Sunday 11 November 2012

Last Wedding of the Season in Hurley

This weekend saw our final wedding of the year when Lyn and Adam tied the knot at the Olde Bell Hurley. Apologies for the misty quality of the picture, a new camera is due I think.

Adam & Lyn after the ceremony
Despite the rotten weather we have had a great year and met lots of happy couples. Thank you to all who booked with us in 2012 especially those who took the time to leave a testimonial on Freeindex

We start the 2013 season in March and will be here throughout the winter to provide quotes and take bookings for 2013 and 2014. In the meantime the Jaguar will be going into the workshop for a little remedial body work and paint before both cars are prep'd and serviced ready for another season in the new year. 

Sunday 28 October 2012

Cotswold Wedding as the Season Nears It's End

Our penultimate wedding this year saw the Daimler travelling over to Burford in the beautiful Cotswolds.
Keith and Alexandra were married in the pretty village of Swinbrook, about 10 minutes drive through the countryside from their home in Field Assarts, near Witney. The close proximity to the church meant we could make two trips taking family members before returning for the Bride and her Father.
The church is a popular stop on the Cotswold tourist trail and a number of people waited outside for the ceremony to finish so they could look around it.

St Mary's Swinbrook
After the formalities we took another short drive to Burford. To allow guests time to get to the venue, we took a drive around the town before arriving at the Bay Tree Hotel for the reception.

Alexandra & Keith outside the Bay Tree, Burford


Autumnal Sonning Wedding

The Daimler and Jaguar were both booked for Victoria and Neil's wedding this weekend. The Jag was chosen as the Bridal car and went straight to Oakley Court Hotel to collect Victoria. Not to be outdone Groom Neil, the Best Man and the Ushers also wanted to travel to the church in style so the Daimler picked them up from Twyford to take them to St Andrew's church in Sonning. It then drove over to Oakley Court to collect the Bridesmaids and Mother.
The churchyard at Sonning was awash in Autumn colours on a very chilly day. The garden of the pub next door is normally buzzing with customers when we are at this location but today it was deserted with the punters very wisely staying in the bars.
Following the ceremony and photos we took the wedding party on to Lillibrooke Manor in Maidenhead.

Victoria & Keith at Lillibrooke Manor
Autumn arrives at St Andrew's Sonning


Wednesday 17 October 2012

More Photos from Michelle & Richard's Wedding

In an earlier post we told you about Michelle and Richard's wedding in Oxford. Their photographer, Simon Murdoch, was kind enough to send me some of the pictures he took of the couple with the car. They are so good I thought I should add them to a supplementary post.

Outside Hawkwell House Hotel, Iffley


Our Jaguar MK2, taken before we picked Michelle up



Saturday 13 October 2012

Simon & Maria's Wedding in Maidenhead

After several weddings "off the patch" we were a bit more local this week for Simon and Maria who were married at St Josephs in Maidenhead. We made three trips to the church, picking Simon and his Best Man up from The Olde Bell, Hurley to take them to the church. The Olde Bell is one of the oldest Inns in the country and oozes charm and character.  Next we were off to a local address in Maidenhead to collect Mum and Bridesmaids before returning for Maria and her Father. Unfortunately the rain started just as the ceremony finished limiting the opportunity for photos at the church. Thankfully when we reached Hurley the sun was out for a photo session at the Olde bell which was the location for the reception.

Simon & Maria at The Olde Bell

Monday 8 October 2012

After Reception Car Service

In addition to our traditional wedding car services we also offer an Evening Service. This service provides a classic Jaguar or Daimler to collect the Bride & Groom from the reception to take them to their Hotel. It is available even if you didn't use one of our cars for the wedding transport earlier in the day. 

At the weekend Tom and Melanie booked this service to take them from their reception in Monks Risborough to their Hotel in Amersham. The cars gleam in the lights of the evening and the interior lights pick out the luxurious red leather giving the cars a really glamorous feel. They are a stylish way to end the evening.

The Daimler in Monks Risborough this weekend...
We price this service based on mileage/time taken so let us know your itinerary and we will provide you with a quote. One point that  should be noted is that these cars have relatively small boots which are fine for overnight bags but means they are not suitable for airport runs where you have luggage for a week or two.

and at the Bull & Butcher, Turville last year

Saturday 6 October 2012

One for the Road


We have just completed our most distant wedding, near Chippenham, Wiltshire. The reason? Our Silver Grey Jaguar MK2. Groom Chris had two criteria, he needed a Grey car to fit with the Grey/Cerise/Cream colour theme of the wedding, plus he loves old Jags so ideally it had to be a Jaguar. So after much hunting he asked if we would be willing to journey across to Bromham where his marriage to Laura took place. Normally this would be too far for us to economically serve but we were happy to help a fellow Jaguar enthusiast. 

