Let’s throw it back almost 12 months to the loveliest of weddings last June. This one will always be special to me as it was one of the first that I booked when I first started as a wedding planner. A bride-to-be found me online and enquired about having me to help her put her wedding together, and also booked me to come down on the day and lend a hand overseeing everything. This couple were looking to marry in front of their friends and family and host a reception for them back at their beautiful family home. It was less about planning a wedding, and more about celebrating their gorgeous little family and the life they had built together. From the moment that I spoke with Faye, I knew I had done something right in my business because somehow this lovely bride had found me and we were totally on the same page. She talked me through what ideas they had and all the things I would be helping them bring together - finding them a marquee company to put the structure up in their garden, suggesting some of my fave photographers and helping her with a few extra little touches which would make their day super special. We spoke a few times on the phone and I went to pay her a visit at home to check out the space and see how things would work on the day, and every time we had the loveliest conversations. The couple even came down to my own wedding fayre with their two young boys, where I got to meet the family all together for the first time. And they even booked themselves my favourite little waffle van in the process, which we knew would make an amazing addition to their wedding! We sourced all of the other suppliers and elements that we needed (including booking in Lisa Marie Halliday who took all of these lovely photos) and we were ready to go! On the morning of the wedding I arrived at their home as Faye was getting ready with her maid of honour. We had hair and makeup happening in the kitchen whilst pastries cooked and brews were consumed - we were so well looked after and I couldn’t believe how calm everything was! The marquee from Event Furniture Hire looked lovely, and all the simplistic decorations made everything feel so charming. Lisa snapped photos as the day got underway, and we put the final touches in place as Faye got into her dress and prepared to leave. It was cleverly orchestrated for Steve to arrive at the home without seeing Faye before a coach took he and the guests over to the ceremony, whilst Faye followed behind with her maid of honour in her father’s car. This left me all alone in their home to make sure everything was ready for their return! As you can see, though, their ceremony looked delightful. Malvern Registry Office provided a few spots for some lovely photos before they headed back to see what I had been up to while they were gone… Whilst that was happening in Malvern, back at the house The Arden Pig Company had set up their gazebo on the drive, Betty's Waffles van had pulled up and got themselves ready, the cake was delivered by Abigail's Cake Co, and I had been busy getting the drinks ready for their return. They had thought of it all - Kilner jars full of Pimms, glasses of prosecco, bottles of beers iced in buckets, fruit juices of every flavour and squash for all the children. And they’d also got a little snack trolley full of nibbles to keep everyone going - lots of nuts and savoury snacks as well as sweets and pick & mix to tuck into. It all went down a storm! After some time mingling, everyone took their seats in the garden marquee and soon went up to grab their food - a fabulous BBQ with a range of salads and trimmings, followed by Betty’s amazing waffles in all kinds of flavours! Drinks continued to flow and friends and family sat exchanging stories and catching up - for those who preferred a cosy cuppa, Betty's also had some hot chocolates on the go too! I felt like it was exactly the kind of afternoon they had wanted, and they just seemed so happy and so in love - it was honestly so lovely to witness! Possibly my favourite part of the day though was the speeches - as much as I can talk to a couple before the wedding, it’s hard to really get to know them properly in the few meetings and calls we might have. Hearing the speeches really brings home how important this day is, how much support they have from family and friends and what an amazing journey they’ve been on together! After the speeches, we brought the cake out to cut then went straight into a first dance - another moment which brought literal tears to my eyes! If seeing Faye and Steve together on the dancefloor wasn’t enough, seeing them dancing with their boys sent me right over the edge! It was a really relaxed reception, having started later in the day, but it didn’t stop their guests wanting to have a bit of a boogie under the spotlights. I spent the evening trying to rid the marquee of all the debris so that everyone could enjoy themselves without a worry, and keeping an eye on all the drinks so that everything flowed all night. I’ll admit, I spent a lot of the night doing the washing up! But honestly, that suited me just fine. When I say I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure my couple don’t have to worry on their special day, this is what I mean. That’s the lovely thing about my job; sometimes I’m in a tipi, sometimes in a barn, where everything is taken care of for you. And sometimes I get invited into someone’s home where we’re right back to basics, and all I can think about is how I feel so privileged to be asked to be a part of something so intimate. No two days are ever the same, yet every single one is magical in its own way. It's not always about spending a tonne of money and keeping up with everyone else on Pinterest or TikTok. Sometimes you have to do what feels right for you, and focus on the things that really matter. I’m so grateful to Faye & Steve for taking a chance on me when I first began my business, for trusting me and hopefully feeling I did a decent job! It was such a pleasure to work with this brilliant team of suppliers, and I can’t help but feel they put together a truly perfect day that suited these guys down to the ground. Anyone else want to have their wedding at home?! If so, I’m all yours! Don’t forget to visit my WEDDINGS page on the website to read about what I can do for your day (wherever you marry and whatever you plan to do!), and you can also pop your details in the box to be sent a documents with all the info you need to get the ball rolling. Thanks again to this awesome team: Marquee & Furniture: Event Furniture Hire Photographer: Lisa Marie Halliday Caterer: The Arden Pig Company Waffles & Hot Chocolate: Betty's Waffles Cake: Abigail's Cake Co Flowers: Flair with Flowers Dress: Gatehouse Brides Makeup: Emily Mulan
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Hope you enjoy reading my blog. This is where I share all the gorgeous weddings I've been doing, as well as a few other tips and bits too! Previously...
May 2024
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