With its sleek contours inspired by the shape of a propeller, Aviator sets the scene for a statement occasion. Located on the Hampshire and Surrey border overlooking the private Farnborough Airport, Aviator is one of Hampshire’s most unique hotels.
When it comes to planning your special day, you’re in control with flexible agendas to suit you and your guests. The venue boasts 169 contemporary bedrooms and suites, a dedicated events lobby, extensive dining and refreshment options, four diverse spaces ready to welcome your style and personality, and an experienced team to make celebrating love straightforward. All that is left to do is enjoy the moments with your nearest and dearest.
T: +44 (0)1252 555 892
E: WEDDINGS@AVIATORHAMPSHIRE.COM
W: AVIATORHAMPSHIRE.COM/WEDDINGS
Alex Toze Wedding Photographer
Sarah Hoyle Photography
Lawes Photography
This issue’s gorgeous cover has been sponsored by Epsom Downs Racecourse (www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom).
55 LIFE IS BETTER WITH YOU BY MY SIDE
A team of talented suppliers worked together to create this fun shoot at Wotton House
63 HOLD ME CLOSE
Using neutral colour palettes, this styled shoot at The Garden, Cobham, is full of inspiration
67 DELECTABLE DELIGHTS
Meet local cake companies
79 THE PERFECT FIT
Local bridal boutiques share their favourite dresses
35 YOU’RE MY HOME
Fae and Joe were instantly attracted to each other and couldn’t wait to tie the knot at The Mandolay Hotel
40 THE SUN IS SHINING DOWN ON US
Ellie and Jonny incorporated yellows and purples into their big day at Denbies Wine Estate
47 LOVE AT FIRST SWIPE
After meeting online, Georgia and Taylor quickly became inseparable and celebrated their love with friends and family at Oaks Farm Weddings
90 HONEYMOON NEWS
The newest grand openings and must-see honeymoon destinations
92 ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY
Sample a taste of the Mediterranean on the dreamy island of Crete
94 THE PERFECT GETAWAY
We’ve rounded up some of the best mini-moon destinations in Europe
96 DOWN BY THE RIVER
Discover The Great House in Sonning, part of the Coppa Club collection of hotels and restaurants
72 FASHION FOCUS
The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches
73 STRIKING SILHOUETTES
Make your entrance in style in a fabulous fishtail dress, a fairytale-inspired ballgown or a slinky little number
85 SUSTAINABLE STYLES
These designers offer something green as they promote their latest collections created using eco-friendly fabrics
Travel Editor
melissab@county.wedding
Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor
Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing Editor and Beauty Editor
Claire Ridley | Fashion 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
Anita Bridge | 01376 538 565
anitab@county.wedding
ACCOUNTS
01376 535 616
accounts@county.wedding
Accounting Manager | Derrick James
I’ve had the privilege of being editor of Your Surrey Wedding since June 2019 and have put together 22 issues in that time. Over the years, I’ve grown really attached to the region, it’s wonderful couples and lovely wedding suppliers, so it’s with a heavy heart that I say this is my last issue. I feel really lucky to have worked on the magazine and it’s been a pleasure getting to know so many of you. I’ll be taking the helm on Your East Anglian Wedding, so not too far away, and I’m really excited for a new challenge and to see what the area has to offer.
Our long term advertiers and readers will remember that Danielle Harvey was the editor of Your Surrey Wedding long before me and I’m really pleased to say that she’ll be taking over from next issue, which also happens to be our massive 100th issue! Danielle is an expert on all things wedding and adores the area, so I’m sure you’ll all love what she brings to the magazine.
I best sign off before I start blubbering, but make sure you check out everything this wonderful issue has to offer, including a bridal boutiques feature, delicious cakes and luxurious wedding venues.
Don’t forget if you’ve recently got married to submit your wedding at danielle.harvey@kdeventsandpublishing.com or via www.yoursurrey.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding
Melissa Cullen, Senior Editor
@CountyWeddingMagazines
@CountyWeddings
@countyweddingmagazines
Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com EVENTS & PUBLISHING
Your Surrey 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 Surrey Wedding is published six times a year.
Ellie and Jonny incorporated yellows and purples into their big day at Denbies Wine Estate.
Fun casino hire for any occasion
We bring an authentic themed casino experience full of fun, glitz and laughter to your party.
BOOK A FUN CASINO TODAY AND MAKE YOUR EVENT THE TALK OF THE TOWN!
www.greaterlondonfuncasino.com
T: 07787 613028 E: glfuncasino@gmail.com
From the first enquiry to your wedding day, our team are available to answer any questions. We will work our magic to take care of all of your styling needs.
Dressing your chairs, setting up stunning centrepieces to styling your ceremony and creating gorgeous welcome displays that gives your guest a glimpse of what’s to come.
Our job is to make sure you never have to lift a finger!
Lavish Moments is surrey based luxury event management company. With over 10 years of experience in the wedding and event world, we know how to make your event one to remember in the UK or abroad.
Through our luxury bespoke service, we offer high quality talent, an impeccable eye for detail, and tip top customer service. From the decorations to the performers, we will help you build your event from the ground up.
We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can’t wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, on Sunday 16th April 2023! It’s one of our biggest shows of the wedding season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the winter months.
The show brings couples that want face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help create the perfect day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you’re sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
Entry to the show will be free. All couples attending on the day will be given a goody bag and the opportunity to enter a competition to win a luxury honeymoon. All you need to do is pre-register and attend on the day.
Head to www.countyweddingevents.com to pre-register for this event now!
All the latest from around Surrey
The Garden Salon in a new salon in Ashford, Surrey, offering a private one-to-one service for your hair and make-up trial and your everyday hairdressing needs.
The salon is the brainchild of hair and make-up artist Linda Leonard, who tells us: “I’m really enjoying having the salon up and running, as it provides excellent lighting, huge mirrors, backwash sinks and a superb view down the garden that my clients really enjoy. You can step into the garden and take photos to see what you look like in the natural daylight, which is very important for brides.”
Linda is offering trials for only £50, make-up lessons and the ideal place for getting your colour or highlights done prior to the big day. Linda will then come to your chosen venue on the wedding day to ensure you look your big-day best.
Head over to www.lindaleonardhairandmakeup.uk for more information.
Following a £40K kitchen refurbishment, The Talbot is delighted to share its plans for 2023. The head chef is showcasing a delicious new à la carte evening menu in the restaurant, which offers new dishes, including seared scallops, and truffled supreme of chicken alongside some classic British dishes, which are available in the bar.
During the day, you will find a range of healthy smoothies, hot drinks and homemade cakes on offer. Brunch is available from 11am until 5pm alongside barrel and stone pizzas. You can choose to relax in the elegant restaurant or cosy bar with the open fire, or on sunnier days, enjoy al fresco dining on the south-facing terrace.
The ever-popular afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes are also available to book everyday between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
Whether you’re catching up with friends or looking for a delicious dinner, there will be something to tempt you.
Discover more at www.thetalbotripley.com
Getty ImagesLingfield-based florist, Butterflies & Bows is offering a special discount for bookings made in 2023. Couples who book their flowers and décor/balloons will get a percentage discount on everything ordered.
The owner of Butterflies & Bows, Annabel Grange, tells us: “We work across Surrey, West Kent, East Sussex, Croydon and parts of South London providing flowers, balloons, table centres, chair décor, backdrops, arches and lighting for weddings and parties. We provide a friendly and professional service and can assist with intimate nuptials or grand celebrations. We provide a very cost-effective and efficient service and will work closely with you to ensure that your every need is catered for. If you’re looking for something in particular, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will endeavour to provide it for you.”
Visit www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk for more information.
New luxury event planner, Lavish Moments Ltd in Thornton Heath, Surrey, offers a wide range of services to help you plan the perfect wedding. Couples can hire light-up numbers, backdrops such as flower walls and balloon hoops, table linen, welcome signs, card boxes, plinths and much more.
There are also a range of wedding planning options available, from partial to full planning and on-the-day management, so there’s something to suit everyone.
What’s more, the team can also style your venue for you with three packages to choose from that include everything from table styling and centrepieces to napkins.
Check out more at www.instagram.com/lavishmomentsltd
Ultimate Classic Car Hire, based in Send, Surrey, had added two new Riley cars to its fleet. The 1949 Riley Walter Köng and 1947 Riley are beautifully cared for and make the perfect addition to any wedding.
The company offers a remarkable selection of more than 35 classic, vintage and luxury cars. The team maintain fine examples of iconic Rolls Royces, including the Silver Wraith, Phantom II & VI, Silver Dawn and Silver Cloud, along with Bentleys, Jaguars, Daimlers and a selection of classic American cars, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Mercury.
“If some of the cars look familiar, you may have spotted them in some of their starring film and TV roles in The Crown, Rocketman, Cruella and Made in Chelsea, to name but a few,” says owner Tony Allen. “Ultimate Classic Car Hire works with a variety of film and production companies in the UK’s burgeoning film industry. I would be delighted to help you plan your very special occasion with one or more of my famous motor cars.”
Ultimate Classic Car Hire will be exhibiting at the Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on 26th February and the Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on 16th April 2023.
Find out more at www.ucchire.com
Sassy’s Sugar Doughnuts provides doughnut towers and walls for weddings and events. Sassy has a vintage trailer, which couples can hire, providing hot sugar and cinnamon doughnuts, sauces and sprinkles.
