Your Herts and Beds Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 85) by County Wedding Magazines

WIN!

A luxury hen do worth up to £3,950

yourhertsbeds.wedding

Freshly picked ideas Flower advice from the experts

MARRIAGE MATERIAL Real love stories

GOING LOCAL

Tiers of joy

£3.55 APR/MAY 2021

Say ‘I do’ in south Bedfordshire

Discover showstopping cakes

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

Beautifully Stunning Wedding Floristry

www.rosannasflorist.co.uk 193 ST ALBAN’S ROAD 01923 211 267 •

•

WA T F O R D

Rosannas Florist •

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WD24 5BH R o s a n n a sW D

APRIL/MAY 2021

CONTENTS

On the cover

REGULARS

6 EDITOR’S LETTER

Olivia Gibson shares her top picks from this issue

9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the regions

13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

75 COMPETITION Win a luxury hen do worth up to £3,950

77 HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas

This issue’s cover has been sponsored by New Beginnings Bridal Boutique (www.newbeginningsmk.co.uk) and was captured by Drew Webb Weddings (https://drewwebbweddings.co.uk). This was part of a gorgeous styled shoot which also involved Furtho Manor Farm (www.furthomanorfarm.co.uk), Graceful Beauty (https://gracefulbeautyuk.com) and Bluebell Florists (www.bluebellflowers.co.uk).

FEATURES

43 ONE FINE DAY

The Gaddesden Estate was the perfect backdrop to this beautiful shoot

48 CAKE EXPECTATIONS Discover tiers of joy for different wedding themes

52 IN FULL BLOOM From local expert advice to inspiration, we’ve got your big-day flowers covered!

82 PICK OF THE BUNCH Looking for the perfect flowers for your big day? Take our test to see which arrangements best suit you

VENUES

19 GOING LOCAL Wed in south Bedfordshire

25 THE GREAT OUTDOORS Tie the knot in a tent, tipi or marquee 3

34 FASHION & BEAUTY

65 FASHION FOCUS

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

57 LOVELY IN LACE Pick an all-over lace dress or one accented or trimmed with this pretty delicate material that never goes out of style

60 THE FRILL OF IT Cascading layers of ruffled tulle, silk organza and soft chiffon combine to create shapely, voluminous gowns

65 ON POINT With the return of Sex and the City commencing filming this spring, these Carrie Bradshaw-inspired shoes and clutch bags are worthy of the big screen

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

68 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems

69 PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP CWM’s beauty editor puts this season’s best buys to the test creating a head-to-toe makeover session you’ll love

70 ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS We caught up with Jess Wright to discuss wedding plans and just how she achieves that perfect complexion 4

REAL WEDDINGS

29 A WHIMSICAL WOODLAND WEDDING

Laura and Michael’s woodland-themed wedding was breathtaking

34 TIME FOR LOVE Lauren and Sid’s wedding at South Farm featured hues of burgundy and navy

39 LOVE WINS Holly and Conor didn’t let a pandemic ruin their special day

GROOMS

79 GROOMS’ NEWS Danielle Harvey shares all the latest best buys and product launches

80 A ROYAL FLUSH Be inspired by these regal colours, patterns and accessories

HONEYMOONS

84 HONEYMOON NEWS UK minimoon destinations and far-away beauties

86 BACK TO NATURE Cosy cabins, lush lodges and quirky shepherds huts are our top picks this issue

89 RETREAT TO THE CITY Hannah Faulder visits The Marylebone, and finds out that it offers the best of both worlds for a minimoon in the capital

Family friendly self catering at Fuller’s Hill Cottages on a family run farm in South Cambridgeshire. Featuring 7 unique cottages with hot tubs and pretty gardens which can sleep individual families or larger gatherings and social bubbles! For a love of the outdoors, local attractions, dog friendly, a new sundown spot to watch the beautiful sunsets, and a play area, choose us for your next staycation! Wedding receptions including Tee-pees, with beautiful sunsets, marquee in the courtyard garden, bandstand on the airfield, with a helpful hand along the way... Please get in touch for further information.

GET IN TOUCH Please call Kirstie on 07544 208959 Email bookings@fullershillcottages.co.uk www.fullershillcottages.co.uk @fullershillcottages

Fullers Hill Cottages Official

@fullershill

The Farmhouse at Redcoats is a grade II listed Wedding Barn that boasts 27 chic bedrooms, 140 seated capacity, quirky features, stylish design, award-winning food and landscaped gardens. The Farmhouse at Redcoats, Redcoats Green, Nr. Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG4 7JR www.farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk | 01438 729 500 | events@farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk | @farmhouseatredcoats 2AA rosette restaurant | 4AA rosette accomodation

Keep up with local wedding news on page 9 and discover all the latest happenings from around the regions.

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 sarahm@county.wedding Account Manager | Stephanie Hamilton-Smith, stephanie.hamiltonsmith@yourhertsbeds.wedding. Subscriptions 01376 514 000 subscriptions@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James

s the winter and cold weather passes, spring brings hopes of warm sunshine, longer days and stunning blooms. It’s such a beautiful time of year for a wedding and we have a feature dedicated to outdoor venues with beautiful al fresco spaces so you can be surrounded by nature when you say ‘I do’. Flowers play an essential role at any wedding, reflecting the theme and setting while also meaning something personal too. If you’re looking for the perfect wedding blooms, flick to our flower feature on page 52 where you’ll find top tips and expert advice. Love is all around in our real wedding features, highlighting the beautiful stories of our local couples, talented suppliers, inspiration and heart-warming images. If you want your wedding to be covered in one of the magazine’s future issues, enter online here: www.yourhertsbeds.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding

Page 52 is packed full of advice to help you create the perfect blooms.

Happy planning,

Olivia x

@CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @cwm_wedding

Flick to page 77 to read top expert advice!

Your Herts & Beds 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 Herts & Beds 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 Herts & Beds Wedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP. ISSN 1753-0911

EVENTS & PUBLISHING

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

www.isabelleelliottphotography.com

Visit us online at county.wedding and countyweddingevents.com

https://janemorganphoto.com

Psst! After the recent Government announcement, when the next issue is on sale we will have our wonderful world of weddings back to its former glory and you can have bigger wedding with no restrictions – whoops and cheers!

