Becky and Sam's Summer Extravaganza Wedding
Take some inspiration from Becky and Sam’s stunning August Wedding. This was such a thoughtfully designed day, full of personal touches and attention to detail. The result was a joyful, relaxed day , with memories to last a lifetime.
Read on for some top tips from Becky, possibly the most organised bride I have ever encountered, and lots of lush images to pour over. We do love a wedding photo, especially when they look like this….
The Walled Garden Ceremony space, where vows are exchanged and the next chapter begins!
What initially drew you to Riverhill?
We were drawn to Riverhill for a number of reasons. The Gardens are beautiful with amazing views of The Weald. We loved the fact that everyone could stay at one venue for both the Ceremony and the Reception, meaning no time was lost during such a precious day.
Being local to the area we live in, also meant that we could return regularly to the location of our special day.
Did you always know you wanted a dry hire wedding?
Absolutely! We never really looked into other options as they didn’t meet our requirements for such a special day.
What was it about dry hire that made it the right choice for you guys?
The flexibility and friendliness of the team at Riverhill. It also meant that we could personalise the day and make it our own.
Top tip to other couples planning a Riverhill wedding...
Make the most of your season ticket! Plan, Plan, Plan! Enjoy the gardens and a coffee in Malabar with the key players of the wedding party. Familiarise them with the venue so it’s not new on the day. They’ll also want to return again and again!
What did dry hire mean that you could do / create ?
We could create our perfect day that was customised to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Favourite supplier used, that you would love to recommend to other couples
Wow! This this hard all of the team were amazing…
We have chosen our 2 favourites…
My Tipi Event – Nothing was ever a problem and his team. From the initial conversation through to take down, My Tipi Event couldn’t have been more helpful.
Steven Dunton Photography – Steven was so much fun to work with on the day, making us feel comfortable and capturing cherished moments.
How did you keep the day running to schedule ?
Plan, Plan, Plan. We had spreadsheets for just about everything that were colour coded for each activity / supplier.
We enjoyed a visit to Riverhill with the Groomsmen prior to the big day as well as key suppliers. We also sent out an information pack to all suppliers the week before.
How did you use the set up time and Did you find it long enough?
Owing to an early booking with My Tipi Event, we were fortunate to arrange for them to arrive at 0800 on the Thursday morning, prior to the Saturday wedding.
Since we planned ahead, we left the tipi team to their job, whilst we enjoyed the gardens in the glorious sunshine.
The setup time was more than enough for us, so much so…it gave the girls time to have their nails painted ready for the big day!
Most fun part of organising?
All of it! Every bit of it was fun, however being able to personalise the whole day is what made it so fun.
Also researching different suppliers and seeing what was on offer was an eye opener. Who knew the wedding industry was so big??
Most stressful part of the organising?
The back and forth with suppliers via email was somewhat tedious not knowing how things will unfold on the day...it was all a waiting game.
The Old Tennis Lawn - The perfect setting for an epic Tipi by MyTipiEvent
Did you get any feedback from your guests on Riverhill?
Absolutely! Amazing, Beautiful, Stunning were just 3 of the words that people used to describe the venue.
Everyone seemed to love Riverhill. We know many have returned since to enjoy the gardens in less formal attire.
Where did you get your wedding inspiration from?
Pintrest / Friends and family / Supplier photographs.
Any tips for handling nerves?
Plan, Plan, Plan! Be organised so you’re not nervous about the day!
What was your first dance song?
A bit of a mix-up. It started with a choreographed dance to Jack Johnson’s Better Together, the music switched into Chic’s Good Times. It was amazing to have the Bridal party get involved with a choreographed dance…much to the surprise of our guests.
What ended up being your favourite part of your day?
All of it! We couldn’t choose just one part. It was amazing!
Top tip for a stress free take down for the next day?
Plan, Plan, Plan – again!
Have your boxes ready the day before the wedding.
As the wedding finishes, ask everyone to pick up a few items and place them in the Garden Room.
Liaise with all suppliers as to when they are collecting their items, when they drop off the items.
Return to Riverhill, the scene of an amazing day and enjoy a coffee at Malabar…knowing your team of suppliers have it all in hand!
All the Details…
Guests were served afternoon tea canapes, with champagne, in the Walled Garden, a nod to Becky and sam’s love of afternoon tea. Dinner was wood fired pizza and salad, with chips and dips for evening munchies.
All catering by Easy Dine
All images courtesy of the incredible Steven Dunton
Tipi by MyTipiEvent
Ice Cream van - Maidstone Icecream
Florist - Deliah and Herb
Band - The Nashville Heat
Cake - family friend
Katie Raymond designed and painted all the wedding stationery.
Huge thanks to Becky and Sam for answering my questions and allowing me to share their beautiful day x
If you would like a dry hire wedding with us, I have one date remaining for 2026 - The 15th of August (We do eight weddings only per season here), if that sounds like a good date to you then please get in touch.
2027 and beyond is open and waiting for you !