Yes to I do

In this episode of Yes to I Do, the team is joined by professional magician Owen Strickland to explore how magic can add entertainment, energy and some genuinely unforgettable moments to a wedding day. Owen explains why weddings provide the perfect audience for close-up magic, how he uses it to break the ice between guests and why a magician can be particularly valuable during quieter moments such as the drinks reception or the turnaround between the wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.Owen also shares his unusual journey from spending 22 years in the police to becoming a full-time magician, performing at around 70–80 weddings a year as well as corporate events and Aston Villa matches. Along the way, he demonstrates some of his favourite tricks – leaving the hosts stunned, laughing and, at one point, in tears!Key TakeawaysMagic is a Brilliant Icebreaker: During the drinks reception, guests from different sides of the family may be meeting for the first time. Owen explains how bringing groups together for a trick immediately gives them something to talk about and helps break down barriers.It Can Fill the Natural Lulls: Magic works particularly well while photographs are being taken, during room turnarounds and between the wedding breakfast and evening reception, keeping guests entertained when they might otherwise be waiting around.Entertainment Can Change the Atmosphere: Owen has performed at weddings where difficult circumstances have affected the mood, as well as celebrations that were already full of energy. In both situations, magic can provide a welcome distraction or take an already brilliant atmosphere to another level.Make Time to Enjoy Your Own Wedding: Owen reminds couples that the day belongs to them. He creates special tricks specifically for the newlyweds, often leaving them with a physical memento they can keep after the wedding.Book Popular Suppliers Early: With Owen performing at dozens of weddings each year alongside corporate events and football hospitality, peak dates can disappear quickly. His recommendation is simple: if there's a supplier you really want, don't leave it too late to secure them.Key Moments"For that couple, it's the only day in their life where all their friends and family and loved ones will be in one room at one time.""The drinks reception... it's a really good icebreaker.""I always say to couples, you've got to remember to enjoy your day.""I was a policeman for 22 years... and this is way more fun than being a policeman.""I just want people to have the best experience." About Coton House FarmSet in the stunning Staffordshire countryside, Coton House Farm is an exclusive, luxury wedding barn venue designed for couples seeking a magical and unforgettable celebration. With beautifully restored barns, scenic outdoor spaces, and flexible layouts, it offers a seamless experience from morning preparations in The Stables to a breathtaking ceremony and lively reception. Whether you choose an elegant indoor setting or a picturesque outdoor backdrop, Coton House Farm provides the perfect setting for your dream wedding, filled with romance and charm.Connect with Coton House FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 35 - The Most Important 20 Minutes: How to Make Your Ceremony Feel Really YoursIn this episode of Yes to I Do, Lydia and Lauren turn their attention to the part of the wedding day that couples spend the least time planning - and probably should spend the most. The ceremony.From choosing the right music and writing personal vows to navigating the aisle walk, managing awkward silences and a truly memorable story involving an owl that the bride was not entirely expecting.Key TakeawaysMost couples under plan the ceremony and overfocus on everything else.Because it only lasts around twenty minutes, it often becomes an afterthought. But it is the legal and emotional heart of the day - and a little planning goes a long way toward making it feel effortless.Music sets the tone for everything that follows.At minimum, couples need four pieces - the aisle song, two for signing the register and one for the exit. Each one shapes how the room feels, and silence at the wrong moment can make even the most relaxed ceremony feel suddenly awkward.Personal vows and meaningful readings are what guests remember.The words that only the two of them understand, the poem chosen by a best friend, the moment of laughter in an otherwise emotional room - these are the details that make a ceremony feel genuinely theirs rather than anyone else's.Phones down during the ceremony is non-negotiable.Guests leaning into the aisle to get a shot, screens appearing in the photographer's images, people experiencing the moment through a lens rather than through their eyes - it is a genuine pet peeve and the registrars will say so if asked.Tell your coordinator everything - including the surprise ring bearer under the chair.The drip-feeding of information through the morning, the quiet check-in about bridesmaid order three hours before - all of it prevents a last minute panic. If in doubt, just ask.Key Moments"Some people want to cry. Some people want it to be funny. Music decides which way it goes.""It's like immediately after the kiss - silence. Just crickets. Get the music on.""Put your phone away. I would be throwing it back in your bag as I came down the aisle.""At the end you'll be like - can I do that again? Because it wasn't actually that bad."About Yes to I DoYes to I Do is the podcast from Coton House Farm for couples planning their perfect wedding. Hosted by Lydia and the team, each episode covers everything from food and drink to styling, planning tips and real wedding insights.The goal is simple - to help couples feel confident, informed and excited at every stage of their wedding journey.How to Get in TouchTo find out more about Coton House Farm or to book a show round:Website: www.cotonhousefarm.comIf you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with anyone planning their big day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, Lydia and Lauren sit down for a practical and reassuring conversation about the one week that couples fear most - the seven days before the wedding.From last minute guest drop-outs and weather obsessing to beauty prep, food safety and the very real chance you will not sleep the night before, the pair share what they have seen from the venue side and what they genuinely wish every couple knew before that final countdown begins.Key TakeawaysThe final week feels intense because unexpected things crop up - not because you have failed to plan.Everything seems to be in hand and then suddenly it is not. Accepting that surprises will happen, rather than expecting a smooth run, is the first step to keeping your head.Stop trying to control the things you cannot control.Weather tops the list. Every forecast says something different, rain can still make for a beautiful day and burying a sausage in the garden apparently works - just not at the venue, for obvious reasons.Leave your suppliers alone - they know what they are doing.A check-in email two weeks out is fine for peace of mind, but after