“I used to be a beauty therapist until lockdown hit, and I saw a vintage doughnut trailer for sale,” says owner Sarah Johnson. “In January 2021, I brought it home, turned it on and started cooking hot fresh doughnuts. Within a week, we were delivering 500 of these a day through lockdown. As lockdown came to an end, my daughter was about to get married, and she asked me to make her wedding cake. I did a bit of research and decided to create wedding doughnuts. I have just completed my first year of weddings and have created over 40 wedding towers and walls for brides and grooms. We can travel a couple of hours away for set-ups, but we have limited availability for 2023. We will work closely with you to create your dream wedding cake with a top-cutting cake if required for your photos. We’ve also just discovered that we’re finalists for the Best Newcomer Award at the SME Surrey Business Awards with the awards ceremony taking place at the Epsom Downs Racecourse in March.”
To find out more, visit www.sassyssugardoughnuts.com
"Working with Prime Violet Events gave us peace of mind come the big day(s), and really let us enjoy our wedding rather than stress about vendors and schedules. Tutu and her team were always friendly and professional, and guests came away saying how impressed they were with their work."
Bespoke Ceremonies by Karen is a new celebrant based in Coulsdon, Surrey. Karen left her teaching career after 20 years to become a professional celebrant. “This change of career has been primarily driven by my son, who is getting married in June 2023,” says Karen. “I will be writing the ceremony for him, and it encouraged me to take the leap and create my own business. I offer weddings, vow renewals, naming ceremonies, adoption services, funerals and anything else that people want to mark a special occasion. Wedding ceremonies start from £450 and vow renewals from £250. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.”
Karen is offering all couples who book and mention Your Surrey Wedding a copy of their ceremony in a personalised fabric A4 binder.
To claim this fab offer and for more information, email Karen at bespokeceremonies@outlook.com. Offer ends 31st March 2023.
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!
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.
unless otherwise stated
SUN 26 MAR
HAYCOCK MANOR Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA
SUN 19 FEB
MORDEN HALL
Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD
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
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.
• 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
Thestriking 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
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.yoursurrey.wedding
Q: Which popular TV show is connected to the local tours?
fairytale escape awaits at this unique 17th-century castle
The Boleyn Hotel opposite the River Thames dates back to the 16th century and is the perfect venue for your magical day. The hotel’s flexible and spacious facilities enable us to host weddings and parties catering up to 250 guests in our newly refurbished Pearl Suite. One of our experienced event managers will work together with you to ensure that your wedding day is planned to perfection, stress-free and unforgettable.
Our newly refurbished executive rooms are individually designed with a unique combination of colours and materials. Rooms are fully air conditioned, have comfortable large beds for a great nights sleep, flat screen TV’s and grohe power showers.
P op in and see the venue set for a wedding, meet the team and our preferred suppliers. Come to see how you can book a wedding for £3,500.00 based on 50 guests.
(normally £4,300.00) when you book on our mid-week wedding offer. This offer is running from January 2023 – 30 th November 2023. T&Cs apply.
THE BUSH HOTEL, FARNHAM, GU9 7NN 01252 715 237 | www.farnhambush.com
The Bush Hotel has been welcoming guests through its door since 1618. Situated in the heart of historic Farnham and surrounded by the beautiful Surrey Hills, the property has many original details, including paintings, fireplaces, historical panelling and timber beams, as well as modern and opulent design features, creating the perfect blend of old and new. After guests arrive, they will walk through the tranquil garden and enjoy views of the ivy-clad hotel and the sun terrace. At the front of the venue, the hotel has a private cobbled courtyard which still has some of the original coaching inn features.
Situated in the heart of the hotel on the ground floor is the Oak Lounge. This historic panelled room dates back to the 15th century and can hold up to 50 guests for the ceremony and 30 for a seated meal. With original
features, two log fires and doors leading out to the terrace and gardens, it’s the ideal location for a more intimate celebration and is perfect in any season.
Alternatively, The Redgrave Room is a bright, spacious, and flexible space that has views of the hotel’s garden and a large open log fire. Located on the ground floor with easy access to the gardens, reception and bar, it can accommodate up to 90 loved ones throughout the day. The largest space, which can hold up to 120 people, is the Bramley Suite. This venue is separate but adjacent to the main hotel and is accessed via the garden. A refurbishment of this space is due to commence in early 2023.
The Bush Suite is available for the happy couple on the night of the wedding, and they will also receive a complimentary menu tasting. There are 94 bedrooms on-site for which friends and family will receive a discounted rate.
FRENSHAM POND HOTEL & SPA, GU10 2QD 01252 795 161 | www.frenshampondhotel.co.uk
Frensham Pond Hotel & Spa is Farnham’s only four-star hotel and is situated in a scenic spot at the end of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Looking out over Frensham Great Pond, each room has its own distinctive English charm rooted in the historic character of this 15th-century country house.
There are plenty of thoughtful touches of hospitality from superior rooms and suites named after trees found around the pond to some rooms that have private patios and coveted views.
Celebrate in style
Weddings take place in the Garden Suite and George Lloyd Suite; both overlook the pond with plenty of space to accommodate the happy couple’s nearest and dearest. The George Lloyd Suite has a private upper terrace and also comes with a private bar.
We love...
There are 53 beautifully-decorated on-site bedrooms available for hire on an exclusive-use basis.
DENBIES WINE ESTATE LIMITED, RH5 6AA 01306 734 663 | www.denbies.co.uk
Home to 17 en-suite bedrooms and a must-see restaurant is the impressive Denbies Wine Estate Limited. Overlooking the Surrey Hills and 265 acres of vineyards, this charming wedding venue boasts a magnificent pavilion centrepiece that provides a striking backdrop for photographs and musical entertainment.
Celebrate in style
Intimate celebrations take place in the Ranmore Suite, which can
accommodate 50 people.
The Vineyard Hotel can accommodate 30 loved ones and outdoor services for 150.
Alternatively, The Garden Room, overlooking the Cloisters Courtyard, has space for 150 friends and family throughout the day and The Denbies Suite, the largest room available, can hold up to 180 guests.
We love...
Denbies Wine Estate Limited offers couples overnight accommodation at Denbies Vineyard Hotel and a complimentary menu tasting.
With panoramic views across Surrey and beyond, the picturesque grounds of our racecourses provide the perfect backdrop for your special day and offer endless photo opportunities. From the Parade Ring and Winners enclosure to the magnificent balcony views, you will end up with an impressive array of memories to cherish for years to come.
With a range of beautiful, licensed suites to accommodate parties of every size, from small and intimate ceremonies to the grandest of celebrations, our wedding specialists will help to transform your dreams into a reality to treasure forever.
We are proud to offer a special selection of bespoke wedding menus and drinks packages which our award-winning catering team can tailor to your specific requirements.
FOR FUTHER INFORMATION
CALL 01372 460 460
YOUR ‘HAPPILY EVER AFTER’ STARTS WITH THE JOCKEY CLUB VENUES COLLECTION…
If you are considering a celebrant led ceremony, be it a wedding, vow renewals or a baby naming ceremony. We will work together to bring your story to life. We cover most of the UK and also travel outside of the UK. Beautifully tailor made ceremonies.
We offer a free no obligation consultation to discuss your requirements call: 07947 610483 or email: kelly@blessedcelebrants.co.uk
Sunday 26th February 11am - 3pm
Wedding receptions are something of a speciality here at The Frensham Pond Hotel. We pride ourselves in creating a truly memorable, unique and magical day for you and your loved ones. The natural beauty surrounding our beautiful hotel, mouthwatering menus, five-star service and attention to detail are very hard to beat. Come and explore our beautiful set up, meet our preferred suppliers and discuss the finer details with our experienced wedding coordinators. Find out how we can make your dream wedding a reality at The Frensham Pond Hotel!
LYTHE HILL HOTEL & SPA, GU27 3BQ
01428 744 815 | www.lythehill.co.uk
Combining old-world charm with modern elegance, Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa is a stunning Tudor house situated on the Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex border. This 16th-century award-winning venue is nestled within 22 acres of rural countryside with a charming lake close by and an on-site gym with health club facilities.
Celebrate in style
Intimate nuptials of up to 30 guests are held in The Oak Room, which has
panelled walls and a decorative fireplace.
Alternatively, The Cedar Suite has high ceilings, exposed bricks, a neutral décor throughout and space for 80 loved ones.
The Hazel Suite can accommodate 150 friends and family for the meal and 250 in the evening and boasts an impressive sky-view lantern roof and exposed beams.
We love...
The happy couple can book spa treatments at the newly-refurbished The Spa at Lythe Hill in the lead up to the big day.
HARTSFIELD MANOR, RH3 7AA
01737 845 300 | www.hartsfieldmanor.co.uk
Boasting impressive views of the Surrey Hills, Hartsfield Manor is a striking wedding venue situated within 16 acres of manicured grounds and rich countryside. This luxury property has heaps of Victorian character and charm, including a historic arched door, a staircase, a feature fireplace and chandeliers.
Celebrate in style
Couples looking for an intimate setting to tie the knot will love The Brockham Suite, which has a fireplace, a private terrace and space for
40 guests.
Large celebrations take place in The Lounge. Boasting high ceilings, a piano, an abundance of natural daylight coming in through the grand bay windows and room for 90 people, this area is transformed for the evening reception to create space for 180 loved ones.
There’s also the option for a buffet to be served in the adjoining small lounge to give friends and family an area to chat away from the dancefloor.
We love...
Hartsfield Manor offers a complimentary menu tasting, use of the bridal suite and a changing room for the morning of the wedding.
