Weddings At Bodnant Welsh Food
Bodnant Welsh Food is tucked away in the beautiful Conwy Valley in North Wales. The venue is set in a historic 18th-century farm, and has a charming mix of rustic and modern features. With its exposed beams, the cosy Hayloft restaurant is perfect for wedding receptions.
As you would expect from the name, one of the big draws for couples is the amazing food. Bodnant Welsh Food takes pride in its farm-to-table approach, using fresh, local ingredients to create delicious dishes that showcase the best of Welsh cuisine. From tasty canapés to full-course meals, the culinary team crafts menus that wow guests and add a special Welsh twist to the big day.
The events team at Bodnant Welsh Food work closely with couples to customise every detail, from decorations to entertainment, ensuring each wedding is as unique as the couple themselves. As this was my first time photographing a wedding at Bodnant Welsh Food I was really impressed with the venue and the staff. I’m definitely looking forward to my next wedding here!
Nia & Darren planned a beautiful wedding jam-packed with entertainment and lots local suppliers. I had such a great time hanging out with them, their friends and family. This was a really fun wedding! Gorgeous venue, beautiful ceremony, a Delorean(!) singing waiters, a comedy duo, casino tables and photo booth! But let’s find out how they planned it – Nia shares some really good advice below.
Planning a Bodnant Welsh Food Wedding – Nia & Darren
- Can you tell everyone a little about yourself?
We met 23 years ago in what used to be the Ship in Rhos on Sea. I was the cute barmaid, he was the annoying customer! He asked me out on a date…. I said no! He sent me a bouquet of roses. I gave them to my mum!! Fast forward several years… kids….. pets….later and here we are! Fate brought us together. - What about the proposal?
Darren proposed during lockdown. On the prom of all places. It was Easter Sunday! Apparently he was supposed to propose in New York the month before, but I was in a mood so he didn’t bother!😂. But I was actually in a mood because I thought, what a lovely place to be proposed to, he would never propose to me!!
- How long were you engaged?
We were engaged for 2 years, and booked Bodnant Welsh Foods around 12 months later. We were that couple that totally left things to the last minute, and were far too chilled and relaxed. Sarah, the maid of honour was definitely losing her patience with us! - What were you most looking forward to about your wedding
Just to get everyone together and have a really great party!! - If you were to describe your wedding in two or three words, what would they be?
EXACTLY HOW WE WANTED! - Where did you find inspiration when planning your wedding?
Pinterest, personal choice, and amazing friends and family who also have some great ideas. Plus D&D occasions were great with advice and suggestions.
- Did you do anything to make your wedding unique to you or your story as a couple?
As a gift to my husband, I organised the Delorean from the film back to the future to come for the photos so he could have some great memories!! All we wanted was the wedding to be a reflection of us. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, so we wanted the wedding to show that too. - Did you enjoy the planning process?
I absolutely hated the planning process!!! I am not the most organised person in the world. But I must’ve done something right as it all went exactly according to plan! - How did you choose your wedding venue?
We loved the setting of Bodnant, the rustic feel, and the amazing views! We went to see a couple of other venues first, but we knew straight away we wanted Bodnant. - What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding venue?
Just go to different places and get the feel of it. Don’t necessarily go for reviews, as everyone has different opinions. What works for some, won’t work for others. - What was your biggest worry or concern when choosing a photographer?
Neither of us wanted posed photos, and although we had seen lots of examples of different photographers work, you still have the worry that they won’t listen to your wishes. Luckily we never had that problem. - What advice would you give to couples who are looking for a photographer?
Meet with them before hand informally, get a feel of what type of person they are. Will they get on with your guests?? Will they listen to you? Do you feel comfortable with them? Will your children and family members feel comfortable with them? - What was the best thing you spent money on for your wedding?
Our cake of cheese was amazing!!!! We are still eating cheese now!! Plus the photographer of course! Our sneak peek photos exceeded our expectations so I can’t wait to see the others. - Would you like to give a shout out to anyone in particular?
The Harper Brothers were absolutely legendary!! And I could not have coped without my maid of honour and bridesmaids!! But my poor work wives have had to put up with my many stresses and were so supportive! So a massive shout out to Hayley, Anna and Steph for being angels.
- Where did you get ready?
We got ready at Bodnant Welsh Goods as we booked out the whole farmhouse in order to be together the night before. I had my bridesmaids with me, and Darren had all the groomsmen with him. Unfortunately I was poorly on the day, and had a horrendous cough so I wasn’t feeling my best, but I didn’t feel nervous. - How did you feel when you saw each other for the first time?
I think I pretty much ran to Darren!! He was the only person I saw! According to Darren, he wasn’t nervous, and thought I looked amazing when I walked down the aisle. - Was there any part of the day you were particularly nervous about?
I was so nervous about walking down the aisle. I hate being centre of attention so that’s the part I really dreaded! And it really was as nerve wracking as I thought!! Darren was ridiculously nervous about saying his speech! But there was no need, he was amazing! - Did you or Darren plan any surprises for each other? If so, tell us all about it!
I got the Delorean for Darren as a surprise. Bonus wife points for that one! - Did you break any wedding “traditions” or go against the norm?
We didn’t spend the night separately, as we are a blended family, we all wanted to be together. We just got ready in separate areas on the morning of the wedding. - What was your favourite part of your day?
My favourite part of the day was watching everyone singing along with the singing waiters. My standout memory had to be the Harper Brothers. They exceeded all expectations and everyone has raved about them ever since!
- And finally… Any words of wedding planning wisdom?
Don’t stress about the small things! No one cares who they sit by or what they eat!
Congratulations & Thank Yous!
Massive congratulations to Nia & Darren and a huge thank you for choosing me to photograph their wedding. I’d also like to thank all the other wedding suppliers involved in making their day so much fun.
Venue: Bodnant Welsh Food | Make-Up: Catherine Hughes | Hair: Dawn & Co. Hair Bar | Florist: Luna Flowers | Caterers: Bodnant Welsh Food | DJ, Casino & Photo Booth: Event Lounge | Wedding Dress: Bay Belle Brides | Suits: Cavani of Chester | Singer: Eve Marie Soprano | Delorean Hire: BTTF Car | Singing Waiters: Black Box Events | Cake of Cheese: The Grate Cheese Deli | Comedy Duo: Harper Brothers | Venue Dressers: D&D Occasions North Wales
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