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

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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

November Noted

Festivities have well and truly begun and party season is upon us. November has kicked off the season in style and we have had some seriously fun filled weeks and we are now fully in the Christmas spirit. Largely because we have spent the weekend surrounded by Christmas spruces and decorations galore at the Country Homes & Interiors Christmas Show, but more about that later…

Food and Events

November has bought a wonderful mix of lunches, dinners, weddings, Christmas parties and a big country show, all completed by a super exciting award! We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to have been voted the English Wedding Awards South East Caterer! How fabulous! This has made our month and year, so thank you very much. We have some lovely events this month. November has certainly seen the festivities begin and we’ve had a few seasonal gatherings – from brunches, to lunches, buffets, canapes and cocktails and some elegant dinners. We get to incorporate some festive and seasonal produce and our cinnamon and mulled wine poached pears are proving popular as is our Venison main. Towards the end of the month saw a couple of weddings at Micklefield Hall. The barn lends itself beautiful to Autumnal and Winter weddings and we had rich reds and some elegant navy and white tones used as the décor. Berries were still popular as ever and our winterberry mess went down an absolute treat! We took the mid of the month to finish off some tastings for events early next year and also start to look ahead to December where party season will truly have its hold on us.

We also released our full raw, vegan and gluten free menus for wedding guests. We are the first caterer to do so and can’t wait to get creating some raw magic in the new year for our couples and their guests.

Finishing off the month we catered for 3 days and thousands of visitors to the Country Homes & Interiors Christmas show at Stonor Park. Visitors were treated to seasonal and Christmas coffee’s and hot chocolates, festive sweet treats and savoury snacks such as our local pies, which were raved about by the end of the weekend! We absolutely loved being there and being part of the show, enjoying getting into the Christmas spirit. It’s fair to say we could have spent a small fortune on some of the wonderful gifts on offer – our office may be featuring some of the decorations on show.

Weddings

Following on from last month and quote gathering, November saw a little more and finalising some suppliers for next years’ weddings. It’s so good when everything falls into place and means that our couples can relax and enjoy the festive season, assured that all is booked and the fun of the details and styling lies ahead.

As members, we attended an NAWP event too, which are always good fun; getting to catch up with some familiar faces and meeting new. Networking events are always good to make some industry friends and catch up; all whilst trying some drinks and nibbles at a new venue which you may have not yet discovered. This was the case on this occasion. The event was held at the Museum of the order of St John and wow, it really is a stunning place. Hidden in Farringdon, we had no idea it was even there, but are so pleased we are now. It’s so beautiful and the spaces and history are quite magnificent. We also got to visit ‘Elevate your senses’ Wedding showcase at the Shangri La hotel at the Shard. Even on a slightly rainy day, the views were incredible and it was lovely to see some of our faves; Armorial, Emmy Shoes, Twobirds Bridesmaids and Abigail Bloom Cakes.

Last month we mentioned how delighted we were to have our Autumn Copper inspiration shoot featured on B.Loved and we are still loving the tones and autumn vibes the shoot brings. We’ve had a bumper month of features and we have been featured once again in Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding Magazine for a styling feature and earlier in the month we had our stunning Jane Austen Georgian Serenity shoot featured on top US blog Burnetts Boards – how amazing! You can see a little more here. It brings back fond memories of Spring, which was a warm welcome in these chillier times!

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

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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

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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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August Activities

Can you believe that summer is over (we’re hoping for an Indian Summer though as we have been loving this hot weather! Shame about the storms though!) and it’s September. August has continued in the same way as June and July started and it’s been another good and productive month for us. A mix of weddings and events, interspersed with tastings and meetings, we are settling into the swing of things and ready for what September is going to bring. That’s for next month however, so what has August provided…

Food and Events

August has given us two of our biggest events and two rather big weddings…which have been super fun! The first biggy was mid-way through with a glorious marquee wedding set in the most picturesque of gardens. It had a midsummers garden theme and the florals were so impressive! Guests were served from a rather salubrious gold bar –what else and sipping champagne and gin cocktails, it set the scene magnificently. A delicious feast of figs, beef fillet, a trio of puds and our delightful edible garden were served, along with a selection of cheese and a round of fish & chips to finish the evening. Our kind of meal!

