Who: Charlotte and Daniel | When: May 2019 | Where: Millbridge Court

Timeless elegance met country styling when Charlotte and Daniel got married recently at Millbridge Court. The couple incorporated gorgeous touches from the gardens of the venue for a wonderful, outdoorsy feel.

As guests toasted the newlyweds, they tucked into a selection of canapés. This included a tasty mix of classic bites such as Mini Yorkshire Puddings, Mushroom Croquettes and Tempura Prawns. As the evening unfolded, we served up a classic menu that embraced the early summer, starting with a flavour-packed tomato salad and featuring chicken wrapped in sage and Parma ham.

It was dessert that truly wowed the guests though. Our Slice at the Table Chocolate Brownie Pavlova with salted caramel sauce was a gloriously indulgent winner with the delighted crowd and brought everyone together in such a fun way.

Charlotte and Daniel’s amazing eye for detail shone through in every aspect of the day. Well thought out and beautifully executed, all the touches were exceptional from the abundant displays of flowers down to personally written name cards. This all resulted in the most amazing day from start to finish. We were so happy to be a part of the wonderfully warm atmosphere of this special day.

Kind words from the couple

The couple got in touch afterwards with these kind words:

“Just wanted to say the biggest thank you that I could possibility give to all of you for making our wedding day the most unforgettable day of our lives. I know we’re biased because it’s our wedding, but all our guests were saying how amazing it was how smooth it ran and how relaxed the vibe was. Ultimately this was down to all of you! A special thank you especially to Grace at Kalm Kitchen and Natasha from Millbridge Court. You two were like angels sent down from heaven, and I will never forget you both!”

If you’d like to talk to us about creating wonderful food for your wedding, give us a call on 01483 813360 or email info@kalmkitchen.co.uk.

Credits… Photography: Rebecca Searle {www.rebeccasearlephotography.co.uk}. Videographer: Chris Bennet {chrisbennettfilms.co.uk}. Flowers: Hannah Berry Flowers {www.hannahberryflowers.co.uk}. Wedding cake: Cakes by {en-gb.facebook.com/cakesbyestee/}. Musicians: Laura Paper hearts- {www.lauraspaperheart.com}. Evening Band ‘Motown Gold’ {earcandylive.co.uk/acts/motown-gold/}.

You may have already read our take on Laura and Sebastian’s wedding at Northbrook Park on the Kalm Kitchen blog. And now it’s also been featured over on Rock my Wedding. Of course we love to talk about the foodie details like the canapés we created, and what the guests ate for dinner. But, if you want to swoon over the bride’s beautiful dress, and check out the French Brocante flavours Laura added to her big day, you can read more about it here.

Credits… Photography: Charlotte Bryer-Ash Photography {www.charlottebryer-ash.com}. Flowers: Hannah Berry Flowers {www.hannahberryflowers.co.uk/}. Wedding cake: Karen Fraser Clay at Kasserina cakes {www.kasserina.com/}. Catering: Kalm Kitchen {www.kalmkitchen.co.uk}.

Who: Olivia Burton Boutique | When: September 2018 | Where: Covent Garden

We loved teaming up with Olivia Burton for the launch of its new boutique in Covent Garden. This super-cute accessories brand – known for stylish watches and covetable jewellery – threw a ‘Dream Garden’ themed party to celebrate the opening of its London-based flagship store. Packed with press and social media influencers, guests were greeted with a swinging bench, festooned with pastel-coloured blooms imagined by the talented Rebecca Avery. In fact, there was no shortage of Instagram-worthy spots just waiting to be snapped.

