CHOCOROCOCO & SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS WEDDING OF THE YEAR.

Welcome to the wedding of Sarah & Aaron that took place at the Birmingham Council House Banqueting Suite, August 8th 2010.

clare working her magic

When we arrived at the venue at 10.30am, Clare was busy working her magic, and soon put us to work, My husband Danny was made an honorary flower arranger for the morning , yes folks this is true, he carefully carried the beautiful tall flower arrangements and placed them on the tables, with us all shouting , “Don’t Drop them” in his ears. Our son-in-law Nick and myself were given the job of scattering Lilac, purple & Ivory petals on the tables, and doing odd jobs along the way. Very soon the room was transformed into a stunning vision, with the cutlery polished, glasses neatly arranged, place cards set , chair covers on and bows neatly tied, petals scattered & the beautiful floral arrangements taking centre stage….there was only one word to say… WOW!.

Banqueting suite looking fabulous. (c) abby stonehall

The Banqueting Suite looking stunning. (c) Abby Stonehall

the stunning floral arrangement on top table (c) Abby stonehall

The colour theme was just lovely, deep purple, lilac, pale pink & ivory.. and i was right all along in my thinking, the grand room wanted big, beautiful arrangements, to give the room more of an impact, and not small centre pieces.

the beautiful White Chocolate Wedding Cake (c) abby stonehall

Cassie arrived with her stunning 3 tier wedding cake, covered in white chocolate curls, with a drape on one side to simulate the brides train &  Lilac, Pink & Ivory chocolate roses placed around & on top of the cake. I think you will agree how lovely it looked, and it tasted nice too!!!

As the clock ticked away ever closer to midday, more and more of our suppliers arrived, armed and ready for action.Our ToastmasterSteve McTeigue , commented on how beautiful our room looked, and it was one of the nicest rooms he had seen in a long time, our  dear friend & Registrar Geoff Edwards arrived ready to afficiate and our Pianist Margaret Croucher  set up her piano, and limbered up those fingers.

Geoff & Margaret chatting before the ceremony

Aaron & Niall talking to the Toastmaster, Steve.(c) chocorococo

Margaret at her piano. (c) Abby stonehall

Aaron & Niall his best man & brother  arrived shortly after midday, with Dan the grooms man . Dan & Niall were wearing pale grey morning suits, with lilac waistcoats complimented with a deep purple cravat, supplied by Slater’s of Birmingham. The bridesmaids followed shortly  looking gorgeous in their deep purple skirts & bodice with matching wraps, supplied by Debbie of Wedding World, hair by Debbie & Becky of Francesco  group, & make up provided by my lovely daughter, Louise .

Dan & Niall, looking very smart in their suits supplied by slaters of Birmingham.(c) chocorococo

Our three lovely bridesmaids, (c) chocorococo

As Aaron went for his interview with the registrar, which i understand is a legal requirement before a civil ceremony, i joined our photographers down stairs to welcome the brides mother Judith & the grooms mum Margarite, who were a little stressed at this point, and while the vintage wedding car went to collect our bride & her father Tom, our good friend, (Doc) the piper  arrived, looking very smart. ( other wedding vehicle supplied by David Humphries.)

The Piper Malcolm (doc) & yours truly

I still do not know what a Scotsman wearsunder his kilt! …I’m liking the man-bag..oops! sorry…. sporran .

As we all made our way back upstairs, our piper went to tune up…. Incidentally how does a piper tune up?  Our Toastmaster ushered the guests into the drawing room to take their seats, where Margaret entertained us with her piano playing & the giant oak doors were closed , ready to await the arrival of our bride. Very shortly we heard the piper playing, this alerted us all to the arrival of the bride, as we all stood up , the doors were opened to reveal our stunning bride.

Doc our piper tuning up, (always said he was a bag of wind)

Sarah & her father Tom by the wedding car (C) Abby stonehall

Because there is so much to show you all, we are going to have to split the blog  into sections , plus i would be at my computer for day’s….   second part of our wedding blog….  ” THE CEREMONY”   coming soon . (c) chocorococo 2010

Chocorococo attended the wedding reception of Lisa & Carl Beetison at the Birmingham Council House , Banqueting Suite , on July 24th . Lisa looked lovely in her bridal gown, and could not wait to be let loose on the chocolate.

Lisa in her wedding gown

Guests from as far away as Fife enjoyed the evening, the chocolate and ….the first dance, which was very original. Lisa & Carl proceeded onto the dance floor to dance to a slow tune, then without warning, the tempo changed  quickly to a different medley of tunes, which they  had very cleverly coreographed different dance routines to, it literally brought the house down, the guests loved it , (just as much as the fountain.)

