Planning an intimate wedding

Are you considering a smaller, more personal wedding or civil partnership following the impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions on guest numbers?

It’s all about these complete rock stars – total legends – my very best friends – and their special day

In the summer of 2020

An altogether more personal post as we begin to look forward to the return of weddings.

All the fun for an intimate Civil Ceremony in Leeds

Is it possible to still have a wedding day celebration with current restrictions! It’s a question I get asked often, and on this post I’m going to answer some of the most recent FAQ’s, whilst also sharing the essential edit from this fabulous Civil Partnership of my unbelievably gorgeous best friend.

Treasured memories are captured at important life events

Let me introduce this incredible couple. They mean the absolute world to me, I love and adore them and if any couple were meant for each other these two were without any doubt. There was also never any doubt that Jane and I were destined for one of those rare and unique lifelong friendships. We are the perfect partners in crime, I really would do anything for her, but when it came to planning her long awaited important day she really didn’t need any help from me.

No matter what the weather love always wins

A super stylish couple their journey to making a legal commitment was never going to be a traditional one, they always wanted a free hand to create a day that was uniquely them. The notion of a wedding in every sense of the word was most definitely not the big dream for Jane and Bob.

Finally a long awaited day of celebration

As government had marked the change for same sex unions allowing legal civil partnerships back in 2004, heterosexual opposite sex couples were excluded. This meant that unless you chose a traditional wedding you were not able to enter into a civil partnership which afforded the same benefits as married couples with regard to pensions, tax and inheritance. Jane campaigned, challenged, and supported a change to the law to make this legal for all couples, and when in December 2019 the government reviewed the Civil Partnership Act allowing mixed-sex couples to form a non religious union the planning began. A modern interpretation of a traditional wedding was all about a small intimate ceremony, private dining, followed by a fabulous big party for everyone. This was absolutely what they wanted and would perfectly reflect their relationship.

Sheltering from the rain is always going to be an irresistible photo opportunity

Unfortunately we all know what happened next! A pandemic was to put all the plans on hold but they were super chilled about it. The most important thing was always going to be the legal bit for them, but we understand it’s not the same for all our couples. The idea of not having the day you have always dreamt of has caused heartbreak and sadness for many as wedding days have been postponed, and postponed again. My advice has always been to do what is right for you, right now. In an ever changing and unpredictable world never before have we been reminded more to live in the moment. What’s really important is now, we can’t change what has already happened, and worrying about the future won’t change today. We only have the now assured, and to this end I believe we should not put our life on hold. And making the most of what you are able to do when we are able to do it is exactly what Jane and Bob did. They went ahead as soon as restrictions were lifted in the summer of 2020 and they had a sensational, albeit very wet, intimate Civil Partnership ceremony at Leeds Town Hall.

Isn’t life all about the love, the joy, and happiness

One thing this sassy, charismatic couple are not is totally comfortable in the spotlight. The very thought of old school formal wedding photography had them in a mild panic. The plan was to have family capturing relaxed amateur shots of the day, but I had just the photographer in mind for this modern classic.The night before the big day I shared my secret for the celebrations to be captured on film by Leeds based photographer Tim Dunk https://timdunk.com/

Wedding Photography https://timdunk.com/

Tim is an incredible, fearlessly creative photographer, whose style, calm and relaxed personality, and visual perspective was perfectly aligned with them both. It was a priority to get someone I knew and trusted to not only capture images as a lifetime record of their momentous life event, but a guy who would make them feel comfortable, allowing them to shine without any awkwardness or contrived unrealistic and uncomfortable posing.

Finally something to celebrate in 2020 – the year of the global pandemic

Photography really is king for recording special moments in our lives. It is the number regret of so many couples when they have chosen not to commission a professional photographer.

Isn’t it all about the most important people in your lives

Photography was Jane and Bob’s biggest fear but became one of their greatest memories.

Oh brother

Yes sister

Not your typical wedding shot of the boys

When an image captures the mood of the girls

A truly unforgettable day.

And for those of you still hanging on to the dream of your long awaited special day, and for those of you new to planning your fabulous wedding celebrations, below are just a few of the words of advice for the questions that I regularly get asked.

Should we wait until we can have the big party we hoped for? Look at all the options, and be guided by what’s right for you. You can always have a big party on your anniversary.

