Nearlywed NEWS

LET’S GO SHOPPING

Birmingham-based bridal boutique June Peony Bridal Couture has launched its 2024 bridal collection called ‘Stars in the Moonlight’. Perfect for brides-to-be who are looking for classic silhouettes with modern twists, the new designs cover the most trendy bridal elements, including puffy sleeves, iconic back bows, structural corset bodices, and dress convertibility.

The brides-to-be who become the first owners of certain gowns from the collection will receive a complimentary £200 shopping voucher to spend on hair accessories and a veil.

Rest And Relaxation

For more information, visit www.junepeonybridal.co.uk Getty Images

PURE Spa and Beauty is now open at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. For Hilton guests looking to unwind or add a splash of luxury to their stay, PURE Spa boasts luxurious treatment rooms, a nail bar, a sauna, an indoor Jacuzzi, 24-hour fitness facilities, and a steam room. Guests can indulge in a comprehensive suite of essential beauty and relaxing spa treatments – the perfect pairing for a stay at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. All of PURE’s indulgent spa treatments use PURE Spa Skincare, their own line of 100 per cent natural, oil-based, vegan skincare, ideal for lovers of safe, sustainable products. From express beauty treatments to an indulgent spa day, you’re in safe hands with the friendly therapists. PURE Spa will take care of your wellbeing needs as you drift into a state of relaxation, far away from the stresses of wedding planning.

Head over to www.purespauk.com/pages/pure-spa-beauty-birmingham to find out more information.

Snow Is Falling

Throughout the centuries, Ettington Park in Warwickshire has captivated guests with the grandeur of the Neo-Gothic mansion. For Christmas 2023, this stunning venue is offering an amazing three-day package, perfect as a pre-wedding getaway or mini-moon. From arrival on Christmas Eve, visitors are treated to afternoon tea, followed by an evening of festive fun complete with warming winter cocktails, carols in the Victorian gardens, champagne, canapés, and an exclusive black-tie dinner with live music.

Guests will awaken on the big day itself to a sumptuous, cooked breakfast and champagne in time for Santa’s arrival before sitting down to a fabulous Christmas feast. And if that wasn’t enough luxury and indulgence for one day, visitors are also treated to an opulent evening buffet.

On Boxing Day, after a hearty breakfast, guests are free to explore their surroundings before a delicious carvery lunch is served, complete with magical entertainment. To finish off the stay, there will be champagne and canapés before a two-course dinner and a special pantomime to guarantee fun for all the family.

Visit www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/ettingtonpark for more info.

The Perfect Getaway

Set in 26 acres of extensive gardens, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel is renowned as one of Worcestershire’s best-kept secrets. This luxury hotel, dating back to the early 16th century, is a former Grade II-listed monastery with preserved heritage through its original architecture.

Couples can now stay at the Manor House, a self-contained five-bedroom hideaway bursting with period features and nestled within Stanbrook Abbey’s peaceful grounds. Celebrate in style, or simply escape for a one-of-a-kind self-catering break in the Worcestershire countryside.

Privacy and luxury go hand in hand here, making it ideal for extended families and groups of up to 10 people looking for a short break in the UK. With two, five, or seven night breaks, you can become lord or lady of the manor for as long as you desire.

There will be a whole host of goodies and surprises to welcome you, such as two bottles of chilled champagne, a welcome hamper full of homely favourites, handmade chocolates, and much more. Plus, there are a range of experiences available to make your stay entirely bespoke, from cocktail making in the wine cellars to themed sleepovers and tipis for the children.

Find out more at www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/stanbrookabbey

Rock That Frock

The Dressing Rooms Bridal has launched fantastic new photo shoot images highlighting their stance on inclusivity. Based near Birmingham, TDR Bridal maintains that it is open to everyone, whichever community they belong to or perceived differences they have, with the slogan #OneSizeDoesNotFitAll.

The owner of TDR Bridal, Rebecca Baddeley, explained: “I have known for some time that I wanted to do something, needed to do something, to address the elephant in the bridal world room. I remember around eight years ago questioning why there were no black models at a trade show. Don’t get me wrong, things are improving, but the diversity shown in the aesthetic we offer to the world of engaged couples is seriously lacking, and, as uncomfortable as it may be, we, the collective bridal industry, need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and see what we are portraying. On shoot day, the moment the first model came out of the changing area, I knew that this would be something special. It is my hope that people’s perception of what a bride should look like is challenged and may be changed so that we can all, as a collective, ensure that diversity in all its forms is represented in the bridal industry.”

Find out more about TDR Bridal at www.tdr-bridal.co.uk

MUST-SEE SHOWCASES

Brockencote Hall Hotel, an enchanting wedding venue in Worcestershire, is hosting a wedding showcase on 20th November and 12th December between 4pm and 8pm. The events will provide guests with the chance to meet with Brockencote’s award-winning events and weddings team and experience guided tours of the spaces and facilities on offer to help shape their dream wedding.

The Victorian manor house is set within 70 acres of stunning parkland, has French-inspired architecture, and 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.

Staci Williams, the wedding and events manager, said: “Brockencote’s idyllic Worcestershire setting makes it a dream venue for weddings, whether it is a small reception, a civil celebration, or a big event, and events like these are a great chance to get to know the venue. We work with a range of suppliers who are handpicked and highly recommended and are able to talk through the various options for couples at the early stages of planning.” e magni cent main hall is oak-panelled with a high beamed roof and large stained-glass window. e Guildhall has seen considerable improvement over the past few years including major renovations of the main hall so the venue now boasts excellent, modern facilities. e two largest rooms are licensed for Wedding Ceremonies and ideal for receptions too. ere are also two smaller rooms available for hire, all of which are fully accessible.

Visit www.brockencotehall.com/event for more information.

Lich eld Guildhall is located in the heart of the historic City of Lich eld, Sta ordshire. is wonderful Grade II listed building is over 600 years old and steeped in history.

Close to local transport links and car parks the venue is hired at an hourly rate leaving you free to make your own arrangements for caterers etc so you can tailor make your own package. e maximum capacity in the Main Guildhall is 130.