Your Yorkshire Wedding - Issue 57 November/December 2022

On the cover

Our front cover stars are Amylea and Jamie Renfrew. Hannah Brooke Photography captured their day perfectly! Read all about their celebration on page 24.

REAL WEDDINGS

24 WED-FEST!

Music and good times were the order of the day at Amylea and Jamies’s celebration of love at Skipbridge Country Weddings 28 SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW Annabel and Isabel tied the knot at Jervaulx Abbey in a vintage styled day with antiques and treasures adorning every corner

BOND VIBES Jemma and Jack Wilks tied the knot in a 007 style affair at Wharfedale Grange

HONEYMOONS

THE UK WWEEDDDDIINNGG EVENT

THE UK WEDDING EVENT WEDDING

2022 Wedding Show Dates

The Big Leeds Wedding Show @ The Royal Armeries | Sunday 20th November 2022 | 11:30am - 3.30pm

Parsonage York on Sunday 27th November 2022 | 11am - 2pm Cedar Court Harrogate | Sunday 4th December 2022

2023 Wedding Show Dates

York Marriott Hotel | Sunday 26th January 2020 | 11.30am – 2.30pm

The Big Ripon Cathedral Wedding Show | Saturday 11th February 2023 | 11am - 3pm

Hotel du Vin York | Sunday 9th February 2020 | 11am – 2.30pm

Hilton York | Sun 19th February 2023 | 11am – 2pm

The Big York Racecourse Wedding Show | Sunday 19th March 2023 | 10:30am - 3pm

Cedar Court Harrogate | Sunday 23rd February 2020 | 11am – 2.00pm

Hotel du Vin Harrogate | Sunday 1st March 2020 | 11am – 2pm

Allerton Castle | Sun 26th March 2023 | 11am – 2pm

2020 SHOW DATES

Malmaison Leeds | Sunday 8th March 2020 | 11am – 2pm

York Pavilion Hotel | Sun 2nd April 2023 | 12pm – 3pm

Royal Hotel Hull | Sunday 15th March 2020 | 11am – 2pm

Cedar Court Huddersfield | Sun 16th April 2023 | 11am – 2pm

York Racecourse | Sunday 29th March 2020 | 10.30am – 3pm

Cedar Court Harrogate | Sun 23rd April 2023 | 11am – 2pm

Emerald Headingley Stadium Leeds | Sunday 19th April 2020

Burn Hall York | Sun 7th May 2023 | 11am – 2pm

The Parsonage York | Sun 21st May 2023 | 11am – 2pm

The Sun Pavilion Harrogate | Sunday 26th April 2020 | 11am – 2pm

The Big Sheffield Wedding Show @ Hillsborough Stadium | Sunday 11th June 2023 | 11am - 3pm

Malmaison Leeds | Sunday 13th September 2020 | 11am – 2pm

Cedar Court Bradford | Sun 25th June 2023 | 11am – 2pm

Cedar Court Harrogate | Sun 9th July 2023 | 11am – 2pm

York Marriott Hotel | Sunday 20th September 2020 | 11.30am – 2.30pm

Cedar Court Huddersfield | Sun 3rd September 2023 | 11am – 2pm

Cedar Court Harrogate | Sunday 20th September 2020 | 11am – 2.00pm

Hilton York | Sun 10th September 2023 | 11am – 2pm

The Sun Pavilion Harrogate | Sunday 27th September 2020 | 11am – 2pm

Delta Hotels by York Marriott | Sun 17th September 2023 | 11.30am – 2.30pm

Cedar Court Wakefield | Sun 24th September 2023 | 11am – 2pm

Hotel du Vin Harrogate | Sunday 4th October 2020 | 11am – 2pm

Burn Hall York | Sun 1st October 2023 | 11am – 2pm

York Racecourse | Sunday 18th October 2020 | 10.30am – 3pm

The Big York Racecourse Wedding Show | Sunday 22nd October 2023 | 10.30am - 3pm

Leeds United’s Elland Road | Sunday 15th November 2020 | 10.30am – 3pm

Allerton Castle | Sun 29th October 2023 | 11am – 2pm

The Parsonage York | Sun 26th November 2023 | 11am – 2pm

www.theukweddingevent.co.uk

www.theukweddingevent.co.uk

EDITORIAL

01376 535 611

Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor

Rachel Westall | Editor

Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing Editor and Beauty Editor

Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

Melissa Cullen | Senior Editor, Grooms and Travel Editor

DESIGN

01376 535 616

artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers | Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher

Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 sarahm@county.wedding Account

ACCOUNTS

01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager |

Your Yorkshire Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. 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 Yorkshire Wedding is published six times a year.

Hello Yorkshire lads and lasses, it’s the last issue of the year and it’s full of winter wonders! We have a Winter Wonderland feature dedicated to venues that literally sparkle in the colder months.

Our Fashion Editor, Claire, has pulled a cracker, excuse the pun, with eight pages of fashion trends for 2023. And OMG, can I renew my vows because there’s so many showstoppers there! For more bling we have an accessories feature, plus we also cater for your bridal party with fabulous advice for the bridesmaids, groomsmen and the mama of the bride and groom.

I must take some time to thank our real weddings this issue. Amylea and Jamie – also our cover stars - pulled out all the stops at their wedding at Skipbridge Country Weddings; Annabel and Isabel showed us how to execute vintage glamour; and with hints of 007 throughout, Mr & Mrs Wilks had the time of their life in their black tie affair.

Each issue, I’m overwhelmed reading about your days. You’re so creative and wonderful. Yes, Yorkshire rocks! Please keep ‘em coming! Just drop me an email to: rachel.westall@kdeventsandpublishing.com

As the nights draw closer, enjoy the last 2022 has to offer, have a mulled wine (or 10), and have a truly festive season. Merry Christmas!

The most wonderful time of the year Rachel x

https://hannahbrookephotography.co.uk/

Rachel Westall, Editor

I’m loving all the Bond vibes at Jemma and Jack’s wedding at Wharfedale Grange

The Earl of Doncaster giving us all the Art Deco feels Neutral tones giving so much depth and warmth

moments at Newburgh Priory

Berry’s Jewellers wins - twice!

Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the UK Jewellery Awards, organised by jewellery and watch industry title Retail Jeweller, is this country’s longest running trade awards event, established in 1992 to recognise the achievements of those working in the jewellery and watch sectors. Berry’s Jewellers, which has stores in York, Leeds, Nottingham and Windsor, has won in the coveted Retailer of the Year (six stores or more) category and was praised by the UK Jewellery Awards’ expert judging panel for exemplary customer service, a fantastic in-store experience and a great website.

As well as the Six Stores or More category, Berry’s Jewellers, won in the Watch Retailer of the Year category and was praised by the UK Jewellery Awards’ expert judging panel for a thriving website and a robust product selection.

For more information on the Retail Jeweller Awards 2022 go to https://awards.retail-jeweller.com/winners-2022

NEWS Nearlywed

Brilliant bamboo massage!

The eco-spa, Titanic Spa, situated within the natural landscape of Pennine Yorkshire has launched its new Bamboo Tension Release Massage to its expansive treatment menu. Specifically designed to target muscle tension, the treatment uses natural bamboo to accentuate the effects of traditional massage while stimulating blood circulation for improved recovery and healing.

EDITOR LOVES...

Philippa Rose is a versatile solo singer accompanied by backing tracks. She has many years of experience performing on cruise ships and 5* hotels around the world.

Philippa trained at the famous Italia Conti school of musical theatre for many years and gained a wealth of training to a high standard.

This solo act will bring you a relaxed and easy-to-listen-to sound that will make your day one to remember by offering many different genres from ’60s to the present charts.

As your guests arrive to your special day, why not have some live acoustic music to soothe the mood for a relaxing atmosphere to start your day. For further information, visit: www.facebook.com/Philipparosehoughton

One of the fastest growing plants on earth, bamboo has long been associated with ancient China for its powerful healing properties. The perfect tool to utilise within the treatment room, Titanic Spa’s expert therapists use a variety of different sized bamboo canes that are bespoke to each guest’s body and trouble points. Using a combination of rolling and kneading techniques, the bamboo massage stretches and elongates the muscles, while the end of the cane is used to push pressure points. This movement pattern enhances the flow of oxygen and blood to the targeted muscles to aid recovery and its effects are proven to last more than 72 hours post-treatment!

The bamboo, which is heated for deeper tissue penetration, provides a firmer massage pressure so is the perfect choice for those who prefer a stronger treatment. Utilising the bamboo as a massage tool is also kinder to the therapist’s hands, providing welcome relief for massage-tired knuckles. The new treatment, which has been introduced for autumn, alleviates muscle tension, aches and pains, improves joint function, increases circulation and improves the quality of sleep. The 55-minute treatment costs £104. For further info, please visit the website: www.titanicspa.co.uk

CHARITY FARM WEDDINGS!

A rural Leeds Children’s Charity has achieved a novel fundraising twist by hiring out its farm venue for licensed wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

Lineham Farm has opened its doors to brides and grooms looking for a fabulous venue for their wedding at the 120-acre farm. Leeds Children’s Charity is based at Lineham Farm and every wedding benefits the 2,000+ local children that the charity supports every year.

www.barnabyaldrick.com

Dave Norman, Director at Leeds Children’s Charity says, “We provide couples with the chance to donate part of their wedding fund to charity –and achieve their dream wedding in a beautiful rural spot. Many couples want to give back as part of their wedding. After all, weddings are about celebrating our loved ones and commemorating the things we’re grateful for. It’s not uncommon to see fundraising collections and donation requests instead of traditional gifts. At Lineham Farm we’ve taken this charitable giving one step further, by exchanging our venue for a charitable fee. The farm is available for a select number of wedding weekends per year, with profits from the hire fee going directly to helping the children we support.”

Every wedding held at Lineham Farm directly supports the work of Leeds Children’s Charity in brightening the lives of local young people. Wedding weekends allow the charity to continue offering respite breaks to the young people who most need the support.

NEW CEREMONY BARN FOR HORNINGTON!

The historic Grade II listed Hornington Manor, welcomes a stunning new addition to its magical North Yorkshire venue – a beautiful oak framed ceremony barn. Built in conjunction with Yorkshire Oak Frames, the barn features a vaulted ceiling with incredible whalebone, oak framed arches. The barn began life as home to newborn spring lambs at Hornington’s farm, now stylishly converted to welcome the birth of new love stories, offering a characterful and unforgettable setting to wedding couples starting a lifetime of happiness together Claire Baker, General Manager, said: “We’re so excited for this launch, every element has been carefully chosen and considered, from exposing the beautiful stonework of the original barn to the addition of statement lighting – each detail perfectly blends the old with the new. The contemporary yet timeless styling, creates a spectacular backdrop for our wedding ceremonies at Hornington Manor.”

A warm Yorkshire welcome awaits couples looking for the perfect rural venue. Let the team at Hornington show you around the estate with everything it has to offer. Hornington Manor encompasses 19 beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms set within The Manor House, The Old Servant Quarters, The Stables, The West Wing and The Lodge. In addition, eight stunning individually designed shepherd huts. All with exclusive use for wedding celebrations.

Visit: www.horningtonmanor.co.uk for further information.

New fashion store in Harrogate!

Independent luxury fashion retailer Jules B is launching a womenswear store in the centre of Harrogate. The site at 5 Cambridge Crescent opened on 22nd September and will introduce customers to a new and inspiring shopping destination. The twostorey, 3,270 square-foot retail store will showcase the latest collections from an exclusive selection of designer brands.

Jules B directors Julian and Rhona Blades explain that the store will offer something new to discerning customers in Harrogate. “We believe our Harrogate store will make a fantastic addition to the town’s vibrant retail scene, with a carefully curated selection of products from top designer names and emerging brands waiting to be discovered. We’ve wanted to open a store here for a long time but it was important to us that the physical space would bring the Jules B brand to life. When the old Jaeger unit became available, we knew the time was right and have put a lot of work into revitalising the building.”

With this latest opening, Jules B now has a portfolio of five stores across the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. These accompany a successful online store, www.julesb.co.uk which ships the latest in men’s and women’s luxury fashion worldwide, perfect tailoring for men and fabulous occasionwear for women.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Bijou Bridal is a warm and welcoming West Yorkshire bridal boutique with an exceptional selection of timeless British wedding dresses and superior service to match. Situated in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, the store puts comfort and style at its forefront to bring you a curated collection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and accessories by some of Britain’s most talented designers whilst delivering a truly wonderful dress shopping experience.

For Your Yorkshire Wedding readers, the boutique is offering all brides who order their gown before 31st January 2023 a free accessories package up to the value of £250. Accessories can include veils, hair accessories and shoes.

Terms and conditions apply: the offer is only valid on full-price gowns, with no cash alternative.

Visit: https://bijoubridalboutique.com

Freebies & OFFERS

Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

STYLE STATEMENT

On your wedding day, light up the room in these statement gold ear climber earrings which bedazzle with four intricately cut moonstone gems. The sparkling gemstones, in a staggered line, descend in size and sit in an 18k gold-plated setting. Every detail has been well thought out, from the size of the stones to the slight curve of the earrings, creating the perfect mesmerising bold earring for a bold woman.

Founded by Ramona Gohil, an inspirational female entrepreneur passionate about her British Indian heritage and culture Rani & Co is not just any jewellery brand; its crafted unique pieces symbolise how powerful women can be.

Check out www.raniandco.co.uk

County Wedding Magazines’ readers have the chance to win a pair of Rani & Co Moonstone Climber Earrings worth £64.99!

Set within the charming village of Tong in West Yorkshire, our hotel is surrounded by quiet views of the beautiful countryside. Along with our great outlook, we are located between Leeds and Bradford and close to the M1 and M62. With a large suite and our Grand Marquee, we can offer Wedding Packages for 40-300 people. Our striking building, a former vicarage, is Ivy-clad and we boast grounds and events which blend the traditional and the new.

for an intimate wedding The perfect base...