PENNYHILL PARK, GU19 5EU
01276 749 660 | www.exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park
Pennyhill Park in Bagshot is situated amongst 123 acres of glorious parkland and boasts 124 bedrooms, each tastefully designed with standout bathrooms.
The award-winning spa is vast with more than 20 experiences, innovative treatments and little luxuries perfect for escaping the stresses of wedding planning.
Guests will love Hillfield, the farm-to-fork restaurant and bar offering a hyperlocal seasonal menu, and Latymer, a fine dining
Michelin-starred restaurant in the oldest and most charming part of the house.
The original mansion house makes for a stunning setting all year round, dramatically covered with vibrant green leaves in the summer, turning a stunning crimson in the autumn.
Perfect for summer weddings, the Pavilion creates an impressive backdrop for weddings. The sloping roof and stone steps of the ornate structure are set down from the Lily Pond Terrace and surrounded by acres of leafy grounds. Guests will take their seats on a tiered grass terrace, where they’ll have the best view of the exchanging of vows.
Located in the main house, The Library is the main indoor space for wedding ceremonies and can accommodate 120 guests. The original features add plenty of character – there’s a large wooden archway on one side of the room that reveals the feature fireplace and grand stained-glass windows that provide plenty of natural light. This classically elegant room can be decorated to perfectly suit any style.
The Parkview Suite has just been refurbished and renovated to offer couples an exclusive setting for their speeches, cake cutting and, most importantly, the wedding breakfast. Located in the terrace wing, it has windows on two sides that fill it with natural light and a private stone balcony. Chandeliers at the centre of the room add a touch of glamour, as well as the ornate architectural details and plush interior design.
After the ceremony, guests can enjoy drinks and canapés on the Lily Pond Terrace before moving into Parkview for the celebrations to continue. If it rains on the big day, no need to worry, the Water Lily Suite, which has been artfully refurbished with hand-painted panelling and floral sculptural lights, is the perfect indoor setting for the drinks reception.
The wedding team will be on hand throughout the planning process to ensure every detail is perfect.
01293 862 166 | www.stanhillcourthotel.co.uk
Originally a Victorian country manor house, Stanhill Court has undergone a complete refurbishment with plenty of outdoor space, including an Amphitheatre and room to land a helicopter. Nestled within 35 acres of glorious gardens and woodland, this quintessentially English hotel has a traditional yet contemporary interior, a cabin-style bar, an Orangery and luxurious bedrooms.
Celebrate in style
The Lloyds Room overlooks the gardens and terrace and has a traditional décor with contemporary twists, wood panelling, an original fireplace and room for 50 people.
Following the refurbishment, the Orangery has been given a new lease of life with a modern décor and space for 180 guests. Offering moving partitions that can make the space smaller if needed, the Charlwood Suite is located in the heart of the venue and can hold up to 240 loved ones.
The Amphitheatre is ideal for al fresco celebrations and can accommodate 240 nearest and dearest.
We love...
Stanhill Court offer the happy couple a complimentary bridal suite with a group breakfast the following morning, a menu tasting and a first anniversary stay.
01483 225 188 | www.thetalbotripley.com
Located just 30 minutes from Central London, The Talbot is a 500-year-old property situated between Heathrow and Gatwick that boasts on-site parking facilities, 43 modern bedrooms, a restaurant, a cosy bar, distinctive period features, a river close by and an archway that leads to a charming starlit courtyard.
Celebrate in style
Small nuptials are held in The Garden Room, the Victory Suite or the versatile Wisley Suite. The latter is a self-contained area with
high ceilings, chandeliers and space for 80 loved ones for a sit-down meal.
The 15th-century Surrey Barns is licensed for ceremonies with up to 80 guests and can be used separately or in conjunction with the Wisley Suite for up to 150 friends and family. Featuring original beams and heaps of character, the barn also has a wooden bar with poser tables and a separate dining area.
We love...
The Talbot offers couples a complimentary bridal suite on the night of the wedding, a room for their first anniversary and a menu tasting.
Stanhill Court is a magni cent country manor house, built in 1881 and surrounded by 35 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland. A stunning venue with idyllic views overlooking the Surrey Hills creating a romantic and picturesque setting.
• DEDICATED WEDDING CO-ORDINATOR AND HOTEL STAFF ON DUTY ON THE DAY
• RED OR CREAM AISLE CARPET
• CHAIR COVERINGS
• WHITE TABLE LINEN AND NAPKINS
• EVENING DANCE FLOOR
• PICTURESQUE GARDENS AND TERRACE (RECEPTION DRINKS)
• ROUND OR SQUARE CAKE STAND
• EASEL FOR TABLE PLAN
• COMPLIMENTARY WEDDING TASTING FOR 2
• BRIDAL SUITE FOR THE NIGHT OF YOUR WEDDING OR NEXT BEST AVAILABLE ROOM
• SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION RATES FOR YOUR GUESTS, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
• A COMPLIMENTARY CLASSIC DOUBLE BEDROOM FOR 1 NIGHT FOR YOUR 1ST ANNIVERSARY STAY
• 3-COURSE MENU
• EVENING BUFFET (4 ITEMS) DRINKS PACKAGE
• ROOM HIRE
VINTAGE PACKAGE £97.75 PER PERSON
AS ABOVE WITH CHOICE OF MENU FROM THE VINTAGE MENU AND DRINKS PACKAGE
CRYSTAL PACKAGE £107.75 PER PERSON
AS ABOVE WITH CHOICE OF MENU FROM THE CRYSTAL MENU AND DRINKS PACKAGE
DIAMOND PACKAGE £117.75 PER PERSON
AS ABOVE WITH CHOICE OF MENU FROM THE DIAMOND MENU AND DRINKS PACKAGE
01932 858 005
www.brooklandsmuseum.com/venue-hire/weddings
First opening its doors in 1907, Brooklands Museum has been through two World Wars, the Jet Age and beyond. It’s a place of great endeavour, achievements and has spawned many great pioneers, drivers, aviators and engineers. There are several impressive exhibits for couples and their guests to explore and get an insight into the venue’s wonderful history, with plenty of photograph opportunities, such as under the wings of the Concorde, the oldest remaining British motor racing track or next to remarkable motor racing vehicles. There is also the opportunity to book a driving experience on part of the old track in an exhilarating vintage car.
Celebrate in style
All of the function spaces at Brooklands Museum are licensed
for ceremonies, but the standout space is the Concorde, which is capable of holding 60 friends and family.
Alternatively, the Art Deco Rooms which are flooded with natural light and offer views of either the Motoring Village, Original Finishing Straight or the Aircraft Park, are available.
The Vickers Suite can be used with space for 100 guests throughout the day, and The Bluebird Room can hold 80 loved ones for the ceremony and 100 for the evening celebration.
The largest space, The Napier Room, can accommodate 180 people for the service and 250 for the reception.
The museum holds one wedding a day, ensuring couples have the team’s undivided attention. They’ll also receive a complimentary menu tasting and concessionary rates available at some of the local hotels.
RICHMOND
02089 402 247 | www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk
Made up of a row of Georgian townhouses that were once resided in by local dignitaries, Richmond Hill Hotel is a historic building that dates back to 1726. The property overlooks Richmond Park, which was once the hunting ground of King Henry VIII and his predecessors and offers impressive views of the Thames Valley. Although the hotel doesn’t have its own grounds, it’s located at the top of Richmond Hill and is just steps away from the National Natural Reserve with free-roaming deer and plantations, that look wonderful in photographs.
Celebrate in style
The Queens Room, situated on the ground floor, is a charming
space with lots of character that can hold up to 40 friends and family.
Situated in the heart of the hotel, The Richmond Room is a modern space with a raised private bar area and room for 110 guests. This room offers the perfect blend of 18th-century charm, contemporary touches and stylish elegance.
Decorated in a Georgian style, the Ballroom is ideal for weddings of up to 180 nearest and dearest and boasts high ceilings, lots of natural light and sash windows.
We love...
Couples will receive a complimentary menu tasting, discounted room rates and a Georgian deluxe room on the night of the wedding.
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.
A date for your diary...
ONE OF THE LARGEST WEDDING SHOWS TO BE HELD IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, ESSEX
• Free entry
• Win a luxury honeymoon
• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues
• Bridal fashion shows
• Entertainment
• Refreshments
• Covid-19 secure
Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of
Pre-register at www.countyweddingevents.com/registration
ONE OF THE LARGEST WEDDING SHOWS TO BE HELD IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
SUNDAY 8TH OCOTBER, 2023
WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON
• Free entry
• Win a luxury honeymoon
• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues
• Bridal fashion shows
• Entertainment
• Refreshments
• Covid-19 secure
Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of
Pre-register at www.countyweddingevents.com/registration
One
• 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
Fae and Joe were instantly attracted to each other and couldn’t wait to tie the knot at The Mandolay Hotel
Images courtesy of Lauren Maull Photography
Fae and Joe met through mutual friends and were instantly attracted to each other. Their fondness grew, and they agreed to go on their first date at a beautiful pub in Surrey. After a few years together, Joe popped the question. “We were on Burgh Island in Devon,” shares Fae. “I was pregnant with our second baby, so I was a bit confused as to why he was making me trek up a hill, but when I got to the top, it all made sense as it was the most beautiful day with breathtaking views. I was really surprised when Joe asked me to be his wife, but I couldn’t have been happier.” Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...
Before making a decision, we went to view a few different venues, but The Mandolay Hotel had everything we wanted. It was modern and clean, had a lovely outdoor space and enough accommodation for our guests to stay over. Our families travelled from France, Australia, Canada and up North to be with us, so it was important we had enough room for them to stay the whole weekend if they wanted to.
