Our premier season... 2025, what a year!

2025: Highlights, lessons, and looking ahead to 2026

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Wow - what a season our premier year has been! 2025 has been full of firsts, adventures, and memories I’ll cherish forever. Here’s a little look back:

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2025 Highlights

• Tipis erected for the first time
• 4 styled shoots
• 1 corporate event
• 7 incredible weddings
• A superb wedding fayre/festival weekend
• 1 private party
• 2 tents landing on top of the tipis
• 50 cows chased (and shouted at!) to save my tipis
• A sprinkling of tears
• Many “cheeks-are-hurting-from-smiling” moments
• Approx. 300,000 event-day steps
• Lots of hugs

Right now, the tipis are coming down and preparing to hibernate for the winter. I’ve just entered the TWIA Awards, which is such a great exposure, networking opportunity, will provide valuable feedback from couples - and it would be silly not to! Excited to see if we make it anywhere in the newcomer category.

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What I’ve Learned in 2025

• The people you surround yourself with are EVERYTHING – huge thanks to Florence & Vera Events, Copper Bar Co and my wonderful family.
• Peg down your side tents immediately… then peg them down some more (see photo of catering tent on roof!)
• There is so much kindness in the world
• I can’t do everything all at once
• I won’t get it right all at once
• Service teams for catering are paramount to achieving the relaxed yet elevated vibe I want
• I’m far more capable than I give myself credit for
• I can now drive a tractor, deal with generators, refill toilets, and even chase cows (it's amazing how you can overcome a life-long phobia when your tipis are in danger of being trampled!)
• Make sure my parent’s dog, Dennis (14, much faster than me!) is safely secure in the garden before a ceremony
• Wet-weather weddings are still magical
• Wind is… well, more stressful than rain

This year has been a huge learning curve. I’ve discovered more about what couples truly value, the small touches that make a day unforgettable, and the importance of staying true to the values that make Swanley Meadows so special.

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Looking Ahead to 2026

From welcoming so many amazing couples to Swanley Meadows, to seeing our farm buzz with life and celebrations, I’m filled with excitement for the year ahead. There are new ideas, fresh inspiration, and plenty of ways I want to make our weddings even more magical.

While 2025 has taught me to celebrate the wins, big and small, 2026 is all about taking those lessons and turning them into experiences that will leave our couples smiling for years to come. Here’s what I’m focusing on in the next 12 months:

• Ongoing focus on inclusivity and sustainability
• Hard flooring throughout the tipis
• Look at more accommodation options (did someone say a shepherds hut honeymoon suite?!)
• Continue to learn from and grow with Florence & Vera delivering our coordination
• Enhanced bar offerings
• Expanded supplier partnerships with exclusive deals
• New wildflower areas with a longer blooming season
• Extensive tree planting and hedge laying to boost biodiversity
• Rubber matting in the carpark to protect the land and avoid the need for any car rescues
• Booked-couple drop-in day at the start of the season
• Another showcase event
• More styled shoots for more inspiration and ultimate wedding goals

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As I look back on 2025, I feel so grateful - for the couples who trusted us with their special days, the incredible suppliers and teams who made everything possible, and the friends, family, and even a few mischievous cows who kept me on my toes!

2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year full of growth, creativity, and, of course, more magical celebrations at Swanley Meadows. I can’t wait to share the journey with you, keep learning, and make even more unforgettable memories together.

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Here’s to a new year of adventure, laughter, and love - see you in 2026!

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With love
Jenny x

Founder, Swanley Meadows – Tipi Weddings & Events