We Are Two!

Toddler noun: The toddler years are a time of great cognitive, emotional and social development.

Flip, where has this year gone…?

With Christmas just around the corner and the blur that’s been 2015 skipping off into the wintry sunset, it’s the time of year when I’m reminded of how this adventure began. Coco turned two on Saturday and as someone said to me the other day, we’re a fully fledged toddler!

Hitting our first birthday was a big business milestone, but it’s been the continued support and belief in what we’re doing that’s felt really special in year two. So yes, I feel like we’ve gone from taking our first tentative steps into full on toddling mode! 

We’re learning all of the time and our 2015 Survey has been a huge source of help and inspiration, so thank you to those who took part. I’m so excited about taking some time to reflect over Christmas and then putting into place all of your valuable feedback to make this little space the most inspiring wedding venue directory out there!

Just as I did for our first birthday, I’ve rounded up 10 of my favourite blog posts that reflect what our website is all about. We have advice pieces from our lovely experts, real love stories, wedding inspiration, supplier love and beautiful venues, obvs!

So before you dive in, I just want to say thank you to all of the people who support Coco Wedding Venues – the amazing suppliers we work with, our fabulous in-house experts, those ladies & gentleman that maybe aren’t ‘featured’ but are seriously important (I’m looking at you Tamryn, Victoria & my boy Mark), the awesome venues who get us, love us and want to be a part of our growing brand and of course… To the couples who use our directory, email me for help and share their love stories with me.

So here’s to stepping into year three… I’m totally ready for you!

# 1 The Wedding Venue Budget

One of the requests from our couples that came through on our recent survey, was the ability to see the prices for the venues we list. Whilst we can completely understand this need for immediate visibility, it’s actually a little tricky for us to do this and I thought I’d explain why… Read More.

# 2 10 Things to do on your Wedding Day

Whether it’s spotting couples being showered in confetti outside my local town hall, seeing my facebook feed filled with congratulations for friends getting married or indeed witnessing our wonderful venues and suppliers creating gorgeous events for excited Brides & Grooms, wedding season has well and truly kicked off! These are the halcyon days of saying ‘I do’.… Read More.

# 3 The 2016 Wedding Trend Report

It’s that time of year again when our TV’s are filled with sentimental Christmas adverts, our weekends are spent indoors watching British period dramas, frock-off’s and sequins galore and we’re finalising plans for the festive break.

November also signals the annual collaborative Wedding Trend Report with Katrina Otter, our resident Wedding Planner!

Last year we coveted everything from copper, concrete and faux to that ‘just-picked-from-the-garden’ look and this year promises to be just as inspirational… Read More.

# 4 Discover Askham Hall in Cumbria

Askham Hall is an exciting new addition to Cumbria and the Lake District. With an array of beautifully appointed bedrooms, a restaurant, private gardens, spa and converted wedding barn it has everything you could possibly need from a wedding venue! It’s style is most definitely luxurious, intimate, unpretentious, up-to-date and full of rustic charm… Read More.

# 5 Year Two

I’m being a bit indulgent today and taking over this little piece of my blog as it’s our two year wedding anniversary. Yep, two whole years since this day. If you’ve been with Coco since the beginning you’ll know this directory was started because of my own wedding planning journey and my business dream became a reality thanks to this lovely, lovely man’s support and love… Read More.

# 6 Opulence at Paradise

A curated directory for beautiful wedding venues, we’re fast becoming a reliable place to source the perfect location – whether that’s for couples searching for their big day or indeed playing matchmaker for the wedding industry itself. Our venues have been the backdrop to many a beautiful styled shoot and today I wanted to share a glimpse inside a recent project curated by Annabel from Love My Dress for Goldsmiths… Read More.

# 7 A Relaxed Al Fresco Wedding at Matara Centre

Louboutins, two wedding dresses, peachy pink peonies, a fairy-light backdrop and a ruffle cake to die for. That’s all before I’ve even mentioned the epic Gloucestershire wedding venue that is Matara Centre.

Settle in and enjoy James & Hannah’s story of their big day and delight in these pretty gorgeous images by Bigeye Photography… Read More.

# 8 An Earthy Love at River Cottage

An Earthly Love was our homage to all things boho with a slightly luxe edge. Think wild countryside, raw love, dramatic gowns, luscious leaves and windswept kisses overlooking the wonderfully English backdrop of River Cottage. Our palette focused on cool creams, herbaceous greens and soft lilacs.

Rebecca Goddard, our photographer, captured our vision perfectly in an array of honest yet dreamy images… Read More.

# 9 Bridal Boutique Tour of Emmy London

I quite realise that amongst certain circles Emmy London doesn’t need a big elaborate introduction. Indeed with a social media following of 26k across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this London-based shoe designer has amassed quite the reputation. Emmy Scarterfield, Creative Director behind luxury bridal shoe & accessories brand Emmy London, has just celebrated 11 years in the industry and in this time she has become synonymous with timeless elegance and bespoke detailing… Read More.

# 10 Jordanna & Dan; An Engagement Shoot & A Venue Search

Hot couple alert!

There’s style and cool tonal colours in abundance in this sweet engagement shoot with Jordanna & Dan today. Let our Bride-to-be tell you all about their big day plans at Pendrell Hall in Staffordshire and enjoy these lovely images by Electric Blue Photography & Film… Read More.

A special mention to Photography by Bea & Fetcham Park where the above image was shot – more to come on our visit to this stunning Surrey Wedding Venue soon! Lastly, to Bubblegum Balloons for my yummy birthday balloon – it’s super pretty thank you!

Lots of birthday love…