Instead of favours, we decided to have a Pick n Mix table, which went down very well with our guests.
The bridesmaids’ bouquets were made up of gypsophila, and mine was a gorgeous mixture of blue, blush and white flowers.
Sahar’s Cakery created our three-tiered blue, white and gold cake, which was made up of lemon and Biscoff.
Our centrepieces were a mixture of beautiful tall and short displays.
Our place names tied in with our blue and gold colour scheme and were created by Coral & Slate Designs.
I wore a Justin Alexander dress from Tilly Mint Weddings. It was not the style that I thought I would go for, but after trying on several different dresses, I fell in love with it. I wouldn’t have spotted it if my mum hadn’t encouraged me to give something else a try.
Joe opted for a black suit with a white shirt and bow tie from Moss Bros. He looked classic and handsome and had a slightly different shirt from the groomsmen to help him stand out.
My best friend, James, did a speech and it was beautiful. He shared some great stories about us growing up together and had everyone in tears of laughter.
We had the most fantastic DJ in the evening from Farnham Sound & Light Limited.
My bridesmaids chose blue off-the-shoulder dresses from Chi Chi London that looked gorgeous on a hot summer’s day. I also had a bridesman who wore a velvet suit.
On the morning of the wedding, I was so excited that I practically ran down the aisle and had to be told to slow down! Seeing everyone having a fabulous time chatting and laughing was wonderful, and we couldn’t have wished for more.
FAE AND JOE’S CONTACTS
Venue and catering, The Mandolay Hotel, www.guildford.com | Photographer, Lauren Maull Photography, www.facebook.com/laurenmaullphotography7 | Bride’s dress and veil, Tilly Mint Weddings, www.tillymintweddings.com | Bride’s shoes, Sophia Webster, www.sophiawebster.com | Dress alterations, Needles and Pins, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063543191657 | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Chi Chi London, www.chichiclothing.com | Hair stylist, Hannah Murphy, www.instagram.com/teessidehairwizard | Make-up artist, Chantelle Smith, www.instagram.com/chantellesmithmua | Cake, Sahar’s Cakery, www.saharscakery.co.uk | Flowers, Lily and Myrtle, www.instagram.com/lilyandmyrtle | Stationery, Coral & Slate Designs, www.coralandslate.co.uk | Entertainment, Farnham Sound & Light Limited, www.farnhamsoundandlight.co.uk
0788 170 3135
thewrightchoiceflowers@gmail.com
thewrightchoiceflowers
A passionate, creative florist with more than 25 years of experience within the industry!
“I’m a Surrey based florist and offer an informal, relaxed and friendly approach with all packages tailored specifically to you and your event. Whether you’re wanting fresh or faux, bridal party only or full event flowers and décor, you’ll receive a unique personal experience combined with a high level of professionalism. I’m always eager to hear about your plans, and once you’re booked in, I’m on hand for advice and support throughout your planning process and on the day itself.
“My heart and soul goes into every creation and each event is treated as if it were my own. Nicola x ”
• Personal, relaxed and professional
• Bespoke packages tailored to your event
• Extremely versatile
• Advice & support throughout your planning process
• DIY Wedding Packages/Workshops
If you would like to schedule a personal consultation with the opportunity to share your vision and plans for the big day then please do get in touch and together we can work out the perfect package for you.
www.thewrightchoiceflowers.co.uk
• Premium quality wedding rings
• A large selection of styles from plain and traditional to modern and stone set
• Multiple precious metals available including 9ct, 18ct and 22ct gold, white gold, platinum and palladium
• Perfect fit bridal sets with an engagement ring and a wedding ring
• Free bespoke wedding ring design service
• With a lifetime guarantee*, free ring sizing, free valuation and free annual inspection
• Beautiful wedding jewellery and gifts are also available
*Excludes wear & tear and accidental damage
Ellie and Jonny incorporated yellows and purples into their big day at Denbies Wine Estate Images courtesy of James Croft Images
and Jonny met through Jonny’s former flatmate, who just so happened to be Ellie’s childhood best friend. “I spotted that Ellie was on a dating app and dropped her a message,” says Jonny. “She was on holiday with our mutual friend at the time who thought we would probably have a few dates, but it wouldn’t become anything serious. That friend ended up as one of our bridesmaids and was very happy to be proven wrong.”
Jonny had planned to propose under Victoria Falls during a romantic holiday in South Africa, but due to COVID-19, the trip got cancelled a week before they were due to leave. “I decided to re-create the idea in England,” shares the groom. “We booked properties through Airbnb on the south coast for a week. It was boiling, but I had the ring in my coat pocket, so I couldn’t take it off as I didn’t want Ellie to find it. I was planning to stop at a bench overlooking the sea where Ellie’s grandparents used to live on the last day of our trip but the day before lockdown hit! We headed back to London, and I knew I had one last chance to propose, so we went on a walk in the New Forest, where I found a lovely hill overlooking the countryside. I got down on one knee, and she said yes!”
“We both have huge families, so we knew we needed a big venue able to accommodate everyone,” says Ellie. “As soon as we saw Denbies Wine Estate, we loved it. It’s such a beautiful space, and although we thought it was out of our price range, the staff did us an amazing deal. Everything couldn’t have been more perfect. Dawn and the team at Denbies Wine Estate facilitated everything so brilliantly.
“I really wanted silk flowers for environmental reasons,” adds the bride. “I asked for bright, summery colours with deep purples, and Kate from Hedgerose and Honeysuckle did an incredible job! The pagoda decorations made the ceremony pop, and her installation on arrival looked amazing! She was reliable, communicated wonderfully and was great value.”
Instead of traditional favours, the couple booked a photographer who took photos of their guests, which were printed onto magnets.
Their table names were themed around the 28 musicals that they’d seen together. “My brother-in-law sourced posters from each of the musicals,” recalls Ellie. “We then placed these around the table plan, which looked great.
“We thought long and hard about the cake,” continues the bride. “It often gets left at the end of the night as people have eaten too much food, but the visuals and taste from Ever After Cakes convinced us to go for it, and we have no regrets. The cake looked amazing, and with five different flavours, pretty much everything got eaten.”
Denbies Wine Estate provided the catering. “We ended up with two tastings, one for us and the second with both sets of parents,” explains Ellie. “Everyone enjoyed the food, and there was lots of love for the giant cheese board which came out towards the end of the night.”
“I wore three different dresses throughout the day,” shares Ellie. “Since our registrar and religious ceremony were at the same venue, I wanted to wear something different for the smaller service. The first look was a plain, but beautiful, white dress bought from a charity shop. I then changed into a stunning gown and, at the end of the night, I swapped it for a more relaxed look that I picked up during a holiday in Gran Canaria.
“The groomsmen chose morning suits from Dapper Formalwear for Men,” adds the bride. “I couldn’t recommend them enough. Jonny opted for a double-breasted waistcoat, while the others had single-breasted versions. Not only did the suits look wonderful, but they also had the most excellent yellow ties and pocket squares to match our colour scheme.”
The couple bought the bridesmaids’ dresses from JJ’s House. “They had good reviews online, and we were able to get sample colours in different
AMBIENCE VENUE STYLING OFFERS A BESPOKE DESIGN SERVICE which tailors a plan to best suit your vision which means each design is unique. Whether that be for the dream wedding or that all important birthday celebration!
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Our promise is simple, we will provide unique designs, with luxurious and high quality flowers, delivered to you with execeptional service. We can’t wait to work with you soon! @FLORALALCHEMYSURREY
You’ve chosen your dream venue and you’ve chosen the exact flowers to match your colour scheme; the little details that completely reflect you as a couple. All that is missing is the right celebrant to create your bespoke and 100% original script.
It’s a once in a lifetime experience, so let’s help make it unforgettable together.
Ambience Venue Styling Kingston Upon Thames | Stylist: Karen Loizou-Smithperfec y ought out wedding deserves a perfec y bespoke ceremony...
materials,” says Ellie. “The bridesmaids all chose their own styles and we ordered the dresses in three different shades of purple. We crossed our fingers, and thankfully the dresses looked lovely and only needed minor alterations.”
“To keep everyone entertained, we had Israeli dancing and a Jewish wedding staple, provided by Oysland, a four-piece band with a caller,” shares Ellie. “We had a DJ perform after dinner as we danced the night away. They were particularly great at keeping the kids entertained as he set up and played great tunes. Every song was a banger, and the dancefloor was packed all night.
“Part of the traditional Israeli dancing involves the bride and groom being lifted on chairs,” adds the bride. “It looks spectacular and is loads of fun. Being a mixed-faith wedding, some of those doing the lifting weren’t hugely experienced and despite some advice to ‘use your shoulders, never your hands’, one of our groomsmen lifted Jonny with a ropey technique. The result, captured perfectly by our photographer, was a wonderful moment of panic as Jonny threatened to topple forward from six feet in the air!”
Jonny was a bit cynical before the wedding. “I knew it would be good, but I felt the idea of it being the best day of your life was over the top, but it turns out it really was the best day of my life,” remembers Jonny. “Weddings are great, but a celebration where you know and love everyone there, what more could you ask for? To be surrounded by 200 people who mean the most to us and to be able to celebrate our love together was just perfect.
“There were so many wonderful moments, but when Ellie walked in, about an hour before the first ceremony, I started to get emotional about how beautiful everything was,” adds the groom. “The sun burst through the clouds just as Ellie started to walk down the aisle, and our rabbi asked us to turn and look at all the faces of our guests during the ceremony, which was a special moment.”
