It’s no secret that we absolutely love our work – and we know how lucky we are to be able to say this. Every once in a while we have the privilege of working with a couple whose wedding plans literally take our breath away.

This is never about budget but is always about a couple who have prioritised early, chosen their suppliers carefully and understand that their best laid plans may go to waste without asking someone they trust, in this case Magic Dust, to ensure that everything goes to plan in the run up to, and on the wedding day itself.

Kenton & Jen’s wedding this weekend was just such a celebration and has inspired me to devote a daily blog this week to tell you about some of the fabulous suppliers I had the pleasure of working with on Saturday. Do make a date with this blog tomorrow to read about a wonderful photographer, on Wednesday I’ll be raving about cheese, Thursday a surprise planned by the bride and groom is made easy by an understanding, flexible supplier and on Friday I’ll be summing up the things that Kenton & Jen did that made their day, in fact their entire wedding weekend, a truly wonderful celebration.

Today though, it’s all about the venue. You know how important it is to choose the right venue and I’ve spoken in the past about the hard work that must go into finding it. The reward for taking your time and getting it right is that every other decision becomes easier as a result. Kenton & Jen chose Hipping Hall, a beautiful 17th century house nestled between the Yorkshire Dales & the Lake District near Kirkby Lonsdale.

Better known as a fantastic ‘restaurant with rooms’, the owners of Hipping Hall take bookings for a small number of weddings during the year. First and foremost this is an award-winning restaurant with spectacularly appointed rooms and is most definitely not a ‘conveyor-belt style’ wedding venue.

Long may this continue as it means there is flexibility for couples planning a small-ish celebration – usually less than 40 people – with Andrew Wildsmith, Hipping Hall’s owner, taking personal responsibility for the management of the event. Exclusive use means a relaxed, informal atmosphere more like a very stylish house party than a traditional wedding venue and the opportunity to make a weekend of it.

In our experience it’s the staff that can make or break otherwise fantastic venues and, at Hipping Hal, it’s clear that every single member of staff not only thoroughly enjoys working there but is passionate about ensuring that guests have a wonderful experience. Without exception, everyone was flexible, approachable, friendly and focused on Kenton & Jen and their guests. I’d like to personally thank Andrew, Nicola, David & Jess for making my job thoroughly enjoyable and without a hint of stress, and to the wonderful people who worked so hard in the kitchen to produce delicious food on a seemingly never-ending basis. You have no idea just how rare your talents and excellent customer service are!

Before I started writing this post I was torn between telling you all about Hipping Hall and wanting to keep it a secret! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this gem of a venue and, if you get the chance, do visit for a meal, a weekend break or to discuss your wedding plans. I know you won’t be disappointed!

Until tomorrow and a very special photographer,