Robert and Wayne’s Civil Ceremony – Saturday 3rd October 2009
Robert and Wayne’s civil ceremony took place in the chapel at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel, and what a truly wonderful day it was too. It began an hour earlier, before the ceremony, with welcome drinks for their guests being served in the bar area, while a string trio was playing live music in the back ground
The start of my day
My day started much earlier than the couple and guests. Robert and Wayne took advantage of hiring me for a couple of packages, one of which included the on the day package to co-ordinate the day – they didn’t want the stress on the day spoiling things for them
The happy couple gave strict instructions to the venue for them not to be disturbed, well only by myself. The on-the-day co-ordination package includes front line management, the timing of the day, organising my suppliers and looking after the couples guests. Details included table plans, finishing touches of tables, which included the organising of where people are sitting, placing of name cards and the cake, sitting order, over seeing the day, dealing with any problems that may accure and dealing with them as and when required
A wonderful and memorable ceremony
What a memorable ceremony it was. Robert and Wayne had live music playing while their guests entered the chapel, during the signing of the register, and also while the couple and guests was leaving. Wayne and Robert’s witnesses walked down the aisle a minute or so before the happy couple. Robert and Wayne walked down the aisle to their favorite song, walking hand in hand whilst Robert was holding the ring cushion along with the rings and a rose all tied up with a bow
One of there friends stood up and gave a reading. It was very heartfelt. After the reading she gave them both a hug, it was very emotional. Robert and Wayne then took there vows, this was followed by more live music and photography
After the ceremony
After the ceremony the couple walked along the red carpet to be served champagne. This was closely followed by their guests to be served more welcome drinks – what lucky guests they were, they were truly looked after
After the serving of the drinks, the photographer began taking photographs in the bar area, and then proceeded outside in the beautiful gardens
Finishing touches
While the guests were outside I put the finishing touches to the parkside restaurant, then I lit the candles. It looked and smelt amazing – with the fragrance from the roses, flowers, herbs on the table centerpiece display, the reflections from the mirrors underneath and the musicians playing in the back ground… ’well’ it looked fantastic, but see for yourself, here is a photo below
The look on Wayne and Roberts face when they entered the parkside restaurant, just said it all to me really
The speeches
When it came to the speeches, the best man Paul did a great job, he entertained everyone with his wit and charm, I think he may have done this before. He did a great job, and I am sure that the couple must have be very pleased
Robert made a truly memorable speach, and especially when he included myself in this. I was totally taken a back with what they said to me and about me, this will stay with me forever. I had to fight back the tears when Robert and Wayne presented me with this fantastic display of flowers. See the photos below
After the speeches and more photos, the party continued back into the chapel where Wayne and Roberts evening reception had started. The couple had there first dance, it was so romantic, then straight after there dance every got up to join in with there celebrations, this was so lively, and every go into the spirit of the occasion. We took over a few rooms over at Bestwood Lodge including the conservatory and the Sherwood room. We used the conservatory for displaying the cake, chocolate fountain, and the buffet area. We used the Sherwood room for a small bar, and a quiet sitting area for guests
I hope Wayne Robert and guests enjoyed this special day half as much as I did.
At the end of the evening when I knew my work had been done, and the party was in full swing I left Robert and Wayne with there guests to carry on partying on to the small hours of the morning
Thank you
I would like to say a special big thank you to all the staff at Bestwood Lodge, for all of there kindness and hard work on the day. Also a big thank you to the chef who provided that lovely food. I am looking forward to working with you all again soon
I also would like to say a big big thank to the great Nero string Trio for there amazing music, added a lovely atmosphere on the day, very professional
Also a big thank you to Vaas the florists, outstanding work. The work speaks for its self, such a high standard
I will be in trouble if I don’t say a big thank you to my lovely husband who did my photography, which included all my table and detailed shots for my website, thank you. He did go a little beyond his role as a photographer, I told him he would only there for a couple of hours, he ended up being there all day, returning home with my self late evening. He was another pair of invaluable hands on the day, and I am very grateful. www.bwp-by-rk.co.uk
And lastly but not least a big thanks to the team at velvet chocolate fountains, great presentation, and I was told yummy chocolate and dips
Congratulations
A message to Wayne and Robert. It was an honor and a privilege to have helped create, plan and co-ordinate your special day. I hope I have truly created that Wow factor that you was asking for. I hope we can keep in touch in the future
“Congratulations you guys”