Wedding Planner – The Wedding Society

Janine & Adrian’s Wedding at Orset Hall

China Reynolds — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:12:06 +0000

Janine & Adrian's Wedding at Orsett Hall

I met the gorgeous Janine & Adrian earlier this year, and what a lovely couple they are. Janine was definitely the one working on her wedding vision, and Adrian, well I was sure he’d have been much happier with a beer watching American football!

Janine was bringing the Trinidadian vibe with a steel pan band Too Fly Creations, and Trini Gourmet firing up our tastebuds. My hubby was excited to try out another Caribbean island’s feast, that he actually packed a couple of containers to bring food home with him.

With Claudette of Florals of Splendour the venue stylist for this project, I knew we were getting a beautifully designed set of sustainable flowers. The colour scheme tasteful shades of blue, with a backdrop and centrepieces to match. DLT London were setting up the dancefloor as we arrived and promised that dry ice would be ready to go for the couple’s First Dance later that evening. Caletca whose beautiful cake I sadly didn’t get to try, had brought enough cake packs for each guest.

The lovely Trini Gourmet team had been ensconced at Orsett Hall Hotel as daylight broke, could not have been more helpful setting up the tables alongside the Florals of Splendour. With me on confetti duty, stuffing organza bags I had procured at 9:00am in Watford that morning, Ben learnt a new skill; tying chiffons across Chiavari chairs.

It’s at this point as all the vendors start arriving for their set up: DJ Simply E and MC Baba Mathew, who on seeing me later in the evening at the buffet with said containers, shouted down the microphone for me to “step away from the food!”

Before I knew it, it was time to pick up the Bride from her suite to meet her beau. The Flower Girl and Ring Bearers were beyond excited in their curated outfits; I hoped we could get them to the Chapel clean and tidy before one of them face-planted on the grass outside.

With the bridal party leading, the Bride and her father, made their way downstairs to the wedding car for a few photos and the short drive to the Chapel. It was great hearing the Trini and American accents as the guests were arriving excitedly for the Big Event.

The steelpan band were playing outside for the Bride’s arrival and inside the packed Chapel was her relative, Theo, who was playing the saxophone for the family for the first time. The photographer, Khurum Khan, was ready to capture the day and the ‘First Kiss’, which I had hoped would become a ‘Dip’ half way down the aisle.

It was good to see Natasha, who’s part of the wedding team at Orsett Hall Hotel waiting at the Chapel for me and the Bride. After a quick chat with the Registrars, we were ready to go. The wedding ceremony went extremely smoothly and as the Registrars left the building, the Bride’s friend and colleague, Sade, performed a heartfelt blessing for the couple and with that they both proceeded down the aisle to the sound of the saxophone, stopping halfway for The Kiss, which produced cheers from their guests.

By the end of the evening, my legs were groaning with pain and Ben’s feet hurt; we still had time to shake a leg on the 360° photobooth and then it was time for the drive home. We both would like to wish Janine & Adrian a wonderful life together, and we appreciated the privilege of being a part of their Big Day!

The post Janine & Adrian’s Wedding at Orset Hall first appeared on The Wedding Society.

Jasmine & Jacks Wedding and Nomadic Dinners, Chalfont St Giles

China Reynolds — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 17:38:40 +0000

Jasmine & Jack’s Wedding – Nomadic Dinners, Chalfont St Giles

With summer coming to an abrupt ending on Jas & Jack’s big day, it would be easy to start to be pessimistic about an outdoor festival wedding in the rain. Thankfully the heaven’s sent the sun out to shine on Jasmine’s bridal procession. With their dog Apollo leading the wedding party to the flower arch under the tree lined canopy, and Jack waiting patiently for his beautiful bride, this was going to be a very different wedding.

