Nic and Nic Rutterford, Bisham Abbey, Berkshire
Nic and Nic are a young couple with a busy social diary, so when they decided to marry they called Clare, so they didn’t have to worry about a thing - they asked her to plan all the details from beginning to end.
The setting was historic Bisham Abbey in Berkshire, which sits tranquilly on the banks of the River Thames near Marlow. The bride looked beautiful in her ivory gown with burgundy detailing, and all the trimmings were carefully chosen to compliment her theme.
At midnight they added an unconventional touch - guests waved off the happy couple from the banks of the Thames as they sailed peacefully away to their luxury hotel.
Melissa and Miles Mostyn-Thomas
Marquee wedding, Buckinghamshire
Melissa and Miles, a highly artistic deaf couple, wanted to stamp their very individual style on this family occasion at Melissa’s mum’s adorable country cottage in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Melissa designed her own dress and that of the bridesmaids, and the page boy outfits. Miles, a fine artist by trade, skilfully designed the cake and the wedding stationery. As a special touch, Melissa and her film producer friend Sam Dore made a beautiful film for Miles to see on his wedding day – with Melissa singing and dancing to Cold Play’s ‘Yellow’. There was not a dry eye in the house!
View Melissa's gift to Miles...
They also devised a warm autumnal theme which ran through all elements
of the celebrations – from autumn leaves sewn stylishly to Melissa’s
gown – to autumn foliage adorning the pumpkin table centrepieces.
Clare was brought on board to help bring their plans to fruition in
the last few months, helping source suppliers, and supporting the
couple with their communications. Clare worked closely on the day
with specialist sign language interpreters when making all the formal
announcements.
Clare and her team were also there on the day to ensure the celebrations
ran smoothly – right up until the last firework lit the sky!
Clare attended Deaf Awareness Training to help understand Deaf issues
the best way of communicating with deaf people, so that she could
deal professionally with the 40 or so deaf guests who attended the
wedding.
Melissa's mum Nettie says: "Dear Clare,
I cannot tell you how much we appreciated your help. You saved my
sanity! It was an unusual assignment in that there were so many deaf
and hard-of-hearing people involved which presented more than the
usual difficulties. You were always on time, forgot nothing and instilled
us with confidence. You managed to bring together, with calm and efficiency,
all the ends before and on the Big Day. And if there was terrror behind
those beautiful dark eyes, only you knew it!
You have a way with people that I hope will take you to many, many
more 'plannings' and I cannot recommend Clare Beckwith Weddings more
highly. Thank you so much, we couldn't have done it without you."
Melissa says: "When the church doors
opened and everyone turned to me as I entered I did feel unexpectedly
emotional, but once we got into the marriage rite everyone seemed
to melt away, the sun shone in from the window, and it became just
us, exchanging rings and repeating our vows to each other. It still
feels like a dream!
The reception went much more
smoothly than we could imagine. We were amazed at how well it came
together: the flowers, the superb food, the speeches (the best man’s
was pure comedy gold), the jazz band, the marquee, the fairy lights,
the fireworks, the cake... as Miles says, it was beyond perfection,
and everyone clearly had a great time. I honestly don’t think
it would have gone so well if it hadn’t been for you. ‘Thank
you’doesn’t begin to convey the depth of our gratitude
to you, but I guess it will have to do on this occasion. So many,
many thanks for your fantastic support."
Miles says: "It was the
most extraordinary day, it surpassed my expectations in every manner
and to summarise - it was beyond perfection! Thank you for all your
hard work and for making our wedding the most treasured event of our
lives."
Amanda and Andrew Hurst
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Amanda and Andrew enjoyed an elegant day at the
stunning National Trust property, Waddesdon Manor, with glorious October
weather that far surpassed any we experienced in the Summer! We created
a luxurious theme around their love of wine with deep burgundy bridesmaids’
dresses, rich and sumptuous autumnal floral arrangements, table decorations
that enhanced the theme and tables named after well-known wines!
Clare organised the occasion from beginning to end – sourcing
live music, hiring a mobile crèche for their little friends,
overseeing stationery design, choosing bridesmaid and flower girl
dresses as well as the men’s wear and organising evening entertainment.
