The Rise Of The OUTDOOR CEREMONY.

Summer wedding flowers, and contemporary acrylic plinths for a beautiful outdoor wedding on the lawn at the breathtaking Yorkshire wedding venue

Holdsworth House.

Caught up in lockdown limitations we are still navigating our way through these exceptional times, but it seemed like the right time to share a common theme running through some of the recent requests that have landed in the inbox, and our latest advice on weddings as we live and work through the Covid-19 pandemic.

White wooden chairs and fabulous wedding florals.

Now more than ever planning for a celebration is something we are all looking forward to. Weddings, parties, ceremonies and events will all return, but they may not look like they used to do for quite sometime.

Huge flower balls by the incredibly talented River & Rose, line the aisle before taking centre stage as the wedding breakfast centrepieces.

How we envisage the future is very personal, and how we plan for a scaled back socially distant wedding will be one persons idea of the perfect day and another’s ultimate horror. We know you need vision and guidance to create events of the future, that you’ll be looking for the lead from your guests and your venue, and as we live in a constantly changing era we will continue to be a trusted space where you can turn for help and our thoughts on the current situation.

A handmade, exquisite English Country Garden wedding cake by Pretty Sugar Cake Company

As you can imagine we have quite a few questions for the government, such as, will there be a change in the laws, will the option to get married anywhere – as you currently can in Scotland – be introduced in Britain. This would be a welcome boost for the industry, whilst offering scope for couples to get married in their own garden, on a lake, or at a favourite beauty spot for instance.

Huge pink roses, and white pom poms of hydrangeas, paired with soft foliage are a winning combination for outdoor ceremonies.

Unsurprisingly the outdoor ceremony and wedding party are rising in popularity. A trend influenced by oversees weddings where tropical vibes and wall to wall sunshine are highly likely; always the ultimate appeal. And although we have seen UK venues adapt and compete over recent years, now is really the time for wedding venues to seduce us with their outdoor facilities to meet predicted demand.

Quiet alone time for the couple on the day is precious, scheduling portrait shots creates this perfect time – Emily shone in this incredible gown from the fabulous Dotty Bridal

Of course nothing could prepare any of us for the devastation Coronavirus has had if your wedding was planned for 2020, but the excitement landing in our inbox is helping us all look forward to creating extra special luxury outdoor weddings.

Gabriella wrote to us recently to ask ….

‘We’ve decided to postpone our wedding until next year and we are now looking to tie the knot at a woodland ceremony with an outdoor reception to follow. We’d like your help and guidance as we don’t really know where to start in terms of what we’ll need, how social distancing and guest numbers may impact our choices, and the challenges of outdoor events. Could we possibly discuss a checklist and ideas of things that are commonly overlooked when it comes to outdoor celebrations?”

So what flowers to have – we’ll work with you to design every detail of your wedding.

As outdoor ceremonies and receptions become more and more popular your choice of venue and location will come first. We will take advice on numbers and restrictions as lockdown eases, and follow closely government guidance, keeping you informed. We can tell you that it’s worth considering the logistics first, as well as checking you can come in on budget, all whilst keeping your friends and family happy and safe on the day.

Our top eleven questions are:

• do you need water, and electric
• is there enough space for you to hire in a large tent or marquee as a wet weather contingency and for catering for your guest numbers
• how many days will you have the venue or location available for set up and take down
• is the ground level
• is access and parking sufficient
• will you need to hire in bathroom and toilet facilities
• will your tables and chairs stand up to being positioned directly on the ground
• will your plan B cover hot as well as rainy weather, and possibly high winds, meeting the latest relevant government requirements
• will you require wedding professionals for set up and on the day management – On The Day Coordination is key to a stress free event –
• will your wedding vendors be required to wear PPE
• will you have mobile and internet reception

Beautiful bridal portraits are treasured lasting memories for generations to come.

Remembering your Plan B will need to consider all weather conditions and cover, permitted outdoor structures, access, food, flowers, decorations, photography, live music and entertainment. And whilst in the UK we often worry about the rain, if the sun is shining and temperatures rise this comes with its own challenges. With keeping drinks cold being the biggest, but wilting flowers and buzzy bees can also be a problem. Think footwear too, and practice your walk up the aisle. 

