NEWS Nearlywed

All the latest from around South Wales

Beauty Queen

Stacey Williams, a hairstylist based in Swansea, has won ‘Bridal Hair Specialist of the Year’ at the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2023.

“I have been hairdressing for 18 years but have been focusing on bridal hair for the last 10,” says Stacey. “I love everything about the morning of a wedding, and I take pride in my work and reputation for going above and beyond. Winning this award means so much to me. I have been a finalist in this category for the last three years but have never come close to winning, so winning this year took me by surprise and left me speechless. This award shows how hard I have worked and continue to work to make a bride feel comfortable, relaxed and stress-free on her wedding day while getting my little small business name further out into the industry.”

For more information about Stacey’s services, visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064343700538

CONGRATULATIONS!

The Welsh National Wedding Fayre has recently won an award. After winning ‘Wedding Fayre of the Year 2022 – Wales’ at the Global Wedding Awards and ‘Wedding Fayre of the Year 2022/ 2023’ at the Global Awards, the family-run business has been named ‘Leading Facilitators of Wedding Services Promotional Events 2023 – Wales’ by the Global Wedding Awards!

The Welsh National Wedding Fayre has been organising wedding fayres across Wales since 2010 and has helped 1,000s of couples plan their special days. With just one wedding fayre per season held in Cardiff, Swansea and Carmarthenshire, you can be assured of an exceptional selection of quality wedding suppliers and experts. Throw in free entry, parking, a glass of bubbly on arrival, a prize draw on entry and a stunning catwalk show; these wedding fayres are a must for anyone planning their nuptials.

To find out more, please visit the website www.welshweddingfayre.co.uk

Delectable Delights

M Bakery in Newport has added artisan brioche doughnuts to its menu. “After taking a long break from creating cakes, I’ve decided to make a comeback but with an additional treat added to the menu,” says owner Mai Bignell. “All of my brioche doughnuts are filled and decorated beyond the conventional, and for guaranteed freshness, are made to order.” There are currently six flavours to choose from:

• Lemon, Pistachio and Rose Petal Delight is a heavenly combination of tangy lemon curd filling, topped with a velvety ganache montée vanille, finished with hand-crushed pistachios and delicate rose petals.

• The Chocolate Salted Caramel Doughnut is a crowd favourite filled with homemade salted caramel, which harmonises perfectly with a luscious milk chocolate ganache. It’s finished with pieces of delectable dark chocolate shards.

• The Custard Slice is filled with a generous serving of indulgent creme patisserie and topped with a glaze of icing to mimic the iconic dessert.

• The Classic is simple yet divine; this doughnut is coated with a layer of sugar, filled with delectable blueberry jam, and topped with ganache montée vanille and a fresh blueberry.

• Oreo Cheesecake is a treat for the senses; this doughnut is filled with a luscious Oreo cheesecake filling and topped with glazed icing.

A generous dusting of crushed Oreos adds texture, while an Oreo cheesecake rosette and cookie shards complete the look.

• Strawberries and Cream is another bestseller; this doughnut is a celebration of freshness and indulgence. The light and fluffy dough is filled with dreamy, Chantilly cream and hand-cut pieces of fresh strawberries. It’s finished with a rosette of cream and half a strawberry perched on top. Visit https://m-bakery.co.uk for more information.

Shine Bright Like A Diamond

Sweet Dreams

Penhein, a glampsite offering luxury Persian Alachigh tents, is introducing a host of wild gourmet dining options for guests this summer. Penhein Glamping is set in a 450-acre Monmouthshire family-owned farm with wildflower meadows, an adventure playground for kids and a cooling brook to dip your toes in. The accommodation comes in the shape of eight luxury, high-domed tents, each sleeping up to five people.

Available for couples, families and larger groups, the new dining offerings aim to take the self-catering out of glamping. Each experience can be booked on a tailormade basis and can include foraging, firepit feasting and even incorporate an element of tuition on how to cook successfully over a fire for future glamping trips.

The fully immersive new ‘Gourmet Feast and Forage Experience’ with acclaimed forager Chloe Newcomb Hodgetts will see glampers learning about a variety of edibles whilst exploring the woodland, meadows and hedgerows of the farm, followed by a foraged feast. Depending on the month there may be fruits or fungi, foliage or flowers, herbs, vegetables, roots and spices to find, identify, and sustainably harvest with Chloe using the wild ingredients which are unearthed in a delicious meal she cooks up together with a myriad of pre-prepared foraged dishes.

Alternatively, ‘Firepit Fine Dining’ is an incredible experience that sees private chef Roo transporting her mobile kitchen to Penhein to cook up one of her specially curated menus either served in the open air or under a stretch tent.

To book or for more information, please visit www.penhein.co.uk

Claire Hill Designs, an independent jewellery brand based in Wales, creates responsibly handmade pieces. Claire has launched a collection focusing on the hidden beauty of new lab-grown diamonds and adding everyday luxury that will last. Included in the collection are 100 per cent recycled 925 sterling silver pieces, 14K gold vermeil plating, ethically sourced or lab-grown gemstones and recyclable gift boxes. Visit www.clairehilldesigns.co.uk for more information.

Peace And Quiet

Luxury Lodges, a collection of five-star self-catering resorts, has launched Milk Wood Spa at its South Wales site, Dylan Coastal Resort. Set in the ancient town of Laugharne, tucked away in Carmarthenshire, couples are invited to make use of the sleek and world-class spa facilities at Milk Wood Spa and delight in a luxurious spa experience. Relax in the heated, outdoor hydrotherapy infinity pool and admire the panoramic views of the vast Taf Estuary and beyond. Enjoy Milk Wood Spa’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the large indoor pool, themed showers, Herbal steam room, Tepidarium, and Mezzanine relaxation zone – the perfect spot to wind down after a session in the sleek gym which offers Technogym equipment.

After a day spent at Milk Wood Spa, guests can enjoy the impressive dining facilities and outdoor spaces at Milk Wood House. Upstairs, Milk Wood Kitchen and Bar serves a varied menu that uses high-quality, seasonal produce. On warmer days, guests can relax and dine al fresco on the outdoor terraces that look over the Gower Peninsula – the ideal spot to enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon aperitif.

Discover more at www.luxurylodges.com/dylan-coastal-resort

Was there a wedding supplier that went that extra mile to make your day extra special, or did someone go above and beyond what was expected?

You can vote if your wedding took place/ or is taking place between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023.

THE WELSH NATIONAL WEDDING AWARDS, NOW IN ITS 12th YEAR, RECOGNISES THE BEST WEDDING BUSINESSES IN WALES.

Vote now by visiting www.welshnationalweddingawards.co.uk

Upcoming Wedding Fayres

The Capital - Cardiff City Stadium

Sunday, 10th September 2023

South Wales - Brangwyn Hall Swansea

Sunday, 24th September 2023

West Wales - Carmarthen Showground Sunday, 8th October 2023

Wedding supplier or venue?

Interested in exhibiting?

Get in touch today by emailing welshweddingfayre@welshweddingfayre.co.uk

Register for your FREE ticket now by visiting www.welshweddingfayre.co.uk

Special Offer For 2023

£3699* All-inclusive package

(50 day guests/80 evening guests)

Room hire for civil ceremony with red carpet

Prosecco or bo�les of lager with canapes

4 course wedding breakfast with a glass of wine

Bubbly for toast

Cake stand and knife

Crisp white table linen and napkins

White chair covers with a coloured sash

Evening buffet plus DJ

Seaview room for the happy couple

Dedicated wedding co-ordinator

Menu tas�ng for two 1st Anniversary dinner and accommoda�on