Your West Midlands Wedding - February/March 2023 (Issue 84)

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Enjoy exclusive offers and show discounts

Join the draw to WIN your wedding dress up to £2K

visit us - stand bw5

www.tdr-bridal.co.uk

REGULARS

8

VENUES

Cover look

This issue’s cover has been sponsored by four-star Coventry-based hotel and wedding venue Ansty Hall (https://www.anstyhall.com). It was captured by Birmingham’s Blue Jay Photography (www.bluejayphoto.co.uk) at the wedding of Jade and Daniel Mulvey on the 26th of May, 2022.

FEATURES

51 YOU ARE MY SUPERHERO

With the 80s making a comeback, we just had to show you this Stranger Things-inspired styled shoot

59 LOVE BLOOMS

Rustic meets boho was the inspiration for this styled shoot at High Grosvenor House

63 YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

The latest venue styling trends

69 GOTHIC ROMANCE

Want to create a theatrical vibe with a touch of the rebellious and outrageous? Check out this styled shoot at Ettington Park

81 THE SUPPORT ACT

Styling tips for the most important people in your life

FASHION & BEAUTY

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

87 SUSTAINABLE STYLES

These designers offer something green as they promote their latest collections created using eco-friendly fabrics

90 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A

Local professionals solve your problems

REAL WEDDINGS

31 IT WAS ALWAYS YOU Sarah and Don celebrated their love for one another in a romantic celebration at St. Bartholomew Church and The Orchard at Munsley

38 NOTHING CAN KEEP US APART Emily and Tom incorporated their love of burgundy into their big-day styling at Weston Hall

45 THERE’S MAGIC BETWEEN US Leah and Sam incorporated their love of Disney into their big day at Ansty Hall

HONEYMOONS

92 HONEYMOON NEWS

The newest openings and must-see honeymoon destinations

94 ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY

Sample a taste of the Mediterranean on the dreamy island of Crete

96 DOWN BY THE RIVER

Discover The Great House in Sonning, part of the Coppa Club fabulous collection of hotels and restaurants

High Grosvenor House is a beautiful 15th Century Tudor house nestled in the glorious rolling Shropshire countryside. With its stunning grounds and venue, it sure to make any celebration truly memorable.

AVAILABLE FOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES & HOUSE FOR HIRE

The house and garden are available for your exclusive use with wonderful far-fetching views.

high grosvenor house claverley, shropshire, wv15 5pg

Step into your

The ALDO Wedding Collection is now available to shop, with more styles added weekly. The perfect option for your ‘something new’.

Our Pillow Walk technology cushions every step you take to ensure superior comfort with moulded foam and padded insoles, so you can celebrate your happily ever after in comfort.

Combining comfort technology and style… these shoes were made for walking down the aisle and dancing all night long.

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

Nicola Hawkins | 01376 538 480

Ring-a-ding-ding

Welcome to the first issue of 2023! For those of you who received a ring underneath the Christmas tree or on Valentine’s Day – congratulations! We can’t wait to help you plan your special day.

If you’re unsure where to start planning, I found the best thing to do when I got engaged was to make a list of everything that you’d like to include in your day. From the big things like the venue and photographer down to the smaller details such as the cake topper and jewellery, write it all down. Now don’t panic if the list is a couple of pages long, not everything needs to be done right away and you can always change your mind. The list is there so you can see what items are important to you and to help you focus on one thing at a time. For some couples, the photographer may be the most essential supplier and for others, it may be the entertainment, however you envision your day is absolutely fine, just make sure you focus on what’s meaningful to you.

Accounting Manager | Derrick James

Once you have your list, you can begin planning. Always start with your venue, as this will dictate the day and time that you’re getting married. Once you have that set in stone, you can begin researching and booking the rest of your suppliers. To help inspire you, we’ve put together an issue focusing on the latest trends, with advice from local experts, must-have bridal fashion and news from across the West Midlands.

If you’re about to tie the knot or have hosted a shoot, you can submit it at melissa.cullen@kdeventsandpublishing.com or www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding

Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com

Your West Midlands 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 West Midlands Wedding is published six times a year.

Melissa

Senior Editor

Sarah and Don celebrated their love for one another in a romantic celebration at St. Bartholomew Church and The Orchard at Munsley.

Fall in love with these gorgeous dresses with striking silhouettes.

www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

Rustic meets boho was the inspiration for this styled shoot at High Grosvenor House.

Weddings at Bennetts Willow Barn

Here at Bennetts Willow Barn we offer our couples the chance to have a fun and relaxed wedding celebration, with as much or as little formality and tradition as you feel suits you. We really are a wedding venue with a difference, and you won’t find another one like us!

Celebrate the first day of your new lives together with an epic wedding celebration that you and your guests will remember forever. Eat, drink and be merry in the romantic, rustic charm of our unique and spectacular yurt marquee. Play games and enjoy Pimms and Prosecco in the surrounding grounds, and after dusk toast marshmallows around the fire pit. Then dance the night away in our enchanted fairy light-filled rustic party barn.

AWARD-WINNING VENUE

Ansty Hall, a 17th-century Georgian house in Warwickshire, is a finalist at The English Wedding Awards 2023 in the ‘Romantic Wedding Venue of the Year’ category.

Situated within eight acres of private grounds, Ansty Hall boasts magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and has original staircases, high ceilings, open fireplaces and 62 bedrooms. The property can be hired on an exclusive-use basis, and there’s even space to arrive via a helicopter for those looking to make a grand entrance.

Visit https://www.anstyhall.com to find out more.

Nearlywed NEWS

SEARCHING FOR THE ONE

Wedding Belles of Four Oaks has won ‘Best Bridal Retailer in the West Midlands’ at The Wedding Industry Awards. The company was born from a passion and love for all things girly and bridal in 2007. The owners tell us: “We feel very proud of how our shop has grown and become one of the leading “go-to” wedding dress boutiques in Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. Your wedding dress appointment with us in our Sutton Coldfield boutique is a special and exciting time, and we feel privileged to be a part of it. You will feel in safe hands as we know how important your wedding dress is, and with more than 35 years of combined experience in bridal styling, you really are in the best place.”

Check out www.weddingbellesbridal.co.uk for more information.

JUST THE TWO OF US

Crumplebury, an award-winning wedding venue in Herefordshire, has launched an exclusive new package called The Crumplebury Takeover. Couples will be able to take over the whole site for three days, which includes 1,500 acres of private grounds, 11 spoiling suites, the Hen House, indoor spaces from the Grand Hall to the Art Gallery and a stunning outdoor ceremony area nestled in a secret woodland glade.

“When it comes to weddings here, the sky really is the limit,” says Crumplebury founder and creative director Keeley Evans. “Every wedding is wonderful, but The Crumplebury Takeover gives couples the chance to curate something truly memorable and personal to them. We’re incredibly lucky to have 1,500 acres of rolling Herefordshire countryside for couples to call their own, beautiful wedding spaces and unique experiences which will live with them forever. We’re perfectly secluded at the end of a mile-and-a-half-long private track, and we know our couples value the privacy and beauty of this landscape as they celebrate with us.”

Head over to www.crumplebury.co.uk for more information.

All the latest from around the West Midlands

GLORIOUS GARDENS

The Dorothy Clive Garden is a charitable garden trust in Shropshire. Set up by Colonel Harry Clive as a place of rest and continued horticultural education for the public, the property is located in acres of glorious countryside and is ideal for both formal and informal celebrations.

In late 2022 the garden opened a new ceremony point within its gardens. Located in the most private and secluded area of the property, the ceremony space is ideal for couples who want to keep their service intimate. There are also four other areas within the gardens that also available for wedding ceremonies.

For more information, email meg@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk, check out their Instagram www.instagram.com/dorothycliveweddings or visit www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

ALL KINDS OF LOVELINESS

British casting specialist and fine jewellery manufacturer, Hockley Mint have recently appointed Helen Moreton to the role of director chair of the Employee Ownership Trust Board.

Established in 1953 in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, the team value great design and are advocates for responsible mining and manufacturing. Hockley Mint create classic, elegant wedding and engagement rings, and provide an efficient and fast, friendly service. They work in collaboration with organisations such as Fair Trade, to create a fully transparent supply chain, which ensures fair and safe conditions for all workers.

Helen says: “I am delighted to be appointed by Hockley Mint as the director chair of its newly formed Employee Ownership Trust. Working with organisations that genuinely care about their purpose and people is deeply important to me. It has been great to join the team right at the start of its Employee Ownership journey and to have been there on announcement day to witness the fantastic news being shared. I am excited to work with the new co-owners and leadership and to support them in shaping and developing their governance structures and ownership culture.”

To find out more, visit www.hockleymint.co.uk

REST AND RELAXATION

Staffordshire’s luxury country spa retreat, Moddershall Oaks has unveiled its new sunken vitality pool, available to guests staying overnight at the award-winning spa. Loved for its exclusive and private feel with only 10 boutique bedrooms on-site, overnight spa breakers will have exclusive access to this beautiful new pool for a private time slot during their stay. Previously a standalone hot tub, the new vitality pool is sunken into the ground and offers uninterrupted views of the beautiful Staffordshire countryside and rolling hills.

As well as access to this new exclusive spa experience, overnight spa breakers can access the award-winning facilities throughout their stay, which include experience showers, a 10m indoor swimming pool, a Kelo sauna, a hydrotherapy pool, heated loungers, a sleep lounge, a steam room and reflexology footbaths. The larger outdoor heated vitality pool is the crowning jewel of the spa, offering a warm solace for guests to immerse themselves.

Overnight spa breaks at Moddershall Oaks include a welcome drink on arrival, full use of the facilities on the day of your arrival and departure and a fluffy robe and towel. Also included is a two-course dinner in The Oak House restaurant, a freshly cooked breakfast, and complimentary use of the on-site gym with discounted fitness classes.

