chouette-events-blog

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Venue

Choosing a venue for your wedding is such a big decision - there are so many factors to consider and you need to be sure you are going to get a space that can allow for everything you need. It has to be the right size, the right style, and able to accommodate all the elements you are dreaming of for your big day.

Well, Rhyse Farm can be all of the above and more!

This beautiful venue is located near Tenbury Wells, and just a short distance from the lovely village of Ludlow. Set in a gorgeous location, it has bags of outside space - lovely grassy areas for your guests to enjoy the sunshine (British weather permitting!) or perhaps even play some lawn games; there is woodland to explore where you could even host a small outdoor ceremony; and there are decking and paving areas for all of your guests to mingle. There are areas outdoors which are covered, too, that are yours to use however you wish, PLUS a fantastic bar/pub for your guests to sit, chat and drink throughout the evening.

But of course the best part is the venue itself.

Firstly, it is stunning. However you should choose to lay out the venue, it will look dreamy! And although much of the venue has its own style - which by the way is wonderful - it is still somewhat of a blank canvas for you to play with as you wish. Whatever your colour scheme, whatever flowers you should pick, whatever style of setup you should choose, it will come together to look fabulous, and uniquely yours. You can use as much or as little of the space as you need to - the room can be sectioned off to create a more intimate feel, or opened up to give you maximum space. And it is so versatile. At the front of the venue you have a fantastic staging area, perfect for a band or DJ if you see your guests dancing the night away! And at the other, an incredibly classy and stylish bar area for a tipple and some chatter. There is something for everyone!

The venue works closely with some wonderful suppliers, stylists and wedding co-ordinators so they can help to hook you up with anything you may need. But they’re happy for you to bring your own too - so whether you want street food stalls, crazy cocktails or magical musicians, you can fill the space as you see fit. Each wedding here will be truly personal. Speaking of which, exclusivity is the key. Firstly, you will have exclusive access to the venue on the day of your wedding, as well as the days before and after to make your whole experience super special and hassle-free. Plus, at the moment, the venue is catering just 15 weddings per year, so only a handful of lucky couples will be able to say they held their wedding here!

There is luxury accommodation on site too - a beautiful bell tent, a cute little log cabin and options for so much more. It’s a wonderful, sociable space where you can soak up time with loved ones and really make the most of every second of your special day (or drag it out to the morning after…!)

The owners have worked so hard to make a beautiful and unique wedding venue - it was once an old turkey farm which they have carefully and lovingly renovated to look sophisticated and classy with vintage furniture and rich decor, that is yours to truly make your own. And they are always on site, too, meaning you can have total peace of mind throughout. They are always close by and willing to lend a hand. And speaking of their generosity… Let’s not forget these guys have been trying to help out those whose weddings have been affected by Coronavirus. Sadly some couples have had to postpone to a date that their venue is just not able to accommodate, so these guys have been stepping in and offering up the free dates in their diary - and at a discount too!

As the venue is not yet officially open (we can blame Corona for that, too…) Rhyse Farm are one of the few venues which still has availability for 2021/22, although expect it to get snapped up quickly!

You can see more of their venue on social media - give them a follow on Instagram for regular updates on their renovation works and full tours of the venue. Plus, during lockdown they have been going live with some of their preferred suppliers and talking all things wedding to give you a real taste of what they have on offer. Tune in to their page on Sundays at 11am to see more!

We hope you will be able to give them a visit soon, but in the meantime enjoy all of their wonderful virtual showarounds and be sure to get in touch with any questions. You can see their Instagram or Facebook. Website coming soon!

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One of the hottest trends to have taken off in recent years has been the use of flower walls. Without even knowing it you’ve probably come across a fair few of them already - they’re being used everyhere from fashion catwalks to funky florals at festivals. And they’re all over social media too… Those pretty petals you saw on Pinterest? The celebrities you’ve seen posing with them on Instagram? And if you don’t remember the epic blooms at the Kardashian wedding, what planet have you been living on?! But you don’t have to have a huge budget to make it a part of your event. They can look so beautiful at baby showers, bridal showers and of course on your big day - whether you make them a huge statement in the room or just a pretty place to take some piccies.

