The Wilderness Reserve is an 8,000 acre private estate set in the heart of rural Suffolk and houses a number of luxurious manor houses and off grid properties. The Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk is fast becoming one of the most exclusive and luxurious spots to host a wedding, which is why we were thrilled when Bex and Tom approached us to plan their weekend long celebrations.
Bex and Tom opted to hire out the entire estate at The Wilderness Reserve. With guests arriving from all over the world (with Bex and Tom living in Singapore too) they wanted a venue that could accomodate everyone onsite in a relaxed and beautiful location. The Wilderness Reserve is set within rural woodlands overlooking a spectacular lake with the most idyllic scenery, so it was the perfect spot to host a weekend long wedding.
THURSDAY
Their immediate families, Bridemaids and Ushers arrived at The Wilderness Reserve on Thursday evening to give everyone a chance to settle in and prepare for the weekend ahead. That evening the guests enjoyed a beautiful three course dinner in the Dining Room of Sibton House catered for by the Estate Kitchen.
THE WELCOME DINNER AT THE WALLED GARDEN
On Friday, the rest of the guests arrived. Each guest was given a personalised itinerary for the weekend along with an illustrated map of the estate created by By Florence. After being checked into their properties by the wonderful Wilderness Reserve team, the guests were invited to a relaxed welcome dinner in The Walled Garden. On arrival guests enjoyed a refreshing Aperol Spritz followed by a deicious dinner from local caterers, My Kitchen Your Place. On the menu were slow cooked Blythburgh taco’s and chili, garlic and king prawn tosdas all served with lashings of fresh salads and tangy salsas. It was a wonderful start to the weekend and gave guests the chance to relax and get to know eachother while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Wilderness Reserve.
THE WEDDING DAY
The Wedding took place on Saturday. Guests started the day with a Campari cocktail hand delivered on Pashley Bikes from the team at Mixology Brothers followed by a breakfast hamper for each property across the Estate. Over in Sibton House, where the wedding took place, Tom and the Groomsmen enjoyed a hearty cooked breakfast from the Chef before getting ready. Bex and the Bridemaids spent the morning getting ready with Vicotria Ralph Hair and Make up by Helen Rose over a continental breakfast.
1pm soon arrived and it was time for the Ceremony, set overlooking the beautiful Lake at the Wilderness Reserve. The ceremony was lead by the local registrar and set amongst an abundance of luscious flowers from the Figa and Co, accompanied by Sam Stewart Musician who played a beautiful melody of songs throughout the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, Champagne was served and canapes were enjoyed by guests outside of Sibton House before being invited through to The Orangery for dinner. Bex and Tom chose a beautiful, soft colour palette of powder blues, lilacs and hints of rose pink for their flowers and table settings, which were complimented with individiaul menus created by By Florence. The Estate Kitchen served a wonderful three course meal, using locally sourced ingredients from Suffolk to deliver an outstanding and memorable meal.
After dinner guests were invited out onto The Orangery patio where they were served their second round of cocktails from Mixology Brothers; a mix of Mojito’s, Espresso Martini’s and Singapore Slings while The Manhattan Band kept guests entertained with Bex and Tom’s favourite songs. After the reception, everyone moved back inside the Orangery to watch Tom and Bex cut their wedding cake followed by their first dance. The party was brilliant fun, with The Manhattan’s keeping the dance floor filled all night long!
THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE
The party didn’t stop there; later that night we welcomed guests down to the Cellar of Sibton House where guests partied until 3am.
On Sunday, (and after a slow morning recovering from the night before!) was the pool party and bbq. The Manhattan’s stayed on and performed during the afternoon, getting all of the guests back on their feet dancing and signing along again. Later that evening (for those still standing!) a cheese and wine night was hosted back in the Cellar while guests cosied up on the sofas and shared their photos and videos from the weekend.
What a wedding!
WILDERNESS RESERVE WEDDING PLANNERS IN SUFFOLK
Şenel Besim Event Design are award nominated Wedding and Party planners in London, specialising in organising sensational celebrations for our clients based world wide. Founded in 2016 by Şenel Besim, we have quickly established a reputation as one of the best Wedding Planners in London, and are very proud to be asked regularly by our clients to design and plan weddings and celebrations at the Wilderness Reserve. View our portfolio to see more of the fabulous weddings we have created here.
The Team
Photography – Richard Galloway
Film – Soby Films
Floral Design – Figa and Co
Production – Dreamwave Group
Catering – My Kitchen Your Place and The Estate Kitchen
Cocktails – The Mixology Brothers
Crockery and Linens – CMA Hire
Entertainment – The Manhattan Band via Fix the Music
Hair – Victoria Ralph Hair
Make up – Make up By Helen Rose
Stationery – By Florence
