Your East Midlands Wedding - December 2021/January 2022 (Issue 47)

www.youreastmidlands.wedding

LET IT SNOW

Time for love Real weddings

Discover winter wonderland venues

Showstopping

WIN!

A mini trip for eight in yorkshire

Your guide to wedding entertainment

DEC 2021/JAN 2022

Bridal bliss

£3.55

Discover 2022 fashion trends

HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, GROOMS, EXPERT ADVICE, FREEBIES AND MORE...

Discover our award winning collections in our exclusive bridesmaid suite.

www.divine-boutique.co.uk 4 4 S I L V E R S T R E E T, C I T Y C E N T R E , L E I C E S T E R L E 1 5 E T

DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022

CONTENTS

51

REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER

Olivia Gibson shares her top picks from this issue

9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the region

13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

79 HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas

93 COMPETITION Win a fun-filled sleepover for eight guests at Whitley Hall, Yorkshire

On the cover...

This issue’s cover is taken from Zoe and Tom’s wedding on page 39, which was captured by the talented Emilia Brindisi Photography.

Check out: www.emiliabrindisi.co.uk

FEATURES

45 MAKING A SPLASH Be inspired by this boho-styled shoot located on the beach 51 FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

VENUES

Discover the teams behind the delicious dishes

Where to say “I do” in and around Derbyshire

County Wedding Magazines editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

21 WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

89 BLAME IT ON THE BOOGIE

15 GOING LOCAL

Tie the knot in these magical settings no matter the weather

86 MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Your A-to-Z guide to wedding entertainment

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3

58

FASHION & BEAUTY 57 FASHION FOCUS

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

58 DRESS UP

26 REAL WEDDINGS 26 ONCE UPON A TIME...

Trousers, statement sleeves, sleek A-line silhouettes and voluminous skirts are just some of the styles that brides will be wearing in 2022

Joe and Sophie celebrated their fairytale-themed wedding surrounded by loved ones

64 SURPRISE, SURPRISE!

Lauren and James had the perfect countryside wedding at Grangefields

Whether you're choosing an engagement ring for a Christmas proposal or shopping for your big-day jewellery, sparkle in these pieces from the latest winter collections

33 RUSTIC ROMANCE

39 A RURAL ROMANCE Zoe and Tom had an elegant wedding at Dodford Manor with a mauve colour scheme

65 NOT ALL WHITE These pastel and champagne gowns prove that you don't have to wear white

68 PARTY DRESSING We chat to model, television presenter and radio DJ Vogue Williams about her latest venue Vogue X Roco

72 BEAUTY BUZZ Beauty editor Kelly Andrews reveals all the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

74 FROM THE INSIDE OUT We caught up with owner and founder of Simone Thomas Wellness, Simone herself, to discover how taking care of yourself from the inside out is the ultimate path to wedding wellness

76 NAILED IT! Team CWM put the latest bridal nail polish shades to the test

77 FASHION BEAUTY Q&A Our experts give their advice to help you look your big-day best 4

96

GROOMS

83 GROOMS’ NEWS All the latest news and product launches

84 CHECK PLEASE! Look dashing in this on trend print

HONEYMOONS 94 HONEYMOON NEWS UK special

96 ESCAPE TO GREECE Bustling cultural centres or tranquil secluded spots, the choice is yours

DEREK MCALLISTER WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY info@derekmcallisterphotography.co.uk

I love to tell stories.

I’ve been privileged enough to be at many weddings and the best part, for me, is being able to capture all those moments which are over in a flash, but when put together make the most amazing talewhich you can treasure forever.

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DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers | Sarah Hill Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher Digital Marketing Coordinator Katie Laley Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley ADVERTISING Sales & Events Director Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 sarahe@county.wedding Account Manager Rachel Palmer | 01376 538 563 rachelp@county.wedding Subscriptions 01376 514 000 subscriptions@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James

Love is in the air H

ello lovely readers and welcome to another issue of Your East Midlands Wedding. We’re well into winter now and something about the season screams romance; maybe it’s the darker nights, the cosy atmosphere, roaring fireplaces or the falling snow. Either way, it’s the perfect time of year for weddings with glamorous, rustic and whimsical themes taking centre stage.

Couples can get creative when planning their dream aesthetic with so many fun colour schemes to pick from, including forest green and berry, indigo and orchid or light blue and white.

This issue is packed full of wedding inspiration, including top advice from the experts, stunning real weddings, styled shoots and not forgetting our venues feature dedicated to winter wonderland settings – your magical backdrop could be waiting!

We’re always on the lookout for weddings to feature in future issues of the magazine; enter online for the chance to have your special day featured in a future issue. Simply visit: www.youreastmidlands.wedding/get-involved

www.pronovias.com

EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Olivia Gibson | Features Editor oliviag@county.wedding Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor, Grooms Editor and Travel Editor Kelly Andrews | Senior Editor and Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

Finding your dream wedding gown is such an exciting experience, but can be daunting for some brides-to-be. That’s why we’ve created a 2022 bridal guide to make the experience much more manageable for everyone.

89

Happy planning!

Olivia x

Olivia Gibson, Editor @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @cwm_wedding Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com Your East Midlands 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 East Midlands Wedding is published six times a year. Subscription rates are £18.20 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing and sent to Your East MidlandsWedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP.

ISSN 2054-6726

cwe C O U N T Y WEDDING E V E N T S

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Keep your wedding guests entertained all day long with help from the experts. From magicians, singers, musicians and more – we’ve got you covered!

Find out how you could win a fun-filled sleepover for eight guests at Whitley Hall in Yorkshire.

www.emiliabrindisi.co.uk

I love everything about Zoe and Tom’s glamorous day, which was full of love, happiness and joy!

77

EDITOR’S LETTER

https://chrissmithphotos.co.uk

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39

Finding the right backdrop to your wedding day is so important. The setting should match your theme while providing many photographic opportunities. We’ve gathered top venues in and around Derby to make the planning process much easier.

For all the daring brides-to-be, learn how to achieve a dark make-up look with help from Kiss & Make Up By Rachel Bray.

www.kathrynedwardsphotography.com

www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk

26

When I first saw the images from Joe and Sophie’s fairytale-styled day at the University of Nottingham, I knew they would be perfect for the magazine.

13 Psst, check out our freebies and offers page!

www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk

www.danielburtonphotography.com

Local suppliers came together to create this boho-styled shoot, and the results are simply stunning!

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7

NEW

BRIDES

BRIDESMAIDS

NEW

EVENING WEAR

LUXURY CAR HIRE

Call To Book Your Appointment Iconic Bride, 31 High Street, Edwinstowe, Notts, NG21 9QR

East Midlands Wedding Advert September 2021.indd 1

09/09/2021 15:57

YOUR ESSENTIALS www.graceandmitch.com

THE DREAM DAY Situated in Derbyshire, Willow and Rust Weddings offers planning and styling services to help couples create their dream day. The team can transform any venue and specialises in outdoor, sustainable and vintage-style events.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming for some couples, especially if they have no idea where to start. That’s why the business has created a handbook full of ideas, tips, inspiration and a step-by-step guide to venue styling.

The first section of the handbook will be about creating a budget for décor and what lovebirds can do with the items after their big day. It will also help make sure weddings don’t harm the planet with helpful ideas for a more sustainable day.

There are pages for notes, lists, and sketches throughout the handbook to keep couples on track. Plus, it’s a handy size to allow nearlyweds to slip it into their bag easily.

Check out: www.willowandrustweddings.com

d e w y l r a e N NEWS www.verawang.com

All the latest from around the region

FASHION ICON Located in Lincoln, Bellamme Bridal is a luxury boutique offering stunning gowns and a memorable experience.

The team is delighted to be one of the exclusive stockists of the new Vera Wang Bride collection in collaboration with the popular company, Pronovias.

For more than 30 years, Vera Wang has created an aspirational world that alludes to sensuality and youthful sophistication. The designer dresses feature exquisite details and an elegant yet nonchalant sense of style. The first Vera Wang Bride collection fuses high fashion with modern romance using exaggerated volumes, artistic details and crafted accessories to create an extraordinary look.

Check out: www.bellammebridal.co.uk

PICTURE PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHY Located in Castle Donington, Daniel Burton Photography is an awardwinning company that offers a relaxed photography style.

The business works with clients to create a stress-free experience and has a passion for capturing memorable moments for couples to treasure forever.

Owner Daniel Burton’s hard work has paid off as he’s won an international wedding award from Wedaward. He says, “I’m so proud to have been ranked 5th on their UK wedding photographers shortlist. After going from no weddings to a large amount in such a short space of time, it was finally great to create new content and special memories for my couples.”

Check out: www.danielburtonphotography.com 9

www.emiliabrindisi.co.uk

EDITOR LOVES

THE PERFECT LOCATION

www.facebook.com/teresamartinphotography

Located in 42 acres of parkland, Kelham Hall is a beautiful and historic Grade I listed venue that is reopening with a new management team. After restoring the property to its former glory and changing its name to The Renaissance at Kelham Hall, the experienced team is excited to welcome couples to the glamorous spaces in the new year.

A Shade Greener Finance Ltd has invested in the property, which went into liquidation at the beginning of 2021 and has made this all possible.

The venue’s development manager, Rachel Bill, says, “The new management team, A Shade Greener Finance and I are delighted to be able to breath new life into this beautiful and iconic building. As a local resident myself, I fully appreciate the love and excitement that the community has for the venue.

Check out: www.kelham-hall.com

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This issue is packed full of beautiful inspiration, and when I first saw the images from Zoe and Tom’s wedding, I knew it would be perfect for our readers!

With help from other talented suppliers, including Emilia Brindisi Photography, the couple created the perfect day with rustic décor and a vintage colour scheme.

The day had many emotional moments and the pair was so excited to become husband and wife. There was a few nerves in the morning, but this melted away as soon as the couple saw each other down the aisle and they soon relaxed.

The lovebirds had the best day ever, which is evident from the smiles and laughter in every photo. Check out their special day on page 39 and find plenty of wedding inspiration and stunning images.

SAY YES TO THE DRESS Nestled in Nottinghamshire, Iconic Bride offers a range of stunning dresses from some of the best-known bridal brands.

The hard-working team will help brides-to-be find their dream gown, while ensuring they have the best experience possible.

On the 2nd October 2021, the company opened its new bridesmaid store with fizz, cake and goodie bags in hand. The company’s owner Tina Wade says, “By working with local businesses, we were able to provide our memorable service with the support of the quaint village of Edwinstowe. The day was a huge success with customers leaving with their perfect dress in tow.”

The store is home to bridesmaids, prom, and occasion wear from Richard Designs and Gino Cerruti. From sparkly to elegance-style gowns, there’s something for everyone!

Check out: www.iconicbride.co.uk

WEDDINGS AT KILWORTH The most important day of your life deserves a special setting – a location that’s not just out of the ordinary, but extraordinary. That location is Kilworth House Hotel, set amidst 38 acres of rolling parkland, a house of timeless warmth and elegance.

Kilworth House Hotel, Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth, Leicestershire LE17 6JE Telephone: 01858 880058 www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

EVENT HIRE

For all your furniture hire needs

Wide variety of chairs and tables available, as well as love letters & flower walls.

We specialise in rustic, distressed tables, and rustic themed weddings.

VINTAGE RUSTIC CONTEMPORARY R E L A X E D ,

TRADITIONAL

P H O T O S

MIX & MATCH No minimum order & no deposit.

Large quantities held.

Extremely competitive prices.

CALL NOW ON

01664 812627

info@beeventhire.co.uk

www.beeventhire.co.uk

N A T U R A L ,

F O R

Y O U ,

F U N ,

F O R E V E R !

Your wedding day will fly by so fast. My aim is to enable you to relive your favourite memories time after time. From the morning prep to the dancing and evening festivities, and everything in between.

L E T ’ S

T A L K !

07793 159 950 | daniel@danielburtonphotography.com www.danielburtonphotography.com @danielburtonphoto | /danielburtonphotography

Our Woodland Gardens wedding venue is perfect for a simple, but elegant wedding. Walk Down the aisle in front of up to 80 guests. Take your vows in a beautiful log-cabin style building set among beautiful water gardens. Celebrate your commitment to each other in a starlight cave overlooking the sprawling valley countryside. Perfect for a wedding everyone will remember for the rest of their lives. As the only outdoor wedding venue in Derbyshire, we’re proud of the service we can offer in this space.

Wedding Fayre Sunday 16th January 2022 12 noon - 4pm

Makeney Road, Milford, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 0RS events@makeney.co.uk | 01332 845704

Emma DB Photography Weddings and Portraits Natural and Relaxed

emmadbphotography.com

emmadbphotography@gmail.com 07742 246357

FREEBIES & OFFERS

CAPTURING MEMORIES Daniel Burton Photography is an award-winning company, which specialises in relaxed and stress-free photography.

The business is currently offering couples who book one of its day packages that last 10 hours or more either 50 free prints of their choice from the wedding day, a large framed acrylic or MDF print or £100 off the package! To receive this offer, quote Your East Midlands Wedding before January 31st 2022.

The company’s owner Daniel Burton works hard to capture beautiful images to treasure forever.

Couples won’t find hidden costs or surprises when they book the photographer, as the company has an upfront and honest work practice.

Discover more about the supplier: www.danielburtonphotography.com

Freebies& OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

WIN A LUXURY HAMPER WORTH £115!

Luxury gifting company hampers.com is bringing joy to all occasions. Each of its gift hampers is lovingly curated and handpacked in Oxfordshire, with perfectly paired food and drink from carefully selected makers and producers.

The team at hampers.com is giving County Wedding Magazines readers the chance to win a Luxury Food & Wine Basket worth £115.

The beautiful wicker basket is packed full of tasty snacks and moreish treats for nearlyweds to share together. The stars of the show are an excellent bottle of Prosecco, and a full-bodied Argentinian Malbec from the Gauchezco Estate, paired with award-winning cheese, hand-baked biscuits, and luxury Belgian chocolates.

For your chance to win enter via our website, and for more details about hampers.com and it’s range of delecatble gifts for the wedding day and beyond visit www.hampers.com

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER VIA OUR WEBSITE. Closing date: 4th February, 2022 unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions apply.

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H A R G AT E H A L L Hargate Hall is a family owned and run property in the Peak District.

When you book us as your wedding venue it will become your house for the weekend, where you can get married and then celebrate with your friends and family.

• DIY BASED WEDDINGS AND PARTIES • • EXCLUSIVE HIRE INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION • • WEDDINGS FOR UP TO 140 GUESTS • • LICENSED FOR CIVIL CEREMONIES • • NO CORKAGE CHARGE – BRING YOUR OWN ALCOHOL • • CHOOSE YOUR OWN OUTSIDE CATERER • • SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION FOR UP TO 77 •

H A R G AT E H A L L

WO R M H I L L , B U X T O N S K 1 7 8 TA

www.hargate-hall.co.uk T: 01298 872591 E: weddings@hargate-hall.co.uk Pictures courtesy of www.pixiesinthecellar.co.uk

weddings & special events

Turn the beautiful Grade II* listed Delapré Abbey into yours for the day.

Whether you’re planning an elaborate celebration or something intimate, we can provide a bespoke service from ceremony, wedding breakfast, through to evening reception.

We’d love to discuss your ideas for your big day.

Get in touch on shanice.webber@delapreabbey.org or 01604 974421.

Image: Pixidrome weddingsatdelapre delapreabbey.org

www.johnfinneyphotography.com

Going local

LOCAL VENUES

Where to say “I do” in and around Derbyshire

LOSEHILL HOUSE HOTEL & SPA 01433 621 219 | www.losehillhouse.co.uk Losehill House Hotel & Spa is situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park in a secluded spot with stunning views overlooking the countryside. The property is set amongst some of the best countryside for walking and outdoor activities in England and is closely situated near the charming villages of Castleton and Edale.