SHING

Olivia Gibson, Editor

DIA

NTS

BRING ON SUMMER! www.hannahrobertsonphotography.com

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

www.tomhalliday.com

EDITOR’S LETTER

It’s so important to find a space that can enhance your wedding day and complement your theme. We showcase top venues from around the regions that would be perfect for the special day. Flick to page 25 to check them out.

www.rafeabrook.co.uk

Win a luxury hen do worth up to £3,950 on page 75.

www.sallymasson.com

Celebrations were all around at Lauren and Sid’s wedding on page 34.

www.absolutephotouk.com

This rustic outdoor shoot on page 43 is bursting with wedding inspiration!

Check out scrumdiddlyumptious cakes on page 48, the sweet treats are almost too good to eat!

Holly and Conor’s wedding is so incredible on page 39, look how in love the pair are! 7

W W W. N E W B E G I N N I N G S M K . C O . U K 07496 631 318 | info@newbeginningsmk.co.uk 1 High Street | Newport Pagnell | Buckinghamshire | MK16 8AR

Next Level Music is an award-winning entertainment company in Hertfordshire that provide live performances for events. The company has won Best Entertainment at the 2020 British Wedding Awards and the team are over-the-moon with this achievement and can’t wait to get back to work after lockdown. If things go as planned, late 2021 will be a fantastic time packed with weddings and events, and 2022 is already shaping up to be very much the same. In the first lockdown of 2020, Next Level Music put together a charity single to raise money for NHS health heroes. The single quickly gained the attention of some huge names with shoutouts from Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Mel C, Peter Andre and Rick Astley. Tim and Lauren Reynolds from Next Level Music were invited to talk to BBC News about the fundraiser. Listen to the song now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ5e1MFddtk and discover more about the company here: http://nextlevelmusic.co.uk

www.theodoreswaddling.com

IT’S PARTY TIME

YOUR ESSENTIALS

d e w y l r Nea NEWS All the latest from around the regions

Caught on camera

Absolutephotouk knows how difficult COVID-19 has made weddings this year, which is why the company is offering 10 per cent off all wedding packages when Your Herts and Beds Wedding is mentioned. Owner Howard Treeby has always loved capturing moments on camera and has a real passion for making a couple’s wedding come to life through photography. The business has taken time during lockdown to introduce a new booking system, automating invoicing and payments meaning the process is user-friendly for couples. Check out the website: www.absolutephotouk.com

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Based in Hertfordshire, Emily Victoria White specialises in bespoke and made-to-measure wedding gowns. The owner Emily White works closely with brides to create their dream dress and each one is hand-crafted to the client’s exact measurements. The talented team believe every bride should have the best experience possible when choosing their dress. After the stress this last year has caused, the company’s giving back to couples by offering 10 per cent off every bespoke or made-to-measure dress ordered before 1st June, 2021. For more information visit: www.emilyvictoriawhite.co.uk 9

The Photography Mill is now offering complimentary engagement photo shoots with all new 2022 full-day wedding packages! The photo shoot will include 20 fully edited digital images of choice and is the perfect opportunity to not only celebrate engagements, but it’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and get to know the photographer. The company’s packages include two photographers, Tamsin and Kayleigh, with more than 20 years’ experience between them. They say, “We describe our photography style as natural and creative while specialising in telling the story of your day as it unfolds. Our full day coverage comes with a 16” x 12” print of your favourite picture from the day and 10 per cent off any extras such as prints, wedding albums and more.” Discover more: www.thephotographymill.co.uk/weddings

FASHION ICON

www.hannahrobertsonphotography.com

Rachel Sokhal Bridal Accessories has collaborated with Ami Elisah Bridal to introduced a new collection of veils which will beautifully complement the company’s already popular hair accessory range. Owner Rachel Sokhal says, “A beautiful veil elevates and completes a bride’s overall look and I couldn’t think of a more natural accoutrement for brides who love to embrace traditions. ”From a simple cathedral-length veil that works effortlessly with lace gowns to a pearl-embellished veil that looks striking against an elegant dress – there’s something for all brides in the new collection. The full range will be officially launched at the end of April and available to purchase online, or from Rachel’s Bedfordshire studio. Check out: www.rachelsokhalbridal.com 10

Big-day transport

MC Wedding Cars has won the One To Watch Award from the Four Counties Wedding Awards despite the challenging year caused by COVID-19. Couples nominated the company and their kind words and recommendations were a much-needed boost at the end of a difficult year. The business started back in 2019; Michael Roberts says, “I had just been made redundant in 2018 and was seeking a new job. We were looking for transport for my daughter’s wedding simultaneously, and I came across an eight-seater wedding bus for sale. Thinking this would be a good idea for a new business venture, we purchased the bus with my redundancy money and MC Wedding Cars was born.” Check out: https://mcweddingcars.co.uk

BLOOMIN’ BEAUTIFUL

Here at Your Herts and Beds Wedding HQ, we love this top advice about the shape and style of bouquets shared by Kirsty Mcgilley at The Flower Mill. Kirsty says, “Make sure you show a photo of your wedding dress to your florist as they’ll be able to advise a shape and size to complement your build and dress-style. As a trained florist, we have an eye for creating the perfect bridal bouquet to enhance your shape and dress without detracting from the gown itself.” Check out: www.the-flower-mill.co.uk

www.jessicaholtphotography.com

PICTURE PERFECT

Amy Woodham Photography is a place for people who love life, who laugh out loud and hug tight.