A seamless outdoor wedding anticipates all eventualities and takes months of careful planning. Take advice from a professional wedding planner and get your figures together before you book to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Your wedding is about doing things your way.

I believe there’s much awaited good news on the horizon for couples planning to marry in 2021 and beyond. Nothing elicits love and laughter, and treasured memory making like a family wedding, and it seems fitting following these unstable times. We live in hope that deliciously fabulous and glamorous celebrations are not too far off.

Stay safe, be kind, and do get in touch with your wedding questions

Pamella xxx

Natural, authentic wedding photography by the undeniably talented Amanda at Cream Photography

Luxury Wedding Style

In need of an expert wedding professional?

Introducing The Wedding Planner Questionnaire 

Here to support you with our experience and professional planning, to calm your nerves, and ensure your vision of a perfect day does look spectacular and run smoothly. Follow the questionnaire below, and discover our guide to uncovering your true style.

Questionaire

• Wedding Venue
• Number of Day Guests
• Number of evening guests
• Number of children
• Timings for ceremony
• Location of ceremony 
• Timings for Wedding Breakfast
• Timings for Evening Reception
• Expected close of event
• Services you are considering to assist with your wedding – [please include all your suppliers and any already confirmed]
• Total wedding budget

please email the above to mywedding@pamelladunn.co.uk

When All You Have To Think About Is Seeing The Person You Love Most In The World

Finding My Wedding Style

Consider how you would like to feel on your wedding day, and what kind of experience you would like your guests to have. A relaxed family affair will have a very different vibe to a glamorous cocktail party, and a traditional ceremony in a breathtaking historic building would be planned very differently to say a festival wedding in the forest. And with so many styles, colours, venues, locations and themes influencing you it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of what your marriage means to you. Discover your design and narrow down your brief by asking:

Our Top Five Wedding Planning Questions:

• Where would you like to get married?
• What would you like to wear; traditional or something completely different?
• What time of year will you choose?
• What atmosphere will you create?
• What will be your guests lasting memories?

Our Hearts Our Full As You Head To The Dance Floor

Blending, layering, designing, styling! All part of the creative process when you’re planning a wedding with us.

HOW TO MAX THE WEDDING BUDGET

Keep it simple, sophisticated, and timelessly elegant.

Every wedding tells a story, of love, a special connection between two people. It’s the joy and experience we love to share and what makes wedding planning magical. We know there’s the wedmin, logistics and family struggles, but you must always remember your wedding is about the love story ….

At Pamella Dunn Events we like to make dreams come true. Not in a clichéd fairytale way, but in a way where we take your desired vision and make it a reality. With a touch of glamour, of course. Although, there is always a happy ever after for our brides, grooms and other clients too. Lavish florals, exquisite event styling and design in luxury locations are our signature. We absolutely adore our clients and we treasure our special relationship. The gorgeous feedback we receive fills our hearts with joy and feeds our passion for excellence. 

Hear what Maria Staiano-Sharp had to say following her June 2017 wedding at Rudding Park in Yorkshire. “ Pamella is exceptional – our wedding morning went without a hitch and I genuinely think it was because of her. Her styling is also exquisite and our entrance hall was exactly as I imagined. THANK YOU for your military precision, organisation and creativity xxxx.”

Request your copy of the Pamella Dunn Wedding Planner and say hello to the team ….

Your Wedding Planning Begins Here

Wedding Design

As we prepare to launch the online Wedding Design Services we have looked at three very different venues, and share some of our expert styling advice. Whilst you can consult with your stylist to design your wedding decor that will compliment most venues, some designs work particularly well in certain locations.

Beautiful Barn Weddings

Rural barns can be huge spaces, and they are working well with some of the emerging trends which are varied and diverse, with an influence to suit every style. From dramatic tropical designs led by bold leaf stationery, and masses of glossy foliage, to the quiet calm of the Danish lifestyle craze Hygge. Easily translated the essence of calm can be introduced with rich warm fabrics, faux furs, and a sea of candles.

Our signature leafy foliage and candle lit statement top table.

Lighting is one of the key areas when first considering the overall barn style and design. Lighting is a great influencer on atmosphere, mood and ambiance taking a blank space from really fabulous, to ridiculously spectacular, and it’s a design feature we are happy to see appearing as a priority. Edison and festoon lighting are featuring alongside draping, whilst candles are a key trend when displayed in abundance both inside and outdoors. Consider decorating the aisle, ceremony, window sills and just about anywhere with magical candles in varying heights and vessels, it is a real winner when it comes to styling a truly magical barn wedding.

