Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - February/March 2023 (Issue 99)

On the cover...

Berkshire-based florist Sonning Flowers created the stunning archway on the cover and are Regional Winner at The Wedding Industry Awards 2023. Turn to page 11 to read more about the awards and to book Sonning Flowers for your wedding visit www.sonningflowers.com/weddings

The image was captured by Suzy Elizabeth Photography (https://suzyelizabethphotography.co.uk) at the wedding of Karen and Adam at Notley Abbey.

FEATURES

53 MEMORIES MADE

These regional photographers share their favourite wedding snaps

61 WEDDING WHEELS

Arrive in style with our retro transport round-up

71

FASHION & BEAUTY

69 FASHION FOCUS

The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches

71 STRIKING SILHOUETTES

Make your entrance in style in a fabulous fishtail dress, a fairytale-inspired ballgown or a slinky little number

77 SUSTAINABLE STYLES

These designers offer something green as they promote their latest collections created using eco-friendly fabrics

80 BRIGHT AND BOLD

Bridesmaids will love the colourful dresses and accessories in store this season

83 BEAUTY BUZZ

Get the look with these must-haves for the bride-to-be

82 WELLNESS AND BEAUTY Q&A

Our local professionals solve your problems

61

REAL WEDDINGS

28 SOMETHING GREEN

Hedsor House provided the spectacular backdrop for Emma and Will’s celebration

35 IN THE SUMMERTIME

Alice and Nick’s glam boho wedding was decorated with sage green, lilac, apricot and white touches

40 A SPRING LOVE STORY

Hannah and Jordon’s April wedding followed a pastel, white and navy theme

47 CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS

92

89

GROOMS

89 GROOMS’ NEWS

The latest best buys and product launches

90 MIDNIGHT MAGIC

With celestial-themed weddings becoming all the rage, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite out-of-this-world products

HONEYMOONS

92 HONEYMOON NEWS

The newest openings and honeymoon destinations

95 DOWN BY THE RIVER

rackleys.co.uk

Classic elegance with a modern twist, picturesque Rackleys is Buckinghamshire’s spectacular wedding venue set in seven acres of grounds surrounded by the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

EDITORIAL

01376 535 611

Claire Ridley | Editor

clairer@county.wedding

Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor

Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing Editor, Beauty Editor

Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

Melissa Cullen | Senior Editor Grooms and Honeymoons Editor

DESIGN 01376 535 616

artwork@county.wedding

Graphic Designers

Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor

Artwork & Content Coordinator

Lorna Butcher

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Katie Laley

Web Development Manager

Stuart Weatherley

ADVERTISING

Sales & Events Director

Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490

sarahe@county.wedding

Account Manager

Jessie Wilson | 01376 538 478

jessie.wilson@county.wedding

ACCOUNTS

01376 535 616

accounts@county.wedding

Accounting Manager | Derrick James

Tis’ the season

WithChristmas and the cold snap a distant memory, this is the season of love with Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day upon us. For those of you who have just become engaged (or are hoping to on Valentine’s Day) then congratulations, you’re at the beginning of your wedding planning journey! For those of you putting the finishing touches to a spring wedding this year then take inspiration from our real-life wedding couples and advice from a host of expert local suppliers. That’s not all – there’s also all the latest wed-day news, exclusive offers, fashion, beauty and hot honeymoon ideas.

Until the next issue...

Claire Ridley, Editor

Anyone who knows me well can tell you that one of my most treasured possessions is my Fiat 500 car and my favourite colour is pink. So when this picture of a vintage Fiat 500 in baby pink, lovingly named Rosie and available to hire from Lil & Blue Vintage Fiat 500 Hire based in Wokingham landed in my inbox, I was in love! See more on page 61!

These Bride and Wifey weekend bags are a must for any mini-moon! All is revealed on page 69.

@YourBerksBucksOxonWedding

@CWM_YBBOW

@countyweddingmagazines

Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com

Your Berks Bucks & Oxon Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Events & Publishing Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Your Berks Bucks & Oxon Wedding is published six times a year.

ISSN 2049-4203

Turn

I was lucky enough to be invited along to Coppa Club property The Great House in Sonning. It’s not only a picturesque riverside wedding venue but also the ideal retreat for a mini-moon in the region. Don’t miss my review on page 95.

Check out this stunning shot by local wedding photographer Katie Amanda in our big-day photography feature on page 47. She captured it at the real wedding of Beckie and Huw who we will be featuring in our next April/May issue.

The magnificent Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire provided the backdrop for Emma and Will’s glamorous big day. See it in all its glory on page 28.

Katie Amanda also documented the real wedding of Hannah and Jordon this issue on page 40. I adore this white bicycle used in the background as a prop – it has inspired me to get back on my pink bike this spring!

How beautiful do Alice and Nick look here on their wedding day in the grounds of Tythe in Oxfordshire? Check out their story on page 35.

Luxury hotel Cliveden House in Berkshire was recently voted number 39 in the Top 50 Boutique Hotels in the UK. All is revealed on page nine.

Congratulations to the team at Windsor-based, family-run jewellers Berry’s on their recent award win – read all about it on page nine.

Pa ionate about baking

We, Mortimer Cake Company are passionate about creating memorable, unique wedding cakes that re�lect your love story.

Each individual cake is designed mirroring your style, whether that be hand painted, high glamour or a simple buttercream cake.

Conveniently based near Reading, supporting the Home Counties & Greater London. We look forward to joining you on your exciting journey.

Nearlywed

NEWS

The latest news from around both counties

If I were getting married, this star and moon headband and bumble bee hair slides from Buckinghamshire-based QueenMee Accessories would be at the top of my wish list!

To shop, visit https://queenmee.com

FAMILY-OWNED BERRY’S JEWELLERS WINS WATCH RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Luxury jewellers Berry’s, with a store in Windsor, recently won a coveted UK jewellery award. They shone at the nationally recognised Retail Jewellery UK Jewellery Awards 2022 which is organised by the leading jewellery and watch industry title Retail Jeweller to commemorate and give recognition to those working in the industry. The awards cover every aspect of the jewellery and watch sectors, from jewellery design to successful retailing and have 21 targeted categories.

Berry’s won the coveted Watch Retailer of the Year accolade, along with the Retailer of the Year (six stores or more) award, with stores across the UK including Leeds, York, and Windsor.

Berry’s was praised by the expert judging panel for great in-store service, a 92% mystery shop score, a thriving website, and a robust product selection. These wins come as an additional success for the family-owned business which is currently celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

Simon Walton, managing director of Berry’s, commented on the win, “We’re delighted to celebrate our 125th anniversary alongside the UK Jewellery Awards and receiving such an accolade demonstrates the hard work that the family and our incredible team at Berry’s has put into the business. We also thank our customers for being the main driver of our success - we truly appreciate them all.”

To shop, visit www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

I love the sparkling selection of diamond engagement rings available from South Oxfordshire-based Lover’s Rock which is an online bespoke diamond ring specialist offering independently certified diamonds and fine jewellery of the highest quality at exceptional prices.

To shop, visit www.loversrockdiamonds.co.uk

BEARWOOD LAKES ANNOUNCE LAST-MINUTE OFFERS

Member’s only golf course and club Bearwood Lakes located in Wokingham, Berkshire has last-minute wedding availability for celebrations in 2023 and can happily accommodate smaller and mid-week weddings. To find out more and to book, call 01183 048 200 or visit www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk

THE TOP 50 BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN THE UK WERE RECENTLY UNVEILED

The Top 50 Boutique Hotels in the UK were recently unveiled. The much-anticipated list is curated and voted by leading industry experts, hoteliers, travel writers and influencers. Chris Lowe, group director of hospitality and manufacturing at William Reed says “We’re delighted to be revealing this fantastic new list. Our number one has jumped up 18 places from last year and the highest new entry is number 5 which is a testament to those teams’ stellar efforts. With staycations continuing to be a focus for Britons, it is encouraging to see such a strong regional presence this year and such a wide range of unique hotel experiences to enjoy.”

The Boutique Hotel list follows on from the success of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars, as well as the long-running and ever-popular Top 50 Gastropubs. Now, consumers have a complete and definitive guide to where to eat, drink, and sleep throughout the UK.

At number 31 on the list is The Wild Rabbit, a modern British inn located in Kingham, Oxfordshire, perfect for a mini-moon in the region, where guests can enjoy great food, drink and accommodation. Private dining is available in The Chicken Shed, a light and spacious self-contained building, perfect for wedding celebration dinners (https://thewildrabbit.co.uk/private-dining)

Cliveden House, located in Berkshire, was number 39 on the list. It’s a five-star luxury hotel, a member of Relais & Châteaux with 47 spacious rooms and suites located in the main house in addition to Spring Cottage which is a summerhouse perched on the banks of the River Thames. The property hosts weddings and within the grounds of the estate is a spa, a boathouse and a range of sporting and leisure facilities. (www.clivedenhouse.co.uk)

Local independent florist, Sonning Flowers, has scooped up the muchsought-after Regional Wedding Florist of the Year award at this year’s prestigious Wedding Industry Awards 2023. Competition was stiff and the regional award covers wedding florists across the whole of the South Central region, with only 8 regional winners across the whole UK.

This news comes after the Berkshire-based florist was crowned the National Winner and Regional Winner at last year’s Wedding Industry Awards for 2022.

Heather Reilly, owner of Sonning Flowers, said: “We are absolutely delighted and just can’t believe it! It’s the icing on the cake after winning the National Award last year, to come back for the second year running and win Regional Wedding Florist of the Year again is just an incredible feeling, and not something we could have ever dreamed of.

“A huge thank you to all our wonderful wedding couples of 2022 who voted for us and provided generous and incredible feedback about their wedding flowers and service we provided to them to the expert panel of judges, we couldn’t have done this without you and your trust in us!”

Heather concluded: “I personally also need to say a huge thank you to the Sonning Flowers team. We’ve had back-to-back weddings since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and my small team of seven have worked incredibly hard during two wedding seasons like no other. Winning such a renowned award for the second year running is the true recognition the team deserves and we can’t wait for the 2023 season to get started!”

IwishIcouldgivehigherthan10forallofthoseoptions;SonningFlowerswere absolutelyphenomenalandI’llberecommendingthemtoanyonewhowilllisten!We gotquotesfromanumberoffloristsforourdayandSonningoutshinedthemallfor value.Thedisplaystheycreatedforuswerebetterthanwe’deverimagined,andtheir attentiontodetailwasincredible.Theywerethorough,friendly,professional,and quickwithalloftheircommunicationandactionthroughouttheday,lovedthem!

Submitted by: Becky McCann (Levell)

Sonning Flowers has been trading since 2004, first based in Sonning and now with a specialist flower workshop in the beautiful West Berkshire countryside. Sonning Flowers is perfectly located to deliver flowers for any event in Reading and Newbury, across Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, North Hampshire, and Surrey.

The award-winning team has a passion for beautiful, fresh flowers and is known for its stunning hand tied bouquets as well as beautiful vases to homes and offices that add the ‘wow’ factor to any wedding or event.

Sonning Flowers also regularly provides flowers for some of the most prestigious events in the South of England, including Chelsea Flower Show and Henley Royal Regatta.

If you would like to discuss your wedding flowers with an award winning florist, please complete our online enquiry form by visiting the weddings page of our website and our weddings team will be in touch:

www.sonningflowers.com/weddings

We have a limited number of dates still available in 2023 and are taking bookings for 2024 and 2025.

A beautiful backdrop to say “I do” in Berkshire

Set in 250 acres of gorgeous countryside, the Mansion House at Wokefield Estate is the perfect setting for your dream day.

Choose to get married inside this stunning Grade II listed building, or take your vows outside under the eaves of our Wedding Pavilion.

With the capacity for up to 300 guests, Wokefield Estate can accommodate both large and intimate weddings alike.

For information about our packages or to arrange a show-round of the venue, please contact us on the details below.

www.devere.co.uk/wokefield-estate | 0118 933 4019 | wokefield.weddings@devere.com Goodboys Lane, Mortimer, Reading, RG7 3AE

Stone Photos

Relaxed Wedding Photography by Loren www.stonephotos.co.uk

loren@stonephotos.co.uk 07956 393844

RELAX THE MIND

Leading country house hotel Horwood House that’s nestled in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside is offering 20% off its Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Stay package that aims to relax, restore and revitalise. Running in partnership with the award-winning Aromatherapy Associates, the package includes uninterrupted access to the spa relaxation area, pool, sauna and steam room from noon to check out, a delicious two-course lunch in the spa lounge and a 60-minute Aromatherapy Associates

Deep Relax Body Treatment, performed by one of H Spa’s skilled therapists.

Horwood House is home to H Spa, a state-of-the-art boutique spa that boasts a 15-metre heated swimming pool complete with poolside tranquillity beds plus a detoxifying sauna, a cleansing steam room and six deluxe treatment rooms, as well as a cosy lounge area that benefits from views across the pretty landscaped courtyard.

