COUTURE EVENTS
Hi, I’m Susannah! I’m a luxury wedding planner and my niche is designing and producing one of a kind weddings in luxury hotels and country house estates in London and the Home Counties.
I’ve worked in events my whole career, my first job after University was as an event manager at a London venue, after 2 years there I went on to a corporate hospitality broker and learnt to deal with high end clients with even higher expectations. I moved into party planning after the birth of my first child and then spent over a decade working for one of London’s biggest party planners, partnering with London’s finest suppliers at a range of prestigious and historic venues. I decided in 2018 that I wanted to run my own business and to specialise in weddings - I just love the feeling of helping people and knowing that I can use the knowledge, skills, trusted contacts and expertise that I have built up over the last 15 years or more to relieve my clients of their feelings of overwhelm and pressures at what should be one of the happiest times of their lives is a feeling that can’t be beaten. In terms of an interesting fact … how about two? I adore giraffes (probably because like them, I am tall!) and my house and office are full of images and models of them but I have a ridiculous phobia of tortoises!! I live in Surrey, I’m happily married and have 3 children (Henry Freddie and Poppy) and a fox red Labrador puppy, Hudson!
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Trusted Expert: Creative, Connected & Calm
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
To quote the Hannibal Smith (if you remember the A Team?!) “I love it when a plan comes together”
Whether I work with my couples for over a year or a matter of months, I still get the same buzz from knowing that I can take what started out as a myriad of complex and varied arrangements (dreams, designs, budgets, bookings, logistics, layouts, timings) with a wide range of suppliers such as your stationery, venue, ceremony, catering, bar, accommodation, transport, floral designs, technical production, tableware, venue styling, wedding cake, photography, videography, hair and make up, entertainers etc and expertly dovetail them all together into one comprehensive plan, working closely to create one big team, all working together for the shared end goal of delighting and enchanting my couple and creating a seamless, exquisite, unforgettable wedding day for my couple and all their guests
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
It’s hard to condense wedding advice but to be brief, my advice is always:
1) Be organised – a folder, a timeline, a to do list and a budget
2) Be clear – discuss and agree with your fiance/e what are the ‘must haves’, the ‘nice to haves’ and the ‘could do withouts’ and allocate time and budget accordingly
3) Be calm – don’t sweat the small stuff – the most important part of the day is your ceremony and then celebrating with your loved ones. No one will notice if the napkins don’t match the exact shade of your bridesmaids shoes so don’t lose sleep over it!
4) Engage me as your wedding planner ;-) I can help with full planning, partial planning or wedding day management
5) What is your favourite city & why?
Barcelona - I lived there during my third year ‘out’ as I studied French and Spanish for my degree. I really got to know the city really well as I lived right in the centre, near the Placa Catalunya and I thoroughly enjoyed everything it had to offer - the weather, the food, the historic buildings and gardens, the Olympic Village and the beach a little further away at Sitges!
Image credits : Kate Nielen Photography
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THE HONEY BEE WEDDING CAKE COMPANY
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
5) What is your favourite city & why?
Image credits :
Alicia Ewin Photography, Sophie Oldhamstead Photography
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https://thehoneybeeweddingcakecompany.co.uk/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thehoneybeeweddingcakeco/
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SOMETHING WHITE
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Creative, modern, stylish, stress-free, fun
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
On the day coordination - seeing how happy and relaxed my couples always are, and watching all of the plans unfold and the design come to life is unbelievably rewarding.
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
Forget the word wedding and just plan the best party ever. Never put pressure on yourself to please others, you will only regret not doing things the way you really wanted.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
New York! Each time I go there every sidewalk reminds me of a movie, it just always feels very surreal and magical. I would be in my element planning a wedding at a New York roof top bar!