High fashion city life locations for the coolest of wedding vibes.

Contemporary City Chic Hotels

Stylish city chic weddings with marble and powdery hues of white and grey offer a serene, romantic and contemporary flavour. Where one huge oversized floral installation is a favourite, where it is definitely the bigger the better, with an abundant, unstructured and natural design. 

Living walls and floral backdrop add a luxe seriously horticultural vibe. And illuminated bars, lounge furniture can be used to create a club night chill out area for the after party.

Grand Stately Homes

Stately homes steeped in history create a magical wedding backdrop.

Clients considering stepping back in time who are enchanted by the twist on styling we have seen over the past few years, will fall in love with the magical setting of a period property. Country houses come to life once again as rustic gets a luxury touch, and vintage styling leans towards a glamorous Victorian feel that works perfectly in a historical setting.

Styling is definitely moving away from the traditional vintage, and moving towards the old Hollywood glamour. Flowers, flowers, and more flowers are must haves when it comes to stately home decor. The bigger the better with an abundant and lavish design, we adore the huge displays of seasonal home grown summer flowers.

The ballroom at Rise Hall was intoxicating as the air filled with the exquisite perfume from the huge flower ball centrepieces.

A Rise Hall three day weekend wedding with incredible high impact floral centrepieces.

From flowing foliage with trailing florals, loose just picked looks complimenting whimsical styling, it’s a natural feel in harmony with the sleek bohemian gowns that are emerging from the bridal designers. Sumptuous fabrics and textures are the perfect companion for the luxury personalised details. We adore the bespoke silk ribbons, hand dyed to coordinate with the clients colour palette, and monogramed napkins to add style to the place settings. Table linen also plays an increasingly important role in more traditional bespoke designs, with colour and fabrics transforming the overall mood and style. Look to the Dutch Masters, Victorian and other period dramas for ideas and inspiration..

Enjoy the design adventure as you plan your dream wedding, and if your looking for inspiration and expert design advice enquire about our online design services.

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness Pamella x

My Wedding Business

At Pamella Dunn Events we like to make dreams come true. Not in a clichéd fairytale way but in a way where we take your desired vision and make it a reality. With a touch of glamour, of course. Although, there is always a happy ever after for our brides, grooms and other clients too.

We tend to talk about dreams coming true a lot in the wedding industry, in reference to the wedding day itself – when everything comes together to produce a fabulous result that kick-starts your long-term future. However, there’s another side to the industry where exactly the same thing happens… Business.

The My Wedding Business Course is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of working with weddings. It’s a business training day packed full of inspirational advice that helps bring everything you need together for a successful business, coaches you in order that you produce fabulous results for your clients, and kickstarts your long-term future as a budding entrepreneur. Alongside like-minded go-getters you will learn everything it takes to succeed in the glamorous world of ‘I do’s’.

Wedding planners, cake designers, wedding stationery businesses, florists, singers, luxury wedding venues, and wedding decor companies are just some of the industry leaders to have attended the My Wedding Business courses, seminars, workshops and retreats. We’ve travelled and hosted a luxury retreat in the inspiring design capital of Amsterdam, [where you can find one of our European offices,] shot incredible shoots in Lavender fields in the Cotswolds, and delivered an expert, interactive retreat sponsored by YSL at our favourite boutique wedding venue; Woodlands.

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The My Wedding Business Course is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of working with weddings. It’s a business training day packed full of inspirational advice that helps bring everything you need together for a successful business, coaches you in order that you produce fabulous results for your clients, and kickstarts your long-term future as a budding entrepreneur. Alongside like-minded go-getters you will learn everything it takes to succeed in the glamorous world of ‘I do’s’.

Wedding planners, cake designers, wedding stationery businesses, florists, singers, makeup artists, luxury wedding venues and wedding decor companies are just some of the industry leaders to have attended the My Wedding Business courses, seminars, workshops and retreats. We’ve travelled and hosted a luxury retreat in the inspiring design capital of Amsterdam, [where you can find one of our European offices,] shot incredible shoots in Lavender fields in the Cotswolds, and delivered an expert, interactive retreat sponsored by YSL at our favourite boutique wedding venue; Woodlands.

