At The Maynard, we have the privilege of hosting many beautiful weddings, each with its own unique charm. Elisa and Ben's special day was a testament to how love, personality, and thoughtful planning can create an unforgettable celebration, regardless of the guest list size or budget.
In short, it was just so much fun!
There’s a lot to learn from this gorgeous wedding that had us smiling all day and night.
From Booking to the Big Day in Just 5 Months
Under the expert guidance of our wedding and events team, Elisa and Ben were in safe hands with their tight turnaround time.
They booked in March 2024 and were thrilled to secure a date in August, giving them only five months to plan and prepare.
It was plenty of time for the happy couple to inject their personalities into the big day. Elisa is Italian, and she had many Italian family members make the trip to the Peak District for the wedding.
Our award-winning boutique rooms were the perfect place for the Italian family members to stay for the nuptials.
The Ceremony
The couple chose our elegant Chatsworth Suite for their ceremony. With its neutral palette and abundant natural light, the suite is famous for providing a serene and intimate atmosphere, however, Elisa and Ben injected fun and energy into the space with grown up ‘Flower Men’ starting off the ceremony scattering petals down the aisle.
Elisa said, ‘They’ll either get it or they won’t’ and get it they did! Everyone roared with laughter at the sight of the burly blokes skipping their way down the centre aisle.
The laughter soon subsided as Elisa wowed her friends and family, proudly walking in on her father’s arm with the biggest smile as her and Ben’s eyes met.
Celebration in the Gardens
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to our private gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the Hope Valley.
The lush greenery and vibrant blooms created a picturesque setting for the drinks reception.
Laughter and joy filled the air as guests mingled, bridesmaids and children got piggy backs across the lawn, and many golden hour-infused smiles and reactions were captured brilliantly by photographer, Tom Hodgson.
A Feast to Remember
Our Executive Chef, Adrian Gagea, crafted a delicious menu for the wedding breakfast, showcasing the finest local Peak District ingredients.
One of the highlights of the wedding breakfast was multiple, unexpected speeches in both Italian and English.
In Italy, it’s unusual to have set formal speeches, so Elisa’s family and friends started to stand and say a few words. We quickly raced over with the microphone to capture the heartfelt words and giggled as the English side of the party started to join in too.
It was so lovely to break with tradition and hear alternative perspectives and words that we are sure Elisa and Ben will treasure forever.
The 'music to blast out' playlist
During the wedding breakfast, Elisa and Ben had given us a playlist named ‘Music to Blast Out’ and we were under instruction to read the room and hit play randomly throughout the meal.
We obliged and iconic hits like ‘We Like to Party’ by the Vengaboys, ‘That’s Amore’ by Dean Martin and ‘Bamboleo’ by Gypsy Kings surprised guests and shocked them onto their feet, waving their napkins above their heads and laughing collectively.
It was so Elisa and Ben, and so brilliant.
Dancing the Night Away
The dancing and merriment continued well into the night as the Chatsworth Suite transformed into a lively dance floor, with our in-house DJ setting the tone. The father-daughter dance seamlessly moved from a heartfelt moment between Elisa and her father, Gianni, to inviting all of the guests onto the dance floor to get the party started. The energy was infectious, and the love shared among family and friends was addictive. These are the type of fun loving friends and family everyone wishes for!
A Night in the Sir Don Bradman Suite
Elisa and Ben needed the perfect relaxing space to conclude their high energy, unforgettable day. They stayed in our luxurious Sir Don Bradman Suite complete with roll top freestanding bath, luxury toiletries and striking views over the Hope Valley. This boutique room provides a tranquil retreat for newlyweds, offering comfort and elegance as you begin your new journey together.
A Testament to Love and Authenticity
Elisa and Ben's wedding at The Maynard was a beautiful reminder that authenticity and love are the heart of any celebration. Their day was filled with genuine moments and a lot of laughter, surprises and fun that left a lasting impression on everyone present. We were honoured to be part of their story and wish them a lifetime of happiness.
Meet The Team and View The Maynard
For those dreaming of a wedding that reflects your unique love story, The Maynard works with you to ensure your personality comes through in every aspect of your day. For a special and memorable day you will treasure forever, get in touch and we can arrange a chat about The Maynard for your big day.