We had an absolutely amazing wedding at Chalkney Water Meadows. The Browning Brothers team were incredible from start to end. We worked with Fiona and then Holly as our events organizers and we loved them both to pieces. Holly made regular contact with us and both ladies were great at answering any questions we had and working to accomodate any requests we had of the day. Companies always claim to be close-knit families but the team at Browning Brothers truly are in every way.
We were able to get the venue on the day before the wedding with ample time to set up. Holly was there to help introduce us to the venue and also to help guide us with the best way to set up. She really got stuck in helping us shift things around and we couldn't be more grateful. The team are just so proactive and responsive. The maintenance crew turned up when a fridge wasn't going cold and the ladies came by to assist with the tents when somebody wanted an extra bed last minute. Anything we needed, the team were there to help or answer.
The wedding day ran flawlessly. Holly and the team were busy behind the scenes co-ordinating so everybody always knew where they needed to be. The team were excellent at getting the food and drinks out to the right people at the right time and making sure myself and my husband kept on time.
The venue really is one of a kind. There are beautiful lakes and forests that you can walk trails around. The 3 piece giant tipi is an incredible centrepiece. I loved getting married on the pontoon in front of one of those gorgeous lakes. If you are someone that likes the outdoors or wants something very laid-back, boho-chic and just naturally beautiful - this is the venue for you. Every single one of our guests were just raving about how much they loved the location.
I love the flexibility the team offered. You can choose your own food vendors and the team have a really long and extensive list of vendors you can pick from, or suggest your own. There are vendors for all sorts of food types and styles. We went for BBQ with Essex Hog Roast and pizza with Danton and Marshall events. We chose to not have set tables and everybody loved just sitting out on the picnic blankets, in the big tipi at the table or under the smaller tipi at the tables or bales there. Our guests said it was the most food and drink they had had at any wedding and they loved being able to do their own thing all day.
The venue also have many other partnered vendors they can suggest. We worked with Nichola from Bespoke Celebrant Ceremonies as our celebraant and Matt Wing as our photographer. The Browning Brothers vendor list is just full of amazing and wonderful people. They all really just "got" what we were about and what we wanted from a wedding.
We rented out both of the lodges on the venue as well as several of the glamping tents. The bridesmaids got ready in the Water Lily lodge (the bigger one that sleeps 6) and my husband and I stayed for a few days after in the Kingfisher lodge (sleeps 2).
Both lodges look out over the big lake and the views are just stunning and unrivalled. The lodges are secluded so you cannot see anybody else and they have their own quiet views onto the lake. We all enjoyed a dip in the hotubs at both lodges. The Kingfisher's lodge also benefits from a sauna. The sauna and the hottub look out over the lake, so we enjoyed sitting in one of them and watching the sun go down together. The lodges are beautifully furnished and really fit the vibe. The team did an amazing job putting them together. At night the uplighters go on dim and it just creates the most cozy and romantic atmosphere, so we could stay in our newlywed bubble for days after the wedding.
All ~70 people who came to the wedding would thoroughly recommend Browning Brothers and the Chalkney Water Meadows venue to others for weddings or general events. We couldn't fault a single thing and we are looking forward to returning to the venue each year for a stay in one of the cabins. The venue and all the people assisting will always have a special place in our hearts.