ISIS FLOWERS & EVENTS: July 2009

Race for Life -Hyde Park

Firstly a big thank you to all of you who sponsored me - between us we managed to raise over £1000.00 which is just fantastic!

Sarah (my sister) Amy (my niece) and I arrived in Hyde Park at around 10.30 am on Sunday with approximately 17,000 other walkers/runners. It was a great atmosphere and even a sudden down pour at 10.45 am didn't dampen spirits.

Gloria Hunniford gave a small speech and then we had a minutes silence to remember those who had passed away and those who are still fighting cancer.

Once the race started it was an amazing sight, ladies were singing, cheering and laughing.

It was very moving seeing ladies in front of us with their signs on their backs showing those they had lost and it made you so glad that you were doing something to help.

We completed our 5k walk in just under an hour and considering Sarah & I are far from athletes - we were really pleased.

We have already promised to do the 10k.

Feel inspired? Take a look at website www.raceforlife.org. Hopefully see you there next time!

XinMei & Bruce

After being the bestman at Julia & Ian's Wedding the year before, Bruce decided that his wife XinMei deserved the Wedding Reception that she never had when they got married 5 year's before and I was lucky enough to be asked to plan the whole event. We had so much fun!

The party was to be held at the couples home and we were going to build a marquee over the tennis court. Sounds easy but it took a whole week to do so!

First we had to put up the main marquee & as you can see I was a great help?!

The marquee started from the back of the house, down to the swimming pool and then down to the tennis court - the couple were worried about rain but it turned out to be the hottest day of the year & it was actually lovely to have so much shade!

Once the marquee was up it was time to dress the venue & XinMei had a clear theme in mind - all white with some touches of Chinese red in places

We started at the front gates which we decorated with red Gerber and ivy, we also placed Gerber heads in all the shrubs & bushes in the front garden - giving a warm welcome to all the guests.

Around the pool area we scattered silk Chinese cushions & flower decorations made from oriental orchids and bamboo set in a row of red roses, finished off with beautiful lanterns the pool area looked stunning.

We also created these fantastic floral decorations for the pool using children's floats - they were worked a treat & looked brilliant. The pool bar and walk way was decorated with Chinese Lanterns for the oriental touch.

Inside the marquee everything was white & it look amazing & very classic including the Baby Grand Piano.

We also created a country garden inside the marquee just under the marquee windows to bring the outside in....................

We had Guests flying from all over the world & had to keep a constant check on airport collections & hotel drop offs and of course there was those last minute changes to the place names to contend with as well.

Guests starting arriving almost an hour early but we were ready and so were the caterers, Chapter One. As the Guests enjoyed Chinese canapes and champagne Lion Dancers made a surprise appearance dancing around the reception area & gardens it was a spectacular sight.

Guests were soon called in to dinner and were treated to a 5 course meal and some amazing wines from Bruce's own collection. Hugh Nightingale entertained each table with his marvellous magic whilst we seated 165 Guests.

Once dinner was over the couples daughter performed a 30 minutes show singing and playing the piano - some of her Father's favourite songs. It was then over to Carl Joseph to entertain on the piano and then dancing the night away to the DJ or chilling by the pool reception area.

The reception area had been redecorated to give a beautiful atmospheric glow just perfect for a summer evening................