I really like the way couples are often breaking from the norm these days to make their wedding day work best for them. When done so, they often seem so much more relaxed during the day, although maybe that is just how yesterday's bride and groom were generally.
Michelle & Martin had chosen a bit of a hidden gem of a wedding venue - Gildredge Manor in Eastbourne. This was my first time at the venue and I loved it. Mark and Jackie who manage weddings at the venue were so nice, relaxed, & accommodating the whole day. The venue itself is accessed via gates from the park next door with no front door from the street - as I said, a hidden gem.
Guests arrived via the park and were welcomed for drinks in the garden by Michelle and Martin. At this stage of the day, it was just their immediate families so nice and intimate to start the day off. They then had a wedding breakfast inside with delicious food from Green Fig Catering and background music in the way of Phil from MTA Events & Music on piano (who was also the DJ in the evening).
They finished the meal with speeches from Martin's son, Kyan, Michelle's mum, and Martin. After that, the 2nd and larger group of guests arrived in time for the wedding ceremony. This took place in the 'Long Room' upstairs and was beautifully led by Kate from Kate & Kate Celebrants.
Everyone then greeted the couple with a confetti blessing in the garden, and then it was time for a few group photos. After a bit of mingling, they then moved back inside for the cake cutting and first dance with Michelle and Martin performing a lovely choreographed routine, and that was all the official parts completed for the day. After this, the couple (and the guests) could just chill, chat, and graze at the evening BBQ served in the garden.
With the sun below the horizon, the party was taken up a gear when saxophonist joined in with the DJ and the guests filled the dancefloor.
It was a very cool wedding to be a part of. Congratulations Michelle & Martin & thanks for having me!
Suppliers:
- Venue: Gildredge Manor
- Photography: Parkershots
- Celebrant: Kate & Kate Celebrants
- Greenfig catering https://greenfigcateringcompany.com/
- MTA Events and music https://mta-events.com/
- Gemma Fernandes Floral designer https://www.gemmafernandesfloraldesigner.co.uk/
- Incredible Cake company https://www.theincrediblecakecompany.co.uk/
- Saxophonist: tbc
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