SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT: THE CAPSTON SECOND

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF

I’m Rachel, the face behind The Capston Second. Wine lover and disco dancing queen, I also happen to be a wedding super fan and rather well organised.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Starting out organising high-profile galas, charity balls and fundraisers for charities, Iʼve worked with celebrities and sports stars, including the British Olympic Association, Bradley Wiggins and Jonny Wilkinson. Such large-scale projects were challenging and exciting, but nothing quite matches the magic of a wedding day coming together. I always wanted to create unique, personalised events – so I set up The Capston Second in 2015 and have been putting my experience to good use making my wonderful couplesʼ ideas a reality ever since.

HOW DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

One of the things I love about my job is how varied it is. I do love a day when I can tuck myself away at home and get lots of admin done, from preparing paperwork for couples who are booking in, and sending emails to working through table plans and running orders. Sometimes my day takes me to the pub to meet one of my lovely couples for a consultation (during normal times!) or to industry events which I can’t wait to be a feature of my week again!

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

Meeting and getting to know my brilliant couples. I’m always impressed by their creativity and I really do get to work on the most personal and exciting weddings around.

AND WHAT IS THE WORST PART?

Weddings not happening at the moment! I can’t wait for us to get the show back on the road and get everyone married.

I have had to postpone my own wedding so I totally understand the heartbreak and can’t wait for all my couples to be wed.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOUʼVE BEEN GIVEN?

Work with people you like. I apply this to my professional life as well as advising my couples to do it. Life is so much easier and more enjoyable if you get on with the people you are working with and it’s never more important than with a wedding, something which is so personal. If everyone ‘clicks’ and works together, the day is going to be the best it can be.

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT COUPLES TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

That my services are totally bespoke and I can help with any planning problems small or big. Whether you just want someone to suggest suitable venues and suppliers or cast an eye over your timeline, I’m not going to blaze in and take over – just make your planning process easier in whatever way I can.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING?

Make it all about you. The best weddings always really reflect the couple and that’s how you make your celebration special. They’re also the weddings where the couple are at ease, which means so are the guests. You don’t have to stick to any rules, just make it all about you.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU DIDNʼT WORK IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

Having variously wanted to be an interior designer, barrister and intelligence officer while at school(!), I decided I wanted to work in events while I was at uni and I think I’d still be doing events in some shape or form. I often covet other jobs in the wedding industry which I know I just haven’t got the skills for. I’d love to be a talented photographer or florist!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR TIME OFF?

Getting out of the city is always a breath of fresh air and I’m a big fan of horse riding. On a more low key note, cosy pubs and dinners at home with friends make me very happy.

DREAM HOLIDAY?

All over Italy eating all the food and drinking all the wine. I love road trip holidays and will be driving to Italy as soon as it’s safe to do so!

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

I would love to own a wedding venue in the future. I hope to still be doing what I’m doing now but also welcoming couples to our own special place to tie the knot!

You can find her directory page here, check out her website
and follow on Instagram !