I knew that I was going to write a post about this one many months ago. I have been waiting patiently for the big day to commence actually! The bride, my good friend and fellow wedding professional Liz (she is a very talented photographer check out her website www.lizzy-may.co.uk), was going to marry her long term partner and father of her two beautiful children, Dan.
I'm not going to diarise the day as I think it is special to keep the actual happenings within peoples memories, however, what I am going to do is show you how utterly stunning the wedding was. The attention to detail was second to none.
I walked into the main hallway (where the civil ceremony was to commence) on the Friday morning and saw this:
I must admit I shed a tear. It was just me and the room and I thought to myself "This is why I do what I do, for moments like this, knowing that in a few hours two people who love each other will be making the ultimate commitment to one another in front of friends and family". I feel so lucky to be able to help couples have their dream day..it makes me happy helping others.
Here are some snippets from the ceremony room:
My favourite decoration was the jam jar flower arrangements placed on the aisle chairs using gorgeous English garden flowers. I must mention the florists at this stage Maria and Lorna from Sorori Design Florists (www.sororidesign.co.uk). They are so relaxed and professional. Many of the flowers that they use are actually grown in their own garden! They spent hours the night before decorating the venue and then returned on the day of the wedding to make last minute finishing touches. I would recommend Sorori Design Florists to any bride to be. Maria's daughter, Lauren also helped make the venue look stunning. Lauren and her friend Adele are just about to start a new venue styling business (LA Styling) - watch this space!
Bunting and Chinese lanterns were used on the galleried stair case as well as a gorgeous archway intertwined with fresh flowers (from the Mother of the Bride's very own garden!) to really frame the room.
Dotted around the hallway and the rooms that lead off were some quirky little features which made the day so unique:
Goodies for the ladies to use
Styled table with guest book cards, vintage suitcase for cards and Polaroid camera
Lemonade jar which was filled with Pimms
Table plan using embroidered plaques
Dancing shoes for the evening party for the ladies to use
Photos of couples in the family
Here are a couple of photos from the dining room where a delicious wedding breakfast was served:
The cakes were just incredible. One of them (see above) looked like a real plant pot with flowers inside! This collection of scrumptious delights were made by Julie (www.cakecreationsbyjulie.co.uk).
Keeping with the "sweet treats" theme, Liz decided to have a dessert buffet (I know what you are thinking....yummy right?!). In true "Liz fashion" this spectacle was revealed with announcing DESSERT with the doors of the adjacent room slowly open to reveal the most amazing croquembouche I have ever seen (complete with choux pastry swans!), mini rhubarb crumble's with tonka bean anglaise and raspberry cheesecake served in cute jam jars.
There was no resting from the gluttonous behaviour though...oh no. The guests were to be entertained by a band named Dysfunktional (I like it!) www.dysfunktionalband.co.uk. They played some great sets (3 in total) and entertained everyone well. In the breaks and towards the latter half of the evening Mr.Ben Hall from www.uniqueweddingdisco.com played some real dance floor fillers!
Just a few more mentions....
Make-up - My very talented sister Jess www.jessicamillsmakeup.co.uk
Hair - Amelia at www.thestylinglounge.co.uk
Photography - (can't wait to see the professional pics!) the lovely Alex Beckett www.alexbeckett.co.uk
Venue - Old Down Manor headed up by Matthew Rees (Front of House) and Manuel Perez-Monzon (Head Chef) and the very smiley bar and waiting staff www.olddownmanor.co.uk
Vintage linen - Sue at www.auntiesvintagechina.co.uk
I wish Lizzy and Danny the most beautiful and happiest of lives together :) xxx p.s this wedding will be featured in some national magazines and blogs - will keep you posted when they are published!
I love what I do and I aim to help my brides and grooms along with their guests to have the most memorable experience. If you are getting married soon and require a little help pulling everything together - whether it be on the day or 6 months prior, send me an email info@thelifestyler.co.uk and we can arrange a meeting to talk about your special day in further detail.
Until next time...
Olivia x
