Spring ’17 Summaries

Food

How is it possibly May already? Typing away, the sun is shining and the birds are singing! Spring is most definitely here and that can only mean that Summer is just around the corner and with it event and wedding season is upon us. Although we’ve already had quite a few events and a wedding, summer is the traditional time to say ‘I Do’, however our season starts mid-April and continues through to September. Busy (but fun) times ahead! Intermingled with some corporate events (one tomorrow actually) and a few big birthday’s and special occasions this year looks set to be a big one.

Before we have all these though, let us recap a little over the past 3 months. So what have we been up to…well you would think that these months are the quietest; not exactly! Although not literally, we have been making hay whilst the sun shines, in other words prepping for the many events and weddings that the year holds. We have been busy with tastings galore, looking at our menus and re-jigging them, coming up with some exciting new menus and ideas and organising ourselves and our staff ready for when it’s all systems go.

We also have some exciting plans for our premises and are hoping to create and install something quite special! You’re going to have to wait for a few more details, but let’s just say it’s going to good!

Amongst all of the prep and admin, we’ve had a weddings and events galore! It’s never really quiet for us! One of our lovely weddings fell on Valentine’s Day – how romantic! Guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet full of goodies and brimming with food. “I just wanted to touch base and say thank you for helping our wedding day be amazing! The lamb was the hit of the day as were the burgers and chips and the puddings were also super yummy! I wish I could do it all again and sit and eat it all again! You and your staff were wonderful on the day and really helped with the smooth running of things.” Such fab feedback received too, which always makes us smile!

Weddings

It’s fair to say we have been busy little wedding planning bee’s at the start of this year. As with the food and events side, in the ‘quiet’ months, it’s great to get everything in order, planning, prepping and generally making sure you are being productive and finalising plans for your summer weddings. All this, mixed with meetings and some tastings keeps us busy, but we do love this part when all the plans start to take shape and the couples can really start to see their big day coming together. Absolutely love seeing that!

In addition to all of the planning, we’ve also been asked to help style a few wedding inspiration shoots and organise a couple of our own. We sadly can’t give much away yet, but once we know when they are published, all shall be revealed. We also had a few previous shoots feature on Bridal Musings, Fine Art Wedding Boutique  You & Your Wedding Online and in Perfect Wedding Magazine and You & Your Wedding Magazine. The feeling you get seeing your work really is quite special; getting to be creative and working with some fellow amazing industry pro’s is just amazing and is something that we just love to do and help other suppliers do too. We don’t just plan, we also style and that seems to be quite a popular request currently; not only for fellow suppliers, but for couples who have the planning side nailed, but need some help with the creative side and bringing a vision to life. In this visual and social media driven world, couples are wanting to be more and more unique and décor and styling is one way to do so…mixing up linens, the way you fold a napkin or have a runner, installations and florals and various lighting effects. There are so many ways to inject personality and style and we totally love this part of weddings and events. Another biggy is on the day management, which we have a lot of this year. From doing over 500 weddings, we like to think we know a thing or two about the wedding day and if it means our couples can relax the whole day through, knowing we have everything sorted, then it works for us! We always aim to please!

We also received some exciting photos this week from the fab Melia Melia Photography from a wedding we planned and catered for last year at Wickham House. Seriously dreamy images and we are so excited! We can’t wait to share these with you all soon.

However with all this in mind, we have to get back to a final few plans and finish prepping! The smell wafting from the kitchen is H E A V E N L Y!

Until next time…Emma & Team GB. x

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events!

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/weddings-goose-and-berry

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/events-gooseberry

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gooseandberry / www.twitter.com/gooseberrywed

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Delivering December & our 2017 Wedding Trend Predictions

Happy New Year you lovely lot! We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. 2017 has arrived and we are back at work and ready for all of the exciting events and weddings ahead of us. Our December was full of Christmas parties galore and lots of super fun events.

In amongst the canape and drinks parties, we had some dinners mixed in and some festive lunches too. Christmas parties are all about the fun and the festive treats, think mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and a few hundred or so mince pies to boot! Turkey, trimmings, beef wellington and some seriously tasty sticky toffee pudding. We were lucky enough to be back at Windsor Guildhall for a Christmas Dinner and it really was a beautiful setting. We also got to provide some cute Christmas canapes for the lovely ladies at B.loved for their festive mingle.

We were also invited to a few Christmas parties and gatherings ourselves where we got to catch up with fellow wedding industry pros and celebrate the year with some festive cheer. One of the highlights included a scrummy afternoon tea at The Bingham – such a beautiful hotel in Richmond, with a riverside setting that is ideal for weddings.