A flower wall can work so well as a backdrop for your photos, but it could be placed behind your top table, as a cake display or as a focal point either indoor or outdoor. They are so versatile, and they will wow your guests with how simple, elegant yet striking they can be.

We have found someone SUPER local who creates these amazing pieces and hires them out across the Midlands. Known as The Flower Wall Girl, Beki can often be found exhibiting at gorgeous nearby venues such as Redhouse Barn. Her pretty pieces have been ordered for celebrations of every kind, and can be personalised with names or photos to suit your needs.

Her work has also been used to add a touch of A-List glamour to corporate events too - local businesses have chosen Beki’s designs for their own promotions and parties and she’s even done work for names such as Rekorderlig and Aspalls, who have used the floral look to promote their refreshingly fruity drinks. What a perfect combo!

And if flowers just aren’t enough for you, Beki has been adding other bits to the collection too. Pimp it up a little with some balloons, or check out the stunning sequin wall for something a little different. There are so many options! Beki has pre-made designs available or can make bespoke pieces tailored to your needs - everything is handmade, original and absolutely gorgeous! To see more from The Flower Wall Girl or to enquire, visit her Instagram or Facebook pages, and check out her sparkly new website !

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Jam Jar Weddings & Events

Venue Styling

I have been following this gorgeous enterprise for a couple of years. I first met Nadia when she came to style a wedding in the hotel I was working at, and she absolutely blew me away. Not only did Nadia come across as the loveliest person ever, but her work was out of this world. So beautiful and so original, it was the first time I had seen styling ideas that were outside the box. Confetti, sparklers, table games; so much handmade and hand-crafted loveliness at every turn. It was like I had found a Jam Jar-shaped wardrobe and stepped through into Narnia!

Since then, following Jam Jar on Instagram, I can see that every wedding Nadia does had this magical touch. From understated elegance to bold or blush tones, Nadia can transform any venue into an absolute dream. It’s no wonder she is a preferred supplier at some of the best venues in the area, plus she has won West Midlands Venue Stylist of the Year TWICE, and been a finalist at the Nationals for the region too.

The fact that this is, in her own words, a “one woman army” makes it even more mind-blowing. From her studio Nadia plans, designs, creates and makes every part of your wedding all by herself - so not only does she have storage space for all of the gorgeous props she can hire but she also has a space to do her own floristry and a workshop for making new, original pieces too! She has an area for holding consultations – and I think it’s safe to say this is where Nadia excels. From the comments left from her previous clients, it’s clear that Nadia is excellent at listening to ideas, communicating with her couples and working with them to make their fantasy wedding a reality.

This is a really trying time for the wedding and hospitality industry, and in fact for people in general. But Nadia has been a little ray of hope and light in what is quite a dark time for many. For those having to cancel and postpone weddings, she has offered endless help, advice and much comfort and she has promised to do all that she can to make their dream day as special as ever - a promise I know she will keep. She has been a driving force amongst suppliers - getting everyone to band together and support each other wherever possible. And, more than that, just generally being an excellent human, looking out for her friends and neighbours and trying to spread a little bit of happiness.

We love everything about Jam Jar, and we know you will too! There is so much more to this business than what you see here - they have endless ideas and wonderful ways to enhance your special day. Find out more by visiting their Facebook, Instagram, and the website . Also keep an eye on the Jam Jar Business Club!

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Olde Crocks

Miscellaneous

Shut the front door. I think I have found something that perfectly encapsulates everything that we are about here at Chouette Events. Local: check. Adorable: check. Perfect for a cup of tea and yummy cake: CHECK. Olde Crocks is a beautiful little business based in Worcester which hires out vintage china for all your special occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and hen dos – can you think of anything more elegant or exciting than a tea party served on cute crockery like this?

I love a spot of afternoon tea, and yes of course that has a lot to do with my obsession with cakes and pastries… but I also love the sense of occasion when we all gather around for a nibble and a natter and the table overflows with goodies! It’s sociable yet sophisticated, luscious yet light, but it absolutely has to look the part.

