We’ve officially passed the halfway mark for the year. Like me, you’re probably wondering how on earth this has happened quite so quickly!

The weather has been kind, with lots of sunshine, meaning the events team now enjoy our lunch under fluffy white clouds. Not quite so favourable for the garden team, as there’s now plenty watering to be done and what has prompted us to consider the creation of a borehole, a sustainable natural water source. It’s a sizeable job and as we’re in full swing with wedding season now, it’s one scheduled for early next year – we’ll keep you posted!

We recently hosted our first outdoor wedding ceremony for Lucy & Adam, the first day of the Jubilee weekend – complete with flypast too – organised especially for the happy couple of course. What a treat. Lucy enjoyed her procession from the entrance at the bottom of the South Garden, to the Priory steps where she joined her groom. All perfectly timed to music and under the bluest of skies.

Suffolk Sandlands is gathering a-pace with a very successful press launch in early June. Journalists from the Daily Mail, writers from Treasure Hunting magazine plus many more, enjoyed a two night stay at Butley Abbey Farmhouse with a full day metal detecting. In the evening, they were treated to a tour of the Priory following an in-depth history talk by local historian Sheila Harrison.

There are two tour dates in September and places are filling up fast! With a limited number of spaces available, we’re keeping the groups small and intimate, allowing plenty of time and space for guests to truly enjoy a peaceful, few days of pacing the fields. Luxury, comfortable bedrooms, and delicious meals provided by our private chef await you at the end of the day. To find out more, click here

We’ve been busy with some beautiful weddings this last month. Jack and Isabel married in Butley Church and returned to a wonderful reception in a sailcloth tent, which looked particularly magical at night with all the fairy lights twinkling away.

The pro photos are just in from Melissa and Michael’s May wedding too, so we’re sharing a few of these with you today. Credit: Images by Anna

Next week we’re looking forward to getting the team together for a Summer Pimms & Pizza night, although Kimmy & Daniela have already decided they’re swapping the Pimm’s to sample some of our Edmund’s Cocktails, which are going down a storm at weddings! Favourites include Expresso Martini’s and Strawberry Daiquiri’s…

Back at Butley Abbey Farmhouse, the pink roses are out in full display and looking spectacular. From the Lupins in June to the roses in July, we can’t wait to see what August brings.