Wedding Mayhem: Wedding Tips, Supplier Advice, Real Stories & What No One Tells You
Cancelled Weddings, Country Houses & Venue Secrets!
In this episode of Wedding Mayhem, Sharon is joined by Samantha Gilchrist, founder and CEO of The Gilchrist Collection, a group of 12 unique wedding venues across the UK and US. Samantha shares the incredible story of how she went from photographing weddings to unexpectedly buying her first venue, The Ravenswood, after a chance phone call revealed it was about to go back on the market. From a £3 million handshake-style deal to rebuilding cancelled weddings and growing the business across multiple locations, it is a story full of risk, instinct and determination. Samantha also gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what really goes into running a wedding venue, from staffing and maintenance to guest flow, bar placement and creating the right atmosphere. She explains why every couple should feel like they are the only wedding that matters, why transparency around pricing is so important and why some venue costs are higher than couples may first expect. There are also plenty of unforgettable stories along the way, including alligator lakes, surprise roof repairs, guests making questionable decisions and the realities of managing historic properties. It is an honest, funny and insightful conversation about the wedding industry, venue ownership and what it really takes to deliver thousands of weddings successfully. Samantha Gilchrist Website: https://gilchristcollection.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthagilchristofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/thegilchristcollection/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegilchristcollection LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gilchrist-collection/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegilchristcollection Lizzie - Boujee Music Website: https://boujeemusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boujeemusiclive/?hl=en-gb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoujeeMusicLive/ ----- Support the show Welcome to Wedding Mayhem the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the wedding industry. Also available on YouTube as a full studio broadcast. Hosted by Sharon Underwood, bridal boutique owner with over 25 years in the industry, this is where real weddings are talked about honestly not just the polished version you see online. From emotional moments to things that don’t quite go to plan, Sharon shares the truth about weddings with humour, experience, and a no-nonsense approach. Each week, a different wedding supplier joins the show to share their top tips, expert advice, and what couples really need to know when booking for their wedding. Each episode features candid conversations with wedding professionals from photographers and stylists to celebrants and content creators giving you insider knowledge and the things couples are rarely told. Because let’s be honest… weddings aren’t always perfect and that’s where the magic (and the mayhem) happens. Whether you’re planning your wedding, working in the industry, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, Wedding Mayhem is here to help you feel informed, confident, and a little less overwhelmed. New episodes every Thursday at 4pm Real stories, expert advice & behind-the-scenes truths Podcast Contact us: https://www.weddingmayhem.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddingmayhempodcast ...