Image credits : Michelle Cordner Photography, Emma-Jane Photography, Insta Wedding
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http://www.something-white.co.uk/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/something_white/
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BLOOMOLOGIE FLOWERS
I grew up in Shropshire, surrounded by the most lovely garden and beautiful countryside, and it still has a huge influence over my work today - wild, untamed and always seasonal. I started out my career in journalism and my first job was at Cosmopolitan magazine, but I was slowly pulled back to gardening and flowers - I loved gardening at home, then I did my RHS Horticulture qualifications at night school, and eventually, when I was on maternity leave, I did a floristry course. But I was always told off at college because my work was “too big, too wild and too messy”, so I made that my USP!
When I got married I’d only ever been to one wedding, and this was years before I became a florist, so my own wedding flowers were quite simple - I just wanted them to look as though they’d been picked from a meadow, not arranged or styled. But my bouquet was all David Austin Roses because I grew up in the village where they are grown.
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Fine-art, seasonal, organic, romantic and wild.
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
Undoubtedly it’s being up a ladder, making big installation pieces, I love the big scale stuff, and I love the actual making - seeing our ideas and best-laid plans come to life. I’m a maker at heart and I love creating mess and seeing where my mood takes me! Lots of floristry is about working out how to do something - I spend a lot of time in DIY stores - so there’s often a heart-in-the-mouth moment when you try something new for the first time!
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
Know your budget from the outset, and know that flowers are expensive. It’s worth being honest about that up-front! You can spend £500, or £5,000, or £50,000 on your wedding flowers and it’s impossible for a florist to tell you how much your wedding will cost if you don’t have an idea of what you want to spend, and what you want to have.
That’s the second thing, be ready with a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. How many buttonholes, bouquets, table centres do you need? And what can you compromise on if you don’t have the budget… It’s much better to have one statement urn of flowers for the ceremony that wows everyone, than to have ten tiny pew ends and a small vase for the same price, for instance.
Third, know what's available when you get married - have a look to see what’s going to be in season. You can’t have peonies at Christmas or anemones in July.
Lastly, have a play on Pinterest or get a few wedding magazines and get an idea of what you like. You don’t have to go crazy, but if you have a quick look because floral styles differ a lot and it’s so helpful if you have an idea of what you love, and what you don’t.
Lots of couples have never had to think about flowers in their life before so it’s understandable that they don’t know, but flowers can truly transform your wedding space, so it’s worth taking a bit of time make sure they reflect your personality.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
I never get tired of New York - I used to nearly every month when I was a writer and I love the food, the bars, the fashion, the atmosphere, it’s always so vibrant and clings onto small indie shops and businesses in a way that we haven’t in the UK.
But my idea of a break now is getting out of the city. I adore the Lake District - the food (always the food!), the walks, the views, the rugged landscape and the colours - why do people go to Tuscany to get married when they could be in the Lakes (okay, there’s the rain. It’s the rain, I know!)?
Image credits :
https://cecelinaphotography.com/, https://sarahhannam.com/,
https://www.annelimarinovich.com/, https://www.instagram.com/claire.graham/
https://www.bloomologie.co.uk/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bloomologieflowers/
hello@bloomologie.co.uk
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AMANDA KAREN PHOTOGRAPHY
So my background is probably one of polar opposites to the wedding industry! I started my career in emergency response and crisis management having studied disaster management at Uni! But it was planning our own wedding back in 2012/2013 that bought me into the wedding industry, and let’s just say we learnt a lot that has lead us to the service we offer our couples today!
After our wedding, and having bought our first DSLR cameras in 2009 I realised I didn’t want to leave the industry, I wanted to be part of it! After shadowing and assisting the incredible Tatum Reid Photography for a season and lots of training, we took on our first handful of weddings in 2015 and as they say, the rest is history!
We’re a husband and wife team, which works really well for us and means that we get lots of coverage during the day. And we’ve been blessed with amazing couples over the last few years. Last summer saw me leaving the world of crisis management and corporate to run the business full time, so I’m even more excited for the 2020 season if that’s even possible!
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Relaxed, Story-telling (that’s one word if I hyphenate it!), Romantic, Natural, Stylish
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
That moment when the couple see each other for the first time on the wedding day, either as a first look or at the bottom of the aisle, it gets me every time! I’m a hopeless romantic and it’s that lovestruck look between the two of them, often followed by a “wow” as they see each other in their wedding finery!