The second biggy was just at the end and set in a quintessentially English setting, was just truly scrumptious in every way! This wedding had a more relaxed and informal feel in the way of our gourmet BBQ’s, which on such a beautifully sunny day was just super and guests loved it!

Amidst these two, we’ve had a few other smaller events and afternoon tea galore, which has proved popular this month. We do love afternoon tea and if you’re having a garden party, then this is the perfect fit!

Weddings

After a rather busy July, our August is keeping up the momentum and we are still going strong through Wedding season. This month has mainly consisted of finalising plans for a beautiful intimate wedding in September and we’re really looking forward to this one. Set in a beautiful walled garden with the most glorious planting and florals, it’s going to be an absolute floral fantasia – that’s what we’re calling it anyway!

It’s going to be filled with some wonderful DIY detailing and an abundance of colour and a serious flower fest with some amazing food. We’re particularly looking forward to a bit of a vegan and health vibe which we can’t wait to try (perks of the job and all!).

Mid-month we were treated to a wedding breakfast at the seriously stunning Corinthia Hotel in London. Along with several other superstar planners, bloggers and editors we enjoyed a glass of fizz followed by a delicious breakfast and cake. We also got a tour of the spaces, restaurants and a penthouse. We’ve already decided that we are going to move in –it’s so us! Great Hire provided some fabulous ghost tables and chairs which looked amazing within the Ballroom setting and paired with some wonderful tableware from the amazing Duchess & Butler and some beautiful florals by By Appointment Only it created the perfect setting. It was lovely catching up with the gorgeous Abigail Bloom who provided the most amazing of cakes. We also got to chat about the super tasty cakes she provided for one of our couples in July – the chocolate cake was DIVINE!

The remainder of the month has been filled with venue visiting at the glorious Stoke Park (where we are a preferred supplier and will also be at their Wedding Showcase in October)  and Wisley Gardens and  gaining an abundance of quotes for a wedding next year and we can already tell it’s going to be a good one!

Until next time…Emma. x

July Jaunts

How much have we loved this month – a whole lot, that’s how much! It has been our busiest and maybe best to date and has taken some serious hard work from our team but it has been so much fun! July has been jam packed full of so many wonderful weddings with a smattering of some fabulous birthdays in between and we can’t wait to tell you all about them…

Food and Events

Well July really was the month for Weddings and we have catered for some rather wonderful ones and all in some seriously amazing locations. This month saw a mixture of marquees, gardens and stately homes, each providing their own merits and we have been lucky to work in some seriously fabulous venues.

In the earlier part of the month, we catered for a wedding that we also planned (see more below). 150 guests were treated to some delicious canapes and one of our favourite desserts finished the meal; you really have to try our Lime Posset – yummy!

The rest the month saw a mixture of formal sit down meals, some fancy buffet’s and a couple of Gourmet BBQ’s with some seriously tasty treats on offer. If you have a more informal wedding and it happens to be a beautiful summer day, then our Gourmet BBQ’s are the best; they work so well in an informal setting and provides the taste and presentation without the formality of a plated service. Great for a festival or more boho affair and also amazing for Birthdays.

The Birthday’s we catered for opted for a relaxed BBQ too and we were thrilled to plan and style one of these too. The clients had a joint birthday and anniversary party with a customised bar (and champagne flowing until the wee small hours) and opted for a stylish Mediterranean feel to their décor. Banquet style tables were dressed in stunning foliage wreaths with herbs mixed in and foliage chandeliers hung upon the entrance, creating the most stunning welcome for guests. Thank you to Lily’s Flowers for these!

We ended with a rather grand affair at the most picturesque of venues and can’t wait to work there again. Guests were treated to the most splendid of views whilst sitting for dinner and the ceremony space – serious WOW factor. A wonderful way to end the month!

Weddings

What a month! This one has quite simply been wonderful! So so lovely. We had two weddings that we have fully planned and styled and although July has been our busiest month so far, it’s been really quite dreamy, with two of the loveliest couples that I hope will remain friends with us for many years to come.