Originally an arts and crafts house back in 1914, the venue was redeveloped as a boutique country hotel and spa with beautiful wedding spaces. Inside, guests will find exceptional facilities, including the swimming pool area with sauna and steam rooms, the terrace with a hot tub and luxurious public areas.

The venue has many different wedding spaces that can accommodate different sized weddings, including The Orangery, which caters for up to 80 people for ceremonies and receptions, while The Moorgate suite can accommodate 40. Or why not continue the celebrations in the marquee, which is a fantastic choice for wedding breakfasts with 120 guests for a sit-down meal. For intimate weddings, the private dining room is available for up to 10 guests. In the summer months, couples can exchange vows outside on the gazebo if the weather permits.

Entertainment is available in The Orangery and lounge area for evening receptions, with both spaces catering for parties between 80 to 120 people.

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https://samdocker.co

www.humpstonandbull.co.uk

THE RIDING SCHOOL, CALKE ABBEY 01332 501 252 | https://ivyhouseweddings.co.uk Set amidst 600 acres of picturesque parkland, The Riding School is an 18th-century manor house that will transport guests to a bygone era of glamour and elegance.

The manicured gardens, fragrant flowers and beautiful greenhouses are just some of the scenic highlights on the grounds of this estate. Each location makes an excellent backdrop to wedding photography, not forgetting the fabulous Baroque exterior of the main house.

The Grade I listed building is nestled within the Calke Abbey estate on the rural Derbyshire and Leicestershire border. With its bare-brick walls, exposed-oak beams and original windows that provide natural lighting, the venue will suit every couple and their style.

Separated by beautiful drapings, lovebirds will say “I do” underneath the stunning windows in the centre of The Riding School surrounded by 160 loved ones. Wedding breakfasts take place overlooking the whole space with 160 people on round or banqueting tables.

The property offers flexible packages that vary in price, and the team is on hand throughout the planning process to offer as much help as needed. They’ll coordinate the entire day to allow couples to relax and enjoy the wedding while knowing that everything is taken care of.

For those who book their wedding at The Riding School, they’ll be offered a free tasting session and a National Trust membership for one year.

HEATHLAND GROVE 03334 330 313 | www.heathlandgrove.com Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Heathland Grove is a luxurious and charming property that provides the perfect location for private functions, weddings and corporate events. Located close to the A38 towards Burton on Trent, the property is ideal for guests travelling in.

The modern and adaptable venue can cater to many different wedding styles, whether that’s intimate nuptials, outdoor ceremonies by the canal for 30 people, or spacious receptions of up to 500 guests. There’s plenty of space for arrival drinks or drinks receptions, thanks to the 16

interconnected foyer.

The small yet dedicated team is on hand to assist couples during the planning process to help bring their vision to life. The staff believe that each pair deserves a stress-free experience, which is why they offer tailormade events to suit all needs.

Lovebirds can book the venue on a dry-hire service to allow maximum flexibility and personalisation – they can get creative while letting their personalities shine through.

T H E PA L ACE HOT E L s e t i n t h e h ea r t

of the Peak District Set in the Heart of the Peak District, The Palace Hotel sets a picturesque background for your special day. From the stunning high ceilings of our High Peak Ballroom to the spectacular cherubs in the Chatsworth, there really is no better venue to host your wedding.

Our dedicated team are here to help you through every step of your wedding planning, from show round to saying your vows, no task is overlooked.

Contact 01298 22001 (Option 3) | events753@theelitevenueselection.co.uk

Discover Northampton’s Hidden Jewel-Th Jewel-The Barns at Hunsbury Hill An idyllic venue in a woodland setting, with its magnificent 18th century building and unrivalled facilities, the Barns at Hunsbury Hill is Northampton’s favourite venue for:

Weddings Christenings Christenings Wakes Civil Civil Ceremonies Parties Parties Conferences Our venue is only 2 miles from Northampton town centre and the M1, overlooking the picturesque Nene Valley, with converted farm buildings, courtyard and landscaped lawns. And with our in-house caterers, Impressions Caterers, we offer menu and drinks packages to suit all events and budgets.

Come and view this hidden jewel: The Barns at Hunsbury Hill Call 01604 702444 Email: info@HunsburyHillCentre.co.uk HunsburyHillCentre

Hunsbury Hill Centre_FPA_YEMW37.indd 1

View: www.HunsburyHillCentre.co.uk

02/03/2020 10:07

https://chrissmithphotos.co.uk/portfolio

https://chrissmithphotos.co.uk/portfolio

LOCAL VENUES

TISSINGTON HALL 01335 352 200 | http://tissingtonhall.co.uk Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Peak District National Park, Tissington Hall is truly an unrivalled location with beautiful country views.

The historic 17th-century building is a fabulous setting for weddings and can be hired exclusively for each event.

Francis FitzHerbert built the Grade II listed building, which features an imposing southern approach via a grand gateway and an avenue of lime trees. Couples will fall in love with the gardens that stretch more than five acres and provides the perfect backdrop to wedding photography.

Exchange vows in the Main Hall, which can accommodate 90 people inside and 120 outside on the terrace. This space includes original features such as the elegant ornate Jacobean fireplace. The Church of St. Mary’s is only a short walk away and can host 150 loved ones for religious ceremonies.

Guests can enjoy drinks receptions in the stunning Entrance Hall or the Library for those rainy or windy days, while the Terrance and cloisters are perfect for summer weddings.

The Arboretum Pavilion marquee offers gorgeous panoramic views across the parkland and has been specifically designed to house fabulous receptions in the gardens. The space has been finished to the highest standard with stunning crystal chandeliers and a starlit ceiling, which produces a romantic atmosphere. Or why not opt for The Pavilion for wedding breakfasts with 150 people and evening receptions with 200?

For more intimate wedding breakfasts with 60 people, the stunning 18thcentury Carriage House has been sympathetically restored and retains many of its original features. An additional 20 guests can join the evening receptions and dance the night away.

Why leave the beautiful Tissington Estate when the venue can accommodate up to 17 guests within the Tissington village? The bridal suite is a romantic space that’s been tastefully decorated and furnished. It comprises of a large bed, a dressing table, a chaise lounge and a roll-top bath. The village is a stunning area with plenty of space and is popular in the summer months.

OSMASTON PARK 01335 350 279 | www.osmastonpark.com Situated on a 3,000-acre park on the edge of a quintessentially English village, Osmaston Park is a private wedding venue in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside. The space boasts jaw-dropping views over the surrounding lakes, woodland area and parkland.

The marquee can be tailored to weddings with 50 to 500 people and features beautiful silk lining, fairylights and chandeliers.

Couples have the flexibility to decorate the interior to match whatever style or theme they have in mind. The no corkage property allows them to

provide their own alcohol and choose from a range of caterers.

Although the venue currently doesn’t have a license for civil ceremonies, couples can have celebrant-led blessings outside, surrounded by stunning scenery. If the weather is an issue, the venue can offer a wet-weather alternative inside.

Receptions occur in the marquee, and the property provides tables and chairs, a dancefloor and a bar area. For the summer months, lovebirds can use the lawn for reception drinks, bouncy castles and games.

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w

Pre-b and recook eive

JOIN US AT OUR

FREE tickets

Sunday 16th January 2022 | 11 am – 3 pm Renaissance at Kelham Hall, Kelham, Newark, NG23 5QX Book today: 01636 390 500 | renaissance-kelham.com

winter wonderland WALKING IN A

WINTER WONDERLAND

Tie the knot in these magical settings no matter the weather

Hodsock Priory was lovingly restored in 1829 and has been the home to the Buchanan family for nine generations. Down the sweeping driveway, couples will approach the impressive archway of Nottinghamshire’s last remaining Grade I listed Tudor Gatehouse. Beautiful gardens surround the property, and guests love using the terrace for drink receptions and taking photos by the lake, which is complete with a rowing boat.

Guests will arrive in the oak Panelled Hall after entering the property, a stunning location for traditional, contemporary and informal ceremonies with 100 people. The warm and welcoming room is adorned with family portraits, elegant wallpaper, high windows with framed views and modern touches to accompany the original features. Or why not tie the

knot in the Buchanan Hall, which features a neutral colour palette and bay window with views of the historic gatehouse? For those looking to exchange vows outside, the romantic Georgian gazebo is situated in the gardens and will look beautiful in photographs.

There’s no better space for small and intimate weddings than the light and airy Ante Room or the traditional Library, which overlooks the gardens and lake.

Hodsock Priory has been hosting spectacular parties for centuries, and the Pavilion is the perfect space for wedding breakfasts with 130 people and evening receptions with 240.

We love...

Having once entertained four English kings, including Henry VIII, the venue epitomises a country house-style with modern touches.

https://flyonthewallphotography.co.uk

HODSOCK PRIORY 01909 591 204 | www.hodsockpriory.com

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www.willwarr.co.uk

www.willwarr.co.uk

CROCKWELL FARM 01327 361 358 | www.crockwellfarm.co.uk Receptions occur in either the barn for intimate celebrations or in the marquee, where 200 guests can dance the night away.

When couples book the property, they’ll each receive exclusive use of the venue from the afternoon before the wedding until midday the day after. Each pair will be invited to a taster evening around a year before the special event, which is an excellent opportunity to try dishes from the caterers, Ross & Ross Events and the house wines.

Situated in rural surroundings in the south Northamptonshire countryside, Crockwell Farm is the perfect setting for weddings with many photographic backdrops, including the beautiful gardens.

The property features three ceremony spaces, including the original 17th-century stone-vaulted barn, which has a capacity of 86 people and features oak beams and high ceilings. For larger nuptials, the internal starlit marquee can fit 200 loved ones and is a warm location no matter the weather. The outside Orchard Pavilion is a wonderful option for the “I dos” with 200 guests in the warmer months. The newly refurbished rustic bar features a fireplace and cosy areas, making it the perfect backdrop for inside drinks receptions in winter.

We love...

www.wren.pro

www.wren.pro

Lovebirds who book the venue will receive accommodation in the honeymoon suite free of charge for two nights.

THE CITY ROOMS 01162 515 337 | www.thecityrooms.co.uk Situated in the heart of Leicester City Centre, The City Rooms is a Georgian venue that makes the perfect backdrop to any wedding.

Built in 1792 and designed by John Johnson, the Grade I listed building still has many original features, including the Roman Doric columns that support the porch-way entrance.

Ceremonies can occur in three locations at the venue. The Ballroom can host 200 people for ceremonies and receptions and features high ceilings, grand chandeliers and large windows.

The Dining Room provides plenty of natural daylight for smaller celebrations and is located on the ground floor, conveniently next to a 22

bar. This area is perfect for ceremonies for 80 guests, drinks receptions for 100 and wedding breakfasts for 60. Or why not opt for The Drawing Room, which can fit 60 people for the vows and 35 for wedding breakfasts?

We love...

When lovebirds book the venue for their wedding day, they’ll get use of four complimentary boutique bedrooms on the wedding day, which includes a continental breakfast. They’ll also be offered a menu tasting session.

Long Furlong Farm Wedding & Event Venue is perfectly placed in the heart of beautiful Northamptonshire countryside just outside of Daventry, bordering the Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire counties.

With a three day exclusive hire of our blank canvas barn wedding venue our couples can completely bring their dream to life By offering flexibility with supplier choices, we can help you create a bespoke package by carefully handpicking suppliers that compliment your style, ensuring that your celebration is completely personal and unique to you.

With an option for the licensed ceremony to take place outdoors overlooking the lake or within our spacious barn, the options are endless.

You will get the time and space to be able to create your day - your way H E L L I D O N R O A D, C AT E S B Y, D AV E N T R Y, N O R T H A M P TO N S H I R E N N 1 1 6 LW 01327 223 554 / info@longfurlongfarmvenue.co.uk / www.longfurlongfarmvenue.co.uk

www.wren.pro

www.wren.pro

WINTER WONDERLAND

WINSTANLEY HOUSE 01163 665 642 | www.winstanleyhouse.co.uk Nestled among lush parkland outside Leicester City Centre, Winstanley House is the perfect backdrop to weddings with Georgian and contemporary architecture The Grade II listed building has been lovingly restored to include all the conveniences couples come to expect from a modern venue whilst retaining the charm, class and elegance of a stately home.

The space features floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer expansive views of the grounds and lets natural light illuminate the room. Or why not exchange vows in The Orangery with 80 people?

For larger affairs, The Grand Ballroom can accommodate 450 guests

HEMSWELL COURT 01427 668 508 | www.hemswellcourt.com Situated in Lincolnshire, Hemswell Court is a Georgian-style building full of character and charm.

Surrounded by tranquil gardens and approached through a beautiful tree-lined avenue, the venue features 25 en suite bedrooms, an impressive collection of antique furniture, two large function rooms and a grand entrance hall with a mini-grand piano.

The prestigious ex-RAF officer’s mess stands proudly in the superb and spacious grounds with various plants, trees and flowers surrounding the building. The Georgian-sash windows look out onto the turning circle and

for the “I dos” and evening celebrations. This area is the ideal fusion of contemporary and Georgian architecture with red brick walls, modern lighting fixtures and plenty of natural daylight.

Couples can also opt to exchange vows in the landscaped gardens if the weather permits, and there’s plenty of idyllic photographic opportunities around the grounds.

We love...

When couples book the property, they’re offered a complimentary food tasting session and a stay in one of the luxury suites on the wedding night.

bandstand with the seasonal wisteria playing host to a grand entrance.

The private drawing room is an elegant space that can accommodate 85 people for ceremonies and 32 for receptions. The space features high ceilings, a neutral toned colour scheme and a garden view. When the weather permits, couples can exchange vows outside on the bandstand with 10 to 150 people. For grand affairs, the Primrose Room can host 120 loved ones who can get warm by the fireplace. The Ball Room is a spacious function suite that’s great for evening receptions with 200 people and includes an in-house disco and dancefloor.

We love...

Couples can book a tasting session to try the venue’s delicious dishes.

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time...

Once upon a

Joe and Sophie celebrated their fairytale-themed wedding surrounded by loved ones Images courtesy of Kathryn Edwards Photography

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REAL WEDDINGS

J

oe and Sophie love story started at university, where they met through mutual friends. After a night out, the pair spent hours walking around campus together in the cold. They ended up sitting on a bench and speaking about their shared interests. Sophie says, “As cheesy as it sounds, we both knew from the start that we were a perfect match.”

Joe proposed to Sophie at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, right in front of Hogwarts. The location was very appropriate as they’re both huge Harry Potter fans. She says, “It was such a surprise, even though we had spoken about getting married before.”

SETTING THE SCENE The pair set the wedding date for the 7th August 2021 and set off to find the perfect wedding venue. After looked at many gorgeous venues throughout the Midlands, none of them compared to the Trent Building at the University of Nottingham. Sophie says, “For years, we’d spoken about getting married at the venue as we both studied at the university. Plus, it’s right by the lake where we first got together – so it held a lot of significance!”

The couple settled on a tartan colour scheme, which featured blue, dark green and burgundy hues. These bold colours complimented each other perfectly and gold accents tied everything together perfectly.

The couple spent a lot of time searching for centrepieces as it was important that each one was eye-catching and represented their day. The bride says, “We decided to have a small stack of vintage books that matched our colour scheme on each table with a few tall candles in gold brass candlesticks. To bring a more fairytale element, we included a few touches of greenery.” The table numbers featured different quotes from books and the pair’s venue stylist created the perfect finishing touches such as the chalkboard-style table plan.

To keep a lasting memento of the day, the lovebirds opted to have artificial flowers at their wedding. The bride selected a bouquet from their florist’s website as well as two matching table pieces for the top table and buttonholes for the groomsmen and the couple’s dads.

