The Glasshouse
How many guests did you host?
Coming from a Mediterranean background, we did super well to keep our numbers under 300!
Why did you choose The Grove?
As wedding planners, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting weddings at The Grove since 2009 and in central London since 1961 – we’re privileged to work with the finest venues. Whilst we love central London, The Grove has always had a special place in my heart. It represents the quality and infrastructure of London’s very best hotels but with the stunning surroundings of the Hertfordshire countryside. It really does make it unique. Also, Lisa used to visit with her late mother for afternoon tea and treats in The Glasshouse. So for us it ticked all the boxes. With a brunch party in The Cedar the day after, it was like being abroad for the weekend.
The Grove was the perfect match for us. It proved to be a brilliant decision and we’re so grateful for what the team did for us and our families.
How did you structure your day?
Earlier in the week we had a legal ceremony but we wanted to get married at The Grove, given our mixed heritage, and it worked really well – around 40 guests witnessed our Blessing in the sunken garden. Guests then made their way back over to the Amber Suite Foyer and Gardens where everyone enjoyed pre-dinner drinks from the amazing Exquisite Cocktails, whilst Lisa and I went off to capture some special moments with Robert Shack Photography and Michael Kelly Films. After around 90mins, guests were called into dinner where the spectacular The Function Band serenaded them to their seats before we all entered the room.
Burgeon Floral Design provided some incredible centrepieces and Beyond Certainty helped create the plan for the day that we developed with Ranj and her team at The Grove – it all came together to great effect. We also had huge help from the Wedding Lounge who styled, themed and did so much to make the room feel special. Our stationary was supplied by our friend Kat Tylee, who designed everything from the logo, to our floor plan. We cannot thank everyone enough.
With Trevor Lewis, Banqueting Head Chef, we picked a light summer menu featuring a beef main, sumptuous canapés later, then late night bites, all of which were a complete winner. Before our first dance, the team from X-iting fireworks added a touch of magic with indoor non-fire sparklers, they looked amazing!
Best moment of the day?
For Lisa, the outdoor ceremony was the winner. We had a wet-weather option (in the Cedar Suite), but we were so lucky that the sun came out at just the right time. We enjoyed an incredibly intimate time with our close family and friends. Watching it back, it really was magic.
Who did you wear?
My suit was bespoke from Jones & Jones Tailoring. My groomsmen were made to look a million dollars… and that’s not easy. I have to credit Hawes & Curtis who really went above and beyond. I was so happy with how they looked.
Did you make a weekend of it?
Both Lisa and I, along with our close family and overseas guests, stayed from Friday to Sunday. Lisa had a beautiful room where she and her bridesmaids could get ready, whilst myself and the boys could enjoy a few drinks whilst being suited and booted in a separate area of the hotel.
With our wedding planning hat on, we really see the concept of making a UK wedding a whole weekend experience rather than just one night becoming a trend in the 2020s. It means you don’t have to worry about it all finishing at midnight (or 1am!).
Any top tips for others planning their wedding?
I have grown up surrounded by weddings as my grandparents and parents have all been wedding organisers and planners since 1961, and having been with Lisa for 10 years, we have seen thousands of weddings. However, despite our experience, nothing prepared us for the wave of emotions, the sheer speed of our wedding day, and all the wonderful things it’s filled with. The best advice we can give is, create pockets of time on the wedding day to make sure you can absorb just how special it all is. I will never forget the moment our toastmaster and dear friend Howard Robbins, who has been like an uncle to us for over 20 years, pulled us on to the top table. The band had all of our guests on the dance floor singing to Lisa and I – it was the most incredible sight, seeing almost everyone we love right there in that frame! So yes, just make sure you get those moments and take them in, because it goes so quickly.