The course or exclusive private 1:1’s are an absolute must for anyone who has dreamed of owning a wedding business, those who already run a business but want to branch out into the world of weddings, and anyone who wants to up their wedding-game and aim for a whole new target market. Maybe you’re recently married and fell in love with a certain aspect of your wedding day that you’d now like to pursue as a career. Nothing great ever came from staying in our comfort zone so now’s the time to step out and strive for what you want. Run by the highly-acclaimed, award-winning wedding planner Pamella Dunn, you will leave the course with everything you need to hit the ground running.

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With a track-record in running an incredibly successful luxury wedding business and a background in coaching, Pamella knows just what it takes to make your business stand out as a market leader. The course covers everything you need to know from social media to styled photoshoots and you can also leave with a professional headshot to put straight on your website. [Contact us to enquire about the photo sessions and branding workshop.] Pamella’s little black book of the hottest wedding industry contacts means she’s extremely well-placed to suggest connections and help you network your way to the top of your game.

Former course attendees have gone on to successfully launch their businesses, connect and collaborate with similar businesses to produce applaudable results, and comfortably find their right target market to work with. Now it’s your turn… Whether you’ve got an idea for a business and want to make it happen, or you want to take your existing services to the next level then the My Wedding Business Course is exactly what you need. With the next course taking place in Leeds there is no time to waste. Book your place on the course today and start making those dreams come true.

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We love hearing from you …..

Images credits :

Amanda from Cream Photography

Soniya from Soniya Zeb Photography

What do wedding planners do?

Your Wedding Planner Does More Than Just Wedding Planning

Book a complimentary wedding planning consultation

Ahead of the brand new shiny website and following yesterday’s article where we unraveled the question, “do I need a wedding planner?” You contacted us with specific questions about what it was a wedding planner actually did. You wanted to now what it was that you didn’t know! The questions to ask, and the things to consider as you begin the exciting adventure of planning a wedding for the very first time. It’s unchartered territory and I’d like to help answer some of your questions.

Wedding Flowers

As the considerations are seemingly endless the earlier you discuss your plans with a professional the less likely you are to encounter any issues that were so important to you. These could be restrictions at your venue that don’t allow naked flames or even insisting on their preferred suppliers, it could be crazy weather, your timings, the additional costs that squeeze your budget or noise restrictions that exclude your favourite band. Saving precious time early in the process could be the best wedding decision you make. Book a no obligation consultation with a planner and get an hours free wedding advice, it really could save you time and look after your budget, as well as ensuring a seamless and stress free day.

Special moments

Design & Styling

And one of the best pieces of advice I could give would be to carefully consider any decision to style your own wedding. It is an exciting time and if you are a creative with passion and vision for how your wedding will look, I know you will be tempted to enlist the help of your bridal party to place your pretty details in your beautiful venue. You will want to oversee the proceedings whilst liaising with your hand picked suppliers, but the reality is you rarely have the time and your photographer and hair and makeup team will be calling you. Your closest friends and family will want to shower you with love and attention, and you will feel under pressure. A talented team of stylists will bring calm and joy to your most memorable of occasions. Enjoy this magical time and don’t be afraid to ask for expert advice.

Table Styling

From ‘wedmin’ to design, expert advice on venues, locations, artisan wedding suppliers, and a talented creative, an experienced wedding planner will inspire and guide you, reassure and excite you. They’ll have amazing ideas – one of our favourite Yorkshire venues has an outdoor fireplace we think is just made for toasting marshmallows!

Toasting marshmallows

A professional wedding planner really is an engaged couples best friend.

Reserved for your wedding planning meeting

Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness Pamella x

Should I Hire A Wedding Planner?

Being awarded Wedding Planner Of The Year and receiving recognition from Bridebook has been one of Pamella’s highlights since launching her business nearly 10 years ago. One of the questions she frequently gets asked is why do I need a wedding planner, and as we are about to launch our brand spanky new website we thought we’d share our thoughts on why you need a wedding planner.

Hiring a wedding planner …..

Well the truth is, not everyone does, so we put together this article looking at areas to consider when planning your wedding. Which we hope uncovers some of the mystery surrounding the role of a planner.