Should I wait until guest numbers are increased? This is a tough one as often the biggest consideration is not being able to include older family members, but also if the BIG day surrounded by all your family and friends has been your dream it is understandably a more difficult decision. Once again you have to do what’s right for you and seek advice from a professional wedding planner to look at alternatives. Thankfully we now have a roadmap with provisional dates including a guide to the increasing guest numbers, and I guarantee if you can hold tight it will most definitely be a wedding day worth waiting for.

Can we get married legally just the two of us, and still have a ceremony and the day we planned at a later date? Absolutely you can. When register offices reopen you will be able to have a legal wedding ceremony just the two of you and two witnesses. Followed by a ceremony conducted by a celebrant with all your exciting plans, family and friends included.

Are there wedding venues that cater for smaller weddings? Don’t be afraid to reach out to Wedding Planners and Wedding Venues as there are so many incredible options which can include your symbolic ceremony, your wedding breakfast, and your fabulous wedding after party. Flexibility has been key throughout these changing times and now you have more choice than ever.

In my happy place

Please do ask away in the comments below if you have any questions or are just looking for some expert advice.

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Oh the glamour

I’ve felt privileged and honoured to write this post and enjoyed every moment as I relived the joy of one of my very favourite peoples special day. I’ve loved talking about fabulous weddings in Yorkshire again, and cannot wait for the day to come when I’ll be back working with loved up couples on their luxury wedding plans here at home, and abroad.

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to my wonderful friends for allowing me to share their incredible day, and to the man himself Tim https://timdunk.com/ for capturing it all in his own completely brilliant way.

Much love Pamella x

https://pamelladunn.co.uk/

Luxury Retreat Preview Woodlands Boutique Hotel Leeds

Our eagerly awaited preview to the International luxury retreats was last Sunday, it was a truly fabulous day and here Charlotte from award winning blog Redamancy shares all the fabulous details ….

A Champagne Reception – the perfect way to start a sunshiny Sunday

What do the words ‘luxury’ and ‘styling’ have in common? It’s a pretty straightforward answer; Pamella Dunn. Pam, or Pami to friends (which I am so lucky to be able to call her), has been stirring up styling sensations in the wedding industry for the last 7 years. I first met Pamella when I was given the enviable title of intern and brand ambassador, along with 6 other fabulous ladies, back in June 2016 and getting to know her and her business has been an absolute delight. The number one thing I have learnt? If Pam asks you to go on an adventure, you don’t even hesitate. It will be the best ride of your life.

Tall tropical floral designs made conversation easy across the banquet table

Ever since I first met Pam I knew that one of her dreams was to take off around the world, inspiring little wedding wannabes (and I use that in the nicest sense of the world, as I too was a wedding wannabe) with her sparkling style and creative coaching methods. I love it when people hustle for their dream above and beyond anything else, and so when Pam mentioned to me that she was putting on a Preview of the Luxury Styling Retreat in Leeds before it headed to SYDNEY (!!!) I was practically happy dancing around my kitchen. Actually, I was literally happy dancing around my kitchen. Would I like to assist in planning it? Boy, would I!

Place setting details were carefully considered

Cue excited emails passed back and forth between myself, Pam, and all-round wunderkind Ellie Kime, a brainstorming session, a very delightful meeting in Filmore and Union (still dreaming about that Pistachio Rose Latte) and lots of instagram promotion. Sunday 14th of May had certainly seemed like a long way off when we were planning it but as with all majorly exciting things it soon came around quickly!

Sponsors were featured on arrival surrounded by this showstopping organic balloon arch

The night before the event I couldn’t sleep. I know this sounds like a terribly clichéd thing to say but it’s true. Not even the thought of setting my alarm for 5:45am could dampen my spirits (I’m more of a 8:45 girl myself). The next morning at 6:37 – I’m always 7 minutes behind schedule, potential future clients look away now – I was in my car, downing coffee in world-record time, and hot-footing it along the motorway.

The gorgeous YSL consultants Steph and steph from Harvey Nichols leeds

I arrived at the beautiful Woodlands Hotel to find Pam doing what Pam does best – styling up a storm. It was a golden botanical haven, and the marquee styled to the nines really felt like a place where plans would be made and goals would be set. Exactly the type of place you want to be if you’ve got a hunger and passion for all things wedding biz. I immediately set to work helping recreate Pam’s vision, and as more of the LSRT (Luxury Styling Retreat Team) arrived it began to sink in that this was really happening.