The Jag outside the George Inn near Bromham
We picked Laura and her Father up from the family home in Chippenham. On the way to the Church they wanted one last drink together so we stopped at a local pub for a quick "snifter". We then drove on to the village of Bromham for the ceremony at the village Church. After the ceremony we took the newly weds to their reception at Wellington Barn near Calne which is in a lovely remote rural location. Unfortunately the rain started just after the ceremony which meant some soggy photos at the venue and a long wet drive home for the Jag.

Laura and Mike shelter under our umbrella at Wellington Barn

Sunday 30 September 2012

Jaguar in Oxford for Michelle and Richard's Wedding

The MK2 was in Oxford this weekend for Michelle and Richard's wedding at Hawkwell House Hotel in Iffley. The hotel is located in a residential part of the town, having once been a private residence and has had an interesting history. We took Michelle from the family home in Kidlington to Hawkwell House where they were married and had the reception.

Michelle and Richard after the ceremony
Meanwhile over at Tylers Green the Daimler conveyed Sally to St Margret's church for her marriage to Hamish. Sadly there wasn't an opportunity to snap the happy couple, but as may be guessed it was a very Scottish affair complete with piper. Drinkers at the pub opposite also took time out to view the proceedings.
After the formalities we drove the couple to Monkton Barn for the reception.
The Piper entertains guests and pub goers

The Saltire flutters over the church
Interesting shot of the pub

Sunday 23 September 2012

Gemma and Neil's Wedding in Pinner

We were a little off piste this weekend providing the Bridal car for Gemma and Neil. We took the Daimler over to Uxbridge to collect Gemma and her father after which we drove on to Pinner for the wedding in the parish church. While waiting for the ceremony I got talking to a resident living opposite the church, he was used to weddings and devised a barrier across his gateway to prevent confetti blowing onto his gravel drive. Apparently it not only stops the confetti, it collects it against the barrier making it easy for him to clean up. Ingenious. Unfortunately his efforts were wasted as there was no confetti thrown! The church was undergoing renovation which meant large parts of it were covered by scaffolding and sheeting so there weren't many photos taken after the wedding. So quite quickly we were on the way to the reception at  the Homestead Ruislip Common.
Photos at Homestead Ruislip Common

Wednesday 19 September 2012

New Mobile Website

Following the update of our main website we have now launched a mobile compatible website. Mobile users will automatically be redirected to the mobile site when accessing www.henleyclassiccarhire.co.uk from their mobile device. This site is best viewed using popular mobile browsers such as Firefox, Opera and Safari.


Monday 17 September 2012

Claire and Lee's Wedding in Wargrave

Another bright and sunny day for Claire and Lee's wedding. The Jaguar MK2 took the bridesmaids to St Mary's Church in Wargrave from their nearby home before returning to collect Claire and her father. We can  usually make a couple of trips to the church if it is less than 10 minutes from the pick up address.
After the ceremony the Jag created much interest from the male guests and even a few of the ladies. After the family photos we drove the couple to Hicknaham Farm near Burnham Beeches which was the venue for the reception. We haven't come across this venue before, its in a pleasant rural location and has a pond with more ducks on it than I have ever seen.

Final photo for Claire and her parents before leaving for the church

Claire and Lee at Hicknaham Farm

Sunday 9 September 2012

Andrew & Rebecca at Ruscombe

The Jaguar and Daimler were at Ruscombe this weekend for Andrew and Rebecca's wedding. We took the bride and her father as well as the bridesmaids for the short drive to the church on this hot and sunny day.  This church is in a lovely rural location well back from the road, driver Raffy took the opportunity to forage for blackberries while waiting for the ceremony to complete.
After the obligatory photos at the church we took the wedding party across Henley to Bix Manor, an excellent venue with adjoining manor house that can also be rented for the wedding.

Andrew and Rebecca at Bix Manor barn

St James' Ruscombe

Saturday 8 September 2012

Return to Richmond for Chantell and James' Wedding

For the second time in a month our Jaguar MK2 was back in Richmond. This time it was to take Chantell and her Father from Richmond Hill Hotel to St Thomas' in Ham for her wedding to James. The Bride's and Bridesmaid's dresses were stunning. Following the ceremony we drove the couple through Richmond Park to Pembroke Lodge for the reception.
Chantell with her parents and Bridesmaids on arrival at the church
James and Chantell at Pembroke Lodge (Shame about the shadow)



Sunday 2 September 2012

Riverside Reception for Jack and Eloise

The Jag was in the pretty village of Berrick Salome this weekend for Jack and Eloise's wedding. St Helen's Church is a short drive from Eloise's parents home and is located at the end of a track and surrounded by fields. Dating from the 12th century, this really is an attractive and unusual church in an idyllic setting. Following the ceremony and photos at the church we drove the newlyweds to their riverside retreat in Wargrave where they held the reception.