Stephanie has been collecting vintage bits and bobs for as long as she can remember, taking regular trips to antique shops and auction houses as a young girl. Like us, she appreciates the stories that they have to tell and the sense of nostalgia and wonderment that they bring. Her recent foray into china pieces has created quite a collection, and she can now cater for up to 80 guests with her aptly themed packages (The Earl Grey, The Duke & Duchess and The Jubilee to name a few). Each charming china piece has been hand-selected and cared for affectionately, so every cup & saucer, every cake stand, every sugar bowl is in a lovely condition and has been given a new lease of life, taken down from the dusty shelves and ready to be re-used!

The cost of hire includes a three day period to allow for delivery and collection before/after your event, and you don’t even need to do the washing up! Stephanie takes care of it all, to keep everything safe and sparkling clean. She can even assist with the set-up for you, if you need a little extra help. There is a something about serving tea from a traditional English teapot that is so sweet, it adds a special touch to any occasion. It can work wonderfully at weddings, if you are looking for something a little more informal but still with a sense of splendour on your big day.

So the next time you are thinking of hosting a get-together or a garden party, consider adding some Olde Crocks to your day to make it extra dainty and uber-adorable! More information about Olde Crocks can be found on their Facebook & Instagram or on their website.

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AMW Events

Wedding Planner

Planning your wedding can be super scary, especially if you want to step away from the norm. Maybe you have a load of really great ideas, but you’re afraid that you can’t find the right people to make it happen for you. You shouldn’t have to settle for less! Your wedding day should be the most special day of your life, and it should be all about YOU. So you need to hire someone to help you take care of it, who really understands all your quirks and qualms, and who won’t make you compromise.

Meet Amelia of AMW Weddings.

Amelia has been working in the wedding/hospitality industry for 5 years, so she knows her stuff. From her beginnings as a venue finder in London, she has bags of experience in events and is passionate about making people’s dreams a reality. Although she used to enjoy her work, she was finding it a little too restrictive – there are so many options to explore as a wedding planner, and Amelia wanted to find a way to offer couples more. So she has set up on her own in her new home of the Cotswolds so that she can do just that.

AMW now work with couples to help create their dream day, and tailor it completely to their needs. And nothing is off limits! Amelia specialises in the non-traditional; her vision is to create awesome alterative weddings for ultra-cool couples, and provide services that are hard to come by elsewhere. Her packages cover everything, and I mean EVERYTHING. Want to go skydiving? Done! Do you pine for a Poruwa? No problem. And, of course, Amelia is happy to go totally bespoke and build your dream wedding with you, every step of the way, so you can be sure that you can do your wedding your way. Also check out her Love is Love package – an offering with a focus on LGBTQ couples.

If you’re worried that your dream day is going to break the bank, Amelia is here to help keep things as cost-effective as possible. She knows and works with a lot of various suppliers so can help you find everything you need for the best quality and the best price; but she’s always happy to work with new suppliers should you have your own!

You can also hire her for other functions too, so if you have another event or occasion that you think needs her quirky touch, don’t hesitate to get in contact. Or if you just need a little help on the day itself, just ask for a quote. Amelia will give you a day to remember. You can see more of Amelia’s incredible ideas on Instagram or on her website. Happy planning!

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Dove's Delights

Food & Catering / Prop Hire

Those who follow our Instagram account may remember that in 2019 we ran a ‘Ones to Watch’ on our page – a chance to show off some of the work from wonderful new suppliers we had found. Well, we love these guys so much we wanted to run a full feature to show you exactly what they can do! Run by the loveliest couple, Julie & Mark, and based near Burton-on-Trent, Dove’s Delights offer a range of services to add to your event. They caught my eye instantly with their beautiful displays and generous food offerings, and I have been in love ever since.

As a bit of a foodie myself I love to see caterers offering something fresh, fun and exciting, and that’s exactly what Doves Delights do. But they do it with a rustic charm that is so enticing that it makes a lovely addition to any celebration. With props handmade by Mark himself, and exceptional food & local produce on offer, they give a personal touch and a lot of love to everything they do.

