Rachel and Fiyin’s Spring wedding day was so full of love and laughter!  Surrounded by family and friends, they created so many beautiful memories that will be cherished forever.

We caught up with them to relive their special day and give you a glimpse into just how much fun was had, from those loud “Yam Seng” to the incredible traditional wedding attires…

How did you meet and what’s the proposal story?

We met for the first time through mutual friends who invited a bunch of us to a pizza night in Shoreditch. We didn’t actually speak after that until the same friends invited us to a karaoke event, they hosted a year later. Honestly, if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be together!

The proposal happened on our bucket list trip to Iceland. We had just polished off dinner at a restaurant in Reykjavik and before heading back to the hotel we decided to go for a walk around the stunning Harpan concert hall to take some pictures. It was at this time that Fiyin, being the opportunist that he is, decided to get down on one knee and propose!

Why did you choose Millbridge Court?

Initially we didn’t really have an idea of what kind of wedding we wanted, but we came across Millbridge Court online and were really impressed by the aesthetic and how it seemed both modern and classic at the same time. The location also suited us well as we were London-based and wanted it to be easily accessible for our friends and family, but at the same time it was remote enough to feel like a countryside escape. With Rachel being a passionate foodie, the catering was also something that caught our eye from the get-go with impressive menu options offered by Kalm Kitchen.

Ultimately, we are so glad that we went with Millbridge given that from the moment we reached out, they had been really responsive, personable and eager to help which meant a great deal to us, especially throughout the planning process.

What did you love about having a Spring wedding?

Having a Spring wedding was one thing we were set on from the start of the planning process. It’s that time of year when the skies start to get brighter, but it doesn’t get overwhelmingly hot during the day and the sun sets later in the evening. Of course, with Spring comes the blossoming of nature and wildlife, and there was just something so beautiful about the symbolism of new beginnings at springtime which made the idea of having a spring wedding all the more special.

Tell us more about your suppliers and why you chose them.

We chose Philipa Day as our florist as we loved her organic style using a combination of flowers and colours that perfectly suited the fresh spring theme we were going for.

From the moment we came across Emma Jane Lewis’ portfolio online, we knew that we wanted her to photograph our wedding. Her photos are romantic, candid, and editorial all at the same time and there were so many key moments throughout the day that we’ll always be able to look back on thanks to her.

Our decision to hire a photobooth was a pretty last minute call but might have been one of the best things we decided to do! Picture Blast provided a really easy booking experience and set up on the day without a hitch. Our guests loved taking photos with the fun accessories it came with – and the best part is, the photos were all saved digitally so it was very amusing looking through them all when the link was sent to us!

We made the conscious decision to get our friends and family involved in some parts of the day too. It made the day so much more meaningful knowing some of our nearest and dearest also had a part to play in our big day.

Were there any family traditions that featured in your day?

At the end of the meal, we went around to each table to toast our guests – a Chinese wedding tradition called ‘Yam Seng’ (equivalent meaning to ‘Cheers’ in Cantonese), Rachel’s dad encouraged everyone to raise their glasses and shout “Yam Seng” at the top of their lungs. It definitely brought plenty of laughter and even a little bit of competition between the tables as to who was the loudest!

Our first dance then featured the two of us in traditional Yoruba wedding attire which were custom made for us in Nigeria. We danced our way into the reception hall surrounded by friends and family before our Nigerian guests sprayed us with cash – talk about a grand entrance!

Tell us something that we wouldn’t know about your day from the pictures.

The food was absolutely incredible. It was one of the things our guests kept bringing up as a key highlight from the day; from the canapés to the bountiful sharing platters and the late-night snacks, it was all so delicious and beautifully plated. Hats off to the Kalm Kitchen team for doing such a fantastic job!

Favourite part of your wedding journey?

The day itself! The planning process was tough at times and there were days when we were both questioning “is this really worth all the stress?”, but when the day came, all of that faded away as we were surrounded by the ones we love and were reminded of what the day was really about.

Any words of wisdom for future couples?

Throw any expectations you have for the day out of the window and just focus on being present and making the most of it. Find five minutes for just the two of you together to take everything in and appreciate the moment. This might be the only time you’ll see all your loved ones under the same roof, and it flies by much quicker than you’d think!