December certainly flew past and we can’t believe it’s another year and January already! As event and wedding professionals, people always ask us what we think will be popular in the forthcoming year…well here is our top 5 predictions for weddings and catering.

1. Greenery – Pantone’s colour of the year is Greenery – quite a vibrant bold green which is quite the contrast to last year’s pastel hues. Whether used as a theming throughout your wedding or event, we think foliage will be used in abundance and in a loose, wild and natural way.
2. Tropical – The tropical trend was popular last year, but mixed with the Greenery, we think this will really take off. Long reign the pinks, oranges, flamingos and pineapples!
3. Industrial Luxe – Think copper, marble and warehouses with metal, stone and metallic elements, mixed with geodes and geometric contemporary designs and décor.
4. Foodie Heaven – couples want to go BIG on food and splurge a little. Food after all is a big part of the day! Choosing their favourite food and going all out, matching wines and drinks too. P.S – keep any eye out for completely raw, vegan and gluten free menus too!
5. Food stations and informal catering will be key – as will drinks stations. We have no doubt that artisan gins and craft beers will be big as will botanical drinks.

Are you getting married in 2017? Will any of the above be featuring? We would love to know and find out more about your plans. We have a busy January ahead – focusing on some upcoming weddings and events and finalising plans, also prepping for a Valentine’s wedding too – how romantic!

Until next time…Emma. x

October Occurrences

So the clocks have gone back and the mornings are rather dark and dreary…but that doesn’t mean we are! Far from it! We are now on the countdown to party season and whilst wedding season seems to have calmed down, we’ve still had plenty to cater for this month and are in the full swing of planning ones for next year. Amongst some big birthdays and a corporate to end the month we are planning something super exciting for later this year and we can’t wait to reveal all.

Food and Events

October has bought with it the usual mix of weddings, social and corporates in amongst planning something fabulous for the next couple of months. But that’s for another time. The month started off with a fabulous 50^th. We catered for a fancy but informal tipi based party at the client’s home. Bowls of yumminess were served followed by some sweet treats and bountiful amounts of cheese, all washed down with champagne, wine and some local beers. Sometimes a slightly more informal feel to the catering for a birthday works just as well. We love bowl food – guests get to mix and match with various dishes and it saves on the formal sitting down; you can mingle and chat whilst eating and no formal seating plan is needed!

The midst of the month saw weddings take place, one back at Micklefield Hall. We loved the menu for this one – wood pigeon followed by wild bass, topped off with salted caramel and peanut butter cheesecake – yes pleasseee!

Spread throughout the month we had corporate events, ending in one biggy at Windsor Guildhall for a lovely group of hoteliers. Impressing 70 top hoteliers takes some doing…but luckily we managed! Go Team GB!

Weddings

This month we have mainly been in full planning mode for next year, gathering quotes and presenting them to our clients. This part of planning is always the most time consuming but it pays to get it right, particularly matching the right supplier to couple and ensuring that they have the vision and style that is designed and wanted for the wedding day. It’s actually quite fun and we love presenting all information to the couples and are then on hand for advice.

In between all of the quote gathering we were at Stoke Park’s wedding showcase mid-month where we got to meet some wonderful couples and thoroughly enjoyed chatting about their weddings and plans; it’s always such an exciting time!

This time of year brings various networking and industry events, some of which we have been lucky enough to attend recently and others are coming up over the next couple of months – hello Christmas party time!

We were also super thrilled to see one of our inspiration shoots that we planned and shot earlier in the month featured on B.Loved blog – you can see more here. So much Autumn loveliness!

With that in mind and the fact that we are (I shall say it very quietly) only a few weeks away from Christmas, we have lots to do ready for parties and events, so we best carry on…

Until next time…Emma. x

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events!

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/weddings-goose-and-berry

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/events-gooseberry

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gooseandberry / www.twitter.com/gooseberrywed

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gooseandberry 

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gooseandberry

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gooseandberry / www.instagram.com/gooseandberryweddings

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September Shenanigans

Here we are, Autumn has arrived and with it the leaves start to fall, temperatures drop and we are getting cosy. That said, haven’t we seen some stunning weather in Sept – holding on to the last bits of summer but ready for the cooler months ahead, or maybe that’s just me ( I LOVE Autumn!) So, our September has been a truly wonderful month, filled to the brim of awesomeness in the form of some stunning weddings, one of which we planned and a couple of super fun corporate events. Mixed with a few tastings, some super exciting meetings and an interesting morning filming, this has been one busy but enjoyable month!

