Weddings

W e d d i n gs

As the urry of preparations begins, let Shire do some of the leg work with our guide to local venues and wedding services

Make an impression

Arley Hall in Cheshire is a perfect and romantic wedding venue for grand weddings, civil weddings and small intimate celebrations. With friendly, professional and relaxed staff your day will go without any hitches. It and small intimate celebrations. With friendly, professional and relaxed staff your day will go without any hitches. It “Charm and can be intimate and peaceful or full of can be intimate and peaceful or full of character grandeur and vitality, it’s your choice. grandeur and vitality, it’s your choice. – a magical Arley Hall is a magical venue with enormous character, charm venue” and interest. Guests arriving at the estate will be struck by the intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home. Set amidst breath-taking surroundings; Arley Hall is an impressive example of a Victorian country is a much-cherished family home. Set amidst breath-taking surroundings; Arley Hall is an impressive example of a Victorian country house built in the Elizabethan style and is one of the most interesting and attractive stately homes in the country. The lavish ceilings, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and stained-glass windows create a wonderful feeling of grandeur and add to this perfect setting for any wedding celebration. See for yourself at the Wedding Open Day on Sunday 8th May, from 10am. arleyhallandgardens.com/weddings

Set sail on a new life together

ChesterBoat is a family-owned company with over 40 years’ experience of welcoming visitors to the beautiful River Dee in Chester – so why not start the rest of your lives together on the water! A river cruise makes a unique venue for your Chester wedding reception, or a stylish way to arrive at your riverside venue. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away on board, sit down for a formal meal or just treat your guests to a short cruise before dining elsewhere, we’ll help you plan a bespoke cruise to fit your big day.

Choose your boat from our fleet – we have vessels suitable for anything from six to 100 guests – and take a look at our delicious catering options. We’ll dress the boat in ‘Just Married’ life-rings and a wedding ribbon in the colour of your choice, but you might also like bunting, flowers, balloons or your own choice of decorations. Book a DJ or live performer to entertain your guests, or relax to the romantic sounds of the river and its wildlife. chesterboat.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Marry in Eccleston and you can even hire a boat to take you to the church!

A do with a difference

Whether you’re booking adventurous activities for a group of stags or peaceful pampering for the hens, check out the options at Adventure Parc Snowdonia. At the heart of the majestic Conwy Valley in North Wales, the focal point of the Adventure Parc is the world-first inland surf lagoon: head-high waves powering down a 300m lagoon. Combined with the Adrenaline Indoors facility and Surf Side bar diner and deli, it’s the perfect party experience before the big day. The less sporty may prefer to make the most of the latest additions in our Wave Garden Spa. With big views across the waves of our beautiful inland surf lagoon to the mountains beyond, we’ve designed every aspect of the Wave Garden Spa with your wellbeing in mind. Check in with us for a uniquely relaxing thermal spa experience and a wide range of luxurious treatments. with us for a uniquely relaxing thermal spa experience and a wide range of luxurious treatments. adventureparcsnowdonia.com

Stunning space

“Views

Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is set in beautiful rolling countryside of the Welsh hills” alongside the ancient River Dee and takes its name from the picturesque village of Bangor-on-Dee. Set in 150 acres of greenfield space with breathtaking views of the Welsh hills, it’s the perfect venue and backdrop to host your special day. The Racecourse boasts three separate spaces with six individual rooms and a range of capacities to suit from 20 to 600 people.

When booking a wedding package at Bangor-on-Dee, you gain a host of benefits including access to experienced event planners and managers, in-house catering solutions and a range of entertainment offerings. We work with the experts at Horseradish to deliver culinary moments for you and your guests on this most special of days. bangorondeeraces.co.uk/our-venue/weddings

A winning decision

Chester Racecourse’s manicured lawns, picturesque setting and rich history make it the perfect backdrop for a truly magical day. Surrounded by over 30 acres of breathtaking green space, and flanked by the River Dee, there couldn’t be a lovelier location. With a choice of six licensed ceremony spaces, from small and intimate to large and lavish, we’ve options to suit everyone. Our expert team of wedding coordinators have designed a variety of wedding packages including champagne and canapés, buffets, sumptuous wedding breakfasts and elegant receptions, to help you create your own unique day.

Our award-winning caterers Horseradish specialise in creative catering using the best local produce – we’ll help you create a menu that reflects you and your partner. From historic stands to contemporary suites with floorto-ceiling views, we have the perfect space for your special day. chester-races.com/our-venue/weddings

DID YOU KNOW?