We are always so excited to receive a gallery from The Springles, and with the autumnal light hitting just right, we simply had to share a snippet of Maya & Adam’s wedding day from October last year.  From the bohemian dress from Farnham Boutique to the tables adorned with mini white pumpkins the day was such a pleasure to host.

How did you meet?

We were introduced by our mutual friend Hatice at University.  Adam studied Forensic Computing and I studied Musical Theatre – so definitely not in the same buildings!

Why did you choose Millbridge Court?

By the time we visited Millbridge Court we had seen around 8 venues.  We wanted a space that was light and airy with beautiful countryside surroundings.

The thing that stood out most was the attention to detail and support from staff on the day!

We love the attention to detail from your day! What was your main inspiration?

We absolutely wanted to capture the autumnal time of year throughout our day.  Adam proposed outside our first home just after Halloween, so there were pumpkins everywhere.  Once we found our florist we knew these had to be incorporated in our decorations.

 

Who took charge of the planning or was it a shared experience?

It was definitely a shared experience, which was lovely as we both had equal input into our day.  We booked Millbridge just before the first lockdown so we spent a lot of hours in Pinterest!

Tell us more about your suppliers and why you chose them.

We had an amazing team of suppliers; we chose the majority as they felt they could deliver our theme.

Our florist was Alice from Meadowfolk.  I had scoured through Instagram to try and find a florist who had that calming Boho vibe.  Alice was so excited by our theme of using pumpkins, music and cricket throughout the day.  She came up with so many ways to subtly add these touches.

Our photographers were The Springles (Kat & Ash), what a fantastic duo!  They captured every special moment from our pre-wedding shoot to the day itself.  They were both so helpful from start to finish.  Their style is what made us want to instantly book after a visit at Millbridge.  It’s autumnal dreamy vibes.

Most people think I was crazy for doing it, but I made our wedding cake.  I run a baking business called Sass&Bake and I couldn’t imagine anyone else making it.

Wow, Maya you are super talented!  If anyone needs an excuse to get some deep dish cookies on order, do it now!

Tough question, favourite part of your wedding journey?

We both loved our ceremony (of course) as we incorporated so many special things to us.  From readings that childhood friends wrote, to our grandparents favourite songs as we walked down the aisle.

But our absolute favourite part of the day was during our wedding breakfast.  I think a lot of couples will tell you how fast the day can go.  Just after starters At Last by Etta James was playing in the background.  We both instantly welled up as our son was born to this song.

 

Any words of wisdom for future couples?

Enjoy yourselves and make sure you take a few moments in the day to soak it all in, but you’re safe hands with the fantastic Millbridge & Kalm Kitchen teams.

Spring is very much upon us with the welcome sight of snowdrops and daffodils popping up in the garden, however, with a small sprinkling of snow set for next week we just had to share details from Lauren & Craig’s March wedding last year.

How did you meet?

We met on social media (very 21^st century).  Craig’s first message to me was ‘You are one spicy tomato!’ and I immediately knew he was the one for me, haha!

We love this!  How did you know we were the right venue for you?

We looked at quite a few venues, hoping to find somewhere that looked beautiful, calm and just felt like us.  We saw a lot of lovely places, but none that felt right… It was Craig who found Millbridge Court online and as soon as we stepped foot in the door, we knew straight away that this was where we wanted to get married.  The layout was perfect, allowing guests to flow throughout the space, the overall vibe was stylish, relaxed and effortlessly beautiful.  All of our guests have since told us how amazing they thought the venue was.

What inspired your day?

Originally, the wedding was supposed to be at the end of December, so we knew we wanted a whimsical, winter theme.  We also love a party, so we needed to ensure there was amazing food, ample drink and great entertainment.  Although COVID forced us to move the wedding to March, it was still perfect, as we ended up having both beautiful sunshine and then snow! You can’t make this stuff up.  The food was also spectacular, Kalm Kitchen really do take tasty food to a whole new level, it was so delicious!  We honestly, couldn’t have asked for a more amazing day.

 

Who took charge of the planning or was it a shared experience?

We are not ashamed to say it was not shared at all, haha!  I (Lauren) love to organise events, so to organise my own wedding was so much fun!!  Craig’s involvement was letting me run with my ideas but then reigning me in when I got too carried away.  He did, however, choose most of the food options, which could not be faulted.

