Category: News
Spaces- The Rooms
(Title Image by Razia N Jukes | Below Images by Philippa Sian Photography)
Our Boutique Hotel has nine bedrooms in total, seven in the main house and one in The Lodge, an amazing cottage that we have here at Millbridge Court; all of these room are exclusively yours to book for your nearest and dearest on the night of your Big Day. A continental family-style sharing breakfast is available for all guests in a private Dining space before check out the following morning, allowing time for that much needed catch up.
Last, but definitely not least is our final Bedroom, The Hideaway, a secluded wooden cabin, tucked into woodland and reserved exclusively for the couple on the night of your wedding. Walking through the private gates and beyond the secret fern garden leading to the front door (another amazing location for photos!) you will find your own secluded hideaway for the evening, complete with roll-top copper bath and a veranda overlooking the neighbouring countryside.
Spaces- The Arbour
The Arbour at Millbridge Court is a beautiful oak structure licensed for outdoor ceremonies between April and September. The garden is surrounded by tall photinia trees which gives it a secluded and private atmosphere and creates a unique space in the garden.
(Top to Bottom) We Are The Clarkes | Hannah Berry Flowers
With capacity for up to 150 guests and rustic wooden seating, it is a beautiful country garden option for your ceremony. The extended aisle is also the perfect backdrop for that all important confetti shot; whether getting married inside or out, it provides a picture- perfect setting to celebrate your first moments as a married couple.
(Top to Bottom) Jonny MP Photography | The Springles | Kit Myers Photography
In addition, the Arbour itself provides a wonderful backdrop for confetti shots, your couple shots or group photos whatever the season and is an ideal location to still have some amazing shots outside even if it’s raining!
(Top to Bottom) We Are The Clarkes | Kit Myers Photography | Joanna Nicole Photography | Frankee Victoria
(Top Left) Rebecca Searle Photography | (Top Right) Lily Bungay | (Bottom) Jessica Bevan Photography
If you are super lucky, the neighbouring cows will come to visit – leaving you with a very unique photo opportunity!
Many Photographers also love using the Arbour all year round to get dramatic nighttime shots, like these beautiful images below.
(Top to Bottom) Emmie Scott Photography | Sophie Duckworth Photography | DM Photography
Spaces- The Lodge
The Lodge is a getting ready space exclusively for our Grooms.
With late-morning access, it is the perfect place to check in with your Groomsmen, add the finishing touches to your look and have a toast pre-ceremony. With a ground floor bedroom and en-suite, there is plenty of room for your party to get ready and upstairs is a cosy den, complete with leather sofas and a personal bar – fully stocked with beers and snacks – for you to enjoy.
10 Questions with… Hair and Makeup Artist, Carolanne Armstrong
1. How did your passion for Makeup and Hair styling come about?
I always just really enjoyed the process of starting with a blank canvas and painting creating a beautiful finish. I used to be able to do my own liquid liner in the dark because I knew the curve of my own eyes so well…. It turns out working on my own face and hair is not nearly as fun as thousands of other people’s hair types and colouring. It’s always new and always a joy applying subtle tones and colours to new faces. and I love the blending.
2. When did you setup your Business as a freelance Hair and Makeup Artist and what drew you to Bridal Hair and Makeup?
I started working in hair and makeup nearly 15 years ago. The majority of my work has always been bridal because I enjoy the environment of working with real people on a really important occasion. I kind of love the pressure for everything to be perfect. People often have preconceptions and stereotypes of what a makeup artist is like or what they do. I like dispelling the myth that it’s all borderline drag!
3. How would you describe your style?
Client-focussed. Not about what I want to do, or my new trendy palette. My work leans towards editorial, with invisible skin makeup, seamless blending of tones and textures that flatter both person and the personality. I like it when you don’t notice the makeup, but the person just looks really good.
