NEARLYWED NEWS

Sisters Hollie Hulks and Olivia Kavanagh are celebrating the fi rst anniversary of launching their business Balloons by All Things Pretty. Since starting out in June 2020, making small personalised items, the balloons have taken off and are now the focus of the business. Full-time mum Hollie and Olivia, a professional dancer, started the enterprise during lockdown just to pass the time. Hollie says, “We never thought it would become our full time job. We love making occasions special and bringing couples’ creations to life. Our aim is to create the perfect backdrop for picture-perfect moments.” Visit www.facebook.com/balloonsbyallthingspretty to fi nd out more.

Editor loves…

These beautiful silk pocket squares will add extra dash to the groom’s attire or pop one in your bridal clutch bag as your something new. The latest accessories range from Hampshire-based silk specialist David Watson also includes hair silks, scrunchies and neckerchiefs, made in collaboration with British artists and leading brands such as The William Morris Gallery and Liberty London. See more at www.davidwatson.uk NEWS Nearlywed

All the latest from around the region

She said ‘yes’

Could getting engaged get any better? Southsea-based Charlotte Cornelius Jewellery says it can! Specialists in handmade engagement rings and wedding bands, the business is offering couples buying one of their engagement rings a free photo shoot and signed portrait by the multi-award winning Hampshire photographer Simon John (www.simonjohnphotographer.com). What’s not to love?

TIME FOR CHANGE

Dorset’s former Courtyard Bridal boutique has a new name and a new home. Owner Marie Bennett has rebranded the business and taken it back to its roots as The Bride’s Wardrobe, the name she originally intended for it when she set up the company in 2016. She explains, “While shopping for my own wedding dress, I discovered a gorgeous little boutique up for sale, so I bought it lock, stock and barrel. As it was situated in a lovely courtyard I decided to keep the name and traded as Courtyard Bridal for almost six years.”

Then Covid happened and during lockdown she decided to take everything home and have one of her outbuildings converted into a bridal boutique. “As I’d changed the location, what better time to take the company back to its maiden name, The Bride’s Wardrobe,” Marie adds. Set in the rural village of Winterborne Kingston, Blandford, The Bride’s Wardrobe offers an exclusive one-to-one experience, where brides can come, relax and have fun trying on wedding dresses. With bridal accessories, veils, hair accessories, jewellery, shoes as well as bridesmaid dresses, it’s a one-stop-shop. Find out more at www.thebrideswardrobe.co.uk

Get set for a new destination hotspot for brides-to-be in search of their dream dress.

Andrea Dargon is realising a lifelong ambition and opening her own luxury boutique Margaux Mae Bridal in the fi rst week of August. Set on a rural business centre in the Hampshire village of Wickham, it will be offering a carefully curated selection of dresses from Lyn Ashworth, Madeline Gardner New York and Alison Webb, as well as tiaras and accessories supplied by local designer White Design Bridal and Rainbow Club shoes. “Think picking out your dream dress while sat in your best friend’s living room! That’s the kind of atmosphere I aim to create for my brides, providing a one-on-one experience in an environment that isn’t too over whelming,” says Andrea. Operating on an appointment-only basis to keep it intimate and private, the website www.margauxmae.co.uk is due to go live in the last week of July. To fi nd out more email info@margauxmae.co.uk or call 01329 550 066.

Breaking news!

Lee Paton is partnering with Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire to launch Lee Paton Bridal. The partnership sees Lee Paton become Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire in-house bridal couturier; offering bridal gowns, groomswear, accessories and bridal party couture all bespoke tailored in the label’s London atelier. Visit www.leepaton.co.uk and also the venue’s website www.fourseasons.com/hampshire to fi nd out more.

Thank you!

Family-run jeweller Burrells has introduced a special discount for NHS staff as a special thank you for all they’ve done in the fi ght against COVID. The company offers a wide range of jewellery and luxury watches, including engagement and wedding rings, and is offering an exclusive 20 per cent off in recognition of the tireless work NHS staff have done and continue to do. The discount can be redeemed with a NHS ID card at their Winchester boutique, Royal Tunbridge Wells store and online at www.burrells.co.uk (terms and exclusions apply).

HIS AND HERS

Karen Robb, mastermind behind the Rainaway Brides waterproof cloak, has come up with another tidy idea. Following demand for the cloaks to safeguard brides and their dresses from the rain and mud, Karen launched a line of heartshaped bridal bibs to protect against spillages during the wedding breakfast. Now, she’s added to the collection, with one for the groom too. The ‘MR’ bib is available in black or white with gold writing. How about odering a set of two –great for fun photos! Visit www.weddingdressraincover.com to fi nd out more.

Hampshire Wine School has launched its new website www.localwineschool.com/hampshire upgraded and improved to be more userfriendly so people can easily access all the information they need. You can check out its wine courses and tastings too – perfect for an alternative hen party or stag do.“Everything’s started up again for us now and we couldn’t be more excited,” says owner Cecile Bergart.