Tell us more about your suppliers and why you chose them.

Millbridge Court already had a list of the most wonderful suppliers, so our balloon decorations Bubblegum Balloons, the singer (Thom Music) and the DJ (Farnham Sound and Light) were booked using their recommendations.  They did not disappoint; they were so great to work with and the end results were far better than we could have ever imagined.

Kalm Kitchen are the sole caterer and we can absolutely, see why, the food is like a piece of art.  And tasted insane!  It also compliments the style of the venue perfectly and the staff were just amazing.

We just loved Joanna Nicole Photography, the finish to her photos was exactly what we were looking for and she understood what we wanted out of them.  Natural, warm and full of love.

Our florist Fabulous Floristry by Carla came recommended to us by some friends who had used her for their weddings too.  Carla was also incredible, we still have our flowers to this day, dried and beautiful.

We found our Photo Booth, Photobot.Co. at a wedding show, we felt they were just something a little bit different and the guests loved it!

Luckily for me, my sister-in-law is a makeup artist and hair stylist, so this was a no brainer, but, what made it so special, was The Loft… What a truly lovely place to get ready the morning of the wedding.  Another reason why Millbridge Court stole our hearts.

 

Tough questions, favourite part of your wedding journey?

Wow, this really is tough.  We loved every single part of it, including the planning, weirdly enough.  However, if we had to choose, it would have been Thom Music, who is, by far, the best event singer we have ever come across.  Not only can he sing and play the guitar like a musical genius, he read the room so perfectly and played the songs that suited the vibe.  When I tell you the crowd went wild for Thom, that is an understatement!  Before the main course was even consumed, people were dancing around the room having the time of their lives!  Honestly, we are still having people tell us it was the best wedding they have ever been to.

Any words of wisdom for future couples?

Having planned a wedding the one time, by no means makes me an expert, but just to remember this is your day.  I completely understand wanting to make sure your guests are happy, but you are never going to please everyone.  The more people you ask for advice, the more confused you are going to be.  So just do what you want, make this a day all about you and your partner.  Your guests will just be so happy to be there and will have a great time regardless.

We love nothing more than seeing our home filled with guests and helping our couples plan their special day.  Hosting our Date Nights is another excuse for us to do just that!  On these evenings we collaborate with our handpicked MC partners to create a special experience for each and every couple.  With preparations underway for our next Dinner Date Night, we wanted to whet your appetite with some inspiration from our 2022 tastings.

In March we picked a rustic set up with vintage oak tables, and it was the first time Jonny MP joined us for a Date Night and we were delighted that he dived into the kitchen to capture the team from Kalm Kitchen plating up lots of delicious dishes.  Muted Affair enterainted our guests during the drinks reception and provided ambient music for the meal.  Farnham Sound & Light provide a bit of sparkle with a fairy light wall and the tablescape was finished with beautiful blooms from Gill Pike and delicate stationary from Gable & Grain.

When we reached September the team took inspiration from the autumnal days to come, with an earthy colour palette accented with gold and pink. Lavendar Hill not only adorned the tables and canapé trays but created a hanging installation in the Dining Hall.  For this evening the ethereal vocals of Lauras Paper Heart filled our front lounge for the welcome and continued over dinner.  The charming tassel place cards were provided by LouPaper and the fantastic Farnham Sound & Light were back with the super popular fairy light wall, if you don’t have a lighting installation booked for your wedding… what are you waiting for?!  This fantastic evening was captured by the wonderfully talented Matthew Lawrence.

By November we were ready to embrace the icy months so chose a modern winter palette.  The majority of couples attending our last tasting experience are holding their weddings with us in Spring, so we kept a hint of vibrance showcasing our latest cocktail…Pink Paloma, which was quite the hit!  Kalm pulled out yet another amazing dessert station with ‘Table of Tarts’ which a certain member of the team now has an eye on for their upcoming wedding…

A big thank you goes to LouPaper and Farnham Sound & Light for joining us once again, this time with chic, monochrome stationary and a Dining Hall filled with fairy lights, which added warmth.  The tablescape was even more beautiful than we had imagined on paper, bought to life by the talented Hannah Berry and captured by new MC partner Catherine Carter.  Live music can help a create wonderful atmosphere, so we invited Music by Kate & Dave to join us with their bespoke musical arrangements.