Ellie felt stressed in the run-up to the big day. “I listed all the things that could go wrong in my head, but the minute I walked into the venue and saw our coordinator, Dawn, smiling in the courtyard with Kate’s incredible floral installation, I knew it was all in hand and enjoyed every second,” recalls Ellie. “We were overjoyed after thinking a big wedding might never be feasible that so many people we loved were together celebrating with us.
“Our photographer, James Croft Images, took the time to get to know us before the wedding, and we had a chat over Zoom and then an in-person meet-up before the wedding,” continues Ellie. “On the day, he put us completely at ease and took charge when needed but was never in the way. Once we saw the photos, that joy was amplified. It’s almost six months on, and I still look at them pretty much every day. Those photos capture what a wonderful day we had, preserving our memories and giving us the perfect window back into the joyous occasion. I can’t stress enough how important it feels to pick the right photographer, and James was absolutely the right one for us!”
“For our honeymoon, we had three days in Paris immediately after, which was lovely and romantic,” explains the bride. “We are planning a big trip at some point in the next few months possibly back to South Africa.”
ELLIE AND JONNY’S CONTACTS
Venue and catering, Denbies Wine Estate, www.denbies.co.uk | Photographer, James Croft Images, www.jamescroftimages.com | Groom’s suit, DAPPER Formalwear for Men, www.dapper.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, JJ’s House, www.jjshouse.com | Hair and make-up artist, Debbie Storey, www.debbiestorey.co.uk | Cake, Ever After Cakes, www.everaftercakes.co.uk | Flowers, Hedgerose and Honeysuckle, www.hedgeroseandhoneysuckle.co.uk | Band, Oysland, www.oysland.co.uk | DJ, Boogie Nights Disco Hire, www.facebook.com/people/boogie-nights-disco-hire/100063738316602
Delight your guests with a magician and host who will not only entertain your guests with spectacular close-up magic but will also be on hand throughout your day to:
Greet guests and ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time. Provide an amazing entrance for you and your wedding party
Introduce speeches
Make important announcements
For more information please visit: WWW.ROSSMAGICIAN.COM
To check availability and pricing feel free to contact me on: info@rossmagician.com
After meeting online, Georgia and Taylor quickly became inseparable and celebrated their love with friends and family at Oaks Farm Images courtesy of Pebble Heaven Photography
Georgia and Taylor met online and planned their first date at a bar in London. They clicked right away, and it didn’t take them long to realise they were meant to be together.
Taylor proposed during a family holiday to Lanzarote. “We went away to celebrate my dad’s 60th birthday,” says Georgia. “It was really unexpected, so when he asked me to marry him by the sea with all of my family present, I was in complete shock!”
Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...
Taylor’s mum is a cake maker, so he was brought up around the wedding industry and already knew of Oaks Farm. What attracted us the most was the scenic setting and that we could have exclusive use with everything in one place.
Our colour scheme was white, light grey and green with touches of gold. I incorporated these colours into the stationery, flowers, cake and venue décor.
The favours were made by Taylor’s mum, who is the owner of Wedding Cakes by Lisa Broughton. She created white macarons decorated with gold edible leaf and gold and white sugar sprinkles. We placed them in boxes for the adults and gave the children and guests with nut allergies Kinder chocolate bars in an acetate bag tied with a gold ribbon.
Wisteria Green provided our flowers which were avalanche roses, white hydrangeas, white lisianthus, spray roses and masses of eucalyptus.
For the centrepieces, we chose two different styles. The first was a tall square gold frame with cascading flowers and candles underneath, and the other was a gold hoop with flowers and glass votives placed around the outside.
Taylor’s mum also made our wedding cake. It was six tiers and decorated with a sugar paste finish and handmade flowers. We opted for a variety of flavours, including strawberry and champagne, coconut and lime, zesty lemon, and classic Madagascan vanilla and raspberry. The cake, of course, was one of the best parts of the day. It was so beautifully conducted and special to us. She really went above and beyond.
We booked 10 Flavours to do our catering. They were one of the recommended suppliers from Oaks Farm, and we loved that our guests could choose their three courses.
We both felt nervous and excited on the morning of the wedding. Everything went by so quickly and was just as we’d imagined it.
During the ceremony and drinks reception, we had The Monaco String Quartet entertain our friends and family.
Taylor and the groomsmen chose black tuxedos by Hugo Boss. To help Taylor stand out, he wore a cumberbund.
The bridesmaids opted for light grey dresses with cowl necks and pleated splits.
I wore a Morilee dress from Bromley Brides. I chose this particular gown because I loved the lace details on the sides and the backless look.
GEORGIA AND TAYLOR’S CONTACTS
Venue, Oaks Farm, www.oaksfarmweddings.co.uk | Photographer, Pebble Heaven Photography, www.pebbleheaven.co.uk | Bride’s dress, Bromley Brides, www.bromley-brides.co.uk | Bride’s accessories, Liberty in Love, www.libertyinlove.co.uk | Dress alterations, Bridal Design Studio Ltd, 02086 500 055 | Groom’s suit, Hugo Boss, www.hugoboss.com | Make-up artist, Bella Rose, www.bellarosebromley.com
Mother-of-the-bride’s dress, Chi Chi London, www.chichiclothing.com | Mother-of-the-groom’s dress, Sean Rayment, www.seanrayment.co.uk | Cake and favours, Wedding Cakes by Lisa Broughton, www.weddingcakesbylisa.co.uk | Flowers, Wisteria Green, www.facebook.com/wisteriagreenweddingflowers | Acrylic signs, table plans, table numbers and place names, Topper The Cake Store, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/topperthecakestore | Vintage post box, Jayne Loves Weddings, www.facebook.com/jaynelovesweddings
Gold cutlery and charger plate hire, Cameo Event Hire, www.cameoeventhire.co.uk | Catering, 10 Flavours, www.10flavours.co.uk
Entertainment, Expert Entertainment, www.exp-ent.co.uk | String quartet, The Monaco String Quartet, www.monacostrings.co.uk
Bromley Brides is a family run business that has been bringing brides their dream dresses for over twenty years. Not only do we want brides to find their perfect dress, sourcing our collection from the finest designers, but we also provide dresses for bridesmaids, mothers, and special occasions.
Bella Rose constitutes a dazzling collaboration and harmonious marriage between Bridal & Beauty. The result is a wonderful spa-like environment and destination hotspot on the high-street for every lady to enjoy!
This unique concept has been crafted by hair extraordinaire and salon owner, Jade Owen, together with Bromley Brides’ very own Fairy Godmother, Becky Griggs, to create a modern oasis of hair, makeup and aesthetics – complete with its own prosecco bar!
The open-plan salon hosts two private treatment rooms in addition to a pedicure and manicure station, prosecco bar, Instagram floral ring, make-up and lash studio and luxury haircare area.
A team of talented suppliers worked together to create this fun shoot at Wotton House Images courtesy of BeUnveiled and HayleyB Weddings
The inspiration behind this shoot was to highlight what Dorking-based Wotton House has to offer couples. The theme was a celebration of the fun, joy, and happiness of a wedding and how couples could make the day their own. Each supplier focused on key elements of their business to showcase throughout the shoot.
CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SHOOT
Men’s
I love to capture that natural moment - part of which makes a photo so special. I am flexible to my customers’ needs and will discuss any project with you to make sure I achieve your desired specification. I really enjoy being able to record that ‘unique’ shot and turning your moments into cherished memories.
Based in Surrey, happy to travel to wherever you need me.
What are your suggestions for capturing creative night-time shots?
Start by looking for a photographer with a varied portfolio of night-time images. They should be able to talk you through how each one was achieved, and what equipment they will bring with them to the wedding.
It’s worth checking if they can offer a pre-wedding shoot. If so, try and arrange it at night so you can get a taste of what your big-day portraits will look like.
Think about whether your venue allows for creative night-time images and what time of shots you’re looking for, such as sunsets, silhouettes etc.
Ryan Coxwww.ryancoxphotography.com
We’re getting married in a few weeks, and we’ve left most of the planning until the last minute! I’m panicking about how to decorate our venue – do you have any suggestions?
Don’t panic, there’s a lot you can achieve in a short period of time. The quick win is to work with a supplier with a make-it-happen attitude who can provide the key pieces you need for your big day. Reliable suppliers will guide you through the process, offering ideas and solutions.
Have an idea of your must-haves and nice-to-haves and be considerate of your budget. You can work through the priority list with your supplier and quickly create a plan and have confidence that it’s all being taken care of.
Remember to ask your venue exactly what they will provide or what will be in place at the time of your wedding. For example, a December wedding will more than likely benefit from the venue being dressed in festive garlands and decorations. Will they provide the cake stand; do they have napkins in your colour theme? It’s always worth asking.
If you would like to bring a personal touch to the décor in terms of homemade items but are wondering where you will find the time, perhaps ask your friends and family to join in. Hold a favour-making party, this is a great way to quickly get a time-consuming task done while getting your guests in the wedding mood.
Claire Stevenson www.weddingdayhire.co.ukMy wife-to-be and I want a customised service for our spring-themed wedding and are thinking of booking a celebrant. Do you have any ideas on how we can incorporate our theme and make the day personal?
Having a theme for a wedding can sound crazy to some as the wedding itself is the theme, yet having been in business for over a decade and planned my own wedding, trust me, a theme or baseline makes planning so much easier.
