MONKEY ISLAND
www.monkeyisland.co.uk
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MONKEY ISLAND
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eautifully situated on a private island in the River Thames at Bray, Monkey Island will provide a picturesque and unforgettable setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. Its Grade I listed buildings dating back to the eighteenth century and five acres of gardens constitute the perfect backdrop for one of the most important days of your life. It is conveniently situated a short distance from the M4 motorway, Windsor and Maidenhead, and about forty minutes by car from Central London with ample car parking on the mainland. Access to the island is by footbridge, boat, or helicopter. Monkey Island has been a riverside inn since 1840 and has been hosting weddings for many decades. Our dedicated team today has a combined experience of more than five thousand ceremonies and receptions and will be on hand to advise and assist you with all aspects of your wedding. Under the watchful eye of our Wedding Co-ordinator they
provide a warm, friendly, professional service, paying attention to the smallest detail and giving you the benefit of their experience and many professional contacts to ensure that you have the wedding you have always dreamed of. Our outstanding chefs are happy to cater to your every wish – whether you prefer a formal wedding breakfast or an informal party or barbecue – while always meeting the highest culinary standards. Monkey Island is perfect for both large and small weddings and never hosts more than one wedding at a time to ensure you have a perfect day. 3
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YOUR OWN PRIVATE ISLAND Just imagine having a whole Island entirely to you and your guests for your special day. Exclusive use of Monkey Island Hotel includes all the facilities of the hotel with all 26 bedrooms, three function rooms and a private bar for the sole enjoyment of you and your guests.
The magic of Monkey Island can by fully appreciated by booking the island for your own exclusive use. Only your invited guests, hotel staff and essential deliveries will be allowed onto the island for a 24-hour period from 12 noon on the day of your wedding until 12 noon the following day. With this type of flexibility, you can let your imagination run riot and design the day of your dreams enjoying to the full our Grade I listed buildings and five acres of grounds: your own fully-staffed country house for the day. Exclusive use of Monkey Island includes all 26 bedrooms for the night of your wedding and full English breakfast for guests staying overnight. 5
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WEDDINGS AT MONKEY ISLAND Monkey Island is the perfect venue for your special day. With two beautiful function rooms, each having views across the Thames, our setting really is quite unique. We host only one wedding a day and have 26 bedrooms for your guests including our Wedgwood Bridal Suite. Our experienced team will be on hand to guide you through your wedding, however you decide to tailor your day.
CIVIL CEREMONIES The River Room, the Pavilion Restaurant, the Temple Room, the Garden Room and the gazebo on the banks of the Thames are all licensed for weddings. If you would like to hold your ceremony at Monkey Island all you need do is call the Windsor and Maidenhead Registrar on 01628 796422 to make the necessary arrangements. Our Wedding Co-ordinator will be happy to assist you and to answer any queries you may have. 7
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ASIAN WEDDINGS Hire your own private island for twenty-four hours to host your wedding. Our venue is incredibly flexible, permitting all external caterers whilst also having the ability to recommend specialist caterers. We can accommodate 240 guests within two beautiful function rooms each with river views and have Marquee space for 400 guests. Free car parking for up to 150 cars, a fully functional kitchen, 26 bedrooms and an onsite duty manager to help with suppliers and caterers will all be included with your hire.
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CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS & MARRIAGES The River Room, Pavilion and outdoor gazebo are all licensed for civil partnerships. In fact, Monkey Island is one of the very few places in Berkshire where it is possible to be married outside. Take advantage of the River and arrive by boat, or hire a river boat for a few hours to take your guests on a river excursion between your ceremony and sit-down meal.
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PHOTOGRAPHS The tranquil landscaped gardens, shrubberies, and lightly wooded areas provide a beautiful background for wedding photographs.
ORGANISATION Yours will be the only wedding at Monkey Island on the day of your choice. Our experienced Wedding Co-ordinator will help you plan every detail of the wedding of your dreams and will be with you on the day to ensure that all runs smoothly.
PLANNING Planning your wedding is never the easiest of tasks with numerous details to discuss and many ideas to consider. However, it should also be fun and stress free. One of your first considerations should be finding a reliable venue. At Monkey Island, we will gladly offer you guidance based on many years of experience and successful weddings, to ensure all your requirements are met in full. 12
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THE PAVILION The stylish Pavilion Restaurant with its domed ceiling and breathtaking views of the River Thames on three sides is located on the point of the island with direct access to a river terrace. This magical setting for a romantic wedding seats up to 130 guests.