4. What can Brides expect when they choose you to do their Makeup and/or Hair for their Wedding Day?
Generally someone recommends me, or a client starts following me on social media, then they’ll get in touch after seeing what my work looks like. The first stage is to secure the wedding date with a booking fee. The date is exclusively secured and then we can take our time to arrange a mutually convenient trial appointment. I dedicate specific dates through the year just to trials, so people book a time and come along to one of the venues available. At the trial, we talk about the details of the wedding day and then, roughly two weeks before the wedding I’ll send over a schedule for the wedding morning. That way everyone knows where they need to be and when, and I have all the time I need to to the best work I can.
5. What do you love most about what you do?
I love the creative element. Doing hair and makeup is my equivalent of a mindful colouring book 🙂
I love making someone feel great in their skin, I love going to new places and meeting hundreds of new faces every year.
6. What top tips do you offer Brides when they’re choosing what Hair and Makeup to have for their Big Day?
Communication before styling even starts is the most important thing, to work out what a client really doesn’t want! Usually someone’s had at least one terrible experience where they weren’t listened to and got caked. I advise that they aim to feel amazing but also totally at ease with their reflection.
7. What advice do you give to Brides on the Wedding Day itself?
By the time the wedding day comes around I feel like I know the client and what they want quite well. I’ve also delivered my schedule of timings so I’m usually concentrating on the brushwork and hopefully contributing to a calm, chilled out morning. The only advice I would give is to make sure you have your drink within reach while I’m styling 🙂
8. What trends are you seeing for 2020?
I think we’re looking at lots of romantic but unfussy styling. Nothing too sleek but certainly more editorial. Simple and elegant, with focus on the accessories or statement necklines or sleeves.
9. What do you love the most about Millbridge Court?
I love watching the bride or groom walk down the aisle through the one-way window. I get the only view of everyone turning to see them walk in.
10. What are your three favourite industry professionals/ brands to follow on Instagram at the moment?
For makeup: @LisaEldridge, @fionastiles and @consciousbeautyunion
For hair: Always @sammcknight1 and @samvillahair
To check out Carolanne’s Website, click here!
Wedding Trends 2020| Hear From the Experts (Pt. 2)
Flowers
“I never thought I would see the day when dried flowers would be back on trend, but its here! … I can see them being a huge hit next season, with future clients already sharing mood boards featuring these delicate flowers. . Although dried flowers are more expensive, they will last a lot longer and provide endless texture throughout designs. I really love their delicate dusty and muted tones and have already started using a few in designs this season.”
– Hannah Berry Flowers @hannahberryflowers
Photography
“I think photography is probably the least affected by trends (not so much seasonal ones anyway), but as ever I’m noticing a growing concern for more natural and candid photography, and less emphasis on posed images. That said, I believe there is such a wide spectrum of photographers out there who offer everything you can think of style wise! Which is lovely, as there are still a great number of couples who care about their portraits, and who also want their editing style to reflect the look or season of the month they’re getting married in. I like bright colours and timeless editing and it’s something my couples mention when choosing me, so I suppose, I can only speak for myself, but I expect 2020 will be a big year for celebrations and a focus on everyone having a wonderful day, and the photography reflecting that.”
– Sophie Duckworth Photography @duck_photo
Bridal Fashion
The Wrap Skirt
“Its hard to reinvent bridal silhouettes but this year see the emergence of a brand-new take on the ballgown skirt. A fun, coquettish revamp that will allow brides a full range of movement and a cheeky, surprise flash of statement shoes.”
3D is the new lace
“We all love lace and embellished fabrics, but when one fabric has been such a strong story in bridal fashion, brides-to be will, naturally, want to choose a look that is unique to them. Light tulles with 3D, appliqued flowers are the perfect solution. A pretty lace effect, perfect for garden, barn and rolling countryside.”
– Emma at Miss Bush Bridal @missbushbridal
Furniture Hire
“No slowing down on Cross Back Chairs in 2020. Throughout 2019 our number of covers for Cross Back Chairs & Vintage Trestle Tables sky rocketed, for us this is partly due to the time we have invested in developing our stock, but for the industry it is mostly due to the prominence of Cross Back Chairs across Wedding Blogs and Posts from so many influential sources.