07376259661 amy@amywoodhamphotography.com www.amywoodhamphotography.com amywoodham_photography amy woodham photography

Exquisite wedding jewellery, designed just for you. Start your journey today with a FREE consultation with Sarah. hlbespoke

info@heulwenlewisbespoke.com

heulwenlewisbespoke.com

HEULWEN LEWIS - Bespoke Jewellery -

BRIDAL WEAR FOR THE FULLER FIGURE D E D I C AT E D T O T H E F U L L E R F I G U R E B R I D E Sample sizes up to a UK30 Free parking available at the rear of the shop

www.justcurvesbridal.co.uk 23 High Street, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 1AG justcurvesbridal@gmail.com | 01767 834077

FREEBIES & OFFERS

TIERS OF JOY

www.modernvintageweddings.com

Situated in Hertfordshire, At Your Wish Cakes offers showstopping cakes and favours for any style of wedding. The luxury designs will wow any guests and the experienced team will ensure each creation has been designed, baked and decorated to the highest of standards. The business offers a complimentary tasting and design consultation where nearlyweds can sample a range of delicious flavours and develop ideas about the cake design. The team will then create a sketch and start to bring a couple’s vision to life. Each bake will be delivered and set up on the special day to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience for the couple who can relax knowing it’s in the hands of the professionals. We’ve teamed up with the company to offer readers a 10 per cent discount off all wedding orders when lovebirds quote Your Herts & Beds Wedding when a booking has been made with the company before the 31st May, 2021. Check out: www.atyourwishcakes.co.uk

Freebies

& OFFERS

WOR TH £185

Take advantage of these gorgeous giveaways and fab offers

IN TO THE BLUE The latest fragrances from iconic brand Tiffany & Co., Tiffany & Love Eau de Toilette for Him and Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her, were created as a tribute to modern love and the pairing is perfect for nearlyweds tying the knot. The male scent is a citrusy, aromatic fragrance with a wood-infused base. It begins with oils of ginger, mandarin and cardamon, at the heart is a juniper-cypress blend and it boasts base notes of sandalwood, vetiver and the common ingredient of the duo blue sequoia – uniting these two fragrances together! The female fragrance is modern with a feminine, floral, woody scent. It opens with top notes of blue basil – a botanical ingredient developed exclusively for Tiffany – then follows with a hearty sweet floral bouquet of neroli, underlined with a woody blend of blue sequoia, vetiver and cedarwood at the base. Priced at £54(50ml) or £75(90ml) for Him, and £75(50ml) or £110(90ml) for Her. Check out www.theperfumeshop.com County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with The Perfume Shop to offer readers the chance to win a Tiffany & Love Eau de Toilette for Him (90ml) and Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum for Her (90ml).

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER VIA OUR WEBSITE WWW.YOURHERTSBEDS.WEDDING Closing date 4th June, 2021. Terms and Conditions apply. 13

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring wedding show season. From must-visit local wedding shows in some of the region’s best wedding venues, to our larger Signature Wedding Shows home to more than 150 exhibitors each, we can’t wait to welcome back our couples and help plan their wedding days. Here’s what to expect when attending one of our events.. Couples can rest assured our venues are Covid-19 secure, here’s just some of the measures we’re taking to ensure you can enjoy the day in a safe environment: • Attendees will need to pre-register to attend events • Personal details for Track and Trace will be kept for 21-days • All venues will also have enhanced cleaning procedures, with hand washing and sanitising facilities at frequent intervals • Spaces between exhibition booths will be increased and aisles widened to achieve social distancing requirements • Events will be planned around one way systems for visitors • Visitors must wear a face mask or suitable face covering at all times • Anyone with a high temperature or other symptoms related to COVID-19 must refrain from visiting. Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof. On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés, and attending our exhibitions is free! For more information on our Covid-secure policy or any of our exhibitions visit County Wedding Events’ website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events.

Sarah

Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events. Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, 5

A date for your diary...

SEPTEMBER, 2021

WEMBLEY STADIUM, 12TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

ASCOT RACECOURSE, 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, 10TH OCTOBER, 2021

Pre-register for all of our events at countyweddingevents.com

SPRING 2021 WEDDING SHOWS ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM unless otherwise stated

BERKS, BUCKS, OXON

ESSEX

RACKLEYS CHILTERN HILLS

BRAXTED PARK

SUN 23 MAY

Marlow Road, HP14 3PP

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

CASTLE HOTEL

CRESSING TEMPLE

SUN 4 JULY

SUN 6 JUNE

18 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1LJ

Witham Road, Braintree, CM77 8PD

HERTS & BEDS

KENT

THE BARN AT ALSWICK

WEST HEATH

SUN 13 JUNE

SUN 23 MAY

Ashgrove Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1SR

Hare Street Road, Buntingford SG9 0AA

@CountyWedEvent

@countyweddingevents

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area. All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

EAST ANGLIA

SURREY

BRESSINGHAM HALL & HIGH BARN

BURROWS LEA

SUN 23 MAY

SUN 13 JUNE

Norfolk, IP22 2AA

Hook Lane, Shere, GU5 9QG

RAVENWOOD HALL

CLOCK BARN

SUN 27 JUNE

Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9JA

Hambleton Road, Godalming, GU8 4AY

LONDON

SUSSEX

MORDEN HALL

CASTLE GORING

SUN 6 JUN

SUN 13 JUNE

Morden Hall Road, Mordon, SM4 5JD

Arundel Road, Worthing, BN13 3UN

Pre-register at countyweddingevents.com/registration.cfm WORK WITH US As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com.

Signature WEDDING SHOWS • Free entry • First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Bridal fashion shows • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more...

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE

WEMBLEY STADIUM

Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN SUN 5 SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11AM - 3:30PM

London, HA9 0WS SUN 12 SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11AM - 4PM

ASCOT RACECOURSE

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX SUN 19 SEPTEMBER 2021 | 11AM - 3:30PM

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL SUN 10 OCTOBER 2021 | 11AM - 3:30PM

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of

Pre-register at countyweddingevents.com/registration.cfm

Weddings Ceremonies & Evening Receptions

In the heart of rural Bedfordshire

Spacious Wedding Suite Wedding Garden for Outdoor Photographs Wedding Ceremony Licence Dedicated Wedding Team Free Parking for Guests Treat our space like a blank canvas and make it your own We don’t have set packages or insist you use particular suppliers The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH Tel: 01525 631905 Email: events@therufuscentre.co.uk www.therufuscentre.co.uk

4 3 G U I L D F O R D ST R E E T • LU T O N • LU 1 2 N Q

01582 729385

www.thedress.house

Hayley Pomfrett

Described as the “cream of violinists”, Hayley has toured the world with Adele, Michael Bublé, Rod Stewart and many more. With a huge repertoire of music from well-known classics through to modern pop hits, she will work with you to find your perfect selection of favourite songs for your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, or all three!