Chloe and Javie catching up at the drinks reception

This event was all about style, so I’m going to have to go into lots of adoring detail and descriptions and you’re just going to have to bear with me! Gold sequin tablecloths bathed the banqueting table running down one length of the room, lined with chivari chairs standing proudly dressed in their sashes. Golden glass charger plates, luxe golden cutlery and gold-rimmed goblets from Whitehouse crockery delivered opulence at its very best. Leafy green tropical table centrepieces stood high on golden plinths and candles filled every available gap. Palms reinforced the botanical look and balloons from Swoon Balloons provided some luxury fun. Pam’s favourite detail from the event was the stunning name plaque hoops she’d had designed to sit above each keynote speaker’s chair and I have to say it was an inspired idea which really added something a little bit special. Sofas created a chill-out area (3 course fine-dining experiences can be tiring, you know) and the table lined with gift bags just made me want to squeal.

Tropical gold tablescape styling

By 10:00am setup was pretty much complete, which gave us half an hour before the guests were due to arrive. It was just enough time to revel in what Pam had created and take in the incredible atmosphere, which stayed with everyone for the rest of the day. During this time I met Kylie, the CEO of the Wedding Academy – with whom I completed my Advanced Diploma in Planning and Design – and Brand Manager for the Academy, Martha. After chatting with them for just 10 minutes I already felt totally inspired, so how the heck was I going to feel after the inspirational speeches?!

Kylie with wedding academy students past and present

There was no time to dwell on that though as I shot off to the conservatory to be on hand to greet guests when they arrived. Champagne, anyone? This little welcome soiree was made even better by Liz Keeting doing her thing, performing some of the top wedding songs to ever exist. L is for the way you look at me… O is for… “Omg that balloon arch looks incredible!” I said in my inside voice, because I did not want to drown out Liz’s beautiful voice for a single second. Claire from Swoon Balloons had created an amazing display of white and gold balloons that really set the tone for the day as soon as guests arrived. My favourite detail? The printed banner displaying all of the suppliers involved in the event, from the lovely Zoe at The Golden Letter who designed the most stunning stationery suite ever, to YSL who sponsored the gift bags. Yes, you read that correctly – Yves. Saint. Laurent. There were also these super gorge quotation cards on the welcome table, inscribed with motivational sayings to get everyone in the mood. “Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself” is my favourite quote of all time and I’m very happy to say it made the cut.

The amazing voice of Liz Keeting

After guests had enjoyed a little bit of bubbly in the sunshine, we all headed inside to commence the day. Liz, who was also acting as super-glam MC, had a special announcement for our guests. Hidden under 5 chairs were golden tickets that awarded the lucky recipient a free consultation with the lovely ladies from YSL in Harvey Nichols in Leeds, as well as a £50 voucher for a beauty makeover. What a prize, is what I thought when Pam told me, which was definitely echoed by the girls in the audience who threw themselves on the floor to check under chairs!

Helen Davies Curator at Sarah Beeny’s Rise Hall

Bums firmly back on seats, it was time for the speakers. First up, Helen Davies of Rise Hall. It sounds like an incredibly fancy title, and this lady deserves every single bit of it. ‘H’ is for Helen, but it’s also for Hustle and she has this in abundance. Helen started her own wedding planning company, The Wedding Concierge, 5 years ago. Within 12 months, Helen had been approached by Sarah Beeny (yes, the very one) who asked her to take over the wedding side of things at Rise Hall, which up until this point had been pretty poor, and turn it into a wedding venue of dreams. Helen was unsure at first, as anyone would be, but six days later she moved into Rise Hall with just a computer and a suitcase. What she has accomplished is quite frankly astonishing, or it would be if it wasn’t the result of sheer graft and determination. Because that’s the real reason Rise Hall is now a top wedding venue and hotel, hosting around 40 weddings a year – Helen quite simply worked her arse off. Her talk provided inspiration in bucket-loads and you could tell there was a buzz amongst the guests once she’d finished.

Keynote speakers Helen Davies and Anita Massarella

Next up, couture dress designer Anita Massarella. Now, let me tell you, this woman has a wicked sense of humour! – she had us all in absolute stitches! She’s a fantastic speaker and storyteller, and you want her to keep reeling off amazing anecdotes all day! She happened to mention that she had designed a wardrobe for Margaret Thatcher and I swear every single jaw in the audience dropped. Imagine being able to say that?! Anita also brought along some of her stunning dresses, and it’s not hard for one second to see why people pay the prices they do for Anita’s designs. To put it simply – they are bloody gorgeous! Anita is one of the most focussed and driven people you could hope to meet, and I’m very glad I got the chance.

