonies was also stunning and beautiful handwritten calligraphy signage perfectly complimented this elegant wedding.

Guests were later entertained by the fabulous Joe Ringer band and able to have lots of fun with selfies in a converted vintage VW photo booth.  Matt and Lauren were also able to take full advantage of our gardens and a beautiful sunset which allowed Tatum, their wedding photographer, to capture stunning images for them to treasure.   

We wish Matt and Lauren and their lovely little family every future happiness!

Photography by kind permission of Tatum Reid Photography , Catering by Back to Your Place, Furniture Hire by Norfolk China Hire, Wedding floristry by Crown House Flowers, Wedding Cake by Little A’s Cakery, Evening Entertainment by The Joe Ringer Band, Photo Booth by Vintage Car and Camper Hire  and Wedding signage by The Little Lending Company.

 

Beautiful Blues! 

We were delighted to host Trish and Mike’s beautiful wedding in June which was a fabulous day shared with their close friends and family.  With a love for flowers and gardens, it was lovely that Trish and Mike were able to exchange their vows with an outside wedding ceremony in our grounds.

The couple also have a love for the colour blue and their wedding flowers, which included large garlands and arrangements, looked stunning with blue hydrangeas, cornflowers and delphiniums.  We especially loved Trish’s elegant bouquet of hydrangea heads which perfectly complemented her beautiful wedding dress and gorgeous blue shoes! 

After the wedding ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks on the terrace and later moved to our courtyard marquee for a delicious wedding breakfast catered for by Florentina.  Guests were also kept entertained by Phil Coley who drew caricatures for them which they could keep as a momentum of their day.   In the evening, a magnificent cheese grazing table was available for guests to enjoy together with freshly made pizzas and the celebrations continued with lots of dancing with a disco provided by J&M events.

We would like to wish Trish and Mike every happiness for their married life together and would like to thank all the wonderful suppliers who helped make their day so special.

Photography by kind permission of Andy Langley Photography , Flowers by Crown House Flowers, Furniture and tableware by CMA Hire, Catering by Florentina, Bar Hire by Frizzante,  Entertainment by J&M Events and Caricatures by Phil Coley.