Inside was a flower-filled dream, so we echoed this theme with a selection of botanical canapés and stunning desserts. Pete at Kalm Kitchen worked hard alongside Rachel Martin, Head of Global PR at Olivia Burton to design the concepts. Inside the Dream Garden a range of cocktails was served up, including Bergamot & Lemongrass Gin Collins, plus Blueberry & Elderflower Rocks. We paired these delightful drinks with platters of divine-looking canapés, specially created for the day including:

Wildflower and baby slaw rice baby rolls
Avocado puree on polenta toast with fresh pomegranate and chervil
Cherver Goats cheese on poppy seed fisselle with borage flowers, nasturtium and baby radish
Parmesan pastry with basil and sun blush tomato mascarpone and rosemary crisp
Pink roasted loin of lamb on a poppy seed ficelle with rosemary cream and redcurrant
Beetroot cured salmon on horseradish blinis with sweet dill and mustard sauce

Downstairs in the newly launched boutique, Olivia Burton’s beautiful wares were on show for everyone to see. And our Patisserie Bar – laden with sparkling elderflower jelly with basil & wild flowers; lemon trifle served with a cake pop and raspberry mousse with wild flowers glass – was getting its own share of attention too. We presented these botanical delights on a perspex bar accessorised with lush, blush pinks and pastels.

The team at Olivia Burton told us they were thrilled with the event, feeding bak with the following praise… ‘I just wanted to thank you for last night- everything went perfectly and everyone was so impressed. I thought that the canapés, drinks and service were all brilliant. Thanks so much Pete for a smooth set up too!’

Do you have a launch or private event in mind? Talk to us about how we can elevate your event with imaginative food and drinks. Do get in touch at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360.

Steeped in history, with an awe-inspiring setting, you couldn’t dream of a much more magnificent location than Blenheim Palace. We had the privilege of catering one of last year’s most talked about society weddings here. And we’re also very proud to be on the super-exclusive list of its preferred suppliers. It’s just the place to give your wedding the wow factor.

Where:

Located on the edge of the picturesque town of Woodstock, and only a 20-minute journey from Oxford.

What:

This monumental Baroque designed masterpiece is the only non-royal or religious country house in England to hold the title of palace. Birthplace and ancestral residence of Winston Churchill, it’s currently home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough. Today it boasts six venue options, suitable for up to 2000 guests. The Palace is surrounded by swathes of spectacular parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. You’ll also find 150 acres of sweeping manicured lawns and formal gardens including the water terraces, rose garden and the Duke’s Italian garden.

We love:

This really is an iconic setting, which is all geared up to capture the day of your dreams. Its architectural features and impressive grounds have all the glamour of a movie set. In fact, you can’t fail to be swept away by its captivating stories and sense of romantic heritage. Check out Camilla and George Blandford’s magical wedding we catered last year on our blog here. We let our imaginations run wild when planning this breathtaking day.

For more information on hosting your event at Blenheim Palace, visit their website at www.blenheimpalace.com/

 

Thinking about holding a barn wedding? Surrey is blessed with many brilliant venues, and Kalm Kitchen is lucky to have links to some of the best. We asked three of our favourites to share their top tips and latest news…

Gate Street Barn

Q// Tell us a bit about your venue

We are a Green Oak Barn that seats up to 150 guests and up to 200 in the evening. The venue is completely exclusive use with luxury onsite accommodation. The countryside setting, flexibility & small family business makes it a very personal service. We have our lovely Pedigree herd of Longhorns in the field adding to the character of the Barn.

Q// What’s the secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding?

Keep it simple and pick suppliers you can trust to do a great job. Don’t be tempted to micro-manage on the day and enjoy it to the full!

Q// What are some of the most effective styling touches you’ve seen that can add maximum impact to a barn wedding?

We love fairy lights at Gate Street Barn – you can never have enough! Dressing the chandeliers in the main Barn always looks wonderful. Rustic props always look great alongside a Kalm Kitchen Patisserie Bar.

Q// What have you got going on at Gate Street Barn at the moment?

We are getting ready for the busy Summer period with freshly painted exterior windows. The gardens are looking beautiful, and we have come into the 21st century finally with our new, high-speed ethernet internet!  We have also recently introduced packages to the venue and lots of offers for remaining 2019 dates.