Haute Couture designer Anita Massarella

Kylie Carlson, Director and Founder of The Wedding Academy rounded up the inspirational talks. I was really intrigued to hear Kylie speak because I’d already heard what a charismatic and engaging speaker she is, and she did not disappoint. I even lent over to Pam during Kylie’s talk to comment on what a ‘ball-buster’ she is, because when Kylie sets her mind to something – she achieves it. She doesn’t let anything stand in her way, and if there is an obstacle of some sort then she quickly susses out the most efficient way around it and achieves her goal. Which is why it’s not hard to see why The Wedding Academy has received the international acclaim it has. With Kylie at the helm how could it have achieved anything less?

Academy CEO Kylie Carlson with academy students past and present

That rounded up the morning’s events, and as the guests seated themselves at the table for lunch, the suppliers quickly headed off to the bar for a well-deserved glass of vino and a bit of a chin-wag. You just can’t beat it on a summer’s day! I did ask the guests how they enjoyed their food though, and I was met with lots of faces that resembled the heart-eyed emoji. However, with this being an industry event, it’s safe to say that this bunch of lovelies enjoyed the networking opportunity just as much as the food!

Woman in business doing what they do best – networking with a glass of champagne in hand

The afternoon kicked back off with a floral styling demonstration, from florist support on the event – Jade from Flowers By Jade. I think the guests were a bit disbelieving when it was explained to them that Jade was going to demonstrate how they could recreate a very similar centrepiece to those on display, at home, however her easy way of explaining things made us all realise that it’s actually possible. That’s the great thing about Jade; she’s down-to-earth, she’s bubbly and she’s very approachable. I find flowers quite daunting, because there are so many different types and I can never remember their names let alone their appropriate seasons. But Jade put us all at ease with her demonstration, and then it was time for everyone to try out these tips and tricks by styling their own greenery display in a gorgeous white vase. Bonus – they got to take it home too. And there were some absolutely fabulous creations!

Tall centrepiece tropical florals

Once everyone had arranged their own floral display, and after a very inspirational note to end on from the woman herself – Pam, it was time for mojitos and a dessert table selection to wind down the afternoon. One way to move 24 women into another room fast is to mention ‘cocktails and cake’, just FYI. It was so lovely to see everyone chatting to the people who they’d met during the day, swapping Instagram handles and friending each other on Facebook, especially as many of them had turned up alone without knowing anyone else.

Fabulous wedding industry professionals, L-R Ella, Katie, Louise and Laura.

I couldn’t believe how fast the day had flown by when everyone started coming to say thank you and goodbye, laden with the luxury goody bags stuffed full of treats. I met some truly wonderful people who I know I will stay in touch with, and it was definitely a sentiment that I could see a lot of people shared. There was such a positive tingle in the air come 4:00pm that day. It’s like when you’re little and you go to a children’s party – you’ve had the best time playing with all of your friends and you’re so chock-full of sugar that you genuinely feel that life is better than it ever has been, and you can’t wait for tomorrow. That’s the feeling that the Luxury Stylist Retreat gave me. And with a conclusion like that, you can’t possibly tell me that you don’t want to come to Sydney and do it with us all over again? I’ll see you down under. G’day Mate.

A fabulous day and a wonderful article, thank you Charlotte. I’ll finish with the highlights from the day by hugely talented photographer Soniya Zeb, including the super stylish gold foil stationery suite from The Golden Letter, gold chargers, tableware and glassware from luxury event hire company Whitehouse Crockery, all styled to perfection by Rebecca from Pop Up Weddings and Charlotte of course from Redamancy. 

Soon to follow, a fabulous film from Ash at To Have And To Hold Films

A very warm welcome for all the guests at the champagne drinks reception

Sunday sunshine networking

Luxe tableware place setting, with luxury gold foil stationery and gold glass chargers

Candle lit details on the mirrored gold tablescape

Keynote speakers Kylie Carlson, Helen Davies, and Anita Massarella

Bride to be and her gorgeous Mum

Luxury Retreat guests L-R Chloe, Javie and Dee

Exquisite gowns from Anita Massarella

There was a wonderful buzz in the room as speakers shared inspirational stories

Lucky winners of the 5 golden tickets

Mini bouquets and vases for the afternoons guest Style Challenge

Banquet tablescape and chiffon drop chair sashes

Hello Love rose gold balloons decorate the marquee wall

hello – love balloons from Swoon Balloons

 

Luxury chiffon drop and diamante tie chair detail

Thank you gifts for the wonderful support team

Pamella Dunn finishing the final styling

Pamella Dunn Luxury Wedding Planner, wedding business trainer and mentor

 

All props available to hire from My Wedding Hire email pam@pamelladunn.co.uk or call 07900 216132

 

Your Personal Wedding Planner

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Exclusive Wedding Planning. Full details & clear pricing online.