There are so many moments during the wedding day that remind me why this is hands down the best job in the world, but I think it has to be that one, guaranteed chills each and every time!
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
Remember that it’s about the two of you. Planning a wedding can seem overwhelming (although if you have an awesome planner this is reduced!) and there is so much more choice than when we were planning ours. However, that comes with an incredible opportunity to plan a wedding that really does represent you both as a couple – no more cookie cutter weddings where it’s the same from each couple.
You two are at the centre of this, it’s your relationship and your story… You can’t please everyone, and people will have their ideas and suggestions (helpful or otherwise) and so it’s important to keep you both at the centre.
But also remember to take some time out from the planning, schedule in non wedmin dates if you need to, just so you can spend time together as a couple without it turning to floral designs and whether you should invite the random family friend who hasn’t seen you since you were crawling!
5) What is your favourite city & why?
Ah that’s so difficult! There are so many I’ve visited and shot in and so many to explore that every time I arrive somewhere I think that’s my new fave! But at the moment, now I have much more time to explore, I’m rekindling my love for London, I love getting to meander round the streets and find the perfect locations for engagement or brand shoots. It’s like going on a treasure hunt for hidden gems.
Image credits :
Amanda Karen Photography, Nkima Brands (branding pic)
https://www.amandakarenphotography.co.uk/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/amandakarenphotography/
hello@amandakarenphotography.co.uk
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DAISY ALEXANDRA WEDDINGS
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Luxurious, meticulous, creative, passionate & friendly
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
Seeing clients faces when all their dreams become reality. Honestly nothing beats it!
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
To enjoy the process. Much too often it is allowed to be thought of as a stressful process. If a clear and accurate budget is created on day one, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
London. Despite travelling to so many cities across the world, there is no place like London for me! We are so lucky to live in this wonderful cosmopolitan city. The shops, venues, restaurants, bars, architecture, people, theatres, museums & parkland make it the best city in the world for me.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/daisyalexandraweddings/
info@daisyalexandra.com
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MALARKEY CAKES
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Creative, modern, unique, personal, specialised
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
My favourite part of my job is when I am lucky enough to get clients who completely trust me with the creative process of designing their cake. They have an idea of colours or some kind of detail. When I have full creative reign to design something inspired by the architecture of the building where they are getting married or the pattern on the groomsmen’s ties, for example, I get really excited! Creating my digital design sketches and seeing the cake in situ are my happiest moments!
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
The kind of couples I love working with are the ones doing things their own way. I’d always advise couples not to try and please everyone, or they’ll end up pleasing no one! I really think a wedding day should be a reflection of who a couple really are, which will surely make them even happier on the day. If a couple feel happy and not massively stressed out on the day, guests can see their happiness and that in turn makes for happy guests, I think.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
It’s too hard for me to choose my favourite city, but as I am biased. London is hard to beat, but let’s be honest. London isn’t the friendliest place in the world. I lived in Phnom Penh in Cambodia and that’s a place where, once you get through the chaotic exterior, the people are incredible considering their past, the heat is intense and the food is super cheap and fantastic. I love the rumble of South East Asian cities. I also absolutely love Rio with it’s mountains and beach. So that’s my top 3!
Image credits :
https://www.sophielakeweddings.co.uk/
http://www.malarkeycakes.co.uk/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/malarkeycakes/
hello@malarkeycakes.co.uk
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FOOD SHOW
2) Describe Food Show in 5 words…
Creating Spectacular Food & Inspired Events
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
There are so many different parts to my job which I love from the variety; in the space of a single day you could be checking out a new venue, meeting with clients brainstorming ideas or even being onsite! The people! 100% the best part of the job is working with the clients as well as the team, at Food Show we are not just a team but we are all really good friends and we have worked together for years! Travelling - Event planning can take you anywhere and I love that one moment I’ll be in London and then the next the Cotswolds! Creativity - As an event planner you get to explore your creative vision and see an idea be turned into reality, from concept to execution and the most important one … the wow factor. I love the reaction of the bride and groom seeing all the months of planning the details come together on the wedding day!