Find out more at www.gatestreetbarn.com/

Millbridge Court

Q// Tell us a bit about your venue

Millbridge Court is a restored 19th century house in the heart of the Surrey countryside with two purpose built stylish, modern barns available for exclusive hire. With magnificent oak beams, high ceilings and windows, which span the height of the walls, the barns are flooded with natural light and have stunning views across the quintessentially English garden. Celebrations are extended with the use of our eight boutique bedrooms, not forgetting The Hideaway which has been named one of the best UK Bridal suites by You & Your Wedding.

Q// What’s the secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding?

The secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding is to complement the character with your own style. Whether your barn is traditional dark brick or like us a light, airy space, ensure that you inject your personality to make it your own. Think about the heating too. Our ceremony space has both underfloor heating and air-conditioning, which is ideal for all weather. Nothing worse than attending a barn wedding and being chilly. The high ceilings can sometimes make the area hard to control with temperature, so do prepare for this.

Q// What are some of the most effective styling touches you’ve seen that can add maximum impact to a barn wedding?

Barns make for a gorgeous setting for a wedding due to their character. At Millbridge, we have the perfect balance, of style vs character. The barns are neutral with the clean lines, but still encapsulate that hint of traditional charm with the vaulted ceiling and beams. We have the added element of wooden shelves with pegs underneath in both barns. The ways that couples have decorated these are incredible, whether it’s layers of trailing foliage – or, very recently we had a bespoke piece designed for the couple, which was fantastic. The structure was a wooden hanging frame with flowers placed in test tubes dotted throughout in spring colours.

Q// What have you got going on at Millbridge Court at the moment?

We have two Saturdays remaining for 2019: Saturday 14th September and Saturday 21st December. So if you are looking to get married this year get in touch! Also we can finally reveal that we have been busy planning a new addition for Millbridge called The Lodge, which increases our guest bedrooms and comes complete with an upstairs den. The Den is another preparation area for the wedding party to use to get ready and relax before the big moment. This is also a great way to ensure the couple remain separate on the morning leading up to the ceremony, keeping that element of tradition if required.

Find out more at www.millbridgecourt.co.uk/

Micklefield Hall

Q// Tell us a bit about your venue

Micklefield Hall’s private elegant Georgian house, designed by Sir John Slone, stands in a fine parkland setting, only 25 miles from central London. The recently renovated Grade-II listed Great Barn is truly unique. Every wedding at Micklefield Hall is tailor-made to suit your requirements, and the venue and grounds are yours for the whole day. Quirky features include a cloistered walkway, garden room with an open log fire and a French fountain. These are what make The Great Barn at Micklefield a genuinely unique venue, and the perfect setting for your wedding.

Q// What’s the secret to hosting the perfect barn wedding?

Be prepared, and attention to detail. We ensure that all staff and suppliers care as much as the Micklefield Hall team do. That ethos dictates who we employ and who is on our approved supplier list.

Q// What are some of the most effective styling touches you’ve seen that can add maximum impact to a barn wedding?

The best thing about the barn is that you don’t have to do too much decoration, so keep it simple! The beauty is in the oak – some of which dates back to 1490. Nice table linen, china and glassware, simple flowers and candles are all you need to enhance the natural beauty of the barn for it to look stunning.

Q// What have you got going on at Micklefield Hall at the moment?

Our team is growing! We have recently employed a fantastic gardener, Jake, who has transformed the gardens. We also have a new event manager starting with us. Lauren, who has been studying Event Management at University will join the Micklefield Team in the middle of May. The addition of six bedrooms and a new breakfast room last summer has proved very popular with our brides and grooms as well this year.

Find out more at www.micklefieldhall.com/

If you’d like to talk to one of our team about planning your marquee wedding, call us on 01483 813360 or drop us a line at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk.

 

‘Mmmm doughnuts!’ We were excited to introduce a ‘doughnut wall’ to the Kalm Kitchen repertoire last year. And The Guardian has just tipped this delicious dessert craze as a trend to watch in 2019. Now, we’ve teamed up with local baking legend Jack Sturgess – AKA ‘Bake with Jack’ – to elevate this tasty favourite to a whole (or should we say hole) new level! Jack has been working on some new flavour combinations for us, as well as coming up with some novel variations of this sweet confection.

