An Intimate wedding at Hylands House, Essex

In the middle of December I was contacted by a couple wishing to marry end of January. Paul and Leo were planning an intimate wedding with close family and friends, they wanted a venue close to Chelmsford which is where their ceremony had already been booked. We had just 6 weeks to organise and design the wedding, paying special attention to the wishes of Leo who wanted to incorporate some Chinese elements. Short lead times are never a problem for wedding planners, in fact its something we secretly adore, nothing like working to pressure!

The Brief
To design a wedding that respected English and Chinese cultures, it was important that the design was opulent (like many Chinese weddings) but didn’t become feminine. Speed was also of the essence as we needed to confirm a venue so we could send invitations out. Likewise no suppliers could be hired until the venue was booked.

The ceremony was going to be a very simple occasion, so no design was required, Lucie was on hand to assist guests onto a coach we provided.

The Venue
After suggesting various venues Leo fell instantly in love with Hylands House, Essex and I cant say I blame him, the approach is incredibly dramatic and Leo commented that there is nothing like this back home in China. In fact Leo hadn’t even stepped out the car before saying this was the “one”.Paul_&_Leo-01Paul_&_Leo-34 Paul_&_Leo-18 Paul_&_Leo-02

Drinks Reception
When guests arrived at Hylands House they were greeted with champagne and delicious canapés. Limeberry Catering did an amazing job creating a menu and hosting a tasting all with just 17 days notice.

On the menu…
Canapés
Brie panacotta, rosemary toast
Potato rosti, topped with smoked haddock and chive
Asian pulled pork
Sushi lollipops

As guests entered the entrance hall of Hylands House there was a photo wall of images showing Paul & Leo on various holidays together, there were also some pop up banners of the engagement shoot, which Leo said was a Chinese tradition.
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When guests were ready to make their way into the wedding breakfast they were asked to pick up an escort card.
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The Design
The banqueting room is incredibly opulent, lavishly decorated with 24 carat gold leaf swag and scroll decorations, silk lined walls and hand painted wall motifs. And although stunning as it is, Leo wanted to bring in lots of red & purple flowers and spot lighting.

We commissioned Wedding Creative for the lighting and production, and Jade Flower Design for all the floral displays. A red carpet led the way from the entrance to the top table with floral cones flagging the way. Guests were seated at just one side of the round tables ensuring full visibility of all guests.

The top table was clothed in a striking red with gold napkins, with guests having the reverse. The stationery designed by Lemonpie Stationery featured the double happiness symbol and their names. In fact special mention to Natalie for managing to design the invitations so quickly, all invites were posted out on New Year Eve! All guests received truffle chocolates in little red boxes as their favours.
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The cake designed by Little Pop Bake Shop fitted with the design wonderfully, god bless her for feeding the cake copious amounts of brandy in January! Hylands House11Hylands House13 Hylands House02Hylands House18Hylands House22 Hylands House23 Hylands House29Hylands House26

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Best Day Ever
This was a fabulous day! Bernadette and Lucie’s organisation and expertise made our day far exceed our expectations. The venue, the catering, the flowers and the lighting were superb. We and our guests were delighted. Paul & Leo

Photographer – Jason Little Weddings
Florist – Jades Flowers
Venue – Hylands Estate
Cake  – The Little Pop Bake Shop
Video – Unique Visuals
Lighting – Wedding Creative
Catering – Lime Berry Catering
Stationery – Lemon Pie Design

Please contact me here for your Hylands House wedding planning requirements.

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