Suffolk tipi wedding

Suffolk wedding tipi photos

Suffolk tipi wedding. The day started for me with the boys at The Anchor at Nayland, a lovely pub on the River Stour. Before I had even got to the pub, I bumped into Ben Clowes wedding videographer for the day. Ben is one of the most charming people I know and fantastically capable. So far, the day was looking pretty good! I was at Caroline and Hugh’s wedding as a second shooter for Justine Ferrari, another lovely person to work with. The team for the wedding was looking pretty sharp and warming up to be a lot of fun.

The Anchor at Nayland ushers lunch

Hugh and the boys were settling into the upstairs room of the pub. Gentle banter and happy chatter filled the room as old friends caught up. Quick team talk from the skipper before matching ties were handed around. Once over the spreadsheets and running order for the day and then settling into a decent pub lunch. Perhaps a pint as well. Or two. Ben and myself left them to it and headed off to the church where we would catch up with them after their lunch.

Stoke-by-nayland church wedding

Guests arriving, the ushers were set to work. Hugh greeting everyone with big smiles all round. He may have been nervous but he certainly didn’t show it. Quiet confidence bubbled over every now and then into excitement. One of the good things about the huge wool church at Stoke-by-Nayland is that you can drive the wedding car all the way up to the front of the church. Caroline was driven right up to the porch in a little VW Beetle. Relaxed yet so very elegant. A few deep breaths, secure the veil and then into the ceremony. Her cathedral veil looked stunning as she headed off down the aisle.

Stoke-by-Nayland Suffolk Tipi wedding

It was an emotional ceremony, helped by the singing of an impressive choir. Any nerves and formality from before the wedding had now completely gone. Both were beaming and certainly ready for the party. The long path by the church gave them the opportunity for a storm of confetti. Then into the Beetle for the short hop to the private Tendring Estate where a tipi had been put up. The tipi was in front of the only remaining part of the grand house that use to sit on the top of the valley. These impressive columns are all that’s left but still have the impressive view over some of Suffolk’s most beautiful countryside.

Being a second shooter meant that I could get all those informal shots whilst Justine was photographing the family group photos. I love having a little more time than usual to get the detail shots in and around the tipi as well as all the guests enjoying themselves. Good to see so many familiar faces from other Suffolk weddings I have been a part of. Chance for a catch up as well as lots of photos. Then being able to spend some time with Caroline and Hugh. When I have a second shooter helping me out, it’s important to me that they can hold their own comfortably. This gives us both the freedom to do the jobs we’ve set ourselves without distraction.

SLate night wedding party

The weather was kind to us which meant the guests could make the most of the grounds. The speeches were made outside the tipi before the party headed on inside. After plenty of fine hospitality, I don’t think the weather would have made any difference! The party went into full swing with the dance floor rolling on outside around the fire pits. The evening colours exploded into the skies with one of the most incredible Suffolk sunsets. That view, that sunset, what a way to end a perfect day. Although I feel the party went on for a lot longer after we all left.