Rebecca and Wilhelm married in The Baronial Hall at Highgate House in August 2013. After a proposal in the English Lake District, the couple chose a vintage country garden theme combined with their love of the lakes.
Tell us your story
Wil and I joined Warwickshire Police in April 2007 as Police Community Support Officers and were placed on the same training course. We were sent to separate stations but still kept in touch. About a year later, Wil offered to take me out for my birthday. Shortly after in July, we started seeing one another. 4 years later I was 5 months pregnant with our first child. Wil decided to take me away to my favourite place the Lake District for a short break and whilst on a walk we came across a secluded lake. This is where he proposed to me.
What made you choose us as your wedding venue?
We looked for a venue which had accommodation and the availability to hold the entire wedding in one place due to my side of the family coming from Yorkshire. Highgate House offered this and more. We wanted the look of a stately home in order for us to say our vows. The Baronial Hall was stunning and we instantly fell in love.
On the day, what were the best bits & what made the day memorable?
Our best bit was obviously getting married within the stunning Baronial Hall. We also loved the stunning work of Party Linen who transformed the conference room, listening to our ideas and turning it into something better than I could have imagined. Our entire day is a lasting enjoyable memory and we wouldn't change a thing.
What was your vision/theme and how did you make it happen?
We chose a vintage, country garden theme with a combination of the Lake District. I wanted the bridal party to be in soft pastel colours so there dresses were a dusky pink. I took this colour and ran this into the wedding breakfast room. The floral displays on the tables were birdcages with country garden flowers and I also had vintage tea cups and saucers on every table with tea lights. The cake stand was dressed as a sweet stand with a wooden frame and bunting to dress it. I had vintage sweets in jars, tea cups, tea pots and the birdcages. Party Linen dressed my room with similar bunting to that of the cake table. Each table was named after the different areas of the Lake District we had visited.
How was the food on the day?
The food was fantastic. The chef had taken on board my needs as I am allergic to cheese. He created a root vegetable starter which served both the meat eaters and vegetarians. We decided on the roast beef for our main but we wanted to add a twist. I am from Yorkshire so we wanted to add Yorkshire puddings so it had a little bit of me. The dessert was a Cherry Strudel so it was a little bit of Wil's side of the family (they are from Austria). The chef was so accommodating to what we wanted and we received so many compliments on the food. The evening food was a mixture of hot buffet and hot sandwiches, again this was highly complimented by our family and friends, by the time I got round to getting some food in the evening it had more or less gone!
What/who helped during the planning process?
I planned the wedding myself as I was on maternity leave with my little boy. However I had amazing support and advice from Jo Kelly at Highgate House. Jo was professional and informative throughout the process. I felt Jo went above and beyond her role and we can't thank her enough. The day was a success because of her professionalism.
What's the best advice you can give a couple planning their wedding?
I enjoyed the planning of my wedding and was never stressed. I was calm and collective on the morning of my wedding because I knew that everything was taken care of and if it wasn't who cares I was marrying the person I love. The only advice I would give is to just enjoy it, both the planning and the day. Although so many people say it goes quickly and you think it won't, it does! Before you know it the day has gone. If you are also getting married at Highgate House, put your trust in Jo, she knows what she is doing.
What comments would you like to add about us and the staff involved in your big day?
I cannot express much more how fantastic Jo Kelly was. Jo talked us through every aspect of the day ensuring that all areas were covered (even the parts I had forgotten). Our day was perfect from start to finish and that is thanks to not only Jo for the planning, but also to the team on the day. The day ran smoothly and to time. If I had my day again I would not change a single aspect. Every time I drive past the venue I look smile and think fondly of my memories. This will never change.
"The perfect location to hold my vintage inspired wedding, this venue has given us beautiful fulfilled memories. The Baronial Hall gave us the perfect setting to say ‘I do'.... the words to give us a lifetime of happiness and meaning."