It’s difficult to put in to words quite how excited we were to once again be hosting our Dinner Date Night’s here at Millbridge Court!

To see the Venue spring to life with a flurry of activity as we prepared to welcome back so many of our Couples over the coming two evenings was so wonderful, and although the setup had to be different in 2021 our individual sweetheart tables made for a very special and intimate Dining experience for everyone that joined us.

As ever, we had a team of incredible MC Partners using their talents to make the evening extra special for our Brides and Grooms. Eden Blooms created stunning florals for each table, Era Calligraphy made exquisite name cards, Creative Spark setup light installations in both the Hall and the Atrium where we showcased our new Pimm’s Drinks Station, Stella and Fly Music serenaded everyone so beautifully on both evenings and Kalm Kitchen brought together the entire vision on top of serving utterly delicious dishes from start to finish. Thank you also to the wonderful Kit Myers for capturing everything so perfectly!

We are already so excited for our upcoming Dinner Date Night’s and can’t wait to see more of you back at Millbridge Court but for now, here is a glimpse at last weeks gorgeous setup! Xx

Tell us a little bit about Scrumptious Bakes with Emma? 

Scrumptious Bakes by Emma is based in Odiham, Hampshire. We specialise in beautiful, bespoke wedding cakes, macaron towers and macaron and personalised cookie wedding favours, all made with the finest organic, award-winning and sustainable ingredients.

Our contemporary classic aesthetic is imbued with subtle luxury and timeless style, and we are renowned for our exceptional ingredients and decadent touches.

Four generations of my family have been professional bakers and confectioners, and my mum is a former Michelin-starred chef. As a small child, I fell in love with baking in my grandma’s kitchen, and I take huge pleasure following in my family’s footsteps.

I started my business in June 2018, 16 months into recovery from a life-changing injury that damaged my sacroiliac joints, pelvis, lumbar spine, sacrum and coccyx. As I became stronger and could stand again, baking became a way for me to reconnect with my body, mind and soul. I have always found baking very mindful and easily lose myself in kneading soft dough or gently scooping and folding macaron batter.

Baking for family and friends initially gave me a sense of purpose; a clear, achievable goal and focus, which helped to relieve the trials of chronic pain and rehabilitation. It helped me to re-discover a sense of identity, to feel pride, to feel empowered. It rebuilt my self- confidence.

I found the concept of beginning my own business simultaneously exhilarating and challenging. Stimulating my mind was equally as important to my recovery as each physical step, and dreaming about my business, and how it would look and feel gave me hope and strength.

I am so proud of my business and all it has achieved so far. We have won several awards, and were recently invited by British Vogue to feature in their 2020 ‘Match Made In Vogue’ luxury wedding campaign. I am so excited to keep building on our success, and really looking forward to all that the future will bring.

What made you create these particular looks for your photoshoot and do you have a particular favourite or favourites?

I am inspired by so many different elements when designing centrepieces for our couples. These include: Seasonal, fresh produce; the beauty of the natural world and its tones, colour palettes and textures; the relaxed movement of soft foliage and the subtle beauty and natural cascade of flowers in bloom; and of course, most importantly, couples themselves and their stories.

Each wedding cake and macaron tower featured in the shoot celebrates our unique style; at once creative, unique, irresistibly elegant, mouth-wateringly delicious and thoughtfully designed.

Our contemporary classic aesthetic underpins each wedding cake and macaron tower. Traditional tiered wedding cakes for example have a modern feel with tiers of varying heights, carefully crafted from soft, light sponges and smooth, whipped buttercream, rather than fruit cake and sugar paste. Similarly, deliciously fragrant macarons, a French classic, are filled with indulgent Belgian white chocolate ganache and tower in a contemporary ombré cascade, perfectly complimented by soft, silk ribbon.

It is hard to choose a favourite design, but I love this organic three-tier Madagascan vanilla wedding cake, featured by British Vogue this October.

One of the ways to make your cake or macaron tower a true centrepiece is by extending its lines beyond where you would expect them to traditionally finish, encouraging the eye either higher or lower than it would usually look.

This design does this beautifully, with the delicate, soft ribbon by Eden Blooms adding a touch of subtle, contemporary elegance. By letting the ribbon drape delicately over the edge of the table, the long, tall lines of the cake are naturally elongated. It looks as striking, if not more so, from a distance, and works especially well as the width of the ribbon balances the height of the cake.

