An unforgettably colourful day! M&M’s vibrant, fun focused wedding at Chaucer Barn, Norfolk

Firm fans of Hall and Co and our chef’s previous venture Little Acre Kitchen, M&M knew they had to have our team involved in their celebration from the start! Initially booking our planning team for the venue, and later supplier sourcing, this wonderfully vibrant and fun couple reached their wedding day with not an outdoor ceremony designed by us, but with event manager Charlotte S on hand as their On the Day Co-ordinator to ensure everything went perfectly at their dry hire venue.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with bench seating — Image Luis Holden

About the Couple and their day

When M&M first approached us for venue sourcing they asked for a venue that was laid back and more boho/ relaxed, ideally in Norfolk or Suffolk and close to the sea, with the ability to host their entire guest list for the whole 3-day weekend celebration. Looking to share their bespoke ceremony delivered by close friends, in both English and French for their multinational families, it was key to ensure the venue had a slightly quirky feel, that allowed for a non-traditional and informal rolling celebration, peppered with sharing meals, outdoor games, and spaces for quiet moments away for the couple to capture stunning shots with their photographer.

As our services expanded to include multi-supplier sourcing M&M shared with us their desire for one big sharing feast with their closest family and friends as we assisted them in securing their catering with Alex the Chef. On to entertainment, and in keeping with relaxed vibes, after arranging chats and quotes with a few DJs and Jukebox providers, the idea of Karaoke became the firm favourite, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect for this event and guests.

The Venue

After touring 3 venues with our event manager the couple found Chaucer Barn in Norfolk to be just what they needed! Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, yet with a slightly wild, secret garden vibe, the venue created the ideal 3-day house party atmosphere whilst still feeling special and highly presented. With 9 guest rooms hosted in the main barn building and further capacity in the venue's woodland eco-lodges, further extended by the ability to add on a tipi village the space was ideal for hosting our couple and their 46 guests. With private and exclusive hire for the whole weekend, Chaucer Barn became their quiet and luxurious escape to great the most special moments with friends and family.

Only 5 miles from the wide and wild beaches of the Norfolk coast, photo opportunities are abundant and the endless Norfolk skies lend themselves perfectly to photographers with drone skills also.

The Ceremony

Further adding to the hidden garden feeling of this impressive space is the hidden wildflower walk, leading to the willow arch and open meadow, where M&M chose to host their intimate and unique blessing ceremony. Opting to walk through the wildflower path and enter from the front was another unique choice suggested by our team through the ceremony design process, which resulted in a stunning selection of images and a perfect opportunity for the guests to see both the Bride and Groom faced and smiles as they met for their vows. Led by two of their closest friends, one for the English and one for the French guest contingents, M&M exchanged personalised vows, completed a sand ceremony and included a musical break to share a drink with all attendees to remember absent family members. With the drinks expertly handed out we might add, by their enthusiastic beer boy complete with floral headband.

Aesthetically the ceremony was designed to ensure a feeling of closeness with each other, and with the surrounding nature. For these reasons, rustic wooden benches were chosen and arranged in a horseshoe formation. Flanked by additional olive trees, potted herbs, plants and terracotta pots all provided by our then sister company Stories Event Hire, the space had a warm and subtle Mediterranean feel at the request of our couple. A table required for the sand ceremony was clothed with natural linen and draped in a rust-toned cheesecloth, interspersed with more potted herbs and mini terracotta pots.

And finally, we simply can not end our ceremony section without mentioning the exceptional attire choices. Option for a beige double-breasted suit jacket perfect for the warm late summer day, the Groom perfectly complimented the Brides stunning ruby satin dress with a matching dickie bow. The bride's dress from Shades of White St Ives was the ultimate showstopper of the day and embodied everything fun and unique about her personality and character, as yes, it even had pockets!

Reception

Continuing the alfresco/ Mediterranean terrace atmosphere guests dined on the venue’s patio under the optional stretch tent cover. Rustic white-washed tables were decorated with rust cheesecloth runners, adding a bold pop of colour down the centres and perfectly complimented by a collection of clear and amber glass bud vases on hire from us at Hall Co, with the flowers arranged by a family friend. Coloured taper candles added another layer of subtle colour, bringing the whole scheme together.

Tableware included a variety of coloured diamond tumblers, alternating down the tables, which served to blend the mix of tones and shades of the vintage dining plates collected by the couple over the past year. With each place setting topped with a personalised letter to the guest, the wedding breakfast continued the essence of the celebration, togetherness, and love.

That’s not to say the personalised touches ended here, as guests were treated to perhaps to most creative, and energetic grooms speech we have witnessed, as our Groom performed a handwritten rap song dedicated to his Bride.

Dining was supplied in the form of a delicious grazing table created by Alex the Chef for the wedding breakfast, followed by a cheese tower and accompaniments later in the evening, arranged and supported by our event manager Charlotte.

Memorable details

As if we haven’t covered enough above, some more key memorable moments Charlotte will remember from the day include:

Guests lining up and playing a ‘go fetch’ style game during the drinks reception, in which pure hilarity and slight chaos ensued.
A further musical serenade performed by the wedding party to the couple, again with custom-written lyrics
The pure colour and joy throughout this entire event

Testimonial

'We really cannot thank you enough for all your help, our day was so smooth and you knew just what we wanted. It was perfect. We really hope one day we can use your services and advice again! I know it wouldn't have ran so smoothly without you.'

Reflecting on this special wedding day highlights what privilege and honour we feel as event planners and co-ordinators, to be trusted with the details and execution of one of your most special days. Our On the Day co-ordinating service is so much more than running the timeline on the day, and we believe is essential for dry hire or at-home celebrations, from the big details of announcements and supplier management to the small and often overlooked details such as relocating décor and ensuring everything is safely stored at the end of the party. If you are questioning whether you need an on-the-day co-ordinator, then in our opinion the answer is undoubtedly yes. Let us deal with the details, while you make the memories.

To enquire about our full range of services from full and partial planning, coordination, supplier sourcing and inspiration sessions get in touch here or email hello@hallandcoeventdesign.co.uk.

Wedding at Chaucer Barn Norfolk Gardens — Image- Luis Holden

3 quickfire wedding co-ordination FAQs

Can you help us with destination weddings?
Absolutely! Whether your event is UK-based or further afield, our event managers ‘have skills, will travel’. We’ve worked across the UK and completed destination celebrations as far afield as the Balearics.
What are some common challenges you help couples overcome?
Difficult access and timings, outdoor ceremonies and dining, complex supplier lists and logistics, highly detailed timelines and as always with working in the UK summer, plan a,b,c for weather backups!
Our wedding is an intimate affair with a small guest list, can I still hire a wedding planner or co-ordinator?
Of course. Every size of event has the potential to require our experience and expert knowledge, with our team supporting weddings ranging from just 15 guests to well over 200.