Meet the Team: Steph, Wedding Coordinator
Steph (and her adorable dog, Luna!) joined us for a chat about her role as a wedding coordinator at Wootton Park and shared a few insider tips and stories along the way. Let’s dive in…
How do you help couples prepare for their big day?
I work as closely as possible with every couple. I invite them in for as many meetings as they want – to get to know them, their personalities, and their ideas, and bring all of that into their wedding. On the day itself, it’s all about keeping everything running smoothly so they can relax, get ready, and enjoy it all. I coordinate suppliers and timings so everything happens when it should.
And what do you enjoy most about your job?
My favourite part is the wedding day itself – running around, being busy, being on my feet. I just love seeing it all come together. When you’ve worked so closely with a couple, helped them develop their ideas and shared their excitement, seeing it all come to life on the day is really special.
How did you get into planning weddings and joining Wootton Park?
I used to work at a radio station and planned their events, among other things. Then it moved to London… and I stayed here! I’ve always loved weddings, so when this job came up, I just knew I had to go for it. Years ago, when I first started working, I was at a hotel that hosted weddings, and I used to see the coordinators there and think, I want to be one of them. So it was really a dream come true.
What’s your top tip for couples to make planning a wedding easier?
It would probably be to trust your suppliers. They’ve been doing it for years, so put your faith in them. If they suggest something, there’s usually a good reason for it – they just want you to have the best day possible.
And what’s your advice for the big day?
On the day, just let go! You’ve spent so much time planning and stressing over the details – now it’s time to relax and enjoy yourselves.
Do you have any favourite wedding moments?
This year, I had a couple do a dove release. It was the first one I’d done, and it was really lovely.
Any really unusual wedding moments?
This summer, I had a bride who does musical theatre, and when it came to her wedding speech, she sang it! She sang every word, accompanied by tunes from different songs – and her voice was amazing. Then, in the evening, she changed into a light-up wedding dress with rows of tiny lights sewn in. It looked sparkly and beautiful.
Can you tell us a bit about your own wedding day?
We had a really small, intimate wedding with just family. Our grandparents were ill at the time, and we wanted to do it quickly so that everyone could be there. We planned it in about eight weeks – even though we’d been engaged for six years! For four of those weeks we were out of the country, so it was very minimal planning, but it was the best day of our lives. I actually wouldn’t change a thing. We just had parents, grandparents, siblings and our children there, and that was it – and it was perfect.
What’s your secret superpower on a wedding day?
My brides often say I just appear at the right moment. Whenever they need me, I suddenly show up – it’s like I can read their minds! I’m very good at keeping on top of everything, so when it’s time to do something, I’m there ready to go. Last year, I had a bride who said every time she went to ring the doorbell or text me to say she needed something, I’d literally walk through the door just as she was about to do it. She said, “How do you do that?!”
What’s the one thing that makes the biggest difference at a wedding?
It’s all about putting your personality into it – like cute things about you as a couple. Other people might not always get it, but it really doesn’t matter. The most important thing is that if the two of you love it and it’s meaningful to you, go with it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a wedding coordinator?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. On the day, everyone just wants to have a good time – so focus on that. Go with your gut and do what’s right for your couple. That’s all that really matters.
Now for a few quick-fire questions…
Summer sunshine or winter sparkles?
Summer.
Traditional rose bouquet or rustic wildflower mix?
Wildflowers.
Big party or intimate gathering?
I know I had an intimate wedding and I wouldn’t change it, but I do love a big party – so I’ll go big!
Meet at the aisle or private first look?
Meet at the aisle.
Outfit change or wedding dress all night long?
Wedding dress all night long.
Formal attire or daringly different?
Daringly different.
Traditional stag and hen dos or a mixed party?
Traditional.
All-day affair or twilight wedding?
All day – make the most of it!
Steph’s calm, organised energy (and that secret superpower!) make her the perfect person to have by your side on your wedding day. Why not book a tour and meet her here at Wootton Park?