For more information, visit www.moddershalloaks.com

MUSIC TO MY EARS

Dayton Grey, owner of Dayton Music UK recently won ‘Best Musical Act’ in the West Midlands at The Wedding Industry Awards for the third consecutive year!

Dayton first started singing in 2013, when he was 32. “I was very shy, hence the late start,” says Dayton. “I initially performed as part of a duo named ‘Domino’ with my close friend Helen Hale. Considering my shy nature, I was surprised to find myself so at home on stage, and I soon gained confidence! In 2014, I performed my first wedding as a soloist. The feeling was like no other! Eager to explore my place in the industry, I took part in several wedding fairs.”

Things took off quickly for Dayton, with all subsequent bookings coming from recommendations, guests from previous weddings, social media, or TV shows that he has appeared on.

“My wife and I become emotionally invested in each couple’s special day,” adds Dayton. “Being chosen to perform the soundtrack to the beginning of their marriage is such an honour and one we never take for granted. Throughout the process, we build great relationships with couples, we want them to feel that they are speaking to a trusted friend rather than a service provider. I believe being able to create that personal rapport with our clients is so important in our industry.”

Discover more at www.daytongrey.co.uk

Philip Butler

The Wedding Industry Awards

Coach Hire for your Wedding

You’ve booked the venue, invited the guests and now you need to get them there! Johnsons Quality Coach Travel offers the perfect travel solution for your wedding!

Why choose Johnsons?

9 Ideally located in the heart of the Midlands

9 We can meet all your transport needs for your wedding day, hen do or stag do!

9 Our large fleet offers a choice of 7 to 89 seats, including wheelchair accessible coaches!

9 Smart, friendly & professional drivers

9 Friends and family won’t need to worry about finding a parking space!

9 Preview of your coach before your wedding day

9 You’re welcome to decorate your wedding coach to add your personal touch!

Whatever your wedding group size, contact Johnsons!

I like to have some fun when it comes to couple and group shots to help capture natural smiles and so you can enjoy the moment.

www.georginamaiphotography.co.uk

WIN A LUXURIOUS HAMPER WORTH £150

The team behind internationally-award-winning St Maur Elderflower Liqueur are offering Your West Midlands Wedding readers the chance to win a luxury cocktails hamper worth £150!

St Maur is a hand-crafted premium elderflower liqueur from the Heart of England. The versatile drink is perfect for both sipping and mixing. A beautiful aperitif on its own and sublime in brunch and pre-dinner cocktails, any time of the year.

Inspired by romance, St Maur was first created exclusively by William and Kelsey Seymour, Earl and Countess of Yarmouth, for their wedding guests at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. Today, the proud producers have four prestigious industry awards to their name, including Best English Floral in the World Liqueur Awards and Gold at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards.

One lucky winner will receive a luxury hamper containing the main ingredients needed to make some favourite St Maur cocktails. Specially selected items in the hamper include: a 70cl celebration bottle of St Maur, sparkling English wine, champagne, soda water, ginger beer, lemons and limes, and recipe instructions. Plus, a further 20cl bottle of St Maur for the winner to pass on as a gift to a friend or family member. Equipment includes a Parisian cocktail shaker and Hawthorn sieve, a Mexican elbow lemon/lime squeezer, cocktail glasses, and a jigger spirit measure.

The competition closes on 30th March, 2023. To enter, please visit our website.

For more information about St Maur and to see cocktail recipes, visit www.drinkstmaur.com

Freebies & OFFERS

Take advantage of these gorgeous giveaways and fab offers

WIN A TEAM HEN BUNDLE

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!

WOLVERHAMPTON, WALSALL, DUDLEY AND STOURBRIDGE

BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM AND PARK, WV3 9LQ 01902 556 245 | www.wolverhamptonweddings.com

Bantock House Museum and Park is an Edwardian house situated within 43 acres of parkland and formal gardens and is just 10 minutes from the centre of Wolverhampton. Designed and built by the former owners, this historic property includes three gardens, original features, carved oak-panelled rooms, decorative glass tiles and period furnishings inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, with plenty of locally-made enamels, japanned ware, jewellery, and toys.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The Drawing Room is available for small celebrations of up to 25 guests. Situated within the manor house, this Edwardian space has oak-panelled walls, period furnishings, and afternoon tea is available to book in the adjacent Dining Room.

Perfect for couples looking to personalise their big day, The Coach House is located in the large, historic outbuildings and can accommodate 100 friends and family throughout the day.

WE LOVE...

The venue offers free on-site parking and catering options.

GRAND STATION, WV10 0BF

01902 454 550 | www.grandstation.co.uk

The Grand Station originally opened in 1854 as a Grade II listed building formerly known as the Lower Level Train Station. In 2012, after the building was derelict for almost 30 years, it was transformed into a popular venue for weddings, events and conferences.

Situated in the heart of the city, the Grand Station is just a short walk from Wolverhampton’s train station and town centre. Boasting a large outdoor space, the exterior was designed by engineer Sir John Fowler, with the rack work by Mr Henry Robertson and the roof and layout by Mr Isambard Kingdom Brunel. As Wolverhampton’s former train station, the space has retained its historical feel, but has transformed the former train platforms into modern venue spaces.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

Civil ceremonies take place in the stunning Old Ticketing Hall, which can

https://janewilliamsphotography.viewbook.com

WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY, WV1 1SH

01902 556 245 | www.wolverhamptonweddings.com

Situated in the heart of the city centre, Wolverhampton Art Gallery was built in 1884 to house the city’s art collection. This Grade II* listed building combines classic 19th-century architecture with modern, contemporary design to provide an exclusive and cultural venue. The property is located opposite St Peter’s Gardens where couples can go and take beautiful photographs.

Inside is a grand piano, a space for drinks and canapés after the

hold up to 150 guests. This space has Italian Renaissance ceilings, and classic sash windows finished with a grand chandelier that looks great in photographs.

There are two main venue spaces: the Grand Hall and the Brunel Suite. The Grand Hall can hold up to 700 guests and is fitted with luxurious décor and benefits from mobile staging that can be arranged to meet different requirements. Alternatively, the Brunel Suite can hold up to 120 friends and family and is ideal for intimate weddings. The space is beautifully finished and adorned with ornate golden mirrors. Both suites have private entrances, bar areas, kitchens and washroom facilities.

WE LOVE...

The happy couple will have access to the bride and groom suites on the big day.

https://janewilliamsphotography.viewbook.com

ceremony, 18th-century paintings, and a grand décor.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The Georgian Gallery, located on the first floor, is licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies. It’s a light and spacious room with a magnificent glass ceiling and an impressive collection of the city’s 18th-century paintings.

WE LOVE...

The venue has a rich history and contemporary design throughout.

The Perfect Venue For Your Dream Wedding...

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Malvern Hills in the idyllic Worcestershire countryside, the Bank House is the perfect setting for your special day.

countryside, the Bank House is the perfect setting for your special day.

VILLAGE HOTEL WALSALL, WS2 8TJ

01922 669 850 | www.village-hotels.co.uk/birmingham-walsall

Located just off junction 10 of the M6, Village Hotel Walsall is the ideal location to explore the Midlands, with Walsall Train Station just over a mile away.

The stylish hotel has a buzzing pub and grill, a state-of-the-art health and wellness club with an indoor heated pool, a co-working space, a Starbucks, live sports on huge screens and much more.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

From special dietary requirements to incorporating a chosen theme, the team have everything covered. There are several flexible wedding spaces with menus for the meal and evening celebration and helpful packages available with everything needed to create the perfect day.

WE LOVE...

Village Hotel Walsall is perfect for hen and stag dos with an on-site pub and grill, live entertainment, dancing and Starbucks for the morning after.

CITY ARCHIVES, WV1 1SF

01902 556 245 | www.wolverhamptonweddings.com

Formally the Molineux Hotel, the City Archives has recently been restored to its former glory and boasts a prime location overlooking the Molineux Stadium. This historic Grade II* listed Georgian building has a city centre location and fantastic facilities available, including free parking, ornate formal gardens and areas for drinks and canapés after the ceremony.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The Rococo Room is a beautiful example of Georgian interior design and can accommodate 45 friends and family.

WE LOVE...

The venue has a gorgeous interior and lots of photograph opportunities.

Sweet dreams

SWINFEN HALL HOTEL, WS14 9RE

01543 481 494 | www.swinfenhallhotel.co.uk

Swinfen Hall Hotel is an elegant Georgian manor house with a mixture of old and new styles. Set at the end of a sweeping drive, the property stands proudly amongst 100 acres of gardens and parklands and boasts a private deer park, ornamental ponds, a Victorian walled garden, a courtyard garden complete with a bar and a luxury marquee. In the middle of the deer park sits an impressive red tree which is an artistic impression of the venue’s commitment to fighting climate change. It was created by local artist MC Vincent and is a constant reminder to be as ethical and environmentally responsible as possible. Inside, is ornate oak panelling, high ceilings, stained glass windows and 17 guest bedrooms and suites.

The newest addition to the property is the Games Room. This wonderful space has a full-size pool table, darts board, table tennis and a golf simulator. The Games Room and Boathouse are included the night before

the wedding and the morning of.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The Benjamin Wyatt Room is licensed for 30 people and is flooded with light and striking artwork.

The Four Seasons, a traditional oak-panelled ceremony room with a high ceiling, chandeliers and open fires, is licensed for weddings of up to 85 guests.

Just off the main entrance foyer is The Cocktail Lounge, a bright and welcoming space licensed for up to 60 loved ones.

Boasting a seven-metre-high ceiling and ornate oak panelling, The Edwardian Ballroom is licensed for 120 friends and family.

WE LOVE...

Swinfen Hall Hotel is a dog-friendly hotel and has a stunning honeymoon suite available.

