You’ve already met Gemma who keeps the gardens looking gorgeous and Amie who helps look after our couples pre-wedding day, now its time to take you front of house with Grace.
Front of House Manager for our Roots Catering team, Grace is no stranger to Southend Barns and ensures that every event runs smoothly so our couples and guests can enjoy the most perfect day.
Read on to find out more about Grace and her role here…
A bit about Grace:
After working as a waitress at Southend Barns 5 years ago, I discovered my real passion was working within events and moved to London to achieve a Masters degree in Event Management and Marketing Communications. Once reaching my goal Covid hit, and I was sent right back home to Bracklesham where my days were filled with dog walks and binge watching Netflix. One year later and I have landed the most perfect role as the new Front of House Manager back where it all started, and I’m loving it more than ever before.
Tell us about your role?
A day in the life of Grace at the barns would consist of me greeting the chefs with a coffee and some banter followed by a read through of my day to come. Next step would be taking a walk over to the bridal suite to check on how our lovely bride is feeling on the day and more importantly… having a sneak peak of the dress!
My day then goes up a gear as I check the lay up is completed to the bride and groom’s request, give out roles and tasks to the staff on duty and have my final brief with the chefs. From then on out its go go go making sure everything runs smoothly and calmly. As the day goes on the laughs get louder and the smiles get bigger, so we always know we’ve achieved a ‘perfect’ day.
Your favourite part of a wedding?
Speeches hands down are my favourite part of the day. You learn so much about a room full of people within minutes. You hear stories you could only dream of and the love that is shared is something like the movies describe. Watching a father talking about his daughter’s first steps, grooms turning bright red with embarrassment from what their best men have just spilled – there really is no moment like it. No speech is the same and it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Your favourite meal served by the Roots chefs?
So much inspiration comes out of the kitchen, the food is to die for. My dream meal would be individual baked camembert, Sussex honey, apricot and pecan crumble, Roots’ chutney and toast to start, Rump of lamb, celeriac dauphinoise, minted shoulder bon bon, seasonal vegetables, lamb jus for main all day long and of course to finish it would have to be Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Any tips for couples on what they need to think about for their reception?
Music is such an important part of the day and it all starts from your reception. Whether it’s your favourite playlist, an acoustic singer or a three piece band, make it personal to you and the tone that you want to set for the day.
