2018: The Best Bits
I don’t know about you but between Christmas and New Year, where you get a little time to yourself, I always like to reflect on the past year. It’s really important to take stock, learn from any errors or mistakes and show gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped the past 365 days.
2018 has been a really fabulous year for Host Weddings & Events but also personally for me and my family. I will always think fondly of 2018 – the year that I tied the knot myself and that endless summer which seemed to just keep on going. I have worked with the best clients this year, helping them make memories that will last a lifetime and for me that’s just the best part of my job. I always feel very honoured to be a part of a couple’s wedding day or involved in a family celebration. That’s what life is about isn’t it – celebrating the good stuff in life and I’m lucky enough to be able to plan these life events!
So here’s a little round up of 2018 – an absolute belter!
Spring
A flurry of enquiries came our way in early Spring and I was so excited to start working with new couples, each with their own ideas and personalities. It’s so important to me to get to know my clients as people. I always schedule in a lengthy call at the beginning of the enquiry process, followed with a bespoke, personalised proposal.
I enjoyed working with two couples on their May weddings one at Arnos Vale in Bristol and the other at The Guildhall in Bath.
Summer
The summer time is always a busy one here at Host HQ, but this summer especially was jam packed with the addition of my very own special day! Mine and Mr R’s wedding can be found over on wedding blog Whimsical Wonderland Weddings – feel free to have a nose. We had the most amazing day full of love and laughter.
We were so lucky with the weather weren’t we?! Oh my goodness – it was a blessing really as all my Summer weddings had outdoor elements from outdoor ceremonies to marquees and tipi’s. I love the relaxed feeling of the countryside weddings that I plan. The majority of the weddings were held at family homes, which adds such a personal, chilled out feel to proceedings. As well as the private homes, I also got the chance to work at the absolutely stunning The Lost Orangery in Wiltshire. I actually felt like I had traveled to Italy for the day – the views, the architecture, the lake, the gardens – wow – just wow!
Animals also played a huge part in the weddings I planned this year from one of my brides arriving to her ceremony on horseback, llamas attending as a surprise to the groom at another and dogs being ring bearers – they all had such a big part to play and were all wonderful!
Autumn
I was lucky enough to help organise a golden wedding celebration at the marvelous Maunsel House in Somerset. My client was based in New York so we arranged many a video call. The event was booked over a three day period with family and friends attending from all over the world. My client wanted to use this occasion to bring their loved ones together and treat it as a reunion. It was such a special event with cultural ceremonies and traditions thrown in.
Behind the scenes I was working on my new brand with my designer Louise, ready for it’s launch in November. I also planned on launching a brand new venue consultancy as I have a passion for wedding venues and what they represent.
I also found out that I had become a finalist in the wedding planner category in the South West with The Wedding Industry Awards – exciting!
Winter
November was all about my launch party which was held at The Florist in Bristol. You can read about it here. It was such a fabulous evening with so many people taking the time to celebrate with me. It felt great to have the new brand out there, live for the world to see. I’m so pleased with the outcome!
The following week I attended The Wedding Industry Awards South West Regional final. The awards ceremony takes place every year with a different South West venue hosting. This year saw the turn of the very beautiful Rockbeare Manor in Devon. The night was full of anticipation and although it wasn’t to be for Host this time, I was so chuffed to have made it to the finals and so delighted that my couples had voted for me – thank you so much for your support – it means so much!
So what’s left to say is thank you for your continued support. Thank you for the talented and hardworking suppliers I’ve worked with this year, thank you to my clients for booking me and trusting me to do them proud. Thank you to my wonderful family for always supporting me on this journey! I couldn’t do it without any of you!
I am so looking forward to what 2019 holds for Host Weddings & Events. I cannot wait to work with more clients, planning life’s celebrations and helping them to make everlasting memories.
Happy new year to you all – I wish you health and happiness for the year ahead.
Olivia x
Photography credits
