As we start the New Year, we’ve already found that our diaries are filling up quickly – places to go, people to see and plans to be made! Sometimes we only have five minutes for a quick chat, even if it’s just to say Hi. This week, with the launch of our new feature, we catch up with Milly from Inglewood Inn and find out what’s been happening in her part of the wonderful wedding world…
What is your favourite wedding theme?
We recently had a carnival themed wedding and it mixed the best of vintage with bright fun colours! Mix matched chairs, festoon lights … I was drooling over the setup! We also had a “Disney” themed wedding that I was a bit concerned about … but actually had a beautiful woodland feel to it in the end! Lots of wooden logs, moss, apothecary jars and little moss bunnies!
What inspires you?
I always say to go with what you love best, whether it’s in trend or not. I’ve always had a love of bright colours, which has transferred into my house having a real Spanish talevera feel! It’s not what’s trendy in magazines, but I love it. If I get married, this would be heavily featured throughout it too.
What is special about weddings to you?
I love getting to see the bride’s and groom’s smiles after the ceremony. I see them happy so much throughout planning their wedding, but there is just something so pure and filled with joy when they’re walking through their family and friends, having rose petals thrown around them after the ceremony.
What do you love about functions and entertaining?
The connections you form with a client. When you spend so long working with a couple for their special day, you start to form a relationship. Many of my brides have since added me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram and stay in touch. It’s this connection that makes me love working every function because I love being able to see the end result – just seeing that it really is their best day ever.
What is your favourite image of all time?
Oh my goodness, it changes every week! Every time I receive photos from a wedding I have a freak out how it’s my new favourite! This is my favourite photo spot at the Inn though – and I love the photographer’s soft editing of the photo. It’s so dreamy and romantic.
What book are you reading at the moment?
Does Netflix count as reading?
What is your Number 1 tip for brides and grooms?
Don’t stress! Your wedding should be a celebration not an ordeal. Spread out your organizing and enjoy the experience! Don’t feel like it’s a chore that you have to do. I’m here to help as much as you want so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, come visit me, we can have a coffee and go through everything.
What is the one tool of your that you can’t live without?
Emails. I would not be able to be a functioning member of society without emails. I probably send more emails to myself than anything else to make sure I never forget anything.
What is your New Year resolution?
More cooking at home! It’s too easy to just have a quick bite to eat at work after a meeting instead of having to go to the shops on the way home. And it doesn’t help how delicious the food is!
What is a special personal talent you possess?
Working in hospitality, especially weddings and functions, it was never something I saw on my career path. In fact, I grew up in a family of publicans and swore I would never touch the hospitality industry. I came to help out my parents as they were struggling to get the wedding side of things off the ground and I was working full time as a graphic designer and hated it. I swore I would only stay a month … but two years later I’ve found my dream job. I once said to a friend “…can you imagine, me, planning weddings?!” and they replied “well yeah … you were the one who hosted every party in school and planned everyone’s birthday parties!” So I guess throwing parties is a talent of mine (and a really fun one too!)
Where is your favourite place to escape to for downtime and why?
My swimming pool. I pick some mint from my garden, a few limes off the tree and add some white rum to it then float on my giant inflatable flamingo in my pool under the sun while listening to Ryan Adam’s Taylor Swift cover album.
All images via Inglewood Inn
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