Our Philosophy is Simple…
Creative, Professional & Fun
As a luxury wedding planner based in the UK, Vanessa is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering passion for creating unforgettable moments for couples in love, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background. She warmly welcomes and embraces working with same-sex couples, fusion weddings, and clients from around the world.
One of Vanessa's proudest moments was orchestrating the wedding of her oldest groom to date, a heartwarming celebration at 98 years young, highlighting her dedication to making dreams come true at any stage of life.
Vanessa thrives on collaboration throughout the planning process, valuing the partnership with her clients and team above all else. Her vast experience in luxury weddings and global event management since 2004, coupled with her creative flair and handpicked network of suppliers, ensures each wedding she designs is a bespoke and joy-filled experience, reflecting the unique personalities of the couple.
Operating from a chic office on the Cambridgeshire and North Norfolk border, Vanessa and her team bring their expertise and enthusiasm to weddings across the UK and beyond entrusting that every detail is carefully attended to with love and care. Keeping the team in check and overseeing operations are our four office cats (Sprocket, Flossie, Nala & Hugo).
EXPERIENCE
Vanessa's journey in the wedding and event industry traces back to 1992 when she started out in the vibrant world of mobile discos, assisting her brother as a wedding DJ 'roadie'. It was during these early experiences that her passion for wedding planning was sparked. Whether lending a hand to venue staff or assisting a Bride and Groom, Vanessa found herself drawn to the magic of weddings.
After honing her skills in the realm of global corporate events with a production company, Vanessa realized that her heart truly belonged to wedding planning. In 2004, she took the leap and founded her own company at a time when wedding planners were considered a luxury beyond reach for most, and traditional church ceremonies prevailed.
Fast forward two decades, and the landscape of weddings has evolved significantly. Today, celebrant or humanist-led ceremonies are the norm, and Vanessa and her team are sought after by couples from all walks of life. With her wealth of experience and unwavering passion for creating unforgettable moments, Vanessa continues to redefine the standards of luxury wedding planning, making dreams come true for everyday couples across the UK and beyond.
PASSION
Our discerning clients are drawn to effortless sophistication and understated elegance, and Vanessa expertly delivers on these desires. From extravagant floral arrangements to delectable cuisine and exquisite champagne selections, Vanessa infuses every wedding with luxury and refinement.
Whether it's the charm of a country estate such as Aynhoe Park, the picturesque backdrop of sprawling countryside marquees, or the opulence of 5-star London Mayfair and Park Lane hotels, Vanessa's versatility and passion shine through. Her wealth of experience, coupled with her innate creativity and attention to detail, ensures that each wedding is meticulously crafted to perfection.
With Vanessa at the helm, weddings become more than just events - they become unforgettable experiences that reflect the unique personalities of her clients. Her approachable yet diligent style of wedding and party planning ensures that every aspect is handled with care and enthusiasm, resulting in a sublime celebration that delights both the couple and their guests alike.
RECOGNITION
Vanessa is a multi award winning wedding planner and is highly respected as a go to wedding ‘guru’. She is a regular wedding contributor to BBC Local Radio and has appeared on Channel 5 News, GB News and has been featured in The Sunday Times,
CLIENT FEEDBACK
Thank you Vanessa for being so astonishingly good in every way in the lead up to and all day on our wedding day.
The day went brilliantly and without a hitch and many guests said it was the best wedding that they have ever been to. You and your team did all that you could to make all aspects dovetail together and we want to send our sincere and heartfelt thanks for your care, dedication, and attention to every detail. Of all the fantastic suppliers for our wedding, Harding & Co. represented the best value, without your guidance and hard work, the event would not have been so successful nor carry the magical quality that it did. We will remember all of your kindnesses in the years to come. Thank you so much.
This is one of the things we do best
At Harding & Co. we sit on the standards board for the Consumer Code for Weddings and Events (CCWE) and are members of the Association of British Wedding Businesses