What is your most memorable wedding?
I think it's the one where during the last song of the evening, the crowd were singing the chorus of "Never Forget" by Take That so loud, in a circle around the Bride and Groom, that they tripped the sound limiter in the venue, silencing my speakers and turning off my lighting. They didn't miss a beat - they kept singing and actually kept perfect time and as the power came back, I was able to fade the music back up underneath them singing as if nothing had happened.
One of my favourite moments pre-booking, was a Bride-to-be telling me she was having a "Cinderella" themed wedding, and that she really didn't care what her two sisters thought!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Creative, Organised, Professional, Flexible, Experienced
What about your business are you most proud of?
I love being able to make peoples ideas for a great wedding day a reality. With many years of experience, a huge music collection (all legally purchased), a garage-sized room full of equipment and lighting (that makes my other-half roll her eyes) and a creative nature - if a couple have an idea they really want to happen during their ceremony or reception - I'll help them make it happen.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don't let a venue tell you how your wedding is going to run - you tell them. If you want dinner later than their normal time, tell them. If you want to do your speeches before the main course, tell them. As long as you plan it and tell them beforehand, nothing should be a problem. It sounds "Diva-ish", but you really should be THE most important people that day, and the venue and your other suppliers should strive to do things your way.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Tiny wooden hearts all over the table instead of plastic shiny confetti bits. These hearts had the couple's names and wedding date on them. They were so lovely, I tracked down the supplier and now offer the hearts as an add-on to any package.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I usually meet with a couple over a coffee somewhere (either at their venue, or in a coffee shop or bar) before taking their booking. That gives the couple a proper view of me, rather than a picture on a screen. We can chat about the day in detail, work out what is wanted and build the perfect package. I can answer any questions and explain the next steps and of course give a price.
I'll chat with the couple several times in the time between booking and the wedding day, and that way all the details can be double-checked way before their wedding day.
What makes a romantic first dance?
A track special to the couple. It doesn't have to be a slow track, or waltzed around the dancefloor. It should mean something special to the newlyweds, and it doesn't matter if everyone else knows what that is. It's lovely to see a couple look into each others eyes as they sing a meaningful line, or laugh together as they share a memory from their first-date. Whatever that track is, it's always romantic.
What is your number one floor-filler?
Oh this is embarrassing - I can't pick just one. There are so many tracks that always seem fill the dancefloor - from Elvis & Chuck Berry, all the way through the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s (Noughties?), and we're going around again now with the 10s and 20s... It seems really old now, but "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas is a great party starter that I've been asked to open with after the first dance, and a lot of people still surprise me by asking for "Plenty of 80s and 90s Cheese".
Which band from the past would you most like to have been part of?
Perhaps Rainbow, in the early days. Their drummer (Cozy Powell) was absolutely amazing. I learned drums in school and I'd have loved to have half of his ability.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
It sounds like a cliché, but music really WAS my first love. I don't think I've found a style of music that I can't listen to and enjoy. I've been really lucky to be in a music related profession for all these years!