Keely & Dan's Marquee Wedding at Cleavel Point

Getting to know Keely and Dan along their wedding planning journey was a complete joy. Totally relaxed and full of fun which made me even more excited for their big day.

Visiting Cleavel Point Campsite the day before, I was blown away by the sheer beauty of the blank canvas they had hired for their DIY wedding. Driving through the private gates, along a beautiful winding road through forest surroundings, eventually I was met by a lone marquee in the middle of a field overlooking Brownsea Island and Furzey Island. What more could you ask for when planning a marquee wedding?...

Setting up the day before it was very hot, but frustratingly the forecast wasn’t looking good for their wedding the following day. Arriving early on Keely and Dan’s wedding morning the sun was shining and the team and I found the girls getting ready in the camper vans after they had stayed the night in the field.

While Dan got ready back in the lodges onsite.

The outdoor ceremony area overlooking the sea was all set up and looking beautiful. The mics were plugged into a PA system ready for the celebrant and for the guitarist to play Keely & Dan down the aisle...

...and the tables were laid in the marquee decorated with pampas grass and dried florals along with the bouquets all arranged by Keely's mum.

The first job for us was to prep the Pimms and to set out the reception drinks as well as to put out any last minute decor.

We also met with the caterer The Super Brothers Catering and the mobile horse box bar Gin Kings Mobile Bar, showed them where to set up and checked they had everything they needed .

Not long after Dan and his groomsmen arrived ready to greet their guests.

Just as people started to arrive sadly the sky turned grey and the winds picked up. 

With only half an hour to go we hoped we could just get through the ceremony before it started to rain but unfortunately that wasn’t to be. Making quick decisions we moved all the chairs inside and set the ceremony up on the dance floor. Having already tied the ceremony hoop to some hay bales to secure it from the wind, we quickly untied it and moved it across to the marquee.

All ready for the ceremony, Dan had been on the phone to Keely to discuss the moving of the ceremony as he knew just how much she wanted it to take place outside. I headed over to the other side of the field to chat with Keely and to make sure she was ready, but on arrival and although smiling, Keely and her bridesmaids were still really set on the idea of having it outside. 

With a little gentle persuasion and the wind getting stronger Keely accepted it just may not be possible. It wasn’t ideal but we all knew this was the right thing to do, so we had a giggle and made our way over to the marquee making up a hashtag of the situation...

Having said all this these incredible photos by Sam at New Forest Studios would make you believe I was lying, as the weather really doesn't look that bad! 

Making sure all the guests were sat and helping the bridesmaids with their timings walking down the aisle whilst the guitarist played, Keely and Dan's ceremony was absolutely beautiful, a moment I love to witness as a wedding co-ordinator. 

After the ceremony typically the rain stopped which at least meant Keely and Dan could capture their confetti shot outside. Helping Sam gather the guests to form a confetti tunnel this made up (just a little bit) for the indoor ceremony.

Managing to capture the group shots outside while the weather was dry Keely and Dan's dog Mambo was of course included in their big day. I do love weddings that include pets as after all they are a part of your family too.

Now outside my team and I served the Pimms and kept the water trough filled with ice and beers so the guests could help themselves. 

With help from the groomsmen it didn’t take long to move all the chairs and put them around the tables ready for the wedding breakfast. Clearing away any dirty glasses and keeping check with the caterer everything was running on time, it was soon time to seat the guests ready for their meal. On the tables was the starter platter of charcuterie, breads and oils which my team cleared once everyone was finished. 

For the main was a buffet style of paella where I sent a table up at a time to collect their meal from the catering gazebo outside. 

After, we cleared the paella plates and got ready to pour the toast drinks of Prosecco ready for the speeches. During this time the winds had picked up so much we decided to take down our gazebo base and move all our bits to the back of a van for safety as the winds were getting stronger by the minute. As a wedding co-ordinator it’s really important to be able to think on your feet. Afterall, we are there to do everything in our power to make your day as stress free and seamless as possible.

With everyone safe in the marquee, we continued pouring the Prosecco and once poured prompted for the speeches to start. Whilst the speeches took place we laid out all the mini chocolate caramel cheesecake pots on trays ready to hand out as soon as the last speech had finished.

After pudding Keely and Dan cut their wedding cake which we cut up into smaller pieces wrapping them in a serviette and laying them on a tray so the guests could help themselves throughout the evening.

Not long after, the band The Plus Ones arrived who I greeted and showed them where to set up ready for the evening party.

Instead of a guest book Keely and Dan had mini pieces of puzzle for each guest to sign so they could create one large puzzle with all their guests well wishes on. 

Just as the evening reception was about to begin the winds got so strong that Taddle Farm Tents had to come out and check the marquee was still safe as they could only take up to a certain wind speed. A little nervous on what they might say I was pleased to hear everything was ok but we just had to hope the winds didn’t get any stronger as then we may have been faced with a problem!

Hanging the donuts on the donut wall, clearing all the rubbish from the tables and picking up any empty glasses everything ran smoothly and thankfully whilst everyone was enjoying themselves...

Knowing everyone was safe and having a great time it was soon time for my team and I to leave. Saying our goodbyes I could see for myself just how happy Keely and Dan were and it was clear they had loved every minute of their special day despite the wind and rain. Keely and Dan’s wedding is a shining example that you can’t predict the weather and as long as you have a contingency plan everything will be ok!

Windswept and wet my team and I were still smiling which didn’t go unnoticed by Keely and Dan and in fact their review made me smile even more…

The moral to Keely and Dan’s wedding story is to go with the flow and not be disheartened with whatever weather is sent your way. Wind, rain or sun, remember you are sharing the most important day of your lives with your friends and family and as long as you are all together that is all that matters!

If you are planning a marquee or DIY wedding and think you might need help on the day then don’t hesitate to get in touch. My team and I can be with you to co-ordinate and ensure everything runs smoothly so you don’t need to worry about a thing.

Much Love