Spring is an excellent theme. The magic of a celebrant is that we get to celebrate your love through a bespoke script. We can talk about how the spring theme was a real inspiration, how this is a new chapter of your life, and we can tailor-make your choice of readings and music to reflect that exciting energy.
You could even rewind to Henry VII’s days when he had Morris dancers to awaken the spring energy with their bells and sticks – whatever takes your fancy!
Incorporating your theme to make the day more personal is precisely what having a celebrant-led ceremony is all about.
Helen Noble www.helen-noble.co.uk
Our wedding is near a beach, and we’d love to visit to get some wonderful photographs, but I’m worried about ruining my dress or it being too windy! Do you have any ideas of how we can achieve this?
If you’re getting married on or near a beach, then lucky you! You must take full advantage and get those all-important beach shots. Don’t worry about sand on your dress, it will brush off, and any wind or breeze will only add drama to the image.
You don’t have to touch the sand; you can do what you’re comfortable with. You can position yourself on the sidewalk or pier or even balance on some rocks. My only advice would be for the bride not to do this in heels. A nice pair of flats on the beach will make it all the more comfortable and enjoyable. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun in your photos.
Eray Kaya www.irockvisuals.comI want to have a first dance with my dad, but he’s shy. How can we build his confidence before the big day?
Weddings are a wonderful way for friends and family to come together to celebrate the couple as well as their love. At First Dance Studios, we have helped more than 2,000 couples and wedding parties make their wedding dance something unique and personal.
This dance is a celebration of family and a moment to be really proud of. We’ve picked up some tips over the years and know some dads and daughters might be a little shy when stepping out onto the dancefloor. Our top tip is to practice, practice, practice. Your teacher will ensure that you both learn the steps, feel the music, listen out for musical cues, know how you can talk to each other verbally and with your hands, and so much more. All you need to do is spend the time listening and dancing over and over, and yes, practice does make the wedding day perfect. Start learning a choreographed routine about six to eight weeks before the wedding. This helps get the dance into your muscle and mind memory and make those dancing feet, dance!
As well as practicing the steps, you also need to work on performance. Your teacher will guide you through the dance together in terms of staging. At First Dance Studios, we work on visualising the venue where the dance will take place, what the lightning will be, where the band or DJ will be. All this so you have a mental reference as you practice so that it isn’t a surprise on the day. Always remember, the crowd will be with you, cheering you on so we encourage you to use that energy and go for it. They are watching with joy and love, so work with that and dance it out in style.
The most important thing is to have fun, it’s a party after all, and pick music that you both enjoy.
The team at First Dance Studios
www.firstdancestudios.co.uk
www.helen-noble.co.uk
07787 530720 helen@helen-noble.co.uk
@celebrantofsurrey
LET ME TAKE YOU FROM THE WORRY OF THE CEREMONY, TO THE WONDER!
You think you are sorted, but then you realise you are walking into a room for the first time having had no rehearsal, you haven’t met the registrar, and you don’t know where to stand or what you have to say! Your anxiety is having a field day and you feel sick at the thought. STOP! There is another way. CELEBRANT LED CEREMONY. Feel empowered and inspired that you will own your ceremony, and it will be, like you, one-of-a-kind. You can have total control over what I shall be saying
AND you can write what you want to say! I will GIVE you a rehearsal so you know what to do, when and where! I will guide you, steer you away from the failure of a bland forgettable ceremony, and I shall create a ceremony that stays with you and your guests forever - making your ceremony go from a worry to wonderful!
Call me or head to my website for a wedding that will last a life time. I’m so excited to meet you, let’s get creating and styling your ceremony - a wedding should be personalised; Lets go above and beyond and make it bespoke!
SPRING “23 to WINTER ‘26 dates available
www.shonanolanphotoandvideo.co.uk
www.shonanolanphotoandvideo.co.uk
Images courtesy of Ria Brennan Photography
Ria Brennan Photography and The Boho Shack worked together to create the concept for this styled shoot at The Garden, Cobham. Full of beautiful flowers and colours, this set up shows how you can easily incorporate neutral colours into your big-day styling.
THE DREAM TEAM
Venue, The Garden, Cobham, www.instagram.com/the_garden_cobham | Photographer and concept, Ria Brennan Photography, www.riabrennanphotography.co.uk | Stylist, prop hire and concept, The Boho Shack, www.thebohoshack.net | Dress, Indiebride London, www.indiebridelondon.co.uk | Earrings, Wild Wolf Accessories, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/wildwolfveils | Suit, ASOS, www.asos.com
Hair and make-up artist, Hair & Make-up by Gabby, www.makeup-bygabby.com | Flowers, Dotty and Bramble, www.dottyandbramble.co.uk Cake, Mmm Lovley Treats, www.mmmlovelytreats.co.uk | Stationery, Prim & Glad Wedding Stationery, www.primandglad.co.uk
Models, www.instagram.com/josh_wantie and www.instagram.com/sav_wantie
Your wedding day is definitely one of the most important days of your life. Flowers are the finishing touch and must be perfect for your big day!
Based on the Surrey/Hampshire border, Steph Lovell Flowers can tailor to all requirements whether it’s a small intimate wedding or a grand celebration. I take the upmost pride in my work, I believe that getting it right is extremely important. I use flowers and foliage of the highest quality to achieve beautiful floral arrangements within all aspects of my work.
I have dressed many wedding venues such as Farnham Castle, Millbridge Court, Gate Street Barn, Epsomdowns Racecourse and many more beautiful places. Each venue is unique and special in their own way and with my floral experience I can make any room at any venue look beautiful – the way YOU want it to look.
stephlovellflowers stephlovellflowers
www.stephlovellflowers.com info@stephlovellflowers.com
We are a small business based in London. Our aim is provide games for hire which can be used indoors and outdoors throughout the year.
We believe our classic giant games will bring a touch of class to your chosen event.
We pride ourselves in giving the best service possible to ensure our clients are fully satisfied
WEDDINGS
DINNER
PUB
Most of our games are for one day hire, if you do need to use the games for more than one day, then please contact us directly to discuss as we offer discounts.
The wedding cake: sweet treat, reception dessert or showstopping centrepiece? Who’s to say it can’t be all three? Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, the big-day bake has been an enduring tradition and wedding stalwart since couples first said: “I do.” Its origins are thought to date back to Ancient Rome when a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride’s head to signify good fortune. Thankfully, you won’t be forced to wear the delicacy today, so it’s something that’s well worth thinking about. The modern cake maker is more versatile than ever and can whip up a sweet showstopper big enough to take the place of your wedding breakfast dessert, or be served at your evening reception. So, it’s with their showstopping styling quality in mind that we bring to you a showcase of local talented cake makers.
MEET HOLLY BORDON FROM HOLLY DOLLY CAKES
hello@hollydollycakes.co.uk | www.hollydollycakes.co.uk
If you’re looking for a wedding cake maker who you can trust to create your dream cake, you can be confident that our team here at Holly Dolly Cakes will take care of you from the first initial enquiry right through to setting up your wedding cake on the big day.
We are a family-run business that collectively has 25 years of professional experience in the patisserie and cake industry. We’ve used all our experience to ensure our recipes are absolutely delicious. If it’s on our menu, then you can trust that we love it and it’s a recipe that we use for our cakes at home. We use free-range eggs, real butter and vanilla bean extract, quality Belgian chocolate and our favourite jams and curds.
Our formal training and experience in professional culinary environments, ensures a high standard of production throughout the process, from baking the perfect sponge right through to meticulous details and a flawless finish.
We are committed to providing a fully seamless and stress-free service, and all our wedding bookings include a cake tasting box, an online consultation, delivery and set up (if within our delivery area). Fondant cakes will also receive a sketch of the final design.
If you don’t yet know what sort of cake you’d like, we will talk through it with you and help you design the perfect cake for your wedding. We will give different ideas, advice and options for the theme, size and even weather! If you already have an idea in mind, we can work together to find the best way to translate your vision into cake form.
I have extensive experience in all styles of wedding cakes, from novelty-themed weddings to romantic sugar flower cakes. Whatever your theme is, we can create a one-of-a-kind creation for your wedding.
info@thesurreyevents.co.uk | www.thesurreyevents.co.uk
Like every year, wedding styles and trends are evolving, and new ideas and designs are being invented all the time. As the cake is one of the most talked about features at a wedding venue, we believe that it should stand out and reflect your personalities. The Cake Stand offers custom-made cake and cupcake creations to help couples dream in buttercream.
Our moist and delicious masterpieces are filled and iced with premium ingredients, and we take great pride to never cut the corners and always deliver the best that we can possibly offer. Our team consists of
a passionate baker and cake artist, who will happily create your ideal wedding cake, birthday cake, or cake for any special occasion.
We love creating nostalgic edible flowers, or if you’d prefer, we can incorporate fresh flowers to suit your theme. We thrive in creating edible paper masterpieces to wow your guests so that you and your cake stand out in the photos.
We will use your desired theme to sketch the perfect design for you, and then from that, we will make it a reality by baking the cake of your dreams! Vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request to ensure all your guests can enjoy your delectable creations.
02089 428 782 | www.ltcakes.co.uk
In addition to running Lake Thomas Cakes, I also work full time as a civil servant. I offer a professional, friendly service with detailed consultations and communication throughout the planning process. I only use high-quality ingredients, which are reflected in the cakes that I produce.
