NEARLYWED NEWS

When South Woodham Ferrers midwife Natalie Chapman and her paramedic fiancé Mark Bomford entered a competition for NHS workers to win an incredible Essex wedding, worth more than £26,000, they never dreamt they’d win – until they were surprised outside the hospital they work at, surrounded by friends and family!

The competition was organised by Thorpe-le-Soken-based florist and venue stylist Rosie Obeney of Rose Decor Styling – www.rosedecorstyling.co.uk – who wanted to give something back to NHS staff working throughout the pandemic. “I have a big list of amazing people I love to work with in the industry, so I put the feelers out and the response was incredible,” she says. “I was inundated with amazing businesses offering up their services to one lucky couple.”

In total 26 multi-award-winning Essex wedding suppliers teamed up, from the photography and videography right down to flowers, bridal hair and outfits. Held at Tuffon Hall Vineyard on 3rd March, 2022, Natalie and Mark were gifted wedding stationery, catering, decorations, transport, entertainment, occasion wear and more. “Our wedding day was perfect from beginning to end,” say the newlyweds. “We are so incredibly grateful for all of the suppliers coming together to give us this unbelievable gift, and making our wedding day so special.”

WANT TO SEE THEIR INCREDIBLE DAY? Look out for the couple’s fantastic wedding, exclusive to An Essex Wedding, in our July/August issue, available from June, 2022!

PICK ’N’ MIX

Organising your own wedding favours just got a whole lot easier, thanks to Haribo opening their latest store at Braintree Village. Now visitors to the shopping centre can experience the sweet giant’s eclectic mix of popular treats, all the while deciding what their friends and family would most like to unwrap – and eat! – while listening to those wedding speeches. “We have so many treats in store for shoppers, with our pick your own selection featuring more than 30 varieties of sweets,” says store manager Sam Rogers. “From Tangfastics to Starmix, MAOAM Bloxx to Goldbears, and Jelly Babies to Fruity Frogs, we have it all.”

There’s never been a more relevant time to say that when it comes to the new store, you really will be like a kid in a sweet shop! Visit https://braintree-village.com for more information.

NEWS Nearlywed https://da-photo.co.uk All the latest from around the county

Editor Claire enjoyed a delicious meal at Danbury restaurant The Griffin

COME DINE WITH ME

Wedding plans stressing you both out? Take five and remember why you’re getting married in the first place by heading for a date night at Danbury restaurant, The Griffin.

Having recently undergone a renovation to bring seasonal fine dining to the village, the eaterie now boasts a spectacular Champagne and oyster bar, alongside a menu centred around exquisite fish and seafood dishes. Created by Executive Chef Mik Nelder, the cuisine showcases a host of delicious flavours and textures, with menu highlights including grilled lobster with garlic butter, thermidor and mayonnaise; and whole roasted poussin with a bourguignon sauce.

Editor Claire Muffett-Reece was invited along to sample the menu and find out more…

“Arriving at The Griffin I was immediately impressed with the interior – a fantastic mix of exposed beams with a cool, contemporary bar and stylish dining space. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable of the menu, which comprises of a delicious mix of meat, fish and vegetarian options. My husband and I both opted for the pan-fried scallops to start, served with fennel compote, pickled apple, seaweed and caviar sauce. I then chose the grilled skate with capers, brown shrimp, cucumber and chicken butter sauce, which literally melted in the mouth, while my husband enjoyed a chunky fillet of halibut, complemented by parmesan gnocchi, chanterelle mushrooms and a shellfish sauce. He was then too full for dessert, but I personally couldn’t resist, asking my server what she’d recommend. She suggested I try the Paris-Brest, choux pastry filled with praline mousseline and topped with a warm chocolate sauce. Baked to order, it was absolutely worth the wait! We both left with full and contended tummies, knowing we’d return with friends so they, too, could sample The Griffin’s delicious cuisine.”

Visit https://griffindanbury.co.uk to book and find out more.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Friends and family coming from afar and need somewhere to stay for your big day? Rye Farm Self Catering, based just four miles from Colchester, offer comfortable self-contained cottages ideal for a relaxing break. With prices starting from just £58 per night, your wedding guests have the choice between a selection of modern and welcoming apartments housed in lovingly converted 17th century farm buildings. The Pondview apartment looks out over the property’s moat and tranquil duck pond, while the patio area at the back is perfect for catching some afternoon sun. In the nearby village there’s two country pubs for enjoying a hearty meal the night before the celebrations, while the short distance from Mersea Island makes it the ideal destination for guests to explore the stunning scenery before they head back home.

To book and find out more, visit the website www.farmstay.co.uk/accommodation/3508/rye_farm_selfcatering

FIND US ON YOUTUBE!

We’re never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration, which is why we’ve created our very own County Wedding Magazine YouTube channel!

You’ll see tons of big-day ideas, from venue tours to dream dresses, then take a peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. We’re adding more content all the time, so why not hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a thing? Simply head to YouTube and search for ‘County Wedding Magazines’ to find out more. SLIDING DOORS

Stuck what to ask for in terms of wedding gifts from your nearest and dearest? With most couples living together before they get hitched the prospect of a new kettle and toaster is far from appealing. Instead, why not suggest a donation towards that much-needed home improvement you’ve been putting off investing in? Chelmsfordbased Absolute Wardrobes design and install affordable, bespoke, made-to-measure fitted wardrobes, dressing rooms, home offices and entertainment units across the county and beyond. Priding themselves on the finest furniture craftsmanship and with an extensive background in carpentry and joinery, the team designs, plans and installs fitted furniture to complement your individual tastes and needs. Suddenly that set of saucepans doesn’t seem as appealing…

READER DISCOUNT! Absolute Wardrobes is offering An Essex Wedding readers £100 discount on any of their fitted furniture services over £1,000. Terms and conditions apply; please remember to quote ‘An Essex Wedding’ when booking.

Find out more about Absolute Wardrobes by calling 07946 310 173 or visit www.absolutewardrobes.co.uk

JUST THE TWO OF US

Choosing music for your ceremony or reception can seem overwhelming, but luckily the team at An Essex Wedding are here to help. Step forward harp and cello couple Mav Duo, based in Hornchurch but available to provide wedding entertainment throughout the county and beyond.

Harpist Oscar Quesada Gonzalez and cellist Alejandra Vargas Munoz met while studying music in Columbia. “We fell in love and have been playing together for more than seven years,” says Alejandra. “Weddings are our passion, and as such we’ve been touring back and forth across America and Europe, telling stories with our music while enjoying every step in the process.”

From playing well-known melodies to learning a couple’s favourite songs, their repertoire includes classical, Latin folk, pop, rock and more. Visit www.mavduo.com to find out more.

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