The role of Mother of the Bride isn't always an easy job. You need to offer advice to your daughter but respect her wishes, you need to be strong, but…
“That's the beauty about love. It's not about give-and-take - it's about feeling safe in one's needs - wanting to be looked after as much as wanting to look after.” ― Freya…
Part of my role as an event planner is to allocate clients budget to the relevant areas of their wedding/party, i.e from our initial consultation I will have an idea…
“You're the reason I get out of bed every night. And you're the reason I can't wait to come home every dawn. Not the war. Not the Brothers. Not even…
Continuing my explanation on the services that I provide for clients I’d now like to talk a little about my partial service called The Handover.
This service is perfect for couples…
In January my youngest child turned 3, after having 10 years of boys parties, it was nice to bring out my girly side. She is obsessed with princesses and fairies…
Traditionally the 3 speeches that happen in a wedding are the Father of the Bride, Groom and Best Man. However with many brides being independent and quite rightly, having an…
In my 10 years as a planner there are many times whereby I have to ‘fix an emergency’ (sometimes) without the bride & groom or guests knowing. In a new…
“They didn't understand that she held his heart, held it so utterly that there was nothing he wouldn't do, no line he wouldn't cross to keep her safe.” ― Nalini Singh, Archangel's Kiss
In my 10 years as a planner there are many times whereby I have to ‘fix an emergency’ (sometimes) without the bride & groom or guests knowing. In this series…
Earlier in the week I showed you the photoshoot for Bruisyard Hall, part of the shoot concentrated on images to highlight the venues use for the weekend of the wedding, thus the couple relaxing the “morning after”. I couldn’t fit all the images in the previous post so I hope you enjoy them below instead!
Photography – Kerry Morgan
Padded Jackets – Lavenham Jackets
In November I was contacted by the marketing company for Bruisyard Hall, a new wedding venue in Suffolk. They asked whether I would consider helping to organise a shoot which highlighted the feel of a wedding day at Bruisyard (which includes both the hall and barn). To learn more about this beautiful venue please see my venue focus report
There are many planners that organise photoshoots that concentrate on design concepts and hot new trends whose images are then published on wedding blogs or magazines. However that’s not really my style, my strengths lay in the organisation of weddings utilising my 10 years knowledge. After spending that many years viewing venue websites and brochures, I know what sort of shots a bride would expect and what images are important in order to help sell the venue to future clients.
When discussing the relevant style it was agreed understated elegance were our key terms. Although the barn had been totally renovated and was now ready for weddings, the hall was pre renovation (the interior designers are in the hall now!) so we needed to show the beauty and history of the hall, but not concentrate on any of the interior touches.
It was important we showed how a wedding would flow at Bruisyard from using the hall to get ready to the different rooms in the barn for the ceremony and wedding breakfast + the expanse acres of land available to wander through the morning after. It was vital that all those involved in the shoot didn’t over do the design, future brides needed to see the space available and visualise their own wedding theme rather then adopting a design already in place. The beauty of barns in particular is you have a blank canvas to work with thus pretty much any design will work. We decided to create 2 very simple designs on the day to reflect the elegance and rural setting of the barn.
When I was asked to organise the shoot I knew it was vital to bring in some of my trusted suppliers to help create the look, they all worked so hard on the day so I cannot thank them enough.
Photography – Kerry Morgan
Flowers – Jades Flowers
Chair Covers – Extravorganza
Table Settings – Chimneys
Bridal Dress & Accessories – Terry Fox
Padded Jackets – Lavenham Jackets
Back in November I was asked to organise a photo shoot for a new fabulous venue in Suffolk called Bruisyard Hall . Although the Hall has been used as a country retreat for many years the barn had been newly renovated and makes a stunning choice for weddings in Suffolk. I must thank Kerry Morgan for being our photographer on the day whose images are shown below. Next week I will talk about the shoot in more detail but first I want to introduce you to the venue…
The Hall has been owned for an impressive 400 years by the same local family – the Rous family – whose heritage in the local area dates back to 14th century. Once serving as a Abbey, many original features from the Hall’s construction remain today, including oak staircases, oak-beamed attics and even a ‘Sweet-toned Bell’. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500s the Hall was rebuilt – this time to include a ‘Priest’s Hole’ – a feature that remains to this day.
