From big reveals to keeping secrets, we sat down for a chat with Tayanah, who’s been with us for four years. Get to know our lovely Event Manager below.
How long have you been planning weddings, and what continues to inspire your passion for it?
I have worked at The West Mill for 4 years now with a few years experience at other venues prior. I believe the reason I remain so passionate about each and every wedding that I do it because of the genuine happiness and emotion from the weddings that I do. There’s nothing better than seeing the wedding couple on their big day and the happiness that it brings to your day. They are always super appreciative of all of your efforts too, which makes it such a fulfilling job and I leave at the end of the day knowing I was a part of giving two people one of the best days of their lives.
What’s your favourite part of the wedding day itself?
The part that I always look forward to on a wedding day is seeing the wedding couple lock eyes for the first time on the aisle. The anticipation of seeing each other builds up all morning. I spend time with both of them back and forth usually throughout the morning and you can feel their nerves and excitement for the moment – the big reveal. They always ask how the other is doing and it is great to see the moment that they finally come together, ready to then say their wedding vows, knowing they are finally about to spend the rest of their lives together.
“We just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything you did for our wedding.
Michael & mark
We can’t put into words how much we enjoyed our day, and much of that is due to your guidance and support in the lead up.
Thank you for being so patient with us and helping to bring our vision to life.
Everything ran so smoothly and looking back, there’s nothing we would change – the day was so special and filled with love!
We had so many lovely comments from guests about the venue itself, the staff and all of the brilliant food.”
What’s your no.1 piece of advice for couples in the early stages of planning?
Don’t base your wedding date or day around your guests if you find that it isn’t working for your budget. Get married midweek if it suits you, we provide the same service as a venue regardless of what day you get married so if it means that you are having to sacrifice other things financially, go with the date you want. Your guests will book the day off or make childcare arrangements to ensure they can make your big day.
What’s a small detail that couples often overlook – but makes a big difference?
This isn’t an aesthetic thing but it is something that many of my couples forget. Pens to sign the guestbook. I have had several weddings where I have had to raid the office for the nicest pen that I can find because the couple have not provided any pens for guests to sign their guestbook. Some lovely coloured sharpies, or metallic posca pens are great or just a lovely fitting sparkly biro!
How do you help nervous couples feel confident and calm?
I make sure that they know that I am in control on their wedding day and they don’t need to worry about where they need to be or at what time.
What’s the most creative or touching thing you’ve seen at a wedding here?
I had to keep a surprise from the guests once about the first song rather than the first dance! The couple were from a musical theatre background so when it was time to open the floor, they got their microphones out and sang a duet of ‘Until I Found You’ by Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold.
“You were so helpful and patient in the planning and lead up to the day which was so necessary as we were clueless.
becky & ollie
And on the day, we couldn’t have asked for more. You were so supportive and such a calming presence for us both – there were definitely moments where we looked out for your smiley face just for reassurance and you were always there!
Our day at the West Mill was the best day of our lives and it was made easier and smoother because of you!”
What’s your favourite colour scheme?
As boring as it sounds, I love a black and white wedding. I feel like they are timeless and elegant. White flowers, black and white signage with a lovely scripted font design. Black bridesmaid dresses and men in black suits. Maybe in the summer months, you could add a touch of champagne to soften it a little bit.
What’s your favourite flower combination?
Wild flowers which are less uniform I find look lovely in spring.
Enjoyed getting to know Tanayah? Head over to The Planning Edit to meet the rest of our Events Team.
Love, Team West Mill x