We will definitely sell an increased amount of Louis Chairs in 2020. We have more provisional bookings for next Summer than we have ever had before the end of any previous year. Most of our bookings are currently for marquee based weddings, we often see earlier reservations for marquee contracts compared to venue based contracts, but several confirmations are already in for local and London venues. We are really lucky to have such wonderful photography of the Louis Chair at Millbridge Court.” https://www.pinterest.co.uk/furniturehire/millbridge-court/louis-chair-millbridge-court/
– Academy Furniture Hire @academyfurniturehire
(Lead Image: Kit Myers Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers, Academy Furniture Hire, Couvert Hire)
#marriedatmillbridge | 2019
What a wonderful & memorable Year we’ve had here at Millbridge Court! We have once again had a Calendar filled with unique & beautiful Wedding Days for our MC Couples, Wedding Days that are brought to life by the plethora of talented industry professionals that we’re so lucky to get to know & work alongside each week.
2019 has also seen the Millbridge Family expand as we welcomed new Team Members, we also celebrated our 5th Birthday & launched our exciting new Event exclusively for MC Couples, our Details Date Nights. We were delighted to see Millbridge featured in some of the nations leading Bridal Magazines & Weddings Blogs & were so thrilled to launch our new Website & Branding in the Summer. Alongside Weddings, we have also hosted some phenomenal photoshoots & inspiring Events & earlier in the year we unveiled our newest space, The Lodge!
In November, our Instagram reached 10,000 followers, so we thought as a 2019 round up on The Journal, we would share the 20 most liked images from our profile (with the most liked image at the bottom of the post), along with the most liked images of the Venue, The Arbor & #marriedatmillbridge posts.
For all of our Brides & Grooms from the last year, we wanted to thank you for allowing us to be a part of one of the most special days of your lives, it truly is an honour & we wish you so much love & happiness as you start the New Year (& decade) as a married Couple.
Happy New Year, Everyone! Xx
Photos From Sophie
Philippa Sian Photography, Boutique Blooms
Eleanor Joy Photography, Stella Rose
The Springles, Lavender Hill Company
VLA Photography, Blush Floral Design, Hoop from Bramblesky (Etsy)
Rebecca Searle Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers
Kit Myers, Hannah Berry Flowers
Philippa Sian Photography, Longacres, Bubblegum Balloons
Marianne Taylor Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers
Eleanor Joy Photography, Stella Rose, Feather Balloons
Caroline Stocking Photography
Philippa Sian Photography
Eleanor Joy Photography, The Crumby BakeryDM Photography
Nataly J Photography
Laura Harvey Photography
Photos From Sophie, Stella Rose, Feather Balloons
The Springles
Woodland Hill Photography, I Do Wedding Florist
Philippa Sian Photography
Most Liked Arbor Photo
Miss Gen Photography, Eden Blooms
Most Liked Venue Photo
DM Photography
Most Liked #marriedatmillbridge Photos
Sophie Duckworth
Joanna Nicole Photography
DM Photography
Suppliers:
Photography
Flowers
Balloons
Feather Balloons
Cake
Autumn & Winter Wedding Days at Millbridge Court | A few Top Tips
We adore the Autumn & Winter months here at Millbridge Court; the crisp weather, the romantic lighting, the change in Colour Palettes, the unique styling details, there’s just so much to love. So with that in mind, we thought we would share just a few tips for those Couples who have booked, or are thinking of booking an Autumn or Winter Wedding Day and as ever, we’ve included some rather gorgeous imagery from recent Millbridge Court Wedding Days.
Tip 1. Embrace the Season with your floral design and Colour Palette.