It was their concept of grazing tables that really piqued my interest. Perfect for nibbles at a party and a wonderful alternative to a formal wedding breakfast, their platters combine a selection of everyone’s favourite grazing snacks which can be served to your guests at the table. With various options available, your guests can enjoy cheeses, pickles, scratchings & black pudding, olives, cured meats… all the words I love to hear! Plus there are options for fresh fruit, desserts, and canapés. It’s a fantastic foodie experience.

But that is only the beginning… Their rustic cart is immensely popular as it looks gorgeous in any room; perfect for a charcuterie station or, if you’re anything like me, filled full of cheese. Working with the Great British Cheese Company, they can offer favourites such as the Lancaster Bomber, Drunken Monk and Flagship Cheddar amongst others, served with bread & butter, mustards, chutneys, fruit, nuts and more - all presented exquisitely on the homemade cart.

And if that’s not enough cheese for you (is there ever such a thing?!) consider their truckle tower. Either alongside or in place of your regular wedding cake, this is not only a delicious and indulgent treat, but is fun, colourful and will get your guests talking!

They offer other food concepts too, from grazing ladders to donut walls and sweet carts to add the finishing touches to your special day. They hire various other props - make sure to take a look at their social media for all the information. With rumours of some new ideas coming and their grazing platters being developed in line with the biggest trends of 2020, there will be loads more exciting updates from Dove’s Delights soon. You can find out more on Facebook, Instagram and on their website.

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The Orchard at Munsley

Venue

You can’t always rely on the great British weather… but one thing is true. If you are thinking of an outdoor wedding, this place could be perfect for you.

I absolutely love a Tipi wedding – snug yet spacious, cosy yet cool, and big, brave and beautiful! So when I saw a new venue was opening not too far from home, I had to find out more. The Orchard at Munsley promises to be a dreamy wedding venue with a lot of charm and a lot of heart.

Ian is from the Black Country – just like me – but his wife hails from the beautiful Herefordshire countryside, where she grew up on the family farm. They decided when they wed that they would host their big day on this beautiful land, and, having now moved there permanently, are giving other couples the chance to do the same.

The Orchard (yes, I know, it already sounds idyllic!) is run by this husband and wife duo and it is a real family effort. From Jayne’s event management skills to Ian’s manual graft, they deliver an exceptional event from start to finish. They move the hay bales, they mow the grass, they direct the traffic onto site! And they are on hand throughout each event from beginning to end to ensure everything is perfect.

The key is that this is a real labour of love – the family have grown up here and held special occasions of their own on this very land, so they have a real emotional connection to every event that they hold. And they really understand just how precious your day is. They can help you to create a fun, unique and very personal event, with rustic charm and a relaxed atmosphere that would put even the biggest bridezilla at ease!

Their picturesque estate includes the namesake apple orchard, a duck pond, and a beautiful local village church for those wanting a more traditional ceremony. When it comes to the tipis, the options are varied, so they can cater for parties of all sizes – everyone is invited, and that even includes the dog!

You may have seen us mention these guys on our ‘Ones to Watch’ over the Summer, and we can’t wait to share more with you as they continue to grow. With their wedding showcase coming up on September 29th, look out for more info and pics (or head down yourself to take a look around!)

Located around 20 minutes from the gorgeous Malvern hills, and only an hour from Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, they’re ideally located between the bustle in a serene countryside setting.

Take a look for yourselves on Instagram, on Facebook or on their website.

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Bibi’s Vintage Hire

Styling

Vintage. Retro. Quirky. Boho. These are all words I love to hear associated with a wedding – and if that is the vibe you are going for, we may have just the thing for you… Meet Bibi!

Bibi is a beautiful 1960’s Carlight Casalette which was lovingly rehomed by her owners after she was picked to play a part in their perfect wedding back in 2018. They are now hiring her out across the Midlands to other happy couples on their big days! If you are aiming for “festival chic” or anything along the lines of “cute, quaint and colourful”, Bibi makes the perfect addition to your nuptials. Guaranteed to be a talking point amongst your guests, she makes a stunning backdrop to add to the aesthetic of your big day.