We started the month with the wedding of C&R, a super stylish couple from the States who fell in love with England and particularly Windsor on a visit a few years back and once engaged, knew that this would be the place for their wedding. With this in mind, we opted for a slightly formal English garden party affair with a Gatsby edge; think Downton Abbey mixed with the Gatsby party vibe and style. Hosted at various locations at Windsor, all 70 guests were flown in from across the States to join in a weekend celebration of fun, food and partying. A proper English pub meal on the riverside was the order of the day on the Saturday evening, with the main event on the Sunday. Dressed in garden party lounge style dress, the glamorous couple and guests attended the ceremony at Windsor Guildhall before heading to the river and setting sail on board a beautiful launch from the French Brothers. Guests enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea whilst listening to Jazz and enjoying a lazy trip along the Thames, taking in the sights of the English countryside. After this little jaunt, guests made their way back to the Sir Christopher Wren hotel for cake, cocktails and canapes, all followed by a fabulous feast. The highlight of the evening was a 10 piece swing band (The Mini Big Band) who really got the party started, they were serious fun!

We worked with some wonderful suppliers including Patrick Collins who is an ace Toastmaster, Abigail Bloom – just look at that cake, David Bostock – photographer extraordinaire, Classic Crockery (fab cutlery and charger plates which really highlighted that glam Gatsby feel) and Lavender Green who provided the most stunning of florals!

A couple of weeks later saw the wedding of M&L. They chose to celebrate in the bride’s family home which had the most stunning of gardens and prettiest church right next door – how picturesque! The style and feel of the day was a relaxed garden party, with a botanical and classic colour scheme of whites, greens and greys. A traditional church ceremony followed by canapes, champagne-a-plenty and garden games (which were an absolute hoot), with the beautiful sound of piano playing in the background that took place in the glorious gardens, all under the most stunning sunny day! The marquee was decorated in simple white florals from Lily’s Flowers, grey linens and place cards were leaves taken from the garden to bring all elements of the wedding together. Guests enjoyed a beautiful three course meal with the yummiest of puds and this then was followed by the cutting of a serious WOW factor cake – seriously, just wait until we have the pics and then dancing, with the band and DJ getting the party started and provided by the fab Eight Ray Music.  Cocktails were flowing in the bar tent, all done by the marvellous Box Seventy Seven and it’s fair to say these were super popular and with some fab personalised names, created a talking point amongst guests…as did the quiz (boy did I have fun marking that one!)

We can’t wait to show you more pics from these weddings and particularly the video, which we already know will be A M A Z I N G!

There is so much to tell, but we shall keep it brief for now and once the images are back, we will share the love with you lovely lot. A huge thanks to all the fab suppliers involved, serious dream team’s right there!

In other news, aside from finalising some fab plans for a Sept wedding, which is going to be soo floral and fabulous, a couple of our wedding inspiration shoots have been featured and we could not be more thrilled! Check out the links for the full description and suppliers for this wonderful Rustic Botanical and Romantic look at Le Manoir featured on B.Loved and for the other, well you have to go and buy the most recent You & Your Wedding Magazine!

Oh yes…and we just happen to be now be one of Stoke Park’s preferred wedding planners and stylists!

Phew! What a month and we are still buzzing from all of the excitement and activity! Until next time…

Emma. x

June Japes

I can’t believe it’s already mid-July and we haven’t even told you about all of the exciting things June held for us…so I shall fill you in. One of our busiest months, but we have loved every second! Despite the dreary weather (where is summer!), we have had events and weddings galore and a lovely mix of corporate and social events interspersed with weddings at the weekend and one even mid-week! Who says you have to get married at the weekend anyway!

We also got the very exciting news, that we have been approved as an Associate Member of the National Association of Wedding Professionals, an organisation promoting professionalism and integrity within the wedding industry. We are so very privileged and honoured to be a part of the NAWP and if you would like to find out more, you can do so here.

Food and Events

The month started and finished with corporate events. The first being a launch at Nicholson’s Shopping Centre in Maidenhead, with some VIPs, including the now Prime Minister, Theresa May. Drinks and canapes were flowing and we got to see some familiar faces who we met at another corporate launch event earlier in the year. It’s always lovely when people remember not only you but your food!

We were lucky enough to cater for an event at Bugaboo at their Henley Regatta hospitality event. Although the weather wasn’t the greatest that the Regatta has ever known, guests were treated to canapes and champagne, followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch and finished with that great British classic – strawberries and cream. Who can resist! The offices are right on the river and it was an absolute joy to catch some of the rowing too, that’s what Henley Royal Regatta is all about right?