After a day of pampering and a delicious dinner in Harry’s Bar & Kitchen, guests can retreat to one of the Deluxe bedrooms to make use of the in-room luxury Aromatherapy Associates gift - with products including the Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, Sleep Mist, Body Oil, or Sleep Well Body Butter.

Freebies & OFFERS

To book, visit www.horwoodhouse.co.uk/aromatherapyassociates-deep-relax-stay. This offer is available to book until the end of March 2023.

Turn to page 23 to read all about saying ‘I do’ at Horwood House!

Take advantage of these great giveaways

WIN A TEAM HEN BUNDLE

Fresh to Team Hen’s digital shelves are these new bride-to-be must-haves. The new Bride Make Up Bag (£14), complete with gold and chenille sewn-on patches, is ideal for stashing all those daily make up essentials in – and will look pictureperfect in the getting ready snaps on the big day! The matching Bride Weekend Bag (£38) is your new go-to holdall for both the hen do and honeymoon and can be paired with the coordinating Bride Travel Pouch (£16). All of the items are available to order in the brand’s blue Wifey design too!

Check out https://teamhen.co.uk

County Wedding Magazine readers have the chance to win a Team Hen Bride bag bundle including a make up bag, weekend bag and travel bag worth £68!

Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring 2023 wedding show season – perfect for all those couples that got engaged over the festive period.

From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues to our larger Signature Wedding Shows, we can’t wait to welcome nearlyweds to our events and help plan their wedding day.

Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof.

On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés.

Couples will need to pre-register in advance for an allocated arrival time, although on the day visitors are always welcome, and attending our shows are free!

For more information, visit County Wedding Events’ website.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events.

X Sarah

A date for your diary...

Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events.

Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com

WEDDING SHOWS SPRING 2023

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area.

All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON

SUN 12 MAR | RACKLEYS CHILTERN HILLS Marlow Road, Cadmore End, Bucks, HP14 3PP

SUN 2 APR | THE COMPLEAT ANGLER Bisham Road, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, SL7 1RG

WEDDING SHOWS SPRING 2023

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM

unless otherwise stated

EAST ANGLIA

SUN 26 MAR

HAYCOCK MANOR Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA

LONDON

SUN 19 FEB

MORDEN HALL

Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD

ESSEX

SUN 12 MAR

LAYER MARNEY TOWER

Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US

SAT 1 APR

HOUCHINS

WEDDING VENUE

Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT

SUN 14 MAY

BRAXTED PARK

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

SUN 14 MAY

MORDEN HALL

Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD

SUSSEX

12PM-4PM

SUN 16 APR

SELDEN BARNS

Selden Lane, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3UL

WORK WITH US

As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com.

WEDDING SHOWS

• Free entry

• First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake

• Goody bag for each couple

• Up to 200 stands

• Bridal fashion shows

• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues

• Demonstration areas

• Competitions

• Entertainment

• Refreshments

• And more...

ASCOT RACECOURSE

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX

SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023 | 11AM - 3.30PM

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL

SUNDAY 16 APRIL 2023 | 11AM - 3:30PM

Sponsored by

WEMBLEY STADIUM

London, HA9 0WS

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER 2023 | 11AM - 4PM

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE

Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN

DATE TO BE RELEASED SOON

Pre-register at www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

Your Wedding

Set amidst 10 acres of picturesque grounds, in the heart of the Chilterns, this 12th Century medieval Abbey offers the perfect setting for your special day.

We’d love to show you our gorgeous venue. Call us to arrange a viewing with our wedding coordinators

Licensed for weddings and civil partnerships

Packages to suit all couples

Complimentary bridal suite

57 en-suite bedrooms on-site

Marquee options available

Space for live music or DJ

For more information or to arrange a viewing, call us on 01494 867996 or email weddings@missendenabbey.ltd.uk www.missendenabbey.co.uk

www.wasing.co.uk/weddings

Photography of the interior of Missenden Abbey courtesy of www.sianweatherheadphotography.com

Photography of exterior courtesy of https://loveandlifestudio.co.uk

Images of Wycombe Museum courtesy of www.shannonlawford.co.uk; https://danielatkinson.co.uk; Stylists, www.thebohoshack.net and www.hireheaven.co.uk

SOUTH BUCKS AND SOUTH OXON

Check out these magical venues

MISSENDEN ABBEY, GREAT MISSENDEN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

This exclusive-use, 12th-century medieval Abbey has been lovingly transformed into a wedding venue marrying history with a contemporary feel. The main house boasts exquisite architectural details including unique stained-glass windows and a decorative staircase.

Outside, the beautifully maintained gardens set in 10 acres of picturesque grounds in the heart of the Chilterns are home to a summerhouse, a fish pond and a water feature plus a 500-year-old Cedar tree and the entire house and grounds are available exclusively for weddings.

Ceremonies take place in the Garden Room where the bride and bridal party enter from the stunning staircase into the suite that can seat up to 100 guests. A drinks reception can be held outside in the picturesque grounds or, in the event of bad weather, inside the Garden Room, Bar or Library. The wedding breakfast can be hosted in the adjoining dining rooms with vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows for up to 115 guests and a summer option is a seasonal marquee with a starlit canopy

accommodating up to 150 people.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01494 866 811, https://missendenabbey.co.uk

We love... that the bridal suite is complimentary on the night of the wedding.

WYCOMBE MUSEUM, HIGH WYCOMBE

This local history museum located in Castle Hill House and Gardens is a hidden gem located in a calm oasis just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre where couples can tie the knot in one of five licensed spaces. The front garden features extensive grounds, perfect for an outdoor summer ceremony, that are overlooked by the entrance hall, spacious café lounge bar and ground-floor Chilterns Gallery. There are plenty of outdoor seating options outside, close to the main building, and many photogenic areas within the grounds for guests to explore. An informal canopy marquee makes a great cover from May to September which comes as a basic structure with attachable sides and two window walls revealing views of the grounds (additional marquees are also permitted.)

The museum provides a unique backdrop with the galleries open during the wedding afternoon for guests to visit. The largest licensed ceremony room, The Old Stables, is located in the outbuilding, a brick and flint original stable building with a high-beamed ceiling and neutral internal décor. It can host up to 76 guests and leads out on to the pretty courtyard.

Alternatively, The Chilterns Gallery, featuring sash windows, an original fireplace and tasteful decoration with art nouveau-inspired wallpaper and matching olive-coloured walls has a maximum capacity of up to 26 guests for intimate ceremonies.

Receptions take place in The Old Stables and The Coach House which together create a great space for dining and evening receptions, both with hard floors for dancing. The Courtyard is the ideal area for a rustic pallet bar or mobile caterers to set up and the marquee in the front garden is also a great option for a reception.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01494 957 210, http://wycombemuseum.org.uk

www.facebook.com/WycombeMuseum

www.instagram.com/wycombemuseum

We love... that for a full-day hire, the venue offers access the afternoon before to set up and prepare.

MACDONALD BERYSTEDE HOTEL & SPA, ASCOT

This four-star manor house is in the style of a French château nestled in secluded grounds and woodland. The traditional interior showcases a sweeping oak staircase, perfect for big-day photographs, and romantic open fireplaces. Highlights are the award-winning restaurant, rooftop terrace and the state-of-the-art thermal spa with six spa treatment rooms, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, rock and infra-red saunas and an 18-metre swimming pool.

The fairytale-inspired venue is home to a range of stylish function rooms for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception including the Windsor & Eton Suite. The Elizabeth Suite is offered as a room to get ready in as part of the Imperial and Majestic wedding packages and other features, depending on which package is booked, include a red carpet arrival, a

personalised table plan, place cards and menu cards, an LED dancefloor plus the opportunity for the newlyweds to return for dinner and an overnight stay on their first anniversary.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01344 623 311 www.macdonald-hotels/berystede www.instagram.com/macdonaldhotelsandresorts

We love... that there’s a team of specialist wedding coordinators available to take care of every part of the planning and private viewings of the venue can be booked.

DENHAM GROVE HOTEL, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

This modern hotel is tucked away in the rural village of Denham, overlooking 48 acres of idyllic parkland surrounding Denham Grove and the Colne Valley. The pretty grounds offer the perfect backdrop for a summer drinks reception and breathtaking wedding photos. Inside, it’s furnished in a chic contemporary style, with dining pods that are perfect for a pre-wedding dinner, and a terrace.

A creative and quirky space, the hotel provides something for everyone, from the comfortable refurbished bedrooms to the stylish bar lounge, on-site gymnasium, swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a sauna. Ceremonies and receptions take place in the Durdent Suite and the

Princess Suite for up to 180 guests, and in the Chalfont Suite for up to 100 loved ones. The Pavillion, a pretty pergola located on the Grounds, is an intimate ceremony choice for up to eight people.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01895 833 338, www.denhamgrove.com

We love... that with certain wedding packages, the happy couple get a bridal suite on the night of their wedding and if they book the 10 bedrooms located in the courtyard, the team can look at hosting an exclusive pre or post-wedding barbecue or social event.

Photography of Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa courtesy of https://galileophotography.co.uk

Chic suites

What’s new? Behind the doors of some of the finest hotel wedding venues

Vanbrugh House Hotel in Oxford has launched two bespoke luxury packages to make getting married even more special. The boutique 22-bedroom hotel nestled in Oxford’s bustling centre now offers the Bride & Bridal Party Package and The Wedding Night Package – perfect for those getting married in one of Oxford’s many quirky city-centre locations.

Whether it’s a bride and her crew wanting to get ready, a romantic spot for the first night of married life, or a base before saying ‘I do’, the two deluxe suites with secluded gardens and a private entrance offer a separate, pampered space to kick-start married life in – complete with four-poster beds, lavish Mr and Mrs bathtubs, luxury touches like slippers and The White Company toiletries plus a digital concierge for guests to make use of during their stay.

The Bride & Bridal Party Package is the essential ‘pre-party’ package, perfect for brides or groups looking for a space to get ready for the big event. The bride – and friends - can spend the last night of singledom in lavish surroundings, before waking up to a champagne breakfast hamper in the room. The suite has a separate entrance with a VIP private area to welcome the bridal party with a red carpet and champagne waiting on arrival. The spacious suite offers plenty of space for bridal parties to put

the finishing touches to their looks – with huge bathrooms with separate baths and showers, as well as plenty of sink space and mirrors, too.

The Wedding Night Package offers newlyweds a one-night stay in a private deluxe suite to retire to after their big day, packed with romantic touches to make the first-night extra special. Decorated with rose petals on the bed, drinks on arrival and a peaceful pamper kit filled with bath bombs, bath salts and eye masks, this is a special way to start married life. A delicious breakfast hamper filled with locally sourced produce, fresh juices and pastries is delivered to the door the next morning, the final touch to wake up to as a married couple.

Vanbrugh House offers a bespoke service and is happy to discuss any personal requests that guests would like to include in the package, whether it’s a selection of cocktails in the room, pampering products or decorations to make the suites even more perfect.

Packages at this luxurious boutique hotel include everything from champagne on arrival paired with a VIP private area and red-carpet entrance to the suite, and are priced on request.

For more information, visit www.vanbrughhousehotel.co.uk/special-offers

BURNHAM BEECHES HOTEL, SLOUGH, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

Offering elegant Georgian architecture and ten acres of manicured lawns and gardens, Burnham Beeches Hotel merges a classical style with a newly refurbished bedroom wing. The design of the property’s main function rooms and 78 bedrooms and suites reflects the romance of the surrounding English countryside.

This romantic wedding venue provides a distinctive range of settings for ceremonies and receptions, from the splendour of the Windsor Suite, a charming white-panelled room with wooden flooring and chandeliers, designed to suit any wedding theme, to the cosy ambience of the Burnham Suite, and the lawns and terraces for al fresco celebrations. The front lawn is the ideal place for a drinks reception on a summer’s day, however, an exclusive bar for couples and their guests is also

made available.

Exclusive use is an option allowing couples to hire out the entire hotel and gardens from noon on the wedding day until 11 am the following day, including 80 bedrooms for guests, priced from £23,390. It includes many of the services listed above, plus a £1,000 bar allowance.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01628 429 955, www.burnhambeecheshotel.com

We love... that menu tasting and wedding night accommodation are included in the various wedding packages. Afternoon tea for two on the couple’s first anniversary is offered and a dedicated wedding coordinator is available throughout the wedding planning journey and on the day.

HORWOOD HOUSE, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Nestled in the rural tranquillity of the Buckinghamshire countryside sits this Grade II listed manor house hotel and spa, accessed via a tree-lined approach surrounded by perfectly manicured blossom gardens and a picturesque lily pond. Designed in a Jacobethan style and built in 1911, the manor house is the focal point of the hotel with its tall brick chimneys, bay windows and Bath stone surfaces with handmade red brick walls and original stone steps leading up to it. Inside, the stunning sweeping staircase provides a picturesque spot for big-day portraits.

