Resilience and Growth: How 2024 strengthened out commitment to love, creativity and connection at The Old Vicarage.
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the year we’ve had. It’s been a challenging yet rewarding journey, not just for us at The Old Vicarage, but for the entire wedding and hospitality industry.
The impact of the pandemic continues to be felt every day. While many things have returned to some sense of normality, the ripple effects are still with us. From rising costs of heating, gas, water, and food, to the ongoing pressure on staff and resources, it’s been a struggle for so many businesses. It has been incredibly hard to witness so many independent and non-independent hospitality businesses close their doors this year, but we are grateful and overjoyed to say that we’ve survived, and we’ve thrived.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our couples and guests. Your loyalty has helped us weather the storm, and we are eternally grateful for the amazing reviews we’ve received. Your kind words mean the world to us and are a true testament to the hard work and passion we pour into everything we do. If you haven’t had the chance to leave us a review yet, we would be incredibly appreciative if you could take a moment to share your experience on Google - it truly makes a difference and helps others find us.
This year, we made the decision to take some big risks in order to stay true to our values. We limited the number of weddings we host each year to just 60, allowing us to give each couple the time and attention they deserve. We also chose not to advertise on large wedding platforms like Hitched and Bridebook, which we know are often go-to resources for couples. These choices may have made us harder to find for some, but they were made with the intention of ensuring we could continue providing the personal, tailored experience that has always been the heart of our business. While this may have impacted our visibility, it has allowed us to focus on what really matters - our couples and the meaningful relationships we build with them.
In the face of these challenges, we have prioritised reinvesting into The Old Vicarage to enhance the experience for our couples and guests. This year, we undertook a significant renovation of our wedding suite, creating a more luxurious and comfortable space for our newlyweds. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our improvements, starting with the renovation of our downstairs bathrooms in the new year. Our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the beauty and functionality of our venue remains steadfast, ensuring that every visit is as special as it can be.
Additionally, we have begun work on the back of our grounds, where we are developing vegetable patches and cultivating beautiful wildflower meadows and grasses. These additions will not only provide fresh, home-grown produce for our events but also create stunning new photo opportunities for our couples. The wildflower meadow, in particular, is designed to offer a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the natural beauty of our surroundings and providing a serene setting for capturing special moments.
This year, we’ve also had the privilege of celebrating a number of achievements. We were honoured to be invited to join The Lane and The Wed, two prestigious wedding platforms that align so perfectly with our values. Additionally, we were thrilled to have some of our weddings and shoots featured on incredible platforms such as The Wed - opportunities that have allowed us to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the couples we work with.
One of the standout collaborations this year has been with the incredibly talented and renowned Mia Sylvia, whose exceptional work continues to earn recognition and awards within the industry. Working with Mia has been such an inspiring experience. Her attention to detail and artistry has elevated our space so beautifully, and we are so grateful for her creative input and professionalism. Her expertise has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most memorable and stunning events and shoots at The Old Vicarage this year, and we are proud to continue collaborating with her.
Expanding our creative network has been another exciting journey for us this year. We were introduced to the wonderful Faye Wilde, whose insights and vision have opened up new possibilities for us. We were also thrilled to have renowned photographer Lynn Shapiro shoot here, capturing the essence of our venue in a way only she can. These collaborations have helped us continue to push the boundaries of creativity, and we’re excited to see where these connections take us in 2024.
We've had the privilege of hosting shoots for incredible influencers and renowned businesses such as Tweezerman, Pretty Little Thing and many more.
In addition to these new collaborations, we are incredibly fortunate to have a handful of suppliers with whom we’ve worked for years. Their dedication to our Vicarage and the trust we’ve built with them has played a vital role in shaping our success. We deeply appreciate their ongoing support and the exceptional work they continue to bring to every wedding we host. These long-term relationships have been the cornerstone of our business, and we are truly grateful for them.
Another exciting venture we embarked on this year was the launch of our Journal, a collaboration with our friend and talented journalist, Megan Murray. This has been such a fulfilling creative outlet for us. Through open and honest conversations with amazing suppliers and some of our own incredible couples, we’ve been able to share stories, insights, and inspirations that have enriched our journey. It has been incredibly cathartic and has reminded us of the importance of community and collaboration within our industry. Our Pinterest has also become a space for us to express our creativity and connect with couples, as we continue to gather and share wedding inspiration.
In addition to expanding our presence within the wedding industry, we have also started to widen our focus to embrace a broader vision and lifestyle brand. This year, we’ve connected with more communities of inspiring business women, particularly within Nottinghamshire, through events like our wellness retreats in collaboration with Coco Studio Reformer Pilates. These events have allowed us to build relationships outside of the wedding world and create new connections with women who share our values and drive. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside such passionate individuals, and we look forward to continuing this journey in the coming year, further expanding our reach and impact. We are already in talks with some amazing businesses and brands, and we look forward to hopefully hosting them in early 2025.
Speaking of collaboration, we’ve been fortunate enough to work with so many talented suppliers who have now become friends. The connections we’ve built over the years have transformed our business, and this year, we’ve worked more closely than ever with a circle of creatives who continue to inspire and uplift us. Their support and passion push us to strive for even bigger and better things, always with the goal of creating the most memorable experiences for our couples.
On a personal note, we’ve also had the joy of seeing Laura take maternity leave this year. Laura is a gem at The Old Vicarage, and while we’ve certainly missed her, we’re so happy she’s had the chance to enjoy time with her beautiful little girl, Bonny. We can’t wait to welcome Laura back in January, as she re-joins our team after her well-deserved break.
As we head into 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for all we’ve accomplished and for the incredible people who continue to support and inspire us. While the challenges of the past few years are still fresh in our minds, we are more determined than ever to provide the very best for our couples. We look forward to another year of love, creativity, and growth.
Thank you once again to everyone who has been part of our journey in 2024. Your support means the world to us. Here’s to a new year, full of new opportunities and exciting possibilities.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful New Year.
Love Chelsea, Suzie and The Old Vicarage Team.
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