The next day we were treated to some more Regatta hospitality, courtesy of one of our preferred suppliers, Eight Ray Music. They put on quite the show at the Redgrave Bar and it was lovely to mix with fellow event professionals, take in the sights and enjoy some top class music. You can read a little more about it here.

The middle of the month brought us a couple of anniversary and birthday parties. We got to show off our ladder drinks stall, which got renamed the ‘Elderflower ladder’ by one guest. Clearly our Elderflower cocktails and concoctions were legendary by the end of the day! We love creating drinks stalls or dessert stalls on our ladder and it creates quite the talking point between guests.

Sprinkled between the corporate and social events were our weddings which we have catered for. A mix of venue and marquee weddings and fine dining and BBQ’s, we loved each and every one. Our first of the month was at Micklefield Hall, a venue which we adore and we are lucky to be one of their preferred caterers. We’re already looking forward to the next. We were also treated to a marquee set up at Mapledurham House…what a location! The mill is pretty as a picture.

A few tastings took place too, mixed with some final event and wedding meetings. These are a great chance to catch up with our couples and clients and are usually a lot of fun!

Weddings

Boy has it been a busy month wedding planning wise. With two weddings that we have done full planning for taking part in the first part of July, lots of final prep was underway through June. We cannot wait to tell you all about them in our next post and will keep you posted with a few pics in the next few months. As you can imagine, a fair amount of work has to go into planning a wedding and once all the major decisions and organisation has taken place, the final few weeks are key in bringing everything together. We have been contacting the suppliers, organising timings and creating final schedules. Looking at table plans, collating all of the stationery and making the added décor look pretty and polished. We love this time of the planning though, it’s great seeing everything come together and you can really start to envisage how it will all be on the day.

Final meetings and skype calls took place with both couples too. These are so important and give us a chance to go through absolutely anything and everything you can think of and polish anything you need to or create final actions. They are also the time when I think it becomes real for the couple and I love this moment, you see a little change; of excitement and nerves and ‘ok, so this is happening!’, it’s so lovely to see and you really the see the connection and love between the couple. Seriously heart-warming!

On that happy (and slightly slushy) note, we shall round up June and leave feeling super excited about July and all that it will bring…it’s going to be another good one. Until next time…

Emma. x

May Musings

So another month has passes, all too quickly I might add and this one seems to have been even busier than last (not that it is a bad thing!). As the wedding seasons picks up, we’ve had some wonderful weddings and events, which we of course love.

Food and Events

We’ve had a lovely mix of events to cater for this month. A few weddings, a milestone birthday and a corporate VIP function. To start the month, we created a rather delicious patisserie station for some super lovely clients who were brought to us by the amazing Dominique at Stylish Events. A patisserie station adds a bit of a wow and fun factor to any event and if you want something a little different to just a plated dessert or a trio of puds, then this is the way forward. The clients and their guests loved it and it’s always good when you get feedback such as “the best ever” when describing our Chocolate Trifles.

One of the perks of our job is seeing some special moments, which we were lucky enough to witness at one of the Birthday parties this month when the Birthday boy’s sister surprised him, coming all the way from Australia. A few tears may have been shed by Team GB; yes we love a good sentimental moment! The setting was also a treat too; a beautiful picturesque cottage and the marquee looked super pretty with colourful garden blooms. The water glasses we chose picked out the colours beautifully.

As mentioned, wedding season is well underway and we had a biggy in the middle of the month. A dreamy marquee setting (despite the horrid weather) and a fab bar space. We love working with clients to design their dream wedding and give ideas about how everything will look. The menu chosen for their wedding was also a particularly good one and the feedback we received about our fillet of beef – well it was something else. Beaming with pride is an understatement!

Corporate events are always fun to do and mix up the social and wedding side of events. We catered for a 100 VIPs at Windsor Guildhall, which is a seriously impressive dining space; imagine eating supper overlooked by all of our previous Monarchs. That’s one way to impress all the big bosses of the organisation!

Weddings

The month started in the most wonderful of ways . We had organised a styled shoot at one of the most super stunning country houses (serious swoon worthy status right here) in the Cotswolds, Cornwell Manor. Obviously I can’t give much away, but you are in for a treat when the images are revealed, so keep those eyes peeled! The following day we got to spend the day there again, in the most glorious of sunny weather, at their Wedding open day, launching the newly refurbished Ballroom and Walled Garden. We met some wonderful new suppliers who were all lovely and so much fun to spend the day with, also some fab couples who were just in instant love with the venue and gardens. Simply cannot wait to work here again, soo many ideas and it really is the most glorious of country wedding venues.

