Wildhive Events Manager will help you create the perfect day
Meet the Team: Dana
At Wildhive Callow Hall, every celebration begins with thoughtful planning and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.
Our Weddings & Events Manager, Dana works closely with couples, families, and corporate clients to bring events to life in one of the Peak District’s most distinctive exclusive-use venues.
Every celebration tells a story
From candlelit wedding receptions to private celebrations and corporate retreats, every event at Wildhive Callow Hall is carefully curated to create lasting memories. With a background in project management and client care, our Weddings & Events Manager, Dana, combines organisation, creativity, and warmth to guide clients through every stage of their event journey.
We sit down with Dana to hear her passion for bringing unforgettable moments to life in the heart of the Peak District.
A magical place to work
- What drew you specifically to Wildhive Callow Hall? What made you want to work here?
From the moment I arrived at Wildhive Callow Hall, I fell in love with it. The beauty of the grounds, the history of the main hall, and the woodland treehouses make it feel incredibly special. In the summer, the trees create this beautiful sea of green and it really feels like one of the most magical places you could work.
- What does a typical day look like for you? I imagine no two days are the same.
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love most about events. In a single day I might be speaking with wedding couples, planning private celebrations, responding to corporate enquiries, reviewing contracts, managing billing, or finalising event details. It’s a role that requires flexibility, quick thinking, and strong coordination, but seeing everything come together makes it incredibly rewarding.
“When I show couples around for weddings, I always encourage them to listen to their hearts. If they fall in love with the venue during the viewing, then Wildhive Callow Hall can become the destination for one of the most important days of their lives.”
Homely spaces, private rooms and beautiful surroundings
- What makes Wildhive Callow Hall special as an exclusive use venue? How does that change what you can offer?
Wildhive Callow Hall has a warmth to it that people feel straight away. The beautiful surroundings, the privacy, and the sense of escape create an atmosphere that makes every event feel intimate and personal. As an exclusive-use venue, our clients can truly make the space their own and shape the experience around themselves and their guests. Not forgetting, a choice of homely bedrooms in the main house or experiential boutique woodland cabins.
- Can you describe your favourite spaces here and what makes them work so well for different events?
It’s very difficult to choose just one favourite space because every part of the property offers something unique. The main hall has so much character and history, making it perfect for elegant celebrations. The private rooms provide ideal spaces for corporate meetings and private events, while the grounds and woodland create a relaxed and memorable setting for drinks receptions, outdoor moments, and gatherings.
What makes the venue work so well is its versatility — it can feel grand, cosy, or playful depending on the type of event.
- What do clients say when they first visit? What aspects of Wildhive do they fall in love with?
Most people say they immediately feel how special and different it is. They fall in love with the setting, the privacy, and the atmosphere — it has that rare combination of beauty, character, and calm. Many clients tell me they can instantly picture their celebration taking place here.
Corporate clients also appreciate that it’s not just a place for meetings, but somewhere they can relax and recharge after a long day of discussions.
The guest experience
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- Walk me through what happens from that first enquiry to the actual event day. How do you support clients along the way?
It all begins with understanding what the client is looking for and the type of experience they want to create. From there, I guide them through every stage — from viewings and planning meetings to supplier coordination, timings, layouts, menus, accommodation, and all the practical details behind the scenes. My role is to make the entire process feel clear, organised, and enjoyable from the first enquiry right through to the event itself.
- How do you get to know a couple or client's vision? What's your process for understanding what they really want?
Good communication is always the starting point. I like to listen carefully and ask the right questions to understand not just what clients want their event to look like, but also how they want it to feel.
Weddings in particular involve a lot of detailed planning, so building that understanding early on is very important — from the colour palette and overall style to the running order, suppliers, and the final finishing touches.
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- What details do you focus on to make an event feel personal and unique to each client?
The smallest details often make the biggest difference. I focus on understanding what matters most to each client — whether that’s a particular atmosphere, a meaningful moment during the day, favourite food and drink, or thoughtful touches for their guests. Personalisation is about making sure the event reflects who they are rather than following a standard formula.
- How do you handle special requests - dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or those extra-personal touches?
Care and communication are essential. Special requests are never just items on a checklist — they’re about making sure every guest feels comfortable, welcome, and included.
Whether it’s dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or something very personal to the client.
“I work closely with the wider team to ensure everything is carefully planned and runs smoothly on the day.”
