Sophie: The best part is seeing such a historic venue transformed into something uniquely personal for each couple. It’s so rewarding to watch their vision come to life and know they can fully enjoy the day while we handle the details. Working with planners like Ann makes the experience even smoother. She guides couples through design and suppliers, while we focus on the venue. Together, we create a seamless, stress-free journey.

Ann: Ashridge House is an absolute gem! A beautiful, versatile space with a rich history. Couples can use it in so many ways, with multiple options for ceremonies, drinks, dinner, and dancing. Unlike many venues, it never feels one-size-fits-all. Sophie and her team are a dream to work with as they’re open to collaboration and understand our different roles. Our shared goal is to create an unforgettable day, and we work closely together to make that happen. 

Ann: Zoom calls have become the norm for me! Overseas couples often feel disconnected because they can’t visit the venue often, so regular calls are crucial. I created a super-detailed plan with images showing exactly how each space would look. Sophie even joined calls outside her usual hours to fit the couple’s schedule.

Sophie: Ann attended supplier meetings with me and updated Gareth and Alison, so they didn’t need to be present. We stayed in close contact through video calls and emails, which meant decisions were made quickly despite the time difference. When they finally arrived, everything was ready and they could just relax and enjoy their celebrations.

Ann: Alison had a very strong vision for the flowers, so finding the perfect florist was key. I recommended the florist, who is not only an incredible designer but also creates rendered images of her concepts which was perfect for Alison, who was very visual. On the day, Victoria ran her team of 20 florists with military precision to ensure every area was completed on time. It was amazing to see it all come together.

Sophie: The florals were such a standout feature! Ann worked closely with Alison on the creative side, while we focused on logistics - arranging site visits, measuring, and advising on what would work best in Ashridge’s spaces. We also coordinated access and safety for installation. Combining Ann’s creative direction with our venue knowledge meant the designs exceeded expectations. Seeing the couple’s reaction was unforgettable!

Ann: The overall aesthetic was stunning, from the mirrored aisle and draped entrance to the exquisite tablescapes. But the moment that stole the show for me was the surprise Welsh male voice choir we arranged for Gareth, who’s from South Wales. When they stood up and started singing at the end of the ceremony, the look on his face was priceless. It was incredibly moving.

Sophie: For me, the South Lawn ceremony with the mirrored aisle and Ashridge as the backdrop was magical. With the string quartet and extensive floral display, it felt incredibly special for everyone there.

Ann: Hire a planner! Having someone in the UK who knows the ropes and has a network of reliable suppliers makes a world of difference. Time zones can make things tricky, so having someone on your team to bridge that gap is invaluable.

Sophie: Embrace the journey and lean on your support team. With a planner like Ann and our in-house expertise, you’re in safe hands. Make the most of visits when you can (even one or two trips help) and use video calls to stay connected.