When 2 become 1
The date is 28th November 2015, and Broadoaks is alive with the spirit of winter. This is the wonderful wedding wonderland story of Julie and Clare.
Sometimes, it’s those familiar, everyday places that make the perfect setting for a love story. In this case, it was Wetherspoons over 2 steaks and a bottle of wine! The date was set – for Julie and Clare decided to get wed.
No other place quite like it
Many moons before the pair got engaged, they knew Broadoaks was going to be their special place. 8 years prior when the pair spent the night for Clare’s birthday, they instantly fell in love with its gorgeous, cosy country charm and dog-friendly, happy hospitality.
Blown away by its beauty in all seasons, Julie and Clare decided a cold month would be their scene. Promises of roaring log fires, glistening frosty grounds and candle-lit ambience felt like the perfect way to welcome and wow their guests during their special celebration.
Make mine a double
When deciding upon their theme, it was obvious that their love of vodka needed to play a role. A nod to their favourite tipple sure worked wonders next to the stunning backdrop of winter wonderland inspired centre-pieces, the giant glacial vodka luge sculpture by Initial Vodka Luge, and the arctic colour scheme.
A magical night before
The day before the wedding, Julie and Clare couldn’t have been happier knowing they had the whole hotel to themselves and their guests.
In what had to be the most exciting time to have a hen do, Julie and Clare gathered their guests for afternoon tea, cosied themselves by the open fire and partied the night away (very civilly, mind!). They enjoying music and games, which even including little Roli, their dog, who was enjoying being made a fuss of by the couple’s adoring friends.
Laughter was rife, spirits were high and the excitable anticipation of the next day was definitely in the air.
It was simply the most perfect way to begin the celebrations.
The most magical day
The morning of the wedding was filled with fun. Not owing to convention in the slightest, Julie and Clare joined their family and friends for breakfast, which filled everyone with happiness (and croissants).
The pair enjoyed a spot of clay pigeon shooting in the Broadoaks grounds, which added another touch of tailor-made uniqueness to an already stand-out occasion.
Whilst the pair got ready, their fires were continually topped up by hotel staff, and the couple’s wedding co-ordinator spent the final few hours putting the finishing touches to the wedding décor.
Whilst Ambience Venue Styling were getting the tables ready, guests were entertained by a couple of close friends who came together as a band especially for the wedding and performed a set of acoustic songs that were special to the couple.
The 75 guests were then taken trough to a magnificent setting thanks to Ambience Venue Styling and Dragonfly Couture Stationary – the Vodka theme carried through and tolooked simply divine.
Guests’ were treated to a delicious 4-course gourmet meal, which was enjoyed in the beautiful Orangery, and looked breath-taking in the cool dusk of the setting winter sun. A surprise ‘flash mob’ of four modern contemporary dancers danced their way around the tables entertaining guests.
As night approached, guests continued to socialise around the tables and played their favourite tunes on the juke box and later spilled into other areas of the hotel including the music room, where they enjoyed some much needed munchies of cheese and biscuits.
Picture of happiness
Julie and Clare looked marvellous on their wedding day, matched only by the huge smiles and loving warmth they displayed to each other, which was mirrored by their lovely guests throughout the whole wedding.
In what was a celebration of pure joy, the pair truly made Broadoaks shine with their original ideas and fun execution – it was certainly a day the staff will never forget.
“If Broadoaks is on your list, we highly recommend you knock all the others off, as this hotel is exceptional” – Julie and Clare.
On behalf of us all here at Broadoaks, thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be a huge part of what was clearly the most magical, winter wonderland wedding. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness.
Broadoaks Country House Hotel can be exclusively hired for your wedding for as little as £2,995. Download a brochure here or get in touch with our events team on 01539 445566 to arrange a visit.
Photography by David Goodier