New for 2012 is the beautifully renovated 17th century barn, although ‘barn’ doesn’t do this venue justice. The barn can accommodate events up to 400 people within its three rooms with under floor heating throughout (fuelled by a wood chip burner using the estate’s wood). Licensed and soundproofed, offering a Banqueting Hall, Medieval Hall and Minstrels Gallery on the mezzanine floor, parking for over 100 cars and a floor to ceiling window with views out to the gardens.
The barn has two en suite bedrooms and the Hall offers a further ten bedrooms, accommodating up to 24 guests in total and allowing you to have the run of Bruisyard Hall’s historic Estate exclusively for your stay.
Bruisyard Hall is located in Bruisyard, Suffolk. The closest main towns are Framlingham and Saxmundham.
You have a choice of a small ceremony in the drawing room inside the hall or on the minstrels gallery in the barn. Or for larger weddings the ceremonies can take place in the medieval hall or banqueting hall.
There are so many aspects I love about this venue but here is a taster:
o Under floor heating in the barn using fuel by a wood chip burner using the estate’s wood – now that’s what I call recycling!
o The dual venue possibility of having the barn & the hall from Friday – Monday
o The fact dogs are welcome – so many of my clients have more then 1 dog so I know they will love this little ‘added bonus’
o The managers dedication to choosing top quality suppliers to work with them
o The setting, sigh, this is 700 acres of Suffolk countryside at its best.
Price includes Hall and Barn, furniture, corkage, exclusive use of 700 acre estate from Fri to Mon. For more information call Paul Daws on 01728 639 000 or complete the contact form here
Photo Credit: The gorgeous Kerry Morgan
Regular readers to my blog may remember me mentioning I recently celebrated my 10 year wedding anniversary. On the 26 April 2001 Paul and I were married at Le Sport in St Lucia , rated top spa retreat 2011 by Conde Nast Travellers magazine.
We always said we would go back for our 10 yr anniversary but realistically when you have children it’s not possible to enjoy a week or two at Le Sport! So although St Lucia was out I wanted to prove it is possible to have a luxury body experience here in the UK. I didn’t however expect to find the perfect spa literally on my doorstep only 30 mins away. But that is exactly what happened when I discovered ‘Lifehouse’.
Lifehouse is a stay and day spa set within 130 acres of beautiful grounds and 12 acres of historic, listed gardens. 89 guest rooms boast views of the surrounding gardens or courtyard and facilities include 35 treatment rooms, gym, outdoor fitness circuit, exercise studio, swimming pool, thermal spa area, relaxation areas, and manicure and pedicure stations, make up bays, a hairdressing salon and a spa boutique. The gardens were much improved in the 1920s and ’30s by Lady Byng, the one time mistress of Thorpe Hall and wife of Lord Byng, a personal envoy to George V.
We arrived quite late in the afternoon and upon approaching the reception Paul did ask ‘do they have a valet service’ to which I replied no, drop me off then go park the car. Whoops they do indeed have a valet service, at least I’ll note this for next time!
Our check in was prompt and we were shown to our rooms by a very helpful man. As a planner I appreciate all the little touches that make an event exceptional and thus totally loved our room which is classed as a ‘great room’. The door card was not one of those irritating swipe cards; it was instead a card you hold up to a sensor on your door. I also loved the white leather wallet it came in.
Of course the first thing I did was check out the bed, HUGE, literally even with my arms stretched out I couldn’t reach Paul! The technical touches in the bathroom include shower controls by the sink so you can turn it on prior to entering the show thus not soaking your arm which is what normally happens to me. The bright shower caps and little ducks were a sweet idea and the complimentary Babor products were divine.
Our first treatment was at 5pm so we hurriedly put on our costumes and robes and made our way to the spa hub to check in. The treatment we chose was their signature ‘Oriental Bathing Experience’ . I was worried whether this would be too ‘girly’ for Paul but I needn’t have worried, it is the PERFECT treatment for couples as it’s just the 2 of you at a time although I think they can accommodate 3 if there a few of you (hen celebrations etc). The treatment lasted just under 2 hours or longer if you do indeed snooze in the sleep pod at the end!
o grounding Thai foot ritual to ‘open’ Sen energy lines
o a soak in our two baths toease away the stress of everyday life
o a full body exfoliation leaving your skin tantalisingly touchable
o a warm oil and hot stone massage concentrating on the back and shoulders using sensual essential oils, chosen to suit your wants and needs
o an indulged feeling as you savour the peace of a quiet, private sleep pod, where you can drift off into a refreshing sleep
Because it was the end of the day we felt like we had the place to ourselves when we went for a swim and enjoyed the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna etc (all salt water so no chorine in sight). I especially loved the large shower which had a choice of tropical, fresh and I think rain water – and I chose? Tropical of course which was warm and scented of the tropics.