w w w. hayl eypomfret t . com Tel: 07740 307542 Email: info@hayleypomfrett.com @hayleypomfrett @hayley_violinist

www.beckyharleyphotography.co.uk

LOCAL VENUES

GOING

local

Where to say ‘I do’ in south Bedfordshire

OFFLEY PLACE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL 01462 768 787 | www.offleyplace.com

www.rafeabrook.co.uk

Surrounded by 27 acres of manicured lawns, Offley Place Country House Hotel is a 17th-century manor house that has been lovingly restored to its former glory to create the perfect location for weddings. The traditional, grand features and charm of the original manor house are elegantly complemented with The Conservatory and the Hester Ballroom’s newer additions. The two new additions echo the classic elegance of the house with a glass structure and impressive chandeliers. Ceremonies can take place in multiple locations at the hotel. Licensed for up to 120 guests, The Conservatory offers an elegant and bright setting with rustic brickwork complemented by the sparkling chandeliers. The newest addition to the venue is The Hester Ballroom (250 guests) for grand and stunning affairs with every aspect designed to create a memorable experience – no detail has been overlooked.

Or exchange vows in The Salusbury Lounge, a warm and intimate setting for 40 guests. The grandeur of the room will add charm and elegance to all celebrations. Is there anything more romantic than getting married in a garden of roses? The Rose Garden (40 guests) offers an idyllic setting for guests to be seated amongst the colourful and vibrant flowers. The peaceful, outdoor setting is the perfect place for couples to start their journey together. Receptions take place in The Conservatory for 78 people or in The Hester Ballroom for 250. The grand staircase and stunning tiered chandelier not only look great in photographs but the stairs lead up to the hotel’s 16 luxury bedrooms – perfect for guests after dancing the night away. The venue offers couples exclusive hire and a complimentary Bridal Suite on the night of the wedding and menu tasting sessions for exclusive-use weddings.

https://pike-photography.co.uk

DUNTON LODGE FARM WEDDING VENUE 07849 918 568 | www.duntonlodgefarmweddings.co.uk Nestled in idyllic scenery, Dunton Lodge is a working farm surrounded by stunning views of the open countryside. The beautiful English garden provides the perfect base for tipis or marquees with the family-owned Victorian farmhouse nestled in the background. The lodge offers a stunning setting for rustic or country

weddings and its blank canvas style allows pairs to create the perfect space to match any theme. Dunton Lodge Farm Wedding Venue doesn’t have a ceremony licence but is the perfect location for receptions with 150 guests.

LUTON HOO HOTEL, GOLF & SPA 01582 734 437 | www.lutonhoo.co.uk Stretching over 1,000 acres, the Luton Hoo estate boasts formal gardens designed by Capability Brown, glorious parkland, meadows, woodlands, lakes, rivers and nature trails – truly picture perfect! Beyond the magnificent façade of the 18th-century mansion house, the historic influences continue in the Grade II listed Country Club. Also situated on the Luton Hoo estate, by the River Lea banks, is the exclusive-use venue Warren Weir – a hidden oasis that’s perfect for those looking for a private exclusive wedding. The space features ornate ceilings, winding staircases, marble fireplaces, individual period rooms, beautiful chandeliers and stunning interiors. For ceremonies, couples can choose from popular options like The Library or the Sitting Room with views over the formal gardens 20

and lake, or perhaps the beautifully decorated Churchill room or Pushkin room would be more fitting? All of the suites including the Lea & Roding Suite, Ravensbourne Suite, Bayford Suite, and Cobbins Suite, accommodate larger gatherings. Post-vows, couples can celebrate in multiple spaces offering many benefits such as the Romanov Suite, undoubtedly the most impressive room that was once the Chapel of the house, which showcases original stained-glass windows and ornate ceilings. The suite can be used for various events with 120 diners across both the upper and lower levels. When tying the knot here, couples will benefit from a dedicated wedding team to assist in the smooth running of the day and enjoy a complimentary menu tasting session and suite for the newlyweds on the wedding night.

William Young William Young1876 1876 Creative tailoring tailoring

‘Don’t compromise’ It is your big day after all

‘Don’t Compromise’ It is your big day after all !

‘Made for you, for you to impress’

‘Made for you , for you to impress’

Call for a quote or to arrange an appointment Tel: 01442 879711 Email: info@williamyoung1876.com

www.williamyoung1876.com

Unforgettable memories are made at Pendley Manor. A beautiful Grade II Manor with the backdrop of the Hertfordshire countryside, it’s the perfect place to seal your love in the company of your dearest. Enter the enchanting tree-lit driveway before arriving at the stunning Manor House, enveloped with immaculate lawns, landscaped gardens and wooded surroundings. Whilst maintaining 1000 years of history with the grand staircase, original stained glass windows and fireplaces, Pendley Manor has been brought seamlessly into the 21st century following a complete refurbishment. The 84 new bedrooms feature four-poster beds to fairy-tale junior suites to indulgent family rooms, perfectly suited for you and your guests. Pendley Manor’s dedicated events team and excellent Chefs ensure a smooth event within an ideal setting for intimate gatherings to sumptuous banquets. Both indoor and outdoor locations provide the perfect backdrop for your events and photography. With over 35 acres of grounds to call yours for the day (shared with our resident peacocks), it’s bound to be the wedding of the year.

Pendley Manor Hotel Cow Lane, Tring, HP23 5AQ

E: we ddings@p end le y-manor.co.u k

@Pend le yManorHotel

T: 01442 891891

www.gnbri.co.uk

LOCAL VENUES

ROTHAMSTED MANOR 01582 938 500 | www.rothamstedenterprises.com/rothamsted-manor Established in 1623, Rothamsted Manor is an impressive Grade I listed manor house set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens surrounded by beautiful woodland. The manor’s exterior offers impressive historical features such as stained-glass family crests in the windows, a clock tower and curved gables. The venue sits on the vast grounds of Rothamsted Research, the world’s oldest agricultural research institute home to some of the oldest science experiments. The Great Drawing Room was added to the manor by Sir John Lawes in 1863 and features a fireplace dating from the early 1900s, original portraits dating back to the 1500s and wood panelling. This is the largest space available for ceremonies with 115 guests, 76 for a seated wedding breakfast or up to 120 for a standing buffet or drinks reception. Other ceremony spaces include The Library for 55 people and 44 for a seated reception and 76 standing; or say ‘I do’ in The Lounge, which seats 75 loved ones for the ceremony, 50 seated

… t ou k c Also che

and 90 standing for a reception. The Lounge walls are panelled with rarely seen murals on the east wall. Alternatively, why not opt for The Orangery for 35 people, a beautiful space with lots of natural light and large arched windows with views over the gardens? Historically known as the Loggia, it features a beautiful marble and limestone chequerboard floor that lends itself perfectly as a bar area or drinks reception room. On a fine day, guests can spill out onto the outside veranda area to enjoy drinks and appreciate the wonderful gardens and grounds. One of the smallest rooms in the manor is the Spanish Leather Room, ideal for more intimate gatherings with 15 loved ones or can be used as a room to meet with the registrar before the wedding ceremony. Any event held at Rothamsted Manor will wow any guests and support the fantastic agricultural research on the estate. The venue can be hired exclusively if a couple wishes to do so, and a free tasting session is offered before the wedding.