We love to create truly memorable wedding days. From the moment you arrive to the time you leave as a newly married couple, we’re devoted to making your special day everything you want it to be. For that intimate wedding experience, we have the Organ Factory - a truly stunning, intimate room with original stained glass windows and seats up to 24.

We have three packages to choose from ranging from our Classic, where all the small details have been covered, through to Fairytale which is all you could have dreamed of and more. We focus on the smaller, more intimate weddings, and bespoke packages are available for smaller numbers. Proclaim your love for each other in our sanctuary of 17th century buildings.

For more information contact our wedding specialist Becky on 01904 611570 or beckytatham@middletonsyork.co.uk

Snowstoppers!

Perfect venues for the colder months

The Venetian Drawing Room is an opulent room with gold walls, an impressive fireplace and two magnificent chandeliers.

What to expect Carlton Towers is an exquisite stately home in North Yorkshire with a long and distinguished history. Late 18th century gates and a sweeping drive leads you to an impressive Grade I listed country house, in the Victorian Gothic-revival style, surrounded by 250-acres of private parkland.

The Card Room is a more intimate room, with oak lined walls, a silverplated chandelier and original fireplace with a polished fossil limestone chimneypiece. The Picture Gallery is lined with impressive paintings and features beautiful brass chandeliers and two fireplaces.

We love... There’s a delightful Walled Garden Vineyard with views from The Stables Tearoom within the grounds. The vineyard hosts fabulous weddings in the summer. www.michaelnewingtongray.com

Celebrate in style There’s a choice of where you can say your vows and celebrate.

What to expect

Built in the 19th century and formally the estates gamekeeper’s cottage, the building still retains a quaint, traditional look and the bright airy conservatory blends seamlessly with the original building. Situated in the beautiful grounds of Long Ashes Park in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, it’s surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Celebrate in style

The award-winning Netherside Suite welcomes 120 people. It’s an idyllic setting featuring a wood-burning fire, natural oak beams and large windows allowing a natural light to grace your day. Positioning your head table in front of the grand fireplace ensures the bridal couple are able to see all of their guests.

We love...

To the rear a children’s playground will keep the little ones entertained and at the front a large patio and grass area are perfect for drinks and canapés in the sun.

What to expect

Carlton Manor has recently undergone stunning renovations, with all eight bedrooms beautifully finished and ready to accommodate up to 18 guests in the main house. Many of the rooms have picturesque views of the East Yorkshire countryside. The manor house also has a spacious kitchen at its heart, a cosy snug and plenty of nooks and crannies in which to hide away and relax with a book.

Celebrate in style

A truly majestic space, the Yorkshire oak-framed Ceremony Barn offers a romantic backdrop for the grandest of weddings. Bathed in natural light from large, elegant windows, you can enjoy marvellous views over the

landscaped courtyard and Carlton Tipi. Seating up to 150 guests, this stunning indoor space is a beautiful place to take your vows in view of your loved ones.

For your reception, the Carlton Tipi brings something extraordinary to your special day. Follow the fairylights and music down the garden path to the cosy tipi, with capacity for up to 150 guests to be seated around the venue. If you should like to extend an invitation to even more guests, an additional 50 can be accommodated in the evening.

We love...

There’s now the addition of three cottage studios adjoining the house and the stunning woodland area of the garden will welcome your guests with its fantastic new 12 luxury pods.

Hitched up High

Celebrate your winter wedding at the highest venue in Harrogate.

Offering breath-taking panoramic views across the Stray and beyond, The Yorkshire Hotel is perfect for weddings from a small intimate affair to a larger 120 guest celebration.

Our experienced Weddings team pride themselves on creating bespoke weddings tailored just for you. From our in-house AA rosette chef creating a wedding breakfast to your taste and budget to drinks options blended by barman of the year, your day will be all you’ve dreamed of.

Join us for a personal show around and start planning your dream day.

TONG PARK HOTEL

What to expect

Tong Park Hotel is an ivy-clad former vicarage set in the beautiful picturesque village of Tong.

Celebrate in style

The Bentley Suite is a modern multi-purpose room which holds between 40-182 guests. This elegant suite can hold up to 164 guests for a sit-down meal and up to 170 guests for a buffet. The room has plenty of natural

daylight, with mood lighting LEDs fitted into the ceiling that can be set to your colour scheme and is fully air conditioned.

The stunning Grand Marquee can welcome up to 250 guests for a sit-down meal and up to 300 guests for a buffet and boasts a reception room for a further 50 guests.

Guests can choose to stay overnight in one of the 59 spacious bedrooms, eight of which are executive suites.

We love...

The grounds are due to be upgraded in the winter of 2022-2023. Watch this space!

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Grange at Camblesforth Hall is a stunning brick barn wedding venue, providing a blend of rustic and romantic, with a dash of glamour. The four beautifully restored barns feature handmade bespoke lighting, fairylights and soft drapes which complement the array of original features. The venue oozes character warmth and charm, giving couples the perfect backdrop for a magical winter wedding.

The barns surround a large private and versatile courtyard which houses birch trees and rustic planters. As the night draws in the courtyard comes into its own, bathed in the warmth from the coach lanterns which surround it. Camblesforth Hall itself boasts a stunning façade, perfect for photographs.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

The Coach House is a high-ceilinged red brick barn with rustic lighting and a waterfall of fairylights, providing a romantic, rustic chic backdrop for your vows which comfortably seats up to 100 people.

The evening capacity is up to 200 people within the Poultiggery Bar and Cart Shed which provides the perfect space to chat to friends and family and dance the night away.

WE LOVE…

The front facia of Grade I listed Camblesforth Hall is a very striking feature, perfect for group shots or those intimate couple photographs.

Alan Ward

Located in Yorkshire and bordering the edge of the beautiful Peak District National Park, our truly unique venue, Spicer Manor, will provide an idyllic setting for your perfect day.

Spicer Manor gives you full exclusive use of the property and grounds for 1,2 or 3 nights, for you and your guests to celebrate your special day in style. At Spicer Manor we are fully licensed for civil ceremonies and can offer you a choice of settings for your ceremony.

The House is ideal for small intimate weddings of up to 50 guests. Alternatively our Coach House with a rustic finish, oak beams and 5 arched windows, looking onto the lawn and water fountain can accommodate larger weddings for up to 116 daytime guests and 140 evening guests. Luxury accommodation to sleep 34 guests in 15 beautifully designed bedrooms all with en-suites.

Spicer Manor also has a state-of-the-art cinema room, games room and twin hot tubs.Set amongst open country fields edged with Yorkshire stone walls Spicer Manor has an amazing backdrop for capturing those special images on your wedding day.The small woodland and 2 paddocks provide the perfect space to allow children to let off some steam while you relax under the old oak trees, set up outdoor activities or even enjoy sitting around an open campfire.

Bradley’s Catering will work hand-in-hand with you through every aspect of creating your menu and can tailor a menu to your exact requirements and budgets.

Contact us to discuss your bespoke wedding requirements or to arrange a visit.

hello@spicermanor.co.uk | www.spicermanor.co.uk | 07921138696

GOING local

evening reception guests with superb views of the landscaped gardens.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Hellaby Hall Hotel retains the charm and character of the original 17th century Manor House with contemporary extension. The use of York stone used throughout the building seamlessly blends old and new and the main hotel is surrounded by sculptured gardens. Located in beautiful countryside surroundings, the grounds are perfectly landscaped as a memorable backdrop for your photographs and for your guests to meander through during your drink’s reception.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

Hellaby Hall Hotel only hosts one wedding per day which ensures the team is dedicated to the couples and can offer wedding exclusivity.

The Bramley Suite seats 120 guests for your wedding breakfast and 150 for your evening reception, beautifully decorated to complement your own arrangements for your special day. The Garden Suite provides a more intimate wedding for up to 80 wedding breakfast guests and 100

Finally, the Drawing Room is a more intimate experience, with fantastic views over the landscaped front lawn it can accommodate up to 30 guests for a civil ceremony. This room is only available through a bespoke quote, please ask your Hellaby Hall Hotel wedding coordinator for more details and booking information.

For your reception, the Colonial Suite has large, draped windows offering natural daylight and a feeling of sheer opulence. This magnificent area seats up to 250 guests for a large wedding breakfast and 350 guests for the evening reception. Equipped with its own bar, air conditioning and dancefloor, the Colonial Suite offers privacy in stylish surroundings.

WE LOVE

The Four Poster Bridal Suite located in the original house has original furniture and a stunning view of the grounds plus stand-alone bath and separate shower.

THE EARL OF DONCASTER HOTEL 01302 361 371 | www.theearl.co.uk

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Earl of Doncaster is a four-star hotel decorated with an Art Deco finish, retaining many of the late ’30s characteristics, with a strikingly beautiful and timeless glamour. There are rooms to suit all guests from the modern Concorde Suite to the grand and glamorous Ballroom

TIME TO CELEBRATE

creating a magical and grand atmosphere with ceremonies and receptions for up to 180 guests.

The Ripon and Wetherby Suite has a much more modern and romantic feel, with the room creating a romantic atmosphere for up to 70 guests. Furthermore, the Concorde Suite is perfect for your reception; a strikingly beautiful and modern room on the ground floor. This room holds access to a private bar in the lobby area, creating the best of both worlds mixing modern with a ’30s Gatsby theme.

WE LOVE

Located behind the hotel is a beautiful park, with a long walkway and water fountain, perfect for wedding photos. THE PICTURE HOUSE VENUE

The Earl is licensed to hold civil marriages and civil partnership ceremonies in two elegant settings. The Ballroom is the largest room,

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Picture House Venue still has the feel of an old theatre with plenty of character. Overlooking the main hall are the backlit original industrial windows. The outside of the venue is finished in dark grey with wooden panelling around the entrance.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

The venue doesn’t hold ceremonies, however, it’s a 30 second walk from

the town hall. Receptions can take place in one of two rooms. Upstairs is great for a more intimate wedding, holding 50 seated comfortably and even has an outside terrace. The downstairs space holds 120 seated and has a great rustic, classic vibe with a large marble bar stretching down the top of the room. There’s even a small courtyard downstairs, ideal for cocktails or serving your hog roast or BBQ.

WE LOVE

The historic, original windows have been uncovered downstairs and when backlit give so much character!

ASTON HALL HOTEL

01142 872 309 | www.astonhallhotel.co.uk

WHAT TO EXPECT

Built in 1772 and steeped in history, Aston Hall Hotel has been lovingly restored and updated with a modern, contemporary design which is high in style whilst remaining a neutral backdrop for your wedding, keeping the original features very much intact to become a luxury hotel. The venue is surrounded by 55 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

The Lagonda suite offers flexibility in setup and size. This stunning room seats up to 200 for your wedding breakfast and 250 for your evening

reception. Boasting a large dancefloor, contemporary neutral tones and with its own bar, Lagonda offers privacy in stylish surroundings.

The Virage Suite is in keeping with the look of the hotel and its original character, as well as being finished off to a high specification. The room is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows and a skylight stretching the full length of one end of the room, creating that feeling of natural daylight and ample amounts of space. It hosts wedding breakfasts for up to 100 guests and 150 for your evening reception.

WE LOVE

Aston Hall has a church in the grounds, and is also licensed to offer outdoor ceremonies between April and September in the beautiful Pagoda on the front lawns of the hotel.

THE NEW INN 01226762843 | www.newinnpenistone.com

WHAT TO EXPECT

This old coaching inn has been lovingly restored to create a beautiful rustic space for weddings and functions. It has a contemporary decked area which is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends whilst watching the world go by. There is a private outdoor space for each of the private function rooms.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

The New Inn has three licenced ceremony spaces: The Mezzanine, perfect for intimate ceremonies of 10 or less. The tipi, which seats up to

60, is a quirky space for weddings where you can wow your guests with the beautiful setting and the magical fairylights. Finally, the Talbot Suite, about to undergo an extensive renovation, has seating for 80 and has its own private entrance and exudes feelings of grandeur.

Wedding receptions are available in any of the three spaces. There’s also the option to hire the entire venue, having access to both the tipi and the Talbot Suite, allowing you to move seamlessly between the rooms.

WE LOVE

The tipi is an amazing addition to the venue. This can be a relaxed, chilled out space or dressed up into a Nordic wonderland. Fully heated and much bigger than it looks, enjoy the rustic feel of this spectacular setting.

Wed-fest!

Music and good times were the order of the day at Amylea and Jamies’s celebration of love at Skipbridge Country Weddings Images courtesy of Hannah Brooke Photography

Skipbridge Country Weddings was the perfect venue for this funloving pair and the date was locked in for 7th May, 2022. Here, Amylea tells us more about their beautiful day...

My dress was Romántica of Devon – Selby; a mermaid dress with a sparkly underlay, lace panelling and sequin straps. I ordered this bespoke in ivory as it came in blush.

A memorable moment was the first kiss as husband and wife! It was so special walking back up the aisle together covered in confetti.

Jamie wore an Italian suit in navy with a maroon tartan check by Hawes and Curtis. This was teamed with a tie and pocket square in gold paisley –a nod to Jamie’s Scottish heritage, again by Hawes and Curtis.

We wanted to marry outside, somewhere fun and relaxed! Skipbridge Country Weddings had everything we wanted at the same time as being able to accommodate everything our many guests would need!

From the glamping pods and cottages to the ice-cream gondola and the hobbit hole, our venue had everything a couple could wish for an outdoor wedding!

The

The cake was a large two-tiered salted caramel cake decorated with hand painted figurines of us - the bride and groom - in our wedding attire.

Blakefields Events were a dream to work with and provided the best Greek feast you could imagine!

Little Flower Hut provided beautiful variations of ranunculus, parrot tulips, herbs, peonies and lisianthus as well as greenery garlands for the tables

Our friend played at our reception drinks – a fantastic local musician!

To entertain guests we had garden games, left over confetti, props and a Polaroid camera for the guest book, as well as garden swing seats and the hobbit hole.

There were plenty of nooks for people to mingle in and explore! That was the beauty of the venue!