The remainder of the month we’ve been a busy little bee’s putting final touches to two summer weddings we’re planning. We just love confirming all final details and creating the final schedule. Just over a month to go for these lucky couples and I know they are excited and the same can also be said for me…roll on a few weeks’ time!

The big wedding we catered for in the middle of the month, we also wedding managed on the day. I ADORE on the day wedding co-ordination and managing. This is what I know inside out from my background at venues and I just love it. Even if you aren’t having a wedding planner to do the full planning, it’s so worth hiring an on the day co-ordinator. It means that you have someone there to take away all the work in the morning from you and your family, meaning you can relax, enjoy the getting ready and not worry about suppliers arriving and things being set up. That is our job; there to take away any stresses and organise suppliers, staff and set up, ensuring all goes to plan, on time and everything is smooth and seamless and that you get the wedding of your dreams. Seriously worth considering!

That’s about all for now, but we are looking forward to the summer months and praying for some gorgeous sunny weather and warm temperatures in the weeks ahead. Until next time…

Emma. x

 

April Adventures!

So it’s been a little while since the last Blog article and as well as detailing certain events and useful tips we thought it might be quite nice to give a monthly update about what is happening in the world of Goose & Berry.

This year has already been a busy one, probably our busiest yet and whilst we get a chance (and a kind of belated New Year’s resolution) we have given ourselves a little task of making sure we write a monthly blog, no matter how busy we may be. It’s never ending I’m sure! However luckily we love what we do at G&B and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

So, I hear you ask, what have you been up to! Well, read on…

What’s New?

The big news this month is our new premises! We have moved into bigger and better premises. It’s looking amazing and we are ready for the busy season ahead. What I personally am most excited about however is my desk. Yes, I am a full on desk accessories and stationery geek and rather proud of it. That added to my rather ridiculous obsession of all things copper and rose gold. Now I know these colours and metallic are everywhere now and seem to be a key trend but let me tell you…I have loved them for years. I love their warm and rich tone, whether it be in accessories, clothing or jewellery. I guess this love has stemmed from my background working in property and interior design. I’m fascinated by the way certain fabrics, colours and shapes all work together and have a different effect in different settings.

The joy about our new premises is that is a rather industrial warehouse chic appeal to it. Yes, it will have a working kitchen (like we don’t already struggle enough to try and resist eating ALL THE TIME!) but it will also feature our desks, a tasting space and meeting space. Multi functioning dream space right here! With this joyous space, which I might add is super light and airy, brings a natural lure to all things copper and metallic, to contrast against the white walls and hard industrial shell. Just you wait until I get started on the soft furnishings…I can’t wait to look at the various fabrics, chairs etc. and then the shelving units…basically we’ve all gone interiors crazy and it’s only just started with the desks.

Food and Events

Aside from moving into our new pad, we’ve been keeping busy on the catering front with many events and weddings already this year. We’ve had some lovely end of winter and Spring weddings and lots of fab dinner parties. April has been a busy month for tastings, confirming final choices and entertaining clients with our tasty treats. We love tastings and seeing what couples and clients choose and seeing the look on their face and hearing their feedback when finished. It also gives us a chance to learn lots about the couple, particular tastes, wants and needs, whilst also giving me a chance to understand and learn more about our menu…i.e. taste everything on our menu!

Weddings

I get the fun job of heading up Goose & Berry Weddings. This month (and at the end of March) I have been quite the busy bee indeed. At the end of March I had one of the highlights of my year so far. Part of my job involves organising styled shoots with some other fab wedding lovelies and superstars. I had arranged for 2 shoots to take part in one day (mammoth task!) at the simply breath taking and world famous Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons (quite the privilege). Now I won’t spoil the fun and tell you too much about it until the shoots get published (fingers crossed!) but I met a serious all time hero of mine – the one and only Raymond Blanc. Fair to say I was a little star struck, but he was a true gentleman and had such charisma. He was genuinely interested in what we were doing, polite and just an all-round lovely man. For a serous foodie like myself, this was a huge highlight, not only of my year, but yes…my life.