THE WROXETER HOTEL, SY5 6PH

01743 761 256 | www.thewroxeterhotel.co.uk

Situated in the heart of Shropshire yet easily accessible from major roads, The Wroxeter Hotel boasts fabulous grounds and views, with several outdoor seating areas and points of interest that look great in photographs. This Georgian county house has many original features along with some modern twists and fabulous wedding spaces.

The Wroxeter Hotel is an ideal venue for exclusive use and affords a real house party feel. Able to accommodate 40 or more guests overnight, exclusive use gives couples the run of the whole venue from midday on the day of the wedding.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

There are an array of well-planned function spaces available. From traditional and functional to quirky and rustic, the spaces are purposely designed for events and groups. The Eyton Suite, the largest room with space for up to 200 guests, comes complete with a dancefloor, private

entrance and a bar.

Alternatively, couples can book a tipi which can accommodate up to 200 loved ones and has a seating area and bar.

Part of the original Georgian house, the Roman can be accessed directly from the foyer and boasts stunning views for up to 30 people.

The light and airy Conservatory has its own bar and exit to an outdoor seating area and can hold 100 friends and family. The space can be adjoined with the Roman for discos and evening celebrations.

Another quirky function space, the Yurt, has a 10-metre diameter and in the warmer months, the sides can be removed, affording a wonderful covered outdoor area with room for 30 nearest and dearest.

The small conservatory, The Wrekin, near the main entrance has amazing views across the fields to the landmark Wrekin and can hold 15 guests.

WE LOVE...

The happy couple will adore the wedding spaces and striking views.

BARNUTOPIA, SY10 9BS

01691 791 624 | www.barnutopia.com

Barnutopia first opened as a glamping site with three Mongolian yurts in 2015. Two years later, the owners expanded as a wedding and events venue and have continued to add to the space to create a charming setting to say ‘I do’.

Approaching through the main gates, couples will be greeted by a red brick stable block that dates back to 1892. The Events Barn opens directly onto the Yurt Field with spectacular views of the surrounding Shropshire countryside. All parts of the site are easily accessible, including the nine luxury glamping units, two fully-equipped kitchens and bathroom blocks with unlimited hot water. All units are fully furnished with beds, power, heating and free Wi-Fi.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

The Yurt Field is a charming space to tie the knot with the impressive Gyrn Moelfre as the backdrop.

The Dell offers an alternative outside setting next to a stream, which is on the England and Wales border.

Alternatively, the Events Barn is now licensed for ceremonies and can be decorated to suit any theme with up to 120 guests.

Small celebrations are held in the Farmhouse Dining Room, a licensed space that can hold eight loved ones.

Receptions usually take place in the Events Barn, but informal catering can be held under the Dutch Barn or in the Yurt Field.

WE LOVE...

The horse, donkeys, pigs, dogs and cats complete the farmyard experience and provide great photograph opportunities.

With many designs to choose from, it’s easy to theme your wedding day online and over the phone at Bunji.

We offer foil-stamped invitations, UV-printed invitations, screen-printed invitations and letterpress invitations.

To meet our customer’s requests, we are constantly updating our product line, which now includes acrylic invitations, vellum paper invitations, wedding signs and speciality paper in various colours.

BROCKENCOTE HALL HOTEL, DY10 4PY 01562 777 876 | www.brockencotehall.com

Brockencote Hall Hotel is a Victorian country manor house hotel set within 70 acres of stunning Worcestershire parkland. With a scenic lake and restored dovecote, it is an idyllic setting for weddings. The house, with its grand sweeping drive, French-inspired architecture and beautiful features, has 21 bedrooms in the main manor house, all of which are elegantly decorated with luxurious furnishings and plush fabrics, representing the country estate splendour of the hotel. It also includes the three-bedroom Brockencote Lodge underpinned by an elegant design, which is proving popular with bridal parties.

The grand staircase is one of the many period features of the Victorian house, offering a striking centrepiece upon arrival, while the Grade II listed restored dovecote, lake and garden terrace provide the perfect

backdrop outside.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

There are several options for a ceremony at Brockencote Hall Hotel, starting with the smaller spaces, which are ideal for more intimate weddings: the Heron and Swan rooms.

For larger services, the Chaddesley room is licensed for up to 100 guests. The Colonial Bar and Conservatory can also be utilised for additional space.

WE LOVE...

Dedicated wedding co-ordinator, Staci Marshall, helps to create intimate and bespoke weddings tailored to each couple. Complimentary menu tasting is also included, with couples guided to create their own menu to suit their special day.

MOOR HALL HOTEL & SPA, B75 6LN 01213 083 751 | www.moorhallhotel.co.uk

Moor Hall Hotel & Spa is situated at the end of a long tree-lined drive and boasts a sunken garden with a double-stone staircase, fountain feature, Victorian grotto and sweeping lawns. The happy couple will love the modern and relaxing spa, which has an indoor pool with a bath, sauna and steam room, a refurbished gym and four rooms that can be used for pre-wedding treatments.

ANSTY HALL, CV7 9HZ 02476 612 222 | www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ansty-hall

Ansty Hall is an award-winning 17th-century Georgian house situated within eight acres of private grounds. Featuring magnificent views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside, the house has original features, including high ceilings, open fireplaces and 62 bedrooms. The function rooms feature stunning views of the landscaped gardens, and St James Church, that’s set behind the hotel, is within easy walking distance.

NAILCOTE HALL HOTEL, CV7 7DE

02476 466 174 | www.nailcotehall.co.uk

Set among 13 acres of Warwickshire countryside, Nailcote Hall Hotel boasts a par three championship golf course, green fields, picturesque lakes and waterfalls. The house has lots of character and charm, including a 17th-century black and white façade, original décor and luxurious bedrooms. What’s more, couples will receive a free menu tasting, anniversary dinner and stay, three months leisure membership and a complimentary stay on the night of the wedding.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, CV37 6QQ

01789 271 000 | www.thestratford-hotel.co.uk

Set in enclosed private gardens, DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-uponAvon is located conveniently within the town centre. The four-star hotel reflects Stratford’s historic character retaining the old clock tower from the original building whilst accommodating modern elements that represent the Hilton brand.

DOVECLIFF HALL HOTEL, DE13 0DJ

01283 531 818 | www.dovecliffhallhotel.co.uk

The Dovecliff Hall Hotel is a Grade II listed property in Staffordshire. Defined by its eye-catching Georgian architecture, scenic gardens and plush guest rooms, this manor house is ideal for soon-to-be newlyweds who adore a classic style. Guests are bound to fall in love with its old English charm, complete with 15 recently refurbished bedrooms, all of which have king-size beds and luxury bed linen.

MODDERSHALL OAKS, ST15 8TG

01782 399 000 | www.moddershalloaks.com

Moddershall Oaks sits on the water’s edge and is surrounded by acres of Staffordshire countryside. This warm and inviting property has a fresh and neutral décor throughout and was designed with a contemporary feel in mind. Boasting a state-of-the-art sound system, Swarovski crystal lighting, hand-made Italian glass chandeliers, a glass bar and moveable walls, this property has everything needed to create the perfect wedding.

Also check out…

It was always you

Sarah and Don celebrated their love in a romantic celebration at St. Bartholomew Church and The Orchard at Munsley

Images courtesy of David Liebst Photography

Sarah and Don met through mutual friends. “We hit it off right away and haven’t looked back since,” says Sarah. “Years later, Don proposed in Rhodes, Greece. He took me to see the sunset at Kritinia Castle, and as I turned round after taking a picture, he was down on one knee.” Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...

Don and I stumbled across The Orchard at Munsley during an open day. From the moment we arrived, we knew it was everything we wanted and more. We loved it so much that we booked it the same day.

We used rustic items to decorate the venue, including wheelbarrows, whiskey kegs and apple crates. To complete the look, we hired giant letters and a post-box from Generation Events Gloucestershire Ltd.

Our favours were corked bottles of Wilce’s cider. The apples at The Orchard at Munsley are used to make the cider, so we thought it was the perfect choice for our guests.

We named our tables after important landmarks or aspects from our time together.

For the centrepieces, we chose hessian runners, jam jars filled with flowers and terracotta fabric napkins.

Our wonderfully talented friend, Anna, decorated the church and tipi using a combination of shop-bought and home-grown foliage and flowers sourced from friends and family.

We started the day with a mixture of canapés, followed by pie, mash and seasonal veg for the main and a trio of desserts from Your Plate Or Mine. In the evening, we had pizzas provided from Cotswold Pizza Co.

A lot of our guests stayed locally at Woodside Country Park, so we arranged for a bus from Nick Maddy Coaches to collect them at the end of the night.

My dress was made by Molteno Couture and purchased from Hill Bridal. I chose that particular style as it fit perfectly with the overall theme of the wedding. I accessorised with a flower crown and veil, and pearl earrings and a necklace that Don gifted me.

groomsmen chose brown brogues, skinny navy chinos, white shirts, tan braces and navy dickie bow ties, while Don wore a Marc Darcy blazer to make him stand out.

Jacqueline Louise Bridal Ltd provided the bridesmaids’ dresses. They were terracotta multiway designs that they wore across the shoulder with a twist at the back.

The

Row Of Cakes provided our three-tiered cake.

We had a live band called The Rogues perform, which got everyone on the dancefloor. The best man also organised a surprise presentation about us.

On the morning of the wedding, we felt nervous, excited and relieved as the day had been postponed twice previously due to the pandemic.

For our honeymoon, we went to Barbados for 10 nights. It was an incredible experience, and swimming with the turtles was definitely a highlight.

All of our suppliers were amazing and made our day as perfect as it could be.

