The making of the Flint Room - fun, inclusive, alternative and a little bit crazy!
The Flint Room is an inclusive, bespoke, one-of-a-kind, alternative, licensed venue for all non-religious ceremonies in Norwich.
How did we begin? My best friend now business partner, Lesley, loves old buildings. She has a love of all things old and beautiful. She is a collector (some call her a hoarder lol) and will avoid waste at all costs, always preferring to recycle, upcycle, repair or repurpose. She aims to bring anything she finds of beauty, historical or sentimental value not only back to life, with a new purpose but better than ever before.
As Lesley's trusted 'partner in crime', we have taken on the journey of the Flint Room together as both bring different and unique skills, knowledge, experience and skills to the table.
Lesley comes from a non-religious background whereas I have first-hand experience of a strict religious childhood. Those experiences, on either end of the spectrum, have given us invaluable insight into what couples want and don't want, an appreciation that religious views are a very personal choice, how to relate to people from all walks of life, making human connections all without judgement or prejudice.
We not only accept couple’s personal choices and lifestyles, we support them to have the most perfect day possible.
We have two rules; the first is that it must be about the couple. Too often, couples are swept away with wedding planning and lose themselves and what they actually want.; so we try and erase that concept and remind the couple that the day is theirs and theirs alone. It doesn’t matter who is invited or who is paying for the day, this is the one day where the personality and individually of the couple should shine.
Our second rule is to provide a safe environment for couples to celebrate their love for each other. We believe in unconditional love. We welcome everyone; the common theme is that they love each other and want to commit to each other in what ever way they choose. Love is love in all its forms. All couples will always receive a smile and a warm welcome.
That's it: no conditions, no prejudices, no judgements. Good old fashioned customer service to boot.
We pride ourselves on being different, not just in the venue and all its vintage and bespoke artefacts and pieces but in our care, support, attention to detail and reputation for going the extra mile. Testimonials from our couples state a common theme in the delight of the support they've received and how it alleviated their anxiety, nerves and fears surrounding the big day. Couples comment on how relieved they feel, knowing we are there to oversee, anticipate their needs and be one step ahead in case of any mishaps. We want our couples to know they are in very safe hands.
All our photographs speak for themselves. Each piece, each ornament, chair, sofa, plant, has been specially chosen, collected and loved. There couldn't be two more opposite people than myself and Lesley; however the friendship works and the business partnership works. We have the same core values; fierce loyalty and the ability to treat people with the respect and dignity they deserve, whoever they are.
If you walk into the Flint Room, take a deep breath, and smile, we have achieved our aim. We have had such feedback as a positive, friendly and relaxing vibe (even from a white witch!).
Whether you walk down the aisle together or go for the tradition of not seeing each other until the big reveal, we have beautiful private areas which can accommodate this. So you will be able to put your stamp on your day. We've also had canopies, buffets, drinks, cream teas, and BBQs. In addition, Lesley and I show versatility in running the twinkly music bar creatively repurposed from old pianos.
We want our couples to have one cost. We know, first hand, how 'hidden extras' mount up the second the word ‘wedding’ is mentioned, so we keep our price constant and transparent. We encourage couples to bring their own alcohol, soft drinks, teas/coffees etc. We will arrange, display and serve them, keeping the guests topped up so everyone can relax and enjoy the day and no one misses out.
On entering the venue, we get smiles, compliments, and guests start to connect with each other and discuss personal or historical pieces of interest that catch their eye. The venue lends itself to young and old, men and women, with everyone always finding something they love. Families unite in the venue's quirkiness and informal setting. On their arrival, couples sigh with relief and begin to enjoy their day, knowing they are in competent hands.
If you do not want to get married in a religious setting, then we are a church that is not a church. We are an alternative, inclusive venue with a difference. We will help take the stress and formality out of your day. If you have the most beautiful wedding day and Flint Room experience, then we have achieved our ultimate goal and will be happy.
Trish & Lesley x