We love working with Jack, and it seems the feeling is mutual. ‘This is a dream project for me, ‘ he admits. ‘I mean, I love doughnuts, and I’m desperate to go to a wedding where there’s a doughnut wall!’ So, can Jack sum up the secret to a perfect doughnut? ‘Because they’re cooked so quickly, it’s really important that the dough is as light as possible. If it’s too dense it won’t cook all the way through, so we need to keep it light with the ideal ratio of butter and eggs.’

As well as experimenting with imaginative flavour combinations based on some of your favourite desserts, we also challenged Jack to come up with a vegan version. ‘All I’ll say is that apple puree instead of egg in a vegan doughnut is a total game changer,’ he confides. We can’t wait for you to taste the results!

Thinking about a doughnut wall at your wedding? Talk to us about this and other innovative ideas for your wedding at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk or call us on 01483 813360.

Who: Sophie & Oliver | When: December 2017 | Where: Gate Street Barn

Gate Street Barn in Surrey was the setting for Sophie and Oliver’s chic winter wedding with a decidedly 1920s feel. From the bride’s spectacular beaded corset to the wild style bouquets wrapped in burgundy and ivory lace ribbons, the day had an array of intricate touches. And it was all planned and executed in just seven months.

With a close eye on budget, the couple still managed to achieve the stylish look they dreamed of, without cutting corners. By festooning the barn with lights and florals, the couple transformed the space into a stylish but cosy setting – perfect for the time of year. They also injected their own modern, geometric twist with design details and graphics. And one of the couple’s favourite touches was a heartfelt display featuring framed photos of all their relatives on their wedding days.

We worked closely with the couple to imagine a menu which would cater to every taste. First of all, guests feasted on a selection of canapés served up on imaginative vintage platters. For starters, it was an Antipasti sharing board or vegan kale salad. The main course made the most of the winter setting with a comforting crowd pleaser of chicken and leek pie with creamy mash and roasted carrots.

Sophie and Oliver chose to go non-traditional with their cake and served up a four-layered carrot cake with a smooth butter icing created by Digbys at Vauxhall station. Their guests loved it, and the couple made sure they got a slice too!

Party time

The party continued well into the evening, dancing to tunes from Chris Haslam at Chess Disco. The couple’s first dance was made even more memorable as they were showered with a dried petal flower cannon. Just one of many magical moments during a spectacular day.

Read more about Sophie and Oliver’s big day at Whimsical Wonderland Weddings. If you’d like to talk to us about unforgettable food for your wedding or event give us a call on 01483 813360 or email info@kalmkitchen.co.uk.

Credits… Photography: Kat & Ash at The Springles {www.thespringles.com}. Florist: Carrie Macey at Topiary Tree {www.topiary-tree.co.uk/}. Venue: Gate Street Barn {www.gatestreetbarn.com/}. Videographer: Ashleigh at Ash Videography {www.ashvideography.com/}. DJ: Chris Haslam at Chess Disco {www.chessdisco.co.uk/}

Who: Lara and Dan | When: December 2018 | Where: Hackney Town Hall

Most brides are buzzing with excitement when discussing their wedding plans. But from the first moment we spoke to Lara, we were all swept away with her enthusiasm. Lara had lots of ideas and we were delighted she chose to work with us to bring them to life and create the catering for this most amazing occasion.

The couple got married at super cool London location Hackney Town Hall – a space filled with stunning architectural details. We made the most of the dizzying height of the Atria and created a spectacular Bubble Bar. Dressed with dreamy florals by Liz at Blue Sky flowers, we elevated the station and decked it with luxurious golds and an abundance of gorgeous fruits. Guests were able to dive in and create their own bespoke fizz and ‘pimp’ their Prosecco.

Golden touch

In fact, the gold theme ran right the way through these proceedings, along with an art deco mood which was inspired by the venue. The wedding was styled with touches of gold from the cutlery to the beaded charger plates and rimmed glassware. We completed the look with clear water goblets, chalk urbane linen and white hemstitch napkins.