I also love the gently textured buttercream ruffles around the top of each sponge, the extra tall tiers, and the intriguing fresh flower cascade. It really is a design that captures the eye and draws you in, just like a piece of art, and I loved working with Hazel of Eden Blooms to bring it to life.

My other favourite design from the shoot is our Callebaut Belgian chocolate wedding cake. It is the perfect size for a smaller gathering of loved ones, and its combination of different height tiers is striking. I also love the contrast of the jewelled tones of its fresh flowers against the smooth chocolate buttercream finish, reflected beautifully by its gold mirror base; such a beautiful and simple way to elevate your cake. It also smelled absolutely amazing!

Tell us about the other suppliers that you collaborated with?  

I loved working with Hazel Shaw of Eden Blooms and Anna and Simon Clarke of We Are // The Clarkes on the shoot.

Hazel is an extremely talented and experienced florist, and her Hampshire cutting garden is exceptionally beautiful, brimming with seasonal flowers and foliage. Hazel’s work is truly stunning, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Anna and Simon are based in Warwickshire, and produce creative, fun, joyful and honest images and films. Their relaxed approach and light, natural style was perfect for Scrumptious Bakes, and I love how evocative each of the images are. I very highly recommend them too.

We were also grateful to Just 4 Linen, whose beautiful linen and napkins helped to create the perfect backdrop for each shot.

 

Why was Millbridge Court your choice of location?

Millbridge Court is a truly beautiful space, filled with natural light. Its high-vaulted, airy halls with floor-to-ceiling windows and rustic wooden beams provide a stunning neutral backdrop, and the possibilities for styling are endless. Its picturesque surroundings, with lush, green fields, a wildflower meadow and a hidden fern garden create lots of opportunities for photos, and their warm service and can-do attitude echoes our own approach.

Finally, we love how their spaces are designed with current trends in mind whilst respecting the spirit of the past, in much the same way that our fresh and modern designs connect with our traditional baking heritage.

Thank you for hosting us Millbridge Court. We hope to see you soon!

 

… and here are more of Emma’s show-stopping Cakes captured by We Are The Clarkes on Shoot Day!

(Title Image by Razia N Jukes | Below Images by Philippa Sian Photography)

Our Boutique Hotel has nine bedrooms in total, seven in the main house and one in The Lodge, an amazing cottage that we have here at Millbridge Court; all of these room are exclusively yours to book for your nearest and dearest on the night of your Big Day. A continental family-style sharing breakfast is available for all guests in a private Dining space before check out the following morning, allowing time for that much needed catch up.

Last, but definitely not least is our final Bedroom, The Hideaway, a secluded wooden cabin, tucked into woodland and reserved exclusively for the couple on the night of your wedding. Walking through the private gates and beyond the secret fern garden leading to the front door (another amazing location for photos!) you will find your own secluded hideaway for the evening, complete with roll-top copper bath and a veranda overlooking the neighbouring countryside.

The Arbour at Millbridge Court is a beautiful oak structure licensed for outdoor ceremonies between April and September. The garden is surrounded by tall photinia trees which gives it a secluded and private atmosphere and creates a unique space in the garden.

(Top to Bottom) We Are The Clarkes | Hannah Berry Flowers

With capacity for up to 150 guests and rustic wooden seating, it is a beautiful country garden option for your ceremony. The extended aisle is also the perfect backdrop for that all important confetti shot; whether getting married inside or out, it provides a picture- perfect setting to celebrate your first moments as a married couple.

(Top to Bottom) Jonny MP Photography | The Springles | Kit Myers Photography 

In addition, the Arbour itself provides a wonderful backdrop for confetti shots, your couple shots or group photos whatever the season and is an ideal location to still have some amazing shots outside even if it’s raining!

(Top to Bottom) We Are The Clarkes | Kit Myers Photography | Joanna Nicole Photography | Frankee Victoria

(Top Left) Rebecca Searle Photography | (Top Right) Lily Bungay | (Bottom) Jessica Bevan Photography 

If you are super lucky, the neighbouring cows will come to visit – leaving you with a very unique photo opportunity!