Strawberry Cupcakes created the three-tiered cake, which featured raspberry and white chocolate flavours. Sophie says, “We originally looked at a selection of small desserts like cupcakes or doughnuts, but eventually we decided a traditional wedding cake would be best. We didn’t have our hearts set on a particular design and ended up choosing one with a beautiful-marbled effect.”

The venue provided all the catering throughout the day, and the couple had the option of a set meal with table service or a carvery-style buffet. The pair opted for the second option to ensure guests received food they enjoyed, which went down a treat.

LOOKING THE PART When it came to finding the perfect gown, Sophie didn’t get as many opportunities to try on dresses as she would have liked because of Covid-19 restrictions. From the start of the planning process, she knew a ballgown-styled dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves and gold detailing would be the perfect option. She says, “I never expected to find the exact dress I pictured in the first shop I went to – I knew I had found the one as soon as I saw it.”

The bride added a fingertip-length veil to add a hint of shimmer and a tiara, drop earrings and a gold tennis bracelet to finish off her look.

The groom wore a three-piece suit and a tie to match the colour scheme, while the groomsmen each picked a two-piece navy suit – so there was a little variation in cut and colour. Joe stood out from the others with a waistcoat and a larger buttonhole.

Each bridesmaid could pick their own dress, as long as it was floor-length and dark green – different tones and styles were encouraged. The bride says, “It was important that they picked a style they’d be most comfortable in; they’ve all got great taste and looked incredible on the day!”

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TIME TO CELEBRATE The couple hired a selection of lawn games to keep guests entertained, which allowed them to mingle and catch up. Sophie says, “The biggest hit was the giant Jenga, which created some fantastic photos!”

A talented string quartet played during the ceremony, which helped create the perfect moment when Sophie walked down the aisle. The company also played throughout the drinks reception and made the atmosphere even more romantic.

A DJ played in the evening to get the party started and guests loved the magic mirror photo booth, which provided the perfect souvenirs for guests. Sophie comments, “Our DJ was great and we asked guests to provide song requests on the invitations. The man running the photo booth was fun and charismatic; he brought plenty of props that made for great photos!”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS A wedding is always full of lovely moments to look back on and remember – a huge reason why wedding photography is so important. Joe and Sophie couldn’t have been happier on the day, despite being a little bit nervous in the morning, and everything went so smoothly. Being around family and friends they hadn’t seen for so long because of Covid-19 restrictions made the day even more special. Jo from My Perfect Ceremony created the perfect ceremony that will always stand out to the pair.

Some of the bride’s younger cousins made great friends with one of the wedding planners and helped coordinate the day by escorting guests to their tables for the meal – they did a great job! Sophie says, “One of the best parts about the wedding was not having to worry about anything because Hannah, the main wedding planner from Black Pearl Weddings & Events, did a fantastic job. We don’t know how we would have coordinated all the suppliers arriving in the morning without her.”

HONEYMOON After a busy few months planning their wedding, the couple deserved some relaxation time to reminisce their day. The pair’s original plan was to go to Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, but they decided to wait another year due to the lingering restrictions in Scotland at the time. Instead, the lovebirds decided to go to Anglesey in Wales.

“Our advice for other couples would be to get someone to help plan and coordinate all of the suppliers on the day.

Also, use a wedding website to streamline RSVPs and collate all the information for the day.”

– Sophie 28

Fancy getting married in your very own field and creating a festival style celebration?

The grounds of Warren Farmhouse offer the perfect blank canvas option for hosting your marquee wedding set amongst rolling hills of farmland and on the doorstep of Sherwood Forest. Warren Farmhouse itself dates back to the 15th Century and provides an attractive back drop for your ceremony to take place on the well kept lawns. Get in touch with the friendly team to discuss how they could help you create your dream wedding.

www.warrenfarmhouseweddings.co.uk info@warrenfarmhouseweddings.co.uk 01623 365 996

BIG DAY Movies With the latest film industry compact 4k movie cameras. drones and mobile rigs, we don’t shoot videos...we make beautiful movies.

We also know this is YOUR big day...not ours. We always strive to keep a low profile, and we never attempt to direct the action. We simply capture your day as it unfolds. The result is a beautifully shot movie. It’s stars are the Bride and groom; The supporting cast, their family and friends.

Finished movies vary in length according to the scale of your event, but on average, our wedding movies are between 45 minutes, and 90 minutes in length, and feature all the best bits, set to a mix of original and selected licenced music.

No scary pricing structure either. We offer just 2 packages.

Package 1: All day coverage: beginning to end including bridal party having hair & makeup, and extended coverage of the reception: £1200 Package 2: Starts with the guests arriving and covers all the best bits up until the first dance and cake cutting: £850

Both packages can feature drone footage when weather and venue rules allow it.

You can book us via text, or email from our website. £150 fully refundable deposit will secure your date.

Balance is not due until your movie is ready to view.

Call or text:07412 847 589 or send us a message: www.mybigdaymovies.co.uk

Turning your favourite day ever....into your favourite movie...ever.

T H E G R A N A RY AT FAW S L E Y - W E D D I N G VE N U E The Granary at Fawsley, a stunning exclusive use barn wedding venue for 20-150 guests.

Beautiful countryside location offering unrivalled photo opportunities.

Fully licensed for ceremonies including outdoors.

Onsite accommodation for up to 20 guests.

Open events held monthly, check our website for dates or contact us for a private show round.

W W W. G R A N A RY- W E D D I N G S . C O M

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01327 361730

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I N F O @ G R A N A RY- W E D D I N G S . C O M

THE CITY ROOMS IS AN EXCLUSIVE-USE VENUE SITUATED IN THE HEART OF LEICESTER CITY CENTRE. Built in 1792 and boasting a Grade I listed status, The City Rooms is steeped in Georgian history, which is apparent from your very first steps inside. High ceilings, vast windows and grand chandeliers provide the perfect backdrop for your special occasion, with a magnificent Ballroom spanning the entirety of the first floor and accommodating up to 200 guests. Combine these elegant surroundings with our professional and experienced team and we can guarantee your wedding day will be filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Exclusive-use venue | Three function suites | Four boutique bedrooms | Stunning bar onsite | Expert wedding coordinators | Civil ceremonies Contact us to book a private showround.

Call: 0116 251 5337 Email: info@thecityrooms.co.uk Visit: www.thecityrooms.co.uk

REAL WEDDINGS

JOE AND SOPHIE’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue, www.nottinghamconferences.co.uk/Weddings/Weddings.aspx | Photographer, www.kathrynedwardsphotography.com Bride’s dress, www.facebook.com/Leadornments | Hair and make-up, www.rachelliney.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, ASOS, JJ’s House, John Lewis & Partners | Groom’s suit, Marks & Spencer | Cake, www.strawberrycupcakes.co.uk | Flowers, www.silkinfinityflowers.co.uk Stationery, www.etsy.com/shop/inspirationidodesign | Entertainment, www.nottsdj.co.uk | Wedding planner, https://blackpearlweddingsandeventsmidlands.co.uk | Venue stylist, www.nerissaeveweddings.com | Videographer, www.brightandbeautifulfilms.com | Magic mirror, www.mirrormirrorphotobooth.co.uk | String quartet, www.bowbelles-stringquartet.co.uk Alterations, https://tailoring-alterations-nottingham.co.uk | Celebrant, http://myperfectceremony.co.uk

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Interactive Dancing Fountain Aqua Rhythm brings a spectacular visual and interactive display to your celebrations. Our mobile fountains have 47 independent nozzles shooting up to 5 meters into the air. We choreograph the fountains to your favourite music or let your guests take control; the fountains will dance to the movement of two handheld controllers.

With the swipe of a finger the fountains come alive with full colour lights that can be infinitely adjusted with a touch pad.

07941052034 info@aquarhythm.co www.aquarhythm.co @aqua_rhythm

Rustic romance

REAL WEDDINGS

Lauren and James had the perfect countryside wedding at Grangefields Images courtesy of Chris Snowden Photo

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hen Lauren moved to Derbyshire, she decided to join her friends for personal training sessions with an instructor called James. She and James happened to both be in a relationship at the time, until a year later when they became single. The pair started to talk more and develop a stronger connection, leading them to move in together. The communication between the two was so effortless, thanks to their shared sense of humour and interests. James proposed on a trip away to Cape Verde for Lauren’s 30th birthday. She says, “We had visited the year before on our first holiday, so it holds a special meaning to us. James got down on one knee in the privacy of our balcony with a bottle of champagne at the ready – of course I said yes!”

Here Lauren shares details about their special day…

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reflected to create an atmosphere that Our main wedding goal was our romantic theme.

We used a wave design and an illustration we created of Grangefields throughout our stationery.

guests could take le cameras so our We had disposab hout the day. snaps shots throug 34

Cripps and Co announced a new venue called Grangefields being renovated in Derbyshire – the same county that James was born in! When we first looked around the property, it was a mud site with derelict buildings and cow sheds. But we loved the company’s vision and trusted their style – it was amazing to see the transformation over time.

Our centrepieces included rose/beige table runners, glass candlestick holders and vases full of flowers.

I had a relaxed-style bouquet with muted-ton ed roses to match our desert colour scheme. Our florist created smaller versions for my bridesmaids, while the junior bridesmaids and flowergirls had gold floral hoops.

REAL WEDDINGS

We opted for a two-tiered lemon and Victoria sponge cake, which was decorated in buttercream with gold leaves and dried flowe rs/grasses.

The venue provided all the catering on the day and the staff served the food in the middle of the tables for a more relaxed-styled meal.

My lovely bridesmaids bought me a necklace from CARAT* LONDON for the day, which matched my weddin g ring. I also bor rowed a bra celet from my mum, which she had wor n on her spec ial day.

nne Neville dress called Alicia and After trying several dresses on, I picked a Suza when I saw myself ! had the sleeves removed – I felt like a bride

The groom and groomsmen all wore three-pieced suits, but James wore a different coloured jacket to stand out.

th the ments to tie in wi es with embellish ess dr ry the ivo re wi wo aids esses to tie in th T he older bridesm irls wore blush dr rg we flo he T s. ’ gown junior bridesmaids colour scheme.

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James’s speech ma de the day extra sp ecial; he fears publi incredible with su c speaking but it wa ch heartfelt words. s It confirmed exac tly the reason why chose to marr y hi I m.

The ceremony was a beautiful experience and something we’ll never forget.

James’s niece Milly is 12-years-old and she wowed everyone with a Winnie the Pooh reading – she was so composed!

We had a singer and acoustic guitarist who played during the drinks reception and they played a livelier set in the evening.

LAUREN AND JAMES’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue and catering, https://crippsandco.com/grangefields | Photographer, http://csweddingphotographer.com Bride’s dress, www.thebridalboutiquebaildon.com | Bride’s accessories, www.caratlondon.com | Hair and make-up, www.totallysassy.co.uk Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.shadebridal.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Reiss | Cake, www.bake-ashbourne.co.uk Flowers, www.nadiaditullio.com and www.brownboxflowers.co.uk | Transport, www.hisandhersweddingcars.co.uk Stationery, www.rosepress.co.uk | Entertainment, www.facebook.com/AlexGraceMusic and www.facebook.com/NicoleiPhillipsMusic Venue stylist, www.taraknott.co.uk 36

We know you want to look your very best on the most important day of your life!

Here at Sassy we’ve helped hundreds of brides feel and look their best. Natalie Lyons is a wedding hair and make-up expert who has been trained in London to ensure brides individual needs are accounted for to create their perfect look. We can offer a complete wedding hair & beauty service for all of the wedding party, before and on the special day. We use the best airbrush make-up to ensure your look lasts all through the day & night. All of our services can take place in our Allestree salon or at your chosen venue.

www.totallysassy.co.uk Mob: 07970171911 | Salon: 01332554111 Facebook: sassy hair & beauty | Instagram: sassyhairandbeauty 347-351 Duffield Rd, Derby, DE22 2DG | 01332 554 111

• CHINA HIRE • DECOR • GAMES • CART HIRE • HAMPER • AFTERNOON TEA • C H E E S E TOW E R C A K E S • AND MORE...

Individual item hire or complete package hire.

With the collaboration of other amazing suppliers, we can provide a total package, ensuring your event is perfect and tailored to your requirements.

www.absolutely-vintage.com enquiries@absolutely-vintage.com 07887 763 439

Now offering showrounds!

SHEARSBY BATH

Set in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, Shearsby Bath is a unique venue offering superior cuisine, elegant décor, relaxing ambience and a hospitality that only a family run establishment can extend.

For more information call 0116 247 8202 or email enquiries@shearsbybath.co.uk

The perfect flowers for you the happy couple on one of the most special days of your lives. We will work with you and create beautiful bespoke designs tailored for your wedding day dreams and expectations.

114a Watling Street East, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6BT 01604 814700 & 01327 358899 info@misslillies.co.uk www.misslillies.co.uk

REAL WEDDINGS

A rural romance

Zoe and Tom’s elegant wedding at Dodford Manor featured a mauve colour scheme Images courtesy of Emilia Brindisi Photography

Z

oe and Tom first met while working at the same school and have been inseparable ever since. She says, “It was Tom’s confidence and looks that first attracted me to him, while he loved my blue eyes. Within a couple of months of dating, we both knew that we’d found the one.”

Fast forward to Christmas day back in 2019, Tom created a treasure hunt around the house for Zoe and the last piece was a beautiful engagement ring. She comments, “I turned around to see him on one knee – it was a complete surprise!”

Here Zoe shares details about their special day...

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We wanted an oak barn surrounded by beautiful countryside for our wedding, and Dodford Manor was the perfect option. The venue created a relaxed and elegant feel to the day and was the perfect size for our guests.

For favours, we gave bath salts to the ladies and a bottle opener to the men.

Our centrepieces consisted of two logs stacked on top of each other with vases full of flowers.

At the entrance of the wedding breakfast, we had a cream table plan on an easel.

We had a large arrangement on the top table with mauve roses, white gypsophila and foliage.

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Our semi-naked cake had three tiers with lemon drizzle, fruit cake, and red velvet sponges.

I picked a Rebecca Ingram Bardot-style dress with a pearl and diamante belt to add some subtle bling. The gown was so comfortable, and I felt like a million dollars on the day!

REAL WEDDINGS

As we both teach PE and play sport ourselves, we thought it would be great to name each table after a different activity.

We provided a sweet/popcorn table for the evening, which consisted of the treats that Tom and I love to eat.

The bridesmaids wore full-length dresses in vintage mauve, while the flowergirls had ivory dresses with sashes.

The venue’s events manager was great and really helpful throughout the whole planning process.

The groom and groomsmen wore three-piece suits with a pocket square, which matched the colour scheme.

We had very talented musicians serenading our guests while creating a relaxed atmosphere during the drinks reception.

It was amazing to have both of our girls there with us on the day.

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We had a disco in the evening, and guests loved dancing the night away.

Once we met up with each other at the end of the aisle, we felt very relaxed.

We couldn’t wait to spend the day celebrating with all our friends and family. Some of whom we haven’t seen for some time due to the pandemic.

We both felt very excited on the day, but a little bit nervous too.

As soon as we saw each other for the first time, we couldn’t help but smile.

We were blown away by how beautiful the bridal party looked.

We visited Antigua for a week on our honeymoon and enjoyed spending quality time together as a newly married couple. It was just the perfect place to unwind after a busy 18 months of wedding planning.

ZOE AND TOM’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue, http://dodfordmanor-venue.co.uk | Photographer, www.emiliabrindisi.co.uk | Bride’s dress, www.serendipitybrides.co.uk Hair, www.weddinghairwithgrace.com | Make-up, http://josaville.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, JJ’s House | Groom’s suit, www.afarleysuithire.co.uk | Cake, https://euthymia.co.uk | Flowers, http://julieannaflowers.co.uk | Entertainment, www.bigbopperentertainment.co.uk | Musicians, www.taylormadeliveband.co.uk | Catering, www.jenkinsonscaterers.co.uk 42

Bespoke wedding gifts County Wedding Events show sponsor Farrar & Tanner reveals their guide to personalised presents for the bride, groom and wedding party Farrar & Tanner specialise in premium personalised gifts, with a focus on delivering high quality pieces designed and crafted to last a lifetime. It sources a premium range from the most esteemed companies around Britain and the rest of the world to provide a lavish, diverse collection.

