NEARLYWED NEWS

Wilde Lodge is a newly-restored wedding venue in Wales. Perched on the River Teme and surrounded by breathtaking views of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Wales, the property is perfect for intimate and large weddings. Couples can take a stroll to the private river, play lawn games on the vast grounds and have photos taken against the dramatic hillside backdrop.

Every element of your day can be provided by the team, from locally grown flowers to seasonal menus that are influenced by the ever-changing countryside. The property centres around a stunning 19th-century lodge and barn that’s licensed for wedding ceremonies and a luxurious safari tent nestled within the barn’s walls. With access to a private wild swimming area, stunning walks and a new cinema room, there’s lots of activities to keep the wedding party entertained before and after the big day.

To find out more, visit www.wildelodge.com

WHATEVER THE WEATHER

SGDJ and SG Discos, a collective of professional DJs in Cardiff, is offering couples who book their DJ services a complimentary umbrella, perfect for any weather. The company was established in 1999 and offers a range of services. The team can provide entertainment for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebration moving through each part of the day seamlessly. Each package can be customised to include a master of ceremonies, customisable background music for the meal, PA hire for speeches, a recording of the speeches and vows, uplighting, dancefloors and a selfie wizard.

Visit www.sgdjweddings.com for more information.

NEWS Nearlywed

All the latest from around South Wales

www.awilliamsphotography.co.uk

THE WINGS OF LOVE

The British Bird of Prey Centre in Llanarthney has helped couples during the pandemic, including one client who required evening entertainment. The director, Emma Hill, tells us more: “Last month we received an email from a young couple who, due to COVID-19, had to cancel all their wedding entertainment and were asking if we could do something for them. We don’t normally do evening entertainment and stick to just afternoons, but we decided to do our good deed! It was a beautiful sunny evening, and The Coach House in Neath was lovely. We flew a falcon, hawk and owl and all the guests had a chance to have a go and even meet a baby owl.”

The company offer fun-packed packages, including the morning of the wedding where the groom can take an exciting hawk walk, an owl can fly down the aisle to bring you your wedding rings, and birds of prey can provide the ultimate entertainment for the wedding reception.

Discover more at www.britishbirdofpreycentre.co.uk

AN ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE

For many couples who have been planning their wedding throughout the pandemic, the idea of a hen or stag do may have felt out of reach. Now restrictions have been lifted, Adventure Parc Snowdonia is celebrating by offering a wide range of activities. Try scaling Snowdonia and absorbing the beautiful North Welsh countryside, high ropes, rock climbing or ninja assault courses. Guests can also try their hand at surfing, paddleboarding or wild swimming in the inland lagoon.

When all the action is over, retreat to the hotel’s new Wave Garden Spa for a spot of pampering and relaxation. Look out over the wonderful views and surf lagoon from the outside spa garden and enjoy an invigorating hot wave massage if your muscles are feeling sore after all the action.

Visit www.adventureparcsnowdonia.com for more information.

JUST FOR YOU

Artist and designer Lizzie Spikes draws inspiration for her vivid illustrations from the coast and surrounding countryside of her home in Aberystwyth. Lizzie has created a new mackerel-inspired collection designed to capture the energy of a shoal of shimmering fish swimming in an azure sea. The vibrant image has been applied to a range of practical homewares, including tea towels, oven gloves, aprons and a tide clock – perfect for wedding gifts.

Lizzie’s company, Driftwood Designs, have two shops in Aberystwyth and Cardiff full of fun products. Prices range from £12.50 to £30.

Check out www.driftwooddesigns.co.uk for more information. SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE

The Wickedly Welsh Chocolate Company is offering a range of gift hampers. The family-run business is owned by Karen and Mark, who are passionate about all things chocolate. The duo is dedicated to helping the environment and only use locally sourced ingredients, compostable or recyclable packaging and sustainably sourced products.

The handcrafted gift boxes are filled to the brim with goodies and would make a lovely gift for the happy couple or as a thank you to those who have helped plan your special day.

Karen and Mark added: “We’re living the dream here at Wicked HQ working every day with our amazingly talented team mixing, blending and perfecting our distinctive range of high quality contemporary handcrafted chocolates.”

For more information, visit www.wickedlywelsh.co.uk

DRINK IT ALL IN

With 2021 set to be another great year for UK minimoons, Holiday Cottages (www.holidaycottages.co.uk) has named Llanerch Vineyard as one of the most romantic places to visit. The vineyard is the largest and oldest in Wales and is set among 20 acres of Glamorgan countryside. The company produces five different varieties of rosé, sparkling and white wines in their Cariad brand and offer tours and tastings.

Guests are welcome to wander the beautiful gardens and meet the resident llamas at their leisure. There are plenty of other places to relax and explore and a range of accommodation nearby.

Head over to www.glyndwrvineyard.co.uk for more information.