It really was the best day of our lives and every detail was perfect - it wouldn't have been possible without you.
Steve and Karen had decided they would like a civil ceremony and to marry in the winter. They wanted a venue that they could have exclusively and where guests could stay.
The Wedding
Brocket Hall was the winning venue and I suggested warm autumnal colours for the reception with fabulous lighting for once it got dark. Karen loved these colours and decided on that basis to wear an off-gold oyster coloured dress.
Guests arrived at the entrance at Brocket Hall, decked out with stripped birch trees and they were served a light snack before they went to their rooms to get ready.
I had had the boardroom transformed for the day in a style that would work for both the ceremony and dancing later. The walls were all lined with a brown star cloth with amber coloured lights. At various intervals gold fabric was hung in a curtain style effect. The aisle was decorated with storm lanterns with candles and rose petals, and at the end of the aisle, 2 swagged plinths with candles and ivory and oyster-coloured floral arrangements. The chairs were covered alternately in caramel or brown fabric and the lighting was lowered so the room had a romantic ambience for the marriage ceremony.
A keyboardist played the music throughout the ceremony. After this, guests made their way upstairs and, as it was a beautiful sunny day, we served reception drinks and canapés outside! The keyboardist played and a magician entertained the guests.
Dinner was called and guest made their way into the ballroom. The tables were decorated with bronze cloths and caramel napkins, and the chairs were draped in the matching bronze fabric. The table arrangements were goldfish bowls with floating rose heads, and behind the top table was a floral and branch arrangement with lit p lights.
Karen and Steve had wanted to donate to a charity in their guests' names instead of gifting favours. Tags explaining this to guests were tied around the stem of their wine glass at each place setting. The tables were named after the couples's favourite places in Australia (where they had met).
After dinner and speeches, the chocolate cake was cut in the Drawing room and guests were taken downstairs where the room had been transformed for the evening. The star cloth was lit, a stage erected, and a dance floor laid.
The couple had chosen a band and DJ who alternated through the night. At 11pm the cake was served along with a Greek mezze themed buffet to keep guests going until 1am.
Photography by Nikki Holland