(Top) Jonny MP Photography | Jenni Bloom Flowers, (Middle) Emmie Scott Photography | Michelle Geldhill, (Bottom) Catherine Carter Weddings | Hannah Berry Flowers
(Left) Catherine Carter Weddings | Hannah Berry Flowers; (Right) Jonny MP Photography | Jenni Bloom
(Both) The Springles | Meadowfolk
Tip 2. Offer a festive or seasonal drink to your Guests.
Cranberry Mimosa & our Gin Station captured by The Springles, Espresso Martini’s captured by Gin Fizz Photographic
Tip 3. With the daylight hours being shorter at this time of year, you can really make the most of the magical atmosphere that additional lighting and candlelight can create.
(Top Left) Kit Myers | Lavender Hill Company (Top Right) The Springles | Jenni Bloom Flowers (Bottom Left) The Springles | Creative Spark Services | Topiary Tree by Carrie Macey (Bottom Right) The Springles | Bubblegum Balloons
Tip 4. Offer a Menu that features warming dishes. Carve at the Table is always such a popular option throughout the Autumn and Winter months
(Top) Philippa Sian Photography (Bottom) RS Brown Photography
Tip 5. Beautiful Couples Shots happen all year round, so embrace the cold, even the rain or snow (!) & make the most of the gorgeous Winter light.
(Top) The Springles, (Middle) Diana V Photography (Bottom) Eleanor Joy Photography
(Left) Emmie Scott Photography, (Right) The Springles, (Bottom) DM Photography
Tip 6. Be sure to capture a magical photo under the festoon lights.
(Top) Jonny MP Photography (Bottom) DM Photography
Supplier Links:
The Topiary Tree by Carrie Macey
Wedding Trends 2020 | Hear from the Experts (Pt. 1)
With the Winter months upon us & the New Year just around the corner, we thought we would chat to some of our fabulous Millbridge Court Partners & ask them about what trends they’re seeing coming through for 2020 Weddings. This is the first of a few Trend Reports, so below we’re talking Cakes, Hair & Makeup, Stationery, Food, Styling & Lighting & props…
For Cakes
“The use of natural grasses is becoming popular. Sage green as a colour palette is continuing to be a popular trend & increasingly Couples are looking to have a pop of coral with accents of metallics.”
-Vanessa from Forever Cakes @forever_cakes_weddings
For Lighting & Props
“Looking into 2020 we believe the use of Custom Neon Signs will increase massively. This year we have seen these introduced & take off, especially with the use of our stock neons such as “Happily Every After”, often replacing the need for Giant Lettering!
We have also seen a large increase in requests for outdoor lighting. This enables us to create the perfect ambience by lighting up large tree’s, buildings & pathways with any colour imaginable.
Lastly, we have been inundated with requests for our DJ & Sax combo, something which is fairly new to us yet seems to have gathered momentum & we’ve gotten amazing feedback. Watch this space for a live video popping up on our social media channels!”
-George & Ollie from Farnham Sound & Light @farnhamsandl
For Hair & Makeup Artist
“2020 is all about the romantic, chic yet timeless look. Glamorous yet natural makeup enhancing features with effortlessly styled hair.”
-Olivia from Olivia Mills Hair & Makeup @oliviamillsmua
For Stationery
“So what’s in store for 2020 trends? It’s looking like soft colour palettes, monograms and hand drawn illustrations will be big next year. But in all honestly I prefer not to stick with trends and concentrate on styles that are everlasting.
Just like the little black dress, black and white remain a firm favourite in modern wedding design and play a big part in my brand on a whole. Vellum is here to stay, as is textured card, layering, unique shapes and bold pops of colour.
However there are a few trends that are creeping in to 2020 that I heavily endorse… sustainability and individuality.
Being individual – Moving away from standard, formal wedding text in stationery design and into a more personal tone of voice is on the rise.
Being eco-friendly – 2020 is set to see an increase in sustainable paper sources, recycled papers and biodegradable goods. Choosing sustainable materials doesn’t mean compromising on style or quality, it’s just about choosing the right supplier that is conscious of this. Good for you, good for the environment, hoorah!”
