It’s all in the planning

If you’ve ever attended a corporate function, wedding, product launch or a formal cocktail party then I’m prepared to bet something will have stuck in your mind. Unfortunately the memories are often negative, something you didn’t like or an element that didn’t work. When hundreds of different variables need to gel to make something look and feel simple, then you need a professional planner, not merely a friend or colleague who fancies having a bash at organising.

Over the years I’ve worked with many planners and event management teams, some good and some very, very good. But it’s always the individuals who quietly work in the background who win through, not the loud and dictatorial drama queens. I’m presently involved in several projects with the highly regarded Penny Merricks at the Tigerlily Wedding Consultancy. Penny’s approach hits the spot by the getting the job done, but also making it fun along the way – something which couples and families sometimes need when preparations are getting a little manic.

Choosing photography is a really good example on how somebody with contacts can cut through the pack and arrive at a shortlist for their client, taking the drudge out of sifting through countless too-good-to-be-true internet pledges and presenting couples with professionals who will fit into their day. I’ve spoken before about how quality wedding photographers are frequently dragged-down by those who dip in and out of the industry, looking for some easy cash to fit in around their ‘day job’. Somebody like Penny sees through this on the client’s behalf, eliminating time-wasting towards the right choice.

It’s my personal preference to leave a portfolio book with Penny so she always has something to flick through if a new client needs to see something quickly. Beyond this it’s a case of deciding if my style suits them. If it does then an informal meeting is arranged, usually near Tigerlily’s offices in Islington, London – and then more often than not it develops into the start of something great, another project to look forward to. 

The tricky part of the modern planner’s role is simply to convince people of their worth. There’s a school of thought that planners are for the rich and famous, cost the earth and dominate proceedings. Nothing could be further from the truth, they are essential cogs in the bigger wheel of making the big day run smoothly. Talk to anybody who’s employed a pro to help with the planning and they’ll tell you the process was an enjoyable and thoroughly productive experience. As with anything in life it’s finding the right people to help you which makes the difference…

Perks of the job (part 2)

Anybody who reads this blog on a regular basis (you really do have too much time on your hands!) knows that when in wedding mode I’m fascinated by some of the venues at which I’m lucky enough to work. A little while ago I wrote about the grandeur of shooting in large churches and Cathedrals. However, equally as impressive in their own way are some of the locations for civil ceremonies.

One such location is Cowley Manor, at which I shoot a handful of weddings each year as one of the recommended photographers. The Manor perfectly blends relaxed surroundings with a dash of formality and the staff’s bespoke approach lends itself to smaller weddings, ideal for families who want their day to be intimate and personal. At the planning stage couples are guided by in-house coordinator, Sarah Keatley. Sarah’s attention to detail and wonderfully enthusiastic manner make her a pleasure to work with, and from my side I’m never in the dark about plans and timings due to her support. It then becomes apparent that the venue’s trump card is the quality which is evident on every level.

Upon arrival you’re greeted by a 19th century mansion feel, then once inside the staff are relaxed, helpful and available without being constantly on your shoulder. There’s a distinct chilled-out 70’s feel to the decor and once seated in the main lounge you won’t want to get up again for quite some time. It sounds obvious, because the whole point of a hotel is to provide a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere during your stay, but Cowley has a calmness about it which puts you at ease and allows a visitor to make the most of the visit.

Assuming you can drag yourself away from the log fire in the lounge, you’ll find it’s the grounds which really cap the whole experience. The Manor is set in approx. 55 acres of grounds, providing the feel of an adventurous wander. A large terrace overlooks the lake and beyond this there are various nooks and crannies in which to explore and lose yourself, and it’s right here that a magical little tale has become legend. It’s said that the writer, Lewis Carroll, was strolling in the gardens one day when he came across a little girl happily playing. After briefly chatting to his new friend he returned to his room to begin writing a short story based on the young lady’s happy disposition. Her name was Alice Liddell, and the short story eventually became Alice In Wonderland. A magical place indeed…