What is your most memorable wedding?
The most memorable wedding I have worked on was held in the Walled Gardens of The Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire. It was the hottest day of the summer last year, the gardens looked beautiful despite the heat. The couple married in secret, an intimate ceremony, with just 15 of their closest family in attendance. The next day they threw a party with friends and extended family to share the news. I styled both the wedding and the party. It was truly beautiful and very special to be a part of.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Modern Bright Luxe Artisan Beautiful
What about your business are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the reviews I have received from the couples I have worked with and the relationships I have built with fellow wedding suppliers. Together we have created beautiful and inspiring wedding décor ideas and inspiration for couples looking for new and fresh ideas.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Value your own time above all else. Suppliers are there to provide a service, you could probably do elements of the decor and setting up yourself, but do you really want to? Schedule time for spending with family, relaxing and being pampered on the morning of the wedding.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Personal touches can be any way a couple personalises their ceremony or reception and it isn't limited to décor. It could be a mention of absent friends or family members, using specific flowers or herbs in your wedding bouquet for remembrance, bringing your story into your wedding, having family and friends involved or making your own favours or table numbers. I love a wedding that screams personality. My favourite personal touch has to be a bride who brought her vintage VW Beetle to her venue and had it decorated with a beautiful garland flowers.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
The process for designing and styling is different for each couple, depending on needs, budget and the couples own input. Generally enquires are made and a consultation is arranged to chat through ideas to see if we are a good match. I will then provide inspiration either if the couple doesn't yet have ideas or to demonstrate my understanding of their wedding vision. We discuss budget and the elements of decor that suit the wedding styling. The couple decides if they would like to reserve their date and books in. I then draw up a proposal and look book after a venue visit and walkthrough the styling. I source props and cross hire decor that I don't have in my collection. I keep in touch in the weeks leading to the venue, we do a final styling consultation and I complete a styling plan and set up time plan. I contact the venue to introduce myself, provide my documents and arrange delivery and set up times and collection the next day. On the morning of the wedding I take care of all the styling with my team and oversee other visual suppliers.
What is the best themed wedding you have worked at?
The most modern and creative wedding I have worked on to date was a beautifully bold botanical wedding with plenty of Monstera leaf garlands, tall table arrangements, luxury gold tableware and acrylic 'ghost' chairs in a boutique hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
What are the decorative trends with brides currently?
Interiors are really influencing wedding decor at the moment. Anything from geometric detailing to brass and glass accessories, Scandinavian trends, monochrome and candlelight. The bohemian and artisan trend is creeping into Essex weddings more and more and statement florals on tall floral stands and cylinder vases are becoming more popular. Couples aren't just decorating tables, they are looking around the venue to find other areas to accessorise and are continuing the theme across the whole venue. Candlelight is as popular as ever with lanterns and candlesticks overtaking traditional tea lights on tables. Balloons, giant, sunk in pools or in huge organic garlands are beginning to creep into wedding decor as couples look for other ways to create something different and impactful.
What is your signature finishing touch?
My signature finishing touch is simply attention to detail. Polished glass and straight candles are a MUST!
What decoration do you think every wedding needs?
I don't think every wedding needs a particular decoration, except obviously table centres on guest tables. I like to see a couples personality and story at every wedding. Where they have come from and where they are going together is a good start.