But that’s not all. Bibi doesn’t just look fabulous. She has another purpose too… The colourful caravan can also be used as a photo booth for your guests to enjoy. For something a little different, allow your guests to step inside, step back in time, and make memories to last a lifetime. With vintage props galore and beautiful bunting to boot, Bibi really adds something special to everyone’s day!

Once you’ve been snapped, the pics are ready instantly to be sent to phones and devices, and it’s not just your standard stills they take but also Gifs and Boomerangs for everyone to enjoy. And of course you receive a copy of everything on a USB at the end, so you can treasure them forever. Bibi is based in the B60 postcode. The cost of travel to the venue is included in your quote if within 20 miles of her home, or she’ll travel further for a little extra (charged per additional mile). Suitable for all kinds of events and occasions, Bibi is a real beauty.

Find them on Facebook, Instagram or on their website, here.

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DOUGH

Food & Catering

I have just two words to say… COOKIE DOUGH. Now who doesn’t love cookie dough?! So need I say more? We can all surely think back to a time in our childhood when we were doing a little baking and we were asked if we wanted to eat the last bits from the bowl. Memories like this are a pure joy, and this is exactly what the guys from DOUGH are conjuring up with their cheeky little treats. And let’s face it, we love it just as much as grown ups! DOUGH is run by Tom and Kate, two foodies who took their sweet dreams and turned them into a reality. Sensing the potential for success by creating moreish, mouth-watering goodies, they set about ‘baking’, and began selling their treats for us all to enjoy.

Now based in Nottingham, you may have seem them popping up at food markets and festivals, spreading the joy with each cookie cup. Their branded gazebo houses a unit which serves up to eight flavours – from choc chip to honeycomb via Peanut M&M, there are so many to choose from! And just wait until they bring out their seasonal specials… And the great news is, they make vegetarian and vegan friendly flavours so more can join the fun!

Now what makes it extra exciting is the way your cookie dough is served. Just like retro ice cream, the dough is served in scoops straight from the chiller. It’s popped into cups, served with a spoon and is ready to be devoured. I know what you’re thinking – this would be ideal for birthdays, weddings, or even for your next corporate do. Well, you’d be right! The guys at DOUGH cater for all types of events, not just around Notts but nationwide. As well as their market stall setup, their unit can be installed in marquees and the like, making it perfect for any occasion. And if you can’t get yourself to one of their events soon, do not fear. DOUGH-livery is a thing that exists and it is wonderful! You can place an order on their Facebook page and have cookie dough delivered right to your door. It’s like all of our wildest dreams come true!

If you thought it couldn’t get any better, DOUGH are also committed to environmental sustainability – their cups, bags and spoons are all 100% recyclable and they always dispose of any waste responsibly. Just when you thought you couldn’t love them any more… Find out more about DOUGH and make your enquiries on Facebook and Instagram, and check out the hashtag #justDOUGHit!

