Antonia & Paul

Colshaw Hall, Cheshire

I first met Paul and Antonia on Valentine’s Day 2022, having been recommended by a lovely, previous client. What first struck me was not only what a lovely couple, but also how hectic their lives were with Paul managing a number of businesses and Antonia busy with her career; so, I knew they would need a lot of help planning their wedding.

Their initial idea was a marquee wedding at home, but they wanted some time to weigh up ideas, as they had two possible locations, located in different parts of the country. There was a lot to consider!!

We then met again a couple of months later after an exciting call from Antonia, not only had their plans completely changed, but they were now expecting a baby! With this news they had decided to forgo a marquee wedding and instead had chosen Colshaw Hall, which was very close to their home in Cheshire. Plus they had managed to secure a prime date for the following summer, so we were all systems go.   

Something that was a top priority for both Paul and Antonia was that they wanted their day to be a celebration; they wanted the whole day filled with music and happiness and for all of their guests including Paul’s two sons to share in this. It is great when clients have strong thoughts on what is important to them as it really helps the day take shape. Antonia had wanted a specific ‘show’ band from London, one that I had worked with on a couple of occasions previously, but they weren’t available on the date they had secured. But I knew I could find something very similar… if not better and likely closer to home so I set to work finding some great alternatives and fortunately Paul and Antonia absolutely loved my option from Manchester, more about what they provided for us later!

I went to visit Colshaw Hall, having a detailed look round with their excellent team and as I do, I took lots of photos and asked lots of questions, to help me get a full understanding of how they like to work and what things we needed to be aware of as our plans took shape. On discussing the visit with Antonia I discovered something that was really bothering them both; they wanted to find a way to make the main function room feel less corporate and more romantic, plus hide a wall that Antonia had taken a particular dislike too. Noting this I made a call to a contact I regularly use for my marquee weddings; a fabulous draping company that I thought could create some ceiling swags and also disguise the back wall using a beautiful sage green material in a way that ended up completely transforming the room.

Throughout the planning and as I know Antonia and Paul would readily admit, especially after their gorgeous little girl arrived, they both struggled finding the time to sit down and make decisions regarding the wedding; life was just so busy. But when we had meetings together, we got things done and I took on a greater workload to help support and guide them as much as possible; fortunately, they trusted me and I had a good understanding of what they wanted from their day. From the look and feel to the entertainment to how the day would flow (they wanted effortlessly of course!); between us we created the day they wanted.

Once it came to the big day we were blessed with glorious weather, I was up bright and early as my draping team had completed their install overnight at Colshaw Hall and had promised me photos; I was excited to see this part of the transformation! As well as that I had organised a stage for the band and had a lighting team and florists on site first thing to ensure we could get everything done in time. Tables were carefully positioned and the stunning glassware and cutlery we had brought in along with the beautiful flowers and stationery completed the look; the room looked stunning. Antonia, her bridesmaids and Mum all arrived to get ready and couldn’t resist a little peek; Antonia couldn’t believe the transformation in the room!

Knowing that all was safely underway and everyone was happy, it was time for me to head to church to meet Paul, his best man, ushers and sons and get everything ready at church… as we had a special surprise for the guests and it meant hiding a few musicians!

As guests arrived we had a gospel choir singing; the joy was starting and soon the bride arrived ready to make her entrance, with Paul’s son’s walking down the aisle with the rings and their baby girl being as good as gold, carried in by a bridesmaid!

The ceremony was emotional and the reverend included a special blessing for this newly blended family. As the ceremony drew to a close the choir started to sing ‘All you need is Love’ by the Beatles and then in a true Love Actually moment, up popped the trumpet and sax from a pew above the aisle, from the back of the church an electric guitar appeared and in through the church door a trombonist – it was just fabulous.

Guests were singing along and couldn’t quite believe what they had just seen, what a way to end a ceremony! And this was just the start of the celebrations!!

As everyone arrived at Colshaw Hall they were greeted by Colshaw’s toastmaster, as well as the all-important champagne. Guests were then invited out into the garden’s where we had not just roaming musicians but also a roaming magician who delighted both adults and children. Garden games and bubbles ensured the younger guests were kept happy and busy, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the lovely setting as the photos were taken.

As guests were invited into dinner our fabulous eleven piece band were on stage setting the tone perfectly for what was to come, as Antonia and Paul were introduced, all the guests were on their feet as they danced their way to the top table. The caterer’s at Colshaw Hall then provided an exceptional menu and free flowing wine, with the band playing lounge style sets during the starter and main course. After the traditional speeches and cutting of the (stunning) cake, guests were invited back out to the garden for cocktails whilst the room turnaround took place.

To keep guests entertained we had a quirky Barbershop quartet… but not as you know them, these guys were singing Hip-hop and rap; they went down a storm followed by Ibiza lounge-style saxophonist as well as a Selfie Mirror to give everyone a memento of the day.

Whilst this was all going on we were hard at work; tables had to be cleared and removed, a dance floor had to be laid, lighting had to be changed, candles lit and the full band on stage ready to get the party started. When you do a room turnaround I think it is important that guests see it looking just as good as it did for the wedding breakfast and also see a transformation from day to night.

As soon as we were ready we brought Antonia and Paul into the room to see how it looked and meet the band properly. Then guests were invited in and we were ready for the first dance; which soon had the dance floor full and that was how it stayed all night!

It was definitely mission accomplished as we had absolutely created a day that was a celebration from start to finish and was filled with joy and happiness! Loved it!