AMYLEA’S TOP TIP

Ask someone to move the bride’s belongings from the bridal suite into the wedding night accommodation and make that space as cosy as possible! Also, remember to pack spare clothes – including underwear – and snacks!

We chose Off-Piste, the converted gondola ice cream cart as a nod to our engagement - which took place whilst skiing with friends at Mount Blanc - and provided stacks of Krispy Kremes for a sugar rush!

We had a live band, Rock My Reception, that played an acoustic set outside, a DJ set and live music inside the tipis and an intimate acoustic set late on in the evening down in Gin and Whiskey Silo!

AMYLEA AND JAMIE’S CONTACTS

Venue, www.skipbridgecountryweddings.co.uk | Photographer, https://hannahbrookephotography.co.uk Dress, https://thebridalaffair.co.uk | Alterations, www.yorkbridalstudio.co.uk | Hair stylist, https://hairbyria.co.uk

Jewellery and accessories, www.mappinandwebb.com/store/422 | Make-up artist, www.instagram.com/tailsrose_mua Suits, www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk | Cake, www.sugarcraftedcakesripon.co.uk/WEDDING-CAKES Flowers, www.thelittleflowerhut.co.uk | Catering, http://blakefieldsevents.co.uk Engagement ring, www.ogdenharrogate.co.uk | Entertainment, https://rockmyreception.co.uk

SOMETHING OLD,

something new

Annabel and Isabel tied the knot at Jervaulx Abbey in a vintage styled day with antiques and treasures adorning every corner

Images courtesy of Matt Godman Wedding Photography

Annabel and Isabel met at work. Enjoying the privacy of their loved-up bubble and not wanting to be part of the office gossip, the pair kept their relationship a secret for over a year! When they revealed they were a couple, of course, everyone was over the moon.

Having discussed getting married for a while, the couple were in a bit of a stand-off about who was going to ask! Isabel also thought Annabel was joking because she’d always said she didn’t want to get married, so Annabel planned a walk with the dogs to Jervaulx Abbey. Whilst walking through the ruins Annabel voiced, “This is where I’m going to marry you!”

By the time they’d finished their walk they’d been in touch with the venue to book a date followed by a shopping trip to buy rings!

Annabel and Isabel Mangham-Haigh tied the knot at Jervaulx Abbey on 4th June, 2022. Here, Annabel tells us more about their day...

SETTING THE SCENE

The venue was central to the whole day as Annabel explains, “We absolutely love Jervaulx Abbey and it’s become such a special place to us. The abbey is family run and they were all so welcoming, patient and understanding. We loved that we had free reign over how individual it was. We never visited any other venues when planning the day. The natural beauty, tranquillity and freedom to make all our own decisions appealed to us. Some three years ago, we bought a Georgian house and spent many hours in antique shops furnishing it. We wanted to incorporate pieces we’d collected so had a loose antique theme that we felt complemented the abbey ruins. When we were buying pieces for the house, we were drawn to rusty items, so this rust colour became a theme for bridesmaids and flowers.”

The tables were dressed with runners and foliage, leaving space for the sumptuous food served on sharing platters. The brief to the florist was to take inspiration from the wild flowers growing around the abbey with a natural feel and some of the rust colour coming through. She certainly delivered the brief.

The cake was a masterpiece! The flavours were: Biscoff in one layer and cherry and amaretto in the others. Annabel adds, “We both have a massive sweet tooth so our morning with Gayle at Where the Ribbon Ends was like a dream come true. As we wanted to balance the inspiration from the natural beauty in the abbey and the antiques from home, but have a modern twist as well, Gayle created a beautiful cake using the colours and drama we imagined. We loved it! Isabel even cried when she saw it!

“Taking the antique theme further, our card and gift table was an old sideboard which was then moved and repurposed as a cake table and the desserts were served on an old bookcase. We also bought some old bar tables from a pub which was closing down for our drinks reception area.”

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Annabel’s dress was Klee by Eliza Jane Howell adorned with sparkly beads, fabulous back detail with a feel of vintage glamour. Isabel’s dress was Charlize by Badgley Mischa. The fathers of the brides and their brothers wore forest green Ted Baker jackets with a dicky bow and black Boss trousers paired with shiny shoes. Isabel remembers, “They looked so smart! We knew we went a bit extra with them but wanted them to stand out and loved it!

TIME TO CELEBRATE

The pair really pulled out all the stops when it came to entertaining the guests! Annabel tells us, “We had three parts to our day and wanted each part to have a different atmosphere and used the entertainment to create this. For the ceremony, we wanted this to be quite formal with an English Country Garden vibe, so we had a string trio who played classical pieces while the guests were waiting for our arrival. After the ceremony, they played more current songs to take us through to the drinks reception which was in a different area of the abbey walls.

“For the drinks reception, we wanted a more playful, fun atmosphere so had a surprise flash mob style Barbershop Quartet who were a massive hit with the guests. They were so funny and everyone got involved. For their last song, they led everyone to the paddock where the marquee was set up for the wedding breakfast and did one last tune before food. Straight after eating, we had an amazing saxophonist to set the party mood for the evening. We then had an evening band which had everyone up dancing all night.” Wow, I wish I had an invite!

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The pair had agreed Isabel would walk down the aisle first, but Annabel would follow straight away after to avoid waiting. Annabel describes the moment she entered and saw all her loved ones together to celebrate their love for one another. “Walking down the aisle was such an amazing feeling. I thought I’d cry but I’ve never been so excited in all my life!

Isabel didn’t turn round straight away so first I remember seeing all our favourite people there to celebrate with us then and when she did turn

round, it was like it was just the two of us. Two friends also played a part in the ceremony by giving all our guests coloured ribbons before we got there. Each colour represented a promise to send us into married life. They tied the ribbons and held them in the air during the ceremony and holding Isabel’s hand and looking at our guests with their ribbons in the abbey walls was such an incredible moment when I felt so lucky and loved. The ribbons were all put in a jar which is on our mantelpiece now.”

My Pretties UK styled and coordinated the day. Annabel gushes, “Jen was amazing! We couldn’t have done it without her. She understood what we wanted from start to finish. She never stopped in the day and even had a little dance with us. We also have two dachshunds and Keri at Bow Wow Vow was unbelievable with them. One is quite nervous and as soon as she met them she got down to their level and they went straight to her which they never normally do. Knowing they were being so well looked after was a huge weight off our mind. Every single one of our suppliers went above and beyond and played a massive part in our special day. Thank you to each and every one of you.”

ANNABEL’S TOP TIP:

END CREDITS

Venue, www.jervaulxabbey.com/weddings | Photographer, www.mattgodmanweddingphotography.com | Marquee, www.wills-marquees.co.uk

Alterations, https://bridalperfectfit.business.site | Dress for Annabel, https://laceandco.com | Dress for Isabel, www.perfectdazebridal.co.uk

Jewellery and accessories, https://thebobbypin.co.uk | Hair stylist, www.lottiehaigh.com | Make-up artist, www.louiselunn.co.uk Cake, www.wheretheribbonends.com | Flowers, www.rockandwreath.co.uk | Stationery, https://graystarling.com

Catering, www.theoutsidekitchen.co.uk | Wedding rings, www.josephalessander.com | Stylist/coordinator, www.myprettiesuk.com Pet care, www.bowwowvow.co.uk | Bar, www.thebarstewards.co.uk | Celebrant, www.rebeccahallcelebrant.com

Videographer, https://studio-lester.com | String quartet, https://dolcestrings.co.uk | Barbershop quartet, www.utc-entertainment.co.uk Saxophonist, www.ladyvsax.co.uk | Band, www.facebook.com/thepenniesmusic

“Choose your suppliers carefully then put all your trust in them. They are professionals at what they do.”

If you are looking for a personal, unique and unforgettable wedding ceremony, Rebecca Hall Celebrant creates exactly that. With your story and relationship at the forefront, every step of the process is designed around you.

For more information on creating your perfect ceremony, you can contact Rebecca at: @rebeccahallcelebrant, rebeccahall@mail.com or 07921 507855 WWW.REBECCAHALLCELEBRANT.COM

THE NAME’S WILKS, Mr & Mrs Wilks

Jemma and Jack Wilks tied the knot in a 007 style affair at Wharfedale Grange Images courtesy of FS Imaging

Jemma and Jack met on Tinder. As Jemma recalls, “We wish we could give a more romantic story, but a modern-day Tinder romance it is. I was actually sat with one of my close friends having a coffee and she was looking through the app on my phone and found Jack – Jack is actually her cousin! So, she swiped right, it was a match. The rest is history.”

Jemma and Jack married on 17th June, 2022 at Wharfedale Grange. Here, Jemma tells us more about their day...

It’s impossible to walk into Wharfedale’s ceremony room and not fall in love. It helps that the rest of the venue is absolutely beautiful too! We also adored the farmhouse on site!

I also got my veil from Ava Rose which was the same material as my train so they look like they just melt into each other, I loved it!

I wore Pebbles by Enzoani in ivory, which I got from Ava Rose Hamilton in Silsden. They were absolutely brilliant and I couldn’t recommend that boutique enough!

My bouquet was mainly foliage with a mix of eucalyptus, aspidistra ferns, scabiosa and peach roses.

Jack wore a Remus Uomo dinner suit from Frank Bird. Jack’s suit was a brighter blue than the groomsmen and he didn’t wear a waistcoat. His shirt, bow tie and braces were from Turnbull and Asser - all replicas of those supplied to Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.

My wonderful seamstress did an amazing job. She had a lot of work to do as I lost two stone from buying my dress to the wedding day. My dress fit like an absolute glove I couldn’t have asked for more!

I got ready at the venue but I surprised Jack with his absolute dream, a silver Aston Martin DB5 so he really could be James Bond for the day. Jack didn’t know about this till he walked out of the hotel on the morning of the wedding to come to the venue.

From the moment the ceremony doors opened and I saw Jack I didn’t stop smiling like a Cheshire cat till about a week later – my cheeks were so sore but honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing day.

For me, Jack’s vows made my day so special, we had chosen to write our own vows. I am a huge Disney fan and Jack must have spent so much time on the vows because they featured lines from all of my favourite Disney songs! It was so funny and special to hear, it really meant so much to me that he’d gone to so much effort.

We must thank our dream team at Wharfedale Grange. A more organised team you will never meet. They made our wedding day an absolute dream.

The centrepieces were mainly silver tall candelabras with foliage and gypsophelia wrapped around the stem and each candelabra either had white or dusty blue candles. We also had lovely white and silver ‘Mr and Mrs’ signs on the ends of the tables.

Each table was named after one of our favourite James Bond films. Each film had a corresponding sugar biscuit which represented the film for our favours.

We let our cakemaker get creative and ended up with a gorgeous white cake with silver foil around the edges with so many lemons on it! Our wedding food and drinks had an Italian theme so this cake with the lemons on it tied in perfectly.

The Wilks’s top tip!

Jack’s friend from childhood Ben is a pianist and he played for our ceremony. He played so beautifully and everyone commented on what a lovely job he did! Our first dance was choregraphed - a medley of James Bond theme songs! Given we’re both quite shy people, no one expected a full choregraphed dance from us and our guests loved it!

We had casino tables for after the wedding breakfast till the first dance, this included blackjack and roulette. These went down an absolute storm with our guests!

Wharfedale Grange is completely pet-friendly so it meant we got to have our fur babies at our wedding day! It was so special getting to see them there, have so many photos with them and know they were in such capable hands with the dog chaperones we hired.

RULES Breaking

Marie-Antoinette was a rule-breaker celebrating individuality and femininity. A Georgian woman’s beauty and couture was a powerful asset, used by clever ladies to cultivate a public image. MarieAntoinette led Rococo fashion with huge, poufy hairstyles, enormous pannier skirts and all manner of decorative frills, feathers and bows.

The tumbling teal tulle in this statement Giulianna gown from Millia London breaks all the rules of what we expect from bridal. It’s exuberant, over-the-top romantic and delightfully feminine.

Set in the house and grounds of Newburgh Priory, an exclusive-use country wedding venue in the idyllic village of Coxwold, period features are all around. There are three Georgian drawing rooms, a long gallery ruin with optional marquee and stunning landscapes to offer an incredible backdrop for a wedding ceremony and reception.

The stylist chose a luxe floral selection, featuring rich, toffee roses, peach orchids, ranunculus and delphiniums set in feathery silver and blue-toned foliage.

A luxe styled shoot with an edgy Marie-Antoinette vibe full of frivolity and excess Images courtesy of Gail Secker Photography

Scan to view video

Free spirits

Ateam of local suppliers came together to capture this freespirited styled shoot. Organiser and photographer, Agnes Radziewicz tells us a bit about her inspiration. “Capturing the connection with people is my greatest inspiration. I’ve always tried to see beauty in everyone. I love the bohemian style. It tells a simple, rustic story. It’s all about blending with your natural surroundings and letting Mother Nature do its magic.”

Lineham Farm was the perfect location for this boho-inspired styled shoot

Images courtesy of Agnes Radziewicz

Walking in a winter wonderland

Want to plan a seasonal wedding but unsure where to start? We’ve put together a guide to help you create the ultimate celebration

CHOOSING A COLOUR SCHEME

One of the first things you should do is decide on a colour palette. This time of year has some wonderful hues available, including greens, reds, golds, blues and silvers. Choose one or two and stick to them. If you try and include every colour, it may look overwhelming and messy. If you want to go against tradition, an up-and-coming trend that we’ve seen here at County Wedding Magazines HQ is jewel tones. These can add warmth to your venue and can be incorporated into your glassware, candles and cutlery.

DECIDING ON A VENUE

Picking a venue can be overwhelming, especially if you have a restrictive criteria. Look through social media and magazines to get some inspiration, and once you have an idea of how many people you want to attend and the area you want to get married in, you can begin narrowing down your search. The weather, as we all know, can be pretty unpredictable, so if you’re going for an outdoor ceremony, make sure you have a backup plan in case it rains or snows.