Perfect for a cosy escape, the hotel’s new Manor Suites are located on the top floor of the original house offering spacious, elegant lounge areas, deluxe super-king beds and Art Deco-inspired bathrooms. The luxurious H Spa is ideal for some pre-wedding pampering, home to a 15-metre swimming pool complete with tranquillity beds, a thermal sauna and a steam room. Guests can also book a table at Harry’s Bar & Kitchen and tuck into their delicious menu, which has been curated by executive chef Will Dimartino.

With two ceremony locations to choose from, the newly refurbished Drawing Room is brimming with grand features and has been delicately refreshed to provide a neutral ethereal space for the exchanging of vows for up to 80 guests seated. It features high ceilings with magnificent detailing, an impressive stone fireplace and a stunning bay window presenting a light and airy stage. Subtly glistening wall coverings and soft botanical prints finish off the look in this romantic room.

For a picturesque outdoor ceremony, a white wedding arbour is situated within the blossom gardens, creating a truly romantic oasis to be enjoyed throughout the summer months, from April to September, with a capacity for up to 190 guests. Couples can also choose a less traditional

setting for a wedding blessing or renewal of vows, such as the steps of the manor house framed by elegant wisteria, the magical well that’s hidden amongst the woodland or under the boughs of the ancient oak tree.

The neutral and spacious settings of the Eyre and Cook Suites can be decorated to any chosen style for the wedding breakfast and reception, seating up to 190 guests. There’s the option to add a dancefloor and space for a DJ. The Eyre Suite provides direct access to the terrace and out into the pretty gardens. For a more intimate affair with smaller numbers of between 40 and 80 loved ones, the manor house is an idyllic setting to host the entire day in the ethereal-inspired Drawing Room, Lounge and Manor Bar with terrace space just down the original stone steps.

Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01296 722 100, www.horwoodhouse.co.uk

We love... that the couple can enjoy a menu tasting before their big day. The Classic Package includes a Deluxe double room for the night before and a beautiful Executive Room for the night of the wedding. The Wisteria package includes an Executive Suite the night before and a grand Manor Suite the night of the wedding. The team also encourage couples to return to the hotel, again and again, to relive memories, celebrate anniversaries and mark milestones. To encourage this, they include a complimentary first-anniversary dinner at Harry’s Bar & Kitchen for all couples who have booked a wedding at the property.

Turn to page 13 to take advantage of our offer with Horwood House in association with Aromatherapy Associates!

Crowne Plaza Marlow is a superb wedding venue located in the heart of the beautiful Chiltern Hills and Thames Valley. With its stunning lakeside location and acres of landscaped gardens, it's the perfect setting for your special day. We have a number of function suites to hold up to 320 guests.

New, fully refurbished Luxury Hotel & Spa

Licensed for Civil Wedding Ceremonies Special Accommodation Rates

Modern British Menu prepared to AA Rosette standard and authentic Indian Menu Ideal Asian Wedding

The hotel, set in stunning landscaped podium gardens offers a range of banqueting suites for your special day. We can cater for up to 220 guests for a Wedding Banquet for up to 260 guests for your evening reception.

The Bride and Groom will enjoy a number of complimentary benefits including an overnight stay in one of our spacious suites with a Romantic Breakfast in bed.

Our dedicated team of Chef's have extensive experience in the preparation and delivery of modern British & Authentic Indian Menus to 2AA Rosette Standard.

British Wedding Brochure Asian Wedding Brochure

Call Our Wedding Planner on 0162 8496 818 Email: events1@cpmarlow.co.uk

A: Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1GJ

Call our Wedding Planner on 01189 444 231 Email: events@cpreading.co.uk

A: Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Reading, Berks, RG41 5TS

Our grand turreted exterior provides a fairytale backdrop for your special day. Step into the hotel and feel the old English charm from the open log fires and the stunning ornate oak staircase. If an idyllic outdoor ceremony is your dream, then our grounds offer the perfect location. The beautiful, landscaped gardens and secluded woodland area also provide a magical backdrop for your wedding photos. If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate wedding then our Library Suite is a classic choice. This room features an original fireplace and is full of character and charm. For larger celebrations, our Windsor & Eton Suite is a perfect fit for up to 220 of your friends and family to create lasting memories together.

01506 815140

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/berystede specialevents.berystede@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

The Berystede, Bagshot Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9JH

Scan to download brochure

We are well known throughout the South of England for our quality DJs and Discos and a whole range of entertainment solutions, from: fun Photobooths, Dancefloors and Lighting, to Sound and even a full catalogue of ‘Live’ Performers.

From your initial enquiry right through to the actual event Orange are there on hand to give you the best information and ideas.

Find Your Forever Wedding Rings

ROYAL BERKSHIRE

This stunning luxury country house hotel located on the outskirts of Ascot should be top of the wedding venues list for those looking for exclusive use. It’s hopelessly romantic with a walled garden, perfect for an outdoor ceremony, a sun-drenched terrace for drinks receptions, a fountain plaza

for big-day photos and a dining room that opens out on to the pretty landscaped garden.

For more information, visit www.exclusive.co.uk/royal-berkshire/weddings

THE COCK HOTEL

Set in the heart of Stony Stratford, The Cock Hotel is a 15th-century coaching inn that’s steeped in history. It stands on the old Roman Road, Watling Street next to The Bull Hotel within easy reach of the local shops and countryside walks.

At the centre of the hotel is the courtyard which is accessible and sheltered all year round. There are 30 en-suite bedrooms and a hotel bar and restaurant serving a wide range of beverages and freshly cooked pub classics.

The two on-site function rooms offer flexibility for weddings and events boasting natural daylight, stylish décor and good access. Ceremonies take place for up to 100 guests in The Marquee Suite, historically a coach

house, that overlooks an open-air courtyard and has a PA system for ceremony music. Alternatively, The Oak Room is located at the top of a small flight of stairs on the first floor with easy access to the public bar and can host up to 50 loved ones for the ceremony.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01908 578 393, www.greenekinginns.co.uk/hotels/cock-hotel

We love... the complimentary, meal-tasting, accommodation for the couple on the wedding night if a formal package is booked plus a wedding manager and a wedding coordinator.

SOMETHING green

Hedsor House was the spectacular backdrop for Emma and Will’s celebration that was decorated with an olive green theme Images courtesy of Divine Day Photography

Emma and Will were introduced by friends over text messages back in 2016. “I had been on a flurry of dates and had decided to give up on dating but my friend Jodie asked if I’d go on one last date with Will before and I reluctantly agreed!” Emma tells us. “We met at a bar in London’s Covent Garden and as soon as I saw him I knew he would be the man I’d marry…and six years down the line, here we are!”

The couple became engaged during the pandemic in 2020 just before Christmas. “Will had planned to propose on a trip we had arranged to New Zealand but sadly it got cancelled,” Emma says. “We were enjoying a minibreak in the UK and I would love to say it was a surprise but I accidentally found the ring the night before he asked me!”

SETTING THE SCENE

Emma and Will wanted to get married somewhere locally. “Neither Will nor I am from the area originally but we’ve lived in Buckinghamshire for the past four years so it feels like home to us,” Emma explains. “Hedsor House was the second venue we visited and we both fell in love with it.”

The couple decorated their day with an olive green colour theme. “Our table plan, table names and place names were all in this shade,” Emma tells us. “The tables were named after pubs which meant something to our guests seated at that particular table and our beautiful centrepieces were white roses as a symbol of Yorkshire mixed with green foliage which also decorated our mouth-watering cake.” Emma had lily of the valley in her bouquet which also featured in her dad’s buttonhole. “It represented my grandma who sadly passed away before I was born.”

“My auntie Linda gave a beautiful reading while holding photographs of both of my grandparents which was a very memorable moment for me.” – Emma

Railway Weddings!

Railway Weddings!

Other jewellery services available

Wedding Ceremony Licence

Wedding Ceremony Licence

Stunning glass-roofed railway venue

Stunning glass-roofed railway venue

Amazing grounds for your photographs

Amazing grounds for your photographs

Exclusive use all day and your own choice of suppliers

Exclusive use all day and your own choice of suppliers

Sit down meal for 150, with large separate dance floor

Sit down meal for 150, with large separate dance floor

Offer guests a steam train ride!

Offer guests a steam train ride!

Large on-site car park

Large on-site car park

For info and appointments, email Emma: functions@bucksrailcentre.org

For info and appointments, email Emma: functions@bucksrailcentre.org

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton HP22 4BY

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton HP22 4BY

Helping you say it from the heart

When you want to show the world just how much you love someone, you want a ceremony that tells a truly personal story. Wherever you are getting married or if you’re planning a wedding celebration, Springwood Ceremonies will help you create a memorable and unique ceremony.

Photo by Drew Webb Photography & Film

Photo by Drew Webb Photography & Film

LOOKING THE PART

Emma wore a dress called Aimee. “I purchased it from Ellie Sanderson in Beaconsfield who were fantastic,” she tells us. “I thought I would want to wear a long-sleeved style but my family encouraged me to try on the dress that was displayed in the window. As soon as I put it on I knew it was the one I wanted. I liked the fact that I could remove the skirt to have a simple white dress to party in during the evening.”

Emma accessorised her dress with a veil, a pair of earrings and a necklace which was a gift from her mother-in-law and a bracelet which was a gift from her aunties and uncles. “My auntie on my dad’s side presented me a stunning Swarvoski bracelet just like the one that my grandma had bought for her,” she tells us.

Will wore a navy morning suit teamed with a red Hermes tie. “His groomsmen wore the same as him and they all looked fantastic!” Emma says. The couple’s four bridesmaids wore two different dress styles in olive green.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

Emma and Will hired a DJ for their evening reception. “Everyone had a great time,” Emma tells us. “One of the highlights of the day was my dad’s speech which was so good – he still replays it on his iPhone to remind my mum how good it was!”

“Many of our guests commented that ours was the best food they had ever eaten at a wedding.” – Emma and Will

TOP TIP: “I was extremely organised during the wedding planning and kept spreadsheets. We booked the Hedsor Augusta Package which meant that most of our suppliers were organised by the team. It was like having a wedding planner!” – Emma and Will

THE DREAM TEAM

Photographer, Divine Day Photography, https://divinedayphotography.com | Venue, Hedsor House, 01628 819 050, www.hedsor.com

Flowers, Seventh Heaven Floral Design & Event Decor, 01753 546 555, https://seventh-heaven-events.co.uk | Stationery, Reeba Rose, www.reebarose.com | Cake, Le Papillon Cakes, www.lepapilloncakesuk.com | DJ and dance floor, Class Act, 01296 658 222, www.classact.uk.com | Dress, Love & Liberty dress from Ellie Sanderson, https://elliesanderson.co.uk | Jewellery, Monica Vinader, www.monicavinader.com | Hair and make-up artist, Hair and Makeup Atelier, www.instagram.com/hmu_atelier | Suits, Anthony Formal Wear, 01277 651 140, www.anthonyformalwear.co.uk | Catering, Caper & Berry, 01483 427 521, https://caperandberry.co.uk | Wedding rings, Mallory, 01225 788 800, https://mallory-jewellers.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Rewritten, https://wearerewritten.com

Wedding & Event Venue

Situated in the grounds of a 17th Century Farmhouse, Winters Tale Country Barn can seat up to 120 guests for your wedding breakfast and an additional 80 guests in the evening. Licensed for Civil Ceremonies with a choice of locations in the main hall or in the quiet country gardens. The barn has many features including twinkling fairy lights, a high vaulted and heavily beamed ceiling, a well stocked bar on the ground floor and a cocktail bar on the gallery above.

Adjacent to the barn, and included, is a large silk-lined marquee with festoon lighting and chandeliers. New for 2022/2023 is a Secret Garden for photo shoots with a water feature, bridal swing and more...

Also included on the night of your wedding is on-site accommodation just across the courtyard in Harvest Moon Barn and Ember Eve Barn. Please call for further details.

In the summertime

Alice and Nick’s glam boho barn wedding was decorated with sage green, lilac, apricot and white touches

Images courtesy of MT Studio Photography

Alice and Nick met while studying at Loughborough University. “I was attracted to Nick’s playful personality,” Alice tells us. “His dashing good looks helped too!” Nick was attracted to Alice’s cheeky smile and positive attitude. “I was smitten with Alice and told my friends she was the one from the start,” he says.

Nick had wanted to propose on Alice’s birthday during a surprise trip to the Amalfi Coast but unfortunately, it coincided with the lockdown. “Nick held on to the ring and took me to Italy six months later and popped the question up a mountain in the Dolomites which was perfect,” Alice says.

Here, Alice tells us about their beautiful barn wedding at Tythe in Oxfordshire which was decorated with pops of pastel colours.

Alice and Nicholas (Nick) Gourlay married on 11th June 2022 at Tythe in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

We were struck by the staggering beauty of Tythe. The wedding barn features wooden beams, high ceilings, romantic lighting and beautiful grounds - it was everything we’d dreamt of. Every detail was so well thought out and the staff had the answer to all of our questions.