Candles and cake …

Where you begin your personal wedding planning journey really depends on how you visualise your marriage taking shape. Most of us live in an era where we struggle to find extra hours as we rush from one demand on our precious time to another, where often just finding time to even think about what you might like for your significant celebration is tricky.  Consider this short list and step into the magical world of wedding planning confident you are heading in the right direction.

Wedding Dress Dreams

6 key wedding planner questions Pamella asks:

1 – Have you chosen a date, place and venue?

Wedding Venue Searching …

Wedding Venue Searching

2 – Have you a budget you will work to?

When your venue is a blank canvas

3 – Are you a creative looking to DIY your wedding, with support from family & friends?

Creative wedding decor lighting

4 – Do you need help with the design and styling?

Pamella shares her vision for wedding designing

5 – Do you need help with the administration, the coordination and on the day management?

When it all comes together on the day …

6 – Have you identified key suppliers who you can work with?

Wedding Vendors sent with love

These considerations will help you highlight where you will want additional support, advice and guidance. The answers will be quite different for every couple, but using the services of experienced professional planners for all or part of the above will allow you those moments to reflect, and take in the whole experience confident in the knowledge you are in safe hands.

Wedding Planning, Saving You Time And Money ….

Book a complimentary consultation …

Wedding planning with expert advice is the secret, book a complimentary consultation you’ll be pleased you did!

Pamella x

A Destination Wedding Tour

Portofino to Alassio

The Italian Riviera

Throughout my career as a luxury wedding planner, it has always been my goal from the very beginning to travel, travel, and travel some more. And with the International Wedding Retreat 2018 being planned as we speak, my wanderlust has been greater than ever before. So you can imagine how happy I was when the exclusive invitation from Love Me In Liguria landed in my inbox one working day. An invitation, that was sending me, along with nine other international luxury wedding planners, to the Italian coast to experience first-hand the romance and breathtakingly beautiful vistas that couples can witness on their own wedding day. I really didn’t need asking twice!

Incredible views

Fast forward through the exciting stages of packing, planning and pinching myself and I was on my way, ready to meet my travel companions for the next four days. Arriving in Genoa, the first destination on our agenda for the week, the port provided the picture-perfect location to meet everyone for the first time over a welcome lunch at our boutique hotel.

Genoa

Sitting and soaking up the rays under an ocean of blue skies we were given a very warm welcome by the organisers of this incredible adventure: Francesca and Valentina of Love Me in Italy and the Lunargento Publishing House and wedding and event planner Simona Chiavaccini. Safe to say we were in very good company! And glancing around the table I could tell it was going to be a week full of swapping stories, discussing all-things-weddings and genuinely spending time in some very good company.

Marco, Pamella & Daria with Portofino in the background

And with that, let me introduce you to my new friends: Simona the PR and Marketing Manager from Zankyou – an online magazine reigning large in 23 countries and the largest wedding portal worldwide. Elisabetta of Intimately Inspired Events, Rui of Rui Mota Pinto Tailor & Planner, Froonck from Froonck of Der Wedding Planner, Olivia of Love Circus, Millie from Matthew Oliver Weddings, Daria of Caramel Events Wedding, Mirjam Wedding Guru, Marco from Ihr Hochzeitsplaner und Trauredner, and Mihai of High Emotion Weddings,

Rui, Foonck & Marco

The welcome lunch swiftly gave way into a four day blur of guided tours, meeting expert wedding suppliers, dining on Michelin-starred meals and raising champagne to toast the trip. I guess it is just the way things go when 10 international wedding planners meet 55 Ligurian Vendors in the country of love.

We were welcomed into castles and villas, palaces and restaurants and truly educated on the hospitality of this Italian paradise. Love Me In Italy excelled themselves in bringing together the area’s industry finest to firmly place Liguria on the map as a land of weddings and love. Not too much of a stretch for a region that is known and loved all over the world. And what’s not to love? Marinas, blue skies, sunshine and wine – it’s all right here.

However, even with its reputation preceding itself it was a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty, scenery, culture and history of this enchanting region up close. Mountain view after mountain view, each one a worthy postcard picture, signed sealed and delivered with the promise of the most breathtakingly beautiful wedding one could ever hope for. Along with the fine dining, perfect wine selection, and impeccable customer service that we knew our clients would certainly be treated too as well, this trip was one we will never forget.

