Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Picture of the Day – Neale James

This post Picture of the Day – Neale James first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Pageboy looking out from under chair during wedding ceremony - Picture by Neale James

Image © Neale James

Website: www.nealejames.com

Blog: www.nealejames.com/blog

This post Picture of the Day – Neale James first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Getting to Know – Deer Park Country House Hotel

This post Getting to Know – Deer Park Country House Hotel first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Deer Park Country House Hotel Logo

Venue Name: Deer Park Country House Hotel

Location: Honiton, Devon, EX14 3PG

What type of venue is Deer Park Country House Hotel and how old is the building?

Deer Park Country House Hotel is an 18th Century Georgian mansion wedding venue in Devon. With 80 acres of glorious grounds, beautiful boutique hotel bedrooms, a pretty Italian garden and a ridiculously tasty double-rosette winning restaurant, we think you’ll agree it’s a delightful bundle of wonderfulness.

Influenced by the best of British, Deer Park Country House Hotel Hotel is the epitome of a quintessentially English Country House. We strive for excellence in everything we do, and were tickled pink when awarded four stars this year, and voted the Best Venue in The South West Tourism Awards.

Gardens and House of Deer Park Country House Hotel

Tell us a little about the beautiful venue’s history

Deer Park Country House Hotel, a Georgian Squire’s Mansion dated 1721, is set in 80 acres of glorious grounds in an ancient Parish known as ‘Buckerell’, regarded as the most beautiful part of Devon, yet a mere eight miles from the coast.

Known as the Deerpark in ancient days and providing a centre for the kings of England together with their gentlemen, not to mention their ladies – the Chase is surrounded by history. The Old Iron Age fortress of Hembury is not far away, and the Deer Park mansion overlooks the old Roman road, the Fosse Way. For a thousand years and more this carried the horse-drawn coaches and carts, and highwaymen, from the Cathedral cities of Lincoln and Peterborough to the sister City of Exeter.

Around the end of Cromwell’s rule, Nicholas Fry pulled down the Old Barton and built the first Deer Park Mansion. The Fry family lived here until the end of the 18th century. The present house, built in 1755, faces directly south, with much thought given to its design, seen from the large windows which all receive a full measure of sunshine from sunrise to sundown.

Deer Park Country House Hotel Gardens

How long has is Deer Park Country House Hotel been a wedding venue?

We have successfully run weddings at the Deer Park Country House Hotel for over 20 years.

Is Deer Park Country House Hotel licensed for wedding ceremonies?

Licensed for civil ceremonies, Deer Park Country House Hotel is perfect for exclusive use weddings in Devon. Wonderful whatever the season, you can tie the knot in our secluded secret garden surrounded by wild flowers, inside our vintage-chic country house, or in the light and bright Orangery, with its toasty underfloor heating and ambient lighting.

Wedding Ceremony Seating in Orangery at Deer Park Country House Hotel

What is the capacity for a wedding ceremony and wedding reception at Deer Park Country House Hotel?

We can accommodate up to 60 wedding guests in the main house for intimate celebrations, and up to 210 wedding guests in our showstopping Orangery.

Which parts of the house are available for weddings? Do you have a favourite?

Here at Deer Park the whole house can be your home. My favourite location must be our hidden ceremony location called the Summer House. Wedding ready, follow the drifts of live music. You’ll walk through the secluded garden, under the wisteria arch, until you reach the enchanting ceremony setting. Say “I do” in our wooden summer house, in front of your loved ones and the onlooking deer.

Outdoor Ceremony Seating by Summer House at Deer Park Country House Hotel

What would a typical wedding breakfast menu be at Deer Park Country House Hotel?

Carefully crafted by Head Chef Richard Still and his top-notch team, our menus use only the freshest produce and delights from our kitchen garden. Our aim is to include fresh, top-notch home-grown ingredients with every starter, main course and dessert we serve at the hotel. A typical wedding menu would be…

Starter

Crispy Fritter of Devon Beef Brisket, Homemade Brown Sauce, Watercress Salad

Main Course

Roast Chicken Supreme, Dauphinoise Potato, Celeriac Puree, Roasted Button Onions, Madeira Cream Sauce

Dessert

Chocolate Cheesecake, Blood Orange Sorbet

Wedding Breakfast Tables in Orangery at Deer Park Country House Hotel

Does Deer Park Country House Hotel have a set price for weddings or is there a tiered pricing structure? What packages do you offer?

