Photos by HM Photography

Wedding package: On-the-day coordination
Wedding venue: Sopley Mill, Christchurch, Dorset

From the couple: “With a month to go to the wedding and no Co-ordinator, Sam stepped in to save the day. I was so nervous about how the day would run, but Sam totally owned every single aspect, from liaising with suppliers, to helping calm my nerves, every time I needed something Sam just appeared as if by magic. I can’t thank Sam enough for making my day stress free, and for going the extra mile.” Cherelle

What we did:
Cherelle grew up in Dorset but they both live in London now, so wanted someone local on hand during their day to coordinate the wedding.

We arrived early on the day to greet the cake maker, who delivered at 9:00am. This is a great part of our job as we sometimes get to meet new suppliers. We then set up some decorations that couldn’t be put out until the day and then ran through the walking down the aisle with the bride and the bridesmaids as they had a live singer and wanted to check timings. Cherelle was quite nervous, so we did run through the walking down the aisle quite a few times – anything to calm the nerves!

Whilst the ladies were having their hair and make-up done, we finished setting out the couple’s items and checked everything was in place before the guests arrived.

We greeted the wedding guests on arrival and directed them to the bar area for a pre-wedding refreshment and when the registrars were ready to speak to the groom, we found him (at the bar, obviously) and sent him upstairs. Whilst they were chatting, we pinned a few buttonholes on – we’re pretty good at that now – and directed guests to the card box/present table.

When the bride was ready, guests were invited upstairs for the ceremony and when they were all seated, the bride, her dad and her bridesmaids came upstairs from the bridal prep room and nailed the entrance – practice does make perfect!

Despite it being December, the weather was lovely and mild so guests could enjoy the outside space at Sopley Mill and the photographer could get some beautiful images.
Everyone then enjoyed a festive menu from Beales Gourmet Catering and partied late into the evening with a live band and wood fired pizza. We finished our evening around 9pm with a cup of tea and a slice of wedding cake.