Posted 1. August 2016 by Steve & filed under Your story.

Planning a Winter Wedding in suffolk? Try out the Barrandov Opera..

If you’re thinking of having a Winter Wedding Ali and Flo really did nail it! from the Barrandov Opera Venue to the dress to their quirky cake and table layouts their christmassy theme weaved throughout the whole day and we loved how magical it was!

Their location was perfect for a Winter Wedding, with light wooden beams strung across the ceiling in-between splashes of cream and brick this old converted barn in Needham Market could not feel more cosy! Topped with Ali and Flo’s detailed decorations it was a true winter wonder land. Each table was named after one of Santa’s reindeer, and by the glass door entrance there was an illuminated tree light with the list of guests who were on each table dotted on the tree like baubles…who said seating plans were boring hey!?

We absolutely fell in love with Ali’s dress. It was so unusual, but she was the absolute definition of christmas beauty. The silver dress was covered in sparkle, it had a line pattern on it that helped to visually shape the dress, and a beautiful dropped neck that brought an elegance to this outstanding dress. Standing next too the most adorable bridesmaids, Nieces of Ali and Flo, the girls together looked an absolute picture! We are so glad Ali and Flo withstood the cold long enough for us to grab a couple of portrait pictures of them both, they have such fun and lively personalities and we were desperate to catch the essence of them in the photos.

It was impossible to not grab Flo’s personality on camera, once before we had met Flo at another wedding where he was the best man. All day we desperately tried to take some natural photos but anytime Flo saw the camera he would turn and give us a thumbs up! needless to say – this became a bit of an inside joke on the day of their wedding!!

Have a look through this brilliant couples photos and spot the thumb! but also, check out their beautiful venue and style..

Ali and Flo’s Wedding Photography Gallery

Oh yeah one more thing!…they had a gingerbread house for a cake – Love it.

Like what you see? Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Posted by Steve & filed under Your story.

Isaacs on the Quay, is the most popular venue by far on the Ipswich by far. After seeing it you’ll understand why…

Chloe and Billy had the right idea choosing Isaacs on the Quay down on the Ipswich waterfront for their midsummer wedding! It is such a young, fun and classic venue all tied into one. Its array of character steams from; the vintage exterior decor, the cosy bar and reception rooms, a huge outside seating area – perfect for bbq’s or hog roasts! (nothing says summer than the smell of a bbq wafting through the air!). Then just when you think you’ve seen it all, the ceremony room is absolutely breathtaking. Built in 1530-1550 this majestic ambient room, held up by timber beams is the perfect room to say I do. It is fairly quaint holding up to 70 people, perfect for those after a more personal wedding!

Isaacs as a company promote their wedding venue as unique, and we couldn’t agree more. These two were both so bubbly and such jokers they needed a quirky venue to accommodate them. Watching Chloe and billy crack up into hysterics throughout the day, even standing at the isle, just went to show the natural love and connection between these two. A picture of pure happiness.

The ceremony room was already magnificent however Chloe and Billy’s decorations completed it all the more. They had beautiful twig trees at the end of the ceremony room, each decorated with crystal like decorations which matched those that now hung off the beams. Everything seemed so delicately positioned but with the spotlights of the room reflecting off the decorations the room sparkled!

As everyone gathered in the private garden after the ceremony, Billy and his groomsman brought out the sunglasses and they looked brilliant! their relaxed attitude for life just illuminated off them and by the looks of it, Billy’s son Harvey was taking after them too!

The sunlight shone bright even at the evening hour, and as its orange rays were reflecting off the slowly rocking water, patched by boats, we took a walk just along the Quay. Just outside where Isaacs sat we were able to get some incredibly romantic photos of Chloe and Billy! Before they whisked off back to the hub of the party!

Chloe and Billy didn’t just make use of the private garden but they also used the top room for their reception! Isaacs has a huge array of drinks, and a number of bars so there was no waiting around to get everyone up and dancing! Chloe glowed all night long, her satin dress fitted her beautifully and the detail of the beaded neckline captured the light as she moved all day!

Chloe and Billy’s Wedding Photography Gallery!

Like what you see? Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Posted 29. July 2016 by Steve & filed under Your story.

Jane & James wedding at Hylands House.

Hylands house is absolutely sensational! It has stood for over 300 years and is now surrounded by 574 acres of parkland! The building itself oozes history, it stands so effortlessly amongst the woodlands, ponds and gardens that surround it. Hylands House has had centuries of work done on it by each of its private owners in the past, so although full of history it feels in no way out-dated.