That evening we had dinner in their restaurant and the food was on a par with my high end caterers, I did laugh when Paul asked why my lamb hot pot was served on a bread board with the mushy peas in a little silver pail. I just rolled my eyes and said ‘you know nothing about presentation – sigh!’ to me it was perfect and imaginative. Who would have thought of teaming a chocolate brownie with a shot of mojito?!
On Sunday we woke late at 8:45, we knew breakfast finished at 9am so we ran to the restaurant as we didnt want to miss out! After another swim and sample of the jacuzzi and steam room, we both had a body massage which was again very relaxing, we met up in the Strawberry Tree juice bar before heading off for a walk in the gardens. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and Paul and I enjoyed having a stroll before lunch, exploring the hidden gardens and sitting on the benches by the lakes.
I feel I must give a special mention to the staff – every single person was friendly and professional, they all genuinely wanted to help and made us feel special. The management team must have operated a strict interviewing process to ensure the right staff were hired and they have definitely succeeded.
So if you have a special occasion or just need a break I can HIGHLY recommend a short break at the Lifehouse , there is so much I didn’t get the chance to do but I’m sure I’ll be back again with or without Paul in tow!
At the end of 2010 I visited the beautiful Belchamp Hall in Suffolk and have finally typed up my report detailing what I love about the venue. As I specialise in marquee functions, I would love the opportunity to organise a wedding at Belchamp Hall one day.
The History
The Raymond family has lived in Belchamp Hall since 1611, although the present Queen Anne house was not built until 1720. In the past the estate has been, in general, an agricultural estate but in recent years there has been a change in emphasis towards other activities. These have included hiring the house as a wedding venue (with religious ceremonies taking place in St Mary’s church), a film and TV location, a venue for corporate functions; The Stables for business conferences and as holiday accomodation; the estate for outdoor activities.
Lovejoy
During the 90′s, Belchamp Hall was used by the BBC as a location for Lovejoy, the popular series about a roguish antiques dealer. Belchamp Hall in Belchamp Walter was the location for Lady Jane Felsham’s home (the fictional Felsham Hall) in the series. Apparently they still get visitors today wanting to look at where this series was filmed.
The Lovejoy connection especially interested me as the series was also filmed in my wonderful village of Coggeshall.
Accommodation
Lovejoy’s workshop for the last two seasons of the series is in the grounds of Belchamp Hall and has now been converted into accommodation for either weddings or those simply wishing to retreat away from the rat race.
The Location
The Hall is located in Sudbury, Suffolk with easy access from the M11 whilst also being secluded for privacy.
Ceremony
The Hall is not licensed for ceremonies but they do have the wonderful St Mary the Virgin church which dates back to the 13th century, literally opposite the hall.
Marquee Receptions
A wedding reception held in a marquee of the grounds of Belchamp Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests seated. The venue is truly exclusive and will be yours for your wedding day with no worries about outside visitors. The grounds and hall provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos and create the perfect ambience.
Note: you are hiring the grounds of Belchamp Hall only - not the use of the interior of the hall.
Catering
As you are only hiring the grounds of Belchamp Hall, you have complete control over which suppliers to bring in for your wedding, including the choice of caterers.
Prices
In order to arrange a viewing and get a quotation please call Vanessa on 01787 882 216 but as a guidelines the hire of the ground is approx. £2,700 inc. the stables accommodation. The marquee cost will vary dramatically on what you require in terms of the décor but allow £3,800 for weddings of 100 guests.
For more information do visit their website
On the 9th March I was very fortunate to be invited to the wedding launch at The Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire along with some fellow wedding professionals including some who were collected by mini bus from Tower Hill. Henry Moore was one of the most successful and influential sculptors of the twentieth century – it makes me proud to be British. Do have a look at their website to understand more about how talented this man was.
