WILDERNESS RESERVE WEDDING IN SUFFOLK
GETTING TO KNOW EACHOTHER
Dani and Aran’s wedding at the Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk was a DREAM. Not only were this couple brilliant to work with, their creativity and vision for the weekend was more than I could have ever hoped for. I first started working with Dani and Aran at the beginning of 2020, shortly after they had booked the Wilderness Reserve as the venue for their Wedding Weekend. We kicked off the planning with a 90 minute meeting, where we discussed everything from how Dani and Aran met, their families, their jobs and of course their ideas for the wedding! Dani and Aran had a really specific design for their wedding and knew exactly what they wanted. My role was to ask the right questions to help bring their ideas to life. One of the most important parts of this wedding was creating the wow factor, with impactful floral designs to create a completely immersive experience for guests. It was key that I bought together the right team for this wedding in order to be able to deliver Dani’s vision exactly as the wanted. The overall experience that guests would have at this wedding was hugely important, so ensuring that there was good food, the best wine and amazing entertainment were also areas that we discussed in lots of detail. Over the course of the wedding planning, we had several meetings and calls with different suppliers; everyone from florists to caterers, bands to photographers to find those that would match Dani and Aran’s creativity and passion.
THE WILDERNESS RESERVE
The Wilderness Reserve is a luxury Suffolk wedding venue, nestled close to the Suffolk coast within an 8,000 acre estate. An idyllic country escape, it has become popular over recent years with celebrities and couples alike, thanks to it’s hidden location within the Suffolk countryside. There are several properties on the estate, allowing couples to chose multiple venues for their wedding celebrations (perfect if you’re planning a three day wedding) which can all be hired exclusively. The entire estate is yours. Each property is unique and stylish, with hot tubs, copper baths, tennis courts and a natural outdoor pool. It is the perfect place for a luxurious and personal wedding celebration.
THE WEDDING
Guests arrived at the Wilderness Reserve on Friday evening and were greeted with a delicious dinner courtesy of the Estate Kitchen paired with wines selected by a local somelier Dan Kirby. It was a relaxed evening with lots of laughter and delicious food.
On the day of the wedding, guests arrived at the front of the house and were immediately met with a glass of fizz, served in pink wine goblets – a nod to what was to come! The guests were entertained with soulful music from Pianist Sam who played the couples favourite songs. It was soon time for the ceremony and guests took their seats outside, overlooking the beautiful lake. The ceremony was lead by Andri Benson Cermeonies who had worked with the couple to create a personal and heartful ceremony for the couple. Seeing Dani and her Dad walk up the aisle from the main house down to the lake, framed with beautiful flowers created by Figa and Co was a spectacular site. After the ceremony, everyone made their way to the Orangery terrace where they enjoyed more fizz and delicious canapes served from the Estate Kitchen.
It was soon time for dinner, and the unveiling of The Orangery. The Orangery was main focal point for the design of the wedding. Working collaboratively with Suffolk florist Figa and Co, we created the most beautiful, jaw dropping of floral displays with bright pops of colours including pinks and blue, with a mix of roses, dahlias, lisianthus, hydrangeas and delphiniums. The result was spectacular, as you can see from the photos.
After dinner, guests made their way back out to the Orangery Terrace for delicious cocktails mixed up by the legendary Ace Bar events. Porn star martini’s and Dark and Stormy’s were the order of the day and they went down a treat! Guests were entertained by the exceptionally talented Nomad Band London who were phenomenal. Nomad are unique in that they are one of the UK’s only amplified roaming bands. They are slick, innovative and beyond fantastic.
While the guests were enjoying their evening out on the Terrace, team Bride & Belle were working behind the scenes to reset the Orangery ready for the evening reception. With only an hour and a half to completely transform the space, it was all hands on deck. The team worked tirelessly to create a truly breathtaking setting for the evening, and I will be forever grateful for their hard work and extremely proud for working together to create something to magical.
“A huge thank you Senel for creating the wedding of our dreams. Not speaking with you every day will be like losing an arm! You have been far more than just a wedding planner – you’ve become a friend we will treasure.”
Dani and Aran, The Wilderrness Reserve. September 2021.
Bride and Belle Luxury Weddings are Suffolk Wedding Planners, working with couples getting married at the Wilderness Reserve to plan unforgettable celebrations. I help couples by planning and coordinationg every aspect of their wedding; my role is to ensure that every detail is executed with precision and care. I’d be honoured to assist you in the plans for your Suffolk wedding, so please do get in contact.
Photography: Jamie Dunn Photo
