NEARLYWED NEWS

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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

Southdowns Manor has been announced as regional winner in the hotel venue category at The Wedding Industry Awards. The only regional and national accolades voted for by customers rather than a panel, these prestigious awards were set up to recognise excellence in the wedding industry. All regional winners then go through to the national finals for the next round of awards.

From the romantic gardens to the quintessentially English setting, it’s easy to see why its couples put the venue forward for such an award – it’s impossible not to fall in love with Southdowns Manor. Set amongst the breathtaking scenery of the South Downs, this historical exclusive-use venue, is a rural retreat offering a tranquil setting for your big day. Whether you’re dreaming of a lavish, formal wedding or a relaxed and intimate celebration, this venue provides a stylish setting.

For further information on tying the knot here, check out the website www.southdownsmanor.co.uk

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BACK TO NATURE

If wedding planning and the stresses that life brings are getting on top of you, check out Historic Sussex Hotels’ forest bathing reconnection experience. One of you will set off to enjoy a deeply immersive two-hour forest bathing session with guru Helena Skoog, while the other heads up to The Spread Eagle Spa to relax in the indoor heated pool and enjoy a spa treatment. You’ll later reunite over a candle-lit dinner in the restaurant.

Inspired by the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is the practice of slowing down and totally immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest. Its goal is to draw on the theraputic powers of nature to reduce stress and leave you with a profound sense of peace. Expert guide Helena will lead you through a series of sensory invitations that allows you to connect in the present moment with yourself and your natural surroundings.

The experience costs £155 and sets off from The Spread Eagle at 4.30pm on the following dates: 9th May, 20th June, 4th July, 6th September, 11th October. For further information check out www.hshotels.co.uk/spread-eagle

FAMILY FUN

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens has created a programme of year-round entertainment for visitor groups, families and others planning days out in 2022. With 200 years of history and an extensive campaign to restore the Grade I listed gardens, visitors are assured of plenty to see and do on the 240-acre estate.

From 9th to 24th April Leonardslee is hosting an outdoor Easter trail, winding through the beautiful gardens. Children can go on an adventure hunt, and explore while having a good time with friends and family. Other family-friendly events include the Spring Sounds, ten evenings of live music during May, with an eclectic mix of jazz, swing, opera, classical and flamenco. Also, the Floral Fringe Fair on 4th and 5th June is a fun event with a vintage twist, featuring plants and food for sale, street dining, coffee, gin, artists and makers, classic cars, steampunk, singing, vintage stalls and a beer tent.

The popular Enchanted Leonardslee is also back for another year from 28th to 31st July and 4th to 7th August. Featuring mermaids, faeries and other mythical creatures, with theatrical performances and spectacular visual and sound installations, it’s a spellbinding tale of magic and wonder experienced throughout the garden trail.

Find out more at www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Following previous sell-out performances, Singing Salon, under the directorship of mezzo soprano Pippa DamesLongworth, returns to the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, for an evening of Operatic Adventures and Decadent Dining on 6th May and 16th September.

The evening will begin with the fun and mayhem of mistaken identities in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte after which, the banqueting room will be filled with the melodies of celebrated composer, Gioachino Rossini, who himself performed at the Royal Pavilion in 1823. The evening will end with the exuberant ensembles of Giuseppe Verdi.

These events are a wonderful way to experience the venue out of hours and get a feel for how your wedding day here might feel. Tickets can be purchased from the Royal Pavilion & Museums booking office on 03000 290 900 or online from www.maximcloud.co.uk/brightonmuseums/events. Tickets are priced at £170 per person. Private tables of 10 are available and smaller groups will be asked to share a table.

Discover more about the Royal Pavilion at https://brightonmuseums.org.uk along with details of wedding hire packages.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Following the huge impact the pandemic has had on community centres, charity projects and local suppliers in the area, Boxgrove Village Hall has announced a one-day wedding fair to showcase Sussex wedding talent. Taking place in the quaint village of Boxgrove, just outside of Chichester on Sunday 15th May 2022 from 12pm-4pm, the event aims to support the thriving wedding community while helping you find local businesses to assist in creating your dream day.

Boxgrove Village Hall is a rural community centre, which holds weddings throughout the year. Ideal for those looking for a warm, welcoming, countryside venue to host their special day, its reasonable hire fees allow you to hire it for the entire weekend allowing for plenty of preparation time.

The wedding fair offers a fantastic opportunity to see the venue dressed with tables laid out and decorated, and it promises to be an immersive way to visualise your wedding day there. Plus, the events team will be present on the day to answer any questions you may have.

The fair is free to attend and highlights include a free glass of prosecco and free entry into a raffle to win some fantastic prizes from the exhibiting suppliers.

Hall manager Sally says, "Boxgrove community centre is a fantastic venue: modern and well equipped, and it's in such a quaint little village that some people living in Chichester don't even know it exists! We can't wait to get the hall buzzing with wedding planning and ideas. We have some amazing suppliers dressing the hall to make it an inspiring day out for everyone who visits."

Check out www.boxgrovevillagehall.co.uk

www.neilwalkerphotography.co.uk

A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE

The Old Chapel at All Saints has launched an initiative to help spread some love. Built and run by nuns on the ethos of helping those whose life journey had been touched by misfortune, The Chapel was used as a place where love for others was the core value. This message is still at the heart of the Chapel today. Acknowledging that the last two years have been an awful time for many wishing to marry, the team would like to offer one couple complimentary ceremony hire at this beautiful venue. This would include venue hire, worth £2,000 and a prosecco toast each for up to 60 guests, worth £360. This has now been extended to include two further couples who would be given their venue hire at 50 per cent off. The ceremonies must be booked within the next 12 months.

You can nominate yourselves or be nominated by others. To be considered for this initiative simply email allsaintsweddingsandevents@ gmail.com with a short summary of no more than 250 words explaining why you should be considered for this wonderful opportunity. Closing date for applicants is 31st May 2022.

Also check out www.allsaintschapeleastbourne.org