Gaby & Mayowa: A Beautiful Fusion Wedding at The Elvetham Hotel

Behind the scenes: Let the wedding day begin!

Our first stop was upstairs to check in on the bride and her bridesmaids. The bridal suite was already buzzing with excitement, with Abis Hair and Sincerely Carmel working their magic with brushes, hairdryers and all the essentials for bridal perfection.

There’s always something lovely about finally putting faces to names. Meeting Gaby’s besties, her little sister and Mayowa’s sisters made the morning feel even more special. These are the people who have shared so much of a couple’s journey, and seeing them all together on such an important day is one of the real pleasures of wedding planning.  Meanwhile, Ben and I headed to The Library to catch up with the team from Mel’s Meals and check how the reception setup was progressing. As expected, everything was under control, with the final table adjustments being made.

Over in the Chapel, Eventie Styling and Olivia Brooke Florals were busy creating a beautiful ceremony setting. The pew ends were being dressed with flowers, while a spectacular broken floral arch in shades of purple and mauve was taking shape. It was romantic, elegant and the perfect backdrop for Gaby and Mayowa to say their vows.  Back in The Library, with the linens laid and the tables looking wonderful, Ben and I got to work placing the table names and guest name cards. Those finishing touches might seem small, but they make a real difference to the overall look and feel of a wedding reception.

Elsewhere, DJ Jah and CJ iDJ were busy transporting sound equipment into The Oak Room, preparing to get everyone onto the dance floor later that evening.  And that’s the beauty of a wedding day: while the couple are getting ready to enjoy their moment, there’s an entire team of talented suppliers working behind the scenes to make sure everything comes together seamlessly.  Our job? To keep all those moving parts moving in the right direction.

A moment before the music begins

We spotted Mayowa having his photographs taken by Nicola Omotayo Photography, with his grooms woman and parents alongside him.  There’s always something exciting about watching a couple’s ideas become reality. The flowers, the tables, the music, the carefully chosen details – suddenly, everything they’ve been imagining for months is right there in front of them.  Of course, behind the beautiful scenes, there’s a little pressure. Every supplier wants to deliver their very best, and the clock keeps ticking regardless! That’s where having an experienced wedding coordination team makes such a difference. We keep an eye on the details, communicate with the suppliers and make sure everyone knows what needs to happen next.  Soon, it was time to get Mayowa into position and guide the guests towards the Chapel.

The gospel choir and band were getting ready, videographers were finding their positions between the pews, and Dr Solosax was preparing his amp and saxophone for the bride’s grand entrance.

The anticipation was building.

Here comes the bride!

With Gaby’s father and the other members of the bridal party ready, Dr Solosax began to play. The bridesmaids and family members made their way down the aisle, each adding to the excitement of the moment.

Then came Gaby.

Looking remarkably composed – perhaps even more so than her understandably emotional father – she began her final walk as a single woman to Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You.  It was a beautiful choice, full of soul and meaning. The Chapel was filled with that wonderful mixture of love, anticipation and emotion that makes a wedding ceremony so special. 

Once the doors closed behind the bridal party, Ben and I settled into our positions outside the Chapel, ready to help everything flow smoothly into the next part of the day.  We were waiting for the recessional music to begin when something rather unexpected happened.  Before we had even made it back inside, there they were – Gaby and Mayowa, appearing beside us!  Apparently, Mayowa had decided the ceremony was quite enough standing still for one day. It was time to get the celebrations started!  We couldn’t help but laugh. And honestly, what better way to begin married life than with a groom who was already ready to party?

Cocktails, sunshine and heartfelt speeches

The cocktail hour was a delight.  With the sun shining and drinks flowing, the atmosphere felt wonderfully Mediterranean. For a little while, you could almost imagine we were on a beautiful island somewhere, rather than enjoying a wedding in the Hampshire countryside.  Guests mingled, caught up with family and friends, and soaked up the sunshine. It was the perfect opportunity to relax after the ceremony and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of The Elvetham Hotel.

Then came the speeches – and what a collection of emotions they brought with them.  There was laughter, there were heartfelt words, and there were certainly a few tears. The best speeches do more than entertain; they tell the story of two people through the eyes of those who know and love them best. Gaby and Mayowa were surrounded by so much affection, and it was wonderful to see their families and friends celebrating them.

Later, some guests discovered another little treat in the garden, sampling beautiful fragrances from Ribbon & Bow. It was a lovely addition to the afternoon and another opportunity for guests to enjoy something a little different.  These are the details that make a wedding feel personal. It’s not simply about creating a beautiful setting; it’s about creating an experience that reflects the couple and gives their guests something memorable to enjoy.