Jane and James are such a beautiful couple, it was only right that they had such a grand venue in which to celebrate their happily ever after, and it was our pleasure to be a part of their special day!

The two spent the morning of their wedding separate but just rooms away from one another. Hylands House, as you can imagine, has a large selection of rooms all of the upmost class! So as the two prepared themselves for the biggest day of their life, they could not have felt more special!

Jane’s strapless dress hung on an eggshell wall waiting to be worn – even off the hanger this dress looked astonishing. The dress hugged around jane with its corset back, and flared out from the tops of her knees. She looked amazing in the fishtail finish! Bridesmaid (Sophia of 5) looked adorable in her white dress, looking just like her beautiful mum!

James and groomsmen were suited in royal blue, even 1 and a half year old Joseph! Standing in front of the white Hylands House the men were outlined immaculately, we could only imagine how perfect this couple would look together.

As James turned at the aisle to see his beautiful Jane it became apparent it wouldn’t have mattered where they were or what they were wearing these two had true love in their eyes! The rich red ceremony room touched with finishings of gold is so bold and grand in its presence. Although darkly decorated the room is full of light from huge windows that pane the side of the room!

The grounds at Hylands House made the most perfect scenery to grab some beautiful pictures of Jane and James. They looked like something out of a fairy tale! The grounds were also perfect for the kids to play around in, after being quiet and well behaved for so long! a great location for a wedding with young children, take a look here to see for yourself how truly majestic this venue is!

Like what you see? Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Jane and James Wedding Photography Gallery

Dress and Shoes – Matchmakers

Flowers – Rooms of Blooms

Catering – Limeberry Catering

Posted by Steve & filed under Your story.

The St John URC Church is a must see if you are planning your wedding…

Although St John URC Church is not perhaps the first venue that would pop into your head when planning your wedding.. it really is incredible. The planning of the wedding is so flexible and their is not a venue we have been to that has felt so relaxed and fun.

Maarten began his wedding day at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, on the Ipswich Waterfront. It has incredible views from the rooms looking out over the Quay, and the rooms themselves have a modern twist of decor against the brick walls. Very chic. In the bar and lounge the design is very vibrant and urban, we got some great shots of Martin on the neon green sofa, which sat in front of a black curtain on which hung a canvas of splatter art.

Unknown to Maarten, Jacqui had arranged for him to be collected in a white bentley! It was an absolutely stunning vehicle, but even better than the vehicle itself was Maarten’s expression of glee when he saw it – what a lucky man he is!

St John URC church was so full of life and laughter on the day of Jacqui and Maarten’s wedding. People were joking, singing and giggling away, it was such a positive excited atmosphere, and Jacqui looked absolutely perfect! Her dress had a delicate lace neckline which had a floral embroilment that continued over the rest of the dress. It flared out neatly onto the floor beneath where she stood. With her hair up in a veil and a light bouquet of soft pink and white flowers she looked an absolute picture. No wonder Maarten’s face lit up when he saw her!

The church was laid out especially for Jacqui and Maarten, the modern built church had high wood panelled ceilings, that sloped upwards. One thing that stood out to us about this venue was colour! Everything seemed so vibrant and the explosion of multicoloured confetti as these two left the church was undeniably wonderful.

The two finished their day at Le Talbooth in a giant marquee on the river edge. Another absolutely stunning location set in the quiet of Dedham.

Jacqui and Maartens Wedding Gallery!

Like what you see? Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Order of service cards – Lemon Pie Design

Florist – (her sister) H.A Flowers (no website currently)

Reception – Le Talbooth

Posted 28. July 2016 by Steve & filed under Your story.

How else to enjoy Haughley Park Barn, than an ice cream in the sun…

Charis and Tom chose two venues that completely submerged us into the suffolk countryside; Haughley Park Barn and the church of Elmsett.

Elmsett church is such a unique building, it appears much larger on the outside than it is internally. I wonder if it is the rolls of farmed fields surrounding it which are all fairly flat, that make the church seem such a tall dominant feature. In reality, its actually quite cosy!

Inside, the stone walls have been plastered over and finished with a crisp white paint. In front of the stripped walls stands an organ of rich golds and green! As the rest of the decor is still very traditional; Dark oak seating benches, strips of wooden beams and delicately crafted windows. The white finished walls give the church quite a mediterranean vibration.

Charis and Tom continued their traditional theme by getting into a vintage car that they had to collect them. An absolutely beautiful plum MG Motor. To top it off, they even had old tins attached to the back of the motor by string, so it rattled signalling the newly wedded as they drove off!