The ceremony was a surreal and wonderful time. Standing in front of our loved ones and vowing to love each other forever felt very special

“Our venue manager, Tori, did an outstanding job and we felt like she went above and beyond to make our day special. When she greeted Alice at 9 am, she was thoughtfully wearing a hair bow in the colours of Alice’s family tartan which was a nice touch.” - Nick

During our

led a singalong to Stand by Me and What a Wonderful World.

the

We felt overwhelmed with joy and love on our wedding day. We expected it to be a grand, romantic and epic affair but we underestimated how much fun we would have!

ceremony,

pianist

We had a Scottish bagpiper playing during the throwing of the ‘confetti’ to celebrate my Scottish heritage and instead of confetti, our guests threw rice as they do traditionally in the Philippines to celebrate Nick’s background – we found rice stuck to everything for days afterwards!

My mum, Shona, is Scottish so she made a Scottish tablet for our wedding favours. They were boxed and tied with her family tartan which is a navy, green and yellow mix that worked with our colour scheme.

As centrepieces, we had foliage draped across white chiffon on the tables.

We chose flowers which had meaning to us. We opted for white freesias which my parents had chosen for their own wedding day and olive branches as a nod to us getting engaged in Italy. We started the process with no knowledge of flowers but our florist, Jem, taught us so much. I especially loved the big blousy peonies!

As we share a love of travel, we displayed a large map with pins and string pointing to some of the places we’ve visited together as our table plan. My dad, Nigel, wrote the place names in calligraphy which included Manila, Uberlândia in Brazil and Rome. Nick’s mum, Candy, made our wedding stationery.

“Our wedding day was made extra special by our loved ones who had travelled far to be with us for the day, from the Philippines and also Scotland.”Alice and Nick

In keeping with our bohemian theme, we chose a naked cake dressed with fruit and icing sugar.

We had photographs of our parents and grandparents’ weddings featured in ornate frames on display in the barn.

We incorporated Nick’s Filipino heritage by giving our guests hand fans. We also created a sweetie cart with treats from the Philippines.

We thanked our wedding party for the help they’d given us in planning our special day by displaying photographs of all of the preparation on a wooden pallet. A lot of our wedding items were homemade by our friends and family members of whom we are very proud.

We served a tomato and goat’s curd salad to start, pork roast for the main course and pavlova for dessert. We had so many compliments about the food from our guests!

We loved the option of the self-carve for our main course. We dressed our chosen carvers up as chefs which was great fun!

Top tip: “Pick suppliers who you think could become your friends. We loved our chosen ones and formed great relationships with them - months on, we’re still in touch with some!” - Alice and Nick

I wore a dress called Brielle by Madi Lane. I think this style suited our glamorous bohemian theme. Eve at Wedding Frox did a wonderful job! She listened to me when I told her what our wedding would be like and how I wanted to feel and reflected this in the style of dress she chose for me - it was perfect!

Our bridesmaids wore full-length sage green dresses in floaty fabrics. It was lucky that they all ended up loving the same style of dress! Their posies, and my beautiful bridal bouquet, were tied with trailing pastel ribbons.

I accessorised my bridal dress with a pair of pearl drop earrings, a fingertip veil and a gorgeous handmade headpiece.

During our evening reception, we had the brilliant Festival Sons band perform. Our guests loved them and the dancefloor was packed!

The team at Tythe supplied some great garden games, especially Aunt Sally which is a traditional Oxfordshire game a bit like a coconut shy - it was a huge hit with our guests and also gave us some hilarious photos!

THE DREAM TEAM

Photographer, MT Studio Photography, https://mtstudio.co.uk | Venue, Tythe, 01869 321 442, www.thetythebarn.co.uk | Catering,

Absolute Taste Ltd, 01869 226 670, www.absolutetaste.com | Wedding dress, Wedding Frox, 01483 276 766, www.weddingfrox.co.uk

| Veil, Lace & Favour, 01892 667 571, www.laceandfavour.com | Headpiece, Eden b. Studio, 07707 295607, www.edenbstudio.com | Wedding rings, A&S Jeweller, 020 7242 7978, www.aandsjewellers.co.uk | Bridesmaid’s dresses, Not Another Boring Bridesmaid Dress, https://nabbd.co.uk | Hair, Rachael Capocci Oxfordshire Bridal Hair & Makeup, www.instagram.com/oxfordshirebridalhairandmakeup

| Make-up, Make-up by Katy, 07738 462 444, https://makeupbykaty.com | Suits, Hawes & Curtis, www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk

| Cake,

Cake by Rachel, 01608 684 980, www.cakebyrachel.co.uk | Florist, The Flower Shed Oxford, 07951 844 677, www.theflowershedoxford. co.uk | Band, Festival Sons, 0800 564 2240, www.tailored-entertainment.com | Pianist, Tim Croston, 07944 320 374, http://timcroston.co.uk

The groomsmen wore navy two-piece suits while our two fathers wore three-piece versions.

Nick wore a navy suit. He stood out from the groomsmen by wearing a grey waistcoat with a paisley tie in green and lilac tones which worked well with our colour scheme.

LOVE STORY A Spring

Hannah and Jordon’s April wedding followed a pastel, white and navy colour theme

Images courtesy of Katie Amanda Photography

Hannah and Jordon Brooks married on 22nd April 2022 at Dovecote Barn in Adderbury, Oxfordshire.

Hannah and Jordon met through friends and became engaged when he proposed to her on her 21st birthday during a mini-break at a spa hotel. “It was a wonderful surprise,” she tells us.

SETTING THE SCENE

The couple wanted a local, rustic-inspired barn wedding venue for their special day to gather their loved ones together. “Dovecote Barn was a perfect choice,” Hannah says. “The ceremony was the most memorable part of our day - we both felt so happy, emotional and excited!”

Hannah and Jordon chose pastel colours as their theme mixed with white and navy. “Our flower arrangements and centrepieces were filled with timeless white blooms which looked so pretty,” Hannah says. “We also chose an elegant white three-tier cake decorated with flowers that not only looked great but tasted delicious!”

The couple kept their table plan simple with table numbers one to ten. Their place names

were written on rustic brown cards with vinyl script calligraphy. “We gifted our guests alcohol shots as favours which seemed to please them!” Hannah explains.

Hannah and Jordon styled the barn with plenty of decorations and props. “We filled it with fairylights and tea lights which looked so romantic,” Hannah describes. “We also had giant illuminated LOVE letters and outside, we propped a white bicycle draped with flowers outside the wooden barn doors which looked great!”

LOOKING THE PART

Hannah wore a stunning lace gown with crystal detail at the waist that she teamed with her bridal bouquet of white flowers mixed with greenery. “I wore my long dark hair up finished with a crystal clip,” she says. “I also wore a pair of crystal drop earrings and elegant ivory bridal shoes with an ankle strap.”

The couple’s flowergirls wore cute white tulle dresses teamed with a shrug, a pair of floral shoes and a flower headband. “Our adult bridesmaids looked beautiful in their pastel lilac full-length dresses teamed with sandals,” the couple tell us. “One had off-the-shoulder straps while the other featured an asymmetric neckline and they both carried posies of gypsophila.”

Jordon wore a navy three-piece suit teamed with a pink tie and pocket square and a white floral buttonhole to match the varieties in Hannah’s bouquet. “Our groomsmen wore the same outfits as Jordon,” Hannah says.

TIME TO ENTERTAIN

Hannah and Jordon hired a live band to entertain their loved ones during their evening reception. “We also hired a photo booth for all of our guests to use and gave everyone sparklers to enjoy outside as it got dark,” they tell us. “Everybody looked like they were having a great time!”

THE DREAM TEAM

Photographer, Katie Amanda, 07824 471 637, www.katieamanda.com | Venue, Dovecote Barn, 01295 816 566, www.dovecoteevents.uk/weddings#dovecote-barn | Catering, Dovecote Events, 01295 816 566, www.dovecoteevents.uk | Dresses, Pre-loved Bridal Boutique, 07969 497 317, www.prelovedbridalboutique.co.uk | Flowergirl dresses, www.next.co.uk | Hair, The Salon Ladies & Gents, 01295 271 304, www.thesalonbanbury.co.uk | Make-up, Rosie Pickup – Makeup Artist, www.facebook.com/rosiepickupmakeup | Suits, Dragonfly Groomswear & Formal Hire, 01869 357 941, https://dragonflygroomswear.co.uk | Cake, Cakes by Kit, 07870 500 919, https://cakesbykit.com | Flowers, FloralCelli, 01295 279 475, www.floralcelli.co.uk

“We had a Mercedes as our wedding car which was a great choice!” - Hannah and Jordon

Your dream wedding day at The Compleat Angler

Located on the riverbank of the River Thames, The Compleat Angler provides the idyllic setting for your wedding. Whether you would like an intimate wedding or a grand affair of up to 120 guests, we are on hand to help create memories that will last a lifetime. Boasting 64 stylish bedrooms, we can provide luxurious accommodation and our award-winning food will be sure to impress your guests.

With unparalleled views of the Marlow Weir, located in the heart of Buckinghamshire and easy access into London, The Compleat Angler is a beautiful retreat for your wedding.

Arrange your visit or find out more by emailing: weddings.compleat@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

The Compleat Angler, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1RG • 0344 879 9128 macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleat-angler

Let’s Start With Forever

From intimate gatherings to opulent celebrations, The Vineyard is the perfect destination. The luxurious surroundings envelop you from the moment you arrive, providing an elegant backdrop for creating memories you’ll never forget.

SWEETHEARTS Childhood

Luci and Liam’s big day was at the picture-perfect venue the Vineyard, Newbury

Images courtesy of Katie Hamilton Photography

Luci and Liam Corrigan have been in love for ten years, having first met through mutual friends when at school. Many years passed when they didn’t see each other, but one special night out brought them together once again and the rest is history.

Liam popped the question early one Sunday morning when Luci was least expecting it. “To celebrate, Liam took me

for lunch at the Vineyard with family where he also agreed to have our wedding held – a dream come true. There was plenty of champagne flowing to celebrate!”

The big date was set for 14th August 2021, with a ceremony at the couple’s local Parish in Steventon, followed by a wedding breakfast and reception at the Vineyard. Here we find out more about their big day…

We have always loved the Vineyard, from the beautiful venue itself to the high-quality service, amazing food and stunning grounds - it was our dream venue.

We liked the fact that we could exclusively hire the venue so that it was solely for our wedding guests, this was important to us when deciding on a venue.

We used the main honeymoon suite to get ready during the morning of the wedding, it was perfect as it’s very spacious with lots of natural light, which was a big help in keeping a calm atmosphere.

The bridal party stayed at the Vineyard the night before the wedding and had a relaxing day making the most of the spa facilities before the big occasion.

I wore an ivory satin A-line dress with an embellished back and a diamante pearl belt.

Our beautiful bridesmaids wore champagne-coloured, one-shoulder dresses with a train by the designer Vera Wang.

Liam wore a navy bespoke suit with a stylish double-breasted waistcoat and a fashionable champagne-coloured tie and pocket square.

Our groomsmen wore navy suits that were different from Liams teamed with champagne-coloured ties and pocket squares.

We went for a traditional glam wedding with a champagne and ivory colour theme.

The day was perfect from start to finish, the sun shone all day and all the Vineyard staff were extremely helpful, friendly and accommodating.

We had a traditional white Bentley wedding car while our bridesmaids travelled in a white Mercedes.

The most important thing to us was that everyone had a great time and the food and drink was constantly flowing - the Vineyard did not disappoint!

We loved having our dog, Teddy, included in our wedding.

Another special moment was walking into the Californian Suite where our wedding breakfast was held, seeing all the beautiful decorations and flowers and our guests all smiling - the room looked stunning.

Our favourite moment of the day was our surprise singing waiters, they were fantastic and helped avoid an after-dinner ‘lull’ for our guests. Everyone was up singing and dancing and having a great time.

THE

DREAM TEAM

Venue, www.the-vineyard.co.uk | Photographer, Katie Hamilton Photography, www.katiehamiltonphotography.com | Videographer, Yeti Film - Matt Saunders, www.yetiphotography.co.uk/devon-wedding-videographer | Florist, Ann Laing, https://annlaingflowers.co.uk | Stationery, Weddings by Portia, portia@weddingsbyportia.co.uk |Cake, Celebration Cakes, www.catherines-cakes.co.uk | Pianist, Richard Sully, www.richardsully.com | DJ and LOVE letters, Dukebox Discos, www.weddingdjcotswolds.com | Singing waiters, Silver Service Singers, https://silverservicesingers.com | Bride’s dress, Bride to be, www.bridetobe.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk | Groomsmen’s suits, Ted Baker at Slaters, www.slaters.co.uk | Jewellery and accessories, Vera Wang, www.verawangbride.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Vera Wang at David’s Bridal, | Hair and make-up, Bridal By Artists, www.bridalby.co.uk | Cake, Celebration Cakes by Catherine Scott, www.catherines-cakes.co.uk | Transport, J2 Luxury Transport, https://j2luxurytransport.co.uk

Artisan producer of handmade Sugarpaste, Flowerpaste, Beautiful Cake Mixes, Buttercreams, Ganache and Chocolate products

With 90 flavours and colours to choose from! In

Surprise your guests with live entertainment from our Sing Out Waitresses & Waiters

For a fun lled interactive show!

Wedding & Event Planning

WEDDINGS

This full package is perfect for the couples who want assistance right from the beginning of their Majikal journey. We will start off our journey together with a get to know you chat where I can learn about both of you and everything you want for your big day! Once I understand your vision I will be able to provide options for several suppliers within your budget and help source the one that’s right for you. You won’t have to worry about a thing on your wedding day as I will be there from start to finish to make sure everything is Majikal.

Here at Sal Majik Events we want to help create majikal memories for all celebrations. As all events are unique, we will start with a face to face meeting discussing all the details. We will set up the event to eliminate the stress and make sure all the fine details are achieved, we will also assist with the backing up of an event so you can enjoy the entire day.

T The e type e of f events s that t we e are e able e to o assist t with h are: :

-Birthday Parties

-Gender Reveals

-Baby Showers

-Bridal Showers

-Anniversary Parties

-Christmas Parties

-Graduations Parties

Memories made

This hand-picked selection of some of the best local photographers reveals their favourite wedding snaps

ABIGAIL’S STUDIO, BLEDLOW RIDGE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Biba and Rikesh

“The halls of the Harrow School dance to a different beat during the weekends. With stunning scenery, including great views over London, this eclectic venue offers ceremonies, receptions and Asian Weddings all with a twist! Here, Indian couple Biba and Rikesh toast their wedding while dressed in traditional outfits and surrounded by spring blossoms. Dohl drummers accompany the groom at the start of this beautiful wedding and the civil ceremony, in a light and bright spot with the added benefit of the spring sun, is sealed with a kiss.” -

Abigail

Christine and Nick

“The engagement shoot of Christine and Nick shows the couple kissing behind a rose that contains an engagement ring in this romantic photograph. They celebrate their engagement in the summer meadow.”

- Abigail

Clair and Gavin

“This classic wedding photograph of couple Clair and Gavin walking through a lavender garden was taken at St Helen’s church Benson, Oxfordshire. This stunning church that’s nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside has a secret garden which equals some of those seen at high-end wedding venues. A balcony kiss overlooking the pretty garden in the spring sunshine using the contrasting light from the archway created these stunning images.” -

Abigail

Book Abigail: 01494 481 137, www.abigailstudio.co.uk; www.facebook.com/Abigailstudio; www.instagram.com/abigailstudiophotography

KATIE AMANDA PHOTOGRAPHY, WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE

Bec and Huw

See Beckie and Huw’s marquee wedding in our next issue!

Book Katie: 07824 471 637, www.katieamanda.com, www.instagram.com/katieamandaphotography

Alison and Adam

Specialising in capturing authentic moments through my light, elegant and heartfelt style.

NATURAL, RELAXED & CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Capturing unique stories, authentic moments and couples in love.

It is a true honour to be a part of someone’s love story and to gift them memories to last a lifetime. My natural approach allows my couples to feel at ease whilst I freeze beautiful, timeless moments for my couples to forever cherish.

I also offer makeup touch-ups so your dream bridal look remains flawless from the morning of your big day to dancing the night away.

WWW.PAIGEMARY.CO.UK

@paigemaryphotography.makeup 07568 513072 paige.mary@hotmail.co.uk

WALLINGFORD PORTRAITS & WEDDINGS, WALLINGFORD, OXFORDSHIRE

Kate and James

Book Tonja: 07876 293 377, www.wallingfordportraits.co.uk; www.facebook.com/Wallingfordportraits;

Book Kirsty: 07722 209 326, https://kirstycoxphotography.co.uk; www.facebook.com/kirstycoxphotography; www.instagram.com/kirstycoxphotography

KIRSTY COX PHOTOGRAPHY

PAIGE MARY

Book Paige Mary: 07568 513 072, https://paigemary.co.uk; www.facebook.com/paigemary.photographyandmu

STONE PHOTOS

Book Loren: 07956 93844, www.stonephotos.co.uk; www.facebook.com/StonePhotosPhotographer; www.instagram.com/stonephotosphotographer

e wedding day is all about YOU...

The laughs, the goosebumps, the tears are a part of your unique wedding story. Capturing authentic emotions is my main goal. For much of the day you won’t even notice me (even though I’m a tall gal) because I believe the best photos are taken when you’re relaxed and having fun.

Let me tell you one story YOUR STORY!

Scan the QR code to Get your Quote

Being an award-winning wedding DJ, I can say it’s the best job in the World! I get to play music that wedding guests want to dance to, and couples will remember forever and there is always love in the air! I will make all the difference to your evening wedding reception playing music that all ages will love from Presley to Sheeran, Sinatra to Stormzy. DJ-V-CO.UK/WEDDINGS/ VLATKO@DJ-V.CO.UK 07949335448

RETRO WEDDING WHEELS

Our round-up of the best vintage car hire

Anyone who knows me well enough will tell you how much I love vintage vehicles – I fell in love with them when I used to produce photo shoots in Miami, Florida. If I were ever to remarry, the pastel pink

vintage Fiat 55 called Rosie, the latest addition to the fleet from Lil & Blue Vintage Fiat 500 Hire, would be at the top of my list to book! Read all about it, and more retro wheels, below.

LIL & BLUE VINTAGE FIAT 500 HIRE

Rosie is one of four rare Fiat 55 ‘D’ models dating back to 1963 that’s available for self-drive or chauffeur-driven hire and can be decorated with a Just Married sign. She has a luxuriously bespoke ivory interior with contrasting stitching, a stunning grey mohair sunroof and a cute rear wicker picnic basket. Her custom-painted colour makes her one-of-a-kind which will get all of your wedding guests talking!

Sister vintage Fiat 500 cars are the light cream-coloured Lily featuring a sage green and cream interior, the baby blue model called Bluebell

and the light cream car named Bella with a red and cream interior. Another new addition to the collection of classic vehicles is Lottie, a 1968 Triumph Herald that was manufactured in the UK but designed by an Italian. Lottie comes with a rear wicker picnic basket, like the Fiat 500sm and makes a fantastic photo prop!

Book it: 07789 278 374, www.lilandblue.com; www.facebook.com/vintagefiat500hire; www.instagram.com/lil_blue_fiat_500s

DALE’S DRIVING SERVICES

This classic collection of wedding cars includes a silver-grey 1952 Hillman Minx Mk v one and a 1960 Hillman Minx series 3a that has been restored to showroom condition. Most of the interior in this Hillman Minx saloon car is original and the olive green and white-coloured vehicle has made its television debut!

There’s also an elegant white and blue 1963 Humber Super Snipe with mahogany seat trays in the back along with the original leather interior designed to transport couples to their wedding in style.

A real talking point is the cream 1952 Wrigley Wessex Craftsman caravan that would make a great feature at any wedding plus a lightgreen 1956 Mobylette Moped also available for hire.

Book it: 07795 216 498, https://dalesdrivingservices.co.uk; www.facebook.com/dalesdrivingservices; www.instagram.com/dalesdrivingservices

thehenleydistillery

FOR A DAY DEDICATED TO LOVE AND CELEBRATION, THE HENLEY DISTILLERY CREATES BESPOKE EXPERIENCES, GIFTS AND SPIRITS ALL UNIQUELY PERSONALISED TO YOU.

Our stylish gin school can be privately hired to host events for up to 12 guests, each working with their own mini still. This can be used as a fun pre-wedding event or with a view to designing your very own wedding gin. We work with the wedding party to develop a recipe and produce a totally one-off spirit especially for your unique celebration.

Our award-winning white label and Henley Gin gin can be completely personalised (range of

The Cotswold Tailor

We have one of the countries largest tweed hire collections, and our formal hire suits have been designed exclusively for us, in 100% British woollen fabrics. We have shops in the popular towns of Woodstock and Shipston On Stour

To nd out more please contact us on:

bottle sizes available including miniatures), perfect for wedding favours and gifts - these also look fabulous on the wedding bar.

Private Tours and Tastings of the distillery can be arranged with add-ons such as mixology classes.

Please do get in touch as we are always happy to tailor our services to suit the needs of our clients.

Ellis’ Pet Daycare

An award-winning, bespoke tailor & luxury wedding hire specialist

Hair extension specialist • Keratin revolution ambassador Winner of the Hair Extension Specialist of the Year award at the English Hair &

HOT TOPIC

Our experts answer your big-day questions

UP, UP AND AWAY

We want a colourful balloon installation at our wedding – can you help?

Meet the expert: Gemma Birch is the owner of Atticus + Hope, a party catering and luxury balloon styling company based in the iconic Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire offering a bespoke event styling service throughout Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey and London.

A CLASS ACT

What exactly is wedding production and how important is it?

Meet the expert: Michelle Thompson is the events coordinator of Class Act, a Buckinghamshire-based lighting, sound and technical production company.

Michelle says: Wedding production has a vital role to play throughout the day, however, this sensory service can be overlooked, misunderstood and forgotten in the grand scheme of things. With the initial rush of booking the venue, photographer and all of the beautiful details, production is often looked upon as a PA system for speeches and a disco with flashing lights combined with a generic playlist when it’s much more than that. A good production company will invite you to provide information on many areas where enhancement and improvement can be made, for example:

 Is your wedding a black-tie affair? If so, you may like to greet guests with the red carpet treatment which will also serve well in the evening for photo opportunities.

 Is your ceremony inside or outdoors? If it’s taking place outside, carpet aisle runners will ensure that your dress is kept pristine for the ceremony.

 Is your ceremony during the winter? You may want subtle up-lighting to enhance the beauty of the venue if the day is overcast. A church will look stunning in the glow of candles.

 Would you prefer a PA system for your ceremony, drinks reception and wedding breakfast? The background music of your choice is equal to live music and can be played from your device which gives you full control and is a budget-friendly option.

 Do you want live music but the venue has poor acoustics? A discreet PA system will enhance the sound and may be able to be repurposed during the day.

 Are you both party people? Your DJ and band will elevate their performance on a low stage, creating excitement and buzz.

 Which lighting colours do you choose for the evening? The wow factor is gained from using colours predominantly from the blue palette such as combinations containing blue, purple or fuchsia – don’t pick green or yellow which aren’t flattering.

 Make your cake a real statement piece. Spotlighting the cake uplifts it - why not cut it on the dancefloor and use the spotlights for your

Gemma says: We offer many services from balloon installation and prop hire to gift wrapping and catering platters. With our balloon installations, let your imagination run wild – we love to make your ideas come to life! We can create installations in any colour and our bubble balloons can even be personalised!

07887 921 206, www.atticusandhope.com; www.instagram.com/atticusandhope

first dance?

 Do you want a bespoke playlist? Every disco is different and so is the music. Your first dance, special family dances along with different styles and eras can be accommodated.

 We can also provide large illuminated LOVE letters, band-effect and architectural lighting plus canopy and festoon up-lighters which can be placed anywhere.

Our event planning team can guide you through the entire process painlessly. The trick to providing great production is to listen to those who have the vision. Just by telling us a few details, we can put together a suitable package to complement your timings, budget and style. Our team focuses on the details where production will make a difference. If your budget is tight then a village hall can be transformed - the cost of an up-lighter in your chosen colours will work wonders.

01296 658 222, www.classact.co; www.facebook.com/classactslp; www.instagram.com/classactproduction

DOGGIE DAYCARE

We want our much-loved dog to be a big part of our wedding but are concerned that we won’t have the time to walk and feed him on the big day - can you help?

Meet the expert: Ellis Brickley runs Ellis’ Pet Daycare & Dog Walking Service, a Buckinghamshire-based canine wedding concierge service for dogs and their owners, tailored to meet their bespoke needs.

Ellis says: Why not book The Unlimited Love package, £450, for your four-legged friend that consists of the following:

 An initial consultation either face-to-face or via zoom, and a 30-minute dog walk where I get to know them (where possible).

 I will collect your dog and safely transport them to the venue.

 A walk before the wedding commencing.

 A choice of bespoke custom-made accessories for the big day for example a bandanna, bow tie or flower crown.

 I will chaperone your pet at all times and carry out all duties as discussed.

 I will coordinate with your photographer and videographer and assist them in capturing the best pictures.

 I will supervise and attend to your dog’s comfort requirements before meeting the bridal party and guests.

 I will take them on a wind-down walk after the wedding.

 I will safely transport your dog back to your home or chosen accommodation.

 Pet sitting on the wedding night, or the night before the wedding, in the owner’s own home or chosen accommodation. The pet sitting includes feeding them at the times they require and any medication administered so that the dog’s normal daily routine is undisrupted.

07861 411 966, www.facebook.com/ellispetdaycare; www.instagram.com/ellispetdaycare

THE ICING ON THE CAKE

We want a wow-factor wedding cake, what do you suggest?

Meet the expert: Amanda Hill is the talent behind In the Green Sugarcraft Flowers based in Buckinghamshire.

Amanda says: Why not decorate your cake with hand-crafted sugar flowers which always look beautiful? Wild country flower designs, sprays or individual flowers can transform a simple cake into a stunning centrepiece. Each flower is made from the finest sugar paste and I can replicate any blooms, whether it’s a single stem or a cascade of flowers. The finished piece is hand-painted with edible colours.

www.inthegreen.uk

Bespoke Chesham based florist. We offer a creative and highly personalised service. Designing for events of all sizes. We assure you the result will be gorgeous and memorable.

Spark joy and create something that is uniquely you for your wedding and event. Add an extra special touch to your elegant a air with handwritten calligraphy pieces that makes your guests feel special and included.

Create a buzz worthy wedding and event with personalised gi s that last forever as a token of love and memory; Take your gi -giving to a whole new level with an impressive hand engraved gi tailored specially for your partner, parents and for your guests as souvenirs by getting their gi s engraved right on the spot

WEDDING CALLIGRAPHY SERVICES INCLUDE:

· Envelope Addressing · Place Cards/Escort Cards · Vow books

· Engraved gi s, perfumes, wine etc · Vows/Letters/Love Poems

· Spot Calligraphy for Invitation suite etc

93 HIGH STREET, CHESHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, HP5 1DE

Luxury Wedding + Event styling

Based in Henley on Thames award-winning Atticus and Hope provides event décor and catering for a vast range of occasions, from small, intimate dinners through to large corporate events and Weddings. With its foundations in fabulous birthday balloons, fast forward two years and Atticus and Hope have just been awarded Event stylist of the Year for London and the South East.

They are constantly evolving their approach and this combined with their attention to detail ensures a unique, visual masterpiece for every occasion. As well as a beautiful range of vintage props and traditional event props for hire, Atticus and Hope also offer a range of Grazing styled catering services, enabling them to provide a complete solution for your hosting needs. Coming from a family with creative DNA, Gemma, Founder and Creator, combines her Visual Arts degree, study under Jane Packer school of Floristry and twenty plus years in International account management to deliver best in class.

Contact: gemma@atticusandhope.com +44 (0)7887 921206

WWW.ATTICUSANDHOPE.COM

Keep them close

If you’re looking for a way to keep the memory of a loved one alive on your big day, the new Memorial Collection from jewellers Cast & Found offers personalised heirloom pieces including these robin and acorn ashes pendants, from £230 each, https://castandfound.co.uk/collections/memorial

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

How cool are these Bride and Wifey weekend bags, £38 each, that come with matching make-up bags, £14, and travel pouches, £16 - a fun choice for a honeymoon or a hen weekend! To shop, visit https://teamhen.co.uk

FASHION

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals the latest bridal news, buys and launches

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

I love anything pink and decorated with a pom pom so this pretty boudoir-inspired thong ticks all my lingerie wish-list boxes for Valentine’s Day this year! To shop, visit https://gildapearl.co.uk

focus

Shoe candy

Bridal shoe experts Rainbow Club has unveiled their new SS23 collection comprised of catwalk-inspired silhouettes including sandals and stilettos with customised finishing touches – there’s even a pair of comfortable bridal trainers infused with their patented Bliss Comfort technology, perfect for dancing the night away! The collection also includes shoe clips, interchangeable straps and coordinating handbags. To shop, visit www.rainbowclub.co.uk

Tick tock

Get to the ceremony on time with this Raymond Weil Noemia ladies’ watch, £1,095 which is exclusive to www.ernestjones.co.uk

PEARLY QUEEN

Be the belle of the ball in the latest pearl pieces from jewellers Coeur de Lion. Included in the collection is these drop earrings, £69. To shop, visit www.coeur-de-lion.org

THE NEW INN MIDDLETON

CHENEY

At the New Inn we pride ourselves in delivering a great customer experience within our beautiful 17th century country pub.

The New Inn is located in the picturesque village of Middleton Cheney, near Banbury and just off the M40. We’re less than an hours drive from Oxford, Bicester and Milton Keynes, so if you are looking for a fantastic country pub for a small and intimate wedding please get in touch. Call: 01295 710 978 or email: info@newinnmiddletoncheney.co.uk

WWW.NEWINNMIDDLETONCHENEY.CO.UK

45 Main Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 2ND

SILHOUETTES Striking

Make your entrance in style in a fabulous fishtail dress, a fairytale-inspired ballgown or a slinky little number

Trusted by the UK’s finest venues and planners to deliver bespoke floral perfection.

HENLEY GREENLANDS

The Perfect Riverside Venue.

Grand white house, gorgeous grounds, stunning views of the river, inclusive & bespoke packages, menus created from the finest produce, dedicated & professional team, licensed civil ceremony rooms and 100 en-suite bedroomsGreenlands, memorable for all the right reasons.

Telephone: 01491 418 810 or 01491 414 550 Email: info@venuehenley.com

Book a design consultation with our specialist Weddings team.

hospitalityuor.co.uk/venue-henley-weddings

020 7127 5303

info@lavendergreen.co.uk www.lavendergreen.co.uk

Venue Henley, Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 3AU

Sustainable STYLES

These designers offer something green as they promote their latest collections created using eco-friendly fabrics

SANYUKTA SHRESTHA

Sanyukta (seen here on the red carpet with her daughter, Ameya at the recent world premiere of Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio) is one of the UK’s leading sustainable wedding dress designers with a conscience being among the first to introduce sustainability to the bridal industry with the launch of her bridal collection in 2011. In 2022 came her Ready to Wed 2022 collection of ethical, vegan wedding dresses. Each one was handmade by highly skilled artisans in Nepal from hand-spun and hand-loomed 100% Fairtrade bamboo; 100% organic cotton; TENCEL (which is a luxe floaty vegan eco-fibre made from the cellulose of wood pulp which is 100% biodegradable and compostable) and also recycled fibres. Her Iconic Bridal collection (pictured) which captures the mood of the 1930s is also made from these organic materials, and her Zero Waste philosophy strongly influenced it.

One of the Nepalese-born designer’s bridal creations is preserved in the Fashion Museum, Bath. A London College of Fashion graduate, Sanyukta’s evening wear has been worn by celebrities including Victoria’s Secret supermodel Candice Swanepoel; classically trained soprano Natalie Coyle and English actress and singer Amy Nuttall to name a few. www.sanyuktashrestha.com

GRACE LOVES LACE

Grace Loves Lace has launched its Memoirs Of Her collection for 2023 of eight stunning made-to-order and ready-to-wear gowns priced between £1,200 and £2,500 plus two intricately embroidered veils. It features silhouettes made with a new 100% recycled eco lace, exclusive to the Australian based-brand which is committed to ethical and sustainable manufacturing with all gowns made in Australia. Founder and creative director Megan Ziems tells us, “There’s plenty of skill that goes into making a dress look effortless, each gown in this collection is an ode to craft and creativity - we have challenged ourselves and our in-house artisans to create pieces that will move you. This level of detail, softened by flowing fabrics, texture and effortless silhouettes strikes a unique balance. These gowns are true works of art.”

Always pushing boundaries, the brand has launched the first-ever wedding dress using lycra swimsuit material to hug and shape the body. Megan adds, “We wanted to introduce a completely unpredictable fabric in this collection that makes a statement. The Zsa Zsa dress is hand-crafted from beautiful and highly visual stretch lycra. Think of a dress that makes you feel supported all over, creates the most beautiful curves and accents the body. For the fun and adventurous bride, you can even swim in it at the end of the night.”

The Memoirs Of Her collection will also be the brand’s first dive into the Metaverse, with 10 brides-to-be to receive an exclusive NFT gift with their gown purchase. Megan said it was the perfect opportunity to introduce something new to the bridal market. “We have always been early adopters in the industry, so introducing NFTs as a gift with purchase is our way of starting to immerse ourselves in the Metaverse, where we can already see highly respected fashion brands investing in.” She adds, “We wanted to explore this idea of taking something old and breathing new life into it, which is how the NFT idea came about. I knew this was the collection to pair traditional heritage art forms, like poetry and calligraphy, with modern keepsakes like NFTs.”

https://graceloveslace.co.uk

VERA WANG BRIDE

Vera Wang Bride, the high fashion, luxury brand that forms part of Pronovias Group which is on track to reach its goal of a 40% sustainability component in all its dresses by 2025, launches its new collection for 2023. From charming, reworked classical silhouettes to edgier fashion-forward statements, these 54 dresses and accessories all have the hallmarks of Vera Wang’s fashion language.

Hi-lo and bustled skirts, clean bandeau tops and deconstructed ball gowns mixed with debutante design details such as belted ties with lace peplums are some of the highlights along with corseted bustiers with see-through panels and cross-your-heart drapes are modest, but also put a deliberate focus on the décolleté.

Style directions in the new collection see experimental silhouettes including modern bridal shapes such as skirt and crop-top two pieces, pantsuits, and sensual dresses. Lustrous fabrics include new Duchesse, mikado, and taffeta fabrics that are softer and silkier than ever and embedded in crystals and pearls. Playful design details such as lace peplums, cross-your-heart bodices, and mini bows create a certain sense of modesty while also highlighting the décolleté with artisan-made accessories playing a prominent role. From detachable peasant sleeves and opera gloves to Elizabethan-style ruffled collars and bibs, these new add-ons allow brides to transform even the most minimal styles. “What I tried to do this time is create accessories that can personalize your wedding dress when and how you want,” clarifies Wang. She adds, “Women right now are reconsidering what bridal means,” referring to the current mood for unorthodox looks and ‘secondary’ bridal dresses for the wedding celebration. “I think we’ve done everything possible to create a wide range of looks with this collection, which I hope will appeal to so many different brides everywhere.”

In line with the Pronovias Group’s inclusivity policy that applies to all the brands in its portfolio, all the Vera Wang Bride 2023 dresses are available in a range of sizes from 32 to 64 (from 0 to 32). www.verawangbride.com

PRONOVIAS GROUP

Pronovias are sharing their love for the planet with #WeDoEco which is a pledge they have taken to make the world a greener and happier place by dressing the bride’s dreams sustainably. It’s their deep commitment to finding solutions that reduce the impact on a fragile planet. It’s a promise kept to offer beautiful, eco-friendly wedding gowns.

#WeDoEco touches everything in the lifecycle of a dream dress, from design to making, fitting to delivery. It’s a circle of love that the Pronovias Group invite customers to enter, a never-ending love story that they can be part of.

www.pronovias.com

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BO & LUCA

Bo & Luca couture gowns are made, hand-beaded and hand-dyed in their Indian-based atelier. Using an ancient Indian technique known as Tambour, each bead is carefully hand-sewn onto the finest silk by local master craftsmen and women over a three to six-month process. The entire journey celebrates the feminine and carefree romanticism which only the delicate hand-beading, embroidery, and hand-dyeing can emulate. Incorporating this age-old technique into each design produces a finer, more intricate, and higher quality result than machine beading, which is a more favoured method in modern garment manufacturing.

Bo & Luca encourages handmade creations and intertwines this value into each gown created under their diffusion brand, Temple. Whilst many Temple gowns are created in their Indian ateliers, the recent partnership with their European atelier has allowed them to diversify their offering into commercially viable gowns which appeal to their bohemian-loving brides with a reduced budget. Temple allows inclusivity and ensures that more brides can make the dream of being a Bo & Luca bride a reality. www.boandluca.com

ANDREA HAWKES

British bridal designer Andrea Hawkes has introduced her Amaryllis 2023 collection named after the flower which stands the tallest of all winter blooms and symbolises pride, strength and determination which has been Andrea’s creative inspiration. She tells us, “I designed Amaryllis as a celebratory collection, each look has a unique element that will allow our brides to truly express who they are. We have seen so much strength and determination in our brides over the last couple of years; it only seemed right to design a collection that will make them feel proud when walking down the aisle. It’s all about confidence and enabling each bride to sparkle and shine bright whilst enjoying their special day surrounded by their loved ones. Amaryllis is a celebration of individuality.”

Cut from the highest quality natural silks, Andrea’s collections are made in London by her in-house team. Featuring 12 dresses and two tops in light to heavy-weight silks, Amaryllis showcases Andrea’s signature clean cut and minimalist aesthetic with a focus on fit and shape to create both natural and sweeping silhouettes for the modern bride. Contoured corsetry and structured box pleat skirts with hidden pockets feature alongside fluid and split-front dresses. Necklines and back details are square, V-shaped or low, designed to be worn bare or layered with sheer chiffon and georgette silks. Sleeves are either statement blouson, off-the-shoulder, classic long or wide or slim spaghetti straps to perfectly offset the skirt shapes.

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Andrea’s brand ethos working exclusively in natural silks including dress linings. All lace is sourced and produced from French mills with ethical working practices. The London studio enables Andrea to work closely with brides across made-to-measure and bespoke designs and a recently launched post-wedding alteration service offers brides the opportunity to re-purpose their dress by the in-house team creating luxury wardrobe staples that can be re-worn for years to come. www.andreahawkes.co.uk

Fuschia pink platforms. £110, www.rainbowclub.co.uk

Rings, from a selection, Le Vian at www.ernestjones.co.uk

Bright

AND BOLD

Heart-shaped enamel earrings, £36 per pair, www.orelia.co.uk

Pink

Orange one-shoulder dress, £279, www.whistles.com

The Cocktail 2023 collection by Rosa

is brimming with dresses in a variety of colours including purple, emerald green, red and fuchsia. Styles include modern midi-length and sheath-style, full-length gowns with puffed sleeves, sleevelets and strapless necklines. Fabrics include on-trend taffeta, floral brocade and crepe, www.rosaclara.es/en-gb

Rainbow cube beaded bracelet, £65, www.coeur-de-lion.org

Clará

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Blue satin bag, £125, www.whistles.com

mini dress, £435, short cape, £250, www.needleandthread.com

Green onyx gemstone stud earrings, £46.99, www.raniandco.co.uk

Cogges Manor Farm

The

TRIED AND TESTED

Over time, our natural hyaluronic acid levels decline, making the appearance of those dreaded lines and wrinkles more pronounced. But RoC’s new Hydrate + Plump Daily Moisturizer comes to the rescue with SPF 30 helping to restore skin’s natural moisture, visibly replumping lines and replenishing hydration. CWM editor Rachel Westall put it to the test.

“As a woman in my 30s, my skin is an area I need to pay attention to, and with RoC endorsed by one of my all-time fave gals, Sarah Jessica Parker, I was already sold! These winter months can be so harsh on your skin so this has been a welcome addition to my morning routine, keeping my face hydrated with a natural glow. It’s superlightweight so it’s easy to apply and leaves no residue behind, only soft smooth skin all day. I can’t wait to try the entire range.” £35.99, https://rocskincare.co.uk

HO-HO-BA HELP

You may have noticed jojoba oil trending on TikTok of late – the word about its skincare benefits is most definitely out. Not actually an oil but rather a wax ester, it mimics our skin’s natural oils and penetrates deep beneath the surface working wonders on dry and oily skin types alike as well as acne, eczema, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation, collagen, scars, wounds and more.

The Jojoba Company, which grows the plant organically and filters it 14 times to ensure absolute purity, offers a range of products harnessing its benefits. If you’re keen to take a first foray into the world of jojoba skincare, we recommend trying the Australian Jojoba. The brand’s top seller it can be used on face, body and hair. Rich in vitamins

A, D and E, and omegas 6 and 9, it deeply moisturises for up to eight hours, something that’s much needed all year round to solve a whole heap of bodycare issues.

From £13.99, https://thejojobacompany.co.uk

IN THE MIX

British brand Angela Langford lovingly creates organic, vegan, cruelty-free, moodboosting skincare products by hand in Pembrokeshire. Suitable for even the most temperamental of complexions, the brand offers a tailor-made solution to each skincare concern.

I love the Look On The Bright Side face mask. Used just once a week it helps to brighten your complexion, boost radiance and even out skin tone. Containing vitamin C, papaya and pineapple this mix-it-yourself natural face mask will set your skin on the path to that sought after W-day glow. £24, www.angelalangford.com

BUZZBeauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews brings you the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

THE

IS

Award-winning, East London-based brand Candy Coat has big plans to shake up the nail care industry. Its felt tip-inspired gel nail pens, Candy Stix, come in a range of vibrant hues featuring no base and no top coat – simply twist and paint. It’s a four-minute gel manicure miracle with a no-wipe formula. Just cure under UV LED for gorgeous honeymoon-ready nails, which remain utterly fabulous for up to two weeks. £6, www.lovecandycoat.com

THE BEES’ KNEES

With colder temperatures now well and truly set in, our skin can really suffer from the extreme temperature changes. From the brisk cold air, to central heating, at this time of year a boost of hydration is a must. Enter Farmacy Beauty’s Honey Range. Packed with ceramides, honey from the brand’s own bee farm and a whole swarm of buzz-word ingredients, these products could save your winter skin.

Check out the aptly named Honeymoon Glow Serum, a gentle exfoliating three-in-one AHA resurfacing serum that helps to refine the look of pores and treat dryness as well as clarifying skin. Blended with BHA from willow bark and flower acids from hibiscus, it also contains a propietary blend of honey and hyaluronic acid.

£55, www.spacenk.com/uk

PEN

MIGHTIER THAN THE BRUSH

KISS AND TELL

Rediscover the elegance of the classic natural pink lipstick in a smooth and comfortable texture that melts onto the lips. Swipe on your chosen shade of Code8 Colour Brilliance Lipstick and you’re ready to walk up the aisle.

These shades are top of our bridal-look must-have list: La Piscine – a neutral, creamy colour ideal for that natural and effortless no make-up look; Roaring 20s – a deep, mysterious red, inspired by the Jazz Age, perfect for a vintage bride vibe; The Met – a natural hue with a pink base this feminine shade creates a fresh look with an air of romance; and Spiaggia Rosa –a beautiful coral pink that looks great on all complexions.

£28, www.codeeight.com

AQUA(WO)MAN

The latest fragrance from perfumer Juliet Has A Gun, Ego Straits, is an original aquatic cologne with a refreshing and energising citrus top note cocktail, laying on a long-lasting marine heart. The result is a contemporary, almost unisex, women’s fragrance, an ode to gender fluidity.

DOT TO DOT

The Utan Pen is the viral TikTok freckle pen that Sophie Habboo and Melissa Tattum are raving about. While many of you may long for a glowy sun-kissed look for your big day, the damage UV rays can cause the skin is something we’re only too aware of. However, the recently-launched Utan Pen makes this goal totally achievable with zero sun damage. Designed to create instant natural-looking freckles that develop to suit each individual skin tone, it has been compared to semi-permanent make-up. The formula is even water-resistant and sweat proof, lasting up to 48 hours, so whatever the wedding day throws at you, your super-cute freckles will remain perfectly in place.

£18, https://utan.co.uk

HEMP, HEMP HOORAY!

Only around three per cent of polypropylene plastic, the material synthetic eyelashes are made from, can be recycled and takes 20 to 30 years to decompose. Using plant-based innovation, Velour’s 100 per cent vegan and cruelty-free plant fibre lash collection, thought to be the first of its kind, is derived entirely from hemp.

Blending beautifully with natural lashes, Velour Plant Fibre Lashes have been handmade for a fine, fluttery and wispy hair-like texture with a natural matte finish, ideal for enhancing bridal make-up looks. They sit on a lightweight thin black full-length cotton band for all-day comfort. Now you can bat your lashes at your soon-to-be spouse as they wait for you at the end of the aisle without impacting the planet.

£22, www.sephora.co.uk

The brand’s founder and perfumer Romano Ricci says of the new scent, “It would take me more than a lifetime to explore the complexity of women! Since the beginning I’ve attempted to unravel, layer by layer, the facets of women with a capital W. With this latest opus, I wanted to unite them all. Sometimes femme fatale, sometimes romantic, sometimes boyish, Ego Straits embraces all those contradictions while blurring the lines.”

£90 50ml | £120 100ml, available at John Lewis, House of Fraser and www.sephora.co.uk

At H & C Bars we know that every party or function is di erent. We pride ourselves on being able to tailor our bars to suit the needs of you and your guests ensuring that every taste is catered for.

Whether you like cocktails, real ales, prosecco or champagne we source the drinks you want.

All of our sta are trained to the highest level ensuring you and your guests will receive friendly, e icient and professional service throughout.

WWW.HCBARS.COM enquiries@hcbars.com 07956 807507

Whether

you are organising wedding fireworks or a display for a national event, the team are on hand to listen and deliver a focused, personalised approach to a fireworks display that will blow your mind!

Wellness and fashion

Q&A

Our local experts reveal all

WHAT’S NEW?

Gym-shy or time-poor? Then EMS personal training, one of the most effective and advanced workout tools on the market, might be for you.

It’s s now available locally at Frequency EMS in Reading Berkshire. It provides full-body workouts in private one-to-one or one-to-two sessions led by owner and specialist trainer Karl Jack. Just one 20-minute session per week is enough to reap the rewards of this modern approach to training and delivers the same benefits as two and half hours of conventional strength training, with far less impact on the joints making it a perfect form of fitness for almost anybody. EMS personal training has also proven to be as effective as HIT in increasing muscle strength and size in a 16-week study. EMS personal training sessions are also only 20 minutes for a full-body workout, compared with the average 45-60 minute HIT session.

WB-EMS stands for Whole Body Electro-Muscular Stimulation. It works by sending impulses to muscles via electrodes. The impulses target and activate all major muscle groups simultaneously, so the user is engaging

more of the body’s muscles (90+%) than with traditional workouts. When compared with conventional training methods, most people can only activate around 60% of their muscle fibres. At the same time, WB-EMS prompts a more complete muscle contraction, ultimately using more fibres inside each muscle (98% vs. 60%), which creates a greater number of muscle contractions.

EMS Training is extremely versatile and low impact, making it a perfect form of fitness for most people. No longer reserved for the elite, EMS personal training is now available for everyone to try.

EMS also appeals to those who don’t like the typical gym environment. Sessions are conducted in a one-to-one or one-to-two environment, so the personal aspect is great. One 20-minute session once per week is all that’s required for people to see results. For that reason, it is also a great option for anyone struggling to find time for the gym.

To find out more and to book, call 07955 594 454, or visit https://frequencyems.com

Frequency EMS: 97 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4QA.

call 07833 126 758 or visit www.thebridaldresscompany.com

WEAR IT WELL

The team at The Bridal Dress Company based in Newbury, Berkshire reveals what dress styles and hair accessories brides-to-be can expect to be wearing this season. They stock a stunning selection of hand-picked designer gowns in a variety of silhouettes to flatter every figure and accessories. To shop,

JMS CREATIVE

Favourbrook has announced the launch of its new winter 2022 collection. Focusing on texture and tactility, the new must-see fabrics and tones will add a contemporary feel to your evening wardrobe.

The collection focuses on mid-weight wool and recycled cashmere and includes a variety of tartan fabrics. The new waistcoats are made from velvet and are available in a rich autumnal palette which tie in beautifully with the more formal and ornate silk creations that the brand has to offer.

For more information, visit the website www.favourbrook.com

Spinnaker Watches has introduced the new Spinnaker Cahill 300 Automatic Help for Heroes Limited Edition Watch to mark 15 years since the charity, Help for Heroes, was founded.

The timepiece pays tribute to the charity with three markings on the strap, which echo the Help for Heroes’ signature colours. The distinctive red, navy and blue represent each branch of the British Armed Forces and their unity and strength.

The collection is limited to 600 pieces and five per cent of net sales will go towards the amazing work that Help for Heroes do.

Visit www.spinnaker-watches.co.uk for more information.

Next has announced its first menswear edit with TV host and World Cup golden boot winner, Gary Lineker. The 12 looks that Gary has selected for his winter edit are a mixture of casual and formal pieces to suit every style and occasion. Whether that’s supporting the kids on a chilly Sunday morning from the sideline or dinner and drinks with family and friends, there is something for everyone.

“Fashion is something I’m passionate about and I like the variety offered by Next,” says Gary. “There is great tailoring and also smart casual pieces for going out socialising. On the other hand, there is much more casual clothing for my Sundays off and holidays, both of which are very important to me. Next, although known internationally, of course, is also a brand with a strong connection to Leicester!”

To see the full interview with Gary, visit our website. For more information about the collection, head over to www.next.co.uk

NEWS Grooms’

Grooms editor Melissa Cullen reveals the latest best buys and product launches

WatchPilot, a UK-based watch retailer, has opened its first high street store in Richmond, Surrey. Founded in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic by Tim Harrison and Akbar Hussain, WatchPilot launched online with success and has added new brands to the platform monthly. Now, along with affordable and high-end timepieces, the new bricks and mortar store will showcase more than 30 brands of watches and employ experienced and knowledgeable staff.

Tim Harrison tells us: “We will continue to grow our online presence, however, particularly within the luxury side of watch retail, there will always be demand for a premium in-store experience. If our initial Richmond store proves successful, we are open to replicating the concept in other locations.”

Discover more at www.watchpilot.co.uk

Superdrug is now the exclusive high-street stockist of black male grooming brand, Aaron Wallace.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Superdrug,” says CEO and co-founder, Aaron Wallace. “This deal will ensure that, as black men, we no longer need to go out of our way to search for hair and beard care products that work. Our goal is to highlight the importance of self-care amongst black men while becoming a staple in their grooming routines, educating them on the importance of caring for their hair and skin.”