Sarah Legge Photography 

Many Photographers also love using the Arbour all year round to get dramatic nighttime shots, like these beautiful images below.

(Top to Bottom) Emmie Scott Photography | Sophie Duckworth Photography | DM Photography 

 

 

What a wonderful & memorable Year we’ve had here at Millbridge Court! We have once again had a Calendar filled with unique & beautiful Wedding Days for our MC Couples, Wedding Days that are brought to life by the plethora of talented industry professionals that we’re so lucky to get to know & work alongside each week.

2019 has also seen the Millbridge Family expand as we welcomed new Team Members, we also celebrated our 5th Birthday & launched our exciting new Event exclusively for MC Couples, our Details Date Nights. We were delighted to see Millbridge featured in some of the nations leading Bridal Magazines & Weddings Blogs & were so thrilled to launch our new Website & Branding in the Summer. Alongside Weddings, we have also hosted some phenomenal photoshoots & inspiring Events & earlier in the year we unveiled our newest space, The Lodge!

In November, our Instagram reached 10,000 followers, so we thought as a 2019 round up on The Journal, we would share the 20 most liked images from our profile (with the most liked image at the bottom of the post), along with the most liked images of the Venue, The Arbor & #marriedatmillbridge posts.

For all of our Brides & Grooms from the last year, we wanted to thank you for allowing us to be a part of one of the most special days of your lives, it truly is an honour & we wish you so much love & happiness as you start the New Year (& decade) as a married Couple.

Happy New Year, Everyone! Xx

Photos From SophiePhilippa Sian Photography, Boutique BloomsEleanor Joy Photography, Stella RoseThe Springles, Lavender Hill CompanyVLA Photography, Blush Floral Design, Hoop from Bramblesky (Etsy)Rebecca Searle Photography, Hannah Berry FlowersKit Myers, Hannah Berry FlowersPhilippa Sian Photography, Longacres, Bubblegum BalloonsMarianne Taylor Photography, Hannah Berry FlowersEleanor Joy Photography, Stella Rose, Feather BalloonsCaroline Stocking Photography

Philippa Sian PhotographyEleanor Joy Photography, The Crumby BakeryDM PhotographyNataly J PhotographyLaura Harvey PhotographyPhotos From Sophie, Stella Rose, Feather BalloonsThe SpringlesWoodland Hill Photography, I Do Wedding FloristPhilippa Sian Photography

Most Liked Arbor Photo

Miss Gen Photography, Eden Blooms

Most Liked Venue Photo

DM Photography

Most Liked #marriedatmillbridge Photos

Sophie Duckworth

Joanna Nicole Photography

DM Photography

Suppliers:

Photography

Caroline Stocking Photography

DM Photography

Eleanor Joy Photography

Joanna Nicole Photography

Kit Myers

Marianne Taylor Photography

Miss Gen Photography

Nataly J Photography

Philippa Sian Photography

Photos from Sophie

Rebecca Searle Photography

Sophie Duckworth Photography

The Springles

VLA Photography

Woodland Hill Photography

Flowers

Boutique Blooms

Blush Floral Design

Eden Blooms

Hannah Berry Flowers

I Do Wedding Florist

Lavender Hill Company

Longacres

Stella Rose

Balloons

Bubblegum Balloons

Feather Balloons

Cake

The Crumby Bakery

1. Can you tell us a little bit about House of Lemon?  

House of Lemon (previously Lemon Entertainment), is a boutique agency based in Surrey, providing hand picked, high end entertainment to weddings and events worldwide. From a solo harpist to a 13-piece band, we have some of the best musicians in the UK on our books. House of Lemon offers a personal service – everything is managed under one roof, through one dedicated point of contact.

 

2. When and why did you setup House of Lemon?

I set up House of Lemon six years ago, after eight years of working in the music industry in various roles – mainly running live music and entertainment events such as festival stages and music venues. I worked with some fantastic artists and on some epic events including Ed Sheeran’s ‘Live At The Bedford’ EP recording, a secret Paolo Nutini show in Hammersmith, SXSW, Hop Farm Festival, Cornbury Festival and loads more. House of Lemon came about after realising how hard it is for people to book a high-quality band for their wedding or event. Other agencies offer hundreds of different bands but seem to have no filter when it comes to quality. 