Christmas charms, from £45, sterling silver charm bracelet, £55, https://uk.pandora.net/en

Hair accessory, from a selection, www.azazie.com

FINDING THE PERFECT OUTFIT

If you’re tying the knot in the middle of winter, chances are it’s going to be pretty cold. Take this into consideration when choosing your dress, as you might start to feel chilly in a sleeveless gown. Those of you thinking of wearing a suit, choose warm fabrics and colours that will tie in with your theme.

Feather-trim dress, £45, www.dcey.co.uk

Bridal sandals, from a selection, www.davidsbridal.co.uk

ACCESSORISE AND SHINE

Accessories are your best friend when it comes to winter weddings. Do you desperately want a strapless gown but don’t want to freeze? Opt for a cover-up or bolero to keep you warm. These will tie in nicely with your theme and look super cute in those all-important photographs.

KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES WARM

If you’re worried your guests might feel the chill, supply blankets and slippers. A firepit is another way of keeping everyone toasty while also adding a fun element to your day. If you want to take it to the next level, supply some marshmallows – yum!

MUST-HAVE FLOWERS

Whether you opt for an arch, grand centrepieces, an oversized bouquet or a hanging masterpiece, your flowers will create a statement in your photographs. There are a range of wintry blooms to choose from, including roses, ranunculus, berries and much more. With a strong emphasis on eco-friendly weddings, ask your florist if their flowers are grown in the UK and if they use eco-products where possible.

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

If you’re big fans of Christmas like us here at CWM, why not lean into the time of year and incorporate aspects of it into your winter theme? You could add a Christmas tree in your reception room, have festive-coloured bridesmaids’ dresses, use reindeers as table names, give your guests baubles as favours or even ask Santa to come and visit the little ones.

Burnt-orange satin dress, £160, https://wearerewritten.com

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Food is one of the most important aspects of any wedding, so it’s important to pick something that fits your theme and personalities. With the cold weather outside, think of warming dishes such as soup or a roast dinner. You could serve mulled wine on arrival and create a fun hot chocolate station for the evening.

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Have fun in feathers on your wedding night in this cute pink babydoll, £300, https://gildapearl.co.uk

Editor’s favourite

Celebrate this Christmas in these champagne bottle beaded earrings, £14.99, https://teamhen.co.uk

FASHION

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

focus

DANCING QUEEN

These leather strappy shoes, £495, will guarantee style down the aisle! https://uk.chelseaparis.com

Raising the bra

Known for the Wonderbra, Gossard’s new collection for spring 2023 offers some beautiful bridal pieces including this Superboost white lace bralet, £41, and matching tanga briefs, £18,

THANKS, MUM!

Surprise the leading lady in your life with this pretty floral pink watch, £106, Coach at www.watchshop.com

Editor loves

These black leather jackets emblazoned with the slogans Till Death Do Us Part and Hitched are from www.nastygal.com/gb

WITH THIS RING

These 18-carat gold diamond engagement rings are from the new Artisan Collection by www.lebrusanstudio.com which uses Fairmined ecological gold and ocean diamonds. The collection is quintessential by design, characterised by slender gold bands, elevated claw settings and one-carat round brilliant-cut central diamonds along with the option for intricate hand-engraving on request. Variations include a classic solitaire, a trilogy design and a band set with small shoulder diamonds. “The most beautiful jewellery is jewellery that tells stories,” the team at Lebrusan Studio tells us.

LUCKY CHARM

These fashionable necklaces with charms, including a jewelled horseshoe known for good fortune, are from the new collection by www.orelia.co.uk

www.rosaclara.es/en-gb

A touch of colour www.jennypackham.com

It’s an illusion www.dcey.co.uk

The thigh’s the limit www.azazie.com

Bow-tiful details www.halfpennylondon.com

Suited and booted www.temperleylondon.com Unveiled www.elbethgillis.com

Sugar plum www.truebride.co.uk/733/Brighton-Belle

Cape crusader www.truebride.co.uk

Amateur dramatics

www.truebride.co.uk/11/Nicki-Flynn-by-True-Bride

Glamour girlwww.jjshouse.co.uk

Dare to wear denim www.davidsbridal.co.uk

Pastel hues for the little lovelies www.quinnharper.co.uk

Pnina Tornai for www.azazie.com

Pearl earrings, £170, and necklace, £190, Ray Makes Things at https://pearlsandpomegranates.com

Gemstone ring, £250, www.augustinejewels.com

Engraved necklaces, from £34 each, https://wanderlustlife.co.uk/collections/engravable-pendants

Shine like

A DIAMOND

Dazzle

this festive season in gold, pearls, diamonds and charms

Pearl earrings, £89, https://lilyandroo.com

Gold-plated bracelet, £150, Christmas tree charm, from £45, https://uk.pandora.net/en

Crystal necklace, from a selection, www.whistles.com

14-carat yellow gold bracelet with diamonds, £362, https://uk.vrai.com

Silver necklace, £60, 9-carat gold necklace, £200, www.wildfawnjewellery.com

Gold lily of the valley headpiece, £825, https://racheltrevormorgan.com

Pearl earrings, £85, https://gaala.com

LUXURY BEAUTY LIVE

The Bridal Beauty Festival takes place twiceyearly in the heart of London and features many of the beauty and wellness world’s biggest brands, all there to talk to you about you and your wedding. With live workshops, expert talks, guest appearances and even incredible live music, it’s the place to be if you’re thinking about your big-day look.

I visited the event in September at the luxurious Rosewood London and it was packed with plenty of my favourite brands. On the beauty and cosmetics side there were such titans as Charlotte Tilbury, Pixi, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown, while Penhaligons and The Wedding Scent Edit were on hand to talk big-day fragrances. The latter showcased an impressive array of highend perfumes from brands such as Juliette has a gun Parfums, Parle Moi De Parfum, Atelier Materi, Maison Crivelli and Mizensir. They were arranged in an inspired edit according to your wedding day vibe, be it elegant, beach, boho and more. I took home a sample of Une Tonne De Roses by Parle Moi De Parfum and have been receiving complements every time I wear it – highly recommended. In fact, I’m a huge fan of floral fragrances and also fell in love with Penhaligons’ Elisabethan Rose.

Experts were on hand from each brand offering complimentary makeovers, trials and tips for those with questions. I couldn’t tear myself away from the programme of talks taking place throughout the day. These included A Pixi Perfect Glowing Bridal Masterclass, Bridal Scenting with Carolina Herrera, Create a Radiant Wedding-Day Look with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Beauty Complex: Skin, Hair and Nails with Dr Anita. I learnt a thing or two myself! My top tip gathered on the day was to always look down into a mirror when applying mascara. You’ll catch more of your lashes and are far less likely to get product all over your eyelid.

Check out the video above for some masterclass inspiration from Carolina Herrera and Bobbi Brown, and look out for the super-stylish customisable lipsticks from the new Caroline Herrera make-up range. You can choose your own cap design, bangle, charm and tassel for the ultimate wedding-day handbag accessory for on-the-day touch ups.

The next Bridal Beauty Festival is due to take place in October 2023, so keep an eye on the website for tickets to this must-visit event, www.thebridalbeautyfestival.com

TIME TO UNCLOG

In need of a skin detox? Check out Unplug, a new stick face mask from Skin Proud. Formulated with sebum-absorbing white clay, moisturising amino acid and a free-radical fighting active, this powerful mask detoxes the skin, while hydrating sesame oil balances and provides a hit of hydration. £12.95, www.iamproud.com

BUZZBeauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews brings you the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

PEEL POWER

Dr. Craft launched its sustainable mandarin skincare range recently and what makes this a world first is the use of mandarin peel. There’s currently no commercial use for it meaning 10 million tonnes are incinerated and wasted annually. However, the range’s creator, Professor Richard Blackburn, an expert in green chemistry, has been able to harvest the peel’s extract and produce this exciting range of products including the Soothing Cream Cleanser (£18), Gentle Brightening Exfoliator (£20), Purifying Toning Mist (£18), and Antioxidant Rescue Serum (£26). Bioflavonoid ingredients promote skin repair, soothe the complexion and have anti-inflammatory benefits. They also prevent oxidative stress, a type of environmental skin damage caused by pollution and UV rays. Find out more at https://drcraft.co.uk

KIND AND CARING

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and the first line of defence from environmental threats and lifestyle stress, but its barrier is a delicate balance of natural lipids, which without care, can become compromised. Olverum’s diligently-crafted solution to effective, gentle cleansing is a combination of botanical mastery and scientific know-how. The new Body Cleanser contains an innovative formula that’s been five years in development. Created for dry or dehydrated skin, it’s soap and sulphate-free and features a complex of five mild surfactants, derived from sugar, amino acids and responsibly-sourced coconut and palm. It turns into a dense, luxurious lather when wet and cleanses the body while respecting the skin, to leave it soft, supple and nourished with avocado oil. What’s more, its heavenly aromatic blend of essential oils, synonymous with Olverum’s hero products, helps to ease stress and relax tension. £26.50, www.olverum.com

A RESTORATIVE SLEEP

It’s a well-know fact when it comes to skin that sleep is a great beauty ally, but did you know this also applies to our hair? During the night, the release of the hormone melatonin allows our tresses, as well as our skin, to regenerate. Consequently, its in ideal condition to receive a stronger dose of nutrition than during the day and so your night-time routine is essential.

Christophe Robin has developed a new nighttime ritual composed of two treatments targeting different types of damaged hair: The Night Recovery Cream with White Lotus Flower formulated for fine to medium damaged hair, and the Night Recover Monoi with White Lotus Flower for medium to thick damaged hair. Apply to dry, freshly brushed locks before you going to bed, working in sections from root to end. Wrap, leave overnight and rinse and shampoo in the morning, by which time the beauty of your hair, deeply nourished, is revealed. £35, www.christopherobin.com

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

After agriculture the beauty industry uses the most water. On average a bottle of shampoo contains 70 per cent water with around 90 per cent in conditioner. So, pioneering new beauty brand We Are Concentrate is on a mission to create sustainable and essential products using as little water and plastic as possible. No water is added to the production process and with only a marble-sized amount needed per hair wash, these concentrated pastes contain all the actives and benefits of traditional haircare products, without any of the added water. Plus, to make sure nothing goes to waste, the tubes can be paired with a squeezer and shower hanger to ensure every last drop is used. We Are Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner are both priced at £14 and can be found at www.weareconcentrate.com

AN EYE FOR ROMANCE

Founded by MUA Karla Powell, Karla Cosmetics creates handmade, on trend, colour-shifting eyeshadows and has recently launched its Romance Quad Palette – get ready to fall in love! Two years in the making, this innovative palette combines velvety-soft matte eyeshadows with the brand’s best-selling multichrome opal shades seen in pressed formula for the first time.

Inspired by all things romance and love, these shadows evoke passion with complementary warm pinks, cherry-hues and deep burgundies taking you all the way from fun and flirty to sultry siren. Meanwhile, the formula means the product glides on with ease, and the ultrapigmented rich tones give minimum fall out and maximum impact. £69, www.karlastore.co.uk

GOT YOU COVERED

BACK TO BLACK

High-performance make-up brand Illamasqua has launched the limited-edition Amy Winehouse Camden Collection as part of its ongoing partnership with The Amy Winehouse Foundation.

The new collection features exciting products inspired by Amy’s iconic looks and individuality, while celebrating the spirit of Camden, the borough she so loved. It boasts seven new and exclusive Illamasqua products including Nail Tint, Amy Black (£14); Matte Nail Varnish, Amy

Soundcheck (£15); and Face Duo, Double Trouble (£32). I love the Wet Liquid Liner, No, No, No (£21), which allows you to create that perfect cat-eye

a

bridal

then finish the look with a pop of red lippy, Ultramatter Lipstick in

(£17). Check out www.illamasqua.com

Continuing the no-filter beauty revolution, Sisley has revealed a new concealer. Hailed as a one-of-a-kind product it offers a new way to enhance natural beauty. The texture offers lightweight full coverage that blends in so well it’s virtually undetectable, and the smart doubleended format features a fine tip for precise application with a foam tip for blending. Its soft-focus effect and immediate radiance leave the skin looking more even and disguise any pigmentation flaws. So you can say “so long” to dilated pores, spots, fine lines, roughness, dark spots and redness. It conceals without drying out the skin, and with continued use can even benefit the complexion since alpha-bisabolol of natural origin is soothing. This is a must-have if you’re striving for that flawless bridal look. £46, www.sisley-paris.com

Red (£14); Lip Tint, Amy Black (£20); Brow Pencil,

flick for

vintage

vibe,

Amy Red

Fashion & Beauty

Q&A

Our local experts answer your questions

SEASONAL SHADES

My hubby-to-be and I are getting married next summer and would like to incorporate the season into my accessories.

Do you have any suggestions?

There are subtle ways to incorporate the season in which you wed into your accessories. For summer, if you’re having a seasonal bouquet, I’d suggest trying to reflect some of the blooms from your bouquet, such as roses or peonies, in your accessories by picking coordinating floraldetailed pieces, like a hair vine or comb. This approach works well for spring weddings too, along with pastel toned accessories.

Meanwhile, for autumn, warm, gold hues reflect the colours of the season, and pure white and sparkling silver are perfect for winter weddings.

Lisa Steane | The Bobby Pin www.thebobbypin.co.uk

GOOD FOUNDATIONS

I have an outdoor job and my skin really suffers in the winter. How can I repair the ravages of the cold and wind in time for my spring wedding?

I would highly recommend Nimue Skin Technology. They have four skin classifications and to determine which one is best suited for your skin type I would suggest booking a consultation with your local Nimue Therapist. The range offers a wide variety of skincare and facials to repair, rejuvenate and replenish your skin to its optimum condition. The results are so impressive they run a 12 week ‘walk down the aisle, foundation free’ challenge.

Charlotte Hawkins | Beauty in Bloom https://beautyinbloom.co.uk

SKIN FOOD

Discover how to achieve that much-desired bridal glow the natural way, through a healthy diet of skin-loving foods

Flawless, blemish-free skin is high on the priority list for many brides wanting to look and feel their big-day best. There’s a world of popular skincare advice out there from variations on the daily three-step routine to alternative products, but the impact that food has on our long-term skin health is often overlooked.