Based in the regency town of Cheltenham Spa, its skilled team of on-site craftsmen deliver a finely engraved or embossed product finished to your

Raise a Toast Cheers! At Farrar & Tanner, it has everything you need to raise a toast in style, from silver plated, Swarovski studded Champagne flutes to cake knives engraved with a bespoke message.

specifications for beautiful, stylish and thoughtful wedding gifts.

From gift boxed fine wines and Champagnes to sleek modern homeware and hand-blown glasses, selecting a delightful gift to spoil your loved one on their big day is easy. Most items can be personalised with a name, date, or special message too – creating wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Gifts for Grooms Finding the perfect present for a groom and the groomsmen can be taxing. Farrar & Tanner has carefully curated a selection of fine gifts for men such as stylish pocket watches and elegant hip flasks - most items can be personalised with a name, date or special message.

Wedding Gifts Farrar & Tanner stock a wide range of premium gifts for newlyweds, with options to suit the unique needs and personality of every couple. Why not personalise your selection with a name, date, or heartfelt message?

Check out www.farrar-tanner.co.uk

Let Us Plan Your Wedding Weddings are the cornerstone of Black Pearl Weddings & Events. We appreciate the necessity of everything going smoothly, and exactly how powerful a moment it is for every bride and groom. In fact, Black Pearl Weddings & Events hold wedding ceremonies very closely in line with our business ethos; to create something magical that sets the foundation for a long and successful future. We liaise with you prior to/during any stage of the planning process, so that professional support can be structured to ease the strain of planning the wedding or to provide you with inspiration.

info@blackpearlweddings.co.uk | 08452570138 BLACKPEARLWEDDINGSANDEVENTSMIDLANDS.CO.UK

BRIDAL MAKEUP ARTIST

BASED IN LINCOLNSHIRE www.kissandmakeupbyrachelbray.co.uk | bray878@btinternet.com

REGIONAL SHOOT

splash Making a

Be inspired by this boho-styled shoot located on the beach Images courtesy of Sarah Carter Photography

A

fter a busy wedding season, Kiss & Makeup By Rachel Bray MUA pulled together a team of talented suppliers to get creative and bring this boho-styled shoot to life – the results are simply stunning!

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REGIONAL SHOOT

THE DREAM TEAM Photography, www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk | Dresses, www.naomibridalboutique.co.uk | Accessories, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/bombinistudio | Hair, www.halohairdesignz.co.uk | Make-up, www.kissandmakeupbyrachelbray.co.uk Flowers, www.stephaniesflorist-bourne.co.uk | Décor, www.facebook.com/luxeeventslincolnshire 47

WWW.SARAHCARTERPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK 07970327716 | hello@sarahcarterphotography.co.uk

WONDERFUL WEDDINGS IN THE HEART OF LEICESTER Whether you’re looking for an elegant grand reception, or a serene civil ceremony, here at The Belmont Hotel we’ve got everything to ensure that your day is a resounding success.

Please contact our wedding co-ordinator to discuss your requirements and for more information.

0116 254 4773 events@belmonthotel.co.uk

www.belmonthotel.co.uk The Belmont Hotel, DeMontfort Street, Leicester, LE1 7GR

Welcome to Bradgate Brides

We have been open since 2001 and 8000 brides over this time have walked down the aisle in one of our beautiful designer gowns.

Bradgate Brides have 250 styles in our salon ready to either be made to order or alternatively to purchase at a discount for taking home immediately. Become a future Bradgate Bride and you can look forward to a truly memorable, happy and personal experience whilst on your journey to find your dream gown. All this with great customer liaison and the back up of years of experience.

Book your appointment with our reception 0116 2363388 or online via our website.

Come and Feel safe knowing that you are in the hands of experts.

View our website www.bradgatebrides.co.uk for full details/opening times and gown images.

4 Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicestershire LE7 7BJ

www.blidworthmenswear.co.uk | blidworthmenswear@gmail.com | 01623 793073 | @blidworthmenswear

BLIDWORTH MENSWEAR IS A ONE STOP MENSWEAR E M P O R I U M , brimming with suits and

accessories that will help transform any man into a Dapper gentlemen.

We are proud stockists of Marc Darcy, Skopes, Brook Taverner, Harris Tweed, Antique Rogue and Scott by the label, to name just a few.

Offering an unrivalled selection of three-piece suits, tuxedos, shirts and accessories, Blidworth Menswear has something for every shape, style and occasion. And with our team of fantastic inhouse Tailors you are sure to get the perfect fit!

BLIDWORTH MENSWEAR, SHERWOOD HOUSE, DALE LANE, BLIDWORTH, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, NG21 0SA

CATERING

FOOD glorious food Discover the teams behind the delicious dishes

C

alling all food lovers! Finding the right catering company is so important, not just to keep guests from going hungry, but food brings people together and it’s something your loved ones will remember long after the day. Once you’ve settled on a wedding budget, it’s then time to start looking for trustworthy companies and make sure you read company reviews from newlyweds. Here at Your East Midlands Wedding HQ, we’ve gathered talented catering companies from around the region to help make the process much more manageable – thank us later!

MINT COCKTAIL COMPANY Mint Cocktail Company understands the time and effort it takes to plan a wedding, which is why the team offers mobile cocktail bars with a bartending service and flexible options to cater for all types of weddings.

You wont have to worry about sorting beverages as the company offers welcoming drinks, reception drinks and cocktail masterclasses for entertainment.

The staff will provide a rustic and contemporary mobile cocktail bar with all the alcohol, specialist cocktail equipment, fresh ingredients and professional team needed.

For a free and no-obligation quote, contact the company today!

Check out: www.mintcocktailcompany.com 51

GREEDY PIG CATERING

JUST-ICE CREAM LTD Why not make your wedding extra special with the joy of ice cream?

Whether you’re looking to surprise guests after the ceremony, cool them down after a break from the dancefloor, or want a special dessert option, Just-Ice Cream Ltd is perfect for you.

You’ll get to pick from more than 70 artisan ice cream flavours on offer, and the team can cater to all dietary requirements, so no one misses out on the sweet treats.

All the ice cream is created in Darley Abbey, Derby, and every ingredient used is fair trade or sustainably sourced. The team also use 52

www.facebook.com/indigoandvioletphotography

www.facebook.com/indigoandvioletphotography

www.facebook.com/indigoandvioletphotography

Greedy Pig Catering is a small, chef-run company with a passion for creating tailored menus using seasonal produce and personal flourishes. The friendly staff offer a flexible service and will work with you to bring any visions to life and help on the day to make sure everything runs smoothly.

The company provides all the catering on the day, including canapés, antipasti grazing tables, semi-naked cakes, artisanal cheese boards and evening food.

The family-style sharing meals are the team’s most popular option because of the delicious food, high-quality service and the relaxed atmosphere it provides. This usually starts with antipasti, nibbles or mezze boards followed by tasty main courses of locally sourced meat. Options include grass-fed sharing steaks, tender slow-roasted lamb shoulders, marinated spatchcocked chicken or pork belly with crispy crackling. The company serves all dishes with seasonal vegetable platters, sauces and salads.

Of course, the meal ends with your favourite dessert.

The business caters for all types of weddings and people.

Vegan or vegetarian options are available, including fermented fava bean with marinated aubergine with tarator or vegan feta in a spinach and spring herb tart.

Other services include classic individually plated meals, handmade picnics in baskets and carvery-style dishes depending on the style and service you’re after.

For evening food, why not opt for a festival-style stand with options including Neapolitan-style pizza, guerrilla tacos, loaded mac ’n’ cheese, shawarma, paella, Japanese street snacks, teriyaki or maybe a Vietnamese pho?

Check out: www.greedypigcatering.co.uk

local dairy farmers and greengrocers where possible.

The six flavoured ice cream trike called Wilber can fit inside most venues or look beautiful outdoors with the parasol up and the fairylights twinkling. Another mobile option is Rosa, a converted horsebox that can hold 10 different flavours while creating the wow factor at any outdoor wedding.

By booking Just-Ice Cream Ltd, you’re helping to restore someone’s life that was devastated by human trafficking, modern-day slavery or war as all the profits go to these causes plus existing charities.

Check out: www.just-ice.org

A GEORGIAN STYLE HOUSE BUILT

BY THE ARKWRIGHT FAMILY AND SITUATED IN THE DERWENT VALLEY

Oakhill is a 14 bedroom hotel set in the Derwent Valley world heritage site.

The licensed Bar & Restaurant serves both lunches and dinners with an emphasis on using locally sourced quality ingredients complimented by a reasonably priced comprehensive wine list.

We are the perfect venue for Parties, Christenings and all Celebrations.

Licensed for Civil Ceremonies and Weddings.

www.oakhillcomford.co.uk | info@oakhillcromford.co.uk | OAKHILL

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INTAKE LANE

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CROMFORD

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DERBYSHIRE

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DE4 3RH

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oakhill hotel

TEL: 01629 822211

.uk at ne m.co i l on far sit ok rley ive vi o B s pe ap exclu m . r w u ww for yo

Mapperley Farm Outdoor Wedding & Event Venue A highly sought after outdoor Wedding & Event Venue for hire in Derbyshire

Welcome to Mapperley Farm Events Venue. We are nestled in the tranquil village of Mapperley between Derby & Nottingham within 160 acres of picturesque grassland & woodlands.

M A P P E R L E Y FA R M , M A I N S T R E E T, M A P P E R L E Y, I L K E S T O N , D E R B Y S H I R E , D E 7 6 B Y 07807 812938

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info@mapperleyfarm.co.uk

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www.mapperleyfarm.co.uk

WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR HISTORIC BUILDING - EAST MIDLANDS

DISCOVER YOUR TRULY EXCLUSIVE WEDDING DESTINATION Wed | Celebrate | Eat | Drink | Stay | Relax 01652 649402 | enquiry@cleathamhall.com | www.cleathamhall.com

Get

15%

A beautiful inclusive and modern town centre bridal boutique based in Mansfield stocking some of the best designers in the UK and exclusive designers you will not find anywhere else in the East Midlands.

OFF

your order if menti on Yo you ur Midla nds W East e dding when book ing

As a family run boutique we have created a bridal haven with a team of knowledgeable Cherished Stylists, who will assist you each step of the way turning your dreams into reality.

Celebrating the beauty of every single bride that walks through our door, we have three spacious exclusive dressing rooms with comfortable seating areas for family and friends to have a wonderful relaxed and intimate experience when saying yes to the dress.

Regardless of budget, size or style we are proud to cater for all with a wide range of sizes available in boutique. We are dedicated to helping you find a dress that showcases the very best version of yourself on your wedding day.

Give us a call today and experience bridal the Cherished way 01623 661309 @preparetobecherished @cherishedwed 40-42 LEEMING STREET

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MANSFIELD

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

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CATERING FOODTASTIC CATERING When it comes to picking a reliable catering company, why not opt for Foodtastic Catering?

The team’s love for food comes across at every event they cater for, and they believe that making food look special is just as important as how good it tastes.

The staff encourages couples to incorporate their favourite dishes into the general theme and wedding style. It’s an extra layer of personalisation, however small or big, that rounds off the whole wedding

day to make it extra special.

Many couples are looking for a more relaxed dining style, with graze boards and a trendy shared dining experience for 2022 weddings.

One of the company’s clients, Rosie, selected this dining style and had food placed in the middle of each table for her guests to enjoy. The bride says, “The team was so faultless, kind and accommodating! We had to delay our wedding by a year, and the staff were so lovely in helping us with all the changes.”

Check out: www.foodtasticcatering.co.uk

PROJECT DINNER PARTY LTD Project Dinner Party Ltd caterers for most budgets, from small intimate numbers of around 30 people to 200 in partnership with Eyam Hall Courtyard in The Coolstone. This converted stone barn maintains traditional features but with a modern twist, and it’s the perfect place to hold any wedding.

The catering company offers winter and summer package deals and can even work with you to create a bespoke menu. All the food is locally sourced, and the team is on hand at all times to ensure that everything is perfect on the day.

Enjoy the beautiful-lit courtyard on a summers evening and let your guests enjoy pizzas from the wood-fired ovens or maybe a hog roast in the colder months.

The company offers two types of dining options. You can enjoy a set menu where guests will have the same dish for starter, main and dessert, or loved ones can choose between two options per entrée – they would have to pre-select what one they want before the day. The staff can provide vegetarian dishes and cater to any dietary requirement.

The business also provides the perfect informal dining opportunity that allows couples to still design a seating plan and have guests sit at tables.

The carving block and sharing dishes are served to each table, and guests then help themselves to how much they want. This option is a great ice breaker for guests who do not know each other and can add a real wow factor to your day.

Check out: www.projectdinnerparty.co.uk

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The

Boardroom Our studio is an award-winning commercial photography space located at the Cathedral Quarter in the heart of Derby.

A beautifully proportioned Grade II listed studio which has an abundance of Georgian period features, with glorious natural light. Whether it be shots for before or after your wedding day, or you are looking for somewhere to showcase your wedding dresses, accessories, cakes – The Boardroom is the perfect setting.

www.theboardroom.studio

07794 247121 @redvelvetbakeryuk www.redvelvetbakery.co.uk #redvelvetbakeryderby

FASHION

SUSTAINABLY CHIC

Grace Loves Lace has unveiled its first eco wedding gown called Lumi retailing at £2,200.

It’s constructed from 96% recycled materials and has been ethically handcrafted in the brand’s Australian studio.

Founder and creative director, Megan Ziems, tells us, “We were inspired to take materials that would have been otherwise discarded and use modern technology to create a beautiful wedding gown that holds so much meaning.”

She continues, “The way the dress hugs and supports the body is flawless. The cup shape and wide straps are perfect for small and large busts, the split on the thigh is elongating, the pearlescent threading is visually flattering and the sheer lace panel on the lower back adds drama.”

Launching alongside the gown is the Lumi veil retailing at £390 and crafted from 100% recycled tulle and lace.

To shop, visit www.graceloveslace.com

Best-dressed brides

Elbeth Gillis has launched her new collection, Curve. The first capsule collection of 2022 includes five dresses ranging from simple structures with crisp, clean lines to romantic, lavish lace. The gowns feature statement sleeves, beautiful bows and overskirts. To shop, visit www.elbethgillis.com

EDITOR LOVES

Thank your best girls with this cute lolly necklace, £35, www.tattydevine.com

focus

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

Something new

Vera Wang Bride and Pronovias Group have joined forces to launch their first collection, Vera Wang Bride. The 60 dresses blend artisanal details with luxury textures using premium fabrics and hand-crafted finishes on exaggerated volumes and new silhouettes. Vera Wang says, “I intended to make sure that certain Vera Wang design codes were identifiable in Vera Wang Bride.” She continues, “Through my designs, I want to express respect – respect for the design process. Respect for quality. Respect for imagination and individuality.

But most of all respect for women.”

Standout designs include this Carole style and the wedding gowns will be available in a wide variety of sizes at affordable price points. Sustainable options using eco fabrics and trims also form part of the collection.

To shop, visit www.pronovias.com

Scan to view video

One dress, multiple looks

The RULABELLE multiway collection for bridesmaids has added special-edition styles and a new Ethereal Tulle collection to its range. The versatile collection allows the wearer to express their individuality, personality and sense of style, whatever their shape or silhouette.

To shop, visit www.rulabelle.com

Baby steps

British baby clothing brand Magnet Mouse has designed cute baby grows with magnetic fastenings and ruffle trims perfect for weddings.