THE RIVER ROOM The River Room extends out over the river, its floor-to-ceiling glass windows affording perfect views of the Thames. It has its own small terrace overlooking the river and gardens, and accommodates a maximum of 120 guests for a formal wedding breakfast or up to 180 for an evening party or disco. 19
THE GAZEBO The outdoor gazebo is perfect for a wedding ceremony. The white chairs and red carpet set out on the lawns with the River Thames as a backdrop create a truly romantic setting. Monkey Island is one of few places in Berkshire where it is possible to be married outside.
MENUS Whether you choose an elegant, formal wedding breakfast or an informal party, your wedding celebrations at Monkey Island can be arranged to meet all your expectations. Menus are created for you individually at a private menu tasting and are totally flexible. Reception drinks and canapĂŠs can be served on the lawns in good weather, or in the Monkey Room in winter. 20
THE TERRACE BAR The Terrace Bar provides an ideal setting for you and your guests to enjoy relaxing drinks and snacks. The adjoining terrace, with views over the gardens lets them enjoy the good weather in summer.
THE MONKEY ROOM An original feature of Monkey Island, the Monkey Room was part of the third Duke of Marlborough’s fishing pavilion where he entertained his guests. It can be used as an informal lounge – cool in Summer and cosy by the open fire in Winter – or perhaps to set up your guestbook or some games.
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MONKEY ISLAND – A VENUE FOR ALL SEASONS Although glorious in Summer, Monkey Island really is an all-year-round venue. In Autumn, the trees and grounds provide a striking backdrop, and in Winter you may well get a White Wedding! We offer festive packages over the Winter and Christmas period or you could book a New Year’s Eve house-party style wedding.
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ACCOMMODATION Hotel accommodation is located in the Temple building, reassuringly removed from the hustle and bustle of the dining and bar areas. All rooms have magnificent views of the gardens down to the river. The Hotel has ten twin rooms, ten double rooms, three terrace rooms (each with its own terrace or patio), one family room, one executive suite and a bridal suite.
WEDGWOOD SUITE Once part of the third Duke of Marlborough’s fishing temple with a fine ceiling incorporating Neptune, shells and mermaids in high relief plasterwork in the Wedgwood style dating from c.1725 and now Grade I listed, the Wedgwood Room has been transformed into a superb bridal suite with a four-poster bed and adjoining dressing room, with a panoramic view of the gardens and river.
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DIRECTORY OF RECOMMENDED WEDDING SERVICES
CRÈCHE
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ENTERTAINMENT
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EVENT MANAGEMENT & CATERING
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FLORISTRY & DECORATION
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HAIR & MAKE-UP
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MEN’S ATTIRE
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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SWEET CART
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BOAT HIRE
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TRANSPORTATION
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WEDDING CAKE
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With thanks to all contributors, sponsors and couples who have allowed their Wedding Photographs to be reproduced in this brochure. 26
Chalfont Nannies For All Your Childcare Requirements
Wedding Crèche & Baby sitting Specialists
CRÈCHE A wedding crèche and baby sitting specialist creates the perfect solution to childcare issues during your special day. We
We provide fully qualified Nannies to help you enjoy the Wedding Reception by looking after the little people. We can provide activities ranging from wedding themed arts and crafts, DVDs and books. Nannies will be at the Venue before you arrive to greet the children.
know how important your big day is, so using a professionally
Safety and security is our number one priority, we ask that a parent signs
staffed childcare service ensures that you don’t have to think
their child in/out. Children are looked after at the Government recommended
about anything other than having a good time.
child to adult ratio, we are also adhering to Ofsted regulations. The Nannies we provide are first aid trained and police checked.
Contact: Joanne White Tel: 01494 816660 / 01753 825449 Mob: 07900 212577 Email: mail@chalfontnannies.co.uk
www.chalfontnannies.co.uk 27
ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment is the key to every successful party. Whether you choose a string quartet, band or DJ our suppliers will ensure the day goes with a swing. Your choice of entertainment will make your wedding day an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all your guests. A fireworks display in the evening would add a special touch.
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UK Photo booth hire Virtual Booth offer high quality booth hire across the south. we go out of our way to make your event a success!
T: 01628 220095 E: info@virtualbooth.co.uk www.Virtualbooth.co.uk 29
EVENT MANAGEMENT & CATERING If you prefer to hire your own catering company in order to meet your personal, religious or cultural requirement, you prefer to hire Monkey Island on a venue-only basis. Your caterer would have full use of our kitchen facilities and the support of our dedicated staff.
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CATERING AND EVENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS We have perfected the art of catering for Indian weddings and parties. Preeti Catering is a specialist outdoor catering company creating exquisite Indian cuisine on site with a strong background in working in various different venues and surroundings.