We know wedding planning is exciting and unbelievably time consuming too. We often meet our lovely clients when they are drowning under wedmin or balancing too many suppliers booked too soon in the process as they are cry “I wish we had found you sooner!” The business of wedding planning is shrouded in myth and folklore so this week we shone a little light on how it all works and updated the website with pricing and services, posting transparent costs and details of what you can expect.

Boutique Wedding Planning. A professional wedding planner for when you really need it. Further details and easy pricing on line.

It’s true, hiring a wedding planner is not just for celebrities and the rich and famous. There are many services you can take advantage of, saving you time and money whilst still planning your own special celebrations. Planning a wedding in the UK offers couples a magical choice of alternatives and has not traditionally included a Wedding Planner but all this is beginning to change. As experienced professionals we know how stressful wedding planning can be, and how time consuming and budget busting too. With so many considerations no one anticipates, including the balancing of family and friends expectations, not to mention managing a team of suppliers as your wedding approaches. It really is no wonder that by the time the day arrives it passes in a blur.

 

Our latest client wedding Venue Search took us to Cheshire and across Yorkshire to find the perfect exclusive use luxury venue with accommodation. The clients brief was relaxed but historical, a party house but with fine dining, champagne and good wine. Somewhere so special, with a caring professional team that could host the ceremony & up to 150 guests for the wedding breakfast. I am thrilled and delighted to have found the one that they both just fell in love with. Full details and pricing on line for our Venue Search service.

 

Savvy couples know that time is precious and that like any other professional service hiring an experienced wedding planner is an investment that can often pay for itself. We know that finding the perfect venue when so many are hidden gems isn’t a one weekend job, that a few venues may have little or no flexibility, and occasionally may have clauses or restrictions that are hidden in the small print.

When you choose our Supplier Suggestions option you get the very best wedding vendors in the business to match your budget and you will be amazed at the quality, experience and professionals available to you. We will save hours and hours of research. Choose from the best the UK wedding industry has to offer. Get in touch today!

 

For A Limited Time Only At This Amazing price. Call in the wedding Style & Design experts. We’ll work together to design a fabulous bespoke wedding, with the most beautiful personal elements and then we sprinkle our style magic with installation on the day.

We offer eight exclusive wedding services including beautiful wedding flowers, as well as bespoke wedding planning for clients part way through their planning and entering wedding meltdown.

 

Wedding Day Management you can’t live without. Planning a wedding is fun & exciting and on the day you, your family and friends will enjoy every single stress free minute when you chose our On The Day Coordination service. It’s discreet, organised and effortlessly professional. Your day will unfold like a dream, and leave you to be doing just exactly what you should be; loving every getting married minute…. You are in safe hands, details and pricing online.

 

On the day coordination is the peace of mind service you will be so pleased you booked. A marquee at home, teepee in the forest or a hotel wedding with a venue coordinator you will reflect on the moment you first considered hiring a professional planner.

 

Happy planning, much love x

Should I Hire A Wedding Planner?

5 key questions:

Pamella Dunn

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.

• Have you chosen a date, place and venue?
• Have you a budget you will work to?
• Are you a creative looking to DIY your wedding, with support from family & friends?
• Do you need help with the design and styling?
• Do you need help with the administration, the coordination and on the day management?
• Have you identified key suppliers who you can work with?

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.

Pamella

Shortlist planners who fit your brief and arrange a consultation. These are invariably complimentary and will give you a good idea if you are a good fit. Personality, compatibility and a good close working relationship will be vital. An experienced planner will have all the answers, and more that arise during this exciting time, and will often not only be the planner, but your designer and stylist too. They will save you hours of research and add value to your budget. Their advice and support will be invaluable, they will be the calming confidant, fully understanding how you are feeling at each stage. They will be inspiring and thought provoking, discussing ideas with you that have meaning to you both as you celebrate your love for each other.

Your Wedding Planner Does More Than Just Wedding Planning

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.

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.

Looking forward to hearing from you x

The Devil Is In The Detail