Real Wedding: Julie and Chris's Story

Chris and Julie married in October 2014, holding their ceremony and reception at Highgate House. The couple had an intimate wedding with family and friends, and planned the entire day in 14 weeks!

Tell us your story (how did you meet, how did he/she propose?)

We met through an online dating agency seven years ago and moved in together three years ago. When we decided to get married, we wanted to do so quite soon and after choosing the venue, we planned our wedding in 14 weeks.

What made you choose us as your wedding venue?

Highgate House was recommended to us by a friend who also had their wedding there and it impressed us right from our first visit. We loved the idea that everything would be at one venue, the rooms were beautiful and the perfect size, and the house itself was set in beautiful surroundings. Having the one wing of the house with the Baronial Hall, Drawing Room, Library and Cellar Bar all to ourselves was lovely.

Please tell us the suppliers you used?

Gardners Bakery for the cake, Perkins Florist for our flowers, Party Linen for decorations, Jon Fenton Photography for our photos and Vintage Music for the evening music.

On the day, what were the best bits & what made the day memorable?

This is very difficult to answer as the whole day was exceptionally good. The Baronial Hall itself is so impressive and very different to the usual rooms offered through hotels for a wedding banquet. The meal itself was absolutely fabulous and of a very high standard. We were lucky enough to get the Bridal suite for the Friday night as well which was amazing. The staff ran the whole day very professionally without being noticed - which is a skill in itself!

What was your vision/theme and how did you make it happen?

We wanted a beautiful, intimate wedding with all our friends and family being there and Highgate was perfect.

How was the food on the day?

Exceptionally good - our guests were very complimentary about the food.

What/who helped during the planning process?

Jo Kelly was our planner at Highgate and arranged everything exactly to our requirements, giving great advice. The chefs were also very accommodating in making sure that what we had chosen was exactly to our liking.

What's the best advice you can give a couple planning their wedding?

Trust the wedding planner and listen to her advice!

What (if any) comments would you like to add about us and the staff involved in your big day?

As stated above, all the staff were very professional and attentive - nothing was too much trouble right from when we arrived on the Friday afternoon through to the wedding on the Saturday.

“A truly stunning venue - perfect day!”