Prices start from £85 per head for day guests and from £10.95 for evening guests

Does Deer Park Country House Hotel have a wedding coordinator on site, and if so are they available on the day of the wedding?

Wedding Manager Sophie Brooke and Wedding Coordinator Kate Wilkinson always go above and beyond to ensure that every wedding day goes without a hitch, so the bride and groom can relax and enjoy the best day of their lives.

Sophie Brooke and Kate Wilkinson of Deer Park Country House Hotel

What can a couple expect from having their wedding at Deer Park Country House Hotel?

We specialise in fun, original, made-to-measure weddings. With over 80 acres of spiffing grounds featuring wild flower meadows, woodland walks, manicured lawns and riverside trails, it’s no surprise that the Deer Park Country House Hotel is considered one of the most romantic wedding venues in Devon.

What is the best thing about having your wedding at Deer Park Country House Hotel?

Deer Park Country House Hotel is original and will help plan your made to measure wedding to the finest detail. With years of experience within the creative industry, we know how to make your wedding day spectacular!

Countryside Surrounding Deer Park Country House Hotel

How many weddings does Deer Park Country House Hotel hold per year on average?

We hold over 100 weddings at the Deer Park Country House Hotel each year, alongside private and corporate events.

How many rooms does Deer Park Country House Hotel have for guests to stay?

We have 34 stunning bedrooms including our luxury bridal suite tree house and self-catering house sleeping six adults, perfect for the bridal party the night before a wedding.

Tree House at Deer Park Country House Hotel

Is there other accommodation nearby for guests?

Yes, we have a range of luxury hotels nearby.

What is a typical working day like at Deer Park Country House Hotel?

There is never a typical day at Deer Park Country House Hotel; we never know how exciting our day will become.

We love to lavish attention in the finer details to create a perfect wedding day for our couples. This results in a relaxed couple who can really enjoy the lead up to their wedding and the day itself, safe in the knowledge everything is being taken care of by complete professionals.

Deer Park Country House Hotel Exterior

Describe Deer Park Country House Hotel in three words

Unique, exclusive, astounding.

What is your top tip for choosing the perfect wedding venue?

When choosing a venue you must make sure that you experience that warm, fuzzy feeling. Also, remember it has to be a decision you are both happy with.

The Walled Garden at Deer Park Country House Hotel

Random question… How would you spend £1,000,000?

As a millionaire I think I would probably keep at the adventure game, working on creative projects and trying to help other people with theirs.

Where can I find out more about is Deer Park Country House Hotel?

This post Getting to Know – Deer Park Country House Hotel first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Monday, February 26, 2018

Picture of the Day – Velvet Storm Photography

This post Picture of the Day – Velvet Storm Photography first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Two woman kissing - Picture by Velvet Storm Photography

Image © Velvet Storm Photography

Website: www.velvetstorm.co.uk

Blog: www.velvetstorm.co.uk/blog

This post Picture of the Day – Velvet Storm Photography first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

A Pretty Lavender and Silver Wedding in a Country Pub

This post A Pretty Lavender and Silver Wedding in a Country Pub first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Alyx and Cam’s Lincolnshire wedding is full of really lovely little touches which show that you don’t have to have a huge, lavish wedding if that’s not your thing.

Their wedding was a relaxed affair surrounded by their family and friends. Alyx and Cam had their wedding ceremony at Stamford registry office followed by a celebration at The Blue Bell. As their wedding took place in the summer their guests could enjoy the pub’s garden, especially the children (and I’m sure some adults) who had fun playing with bubbles.

The couple chose a lavender and silver wedding colour palette for their styling, and with pops of pink it really looks beautiful. I love the pretty bridal bouquets full of gorgeous summer flowers in lavender, whites and pinks. What makes these bouquets really cute are the little daisies with their vivid yellow centres.

For the tablescape and decor Alyx and Cam kept it simple, with crisp white table linen, potted lavender plants and handwritten luggage tag place names. So much of the wedding details were handmade, including tissue paper balls and flowers, candles in jars and bunting, all co-ordinated in the lavender and silver wedding colour scheme. The wedding cake looks so good, and again they kept it simple and chose a four tier naked cake with berries.

Bride and groom about to kiss

Alyx’s five bridesmaids wore stunning dresses in silvery grey to complement the styling. The mixture of strapless and cold shoulder detailed dresses, each with beaded detailing, looked great together.

The bridesmaid dress colour dresses really made Alyx’s white wedding dress stand out. This dress is incredible! She chose a white satin fit and flare dress with a dazzling intricately beaded neckline and back – the back really is something special!