Healthy skin is a sign of a healthy body so it’s worth knowing what foods can help protect, nourish and encourage a gorgeous complexion. County Wedding Magazines’ beauty editor Kelly Andrews chatted to expert nutritionists Minal Sudra and Elizabeth Andrews from Wedding Wellness to find out more. Here, they share their skin-loving food suggestions to help you glow from the inside out.

BERRIES

Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, acia and strawberries are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. A rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, consuming a handful of these little treasures regularly can help reduce oxidative damage that may contribute to signs of ageing. Mix up the colour and types you eat to get a variety of phytonutrients.

OLIVE OIL

Fats are often associated with high cholesterol and weight gain, however certain fats are essential for good health, namely Omega 3 and 6 found in olive oil. With its anti-inflammatory properties it can help to calm damage in the body, boost brain health, contribute to effective hormone production and maintain healthy cell function, while supporting the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it looking dewy and nourished.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Vitamin E is widely used in skincare products due to its powerful antioxidant capabilities. It does this by safely trapping free radicals that otherwise cause damage within the body. By acting as a mediator between harmful substances and our natural defence systems, it can help calm irritation and redness, prevent blemishes and protect against environmental damage. The oils naturally found in sunflower seeds along with other nuts and seeds such as almonds and pumpkin seeds, are a great source of vitamin E for the skin.

CARROTS

The chemical compound or phytonutrient that gives carrots their vibrant colour is known as carotene, a powerful antioxidant. This is a natural form of vitamin A that supports the growth and quality of new cells, contributing to healthy skin cell renewal and helping to achieve that post-facial glow. When eaten with a healthy fat such as butter or olive oil, carrots will help the body to absorb vitamin A more efficiently.

TURMERIC

One of the best-known superfoods, turmeric is a powerhouse of medicinal properties beyond skin care. It’s a great spice to include in meals or hot drinks in the winter to fight against infection.

Interestingly, it’s a traditional custom for an Indian bride to have a paste made with turmeric applied to her skin, helping to promote a calm, natural glow for the main event. Turmeric is also a great natural remedy sometimes used topically to treat skin blemishes and acne.

ROCKET

Rough, dry, congested skin may be a sign of toxin build up. Cruciferous vegetables such as rocket, aid the liver to detoxify the body and help eliminate the build up of toxins that can present as outbreaks on the skin. Dark greens such as rocket also contain chlorophyll, which is also one of the best-known antioxidants found in food, further protecting the skin from breakouts and damage.

CUCUMBER

Foods that are high in water such as cucumber, are a great way to keep the body hydrated. Water helps the body to naturally flush away toxins that can result in breakouts if left harbouring. Water also aids the gut in functioning normally and prevents constipation, which if left unmanaged, has direct implications with the skin. Other foods that are high in water and will help you to help stay hydrated include watermelon, grapefruit, grapes and celery. What’s more, these foods also contain fibre that further support gut health, and vitamin C to help brighten and protect the skin further.

www.wedding-wellness.co.uk

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Wedding Wellness offers bespoke services for brides and couples, to help you reach your health and wellness goals in the lead up to your big day. Always consult a professional if you have any specific skin concerns or medical conditions for personalised support. Check out

Our specialists have been helping satisfied customers from around the world for more than 25 years.

We're now firmly established as the foremost, independent highland outfitters in the North of England, so you know you're going to get the very best support and service every single time.

We supply an impressive range of highland wear... Along with kilts, we stock everything needed to build the perfect highland outfit; from brogues, hose and flashes, to plaids, ties and sporrans.

And we offer a range of both traditional and contemporary stylish jackets, in popular colour options, created to match your individuality, style and personality.

ACT THE support

When it 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 bride and groom, as they’re the stars of the show, it’s likely that they have at least an idea of what their big-day look will be like. But for the rest of the bridal party, where do you begin?

First and foremost, the venue setting and theme of the day is paramount. A long flowing gown for bridesmaids will look out of place in a field getting caught on hedgerows; similarly, the mother-of-the-bride in a bold, tropical print, summer dress may standout again at a stately home wedding with a Bridgerton-inspired theme.

Secondly, the weather. Us British folk like to moan about it and rightly so, because how many sunny days do we actually have each year. The season will, and the inclement weather will dictate not only the fashion choices, 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 more about on-trend fashion choices for 2023 weddings.

#SQUADGOALS

As much as we all love our friendship groups dearly, there’s 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 openminded about the outfits you want them to wear – everyone will then be happy and enjoy the day!

Top trends for maids in 2023 to be inspired by are:

The romance for retro. The ’90s are back, more so the satin slip dress. Although it may not be for every body shape, it’s romantic, elegant, comes in a variety of colours, and is ontrend: satin, spaghetti straps, square necklines – check!

Royal approval. With our love of Bridgerton, The Crown 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!

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Technicolour dreamboat. Gone are the days where all the bridesmaids are in one dress colour and style. The mix and match look is here to stay, and this has evolved into not just colour palettes such as all wearing various shade of blue, but also textures. Your bridal party will look gorgeous in a mix of satin, velvet and sequin – and so will your wedding album!

Colour swatch. Undecided on your colour scheme? Be inspired by these trending bridesmaid dress tones: neutral tones, nude skin tones, black, white and earth tones – venue styling matching these will complete a cohesive look across the day.

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Standout from the crowd. If your bride squad encompasses a bridesman, or sometimes gals simply don’t dig dresses, then why not match your maids in style or colour but opt for a velvet dinner suit jacket, tuxedo, or rock a jumpsuit!

Fashion and accessory ideas for the bridesmaids, mothers and groomsmen

SUITED AND BOOTED

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, as has the more accepting protocols of wedding traditions. Some of our favourite grooms’ looks here at Your Yorkshire Wedding, are those gents rocking their long beards and tattoos, in a pink waistcoat with patterned shirt – oh-so cool, and totally individual. Embrace you!

If you want to keep it classic with a three-piece tail suit and top hat, then that’s your prerogative, but if you want to hone into your inner Harry Styles then it’s your wedding day, so go for it!

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 professional fitted suit, your wedding day is the occasion. The perfect fit is essential for comfort, the 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 SS23 collection then encompass this into your groom look – you need to feel like you! Earth tones: key for bridesmaids and venue styling, this will also be a trend for the men on the day too. Think sand tones, beiges, browns and muted tones. For something a little fresher, go for green palettes. The tux: grooms who adore the traditional tuxedo, can go 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.

Top tips:

In the case of a large and luxurious wedding, it’s better to opt for a tuxedo or tailcoat. 

A wedding in rustic style allows one to put on a countrystyle outfit – a vest, no tie, moccasins, straw hats, etc. 

Whichever style, the groom’s suit is simply obliged to fit perfectly on the figure. If it’s made to order, a good tailor will take care of it anyway. If it’s bought in a store, then if there are any shortcomings, it’s worth contacting a workshop and adjusting it. 

For slender figures of short and medium height, fitted jackets with narrowed trousers can be a good option, and for denser and taller men, a straight cut is suitable. 

In the summer, opt for a light colour and fabric such as silk, satin, cotton, and linen. For winter, wool, corduroy, velvet, corduroy in dark colours can look great! 

Whatever the groom’s outfit may be, it must be in harmony with the bride’s/groom’s style. 

Classic oxfords or derby shoes are a go-to choice for footwear – just make sure they’re comfortable! 

Take your pick of accessories: tie and tie clip, bow tie, scarf, pocket square, cufflinks, ring, bracelet, watch, necklace, pocket watch, hanky, belt, buttonhole. 

Having a best-woman? All the above trends and tips apply to their attire too, work with them to see what they want to wear, and choose it together, perhaps keep a cohesive feature like the colour!

Cristello Bridal is a luxury bridal boutique based in the heart of Yorkshire. With with a wide selection of gowns from many different designers including Aire Barcelona, Adriana Alier, Rachel Allan, Wendy Makin and many more.

Take a walk down our fabulous catwalk and say 'Yes' to becoming a Cristello Crystal.

In your exclusive free 2 hour appointment Lisa and Nicola will work with you to find your dream dress in a friendly, fun and relaxed environment.

Why not continue your celebrations with your bridal party and have a drink (or two) in our very own Gin Bar, The Lounge.

www.cristellobridal.co.u k 6-10 St Marys Street, Penistone, Sheffield, S36 6BR 07554 812635

MUM’S THE WORD

The mothers-of-the-bride and -groom are going to feel under the spotlight along with the rest of the bridal party. This added pressure can feel overwhelming as they may feel a lot older than the bridesmaids and possibly wouldn’t have worn occasionwear for many years. These factors can certainly put the strain on what should be an enjoyable experience. As the bride, 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 short hems so you can look back on the photos for years to come with no regrets.

For many women, no matter their age, we all seem to hate our upper arms. Experimenting with three-quarter-length sleeves, coverups and jackets will keep you feeling confident, can add variety to your look and are perfect for winter weddings too to keep the chill off. Accessories are your best friend when it comes to wedding outfits, you can really finish of a look with a fancy hat or fascinator, 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, that’s having a confidence in who you are and also – 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 in your hips at the table, can you breathe!?

Traditional go-to favourites and modern trends for mums:

Tiered skirts can create a textured effect to a silhouette and excite a plainer style.

All over patterns hide a multitude of sins.

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

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

The colour of 2023? Go for greens!

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.

YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIERS

Bijou Bridal Bouique | https://bijoubridalboutique.com

Bridal Apparel Leeds | www.bridalapparelleeds.co.uk

Cristello Bridal | www.cristellobridal.co.uk

Elena Ferrara | www.elenaferrara.co.uk

Frank Bird | https://frankbird.co.uk

Ivy & Lily | www.theivylily.com

LCMS Group | www.yorkshirekilts.co.uk

LeatherLookLeg | www.leatherlookleg.co.uk

Simply Devine | https://simplydevine.co.uk

Valerie Millinery | www.valeriemillinerycollections.com

Bunny Loves Evie | www.bunnylovesevie.com

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

Fun, games and entertainment for a standout big day

To help make your wedding stand out for all the right reasons, it pays to get the entertainment right. For the happy couple, the big day may go by in a flash, but for family and friends, especially travel-weary guests or those with young children, any lulls in the proceedings can dampen the feelgood factor. To make sure your celebration is one to remember, read on for some handy hints and a snapshot of just some of what’s on offer locally.

TOP TIPS

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

As Shakespeare famously said, ‘If music be the food of love, play on’! The soundtrack to your day can really set the mood and help people get into the spirit of things. Whether it’s a romantic harpist or string quartet playing during the ceremony and post-vows drinks reception or a lively jazz band setting the tone, the music can reflect the style and theme of the wedding and boost the whole atmosphere.



If you’re opting for live music at any stage of the day, before booking try to see the act perform first to be sure it’s the best possible fit for you, your guests, the time and place. Online research and personal recommendations are great, but nothing quite beats a firsthand experience.



Rather than packing all the entertainment into the evening, try spreading it throughout the day. A close-up magician is ideal for helping people to mix and mingle during the drinks reception and if the weather’s fine, outdoor garden games are fun for young and old alike. Pick them to match the style of your wedding, with a coconut shy and hook-the-duck for a country-fete theme or croquet on the lawn for a sophisticated garden-party vibe.

 A prime time for guests to start getting restless is after the ‘I dos’, while the photos are being taken. Why not lay on a few distractions to keep them engaged, like a caricaturist? Not only fascinating to watch, but the drawings also provide a lasting memento.



If you’re tying the knot early in the day, help keep the hunger pangs at bay with a traditional ice cream van, serving up cooling treats before the wedding breakfast or as an alternative to dessert –fabulous for fun wedding photos too.

Throw in a few surprises like singing waiters during the meal, a flash mob dance or choreographed routine with you and your best girls or boys to kick-start the evening party. You could even wow your family and friends with a dazzling first dance by having professional lessons in the run-up to the big day.



Be prepared for a lull while changing over from the daytime events to the evening entertainment. Provide a chillout zone for people to relax and take time out before the party gets underway. A supervised creche or children’s entertainer to keep the little ones amused is also a great idea for parents wanting to cut some moves on the dancefloor.



Trust your professionals – even if you’ve been working on your playlist for ever, if you’re hiring an experienced DJ be open to their expert input, it’s what you pay them for after all! They will know how to work the room and what to play when, to keep the mood buzzing all night.



If you’re having a live band, check if your venue has a sound limiter as nothing puts a dampener on party vibes quite like the power cutting out.



End on a high with a breathtaking fireworks display, if your venue allows, or a sparkler send-off. Even if you have it earlier in the evening, it’s still a great thing to do and the perfect finale for the wedding album.

ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Here in Yorkshire, we’re blessed with a wealth of talented suppliers catering for all your big-day entertainment needs. Choosing businesses close to home makes it easier to develop a personal relationship and build trust so you can relax and enjoy yourself, safe in the knowledge that your celebration is in good hands – happy planning!

https://lucydennisphotography.co.uk

FIT FOR A PRINCESS

Wow your friends and family with one of these beautiful white bouncy castles! Sure to keep the party going! These elegant castles can add a fun spin to any wedding day. If it’s little one’s you’re interested in keeping amused the company also offer a stylish white soft play set and the cutest tipis filled with blankets and cushions for small people to nap, rest and play inside.

www.thebeverleyeventscompany.co.uk

SOUND WAVES

With the beautiful sound of the harp, the experienced, warm and friendly Emma will perform memorable music of your choice for your wedding. The harp is indispensable when it comes to the ceremony, creating an enchanting entrance for the bride. For drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts, couples often request a selection of hand-picked romantic songs, intertwined with delicate classical favourites. https://emmayatesharpist.co.uk

PIMP YOUR PROSECCO!

