Wonderland Wedding Venue Team
Our wedding venue experts, with a combined 200+ years in the events industry, will ensure there is a seamless service at your wedding. The luxurious tipis and breathtaking natural backdrops, provide an enchanting atmosphere that will captivate you and your guests. Here we are introducing you to our Operations Managers and Venue Coordinators across our venues, just some of friendly faces who will work creatively to turn dreams into a reality, and exceed your wedding day expectations.
Dani – Operations Manager
With a degree in Event Management and over 10 years of hands-on experience as a wedding venue co-ordinator, I’ve had the privilege of hosting magical moments for over 500 couples! Recently promoted to Operations Manager, I get to focus all that know-how into the behind-the-scenes action of how a Wonderland venue creates unforgettable memories on your big day, and I’m proud to say I work alongside an incredible team to make that happen. I simply LOVE my job!
Top tip for couples on their wedding day: Don’t be afraid to scrap wedding traditions or formalities if they don’t align with your dream day. Too nervous for a first dance? No problem! Want a BBQ on the lawn instead of a 3 course meal? Absolutely! Be sure to tell your venue co-ordinator all your ideas so they can help make them a reality…
Favourite food or drink at a wedding: Hands down; a Loaded Arancini Bar for the evening food! It came with different sauces to smother them with and lots of other toppings. *Oh baby…*
Gina – Venue Coordinator at Scrivelsby Walled Garden
I began my journey in events with a degree in Events Management from Leeds Beckett University. While studying, I worked as a bar supervisor at Club Mission (RIP) for two years, until it closed down due to lockdown, and completed hundreds of hours of volunteer work. After the club’s closure, I needed stable employment, so I took a part-time role at Screwfix and eventually advanced to Assistant Manager at Travis Perkins. However, nearly three years after graduating, I was eager to return to the events industry. A friend sent me a job listing for SWG, and I dedicated an entire day to perfecting my CV. Unfortunately, by the time I tried to apply, the position had already closed. Determined not to miss out, I found Linzi on LinkedIn, reached out to her directly, and asked if I could send my CV – and the rest is history!
Top tip for couples on their wedding day: Do what you want to do, not what everyone else wants – the day is all about you.
Favourite food or drink at a wedding: 24 Carrots Mushroom Arancini Balls!
Jenny – Venue Coordinator at Whatton House
My journey with Wonderland began at the Durham site, where I worked for Canvas Catering during my time at uni. Little did I know that this part-time job would change the course of my career! I had the incredible fortune of meeting one of the directors, who saw potential in me and offered me the exciting opportunity to become the venue coordinator of Bradbury Glade. I embraced my new role and spent six months managing the Durham site. After moving back home to Leicester, I switched to managing our Leicestershire site- Tipis at Whatton House! For the past two years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of looking after it’s amazing couples, a position that has truly ignited my passion for hospitality and event management. Every day brings new challenges and rewards, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found a career I genuinely love.
Top tip for couples on their wedding day: Don’t be afraid to do things outside the traditional wedding ‘norms’, make the day exactly how you want it to be!
Favourite food or drink at a wedding: My bar manager, Alex, makes a mean margarita, and you cannot keep me away from The Good Grub’s honey mustard sausage canapes!
Sammi – Venue Coordinator at Bradbury Glade
Over the past few years, I have gained diverse experience in hospitality and events. I have been involved in organising VIP weddings, intimate celebrations, extravagant Christmas fairs, and large festivals (and even had the chance to meet big names in the music industry!) Although I’ve loved being a part of a team that helps bring these events together, working with the Wonderland Team at Bradbury Glade has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to connect with clients on a more personal level and create completely unique experiences for them. I can put my observant nature and attention to detail to good use to ensure that events run smoothly, which can make all the difference in bringing a couple’s vision to life.
Top tip for couples on their wedding day: There are so many tips I could give couples, but I have to go with the most cliche – savour every moment! Your wedding day goes by so fast, so don’t rush it. Enjoy the anticipation before your ceremony, hug all your super important guests for just a few extra seconds, and sneak away with your new husband/wife just to take it all in – these little memories often end up being the most cherished!
Favourite food or drink at a wedding: Any crazy ideas instead of a wedding cake e.g. a Cookie Tower, a ‘Cheese’ Cake, or even a Pork Pie Tower! (Also Julie’s Grazing Tables… )
Ella – Venue Coordinator at The Hidden Hive
One of my favourite roles was running backstage hospitality for the main stage at Bearded Theory Festival, where I got to make sure artists and crew felt right at home in the midst of the excitement. Additionally, I used to work for a large UK clothing brand as charity ambassador, collaborating with Surfers Against Sewage to organise charity events that combined fun with a meaningful cause. Each of these experiences has shaped my approach to weddings, allowing me to bring creativity and warmth to every couple’s journey. Maybe my proudest moment so far, I poured my heart into planning my own completely DIY tipi wedding in 2022, curating every detail to make it uniquely special to us. I now can’t wait to help you create your dream celebration filled with love and lasting memories!
Top tip for couples on their wedding day: Relax! All of your hard work and planning has led you up to this moment – so enjoy it!!! Know that we have everything covered so that you can truly be in the moment. And girlies – wear block heels!
Favourite food or drink at a wedding: I love Greek food so anything souvlaki inspired – with lots of tzatziki! Oh, and I am partial to a Pina Colada or two.
Adj – Venue Coordinator at Chafford Park
My career has been marked by managing high-profile weddings and corporate events for prestigious clients like Nike, Google to smaller intimate garden parties. I understand the meticulous planning and attention to detail required to deliver excellence to clients who demand nothing less.
In my previous roles, I have nurtured relationships with clients and prestigious venues and bring
strong communication skills and a knack for creative problem-solving to the table. I believe in making the planning process as joyful and seamless as the event itself, always with a dash of humour and a can-do attitude. In short, I’m a passionate, experienced, and fun-loving event professional eager to bring my energy and expertise to every event. I can’t wait to create enchanting weddings and unforgettable memories and if I were to get married again, I would without a doubt choose Chafford Park.
Top tip for couples on their wedding day: Delegate and let go! You’ve spent so much time planning every detail, but on the day itself, delegate tasks to your wedding coordinator, friends, or family members, and let go of the details. Allow yourself to be fully present and enjoy each moment. If small things don’t go exactly as planned, remember that what truly matters is celebrating your love and commitment. Embrace the day, and let others handle the logistics so you can focus on soaking in the joy and love all around you.
Favourite food or drink at a wedding: I am a sucker for all things canapes. Any canape, any caterer, any day and I’ll be there – all day every day.
Contact us to talk through the options for your own wedding day with one of our team here.
