Soirée 15 – Life’s for Celebrating

This blog is dedicated to an event I decided to host at the beginning of this year which took place on 23rd May at the gorgeous Strawberry Hill House.

I felt the time was most definitely NOW to host a celebration of my own in honour of my 15 successful years in the wedding industry. So the concept for Soirée 15 was born.

Parties, events & special celebrations run through my veins and fire my soul (how else would I have had a career in such a high pressure, high expectation industry as wedding planning?) so it felt right to host a party to toast that and to say a little thank you to the very many people who have supported me on my business and life journey.  That journey has evolved constantly and especially quickly over the past 2 years when my work has shifted almost entirely from wedding planning to consulting with the most brilliant wedding venues; work which I adore.

Today’s blog is dedicated to showing you some of the fun of the evening (I did not stop talking, it really did feel like my own wedding day again). It’s also to thank just a few of the many wonderful people who have helped me – you’ll see we created antique photo frames with individual thank you messages to some key people over my 15 years and here are the messages that we conveyed on those frames for those who couldn’t make it in person.

Britt Armstrong Gash 

Without Britt, I doubt I would ever have taken the plunge into the crazy world of weddings and self-employment

(Britt was my business partner with The Bespoke Wedding Company from 2003-2007)

Siobhan Craven-Robins 

For being an inspiring pioneer of the independent wedding planner, way before wedding planning as a profession was a thing!

Bernadette Chapman & Sandy Moretta 

For being brilliant (and long suffering) business partners for 6 years with the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners from 2006-2012

Team 

So many awesome events professionals have been part of team “Kelly” and it’s a privilege to see them thrive – a special note to Emma McDonald at Something Blue and Ellie Kime at The Wedding Enthusiast who are totally rocking the wedding world!

Peggy & Jonathan 

Our first ever paying clients for trusting us – £1,200 for full wedding planning (eek!). I remember framing a copy of the deposit cheque!

Cheerleaders 

So many friends and family have supported me with praise, encouragement, practical childcare, and a pick-me-up when needed (and in any business journey, we all need LOTS of that). Special hats off to my long-suffering husband, Colin, daughter, Neve and parents, Cheryl and Les.

Waddesdon Manor 

Claire Holland and Sara Sweetland for calling on me for wedding business consultancy & propelling me into completely new adventures in the wedding world.

Beccy Thorp & Lisa Hatswell 

For so kindly opening the doors to me to train and educate venues – I ran my first training day for venues at Syon House for the Unique Venues of London group.

Finally, I’d like to take another chance to say a huge thank you to the professionals who made the night possible too:

Here’s the team …

Bovingdon’s Catering / Venue:  Strawberry Hill House  / Jack Entertainment / Nouveau Lounge @nouveaulounge /  Emma Soulsby Flowers /  Cakes by Krishanthi /  Emily&Jo Stationery / David Bostock Photography / Lighting: Effect Event / 

Here’s to the next 15 years of adventures – I can’t wait!