After canapés and more refreshments from the Bubble Bar, Lara and Dan offered their guests a choice of two main courses. And they both agreed that the dessert had to be a wow factor. Guests chose from roasted Rump of Hampshire Lamb or Pan fried wild sea bass for their main course, and then came a highlight of the day.

For dessert, Lara and Dan created a real talking point with one of our trademarks – a slice at the table sharing pavlova. They added their own fun element by placing a golden ticket under one person’s chair from each table. The lucky recipient was given a branded apron, a chef’s hat and the task of slicing for the table while ‘Pure Imagination’ by Gene Wilder from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory played. The couple described this moment as absolutely hilarious and one of their favourite moments of the wedding.

Although the couple didn’t have a cake, they opted for a pick ‘n’ mix station in honour of Lara’s sweet tooth. This full size stand had 16 different kinds of sweets and a scoop to help yourself. Later in the evening guests danced to music provided by a DJ and electric violinist Sally Potterton. Meanwhile, we circulated pots of gooey mac and cheese with a personalised sticker – which matched their invitations and stationery – to refuel the exhausted crowd.

‘I can’t recommend them enough’

Afterwards, Lara shared these kind words about her experience with Kalm Kitchen…

‘We used Kalm Kitchen as our caterers. They were AMAZING! They make the most incredible food and presented in the most incredible way. I can’t recommend them enough. They layed the tables and ordered all our crockery etc. We went for gold cutlery, gold beaded charger plates, gold vintage style glasses, the tables all looked as I dreamed them!’

You can read more about Lara and Dan’s beautiful day on www.smashingtheglass.com. If you’d like to talk to us about creating dreamy food memories for your wedding or event give us a call on 01483 813360 or email info@kalmkitchen.co.uk.

Credits… Photography: Rebecca Goddard {rebeccagoddardphotography.com}. Videographer: Wagtail Productions {wagtailproductions.co.uk}. Bar Company: UK Mobile Bars {ukmobilebars.com}. Florist: Liz at Blue Sky Flowers {www.blueskyflowers.co.uk}. Wedding Planner: Katy Cresner {katycresner.com} DJ: Wedding Smashers {weddingsmashers.com}. Venue: Hackney Town Hall {hackneyvenues.com}

There are so many amazing wedding venues around Surrey, but for some couples there is nothing quite like celebrating at the family home. A marquee wedding offers the chance to set up your own space, embrace the outdoors and get every detail exactly the way you want it. Here are our top tips for making yours a big success…

Talk to the experts

One of the major factors in choosing a marquee wedding is that it puts you in complete control of your event. Not only is there huge scope to choose the size and design of your space, you can put it (almost) exactly where you choose. However, that does come with its own set of complications, so don’t under-estimate the work involved in bringing a marquee wedding to life. It’s really important to work with a company who will be able to talk you through all the details. A company such as Surrey-based Inside Outside Marquees will help you get to grips with the unglamorous details you may not have considered. Take for instance loos, electrics, water supplies, heating – all things that can easily get disregarded while you’re busy imagining the fun parts!

Say it with flowers

Think about the style of wedding you’re creating as that will dictate the type of structure you choose. For example, will it be fixed frame, open-sided, or even a giant tipi. Once you’ve decided that, and where you’ll locate it, the options are endless when it comes to designing the interior of your marquee. Linings, drapes, dressing and decorations, not to mention lighting, will all have an impact on the final mood you’ll create. Flowers add the finishing touch and can raise the bar from special to absolutely spectacular. Hanging foliage is a big trend right now. Alice at MeadowFolk Flowers told us, ‘By hanging foliage and flowers from the ceiling, you’re bringing the outside in, and creating a woodland canopy above the guests. Try stringing swags of foliage garlands around the sides of a marquee, hanging beams for foliage to cascade over, or use metal hoops to create a chandelier effect. It really does transform a reception room into a much more enchanting and romantic space.’

