Athenaeum Suffolk for Samantha & Oliver’s Wedding

Love, Laughter, and Golden Hour Magic at The Athenaeum

Some wedding days just feel effortless from the moment we arrive, and this one in Bury St Edmunds was exactly that.

We started the day at the Angel Hotel, and honestly, it kicked off with a bit of a “full circle” moment for us. We bumped into David, the videographer, who actually filmed our wedding a few years back! It was so lovely to reconnect and work alongside him again. It’s a small world in the wedding industry, and catching up made the morning feel even more relaxed.

One of the absolute highlights of the morning was watching the bride and groom read letters they had written to each other. It felt like we were getting a private sneak peek into the heart of their love story—honestly, capturing that raw emotion is why we love what we do.

The Build Up & The “I Do’s”

To make sure we didn’t miss a beat, we divided and conquered. Emma stayed at the Angel to capture the bride and the buzz of pre-ceremony excitement, while I headed over to The Athenaeum to document the groom’s final prep.

The ceremony itself was held in such a stunning, light-filled room. And wow—the emotion! There really wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was one of those ceremonies that was just overflowing with happy tears and genuine joy.

Golden Hour & Grand Entrances

After the vows, we took a short stroll to the Abbey Gardens for group shots and couple portraits. The atmosphere was buzzing. You could just feel the happiness radiating from everyone.

We headed back to the reception for what was easily one of the coolest entrances we’ve seen. The couple utilized the venue’s stunning staircase, splitting up only to meet again in the center for an iconic dip and kiss. It was a total movie-star moment before they hit the dance floor with their family and friends.

And, just as we planned, we snuck them out later in the evening for sunset photos. We were treated to that perfect golden hour light—the absolute cherry on top of an incredible day.

It’s days like these—filled with love, laughter, and breathtaking light—that remind Emma and me why we love telling these stories.

Venue Spotlight

The Anthenaeum
Angel Hill, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1LU

Thinking of getting married here? It is a gorgeous spot, but here are a few “Pro Tips” from us to make your day run smoother:

  • Parking Heads-Up: The on-site car park is quite intimate (read: small!). We definitely recommend letting your guests know to use the alternative parking facilities just a five-minute walk away. It saves a lot of stress on the morning of!
  • Photo Ops: You are spoilt for choice here. The Angel Hotel and the Abbey Gardens are right on your doorstep. They make for stunning backdrops, so make sure you carve out a little time in your timeline to explore them with us!

Wedding Video

YouTube video
Man with glasses and beard, wearing a blue shirt, holds a professional camera against a dark background.

David Jennings

Wedding Photographer & Website Author

[email protected]
01206 700 743

Natural Wedding Photography by Jennings Photography

Hey! We’re David & Emma, a husband-and-wife wedding photography team located in Manningtree on the Essex/Suffolk border.

Our vibe is relaxed documentary storytelling, meaning you get to relive the day exactly as it felt: chaotic, beautiful, and perfect.

We keep things super chill so you can actually enjoy your party instead of stressing about poses. Because let’s be honest—the best photos happen when you’re just being yourselves and having a great time.

Get in Touch

Tell us more about your day and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm availability and the next steps.

Phone / WhatsApp:
01206 700 743

Email:
[email protected]

Address:
Manningtree / Essex & Suffolk border

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