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
Take it one step at a time and don’t be afraid to ask your wedding planner for help or advice
5) What is your favourite city & why?
As soon as I arrived in Florence, I fell in love! Not only do I love all things pasta, pizza (and who else does it better than the Italians!) and prosecco; it was also the first holiday I took with my boyfriend and since then we go back to Florence every year.
Image credits :
http://twobytwovideo.co.uk/#us http://www.maryjanevaughan.co.uk/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/foodshowltd/
Ellie@foodshowltd.com
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ELEGANTE BY MICHELLE J
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
A hug not a handshake
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
I am very fortunate, because I love it all, both the creative design and the logistical planning, but my favourite part of the day is always the ceremony... as after all, this is the reason why everyone has gathered together. The reception afterwards, however amazing it might be (and it generally is), is simply a celebration of the ceremony everyone has just witnessed.
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
Think very carefully about what you both want, and try not to be influenced too much by the opinions of others.... it's your day, and it should be exactly as you want it to be.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
I spend a lot of time in Florence, as it is a favourite city for couples getting married and I have now planned many weddings there and in the surrounding countryside. Florence provides the most romantic and beautiful backdrop for weddings and having worked there regularly over the last few years, I now find that each time I drive into the city, I feel as if I am coming home.
Image credits : https://www.davidbastianoni.com/
https://elegantebymichellej.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/elegantebymichellej/
michelle@elegantebymichellej.com
MON ANNIE CAKES
I’ve always loved baking, but never really had the time to do it. In 2013 I became severely mentally ill, and baking was literally the only thing I could do. It was my therapy, and then it became my voice- and something I wanted to share with the world.
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Flavour, Bespoke, Elegant, Timeless, Narrative.
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
It’s hard to choose! I like the baking, and it will always be my first love; however I love the finer details of the sugar flowers and creating textures on the cake.
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
It’s YOUR wedding. Don’t be afraid to be you. Take your time to pick suppliers who will help you bring your vision to life.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
I love Paris. It’s beautiful and has some of the best patisserie. I felt like a kid in a candy shop!
Image credits : Charlotte Wise, Maxeen Kim
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/monanniecakes/
hello@monanniecakes.com
OCCASION QUEENS
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Attentive, Stylish, Quality, Detailed and Easy
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
Ah that's sooo hard! I bloody love it all! Inspiration session get me super excited for everything they have planned, recommending suppliers gives me a buzz to know I am supporting amazing companies within the industry whilst bringing the couples ideas to life, final planning meetings I get to see the fruits of their labour and how the things we discussed have evolved and on the day - well you don't get any better than watching their dreams come true...
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
There is so much advice out there already, everyone has a top tips blogs but honestly, I think there are two big ones - stay true to you as a couple, if it doesn't feel right then don't do it as you can't take it back. Secondly, prioritise your budget in order of what is important to you. Invest in the things you love and then you know that you will be super happy with those things on the day.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
That's a tough one between London (home is where the heart is and London at night is truly magical) and Toronto (the happiest place in the world where everyone is proud of their city).
Image credits : Chpbranding Stories, Matt Parry, Andy Gaines, Fiona Kelly
https://www.occasionqueens.com/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/occasion.queens/
letschat@occasionqueens.com
BY CHENAI WEDDINGS & EVENTS
My name is Chenai, I'm a West London based event planner, planning weddings and parties all over the UK And beyond.
My professional background was actually in commercial Supply Chain management for a major retailer , skills I used and developed to be an effective event planner. I combine this with my natural curiosity for the creative - I was an arts student most of my life and I love to express myself in that way. I also love a great party, my mom was the ultimate hostess with the most and I love nothing more than getting my friends together around my table , cooking an awesome dinner that ends with some dancing in the wee hours to a brilliant playlist.
Where wedding planning is concerned, I've found that clients either want a logistical expert or a creative to hep them with their look /decor and I have combined my natural affinity to get stuff done, with my love for creating . Being a natural extrovert also helps! I always new wedding planning was for me , I planned my first wedding back in 2015 , I loved every minute of it despite the long hours and sore feet at the end of the day , I then started researching the industry, planned some more weddings and launched ByChenai Events in 2017.