that, trust the process. They have done this before and they will show up.Delegate early and delegate properly.Give each person in the bridal party a specific task. It keeps them occupied, makes them feel involved and - crucially - it means they are less likely to be in your ear asking if there is anything they can do.Accept that you probably will not sleep the night before - and that is fine.Do not spiral into worrying about being tired on top of being nervous. Every couple arrives exhausted and every wedding still turns out well. It always does.Key Moments"Don't panic. That is our advice. So easy for us to say.""Bury a sausage - just not here. The cattle will have it.""Do not eat any chicken the night before. I mean it.""Take your own pillow. And your teddy bear. We're admitting a lot today.""It always turns out well. Always, always, always."About Yes to I DoYes to I Do is the podcast from Coton House Farm for couples planning their perfect wedding. Hosted by Lydia and the team, each episode covers everything from food and drink to styling, planning tips and real wedding insights.The goal is simple - to help couples feel confident, informed and excited at every stage of their wedding journey.How to Get in TouchTo find out more about Coton House Farm or to book a show round:Website: www.cotonhousefarm.comIf you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe and share it with anyone planning their big day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, hosts Lydia and Lauren share their top tips for creating a calm, organised and enjoyable wedding morning. Drawing on their experience at Coton House Farm, they discuss everything from choosing the right people to be around you, planning hair and makeup, and creating the right atmosphere, to avoiding common last-minute stresses. They also explain why preparation suites, timelines and a few thoughtful details can help couples start one of the biggest days of their lives feeling relaxed rather than overwhelmed.Key TakeawaysThe People Around You Matter: A calm wedding morning isn't just about good planning—it's about surrounding yourself with people who help you feel relaxed and supported. Don't feel obliged to include everyone if you would prefer a quieter start to your day.Preparation Reduces Stress: Booking hair and makeup trials, listening to your suppliers' advice and creating a realistic morning timeline can prevent unnecessary pressure and help everything run more smoothly.Create the Right Atmosphere: Music, breakfast, snacks and a comfortable preparation space all contribute to setting the tone for the day. Small touches can make a big difference to everyone's mood.Think Beyond the Ceremony: Reserving seats for the bridal party, ensuring decorations are organised and double-checking essentials such as the wedding rings can prevent avoidable last-minute panic.Make the Morning Personal: Whether it's having a first look with your dad, siblings or bridal party, choosing who joins you while getting ready or putting together an emergency kit, the morning should reflect what makes you feel happiest and most comfortable.Key Moments"Sometimes it's not a planning issue—it's the people around you that make the biggest difference.""Always have a hair and makeup trial. If you don't like it, you can change it before the big day.""A little playlist goes a long way—it helps set the mood and eases the nerves.""The wedding morning should be about creating the right vibe for you—not what everyone else expects."About Coton House FarmSet in the stunning Staffordshire countryside, Coton House Farm is an exclusive, luxury wedding barn venue designed for couples seeking a magical and unforgettable celebration. With beautifully restored barns, scenic outdoor spaces, and flexible layouts, it offers a seamless experience from morning preparations in The Stables to a breathtaking ceremony and lively reception. Whether you choose an elegant indoor setting or a picturesque outdoor backdrop, Coton House Farm provides the perfect setting for your dream wedding, filled with romance and charm.Connect with Coton House FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Yes to I Do, the team at Coton House Farm answer some of the most frequently asked questions they receive from couples planning their wedding. From choosing the right package and understanding venue access to accommodating dogs, booking registrars and working with suppliers, they share practical advice that helps remove the uncertainty from wedding planning. Packed with real-life examples and plenty of humour, this episode is an essential guide for couples wanting to feel confident and organised before the big day.Key TakeawaysUnderstand Your Venue Package: Take time to compare what each package includes. Consider access times, catering options and the overall style of the day to find the package that best suits your wedding vision.Book Your Registrar Early: After securing your venue, booking your registrar should be one of your first priorities. Leaving it too late could mean missing your preferred ceremony time.Use Your Wedding Coordinator: Your coordinator is there to simplify the planning process, answer questions, coordinate suppliers and make sure every detail comes together smoothly. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance.Communicate with Suppliers: From arrival times and parking to catering and entertainment, good communication with suppliers helps avoid unnecessary stress and ensures everyone knows what to expect on the day.No Question Is Too Small: Whether it's bringing your dog, accommodating accessibility needs or asking about parking and accommodation, asking questions early helps avoid surprises and gives you confidence throughout the planning process.Key Moments"We've probably heard almost every wedding question imaginable—and if we haven't, we'll always find the answer for you.""Book your venue, then book your registrar. That's one thing you really don't want to leave until later.""Your wedding coordinator is there to make the whole process feel simpler, not more stressful.""There really is no such thing as a silly question when you're planning your wedding."About Coton House FarmSet in the stunning Staffordshire countryside, Coton House Farm is an exclusive, luxury wedding barn venue designed for couples seeking a magical and unforgettable celebration. With beautifully restored barns, scenic outdoor spaces, and flexible layouts, it offers a seamless experience from morning preparations in The Stables to a breathtaking ceremony and lively reception. Whether you choose an elegant indoor setting or a picturesque outdoor backdrop, Coton House Farm provides the perfect setting for your dream wedding, filled with romance and charm.Connect with Coton House FarmWebsite: https://www.cotonhousefarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotonhousefarm/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cotonhousefarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cotonhousefarmweddingvenue/Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/cotonhousefarm/X: https://x.com/cotonhousefarm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.