Prices start from £24.95, https://magnetmouse.co.uk

TWINKLE TOES

These Cinderella-inspired crystal court shoes called Lovebird, £119, will take you to the ball! Carvela at www.shoeaholics.com

EAR CANDY

This jewellery advent calendar is a fun way to countdown to a Christmas wedding! Priced at £250, it includes 12 of the brand’s best-selling earring and ear cuff designs crafted from sustainable recycled sterling silver and gold-plated recycled sterling silver. To shop, visit www.screampretty.com 57

Dress up Trousers, statement sleeves, sleek A-line silhouettes and voluminous skirts are just some of the styles that brides will be wearing in 2022

Scan to view video

1970s-inspired trousers and statement sleeves at www.catrionagarforth.com 58

FASHION

Fantasy free-falling skirt at Vera Wang Bride, www.pronovias.com

Pearly queen-inspired accents at www.christopherkane.com

Knee-length slip dress at https://carmenllaguno.com/collections/bridal

Decadent beading at Madeline Gardner, https://uk.morilee.com/browse/ madeline-gardner

Bustier bodices and visible corsetry at https://uk.morilee.com

Statement necklines at www.pronovias.com 59

Red carpet-inspired illusion necklines at Allison Webb at JLM Couture, www.jlmcouture.com/designer/allison-webb 60

FASHION

Chic separates at www.thereformation.com 61

Off-the-shoulder style at www.rosaclara.es/en-gb

Dramatic ballgowns at Lillian West, www.justinalexander.com/lillian-west

Minimalist column dresses at www.justinalexander.com

Clean lines at Sincerity, www.justinalexander.com/sincerity-bridal

Short and sweet at Adore, www.justinalexander.com

Cascading tiers at https://costarellos.com

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Tel: 07710521058 Enquiries@matthewclarkphotography.co.uk

RO B Y N H A S OV E R 1 0 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C E IN STYLING HAIR, AND HAS S P E C I A L I S E D I N B R I DA L F O R 6 Y E A R S She loves helping make a bride feel their best on their big day, always working closely with the bride prior to the day to make sure she has the perfect style to compliment her dream wedding day look.

www.perfectsilhouettehairdressing.com 07584304535 | robynwood88@gmail.com

Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing - Wedding and Occasion Hair @perfectsilhouettehairdressing

www.matthewclarkphotography.co.uk

Padlock necklace, £15, Orelia & Vick collection at www.orelia.co.uk

18-carat gold initial and birthstone necklace, £80, https://harfi.co.uk

Jewellery, from a selection, www.harveynichols.com/brand/rachel-jackson-london

Gold-plated sterling silver Christmas tree stud earrings, £15.95, www.william-may.co.uk Yellow gold diamond stud comet burst earrings, £895, www.astleyclarke.com Jewellery case, from a selection, www.accessorize.com/uk

Platinum daisy cluster diamond ring, £1,480, www.lebrusanstudio.com 14-carat solid gold Astrid morganite and diamond ring, £650, https://carrieelizabeth.co.uk

Lightening bolt charm earrings, £35, www.maevery.co.uk

Surprise, surprise!

Whether you’re choosing an engagement ring for a Christmas proposal or shopping for your big-day jewellery, sparkle in these pieces from the latest winter collections Earrings, £211 and ring, £122, https://joannalauraconstantine.com 9-carat white gold and 0.25-carat diamond cushion-cut cluster ring, £449, www.hsamuel.co.uk

9-carat gold feather earrings, £299, https://fiyah.com 64

14-carat yellow gold baguette and marquise ring, £878, https://uk.vrai.com

FASHION

e t i wh

NOT ALL These pastel and champagne gowns prove that you don’t have to wear white

Skye dress by https://katefearnley.com 65

Florence dress by www.olwenbourke.com

Style no 66195 by www.justinalexander.com/lillian-west

Pearl rose dress by www.needleandthread.com 66

Cleopatra dress by www.madelinegardnernewyork.com/en

Karlu dress by www.pronovias.com

Style no 21-79 by www.berta.com

Amalia dress

by https://costarellos.com

Toledo dress by www.temperleylondon.com

FASHION

Renae look by www.watters.com/willowby

Waverly dress by www.watters.com/willowby

Fable dress by www.watters.com/willowby

Scan to view video

Rosabel dress by www.watters.com/wtoo/wtoo-brides

Hyacinth dress with orchid-print bell sleeves and orchid skirt, www.halfpennylondon.com 67

DRESSING

We chat to model, television presenter and radio DJ Vogue Williams about her latest venture, Vogue x ROCO, a recently launched collaboration with online children’s formalwear brand ROCO which is her first collection

V

ogue is best known for her presenting roles across mainstream broadcast platforms such as Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch and Global Player podcast Spencer & Vogue as well as the newly released My Therapist Ghosted Me. Over the past year, Vogue has also landed a weekend show on Heart radio and has previously fronted her popular reality shows on Channel 4 - Spencer, Vogue and Baby Too and Spencer, Vogue and Wedding Two with husband, Spencer Matthews.

Regularly showcasing candid family life to her 855k Instagram followers, Vogue is mum to Theodore and Gigi, both of whom inspired the collection with this British brand and have hero items named after them.

How would you summarise your ROCO edit?

This hand-picked edit of high-quality pieces has been two years in the making. I wanted the 15 stylish looks to be affordable, comfortable and easy for children to wear, so the collection offers a contemporary twist on classic styles for party dressing with trend-led silhouettes available in ice-cream pastel hues offering the perfect fit, designed to make special occasions unforgettable.

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Who is the collection for?

It’s aimed at little ones aged from three months to 14 years. There are cute cotton-mix and linen-style blend dresses, two-piece outfits and suits ideal for celebrations, parties and dressing flowergirls, junior bridesmaids and pageboys at weddings.

How did you find the design process? Did you have a favourite part?

I loved working with Laura (Latif, creative director of ROCO) and the team. I’ve always wanted to create my own children’s wear line so to see the pieces evolve from the initial design meeting is so exciting. I immersed myself

Ewan waistcoat and trouser suit, £50.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Molly pink dress, £55.

in the creative process from start to finish, from designing the items to deciding on the colour palettes and finer details.

The team were so easy to work with and it has been so much fun – a dream come true!

If you had to choose, what’s your favourite piece from the collection?

I love them all! The Margaux pink skirt and white top combination with a statement bow at the back looks so pretty.

It’s your little girl’s birthday party, what ROCO dress would you choose and why?

I named the pink ruffle-neck Gigi babygrow after my daughter so it would have to be this!

To shop, visit www.roco.co.uk You’ve got a summer wedding coming up, which ROCO outfit for a boy would you suggest and why?

The Theodore blue-check dungarees are so smart teamed with a short-sleeved shirt! I named them after my son.

Gigi babygrow, £35.

Theodore two-piece, £55.

Let’s shop, www.roco.co.uk www.instagram.com/rococlothing www.facebook.com/rococlothing www.twitter.com/rococlothing 69

TELEPHONE

07767 258636 EMAIL

amberleyvideo@aol.com WEBSITE

amberleyvideoproductions.co.uk

Derby based makeup studio | available to travel to any venue in the UK Fully insured for all makeup services | Over 22 years experience in the beauty industry Makeup for editorial, party, bridal, special occasion, commercial, prom, photoshoots www.makeupstudio4-6.co.uk/ 07891200801 studio4.6makeup@yahoo.com Instagram : @studio4.6 | Facebook: @studio4.6 derby

Jade Clay Hair & Makeup Artist Enhancing Features & Faces. Creating Beautiful & New Confidences. www.jadeclay.com | 07507 041255 |

1 0 you’reRnot E ASONS going to want to book me as YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER I’ll offer you and your significant other a couples engagement shoot for FREE I will definitely get very excited about your wedding plans I’ll annoyingly be available to answer any questions you may have during the wedding planning process I am actually a professional third wheel just tagging along on the best day of your lives I’ve been referred to as a real wedding day Ninja. You’ll probably find me blending in with guests capturing those candids of your nearest and dearest (or will you...)

I’ll get tearful during your speeches, that stuff never gets old Straight after your wedding, I’ll be sending over some wedding previews for you to share with all your loved ones I’ll throw some questionable dance moves to get those laugher shots when the party gets going Oh and whilst I’m at it, I’ve got a bag of terrible jokes I pull out for portraits too. I apologise in advance Plus, we’ll probably be best friends after all that anyway. If you don’t vibe with your photographer, they’re not the one for you!

If that is everything that you DO want in a wedding photographer, then please drop me a message via my contact form on my website.nI can’t wait to hear from you! (I’m UK based) x

RHMWEDDINGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

PRE BOOK

YOUR 2022 WEDDING WITH GRACIE B COMPLIMENTARY BRIDAL CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE

NOW

0115 981 4436 | info@gracieb.co.uk | www.gracieb.co.uk Gracie B, 32 Musters Road, West Bridgeford, NG2 7PL

LUXE LIPS

If you’re looking for a dramatic shade of lippy to make an impact as you walk down the aisle, check out the four new shades from Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Lipstick collection. Fire is a blazing red orange, Jump is a mid-tone cool rose, Spark is a mid-tone warm rose and Twist is a light neutral pink. Each one is inspired by and named in reference to one of Victoria’s personal memories.

These lipsticks offer pure luxury with rich colour, deep moisture, soft shine and sophisticated design, all in a supremely clean, vegan formula – everything the 2020s bride needs.

You’ll find them at www.victoriabeckhambeauty.com, for £34 each.

PERFECT POUT

Recently launched into the UK, the Agave+ collection is BITE’s best-selling range and has gained cult-status in the U.S. Its Weekly Lip Scrub (£22) and Nightime Lip Therapy (£23) provide a luxury experience for your pout, giving lips the TLC they deserve. After all, beauty prep for your big day is about giving your make-up artist the very best canvas to work with and lip treatment is an important part of that. So, renew, replenish and hydrate to the max with this caring, clean, vegan product.

Find it at www.feelunique.co.uk and www.boots.com

Beauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews shares her latest beauty must-haves for the bride to be

LIGHT AND SHADE

A new addition to the Lush range of perfumes, Shade offers a burst of warmth with comforting sandalwood.

A fragrance with a conscience, each essential oil has its own story to tell including sandalwood from West Timor, which is extracted from protected and sustainable trees. It’s also made using a new source of olibanum oil from the Dayaxa region in Somaliland. It has full traceability down to the harvester level, with every step of the process being mapped on blockchain. In fact, Lush is working with its supplier to kickstart a project to train local women in small-scale olibanum oil distillation, a first in the community.

Find it online at www.lush.com, where it’s priced at £25 for 30ml.

FEEL FLAWLESS

Speak to any wedding make-up artist and they’ll most likely tell you that primer is a must, which is why I wanted to share with you my latest discovery: Super Facialist Skin Perfecting Primer (£17). This little beauty creates a flawless-looking complexion using trusted skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, and colour-correcting pigments. It cleverly blurs imperfections by counteracting the three most common concerns of redness, sallowness and dullness, while simultaneously working to bring back skin’s natural radiance.

Find out more at www.superfacialist.co.uk 72

BUZZ

BACK TO ITS ROOTS

Molton Brown was born in the 1970s as a hair salon based in the heart of London’s shopping district on South Molton Street, which was frequented by the Rolling Stones and many other icons of the day. Creators Caroline Bernstein and her husband would hand mix all formulations in the basement, with conscious care for the environment at the forefront of the brand’s values even then.

Now, on the brand’s 50th anniversary it has re-introduced hair care to its range. The collection contains four tailored collections, each with a botanical at the core of its formulation: balancing, volumising, hydrating and repairing. This approach means you can strategically build a healthy-hair routine into your big-day prep depending on the needs of your locks.

Check out www.moltonbrown.co.uk

BEAUTY NEWS

SUPER SKIN

Skin Republic has launched an exciting range of new 30ml serums hailed as a more sustainable way to mask. Its award-winning serum-drenched sheet mask range is renowned for high quality on-trend ingredients, so the brand was keen to continue innovating to deliver more environmentally-conscious results.

The three superheroes are packed full of high concentration actives – Hyaluronic Acid 1% + Niacinamide Serum, Vitamin C 6% + Alpha Arbutin Serum, and Retinoid Complex 1% + Squalene 15% Serum. Each one has been scientifically formulated to target three primary skin concerns: dryness, pigmentation and ageing.

Priced at £14.99 each, they’re available at www.theskinrepublic.co.uk

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

At times life can leave us all busy, stressed and unable to switch off, which is where the new 5 Minute Acupressure Foot Mat from 100 per cent natural aromatherapy lifestyle brand Scentered can help. Our feet have 26 bones, 100 ligaments, 20 muscles and a very complex network of nerves and blood supply. But they’re often overlooked, despite being the powerhouse of wellbeing for our bodies. So, this innovative offering can help you to relax, release tension and bring calm to your day through it’s five-minute therapeutic experience. Equally, if you often find yourself in need of a morning boost, it can be used alongside a supportive aromatherapy balm, allowing you to unblock trapped energy.

Priced at £35 the set is lightweight, washable, portable and super-easy to store. It also comes complete with a choice of one of Scentered’s best-selling aromatherapy blends. Find it at https://scentered.com

EDITOR LOVES

In my humble opinion Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo and The One Signature Conditioner are nothing short of miraculous! I won’t lie, my hair was in an embarrassing state when I decided to give these a go. I’d been swimming three days on the bounce – down water slides, through rapids, the works! My locks were a huge matted, straw-like mess. But with just one application the shampoo lathered like a dream and after leaving the conditioner in for the recommended three minutes, even wet my hair started to feel less knotty.

I usually dread having to drag the brush through my hair after I’ve washed it, but in no time flat it was knot-free, smooth and ready to dry. Shiny, soft and looking their best, the state of my locks pre-Kristin Ess were a distant memory. This is definitely my new favourite hair routine and at £8 each they won’t break the bank. My advice? Head over to www.boots.com and pop them in your basket immediately!

NATURE’S HARVEST

When Estée Lauder created Youth-Dew bath oil in 1953, she revolutionised the fragrance industry and 75 years later, the brand is carrying on her legacy with the introduction of a new luxury fragrance collection. Each of the eight scents is inspired by nature’s most breathtaking moments such as the radiance of a sunset and the mystery of a moonlit flower. What’s more, Estée Lauder’s new ScentCapture Fragrance Extender technology is specially formulated to allow each perfume to last up to 12 hours after a single application – that should get you from vows to dancefloor no problem.

The new Luxury Fragrance Collection (£130 100ml, £68 40ml) is available at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and at www.esteelauder.co.uk

THE EYES HAVE IT

READY OR KNOT

The Detangling Mist is the newest product in The Hair Boss’ award-winning range. The brand, founded by Lisa Shepherd, former British Hairdresser of the Year, simplifies hair care into a four-step routine, and this newbie fits tidily into part three. With life getting busier by the second, this is the quick, on-the-go answer to dry, unruly hair.

Targeted to fix frizzy and damaged locks, it’s designed to smooth and strengthen, while protecting your hair and preventing breakage. Lisa says, “In between washes, The Detangling Mist will soften the hair, taming any unruly knots and re-adding the shine that it’s lost since the last wash.”

Priced at £8.99, it’s available at https://thehairboss.co.uk

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, so they’re for sure a feature to make the most of on the big day. For those looking for longer lashes and full brows, The B Collection has launched its Lash & Brow Serum (£8.99). This all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free product nourishes and stimulates growth in these two key areas for eyes that’ll pop as you say “I do.”

Use every night before bed following your usual skincare routine and wash off in the morning – super-easy. You can also use it during the day to set your brows in place.

We love anything with a dual purpose!