It was a pleasant drive to Haughley Park Barn, the sun was peeping through the clouds, just enough to keep us warm as we wound through the suffolk countryside. Pulling into Haughley park barn is absolutely breathtaking, it stands amongst perfectly cut grass, with not a leaf out of place. Grand in its stature, (it’s huge!). Not only does Haughley Park Barn offer an incredible area for wedding receptions it also holds its own ceremony room and there is a spacious Farmhouse open for hire if you wish to stay with friends and family. (Not a bad view to wake up too on your wedding day!!)

Of course just on its own this building is beautiful, but everyone has their own twist and thats when it really comes to life. Charis and Tom had a simplistic neutral theme, each table was delicately decorated with a tall flower as a centre piece. It added just a splash of colour amongst the pure white scenery of the hall. They then dressed the barn and standing plants with fairy lights, adding a hint of magic!

Something we absolutely loved was the ice cream tricycle positioned outside the hall, it was so adorably vintage and a true country classic. It also was a great ice breaker for guests, as everyone mingled and chatted in the queue!

We loved the detail these two had gone into for the cake, the miniature bride and groom were dressed the same as Tom and Charis, even with the fine detail of Charis’s flowered over the shoulder strap. They looked just as good as the real Tom and Charis!

These two, cricket crazy lovers were so much fun on their day! They are big travellers as they follow England cricket all over the world. We saw the adventurous nature of Tom and Charis as well as their country bumpkin heritage. A divine mix and a wonderful day, heres to you two!

Charis and Tom’s Wedding Photography Gallery

Like what you see? Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Dress – Romantica (design) – Grace and Lace
Suits – Coes
Catering – Cloisters
Ice Cream Van – Matt Benecci
Florists – Myrtle + Mint

Posted 22. July 2016 by Steve & filed under Your story.

Thinking of a Wedding in Lake Como? Villa del Balbianello is the perfect venue…

Our beautiful friends Merle and Andres chose to have the wedding in the gorgeous arms of Villa del Balbianello set in Lake Como. If you haven’t yet seen the astounding views of Lake Como then brace yourself for some of the most amazing forms of nature you could ever imagine. Found inside Italy on the boarder of switzerland we flew down to Wed Merle and Andres. Andres is a former Estonian football player, having set the goalscoring record for the Estonian national team he was now on to his next goal – to marry the love of his life, his beautiful Merle!

The couple chose a recently opened Hotel on the banks of Lake Como to stay in, the CastaDiva resort. The 6 star hotel has a range of stylish rooms and suites to stay in, with private pools and terraces looking out onto the picturesque Lake Como. We had never seen something so beautiful.

Merle started her day in the CastaDiva suite, and she outshone her surroundings by miles! Her dress delicately embroiled, showed off her amazing figure. Merles had a thin silk ribbon that tied like a halter neck and then dangled in a bow at the back of her neck, leading the eye down to the dress’s large train. Which too, had a gentle detail.

As tradition in Lake Como you must get a Boat to the Ceremony, so in the blazing rays of the sun we hopped on board and skimmed the Lake watching the water turn from blue to white as it crashed against the boat. The happiness and excitement bubbling inside Merle radiated off her and effected each and every one of us!

Villa del Balbianello is breathtaking. It has huge marble arches where vines grow and stretch over adding a splash of green to the clear blue and crystal views! the air flows freely and the ceremony area oozes with light! Topped with Merle and Andres standing underneath, a picture of sophisticated elegance – the view was complete.

In Estonia they have a Wedding Tradition where the bride ‘sends off’ her maiden name. In this case Merle wrote her maiden name on a piece of parchment and rolled it up, then attached it to helium balloons. Standing on the edge of Lake Como, Merle released her name into the air and watching, her name flew away, up and over the mountainous views!

We took to the Lake once again and glided across the warmed water to reach the CastaDiva resort once more! Merle and Andres greeted their guests with hit flasks for the guys, each one engraved with an A and an M on the front. While the woman were given beautifully designed pashminas. Just before the guests had been spoilt rotten by breathtaking views, sunshine rays, mouth watering food and even personal gifts the couple had only gone and had the singer Eda Ines Etti, a famous singer in Estonia, fly over especially to sing at the reception of their wedding. Her crisp clear notes swam around the air as the two danced the night away.

We are in complete awe of these two, click below to see these beautiful locations in a gallery of Merle and Andres. If you become interested in a Lake Como Wedding, we have all the details you could want, just visit us on our Lake Como Photography Specialist Page, and do not hesitate to get in touch!

