The marvellous wedding celebrations of Marianna and Paul.
It was pretty clear from the offset that lots of utterly brilliant, original and quirky ideas had gone into making this wedding a truly memorable one. One thing that was evident was how much thought had gone in to giving the wedding a special ‘Italian twist’, due to the Italian heritage of the beautiful bride, Marianna.
After a lovely service at Bolton Percy church, guests arrived back at the Manor and were immediately drawn towards the vintage gelato ice cream cart (scoops a daisy – Samantha Smith ) set out in the courtyard under the Lychgate. Each guest was given the choice of a delectable array of ice creams and toppings from mint choc chip to fudge.
After a frozen treat or two and group photos with the bride and groom, guests were then invited into the barn to be served prosecco and…. Afternoon tea!
The tables were laid out beautifully, in the style of a very traditional English luncheon. Provided by Doyly’s Tearoom who are a stones throw away from Hornington Manor. They are our local B&B and they do the most fabulous breakfast for all our extra wedding guests.
Each table was filled with the most delicate china cups and saucers and exquisitely ornate stands filled with finger sandwiches, pork pies, sausage rolls and cakes.
Whilst guests enjoyed their cream scones, one of the ‘waiters’ took to a microphone to announce that this would be his last wedding and it was tradition for him to make a toast on his last day. This fooled guests and the bride and groom alike as they were not prepared for when he suddenly burst into song! Yes, it was a surprise to all; Maurizio the bride’s father had arranged for the wedding to have its very own Singing Waiters. It was truly exciting to watch the look of surprise on Marianna and Paul’s face when all of a sudden they were serenaded by The Singing Waiters. They had the most fabulous, powerful voices and wowed the party with a whole range of fantastic music; ranging from the instant party rousing Queen song, ‘This Thing Called Love’ to Puccini’s powerful and emotion-stirring ‘Nessun Dorma’, further calling on the Italian roots of Marianna.
The singing waiters or rather… waiting singers really engaged with the guests, encouraging them to clap and sing along! It was such a joy to watch so many people beaming from ear to ear.
After having their fill of the little delights that Doyly’s and the singing waiters had to offer, it was time for the toasts and speeches. The first to address the room was father of the bride, Maurizio, in his wonderfully appealing Italian accent. After an endearing speech from Paul, the groom and a charismatic turn from his best man, the wedding party toasted to absent friends and family, before retiring to the manor and courtyard while the wedding barn could be dressed for the evening festivities.
The next surprise really wasn’t surprising at all, with all of the wonderful Italian touches in the wedding planning so far. Dressing a table has never been so fun!
Once the tables had been cleared away, out came the new cloths – colourful check tablecloths, which was provided for by Northfields Ltd just like the ones you see in cosy little Italian/American restaurants. And the tables were dressed with that very style in mind. Each with traditional Italian favours, napkins matching the tablecloth and jam jar candles that made you feel like you were tucked in the corner of a snug petite pizza place in Little Italy.
Guests filtered back into the barn to take place at whichever table took their fancy and the scene was well and truly set with some stunning singing from Anthony Stringer, who wooed the guests with famed jazz and swing tunes from the fifties and sixties. Anthony stirred people into a dancing mood with his ‘Rat Pack’ numbers like ‘Mambo Italiano’, ‘Volare’ and ‘That’s Amore’.
Good food being at the very heart of every true Italian, and as with tradition Patisserie Viennoise from Otley assembled the unbelievable 5 tier wedding cake of fresh fruit and cream gateau. It was stunning and a real spectacle as he arrived in full chef whites and hat to a round of applause.
Happy Hogs Catering and Pizza Loco, which fitted in so perfectly with the theme completed the evening spectacularly.
The jubilant festivities continued into the night and it was difficult to say goodbye after such a wonderful and unique celebration.
Our congratulations to Paul and Marianna and may all of their future days together be as happy and filled with love, laughter and companionship as their wedding day, from all the gang here at Hornington Manor.
Images: Simon Stock Photography