Find it at https://thebcollection.co.uk 73

From the INSIDE OUT

We caught up with owner and founder of Simone Thomas Wellness, Simone herself, to discover how taking care of yourself from the inside out is the ultimate path to wedding wellness

T

he impact stress and anxiety can have on our bodies should never be underestimated.

So, the pandemic has a lot to answer for, even outside of Covid itself. If you’re finding that months of lockdown and wedding-related stress have taken their toll, you’re certainly not alone.

Sadly, anxiety-induced skin concerns and even hair loss can quickly leave you feeling pretty far from your big-day best.

Enter award-winning authority on hair health and wellness Simone Thomas, who’s spent her career sharing her expertise in nutrition, hairloss and bio-energetics. Alongside hair salons and hair-loss clinics, which boast an elite global clientele that includes royalty, celebrities and CEOs; she’s also the founder of Simone Thomas Wellness. We asked Simone for her help in guiding you back onto the path of wedding wellness.

Based on your experience, what challenges are nearlyweds facing in the aftermath of the pandemic?

2020 had a huge affect on the wedding industry with 64 per cent of big days being cancelled or postponed, which means stress levels for everyone involved are now at an alltime high. A wedding is an important day that couples have invested a lot of time and money in, it’s something they’ve dreamed of. So, this is all having a negative impact on how we feel and how we sleep, with our skin and hair responding to that. A bad hair or skin day isn’t great at any time, let alone when the camera is constantly on you and you want to feel your best.

What the last year has taught us though is

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WELLNESS INTERVIEW to start working on yourself? You don’t have to go all out, but you might start looking at a nutrition plan, exercising or having hydra facials. However, I fully recognise there may be financial restraints, so this might not always be possible. In which case, I’d say three months is optimal, but the minimum is six weeks in advance. This way there’s time to flush out any nasties and create balance allowing the body to become stronger and progress. Many tell me they start to see a difference within two weeks. how to take a step back and invest in ourselves, as we often don’t listen to what our bodies need. At Simone Thomas Wellness, we’ve seen a huge increase in clients asking for advice on nutrition and bioenergetics, as well as hair loss.

There’s also been a rise in skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, dermatitis of the scalp, eczema, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, which is commonly linked to stress and hormones.

In fact, stress has a huge knock on effect on our hormones as women. But men too are experiencing skin complaints and suffering hair loss. So, people preparing for their big days have really been struggling during lockdown.

How can we turn this around – where do we start?

What I always say is that everything starts in the gut. If you look after that, the body will look after you. I call it The Mothership. Poor gut health is the start of disease and can be linked to degenerative disorders, so it really should be the number one priority if you’re looking to feel the best version of yourself.

Everyday Wellness, part of the Simone Thomas Wellness range, is a super-strength probiotic supplement containing six types of probiotics to improve gut health by introducing both good and bad bacteria, vital on a day-today basis. When I say “bad bacteria” people often ask me, why anyone would want that, but the body needs diversity to become stronger.

These supplements also help to reduce the inflammation that occurs naturally in a body.

Food can be a trigger, as can poor sleep patterns, stress, and the environment. Here, we’re focusing on removing any nasties so they don’t get absorbed into the cells.

What advice would you give to those looking to achieve that natural-looking bridal glow without a face full of make-up?

Skin Quencher is great for anyone wanting to feel youthful or who’s keen to avoid wearing lots for make-up. It’ll work from the inside out to give you that ultimate bridal glow.

I’m also a huge fan of facials, but it’s more about what we put into our body rather than what we put on top of it. You have to work on yourself internally for the outside to glow. Yes, skincare products are going to have an effect, but if the inside isn’t right, it won’t be long term.

Biotin Brilliance too helps with mild skin irritation caused by stress. You may already have heard about biotins, they’re a B vitamin and have been talked about for a number of years as being vital for healthy skin, hair and nails.

What can you suggest for brides, and bridesmaids, looking to grow their hair for a wedding?

Our Ginkgo Biloba B+ plan contains folic acid with essential B vitamins and biotin, but if you don’t suffer from tiredness, then the biotin haircare plan is great for maintenance.

Alternatively, if you have no specific worries about hair loss, but want to feel the best version of yourself, taking no chances with stress, Skin Quencher is great too. These plans are also great for grooms concerned about hair loss.

What are the benefits of a haircare plan versus a single supplement?

I formulated the plans because I learnt from experience that most people’s concept of what’s healthy actually isn’t. Most of us will happily invest in skincare and clothes, but not in how we feel internally. I think of the plans as a three-step process, much like a garden. To grow beautiful flowers, you need sunlight, amazing soil, and water. So, the probiotics are the ultimate go to, but there’s no point if you’re a fan of microwave meals or Macdonald’s. Unless you cook from scratch, you’re throwing away the goodness you’re putting into the body with the probiotics.

Pairing them with Super Greens and Ginkgo Biloba B+ or Biotin Brilliance is then all about preparing the gut, balancing the body and removing toxins, as well as making sure you create the best environment for vitamin and mineral absorption.

The most important step though is water: filtered versus tap, glass bottle versus plastic.

Purely because of what can be absorbed through plastic as well as unfortunately what’s in mainstream water that comes through the tap.

Tell us a bit about the company’s ethos.

Supplements are a big industry, but they’ve often received bad press because the products simply don’t do what they claim to. So, these are all things we’ve addressed across everything we do from the ingredients to manufacturing. We make sure that every process has full certification, including soil association and vegan accreditation. We’ve worked hard to ensure our products are vegan and our marine collagen is protected and sourced ethically.

Everything is sustainable as much as possible.

When our bottles are finished with they get made into tiles and flooring, and the packaging too is eco-friendly. Even the energy used in my office is renewable. We’re proud of the fact that recently we were responsible for 25 trees being planted in the rainforest due to our renewable energy contract.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Simone’s book, Healthy Hair Happy Body, contains her comprehensive and motivational plan to transform wellbeing from the inside out. In each chapter she introduces concepts that provide insight into how the body functions, and what really makes a difference to achieving optimum health, sharing how tiny adjustments over time can lead to better results. It’s available at www.amazon.co.uk, priced at £15, with £1 going to Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The Biotin Haircare Plan, £70; The Ginkgo Haircare Plan, £70; and SkinQuencher, £35

by Simone Thomas Wellness, are all available at https://simonethomaswellness.com

When would be the ideal time to start taking supplements in order to feel wedding-ready?

To me there’s never a day too early! Most couples will start planning a year to two years in advance, so why not use the same timeline 75

Rachel loveDsre...ams Sahara

NAILKIND NATURAL NAIL WEAR £8.95, www.nailkind.com “This vegan polish went on like a dream, I only needed one coat. Plus, the neutral shades are beautifully subtle and classy for a bride’s big day.” – Rachel Westall

LEIGHTON DENNY £12, https://leightondenny.com “The wide brush makes application as easy as one, two, three; and allows you to get a neat line around the cuticle. Best of all, an impressive 75 per cent of its ingredients are derived from plants replacing the usual chemical concoction so it’s good for your nails too.” – Kelly Andrews

Kelly loves...

My Ze

n Place

NAILED IT! Team CWM put the latest bridal nail polish shades to the test

Melissa loves...

Sand Dune

EARTHY NAIL POLISH £7.99, www.earthynailpolish.com “Each varnish is plant-based, glutenand cruelty-free and comes complete with an antibacterial bamboo cap. The subtle scent isn’t overpowering and it's easy to apply, with a long-lasting finish.” – Melissa Barker

Kelly loves...

Gra ce

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CIENNA ROSE ENRICHED NAIL LACQUER £9, www.ciennarose.com “After two coats, this crueltyfree polish didn’t disappoint.

Infused with vitamin E, provitamin B5 and lemongrass oil it strengthens nails and there was no chipping or fading even after swimming, badminton and golf!”

– Olivia Gibson

Beth loves...

PEACCI NAIL POLISH £10, https://peacci.com “Peacci colours Nude, Eden and Audrey are great goto choices for a clean and neutral nail that will suit any bride. My nail polish collection finally feels complete!” – Beth Morton

LADY SHOWBIZ GEL EFFECT NAIL POLISH £12, www.ladyshowbiz.com “The high-shine finish is ideal for anyone who loves the idea of a gel mani at home without a UV lamp. Plus, Grace is the perfect go-to bridal shade, girly and indeed, graceful.”

– Kelly Andrews

Dolly

MAVALA £5.50, www.nailpolishdirect.co.uk “I fell in love with these gorgeous shades as soon as I opened the box. Whether you’re after a pop of colour or something more traditionally delicate, there’s something here for every bride.” – Kelly Andrews

Sandstorm

Eden

Danielle loves...

BARRY M AIR BREATHABLE NAIL PAINT £3.99, https://barrym.com “Wow, these are amazing! Covers in three strokes with a superhardwearing, gel-like finish. I’ll never wear another polish again!”

– Danielle Harvey

Olivia loves...

Kelly loves.ia..

Hortens

Scan to view video

www.sarahcarterphotography.co.uk

ASK THE EXPERTS

Fashion and beauty

Q&A Our experts give their advice to help you look your big-day best

BOLDLY BEAUTIFUL black can create a soft and romantic look, but the products need to be placed delicately and in the right places. You can add a touch of black eyeshadow to the outer corners of the eyes or the bottom waterline to give a more smokey look. Team this up with a flawless base, a rose blusher and a nude-toned lipstick for the ultimate look.

Why not consider wearing a black lipstick for something a bit different and very quirky too?

Rachel Bray | Kiss & Makeup by Rachel Bray www.kissandmakeupbyrachelbray.co.uk

ACCESSORISE AND SHINE I can’t wait for our summer wedding next year; what accessories are currently on-trend?

There has been a rise in casual garden-themed weddings after the last lockdown, which works well with boho-styled looks. Sunflowers always look amazing in this setting, and a relaxed hairpiece that includes a pendant for the forehead would bring some sparkle to the day while reflecting sunlight beautifully. A nice choker or beaded sunflower earrings, necklace or bracelet would finish off the look perfectly. Incorporating flowers in your hair is also popular, either through an abstract hairband or real flowers.

Belts ranging from plain to sparkly are back on-trend and remember that this wedding theme is all about what you want to wear on the special day, not what others expect.

With more formal weddings taking place with pale-blue hues and Bridgerton-influenced styling, empire-line dresses and gloves will be very popular. Keep the accessories sophisticated with pearl-drop earrings and a delicate bracelet, which are both timeless.

Formal-style weddings have a relaxed atmosphere, with many using delicate details and opting for an afternoon tea to add to the luxurious feel of the day.

Amanda Louise O’Brien | Angel Whispers Tiaras & More www.facebook.com/Angelwhisperstiaras

www.kjaphotography.co.uk

We’re having a black colour scheme at our wedding, which I’d like to incorporate into my make-up without it looking too heavy. How can I achieve this?

Black can be a controversial shade when it comes to wedding make-up, as most people don’t consider it a ‘bridal make-up tone’ necessarily. We often think of soft-natural tones or pink and peach hues instead, which have been very popular this year.

I love nothing more than adding a fine-black eyeliner and lashings of black mascara to make eyes pop on camera. Using the shade

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Jools Wedding Celebrant

With over 15 years experience in the floral industry we specialises in creating luxuriously, natural, romantic floral wedding designs.

Our creations demonstrates our love of all things quintessentially English. However, we dedicate ourselves to catering for all tastes and styles allowing us to assist couples who are looking for a more contemporary feel to their wedding.

HAVE YOUR SPECIAL DAY THE WAY YOU ALWAYS IMAGINED IT TO BE Why not design your own exclusive ceremony with me and make it truly unique to you.

JO OLSWEDDINGCELEBRANT.CO.UK joolsweddingcelebrant@aol.com | 07712624083

tree_house_cakes Tree House Cakes W W W. T R E E H O U S E C A K E S . C O . U K Tree House Cakes owner Adrian Ganderton is an East Midlands based cake designer creating cakes for discerning customers throughout the UK. Adrian has been designing, making and decorating bespoke cakes for over 10 years, initially as a hobby, but has now turned his passion into a full time business.

“I am motivated by taking commissions which are as challenging as they are exciting and rewarding. Inspiration comes from architecture, magazines , fabrics and of course you as the client.

This is where I like to start the process with a creative brief including specifics including a clients personality, hobbies, career, etc.

Gluten Free, vegan, dairy free, egg free cakes are something I have developed over the years such that I have a fabulous selection of recipes for those clients.

Wedding cakes are where my main passion lies. Wedding cakes are so important and should represent both parties as per my mission stated above. This means I can add value to wedding venues in their offering to their clients as well giving a truly bespoke service.

You will receive outstanding personal service beginning to end.

Call 01522537518 to discuss your requirements

HOT

EXPERT ADVICE

TOPIC

Top advice for the perfect wedding

Tina Wade | Iconic Bride | www.iconicbride.co.uk

www.rosaclara.es

DRESS SENSE What styles and fabrics would you suggest for a January wedding?

Weddings in January can be so romantic but ensuring you’re warm enough is essential to enjoying your special day.

Winter wedding dresses are traditionally fuller-bodied gowns with elegant sleeves, lace or sparkle details – just like our Rosa Clara gown called Calea. We’ve seen wedding gown traditions become more relaxed in more recent years, allowing more freedom in style choices.

Materials for wedding dresses can vary, and some are better than others depending on the season. Heavier fabrics are thicker and means you’ll be warm while still looking amazing.

As well as the gown, don’t forget about shawls and shrugs that can be a warm addition that’s still stylish – fur and velvet materials are perfect for winter.

Here at Iconic Bride, we’ve recently opened our new bridesmaid store with beautiful dresses in warm tones for winter with red, burnt orange and emerald shades. Each one would look great with a shawl or shrug to match the bride.

LOOK YOUR BEST I’m worried about the weather ruining my hair at our December wedding. Do you have ideas or styles I should go for to ensure I look great all day?

Unfortunately, the weather is one thing you can’t control on your wedding day, but there are a few tips to consider when picking a hairstyle.

Firstly, try not to worry too much about your hair because if there’s torrential rain on the day, which happens to be good luck, then the chances of getting outdoor photos are slim.

Wearing your hair up is the obvious choice to keep everything looking its best in bad weather. Each strand will be secured and smoothed with products (even with textured looks), so you won’t have to worry about it anything blowing around or going frizzy.

Consider if your hair holds a curl well if you’re looking to wear your hair down or in a half-up half-down style. If not, the curls might not withstand the wind or the damp.

Ultimately, try not to worry about anything too much and chat through any concerns with your stylist – we all know plenty of tricks to keep your hair looking perfect all day, whatever the weather!

Robyn Wood | Perfect Silhouette Hairdressing www.perfectsilhouettehairdressing.com 79

http://lovemy.photos www.gettyimages.co.uk

HAIR TODAY… I’d love an ultra-modern hair style for my big day. What’s hot right now?

CWM beauty editor Kelly says: If 2020 taught us one thing, it was how to chill the heck out! Let’s be honest, we’re all happy to leave the house looking a lot less coiffed than we used to, and this ethos has translated to the aisle. Lived-in tresses with texture and softness were the way forward for 2021 and this trend will continue in 2022. Brides are after a look that’s comfortable and reflective of their personalities. No longer should you be afraid to see a hair out of place. Think plenty of texturising spray and softly pinned buns.

We’re absolutely delighted to see hair accessories growing in popularity amongst our brides, and you can’t go wrong with such an abundance of choice. Everything from a white satin or pearl encrusted headband to a delicately bejewelled hair vine is in. You may even choose to minimise or forego jewellery altogether in favour of a statement head piece. For the modern boho bride, why not consider a super-cool fedora or panama hat with a fresh flower band. Be creative and enjoy!

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to plan everything.

Or you might find a property that has bedrooms on-site, a wedding planner as part of the venue’s team, a resident DJ and menus all prepared, which would be a less stressful option.

Think about what’s important to you both. A venue with character and charm might top something more modern and lends itself better to those all-important photographic moments.

