I hope you are all keeping safe and well after such a tough 18 months.
As you know, the event industry took a huge blow during COVID-19 however, I consider myself lucky as the support of good friends, family and of course my clients has been invaluable.
One of the nicest things during the first lockdown was spending precious time with my family. As I normally host and DJ most Thursday – Sunday’s, it was lovely to just relax and spend some quality time with them.
Like many people, I did think that we would be back to some sort of normality by Christmas but how wrong could I be?
The financial struggle was real and I’m sure all of those in the events industry would agree: life was hard. The support I had from most of my wedding couples was incredible. They understood the pressures that were on our industry and the fight that was needed to ensure we didn’t lose our businesses. Many of them agreed to pay their balances early which I will be eternally grateful for.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the support and messages which certainly helped my mental health during this pandemic.
Even though my feet haven’t touched the ground these last couple of months, hosting weddings and DJ’ing at events 4 times a week, I’m so happy that I’ve managed to weather the storm and get back to what I love.
Most of the couples getting married at the moment having been waiting for their special day since last year! It’s been a privilege to finally give these wonderful couples the day they dreamed of.
In between events I manage to catch a few hours hours sleep, but everyone knows what that’s like with two children! Luckily, I have an amazing wife who not only supports me and has her own Children’s Party Entertainment business, she is a fantastic mummy and has kept me safe these last 18 months. This is just a quick thank you for everything you do and I love you always!
Now to my little guys, who at aged 4 & 8 who love to wake me up at 5 to tell me about their days after I’ve completed a 16 day. The lack of sleep can be be tough, however I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am in such a fortunate position where I see my children most of the week, manage the school run and bedtime shift which is something that a lot of Dad’s miss out on.
The response since COVID-19 has been overwhelming from venues, wedding couples and other suppliers. My enquiries have gone through the roof and I am pretty much already up to 80 wedding’s next year so I can’t wait to get back on track. I just wanted to say a thank you to the following venues that still recommend me to their couples and clients:
• Marwell Hotel
• Norton Park Hotel
• Rhinefield House Hotel
• Kimbridge Barn
• Syrencot
• Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort
• Clock Barn
• South Lawn Hotel
• Cromwell Arms
This year I will working between Marwell Hotel, Rhinefield House and Macdonald Elmer’s Court Hotel & Resort for Christmas Parties and then my New Years Eve party night will be at Rhinefield House so if you haven’t got your evening sorted yet then have a look at their website for information and prices.
Take Care
Dean John