The landscape leading to the wedding ceremony is green and lush. Guests had travelled in from Canada and the US to be a part of the celebration. Once the celebrant led ceremony was over, Hektor, the photographer and Joseph, the videographer, lined up guests for the customary confetti shot, which a little twist. Bubble guns were distributed to guests and as the newly-weds walked down the aisle, the air was bursting with bubbles in all the colours of the rainbow. It was both visually stunning and dreamlike. But if I thought this was the highlight of the day, the speeches were going to top that.

Back in the dining tent, Christina of Yorkie Wraps, was finalising the wedding breakfast, cooked over an open fire. The Yorkie Wraps were most welcome, with my assistants, Abigail and Caithlin starting to feel the chill after being outside all afternoon. With guests now warm and toastie, MC Dan ‘Ding’ Graham opened the floor to speeches. The Bride, as should be, came first followed by her father, Riad whose funny, kind and poignant words touched everyone. The Groom as charming as ever, praised his good fortune (or as his brother would say ‘jammy’) in meeting Jasmine.

As any good parent will tell you, they don’t have a favourite but when it comes to speeches, big brother Dan ‘Ding’ Graham won all the accolades for the night’s speeches. His anecdotes relating to he and his brother’s escapades had me roaring with laughter. I’ll never see a Chess piece without thinking of Jack, and his meteoric rise to a quarter final Chess champion without actually winning a game, or knowing how to play Chess.

Before I knew it, the Father & Daughter dance was taking place, followed by the First Dance for Jasmine & Jack. With DJ Kieran firing up his decks and the guests ready to dance, I packed up my case and walked back to my trusty steed for the journey home. Sadly I missed the opportunity to try Harvey of Pura Vida Taco’s evening feast but there I’m sure there’ll be another wedding, another day.

Thank you, Jasmine and Jack, for the fabulous opportunity of supporting and celebrating your nuptials. I wish you both a wonderful life together, forever x

The post Jasmine & Jacks Wedding and Nomadic Dinners, Chalfont St Giles first appeared on The Wedding Society.

The Bridal Masterclass

China Reynolds — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The Bridal Masterclass

On another grey day in February, I was booked to attend The Bridal Masterclass at the majestic @AshridgeHouse in Berkhamsted. Even on a grey day if you’re looking for a spectacular venue for your wedding, Ashridge House will not disappoint. The Main Hall, with its fabulous entrance reception, staircase and hanging tapestries, cannot fail to impress.

On another grey day in February, I was booked to attend The Bridal Masterclass at the majestic Ashridge House in Berkhamsted. Even on a grey day if you’re looking for a spectacular venue for your wedding, Ashridge House will not disappoint. The Main Hall, with its fabulous entrance reception, staircase and hanging tapestries, cannot fail to impress.

Ashridge House began life as a monastery in 1283 to house a holy relic. After the dissolution of the monasteries, Ashridge became the property of Henry VIII and the future Queen Elizabeth I. The 190 acres of landscaped gardens are a testament to Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the famous landscape architect who, in 1760, began work on the parkland creating the Golden Valley.

We started the day in The Old Library. Teas, coffees and enough Danish pastries to add another kilo to my hips; it was a chance to network but to be truthful, I spent my time scanning the stunning surroundings. We were then gently rounded up and welcomed into The Lady Marian Alford room, with marble fireplaces and an elaborately decorated ceiling; a feast for the eyes.

Finding yourself at a table of professionals you’ve never met is always daunting. Fortunately, my table was a mix of established wedding planners, a venue specialist and a new destination planner. It was wonderful to find Sian Belton of Busy Brides Weddings a couple of tables along! My introduction to professional weddings was under the kind tutelage of Sian, and for that, I’m very thankful.

I found the day, hosted by The Bridal Masterclass , extremely helpful and uplifting. The Art of Revenue gave me insight into how to structure my services and grow the business and how we can support fellow wedding professionals.

With course and networking over, and no network connection on my phone, I unthinkingly drive home, hoping my instincts are strong as Google Maps is unavailable. I wonder if my fellow chatty ladies, White Ivy Flowers and White Violet Events, missed their exit on the motorway home again?!

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