The Dower House Hotel is a hidden gem nestled in the woods in Woodhall Spa. This Edwardian hotel is full of period features with an in-house culinary team, a dedicated wedding planner, 21 spacious bedrooms and a beautiful new dressing room for weddings.

Carolyn Hutchison | The Dower House Hotel www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk

www.gettyimages.co.uk

SETTING THE TONE With so many wedding properties out there, we’re finding it hard to pick a venue for our wedding. What advice can you share to make the process easier?

When the wedding planning begins, decide if you’d like a religious or civil ceremony. For those opting for civil service, start to think about what type of venue you’re looking for; this could be a barn, a hotel or a stately home, to name a few.

After finding a few local venues, book some appointments to see them in person. You might fall in love with one, or it could narrow down your search.

You might like a certain barn venue, but realise you’d need to book the caterers, entertainment and a wedding planner to keep everything organised – this might be difficult if you have limited time

LOVE ALL AROUND We’ve just started wedding planning, and I’m slightly confused about what a celebrant does. Can you help?

A celebrant is a professionally trained officiant who can perform both religious and non-religious ceremonies that can take place on any day at any time. The “I dos” can occur in a wide variety of properties, including country houses, barns, woodland areas, hotels, tepees and outdoor locations – anything is possible!

Celebrants work with couples to create bespoke ceremonies that show off their personality and style – it is all about the couple and is not limited by the ‘must haves’.

We work with our couples to get to know them and find out what they truly want in their service. Some couples like to include family and friends by asking them to read their favourite poems, excerpts from films or perform a favourite song.

With a celebrant ceremony, no two weddings are the same as lovebirds can write their own personal and intimate vows. A celebrant’s role on the day is to make sure everything runs smoothly and stress-free, while making sure clients are comfortable and confident.

Julia Gaunt | Jools Wedding Celebrant www.joolsweddingcelebrant.co.uk

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR PERECT WEDDING DAY

YOUR BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING Stunning, licensed ceremony venues perfect for an intimate occasion or a larger celebration

Up to 120 people for a Seated Wedding Breakfast 180 for your Evening Reception Exclusivity option available 21 light and spacious bedrooms

www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk Contact our wedding planner, Carolyn, to book an exclusive tour of our lovely hotel.

Quote ‘EastMidMag’ when you get in touch and enjoy two glasses of prosecco after you’ve fallen in love with our venue.

Manor Estate, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6PY | 01526 352588

OVER

NI

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30 YEARS INYEAR BUSINESS YEAR N IV E RS A

Personalised Wedding Gifts Memorable presents for bride and groom

VERSA

BESPOKE 5* SERVICE BESPOKE 5* SERVICE

Wedding Wheels Ltd We are proud to offer a choice of 12 chauffeured vehicles including vintage themed, classic, retro and modern options to brides and grooms across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and beyond.

Viewing by Appointment at Pleasley Vale Business Park, Mansfield, NG19 8FB Telephone: 01623 612470 Mobile: 07813 760 626 or 07540 665 432 Email: michael.overton15@googlemail.com

www.weddingwheelsltd.co.uk

W W W. FA R R A R - TA N N E R . C O . U K

CAPTURE MOMENTS BETWEEN THE MOMENTS W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y ( W I T H O U T T H E F U S S A N D F A F F ! )

Micro Weddings Elopements Full Size Weddings

nickfreemanweddingphotography.co.uk TELEPHONE: 01536 761527 or 07971434463

A nose for it

GROOMS’ NEWS

A citrus, marine, woody fragrance grooms wearing this can expect top notes of Italian bergamot and pink pepper, hearty notes of marine accord and grey amber and base notes of patchouli and wood.

Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue is priced: £32.50 (30ml), £51.50 (60ml), £71.50 (100ml) check out www.johnlewis.com

COLOUR SWATCH

Timex Watches are pleased to introduce three new colourways to its muchloved Q Timex Reissue Series. A natural evolution of the Q Timex the new launches add a pop of colour to the iconic 1979 original. Available to buy now for £159 at www.timex.co.uk

Grooms’ NEWS All the latest news and product launches

SUIT UP

Savile Row has a great selection of new suits for the expected bumper wedding season post-lockdowns. With a range to match all budgets, whether you’re the groom or a groomsman, here at CWM HQ we particularly love this on-trend Grey Navy Check Wool Suit (£349) that’s been made from 100% wool and can be paired with a white shirt and black Derby shoes. Check out: https://savilerowco.com/wedding

TOP 5 UNDER £50

Gifting and accessory specialists Farrar & Tanner (www.farrar-tanner.co.uk) has curated a list of gift ideas containing a combination of personalised, practical and fun products which all encompass an element of luxury for your wedding day.

BARBOUR TARTAN HANDKERCHIEF BOX SET, £30

KITCHEN CRAFT ACACIA WOOD MAGNETIC KNIFE RACK, £30

These three organic cotton handkerchiefs, woven in Barbour’s classic tartan, will add a stylish country-chic touch to your attire.

The rack has multiple purposes including freeing up space in drawers and serving as a design element. This would make a wonderful present for someone with culinary interest.

SEASONAL OFFERING

Celtic & Co has launched a whole host of new season products perfect for grooms.

Featuring a billfold construction, its new wallet is crafted in soft leather embossed with a crocodile motif to match other accessories in the collection. It has a full-length zipped compartment and 11 card slots, a clear ID window, a note pocket and a coin pocket with a secure popper closure.

Complete with cotton lining, this compact accessory will keep your cards and cash in fine order for the big day, honeymoon and beyond. Priced, £34, check out www.celticandco.com

BARBOUR AYDON MANICURE KIT, £35 This manicure kit is an absolute staple in any man’s washbag; inside the leather and tartan case, you will find five tools – nail clippers, scissors, tweezers, cuticle pushers and file – personalisation is also available.

VICTORINOX EXECUTIVE MANOPOULOS WALNUT WOOD 81 WALNUT WOOD BACKGAMMON SWISS ARMY KNIFE, £40 SET, £49 Combining luxury with practicality, the Evowood has five essential everyday tools including a stainless-steel blade and serrated scissors.

The board itself is compact for travelling on honeymoon with thick, high walls and side racks to ensure all pieces are safe ‒ personalisation is available.

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! e s a ple

CHECK

Look dashing in this on trend print

www.charlestyrwhitt.com 84

GROOMS’ FASHION

£290, trousers, https://favourbrook.com

£69.99, www.farlows.co.uk

£140, www.tmlewin.co.uk

£69.95, www.schoffelcountry.com

£poa, www.next.co.uk

£299.95, www.schoffelcountry.com

£660, https://harrisdistillery.com

£17.99, www.shoezone.com

£349, https://savilerowco.com 85

www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

Memorable moments

County Wedding Magazines editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

READY, SET, POSE!

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www.chrisblackledg ephotography.co.uk

Dave and I were unsure if we wanted to book a pre-wedding shoot as we don’t like our picture being taken and can be quite awkward in front of the camera. I spoke to a few of our married friends and they all recommended booking a shoot, so we decided to go for it. As we got engaged during the last lockdown, we had only met our photographer once over Skype, so we felt the shoot would also be a good way of getting to know him better ready for our big day.

We’d arranged to meet on a beach in Kent, and as I’m sure you can tell from the pictures, it was extremely blustery and cold, so much so we were convinced we would appear blue

in the final shots! Although it wasn’t the perfect weather conditions, the combination of our windswept appearence – my hair must have looked like Medusa – onlookers and relaxed nature of our photographer made the shoot fun!

I was very nervous beforehand, changing my outfit 10 times much to Dave’s annoyance, but once we were there we both felt at ease and had a great time. If you’re debating booking a shoot, I’d highly recommend it.

ACCESSORISE AND SHINE Wedding planning has been pretty straightforward overall, but when it came to choosing my accessories, I felt very overwhelmed. I wouldn’t describe myself as particularly girly, but I wanted something that would make me look beautiful on the day without being overpowering. After hours of shopping, I surprised myself by discovering I have a hidden love for pearls, so when I came across a pearl and floral hair clip, I just knew that I had to have it! I’m planning to finish my look with a pair of pearl earrings and a pendant necklace.

My shoes have also been difficult. I’m 5ft 2ins and Dave is more than 6ft tall, so I was debating whether to wear heels to make the height difference less apparent. All the heels that I loved were really expensive and I was beginning to have nightmares about falling over as I walked down the aisle – I’m not the most gracious person even in flats! So, after looking at countless websites and going into what feels like every shoe shop in Essex, I finally decided to embrace my height and purchased a pair of glittery trainers with satin laces from Kate Spade. Although different to what I had orginally envisaged, I think the look suits my dress and it’s made me feel more relaxed knowing I won’t be going to A&E on the big day.

Lastly, Dave and I went ring shopping – a traditonal wedding element we still wanted

for our nuptials. When we arrived at the jewellers, which was the same branch that Dave purchased my engagement ring from, I was pleasantly surprised to learn they had a matching wedding ring that I, of course, had to have. Luckily we are months ahead of our wedding, however we were made aware that some ring designs can take up to four months to arrive in the store – take note readers that are planning last-minute ‘I dos’!

Dave never wears jewellery, so he was unsure of what style he wanted and all of the different types of metal and cuts were quite overwhelming for him. After doing some research and asking our friends for their opinions, he decided on a plain platinum band that looks great.

Make sure you check out the next issue where I’ll be discussing our search for the perfect entertainment.

Melissa. x

.co.uk dgephotography

his year has flown by, can you believe it’s nearly Christmas? It’s starting to dawn on me that this is my last as a Miss – eek – and July will creep around quickly so the countdown is officially on! My fiancé, Dave, and I have booked most of our suppliers including the venue, photographer and florist and I’ve even found my dress – but there’s still plenty to do!

We’re getting really excited as the day draws closer, and the more I write about all of your beautiful weddings, the more real it seems that we will have our very own wedding day. In this issue, read all about our pre-wedding shoot and my search for the perfect accessories.

www.chrisblackle

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Here’s my moodboard to help give you heaps of inspiration.

BRIDE’S DIARY

We’ve ordered wooden cutouts of our guests’ names to be used as place names. They look really cute and double up as favours.

Originally, we didn’t want light-up letters, but after seeing a set-up at one of our venue’s wedding shows, we loved the look and have hired them.

Dave and I have purchased an oak direction sign that will greet our guests as they enter our venue.

Although I was against the idea of wearing a veil, I tried one on with my dress and fell in love.

We came across a local company that creates personalised cake toppers, so we’ve decided to order one with figures of us and our cat.

Our venue offers guests a choice of ribbons when they enter the venue, pink if they want people to keep their distance, green if they’re comfortable to shake hands and blue if they are happy to hug. I think it’s a great way of making sure that everyone feels happy and safe on the day.

We’re planning to buy personalised cufflinks for Dave and his best man.

I love this buttonhole wrapped in twine and am going to ask our florist if she can do the same.

For our tables, we’re purchased concrete planters that are shaped like characters from our favourite films and tv shows to add a personal touch to the day.

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10% discount for any Photobooth/Magic Mirror bookings for 2021/2022 Here at Orchid Event Management, we pride ourselves in being able to source exactly what you need for your event to make it that little bit special.

Whether you need that unique space, delicious food, floral decorations, or live entertainment to dance the night away to, OEM has it all.

All types of Social and Corporate events catered for: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Wedding Receptions, Conferences, Company Presentations, School Proms, Charity Events etc.

We treat every event individually. From your initial enquiry, we work closely with you to develop more of an understanding of what you want to achieve.

OEM provide a Fully Insured, Helpful and Competitive Service. We use our wealth of experience and the strength or our supplier relationships to design and resource a solution that adds value within your budget.

www.orchideventmanagement.co.uk T: 01832 735970 | M: 07936 667645 | E: orchideventmanagement@hotmail.co.uk | ORCHID EVENT MANAGEMENT | 25 SACKVILLE STREET | THRAPSTON | NORTHANTS | NN14 4NZ

ENTERTAINMENT

Blame it on the boogie

A B

Your A-to-Z guide to wedding entertainment

B IS FOR BALLROOM DANCING For a first dance with a difference, book yourselves some lessons and perform a choreographed routine to surprise your guests.

A IS FOR ANIMALS Calling all animal lovers! Make your wedding memorable by having animals throughout the day – doves, alpacas, rabbits and horses are great options!

C

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D IS FOR DJ We recommend meeting with your DJ prior to the big day, whether that be face-to-face or virtually.

They’ll need to understand your musical tastes and your guest list to get a feel for the floor-fillers needed. Why not send out a request form with your RSVPs to guarantee a popular playlist?

We suggest: www.djderbyshire.co.uk

F

C IS FOR CARICATURIST Capture some hilarious drawings of your guests with a caricaturist - it's the perfect way to break the ice and create the perfect memento.

E IS FOR EXTRAS Whether it be a basket of blankets so guests can chill out and chat in your venue’s gardens when the sun goes down, or a box of flip flops to soothe those dancing feet, your loved ones will appreciate any added extras to keep them comfortable.

F IS FOR FIREWORKS End the night with a bang with a spectacular firework display! What could be more romantic than watching the sky sparkle and light up with loved ones?

89 

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G IS FOR GLITTER BAR You can never go wrong with a dab of sparkle. Add a festival-vibe to your celebrations with a glitter bar for blinged-up beards and glistening cheekbones.

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J IS FOR JAZZ Set a stylish atmosphere and hire a jazz company to play some romantic songs throughout the day.

I IS FOR INFLATABLES Bring out your inner child with some inflatables! You and your guests are guaranteed to have fun and just think of the exciting and crazy photos that will be captured.

L IS FOR LITTLE ONES Keep your mini guests occupied all day with a craft table, or enlist the help of a professional wedding creche company to ensure they’re all safe and having a whale of a time with a whole parade of super-fun activities.

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O IS FOR OUTDOOR GAMES Connect4, hook-a-duck and crazy golf are all classic outdoor games that kids and adults alike will enjoy on the big day.

We suggest: www.9holeeventhire.com 90

H IS FOR HARP Harp music at a wedding is the ultimate romantic touch offering relaxing background music.

We suggest: www.allthingsharp.co.uk

K IS FOR KARAOKE Capture some brilliant moments in the evening with some karaoke – the perfect way to get guests mingling after a few drinks.

N IS FOR NOSTALGIA Make the most of your venue’s grounds and lay out some vintage garden games such as croquet, giant Jenga and hoopla. Your guests will have so much fun while they wait for the wedding breakfast, they’ll barely notice their tummies rumble.

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M IS FOR MAGICIAN There’s a reason why magic has been popular throughout the years.

Magicians can capture audiences of all ages and create astonishing shows that will be a talking point long after the dancefloor has cleared.

We suggest: www.willgray.co.uk

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P IS FOR PHOTO BOOTH Photo booths with props are a fantastic way to capture fun and goofy photos of all your guests. Not only do the images create a hilarious guest book to treasure for years to come, but loved ones can keep the images as a reminder of the day.

We suggest: www.orchideventmanagement.co.uk

S Q R T

All images on page 89, 90 & 91 are courtesy of www.gettyimages.co.uk

Q IS FOR QUIZ Add some fun table quizzes to create some friendly competition between guests – the perfect ice-breaker.

U

T IS FOR TRIBUTE BAND If you both have a favourite band, why not have a tribute band play on the day? Celebrate to your favourite songs while dancing the night away.

U IS FOR UNIQUE Personalise your day by filling it with what you love. Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race? Why not hire a drag performer to make a surprise appearance.

If you love to sing, prepare a super-romantic surprise performance for your new husband or wife. Perhaps, you’re a member of a choir – can you organise for them to sing at your ceremony?

V

V IS FOR VIDEOS Make your day personal and share some home videos with friends and family. What could be a better way to highlight your journey together?