All the designs I’ve made are my favourites but there are four that stand out. In 2012, I received a phone call asking me to make a two-tiered Art Deco-themed cake at Cliveden House in Berkshire. Art Deco is one of my favourite styles, and the venue had always been a place I’d wanted to visit. The second was in 2015 when I was asked to make a Monopoly-themed bake. It was a fun and quirky design and met the couple’s requirements perfectly. Finally, Last year, I made two different styles, one was a four-tiered buttercream and the other was five tiers with gold lace and ribbon. Both cakes were delivered to different parts of Essex. Athough I’m located in Surrey, I also deliver to other parts of the UK.
wedding cakes
WE DESIGN & BAKE YOUR VISIONS
WE DESIGN & BAKE YOUR VISIONS
We will happily create for you, your ideal wedding cake, birthday cake, or any cake for all special occasions. Big or small. Simple or elaborate… we cater for all requests.
We will happily create for you, your ideal wedding cake, birthday cake, or any cake for all special occasions. Big or small. Simple or elaborate… we cater for all requests.
WE HAVE 5*RATING
WE HAVE 5*RATING
Our moist and delicious masterpieces are filled and iced with premium ingredients, where we take great pride to never cut the corners and always deliver the best that we can possibly offer.
Our moist and delicious masterpieces are filled and iced with premium ingredients, where we take great pride to never cut the corners and always deliver the best that we can possibly offer.
FREE FROM Vegan & Gluten Free options are available on request to ensure that all your quests can enjoy your delectable creations.
FREE FROM Vegan & Gluten Free options are available on request to ensure that all your quests can enjoy your delectable creations.
GET IN TOUCH info@thesurreyevents.co.uk www.thesurreyevents.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH info@thesurreyevents.co.uk www.thesurreyevents.co.uk @thesurreyevents
@_thecakestand
@thesurreyevents
We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, making sure each cake is as exquisite on the inside as it is on the outside.
WWW.HOLLYDOLLYCAKES.CO.UK
hello@hollydollycakes.co.uk | @hollydollycakesuk
I have more than 20 years’ experience of creating beautiful, elegant, and stylish bespoke wedding cakes. I specialise in high quality luxury sugar paste wedding cakes with handmade sugar flowers. From the initial enquiry through to the consultation, design, delivery and set up, I pride myself on giving the highest personal customer service.
My love of baking started as a child, I always baked the Sunday cakes for tea and at school I came top in arts and crafts. I would love to contact my home economics teacher and show her that the Victoria sponge is still a winner! In 1992, I got married and saw a huge gap in the cake decorating and wedding market, so I opened a cake decorating shop with wedding services. I had this for 10 years and found that my passion was for baking and designing cakes more than the retail side, so I sold the shop, and my husband converted the home office to the “cake room” so that I could offer a bespoke wedding cake service and Wedding Cakes by Lisa Broughton began.
At Wedding Cakes by Lisa Broughton, I use the freshest and highest quality ingredients to ensure your wedding cake not only looks fantastic but tastes delicious as well.
I offer a wide range of flavours, including classic Madagascan vanilla and raspberry, strawberry and champagne, zesty lemon, double chocolate, salted caramel and coffee Valencia.
Tasting Boxes are an ideal way to try before your buy, consisting of five of our most popular flavours, it is the perfect way to decide on what flavours you would like included in your big-day bake.
I hope you feel inspired by my designs, and I look forward to working with you to create the cake of your dreams.
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
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
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
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
Get to the ceremony on time with this Raymond Weil Noemia ladies’ watch, £1,095 which is exclusive to www.ernestjones.co.uk
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
Make your entrance in style in a fabulous fishtail dress, a fairytale-inspired ballgown or a slinky little number
You said ‘yes’, the ring’s on your finger, so what’s next? The dress, of course! For many brides-to-be it’s one of the most exciting parts of the wedding journey and it’s tempting to rush out to the shops straight away and start trying on gorgeous gowns. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance, right? Not wanting to sound like a killjoy, but taking the time to do your homework first can help you avoid costly mistakes. There are many factors to take into account to make sure your dress is not only the right fit for you, but that it ties in with the style and feel of your day. The time of year, type of ceremony and the venue are all key considerations, as well as the kind of entertainment you’re planning. To help inspire you, we’ve asked local bridal boutiques to send in some of their favourite dresses.
Dress: Peru
Designer: Dando London
Collection: Pure
Silhouette: Column
Neckline: Sweetheart
Available at: www.bridesvisited.co.uk
Dress: Willa
Designer: Savin London
Collection: Floral Boom
Silhouette: A-Line
Neckline: Sweetheart
Available at: www.mayandgracebridal.com
Dress: 5476
Designer: Morilee
Collection: Blu Bridal
Silhouette: Ballgown
Neckline: V-neck
Available at: www.ivorybelleweddingdresshire.com
Dress: Dianae
Designer: San Patrick
Collection: 2023 State of Grace
Collection
Silhouette: Mermaid
Neckline: V-neck
Available at: www.weddingfrox.co.uk
Dress: 5th Avenue
Designer: Dando London
Collection: Parfumerie
Silhouette: A-Line
Neckline: Square
Available at: www.bridesvisited.co.uk
Dress: Mira
Designer: Savin London
Silhouette: A-Line
Neckline: Sweetheart
Available at: www.mayandgracebridal.com
Dress: 2807
Designer: Morilee
Collection: Morilee Signature
Silhouette: Sheath
Neckline: Sweetheart
Available at: www.ivorybelleweddingdresshire.com
Dress: Everette
Designer: Justin Alexander
Silhouette: Ballgown
Neckline: Notch
Available at: www.weddingfrox.co.uk
In our clinic we are offering the most recently available combined laser technology to deliver superior results in much less time than traditional lasers. This is accompanied by a state of the art cooling machine, giving you fast almost painless laser hair removal. We also offer fat loss treatment using the Lipofirm Pro, used by celebrities and giving instant and lasting effects.
Practice Beauty Clinic is a bespoke clinically led service in Sunbury-on-Thames.
We use the latest cutting edge skin treatment technology accompanied by professional cosmetic products, some of which are only available in a handful of clinics across London.
The non-surgical tightening & toning solution to reshape & contour your body exactly where you want. This is a full body solution, and with this ultimate treatment, you can receive more than one TriLipo session in the same day. You can kick start your body contouring regime to assist in inch loss, firming, toning and reducing cellulite. This treatment will provide the effortless body shape with the bonus of no need for post treatment exercise as blood circulation, oxygenation and drainage is enhanced though out the treatment(s). For that important beautiful glow on your big day, we offer the Geneo+ Facial treatment. It is clinically proven to lift, contour and smooth lines and wrinkles. This technology combines oxygenation, radio frequency and exfoliation, brightening your
skin, leaving you looking and feeling more youthful.We aim to provide our clients with a full aesthetic service all under one roof that is clinically evaluated, safely delivered and professionally monitored. The access to expert clinicians also means that you can opt for anti wrinkle and filler treatments if you wanted to. We aim to make every client feel amazing on their special day, as that’s our ultimate focus.
Dr Saba Khan MBBS, DFFP, DRCOG, MRCGP(Dist), MSc (MedEd).| 01932783333
hannah@hannahmartin.net
www.hannahmartin.net
@hannahmartinflowers
Our talented team of venue stylists are dedicated to bringing your vision to life by creating personalised and unforgettable venue and floral designs for every occasion. We style weddings, intimate family celebrations and lavish corporate events, transforming venues into magical settings throughout Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.
distinctiveelegance.co.uk
01483 839 993 | 07887724657
info@distinctiveelegance.co.uk
Collections by leading designers; Stella York, Justin Alexander, Madi Lane, Lillian West, San Patrick, Pronovias. Tel: 01483 276766
Dress: Suzi Quatro
Designer: Dando London
Collection: Legends
Silhouette: Column
Neckline: Bateau
Available at: www.bridesvisited.co.uk
Dress: Keely
Designer: Morilee
Collection: Morilee Signature
Silhouette: Fit and flare
Neckline: Bateau
Available at: www.ivorybelleweddingdresshire.com
Dress: Iseo
Designer: Rosa Clará
Collection: 2023 Rosa Clará
Soft Collection
Silhouette: Column
Neckline: Sweetheart
Available at: www.mayandgracebridal.com
Dress: 7577
Designer: Stella York
Collection: The Stella York
Bridal Collection
Silhouette: Ballgown
Neckline: V-neck
Available at: www.weddingfrox.co.uk
These designers offer something green as they promote their latest collections created using eco-friendly fabrics
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 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, 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 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
Scan to view videoBo & 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
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
I want to do something creative with my long, straight hair. What do you suggest?
What you do with your hair will all depend on the style of your dress and whether the neckline is high or low cut. The rule of thumb is if you want to keep your hair down, it needs to be held back away from your face and shoulders, like Kate Middleton when she got married. Her dress was on-the-shoulder, but her hair was down and held back. If your dress is off-the-shoulder, then you can have tumbling curls on your shoulders. However, there is nothing better than a sophisticated up do, which will elevate your appearance tenfold.
Linda Leonard www.lindaleonardhairandmakeup.uk
We’re having a spring-themed wedding and want to incorporate some of the season’s must-have colours into the groomsmen’s outfits. Do you have any suggestions on how to do this?
Spring can be interpreted in several ways and depending on the suits you’ve chosen for your groomsmen, there will be plenty of colour options available. Navy and grey suits lend themselves well to sage green and lilac accessories, as well as moss green and baby pinks and blues.
In our current range here at Dapper & Suave, we have three popular designs that are available in cravats and pocket squares which can be made-to-order as traditional neckties or bow ties.
