A NEW wedding venue has opened in Worcester – with a whimsical theme that has the bride and groom “buzzing”.
Oakfield Gardens will enable couples to get married on the former horticultural training site at River School on Droitwich Road.
After World War II, the school was known as the Oakfield Teacher Training College for Horticulture for 35 years.
Visitors came from all over the world, and it is believed that at least eight other horticultural colleges were founded by people who were inspired by it.
Business Manager Pete Graham was responsible for starting the new company to generate additional income for the fee-paying school.
And with seven beehives on-site but out of the public eye, couples have the option to have small jars of honey from the beehives as a favor.
The couples may even get down to the topic and possibly don beekeeping suits for their wedding photos.
The pandemic forced Mr Graham to switch his life as a DJ around the world in glamorous places like California to stacking shelves in co-op in Kings Norton.
His sister, who has children at the school, mentioned an apprenticeship.
“I had taught before and I didn’t really enjoy it, but I thought about it, applied and interviewed.
“I showed up at school and met the headmaster. I said the facility was phenomenal and suggested they have weddings.”
Although he didn’t get the teaching assignment, the school was keen to learn more about his ideas for the website.
“My previous experience of events in the UK and my passion for doing something bigger drove them to take me on board.”
Mr. Graham will be responsible for using the website for non-semester events to maximize their potential.
He is now looking forward to welcoming couples to the wedding fair this Saturday.
He said Oakfield Gardens are perfect for couples looking for a rustic, boho, outdoor wedding venue.
There are two luxurious teepees and nine acres of beautiful Worcestershire gardens.
“It’s so beautiful here, and because it’s a former horticulture, there are lots of rare trees and flowers that make a great backdrop for the wedding.”
Covid has forced many weddings to be postponed and venues lagging behind.
As for the new venue, Graham said they hoped they could help couples struggling to find a location for the dates they wanted.
“Our main problem is brand awareness as a new wedding venue, but I’m excited and hopeful.”