We can’t quite put in to words how amazing it was to see so many of our amazing Millbridge Court Couples finally be able to say ‘I Do’ in 2021!

Throughout the Summer, Autumn and Winter of last year we played host to gorgeous Wedding Day after gorgeous Wedding Day and it has made us so happy since then to see our inbox flooded with beautiful imagery from the wonderfully talented professional photographers that have captured each of these days, so, this week, we wanted to share with you just a small selection of imagery that we have received from Weddings that took place here at Millbridge Court during the Winter months.

Wedding Days at this time of year always bring with them the most gorgeous colour palettes, twinkling lights and romantic candlelight, delicious, warming Menu choices, seasonal florals and foliage and so much more that we adore, and you can find below just a smidge of all of that gorgeousness to give you some Wintery Inspiration for your Big Day. Enjoy!

L- Jonny MP Photography; R- Boutique Bloooms, Bubblegum Balloons, Kerry Ann Duffy

Clockwise- Louise Anna Photography, Nordic Twigs; Bridle Photography, Concept Flowers; Catherine Carter Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers; Louise Anna Photography, Nordic Twigs

Top- Jonny MP Photography; Bottom- Kerry Ann Duffy, Boutique Blooms

L- Jonny MP Photography; R- Kerry Ann Duffy, Boutique Blooms

L- Nataly J Photography, Milk Street Kitchen, The Collect Creative; R- Kerry Ann Duffy Photography

Top- Kerry Ann Duffy, Nevie Pie Cakes; Bottom- Kerry Ann Duffy

Top- Philippa Sian Photography, Bottom- Kit Myers Photography ft. our Millbridge Court Signature Cocktails

Top- Kit Myers Photography, Sage and Season; Bridle Photography, Concept Flowers; Jonny MP Photography; Bottom- Kit Myers Photography, Gill Pike Flowers

L- Kit Myers Photography, Gill Pike Flowers; R- Kit Myers Photography, Sage and Season

Top- Kerry Ann Duffy, Boutique Blooms, Bubblegum Balloons; Louise Anna Photography, Nordic Twigs; Kit Myers Photography, Gill Pike Flowers; Bottom- Kerry Ann Duffy, Boutique Blooms

 

Top- Photos from Sophie, Bottom- DM Photography

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of hosting a super stylish Styled Photoshoot which was conceptualised, organised and designed by Wedding Planner, Natalie Ellen, who teamed up with a host of incredible Suppliers who helped bring her vision to life.

With the full Photoshoot recently having been featured on the hugely popular Wedding Chicks blog, we wanted to share some of the beautiful images from the day with you, alongside a chat that we had with Natalie to find out a little more about the Shoot, the collaborators, her Top Wedding Planning Tips for newly engaged Couples and much more.

Hi Natalie, tell us about you & your wedding expertise…

I’m Natalie and I’m a wedding planner at Natalie Ellen Weddings. I offer bespoke wedding planning for modern, fun loving couples, designed to match your personality and style. My clients tend to be modern couples who are veering away from tradition – they want beautiful, stylish weddings with personal touches throughout and that suits me and my style perfectly!

 

Can you talk us through the concept for your styled shoot and where you drew inspiration from?

This shoot was the result of a first meeting with Poppy from Poppy Wild Floral – we met for a coffee to put a face to the name and to have a good chat about what we do, and within 30 minutes we were concocting our perfect shoot together. Those first scribblings quickly evolved from ‘cool floral installation in modern/stylish space with sage green’ into my favourite mood board yet – Poppy created the most beautiful colour palette to work from and everything went from there – the vision became ‘contemporary, playful with a little edge’ and each detail was designed to bring that to life. It’s always my goal to create something different to provide inspiration for contemporary couples, something people can screenshot or pin to recreate for their own wedding. That part always takes a bit more thought but it’s worth it when you see the idea come to fruition on the day.

 

How did you choose who to collaborate with?

At any one time, I  have a wish list of suppliers I’d love to work with, whether that’s for the first time or someone I keep coming back to because they’re so good at what they do. This shoot was definitely a combination of the two! Working from our moodboard, I selected suppliers who I knew could nail the brief and add their own creative touches. It’s so important to bring on board people who not only ‘get’ the vision, but creative experts who see what you’re trying to achieve and go that one step further. Getting the team right is the hardest part of the planning, but it’s incredible seeing everyone come together on shoot day!

 

What made you choose Millbridge Court as the location for your beautiful Photoshoot?

Millbridge Court has been one of my favourite wedding venues for years! The contemporary style of the space is right up my street and I love how versatile the venue is – there are so many different areas couples can utilise throughout the day, whatever the season! It was a no-brainer to style our ceremony space in front of the beautiful tall windows where natural light beams into the room, those windows alone are such a selling point for couples visiting the venue!

 

Every element of the shoot came together so perfectly, what advice would you give to couples who want to make sure all of the different aspects of their day are cohesive?