Clare was also able to recommend two amazing hair and make up artists
to pamper Amanda and her bridal party on their special day. We also
found an incredible florist who stylishly transformed the venue to
match Amanda's theme.
That just left Amanda and Andrew to enjoy the whole experience!
Amanda says: "I decided we needed a
wedding planner when all the detail started to overwhelm me. The big
stuff was easy - we had found a venue and I had found a dress but
I then started to panic at all the other stuff (and there was so much
of it!). So I had a look on the internet, found Clare's website and
gave her a call. We arranged a time to meet and - hurrah! - I had
a New Best Friend. Right from the instant I met Clare I had every
confidence in her. She immediately took control, and set about sorting
out all the little details that had me waking up in the night in a
sweat. Over the next few months, Clare pulled everything (and everyone!)
together, found the most brilliant suppliers, helped me with all the
decisions, and wrestled with frustrating issues such as bridesmaids
shoes. She was there whenever I needed her to be, and even made the
tea! As the Big Day approached and I really started to panic that
everything wasn't going to be ready in time, Clare was there, making
sure it was. On my wedding day, I could actually relax, knowing that
Clare was one step (and, in most cases, lots of steps) ahead of me,
making sure everything was ready and nothing was out of place. The
day itself went as smoothly as it possibly could. Clare may know different
but I don't, and that was the best thing about it - Clare did the
worrying for me. We had the most magical day - I suspect Clare even
had something to do with the amazing weather we had, but I've no idea
how she managed that. Anyone who now says to me that they are getting
married are now recommended the most amazing wedding planner. Don't
even think of getting married without Clare..."
Jill Veasey and Andy Haworth
Tewinbury Farm Barns, Hertfordshire
Jill had worked hard for many months to plan and co-ordinate all
aspects of her elegant wedding to Andy at Tewinbury Farm and asked
Clare to help pull it all together ‘on the day’. Jill
also asked for Clare’s creative advice to help design the entrance
hall and to give the empty bar some warmth and atmosphere. Clare used
her contacts to source some gorgeous contemporary furniture and recommended
that the room was lit to give a completely different feel during the
evening reception. On the day itself, Clare worked closely with Jill’s
suppliers and Tewinbury to ensure that the day ran smoothly and that
Jill and Andy didn’t have to worry about a thing!
Jill says: “Having Clare’s support
during the design of our wedding made our decision making much easier
and quicker. We were able to focus on the fun parts of the preparations
rather than on the supplier co-ordination and logistics.
Clare’s ‘on the day’ service was invaluable in helping
me to relax and really enjoy my wedding day to the full. I was happy
to know that whilst I was getting ready with my family, Clare was
at Tewinbury guiding suppliers and liaising with the staff there to
make all of our planning a reality. I was fully confident in Clare’s
ability to make decisions on my behalf as I felt she had properly
understood the style and ‘look’ I was going for. As a
bit of a self-confessed ‘control freak’ it was liberating
to be able to let go of all of the venue preparation and details and
focus on the real meaning of our wedding day, for which my husband
will be eternally grateful!
I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Clare to anyone
arranging their wedding, or any very special event, as my experience
of working with her was one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole
process. Thank you Clare... Jill (& Andy!)...”
Jill and Andy's photos are courtesy of KS Images
Debbie and Kevin Donaldson
Wedding Garden Party, Hertfordshire
Debbie and Kevin married in New York and when they came home they wanted to celebrate with their closest friends and family. Debbie asked Clare to arrange a relaxed but elegant garden party with a sophisticated black, white and chrome theme. Clare chose and sourced all of Debbie suppliers opting for some of the best local caterers, marquee companies, photographers and florists.
Debbie and Kevin's photos are courtesy of Mikaela Morgan
Debbie says: “Dear Clare, On behalf
of Kevin and I thank you for making everything look wonderful and
run so smoothly for our garden party last Sunday. Your commitment,
diligence and attention to detail throughout the planning were amazing
and saved me loads of time I don’t have!
The special touches were all your ideas and so many people commented
on how beautiful everything looked in the marquee and outside (despite
the challenges of the weather!) in the garden.