SARAH AND DON’S CONTACTS

Ceremony venue, St. Bartholomew Church | Reception venue, The Orchard at Munsley, www.theorchardatmunsley.co.uk | Tipi, GianTipi, www.giantipihire.co.uk | Photographer, David Liebst Photography, www.davidliebstphotography.com | Videographer, Digital Hippo Media, www.digital-hippo.com | Bride’s dress, Hill Bridal, www.hillbridal.com | Bride’s accessories, HELLO Floral Design Studio, www.facebook.com/hellofloraldesign | Dress alterations, Cheryl Hughes, cherylhughes123@icloud.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Jacqueline Louise Bridal Ltd, www.jacquelinelouisebridal.com | Hair stylist, Kirsty Thomas Hair Design, www.facebook.com/kirstythomashairdesign | Make-up artist,

Painted By Pop, www.facebook.com/paintedbypop | Cake, Row Of Cakes, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057589083748

Day catering, Your Plate Or Mine, www.yourplateormine.co.uk | Evening catering, Cotswold Pizza Co, www.facebook.com/cotswoldpizza

Giant letters, postbox, popcorn machine and vendor, Generation Events Gloucestershire Ltd, https://generationeventsglos.co.uk | Transport home, Nick Maddy Coaches, www.facebook.com/nickmaddycoaches | Stationery, Campbella, www.campbella.co.uk | Entertainment, The Rogues, www.facebook.com/ludlowrogues | Photo booth, Betsy the Caravan Photobooth, www.betsybooth.co.uk | Shepherd hut toilets, The Convenience Company, www.conveniencecompany.com | Accommodation, Woodside Country Park, www.woodsidelodges.co.uk

Seeing each other for the first time at the altar was my favourite moment.

Don and I hired a photo booth from Betsy the Caravan Photobooth which was a hit with our guests. It was a converted caravan which fitted with the overall rustic theme of our wedding.

Add panache to your occasion… with the Soulful Sounds of Dayton

Pre Ceremony

Civil Ceremony

Church Ceremony

Drinks Reception

Wedding Breakfast

Evening Reception

DJ Service

On the most magical day of your life...

West Midlands based singer Dayton, is passionate about working with you to create the perfect soundtrack to which you will begin married life, whilst keeping the process as smooth and stress free as possible. Every couple is unique - and your wedding entertainment should be tailored to embrace that!

From the personalised elements of your ceremony, to the ambience of your pre-drinks reception and/or wedding breakfast... to your fun filled evening reception, Dayton ensures the atmosphere reflects who you are as a couple, leaving you & your guests with a lifetime of precious memories!

The optional DJ service Dayton offers facilitates seamless entertainment, ensuring your wedding flows flawlessly!

Having won ‘Regional Wedding Musical Act Of The Year’ for 2 consecutive years by The Wedding Industry Awards, you can feel confident that you are in safe hands, should you choose to book!

www.daytongrey.co.uk

Thinking of a tipi wedding?

Luxury

Come and enjoy a glass of fizz and a canape or two, whilst wandering around the orchard and checking out our brand new tipis in all their glory...

The blossom will be out, the tipis will be dressed and the music will be playing. Meet local suppliers for ideas and inspo, while soaking up the atmosphere and chatting through all your options for your big day. Scan the QR code for more details or drop Jayne an email at: jayne@theorchardatmunsley.co.uk

contact today.

HH

HAWKSTONE HALL & GARDENS

MARRY | EAT | SLEEP | RETREAT

Hawkstone Hall & Gardens offers the perfect combination of character, charm, natural beauty & heritage. The 37 bedroom, 18th Century, country mansion enjoys far stretching views across the Shropshire countyside and onwards to the Welsh valleys.

WEDDINGS

At Hawkstone Hall your wedding will be a truly magical experience, we offer a breathtaking bridal preparation wing with personal butler, on-site chapel; available for Civil Ceremonies & religious blessings, 37 luxurious suites & bedrooms, 88 acres of gardens with option of an outdoor ceremony available.

BEDROOMS

All 37 of our bedrooms offer spectacular views of the rolling Shropshire hills to the front, or the glorious Hawkstone Estate to the rear, with all the luxurious finishing touches you would expect in such a setting.

DINING

Our saloon restaurant offers a spectacular dining experience like no other. Our ‘A La Carte’ evening menu is served Monday to Saturday 6pm - 9.30pm. Fantastic Afternoon Teas are available Monday to Saturday 12pm - 4.30pm and Sunday lunches 12pm - 6pm. Our 2 or 3 course set lunch menu is available Monday to Saturday 12pm - 2:30pm

WH

WESTON HALL

With the building’s stunning features and the surrounding glorious Staffordshire countryside, Weston Hall provides the perfect setting to celebrate in style.

Weston Hall has an array of elegant rooms varying in size, character and charm. Whether it’s drinks on the terrace followed by a wedding breakfast in the Westminster, or a civil ceremony in the conservatory and evening reception in the Shrewsbury, the choice is yours.

Weston Hall offers 20 acres of breath taking scenery, magnificent original Elizabethan features and 8 lavish bedrooms.

Your wedding at Weston Hall starts from just £4250.

Nothing can keep us apart

Emily and Tom incorporated their love of burgundy into their big-day styling at Weston Hall Images courtesy of DJSPhotography

Emily

and Tom met while studying for their PhDs at university. “We were friends for several months before we finally got together in the summer of 2016,” says Emily. “We connected over our similar backgrounds and interests. We completed our studies in the same lab and saw each other everyday. We supported one another, and outside of university, we bonded over our love of cinema.”

Tom left the UK after finishing his studies in 2017 and spent the next three years working in France. “We kept our relationship going long distance which became especially difficult during the pandemic,” shares the bride. “Everything worked out and Tom proposed when he returned to the UK in 2021. He took me away for the weekend in Buxton for my birthday, and on a beautiful August evening, he presented me with a ring and asked me to marry him. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I suspected he might propose. We went back to Staffordshire the next day to share the news with our parents, who all suspected what was going on.”

SETTING THE SCENE

“We chose the Rising Brook Baptist Church for the ceremony because it was where Tom went to church when he was growing up, so we felt a special connection to it,” explains Emily. “Tom’s mum and her friends decorated the church for us. They put ivory tulle and burgundy ribbons on the chairs with bunting in the café for tea and coffee after the service. They also put up pictures of us as children in a heart-shaped frame.

“For our reception, we booked Weston Hall as the staff were so friendly and helpful,” adds Emily. “The dining room/reception room and bar area were wonderful and didn’t need much decorating. We adored the lovely terrace that we could use for our drinks reception and the fact that our wedding party could stay over.”

Tom’s dad made the table plan. He drew cartoons of the giant microbes that the couple had chosen for their centrepieces which represented their jobs. Their flowers were provided by Walkers Farm Shop and Florist. “We had bouquets of burgundy and white flowers to match our colour scheme,” recalls the bride. “Kerry and the team did a fantastic job, and the blooms looked stunning.

“My aunt made our cake,” continues Emily. “It was a three-tiered chocolate cake decorated with white icing, handmade roses and a waterfall-like feature flowing down the side. It was amazing!”

Emily’s uncle transported Emily and her father in his Rolls Royce while her mum arrived in a Jaguar.

“Weston Hall provided the catering,” remembers Emily. “We had a tasting evening before the wedding where we were able to sample various options from the extensive menu, including canapés. We had no problems choosing food that suited us and our guests.”

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Emily wore an Allure Bridals dress from J & J Designs. “I must have tried on nearly every dress in the shop before finally settling on the one,” reveals Emily. “Judy and the staff at J & J Designs were very patient and added extra lace motifs to the gown. I chose it because it was flattering and made a statement without being too over the top.”

Tom sported a tailored navy suit from Moss Bros with a burgundy tie to match the bridesmaids’ beautiful maxi dresses.

Joanne Parsons and Marie Carter styled the bridal party’s hair. “Joanne has been doing my hair since I was 12 years old, so I loved that she was able to do it on my big day,” adds the bride.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

“To keep our guests entertained, we hired a DJ from Blaze Entertainment,” says Emily. “They were recommended by Weston Hall and provided music following the wedding breakfast. We finished the evening by taking photos on the terrace with sparklers.

“We had the best day celebrating with all our loved ones,” adds the bride. “It was exciting and very nerve-racking arriving at the church, but after the ceremony, we relaxed and had lots of fun. Tom was blown away watching me walk down the aisle and said my dress, hair and make-up were stunning. The whole service was special and just what we wanted, and the reception was perfect. Having all our friends and family together in the same place for the first time since the pandemic was wonderful. Our photographer, David Summers, did a fantastic job of getting everyone together for photos and made the whole experience easy and enjoyable.”

HONEYMOON

“Went to Sorrento in Italy for a week and then moved around the coast to Maiori for a second week,” shares Emily. “We had a great time sunbathing, visiting new places and exploring the beautiful Amalfi Coast. The weather was very hot, and we had lots of delicious food and wine.”

EMILY AND TOM’S CONTACTS

Ceremony venue, Rising Brook Baptist Church, www.risingbrook.org | Reception venue and catering, Weston Hall, www.weston-hall.co.uk | Photographer, DJSPhotography, www.mrdsummers.mypixieset.com | Bride’s dress, accessories and alterations, J & J Designs, www.jandjdesignsbridal.com | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, WED2B, www.wed2b.com

Mother-of-the-bride’s dress, Monsoon, www.monsoon.co.uk | Mother-of-the-groom’s dress, Phase Eight, www.phase-eight.com | Hair stylist, Kinks n Kurls, www.facebook.com/people/kinks-n-kurls/100064104848619 | Flowers, Walkers Farm Shop and Florist, www.walkersflowers.co.uk

Stationery, Feel Good Invites, www.feelgoodinvites.com | Catering for the morning of the wedding, Mrs Honeyman’s Afternoon Teas, www.facebook.com/mrshoneymansafternoonteas | Entertainment, Blaze Entertainment, www.blaze-group.co.uk

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Macdonald Ansty Hall Hotel is set amongst 8 acres of private grounds, featuring magnificent views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside - a magical setting for your wedding celebrations. Our Award winning venue also offers luxurious accommodation in the very heart of Shakespeare Country, which will prove a spectacularly luxurious base for your wedding party. Our suites can comfortably seat up to 120 wedding guests, with the capability of housing up to 150 people for your evening reception. Our function rooms feature stunning views of our beautiful landscaped gardens, providing you with the most romantic of venues in the charming Warwickshire countryside. Our staff will gladly assist you during your journey, every step of the way - our dedicated wedding planner will help you with all aspects of wedding planning and the chefs at Macdonald Ansty Hall Hotel will cater to your every need. Plus, we also offer exclusivity of the entire venue which can be tailor-made with a bespoke package.