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Gail’s Cake Pantry

Cakes - Cupcakes - Confectionary

Have you ever been browsing photos of food and you wish you could just eat it straight off the page? Well, that was exactly what happened to me when I stumbled across Gail’s Cake Pantry - I was so blown away by how tasty Gail’s cakes looked on camera, and I was delighted when they lived up to expectation in real life. I’ve been lucky enough to sample Gail’s amazing work and it is every bit as delicious as it looks! Gail brought a selection of cakes to my house for me to try, to give me an idea of the service she offers to those who book her for their big day. By offering consultations in your own home, it’s relaxed and it’s personal and it makes your planning as comfortable and easy as it could possibly be. And who doesn’t want cake brought right to their door?! Gail offers a truly bespoke service, with designs totally customisable to make your cake personal to you. There are a range of shapes, sizes and flavours available but if you want to go off-piste then it can always be arranged! Gail simply does the maths to work out how affordable your design can be - and I doubt there are many out there who could beat her on price. With many couples saying her cakes are the best they have ever tasted, and she’s not charging over the odds, it’s no wonder the diary is filling up! Gail’s photo albums are a joy to flick through, with an array of delicate iced cakes, naked or semi-naked sponges and also quirky novelty cakes in her portfolio (have we all seen the Lego wedding cake she designed? Or the giant French Fancies? The list goes on!). Every cake beautifully made, expertly displayed and each one different from the next, it’s incredible how Gail manages to make each bake so special for her customers. From rustic to contemporary, mini cakes to four-tier jaw droppers; with over 25 years baking experience and no two cakes the same, that is some feat! If you know what you want, Gail will make it. And if you have no clue where to start, she will help you work it out. With baking being in her family for generations, it’s clear that it’s in her blood. You may have seen the Pantry if you’ve been to any wedding fayres lately, as Gail is a regular supplier for weddings at Bordesley Park Barns & Marquee, as well as having supplied for Chateau Impney, The Abbey Hotel and other locations. Based in Redditch and covering the surrounding area, this is local, family business at its finest. And it’s not just weddings she can cater for – enquire for birthdays and other occasions too! Gail’s amazing work has been featured in Inside Bride, Hitched AND she has been shortlised for a UK Wedding Award! Keep an eye on her Facebook page and updates to come on Instagram too. See her website here, and say hello if you spot her at any wedding fayres over the summer!

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Hedge & Berries

Flowers & Floristry

Hedge & Berries is an amazing new business venture being set up in the heart of the West Midlands, providing floral arrangements for every event and occasion.

Set up by Anna, the most hard-working lady with a huge amount of talent and a real eye for detail, not only will you appreciate the posies she creates but you will no doubt fall in love with the colour, the style, and the touch of je ne sais quoi that Anna adds to each of her pieces. A full-time working woman with a fancy for floristry, Anna’s project started as a hobby and she is now taking the first steps to realising her dream and turning it into a budding enterprise.

Based in a workshop she has created at home, Anna designs and arranges her creations lovingly to come up with bouquets and displays that will take your breath away. She is also looking to begin sowing and growing her own flowers, meaning soon she will be able to take elements of the designs right the way through from seed to centrepiece!

This project has been in the pipeline for a while, with Anna having been researching and collecting pieces for some time. However, the first proper glimpse I had into her work was in late 2018 when she posted a few pics online of the Christmas wreaths she was creating, along with the promise of a full business proposition to come in the New Year. Judging by the festive flowers she had made, there was no doubt it would be a blooming success!

Soon followed the announcement that the new venture was just around the corner and with the launch taking place in early February, the first official assignments for Hedge & Berries kept Anna busy knocking up an abundance of Valentines and Mother’s Day creations (and who wouldn’t want to receive one of these from a loved one?!)

Now it’s full steam ahead for 2019, with events and weddings already in the diary! Anna has previously worked with couples on their big days, making both simple sprays and bold bouquets even before the launch of Hedge & Berries proper. Her work is always exceptional and incredibly professional, and made with such great care and knowledge that you can’t go wrong!

It’s early days but there is huge promise, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as this little business blossoms! Have a look at the Hedge & Berries social media pages, and hold tight for a website launching soon!

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Venue Well, 2019 got off to a great start when a new addition arrived in our family in late January! At the beginning of the year, I was looking for a place to host a baby shower and I am so pleased that I came across Wayland’s Yard. An independent coffee shop in the heart of Worcester, the Yard is establishing itself as a hub for brunch, lunch and coffee nuts, and is the go-to place for its many regulars as well as passers by. Their mantra is to create a space for the community to enjoy, and that’s exactly what they have. With their Worcester base full of friendly faces, and a second store popping up in Birmingham one year ago exactly, they are spreading the love throughout the Midlands. With a real passion for coffee, for food and for their customers, Waylands Yard is like a home from home. But they don’t rest on their laurels. By constantly collaborating with other local suppliers and enterprises, and always striving to serve the best beverages, they are simply going from strength to strength. Its easy to see why the stores are firm favourites among the locals for a weekend pick-me-up, but I was thrilled to find that both venues are also available to hire - the Birmingham branch offering a spacious venue for any type of event, and the Worcester hub having its own upstairs community room perfect to host a small private get-together or function. But the real selling point, as the name might suggest, is Worcester’s back yard, a fabulous outside space which provides a lovely location for people to network and mingle. And if you need catering, this will not disappoint! Our baby shower menu was made up of simple sandwiches, salads and fries but they were exceptionally tasty… and the other options we were offered were equally as tempting! If you are looking for cute canapes, wholesome hotdogs, or anything in between, Wayland’s create bespoke items tailed to your needs. So if you need a place to host an event with some amazing fittle available, I would certainly recommend these guys! Or simply pop in and sample something off the menu, and why not grab a cheeky treat from the counter to go with your coffee?! You will be welcomed with open arms The story of Sam, the founder, and the team at Waylands is inspiring. Head to their website to read all about their journey and their wonderful values and community spirit, including their commitment to the Pay It Forward scheme. Drop in on their Instagram page too, although be warned it will get your tummy rumbling!