Each of the suppliers you recommended were first rate – always
on time in the set up and break down and so flexible every step of
the way. We had a fabulous day and truly appreciate your contribution
to making it all so perfect. Warm
thanks"
Jacquie Campbell and Neal Hounsell, Victoria Hall Tring
Jacquie and Neal were married on a glorious Saturday in April 2008. Jacquie and Neal chose the Victoria Hall in Tring for their wedding reception and asked Clare to decorate the venue with a ‘lilac and sparkly theme’ as well as sourcing and managing suppliers. Clare also oversaw the running of the evening reception by managing young waiters and waitresses from the local school that Jacquie had asked to work that evening.
Clare found Jacquie the most fabulous florist who met Jacquie’s brief perfectly with her fragrant Spring flowers which left an amazing aroma wherever she went!
Jacquie says: “I already had a lot of the wedding organised by the time I met Clare, and wasn’t convinced that I really needed a Co-ordinator. How wrong I was! I had a vague idea of how I wanted the venue to look, but it was Clare that turned it into reality, sourcing the perfect flowers, table decorations and lighting to make the hall look absolutely stunning. As the wedding day approached, Clare took charge of liaising with the hall, the caterers, the band and all the suppliers, and it was such a relief to know everything was under control. The night before, and the morning of the wedding, she worked incredibly hard to set everything up. And, on the day itself, she was just magnificent. She was there throughout – making sure everything ran absolutely smoothly and dealing with anything that came up. Her sense of fun made her a hit with all the suppliers, and they enjoyed working with her. I found her calm, professional manner so reassuring, and having her there meant I could relax and enjoy our wonderful day. I can’t thank her enough.”
Wedding showcase in association with Stratstone BMW Tring
The Dealer Principal of Stratstone BMW, Tring had worked with Clare
Beckwith before and had been so impressed with the quality of her
work that he invited her to put on a wedding showcase in his showroom
to help drive showroom traffic on a usually quiet Sunday afternoon.
Clare rose to the challenge by handpicking a few of her favourite
wedding providers to exhibit - all were chosen for their fresh approach
to the wedding industry and many put on demonstrations and trials
throughout the day. The day was presided over by Mike Hyman, of the
National Asscociation of Toastmasters. Award-winning photographers,
Lord and Leverett, recorded special moments by taking photographs
of brides as they completed their hair and make-up trials.
Nigel Allery, Stratstone BMW Tring, Dealer Principal said of the day:
“We are proud to support local businesses
in the area, and were delighted that so many quality wedding providers
were involved. Stratstone BMW Tring is always looking for ways to
add further value to its clients above and beyond our sales and service
offering.”
Our entertainment supplier commented: “Just
a brief note to say how much we enjoyed the showcase on Sunday - I
think the organisation was exactly right and everybody there gelled
well which created an excellent atmosphere!”
Our photographers said: “Thanks
so much for putting on such a great wedding showcase on Sunday. It
was certainly the best one of the year!”
The winner of the BMW M3 prize draw is Mr Mark Scully
from Hertfordshire.
Stephanie Hill and Garry Milton, Hertfordshire
Stephanie and Garry invited Clare to talk to them
about theming for their wedding to be held at Pendley Manor, Tring
in October, as well as to be there on the day to ensure the smooth
running of the day. They hired Clare after the initial consultation
as they were thrilled with the initial creative ideas Clare was able
offer them.
Stephanie says: "I thought you might
like to know the reasons why we chose you over the other wedding planners
and please feel free to quote us if you ever need to.
The other planner was extremely nice and professional however we felt
she was perhaps too professional and I felt she wanted to organise
everything we hadn't done yet. Whereas you identified that we are
more than happy to be involved.
We also decided to use you because we thought you were very professional
but you had the personal touch and made us feel we'd be working together
rather than you just taking over and us taking a back seat. This was
really important to us, especially me, after all it's our wedding
and we want to enjoy the whole process.
Garry has started to get really excited now because everything seems
to be coming together. Also your price was also extremely competitive
and of course we loved the ideas you came up with whilst visiting
and can't wait to hear your other themes!"
One of Stephanie's suppliers said: "I
was really impressed with the whole event and for the way you calmly
and professional helped organise their excellent wedding and welcomed
us on arrival."
Nila Simon and Adnan Obaidullah, Home Counties / London
Nila approached Clare nine weeks before her wedding
day to ask for help finding her wedding dress.
