“We wanted beautiful memories captured by someone with a quirky edge. Jonny was absolutely fantastic. 90% of the time we didn’t even notice him. We are absolutely thrilled to bits. The photos are simply stunning.”
BEST COUNTRYSIDE WEDDING VENUE WINNERS | HAMPTON MANOR
I’m writing this shortly after learning that Hampton Manor have just scooped the Wedding Industry Award for the best countryside venue in the West Midlands. this is amazing news for the Michelin starred hotel in Solihull and I’m ever so proud to be one of their recommended wedding suppliers. Abi and Rob described choosing Hampton Manor as their wedding venue as a no brainer. They had recently moved to the village, Hampton-in-Arden. A beautiful village which has both a stunning church, and the best countryside wedding venue in the West Midlands. Why look anywhere else?
Abi and Rob met through work. Abi was an Estate Agent and Rob came into her office looking for a property. The rest, as they say, is history. Rob proposed the night before her 30th birthday therefore it was totally unexpected as she thought they were just doing romantic things to celebrate. In London he’d booked a posh hotel and a west end musical. At the end of the night he took Abi on a private boat which took them up and down the Thames. The driver was babbling on and told Abi to look over to the side of the river for whatever reason, and there, in big lights on the wall was MARRY ME? When she looked back round Rob was down on one knee holding out a ring. She burst out crying and, of course, said Yes!
BOUTIQUE WEDDING VENUE INSPIRATION
I wanted to keep my wedding as traditional as possible. Glamour was key And Rose Gold was the colour theme. I also wanted it to be fun and laid back. It was important to us that our guests had a good day too.
My favourite wedding details would be :
1- The entertainment during the signing of the register was a female soloist, accompanied by the church choir, singing my all time favourite song Tale As Old As Time from The Beauty and the Beast. Loads of guests commented on how good this was. It was probably the first time any of them had heard a Disney song during a wedding service!
2- Rob and I took a few dance lessons at a local dance school and learnt some simple fox trot and salsa moves for our first dance. This was mainly because neither of us are particularly good dancers and we didn’t want to be shuffling around the dance floor and boring our guests. Nerves got to me on the night but (I think) we pulled it off and everyone was so surprised because it was really unexpected.
3- Wedding favours were all supplied by friends. I had scented candles for the women guests with personalised labels and I had ivory boxes of sweets made for the men. Each of the guests had personalised champagne flutes for the toast. This idea really went down well. Bottom’s up!
4- I supplied toiletries baskets for both the women’s and men’s toilets and I also supplied flip flops for the evening reception. Needless to say most of these supplies were gone by the end of the night proving they were a hit, and the flip flops were utilised by both women and a few of the men which I was surprised about. Lol!
SOPHIA TOLLI DESIGNER WEDDING DRESS
I knew what I wanted and I found it. Eventually. While googling dresses, the same dress kept catching my eye in Google images. Whilst looking through a wedding magazine I came across an advert for a dress shop in Solihull- Lisa Rose Bridal. I grabbed my phone to check out the website and as the website popped up on my phone, what dress should they have on their homepage? Only the exact dress that had been catching my eye on Google! I booked an appointment, tried it on, and voila. I said Yes To The Dress! It all just happened and it was as if it was meant to be. The designer was Sophia Tolli. It really is true what they say, when you know, you know.
Rob hired his suit from David Atkinson in Knowle, Solihull. His shoes were Jimmy Choo as were mine. Because you have to “Say I Do In Choo” 😉 My bridesmaids dresses were also purchased from Lisa Rose Bridal and their shoes were from Asos.
ADVICE FOR THOSE PLANNING A WEDDING
I would say don’t panic whilst planning. Everything will just happen on the day. I had a wedding planner at my venue who upon prior instructions took care of everything on the day. We were given the advice to take a moment to breathe on the day and take in what is happening around you. Take 10 minutes with your new husband, away from your guests. The day really does fly by. Another thing I would advise is make sure you get a good photographer (like Jonny) because you will forget so much. Also there will be so much that you didn’t even see. The photos are a forever reminder of one of the most amazing days of your life. Rob says his advice is just let the bride do it all and it will work out perfectly fine!
Seriously though, we would say that one of the most important aspects of a wedding is the evening entertainment as this is the final memory your guests will have of your wedding. Our band were absolutely phenomenal and they really bought the house down. The dance floor was full and even the vicar had a boogey! It was a great atmosphere. No one likes it when guests sit bored at tables, clock watching, while the dance floor sits empty. Cringe.
SHOUT OUT THE BEST COUNTRYSIDE WEDDING VENUE SUPPLIERS
Make up artists: Ruth Hancox | Florists: Ava Event Stylin | Rings: Sonnys Jewellery in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham | Cake: Cotton and Crumbs | Catering Company: Hampton Manor | Entertainment: We Light It Up – lead singer Adam Chandler | Cars/Transport: Alpha Drive Supercar Hire in Walsall
LOOKING FOR A HAMPTON MANOR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?
Want a trusted wedding photographer recommended by the best countryside wedding venue? Then please get in touch, I’d love to hear more about you and your wedding day plans.
Hi Jonny, we’re getting married next year on the 8th June at Hampton Manor. Just enquiring to see if you’re available & get a quote from you.