NEARLYWED NEWS

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PLANNING SOS

WEDDING FAIR Situated in Dorchester, Dorset Museum is hosting a wedding fair this autumn, and the team is excited to welcome nearlyweds.

The event takes place on Sunday 2nd October 2022 between 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, which is perfect timing as the venue is now open for bookings in 2023. Here lovebirds will be able to meet more than 25 talented suppliers from around Hampshire and Dorset for free. From venue stylists, Nearlywed photographers and entertainers to florists, bridal boutiques and caterers, the fair will help lovebirds plan all aspects of their day. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with some fizz and a goody bag full of helpful planning tools. One lucky pair will win 50 per cent off a full-day venue hire in the Museum’s Victorian Hall. The Dorset Museum offers the perfect setting for memorable weddings with a range of function spaces suitable for all types of weddings and budgets. The committed events team is experienced in hosting memorable weddings and is there to help assist lovebirds.

Check out: www.dorsetmuseum.org Tasha Mae can help coordinate weddings at any venue and is excited to announce she’s the new wedding coordinator for the brand new DIY wedding and events venue, Palais des Vaches in Exbury. When organising DIY wedding, generally speaking, it tends to be in venues without an on-site coordinator, such as art galleries, barns, marquees, village halls or even in gardens. Nevertheless, Tasha Mae Wedding Co-ordinator can step in to help couples coordinate their special day. They won’t have to worry that everyone and everything is in the right place at the right time, meaning they won’t be handing out jobs to friends and family. Along the wedding planning journey, Tasha can help suggest ideas and recommend suppliers. Working together with couples to create their tailored time plan, the award-winning company offers professional and experienced wedding coordination to ensure their big day runs smoothly. From serving drinks and canapés, directing guests, prompting timings, meeting suppliers and even clearing up along the way, nothing is too much trouble for the team. Check out: www.tasha-mae.co.uk NEWS Catch up on news from around the counties

A DREAMY SETTING

After more than two years of renovations, Abbots Court Rural Retreat & Wedding Venue is now open for weddings.

Situated in Blandford Forum, the property has received its civil ceremony license and can now host 30 nuptials per year.

The renovations saw the Victorian Stables completely transformed into a magical setting and can now host 80 guests. A new wedding pavilion has been created in the restored Walled Garden, and now creates a romantic atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Guests can retreat to the six new glamping pods after celebrations have ended. Each one is fully equipped with electricity, and guests can enjoy the campfire in the evenings. The director at Abbots Court, Simon Brooks, is excited to welcome nearlyweds to the venue. He says, “After two years of renovations, we could not be happier with the final result. We are delighted to be able to accommodate wedding parties of 80 to 120 people to enjoy a private slice of Dorset’s stunning countryside within Abbots’ idyllic and sprawling grounds.”

Check out: www.abbots-court.co.uk

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TIME TO CELEBRATE

Located in Romsey, The Palmerston Rooms B&B are now offering wedding receptions.

For those looking for a historic setting, couples can hire the light and airy downstairs dinning area for 20 to 30 people and can use the marquee in the courtyard garden if needed. Guests won’t have to worry about travelling home as the Grade II listed venue has eight individually refurbished bedrooms.

Owners Graham and Kay Choules has worked hard to bring the stunning spaces to life. Graham says, “Kay and I really enjoy welcoming groups into the house for a special get together and offering them great hospitality. So far those that have had lunch or dinner here have gone away having had a really special time.”

Graham has been in the hospitality industry as a chef for a long time and offers an selection of dishes. He adds, “I enjoy producing food using as many seasonal and local ingredients as possible.”

Check out: www.thepalmerstonrooms.com BEST DRESSED GIRLS

British designer Dawn Clarke has released a new collection of silk celebration dresses that will make any little girl feel like a princess.

Owner Dawn Clarke specialises in UK-made luxury, ethical children’s garments for special occasions. Her first collection with a small Somerset manufacturer is perfect for flowergirls. She says, “These dresses are some of my favourite designs with lots of gathering and layers of petticoats to create a classic shape. The pieces are made with the finest silk and feature some beautiful extra details.”

The dresses are available in daffodil yellow, navy blue and natural white. Silk sashes in other colours can be added, and alternative dress shades are available for bespoke orders.

Dawn sketches her ideas and creates the pattern draft to technical specifications for manufacturing at her Hampshire studio. She uses British suppliers wherever possible and only manufactures in the UK.

A stand-out embellishment is an embroidered privacy panel behind the zip that proudly declares ‘made in England’. The dresses are lined with habotai silk and feature pretty piping, hidden pockets and petticoats trimmed with British lace. Suitable for children aged two to six, the dresses can be dry-cleaned.

Check out: www.dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

Based in Dorset, Clover & Fern offers wedding planning, coordination and styling services. The team specialises in creating stylish, relaxed and sophisticated weddings for wildly in love couples. Here at YHDW HQ, we caught up with owner Phoebe Taylor to discover more about the company.

What does the company offer nearlyweds? Phoebe says,“The on-the-day coordination package is perfect for that final month of planning, as that’s when we take over all communications with suppliers to help bring couples’ visions to life and leave them feeling relaxed in the run-up to their wedding. A coordinator doesn’t just oversee the running of your day; they are a friend, an advisor, a sounding board, a problem solver, a candle lighter, a buttonhole fixer and a prosecco pourer – the list goes on! Our packages are tailored to weddings, so a free consultation is offered to help us understand each pair’s vision for their day.

When did the company begin? “I started Clover & Fern in 2021 after years of working for venues as a wedding coordinator. I started the company because I wanted to channel my creativity and love for all things weddings! Being a planner and coordinator means I get the chance to be involved with every aspect of a wedding day and I love to see it all come together. What’s your favourite part of the job? “My favourite part of the job would have to be when I see my couples walk down the aisle to be married. It’s such a beautiful moment, and all that matters is that two people are coming together to celebrate their love for each other. It’s so amazing to see, and I’m always grateful to witness it.”

Check out: www.cloverandfern.co.uk

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