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All Manor of Events

Mar 22nd, 2010No Comments

PICTURES: ELEMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN Katie and Andy Haywood-Farmer decided to hold their wedding reception at their Suffolk farm, little did they know that they were paving the way for hundreds of other couples to follow in their footsteps.

It was 2004 when the lovebirds decided to tie the knot, and they were adamant the day should be held at their farm and that they wanted a lavish marquee affair. But, when told of their plans to marry in October, the couple’s marquee contractor asked if there was a barn they could place a marquee in instead – and so All Manor of Events was born.

As close as you can get to having a marquee in your own garden, All Manor of Events is home to an individual, purpose-built and affordable, barn-based marquee setting – there really is nothing like it.

Set deep in rolling countryside and farmland, yet only five minutes from Ipswich, the manor is reached via a tree-lined ‘tunnel of love’ as Katie describes it, leading to ample car parking space for guests.

The next thing guests see is the elegant paved courtyard, which has been landscaped to include shrubbery and sculptures and is a fantastic spot for those pre and post wedding drinks. In the evenings the events team even place lanterns outside, setting a romantic tone.

Inside, and the heated barn marquee (which will seat 200) is just as you’d expect a conventional marquee to be, acting as a blank canvas for you to colour with your ideas and imagination. Black and white swags and drapes line the walls, there is green carpeting throughout, and there’s even a licensed bar.

Plus there is the added benefit of a built-in black and white chequered dance floor with spot lighting and plenty of room for your DJ, band or other entertainment.

There’s also a fully kitted kitchen for catering. All Manor of Events specialises in hog roasts (using happy pigs from Dingley Dell) and served barbecues, which are a great, interactive way to break the ice on tables where guests may not know each other so well.

If you’d prefer a sit-down service the manor has a list of recommended caterers for you to choose from, all of whom have worked at the venue regularly.

Towards the courtyard side of the marquee is the latest addition to the venue – an inside ladies toilet!

Fitted out to the highest specifications, the large space boasts wooden floors, free-standing wooden basins, a large preening area and even a chaise longue, so there’s plenty of room for the bride and her friends to gossip about the day’s events.

Beyond the barn and there is lots of space for those romantic wedding pictures in the fields, with no buildings in sight, and wooded areas to explore. Hidden away there is even an old wooden railway carriage which lends itself to some stunning photography.

Incidentally, Andy is a photographer (www.elementalphotography.co.uk) and is based at the manor, so you won’t have to go far if you’re on the hunt for wedding photography.

Plus All Manor of Events has a large black book packed with useful contacts to help you design your day, from florists to topiary tree hire and even giant inflatables hire – anything is possible.

Prices for wedding receptions are set to the end of 2011 and start from £825 including all tables and chairs. Weekend weddings are fast being booked, but there are lots of weekday wedding dates to choose from.

The marquee is also licensed for civil ceremonies.

Call All Manor of Events to find out more or to arrange a visit. You can also see the venue at www.allmanorofevents.co.uk

All Manor of Events recently ran a Win a Wedding Competition with the Evening Star, the winners of which will be announced on April 11 at the venue.

To view suppliers contributing to the prize, follow these links:

Elemental Photography: http://www.archantsuffolk.net/weddings/2010/02/elemental-photography/

Ann Dickson:

http://www.archantsuffolk.net/weddings/2010/02/ann-dickson-make-up-artist/

Coes:

http://www.archantsuffolk.net/weddings/2010/02/stylish-formal-wear-at-coes/

Riley and Riley:

http://www.archantsuffolk.net/weddings/2010/02/riley-riley-2/

Amazing Cakes by Jean: