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.

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