What is your most memorable wedding?
I have been so lucky to attend weddings all over. I ran the 2017 £5M wedding at Blenheim Palace, that was unbelievably memorable. In 2016 I ran one at the Grove where I had to improvise a Dhol player substitution. You can make a lot of noise with a ladle and a cooking tray! I get to work in the most amazing venues, not just in the UK, but all over the world, with intimate numbers of around 60 up to massive numbers of around 900 for a Muslim Walima. However, the most memorable has to be that of a daughter of a friend of mine who recently got married. It was very emotional seeing a young girl I had known as a child mature into a beautiful bride and looking so happy.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Tall, Personable, Commanding, Warm, Adaptable
What about your business are you most proud of?
The way it has grown in popularity with such a great reputation in such a short space of time, and in particular the number of referrals I get.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Create yourself a landing page where all the key details of your day are there for all to see and refer to easily. This can include timings, dress code, the all important group photo list (putting one person in bold whose job it is to get everyone together) and who the key players are. Then get yourself a QR code for all to access easily.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
The couple in question who were just amazing had a plane fly by with a just married banner behind it. This was arranged by the groom without the bride's knowledge, so I had to get everybody outside to see it. However, just before I gave the command to go he said that there was also a photographer on the plane. So I quickly got everyone in a circle around the bride and groom and then tweaked it into a giant heart shape. - It worked and looked amazing from the air.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We meet up, either in person or more commonly these days via Zoom. Do we like each other? If yes, we discuss needs, the schedule and sign contracts. We then go away and continue planning, communicating with each other whenever necessary. 10 days prior or less we speak again to check any changes. On the day, I turn up early, they enjoy themselves and I coordinate everything until the DJ/Band takes over (where applicable). Once contract is signed, I am available any time to be contacted for advice guidance on anything to do with the wedding. I am not a wedding planner, but I know what works, especially with respect to timing.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
The appearance and timing of acts that are to perform by surprise. I think choreographing the arrival of an impromptu rapper so that no-one knew until he had started that he was there was not only tricky but blindingly amusing - we nailed it between the two of us.
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
Sounds like I am blowing my own trumpet but, by having me there... Once you have handed over your schedule, relax and trust those you have engaged to run the show as you want it. If you are needed I will come to you and guide you. So enjoy the company of your friends and family. This may be your one and only wedding, but in the last 12 years, I have got married over 365 times. So rely on my experience to remove the stress from your day. Don't take my word for this - read the reviews.
What do you love most about your job?
Working with and for such a wide variety of people. I am an avid team player and leader and always treat everyone I work with as an equal and with respect. I find it makes for a much nicer place to work - for everyone. Weddings are also happy occasions, so why would I not wish to work in such a happy environment. I also get to work in some fantastic places, and not just in the UK. Over the last decade, I have worked throughout Europe, in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy (and Sicily), Spain and Switzerland. I have also worked in the States. These travels have included the 3 Vs, Venice, Vienna, and Vegas! I am a people person and love the company I keep, so to do it in such a variety of ways, in such a variety of places, thoroughly enriches my life in a way I could never have imagined before I started.
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
Probably the first dance. For two reasons. It is for me normally the bit just before I can relax. Secondly seeing couples so in love and together and although they know that everyone is watching, in most cases, they dance like they are the only people there.