It can be so difficult to take a step back to see the whole picture when you’re planning all the little elements of your wedding, but my advice to couples would be to not let the little things overwhelm you. Always start with an overall vision of what you’re trying to achieve and with each decision, reflect back on your Pinterest board or moodboard and think ‘does this fit with what I want our day to look/feel like?’ You might find that the answer is no, but if you LOVE an idea then you can absolutely adjust your vision to suit – use it as a guide but don’t let it stress you out if you go a little off piste. It’s your day!

 

Are you seeing any trends emerging for 2021-2022 weddings?

This is a tricky question to answer right now because we’re potentially talking about a post-coronavirus environment. As we continue getting used to this strange situation we’ve found ourselves in, I’ve noticed people really prioritising quality time with their loved ones – it’s saddened me so much that people have had to dramatically reduce their guest numbers but it’s seen a rise in truly beautiful intimate ceremonies and I think some couples have started to consider a smaller celebration as a result.

In terms of design trends, I’d say we’re definitely seeing a steer towards what I’d call ‘the new pastel’ – brides are opting for dusky pinks, sage greens and subtle peach tones in their bouquets, with plenty of beautiful foliage to add a natural, wild feel to their day.

I’m hearing more and more couples talk about the desire to go local with flowers & produce, with many actively trying to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly day, whilst also supporting smaller local businesses after such a hard hit this year.

Perhaps not so much a ‘trend’ but something I’ve really noticed in planning weddings for next year is that couples are less afraid of shunning traditions and doing things their own way – whether that’s a favourite food van instead of a sit-down dinner or a joint speech from the bride & groom, this is something I love as I think it’s so important to really personalise your day!

 

What are your 3 Top Tips for planning a successful Wedding?

Firstly, always remember this is your day and it should reflect you as a couple. Forget what you ‘should do’ and focus on what you really want!

Secondly, planning a wedding is hard work! Accept help from friends and family or consider bringing on board a wedding planner to make it a stress-free process.

Lastly, take inspiration from everywhere – interior & fashion trends, the seasons, places you visit, foods you love. And remember to think of all the senses! Scent in particular can evoke such strong memories so think about finding a special wedding scent, or dotting your favourite candles around the venue. Those smells will always bring you back to your big day!

 

*Click here to see the full feature of this Photoshoot on Wedding Chicks*

The Team:

Planning & Design- Natalie Ellen Weddings

Shoot Assistant- Kelly Amy Events

Photographer- Philippa Sian Photography

Florist- Poppy Wild Floral

Floral Assistant- Anthology Floral Design

Stationery- Made by Wood and Wood

Cakes- Anna Lewis Cakes

Hair & Makeup- Hannah Monk Hair & Makeup

Hair & Makeup Assistant- I Do Bridal Services

Hair Accessories- Lilley Studio

Model- Georgia Dispenza

Rentals- Hire The Look

Ribbon & Styling Fabric- PomPom Blossom

Table Linen- Just 4 Linen

Wedding Dresses- Morgan Davies Bridal

The Lodge is a getting ready space exclusively for our Grooms.

With late-morning access, it is the perfect place to check in with your Groomsmen, add the finishing touches to your look and have a toast pre-ceremony. With a ground floor bedroom and en-suite, there is plenty of room for your party to get ready and upstairs is a cosy den, complete with leather sofas and a personal bar – fully stocked with beers and snacks – for you to enjoy.

Philippa Sian Photography 

VLA Wedding Photography 

Philippa Sian Photography

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

When the likes of MBC Partners Philippa Sian photography, Bubblegum Balloons & Bex from Blush Floral Design are brought together for a Wedding Day, we just know that the Venue will look utterly breathtaking & that every last detail will be captured so perfectly… & J+T’s Wedding Day turned out to be just as spectacular (if not even more spectacular) than we had anticipated.

The gorgeous florals & styling details started from the entrance with Bex creating cascading floral arrangements which overhung the doorway & these beautiful touches continued throughout the Barns & into the gardens. The Archway in to the Arbor Garden was adorned with blush, pink & white blooms; white rose petals lined the aisle & two elegant arrangements situated in copper vases framed the Arbor. The perfect styling and backdrop for a Summer’s Wedding Ceremony!

J+T’s vision for their Wedding Breakfast came to life so wonderfully. The Bubblegum Balloons installation of giant pink metallic & peach balloons along the beams of the Barn was such a showstopper & extra touches such as Glimmer & Thread’s sequin table runners & glamorous Louis chairs (provided by Academy Furniture Hire) created such a luxurious look. Adding to that luxury was Bex who created abundant dome centrepieces bursting with peonies, hydrangeas, roses & eucalyptus.

The amazing Philippa Sian Photography was the Bride & Grooms chosen photographer, & as always with Philippa, every last detail & all of personal touches were captured so amazingly & the love & emotion of the day is translated beautifully in her pictures.

Thank you to Philippa for sharing the wonderful images of J+T’s day with us & thank you most importantly to Mr & Mrs Maunders for allowing us to be a part in your incredible celebrations! Wishing you so much happiness in your married lives together! Xx

 

Suppliers:

Photographer: Philippa Sian Photography

Florist: Blush Floral Design

Wedding  Cake: Jo Turner Cakes

Balloons: Bubblegum Balloons

Table Runner: Table Cloth Hire: Glimmer & Threads

Furniture Hire: Academy Furniture Hire