T: 0208 6060 303 E: info@preeticatering.co.uk www.preeticatering.co.uk facebook.com/preeticatering twitter & instagram: @PreetiCatering
FLORISTRY & DECORATION Your choice of flowers will make a lasting impression at your wedding ceremony and throughout the day, from the bride’s bouquet, the bridesmaids’ posies, buttonholes and corsages for guests to the table centrepieces at the wedding breakfast. Add to the atmosphere with chair covers and sashes in your favourite colours or room decorations to create a truly romantic setting.
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Exquisite Floral Art d To capture the perfect look for your special day
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xquisite Floral Art have many years of experience in creating stunning flowers to make your special day perfect. We will meet in a friendly relaxed atmosphere to interpret your ideas, themes and colour scheme together, so that your day is exactly as you want it.
With our floral expertise we are able to produce beautiful flowers and venue decoration to enhance any location, whether it be outside, or in any hotel, barn, hall or marquee. We stock and can obtain many items which will help with the interpretation of the theme for the day. We are available all through the planning of your wedding to ensure that every detail is covered, yet always keeping your budget in mind. Chair covers and sashes supplied in any colour.
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Why not contact us for a free consultation lynnsmithfloralart@sky.com 07984 849603 www.exquisitefloralart.com
Kelly
Exquisite fresh flower displays for reception & ceremony Beautiful bridal bouquets & buttonholes Unusual table centrepieces Chair covers & trimmings Venue styling & finishing touches Extensive range of candelabra We work closely with Monkey Island Hotel as their In-House Florist and preferred supplier for weddings, parties & events. Our services are included within the wedding packages and are also available for bespoke packages & tailor-made events For enquiries or to arrange a design consultation in our showroom, contact our team on
01753 546555 or email: info@seventh-heaven-events.co.uk
www.seventh-heaven-events.co.uk
Do you want a wedding day that everyone is still talking about years later and creatively reflects your personalities? Attention to detail is so important on your wedding day. Rhoda Bouaziz, your personal floral designer heads up our dedicated team who will ensure your flowers will look nothing less than spectacular, timelessly romantic and beautifully bespoke. From buttonholes, corsages and pew ends to striking table centre pieces and bouquets, we will ensure your flowers are nothing less than perfection to help create the most memorable day of your life. The exciting journey starts with a consultation where we will discuss every aspect of your day and the flowers you might choose to accompany it. We can help guide and advise you using our extensive portfolio, and will discuss colour, style and setting in depth to make sure our flowers complement your wedding in every detail. Why not have a look at what our recent brides have to say on our website and book your free consultation.
Heaven Scent Flowers at The Secret Garden 92 High Street, Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8EE T: 07769 308 985 E: info@yourheavenscentflowers.com W: www.yourheavenscentflowers.com Find us on Facebook & Pinterest 35
HAIR & MAKE-UP Ensure that you look your best on the most important day of your life. Co-ordinating your hairstyle and make-up with your dress and veil will give you the confidence to really relax and enjoy yourself throughout the celebrations. A make-up artist will advise you on the subtle colours for a natural look and will also offer assistance to your bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.
Stunning Bridal Makeup & Hair design for your Big Day by award winning professional Bridal Makeup Artist. We come out to your home or venue.
T: 07903 321050 E: sheilahairandmake-up@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/sheilamakeupartist www.sheilamakeupartist.co.uk 36
MEN’S ATTIRE The focus of attention at any wedding is the bride, but the groom, best man and ushers will all require suitable and stylish suits in keeping with her choice of dress.
A Tailored Experience Upholding the values of tradition, style and elegance, Windsor Formal Hire offers the very best in quality, design and fabrics for today’s groom. Our fully trained, competent and knowledgeable staff are on hand at any time to help you create the perfect outfit for your fantastic day.
Tel: 01753 620800
Email: phil@windsorformalhire.com
www.windsorformalhire.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY Capture your wedding day forever. A professional photographer will give you an album of photographs that you, your children and grandchildren will treasure for the rest of your lives. We would suggest that you appoint a professional photographer familiar with Monkey Island who will know how to make the best use of all the attractive features of the island.
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THE BEST STORY EVER TOLD... YOURS!
CALL TODAY TO CLAIM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY VIP VOUCHER TO THE VALUE OF £150!* AWARD WINNING SILVER CLOUD PHOTOGRAPHY HAVE BEEN COMMISSIONED TO PHOTOGRAPH OVER 20 WEDDINGS AT MONKEY ISLAND. USING OUR EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE ISLAND WE CAN CREATE A STUNNING AND UNIQUE COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS JUST FOR YOU. ALWAYS PUTTING YOU FIRST, WE WORK TIRELESSLY AND UNOBTRUSIVELY TO CREATE EMOTIONAL & MAGICAL PHOTOGRAPHS. PHOTOGRAPHS THAT WILL HAVE THE POWER TO MOVE YOU; MAKE YOU LAUGH AND CRY; ALL ENABLING YOU TO RELIVE THE JOY THAT IS YOUR WEDDING DAY.