WOBURN SAFARI LODGE

01525 292 106 | www.woburnsafari.co.uk/plan-your-day/visitor-information/venue-hire Nestled in the heart of the Foot Safari at Woburn Safari Park, the Safari Lodge provides a special wedding venue for the big day – perfect for any animal lover! Whatever nearlyweds are looking for, the Safari Lodge team can provide a service that’s second to none and fully bespoke to the pair. With a warm and fun, informal atmosphere, The Lodge can be set up for ceremonies, dinner and dancing.

BELLOWS MILL 01525 220 548 | www.bellowsmill.co.uk Bellows Mill is an old watermill nestled beneath the Chiltern Hills, which offers picturesque, secluded surroundings with a lake, woodlands, a barn for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts, and overnight self-catering accommodation for up to 30 guests in a variety of different types of properties. It allows couples to have exclusive use of the premises for the whole weekend.

THE RUFUS CENTRE 01525 631 905 | www.therufuscentre.co.uk The Rufus Centre is set in a semi-rural location on the outskirts of Flitwick with ample free parking and is only located just five minutes from Flitwick Train Station. The Rufus Centre’s beauty is its flexibility, and The Lockyer Suite provides a blank canvas that can be transformed into any theme or colour scheme. Nearlyweds can decorate the room to exactly how they want for the perfect wedding.

THE BARN AT ALSWICK 01763 273 530 | www.alswick.co.uk With countryside views as far as you can see, The Barn at Alswick is situated in a peaceful setting for any wedding. The tree-lined driveway sets off the rural feel and the venue is a gorgeous blank canvas for couples to put their stamp on. 23

VENUES

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Whether it’s a tent, tipi or marquee we have something for everyone looking to tie the knot al fresco

THE CONSERVATORY AT LUTON HOO 01582 459 216 | www.lutonhoo-walledgarden.co.uk

Located in Bedfordshire, The Conservatory is nestled within the historic 18th-century Walled Garden. The venue’s grounds were originally established in the 1770s by John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. It’s now continuously developed to reflect the traditional use of the grounds with beautiful flower beds, plants and fruit trees. The luxury marquee is finished to the highest specification with a music system and decorative lighting including a starlight ceiling and customisable coloured up-lighters.

Couples can exchange vows inside the marquee and blessings can take place on the lawn area. After the ‘I dos’, the marquee opens out onto a private patio area within the garden to provide the perfect setting for drinks receptions and garden games. The Conservatory has been designed with flexibility in mind and has a separate reception area for a wedding breakfast with 300 guests. The venue also offers a spacious dancefloor and stage for those all-important speeches and entertainment, suitable for up to 400 people in the evening.

MINSTREL COURT

01223 208 937 | www.minstrelcourt.com 140 people. Receptions take place in multiple locations at the venue. The Grand Marquee overlooking the grounds can fit 140 guests, while The Regency Barn can accommodate 135. Or why not opt for The Long Gallery overlooking the terrace or The Sky Bar for 250 people? Couples are offered a tasting session when they book the venue for their wedding.

www.sanjaygohil.co.uk

Located in five acres of beautiful gardens set around a private lake, Minstrel Court is the perfect location for weddings. The impressive 15th-century house with adjoining listed outbuildings will wow all guests. Say ‘I do’ in The Lake Pavilion which overlooks the lake or The Meadow Chapel with views over the Wimpole Meadows. Another popular space is The Regency Barn with soaring beams and stainedglass windows – all these spaces can accommodate 20 to

BROOK FARM CUFFLEY

01707 872 450 | www.brookfarmcuffley.co.uk Located in the gorgeous Hertfordshire countryside, Brook Farm Cuffley is an idyllic farm wedding venue with tranquil views and spaces that will wow guests. The venue’s perfect for relaxed couples who want to create their dream wedding day with ample space for games, external furniture and more. The venue doesn’t have a ceremony licence, but blessings can occur on the Island in the middle of the lake or in the Pine Tree Aisle. The Island also provides the perfect location for a drinks reception or chill-out area and will look great 26

in photographs. Newlyweds can hire a marquee, tipi or yurt to have at the venue for receptions of up to 250 guests. Picking any size and style of structure, furniture and décor means couples have creative freedom to produce their dream day. The venue’s team can handle all of the necessary infrastructures and support couples throughout the planning journey by helping pick suppliers. Only one wedding at a time takes place at the venue, allowing for complete exclusivity.