Upon arriving I discovered I was parked in the wrong place so after waiting for the petrol lorry to move I re-parked in the correct car park (The Hoop Inn) I missed the initial welcome by Charles Joint of The Henry Moore Foundation and Patrick Jones of Harbour & Jones . But I was just in time for a tour of Moore’s sculpture grounds and inspirational maquette studio with a peek at the Sheep Field Barn Gallery. We then made our way to the medieval Aisled Barn for cocktails and canapés beautifully presented and served by Harbour & Jones Events.
There were 5 tables each with a different theme (a bit like this weekends wedding sanctuary) from modern to country complete with flowers in a wellie boot which was where I was seated. I met some wonderful people at my table include Augusta Barnes, The Henry Moore Foundation, Yasmine from 5 Star Wedding Directory, Tai from Love Exposed Photography (whose business card I fell in love with) and Shola from Designer Wedding Planner. We had some great discussions + it’s always nice to meet fellow wedding professionals. Seated on other tables were my dear friends and colleagues, Kate Fletcher & Sandy Moretta so I felt right at home.
The barn was not only beautifully renovated but it had some huge tapestries by Henry Moore hanging on the walls, this enables you to create a very modern design in the barn should you wish to.
The food served was absolutely gorgeous and I was sad I had to leave just before the summer pudding was served, but I’m sure someone would have had seconds! I did stifle a groan when trotting up the hill in my heels PAST the original carpark I had parked in to get to The Hoops Inn – why didn’t I wear flats?! I must do a special thank you to Karens Cakes - wow, gorgeous!
The Wedding Costs
Hire of the Aisled Barn from £3,000
Packages including drinks, canapé reception, two course menu and all equipment hire from £55 per person or 3 course menu for £62.50
All catering is by Harbour & Jones Events
Photo Credit – Chris Overton Photography
Recently I visited Boreham House and was showed around by their general manager, Alexandre. I was especially interested in visiting Boreham as it is the sister venue of Vaulty Manor where I have had a few client weddings inc. the very first in 2003. The owner Teresa Ward is a very inspirational businesswoman and the way she has transformed firstly Vaulty and now Boreham House is astounding, talk about passion and drive! After my viewing I popped into the office for a tea and catch up with Teresa, we could talk for hours about weddings but I managed to drag myself back to the office to write this report.
The History
Boreham House was originally built at around 1730 for Benjamin Hoare Esq., he commissioned prominent architects Henry Flitcroft & Sir James Gibb to design the house and it was embellished with fine marbles and other materials. In 1931 it was purchased by Henry Ford, this is where he set up Fordson Estates Ltd , it was eventually passed onto Ford Motor company in 1952 before private owners bought it, spending millions on the restoration.
Location
Boreham House is located just off J19 on the A12.
Exterior
As you enter the gates you are struck by the magnificence of the house standing proudly with views of the formal lawn & lake. Surrounding the house is 35 acres of gardens.
Interior
As you enter the house you are in the beautiful foyer with hand carved fireplace and marble features. There is a table in the centre which you can decorate and a piano in the corner for a pianist to welcome guests possibly for the drink reception.
>From the foyer you walk through to the stunning ceremony room which again has a hand carved fireplace & ceiling which you must see in person to fully appreciate. They are licensed for 104 people seated or 120 if some guests stand. From this room you can look out at the gardens.
The dinner and dancing takes place in the pavilion to the rear of the property, this can very easily seat 240-250 guests. As a planner who specialises in marquees I could fully appreciate the attention to detail that has gone into the design of this pavilion. A few of my favourite points are:
Catering
Just like Vaulty Manor the catering is in-house unless you hire the venue on a dry hire basis (£6-15k). A 3 course meal starts from £50pp, for sample menus please view http://www.borehamhouse.co.uk/6-exquisite_banqueting.htm
Special Offers
20% discount of all remaining dates January – March
Mid week wedding packages (60 guests) for £10,000
Venue Charge in 2011
Weekend hire starts from £2,000 (Jan-Mar) and goes up to £6,000 (Jul-Oct)
I hope you have enjoyed my report and if you get the chance do view the Boreham House website
Whenever I see people ice-skate I sigh with jealousy because try as I might, I simply cannot skate, luckily my husband is just as bad as me so skating is banned in our house!
