NEARLYWED NEWS

If you’re looking for something local to raise a toast with at your wedding, it might interest you to know that Mereworth Wines bases its choice of vineyard plantings on compatibility with the climate, soil and topography; and that all of these factors lend themselves perfectly to the very three grape varieties used to make exceptional English Sparkling Wine. Chardonnay vines account for over half of the vineyard and you’ll be able to enjoy their fruits in the form of Mereworth’s White From White.

The Pinot Noir grape contributes to the new Sparkling Rosé and is the real backbone that gives it body and structure. With its thin skin resulting in a naturally delicate colour, Pinot Noir is particularly suited to cooler climates and thanks to improvements in the weather and vineyard management over the years Kent wineries are now giving France some competition. This variety brings distinctive aromas of red berries as well as fl avours of cherries, elderberries and blackberries.

The third and perhaps least well-known in the trio of sparkling wine grapes is Pinot Meunier. Only four per cent of Mereworth’s vineyard is given over to this variety, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that it’s an essential and versatile component. Adding bright acidity, deep fruitiness and a roundness of NEWS Nearlywed fl avours, these grapes impart stone fruit fl avours with hints of honey, walnut and coffee developing as the wine ages. So, now you know your grapes it’s time to try them for yourselves. Mereworth Wines’ 2018 White From White and its 2019 Sparkling Rose are both available at www.mereworth.co.uk where you can order for collection or delivery. Catch up on the latest from around the county

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STORY OF US

Not only has Maidstone-based JP Photographic extended its £200 Covid discount until the end of 2021, but it’s now added an extra bonus. The team are kindly offering to prepare a movie that can be played during your reception depicting the two of you from birth to engagement. This largely depends on the material you’re able to supply, so why not make the most of this fab opportunity? Material can include photographs, both digital and printed, movie clips and anecdotes. Typically the fi lm will consist of childhood memories following your journeys up to the point you met each other and became engaged – its intended to be screened before the fi rst dance or during the wedding breakfast. JP Photographic will also expertly produce a movie of the big day itself.

For a chance to chat to the team in person, why not pop along and meet them at West Heath Wedding Fair in Sevenoaks on Sunday 24th October? Also check out http://jpphotographic.zenfolio.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Bromley Court Hotel has just launched a whole host of new wedding packages available for 2022-23. Costs range from £99 per person for the To Have and To Hold package to £137 per person for the Forever and Always package.

We think the From This Day Forward option offers terrifi c value. At £122 per person based on a minimum number of 45 adult guests, it includes the following: a menu tasting for the two of you, wedding breakfast room hire, red carpet arrival, fl oral centrepieces, chair covers and sashes, a welcome glass of prosecco and another for toasts, half a bottle of house wine per person, still and sparkling water, evening buffet for adult day guests, executive bedroom on the wedding night, and breakfast in bed for the newlyweds, plus the services of an experienced wedding coordinator. Evening guests are charged at an additional £23 each.

For further information on the latest offers as well as the delicious-sounding menus available head over to www.bromleycourthotel.co.uk

DIARY AT THE READY!

County Wedding Events are back! Put a note in the diary for 24th October, when we’ll be hosting a fab wedding show at West Heath Centre from 11am to 3pm. Situated in the heart of the idyllic Kent countryside, this venue is a stunning 18th-century manor house steeped in history and bursting with original features.

Visit the show to view the venue and meet with a range of quality local suppliers exhibiting on the day. Whatever you’re looking for from a photographer, wedding dress and menswear, to venue styling, photo booth and entertainment this is the place to be for inspiration aplenty.

Pre-register for quick entry on the day and be kept up to date with other show news at www.countyweddingevents.com. Also, check out www.westheathweddings.com Local celebrant Karina O’Donnell of Simply Ceremonies is proud to have been nominated both for the Global Wedding Celebrant, and Vow Renewal – Client Service accolades in 2021’s The Celebrant Industry Awards. As an industry first, these nods are set to recognise those delivering excellence as nominated by fellow celebrants, industry suppliers, couples and families.

Founder of the awards and The Celebrant Directory, Jennifer Claire Constant says, “The past year has shown just how integral celebrants are in supporting families through life-changing events. I’m really proud of how our members have come together and have made a difference in times of such hardship.”

Find out more about Simply Ceremonies at https://celebrant-uk.co.uk

BACK WITH A BANG

If you’ve missed the buzz of a big event, 900-year-old Leeds Castle is now taking bookings for some super-exciting outdoor extravaganzas.

This year sees the return of its Firework Spectacular, the biggest pyrotechnic display in the South East, which will light up the sky on 6th and 7th November. But if you can’t wait until then, make the most of the summer nights with a trip to the Castle’s outdoor cinema, which will be showing A Star is Born on 29th July, Bohemian Rhapsody on 30th July, Dirty Dancing on 31st July, and Star Wars: A New Hope on 1st August. So grab your fiancé for a date night to remember.

The fun doesn’t end there though, as Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book comes to the Castle on 13th and 14th August. This larger-than-life musical adaptation will have the whole family howling with laughter, interacting with the characters and dancing along.

For further information on these events and more, see www.leeds-castle.com/events

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YOUR ROUND!

Mobile bar business The Thirsty Farrier has launched a new set of packages for weddings. Formed by brothers Jon and Dan in 2019, the Kent-based bar company offers flexible packages for events throughout Kent and beyond. The company has a variety of bar setups available, from the hand-crafted mint green horsebox, rustic pop-uk bar and prosecco piano, to its new home festival package, ideal for al fresco gatherings.

Throughout lockdown, the boys have adapted their offering by launching online cocktail masterclasses, but are now pleased to say they’ve re-opened bookings for weddings. What’s more, the duo have made a personal promise to all customers that if any wedding or event is cancelled due to changes in the coronavirus restrictions, every penny will be refunded.

Co-owner Dan says, “We’re so excited to be taking wedding bookings again. With new packages that can be tailored to your needs, we can provide speciality drinks and a bar setup of your choice – along with the super-personal, bubbly and friendly service The Thirsty Farrier is renowned for.”

The Free Reign package, which includes bar staff, equipment and a mobile bar starts from £400. For more information of this and more head over to www.thethirstyfarrier.co.uk