It was the perfect venue for us
For many years I have hacked my horse past Bateman's Barn and looked down the tree-lined, gravel drive wondering what it is hiding beyond...
When we got engaged and started planning our wedding, we had an excuse to go and find out its secrets - it didn't disappoint!
It was the perfect venue for us and we both fell in love with it, from the lovely grounds to the small details, like the old hay manger in the cute bar.
Nicole guided us when needed, but definitely let it be our own wedding. The whole weekend went so smoothly and, after months of planning, we could actually enjoy the big day as Nicole and John took the reins and made sure everything went to plan and everyone was happy.
My mum, the bridesmaids and I used the gorgeous house to get ready on the day. I would highly recommend this. It was so much fun.
The ceremony was beautifully conducted in the Barn by Allison Small from the Suffolk Registry Office and brought our guests to tears of joy.
We had a confetti throw in the Barn, as it was raining cats and dogs, and we got some beautiful photographs.
Nicole collected all our home-made rose petal confetti whilst we were enjoying our delicious food, so we could have another confetti and bouquet throw in the garden later- during a rain break!
For our official photographs, we used the ruined part of the medieval gate-house and the stunning gardens.
For the reception we chose canapes, the Queen's afternoon tea, a hog roast in the evening and three tier wedding cake for dessert. All supplied by 'Serendipity'.
One of our favourite parts of the whole day was the evening ceilidh by local band - Pendragon. Everyone loved it and danced, galloped and 'stripped the willow' for nearly two hours.
After a well-earned break, Music by Design, the house DJ, kicked off the evening with our first dance. Callum and I secretly had lessons from Corinna's School of Ballroom to surprise all our guests, the reaction was amazing, one of those moments to remember forever.
Carriages were at midnight and Callum and I only had a short walk to the Hall and our fantastic wedding suite - such a treat.
To round off the weekend close family and friends joined us for a post-wedding three course breakfast in the barn.
It was a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
The whole experience, from the first visit to the post-wedding breakfast was truly wonderful.
It just felt like home from home, and now when I hack past all I see when I gaze down the drive are happy memories.
Eleanor and Callum Towler.