The groom and his best man wore smart blue suits, Cam with a matching waistcoat, and silver grey ties to coordinate with the bridesmaids. If you’re a tattoo lover, these guys have got some pretty cool ink!

It’s really lovely to see so many children at a wedding, running around and having fun. The flower girls look like they had the most amazing day.

As I mentioned earlier, sometimes less is more. Weddings don’t necessarily have to be all about big blooms and lavish details. I hope you love these pictures by BGS Weddings as much as I do.

Stag head on wall

Wedding dress hanging on door

Wedding bouquets

Bridal bouquet with pink flowers, thistles and daisies

Bridal shoes and brooches on bouquet

Bride pretending to shave armpits

Bridesmaid doing bridal make-up

Bridesmaid taking picture of flower girl

Bridesmaids and flower girls in silver/grey dresses

Braid hairstyle

Bridesmaids doing up back of bride's dress

Bride looking over her shoulder

We Found Love

“Cameron and I have known of each other for years (small town life…). We both became single around the same time, “I saw Alyx out one night, she was so stunning. I knew she was the only girl for me”. We talked all night. I always remember the song that came on in the club – “Rihanna – We Found Love”. Cameron asked me on a date and the rest is history.

“Cameron proposed on my birthday, seven years ago. We were out on a Sunday and he said he had a surprise. We drove to Ketton, a small village on the outskirts of Stamford with a beautiful church. My mum and her family are all from there.

“As we stood outside the church Cameron asked “why are there so many people in there…?” (Sunday morning… in a church). He went to the back of the car and produced lots of beautiful bouquets of flowers. He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! After I answered yes he explained how he wanted to bring me here and ask me to marry him. His idea had been to decorate the church and ask me down the aisle (so romantic), but unfortunately Sunday morning isn’t the best time for an intimate moment in a village church.

“This church is very meaningful to me. I always thought I wanted a church wedding, and this was my mum and family’s church. When my mum passed away, I always felt connected to her when I spent time in Ketton.

“We took the beautiful flowers to my mum’s grave after; I’d never been so happy.”

Bride looking in mirror

Breath freshener with tag

Bride doing lipstick

Flower girl

Bridesmaid

Bride getting out of wedding car

Bride walking with flower girls

Groom, best man and pageboy waiting for bride

Wedding ceremony

Bride and groom facing each other

Flower girls watching wedding ceremony

Best man with tattoos on face

Bride and groom leave wedding ceremony

Looking at brooch on bride's bouquet

Buttonhole with lavender

Bride and groom walking through confetti shower

Beaded detail on back of bride's wedding dress

Lavender and Silver Wedding Colour Scheme

“We found most of our decoration ideas on Pinterest. Making tissue paper balls and flowers/candles in jars, sequins, balloons and bunting all co-ordinated in the lavender and silver wedding colour scheme. I loved making the decorations, with help from my lovely auntie Lorraine and my beautiful cousin Gabrielle.

“I bought our bridesmaid and flower girl dresses off eBay (no shame). They looked fantastic and were such great value.

Bride and bridesmaids in silver/grey dresses

Bride and groom walking in town

Bride and groom walking down street

Bride and groom walking up steps

Bride and groom by railing

Bride and groom holding hands

Bride and groom's shoes

Bride and groom seen through window of passing bus

Wedding table with lavender centrepiece

Luggage tag place card

Wedding place setting

The Blue Bell Pub

“The Blue Bell pub did an amazing job of our food. We had a strict budget which they worked within and exceeded our expectations. The Italian chef and owner made a fantastic spread of grilled and cooked meats, salads, olives, crusty bread, potatoes dishes, grilled vegetables. There was SO much food. Then our evening buffet was amazing, with selections of cold and hot, classic, buffet bits, all fresh and beautifully made.”

Naked wedding cake with berries

Naked wedding cake with berries

Child blowing bubbles

Bubble on child's hand

Child playing with bubble wand

Toddler eating at wedding

Everyone Had a Boogie

“It felt as though most of the planning and detail of the wedding fell to me, so Cameron decided to choose the first song dance. He took months to decide and in the end choose a beautiful acoustic version of ‘our song’, Rihanna’s “We Found Love”. It was so moving and meant so much to me.

“We hired a bouncy castle (the best £60 we spent) which kept children happy all day. The DJ was great too. Everyone had a boogie!”

