Creating the big Belcombe Wedding…
This summer, we produced our biggest wedding yet! Held at the stunning Belcombe Court in Bath, a three-day wedding celebration was created. With 136 guests and a team onsite for over two weeks, discover how the Moriarty team orchestrated such a mega weekend through the eyes of our Head of Events, Sophie Cracknell…
What was the initial brief, and how did it compare to the end result?
Our bride and groom only had one main requirement; a weekend filled with celebration and family. They were very flexible with the theme, and due to their complete trust in us, we were able to design a theme bespoke to their personal style. We knew that the couple, family and friends needed to beat the heart of each decision, to create an unforgettable experience and a weekend that made a lasting impact on all!
1. How did you find the creative journey?
There were no strict outlines, which made this wedding a creative dream for the team to design. We wanted to create a different feel for each day of the celebrations, making every experience unique, whilst incorporating the couple’s personal style.
For the pre-wedding dinner, wild flowers were freshly picked from the garden, by Rob Van Helden and placed along the table. Welcoming guests to the venue and wedding celebrations using beauty found within the grounds.
For the wedding day, a clean and modern vibe was selected, focusing on the bride’s favourite flower, Gypsophelia, while adding pops of gold for the ceremony. Greens and blush were used for the reception and marquee adding an elegant combination of colours for wedding invites, florals, and other collateral.
For the post-wedding pool party, guests were transported to the South of France. Blues and whites were scattered throughout, creating a Mediterranean feel, perfect for a pool party.
2. Why was Belcombe Court chosen?
With a wedding weekend in mind, it was vital to choose avenue that provided all the magical furnishings. We started our search in France, considering Chateaus and Villas. However, with COVID-19 risking the family’s ability to travel, the search returned to the UK.
We then looked at various manor houses, but the couple fell in love with Belcombe Court the moment they saw it. The beautiful grounds, chapel and stunning infinity pool ensured the whole weekend could be held here while offering a different setting for each day.
3. Why was a marquee chosen?
Once the client fell in love with the beautiful venue, we had to work with the space to accommodate the guest numbers for the wedding day. The stunning grounds meant we could install a clear-span marquee in the perfect location that blended in with the surroundings. The marquee would then offer the perfect space to hold dinner and evening reception.
For the dinner, we brought the outside in, creating a quintessentially English setting by working with our amazing florist Rob Van Helden to create an intimate low ceiling of hanging foliage, white Wisteria and elegant glass chandeliers. The gold touches, trees and candles created a welcoming space that felt a world away from a traditional marquee. With the clear walls offering panoramic views of the garden, a space similar to an orangery was created.
A divide was installed throughout the middle of the marquee, enabling two spaces within one, and creating a dramatic reveal. This afterparty space had a 12-foot dance floor, a backdrop of party lighting, lasers and pyro, creating the perfect setting for an evening filled with dancing. Golds were used within both areas, tying the overall look together, opening the marquee up further and pleasantly surprising guests who were eager to begin the afterparty!
4. What logistical factors did you have to focus on in particular?
As planners, we always have to consider logistical elements such as access, licensing, timings and many other things. With Belcombe Court, the access to the grounds was very limited! There were few entrances, which meant our pre-event planning had to involve more details in regard to loading in locations.
To add to that, the marquee was so large that additional trestle was needed. We worked with our suppliers to ensure extra structural support was installed, making the marquee strong enough to hold the foliage ceiling.
5. What production was designed/installed?
Within the dining area, we had three-sized chandeliers, adding depth to our design. Each of these chandeliers was dimmable, allowing us to drop the lighting in the evening to create a more intimate ambience. Small details like this helped to transform the space and keep perfection throughout each moment.
To add to this, we worked closely with Box Production to ensure high-quality production was installed. The black circular bar, with a central shelving structure, was designed especially for this event and complemented the black dance floor ties, providing a great evening setting. Amazing lighting and pyrotechnics were installed on the stage, creating the perfect atmosphere for the live musicians and dancing guests.
6. What contingencies did you have in place?
With the wedding taking place in England, we knew weather needed to be part of the contingency. With forecasts warning of an extreme heat wave, we ensured air con and generators were booked and ready. With temperatures reaching 40 degrees that weekend, the air con within the marquee provided a chilled haven for guests!
7. How did you find managing a large team over a long period?
With such a large event, we had team members onsite for over two weeks. To ensure each member of staff knew their roles throughout the pre-event set-up, rigorous planning and constant communication with our amazing suppliers were in place. At Moriarty we only work with suppliers with whom we have a great relationship, we value each and every team member which is our secret to flawless events. Also, making sure everyone is fed and watered is essential!
8. What was your stand-out moment from the event?
My stand-out moment from this event was seeing Kevin and Jenny walk into the marquee for the first time. They were completely mesmerised by the space, and it felt truly amazing to share that moment with them and all their family.
Overall, an event as large as this takes an army of people to create. Our production, florists and catering suppliers enabled us to create an undeniably beautiful event. With such an attentive team and hard-working individuals onsite, overseeing an event like this is amazing and truly worth it with the stunning final product.