Eloise and Jack on arrival in Wargrave

Berrick Salome's 12th century church
The Bell Tower was a later addition

Kathryn and Tom's Wedding at Lains Barn

There was a purple theme to Kathryn and Tom's wedding and they requested purple ribbons and bows on our Daimler for their wedding at Lains Barn, Wantage. The Daimler made two trips from Milton Hill House Hotel to collect Kathryn and other members of the wedding party. After the ceremony and photos with the car the couple returned to the barn for the reception. There was an unusual building in the grounds, no idea what it is/was used for. Answers on a postcard........

Tom and Kathryn pose with the Daimler before returning to their guests
The Daimler adorned with purple
The mystery building

Monday 27 August 2012

Victoria & David's Wedding at Ufton Court

The "Morse" Jag was out again this weekend to take Victoria to her wedding to David. The car picked Victoria up from The Royal Oak in the lovely village of Yattendon (had a pleasant stay here myself a couple of years back). Yattendon is very close to Mike Robinson's Pot Kiln in Frilsham which is a great pub and restaurant. I digress, the wedding ceremony was held at Ufton Court, an Elizabethan Manor house in the village of Ufton Nervet. As is customary, driver George waited for the ceremony so the newly weds could have some photos with the car afterwards.

Victoria and David, bubbly and a Jag

The Jaguar waits at the Royal Oak



Bethan & Alex at Bearwood College

The Jaguar and Daimler were both in service at Bethan and Alex's wedding in Earley this weekend. The Daimler conveyed the Bridesmaids and Bride's Mother while the Jaguar was chosen as the Bridal car. The  couple enjoyed a short drive to relax with a glass of Champagne before heading on to the reception which was at Bearwood College in Wokingham.

Alex and Bethan with our Jaguar MK2 at Bearwood College


Monday 20 August 2012

Charity Car Rally

We are not really into the "classic car scene" and don't normally attend car shows or rallies but this weekend was different. Local resident and classic car enthusiast, Chris Bidgood,  organised a rally of 40 classic cars at his home in Britwell Salome near Watlington. Once gathered the cars drove to the home of Dick Skipworth and his Ecurie Ecosse motor collection. The event raised £1620 for Cystic Fibrosis Charity and the attendees got to show off their cars and enjoy a picnic in the sun.




Sunday 19 August 2012

Hannah and Neil's Hambleden Wedding

We were back in the picturesque village of Hambleden for Hannah and Neil's wedding, one of three on this beautiful hot summer's day. After taking the Bridesmaids to the church, the Daimler returned to Stowe Farm B&B in Marlow (which has some great views over the surrounding area) to collect Hannah. Following the ceremony the couple and their guests walked over to the Village Hall for tea before continuing on to the Odney Club in Cookham. The guests followed in a lovely old Routemaster London bus.

Thanks to Hannah and Neil for the 5 Star review they left for us.

Hannah and Neil enjoy a glass of champers in the Daimler

Memory Lane's Routemaster

The Daimler outside Hambleden Village Hall

Saturday 18 August 2012

Rare outing for the "Morse" Jag

Although not part of our in house fleet, from time to time we can offer a Jaguar MK2 painted in Regency Red with Black roof as was the famous MK2 used in the Inspector Morse series. This car does have limited availability so if you are interested in it please call or email us.
This weekend it provided transport for Joanna and Mathew's wedding in East Hagbourne. After a photo stop at Wittenham Clumps, they travelled to Millets Farm Centre in Frilford for the reception.
Matt and Joanna with the Morse look-a-like Jaguar



Alice and Chris' Wedding at Old Luxters

Old Luxters Barn near Hambleden is a popular wedding venue, we are there several times a year. Although this is a wedding and reception venue we still wait for the ceremony so that the Bride and Groom can have some photos with the car when they emerge. This is part of our single venue wedding hire package. One perk for the driver is that while waiting there is an excellent beer and wine shop selling goods produced by Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery which shares the site. I can recommend their sparkling wine which is better than many Champagnes.
This weekend in scorching heat we drove Alice and her mum in the Jaguar MK2 from Stokenchurch to Luxters for Alice's wedding to Chris. They had the photo session with the car before enjoying drinks in the gardens with their guests.

Alice and Chris with the Jag at Luxters

The Jag in Luxters courtyard

The Cellar Shop, worth a visit

Monday 13 August 2012

Gypsophila in Richmond

Once or twice a year we are booked for weddings in West London, this is about as far into the capital we normally go. This weekend we were in sunny Richmond in the Jaguar MK2, picking up Nicola from the riverside boutique Bingham hotel to take her to Grove House via Richmond Park for her marriage to Chris. Nicola arranged for some additional decoration on the car in the form of white Gypsophila.

Chris and Nicola pose for photos with the Jag after the ceremony

Gypsophila adorns the front bumber

The view from the Bingham's rear terrace

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