The person everyone needs when planning their dream wedding day.
Lauren’s our dedicated Wedding Coordinator and having worked in hospitality for several years, she certainly knows a thing or two about weddings. As well as studying Hospitality Management at university, Lauren’s also helped many friends and family with all aspects of their wedding planning and we think her calligraphy and crafty skills can’t be beaten.
What is the best thing about working as a wedding coordinator?
It’s definitely got to be getting to know your couples as more than just a bride and groom and of course seeing their wedding day vision come to life.
What’s been your favourite wedding day at Peebles Hydro so far?
Christie and Andrew, they married on 7th March 2020 and were our last wedding before lockdown. They were really organised and just a lovely couple – they seemed so in-love and it was just really nice to see them finally tie the knot and congratulate them as Mr and Mrs Reid.
What’s the most romantic request you’ve had from a customer?
Definitely Andy’s proposal to Sas in November. Andy had planned a lovely relaxing time for Sas – a spa treatment in our Peebles Hydro Spa whilst we secretly organised the best place for the piper to play some of her favourite songs and for him to get down on one knee to pop the question. Little did she know, I was hiding in the bushes taking photos (as you do!) and a video of their special moment. They had such a beautiful day in the last of our November sunshine, before heading to the 1881 Distillery for their Gin Distilling Experience. I’d definitely recommend couples give this a go.
What is your favourite part of a wedding?
Definitely congratulating the bride and groom with a glass of fizz when they’re finally married and their excitement and “I can’t believe we’re married” faces as they come out of their ceremony room. I also love post wedding when they share some of the images from their big day.
What made you become a wedding coordinator?
A part of me was always interested in weddings and events when I was just a young waitress, we all loved working a wedding. It was only really during my university placement that I was thrown into the deep end and was running the day as a Master of Ceremonies (doing public speaking and announcements – this was so not me) that made me want to see the couple through from day one and not just meeting them during their final detail’s appointment. I think there’s something so special about taking the journey with your couple. From the excitement of setting the date, to being that friendly and familiar face on the day of their wedding too.
What’s the most unusual request you’ve had?
Not so much a request, but I did have a Turkish/Scottish wedding who wanted to include all the traditional elements of a Turkish wedding to their day. When the bride and groom were announced into the room as Mr and Mrs, they entered through an arch of roses and were paraded round the Ballroom to the sounds of Turkish drummers (and lots of them) before the groom presented his new wife with a wedding gift.
What makes Peebles Hydro the ideal wedding venue?
Where do I start? It’s a beautiful, memorable and historical venue – and that’s just to look at. Once you find out more and more about the history of the hotel, it’s just fascinating. The views over the Tweed Valley are stunning and the team are the most experienced team I’ve worked with – the length of some of the team members service at Peebles Hydro says it all (which is a lot to say in hospitality) It’s a fantastic family friendly hotel and we all work together like one big family – lockdown has definitely proven that.
Can you give your three tops tips for brides and grooms when planning their wedding?
1). Firstly, always have a budget and then add on a couple extra pounds – there’s always lots of little things towards the end you may have forgotten about.
2). Trust in the team at Peebles Hydro – that’s what we’re here for.
3). Check out our fantastic range of suppliers, we can personally vouch for them and they know our venue so well.
4). Take time to enjoy your engagement with your partner. Trust me, the time flies so have fun.
What’s your favourite season for a wedding and why?
I think autumn/winter time as the colours are just beautiful down in the grounds. Think autumnal colours in October and November, or crisp and frosty in January/February time (and sometimes some snow-capped hills) – perfect photo opportunities.
Can you tell us about three hidden gems at Peebles Hydro?
1881 Gin Distillery – you’ve got the opportunity to make your very own personalised gin miniatures which is a huge personal touch to any wedding. Also it’s another excuse to visit your wedding venue, have an overnight stay, relax, and get excited about the big day again.
Our Balcony Rooms – if the weather isn’t being kind to our couples, the Balcony is the ideal spot to have your photos with the beautiful hills in the background (with shelter – most importantly).
The Bridal Suite Corridor – provides lots of natural light, it’s quiet and private – there’s been many a gorgeous silhouette photo here. This is where lots of emotions are captured – for our bride it’s usually the first time that her dad (and sometimes mum) will see her in her dress, the last deep breath she takes before she heads to the ceremony – where everything all becomes very real.