ENTERTAINMENT

S IS FOR STRINGS Nothing creates a more romantic atmosphere during the day quite like a violin, cello or a bass – these are the perfect additions to ceremonies and receptions.

R IS FOR ROOTS Embrace your heritage with a traditional dance routine or musical act.

W

W IS FOR WAITERS Bring spontaneity and excitement to the wedding with singing waiters – the ultimate surprise that will shock guests and create a fun, light-hearted atmosphere.

X IS FOR X-PERTS Ok, we cheated here! But in all seriousness, your professional entertainers are experts in their field. Be sure to tap into their wealth of knowledge and experience with a pre-wedding meeting. Nobody knows how to fill a dancefloor like they do.

We suggest, www.facebook.com/Bethanymmusic

Y

Y IS FOR YAKETY-YAK If your guest list is filled with folk who haven’t seen each other for years, sometimes less is more. They’ll love time to catch up, so consider periods of downtime or chill-out zones away from all the action.

Z

Z IS FOR ZZZ Time for bed, but no need to let the evening fizzle out. Be sent off in style with a sparkler guard of honour as you bid farewell.

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COMPETITION

WIN

A FUN-FILLED SLEEPOVER FOR EIGHT GUESTS AT WHITLEY HALL, YORKSHIRE

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hitley Hall Hotel may be among the North’s most historic and beautiful wedding venue hotels. This stunning Yorkshire stone mansion, where peacocks stroll in the grounds, boasts both Tudor and 18th-century origins – it’s rumoured that Mary, Queen of Scots was once a house guest in the West Wing! The two four-poster suites are particularly delightful for a romantic stay but each of the 32 rooms are superbly designed to complement the hotel’s rich and important history.

With its new purpose-built Whitley Suite, offering state-of-the-art facilities, including a heated outdoor terrace, (capacity 110/160 guests), along with the original Parker Suite (capacity 110/175), Whitley Hall is perhaps one of the largest venues in the region. Its new exclusive ‘Secret Garden Folly’ is a real showstopper where you can exchange vows with a natural backdrop, or simply use this space for an outdoor drinks reception which can be spectacular come dusk and into the evening.

There’s also the option to take over the whole hotel as an exclusiveuse venue (capacity 400) and there are semi-exclusive use options also available.

Attention to detail, combined with a warm Yorkshire welcome, make a stay at this four-star hotel a real pleasure. The restaurant serves an array of mouth-watering dishes prepared with the very finest local produce. The hotel, which is close to the motorway yet benefits from the most tranquil rural setting, can be used as a handy base to explore the stunning Chatsworth House estate and its surrounding towns and villages

in the Peak District such as Bakewell, Eyam and Buxton; Sheffield and the shopping centre at Meadowhall are also popular attractions.

Visit www.whitleyhall.com | www.instagram.com/whitleyhallhotel

PRIZE: Our lucky prize winner will enjoy a luxurious overnight with a group of close friends and family at this historic country house hotel. Indulge in a mini dessert selection with tea or coffee upon arrival, a chilled bottle of Prosecco is in each room, plus ‘pamper hampers’, robes and slippers to make the most of a fun and relaxing stay, which also includes threecourse dinner in the evening in the hotel restaurant and full traditional English breakfast the following morning. Early check in (2pm) and late check out (11am) make for a more leisurely stay.

HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the new purpose-built wedding suite?

Enter online at yoursurrey.wedding Closing date 4th February 2022, unless otherwise stated.

Terms and Conditions apply. Please see our website for details.

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HONEYMOON NORTH YORKSHIRE

Hornington Manor, a North Yorkshire wedding venue, has welcomed eight themed shepherd ‒ perfect for newlyweds looking for a private retreat.

Each hut takes inspiration from Yorkshire and beyond, with themes ranging from Arabia to the 1940s they offer complete escapism as well as a luxury kingsize Harrison Spinks bed, television, kitchenette, wifi, an en suite with shower and breathtaking views to boot!

The Amy Johnson hut is an ode to one of Yorkshire’s finest female pilots, reflecting Johnson’s love of 1930s fashion, flying and adventure. To view the rest of the huts and to book your stay visit www.horningtonmanor.co.uk

CUMBRIA

Gisland Hall Hotel, Cumbria, is having a five-star renovation enhancing it’s three-star offering. Providing the perfect base for outdoorsy types – in the year of the Great British staycation – explore the area by car, on foot or by bike. It’s close to UNESCO World Heritage sites along Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle, Gretna, Hexham and Newcastle.

The property sits proudly in 140 acres and in Spring 2022, it will offer luxury suites and family rooms with patios ideal for those with pets! There’ll be an array of guest experiences, amenities, event spaces and luxury Spa facilities, making it the ideal retreat for couples, groups of friends and family gatherings.

In the meantime, the hotel in its existing incarnation is available for affordable staycations at only £80pp (based on two sharing) for three-course dinner, bed and breakfast. Check out www.gilslandhall.com

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UK SPECIAL

NORTHERN IRELAND

Galgorm Resort & Spa, the multi award-winning spa resort in Ballymena, is an ideal minimoon location. At the resort, you will experience complete post-wedding relaxation and luxury with an indulgent choice of dining options in three on-site restaurants. What’s more there’s a gin bar with more than 400 gins, a Thermal Village Spa and Serenity Garden (which is the first of it’s kind in Ireland).

From its enviable corner location within the original manor house, couples will be in awe of Suite 1857. It offers unrivalled views of the cascading waters of the River Maine complete with Juliet balcony. With a truly romantic design: a muted palette of brocade wall coverings, antique lighting, French baroque furniture and solid oak floors and roof beams, it’s a sight to behold ‒ a traditional freestanding bath with claw feet and separate shower complete the space.

Here are two new offers for a minimooners: a two-night dining retreat from £520 and a two-night spa retreat from £700 for two! Check out www.galgorm.com

HONEYMOON NEWS

LAKE DISTRICT

A chic country house hotel in the picture-perfect village of Grasmere, Victorian House Hotel is launching a Stargazer Experience for the perfect finishing touch to romantic post-wedding minimoons. The Stargazer Experience costs £15pp and includes a backpack and waterproof rug to borrow, a map to the viewing spot, homemade sausage rolls, a generous tipple of Whiskey Mac, a Red Torch specifically designed with map reading and stargazing in mind so guests can flick between the map and the night sky with ease, plus binoculars and a star guide.

Couples can choose from Stargazer Rooms complete with telescopes, star maps, dreamy beds, good coffee, organic teas and generous Land & Water toiletries; there’s also a luxurious Shepherds Hut for two on the riverbank.

Available all year round ‒ but stargazing in the Lakes is particularly good in the autumn and winter ‒ an overnight stay costs from £123 per room per night including breakfast. Visit www.victorianhousehotel.co.uk

LONDON

https://andrewbeasley.co.uk

CO.ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND

For discerning travellers planning a romantic getaway, the newly opened The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is idyllic. Oozing character, it offers sumptuous yet comfortable accommodation, fine dining, a stylish bar and a moodenhancing outdoor spa.

The Rabbit is a fusion of modern living with country life comprising 33 bedrooms in four different stylish room types with scandi-inspired, retro design. Each boasts seriously comfy beds, a Nespresso machine, Dyson hairdryer and a Marshall amp, not to mention fluffy robes and flip flops for a trip to the spa: The Relaxation Burrow. The latter has been carefully created for optimum zen comprising Swedish sauna, aroma steam room, salt chamber, outdoor Roman baths, loungers and cabanas – there’s also a man-made beach and lake bar!

The offers at The Rabbit Hotel include the ‘Hop to It’ break from £180 per night based on two people sharing including access to The Relaxation Burrow, bottle of bubbles in your room and breakfast the following morning Check out www.rabbithotel.com

Boutique hotel, The Londoner, has officially opened its doors in the heart of London’s iconic Leicester Square. With a staggering 350 guest rooms spread across 16 storeys and a subterranean series of spaces, it will certainly leave guests amazed. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned architectural designers Yabu Pushelberg, the luxury urban resort features a range of rooms, suites, penthouses, two private screening rooms, an entire floor dedicated to wellness, expansive ballroom, private art gallery and to top it off a mix of several concept eateries. This includes its signature Mediterranean restaurant, Whitcomb’s, plus a contemporary Japanese lounge bar with a rooftop terrace and its neighbourhood bar, Joshua’s Tavern – minimooners would never have to leave for the ultimate staycation!

Whilst super in scale, its boutique approach and commitment to hospitality offers the highest levels of luxury with an experience designed to make every guest feel at home. Check out www.thelondoner.com

SURREY

Crockers Henley, based in Henley-on-Thames, is celebrating a year in businesses, although it’s been a year like no other! Only an hour from London, Crockers Henley presents understated luxury at its finest and provides the ultimate staycation destination. Housed in a Grade II listed building, it’s home to seven elegantly designed, contemporary bedrooms complete with rolltop baths, four-poster beds and restored heritage Georgian features.

A delight for foodies and those with a discerning palate, The Grill, overseen by Tom Westerland, is a hive of activity offering a casual dining affair including the famed chateaubriand and Tom’s take on English classics. Meanwhile, the two 16-seat Chef’s Tables each present an immersive dining experience over ten courses. The Thames Table, overseen by talented young chef Alex Payne, celebrates the best of modern British dining whilst The Gardiner’s, with Iain Dixon at the helm, shines light on delicate and complex pan-Asian flavours.

Starting from £400, inclusive of dinner at one of the Chef’s Tables, overnight stay and three-course breakfast, based on two sharing. Check out https://henley.crockersuk.com 95

Escape to Greece: City VS Islands Bustling cultural centres or tranquil secluded spots, the choice is yours

Culture capital

The Athenian Riviera has undergone a resurgence, much to the delight of the discerning honeymooner who can revel in the dining, drinking and culture which has now ventured into the streets of Athens. The boutique bars and trendy dining outlets along with leading hotels such as The Alex, from the Greek family run group Santikos Collection, make Athens and its Riviera coastline the ideal spot for a city escape.

Piraeus has also become a mecca for exciting new gallery openings in recent years, due to masses of students who have studied abroad returning with new-found talent and kickstarting a new art scene in the region. New openings include Intermission, Rodeo and most recent of all Carwan which after nearly a decade of activities in Beirut, Lebanon and participation in more than 50 international exhibitions, relocated to Piraeus in September 2020.

The team at The Alex pride themselves on being able to offer the best insider knowledge to their guests, finding a suitable recommendation no matter their culinary palate or activity desire for honeymooners and visitors alike. Here they have pulled together a few of their favourite drinking, dining and cultural hotspots to help with planning your very own weekend in the city…

ITINERARY INSPIRATION Drinks...

Pirée: Combining culture and entertainment, Pirée has a café bar where you can enjoy premium drinks, delicious coffee and a food menu while admiring the work of young talents. The creative energy is palpable, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to assist in an art performance.

Okio MusiCafe: In Marina Zeas, this live music coffee bar is open all day and serves drinks and creative cocktails in the evening. The music playlist

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includes world music, soul, funk and jazz; the bar also regularly hosts live gigs.

Food...

1903 A Taste of Smyrna: Located in the centre of cosmopolitan Glyfada, this is a restaurant which takes you back in time. Well-known chef Ilias Skoulas, is inspired by the genuine traditional Greek cuisine as it developed in Smyrna at the beginning of the previous century, and creates delicious dishes.

Orizontes, Athens: Perched on Lycabettus Hill, one of the highest peaks in Athens, the views from Orizontes are god-level ‒ sit outdoors come sunset with the Acropolis, Aegean Sea and entire city sprawled below!

Culture...

The Intermission: A new exhibition space in Piraeus initiated by Artemis Baltoyanni. The focus will be on exhibitions of critically acclaimed international artists, emerging, established and historical.

Rodeo Gallery: Opened in Piraeus in June 2018 and located in a former commercial warehouse, Berlin-based architect Etienne Descloux designed the space and, in addition to its exhibition programme, the venue hosts screenings, talks, performances and other events.

MORE ABOUT THE ALEX...

When you arrive at The Alex, check in, hand your bags over at the desk, and head straight for the 4th floor where you’ll find Nest ‒ the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar with unobstructed harbour views!

Soak up the incredible sunset views and magical harbourside atmosphere while indulging in the popular menu choice: tagliatelle with ragout beef served with Greek “ksinomitzithra” cheese and thyme.

Nightly rates at The Alex start from £110, visit the following website for more information www.santikoscollection.com/thealex

HONEYMOONS

Island hopping

Not only will honeymooners looking for a short-haul destination be encapsulated with the historical culture of Athens, but Greece is ideal for those in need of some R&R post-vows too. Whether you’re after quiet reflection in a small deluxe hotel before another hop for cultural immersion, or perhaps you want to learn a new skill like sailing or scuba diving, Olympic Holidays’ bespoke island-hopping itineraries offer something for everyone. With tailor-made itineraries offering accommodation across a range of price points, including hotel and interisland transfers, its knowledgeable team are on hand to recommend the best destinations and create bespoke cultural trips, holidays and gourmet getaways.

Destinations include the Saronic Islands (Poros, Spetses and Aegina), Dodecanese (Rhodes, Halki, Kalymnos, Leros, Tilos, Symi and Kos), which are delightfully different and easily connected by ferries and catamarans.

Cyclades (Santorini, Naxos, Andros, Paros, Tinos and Mykonos) where each island has its own strong identity, so island hopping brings with it new customs, significantly different landscapes and everything for peaceful days to lively nights. The Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos) with their fantastic beaches, crystal clear sea and lush green forests, and Ionian (Corfu, Paxos, Ithaka, Kefalonia & Zante), home to caves and lakes, ancient ruins and windsurfing hotspots plus five-star hotels with Michelin-star cuisine. Crete can also be combined with both the Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands.

ITINERARY INSPIRATION A romantic lustre adds sparkle to the marvellous Sporades Islands.

Legend has it that one island was created by the love child of gods. Now two islands are the focus of one of the 21st-century’s most successful romantic movies, Mamma Mia. Skiathos: Just 12-miles long but with more than 60 beaches, gorgeous Skiathos Town has shady tavernas on a busy waterfront. The narrow streets of the bustling old town are crammed with shops, cafes and bars.

You can climb Medieval castles, stroll through forests, discover quiet sandy beaches and even take a rescued dog for a walk.

Skopelos: Next stop, scenic Skopelos. Look out for dolphins before you sail into a harbour that is backed by a hillside covered in white houses with terracotta roofs. Tree-filled Skopelos has forests, and orchards and several beaches can be reached easily by bus or hired vehicles and many more beaches are waiting to be found in bays and coves.

Alonissos: A gem for those wanting to get away from it all. You feel the sense of calm as you sail into elegant Patitiri, the small town and main port. Some beaches have bright white pebbles or sand creating a vivid contrast with the turquoise sea. Many are surrounded by pine forests that cover much of the island. Alonissos is in Europe’s largest marine park which protects monk seals and dolphins. It has a rescue centre for baby seals ‒ try to fit in a boat trip around the park!

MORE ABOUT OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS...

Olympic Holidays offers a 14-night Sporades Island-Hopping Holiday from £1,229pp based on two people travelling in 2022 with flights. The package includes three-nights at Skiathos Princess Resort, five-nights at Skopelos Village, four-nights at Marpunta Resort, Alonnisos and one night at the Punta Hotel, Skiathos. Visit www.olympicholidays.com

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

The leading premier wedding venue in the Midlands

Goosedale Half Price Wedding Offer Only £4,850!

Valid up until 31st March 2023. CLICK HERE for details.

Goosedale, Goosedale Lane, Nottingham, NG6 8UJ 0115 963 5433 | enquiries@goosedale.uk | goosedale.uk/wedding

HOLMEWOOD HALL

PETERBOROUGH

info@holmewood-hall.co.uk

UI PRO IS SPERE PR AECLARIS C O E P T

01487 829 555

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