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It has been almost 9 months since I posted on Chouette Events… and this makes me very sad! Life sometimes gets in the way and, as much as we enjoy what we are starting here, for a while I have had to prioritise other things – mostly a mortgage, finances, work and changing personal circumstances. But we are in a great place to get things up and running again – and more excited than ever about where we go from here. We hope you are still interested and will continue to follow, as we have some great things up our sleeves! Thanks for your patience and please keep giving your support! Chouette Events x

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Sweet Chocolate Bouquets

Cakes - Cupcakes - Confectionary If you have a sweet tooth, look no further! Sweet Chocolate Bouquets is a brilliant home-run business. Created by an old school friend of mine, Eulalia, the venture is a simple yet genius way for her to run a small, successful business whilst being at home with her three young children. She says herself she never realised it would become so popular, but what started out as a few orders here and there has turned into a prosperous little enterprise! As the name suggests, her most popular product is the chocolate bouquet – a box filled with edible goodies, delightfully displayed and wrapped ready to be given as a gift (and who wouldn’t love to receive one of these?!) Perfect for the little ones, the bouquets are becoming popular as birthday gifts and festive treats. But it’s not just the kids who get to enjoy them... Eulalia has been making up gorgeous gift boxes for grownups too, given as thoughtful thankyous and quirky gifts to friends and family. As well as the larger bouquets, Eulalia makes smaller gift boxes and party favours – a great alternative to the goody bags we might have been given as kids, the sweet boxes can be personalised with names, colours and pictures to add a personal touch. Ideal for youngsters, but always well-received by big kids too, they’re great for any occasion. It has even been known for them to be used as wedding favours! With a range of options available, they make incredible unique gifts and party pieces. Take a look at Sweet Chocolate Bouquets Facebook and send a message to enquire.

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Joanna’s Secret Garden

Flowers & Floristry

I didn't believe in love at first sight... until I found Joanna’s Secret Garden.

I first met Joanna when she came to deliver flowers for a wedding I was managing. As I was placing the favours on the tables, I began chatting with her and her lovely family about her amazing displays. It was late September and the centrepieces she had designed were made of warm, autumnal colours complimented by pine cones and clementines – it was so pretty and so original, I was in awe.

I learnt that Joanna had her own successful business in Poland for 5 years, providing beautiful fresh posies for weddings and special occasions – not just the big bridal bouquets but also hairpieces, table decorations and more. She has told me stories about her late nights and early mornings driving to the flower markets for the perfect produce, and the long hours she has spent prepping, caring for and building her amazing creations.

Since moving to the UK, Joanna has taken on work in a local flower shop where she has continued to create stunning sprays. Her dream is to one day own her own florists, but until then is working from home to continue what she loves most. Based in the Midlands, she is available to cater to any of your floral needs - as well as providing your typical pieces for weddings and occasions, Joanna can create personal, bespoke bouquets and decorative pieces for homes and venues. She can work to any brief if you already have an idea of what you would like, or alternatively can create something from scratch. However she goes about it, you can guarantee the end product will be absolutely exquisite.

