They say your wedding day is the most special day of your life, and at Heritage Venues we definitely agree with that! That’s why we work hard to make your big day as unique and unforgettable as possible.
We’ve worked closely with many couples over the years to design days that are completely tailored to them which can be treasured forever.
We have venues across the beautiful county of Berkshire, which will create the perfect backdrop for you and your loved ones to celebrate your special day in style.
In our couple’s spotlight today, we’re looking back at Rachael and Chris’ beautiful and relaxed wedding where they said “I do” in front of their nearest and dearest at one of our most popular wedding locations, Stanlake Park.
Rachael and Chris’ love story and deciding on their wedding vibe
At 6ft 3, Rachael didn’t find it too hard to spot Chris on the dancefloor of a busy London pub. What started as a spontaneous night out, where neither of them had planned to be, turned into their forever love story which has led up to them tying the knot in Stanlake Park.
The pair wanted a relaxed and carefree vibe to their wedding and needed a venue to match. Stanlake Park is a beautifully rustic venue that has been newly renovated to make the perfect setting for any wedding.
After seeing a few venues before, Rachael and Chris quickly settled on the idyllic surroundings of Stanlake:
“We loved the fact it was surrounded by vineyards; everything was in one location but felt separate at the same time. The buildings are unique and so lovely – the clock tower will forever be my favourite backdrop!”
Adding the special touches to their big day
With all our couples, we encourage them to add their own special touches to our venues to create a unique event for them and their loved ones.
Rachael had always loved peachy, rusty tones, which were incorporated into Stanlake Park’s buildings. Rachael and her mum even made 90 macrame napkin holders for all their guests – which everyone ended up taking home with them after.
To decide on all the elements they wanted for their big day, Rachael and Chris thought back to all of the best weddings that they’d attended and used these as inspiration for their own day.
The pair decided to get rid of some of the common wedding features that they didn’t feel was necessary – and we loved the choices they made!
“We didn’t have signs to welcome guests to the wedding as we figured our guests would know who’s wedding they were turning up to, we didn’t have orders of service and we didn’t have favours, we wanted to put our budget into things our guests would love and remember – booze, music and food!!
A day of delicious food and drink
Rachael and Chris had quite a few dietary requirements to cater for within their wedding party – some more obscure than others! But our expert team of chefs were able to pull it out of the bag and create a menu that every guest ended up enjoying.
For the main, there was BBQ food and grazing boards that guests could go up and help themselves to, and the pair couldn’t turn down the chance to include some of Stanlake Park’s signature wine to their menu.
“We chose Stanlakes wine for our package as wanted to drink from the vineyard
surrounding us! We chose some wines off the standard list and enjoyed our experience in the Wine Bar garden selecting these ahead of the day!”
Rachael and Chris’ favourite moments of the day
When asked about the highlights of their special day, Rachael couldn’t narrow it down to one thing:
“From getting ready in the Bow Loft with my bridesmaids, walking down the aisle and seeing a very emotional Chris at the end, having an impromptu ‘first dance’ at our drink’s reception, celebrating our day with all of our guests with absolutely no restrictions! After the roller coaster of planning a wedding throughout a pandemic and a postponement, I can say it was 1000% worth the wait!”
The pair’s advice for other couples
After spending a fun-filled day with the ones they love the most at Stanlake Park, we asked Rachael and Chris if they had any advice for other couples looking to plan their wedding at the same venue.
“Remember to do everything for you, don’t get pressured by the ‘norm’, don’t take on
opinions you don’t agree with and don’t sweat the small stuff on the day… what will be
will be. The event staff ensure runs smoothly so be in the moment and enjoy every
second as it goes by in a flash!! Oh, and top tip passed on from my friends which I’m so
glad we did… straight after the ceremony, take 10mins with some bubbly in the Bow Loft to let that just married feeling sink in with your other half!”
Book your wedding at Stanlake Park
If you’d like to work with us to make your dreams of a memorable wedding come to life, get in touch with us today!
Email: weddings@stanlakepark.com
Phone: 0118 932 0914
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