Interesting facts?
Chenai is a Shona name from Zimbabwe (not the place in India, that has 2 N's) where I am originally from.
I speak 3 languages
I have never seen Star Wars.
I created and host my own supper club called the West 10 Supper club which is a creative outlet and passion project rather than a business venture.
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Contemporary, elegant, professional, stylish, bespoke.
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
Sounds corny but it's the people and the little journey we go on together. No client is the same, I love the opportunity to get to know my clients, understand their vision and bring it to life! I love a great party but I also enjoy being apart of one of the most intimate and thoughtful celebrations a couple will have in their relationship, It is a real source of joy for me.
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
It's your day , do it your way. I have respect for traditions, they have their place especially in cultural weddings but I advocate the fact that as it's the most personal celebration you will share with those you love and care for, it must be a reflection of above all else, who you are as a couple.. So there is nothing you have to do or should do, the day must be about how you want to celebrate it. Express yourselves in a way that echoes your values and style. I'd also advocate taking the time to enjoy the process. After engagement there is no need to rush into an overwhelming stream of research and inspiration, decide what you'd like your day to look like, what is important to you, agree on a budget (that you can stick to) and then go from there. Finally, get help! Whether it's with a professional planner like myself or a friends and family who are willing and able to especially if project managing, planning and the creative elements are not your forte.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
London. It's the home I've chosen as an adult and it is an inspiring place to be. I love the pace of the city, the variety ,the diversity. I love the idea that whatever your passion is , you can find it in London and whilst it is a big city, I have never felt small in it. I find inspiration everywhere , good restaurants, traditional spaces like museums, performance spaces and galleries and the unconventional street art , Londoners have great style and the breadth of culture is astounding. The juxtaposition of the old (historic landmarks) and new ( shiny skyscrapers) is one of the main reasons I enjoy the city. I love how each part of the city has it's own identity, East London is very different to neighbourhoods south of the river as is West from North. There is always something going on something new to experience, It feels like nothing is impossible here and if you want to be a part of it you can. It also has some surprising and truly beautiful quiet spaces, the green spaces in the city are abundant.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bychenai/
kanjani@bychenai.com
EVA TARNOK PHOTOGRAPHY
My name is Eva, and I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in London. After graduating I initially worked in banking. I enjoyed the corporate life, the travel and I learned a lot, however when I become a mother I decided to start my own business to have the flexibility I needed and the creative outlet, which was I was craving so much during my banking years. I initially photographed children and families, however after photographing a friend’s wedding, my focus changed to wedding photography. I love weddings and capturing all the emotions and excitement of the day, and I feel privileged to be a part of so many beautiful weddings. I have photographed intimate elopements, church weddings, a wedding in a two hundred years old sailing boat, luxury hotels and exclusive private clubs and even in Royal Castles. I loved them all!
2) Describe your business in 5 words…
Beautiful, Natural, Soulful, Timeless, Elegant
3) What is the favourite part of your job & why?
There are many things I enjoy about my job. I love connecting with my couples and finding out what they like, dislike, what they are worried about etc. Couples need to be able to trust their wedding photographer in order to be able to really relax on their wedding day. I also very much get into my ‘flow’ when I am photographing a wedding and I especially love the getting ready and the couple portraits part. Capturing emotions is really what wedding photography is all about.
4) What advice would you give to couples when planning their wedding?
My advice to couples is to get a great team of suppliers around you. Have a clear vision on what you like, the style, the colours, the details and once you communicated this to your suppliers, trust them to make it a reality. I even advise couples that after this point stop looking at the wedding blogs and social media as this could potentially make them unconfident and unsure. On the wedding day, your only job is to embrace the day and truly let go and enjoy yourself.
5) What is your favourite city & why?
There are lots of cities I love, but my favourite has to be London where I live. I love this vibrant, multicultural city with its beautiful green spaces, culture, food and people.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/evatarnok/
tarnoke@gmail.com