This summer I co-ordinated an incredible wedding reception and lunch party for Tatiana and Will and their seventy friends and family. Although this was a relatively small number for a wedding as wedding's go, the level of intricacy involved was extremely challenging. But who doesn't love a challenge?
The celebrations were held at the bride's exquisite family home and garden, down a small country lane (with limited access) in a quintessential sleepy Cotswolds village. Catherine, the lovely Mother of the Bride, chief gardener and my point of contact, was the CEO of the celebrations with input from the bride, groom and Pascal - the FotB and CFO! The bride's vision was a classical English wedding with influences from Portugal (her father's side) and Paris (her and Will's home). Consequently there was a design theme of blue and white running through all elements; from the invitations, the delicate place mats, napkins and crockery (from Maison Margaux) to the ink on the place cards. English silverware was used everywhere possible - candelabras, serving dishes, wine coolers, trays and flower vessels (Rob Van Helden).
The guests (a mix of Canadian, English, Portuguese and French) arrived at the church via an old London double decker bus - slightly delayed by roadworks at Stow-on-the-Wold and the odd wrong turn on the pick up route - luckily it did not dampen the spirits! Music was incredibly important to the family and a musical director co-ordinated a choir and musicians to fill the church with favourite musical pieces and songs. Following the service and a peel of bells from the local bell-ringers, a Highland piper led the guests back to the house.
On arrival guests enjoyed vintage Champagne served by the family's favourite Portuguese waiters in the late afternoon sun on the terrace. The food and flowers were provided by the fabulous Matilda Carr of 'by Matilda', an absolute creative genius who makes the most delicious menus and styles everything so beautifully - see photos as words cannot do her creations justice. An authentic sperry tent by Boutique Marquees served as the dining space. The incredibly talented photographer Lucy Birkhead captured the couple and speeches throughout the evening.
Later the younger guests peeled off, armed with espresso martinis, to the pool area which had been transformed into a dance floor with music by Vince Dunn's big band.
The next day was more relaxed but still a busy one, tidying up from the night before, clearing away the hundred or so storm lanterns and candles and, for Matilda's team, re-setting the table and refreshing the flowers. Luckily the sun was shining and guests were in high spirits from the night before, eager for Bloody Marys and more of Matilda's delicious food and a dip in the pool. For me, the fun of finding and packing up all the hired vessels was just beginning!
Of course a few things didn't go to plan. Despite best efforts, the beer barrel taps never arrived so a beer run was needed during dinner. The mini-bus driver decided not to do the last run of the evening but fortunately there were a few non-drinkers able to ferry the last party-goers home.
This was such an exciting, complex and creative project to work on and I'm so pleased to have played a part in pulling everything together. The intricate nature of the events and the numerous suppliers involved - at least 14 different companies, some local, some London - made this hugely testing and equally rewarding.
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