Our Moth Moon print features a green and lilac design on a white background and can be worn with a less traditional velvet jacket and grey check trouser combination. We also have a Bee Floral creation in yellow and pink decorated with a classic bumble bee and peony rose. Finally our Succulents design features shades of greens and blues.
Rob and Jason
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Crete, the largest island in Greece, is renowned for its stunning golden beaches, wild natural beauty, delicious cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history. Add to that the kind and generous Cretan hospitality, gorgeous weather and chilled vibes and you can guarantee the perfect getaway.
My husband and I jetted off to the Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay report on the eastern side of the island at the beautiful coastal town of Agios Nikolaos. Our trip was for a few days, but I don’t think a twoweek break would’ve felt like long enough – it was truly amazing. It coincided with a milestone birthday too (my 40th!), so it felt extra special, almost as special as reliving our honeymoon all over again.
After just a 50-minute transfer from Heraklion Airport, we arrived at our home for the next few days and were excited at what we were greeted by. This beachfront resort features the most amazing sea views overlooking Mirabello Bay, that are framed by picturesque mountains and our room, like many here, overlooked that very view.
We were lucky to experience a stay in one of the Wyndham Collection Sea View Maisonettes in the resort’s Village. If you’re honeymooning here, I highly recommend a stay in a maisonette or bungalow. Each of these feature private infinity pools and sun loungers and many, like ours, looked out to the Mediterranean – perfect! The resort will even arrange for a private floating breakfast upon request to make your first morning here as a married couple even more special.
The rooms in the main building are just as gorgeous, with either sea, garden or bay views, all boast modern interiors and there’s also the option of a wellness room with your very own rooftop jetted pool – the accommodation options are endless.
As well as our private pool, we enjoyed both of the resort’s pools – one by the beach with those stunning sea views once again, and the adultonly option within the Village (a quiet, calming spot in which to enjoy the sunshine). We also love a beach and dip in the sea and the hotel boasts a sandy beach and a pebble beach within the premises, so we were spoilt for choice. The free-of-charge beach cabanas were also a romantic addition and made the beach trip feel all the more special.
The hotel also benefits from an onsite spa offering an extensive range of massages and treatments, salon services, an indoor pool and a sauna and hammam. For those on their honeymoon, there’s a beachfront couples treatment area (available upon request) so you can lose yourself to the sound of the crashing waves whilst enjoying your massage.
For the more energetic, there’s plenty of activities here to keep you busy. Three tennis courts, a beach volleyball court and an outdoor fitness and bodyweight training area to name a few! The water sports enthusiasts are also in luck – just head down to the beach and choose from scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, water skiing or head out on a banana boat, pedalo
or canoe to take in the views from the water. For a lower-impact activity, some of the rooms in the Village boast yoga and pilates decks over the pools too.
The resort features nine on-site restaurants and bars offering aweinspiring views. Our breakfast spot each morning was just perfect looking out to sea through a stone arch of the restaurant’s balcony. Throughout the day, you can grab a cocktail or beer from one of the bars and refuel with your choice of delicious Cretan, Mediterranean, Italian, or barbeque cuisine. You can also order food to your room to make the most of your private balcony.
During our stay we enjoyed some beautiful pasta at Elia A La Carte Restaurant and indulged in the local culture at the Kafenion Cretan Restaurant with traditional rustic cookery and Cretan dancing.
If it’s a chilled drink you’re after as your day comes to a close, check out the Shisha Patio. With its throws, cushions and mind-soothing background tunes, this is the perfect way to unwind after your day in the sun.
The resort had more than enough to entertain us, but we took a short stroll into the chic cosmopolitan town of Agios Nikolaos. With its shop, bar and restaurant-lined promenade and buzzy atmosphere we loved our time here. Lake Voulismeni is at the heart of this vibrant town, and we just happened to be there during the international cliff diving competition which was a spectacle to see! My big birthday just happened to be on the day of the final, so we decided to eat out that night at the Piano Restaurant overlooking the lake and diving and what a treat it was. The area had such a happy, festival vibe, the food and views were amazing, the locals eating there were the most welcoming and friendly, and just as my birthday cake appeared (made especially by the chef), the cliff diving closing fireworks commenced. It was almost as if my husband planned it all as a romantic surprise (he didn’t by the way but was feeling quite pleased with himself – what good luck hey!).
There’s so much more to do and see but our time here just wasn’t long enough to squeeze more in. What I can say for sure though is that we’ll be back. Crete’s definitely got a special place in our hearts.
We flew from Leeds Bradford Airport with Jet2 to Heraklion Airport which is just 64km from the hotel.
Check out all that this stunning resort has to offer and book your trip here by visiting www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham-grand
AUSTRIA
Austrian holiday resort, Ramada Residences by Wyndham Saalfelden boasts 500km of snow-covered ski slopes and is ideally located between the Saalfelden and Zell am See resorts.
The hotel is the perfect base to explore the area and skiers and snowboarders, no matter their age or level, will have plenty to do after a day out on the slopes. From trying Austrian cuisine and ice skating to tobogganing, sleigh riding, receiving a massage from the on-site masseur, or simply relaxing in the resort-based residence, there is something for everyone.
To find out more, visit www.ramadaresidencessaalfelden.com
Val d’Isère, known for its high altitude and impressive snowfall, has added two new chalets to its already extensive collection, each sleeping 10 people.
The Chalet Cala Slopeside in the heart of Val d’Isère is spread across two floors, in a ski-in and out location. Boasting a hot tub, sauna and prime location, guests can look forward to waking up to sweeping views of the Bellevarde mountain each morning.
The second new chalet, Chalet Loup in Le Fornet, has been beautifully restored and is nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the village with original features such as a wooden terrace and thick walls for a cosy stay. Split across three floors, the chalet is ideal for people seeking seclusion as well as those who want to take advantage of its proximity to the Grand Vallon and ski area.
Discover more at www.valdisere.com/en
GREECE
As summer crowds dissipate after a busy holiday season, there has never been a better time to book an island getaway. With locations in two of Greece’s most sought-after islands, Mykonos and Santorini, Kivotos Hotel & Villas offers guests the chance to take advantage of the ongoing warm weather in a luxurious setting favoured by royalty and celebrities.
Kivotos Santorini, built atop the cliffside in Imerovigli, stands out against the island’s whitewashed and blue-coloured houses thanks to its jet-black and smoke-grey colouring. The interior of the property is just as striking, leaning on the fundamentals of minimalist design and providing a new take on the architecture of the region.
Kivotos’ flagship hotel in Mykonos shares the same commitment to luxury. Incorporating contemporary art and antiques into the design of the 41 suites and villas, the property offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Visit www.kivotoshotels.com for more information.
Off the Map Travel has launched a new glacial lagoon on the southern coast of Iceland, giving couples a front-row seat to see the stars and famous Northern Lights. Floating in the summer months, the two isolated rooms will freeze into the ice at a secluded location on the lagoon during winter, accessed by an all-terrain vehicle.
Isolated from other tourists in an uninhabited corner of Iceland, the new accommodation is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and see the stunning snow-covered wilderness. The rooms measure at nine metres squared and include a generous double bed, bathroom, panoramic windows, central heating, Wi-Fi and hot drinks.
The Glacier Lagoon Adventure trip by Off the Map Travel is now available to book from mid-January to the end of March.
Check out www.offthemap.travel/glacier-lagoon-adventure for more information.
Crawfordsburn Country Park is situated on a beautiful stretch of Northern Ireland coastline and is part of the Columban Way heritage trail. After a tiring day hiking, The Old Inn, nestled in Crawfordsburn village, is the perfect place to rest and relax. Stay overnight and enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant, a tantalising cocktail in the bar and a warm dip in the new Treetop Spa’s hot tub.
The Old Inn is a sister property of Galgorm, which dates back to 1614. It’s labelled as one of the region’s most historic hotels, with 32 bedrooms that ooze Jacobean character and charm. Recently refurbished, its suites offer a new level of style and comfort, and some even have an outdoor hot tub on the balcony and a copper bath next to the bed. Head over to www.theoldinn.com for more information.
Settle into the heart of the vibrant Old Town in Poland and visit the Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town, an upscale hotel offering a modern retreat for travellers. Boasting 205 stylish guest rooms, an expansive atrium and a top-floor wellness area, with a state-of-the-art fitness room, sauna and steam bath.
Situated on the Oder River, the hotel is located near key attractions such as Market Square and St. Elizabeth’s Church and is known for its Eastern European charm and rich cultural scene.
Find out more at www.wyndhamhotels.com
Ikos Resorts has announced the seventh addition to its award-winning all-inclusive portfolio with the opening of Ikos Porto Petro on the Spanish island of Mallorca.
The five-star resort offers a luxury all-inclusive experience and has 319 elegantly-designed rooms and suites with terraces, private pools, and incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests will be spoilt for choice with five indoor and outdoor heated pools, including separate areas for children, as well as secluded coves to explore and a stunning natural backdrop.
Visit www.ikosresorts.com/resorts/ikos-porto-petro for more info.
As part of a guided tour, couples can now venture down into a disused mine to experience a sauna in the heart of Dalarna, Sweden. The Adventure Mine in Borlänge has long been renowned for its guided tours, where visitors can go deep underground to the vast rock chambers and see the turquoise Aurora Lakes, whose waters resemble the colours of the spectacular Northern Lights.
Couples can bathe in the mine’s crystal clear water and experience The Lady of the Mine Sauna Ritual which was designed as a tribute to the being who, according to legend, is keeping watch over the mine. For more information, visit www.visitdalarna.se
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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