There’s magic between us

Leah and Sam incorporated their love of Disney into their big day at Ansty Hall

Images courtesy of Charlie Dolphin Photography

Leah and Sam met during a night out in 2012. “We were both with our friends,” explains Leah. “He asked me to dance and we ended up swapping numbers. We stayed in touch and months later, he finally plucked up the courage to ask me out on a date. Two years later, he asked me to be his wife, and the proposal was a huge surprise.”

Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...

We loved Ansty Hall as soon as we saw it. It was perfect for us, and the staff were super helpful and friendly. They were above and beyond for us and were incredible.

For our centrepieces, we chose a mixture of Disney and Harry Potter -themed designs.

My maid-of-honour and I made the artificial flowers, but Sam wanted real buttonholes, so we asked CZ Handsaker Floral Designs Ltd to provide them.

Hay’s Bakes and Cakes provided our cake, which had hidden Mickey Mouse ears incorporated into the design.

To decorate the space, we chose lanterns and a beautiful arch.

Sam and I gave our guests hangover recovery kits as favours.

All of the speeches were wonderful. People were surprised that I didn’t divorce Sam by the end as he told everyone I had an accident on holiday, which was mortifying but so funny.

The best man surprised us with signing waiters at the end of the speeches, who were incredible! Later in the evening, we had a DJ and

booth from Vibe Entertainment.

Our wedding was the best day of our lives. We went on a mini-moon afterwards to Portugal for a week, which was lovely. We’re planning to go to New York in December 2024 for our honeymoon.

The bridesmaids opted for burgundy Ever-Pretty dresses, and my maid-of-honour chose a different design to help her stand out.

I chose a gorgeous A-line sparkly dress which I accessorised with a belt, Charlotte Mills shoes and a cathedral-length veil.

photo

Sam wore a blue suit with a burgundy tie and grey waistcoat provided by Peter Posh Formal Suit Hire.

LEAH AND SAM’S CONTACTS

Venue and catering, Ansty Hall, https://www.anstyhall.com | Photographer, Charlie Dolphin Photography, www.charliedolphinphotography.com | Bride’s shoes, Charlotte Mills, www.charlottemills.com | Groom’s suit, Peter Posh Formal Suit Hire, www.peterposh.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Ever-Pretty, www.ever-pretty.co.uk | Hair stylists, Zoe Lloyd Hair Specialist, www.zoelloydhairspecialist.co.uk and Hair by Kat, www.facebook.com/kathryndhair | Make-up artist, Olivia Fullard Makeup Artist, www.facebook.com/oliviafullardmakeupartist | Cake, Hay’s Bakes and Cakes, www.facebook.com/haysbakesandcakes | Buttonholes, CZ Handsaker Floral Designs Ltd, www.handsaker.co.uk | Arch, Twinkles and Tiaras Venue Stylists, www.facebook.com/twinklesandtiaras | Décor, Tailor Maid Events Limited, www.tailormaidevents.co.uk | Entertainment, Vibe Entertainment, www.vibe-entertainment.co.uk

Formal Mens Hirewear

Menswear • Made 2 Measure • Alteration Service

Where traditional meets contemporary

Visit our historical menswear store to view the very best range of in-house outfits, in our continuously evolving hire department. Our friendly and professional team are here to help you with those important decisions on your big day where every customer is given a personal shopping experience.

Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 4pm 13 Sansome Walk, Worcester WR1 1LU

t: 01905 22814 e: hirewear@armstrongs.co.uk www.armstrongs.co.uk

TWITTERFACEBOOK

Bevan Events

Magic Mirror & Photobooth Hire

Bevan Events are a friendly, family run, Midlands based company that specialise in the hire of XL, Magic Mirrors, Rustic Open Booths, Oval Photo Booths, iPad Booths, 4ft Rustic Dark Oak Light Up Love Letters and 4ft Light Up Numbers for all types of events including Wedding, Engagements, Birthdays, Graduations, Proms, Corporate Events, Christmas Parties and may more. Visit www.bevanevents.co.uk, www.facebook.com/bevanevents or call us on 07428 715504 to discuss how we can make your event extra special with customised photos, guestbook and usb included and prints for your guests, we take pride in trying to deliver a happy, stress free service for you.

You are my superhero

With the 80s making a comeback, we just had to show you this Stranger Things-inspired styled shoot

Images courtesy of Winter Peach Photography

Claire Evans from Winter Peach Photography worked with a group of local suppliers to create this elopement shoot. “I wanted to show couples that with a little imagination, weddings don’t need to break the bank,” says Claire. “Ceremonies led by a celebrant offer freedom and flexibility but remain beautiful, intimate and personal. They can also be really fun, take away many of the usual stresses and offer an excuse to live out your dreams. As an 80’s child and a fan of the TV series Stranger Things, I wanted to take a little nostalgia trip, but also adopt some of the strange ethereal beauty that the series conveys.”

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SHOOT

Photographer and coordinator, Winter Peach Photography, www.winterpeach.com | Dress, Scarlet-Tayla, www.instagram.com/scarlettayla

Videographer, Waystone Films, www.waystonefilms.co.uk | Rings, Charlotte Berry Jewellery, www.charlotteberryjewellery.co.uk

Vintage jacket, Kinky Melon’s Retro Boutique, www.facebook.com/kinkymelonsretroboutique | Bride’s boots and veil, Becci’s Bridal Designs, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BeccisBridalDesigns | Hair stylist, Elegance Hair Design, www.instagram.com/elegance_hair_design | Make-up artist, Selina Bhatti Makeup Artist, www.instagram.com/makeupbyselinauk | Cake, Amy Bakers Cakes, www.amybakerscakes.co.uk | Flowers, Bunch Floral Design, www.facebook.com/bunchfloraldesign | Transport, Voodoo Street, www.voodoostreet.co.uk | Furniture, Hint of Vintage Hire, www.hintofvintagehire.co.uk | Celebrant, Your Celebrant, www.yourcelebrant.org | Models, Chloe Eloise, www.instagram.com/_chloeloise and Tim Duckworth, www.instagram.com/tim_duck_

THE PREMIER DESTINATION

We offer a wide range of designer brands over multiple different fits, including a comprehensive range of big, tall and plus size suits to help you build the perfect outfit with minimum effort.

Whether it’s slim fit, tailored fit or regular fit we will find the ideal suit for your occasion.

With our next day delivery service on selected brands for UK orders, you can shop online with peace of mind, try the products at your leisure.

A GRAND SETTING

HOT TOPIC: wedding worries

Our experts solve your problems

What questions should we be asking a venue before booking?

There is a lot to think about when booking a wedding venue. These are some of the questions that we recommend you ask prospective properties:

Do you allow outdoor ceremonies? Getting married outside is a great option and can often offer a fantastic backdrop for the ceremony and great photo opportunities. Couples can get married with us in the gardens of Spring Grove House, which look spectacular.

Do you have accommodation? It’s worth finding out if they have any rooms for guests and if there is the option to stay the night before the wedding. For example, we have the option for couples to stay in our fantastic Safari Lodges.

Is there a minimum/maximum number of guests required? A venue may only be able to cater for a certain number of guests, or may have different options for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception.

Do you allow external suppliers? Some venues prefer to do everything in house, whereas others might completely rely on external suppliers, or a mix of in-house and external. For example, we cater in house for food, but we do allow external caterers on occasion.

What are the photo opportunities within the venue? Many

ROMANTIC MELODY

We’re having our wedding in our local church followed by a drinks reception outside, can a harp be played in both locations?

A harp is an excellent choice for a wedding, as it will create a romantic atmosphere and enchant your guests without drowning out the conversation. To play in a church and then move to an outdoor setting is easily achievable on a smaller harp, which may be picked up and carried with minimum fuss. On a large concert harp, this will be a little tricky and time-consuming, as it will need to be moved on a trolley and probably wrapped in covers, depending on the terrain and weather. My perfect solution is to use a very lightweight carbon fibre harp, which is easy to carry and needs no covers. This is quite happy being played in the rain, snow or sunshine, so you need not worry about passing showers, and it can be moved and played somewhere else in an instant.

Helen Barley www.helenbarley.co.uk

photographers may know the venue, especially if they are local, but it might be worth noting some stand-out locations, which will save time on the big day.

Do you offer exclusive hire of the venue? Some properties may be open to the public, so it’s worth finding out if you will be sharing your day with another pre-planned event, or whether members of the public will have access to the grounds.

The team at Safari Venues www.safarivenues.co.uk

THE SWEETEST BLOOMS

We love flowers and want to incorporate them into our cake. What should we take into consideration?

I adore flowers on cakes and advise my couple to consider hand-crafted sugar flowers first. Sugar flowers are perfect for cakes, as they won’t wilt, are non-toxic, can be crafted to match your fresh flowers and can be a longlasting reminder of your wedding day. Handmade sugar flowers are a showstopper piece of art and your guests will be wowed by how realistic they can look.

Of course, some couples do like to use fresh flowers too, these can also look wonderful, but it’s worth bearing in mind that not all flowers can go on cakes as they may be poisonous, and as they may wilt quickly, it might be worth bringing your cake cutting forward to an earlier time.

Talking things over with your cake designer and florist is your best bet, as they will advise you on what’s best for your preferred design and the time of year.

Heather Tilstone www.tspcake.com

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

With so many bands to choose from, how can we find the right one for our big day?