GinFizz Bar is a self-contained mobile bar, housed in a vintage horse box that’s been cleverly converted to enable speedy chilling of hundreds of bottles of fizz at a time (or lots of beer or tonic, etc., if that’s more your thing!). The bar - and drinks menu - can be customised to suit your event vision and budget and is perfect to cater a hen or stag do, or to rock up to your wedding venue for welcome drinks or outside reception party vibes, or easily handle full bar service for the whole event; it’s entirely up to you how you want to add some fun and fizz to your special event! www.ginfizzbar.co.uk

SNAP HAPPY

Traditionally, disposable cameras have been used at weddings to capture images throughout the day. Technology has now moved on and you can hire a modern digital camera package at a similar cost of disposables with so many more benefits. Place a camera on each of your tables and let your guests snap away. www.takeapic.co.uk

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

Entertainment Nation is a leading supplier of wedding bands, musicians and entertainers. Whether you’re looking for a folkinfused acoustic band, a rousing rock band or a funky soul and Motown band, you’ll discover an act that will ignite your dance floor and create lasting memories. You can’t beat the thrill of live entertainment!

Perhaps you’d like some chilled out background music for your drinks reception or wedding breakfast? Browse through hundreds of acoustic soloists and duos, classical musicians and jazz performers to provide a stunning musical backdrop to your celebrations. They’re also a fabulous choice to accompany your wedding ceremony and give it the magical feel it deserves.

You can also choose from a vast selection of wedding entertainers such as magicians, caricaturists and singing waiters, who’ll delight your guests and help bring your special day to life.

We provide unrivalled customer service and a safe and secure booking process for your peace of mind. www.entertainment-nation.co.uk

BULLSEYE!

BattleAxe Sheffield loves to entertain your guests and have lots of ways to make the set up fun and engaging. You’ll be taught the ways of the Viking (it’s more skill than power) as well as having fun, banter and camaraderie with family and friends.

All packages come with a minimum of two highly trained ‘Axeperts’, throwing range, axes, throwing equipment and safety netting. It’s a great way to fill the gap between the ceremony and evening event and to bring people together. www.battleaxesheffield.co.uk

www.darrensandersonphotography.com

ROLL WITH IT!

What do your guests do between the daytime and evening do or while they're waiting for the photos? What about guests who don’t want to dance all night? Cards or Die brings a massive array of board games to your wedding and helps get people off their screens and connect face to face. There are retro games to reminisce with and modern games to create new memories with. Give them a call to discuss a bespoke selection of games for your guests.

www.cardsordie.com/weddingentertainment

THE SOUND OF STRINGS

and you can even ask for a bespoke arrangement to make your day totally one of a kind!

https://indiarosestrings.com

India Rose Strings is an award-winning string quartet comprised exclusively of young, professional musicians who all hold a degree in music and have an extensive background in performance. When you plan your music with their brilliant cellist and manager, Chloe, it’s stress-free and fun, and all about making your wedding day feel like you. With their impressive repertoire featuring a massive selection of modern, classical and film music, India Rose Strings will have your guests talking about your big day for years to come…

HOT TOPIC

Our local experts solve your wedding dilemmas

www.victoriabakerweddings.co.uk

FLORAL DRAMA

Large floral display hoops and arches are currently very on trend. I’m planning my wedding for 2024, will the trend be here to stay? How do I approach this with my florist?

Yes! This trend is here to stay! Statement pieces really bring that wow factor to your day, especially if your budget isn’t huge and you need to know where to focus the funds. Pair back all the little extras and the unnecessary and go all out with one big floral explosion, that’ll have your guests talking long after your big day is over. I’m a huge lover of a flower cloud, I mean who doesn’t love a giant burst of romantic drama and you don’t get more dramatic than a floating piece of art in the sky.

My biggest advice when talking to my couples is to reuse your florals throughout the day, if you have a big floral arch for your ceremony, why not move this to your top table afterwards for that luxe vibe or use it as a backdrop for guests to take snaps in front of.

Money discussions always seem a bit of a taboo subject but being open and honest with your florist from the beginning of your discussions will really help them to get the most out of your budget and focus on the aspects that you really want and not the things that get lost and unnoticed on the day.

Gem Akrigg | Rock and Wreath www.rockandwreath.co.uk

A WARM WELCOME

I’m looking at historic venues, however, my mum keeps questioning whether it’ll be warm enough! I’m wearing a strapless dress and I know she’s just being thoughtful but what questions should I ask the venues beforehand?

My husband and I just love the romance and history behind some of Yorkshire’s amazing monuments!

We have a lot of weddings which take place in the autumn and winter as it’s very romantic with its large open fires and braziers. The castle does get cold in these months, however there are a few things we do to ensure the comfort of our guests just like other historic venues will also do. We hire in heaters to warm the rooms and we also have the fires lit in good time. The warming glow and ambience is all part of the romance of the day. The doors to each area are closed as much as possible to ensure the warm air doesn’t escape. Talk to the wedding team and I’m sure they’ll ease yours (and your mum’s!) mind.

Many of our couples have been able to capture their day with dramatic photographs in areas around the castle and are always able to find a nice warm fire to come and sit by afterwards.

Jacqueline

Naylor | Bolton Castle https://boltoncastle.co.uk

WHATEVER THE WEATHER

How can we capture amazing outdoor pictures at our December wedding if the weather turns bad?

I love photographing December weddings - lots of festive cheer, twinkly fairylights and beautiful deep colours! You can’t predict the weather at any time of the year in the UK, but one thing we know for sure is that December has the shortest daylight hours. My number one piece of advice would be to book an earlier ceremony if you can, 1pm is ideal! This will give you more time options for outdoor photos in case of bad weather. Other things to bear in mind are that it’ll undoubtedly be cold outside, so consider wearing a wrap or a stole over your dress or you could wear a dress with long sleeves. Also, talk to your photographer to get a plan in the event of bad weather.

My go to wet weather options are:

1) I always carry a pair of clear umbrellas in my car to weddings in case of a downpour.

2) I sometimes position the couple and/or bridal party in the doorway of the venue so they are sheltered (I’ll be outside but under a golf umbrella!).

3) I make sure I’ve scouted the venue for suitable indoor options too in case it really is just too bad for outdoor photos.

The main thing is that whatever the weather decides to do, you have a wonderful day and you get some beautiful memories captured.

Hannah Brooke

https://hannahbrookephotography.co.uk

THE PERFECT MEDI-PEDI

SAVE THE DATE!

We’re looking for gorgeous stationery for our wedding, but we’re not sure what style to go for or what we should be asking our suppliers – help!

There’s no denying that save the dates and invitations are the window to the wedding, the first little peek into what your guests might expect from your big day, the point where your wedding vision starts to become a reality.

We know that every couple, and by extension every wedding, is completely different. That’s why having a colour scheme, flowers, wedding season, location and theme in mind, whether that’s traditional, modern or themed, will help us in helping you determine stationery that’s totally ‘you’!

Most couples spend hours browsing the web for big day inspo, from wedding blogs to Pinterest boards, and we recommend bringing that inspiration to your supplier. This will help us piece together your design vision and ensure we’re able to envision your dream aesthetic.

Our design team works closely with couples to ensure their wedding stationery is perfect, from save the dates to invitations, favour tags, placeholders and more. Customers are often happy to work from the opinion of our knowledgeable graphic team, offering advice on design to paper type, luxury embellishments and finishing options.

It’s also worth considering whether your design will work with your desired paper type and whether you have any constraints surrounding size and, if unsure, ask for paper samples before you commit to placing an order.

Zoey Robins | Aura Print www.aura-print.com

I’m always on my feet for my job and I know I need to take care of my feet before the big day. What can I do to help with the dry skin build up?

The position of callus and hard skin on the foot is dependent on specific gait related issues including pressure and weight distribution through standing and walking etc. Being on your feet for long periods of time builds pressure to these areas, causing hard skin and callus to develop. Hard skin on the feet can be unsightly and cause pain and fissures or cracks in the skin.

For foot care and maintenance leading up to your wedding day, hard skin can be removed at home with the use of a good foot file before a bath or shower when the skin is dry, followed by daily use of a lotion such as the Margaret Dabbs London Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion. The wearing of cushioned and comfort insoles will help to reduce the friction and pressure, helping to prevent the formation of hard skin and the daily use of the foot lotion will work to visibly reduce hard skin build up by softening the skin, thereby reducing the pressure, which in turn reduces the development of hard skin.

A medical pedicure with a qualified Podiatrist two to four weeks before your big day and a beauty pedicure and toenail paint with your manicure on the eve of your wedding and honeymoon will ensure your feet are in tip top condition.

Margaret Dabbs | CEO & founder

www.margaretdabbs.co.uk

Last year, Rotary Watches partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to launch the hugely successful 1IN8 watch, a limited edition timepiece that drew attention to how one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Now, Rotary Watches has introduced the next chapter in its twoyear partnership with the men’s health charity: the Limited Edition 1IN4 watch.

Designed to raise awareness, the new Limited Edition 1IN4 watch has been launched in collaboration with property expert, writer and TV presenter, Kunle Barker.

With only 1,000 pieces made, Rotary will donate 10 per cent + VAT from the sale of every 1IN4 watch to Prostate Cancer UK, which will go towards helping more men understand their prostate cancer risk and what they can do about it.

The Limited Edition 1IN4 is available at www.rotarywatches.com

Hop from Barbados to India and across to Thailand with the 24 Days of Rum advent calendar. Hidden behind the calendar’s 24 doorways are 20ml glass bottles of premium rum – the perfect treat for the groom-to-be. To set you up for a month of tantalising tipples, also included in the box are two glasses and a tasting sheet for keeping note of your favourite rums.

You will also have access to the interactive micro-site which provides background on the production processes as well as the rum’s country of origin, ABV and age. You can also get involved by rating each rum and taking part in interactive discussions and Q&As.

Find out more at www.24daysofrum.com

Grooms’

Grooms editor Melissa Cullen reveals the latest best buys and product

launches

The new Seiko

Presage

Craftsmanship Series includes the beautiful Urushi Dial Watch which comes with a limited edition green dial. Inspired by the Kenrokuen Gardens, a vast and beautiful space located in the heart of Kanazawa, Japan, this watch blends history and artistry to create a special design ideal for someone’s special day.

The enamel dial was used on Japan’s first wristwatch and the high-quality texture captures a feeling of warmth from its soft sheen. Visit www.seikoboutique.co.uk for more information.

Thayers Natural Remedies’ toner is now available in Britain. It’s known and loved for its skin balancing and hydrating properties, as well as for its natural approach and herbal infusions. Suitable for all skin types, the carefully curated collection of alcohol-free toners and mists have each been made with 98 per cent natural origin ingredients, and they’re all certified cruelty

Not only are Thayer’s products clinically proven to be non-comedogenic and gentle, but they also provide all-day hydration and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier – as well as promising to never dry skin out. Each product has undergone a clinical study by dermatologists, proving that they’re effective and non-irritating for most skin types.

The alcohol-free toner collection is launching in the UK in a variety of scents, including rose petals, cucumber and coconut.

Visit www.instagram.com/thayersnatural for more information.

Tom Ford Beauty has announced its new Enigmatic Woods Collection.

Made up of three scents, Santal Blush, Bois Marocain and Ébène Fumé, each is designed to celebrate ancient and treasured woods.

Santal Blush is a textured fusion of sandalwood and spices enhanced with luxe ylang ylang and warm cinnamon.

The stimulating Bois Marocain evokes the earthy treasure of Thuya wood and the artisans who sculpt with the mystical material. Known for its molten aroma, the scent uncoils powerfully, facetted with the spicy freshness of pink peppercorn and cedarwood.

Ébène Fumé is a meditative scent that celebrates the essence of Palo Santo. Smokestoked by the warm elegance of cistus, black pepper, and notes of ebony wood, captured in sleek, sublime notes of leather.

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

The latest seasonal must-haves for the groom-to-be

Favourbrook, Winnington Midnight Jacket, £1,100, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, White Poplin Cotton Wedding Shirt, £125, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Black Douppion Bow Tie, £75, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Midnight Hampton Wool Flat Front Dress Trousers, £260, www.favourbrook.com

Tateossian Cufflinks, £229, www.tateossian.com

Red and White Floral Patterned Tie, £17, www.azazie.com

Tommy Hilfiger Watch, £189, www.watchshop.com

Unisex Calvin Klein Watch, £179, www.watchshop.com

Taylor & Wright Surrey Slim Fit Suit Waistcoat, £28, www.matalan.co.uk

Favourbrook, Burgandy Velvet Newport Jacket, £650, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Burgandy Velvet Cotton Flat Front Trouser, £240, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, White Poplin Cotton Wedding Shirt, £125, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Black Douppion Bow Tie, £75, www.favourbrook.com

Fox & Chave Wellington Boots Silk Tie, £35, www.foxandchave.com

Man & Bear Personalised Brass and Walnut Cufflinks, £85, www.manandbear.co.uk

M&Co Men’s Brown Reversible Belt, £18, www.mandco.com

Dune London Burnished Leather Monk Shoes, £125, www.dunelondon.com

Jaeger Black Smart Trousers, www.jaeger.co.uk

WIN A MINI-MOON WORTH UP TO

GuestHouse is an independent hospitality group renowned for its one-off, wonder-filled hotels. Home to relaxing suites and bedrooms, heavenly spas and never-tried-that-before dishes, the hotels have a few things in common, but always guarantee their own unique charm varied by the cities they’re a part of.

Recently awarded Best City Hotel by The Good Hotel Guide, No.15 by GuestHouse in Bath, Somerset, is a boutique property occupying a trio of Grade I listed town houses in a Georgian terrace. Home to eclectic rooms with a touch of whimsy, the 36-bedroom townhouse is located on one of Bath’s grandest streets in one of Britain’s greatest cities. Full of heritage and vibrant creative spirit, the hotel reflects its location in its interior design, art and objects steal and entertain the eye. The bar and restaurant offer something different yet decidedly British, the spa nurtures real relaxation, and the hotel’s hosts making sure every guest feels happy and at home. There’s a record player in every room along with a record library in the hotel – perfect for recreating your first dance on your honeymoon!