Fabulous food

Having your wedding in a marquee shouldn’t limit your options for catering at all. At Kalm Kitchen we can help you plan every part of the process involved in delivering exceptional food to your guests. We love using nature to its advantage when serving up food outdoors or under canvas. For summer weddings we can set up a whole host of beautiful grazing stations; from botanical-inspired edible gardens to patisserie bars, kebab stalls and tables stacked with summer treats. If you’re after something more formal, that’s also no problem. Fine dining can be achieved as long as you’re working with a professional catering company who know and understand all the logistics of bringing your most imaginative plans to life.

Great British weather

One of the biggest points for discussion when planning a marquee wedding is… the weather! Of course there’s nothing you can do about it if the heavens open, but it’s good to have contingency plans in place. Make sure you’ve set aside enough space that everyone can be under cover if needed, and that you’ve set up adequate access if the ground gets damp. Heating is a good idea to keep guests warm as the sun dips – even in the height of summer. And if you’re blessed with high temperatures make sure you have a way keeping your guests cool too.

If you’d like to talk to one of our team about planning your marquee wedding, call us on 01483 813360 or drop us a line at info@kalmkitchen.co.uk. Find out more about Inside Outside marquees, and download their handy marquee guide here.

Credits… Photography: (main image)… Anneli Marinovich {annelimarinovich.com/}. (Clockwise from top left)… 1 & 2. Anneli Marinovich {annelimarinovich.com/}. 3. Wild Weddings {www.wildweddings.co.uk/}. 4 & 5. Mary Anne Photography {maryanneweddings.com/}.

Are you dreaming of a wedding that sums up the spirit of the English countryside? Alice at MeadowFolk has made it her trademark to take all the charm and beauty that the UK has to offer, and capturing it in her stunning floral displays. Far more than just a traditional florist though, she has a passion for growing a wide range of her own flowers from seed. So, you end up with exactly the bouquet you’d imagined. We caught up with Alice to find out a little more about the inspiration behind her creations…

Q// How would you describe MeadowFolk’s signature style?

My floristry style is wild, natural, seasonal and British grown where possible, with me growing lots of the flowers myself. This  enables me to always include something a little unusual and unexpected, like Sweet Pea trails, unripe raspberries or alpine strawberries.

Q// What is trending right now in wedding floral design, and is there anything in particular that’s emerging as a new trend?

Hanging foliage, one hundred per cent. By hanging foliage and flowers from the ceiling, you’re bringing the outside in, and creating a woodland canopy above the guests. Be that by stringing swags of foliage garlands around thesides of a marquee, hanging planks, beams or ladders for foliage to cascade over, or by using metal hoops to create a chandelier effect. It really does transform a reception room into a much more enchanting and romantic space. An emerging trend I’ve noticed would be grooms and their squads veering away from traditional buttonholes and going for larger, more unusual floral décor. I created mini foliage hoops that the groomsmen wore on their lapels for a wedding last summer. The hoops symbolised eternal love, and they looked pretty cool too!

Q// What advice would you give to brides who are currently making the flower choices for their big day?

Picking an overall vibe that you want your wedding to achieve really helps narrow down flower choices for your big day. Bohemian Woodland – English Country Garden – Wildflower Meadow. They all conjure up completely different flowers in my mind that would best suited to their vibe. So, lead with that and ask your florist to suggest a few for you.

Q// And finally, what would be your ultimate bouquet to create? And what are your all-time favourite flowers?

I love creating big, blowsy bouquets, full of movement and containing unusual elements like rosehips, and seasonal beautiful blooms. I’d really love to create more foliage bouquets; there are so many textures, colours and scents that foliage can bring to the party. My all-time favourite flower? Too many to choose from! But a bouquet of apple blossom would be just dreamy. Cosmos, Scabious and Ranunculus are up at the top too. And scented garden roses of course – with Margaret Merril leading the way for her scent and glorious stamens!

To find out more about Alice, visit her website meadowfolk.co.uk/