Nila and Adnan’s family were in the country for just a short
period of time, so it was important that the wedding day was set for
a particular date. As Nila had so much on her plate already, including
looking after their beautiful daughter, she needed help fast! Not
deterred by the short deadline, Clare took responsibility for organising
appointments with a variety of dress outlets, both in London and the
Home Counties, and accompanying Nila on the search for her gorgeous
gown!
Nila found the most beautiful designer dress, and worked with Clare
and the dress designers to make it more appropriate for her family’s
religious requirements. The result was simply stunning!
Nila says: "Thanks a million Clare,
you're an angel! Clare's warmth and professionalism makes a very stressful
time seem like an outing with a best friend with all the right answers
and help that you could ever need. With just a short time to plan
and execute, what seemed like an impossible task, Clare was able to
swiftly prioritise and direct my attention skilfully and tactfully.
Her honesty and delicacy was very much appreciated, when it came to
the crunch to choose that perfect gown. Her impeccable taste and comportment
were invaluable at helping negotiate with involved suppliers and the
wedding party. She is always a delight and I owe her deep gratitude
in her excellent assistance to help me organise a perfect day that
ran astoundingly smoothly. All family and friends thoroughly enjoyed
it, calling it a fairytale wedding."
Katherine Jackson and Matthew Spavins, Bedfordshire
Katherine approached Clare eight months prior to
her wedding in June to ask about her ‘on-the-day services’.
After the initial consultation, Katherine and her mum, Sue, had so
much confidence in Clare that they asked her to also help with liaising
with the hotel and suppliers. Clare also helped choose the right toastmaster
for the occasion.
Katherine looked the picture of calm on her wedding day and was able
to concentrate on her guests, and of course her groom, whilst Clare
took the responsibility for making the day run smoothly.
Katherine says: "A massive thank you
for all of your help on the run up to the wedding and on the day itself.
You were such a great support to me, and you made the whole experience
so much more relaxed and enjoyable, just knowing that I had your help.
The room looked absolutely stunning, even better than I imagined it
could be, and that was all down to you and your hard work and artistic
flare."
Sue and Tim Jackson, Katherine’s parents, say: "Thank
you for helping Katherine and Matthew’s day to be such a success."
National Childbirth Trust Fundraising Valentine’s Ball, Hertfordshire
The National Childbirth Trust in Tring had heard about Clare’s credentials in party planning and asked her to plan and organise a ball to raise funds for a new antenatal teacher. Clare rose to the challenge and surpassed all fundraising activity the branch had done before. She sourced three major local sponsors, found a stunning venue, sold tickets and sourced suppliers as well as developing the branding and marketing campaign for the ball. The evening was a glittering occasion with the branch doubling their fundraising target!
Ros Lee, Committee member of the NCT, says: “Dear
Clare. Congratulations on organising such a great Valentines Ball.
We had a really fun time and even stayed out until 12.30am which I'm
very proud of! From an NCT point of view, it did the organisation
proud and raised such a fantastic amount of money which is brilliant,
especially in its first year. I hope you all managed to enjoy it and
are rested enough now to bask in the glory you all deserve!”
Nigel Allery, Main sponsor - Stratstone BMW, Tring says: “My
wife thinks it’s the best event she’s been to! All our
clients have sent great appreciation, thank you very much. You’ve
probably been hearing such like since 1.01am Sunday morning!”
Mini Launch Event
The Sales Manager of Stratstone Mini, Tring, approached
Clare on recommendation to ask her to source suppliers for their new
Mini launch event.
Clare used her ‘little black book’ to call appropriate
suppliers and obtain costs and proposals, and then worked closely
with the Sales Manager choose the one right for his needs. She then
fully briefed and managed the supplier up to, and on the day of the
event itself. The event attracted over 250 mini customers, prospects
and enthusiasts!
Nigel Allery, Dealer Principal, Stratstone Mini, Tring, says: “We
subcontracted to Clare Beckwith our showroom new model launch for
the new MINI, and have been very involved in her fundraising events
for the local NCT. In business you meet and get involved with all
types of people and businesses; some for today, some for a longer
time. I am certain that my business relationship will be a long one
with Clare and her team; they do exactly what they say on the tin.
Put simply, if they promise, they deliver. In today’s business
world that is a rare commodity.”