As many couples know, wedding planning is no simple task, but the right wedding planner can make all the difference.
With eight years in the events industry Gabrielle Martin, the wedding coordinator at the stunning One Great George Street in Greater London, knows that every couple’s wedding day is unique and deserves the utmost attention to detail. At One Great George Street, Gabrielle and her team help their couple create the day of their dreams. They know that no two days are alike and that each has something unique, offering a new and exciting challenge.
We caught up with Gabrielle to learn more about her passion for weddings, her favourite memories and what makes weddings at One Great George Street so special.
The Beginning
“I have currently been working in the Events Industry now for about eight years, specialising in weddings. I was lucky enough to get my first Wedding Manager position straight after university, working for a well-known wedding company managing one of their venues.”
“I was working in retail management when I got invited to a fashion show for one of the brands that we sold, and I just loved how the whole event came together. I have always been very organised, and like a lot of young girls, dreamt about how I would organise and plan my own wedding. I began wondering if there could be a job out there that would pay me to organise events that I was passionate about. So, after finishing my Event Management Degree I applied for a Wedding Manager position and to my surprise, I got the job and the rest is history!”
The Highlights
“Getting to know the couple and hearing all about their individual and unique ideas. After all the years I have helped plan weddings, I have found that no wedding is the same.”
At One Great George Street
“One Great George Street is a wonderful venue, for so many reasons. Firstly, the beautiful architecture is breath-taking, the food is exquisite but most importantly, if I do say so myself the team are its greatest assets. They really care about what they do and work hard to exceed expectations and provide memorable experiences.”
A Word of Advice
“For them not to forget about their own wants and needs during the planning process. It is very easy to get carried away with wanting to please their guests and family members, and although they would like them all to have an amazing time, it is very important that they create a day that they both want and will enjoy themselves.”
Favourite Memories
“I have planned some fabulous weddings in the past, some with fun, unexpected additions added to the day; from setting up mini golf putting mats during a drink’s reception, to a drag queen performance by the Bridal Party. These were great weddings, but I am most passionate about food and service, so one of my most memorable weddings I have helped plan would be when one of my couples wanted to share their individual heritage through the food. We started the day with some Indian bowl food after the Hindu Ceremony, which included dishes such as Paani Puri, Poori Chole served with Roti, Aubergine Curry served with Pilau Rice and Pau Bhaji served with half a bun. I was so excited as this was the first time we were serving a bowl food lunch at a wedding, and it went down a storm! This was followed by a canapé drinks reception, where a fusion of Asian and Western canapes was served with sparkling wine. The dinner was again a mix of Asian and Western dishes, with a crab and cured salmon starter, Paneer and spinach masala for the main and Banoffee Cheesecake to finish. All of which were well received by the guests. Then the food finale was presented, which was a five-tier Swedish Princess Cake, and with its unique green colouring and dome shape, it was a sight to behold.”
Popular Trends
“Not sticking to the traditional order of a wedding day, such as having the speeches and cutting the cake during the drinks reception and having the First Dance before the start of dinner. It is nice to see these things mixed up a bit…keep the guests on their toes!”
Favourite & Least Favourite Trends
“I love a food station, after having a formal sit-down dinner during the day, I think a fun interactive food station in the evening brings a different dimension to a wedding day. We have recently introduced 5 food stations to our menu, all themed around the food served; ‘Wedding Breakfast’ breakfast – fun play on words, that include the old favourites such as sausage and bacon baps with some yummy extras; A Pasta Station, allowing guests to get creative and pick and choose their own pasta, sauce and toppings; A Slider Station, mini burgers served with a selection of sides, always goes down well; A Ploughman’s Station, for those cheese lovers out there and last but not least a Sushi Station served with something hot, sweet and salty!”
“I currently don’t have a least favourite trend.”
The Strange or Unique
“It would have to be a mirrored dance floor, I am not sure whoever invented it, thought it through properly, or maybe they did. Seeing everything reflected back at you while you dance does not exactly scream elegance to me!”