-Nat from Nats Paper Studio @natspaperstudio
For Styling & Food
“We are seeing a lot more people considering every aspect of the Halls and the connecting rooms, from up high to down low. Ceiling arrangements for big impact are becoming popular– balloon clouds, hanging lighting, disco balls to name a few, & we’re seeing more & more Couples use floral aisle runners that are continuous flowers down the entire length and on both sides of the aisle.
With regards to Menu choices, sharing & feasting dishes are still a firm favourite for many as it is such a relaxed & fun option which creates a real buzz on the day itself & in addition that, more Couples are considering full Vegan or Vegetarian Menus for their Big Day.”
-Our very own Natasha
[Lead Image: Philippa Sian Photography, Sign: Farnham Sound & Light]
Dinner Date Night
Here at Millbridge Court, we host two Date Nights for our Couples; the first of these date nights is called the ‘Details Date Night’ where we host an evening designed to provide our Brides & our Grooms with oodles of Wedding Inspiration to help them kick start their planning process. The second evening is hosted closer to the Big Day itself & Couples are invited to a ‘Dinner Date Night’ where they are able to try lots of delicious dishes, narrow down their Wedding Breakfast Menu choices & try a variety of drinks options, whilst also seeing the Venue beautifully dressed & styled by Millbridge Court Partners.
With the Summer Season having come to a close, a few weeks ago we held our first Autumn Dinner Date Night & we had a team of incredible MBC Partners with us who created a brand new look in our Halls that we completely adored. We had Bubblegum Balloons who installed Balloon Clouds, thats right, Balloon Clouds (!) along the Barn ceiling which were made up of a beautiful mix of pastel shades, Hannah Berry Flowers created the most breathtaking florals which a mixture of soft, neutral grasses and bright, bold florals which were complemented by the naked wooden banquet tables, vibrant coral linens, deep blue glassware & stunning stationery created by the wonderful Gemma Milly. Another show stopping element of our Date Night was Kalm Kitchens new look Patisserie Bar… think rattan, grasses, soft neutral linens, wooden stands; a beautiful variation of the popular KK Dessert. Lastly (but by no means least), we also had the wonderful Kit Myers with us who captured every element of the evening so perfectly & we are delighted to be sharing some of those images below so you can all get thoroughly inspired about your Big Day’s here at Millbridge Court!
Xx
Suppliers
Kit Myers Photography, Hannah Berry Flowers, Bubblegum Balloons, Gemma Milly Calligraphy, Academy Furniture Hire, Couvert Hire
10 Questions with… House of Lemon
1. Can you tell us a little bit about House of Lemon?
House of Lemon (previously Lemon Entertainment), is a boutique agency based in Surrey, providing hand picked, high end entertainment to weddings and events worldwide. From a solo harpist to a 13-piece band, we have some of the best musicians in the UK on our books. House of Lemon offers a personal service – everything is managed under one roof, through one dedicated point of contact.
2. When and why did you setup House of Lemon?
I set up House of Lemon six years ago, after eight years of working in the music industry in various roles – mainly running live music and entertainment events such as festival stages and music venues. I worked with some fantastic artists and on some epic events including Ed Sheeran’s ‘Live At The Bedford’ EP recording, a secret Paolo Nutini show in Hammersmith, SXSW, Hop Farm Festival, Cornbury Festival and loads more. House of Lemon came about after realising how hard it is for people to book a high-quality band for their wedding or event. Other agencies offer hundreds of different bands but seem to have no filter when it comes to quality.
3. How would you describe the artists that you represent and manage?
I pride myself in supplying my clients with fantastic musicians who make their living from recording and touring with established, well-known artists as well as playing at high-end events. Not only are our musicians the best that money can buy – they are all charming, lovely people who make my office one of my favourite places to be. Some of our musicians play and have toured with well known artists such as Florence & The Machine, The Spice Girls, James, Paloma Faith, Lulu, Sigala and Sam Smith.