Merle and Andres Wedding Photography Gallery

Wedding Planner – Forever Amore Weddings

Reception – Casta Diva Resort

Posted 18. July 2016 by Steve & filed under Your story.

We love the Love Story behind every Wedding, but this was something spectacular…

The first time we heard Dawn and David’s love story we instantly fell in love with it! As part of preparation leading to your wedding day, we like to meet with couples. We invite them over to our house share drinks and food and find out all about their plans for the wedding day…but most importantly we get to know them!

On our first meeting with David and Dawn they brought in pictures of them back in their younger years when they first fell in love – and the pictures undeniably reflected their deep affection for one another! In the twists and turns of life, David and Dawn had gone on to live separate lives but their love story was not complete! In the hands of fate they found each other once again and their love sparked just like before. (really is quite like a movie isn’t it!)

So of course, wrapped up in their beautiful love story we were absolutely thrilled to be part of this incredibly special day for them. It was our job to capture that love just like what had shone through in all those photos from many years ago…but with these two love birds.. it was going to be a piece of cake!

The two traditionally spent the morning separate, however even with the size of the location that the venue sat on they weren’t too far apart. We found Dawn soaking up the Elizabethan history with Mum Doreen as she slipped into in a striking violet dress! and just across the fields we found David in a small cottage…having himself a full english breakfast! There was something so relaxed between these two which spread over the whole wedding giving such a sense of ease to the day.

Dawn and David split their wedding over two days – on the first day they had their wedding registered before following this with some delicious food and then of course some well deserved dancing!! The next day the couple dressed in their second wedding outfit, received a blessing from the church, and then proceeded to leave and drive off in an Old MG Motor car!

As we watched them gently rumble away down the country lanes that lead to and from Spain’s Hall there was a sense of new beginnings for these two as well as an air of nostalgia. Finally they were joined how they had always dreamt of so many years ago!

Fall in love with their love story by having a browse through their beautiful gallery..

Dawn and Davids Wedding Photography Gallery

Like what you see? Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Dress – Louise Ruthen bespoke Dressmaker

Florist – Designer Flowers Essex
Hair Accessories – Amanda Sutherland

Location – Spains Hall

Food – Cambridge Dining Company

Posted 12. July 2016 by Steve & filed under News, Your story.

Copdock Hall – Suffolk’s New Wedding Venue!

If you haven’t already, you have GOT to check out the Copdock Hall situated just outside of Ipswich. The Copdock Hall is a newly renovated Tudor Barn – (it only opened in 2015!) It originates from 1570 and is absolutely oozing with history with a few modern comforts such as underfloor heating!! – We LOVE this venue.

The Tudor Barn itself is a grand building and is situated on a large area of Land which even is accompanied by its very own vineyard (perfect for pictures) – but it has in fact been renovated, and is now run by a very small company – couple, Diane and Ian Evans. It is quite possibly what makes this venue so special, every area of the hall has such a spectacular vision of detail. It has a personal family touch and Diana and Ian make it their goal to give newly weds as much freedom as possible when planning their day! This means you are given access to the Hall at least 24 hours before the Wedding, to spend as much time as you need hanging your personal decorations, whether that be glitzy fairy lights or soft wild flowers, whatever your style – there is plenty of time to make it perfect!

We recently visited the venue for the first time and were blown away, the size of the Hall itself can fit up to 200 guests! and its not surprising there is an incredible amount of Space. With the high ceilings strung up by classic wooden beams and decorated by large circle lights (in the style of classic chandeliers) there is no way this place could feel over crowded. Not too mention the beautiful Oak doors that let light poor into the Hall!

If you’re looking for a Suffolk Wedding Venue then we highly suggest looking around Copdock Hall and if you want a Suffolk Wedding Photographer who’s as passionate as you are about the venue then get in touch with us here at A little Box Of Memories …or should we say ‘A Big Hall of Memories!’ – Enjoy the pictures…

Posted by Steve & filed under News, Your story.

Arriving in style to your wedding in a VW Campervan

Gemma’s love of her friends VW Campervan was certainly a wise choice of transport for Callum and Her’s Wedding! It’s vintage style fit perfectly in with the rustic style Barn conversion they had chosen as their venue – The Moreves Barn, resting deep in the suffolk countryside. The Moreves Barn was converted by Mr and Mrs Allen, on their website they show the journey of the transformation and it is quite something! Today it is beautiful! With wooden beams stretching up the walls and across the ceiling like protective arms, the Moreves Barn feels warm like a sanctuary.

