The joys of spring

To quote one of my favourite movies, Miss Congeniality, and Rhode Island’s Cheryl, when asked to describe her perfect date: “I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.” While hilarious in the context of the film, I do have to agree with her, because she’s perfectly described how I’ve always felt about spring. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I hate, hate, hate hot weather; and while I love the winter, the dark nights can get you down. So, for me spring is the ideal happy medium: not too hot, not too cold. And that’s before we even get started on everything else it brings such as the beauty of new life and the joy of Easter. In short, what a wonderful time of year for a wedding!

We’re particularly blessed in Britain with definition in our seasons so we get to experience spring in all it’s glory where so many countries around the world don’t get to enjoy its subtleties in quite the same way. This is when British blooms come into their own. Think of the oh-so on trend loose wildflower style of bouquet bursting with anemones, tulips, sweet peas, narcissi and ranuculus, not forgetting the eternally popular wedding flower, peonies. Aisle runners featuring the same create the ambience of walking barefoot through a meadow and when transferred to the reception tables they create that wonderful soft English country garden feel. Why not take inspiration for your wedding palette from the hues found in nature throughout the spring months? Lemon, blush, peach, lavender, sage green... the list goes on. What’s more, this year’s Pantone colour of the year Viva Magenta is so versatile it works beautifully alongside pastels as a bold accent.

I could go on, but I’ll leave it to the local professionals as they share their springtime wedding ideas over in Hot Topic from page 67. Plus, when I think of spring weddings, I think of an overabundance of seasonal flowers, and that’s just what we’ve got for you in one of our incredible styled shoots for you this issue starting over on page 53, so dive in.

Enjoy and keeeep planning!

Kelly Andrews, editor

you’ll see why – it’s too cool for school!

four-night break in Tuscany.

I’m obsessed with the stunning earthy colour palette of this elegantly rustic shoot at Southlands Barn.

We’ve gone transport crazy this issue! You can turn to our how-to guide from page 64, but you’ll also find some gems in our fabulous shoots.

Chalk And Cheese

Wiston Estate has announced that critically acclaimed chef Tom Kemble has joined the team at Chalk Restaurant as executive chef, bringing more than 15 years of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants to West Sussex. Formerly head chef at Bonhams Restaurant, which he led to earn a Michelin star within seven months of opening, Tom brings his precise cooking style, ingredient-led approach and dedication to celebrating local produce to Chalk.

Located on the Wiston Estate’s North Farm winery site, 122-cover restaurant Chalk opened in December 2021 and draws its name from the soft white limestone that the vineyard sits on, which gives its award-winning wines their distinctive, terroir-driven profile. The eatery occupies a renovated 18thcentury threshing barn, which has been thoughtfully restored to create a warm and welcoming space.

Considered yet approachable, the Chalk menu celebrates the nature, heritage and community of the Estate, using ingredients from its allotment-style walled garden and neighbouring artisan suppliers. Meats such as venison, Herdwick lamb, pheasant and White Park beef are all sourced from the Estate, while the likes of Heritage pumpkin, beetroots, Dazzling Blue kale and Hinnonmaki gooseberry are grown in the walled garden.

To find out more and book a table for your next date night, head over to www.wistonestate.com/restaurant

Winning Streak

Field Place Manor House & Barns in Worthing has recently won its third successive national accolade at the 2023 Wedding Industry Awards. The prestigious awards are held annually in celebration of the most talented and hard-working suppliers in the industry. In November 2022, Field Place won the South East regional award for Best Events Team, which secured them a place at the national finals in January 2023.

The winners are voted for by couples married during October 2021 and October 2022 at the nominated venues; their scoring and feedback is then passed on to a judging panel who decide who is to receive the accolades. This year, no fewer than 1,300 suppliers entered and 26,543 couples had their say, with 135 industry experts deliberating over the submissions.

Amanda Millis, weddings and events manager at Field Place Manor House & Barns said, “We’re over the moon to have won a national title for the third time, and for three different categories. This award is special to us as we really do work hard to give our couples the wedding of their dreams.”

Find out more about hosting your big day at Field Place at www.fieldplace.co.uk