Your East Anglian Wedding - August/September 2020 (Issue 44)

All the latest from around the region Nearlywed NEWS BLOOMIN’ WONDERFUL Love flowers – why not wear them from head to toe for an alternative big-day look? Norfolk-based florist Alison Mortlock has taken her passion for all things floral to a whole new level creating wearable one-of-a-kind pieces. “I wanted to do something different to other florists. I love fashion and flowers so decided to experiment by combining the two. Flowers have been worn in the hair for years and I’ve just taken this a step further and put my own twist on it,” she explains. Creating everything from shoes and garters to hats and ties, other design ideas include shawls made of flowers as a fun alternative to bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids. Alison, who re-launched as Albert Rose Floral Design last year, adds, “I have so many ideas still, the only problem is time at the moment as I’m currently working from home and harder than ever before!” Visit the website www.facebook.com/albertroseflowers #EXTRAMILEVENUE Congratulations to Suffolk’s Glemham Hall and Sissons Barn in Peakirk, Peterborough for going the extra mile for their couples during the COVID-19 crisis. The popular big-day destinations have both been recognised as ‘extra mile’ venues as part of a nationwide goodwill campaign launched to celebrate wedding venues from across the UK. Set in 3,000 acres Glemham Hall, near Woodbridge, caters for exclusive-use weddings with up to 170 guests and during the pandemic has had to manage a flood of wedding postponements while furloughing 70 per cent of its staff. Olivia Riddiford from founders of the campaign Host Venue Consultancy said, “Glemham Hall has gone above and beyond by offering postponement and even back-up dates, they’ve maintained excitement for their weddings with thoughtful and considerate posts on social media and delivered beautiful personalised cards on the days when couples should have been getting married.” Visit www.glemhamhall.co.uk Sissons Barn was similarly praised for exceptional service, from sending bouquets and cards to all their couples who had to postpone their weddings to providing virtual support and guidance. Owned by Ben and Laura Harris, the beautiful oak-framed barn is set in the family’s 350-acre farm. Opened in April 2019 it caters for exclusive-use weddings for up to 180 guests. Visit www.sissonsbarn.co.uk ONE TO WATCH Rising star 22-year-old Michelle Connop has her sights set on making her mark in the world of wedding photography. Based in Norwich, she’s planning to go full time once she finishes her photography masters degree in December. After starting out doing portraits when she was 15, she assisted former wedding photographers in Gorleston on a number of photo shoots and has since gone on to cover weddings on her own. “My mum used to come with me, helping me get the group shots and holding all my gear. It was valuable experience and it kick-started my love for capturing people’s true personas and innate beauty,” says Michelle. Recent projects have included the stunning styled shoot at woodland wedding venue Happy Valley in Norfolk featured on page 57 this issue. She’s also worked with wedding dress designer Coco Amore on their summer collection. “It involved me creating a catalogue of all her wonderful garments for brides-to-be. It was a wonderful experience that has made me adore photographing women in beautiful garments, envisioning them on their special day.” To find out more visit www.michellekconnop.co.uk www.willpatrickweddings.com www.leedanielsphotography.com YOUR ESSENTIALS 9