My husband and I got married at The Lake in September, and my vision for the day was very clear and concise- I wanted it to somewhat resemble a hobbit wedding, very outdoorsy with a natural whimsical feel, and it was just that.

From the start, dealing with Helen and Kezi was easy, we first emailed them whilst away on holiday and although at this stage we were only enquiring the tone of their filled me with such excitement and optimism I couldn't wait to come home and see the place. Then there were the details. I am very particular and have a very strong vision in my mind of what I want and I find it really hard to deviate from that, but they totally understood and gave me lots of options for things I could work with. I think it's really important to note as well they were always keeping in mind my budget and thinking of creative ways to save me money.

The two things we were most worried about were the food and the decor. In this current cost of living crisis unfortunately being a younger couple with younger friends means the weddings are often on a budget and all the same. The food has always been awful (and not alot of it) and the decor has always been the complete bare basics, white linen with gypsofilia and white roses. I was adamant I wanted a sharing starter as I wanted it to feel like a banquet and we really didn't want people to starve like we had at other weddings, and then we went for braised beef to start which I was super against because I thought it sounded cheap and like a cheap way too cook beef (a stew essentially) but I went for it anyway because my family and friends said that pork isn't fair as some people don't eat it. The antipasto starter was so beautifully presented I didn't even want to eat it. It was honestly not like anything I've seen I'm any gastro pub which was what I imagined, and the quality was even delicious too. There seemed to be plenty to go round also. Then the beef came and goodness was I wrong. It was nothing like a cheap beefy gelatinous beef stew, but a huge slab of soft succulent beef falling away on the fork on a mountain of mash and gravy. Even the veg was delicious.y main worry was that it would be little chunks of beef which I just don't think screams "wedding" or "luxury" but it was honestly another work of art and was simply delicious. And the best part? It was PIPING HOT, and I mean PIPING. I thought maybe they had just Ben over backwards for us the bride and groom but I spoke to others and they all said the same! As for the decor, I am a creative person working in a creative industry and I grew my own flowers for the big day. We were going to do the decor ourselves but I'm the end we all agreed it would be better for us to bring the supplied on the morning and then they could lay the tables for us. It was honestly a work of art, I felt they were truly worried about the decor and it not being to my liking, and although I am really fussy and tend to do everything myself to avoid disappointment, I couldn't see one thing I would have done differently myself. It was completely rustic, warm hearty and simply beautiful. We also had vegans who dined with us and they had pretty much accepted that the food would be rubbish as is common at big events where vegans are not the main guests, but they were absolutely blown away with their meals. They were again presented beautifully and they were full to the brim!

The service was unbelievable, the staff made us feel like royalty, waiting on us with drinks rather than leaving the bottles on the table which really helped to spread the drinks which is important to me because I know how when things are "free" and readily available people tend to become greedy and leave nothing for others but this meant that the drinking was steady and no one was too drunk after dinner to party! Everyone said the service was the best they've ever had and the individuals were just so warm and friendly, they were like part of the wedding party.

We had some difficult vendors who I had hired in separately from Exceptional, and at times it was pretty tricky trying to marry the two and I was worried it may be awkward on the day, but Helen and Kezi remained so professional that it all went smoothly and you wouldn't have known at all.

I could write for days, honing in on every detail and how it was perfect but there just isn't enough time in a day.

Overall, it really was like working with some really close friends. They seemed really excited about my big day and were just so warm and encouraging to work with. I am genuinely sad I don't have the need to receive their emails, or email them for any reason. It was such a wonderful relationship and itanifeated into the most beautiful day in the end. Everyone said to me that it was the best wedding they had ever been to, some even said they enjoyed it more than their own wedding. They really are amazing they actually care. I know of a few friends who have got married and have felt like there wedding was special or cared about by the vendors, and there have been many things they ended up unhappy about after the wedding. But we just look back so happily at our day because it really was perfect thanks to Helen Kezi and the team at exceptional. Hopefully I've got some friends for life.

P.S. I also brought my dogs to my wedding which was make or break, and it was totally great!

We are delighted that we decided to hold our wedding reception at The Lake at Norsted Manor Farm and choose The Exceptional Group to organise it all. The setting is beautiful and we truly had THE BEST day

On the day, the weather was stormy to say the least (apparently rain is good luck on your wedding day). Despite this, Exceptional ensured the highest standards of service across the board. The tipi tents looked glorious, filled with pretty lights and gorgeous table arrangements. The staff were attentive and accommodating. The food was a real highlight; our guests have told us that it is some of the best food that they have ever eaten!

In the build-up to our special day, Helen and Kezi were outstanding. They worked tirelessly to ensure that our wedding breakfast was truly bespoke, which really showed on the day - every single detail was exactly as we wanted. Our guests could see how the day was matched closely to us and what we like, and they also said that it was one of the best events that they have ever attended (and many of our friends are events organisers themselves!)

We knew that planning a wedding would be a huge task, as it is for everyone. We had an added challenge with the fact that we live in Singapore, so time differences certainly came in to play! However, the communication from Helen and Kezi, and flexibility generally, meant that the process was as stress free as is possible.

Another element of the day that was the highest quality was the external providers. Helen and Kezi coordinated with them superbly and we were so pleased with what they provided. The florist deserves a special mention - the flower arrangements were stunning.

A huge thank you to Helen, Kezi and the rest of the Exceptional Events Team. We will definitely recommend you to friends and family; and will use you again should we host events in the future.