Exclusive Villas

When we weren’t indulging in canapes and aperitifs, we were winding our way through the streets of Portofino and Alassio where we could marvel at the villas and private gardens which hinted at the affluent lifestyle of Liguria’s locals.

Exquisite Gardens With Breathtaking Views

Our journey took us onto Santa Margherita Ligure and Zoagli – all offering something totally different from the last, boasting their own appeal and sentiments, but all jostling for that special place in our memories that we would fondly recall once back in the UK.

Italy

I cannot thank Love Me In Liguria enough for their incredible welcome, hospitality and enlightening trip through the Ligurian region of Italy. I can firmly conclude that anyone lucky enough to be loved in Liguria should certainly take the chance. I am already itching to share the details with our international clients who are searching for their dream wedding location. Liguria truly is the land of the loved.

 

Until our next adventure …

Much love Pamella x

Luxury Wedding Retreat Preview

If you are planning your wedding, in the industry, a lover of fashion, style and celebrating opportunity and have not yet heard about the Luxury Wedding Retreat Preview event happening in Leeds on Sunday May 14th 2017 you are going to be just a little bit excited to learn ……. The event is an introduction to three day retreats and styling sessions planned in exotic locations around the globe. To share this one day event with you is a dream come true. It’s a luxury day that delights the senses in every way, and with Yves Saint Laurent sponsoring the event and provided luxury gift bags I’m ridiculously excited about everything we have planned for you.

YSL Harvey Nichols Leeds will be sharing with you fabulous makeup and beauty advice on the day

The Luxury Retreat Preview launches at Woodlands Boutique Hotel Leeds on Sunday May 14th 2017 opening with a sparkling champagne reception. The day is proudly sponsored by Yves Saint Laurent and with an itinerary of keynote speakers, couture fashion, a fabulous flower style challenge, cocktails and fine dining, it is an exclusive date for every fashionistas diary. Curious? Let me introduce you to a fabulous line up of keynote speakers; Anita Massarella, Kylie Carlson and Helen Davies.

Leeds couture designer Anita Massarella

Kylie Carlson CEO at The Academy Of Wedding And Event Planning

Helen Davies curator of Exclusive use wedding venue Rise Hall

Proudly sponsored by Yves saint Laurent and luxury London stationer The Golden Letter a ticket will get you behind the scenes access to the hottest UK Sunday soiree before the retreats go international. Join us at this exclusive retreat and discover the art of couture fashion and beauty advice, experience unforgettable flowers and hear how looking after yourself and living the dream go hand in hand.

YSL

Reserve your seat today for just £99 plus booking fee here and look out for your invitation coming in the post, there will be 5 lucky winners receiving VIP golden tickets who will take home fabulous prizes on the day.

You can enjoy relaxing after the event and experience the hotel facilities with accommodation available to book online from an amazing £69 per room per night B&B.

Introducing Wedding Academy Student Lindsey

Pamella Dunn Brand Ambassador Lindsey supported behind the scenes in the studio for the filming of the Wedding Academy International Trend Report 2017 and has gone on to secure a fabulous post at a beautiful wedding venue. Hear her inspiring story and how she made it happen even before graduating from the academy.

Day 13:

The Dream Job

CEO Kylie Carlson From The Academy Interviews Lindsey Watson

 

A bit of background…

I am 27 years old, married with two children aged 2 and 4. Whilst planning my own wedding I was in my element and I thought to myself, “I could totally make a career out of this!” And so I started looking into courses, having two young children I thought it may be pretty difficult to juggle everything but then I found Wedding Planning Academy.  I spoke with the course consultant/tutor Zoe and explained what I wanted to achieve, which was to become an wedding/event coordinator within a venue, and Zoe pointed me in the direction of the Venue Coordination course. Having checked the units, I knew the course was for me as it covered everything I needed! And so, I signed up and since the course material was available almost immediately I started studying straight away! It’s easy to follow and as I have 2 years to complete the course, with no deadlines to meet, it fits perfectly into my lifestyle!

 

Northallerton Wedding Venue Solberge Hall

Solberge Hall  (Northallerton)…

So… this is the place where it all started for me – it quite literally changed my life (without sounding over dramatic!). After starting my course I knew I needed experience, completing the course would make me a good venue coordinator but I want to be a fabulous venue coordinator!  And so the search began for the right venue, a venue that would be open to me learning all there is to know about them as a whole, what they do and how they do it!