Heading North of the country, No.1 by GuestHouse is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the noble city of York just a 10-minute walk from York Minster. Inside, you’ll find lovable bedrooms, a locally inspired restaurant and a seriously soothing spa. The building is a Grade II listed Regency townhouse of stately proportions and headturning façade. It has huge, dreamy sash windows, high ceilings, a

sweeping central staircase, and ivy around the door. Its grand-but-friendly face is full of charm. Inside you’ll find pantries stocked full of treats for the taking, great restaurant food throughout the day, delicious drinks from the bar, a spa centered on bespoke therapies and a straight-from-the-heart warm welcome.

GuestHouse hotels are perfect not only for couples, but kids and furry friends to boot! Youngest guests have been carefully thought about to keep them entertained and happy with things like in-room tipi hideouts, their very own goodies menu and out-and-about instant cameras to use. Check out www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

THE PRIZE

County Wedding Magazines’ readers have the chance to win a twonight stay with breakfast at No.1 York or No.15 Bath including: a bottle of English sparkling wine on arrival, sparkling afternoon tea for two on one day, pre-dinner cocktails and dinner for two with a bottle of wine one evening, and a GuestHouse signature spa treatment for two.

To win, answer this following question and head online to enter at www.youryorkshire.wedding

The YorkshirePerfectWedding

Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club provides a romantic setting in the rolling Yorkshire countryside for the wedding of your dreams. Set in 200 acres of stunning grounds, our hotel offers a picturesque setting with splendid banqueting rooms. The historic charm of our hotel will add a touch of luxury to your day. Whether you’re planning an intimate event, or you choose to go for grand, invite your special guests to Hollins Hall, where your celebration will be remembered forever.

Hollins Hall Hotel & Country Club | Hollins Hall, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QW Tel: (+44) 1274 534272 | Email: weddings762@theelitevenueselection.co.uk Facebook | Instagram @HollinsHall

Travel editor Melissa Cullen reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials

HONEYMOONNews

ATHENS, GREECE

The newly-opened Gatsby Athens Hotel brings a new lease of life and avant-garde design to a previously derelict building in the historical centre of Athens. Adding a renewed energy to the Greek capital, this contemporary boutique hotel balances sophisticated design and personalised, attentive service with exciting food, beverage and entertainment offerings.

First opening in Autumn 2021, Gatsby Athens Hotel has become Athens’ premium gathering place. The all-day restaurant is the main social hub of the hotel, and the rooftop garden offers a casual-cool vibe, welcoming couples to dine with stunning panoramic views and a glimpse of the Acropolis.

All rooms provide state-of-the-art technology, smart TVs or tablets, Alexa devices, king-sized beds, walk-in showers, in-room bathtubs, luxury linen, bathrobes and impressive artwork. Upgraded rooms come with a Juliet balcony or terrace with a private seating area, an outdoor cinema and hot tub.

Discover more at www.gatsbyathens.com

TAMPA, FLORIDA

The Tampa EDITION, a new hotel in Florida, is the city’s first five-star experience, revealing a high level of sophistication, originality and design alongside the personal, intimate, and individual experience that the EDITION brand is known for.

Spread over 26 stories, there are 172 rooms and 38 private residences, a rooftop terrace with a pool, an expansive spa and wellness facility, a fitness center, and seven bars and restaurants, including a signature offering from Michelin-starred chef, John Fraser.

From the outside, The Tampa EDITION is a striking addition to the Water Street Tampa neighbourhood, its combination of industrial elements, Art Deco-inspired curves and lush greenery seamlessly blends into the neighbourhood’s organic, wellness-focused ethos. Defined by a vertical tower which houses the residences, with wraparound balconies that update the traditional idea of a Florida room, and an outdoor garden in the sky, the building is anchored by the lower nine floors, which comprise of the hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces.

Check out www.editionhotels.com/tampa for more information.

CRETE, GREECE

Situated on Crete’s tranquil coast, CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa is launching a new mini-moon package for newlyweds seeking a laid-back romantic retreat to begin married life. The three-night stay includes dining on a gourmet Cretan cuisine by candlelight, an indulgent couples’ spa treatment inspired by ancient Greek wellness practices and a traditional Melokarido ritual with walnuts and honey, all while staying in a spacious room with a private pool overlooking the shimmering Mirabello Bay.

Couples at CAYO can enjoy the resort at their own pace, away from the crowds of Crete thanks to the hotel’s design, which prioritises privacy and seclusion. Each room and suite feature its own serene pool, set on a spacious outdoor terrace with views over the glistening Mediterranean. Rooms are accessed by private entrances, and couples can enjoy a romantic in-room breakfast courtesy of the resort’s 24-hour room service. Visit www.cayoresort.com for more information.

MÉRIBEL, FRANCE

Exclusive to the Fish&Pips collection, Chalet Le Cygne is a new four-bedroom apartment perfectly located to access the centre of Meribel and Courchevel.

The contemporary alpine apartment sleeps eight guests comfortably with plenty of spacious communal areas and boasts a sauna, private hammam, underfloor heating throughout and breathtaking panoramic mountain views.

Head over to www.fishandpips.co.uk/chalets/chalet-le-cygne for more information.

Nikolas Koenig

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, located in the heart of the city, is in the final stage of an extensive renovation as part of its transition to join the luxury hotel brand. The hotel’s refurbished rooms and suites embrace a contemporary style with Anantara signature touches, whilst celebrating Dutch heritage and the infamous canals. The interior sees the guest rooms and suites swathed in luxury tones and soft, tactile fabrics that create warmth and texture.

In keeping with Anantara’s wellness philosophies, the new Anantara Spa offers a warm, local welcome with premium products. With its relaxation area overlooking the Summer Garden, a charming outdoor space tucked away within the hotel, the spa’s design is influenced by the country’s costal dunes, with tranquil interiors incorporating natural wood and stone to help guests achieve the utmost state of relaxation.

The hotel’s team has created a programme of local experiences that enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the rich culture. Whether it be uncovering Amsterdam’s best kept culinary hideaways or exploring the wonderful fishing village of Volendam, couples will be spoilt for choice.

For more info, visit www.anantara.com/en/grand-hotel-krasnapolsky-amsterdam

HUA HIN, THAILAND

Regarded as one of the best resort hotels in Southeast Asia and the 35th best place to stay in the world according to the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022, the new Standard, Hua Hin is the brand’s first seaside retreat in Thailand. Nestled in a lush landscape and tropical environment on Hua Hin’s most famous beach strip, the hotel boasts a fresh, contemporary and mid-century design.

With a colourful collection of 199 rooms, suites, and villas, ranging from standard to private pool villas, couples can enjoy an enticing range of food and beverages. The resort also offers one-of-a-kind culinary and cocktail experiences at four on-site restaurants and bars, seamlessly paired with an innovative spa program that melds the traditional with the alternative.

Wellness is at the heart of The Standard, Hua Hin, offering individuals a hideaway haven to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy a range of treatments to reinvigorate the senses. All done in an effortless and playful environment, the spa offers a serene but colourful setting where guests can choose from a variety of experiences that incorporate traditional Thai elements, but also fun moments such as the Mud Lounge, where couples can cover themselves in healing clay.

Visit www.standardhotels.com for more information.

SURREY, UK

After a short time away, The Drummond at Albury has opened its doors once again with a new menu. This classic English inn, situated in the village of Albury in the heart of the glorious Surrey Hills, is officially welcoming new and old faces alike back to its sociable bar, interior and freshly-landscaped riverside garden.

“The beauty of The Drummond is that you can pull up a chair literally anywhere, inside or out, and enjoy a bite to eat, a well-made cocktail or a glass of awardwinning wine from our extensive list,” says general manager, Dan Arrow. “We serve inventive dishes made with quality ingredients that are inspired by the seasons from our talented head chef, Abi Sims.”

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Blue Apple Beach, a boutique hotel and beach club on the island of Tierra Bomba, Colombia, is now offering couples the chance to discover the enchanting city of Cartagena from its beach-side base. At the forefront of current trends, the property’s twin city and beach experience has been thoughtfully created for those who are eager to hit the road as the world enters a new era of exploration. Ranging from urban culinary journeys to active beach adventures, this new immersive programme captures the essence of Cartagena whilst allowing couples to connect with nature, discover the local culture and participate in responsible tourism from the nearby island of Tierra Bomba.

Only a 30-minute speedboat ride from the city, couples can enjoy the best of Cartagena’s fantastic boutiques, restaurants and cafes, not to mention the vibrant nightlife. Whilst being a veritable playground for hip travellers who enjoy a lively social scene, Blue Apple Beach by night is a calm respite from buzzing Cartagena, staying cool, calm and collected amid the city buzz. Its golden beach, extensive amenities and superb beach club are the perfect combination for those wanting a carefree honeymoon.

Discover more at www.blueapplebeach.com

The Drummond at Albury is open now for breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between. There are also 11 newly-refurbished rooms that are perfect for a short stay away in the tranquillity of the Surrey Hills.

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

The Standard

THE LAKES In love with

A myriad of delights lie in wait in The Lake District for UK honeymooners

The four-star Belsfield Hotel, located mere moments from the charming town centre in Bowness-on-Windermere, exudes class, sophistication and historical splendour. From its enviable spot on the banks of Lake Windermere, there can surely be nowhere better to enjoy the rest, relaxation and beauty of the area cocooned in sheer luxury. Whether you’re looking for an active honeymoon break filled with hiking and outdoor adventure; or a peaceful, romantic escape, the Hotel offers the perfect base. County Wedding Magazines’ deputy managing editor, Kelly Andrews, paid a visit to find out more.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Lake District is a long old drive from CWM’s Essex HQ, so the eventual sight of The Belsfield’s impressive facade, was welcome indeed. The perfect marriage of the historical and ultra-modern immediately had my attention. We were met in the car park by charming hotel porter Sean, who gave us one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever received and kindly waited for us to check in before showing us up to our room. He wouldn’t hear of us carrying even one item of luggage, so we knew within the first moments of our stay that we were going to be in good hands here. Sean’s wasn’t the only welcome we received though, as Lake

Windermere itself already had this in hand. The moment we set foot inside the reception area, it became immediately obvious to me why its architect chose to construct it from glass, anything else would have been a travesty. My breath was literally taken away. Through the open double doors directly opposite me was one of the most incredible views I’ve ever witnessed. The vast expanse of the Lake glistening in the late summer sunshine and the rolling hills and peaks partially shrouded in mist. I didn’t want to tear my eyes away, so it was fortunate indeed that we’d been treated to one of The Belsfield’s showstopping suites complete with Lake view.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Mum and I were like kids in a sweet shop once Sean had wished us a pleasant stay, closed the door of our suite behind him and left us, such were the levels of excitement already reached thanks to our stunning surroundings – both inside and out. By the time reception called to ask if everything was ok, we’d already decided we wanted to move in... permanently! While the best way I can think to describe it is a home away from home, that’s not entirely accurate as I can only dream that my home was this stylish and luxurious! Indeed, each of the designer rooms features elegant furnishings and delightful fabrics. From the oversized sofa and antiqued chest coffee table, to the oh-so comfortable super king size bed and huge TV, we were hooked. I’d only just managed to tear myself away from the window and that view when it was time to head down for dinner.

A TASTE OF THE LAKE DISTRICT

Dining at The Belsfield Restaurant & Brasserie offers a treat for the taste buds. A fine-dining experience sure to delight even the most committed of foodies, the varied and flavour-packed menu includes such seasonal dishes as butternut squash and pine nut pithivier; slow braised shoulder of lamb; and spring pea and goats cheese risotto.

Like everything else here, dinner is an experience. The staff excel at making their guests feel welcome and like VIPs. Shown to a table in the box bay window, surely the best seat in the house, we settled into our armchair-like seats looking out at that incredible view as we ate. As is the case throughout the hotel, the muted, neutral tones of the décor in the restaurant play a huge part in its calming vibe and don’t compete with the

idyllic surroundings, where Mother Nature does all the talking. As the sun set behind the hills and mist rolled in over the Lake we opened our menus and sipped our wine, the stresses of the motorway now a distant memory.

I opted to start my meal with the crispy pork belly with black pudding and cider cream sauce – so good I ordered it again the following night! This was followed by the main course of Cumberland sausage with whole grain mustard mash, pickled red cabbage and red wine jus. Being a cheese fanatic, I finished with a selection of local and British cheeses, which were paired with artisan biscuits, chutney, celery and grapes. But sweet treats on the menu included glazed lemon tart, date pudding and strawberry and mascarpone cheesecake. Every mouthful was a joy and the service was impeccable.

Located at the heart of the hotel is the glamorous Lounge Bar. With a warm and inviting ambience it also boasts a suite of further immaculately decorated lounges, where you can take your drink and relax overlooking Lake Windermere. That’s just what we did as we made the most of the last rays of sunshine dancing on the Lake and enjoying our extremely delicious chocolatinis (vanilla vodka, Baileys and crème de cacao –highly recommended). The smallest of the lounges we found boasted décor that reminded me of a stately home’s study. I could imagine Austen’s Mr Bennett sitting there reading a book while taking refuge from Mrs Bennett’s ‘nerves.’

Breakfast too is served in the restaurant. A welcome combination of continental self service and hot food table service, the first meal of the day is just the sort of hearty fare you’d hope to fill up on before heading out for a day exploring. Again it bears repeating how great the staff are. We were looked after by the lovely Dominika, who put a smile on our faces with her friendly manner.

THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

After a restful night’s sleep we headed out of the Hotel via it’s rear terrace, which brings you straight out to Bowness’ waterfront, where we boarded a steamer for a half-lake cruise. Windermere Lake Cruises offers an extensive programme of options when it comes to cruising the lake, whether you want the scenic option, the full tour or island exploration. There are also combined tickets where you can incorporate another attraction. We opted for the cruise and steam train, which allowed us to see and experience much of the local area in the short amount of time we had. The steamer let us off at the Lakeside Pier and we took The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Heritage Railway to its terminus in Haverthwaite. Here, there’s a station tea room and gift shop, which we enjoyed before heading back to make our connection back at the pier.

