Epic emotions, brilliant team & the best groovers…

Names: Fran & Ben from Low Hall in The Lakes

Month: May 2018 - Brilliant sunshine with drizzle

Venue: Low Hall in the Lakes, nr Lorton

Photographer: Jono Symonds

Videographer: Philip White Weddings (Click for mini video of this fab wedding!)

Catering: Stonehouse Smokery

Florist: Picking Posies by Becky

Band: Mr Wilson’s Second Liners

Ice Cream: Hartley’s

Cake: Yummy Pudding Co

Others: Jaye Adams (Beauty), Cumbria Registrars

In Brief:

When a new venue opens to couples in Cumbria, I admit I get very excited! It doesn’t happen very often and especially not completely in my personal style and in a fantastic location. When I went to visit Fran and Ben about their special day, I didn’t know what to expect when they said they were doing up a barn. Presumption is a bad thing so hopes were low!

Wow. Blown. Away.

The venue was glorious! Their plans were perfect and what a cute, good looking couple!! I knew it was going to be epic and couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

As with most of my clients, they were very organised and had some great ideas for their wedding. I just had the pleasure of going through it all in detail and ironing out any concerns or dropping in some thoughts to help with the creation. We talked about logistics, atmosphere and staffing. We laughed a lot, shared stories and generally got on!

The reason they wished for me to be part of the team was because they knew they needed to enjoy the day, not manage their venue. All their friends and family had been involved with the development too so they wanted to make sure they weren’t roped in. Lovely reason to get some experienced help!

The ceremony was held in a clearing in the woods, beautifully relaxed and very emotional. Timings managed, music sorted and guests feeling in the zone… all went to plan!

Afterwards there was fizz, music and slight rain but the love kept everyone smiling! Even when Ben nearly crashed the surprise wedding car!

Scrim at Stonehouse Smokery was cooking up a storm out back and taste buds were tingling. I thoroughly enjoy it when couples really think about the food they want. Its not about doing bland to keep everyone happy, its about delighting everyone with delish delicacies! Lee and his fab team, with the help of my troop, did a great job and the guests raved about the grub.

Managing staff for the wedding was a new adventure for me. Usually there is a venue, bar or catering team but this was on me and I think we nailed it! Being a Planner / Coordinator / Manager / Big Sis / PA takes a lot of time up on a wedding day but my motley crew had my back and service etc was great, even handling the evening curry buffet!

The most memorable part of this fantastic event was the entertainment. The band, Mr Wilson’s, made me so happy!! We surprised guests from behind the cottages with a mobile remixing sensation. I couldn’t not dance a little and definitely couldn’t stop smiling! They paraded down the lane and around the gardens until rocking the barn into the night. This style of band is a Planners dream as you can really take in all the venue and flex to suit the crowd and weather. Thanks guys, loved it!

When I left, truly shattered, I was overcome with the happiness of being involved in the beginning of such a glorious pairing and beautiful venue. Love lives in Low Hall.

The happy couple very kindly shared their thoughts too...

“Honestly if you're slightly pondering getting Annabel on board, ponder no more, she's ace! The real life Fronk but way wayyy better.

We got in touch with Annabel as we were getting married at home. Having just started a new venture ourselves, a wedding venue in the Lake District no less(!) we decided, after actually looking at a few places, we couldn't imagine our day anywhere else but at ours. Despite at the time, it not being nearly finished yet, it still may seem the obvious place to have it; when you own your own venue, surely you're going to get married there, right? Yes. But! We wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the day like every other beaming bride and groom. Not be worried about making breakfast, clearing glasses and pouring gin, making sure guests were happy and know where they're going, finding safety pins for straying hems and cloths for spilt beverages. We wanted to dance, drink and celebrate with our besties, happy in the knowledge that someone had it all covered. So we got in touch with Annabel.

As soon as Annabel came over to see our place and we discussed our day, we were in. Relaxed but totally on it. Knows her stuff, but would never preach or dictate. Smiley and always there, but never in your face or OTT. We instantly trusted her abilities and knowledge to run our day exactly as we wanted it and on top of that to coordinate our awesome staff (and some new ones) as though we were there. And oh boy did she deliver.

106 guests. 6 bridesmaids. 6 groomsmen. 1 flower girl and page boy. A whole host of suppliers. A woodland ceremony. Garden reception. Coco Locos. Ice creams for all. Cake cake cake. Hog roast. 40 more guests. 90s rave down a country lane. A cuzza feast. And some Motown belters. Annabel and team all ensured they happened when and where they should and everyone had an amazing day. Most of all us. We literally had the best day ever and celebrated as though we weren't at home. But were. If you get me... Thanks Annabel, you smashed it. It was perfect.

Mrs & Mr Knight from Low Hall The Lakes xx”

Yay! Another happy event, another happy couple and another happy collection of memories for all!

Thanks Jono Symonds for these stunning shots, truly capturing the day!

To find out how I can make a difference to your unique celebration, just ask! Or read about others experiences here. Happy planning!