At the start of the month, we were invited to Quintessentially Atelier at The Dorchester Hotel. G&B adore this luxury wedding and bridal show; it has the perfect mix and selection of suppliers for the luxe market and you will always see a few fellow wedding suppliers and lovelies there, so it’s always nice to stop and have a catch up over a glass of fizz. It’s a wonderful showcase, not only showing off a stunning venue but also the crème de la crème of wedding suppliers, from photographers, bridal designers, florists, cake designers and entertainment. Several of our preferred suppliers were there and it was great to see our local neighbours Eight Ray Music who had several acts performing. Can’t wait until one of our summer weddings has one of their bands playing; it’s going to be super!

This month has also involved quite a few final meetings for 2 weddings we are planning this summer. One couple few in from America to sort out all plans in a week, so we had a fun time meandering around Windsor, from one meeting to another, all amongst the backdrop of the Queen’s 90^th Birthday. What an experience for them it was…although getting around Windsor was not so easy. Last week has also seen final plans taking place for another couple and involved my favourite discussions…no not food, but flowers. Aside from copper and rose gold, my big passion is all things floral. I have taken a wedding floristry course because I am so fascinated by the world of weddings and floristry. (Next on the agenda is calligraphy, excited much!). We went to visit Lily’s Flowers and boy do they have a dreamy workspace. Surrounded by horses, flowers and then the cutest office dog, I genuinely wanted to take up residence (I know…new premises, excited, etc.…but they lack horses!). That aside, flowers are all finalised, followed by wine tasting and then a good old run through and chat over a cuppa…and wine…of course!

One of the most fun points of my month involved taking a couple of days and mixing work and pleasure, oh yes, it can be done! G&B Weddings went on a little Cotswolds tour…and in this case what happens on tour doesn’t stay on tour! The visit started at a favourite of mine and having a delicious lunch at Dormy House. After followed a tour and also a little jaunt to Foxhill Manor, one of the three hotels on the Farncombe Estate. This one is a serious WOW factor – 8 sumptuous bedrooms with the most magical views. Honestly, true escapism and bliss, ultimate luxury. If you want true exclusivity and a hidden away retreat, event or wedding, look no further than Foxhill Manor and look at taking all three hotels. They are all divine and the attention to detail is superb.

Next up was Thyme, the most idyllic rural Cotswolds retreat. I had booked to stay in one of the Cottage Suites and wowsers, it did not disappoint. Beautiful furnishings, super cosy and comfy and just beautiful! Fun, herb infused cocktails (my fave) in the Baa…such fun! Followed by a super tasty dins in The Swan, which is a couple of minutes’ walk along the village. Imagine a true country pub and you have The Swan. Returning to my cottage, I was welcomed with a hot water bottle in bed and the cutest little nightcap. Little touches like this were so spot on and make Thyme a beautiful luxury country retreat. Breakfast was served in the Tythe Barn and served was some of the most delicious sausages and granola (not together I might add) I have tasted. The service was faultless – friendly, smooth and efficient. Heaven for a lazy morning! I was treated to a tour of the beautiful space where ceremonies can be held, Thyme House – an interiors dream– antiques and rustic but classy furniture. I also took a little wander past the lambs to the kitchen garden. Full of wonderful offerings and lots more to be grown and used at Thyme; clucking chickens, quails, some feisty pigs and then my new friend, Salty the family pig. Such a cutie, although I did feel guilty after eating those sausages!

After a tough goodbye and a promise to visit again soon, I made my way to Barnsley House, stopping off at The Village Pub. It was definitely a foodie Cotswolds Tour as much as a venue one. Barnsley House is a true masterpiece. A stunning Cotswold village manor house, set amongst the most picturesque gardens and a blissful spa hidden in the grounds. The temple and gardens offer the most perfect ceremony spot, whilst you get the use of the restaurant and lounges for the wedding breakfast and reception, or a marquee at the bottom of the garden. Just so dreamy! These signs were the sweetest, so sweet and a great fun, talking point for guests. Fully in love with all venues, I then had a little jolly around Cirencester, Bibury and Daylesford Farm – I couldn’t resist and definitely bought my other love – gin. Always have to invest in gin wherever I go. Feeling rather tired after a relaxing, but rather fun packed couple of days I returned home longing to return and full of ideas for the dreamiest of weddings I could plan at the venues.

So there you have it….quite a fun packed month, full of excitement! Next up is May…which we will update you about in a few weeks’ 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!

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