I came across Solberge Hall online and saw that it had some great reviews and a small, experienced events team. I called Solberge and spoke with the Operations Manager Jamie, who was more than happy for me to visit the venue and do some shadowing of his staff to learn about the venue and how it ran. I shadowed for a while and then a job in food & beverage came up, I figured I needed to know how a venue worked from food & beverage right up to the operational side of the venue and so I went for the job, interviewed, and got the position!

I worked on food & beverage for some time and worked closely with Jordan, the Food and Beverage Manager learning all about how they provide a great customer experience and continuously deliver everything that is expected of them on the events side of things. For example, setting up weddings and conferences, all while following functions sheets to ensure all elements are delivered to the clients exact specification. So although other people may beg to differ, in my opinion, spending time within food and beverage has certainly given me the background on events – after all, would the events run without this team? Absolutely not!

Wedding Ceremony

After my time on food and beverage I worked with Jamie learning all about the operational side of the venue, and my gosh is there a lot to learn on the operational side of the venue! Jamie literally seems to do it all – from standing in the kitchen to ensure food runs out efficiently during events to holding meetings with the teams each morning to ensure the smooth running of the day within the hall. He is very hands on and has taught me A LOT and although there’s still plenty left for me to learn, in a relatively short space of time with him I feel I’ve gained so much knowledge!

Very shortly I’ll be visiting other venues within the ‘Classic Lodge’ brand and again, it’s all about gaining more knowledge, and, could I stay in the venue that I’m at now and learn this one way of running a venue/events team? Yes!  But I’m out there looking for a great start to my new career and thinking outside of the box (or hall in this instance!). My thoughts are that by visiting other venues it can only widen my knowledge and enable me to gain other perspectives on running a hotel/event. This is being arranged by the General Manager, James – another example of how the team at Solberge Hall support me in becoming a better, well rounded, wedding/events coordinator.

Set design in the studio for filming of the International Wedding Trend Report 2017

The wedding academy course also offers me more than just study, support and a qualification. I have had the opportunity to be mentored and work alongside one of the advisory board members Pamella Dunn on the International Trend Report filming day in the studio.

To summarise – it’s true what they say, knowledge is power! And if you can find that one venue, one that will have your back, understand that you might drop the ball now and again while you’re learning… and catch it for you! Then you’re onto a winner! Learn, gain as much knowledge about ALL aspects of the venue then… you’ll get your dream job!

 

Lyndsey far right with Academy students left to right – Stacey, Nina and Vikki James

The Dream Job…

I guess, you could say I’m one of the very lucky ones – in the sense that not many people get paid for doing what they love but now, I do! I remember the first email I sent signed, ‘Lindsey – Wedding & Events Coordinator’ and I thought to myself, this is my dream job, and I’ve actually got the position – and I’m doing it right now! It seemed so surreal and it was just a great feeling of achievement! Solberge saw something in me, something that I don’t see in myself half the time – yes, I know I’m passionate about the role and yes, I know myself that I would have done whatever it took to get the position, but they have definitely seen something that made them think that I’d be right for the position!

Although I’ve not long been in the position, I have to say I absolutely love it! I wake up wanting to go to work, looking forward to my various meetings, whether it be meeting with the lovely couples getting married at Solberge or meeting with businesses who are wanting to hold a conference here. No two days are the same, and that’s what I love about the job – it varies so much from day to day.

I have a fabulous manager, Kate who has actually only recently been promoted to Manager from event coordinator – which again shows that with hard work, you can work your way up! Kate has been showing me the ropes – I still have so much to learn within the events team – but I’m taking it all in, making notes, trying to dive in as much as possible to make sure that I do become a fabulous event coordinator. Is it scary? At times, yes! Being new isn’t always the easiest of things to be – but nothing stays new forever!

 

What’s Next…

I’ve just started in this role. But what’s next for me? I’d love to become a Wedding & Events Manager! You’ve got to keep dreaming and well, it’s the next big dream! Running a small team of coordinators would be amazing – it’d mean I’ve reached the top of my game! I’m determined and I’m sure that with more hard work and dedication… I’ll get there! Watch this space….

 

Lyndsey on set

Lindsey xxx