Bride and groom with child

Bride listening to father of the bride speech

Father of the bride speech

Groom and best man listening to speech

Bride toasting

Groom speech

Wedding guests listening to groom speech

Bride speech

Groom and best man with flower girl

Memories

“When Alyx came down the aisle, it took my breath away. Having everyone we love together and seeing our beautiful children dressed so beautifully and enjoying the day.” – Cameron

“I loved the whole day. It really was the best. I am very close to my dad – he’s my best friend and means the world to me. When he read his speech, I was so touched, and I will always remember his words. Thank you dad.

“At the end of the night we rang for a taxi and off we went to the George Hotel of Stamford. As a wedding gift, my dad booked us a night there. The four poster bed and the bathroom were stunning; I have never known luxury like it.

“We arrived and had a look around, and then decided to order room service. We rang the desk and asked for tea and biscuits to be sent up, had a bath and laughed and reminisced over the day’s events. In the morning Cameron went to pick up our children and brought them back to the hotel so we could enjoyed the room as a family. It’s one of my favourite memories of all.”

Bride holding baby

Child playing with bubble wand

Child sticking tongue out

Girl blowing bubbles with bubble wand

Children running towards bride and groom

Bride and groom walking holding hands

Bride and groom walking down path

Bride and groom cutting wedding cake

Young girl playing with balloon on dance floor at wedding

Bride and groom first dance

Photography: BGS Weddings

Ceremony Venue: Stamford Register Office, Lincolnshire

Reception Venue and Catering: The Blue Bell Pub and Italian Restaurant, Stamford, Lincolnshire

Wedding Dress and Shoes: Blush Bridal Co

Bride’s Accessories and Bridesmaid Dresses: eBay

Suits: Ted Baker from Moss Bros

Flowers: The Flower House

Cake: Bride’s Auntie

Entertainment: DJ Hired via Venue, Bouncy Castle from Bourne Fun

This post A Pretty Lavender and Silver Wedding in a Country Pub first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Friday, February 23, 2018

Day of the Dead Hen Party with Colourful Florals

This post Day of the Dead Hen Party with Colourful Florals first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog

Are you looking for some seriously cool hen party inspiration? Well here it is! This Day of the Dead themed hen party is really fun and vibrant. With the launch of the recent Disney film, Coco, I thought now would be the perfect time to share these fabulous ideas.

Day of the Dead styling for parties and celebrations has been a big thing for a while now. For those who love the style and vibrancy but are not sure what it’s all about, here is a little insight…The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States, and is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey.

Vibrant, Bold and Colourful

The best thing about Day of the Dead is the colours and flamboyancy. Meghan and her hens took inspiration from the vibrancy of the concept and loosely based her special day around the theme. The invitations featured a cool Day of the Dead skull with floral details, and the floral theme carried through with some incredible floral arrangements in the styling.

Everything is bold and colourful, from the tablescape with an abundance of florals and cute place settings with tassel details, to the paper pom-pom garland and, not forgetting, the cute ‘Hip Hip Hooray’ bags decorated with coloured pop-poms and containing a beautiful marigold plant for each hen.

For the celebration each hen wore a fabulous large floral crown to complete the Day of the Dead of floral theme.

So, if you’re looking for a really fun, cool idea for hen party styling then I’m sure you will love these ideas. Grab a cuppa and have fun looking through these gorgeous pictures by The Leekers.

Day of the Dead hen party invitation

Bags of flowers for hen party

Arranging colourful flowers for Day of the Dead hen party

Table dressed with colourful flowers and tableware

Colourful place setting with napkin with tassels

Woman wearing colourful flower crown

Small cakes with yellow icing and purple flowers

Jar of colourful flowers Woman wearing colourful flower crown

Colourful flowers in centre of table

Napkin with colourful tassels

Woman with colourful flower crown and yellow eyeshadow Woman wearing colourful floral crown

Cake with colourful flowers on top

Woman wearing colourful floral crown Woman with colourful floral crown and pink eyeshadow

Colourful flowers

Cakes on table

Woman wearing colourful floral crown

Woman wearing colourful floral crown White cake topped with colourful flowers

Women on Day of the Dead hen party posing for group photograph

Photography: The Leekers

Flowers: I Bloom.

Rentals: Nostalgia Rentals

Paper Props: Ally B Designs

Cakes: Goldenrod Pastries

Stationery: Miranda Writes

Hair: Liz Peck

Make-Up: Amanda Lee Artistry

This post Day of the Dead Hen Party with Colourful Florals first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog