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.