There is a gorgeous balcony that hangs over head which can even be used for ceremonies! but our favourite feature had got to be the orange glow that leaked off the decorative fairy lights that hugged the strong beams! Gemma and Callum had delicately finished off this cosy atmosphere by dressing the tables and chairs in soft and simple white sheets with subtle bows hung on the chairs.

Although their wedding was leading into the Wintery season of the year, the 20th of October’s Sun graced up with a surprisingly warm presence, and probably more outstanding than ever for England – we had no rain! This made the transition from the ceremony (at a nearby Church – St Lawrence) to the Barn smooth and with their beautiful VW Camper Van trundling along the winding roads with the sun reflecting off the silver wheels, it almost felt like summer!

Gemma and Callum were lucky enough that their Camper van actually belonged to their friend, and he even drove it on the day for them! However there are lots of places you can get your own VW Campervan to hire for your wedding day on such sites as; Constable Classic Campers , The Little vintage Carco , Vintage Car and Camperhire All of which are Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex based just like us!

As a Wedding Photographer we want to get some stunning pictures of you and your new life partner – however we also don’t want to interrupt the day, so we do intervals of 10 minuet shoots. 10 minuets with the bride and groom, and 10 minuets with family, bridesmaids etc! Normally that is just enough time for bride and groom to be away from the party – have a bit of creative fun and to have some personal time together before jumping back into the celebrations!

When it came to Gemma and Callum, they were so into the photos we ended up doing 3 intervals of 10 minuets. The Moreves Barn has a large pond round the back which proved a brilliant location to take some snaps! Beautiful scenery hung effortlessly in the background – some of the rolling suffolk hills, and others with the ageing burnt red painted brick of the barn, peeping in the distance. Its no wonder this young bubbly couple were loving this romantic scene so much! Check out some of the wonderful photographs we got of them on the day…oh and of course of their beloved VW Campervan!!

Like what you see? Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Gemma and Callums Wedding Photography Album

Ceremony Location – St Lawrence Church

Reception Location – Moreves Barn

Chair Covers – Extravaganza

Florist – Kaye Souter

Disco/Lights – Cutting Entertainment

Posted 8. July 2016 by Steve & filed under News, Your story.

There is nothing like a Family Wedding…

Jo and Barry had such a lovely warm family wedding! The two both began their day with friends and family in the beautiful Yaxely hall.. Down a long corridor, whichever door you open you would find people excitedly bubbling around getting ready for the day. Jo and Barry were almost adjacent to each other getting ready, it was almost like they couldn’t bare to be far from each other – though it was probably more to keep an eye on their two lovely children! (who seemed more excited than them!)

The day already had such a cosy loving atmosphere, and we have never felt more blessed to be part of someones day. Once everyone was ready we started to capture some portrait shots of the family (they had actually been to us once before for family portraits check out some of our portrait shots on our Facebook page!). Jo Looked incredible in her strapless satan finished dress. It wrapped around her figure at the top with the folds in the dress accentuating her small waist! So simple, and so elegant.

Barry was looking more striking than ever in his black suit, his tie matching the colour of the bridesmaids dresses and his cream embroiled waistcoat complementing his brides dress. As we began to take some fun photos of all the family we realised that there was a little someone else in the exact same suit! Jo and Barry’s son was officially a mini me of Barry, the two looked great together!

The couple chose to hold everything in the Yaxely Hall yet when the evening fell the scenery changed as the guests were moved into a huge marque, decorated from top to bottom with hundreds of fairy lights. They gave off an orange glow emanating an even warmer feel to the celebrations. Barry and Jo are such a fun loving couple and their choice of celebratory food definitely reflected that! A giant chocolate fountain poured delicately in the corner for all the guests to indulge in – however I think everyone (somehow) managed to avoid spilling it on their beautiful outfits! To add to this they had a wonderfully designed four tier cake which almost looked too good to eat! All washed down with plenty of champagne meant that the blow up toys and dress up gear for silly photos was an absolute hit! (I think the adults had more fun than the kids!)

All and all a fun spritely day filled with the love and warmth of a true family wedding. We wish all the best to Jo and Barry in the rest of their lives together, here’s a selection of some of our favourite pictures from the day! Follow the journey of their beautiful day….

Jo and Barry’s Wedding Photography Gallery .

Get in touch with us and don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs from a Suffolk Wedding Photographer!

Florist – Calendars Florist

Bridesmaid Dresses – Lavender and Jude

Wedding Dress – Prima Donna