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Emma had decided just two months before the wedding date, after organising all the wedding details and suppliers herself, that they needed someone to create the look they wanted for their venue space at the beautiful Orleans House Gallery, nestled on the banks of the river in Twickenham.
From the moment I met Emma and Luke at our first venue meeting, I could just tell they had such a deep emotional connection. The gentle little gestures and glancing looks gave the game away... these two were most definitely head over heels in love and they wanted to shout about it! It was my first visit to the gallery and I knew they had found the perfect setting for their special day.
After running through measurements and room layouts in the beautifully unconventional event space of the old Coach House, we discussed their plans for their day, and then came the ‘lightbulb moment’ (as I fondly refer to it). Luke was very aware how much time and effort Emma had spent planning their wedding so far, juggling a very busy job whilst being mum to their beautiful son Elijah. So, at that point, I was delighted they asked me to provide additional help and run the day, taking the pressure off of them both so they could truly relax.
It is always the biggest pleasure to be asked to be part of such an important day in every couples’ life, even though as a planner it carries huge responsibility and a large dollop of stress... its worth it! I always feel like my clients are friends and as such, I care about their whole experience and want everything to be PERFECT!
One of the best parts of the styling aspect of my role, is setting up all the carefully planned furniture, décor and props, and totally transforming a blank space. Although, this time it did involve me scaling a very tall ladder to hang different sized paper lanterns from the ceiling and me and ladders dont mix very well! Thanks to my amazing assistant Beth for helping with this :)
It was a real delight to work with the floral mastery of Kayleigh from The Flower Hub, who supplied the brides bouquet and all the reception foliage.
Her pretty vintage bicycle filled with blooms and delicate bud vases added a elegant touch to the rustic tables. After working her magic with hessian runners and garlands, she had the briefest of time to transform herself into one the guests!
Here she is helping the brides father with his boutonniere, a notoriously tricky job.
A quick spruce up for me too and I was ready to greet the arriving family and friends in time for the 4pm ceremony in the stunning baroque Octagon Room. Just look at that ceiling!
The very talented photographer, Rebecca Searle, totally and utterly captured the spirit of the couple and the shots she managed to create on a brief walk along the river, after the couple said their vows, are truly spellbinding. Photography is an art and Rebecca takes it to a whole new level. I literally LOVE her work.
The day went off without a hitch, narrowly avoiding missing lemons and a last minute 'think on my feet' change to the non-alcoholic welcome drink, but we had it all under control and no-one was none the wiser. The guests all had a ball, tucked in to a healthily stocked free bar, perfectly cooked hog roast served by the great team at Chichester Hog Squad, and the best men entertained with ingenious speeches.
Here are some perfectly captured moments in time for Emma and Luke. I wish them all the happiness together and thank them for allowing me to be part of their wonderfully intimate wedding.
Venue: Orleans House Gallery
Photography: Rebecca Searle Photography
Flowers: The Flower Hub
Set up & Coordination: ASK Weddings and Events
Cake: Sugarplum Bakes
Caterer: The Chichester Hog Squad