I don't really know where to begin. Most brides will say their wedding was 'the best day of their life' or 'everything was perfect' but to use these words would be too much of a cliché and insufficient in denoting the incredible journey we took with planner, Maddy, and Pentney from the moment we viewed to the morning after our wedding when we whisked ourselves off on honeymoon.
Simply put, Maddy felt like an old friend who knew us and our vision instantly. She felt like one of our biggest cheerleaders yet fiercely professional and calming, in control at all times. She listened yet managed, cared yet remained composed and above all else never made us feel like anything was too much - too much trouble, too much work, too much general over the top wedding-ness!
The venue always looked and felt like home, never a venue shared with thousands of other brides and grooms before us. Having worked at a similar business we truly believed 'we know all the behind the scenes, shortcuts etc' - we thought those magical wedding feels wouldn't conjure easily, at least not until the day itself, but the moment we viewed Pentney that feeling came! This cynical pair really were genuinely humbled.
And then there is the catering team... the tasting event was a night to remember itself! We ate and drank ALOT, it felt like we were attending a wedding reception, the other guests also booked couples and yet, again, we still felt like the guests of honour - never sharing the moment / venue / team with others.
It's fair to say we loved our meal and drinks on our wedding day but naturally you're full of emotion and things can feel a blur... I look back now at the tasting event grateful to have fully absorbed the incredible food and wine I know our guests experienced on our wedding day - and boy did they love it! If I had a pound for every compliment we had for the meal, the food through to the speedy service. Beautifully presented and everyone. ate. together! GAH! We would be quids in!
I kept waiting for the wedding stress everyone teased me would come over those 18 months of planning, but with Maddy's meticulous planning sheet every detail was covered and I always knew where I stood and what task to tick of next, on time.
Everyone says you should pick your three non negotiables for you wedding; for many these will include the food and option of accommodation the night before/after the wedding...
I can safely say Pentney and Maddy will ensure these are covered!
We checked in midday the day before the wedding, crisp November sunshine, setting up is a memory itself with our friends and family buzzing with anticipation as they arrived to help. Fires roaring that evening, bubbles flowing and laughter filling the farmhouse. I had the best soak in the honeymoon suite bathtub and slept well before dawn came and it was off to the prep room for hair and make up! The breakfast hampers made it feel like a hotel! And when we finally made it to our room at 1am, a platter of leftover cheese tower, crackers, and bottles of fizz waiting!
It's been two weeks and we still feel so special and valued. Kate, the team's digital marketing specialist captured so many moments, creating a dreamy video which she shared along with photos of our day for us to keep forever.
Thank you Maddy and the entire Pentney/UNV team.
Mr and Mrs Norris-Dugard