Memorable moments
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- What's the most memorable event you've organised here? What made it special?
Honestly, every event is memorable in its own way. Weddings and private celebrations are especially personal, and no two are ever the same. What makes them special is seeing each client bring their own style, story, and energy to the venue.
- Can you describe a moment when you saw everything come together perfectly?
For me, that moment is always when the guests arrive and you can feel that everything is flowing exactly as it should. It’s the result of true teamwork across every department.
I often think of it like a hive — everyone plays their part in accordance with the designated role, and when it all comes together it creates something truly special for our guests.
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- What's your favourite type of event to plan and why - weddings, corporate events, or private parties?
I genuinely enjoy all of them because each brings something different. Weddings are very emotional and detailed, private celebrations are full of personality, and corporate events often have a completely different pace and structure. I enjoy the variety and the challenge of adapting to each one.
- What's the best feedback you've ever received from a client?
All feedback matters equally, whether it’s from an intimate gathering of ten guests or a large exclusive event for over one hundred.
The most meaningful comments are when clients say they felt looked after from the very first enquiry to the moment they left. That tells me that was created not just a successful event, but a truly memorable experience.
“I think many people don’t realise how much freedom an exclusive-use venue gives them. It allows them to shape the entire experience around their own style and priorities rather than fitting into a fixed format.”
Behind the scenes
- What's something guests never see but is crucial to pulling off a great event?
Clear communication and well-organised information behind the scenes are essential. With exclusive-use events there are many moving parts and many people involved — not only within Callow Hall but also external suppliers.
Guests may only see the finished experience, but that smoothness comes from careful planning and teamwork long before the event begins.
- How far in advance are you usually planning with clients?
It really depends on the type of event. Some exclusive weddings and private events are planned one or even two years in advance, while others come together over a much shorter timeframe. Whatever the timeline, thoughtful planning is always the foundation of a successful event.
- What's your approach when something unexpected happens on event day?
Good planning always helps minimise surprises, and having a backup plan — or even several — is an important part of the process. Thinking ahead is always my golden rule.
At the same time, events require flexibility. Staying calm, adapting quickly, and finding solutions is key. The most important thing is ensuring that the client and their guests continue to enjoy the day without ever feeling the pressure behind the scenes.
- How do you make sure every guest feels looked after, not just the hosts?
A great event should feel welcoming for everyone. That means thinking beyond the hosts and considering the full guest experience — from arrival and accommodation to food, timings, comfort, and the little touches that make people feel at ease. When every guest feels cared for, the whole event becomes more memorable.
The personal touch
- If you were planning your own dream celebration at Wildhive, what would it look like?
I would definitely make the most of everything Wildhive Callow Hall offers — the beautiful surroundings, great food, relaxed atmosphere, and time for guests to truly enjoy the experience.
I’d want it to feel elegant but warm, with lots of personal touches and a setting that encourages people to slow down, celebrate, and create lasting memories together.
- What's one thing you wish more people knew about planning an exclusive event here?
I think many people don’t realise how much freedom an exclusive-use venue gives them. It allows them to shape the entire experience around their own style and priorities rather than fitting into a fixed format.
I also often recommend that couples who have viewed the venue come back for dinner and stay overnight. Experiencing the food, atmosphere, and service helps them really feel the spirit of the place — and if they feel at home here, then they know it’s the right place for their big day.
There’s an African proverb I’ve always loved:
“ 'It takes a village to raise a child.' At Wildhive Callow Hall, I believe the same is true for every event. It takes all of us, across every team, to bring it to life and make it a success.”
Begin your journey
- What advice would you give someone planning their first big event at Wildhive Callow Hall?
Ask as many questions as you can from the very beginning. The more I understand what matters most to you, the better I can guide you and bring your ideas to life. Planning should feel exciting, and open communication makes the entire process much easier and more enjoyable.
- Why do you think clients choose to return or recommend us?
I believe it comes down to how we make people feel. When clients know they’ve been cared for from the first enquiry through to checkout, that stays with them.
It’s never the work of one person alone — it takes every team, from maintenance and grounds to housekeeping, reception, kitchen, restaurant, concierge, and wellness, all working together to create those lasting memories.
What stands out most is how much everyone cares. That sense of teamwork and shared pride is what makes every event feel truly special.
Thank you Dana, your passion for creating memorable events at Wildhive Callow Hall, really shines through!
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