www.tomhalliday.com

VENUES

SOUTH FARM

01223 207 581 | www.south-farm.co.uk Surrounded by expansive gardens, South Farm is a family run wedding venue nestled in 20 acres of countryside. The beautiful gardens and rustic wildflower meadows create the perfect setting for wedding celebrations and memorable photographs. The venue’s romantic setting offers couples an enchanting choice of ceremony and reception spaces. The welcoming Tudor Barn is the largest indoor ceremony space with a capacity of up to 180 people, while The Drawing Room is a more intimate area for cosy winter ceremonies with 35 loved ones. Or why not opt for The Old Dairy, a lovely space with views of the courtyard and garden terrace for 100 loved ones? The most recently converted space is The Horse Barn, which offers a special ambience with stunning lighting and ancient beams for up to 65 people. If the British weather allows it, The Summer House is a truly magical setting for a ceremony between March and October with stunning views overlooking the gardens. Indoor drinks receptions occur in The Old Dairy for 150 loved ones or the Grade II listed farmhouse for 50. Receptions can take place in the gardens for 180 people, weather permitting, or in the Tudor Barn with 146 guests for a formal

t… ou k c e h c o s l A

wedding breakfast, 122 for a buffet-style meal and 200 guests in the evening. The Horse Barn is adjacent to this space and offers an additional dancing space or can be used as a comfortable snug area. Guest accommodation includes charming bespoke bedrooms, five Romany wagons or camping in the paddocks is available for more adventurous people! Three additional bedrooms are available at the venue’s nearby sister property, Fen Bridge Farm. The luxurious Coach House Suite is complimentary for couples on their wedding day. All couples booking a bespoke South Farm wedding are invited to a complimentary menu tasting evening where they can see, taste and rate more than 40 signature dishes and visit the five-star kitchen. The venue also offers a range of affordable wedding day packages for those who have a budget in mind. Did you know? Homegrown organic produce items are picked daily and used by chefs to create delicious menus. Guests are delighted by the charming farm animals who reside happily in the barnyard and couples can enjoy photos with the piglets if they wish!

WOODLAND WEDDINGS LTD

07703 477 007 | www.woodland-weddings.com Located in Hertfordshire, Woodland Weddings Ltd is the perfect venue set within a beautiful woodland. It provides an idyllic space for events, with the option of being outdoors or under canvas to protect couples and their guests from bad weather.

NEEDHAM HOUSE HOTEL

01462 417 240 | www.needhamhouse.co.uk Nestled in the quaint Hertfordshire village of Little Wymondley, Needham House Hotel is a four-star boutique venue with a two AA Rosette brasserie. The décor of the private dining rooms, guest rooms, spa, fitness room, bar and restaurant captures the essence and history of the building but with a gorgeous glamorous edge.

THE PRIORY

01438 748 647 | www.thepriory.net Steeped in history, The Priory is grand by anyone’s standards. Built in the 16th-century by the king’s carpenter, the exposed oak structure of the spacious barn makes this venue a real stunner. The picturesque gardens and terrace provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor celebrations and the all-important big-day photos.

MICKLEFIELD HALL

01923 778 898 | www.micklefieldhall.com Micklefield Hall provides several Instagrammable outdoor spaces; from cloistered walkways to nature’s very own ‘aisle’, which is lined with herbaceous borders and leads up to the romantic temple nestled under the giant oak tree overlooking the pond. 27

The Wedding & Event Specialists W A Carr & Son

“The most successful eventWedding is the one that achieves your goals and exceeds your expectations.” The & Event Specialists

At W A Carr &“The Son,most we love what weevent do. From your initial enquiry, to running youryour wedding day, we are successful is thetaking one that achieves your goals and exceeds expectations. ” here to help. We create stunning centre pieces using fresh or artificial flowers, candelabras and vases, making your pinterest dreams come true. At W A Carr As & Son, we love we do.we’re From taking yourtrends initialand enquiry, to running your day, we are here to help. leaders in thewhat industry first to know help you come up withwedding your perfect style. We create stunning centre pieces using fresh or artificial flowers,a candelabras your pinterest true. With the ability to create chuppahs and mandaps, custom design marquee or and turnvases, a fieldmaking into a festival , for us, dreams anythingcome is possible. As leaders in the industry we’re first to know trends and help you come up with your perfect style. Marquees Design Production Hirea field into Management With the ability to create chuppahs and mandaps, custom design a marquee or turn a festival , for us, anything is possible. Marquees

Design

wacarrandson.co.uk

01923 773611

wacarrandson.co.uk

01923 773611

Production

Hire

Management

@wacarrandson

@wacarrandson W A Carr & Son

London, Herts, Bucks and Beds London, Herts, Bucks and Beds

The Wedding & Event Specialists “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” W A Carr & Son specialise in everything events, from furniture hire to marquees, decor, production and more. We provide a consistently high end service with the best quality products, nothing is too big or small for our team. Whether you are looking for a rustic or white wedding, tableware or furniture, we are sure to have exactly what you want and need. We would love to make your dreams your reality, creating a perfect and memorable day for everyone. Marquees

wacarrandson.co.uk

Design

01923 773611

Production

Hire

@wacarrandson

Management

London, Herts, Bucks and Beds

REAL WEDDINGS

A WHIMSICAL

woodland wedding Laura and Michael’s woodland-themed wedding was breathtaking Images courtesy of Tara Gillen Photography

nline dating is a popular way to meet new people and that’s precisely how Laura and Michael first met. She says, “After a week of talking on an app called Plenty of Fish, we decided to go out for a drink and the evening went so well! As soon as I got on a bus home, I messaged Michael asking ‘how long is socially acceptable to ask for a second date? Is now too soon?’. “I was attracted to his humour; he always manages to make me laugh at his cheesy jokes. We didn’t have much in common, apart from our love of Star Trek and all things sci-fi, but that was enough for us!” Mike fell in love with Laura’s confidence and enthusiasm; he realised he wanted to spend the rest of his life by her side.

On the couple’s 4th anniversary, Mike proposed during a weekend away to Center Parcs. His original intention was to pop the question during a romantic moonlit walk around the lake, but things didn’t go to plan. Laura says, “Mike went down onto the shore and called me over, but I refused to join him in fear that the geese on the man-made beach would chase me.” After trying to think of a new plan, Mike decided to propose back at their hotel instead. Laura comments, “It took me completely by surprise; I was on the way to the bathroom in my pyjamas, desperate for the loo at the time! Classic us really, we’re such a goofy and laid-back couple – it’s a story we can look back on and laugh about.” Here Laura shares details about their special day… 29 

We instantly fell in love with South Farm, the staff were so helpful and made us feel at home.

s and brilliant; our friend as w n io at od m m caravans. T he venue’s acco g in the traditional in ay st d ve lo ily m fa

A frame was used

for our table plan with names and ta supported by twin ble numbers e and mini heart pegs.

We had moss, ivy, tree stumps and white lanterns on the middle of each table to match our woodland theme.

The beautiful bouquets included green foliage with succulents and white lisianthus. Our two-tied cake included a cher ry bakewell and ging lime and coconut er layer and a sponge to suit both our tastes. 30

REAL WEDDINGS

space We added a white backdrop to the ceremony which featured fairylights, ivy and foliage.

