Phil and Christine are the most amazing couple. They were so laid back (despite last minute suit dramas!) and couldn’t wait to become Mr and Mrs. They had hoped for beautiful weather for a front lawn ceremony and, in pure Hornington Manor style, the sun came out just for the occasion. The fantasy trees were the focal point for the civil ceremony, created by the florist at Blooming Fantastic. They framed the bride and groom, standing proud at the end of the aisle and were then brought into the wedding barn for the rest of the celebrations. The barn looked stunning with photos of Phil and Christine on each table documenting how they have changed from childhood to adulthood.
The windowed doorways into the barn were decorated with strings of tiny colourful origami cranes and stars on fishing wire, which from a few steps away looked as though they were floating in mid-air! Phil and Christine committed to the ancient Chinese practice of folding 1000 origami cranes, known as sembazuru. The time and energy needed to create the cranes symbolises the patience and trust needed to sustain a happy marriage. As well as handmaking their amazing wedding cake, Christine had also painstakingly dried hundreds of colourful flower petals to make the confetti, a real labour of love which definitely paid off as it looked incredible!
Christine was so beautiful in her ivory lace gown, and her 6 bridesmaids in silver grey lace dresses looked amazing. Anna Stephenson did a fantastic job on their hair and make-up.
There was a lovely atmosphere after the ceremony, with drinks and canapes on the manor lawn. Everyone had chance to catch up with each other while Phil and Christine were whisked away by their photographers from Stott and Atkinson Photography.
This was especially true for those who had travelled from Newcastle, Liverpool, London and surrounding areas. Phil did mention in his speech, that from what he knows of Phan gatherings it would be a whole lot quieter in Peckham that night. Their magician Mark Waddington wowed the guests with some fabulous tricks and before long everyone was moved through to the barn to enjoy their delicious wedding breakfast courtesy of the amazing Hog and Apple. Guests were in for a real treat, fillet steak and chunky home-made chips for starter and a trio of puds served with dry ice which was a real spectacle!
During the speeches, Phil had a special mention for Paz and Deepa coming all the way from Atlanta, and Aunty Michelle, Chloe and daughters all the way from Hong Kong. All those who could not make it for various reasons in Hong Kong were thought of, Grandmas, Uncle Henry and Aunty Claire and the amazing grandma Chan, whom he thought had been waiting for this day to arrive since he left primary school.
Kevin, Phil’s best man thought he would do something quite different for his speech, and we all waited in anticipation whilst he took off his jacket ready for action, he said he thought he would “spit some lyrics over a fresh beat” to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air which seemed a good idea at the time but was quickly abandoned in spectacular form- ‘Now this is… obviously a joke’, to everyone’s sigh of relief and lots of raucous laughter.
Everyone was thanked by Kevin, from all the guests, photographers, caterers, to the staff here at Hornington Manor – he praised Phil and Christine for their fantastic research in choosing a wonderful venue, although we don’t like to boast… Special thanks went to both sets of parents for raising these two, amazing people. He congratulated Phil for “scrubbing up alright” and he was so pleased that Phil decided against getting the mushroom bowl hair cut again!
He said in all seriousness it was truly an honour to be part of this incredible couple and this extra special occasion.
As day turned into night and the evening guests arrived, the party really started. An amazing photo booth was provided by Booth Revolution and their DJ – WDC Entertainment got everyone dancing until the early hours. Our Espresso Martinis were a real hit with the guests, who wanted to stay up and dance for a long as possible! The Newlyweds led a conga through the barn and courtyard, and the dancefloor was full of inflatable bongos, guitars and glow sticks. We all had such an incredible time celebrating with Phil and Christine and we hope they had the most amazing wedding weekend. The happy couple sent us a lovely email to thank us, and we just had to share it with you too.
“Christine and I would like to send a massive thanks to yourself and the team at Hornington for making our day so special. Special thanks go to Jo and Hayley for helping us out over the whole weekend and also to Simon who helped us choose our wine.
Our guests were so impressed with the venue and I’m sure you saw how impressed by the quality of the celebrations which went on into the night!
We will pass on links to photos and videos when we get them but we wanted to send some thanks now that we are back from our mini break in Mexico.
If you would like us to review our experience we can do. I’ve already had a number of people ask us about the venue for future weddings!
Many Thanks
Phil & Christine”
