…And I was lucky enough to be asked by Matt and Lisa, owners of Magical Camping and Magical Tipis, to come and take new photographs for their website.

Matt and Lisa could not have ordered a more beautiful day for the first of two open days, inviting couples to come and see for themselves how beautiful the Tipis look, especially when set up in the truly beautiful grounds of The Grove. They have partnered with businesses with incredible design and taste to help dress the tipi, not only for the Open Day, but also to showcase to those getting married, the beautiful signs, tea sets and floristry services also available.

I’d arranged with Matt to arrive early, and as I did, the sky was already a incredible blue with the sun blazing high in the sky – I truly felt that I had walked (or driven) into peak Summer time! I couldn’t wait to pop my lens on and was soon happily shooting away – every time I looked again, something else incredibly beautiful would catch my eye. Along with the Tipi, the couple had also showcased two of their Bell Tents; this year will see The Grove hosting a permanent glamping site – and when you see how gorgeous these tents are and how beautifully and with what care Lisa has dressed them, you’ll be itching to spend a week there. The bell tents will be sited close to a path that will take guests straight from the hotel grounds to the beach. Just look at those beautiful breakfast boxes!

As couples began to arrive for their appointments to book Tipis of this and larger sizes for their wedding receptions, I got the chance to meet Charlie and Richard, who run The Grove – their dedication to the business was very evident, as was their enthusiasm, charm and warm welcome to this stunning hotel.

After spending the morning taking the images, I left. But returned later that evening as Lisa was particularly keen that the beauty of the Tipi at night should also be captured. Again, I drove into the hotel grounds – but this time, the blue sky and sun had been replaced by dark night with a few stars. As I rounded the corner of the drive – there sat the Tipi – adorned with lights, sparkling in the dark – the flames of the fire pit inside drawing me into the warmth and out of the night time chill.

Yet again, the hospitality of Matt, Lisa, Charlie and Richard was straight away in evidence. Lisa brought out another huge box of marshmallows and we toasted them over the fire. Hot chocolate warmed me as I stepped away from the Tipi to take the shots showing the whole of it in lights. And then, Charlie stepped in with sparkling wine and we spent a lovely relaxing time drinking bubbly around the warmth of the fire.

Later this year I will be photographing the wedding of a couple of have hired a Tipi –  and I hope to photograph many more. I honestly love the outdoor weddings where these immense canvas structures draw people together for celebration. I’m back at The Grove soon to talk with Charlie over coffee over a new idea we began to discuss, and really looking forward to working with Matt and Lisa again in the next few weeks! Hmmmmm – Can’t tell you what that’s about yet – but… imagine that Tipi – with possibly, a horse or two?!

Many thanks to all I met on Sunday for making me feel so welcome. And all these people here supplied all the beautiful things you can see throughout the photos.

http://www.magicaltipis.co.uk/
http://www.thegrovecromer.co.uk/
http://www.libbyferrisflowers.co.uk/
http://www.crush-foods.com/
https://www.facebook.com/angelsbythesea
http://www.argentandsablesigns.co.uk/

Lisa and Matt – Magical Camping

Richard & Charlie – The Grove, Cromer

Fab end to fab day! Thanks Charlie!