YOUR WEDDING DAY IS OUR INSPIRATION. WHY COMPROMISE?
T: 0118 940 3505 M: 0791 771 7567 E: enquiries@silvercloudphotography.co.uk Website: www.silvercloudphotography.co.uk *Terms & Conditions Apply* *Please Quote MI VIP*
info@pippaheath.com | 07884 060 439 | www.facebook.com/pippaheathphotography
W W W. P I P PA H E AT H . C O M
H i r e H e av e n Sweet Candy Cart Hire
SWEET CART Sweet carts provide a colourful centre piece for your guests. Stocked with either healthy snacks and fruits or the more traditional candy, a sweet cart is a fun addition to your reception, always popular with both children and adults.
Treat your guests to something sweet by hiring a traditional sweet cart full of your favorite pick and mix sweets.
T: 07922 397489 E: info@hire-heaven.co.uk
www.hire-heaven.co.uk 42
TREVOR SMITH Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies Caring, Attentive Professional & Committed
TOASTMASTER At weddings and other special events the toastmaster performs vital functions including being available in the months
Let me help you ensure you have a perfect day, by careful and meticulous planning for a day to remember for you and your guests.
beforehand to give advice on protocols and procedures, speeches and toasts. He will ensure that arrangements run smoothly to plan in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
“You really made the day special with your kindness and professionalism everyone knew where they needed to be and when they needed to be there, you were absolutely fab! I can’t recommend you highly enough.” Juliette & Steve
www.trevorsmithtoastmaster.com trevor@trevorsmithtoastmaster.com • 07984 849603 43
Fringilla BOAT HIRE Have faith in a dedicated professional transport service to ensure that the bride arrives at the church on time and in style.
Arrive in Style For a unique way to arrive at this stunning riverside venue why not book one of our classic, luxury boats. Whether for the Bride and her Father or the Bride and Groom, we will ensure that your arrival is memorable a for all of the right reasons. To give your guests an extra treat we can also offer short trips while the photos are being taken before your Wedding Breakfast. For more details please call Steve on 07977 448 117 Email; fringilla@hotmail.co.uk www.fringilla.co.uk
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Cakes-Unlimited WEDDING CAKE A wedding cake should be striking, original and visually exciting. It is always admired, photographed, savoured and remembered. A bespoke cake maker or cake designer will work with your to create the perfect cake your have always wanted.
3-tier wedding cakes from ÂŁ270.00 including delivery. u Cakes-Unlimited, 10 Lyneham Gardens, Maidenhead SL6 6SJ M: 07709 616574 T: 01628 675238 E: ann@cakes-unlimited.co.uk W: www.cakes-unlimited.co.uk
Cakes- unlimited
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LOCATION
MONKEY ISLAND HOTEL Old Mill Lane, Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire SL6 2EE Monkey Island, near the village of Bray-on-Thames lies one mile downstream from Maidenhead and is within easy reach of Royal Windsor and London.
BY RAIL FROM PADDINGTON TO MAIDENHEAD STATION The train journey takes 40 mins. Monkey Island is a 10-minute taxi ride from the Station.
DIRECTIONS BY CAR
BY BOAT
• Leave the M4 at junction 8/9, then at roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A308(M), signposted Maidenhead (Central).
Monkey Island lies between Bray Lock and Boulter’s Lock. There are mooring points on the mainstream side along the gardens, as well as a landing stage for smaller boats on the backwater.
• At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A308, signposted Windsor. • Take the left turning which is signposted to Bray Village, B3028 into the Upper Bray Road.
BY AIR
• As you approach Bray, take the first turning right into Old Mill Lane, opposite the Crown pub.
Helicopter landing directly on the island is available with prior notice. White Waltham, 01628 829329, is the nearest airfield for private planes.
• Straight over the crossroads, follow Old Mill Lane, passing over the motorway.
AIRPORTS
• At the end of the lane, turn left at the pink house and enter the car park. • Access to the Island is via a footbridge beside a small hexagonal hut. There is ample free parking on the mainland prior to crossing the footbridge onto the Island. Cars are parked at owner’s risk and we remind guests to remove all personal or valuable items as a precaution.
London Heathrow 17 miles Luton 45 miles White Waltham 6 miles
Gatwick 53 miles London City Airport 40 miles
MONKEY ISLAND HOTEL Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire SL6 2EE Telephone: 01628 623400
reception@monkeyisland.co.uk weddings@monkeyisland.co.uk www.monkeyisland.co.uk
Hotel • Restaurant • Bar & Lounge • Afternoon Tea • Weddings • Conferences & Events • Private Parties • Film Location www.monkeyisland.co.uk @monkeyislandgb facebook.com/monkeyislandhotel