Its September, so we have started our last month of 2011 weddings. This weekend we had the pleasure of Sarah and John's wedding. Sarah's family have owned a holiday home in Georgeham (our nearest village) for many years so this area means a lot to them.
John's Mum chose a 'master' florist, Karen from 'Inflowers' in Exeter who is a friend of the family's (having arranged the flowers for John's sister and brother's weddings too).
I loved watching the team working and seeing how this delicate operation of putting gypsophila into oasis turned it into this beautiful candle surround.
They did a really good job. The stairs came alive with a cream and white floral garland.
There were two big urn's either side of our central bay window.
We lent our lovely driftwood flower sculpture (made by Ted, see 'Sam and Ted wedding' blog post) and they did a great job of filling it with flowers and ymaking it look so different to the last time it was used.
In the centre of every table there was a stunning candleabra with five candles and flowers flowing down to gather around the base.
The Top Table really stood out with the flowers and foliage filling the front.
The chair covers were white with cream satin sashes. The pallet of neutral colours perfectly complimented our ballroom.
The result was this beautiful, elegant room. All ready for the guests to fill.
Sarah (with the help of her mum and a couple of the bridesmaids i think!) put together this wonderful table plan herself. It followed the design through to the place-cards and table names. Very creative!
As a joke, Sarah's hilarious dad Gary, had these mugs made especially for the occasion. Every guest took one home and i now have mine proudly sitting on my mug shelf too!
The cakes were delicious! (I know because i was given a couple on Sunday) They were cup-cakes made with almonds and decorated beautifully. Thank you to Gill who is a long-standing friend of the family. They were devoured in the evening after the fish and chip boxes. Mmmmmmm.
Sarah and John were married in Georgeham Church. I knew they had transport arranged but it was a surprise to us (and Sarah) as to what the transport was. What a fab car..
I love the way they tied in the flowers on the 'just married' sign to the displays in the ballroom.
There were a few canapes going around. I did manage to get a picture of one of them...westcountry chicken caesar tartlets.
The weather had been blowy and wintry all morning and we had all agreed to have the drinks reception inside. Just as Sarah and John stepped out of the car though, the sun started shining! With a quick change of plan we took everything outside and had a lovely hour in the sun before the wedding breakfast.
Lee and Kris created the most gorgeous meal. Each course was hot, so it meant lots of oven time for Lee.
The menu was gressingham duck breast salad with bacon and galic croutes to start. The main was fillet of seabass with lyonnaise potato and bearnaise sauce, followed by a dessert of bread and butter pudding scented with orange and a vanilla pod custard. I'm now feeling really hungry.
Instead of a guest book, Sarah and John chose to have a wishing tree. Guests were invited to write notes and wishes and attach them to the branches.
A caricaturist arrived to entertain guests while we changed the room around for the evening. A great idea to fill the lull between the wedding breakfast and the evening beginning.
The band 'Limited Company' were really good. I don't think i've ever seen so much equipment in our ballroom, but the sound was great and the dancefloor was heaving all night. The first dance started all very slow and romantic and then suddenly switched into 'rock around the clock' to the most hilarious routine. John's moves will stay in my mind for a long time to come....!
It was a lovely day and a good time was had by all. Congratulations Sarah and John x