Searching for your dream wedding band can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With an agency like ourselves, we have experts on hand to help you whittle down the list to help find your perfect match.

It all starts with the right questions: what is your budget? Which songs do you want to hear? Where are they going to perform? When do you want them to perform? Once you have a vision, we can point you in the right direction and recommend bands to fit your needs. Your taste matters, and we want to make sure that you have the most relevant and fitting options to choose between. From floor-filling modern pop bands to toe-tapping jazz afternoon quartets, DJ live Ibiza-style party bands to soul and Motown groove-inducing bands, there’s a band for everyone.

On bands’ profiles, you can watch their promotional videos to see them in action, read their recent reviews, listen to their demos and scour through their repertoire for your favourite songs. Now that you have all the information you’ll feel ready to book that band you’ve been

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

dreaming about.

The team at Entertainment Nation www.entertainment-nation.co.uk

My wife-to-be and I are having a quirky wedding inspired by pre-Raphaelites. Do you have any ideas on how we can do this?

TREASURED MEMORIES

What stationery trends will be popular in 2023?

A big trend we see continuing into 2023 is the gifting of cards and stationery from the bride to the bridesmaids. It’s such a special day, and asking those you love most to be a part of it should be celebrated and remembered.

Though paired back, classic tones are still a huge trend in wedding stationery but we are finding more people are asking for greeting cards which feature colour and vibrancy.

Another trend we see continuing are wedding cards that can be kept and cherished as a reminder of the wonderful celebration long after it has passed. Instead of popping them in a memory box and putting them to one side, they can be kept out on the shelf and admired for years to come. Our ‘Keepsakes’ wedding card is a luxurious hand-painted 3D structure, perfect for those who are not buying a present but would still love to gift something super special.

Nicol Meazzini

The pre-Raphaelites period began in 1848 and lasted until the early 1900’s, so look for venues of that era. Think Gothic revival-styled houses and those from the arts and crafts movement. Look for properties with amazing gardens and old walls, vines, wisteria or rambling rose walkways.

Influences were largely taken from the Medieval period, Christianity and nature. When adding touches to your ceremony, draw from the colours used in artwork by Burne-Jones and Waterhouse using free, natural shapes.

The look you want to achieve is of grace and beauty, with flowing, loose-fitting long dresses and slightly wild hair, often with flowers or jewels.

Castles are also perfect settings and lend themselves perfectly to unity ceremonies such as handfasting with cords in your chosen colours or wine blending.

The pre-Raphaelites loved lots of intricate detail and vibrant colours. Burnt oranges, dark teal and deep reds, but they equally embraced the polar opposites with ethereal whites, soft pastels, golds, silvers, coppers and bronzes. They were not keen on using extremes of dark and light simultaneously. The drama was essential but in a quiet and still way.

Readings are a must since poets were involved in the movement. You could also consider something by JRR Tolkien, as even though he was a much later writer, he was heavily influenced by the pre-Raphaelites. Talking of Tolkien, it would be very easy to add legend and fantasy to this style, think Game of Thrones or The Witcher

There is so much beauty and grace to be had within this theme, and the possibilities are endless in terms of how you make it your own.

Louise Goode www.louisegoodecelebrant.co.uk

The Penny Kings from Entertainment Nation

The perfect place to say "I do"

FROM BLOSSOMING SPRING NUPTIALS, SUMMER LAKESIDE CEREMONIES AND MAGICAL WINTER WEDDINGS –NO MATTER WHAT THE SEASON OR THE THEME, WEDDINGS AT MODDERSHALL OAKS PROMISE TO PROVIDE MEMORIES AND PICTURES THAT YOU’LL TREASURE FOREVER.

AS A LEADING LUXURY WEDDING VENUE, OUR STUNNING LAKESIDE LOCATION SET IN 72 ACRES OF PICTURESQUE STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE PROVIDES A BREATH-TAKING BACKDROP FOR YOUR BIG DAY. SAY "I DO" UNDER THE STUNNING OAK GAZEBO LOCATED ON THE WATER'S EDGE OF OUR PRIVATE LAKE OR IN OUR BEAUTIFUL INTIMATE INDOOR WEDDING VENUE.

LOVE BLOOMS

Rustic meets boho was the inspiration for this styled shoot at High Grosvenor House Images courtesy of Rebecca Hadley Photography

Madi Baugh from Blush Floristry organised this styled shoot at High Grosvenor House to showcase three different wedding experiences. “Everyone is going to have a different type of day, but that’s totally fine,” says Madi. “We showcased a mum with her children, a beautiful bride who wore what she wanted and a younger bride that opted for something a bit different to the standard white dress. We wanted to show a realistic perspective and that you can have what you want on your big day. We met with the team at High Grosvenor House for a private viewing and fell

in love with the staff, the views and how easy they were to work with. We wanted to work with new suppliers, so I contacted local companies that had amazing socials. Everyone was so easy to work with, and it was a dream to create these images alongside them. The theme was set around the venue and dresses. We wanted to see what our models were drawn to whilst sticking to our rustic/boho vibe. The only thing we knew we wanted to incorporate was dried flower elements as the team loves pampas and natural-looking blooms.”

THE DREAM TEAM

Venue, High Grosvenor House, www.highgrosvenor.co.uk | Photographer, Rebecca Hadley Photography, www.rebeccahadleyphotography.co.uk

Dresses, Heavenly Wedding Belles, www.heavenlyweddingbelles.co.uk | Tiara, Sally Beech Creations, www.facebook.com/sallybeechcreations

Rings, Jetaime Diamonds, www.jetaime-diamonds.co.uk | Flowers and coordinator, Blush Floristry, www.facebook.com/blushfloristry1

Accessories, Twilight Designs Bridal Accessories, www.facebook.com/twilightdesignsltd | Hair stylist, Hair By Tisch, www.hairbytisch.co.uk

Cake, Sam’s Sweet Treats, www.instagram.com/sams_sweet_treats1 | Models, Lydia, Stella, Jemma, Eveie Mae and Edie Rae

MULTIWAY DRESS SPECIALIST

The multiway dress is the perfect occasion dress, particularly for bridesmaids and occasional wear. The multiway can be wrapped in endless styles allowing you to feel nothing less than beautiful in a style that is wrapped to show your best features! YOU - are in control of the dress! Guys... We have you covered too! No need to shop around finding a tie, bow tie or cravat to match your bridesmaid dresses - available from baby to adult.

The latest venue styling trends

YOUR WAY Your day,

If you’ve booked your venue, then the next thing you’ll be thinking about is how to style it. With so many options available, this can seem like a daunting task, but the most important thing to remember is that any space can be transformed with even the simplest of details. To help give you some inspiration, we’ve asked local suppliers for their top tips on how to create three on-trend looks.

Rustic

“If you’re after a rustic feel, consider hiring wooden tables instead of using linen, which can make it feel more traditional. Chairs are a big deal nowadays, and for a rustic theme, the wooden cross-back chairs are a must, couple this with foliage laid on the tables and beautiful wild, meadow-style flowers to complete the look.” – Kristie McCullough from Sorella Florist & Event Stylist.

This theme is all about creating a laid back and effortless atmosphere. Try and avoid peonies or flowers that sit neatly in your bouquet, instead go for options such as roses, pampas, hydrangeas and lots of trailing foliage. To finish the look, place your blooms in milk churns, barrels and rustic-looking vases.

Getty Images

Those of you who are opting for an outdoor ceremony, look for bench seating or haybales, this is a great way of making the day feel more relaxed and rustic.

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String lights are a must. These are extremely versatile and can be hung from trees, beams, the exterior of your venue or around the tables. Lanterns are also a must-have detail that can be used to decorate almost anything.

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Colours such as terracotta or burgundy work really well when planning a rustic wedding. These can be incorporated into flowers, stationery, the cake and outfits.

“What will your wedding look like? Most couples have no idea of their theme or colour scheme when they first book their venue. But rest assured you can take inspiration from almost anywhere. For example, one of my couples who got married at Foxtail Barns took inspiration from their dog, Cosmo. They themed their wedding with subtle midnight blue and used stars as place settings. The theme were subtle, but when it all came together, it was out of this world!” – Kristie from Sorella Florist & Event Stylist.

and www.foxgloveandblack.co.uk

“If you’re opting for a darker tone, use pops of bright purple and electric blue against black to recreate the colours of the galaxy. Keep the theme flowing in your table styling, stationery, florals and cake –remember consistency is key! Finish the look with metallics such as gold and silver to add some sparkle.” – Becky from Foxglove & Black.

“A celestial theme is a popular choice when it comes to weddings and it’s not hard to see why! From the sparkle of all the lights to the beautiful colour palette, this is a theme which is both magical and timeless. If you’re thinking of this for your dream day, use candles and lots of them! Candles and fairylights will give the appearance of stars sparkling in the night’s sky. Items such as crystals can really complement this theme, think of using them in your décor or even agate slices instead of name place cards to add more interest.” – Becky from Foxglove & Black.

Your theme doesn’t have to stop with your décor, there are lots of menswear options available with celestial elements. From galaxyinspired suit lining to buttonholes and cufflinks, there are lots of fun ways to incorporate your theme into your outfit.

An area that is often overlooked when planning your big day is the stationery. From the initial save-the-dates to the table plan and thank-you cards, there’s a lot to take into consideration. This is a great way to incorporate your chosen theme and will give your guests an idea of what to expect before the big day. Why not incorporate stars, Zodiac signs, the moon and dark hues? Your invitations set the scene for your big day so make sure they stand out. Create a moodboard to show your stationer so they can get an idea of what colours and themes you like.

Name your tables after constellations and add table numbers in your chosen colour scheme shaped like stars or moons. You could also do this for your place names to tie everything together. www.emma-janephotography.co.uk and www.foxgloveandblack.co.uk

and www.foxgloveandblack.co.uk

Bridgerton

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The Bridgerton theme is utterly fabulous. From regency-inspired accessories and colourful gardens to blooming bodices, couples are loving the drama and whimsical details. Regency blue was the go-to colour during this period and can be incorporated into your table décor, stationery, dresses and cake.

