Real Wedding - Russell & Kimberley

Meeting at work at the end of 2005, Russell and Kimberley were instantly drawn to each other. "We just connected and became a couple 6 months later in the summer of 2006" says Kimberley and 14 years on, in the midst of a pandemic they married at The Montagu Arms Hotel on Thursday 17th December. We caught up with the couple to find out more about their story...

The Proposal

"One of the first questions people asked me once we had announced we were getting married was how did Russell propose. The truth is there was no proposal, it was more of a discussion that just escalated!  We have been together for over 14 years and have two little boys together.  We never really planned on getting married, but we were out for dinner in the New Forest and discussed how weddings were happening during Covid-19.  We worked out that 15 guests covered the exact number of our direct family members and thought it was fate, so decided to look into a wedding.  Within 10 days we had booked the Montagu Arms for our wedding that was due to happen 5 weeks later."

"Unfortunately, our first wedding date of the 20^th November wasn’t to be, due to a countrywide lockdown, but Clara the wedding coordinator at The Montagu Arms was amazing at helping us to re-arrange everything for 4 weeks later on the 17^th December."

Why Did Your Choose The Montagu Arms For Your Intimte Wedding Venue?

"The Montagu Arms has always been a special hotel to us. We have stayed and been for dinner at the amazing restaurant on a number of occasions and always loved its homely country feel, beautiful setting, incredible food and quality service.  I think subconsciously we had always known it would be the venue we would marry at if we ever decided to marry."

"We enquired at various other hotels about their intimate wedding packages but it was the Montagu Arms that really stood out to us and we loved what they offered for the day.  Clara was a big factor as well, she was incredibly helpful and really helped us to plan, arrange and manage the whole process. You hear how stressful weddings can be to organise but we felt very relaxed throughout. The only emotions were anticipation and excitement."

The Decor

"As it was a winter wedding we wanted something that would match the season and the setting but in a subtle way.  We decided on a Navy Blue, Sage Green and White colour scheme and quickly organised everything that we needed.  The Bridesmaids had navy dresses and looked beautiful, with sage tweed 3 piece suits for the boys (including our 3 year old, who looked so cute) and a white dress for me that was actually a last minute find."

The Flowers

"We used Jo Hicks Flowers as she came highly recommended by Clara and the hotel.  She was amazing and immediately understood our vision for the room and linked the colour scheme so well, creating the perfect flower and candle arrangements for us.  Her flowers really helped bring the Oakwood Room to life with a large display over the fire place and a beautiful table arrangement consisting of White Roses, Blue Thistle, Blue Virburnham Berries and Sage foliage."

The Photographer

"Our photographer was Az at Lemontree Photography and he was brilliant.  He is one of the recommended photographers that the Montagu Arms regularly use which is great because that means he knows the hotel and where to take the best photographs.

"We loved the fact that he focused on contemporary photos which are more natural rather than just staged.  In both the build-up and the wedding day itself he was fantastic. Making us feel very relaxed, all the guests commented on how great and unobtrusive he was. We couldn’t be happier with the photographs we have had through from him and they capture the day perfectly."

The Food

"Because you’re quite limited in what you can do during a Covid wedding the food was really important to us.  We decided on the seven course tasting menu with wine pairings."  

"Head Chef Matthew, put together an incredible seven course taste sensation including Fillet of Chalk Stream Trout and Roast Fillet of Beef with Caramelised Onion, Braised Cheek and Pepper Jus, which simply melted in the mouth. The sommelier Sergio, also did a wonderful job of explaining what wine we were drinking as well as matching amazing wines to go with our food.  It is so nice to have people who are so passionate about what they do."

"Looking back on it now there simply isn’t a thing we would change about the day. From the decision to get married, choosing the Montagu Arms, working with Clara, Jo and Az in the build up and of course the day itself, with our close family sharing it with us, everything was perfect."

"The Hayloft Suite in the gardens where we stayed was lovely and  we decided to stay a second night just to continue to soak in the experience. Overall we were absolutely delighted with our wedding day and our stay at the hotel afterwards.  All of the staff were amazing and so attentive to our needs and offered the best service we could ask for. We just wish we could do it again!"

Start planning your intimate wedding at The Montagu Arms Hotel. Call 01590 624467 or contact us online