Firstly, apologies in the delay in getting this post up…it’s been a busy few weeks for the Dougherty and Allen team. Great for us, but not so great for Tumblr. Sorry Tumblr!
On Saturday 27th September we were delighted to be a part of Helen and Jonathan’s beautiful wedding day. Set in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, just a stones throw from theice cream shop; overlooking Tattenhall Marina, and Beeston Castle in the distance it was a perfect backdrop to a perfect day! The day before whilst setting up the weather hadn’t been too kind, but luckily the weather gods were shining upon us and it stayed a glorious dry and clear day for everyone
The entire day was based within a marquee from South Cheshire Marquees and venue dressing by Tent & Gardenwho decorated the space beautifully with a separate bar, wedding breakfast room, indoor and outdoor seating as well as a stunning walkway for all of the guests to enter, with sashes in colours matching the bridesmaids dresses and ‘Purple Rain’ theme. The feel was relaxed but special and the decor certainly added to the WOW factor as you walked in
Whilst the guests enjoyed the Cheshire landscape and the selection of drinks on arrival, behind the scenes was a hive of activity! With finishing touches being put into place by the girls at Tent & Garden who looked after the elegant table centre pieces, AV and dance floor being secured and tested by our friends at Lightech, stunning flowers on the top table, bar and a massive central plinth by Wild it was almost time for the big reveal!
The idea for the menu came from Helen herself, wanting relaxed sharing Italian food for everyone to enjoy, and that’s what we did:
Nibbles with Reception Drinks
Bread sticks
Green and black olives
Balsamic crisps
MENU
Starters
Share and tear bread with tomato, olive and onion flavours
Focaccia with crispy pancetta and red onions
Assorted dips: balsamic; oil; pesto; tapenade
Selection of Italian meats; bresaola; capocollo; mortadella; pancetta; prosciutto
Tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil
Balsamic onions & artichokes
Mains
Baked lasagne
Spaghetti with king prawns
Spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Baked chicken wrapped in pancetta, vine tomato olives & basil
Parmesan to be on table
Salads
Potato salad, aubergine
Chargrilled vegetable salad, courgettes, carrot, squash, beetroot, peppers, red onion
Rocket and parmesan salad
Dessert
Chewy meringues with fillings:
Selection of berries to include: blackberries; blueberries; raspberries and strawberries
Mango coulis; red berry coulis, mini marshmallows, chocolate sauce; chocolate shavings, toasted nuts
Speeches took place in-between each course which broke the meal up quite nicely. Inevitably, the best man speech stole the show with a creative rendition of the Only Fools & Horses Theme Tune fitting in every ice cream flavour made by the farm! By the time the meal was over, dusk was upon us. While the main room was cleared ready for the evening, guests spilled back into the bar which had been transformed into a glowing, elegant but cosy space with the change of light. Candles were a-light and a fire pit was ablaze to add the lovely atmosphere.
The dance floor had been hidden away from view the entire day for the ultimate surprise, with the evening reception commencing from the start of the first dance. I actually witnessed one of the most touching wedding moments of my career as I was on the inside, watching the happy couple share a quiet moment on their own while the band built up to the start of their song ‘Purple Rain’ and the curtains going up for all to see. Don’t know about everyone else but I couldn’t manage to keep a dry eye!
The evening reception quickly got into full party mode – people on the dancefloor, others huddled keeping warm around the fire pit and drinks were flowing (a little too flowing…..we VERY nearly ran out of vodka and gin!) It was soon time for home made slices of freshly baked pizzas to be passed round to keep everyone going until the early hours, then….it was the time for the band to take centre stage!
The Sway Allstars Orchestra are without doubt the best live band I’ve ever seen at a wedding. Absolutely blew us all away with their attitude, appearance, sound, vitality and brilliant sense of fun. With more costume changes than Lady Gaga, and 3 fabulous sets throughout the evening their performance was outstanding! Their music was everything….and I mean everything; our favourites being the ULTIMATE 90s mega mix with everyone from M People to Red Hot Chili Peppers, and of course their rendition of Thriller which saw all the band recreate THAT dance. It wasn’t just the wedding guests that were fans – it was the Allstars music that got all of the weary staff through those final few hours
A big congratulations to Helen and Jonathan, now Mr and Mrs Fell. It was an absolute delight to be a part of your wedding day, and everyone at Dougherty & Allen wish you every happiness for your future together
Til next time
Jen