Food and Events

We started off the month in wedding mode. One at Micklefield Hall and one at The Walled Garden at Wasing Park. A&S had their wedding at Micklefield, which we were also entrusted with our on the day management. Full of beautiful rustic and whimsical details that worked so well within the barn and luckily the weather held out for a pretty outdoors ceremony. We created a delicious menu for them where guests were treated to a yummy three course meal all followed by pasties galore – proving popular with the Cornish family members! N&B’s wedding at Wasing again had an outdoor ceremony and their wedding had quite the festival vibe with a fab tipi and cute details at the bar and on the dancefloor, with a rather unique drinking game – wheel of misfortune anyone? Their patisserie station was quite simply divine and not a pud was left in sight.

Mid-month saw a flurry of corporate events. One being at Windsor Guildhall with a very royal theme. All British produce and theming for the menu and drinks and a thoroughly elegant and regal affair. We also hosted one of our regular clients re-branding soiree. Plenty of delicious canapes and copious amounts of champagne were flowing. They always know how to throw a good party!

Ending the month nicely saw S&A’s wedding and us return to Micklefield Hall. Pretty pastels and purples filled the barn and a rather scrummy menu of fig and goats, cheese, lamb and choccy pud followed, to the tune of “best wedding food ever”…we’ll take that!

Weddings

In between catching up with some wedmin for weddings next year and a couple of styled shoots – keep those eyes peeled – mid month saw the floral fantasia wedding of H&A at Wickham House, within the walled garden. With a brief of natural beauty that exudes happiness, we set about creating a floral work of art within the most gorgeous of gardens I ever did see. Taking inspiration from the blooms around us, we created a space in the sunken lawn that merged into the space beautifully. Using a stretch tent to do so and create a dining space worked so well and allows the flexibility that was desired. Florals were key; bringing in a rich and slightly woodland and forest feel with some richer tones and mixed with the ethereal beauty of the pastels; all mixed with feathers, butterflies and mushrooms. Honestly, just wait until you see! We created a humanist ceremony space underneath a tree within the grounds and dreamcatchers flowed in the breeze before a butterfly release, which was just magical to watch.

To end the month we also were treated to ‘Enamour’, Amie Bone’s absolutely magnificent and breath-taking display at The National Wedding Show – just look at the pics, need we say more!

As we sign off, we are finalising plans for something rather exciting and 2 shoots in October – one foodie based, one wedding based…all shall be revealed soon!

Until next time…Emma. x

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events!

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/weddings-goose-and-berry

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/events-gooseberry

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gooseandberry / www.twitter.com/gooseberrywed

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gooseandberry 

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gooseandberry

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gooseandberry / www.instagram.com/gooseandberryweddings

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Bloomin’ Marvellous – Summer Flowers

Here are a few of the stunning florals currently in season, that would be perfect for a Summer Wedding or Event.

Aster –Symbolises patience and contentment. It is also indicative of a love of variety. It also symbolises elegance and daintiness.

Astilbe – Meaning I’ll still be waiting.

Dahlias – When given as a gift, the dahlia flower expresses sentiments of dignity and elegance. It is also the symbol of a commitment and bond that lasts forever. The dahlia flower is still used today in gardens and flower arrangements to celebrate love and marriage.

Delphinium – Symbolises Well being and sweetness.

Gladioli –Symbolises strength of character, faithfulness and honour. The Gladiolus flower signifies remembrance.

Hydrangea – Meaning Perserverance. and symbolises heartfelt emotions. It can be used to express gratitude for being understood.

Phlox – Meaning Our souls are united.

Rose – Symbolises love. It signifies love in its various forms. Its symbolism varies based on colour, variety and number.

Sunflower – Signifies pure thoughts. It symbolises adoration and dedication. It is symbolic of dedicated love.

Sweet Pea – Indicates delicate pleasure and bliss.

Veronica – Meaning Fidelity.

Words by Emma

Images via Pinterest

Goose & Berry are a Luxury Boutique Catering, Wedding, Event & Brand Experience Planning & Design company who specialise in Weddings, Social and Corporate Events.  We are based in Marlow & London and cover London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the Home Counties.

www.gooseandberry.co.uk

Did you know we also Plan and Design Weddings and Events! http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk/event-design-goose-and-berry

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gooseandberry

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gooseandberry 

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gooseandberry

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gooseandberry