However, that doesnt mean the co-ordinated among you shouldnt enjoy the romance of skating hand in hand. If there is one venue this winter that sums up romance is has to be Somerset House in London.
This year Tiffany & Co are presenting the skating and so have taken part in the design and decor. Whilst there visit the Tiffany Tuck shop where jewellery, cupcakes and other treats are on offer.
To book tickets go to ticket master
Photo credit: Crispin Hughes
Last week I visited a new venue that has opened its doors to weddings. Hengrave Hall is located just north of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk and boasts almost fifty acres of sweeping lawns and meadows, a majestic lake, and its own idyllic chapel. Its grace and historical charm offers the perfect ambience for any number of memorable.
As you can imagine I have visited many venues over the years but Hengrave enchanted me in a way others have not. Yes this Tudor Mansion has been renovated and decorated with utmost care, but it is more then that, I think perhaps its it little touches that have been put in place or maybe it’s the vibrant history. I shall try to highlight some of the magic in this post but if you are wishing to marry in Suffolk do go visit for yourself.
Your history lesson
Built in 1525 by a wealthy cloth merchant, Thomas Kytson, the Hall is a stunning example of the great architecture of medieval England and took almost thirteen years to complete. Composed of brick and stonework, its structure reveals the Roman influence over the Tudors and, despite its fifteenth-century embellishments, certain features disclose its Saxon origins, such as the church tower just east of the Hall itself. In 1578, Sir Thomas Kytson the younger entertained Queen Elizabeth on her progress to and from Norwich. Many further tales across the centuries are to be unraveled in Hengrave’s treasure-trove of secrets: a turbulent marriage; the invasion of Cromwell’s soldiers; a daughter desired by three suitors and married to each in turn; a Baronet by Charles II; a page of honour to Louis XIV; the Canonesses of St Augustine; and a heritage lasting nine generations.
Some of the rooms
The Great Banqueting Hall, completely restored with carved figured finials, regal arches and a large open fireplace. It offers space and grandeur for civil ceremonies, conference speeches, significant evening dinners or events or weddings.
Seats a maximum of 140 people.
The Long Gallery has fine white timber panelling, crystal chandeliers, subtle tones and charming view of the west garden, is perfect for wedding breakfasts or other jovial affairs.
Seats a maximum of 130 people.
The Chapel, known as the Oratory, contains a beautiful sixteenth-century window with stained glass, depicting twenty-one biblical scenes from the Creation to the Last Judgement. I especially loved the lookout tower and could imagine someone keeping watch for the Kings army whilst a catholic service was taking place.
Play Room is fully equipped with a selection of games and toys to ensure younger guests are entertained. It has the most amazing vibrant chandelier in the room. I think this is the first venue I have visited that has a dedicated room for younger guests. The owner has also created a baby changing room near the toilets which again is a little touch welcomed by mothers everywhere.
Queen Elizabeth’s Chamber, so called because Elizabeth I is reported to have used the chamber during her visit to Hengrave, is elegantly panelled in oak, with Tudor roses, fleurs de lis and the initials ‘ER’ moulded into the ceiling. It is the perfect location for the bride as she prepares for her big day.
Blue Chamber is a great ‘den’ for the groom and his ushers, with various games including a pool table it gives them a chance to unwind. It also has an oversized clock so they wont be late and a wet room.
Toilets ok I won’t go into the details but wow, I doubt there are many 5 star hotels that have toilets this good!
St John the Lateran church within the grounds is licensed for all christian weddings EXCLUDING Church of England ceremonies but you can have a blessing.
Prices
The prices varies depending on the day of the week and season but range from £3-6k. All catering is handled by Le Talbooth Caterers.
Stapleford Park
This was the first time I have visted the venue and it was truly stunning. Not only was the upkeep immaculate but the staff were friendly and professional at all times. When I arrived staff were waiting in the carpark to take my bags for me. Throughout the day they asked whether we required further refreshments. The service was such that I’m wondering if I can convince my husband to whisk me away for a weekend!
The Grand Hall
You can hire the venue on an exclusive basis or just the rooms you require for your ceremony, drink reception and wedding breakfast.
