R & N's Wedding

In the Wedding Planning community, it’s common and encouraged for new planners to work with those experienced in the business to learn on the job.  This week I’ve had the pleasure of assisting Beth Carlisle, owner, senior wedding and event stylist for Miss Carlysle & Co.

We’re working on the styling of Rhea and Nathan’s wedding, who have chosen the beautiful and newly refurbished Horwood House Hotel, deep in lush Buckinghamshire countryside.

Horwood House has a rich history which dates back many centuries. Originally a farmhouse some 300 years ago, the Manor House was upgraded in the early 1900s by Frederick Denny. 

However, the building is best known as being the birthplace of the famous gardener, Percy Thrower, who created their fabulous lily pond and the beautifully manicured Pytheas Gardens that surround the hotel. These gardens have proved to be a rich source of inspiration for the new interior scheme within the Manor’s £6 million refurbishment.

The wedding ceremony will take place in the Drawing Room of the Manor House section of Horwood House. We’re decorating the lime washed Chiavari chairs in readiness for the ceremony and wedding breakfast.  The florist has created a wonderful display is pastel flowers which will perfectly complement the bride’s dress. But the pièce de resistance is the showstopping feather wall Beth has bought, with a feature “Happily Ever After” neon sign.

After another early start, Beth, Hannah and I dress the chairs with white chiffon sashes and silver brooches in the Cook Suite, for the wedding breakfast.  Setting up the feather wall is a little more complicated. The edges of the wall are being framed with white balloons of assorted sizes, and we need to get a wiggle on to finish in time for the balloon lady to complete her project. Our joint effort produces a result and with a little teasing of the feathers, and the neon sign lit up, we step back to admire our work.

The Groom and groomsmen have been checking the weather reports on the possibility of rain, as the ceremony had been due to take place by the lily pond. As this year has not been kind to outside weddings, they reluctantly make the decision to hold the ceremony inside. The Miss Carlysle team move into the Drawing Room to arrange and dress the chairs for the wedding ceremony. The florist has created wonderful pastel aisle and table displays, which along with the dressed Chiavari chairs, look delightful.

With the DJ set up and the sounds of 90s R&B filling the room, we take one last walk around to ensure our work is immaculate and everything is in place.

As we leave the building, their guests are beginning to arrive in a blaze of peach, emerald green and baby blues. The sun blessed the couple by finally putting his hat on; what a beautiful day for a wedding!