Pictures: ROGER ARBON

ANNE Gaur and John Beswick struck gold with a beautiful Indian Wedding in the grounds of the National Trust’s The West Wing at Ickworth this summer.

Mary Myers said of Ickworth said:  “It was very exciting to see this wonderful Indian dream come true.  The couple first inquired about the wedding in September 2009 after researching National Trust venues.

“As the bride is Hindu and the groom Church of England, they wanted to combine the best of both cultures for their wedding day.   We had many meetings to plan every aspect of the day and it was a very interesting experience.  Everyone had a fantastic day and we have had great feedback from the mother of the bride, who was delighted with the day.”

The groom arrived at the gardens in Indian dress, complete with sword, accompanied by his family and friends.   He was greeted by the bride and her family in the gardens for an exchange of garlands.

The couple had a civil ceremony at 9.30am in the West Wing before heading to the Horringer Church at the end of the drive for a church blessing.

The third ceremony of the day was the ornate Hindu ceremony in the Italianate gardens at Ickworth with the backdrop of the Rotunda.

The bride wore different dresses to each of the ceremonies.  She changed from her silk day dress to a traditional wedding dress and then to her Hindu dress for the last ceremony.

Ickworth House is an historic Grade I listed building created in 1795 by the 4th Earl of Bristol, which nestles in 1800 acres of spectacular gardens and wooded parkland designed in part by ‘Capability’ Brown.  With its striking Rotunda and curved corridors, Ickworth House was finally completed in 2006 after 200 years.

The West Wing at Ickworth offers The Gallery and The Court for ceremonies and receptions. The Gallery has lovely views over the Italianate Gardens and can hold up to 200 guests. There are also marquee areas for larger wedding receptions. The beautiful gardens are available for reception drinks and there are many wonderful areas for photography including the Temple and Rose garden.