We had one vegan menu and one with meat options to cater for all our guests – the sage and pumpkin ravioli was amazing! We had a burger bar in the evening which went down a treat with guests.

ole

wh such an emotional moment; the Walking down the aisle was thing went in slow motion!

T he groomsmen wore

three-piece suits with plain teal ties and blue waistcoats.

After searching fo r the perfect gown, I fell in love with by Pronovias whi Dante ch highlighted my cu rvy figure perfectly featured beautiful . It white pearl beads and delicate silver thread – I felt so sexy an d confident.

wellery il, vine-inspired je ve n ai pl a ith w s dres Club. om the Rainbow I accessorised the fr s oe sh tin sa ue and bl from Karen Forte

We both felt excited and nervous on the day! 31 

would be to take a 10-minute Our top tip for other couples friends or family. break when needed with close

Mike is a big car enthusiast and during the best man’s speech, it was announced (to my surprise) that he’d secretly bought a new car the previous week and had been hidi ng it from me! That announcement certainly got them both into trouble; luckily the photographer captured the moment.

We hired Chris, a master of ceremonies, to help keep everything organised, he was so helpful with our older guests and made sure they were comfortable and found their seats quickly to avoid standing for too long.

The groom looked dapper in a blue three-piece suit and white and blue floral tie.

The bridesmaids wore elegant teal dresses from Asos.

It was an emotional day as Mike’s mum pass away in 2010, and couldn’t witness us getting mar ried.

LAURA AND MICHAEL’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue, www.south-farm.co.uk | Photographer, www.taragillenphotography.com | Bride’s dress and jewellery, www.karenforte.com Bride’s shoes, www.rainbowclub.com | Hair and make-up, www.bespokebridalbyvalentina.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.asos.com | Groom’s suit, www.chimneymenswear.co.uk | Cake, www.facebook.com/acsbakery | Flowers, www.cambridgefloraldesigns.co.uk | Entertainment, www.boogie.pro | Doughnuts, www.theicedvegan.co.uk | Venue styling, www.facebook.com/nutsaboutevents 32

C A P T U R I N G Y O U R D AY Y O U R WAY www.nelvanhuyssteen.co.uk Email: enquiries@nelvanhuyssteen.co.uk

TIME FOR

love

Lauren and Sid’s wedding at South Farm featured hues of burgundy and navy Images courtesy of Rafe Abrook Photography

REAL WEDDINGS

auren went for a new job interview back in 2012 where Sid saw her in the workplace and jokingly said to a colleague that she would be the future Mrs Walters; little did he know this would be the case eight years later! After three months of working together, Sid plucked up the courage to ask her out during a Christmas party. Lauren says, “His pick-up line was something about New Year’s resolutions and his one being to take someone called Lauren out to dinner. It was cheesy but I couldn’t resist.” After just a few date nights and some wintry walks, Lauren and Sid made it official by the end of January. Although Sid had been ready to propose for a while, Lauren had no idea and had been talking about switching up the tradition and proposing herself. But Sid got there first and proposed in July 2019, with a ring he had helped make himself. Lauren adds, “Sid had searched around for a jeweller willing to let him help make the ring and was recommended Harrisons Jewellers. He worked with the owner, Matthew, to design and make the item in the workshop. The ring was ready on Sid’s birthday and he made an excuse to pop out. On his return, he snapped up his opportunity to propose – I was astonished and so excited as I hadn’t seen it coming at all!”

SETTING THE SCENE Located in Hertfordshire, South Farm is a stunning wedding venue with beautiful gardens and charming spaces available for weddings. It’s no wonder why this homely venue was the backdrop to Lauren and Sid’s special day. The bride says, “We could see the venue had fabulous reviews and offered a stunning countryside setting for our photographs, which was important to us.” The wedding was planned with only a few months notice and the farm provided the perfect location with ceremony and reception spaces all in one place, helping to keep the planning simple. The couple wanted to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere on the day and chose a navy and burgundy colour scheme which was incorporated throughout the day. Each table was decorated beautifully with place names written in calligraphy, floral displays, romantic candles and burgundy petals. The bride says, “We wanted everyone to be ‘table one’ and as we had so many countries represented in the room, each table was named after the number but in different languages. This included Slovak, Welsh, Japanese, Spanish, English and elvish for The Lord of the Rings fans.” Guests could find their seats with help from the table plan created on a burgundy card with paper butterflies. Delicious homemade iced sugar biscuits were given to guests as favours and in the evening they enjoyed the big-day cake. Lauren says, “The cake was simple with white icing, gold leaves and handcrafted sugar paste flowers. We had a rich fruit sponge which is my favourite and Sid picked a darkchocolate flavoured layer.”

LOOKING THE PART The bride looked stunning in a sheath-style dress with a lace back and jewelled shoulders. She says, “I’d seen it online and had fallen in love with the sleek but glamorous-style and knew it was perfect when I tried it on. I added sparkly heels, a silver bangle, simple hoop earrings and a feather and crystal hairpiece to finish off the look. My burgundy stole was made by my mum and I still keep it now as a cosy wrap. I was a little overwhelmed once I got into my dress on the day as I couldn’t 35 

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A CLICK AWAY FROM YOUR PERFECT DAY

CWM_WEDDING Get your mood-board in the mood with some picture-perfect inspiration

REAL WEDDINGS quite believe we were about to get married!” When it came to finding the perfect bouquet, the bride picked a wild and relaxed trailing arrangement with burgundy and cream flowers. Sid and the groomsmen looked dashing in different navy suits, they could pick what style to wear as the couple wanted everyone to feel comfortable – it made for lovely photos. The bridesmaids wore floor-length burgundy dresses with a flattering band around the waist, and grey/pink wool wraps were given to them to ensure they all stayed warm during the wedding.

TIME TO CELEBRATE Instead of a first dance, something the couple never wanted to do, they opted for a game of Mr & Mrs instead. Lauren comments, “It brought everyone together with a lot of fun questions such as ‘If your dog could talk, who would he say he loves the most’ and ‘Who is most likely to give the other food poisoning?’ the guests loved it!” A DJ played during the evening to keep loved ones entertained and was a massive hit with the kids who were skidding across the floor. Even the adults were up on their feet having a great time!

