2015: A Year in Review

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are now enjoying some well deserved rest and relaxation. Now that the year is drawing to a close I wanted to write a post about 2015, because honestly, it’s been the best so far at Host HQ! The business has been running now for nearly 3 years and I feel it’s really flourished. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who I have worked with over the last twelve months and those who follow and support Host Event Management. I love what I do, it’s hard work and challenging – but nothing else beats it!

The year started very well as I was lucky enough to attend The Bristol and Somerset Wedding Awards in February. To my shock and surprise I won the category of “Best Wedding Planner” for the second year, which was rather nice. It was brilliant to catch up with my local wedding industry friends. The evening supports The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation who organise and fund weddings for terminally ill people.

 

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In March, following on from the success of the Christmas Masterclass which was held in November 2014, I organised the Domestic Goddess Workshop where local ladies learnt skills of being a good host.  The classes included event planning, table styling, gift wrapping from Wrapped to Perfection, cake decorating from Liz at Finishing Touches, flower arranging from Becci at Bijoux Floral Design and colour consulting by Charlene at Colour 4 Life.  There were even make-up tips from Jessica Mills MUA and Jewellery to purchase!

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In April, I was chuffed to see the Italian inspired wedding shoot which was created in July 2014 published in Wedding Venues and Services Magazine and followed by a post on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings in August.  The full list of suppliers involved can be seen on the link to the blog.

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My first wedding of the year was in June for Marianne and David.  Read more about their day here. I loved this wedding.  It was held very close to my home in the gorgeous village of Oldbury-on-Severn.  The photos captured by Sophie Duckworth were dreamy!

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My second wedding was for Katie and Matthew in July.  I will write about their special day on the blog soon.  Here’s a few photos of the day courtesy of Alice from The Vintage Wedding Photographer. 

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The next was Lucy and Stephen’s big day held in August at Walton Castle in Somerset.  It was great to work at this venue – so historical.  Again, I will write about this wedding soon.  Photography by Rupert Marlow.

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The final wedding of the year for Host was for Robyn and Richard.  Their reception was held at Hilles House in a magnificent marquee.  I will write about this in the new year (I have lots of writing to do haven’t I?!). Photography by Oliver and Ruth.

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On a personal note and after a busy Summer, Mr R and I headed to Tuscany in September on an Italian adventure. We had the best time, Italy is just steeped in history and culture.  Here’s a few holiday snaps – the gondola ride in Venice was fun!

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Many of you won’t know this but I have a love of musical theatre.  I am a member of Thornbury Musical Theatre Group and played Katie Brown in this year’s main show, Calamity Jane in October.  I think it’s really important to have hobbies and interests outside of your working life.  For me, it’s another outlet for my creativity.  I absolutely adore being part of the group.

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My final project of the year was a styled shoot.  I try and organise at least one a year and this time I chose a Highland theme that suited Autumn/Winter weddings.  The shoot was held at Berkeley Castle.  A whole host of talented, local suppliers joined forces to create a sumptuous, luxe feel, shot by the lovely Albert Palmer. The shoot has already been published on national blog English Wedding and it will soon be published in a magazine.

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It’s been really cathartic to reflect and take stock of what has been achieved in 2015.  I’m full of energy for 2016 and have some exciting projects in the pipeline, which I hope to share with you soon.  I wish you all a happy and healthy new year.  I’m off to prepare for my forthcoming NYE party!

 

Much love,

 

Olivia x