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We adore calligraphy here at Your West Midlands Wedding, so rather than having your place names printed, why not have them written out beautifully and perhaps paired with a literary quote from one of your favourite books? You could even place these in envelopes and have them sealed with a personalised wax seal.

When thinking of Bridgerton most of us think of wisteria. Present at most of the balls in the series, this beautiful flower is a must-have if you’re planning a regal celebration. This can be placed above your tables for a dramatic effect, used as an arch for your entrance or placed behind your top table.

“The Bridgerton look is all about largerthan-life floral designs. For example, take this wedding at Hawkestone Hall (above), it’s the perfect backdrop. Couple that with large floral centrepieces and a full floral top table and it won’t just be Lady Whistledown talking about your day!” – Kristie from Sorella Florist & Event Stylist.

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Your cake should be something that your guests stare at and say wow! Incorporate your chosen colour scheme, flowers from the period and hints of gold to make it look luxurious and straight out of a Bridgerton novel.

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CONTACT

Sorella Florist & Event Stylist, www.sorelladecor.co.uk

Foxglove & Black, www.foxgloveandblack.co.uk

Let us set the scene for your wedding at Ettington Park, a magnificent Neo-Gothic mansion surrounded by 40 acres of stunning parkland, with the River Stour meandering its way through the estate. Blend this with our unique contemporary style, modern British food and impeccable service, and you have the ultimate venue for your special day.

Whether you are planning a classic wedding or something a little different, we will help tailor a unique wedding day that celebrates you.

For wedding showcase dates throughout the year along with packages and exclusive use options, please visit our website.

01789 450123 handpickedhotels.co.uk

Gothic romance

Want to create a theatrical vibe with a touch of the rebellious and outrageous?

Check out this styled shoot at Ettington Park

Images courtesy of Andrew AB Wedding Photography

Ettington Park was chosen for this styled shoot due to its Gothic architecture and beautiful décor. “We wanted something rich and suited to the Gothic theme,” says shoot coordinator and celebrant, Louise Goode. “We wanted to create a theatrical vibe with a touch of the rebellious and outrageous, and I think all the collaborators did just that. Our hair stylist, Dionne’s Hair & Beauty, was right on cue with the wild and messy up do that she created for our model, Sarah, and we topped off the look with the perfect necklace and tiara from Uptight Clothing. The make-up artist Rachel from Finnella Beauty knocked it out of the park with her dark and sultry looks for both models. The boots from New Rock and jacket from Niamh Designs added a rebellious edge and the showstopping cake from Amy Bakers Cakes was striking, with red roses cascading down and inscribed with gold leaf. To finish the whole look, we invited fiddle player, Ralph Allin, to bring some electricity to the event with his skeletal red violin.”

CONTACT THE SUPPLIERS

Venue, Ettington Park, www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/ettingtonpark | Photography, Andrew AB Wedding Photography, www.andrewab.wedding

Videographer, Waystone Films, www.waystonefilms.co.uk | Concept, styling and celebrant, Louise Goode Celebrant, www.louisegoodecelebrant.co.uk | Dress, headpiece and necklace, Uptight Clothing, www.instagram.com/uptightclothing_hq | Bride’s shoes, New Rock, www.newrock.com | Leather jackets, Niamh Designs, www.niamhdesigns.com | Rings, Artfull Expression, www.artfullexpression.co.uk

Hair stylist, Dionne’s Hair & Beauty, www.instagram.com/dionneshairandbeauty | Make-up artist, Finnella Beauty, www.finnellabeauty.com

Celebrant’s nails, Vanity Nails, www.instagram.com/vanitynailsx | Flowers, Floral Jazz, www.floraljazz.online | Cake, Amy Bakers Cakes, www.amybakerscakes.co.uk | Stationery, The Jesters Nib, www.instagram.com/thejestersnib | Violinist, Ralph Allin, www.ralphallin.uk

Models, Sarah Entwistle, www.instagram.com/entwistle.sarah and Gary Lindsay-Moore, www.instagram.com/glmmodel100

Keep them close

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

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

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

FASHION

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals the latest bridal news, buys and launches

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

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

focus

Shoe candy

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

Tick tock

Get to the ceremony on time with this Raymond Weil Noemia ladies’ watch, £1,095 which is exclusive to www.ernestjones.co.uk

PEARLY QUEEN

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

SILHOUETTES Striking

Make your entrance in style in a fabulous fishtail dress, a fairytale-inspired ballgown or a slinky little number

Photography: @kimshawphotography

Bridal wear: @jessicasbridalshrewsbury

Menswear: @peterposhsuits

Bridesmaid: @perlacocodesigns

Florist: @annewhysallflorists

Hair: @elegance_hair_design

MUA: @emily.mulan.makeupartist

West Midlands’

Award Winning Florists

01743 792333 www.annewhysall.co.uk

AnneWhysallFlorists

AnneWhysallFlorist

WWW.BLITHFIELDLAKESIDEBARNS.CO.UK weddings@blithfieldlakesidebarns.co.uk | Instagram & Facebook @blithfieldlakesidebarns

Didn't find what you were looking for at the Wedding Show? Looking for the most magical gown you'll ever find?!

Then come and see us ladies! If you like the look of these dresses, you'll LOVE the all new Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Collection!

The 2023 Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection is truly the most magical collection yet!

PLUS this year we will also be one of only 5 UK stockists of the highly anticipated Platinum collection! Visit us for the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Trunk Show on 23rd February - 2nd March 2023 and get 15% OFF!

To see the new gowns and to book your appointment please visit www.avamaybridal.com or call us on 0121 706 6060

Find Your Forever Wedding Rings

The support act

Styling tips for the most important people in your life

Whenit comes to a wedding day, whether you’re the bride or a guest, the million-dollar question for everyone is: what am I going to wear? For the happy couple, as they are the stars of the show, they likely have at least an idea of what their big-day look will be like. But for the rest of the wedding party, where do you begin?

First and foremost, the venue setting and theme of the day are paramount. A long flowing gown for bridesmaids will look out of place in a field for a tipi wedding; similarly, the mother-of-the-bride in a bold, tropical print, summer dress may stand out against a stately home wedding venue with a Bridgerton-inspired theme.

Secondly, the weather, we British folk like to moan about it and rightly so, because how many sunny days do we actually have each year? The season and the inclement weather will dictate not only the attire, the colour palette – no one wears pastel yellow in winter! – but also your accessory choice; boleros, jackets and wraps will be your cosy friend for winter ‘I dos’.

Read on to find out about 2023 wedding trends...

Grooms and groomsmen, and the fathers of the newlyweds too, are certainly taking more pride in their wedding appearance and enjoying the shopping just as much as the leading ladies. Men’s fashion has come a long way in the last decade, along with a greater acceptance of breaking wedding traditions and protocols. Some of our favourite grooms’ looks here at Your West Midlands Wedding are those gents rocking their long beards and tattoos, in a pink waistcoat with a patterned shirt – oh-so-cool, and totally unique and individual.

Grooms and their support act can put their best foot forward in these trending styles:

The bespoke tailored look: If you’ve never had a professionally fitted suit, your wedding day is the occasion. The perfect fit is essential for comfort and looking good in wedding photos, and you can have little personalised elements added, such as your initials and wedding date stitched into the lining.

Catwalk looks: Yes, few people look like a Gucci model, but if you like the patterned shirt from the D&G SS22 collection, then encompass this into your groom look – you need to feel like you!

Earth tones: Key for bridesmaids and venue styling, this will be a trend for the men on the day too. Think sand-coloured, beige and brown. For

something a little fresher, go for green palettes.

The tux: Grooms who adore the traditional tuxedo can still opt for it, but think about variations, maybe velvet (aka Bond-style) or a bright colour or patterned effect.

Adorn and accessorise: Make your personality stand out with your accessory choices – here’s where you can really get creative; a dashing waistcoat, funky watch, or artsy pocket square and braces.

TDR Menswear’s trend predictions for 2023 are:

 Be seen in green this year! From green suits to sage ties and handkerchiefs.

 Burnt orange accessories are also on-trend this year.

 Grooms-to-be will be shopping for traditional morning suits with striped trousers.

LOCAL

TDR Menswear, www.thedressingroomsbridal.co.uk/menswear

Bill Child Formal Wear, www.billchildformalwear.co.uk Carter Esquire, www.carteresquire.co.uk Duncan James Menswear, www.duncanjames.co.uk

As much as we all love our friendship groups dearly, there are a lot of personalities grouped together. The same goes for fashion styles; we all have bits we love about our bodies and bits we don’t. The best thing a wedding couple can do to make their bridal and groom’s party happy is to be relaxed and open-minded about the outfits you want them to wear – everyone will then be happy and enjoy the day!

The top trends for maids in 2023 to be inspired by are:

 The ‘90s are back, more so the satin slip dress. Although it may not be for every body shape, it’s romantic, elegant and comes in a variety of colours.

 With our love of Bridgerton and period dramas still going strong, Victorian-style ruffles and layers can certainly look the part on a modern silhouette, think shoulders, waterfall skirts, hems and across the body – super flattering too!

 Gone are the days when all the bridesmaids are in one dress colour and style. The mix-and-match look is here to stay, and this has evolved to not just colour palettes, but also textures. Your bridal party will look gorgeous in a mix of satin, velvet and sequin – and so will your wedding pictures!

 Undecided about your colour scheme? Be inspired by these trending bridesmaid dress tones: neutrals, nudes, black, white and earth tones – venue styling matching these will create a cohesive look across the day.

 If your bride squad encompasses a bridesman, or sometimes people just don’t like wearing dresses, then why not match in style or colour but opt for a velvet dinner suit jacket, tuxedo, or rock a jumpsuit?

LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Brides Of Solihull, www.bridesofsolihull.co.uk

Jacqueline Louise Bridal Ltd, www.jacquelinelouisebridal.com

Olivia Louise Bridal, www.olivialouisebridal.co.uk

June Peony Bridal Couture, www.junepeonybridal.co.uk

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is truly a unique and romantic setting for your

truly

Get in touch...

Please get in touch with our team to find out about availability, arrange a viewing, make a booking or if you have any questions or queries.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings

Stock Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR

T: 01527 831 363 E: bookings@avoncroft.org.uk

www.avoncroft.org.uk

JUNE PEONY Bridal Couture

Phone: 01214548778

Email: info@junepeonybridal.com www.junepeonybridal.co.uk

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings has character –filled grounds, historic buildings and views over the beautiful Worcestershire scenery, the Museum is

unique and romantic setting for your wedding.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings has character-filled grounds, historic buildings and views over the Worcestershire scenery, the museum

wedding.

The mothers-of-the-bride and -groom are going to feel under the spotlight along with the rest of the wedding party. This added pressure can be overwhelming as they may not have worn occasionwear for many years. These factors can certainly put the strain on what should be an enjoyable experience, as the bride/groom try to make them feel as reassured as possible, offer support and advice; and as with everyone else on the day, they too should feel comfortable and themselves leading to a happy and confident mother!

Firstly, sophistication is key, but this doesn’t mean frumpy! If you love your clothes, then go for a bold colour or striking pattern but keep it demure by avoiding low-cut necklines or a short hem so you can look back on the photos for years to come with no regrets.

If you're self conscious of your upper arms, experiment with threequarter-length sleeves, cover-ups and jackets that will allow you to feel confident and can add variety to your look – they’re also perfect for winter weddings to keep the chill off.

Accessories are your best friend when it comes to your wedding outfit, you can really finish off a look with a fancy hat and a simple dress can be jazzed up with jewellery and a bright handbag. Many modern mums are opting to leave the traditional hats at home in favour of something a little smaller, such as a fascinator, statement flower in the hair or stunning hair accessories.

The key is to complement the rest of the bridal party and not to compete with it; so be aware of colour palettes, themes and what the rest of the

bridal party is wearing.

Lastly, not only should you look a million dollars, but you should feel it inside and out, so make sure what you’re wearing is comfortable from head to toe. Is the hat the right fit, will it make you itchy and hot? Are your shoes the best size and material? You’ll be on your feet for a large part of the day; and when you’re not and you’re sat down, is your dress cutting into your hips at the table, can you breathe?

Traditional go-to favourites and modern trends for mums:

 Feathers are making a strong impression in 2023.

 An all-over pattern hide a multitude of sins.

 Be inspired by style icon Grace Kelly, think tie-front jackets, shirt dresses and flattering necklines.

 A shift dress with light overlays is feminine and flattering.

 Not comfortable in a dress? A trouser suit is the way to go.

 Separates are a woman’s best friend, comfortable because you can go for a different-sized top and bottom, and you can mix and match colours and patterns.

LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Brides Of Solihull, www.bridesofsolihull.co.uk

My Little Wedding Shop, www.mylittleweddingshop.co.uk

June Peony Bridal Couture, www.junepeonybridal.co.uk

Dream Days Bridal Wear Ltd, www.dreamdaysbridalwear.co.uk

5G1C5 by Rosa Clara

3044 by Gill Harvey

7017 by Gill Harvey

20179 by Fely Campo

29008 by John Charles

29803 by Veni Infantino

Sustainable STYLES

These designers offer something green as they promote their latest collections created using eco-friendly fabrics

SANYUKTA SHRESTHA

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

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

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 GROUP

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

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BO & LUCA

Bo & 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

ANDREA HAWKES

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.

Q&AFashion and beauty

Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best

FINDING THE ONE

I’m a plus-size bride about to start wedding dress shopping and I’m dreading it! Do you have any advice?

First of all, don’t be nervous! This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for you and the ones you love. Secondly, I would advise you check with the store that you like that they stock samples of plus-size dresses before visiting. Unfortunately, and unfairly, some bridal shops have a different idea of what ‘plus size’ should be. Here at Ava May Bridal, we consider plus size to be a size 20 or above, but some stores will consider a 16 as plus size. It’s also worth noting that wedding dress sizes aren’t always like high street sizes. You may have to go up a size or two in a wedding gown.

It’s also worth checking how many samples they have in your size. It’s one thing to state that they can order up to a size 36, most designers will be able to do that, but they might only have samples in a size 14.

Since Covid-19, stock levels have fluctuated with the need to sell off-the-peg for last-minute brides wanting to take advantage of venue discounts, so even if you booked an appointment months in advance and they said they had the sample sizes you needed, give them a call the week before to double check.

If you’d prefer to be in the fitting room on your own or to have the shop to yourself, let the bridal shop know that too. My store will always try to accommodate brides, but we need them to be honest with us too. Lastly, I would say to do some research on the kind of gowns you think you might like and show them to the team at the store. Keep an open mind and remember the bridal consultants are there to help you as much or as little as you need.

Jen Jamieson www.avamaybridal.com

SPRING ROMANCE

I need some ideas for a bridal hairstyle that can be worn up for my late-spring wedding – what can you suggest?

To create a spring look, there’s a few things to consider. Generally, these seasonal nuptials tend to include soft colour palettes such as pinks, leafy greens and yellows. To narrow down some style options, I look into what accessories the bridal party will have first, whether that’s fresh flowers, flower crowns, combs etc. This would help create the perfect style on your trial, whether it’s a soft low bun, a swept up textured up do with pieces down, or a beach waved half up half down style with twists or plaits.

The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and confident. It’s easy to think you need to have a certain style for the theme of your wedding, but you still want to remain looking like yourself. Make sure to be honest about how you’re feeling about the style throughout your trial and trust in the process.

Have your trial done in the morning, if possible, so you can see how you feel throughout the day and if you like the look. Also, wear a top with a similar neckline to your dress so you can imagine how your hair will fall on the day.

Claire Hateley

D283 Cinderella by Allure Bridals

Travel editor Melissa Cullen reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials

HONEYMOONNews

INDIA

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

JAPAN

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.

QATAR

MADAGASCAR

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.

VIRGIN GORDA

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.

MALDIVES

THAILAND

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

MINNESOTA

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

OF THE BAY On the dock

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.

HEAVENLY ROOMS

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.

KICK BACK AND RELAX

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.

GET ACTIVE

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

Sarah Gallivan samples a taste of the Mediterranean on the dreamy island of Crete

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.

FOOD AND DRINK

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.

EXPLORE

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.

BOOK IT

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

THE RIVERDown by

Editor Claire Ridley was invited to The Great House in Sonning, part of the Coppa Club collection of hotels and restaurants, that resides on the river

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.

DO NOT DISTURB

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!

A FOODIE HEAVEN

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.

WHAT’S NEW?

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.

MADE FOR ROMANCE

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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WIN A MINI-MOON IN NORTHERN IRELAND

A

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

THE PRIZE

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.yourwestmidlands.wedding

Q: Which popular TV show is connected to the local tours?

fairytale escape awaits at this unique 17th-century castle

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It’s time to ... ...plan the Honeymoon

We know when it comes to planning your honeymoon, it may seem impossible to pick where you want to spend your first time away as a married couple. The team here at arrangeMY Escape are here to help.

What’s Hot with Honeymoon’s Twin centres are the new way to Honeymoon, are you and your partner not able to agree on a destination? Then a Twin Centre could be perfect for you, there are lots of different Twin Centre’s you can do. From Dubai & the Maldives, Tanzania & Zanzibar, New York & Mexico, or Singapore & Bali just to name a few. Twin Centre’s are the perfect way to have some History, Culture & Adventure with the relaxation of the beach.

Booking with us

Our travel experts will guide you through a range of destinations and when its best to travel, as well as hotel recommendations and special offers. Whatever your honeymoon requests, we can book it for you. We offer complimentary packages for destination weddings, honeymoons and blessings - every honeymoon booking will get our Platinum or Gold package, FREE!

Just a few reasons to book with arrangeMY Escape:

• Our award-winning customer service.

• The Knowledge and experience of our travel experts

• Competitive pricing, secure ABTA and ATOL bonded companies used only.

Gift Service

We offer a service for family and friends to contribute towards your honeymoon. We provide you with a personalised e-card to present to your guests within your invites.

Beware online travel agents

Please be careful and we urge you to book with a reputable company. Here at arrangeMY Escape we only work with tour operators that have the ABTA and ATOL accreditations, ensuring your money is secure. As well as having our own ABTA.

Make it special

Why not book an appointment with us?

Join us for a glass of bubbles and we will start your VIP service straight from enquiry stage We have a plush VIP suite exclusively just for you and you will get a dedicated travel expert. All at no extra charge!

Meet the team at arrangeMY Escape

We are an award-winning independent travel agency, based in Worcester city centre. Our travel experts Bethany, Ryan, Judith, Rosie & Jennifer have travelled extensively worldwide. From African Safari’s, the crystal seas of the Indian ocean, cruising the Caribbean to Asia adventures. We provide you with personal experience and knowledge, making your trip extra special.

Talk to us...

We would love to arrange your honeymoon or destination wedding. Here is how you can make contact with us.

Complimentary bedroom the night before your special day

Exclusive to Your West Midlands Wedding Magazine

Hadley Park House Hotel is an award-winning wedding venue in Shropshire, it is the perfect place to hold your special day.

Our beautiful Georgian Manor House is an elegant venue, set in two acres of landscaped grounds. Our experienced Wedding Planners will help and guide you through every stage to ensure you and your guests have a truly unforgettable day.

Hadley Park East, Telford, Shropshire TF1 6QJ

Call us on 01952 677 269 or email us on info@hadleypark.co.uk

www.hadleypark.co.uk