For more information, visit www.byaaronwallace.com

MAGIC Midnight

With celestial-themed weddings becoming all the rage, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite out-of-this-world products

Black Signature Tollegno Wool Suit: Jacket, £144

Black Signature Tollegno Wool Suit: Trousers, £85

White Slim Fit Single Cuff Dress Shirt, £18

Black ‘Made In Italy’ Signature Silk Bow Tie, £24

Signature Leather Plain Derby Shoes, £85 Available at: www.next.co.uk

Jaeger Men’s Navy Jacket, www.jaeger.co.uk

Electrical Storm Shirt, £105, www.blakemill.co.uk

Tommy Hilfiger Weston Watch, £189, https://uk.tommy.com

Calvin Klein Drawstring Bracelet, £89, www.calvinklein.co.uk

Signature Tollegno Wool Suit: Jacket, £144, Signature Tollegno Wool Suit: Trousers, £85, www.next.co.uk

Dune London Shiloh Black, £130, www.dunelondon.com

Silver Tone Brushed Tie Clip, £8, www.next.co.uk Cut About Waistcoat, £59, www.joebrowns.co.uk

Barbour Grain Leather Belt - Dark Brown, £40, www.farrar-tanner.co.uk

Blue Suit Trousers, £19.99, www.tkmaxx.co.uk

Travel editor Melissa Cullen reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials

HONEYMOONNews

INDIA

With India finally open for international tourists, this season brings the perfect opportunity for couples to discover what the northern state of Rajasthan has to offer.

Recently opened after a luxurious refurbishment, SUJÁN The Serai, an oasis of calm set on a private estate of indigenous desert in Rajasthan, is the perfect place to stay when exploring the area. The camp comprises of 21 luxury tents, with private walled gardens and heated plunge pools, and the royal suite even has its own spa and private swimming pool.

Couples staying at SUJÁN The Serai can embark on a beautiful bird walk, visit a farm for a delicious al fresco breakfast, enjoy cooking classes and take part in craft afternoons where they can try their hand at pottery, weaving and woodwork.

More information can be found at https://thesujanlife.com/the-serai

JAPAN

Deserving of its UNESCO accolade, Japanese food is both an art form and an integral part of the country’s heritage. With the new Taste of Japan Itinerary from Scott Dunn, couples can experience the many wonders and delights that Japan has to offer.

The journey begins in Tokyo, where couples will enjoy a food tour of the lively Shinbashi district – packed with izakaya, bars and small eateries. Here, you will live like a local sampling regional delicacies such as savoury okonomiyaki pancakes. After exploring the city with an expert local guide, next on the agenda is mastering the art of sushi making during a private masterclass with a sushi master boasting over 45 years of experience.

Onwards via the bullet train to the next destination, Kanazawa. Located on Honshu’s northern coast and known as ‘Little Kyoto’, this region is renowned as the source of some of Japan’s highest quality seafood. Staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan inn, the gourmet journey continues with an incredible kaiseki dinner using locally-sourced seafood.

Additional highlights include shopping at a food market, a cookery experience, the chance to try sake and a whisky tour.

Visit www.scottdunn.com/japan for more information.

QATAR

MADAGASCAR

Nestled in a lemur reserve on the north west coast of Madagascar and only accessible by air or sea, the new Lodge des Terres Blanches is one of the most intimate and serene hotels on the island. There are 10 exquisite lodges to chose from, each built using mangrove and rosewood trees, and the ultra-spacious interiors are finely decorated and furnished with handmade furniture and soft fabrics. This is the perfect place to observe the rich fauna of Madagascar in its natural environment. The luckiest guests will encounter the four types of lemurs who live in complete freedom on the island, as well as the many bird species.

Discover more at www.lodgedesterresblanches.com

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar has unveiled its new Mother-To-Be Retreat. Perfect for newlyweds who are expecting, the three to eight night holistic prenatal programme combines nurturing treatments to enhance well-being during all phases of pregnancy while providing parents with the necessary tools to support and empower them, leaving them feeling relaxed, in control and positive about the journey into parenthood.

The Mother-To-Be Retreat is open to women in all trimesters and can be tailored for couples or birth support partners who wish to be part of the journey. A curated selection of nurturing treatments and nourishing wellness cuisine enables mums-to-be to understand the physical changes that occur during pregnancy, as well as help strengthen the body, ease aches and pains and improve sleep.

Check out www.zulal.com for more information.

VIRGIN GORDA

Moskito Island, off the coast of Virgin Gorda in the Caribbean, has launched a new nine-bedroom grand estate called The Village. Delivering a luxury living experience, The Village joins three ultra-lavish estates that already call Moskito Island home. Crafted into the cliffside, The Village features nine bedrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 18 guests, a hidden DJ booth that rises from the outdoor deck overlooking a two-story infinity pool, a glass-bottom hot tub extended over a cliff, a slide that wraps around the edge of the estate and an advanced lighting and sound system.

Each of the guest rooms acts as its own secluded retreat with en-suite bathrooms, private living spaces and spacious terraces or patios. The crown jewel is the two-story master suite with a 360-degree wrap-around terrace that not only creates a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience but boasts spectacular views.

Additional amenities of The Village include a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art gym, a sound-proof home cinema, a pizza oven and an organic kitchen garden from which freshly-harvested produce is used daily by the dedicated chefs.

Visit www.moskitoisland.virgin.com for more information.

MALDIVES

THAILAND

Thailand’s luxury boutique resort, Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa, has recently acquired its official medical licence as the hotel expands its ever-growing menu of enriching health and wellness offerings. With innovative, holistic wellness at its core, Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa has welcomed a resident doctor, a nurse, and a ‘master healer’ to support guests through tailor-made health and wellness programmes.

Situated on the unspoilt sands of the Andaman Sea and the pristine Natai Beach, just 25 minutes north of Phuket International Airport, the resort offers an intimate experience, operating on a suite-only basis. Guests can opt for one of the 62 cosy yet contemporary suites, or a four-bedroom beachfront villa, all whilst enjoying complete privacy on the spectacular Phang-Nga coastline. Couples will love the infinity pool, private beach, extensive spa facilities, award-winning restaurant and Ayurah Wellness Centre which offers immersive retreats and activities, including yoga and pilates.

For more information, visit www.aleenta.com/phuket

MINNESOTA

Salt Hotels, a collection of artfully-designed boutique hotels with properties in Los Angeles, Miami, Nantucket, the Hudson Valley and beyond, has revealed its latest property, The West Hotel in Minneapolis. Located steps from the Mississippi riverfront, the 123-room property encompasses a modern structure thoughtfully integrating four historic buildings. Boasting an expansive lobby housed in a former brass foundry, communal workspaces, a fireside lounge, a library, a rooftop bar with an outdoor terrace offering sweeping views of the city and six flexible event spaces that are perfect for meetings, social events and special occasions.

Head over to www.salthotels.com for more information.

Nova Maldives is the latest addition to the Pulse Hotels & Resorts Group’s portfolio. Boasting 76 stunning villas and an extensive range of thrilling water sport activities, couples will have the chance to explore the secrets of the underwater world and the beauty of the marine life surrounding Nova’s private island.

Perched overwater, the Eskape Spa at Nova offers a range of holistic spa treatments using organic products that stimulate the mind, body, and soul. The three treatment rooms take guests on a journey through a world of wellness experiences that have been curated to reconnect and awaken the senses.

The beach and water villas have private terraces and pools, Jacuzzis and endless Indian Ocean views. Abundant with custom-made furniture, neutral whites, warm materials and natural light, the pared-back and minimalist interiors deliver a relaxing ambience for guests. Each room also offers state-of-the-art tech, including Apple TVs with streaming services and high-speed Wi-Fi.

To find out more, visit www.nova-maldives.com

Monk s’ Barn

Beautiful Grade II* listed medieval barn Available for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies

We currently have a limited number of dates available in 2023 and several in 2024

www.monksbarn.co.uk 01628 823501 • info@monksbarn.co.uk

01865 552746

WEMBLEY

• Win a luxury honeymoon

• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues

LONDON ONE

• Bridal fashion shows

• Entertainment

• Refreshments

• Covid-19 secure

IN ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORED BY

THE RIVERDown by

Editor Claire Ridley was invited to The Great House in Sonning, part of the Coppa Club collection of hotels and restaurants, that resides on the river

Thissanctuary nestled in a peaceful location on the banks of the River Thames is ideal for honeymooners, and their four-legged friends and children are also welcome for those wanting to book a family-moon. The tranquil, back-to-nature bolthole, a former Elizabethan coaching inn has some famous neighbours – Hollywood movie star George Clooney and wife Amal live in this quaint village tucked away in the Berkshire countryside.

DO NOT DISTURB

There are 49 individually designed rooms and suites with The Coach House Apartment located in the courtyard being the hotel’s best offering for newlyweds which became my home-from-home for the night. It’s a quirky split-level suite with a separate TV room that doubles up as a second bedroom, perfect if it is a family-moon you’re after. A highlight for me was the large roll-top bath – I dived straight in!

A FOODIE HEAVEN

At the heart of this boutique hotel is the swish Coppa Club clubhouse. The brand is well-known for providing the very best elements of a café, bar, restaurant and lounge all combined into one setting with a private members club feel, without the fee. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night nibbles with riverside views in the restaurant, bar and snug area decorated with contemporary comforts and vibrant pops of colour.

Those passionate about food will love the extensive menus including the all-day, weekend and non-gluten offerings plus grills, grazing plates and sourdough pizzas - a takeaway menu is also offered. Being practically vegan, I tucked into the mouth-watering Coppa burger made with a delicious plant-based patty and cheese served with skinny fries. Other highlights on the menu were the chalkstream trout and the 10oz rib British steak on the bone. The buckwheat and rye pancakes were the perfect way to start my day the following morning at breakfast.

WHAT’S NEW?

The latest addition are the cosy igloos perched outside the large impressive glass-covered terrace lining the garden leading to the river. The best seat in the house, they provide private dining all year round for up to eight people and there are even blankets provided for the chilly evenings.

MADE FOR ROMANCE

Memories can be made at this idyllic, award-winning wedding venue that’s licensed for up to 100 guests for the ceremony. The Coppa Club chefs have created a collection of wedding breakfast menus and the flexible event space can host up to 200 guests for the evening party. The wedding couple can arrive by boat and will receive a complimentary night in the River Suite, plus a unique code for their guests to book inline.

BOOK IT: The Great House, Coppa Club offers a cosy double room from £85 per night. Deluxe doubles are available from £115 per night. www.greathouseatsonning.co.uk; 0118 969 2277. www.facebook.com/WeAreCoppaClub www.facebook.com/greathousesonning www.instagram.com/coppaclub www.instagram.com/the_great_house

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DID YOU KNOW?

Your Berks Bucks & Oxon Wedding is just one of our many County Wedding titles − find out more on our website www.yourberksbucksoxon.wedding

We love featuring local couples and companies. If you want to get in touch email editor@county.wedding for your chance to grace the pages of next issue

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BIG-DAY

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Catch up on all the latest wedding news from around the local areas

DON’T FORGET

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Need help organising your special day? Take a look at our free online planning tool

All 19 of our County Wedding Magazines titles are FREE to read online as eMagazines at www.county.wedding - suitable for smartphones and tablets too! @YourBerksBucksOxonWedding

One

• Win a luxury

• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues

• Bridal fashion shows

• Covid-19 secure

• Entertainment

• Refreshments

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of

of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England

WIN A MINI-MOON IN NORTHERN IRELAND

A

The striking and distinctive Ballygally Castle on the Antrim Coast Road, in Northern Ireland, is part of the Hastings Hotels portfolio and is a unique 17th-century castle overlooking the golden sands of Ballygally Bay with uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea.

Recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Hotels in the Rest of the UK in the prestigious 2022 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, this beautiful castle is perfectly located for mini-mooners to explore the local area including: Causeway Coastal Route, Bushmills Distillery, Carrickfergus Castle, Royal Portrush Golf Course, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the popular Game of Thrones Tour! For those wishing to explore on foot, enjoy beautiful walks at Carnfunnock Country Park which is within walking distance, or simply relax and enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach opposite the hotel.

The castle has 54 tastefully decorated bedrooms, some have exquisite original beamed ceilings, while others enjoy views of the sea and mountains. From the Antrim Suite and new Coastal Deluxe Rooms with panoramic views, to the Garden wing and the original period rooms, uniquely shaped by the imposing architecture, the castle is bursting with bedrooms full of character and charm.

Foodies staying here post-vows can indulge at Ballygally Castle’s Garden Restaurant. It offers views over the grounds and serves a delicious traditional Irish breakfast, an excellent table d’hôte dinner menu, as well as a range of daily specials, where chefs use only the best of local produce to provide a wide range of culinary delights – why not treat yourself to its famous afternoon tea!

Check out www.hastingshotels.com

THE PRIZE

Hastings Hotels is offering County Wedding Magazine readers the chance to win a two-night stay at the 17th-century Ballygally Castle. Staying in a Coastal Deluxe room and greeted with a bottle of prosecco and locally made cupcakes, winners will also get to experience the Garden Restaurant for a lovely dinner with excellent local dishes served by the experienced chefs.

For your chance to win, answer this following question and enter online at www.yourberksbucksoxon.wedding

Q: Which popular TV show is connected to the local tours?

fairytale escape awaits at this unique 17th-century castle

Images courtesy of Chris Kemp Photography and Chris Giles Photography