4. How have you selected the artists and bands that have become a part of the House of Lemon Family over the years?
Most of the musicians I work with I’ve known for years and worked with them previously when I worked in the commercial music industry. I only work with musicians and entertainers that I trust and know are at the top of their game. Quality is really important to me as is service and professionalism.
5. What can couples expect when they enquire with you regarding finding the perfect musicians for their Big Day?
Initially I like to try to get to know the clients and what they have in mind entertainment wise for their Big Day. Once I get an idea of the kind of vibe they are going for, I send over some options for them to consider. I also offer ‘on the house’ phone consultations should clients request one. Once a decision has been made as to what entertainment they’d like to go with, I look after the logistics side of the booking, so everything from where the band needs to load in and power requirements to making sure they have any special song requests that the client has asked for.
We give each of our clients the most personal and attentive service, responding to their needs and any changes to the plan quickly and efficiently – and often recommending actions and ideas before they have had a chance to think of them. Our clients say what they love most (apart from our crowd-pleasing performers) is feeling in safe hands.
6. What advice would you give to those couples who are about to embark on choosing their Wedding Entertainment but are unsure where to begin?
I always think personal recommendations are a great way to start. Perhaps asking friends and family if they have seen any great live acts recently at weddings or events. It’s also a great starting point to watch some videos of wedding bands online so you get an idea of the kind of thing you want/do not want – so when you contact an agency or ask for advice you have narrowed down the type of entertainment that you’d like. You can see videos of our bands, DJ’s and entertainers on our website.
7. What do you love most about what you do?
Being able to go to some absolutely stunning venues, listen to some of the best musicians in the country perform whilst watching our clients and their guests having the time of their lives. I love doing what I do because I can actually see the memories being made whilst the service that I provide is happening – it’s a great feeling.
8. What do you love the most about Millbridge Court?
I absolutely love the décor at Millbridge. Every time I visit it makes me want to redo my whole home in the style of the venue. The breakfast room is definitely one of my favourite rooms as well as the garden, which is breathtaking in the summer for outdoor weddings.
I also think the atmosphere at the venue is lovely – the staff are friendly and details are important to them (it’s all in the details!)
9. What are your three favourite industry professionals/ brands to follow on Instagram?
@Dostiemposuk – these guys are one of my acts and are brilliant – they are massive characters and always bring such energy to events they perform at. Their stories always make me laugh and dance at the same time.
@Confetti_and_silk_films – Stu and Dan are AMAZING videographers who I work with a lot. They are lovely chaps and make stunning visuals. I love looking at the videos on their page.
@Veronikaward – Veronika has to be one of my favourite ever photographers. She works on a lot of weddings but also lifestyle and travel. Her shots are absolutely stunning. I often get her in to my events to take live shots of my musicians and I’m always thrilled with her work.
10. What are you seeing as the trends in wedding entertainment at the moment?
It’s really refreshing to see that people are starting to place more importance on the entertainment for their big day. They are spending more time considering the type of entertainment they would like for various points throughout the day. More people are now booking live music for their ceremony – there really is nothing like walking down the aisle to a live performance.
We are also seeing people considering their guests during the drinks reception part of the the day. I think this can be the longest part of the day for guests and having some live entertainment gets them in the mood for the evening reception. Our roaming bands have been very popular for daytime entertainment this year – they are versatile and can move around the drinks reception interacting with guests and bringing some fun to this part of the day. I’ve also seen a rise in people looking for something a little different for their evening reception. For example, instead of going for just a DJ they want that live music element in there too – so might go for a DJ/Drum duo or a band that is totally different from the standard party band that their guests may have never seen before. We have an amazing act called Contempo who has to be seen to be believed. If you want to see something truly impressive and different head to the website to check him out!
To find out more about House of Lemon & their talented acts, head to: www.houseoflemon.co.uk