You can judge the success of a wedding fair in several ways. And on the last Sunday in April, we achieved all of them! The Grand Wedding Fair, a partnership between St.Mary’s Church, Hale and HaleParkWeddings is unique in that the church is in the garden of the venue! So, although they are available separately, taken together it is merely a very short walk from your wedding service, through the garden, to your wedding breakfast. St.Mary’s Church, Hale was looking gorgeous and sounding heavenly thanks to the church flower ladies and Hale’s Angels who were magically singing any time someone entered. Our resident organist and pianist, Barry, was there also.
Lovely interested couples
The couples, parents and half-couples were very intent, engaging talking to the suppliers. I saw deep discussions happening at Baroque Bakes whose minimalist, sophisticated offerings complemented Hale Park’s drawing rooms perfectly. Much chat also at Nancy Rose Hats who are, quite simply, unique. And they rent hats too!
Nancy Rose Hats
There was also a lot of interest outside the drawing rooms in the gardens and the front of Hale Park. No one can fault the enthusiasm and the effort of Whites Hill Carriages that came from near Winchester with a fairytale white carriage, two magnificent greys and crew. Also out front were a pair of beautiful horseless carriages brought by New Forest Wedding Cars. These were kitted out with beautiful detail, producing a very satisfying sound when started up. Looking their part to perfection were two very stylish drivers wearing period clothes.
A variety of carriages
Wonderful engaged suppliers
There’s no success without flowers. We had the prolific blooms of the St.Mary’s church flower ladies. The ladies regularly make the church look gorgeous. Also present were the Gentle Sisters, a very creative and seasonally aware pair who favour a dusky ornamental style that will complement and show off any bride.
Gramophone Grooves were skilfully mixing hot jazz and cool swing on a couple of 1920’s decks complete with horns and a surprisingly loud sound. Perfect for the start to any wedding day! Horsebox Tails is a mobile bar which was parked up in the garden on the way to the church. Downton Brewery’s Prosecco van was dispensing a variety of real cocktails and prosecco. It would be a mistake to have these in place before a ceremony!
The soundtrack to a successful day
The outside people had to contend with low, grey skies and a a bit of a wind. This meant that inside suffered from flat, dull light. Luckily, Luminique Events were on hand to lift the mood with their wall washers and spots which are small, focussed, portable and battery powered LEDs! How cool is that! I finish on a high with Downton Distillery’s Explorers Gin which uses Chinese peppers and resinous pine to lift this new gin to a unique place in the pantheon.
Wedding fair success breeds success
Thank you to the couples that came by; I hope you met someone who can help with your big day. Thank you also to all the lovely suppliers; here’s wishing them all much success.