Joanna is full of such passion and real talent, and I have never met anyone who deserves to indulge her dreams more! And I’m sure you can agree her flowers are flawless (and always 100% fresh!) Incredibly hard-working, and taking such pride and care in what she does, in Joanna’s own words: when you love something as much as this, it doesn’t feel like work. With a website coming soon, look out for further updates - and check the Chouette Events Instagram for more pictures of Joanna's wonderful work. In the meantime, enquiries can be made to Joanna via Facebook.

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Carl Battams Wedding Photographer

Photography - Videography

I’ve worked on a few weddings in my time but there is one that always stands out in my mind. I can’t put my finger on what made that day so special. It could be the beautiful, young couple who got married. It could be the lovely atmosphere of family and friends celebrating together. But something made it unique. The couple chose to capture every moment of their day, and I imagine they must have put a lot of thought into who they wanted to give this grand task to. They had a team of videographers on hand to get every speech, every dance and every toast on tape, and of course they had a photographer ready to snap those precious moments. Carl was straightaway incredibly approachable, which makes such a huge difference to me as manager of a venue to have a photographer you can really work with! And the bride and groom seemed so at ease working with him to capture their special day. Carl was able to grab the standard shots of the happy couple and all of their guests, but every time I saw him with our bride and groom he was working to capture some unique moments and gorgeous snaps of the dresses, the rings and all the tiny, perfect details of their day. Not to mention when he brought out the drone and started to get creative, getting beautiful overhead shots of the crowd with their confetti! There was something about Carl which made him different to any other photographer I had come across before. Initially focusing on live music, Carl began photographing weddings for his friends. In his own words he loves taking on the challenge of being part of a busy wedding, and having the chance to meet so many wonderful people. Now offers come in from further afield as people are noticing his work and making enquiries just for the love of what they have seen. And in the meantime, Carl continues with his portraits (which are pretty rad themselves, might I add). His work is beautiful, sometimes moody and incredibly atmospheric. Check him out for yourselves on Instagram, on Facebook or on his website.

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Cakes by Walshy

Cakes - Cupcakes - Confectionary

As I’ve said many times on this site, Chouette Events is here to be your friend and guide in the wonderful world of hospitality! Truly one of the best ways to find out what’s out there is to rely on recommendations made to you by people you know and trust, and thats exactly what we want to provide for you. And that’s exactly how I came across the wonderful Sammy and her business, Cakes by Walshy. In fact, Sammy has explained to me that it’s mostly through word of mouth that her business has taken off. And it’s not hard to see why! After spending just ten minutes in her gorgeous little studio, I could already see the amazing talent this lady has and I’ve been buzzing about her ever since! Sammy has been baking cakes professionally for the last eight years, but it’s since she acquired her studio that things have really taken off. Her real passion lies in making wedding cakes, and she is taking orders from far and wide. Over the years Sammy has supplemented this with bespoke occasional pieces and, judging by the amazing treats I saw on the bench in her workshop, she still finds time for these too - it was in fact the beautiful 1st birthday cupcakes that she made for a family friend of mine that helped us to get introduced. However, with winter weddings becoming increasingly popular, Sammy can be busy baking her wonderful wedding cakes all year round. Sammy makes her cakes to suit your personal preferences, with various flavours, colours and designs available. From traditional to contemporary, classic or quirky, whether modest or wacky, Sammy will work with you to create your ideal cake, using her expert opinion to guide you on what she knows will work best for you. And she will always do her best to accommodate any dietary requirements too, meaning all your guests can enjoy her wonderful work! What’s amazing about this business is, firstly, the beautiful cakes on offer, but also Sammy’s knowledge and understanding of everything she does –she knows what to bake, when to bake and how to get the best results. She has all of her paperwork in order and it’s all ready-to-hand. And she deals with her clients professionally, by holding consultations and making sure she gives her customers what they want to the best of her ability, always ensuring quality in everything she does. Sammy has a lovely energy about herself; she cares a lot about what she does and that’s what I took away from meeting with her. With her immaculate studio, gorgeously tempting candies and confectionaries and the personalised apron she sports with the Cakes by Walshy logo, it’s easy to see that this is more than just a hobby for Sammy; it’s her business and her passion. And it’s completely infectious!

You can find out more by visiting Cakes by Walshy's Facebook , or visiting the website here .