MEMORABLE MOMENTS Lauren and Sid were blown away by the amount of love shared by friends and family during the day. The bride says, “Aside from the moment we became husband and wife, the best part of the day hands down was Sid’s speech. He spoke from the heart and everyone was thoroughly enjoying his entertaining memories and anecdotes. Then you could feel the emotion in the room build as Sid talked about our very challenging year. We endured three rounds of IVF and everyone was captivated as Sid spoke about the run-up to the wedding and feeling utterly blessed to be able to announce our successful third IVF cycle and pregnancy! The room erupted with cheering and tears, it was the most incredible moment and our little girl arrived seven months later!”

HONEYMOON The couple visited Devon for their honeymoon and stayed in a beautiful cottage on the border of Exmoor. Here the pair relaxed in front of the fire and went on wintry walks, like they did when they first met.

37 

LAUREN AND SID’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue and catering, www.south-farm.co.uk | Photographer, www.rafeabrook.co.uk | Bride’s dress, www.georgejamesbridal.com Hair, https://bellahair2019.wixsite.com/website | Make-up, www.bridalmakeupbyjuliet.co.uk | Flowers, www.sophiemayfloral.co.uk Entertainment, www.thediscoman.com 38

REAL WEDDINGS

Love

WINS

Holly and Conor didn’t let a pandemic ruin their special day Images courtesy of Absolutephotouk

olly and Conor first crossed paths at a business meeting. Conor says, “I was instantly attracted to her; she was beautiful and extremely friendly. I made sure to sit near her before the presentation started. I felt that we hit it off and I continued attending these functions every week so I could see Holly more.” After a few weeks, Conor plucked up the courage to ask her on a date. He knew she was special as he had never felt that nervous asking someone out before. He comments, “She is so thoughtful and brings out the best in me.” Conor popped the question in Cambridge near a beautiful river next to Darwin College. He says, “I created a story about buying a new car from a guy called Paul and planned to go for lunch beforehand – this was where I was going to propose. However, Holly wanted us to get the car first and I was panicking the whole journey thinking I would have to convince a guy to pretend to be named Paul to not give anything away. Luckily, I managed to convince Holly that he couldn’t see us until three. The proposal was very private on a snowy day and I had never been happier when she said yes.” Here Conor shares details about their special day... 39 

I wanted the day to be perfect for Holly!

Our wedding changed last minute due to COVID-19, we originally had 120 guests attending our three-day event in the South of France. We planned to have a welcoming barbecue, the wedding day and then a pool party on the Sunday. However, we ended up being married in our hometown with 30 guests due to regulations, but it was still amazing! I had my heart set on a mirrored table plan as it not only looks classy, but would work perfectly with the hotel’s Victorian style. We picked glass cylinders with chunky candles inside and flowers and foliage for the centrepieces.

REAL WEDDINGS A family friend owns The Leaside Hotel, so it was a no-brainer when we had to pick a local venue. The staff were excellent and managed to plan our wedding in just two weeks!

Our cake had sugar roses on and tasted delicious!

Holly travelled to the venue in my dad’s Bentley and the best man provided a minibus for the boys to travel in – both worked out perfectly!

Each bridesmaid carried a floral hoop instead of a bouquet.

Holly fell in love with a Grace Loves Lace gown called Gia; she went dress shopping alone and says it was the best decision she’d made!

41 

I wore a Marc Darcy tweed-style suit which matched the groomsmen.

The bridesmaids wore beaded dresses in pink.

My dad surprised us with a magician on the day.

We didn’t have a DJ because of COVID-19, but everyone could communicate easier this way and it created more memorable moments.

It was lovely to see how happy our parents were all day!

Holly was surprisingly calm on the day, but panic set in when she was almost late to the registry office due to timekeeping!

I felt extremely proud that Holly was becoming my wife.

HOLLY AND CONOR’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

One of our bridesmaids gave birth the next day!

Venue and catering, www.leasidehotel.co.uk | Photographer, www.absolutephotouk.com | Bride’s dress, www.graceloveslace.com Jewellery, www.libertyinlove.co.uk | Shoes, www.emmylondon.com | Hair, www.instagram.com/notyourordinarysalon/?hl=en Make-up, www.instagram.com/katrinamariemakeup/?hl=en | Bridesmaids’ dresses, www.laceandbeads.co.uk | Groom’s suit, www.geremenswear.co.uk | Cake sponge, www.facebook.com/Pipers-Cakes-245719562120615 | Flowers, www.thefloraleditor.com Transport, www.bartoncoachcompany.co.uk | Stationery, www.facebook.com/sophiemariewm | Groom’s shoes, www.handdyedshoeco.com | Ring box, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheLittleShopofBoxes 42

REGIONAL SHOOT

ONE FINE DAY The Gaddesden Estate was the perfect backdrop to this beautiful shoot

Images courtesy of Sally Masson Photography and Claire Connold Photography

www.sallymasson.com

ocated in Hertfordshire, The Gaddesden Estate is an outdoor venue which offers couples exceptional locations for beautiful receptions and dreamy photographs. The brains behind the shoot, Louise Barcock at Big Green Space was inspired by the different elements of the venue including the formal gardens at the Golden Parsonage, a sunken garden known as Fishponds and a wildflower meadow which backs onto the original walled garden. With help from other talented suppliers, the team created this stunning shoot full of wedding inspiration. Louise says, “Fishponds is set in a Medieval sunken garden and the trees create an intimate feel with branches hanging over the long table. The natural wood furniture, unstructured florals, crystal chandeliers and glassware creates a real inside/outside feel. The opulent table in Badgers Garden was a nod to the glamorous parties held in the Golden Parsonage, the 18th-century house at the heart of the estate, with styling that reflects the history of the property perfectly. A marquee was set up in the Walled Garden Meadow, inspired by the romantic space and the garden’s gorgeous florals.” The shoot is the perfect way to show how beautiful weddings can be achieved no matter what budget couples are working with as the venue has multiple options available for the special day. 43 

www.sallymasson.com

https://claireconnoldphotography.co.uk www.sallymasson.com www.sallymasson.com

44 44 https://claireconnoldphotography.co.uk