Join us for Ben and Ellie's September Wedding at Riverhill Gardens
Brooks Bar setting up on the bottom level of the Walled Garden, so they are ready for after ceremony bubbly for the couple (V important) and their guests of course. This is also the view you and your guests get to enjoy from the Himalayan Hut, where the ceremony takes place.
I really love a September wedding - The perfect month for new beginnings, the sky is blue and it is warm and bright, with just a hint of freshness.
Ben and Ellie’s relaxed, family focused day was the finale Wedding of our 2024 season, and it really was the perfect end to a stunning season of weddings in the gardens.
Such a family friendly set up; they had a separate petal tent from Maypole Marquees. All set up for an adorable nap / chillout / play zone. They had evening childcare to keep them safe and happy and clearly everyone had a blast!
Being a dry hire venue, all the weddings that take place here are totally unique, and always reflect the couple who have planned them, it is the best part of my job, seeing it all unfold.
Dry hire is such a fun and creative way to have your day exactly as you imagine it. it does, however, always require more input and organisation on the part of the couple, which can seem daunting at first. So I asked Ellie and Ben for some honest feedback and advice, as two people who have executed an absolutely flawless day, whilst also having a business to run, a job and two small (And very adorable) children.
Hopefully it will give you some inspiration for your own day, and also reassure you that dry hire is a really lovely, and doable option.
I have also included so, so many stunning pictures from Maria Marshall Wedding Photography. She is lovely, if you are looking for a really talented wedding photographer.
And can we also just take a moment for Ellie’s dress please…..
Ben and Ellie said that they were initially drawn to Riverhill because of the beautiful views and scenery, as well as the dry hire set up meaning that they had the freedom to have the day exactly as they wanted it to be. Something that I think they have definitely achieved beautifully. They really liked that they were able to choose the food and drink they wanted, whilst also having the space and option to create an area for their two young children.
i asked them for their favourite supplier that they would love to recommend to other couples and they said: Brooks Bar Hire
Maria Marshall Weddings - photographer
Their top tip for couples planning a dry hire wedding is to get planning as soon as you’ve booked the venue. Which I think is excellent advice. It make sense to start with the two main suppliers - your marquee provider and your caterer and then build out from there.
The most stressful part for them was not knowing what the weather was going to be like (Always something to consider carefully with dry hire). But they did say that they knew it would still be ok whatever happened. Totally agree with this, you just need a plan and to know that, rain or shine, you are about to have one of the happiest days of your life. It was also great to hear that their guests commented on how stunning the Walled Gardens are (Totally agree).
I love their responses to my questions about handling nerves: Delegate responsibilities and pour yourself a glass of champagne. Definitely smart to outsource jobs to friends and family, people genuinely love to help and want to be involved!
Their favourite part of the day? Walking down the aisle was so special but the party topped it all. And, in case you were wondering, their first dance was George Michael and Mary J Blige - As.
One of the best things about dry hire is being able to allocated your budget to areas that are most important to you and Ellie and Ben made sure that their guests had something really delicious to eat!
They went with two fish and chip vans from Frying Squad. The guys had everyone fed really quickly. it worked really well because of Helen and her team from Events by Helen. They supplied staff to serve the guests at their tables and also arranged proper crockery and cutlery, as well as managing the set up and clear down.
For dessert they arranged for an ice cream van to arrive. Such a fun idea, no one is too grown up for a Mr Whippy with a flake on a nice sunny day!
Evening food was freshly made, delicious pizza, courtesy of Dough and Go
Having food truck style suppliers meant that all the food was freshly made and it also was really in-keeping with the relaxed, family orientated feel of their day. I love to see our couples doing things totally their way.
The bar for the drinks reception after the ceremony, as well as the evening bar, was all supplied, set up and run by Brooks Bar. Absolutely amazing set up, great staff, and everyone clearly enjoyed all their drinks very much!
Finally…please enjoy these gorgeous images, celebrating all those small moments of love and joy that really made the day…..
All images are courtesy of Maria Marshall Wedding Photography. With huge thanks to Ben and Ellie for allowing me to share their amazing day.
Suppliers contact list…..
The frying squad (Amazing team) enquiries@thefryingsquad.co.uk
Doughngo pizzas doughngo@outlook.com
Brooks bar hire. (First time we had had them here, was so impressed with their slick service and set up) info@brooksbars.com
Events by Helen (Great for pulling the day together, especially if you are using food trucks) Info@eventsbyhelen.com
Posy and Wild (Coralie does quite a few weddings here, her style really suits the gardens and everything she creates is beautiful) Info@posyandwild.co.uk
Lucy Sings Info@lucysingslondon.com
Maria Marshall Photography hello@mariamarshallphotography.co.uk
Paul Tarry -band and DJ. (I was really impressed by his service, he brings together Dj’s and bands, sets up all the equipment and make sure everything runs smoothly ) info@paultarry.co.uk / paultarry@icloud.com
Maypole marquee. These guys have been on our recommended suppliers list for years and have never done a less than a brilliant job, they are also very good to work with and super professional claire@maypolemarquee.co.uk
Happy Planning!!!