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.

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.

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

The Ceremony Hall at Millbridge Court combines traditional Barn features with elegant and modern interior design.

With gorgeous oak beams, unique, statement chandeliers, crisp white walls and a feature floor-to-ceiling glass wall, the Hall is flooded with natural light all year round and is a beautiful neutral canvas which allows Couples to bring their vision to life with no limitations.

Over the years, Couples and their talented Suppliers have styled the Ceremony Hall in such inspiring ways that really make the most of the Seasons and the light, bright space and we wanted to share a few of those with you all. Xx

 

(Top) Clara Cooper Photography, Longacres | (Bottom Left) Philippa Sian Photography, Bubblegum Balloons, A Wild Handful | (Bottom Right) DM Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers

Catherine Carter Wedding Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers

(Top to Bottom) Kit Myers Photography, Lavender Hill Flowers | RS Brown Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers | Neale James, Hannah Berry Flowers

(Clockwise from Top Left) Lincoln Pictures, Bubblegum Balloons | Kate Gray Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers | DM Photography, Hannah Martin Flowers

(Top) DM Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers | (Bottom Left) Bridle Photography, Fundoo Weddings | (Bottom Right) Kit Myers, Lavender Hill Company

(Clockwise from Top Left) VLA Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers | Bridle Photography, Concept Flowers | Jonny MP Photography, Jenni Bloom Flowers

 

The Loft is the perfect space to start your wedding day in luxurious comfort! With mirrors a plenty, a crystal pendant light, six individual Makeup Stations, an elegant seating area and a private changing area, this room has all you need.

VLA Wedding Photography 

Clockwise- Clara Cooper Photography | The Springles | VLA Photography

The crown jewel of the room is the one way window, which allows excited members of the Bridal Party to a sneak peak of the ceremony hall in its various stages right up to the guests taking their seats in anticipation of your entrance.

 

Clockwise- Lucie Watson Photography | The Springles | Philippa Sian Photography

(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.

1. How did your passion for floristry come about?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve have always had a passion for flowers! The home is never complete without a flower in a room. I have always loved growing them, picking them and making things with them, whether it was creating pressed flower cards (when I was young) daisy chains in the garden, or drawing or painting them. Whilst working as a waitress at a local wedding venue through my uni years, I used to get excited to see the flower scheme arrive for that weekends wedding & I think that may have been where it all began!

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2. When did you make the leap to setup HBF & create flowers for gorgeous Wedding Days & what drew you to Weddings in particular?

Floristry was a career change for me … having worked in the television industry previously as a camera operator and editor, I found the job wasn’t fulfilling my creative side enough, so out of curiosity and love for flowers I looked into work experience in a local florist shop.

My work experience soon turned into a full time position. Without any qualifications in floristry, I longed to further my knowledge and learn new technical skills, so I enrolled on a course at Merrist Wood Agricultural college where I studied and gained my Level 3 in Floral Design. This provided me with the skills, technical ability and confidence to work as a freelance florist. For two years I enjoyed working with various inspiring and creative floral designers and from this point, I just knew creating wedding flowers was the career for me. In 2013 HBF was born and I haven’t looked back since.

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3. How would you describe your style of floristry?

It took a while for my style to evolve, but I can strongly see now my signature style is natural, earthy and organic for sure! Always lots of detail and texture and many of you will know I often love to add the odd Pheasant feather in!

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4. What can couples expect when they choose you to create their dream Wedding Flowers? 

The design process and building a working relationship with each client is the most important part to providing the perfect flower scheme.
Getting to know & understand the clients is crucial, so I always ensure that the design process is thorough. This can also be the most challenging part, as often the clients know little about flowers and it’s my job to take on board and understand their thoughts, ideas and inspiration and turn this vision into a reality.
These lengthy design meetings happen in my studio and I provide bespoke detailed proposals and mood boards throughout the course of meetings.
I never commit to more than 1 wedding a day as I want to provide all my clients with an exclusive service. It will always be myself who delivers the flower scheme alongside my team and we will always be onsite for the day to deliver and install, pin on the buttonholes/corsages and transport all the flowers from the ceremony area to the wedding breakfast room after the ceremony has taken place. We always ensure that every detail, no matter how small, is absolutely perfect before we leave the venue.

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

My favourite thing about creating flower schemes is starting with a crips blank piece of paper (normally the year before) and seeing the ideas and creations evolve. Delivering the bespoke flower scheme on the day of the wedding is the cherry on the icing and knowing you have worked hard alongside your clients to develop and create their dream flowers.

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6. What top tips & advice do you offer couples along the way?

I am always keen in using seasonal flowers (although most varieties of flowers are available all year round now.) It keeps the designs fresh and the flowers are usually better quality if its the right time of year for them.

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7. What floristry trends are you seeing for 2019/2020?

I can see grasses (all different heights and varieties) especially Pampas Grass are going to be very popular next season! Great for me as I love a grass : )

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

Whats not to love … when you first enter through the front door, I always feel the need to take my muddy boots off as its like walking into a really homely room with the lush pink sofas and the smell of the scented Neom candle burning! Then theres the 2 stunning barns which are a complete blank canvas for decor and styling. I feel this sets the foundations to each unique flower scheme. I often say the views from the outside ceremony space looks as though you are looking through a frame at a stunning oil painting landscape, with the odd cow grazing away. And the hidden bridal cabin (The Hideaway) – simply magical!

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9. Outside of creating beautiful Wedding Flowers, what other hobbies/ passions do you have?

Walking Dug (my very naughty Cocker Spaniel) pottering and growing flowers in my flower cutting garden, crocheting, painting and sailing (not that I get much time to do the latter!)

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

@local_milk (blogger & creative)

@the_blue_carrot (Florist)

@floretflower (Florist)

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www.hannahberryflowers.co.uk

Throughout April, there was something rather exciting going on at the end of the Millbridge Court grounds. After months of planning, landscape gardeners got to work planting Laurel hedging, ferns & installing an incredible pair of vintage gates in front of our Bridal Suite, the Hideaway… & now that all of their hard work is complete, we’re excited to introduce to you all, The Hideaway Secret Garden!

A botanical sanctuary just beyond our flower meadow that creates that extra bit of magic & privacy for our couples on their Wedding Day & the morning after the celebrations. A tranquil & peaceful space to be able to enjoy all to themselves.

We hope that all of our MBC Couples love it just as much as we do! Here are a few sneak peeks to give you a taster of whats beyond the gates. Xx

And we love that we have already received pictures of photographers using the Secret Garden as a backdrop for gorgeous couples shots… here are L&S captured by The Springles last week.

And J&T captured beautifully by Joanna Nicole Photography earlier in May!

We can’t wait to see many more over the course of the Summer!

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