NEARLYWED NEWS

NEW VENUE ALERT!

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary for your wedding celebration, check out Palais des Vaches, a new, arty venue set in the heart of the New Forest. Nestled between the Beaulieu River and The Solent, former farm buildings at Lower Exbury have been beautifully renovated to create a unique venue, full of authentic charm.

The renovation began in January 2020, when Nick and Caroline de Rothschild started transforming what was once the old milking parlour, fondly known as the ‘Cow Palace’ built a century ago by Nick’s grandfather, along with a derelict Victorian calf shed and run-down concrete yard. Working together with a dedicated team of builders and craftsmen, in July 2021 the Palais des Vaches Gallery and Venue was born. Now a party palace, it provides a chilled relaxed atmosphere in an idyllic rural location with beautiful views and a wealth of opportunities for those allimportant big-day photos.

The whole complex is a working art gallery, showing works and sculptures by local Hampshire artists. It can host up to 200 people and boasts a full sound system throughout, a high wooden ceiling and beams in the main gallery, original milking parlour tiles on the walls and ever-changing art on show, depending on the exhibition of the moment. The rest of the buildings surround the large, renovated courtyard, complete with old concrete troughs, brought in from the surrounding fields and repurposed to add to the character and charm. To find out more visit www.palaisdesvaches.co.uk EDITOR LOVES…

Pantone’s 2022 Colour of the Year – a brand new shade of NEWS Nearlywed blue called Very Peri that’s perfect for weddings. Described as a warm periwinkle blue with a violet red undertone, it offers a modern upgrade to the something blue tradition for brides. From bridesmaids’ dresses to flowers and decorative details, there’s a whole host of ways to introduce the on-trend hue into your wedding day. All the latest from around the region

PLANET-FRIENDLY HONEYMOONS

Personal travel agent Nick Horne is dedicated not only to the business of booking dream honeymoons, but doing his bit for the planet too. In the face of growing concern over climate control Nick of Hampshire-based Not Just Travel has introduced a new Climate Hero initiative. When customers book, Nick has pledged to include a £5-per-passenger donation, with all the money going to support valuable environmental projects. “This isn’t just a tick in the box or ‘greenwashing’ we are striving to do more, with our customers’ help, to make a real difference,” he explains. “Now, when you book your honeymoon with us you’ll be helping Not Just Travel work alongside environmental partner and experts in rewilding Mossy Earth to do amazing things including research to protect sea otters, restoring ponds to help local wildlife and bringing back ancient woodlands.” Visit www.nicholashorne.notjusttravel.com/travel-that-gives-back to find out more.

Images Nick de Rothschild

Before… After…

CONGRATULATIONS!

A big Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding high five to The Bride’s Wardrobe in Blandford Forum (www.thebrideswardrobe.co.uk), named Bridal Boutique of the Year 2021 Dorset in the Southern Enterprise Awards.

NEW IN

Andover-based Test Valley Bridal Services (www.testvalleytextiles.co.uk) has become an authorised agent for BWR London wedding rings. Owner Patricia Ireland reports, “We can now offer brides and grooms a bespoke, personal wedding ring design service and the whole process takes around five to six weeks.” Choose from a range or combination of different metals including yellow, white and rose gold, the rings can also be set with sparkling precious stones and lazer-engraved. “The only limits are your imagination and budget,” adds Patricia.

THE EXTRA TOUCH

Epic Photo Booths just got even more epic! The Southampton-based business has added a new selection of backdrops to its offering in a variety of sparkly colours and designs to suit different themes. “Couples can now choose the premium design layout for their photo booth prints from the comfort of their armchair and team it with the perfect backdrop,” says owner Michelle Holding.

The backdrops are for use with the company’s vintage retro photo booth consisting of a handmade wooden tripod and also has a matching rustic guest book station. Traditional versions and even an inflatable LED cube photo booth are also available. Visit www.epicphotobooths.co.uk to find out more. MAKE A SPLASH

Push the boat out for your hen party with a weekend aboard a yacht sailing around the Solent. Sound like your idea of fun? Then Lymington-based Raggy&Boo has just the thing. The event management specialists are offering an exciting package full of fun, action and relaxation, on and off the water. With your own private skipper for two days of daytime sailing, you and your best girls or boys will be treated with goodies on arrival while you settle into your sailing boat and spend the first night in Lymington harbour to enjoy the pubs, bars and restaurants of the buzzing Georgian town. The skipper will set sail the following morning so you can sit back and relax, enjoy the views or get involved if you fancy it, before berthing for the second night in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Day sailing packages are also available, for full details visit www.raggyandboo.com

BUSINESS DUO

Hampshire’s Romsey Bridal Boutique (www.romseybridal.co.uk) is starting out 2022 with new co-owner Annika Martin joining Tara Reddish behind the helm. Annika started working at the boutique in August 2019 and got stuck in straight away helping with a designer weekend within her first month of starting, a charity event at a local hotel and a menswear photo shoot. “After getting engaged herself and being on the search for her own wedding gown she came to realise that she wanted to not only work in a bridal shop, but eventually have one of her own,” says Tara. “Her dream came true in November when she joined me as co-owner and we’re so excited by the fresh ideas and new eyes she brings to our beautiful boutique.”

SAVE THE DATE

Hampshire’s Olivia George Bridal (www.olivia-george.co.uk) in association with Spiral Events (www.spiralevents.co.uk) is bringing its Curve Fashion show to the Norton Park Hotel in Winchester on 20th March, 2022. The show will be featuring their new Maggie Sottero Curve range with sizes ranging from 14 to 30.