Lisa & Carl’s comments, ” Wow! it looks amazing .

When we arrived at the Venue, we were asked if we had seen the flower display outside the Council House to commemorate Battle of Britain. I just had to add this picture in , we  all thought it was amazing .

chocolate fountain with baby blue theme

Chocorococo  attended the wedding of Katie & Adam Bryan on July 10th at Highbury Hall, Birmingham , a fun evening was had by everyone, and Adam & Katie were thrilled with the fountain and its presentation.

Katie & Adam enjoying the chocolate

We met with Aaron & Sarah on a beautiful sunny April afternoon for their first visit to their wedding venue, The Birmingham Council House Banqueting Suite.

Aaron & Sarah outside the Birmingham Council House

I got the impression they were very keen to look inside, as Sarah had mentioned earlier that she had only viewed pictures of the venue on the Internet , this i have to say does not do it justice.

 We introduced our winners to Danielle, who was going to show them around this lovely venue, and answer any questions they were sure to have.

Once through the main doors, you immediately stand in front of a magnificent marble staircase, as you walk up the first flight of stairs, your eyes are drawn up to the beautiful, domed , almost cathedral like ceiling .

The stairs then divide into two , where you start to appreciate even more the splendour of the building, with its huge windows & even bigger carved oak doors, I kept glancing over to our couple to try and gauge their reaction to the venue, did they like it?

I held my breath as i asked Aaron what he thought of the venue, i was releived when he said he thought it was lovely, the kind of place they would have chosen themselves , (Phew!) he went on to comment on the beautiful features etc, this was all before we even got in the main room…. The Banqueting suite.

inside the council house

 There was a hive of activity going on, the day we went to view the venue, but at least they could get an idea of what the rooms would look like.

Danielle explained to them all about the actual wedding ceremony &  how the room will be laid out .

Danielle, Aaron & Sarah, in the glass corridor.

We were keen for them to see the glass corridor in case they wanted to use this space for photographs. Aaron & Sarah loved the contrast between this and the main room, and enquired if they could use this as a drinks area on arrival, we all thought this was a fantastic idea.

They viewed several more rooms before making their way back to the Banqueting room , where Danielle gave them a list of menus to view for their wedding breakfast &  Canapes, etc.

talking through the menus .

there had been such a lot to take in , but Aaron & Sarah were delighted with it all, and no doubt talked about it on the way back home, but not before they paid a visit to the jewellers to choose their wedding rings. (c) chocorococo.

Why not come and see The Chocorococo Chocolate Fountain & Chocorococo Berry Tower at the wedding Fayre to be held at the Birmingham Council House Banqueting Suite on January 31st 2010, 10.00am til 4pm . Look forward to seeing you there.

Berry Tower

council house at night

We are pleased and delighted to announce that we have received permission to hold our winning couples wedding & reception at The Birmingham Council House, Banqueting Suite, situated in Victoria Square, Birmingham.

This beautiful grade 2* listed building combines traditional elegance, & the ambiance of the rooms reflect the sophistication & charm of the 19th century.

inside the banqueting suite

The Banqueting Suite has received & welcomed members of the Royal Family, World Leaders, Media & Film Stars, and now our lucky bridal couple will be added to this very privileged list.

Here you are excitedly planning you special day,and no doubt wandering where to start? One thing that does need booking early is your Wedding Venue. Traditionally of course it was always the brides home town where you got married, but as we know things are much different now. You may wish to marry abroad, or the grooms home town, or maybe you have some dream destination or venue in mind.

Other places to consider are perhaps venues that you can hire for the whole weekend just for you and your wedding party to make your special day last that little bit longer, and when you have chosen your venue enquire as to the possibility of hiring a Chocolate Fountain for your evening reception, and send your guests home happy.  (c)chocorococo

Many Congratulations to Michelle & Jim Marsh on your wedding at the Village Hotel Dudley 24th April 2009.
A great time was had by all.

Looking for that special wedding venue with a touch of grandeur? May we suggest The Banqueting Suite at the Birmingham Council House, this beautiful grade II* listed building is right in the centre of Birmingham and oozes class and sophistication of a by gone age, this must be every photographers dream location as their are photo opportunities around every corner. This beautiful Georgian Building truly is the hidden gem in the City, and should you require a Chocolate Fountain for your celebrations we are  the preferred supplier .Why not give the friendly venue assistants, (Claire, Danielle or Shirley) a call on 0121-303-3024 and see for yourself. (c)chocorococo

email: banqueting.suite@birmingham.gov.uk

Web: www.birmingham.gov.uk/banquetingsuite