 

3. How would you describe the artists that you represent and manage?

I pride myself in supplying my clients with fantastic musicians who make their living from recording and touring with established, well-known artists as well as playing at high-end events. Not only are our musicians the best that money can buy – they are all charming, lovely people who make my office one of my favourite places to be. Some of our musicians play and have toured with well known artists such as Florence & The Machine, The Spice Girls, James, Paloma Faith, Lulu, Sigala and Sam Smith.

 

4. How have you selected the artists and bands that have become a part of the House of Lemon Family over the years? 

Most of the musicians I work with I’ve known for years and worked with them previously when I worked in the commercial music industry. I only work with musicians and entertainers that I trust and know are at the top of their game. Quality is really important to me as is service and professionalism.

 

5. What can couples expect when they enquire with you regarding finding the perfect musicians for their Big Day? 

Initially I like to try to get to know the clients and what they have in mind entertainment wise for their Big Day. Once I get an idea of the kind of vibe they are going for, I send over some options for them to consider. I also offer ‘on the house’ phone consultations should clients request one. Once a decision has been made as to what entertainment they’d like to go with, I look after the logistics side of the booking, so everything from where the band needs to load in and power requirements to making sure they have any special song requests that the client has asked for.

We give each of our clients the most personal and attentive service, responding to their needs and any changes to the plan quickly and efficiently – and often recommending actions and ideas before they have had a chance to think of them. Our clients say what they love most (apart from our crowd-pleasing performers) is feeling in safe hands. 

 

6. What advice would you give to those couples who are about to embark on choosing their Wedding Entertainment but are unsure where to begin?

I always think personal recommendations are a great way to start. Perhaps asking friends and family if they have seen any great live acts recently at weddings or events. It’s also a great starting point to watch some videos of wedding bands online so you get an idea of the kind of thing you want/do not want – so when you contact an agency or ask for advice you have narrowed down the type of entertainment that you’d like. You can see videos of our bands, DJ’s and entertainers on our website.

 

7. What do you love most about what you do?

Being able to go to some absolutely stunning venues, listen to some of the best musicians in the country perform whilst watching our clients and their guests having the time of their lives. I love doing what I do because I can actually see the memories being made whilst the service that I provide is happening – it’s a great feeling.

 

8. What do you love the most about Millbridge Court? 

I absolutely love the décor at Millbridge. Every time I visit it makes me want to redo my whole home in the style of the venue. The breakfast room is definitely one of my favourite rooms as well as the garden, which is breathtaking in the summer for outdoor weddings.

I also think the atmosphere at the venue is lovely – the staff are friendly and details are important to them (it’s all in the details!)

 

9. What are your three favourite industry professionals/ brands to follow on Instagram?

@Dostiemposuk – these guys are one of my acts and are brilliant – they are massive characters and always bring such energy to events they perform at. Their stories always make me laugh and dance at the same time.

 

@Confetti_and_silk_films – Stu and Dan are AMAZING videographers who I work with a lot. They are lovely chaps and make stunning visuals. I love looking at the videos on their page.

 

@Veronikaward – Veronika has to be one of my favourite ever photographers. She works on a lot of weddings but also lifestyle and travel. Her shots are absolutely stunning. I often get her in to my events to take live shots of my musicians and I’m always thrilled with her work.

 

10. What are you seeing as the trends in wedding entertainment at the moment?

It’s really refreshing to see that people are starting to place more importance on the entertainment for their big day. They are spending more time considering the type of entertainment they would like for various points throughout the day. More people are now booking live music for their ceremony – there really is nothing like walking down the aisle to a live performance.

We are also seeing people considering their guests during the drinks reception part of the the day. I think this can be the longest part of the day for guests and having some live entertainment gets them in the mood for the evening reception.  Our roaming bands have been very popular for daytime entertainment this year – they are versatile and can move around the drinks reception interacting with guests and bringing some fun to this part of the day. I’ve also seen a rise in people looking for something a little different for their evening reception. For example, instead of going for just a DJ they want that live music element in there too – so might go for a DJ/Drum duo or a band that is totally different from the standard party band that their guests may have never seen before. We have an amazing act called Contempo who has to be seen to be believed. If you want to see something truly impressive and different head to the website to check him out!

To find out more about House of Lemon & their talented acts, head to: www.houseoflemon.co.uk