NEARLYWED NEWS

First Dance Studios in Woking, Surrey, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. “Thank you to all of the 2000+ wonderful couples we’ve taught over the past 20 years,” says Emma Brewer from First Dance Studios. “Thank you for saying “we do” to the dance with us and trusting us. We’re very excited about the next 20 years. We’ve all found the past few years a struggle in many ways, so welcoming couples back onto the dancefloor has given us all so much joy, hope and happiness. For the next 20 years, we are actively growing due to popularity and have a team of teachers across Surrey, Sussex and London ready to lead you onto the dancefloor. We endeavour to come up with more fun first dances, more couple to crowd NEWS Nearlywed connections for a great party and more fun for those allimportant first steps as a couple during your first dance.” For further information, visit www.firstdancestudios.co.uk All the latest from around Surrey ECO-FRIENDLY FASHION

Fuchsia’s Vintage Bridal Wear in Woking is a new business offering beautiful and elegant designs that are sustainable and kind to the planet. The owner, Forouzan Fard, tells us more: “I started this business because I wanted to do something constructive. How we treat our planet is important to me, and I love fashion, so I decided to combine my passion and love to create something that my children can be proud of, and so the idea of revamping pre-loved wedding dresses was born. To me, all the work that goes into making a wedding dress always seemed such a waste to be used once and then stored away, sometimes never to be seen for years! I’m always on the search for a dress that needs some magic added back into it, and I just love seeing the transformation of an almost new gown without a carbon footprint. Please do come and visit us in our studio, a Grade I listed building in the heart of Surrey, which will launch on 2nd April, 2022.”

Visit www.fuchsiasvintagebridalwear.co.uk for more information.

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

RD Ceremonies, a new celebrant based in Surrey, is offering couples who book her services in April a free bottle of champagne.

The owner, Rebecca Douglas, tells us more about her company: “I’ve always loved weddings, even as a little girl. Friends and family often told me I should become a celebrant when hearing me give readings. This started playing on my mind, and my passion for weddings, helping people and putting on a good show eventually encouraged me to start my own celebrant business. I like to work with my couples to tailor the ceremony to their wishes. Most of the traditions that people want to include in their wedding, for example, the vows, the rings and the first kiss are all ceremonial and not needed legally. Therefore in our consultations, you may decide that you want to replace the rings with hand-fasting, or you might be two families joining together and want to involve your children and choose to do a sand ceremony. There are also no restrictions on songs or readings and you can incorporate your beloved pet or favourite film. I will work with you to create your love story. It can be completely light-hearted or more traditional, but the words I write are written for you and will guarantee your ceremony is personal.”

To find out more, visit www.rdceremonies.org.uk

MUM’S THE WORD

Brides Visited, a bridal boutique in Ashtead, Surrey, is stocking a gorgeous collection of mother-of-the-brides/grooms outfits from designer Veromia and Mascara. These can be matched with an extensive range of hats, fascinators and handbags in a wide range of colours. There is something to suit everyone, with prices ranging from £225 to £425.

The boutique can assist you with every aspect of your wedding day, including bridalwear, bridesmaids, mother-of-thebride/groom, accessories and wedding photography. With a knowledgeable and professional, one-to-one service, Brides Visited can help you find the perfect outfit for the big day.

Discover more at www.bridesvisited.co.uk

Twilights Entertainment in Haslemere, Surrey, has added a new sparkle fountain and dry ice dancefloor effect called Dancing on the Clouds to its offerings. As seen on Married on First Sight, it’s ideal for weddings, theatres and corporate launch parties and the dancefloor will create a spectacular photo opportunity during your first dance. The sparklers are safe to use indoors and can be turned off in an instant.

For more than 20 years, the dynamic company has provided exciting wedding options to delight and mesmerise guests of all ages. The team thrives on bringing couples’ weddings to life with a website teeming with ideas and inspiration, from magicians to elegant harpists. There is a selection of packages, products and ideas to suit everyone.

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

NEW PACKAGE ALERT!

The Talbot Hotel, situated in the picturesque village of Ripley, has won a Hitched Award that recognises the best wedding venues across the UK. The venue has also launched three new wedding packages. Each comes with a dedicated wedding coordinator, aisle carpet, chair coverings, table linen, evening dancefloor, cake stand, easel, complimentary food tasting, bridal suite for the night of the wedding, special accommodation rates for guests, a complimentary double bedroom for the first anniversary and a three-course menu, drinks package and evening buffet. The Vintage Package (£97.75pp), Crystal Package (£107.75pp) and Diamond Package (£117.75pp) all come with the above but offer different food and drink options.

The historic hotel is 500-year old and boosts 43 modern en-suite bedrooms, on-site parking, a restaurant, a cosy bar, distinctive period features, and an impressive archway that leads to a courtyard lit up by thousands of fairylights. There are plenty of options to choose from that are perfect for intimate and large celebrations, with couples able to use the garden area for their drinks reception and group photographs. One of the most popular spaces is the 15th-century Surrey Barn, boasting original beams, and a romantic atmosphere, the room can be used separately or in conjunction with the Wisley Suite, which is a selfcontained area with high ceilings and crystal chandeliers.

Check out www.thetalbotripley.com for more information.

KELLY ANDREWS REVIEWS THE MITRE

Arriving at The Mitre in East Molesey the façade, while perfectly charming, gives only the merest hint of what awaits you once you’ve set foot inside. The only thing that really hints at what a treat this place will be is its incredible location on the banks of the Thames at the foot of an elegant bridge, in the shadow of Hampton Court Palace.

As I wound my way through this charming labyrinthian boutique hotel one of the things that impressed me most was the quality of the recent refurbishment, carried out during lockdowns. The interior designer has cleverly managed to achieve a seamless and harmonious blend of modern luxury with historical gravitas in a way that I can’t say I’ve encountered before. And the accommodation... wow! While discounted room rates are available for your nearest and dearest, the venue does offer exclusive use giving you and up to 72 guests run of the hotel, including all 36 bedrooms and suites.

You and your loved ones will be in for a treat here when it comes to the wedding breakfast. Having visited the hotel’s 1665 Riverside Brasserie to sample a delicious three-course lunch of smoked mackerel pate, chargrilled beef, and dark chocolate fondant, I can report that every mouthful left me wanting more. The Orangery, which offers a Mediterranean vibe, can host up to 70 loved ones for the ‘I dos’ and wedding breakfast, with space for 120 evening guests. This also includes the use of the main terrace with its quintessentially English view overlooking the Thames, offering the perfect backdrop to your day.

To find out more, check out www.mitrehamptoncourt.com