We returned to Bowness and jumped in the car to Hill Top in Sawrey near Hawkshead, the 17th-century farmhouse once home to Beatrix Potter. It was the house she bought with the royalties from the first of her books, The Tale of Peter Rabbit and is well worth a visit. Not only is the house a time capsule containing many of the author’s belongings, the village itself offers a picture-perfect spot for a romantic stroll.

Keen for more of Miss Potter we wended our way back around the Lake to the opposite side and Bowness. A mere five-minute walk from

The Belsfield you’ll find The World of Beatrix Potter. Primarily a family attraction it’s nevertheless well worth a visit for bigger kids for whom the tales of Peter and friends occupy a special place in the heart. These enchanting stories are brought to life in a magical recreation of the characters and their antics as you get to meet many of the famous furry faces we all know and love from our childhoods.

Welcomed back to the hotel by charming manager Mark, who was surprised to hear about all that we’d packed into one day, I realised just how much I appreciated the location. Another string to The Belsfield’s bow is its location – right in the centre of Windermere’s eastern shore it’s at the heart of the action and with so much to see and do within easy reach. So, it’s definitely possible to get the most out of your honeymoon here whatever you decide to make of it.

With hearts heavy at the thought of leaving the hotel we’d fallen head over heels in love with, we bundled our luggage into the car the following morning and made for home, having resolved to be back at the first possible opportunity.

STEEPED IN HISTORY

Built in the 19th century for the Baroness Von Sternberg, the building’s most well-known former owner was Henry Schneider, director of the steel works at Barrow, the Barrow Flax and Jute Works and the Barrow Shipbuilding Company, who established his country residence at the Belsfield in 1869. His departure from the house early each morning was preceded by his butlers and staff descending the lawns to the lakeside carrying the entree dishes for his English Breakfast.

The house became a hotel in 1892 and between 1910 and 1911 drastic alterations were made, when an entire storey was added between the existing first and second floors. During the Second World War the Hotel was requisitioned as a training centre for WRAF officers.

Pure luxury

After hearing about The Belfry Hotel & Resort, an award-winning hotel in the heart of Sutton Coldfield with three world-class golf courses, 300+ bedrooms, multiple restaurants and a luxurious spa, I was excited to experience it first-hand.

The host of The Ryder Cup four times, more than any other venue in the world, The Belfry Hotel & Resort has gone down in history as the backdrop to some extremely notable golf moments and has hosted its fair share of famous names and faces. Less than 10 miles from Birmingham Airport, International Train Station, Alexander Stadium and Birmingham’s NEC, it’s surrounded by prominent local landmarks, and is in a prime position for any travelling guests who need a place to lay their heads.

A ROYAL WELCOME

Walking through the double doors, I was met with a stunning entrance adorned with rich fabrics and beautiful floral displays. Walking past the generous amount of guest seating, the white portico pillars and vibrant yellow neon sign for the Brabazon Bar, I couldn’t take my eyes off the quirky chandelier that was taking centre stage.

The very helpful Ryan, who was working at the check-in desk, detailed exactly where we needed to go to find our room. As we walked through

the wood-claded corridors lined with busy event and conference suites, we found the lift up to the second floor in search of the Presidential Suite. The largest and most impressive of all their overnight accommodation, the suite offers a family-sized living room complete with comfortable sofas, a dining table, a mini-kitchen space with all the comforts of home, and two separate balconies with views of the world-class golf courses.

The bedroom had luxurious plush armchairs, a desk, a luscious kingsized bed, and quite possibly the biggest en-suite bathroom I’ve ever seen! Equipped with his and hers wash basins, a free-standing bath, a spacious shower cubicle, and two separate toilets, it’s safe to say you won’t be waiting for your turn to use the bathroom.

REST AND RELAXATION

Picking up our swim bags, we headed to the spa to try out the Fire & Ice Experience. Here, Michelle gave us a guided tour through the varied selection of 12 bio thermal rooms, all designed to enhance your mood and invigorate the senses. Knowing that this spa had been named a finalist in the Best Day Spa category for the Good Spa Guide Awards 2022, I was excited for the experience to begin. Starting with a foot spa and moving through the hot and cold steam, sauna, and shower rooms,

Beth Morton and her hubby visited The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield

we experienced both the shock and delight that came with such extreme temperatures – it was divine! Our personal favourites were the Igloo Room, which offers chilled walls and an ever-filling ice bucket for a body massage, and the Aroma and Crystal Steam Rooms, both heavenlyscented spaces designed to cleanse and purify.

From here, we popped down to the iconic Brabazon Bar, which was crowned winner of the Hotel Bar of the Year category at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2022, for a cheeky cocktail (or three) and found ourselves transported back in time. The bar, rich in bottle green leathers with portico pillars, showcases a breathtaking raised glass ceiling that is a sight to behold.

READY, SET, PLAY!

After hearing numerous tales of woe from my husband about how he’s always the worst player on his group golfing trips, we both jumped at the chance of hitting a few golf balls at the driving range.

Despite the brilliant Toptracer technology allowing us to see our flight paths and providing data to work on our swing technique, it’s safe to say that we won’t be challenging Tiger Woods to a match any time soon!

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

The Belfry Hotel & Resort offers an impressive selection of restaurants, each a little different from the other, and we were lucky enough to dine in the fabulous Ryder Grill. The buffet here is one of the most deliciouslooking and gourmet-sounding selections I’d ever seen, but since my hubby is lactose-intolerant and vegetarian, we decided to choose from the à la carte menu.

Having made our selections, we were treated to a stunning salmon, beetroot, and wasabi starter adorned with edible flowers and a vibrant carpaccio of tomatoes. The main course, generous in size, was a seared sea trout with garlic potatoes and a very artistic fennel bhaji. The highlight of the meal was the extra dessert that our wonderful waitress Annie brought out when she realised we were struggling to decide. We scoffed a chocolate torte, a cheese selection and a sticky toffee banana bread – yum!

Our night ended on a high after we made our way back to our Presidential Suite and fell into blissful slumbers in a bed that felt lighter than air.

We had a wonderful time at The Belfry Hotel & Resort and are looking forward to coming back soon!

BOOK IT

The Belfry Hotel & Resort, www.thebelfry.com

Greece is

Santorini is often referred to as the supermodel of the Greek islands and I can see why. Surrounded by the inviting Aegean Sea, it’s reached by direct flights from the UK or a short 45-minute flight from Athens Airport. It can also be accessed by boat from Piraeus Port for island-hopping honeymooners wanting to escape to the sun. On arrival, Europe’s most glamorous getaway greets visitors with unbeatable views and the famous white-washed landscape dotted with the instantly recognisable blue domes on the many chapels and churches that are perched on the steep Caldera cliffs.

VILLA WITH A VIEW

Hidden down an accessible track off the main road linking the Insta-worthy town of Oia to the capital, Fira, sits Villa Mellow, one of more than 500 luxury vacation rental villas located in a choice of more than 25 dreamy destinations offered by The Greek Villas. Promising privacy, it’s perfect for honeymooners wanting to get away from it all. The authentic architectural design is built in the island’s signature style with sunny bursts of yellow cheerfully decorating the exterior. The fully furnished interior enjoys a pop-art vibe created through playful splashes of colour in the living room, on the mezzanine level (which provides a great snug area) and in the kitchen. It sleeps up to six people in three spacious bedrooms with the master one (which was my weekend hideout) commanding unrivalled sea views and doors leading to the patio. It’s the perfect place if you want to enjoy a family-moon or holiday with friends.

I couldn’t wait to take a dip in the heated infinity swimming pool and outdoor hot tub, both perched on the cliff edge, and laze on the comfortable sun loungers perfectly placed to admire the view stretching across to the town of Imerovigli. There’s even a spectacular wedding arch above the

patio for couples wishing to marry in Greece and enjoy their honeymoon at the villa (civil ceremonies can take place here with up to 70 guests seated around it and music and dancing can be enjoyed into the early hours).

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Eager to explore, I headed straight to the tourist hotspot of Oia to witness one of the world-renowned sunsets I had heard so much about. To grab a great spot at the ruins of the castle of Agios Nikolaos or beside the Glitzy Windmill, be prepared to set off early. Don’t forget the essentials - a glass of Ouzo (a Greek aperitif) or a local beer!

The winding narrow marble streets in Oia are home to high-end restaurants, traditional tavernas and designer boutiques and the best time to visit is in May or October when it isn’t too crowded. Visitors wanting to hike from here to Fira can follow the 6.5-mile path (stopping for a picnic or lunch at the Avocado restaurant for some tasty Mediterranean cuisine) while those looking for a more laid-back vacation (yes, that’s me!) can hire a car or a quad (or even book a one-hour donkey ride) to see this volcanic island.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

I was very impressed by the private 24-hour, hotel-standard service at the villa meaning that I didn’t need to lift a finger. My host was Michael who prepared a fresh Greek breakfast every morning that I enjoyed outside on the patio (dinner cooked on-site in the outdoor oven was also an option).

Those

Gino and Fred Go Greek is another option but getting there isn’t for the faint-hearted with the main access being down more than 270 steps. It’s well worth it though to dine on the crystal-clear water’s edge surrounded by traditional fishing boats. A highlight for me was the cuttlefish, homemade tzatziki and saganaki.

Party-lovers should head to Fira while those wanting another spectacular sunset from a different angle across Fira and Oia should book a table at the recently opened wine bar and restaurant Madame Sousou located in Pyrgos where they make their own wine (and gin) and serve tasty small tapas plates chosen around the wine varieties. The wine cellar itself is impressive, built into a cave. Also in Pyrgos is the vintage-inspired Agaze bistro and deli offering traditional greek flavours in a cosy atmosphere.

Editor Claire Ridley spent the summer in Santorini and Athens

wanting to enjoy some fine dining in Oia can do so at the Black Rock Restaurant. Katina Fish Tavern at Ammoudi Beach, as featured in the television show Gordon,

From the moment I arrived in Athens, a three-and-a-half hour flight from London, the energy of this bustling city greeted me. A myriad of vibrant streets crammed with landmarks promised to fill my Insta feed, from the iconic Acropolis of Athens (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre) to the Plaka district, the oldest in Athens that lies beneath the Acropolis where the cobbled streets are filled with eclectic shops and rooftop restaurants. Being a shopper, I loved the boutiques in the fashion district and the markets (especially the flea market, where a romantic mix of old meets new). May is a great time to visit when the weather is warm (the average temperature is 25 degrees) but the intense heat of the summer hasn’t yet descended.

PERFECT PAMPER

After a busy day spent sightseeing, I was booked into the SPA Suite, an oasis of calm in the middle of this bustling mecca offering an extensive treatment menu. With a focus on wellness, I felt rejuvenated after a relaxing full-body massage using Elemis products followed by a steam bath. There’s also a 24-hour Gym Suite, where guests can enjoy pilates and rooftop yoga is also offered.

A WARM WELCOME

Nestled in the heart of this capital city opposite Old Parliament House sits the five-star hotel xenodocheio Milos. I was excited to visit this boutique property, a food destination which is the first luxury gastronomy hotel of the world-renowned Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos. It boasts 43 stylish rooms and suites including the 501 Milos Terrace Suite which was my home-from-home for the night. The highlight of this wonderful space is the private rooftop terrace complete with a jacuzzi and far-flung views, the ideal spot to soak up summer in the city.

DINE IN STYLE

The Estiatorio Milos restaurant situated on the ground floor of this popular hotel is well-known on the Athens dining scene for its fantastic Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant offers private dining events, an all-day al fresco sidewalk cafe bar located just outside on the terrace and there’s

soon to be an oyster bar. It has sister properties in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Cabos, Montreal and London where the extensive seafood menu tantalises tastebuds with delicious dishes made using only the freshest and finest ingredients from the Greek islands. Founder and chef Costas Spiliadis has personally chosen the fishermen and farmers to work with. A highlight for me was the sashimi and ceviche followed by the lightly fried zucchini and eggplant before the grilled fish of the day was served. For dessert, I tucked into a mouth-watering bitter chocolate tartrate served with homemade cream washed down with a glass of delicious Cretan Vorinos wine.

DID YOU KNOW?

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The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership* is £22 ex VAT (£26.40 inc VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership* is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT).

To join and start saving please provide one piece of business evidence for Trade membership, or for Individual membership your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employment, PLUS one piece of photographic identification for both memberships.

Diamonds, pearls and gemstones are stocked in all of our warehouses and online. Choose from earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces with the confidence that the quality and value of Costco jewellery is unsurpassed. All diamond jewellery is set in 14ct or 18ct gold or platinum with a minimum clarity of VS2 and minimum colour I.

1.60ctw Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Pendant, 14ct White Gold Princess Cut Channel Set Diamond Eternity Ring, Platinum Costco Sheffield, Unit 8 The Parkway, 1 Parkway Drive, Sheffield S9 4WU T: 0114 242 7590 E: marketing118@costco.co.uk www.costco.co.uk

YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS VALID IN ALL 29 UK WAREHOUSES, WORLDWIDE AND ONLINE! † Sign up for membership with this advert at our Sheffield warehouse and receive a £10 voucher to spend online at www.costco.co.uk. New members only. *Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. ∆Qualifying ID required to preview in the form of business evidence or company payslip ID. Accepting Mastercard, American Express and Visa credit cards as well as cash, debit card or cheque. No cash or cheque at fuel station. Fuel stations not available in all locations. JN31186

3.12ct Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, Platinum 2.00ctw Special Offer JOIN TODAY £10 V OUCHER for new members to spend online when you sign up for membership†.

Expires: 31st December 2022

WEDDING SHOWCASE EVENTS

WEDDINGS AT PEAK EDGE

Nestled on the edge of Derbyshire’s beautiful Peak District National Park, serenity and sophistication come together to create an elegant setting for your special day at four-star Peak Edge Hotel.

Peak Edge offers all you need to make your perfect country wedding a reality, with stunning grounds, far-reaching views, oak beams, vaulted dining rooms and roaring open fires to set the scene.