NEARLYWED NEWS

After moving to Andover, the team at Ditsy’s Cakes are celebrating their first anniversary at the new studio.

After the last couple of difficult years, the wedding season is back in full swing with many wedding fayres, no restrictions and consultations taking place in person – allowing the company’s wonderful new space to be fully utilised.

Owner Suzanne Glew has been working hard to create new designs, including Nearlywed sculpted cakes to push her skills to the next level. She says, “I love bringing ideas to life and making classic designs as well as bespoke pieces. I can cater to certain dietary requirements with various flavours available.” Discover more about the company: www.ditsyscakes.uk NEWS Catch up on news from around the counties

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME

Wedding planning can be a stressful experience, so take a break and escape to Oakley Hall in Hampshire this festive season with the venue’s Ultimate Luxury Christmas Break package.

As couples make their way up the property’s winding driveway, the stunning surroundings and hotel’s grand exterior will take their breath away. With 50 bedrooms, a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant and 315 acres to explore, the hotel has it all.

Inside, the venue features an original Georgian interior with some modern touches throughout. Feel extra festive this Christmas and enjoy tasty dishes, entertainment and a luxurious home away from home. Discover the stunning surroundings in the crisp winter air where pairs can explore the woodland areas and gardens that are well looked after. Enjoy full English breakfasts, a festive afternoon tea with mulled wine, both a Christmas and boxing day lunch, a live singer and there’s even entertainment for the little ones. The package starts at £855 per person for two nights and £995 for three.

Discover more: www.oakleyhall-park.com/christmas-2022 DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Based in Bournemouth, Chameleon is always looking for ways to help offer the most stunning gowns to brides-to-be. That’s why the team has added the Ukrainian designer, Milla Nova, to their rails. The staff are honoured to carry this fantastic label as the designer is only stocked in a few handpicked boutiques in the UK.

Milla Nova is a female-led business founded by two sisters who have taken the international bridal market by storm. Their designs are fashion-forward yet commercial, edgy and wearable. All the gowns are handmade in their own design houses in Ukraine by talented seamstresses – the quality of the fabrics and construction are superb.

Chameleon is the longest-standing bridal retailer in Dorset, having attained 38 years in the industry. Owner Anneliese Ward says, “We’re a modern, laid back and luxurious boutique with the largest selection of designer gowns in Dorset. Plus, we’re the only ones with our own bar too!”

The team is passionate about what they do and is on hand to make every appointment extra special. They know how important finding the one is for clients, so they offer a fun and relaxing atmosphere while offering advice along the way.

Discover more: www.chameleonbride.co.uk

Nestled in Test Valley, The Crown Inn Upton has won the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for dining.

After being named one of the top 10 per cent of restaurants around the world, the team are grateful to be recognised for their outstanding service and delicious dishes created using fresh ingredients and local produce where possible. By testing the limits and creating dishes with a twist, the team have received amazing reviews on Tripadvisor over the last year from diners around the world – which led them to receive the award. Owner and chef Dave Watts says, “Winning this award again means a great deal that our guests consistently feel they have had a top-notch experience. One of our aims is to ensure they get a warm welcome and leave wanting to come back again and again.”

The Crown Inn Upton is the ideal setting for romantic date nights before the big day. Here couples can enjoy dishes from seasonal menus while spending quality time together.

Check out: www.crownupton.co.uk

DREAMY SETTINGS

Set in the middle of an agricultural estate in a very private corner of the New Forest, couples will approach Hale Park down a long avenue of lime trees. Surrounding the house are the extensive grounds, which feature a small rose garden, a topiary, a maze, two ponds and many hidden areas to discover.

Hale Park recorded a pair of firsts in 2022! The venue’s first woodland wedding took place in the Shellhouse part of the garden; the couple were married in front of 100 or so loved ones under a Wellingtonia Sequoia in the glade.

The team has also been busy with the newly refurbished south wing, which now provides the ideal setting for bridal parties the night before weddings and the morning of. There’s also a new suite where nearlyweds can stay on their big day in a huge fourposter bed with billowing romantic voile curtains.

The Hale Park Weddings team is entering its fourth year of operation. They have been busy creating memorable ceremonies in the Drawing Room and other spaces around the property. The grounds have been used for marquees, bouncy castles, crazy golf, bucking bronco, fish and chip vans, bands, quartets, fireworks and DJs.

Discover more: https://haleparkweddings.co.uk

CREATING MEMORABLE EVENTS

Based in Portsmouth, Funbooth Ltd offers entertainment and venue styling pieces with an extensive catalogue of items available to hire for all celebrations.

Throughout 2022, the team has been working hard to provide memorable weddings using their ever-growing range. Guests have thoroughly loved the company’s photo booths, sweet treats and crisp wall service that was a new addition to the range. Clients have shared great feedback for the staff’s delivery, set up and collection promises for chair covers, centrepiece décor and large letters that have added the wow factor to events.

The company has many exciting plans for next year with new faux tree and flower pieces arriving as well as backdrops and a personalised signage service launching in January.

When it comes to making spaces look incredible, the company has a vast range of options, from a starlit dancefloor to different backdrops as well as table linen hire, chair covers and more.

When it comes to sweet treats, Funbooth Ltd has got different services available, from freshly made candy floss and popcorn to a choice of sweet carts. If you’re planning to make the most of outside space, the team has some awesome activities to hire, from a giant inflatable dartboard to bouncy castles.

Discover more about the company: www.funbooth.uk.com