‘Gee-gees’ comes from mayor Henry Gee, who organised the fi rst annual from mayor Henry Gee, who organised race meeting

Wedding D i r e c to r y

Martin David Menswear in

Shrewsbury has been supplying the great British gentleman, and now the world, for nearly 30 years with the finest brands and premium fashion lifestyle outfits. We are Wedding and Formal Hire specialists, offering a personal service and carry high quality stock from Magee and Wilvorst. With over 40 years’ experience, we can safely say we are experts in the field. martin-david.co.uk/formal-hire-shrewsbury

Chateau Rhianfa

offers a fairytale location for your wedding with a dream Anglesey location and stunning views. Our beautiful Château tells an exciting story both inside and out, following Lady Sarah’s dream that everything would be perfect and no detail overlooked. You’re never too old to believe in fairytales. Let our dedicated wedding planners turn your dreams into reality with a wedding day to remember. chateaurhianfa.co.uk

The Grosvenor

Pulford is an awardwinning venue in Chester, where weddings really are a speciality. With settings and packages tailored to your requirements, it boasts impressive facilities and can offer intimate candle-lit ceremonies along with romantic outdoor nuptials within the lakeside gazebo. grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk SPECIAL OFFER Book your wedding for just £3,500 for 50 guests plus ceremony, venue dressing and more! (limited dates, T&Cs apply)

Step In Style Limousines is a

professional hire company based in Rhyl, North Wales. We have served the wedding car hire industry for the past 25 years with our beautiful vintage to modern Rolls Royce along with our more recent stretch limousines and provide a service that is second to none. We travel from Mid Wales through to Cheshire. Price includes ribbons, flowers and a complimentary bottle of bubbly! stepinstylelimousines.co.uk So Chic is an awardwinning ladies boutique selling beautiful clothing and accessories for the discerning woman, in historic Bangor. If you haven’t chosen your outfit yet, this is the place to come – especially if you have an important role to play such as mother of the bride or groom. Stocking beautiful, elegant, timeless designer clothing and accessories, So Chic is known for its impeccable customer service, and will help you find the perfect outfit. See Facebook @So Chic

Poulton Hall No two

weddings are the same in the Poulton Hall Walled Gardens. Plan your own event and just hire the gardens and facilities, or we can lay on a bespoke day, from large and glamorous to small and intimate. Large car park, stunning photo opportunities, fountains, illuminations at night, no corkage charges, and all at your disposal for the best part of a week for preparations! poultonhall.co.uk

Get Ahead Hats

has a showroom in Wrexham with a vast range, from lavish and extravagant beauties to timeless classics and cute fascinators in a myriad of colours. Our ladies at have a passion for hats and can offer that touch of frivolity for those that seek it. Get Ahead Hats has been featured in Hello and Vogue, our hats are seen on the heads of celebrities and are worn by members of the Royal family. getaheadhats.co.uk

Whittington Castle

near Oswestry has a fascinating past dating back to 1222. If you are looking for an intimate and cosy venue in an enchanting setting, look no further. We cater for every celebration from an informal lunch to a formal gathering. The romantic image is complete with ivy-clad ruins, medieval moat, majestic swans and a Gatehouse entrance, allowing you to walk over the drawbridge to your fairytale wedding. whittingtoncastle.co.uk

The Celtic Royal

Hotel in Caernarfon is an ideal setting for your wedding. Your big day should be whatever you wish – as extravagant, flamboyant or as quiet as you desire. This charming, comfortable hotel combines all the modern comforts with the charm of its original architecture, boasting fine dining and superb leisure facilities. The hotel can host wedding ceremonies for up to 150 and wedding receptions for up to 300. celtic-royal.co.uk

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Look sharp sharpSummer wedding, day at the races or just back to the office, create your look with these formalwear classics

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1. Secrid miniwallet in Vintage Ochre 1. Secrid miniwallet in Vintage Ochre £59.95, Vaughan Davies, Mold,

Flintshire; vaughandavies.co.uk 2. Higgins stripe jacket £179, Halon Menswear, Shrewsbury; halonmenswear.co.uk 3. Wellington Dark Grey City suit £270, Clive Menswear, Builth Wells,

Powys; clivemenswear.co.uk 4. A Fish Named Fred shirt in Watercolour £75, Majors & Parker Taylor,

Shrewsbury; majorsonline.co.uk 5. Magee Ulster linen shirt £95.50, Woods of Shropshire, Church Stretton; woodsofshropshire.co.uk 6. Van Buck silk tie in Blue Daisies £59.95, Woods of Shropshire, as above 7. Guide London waistcoat £85, SmartAss Menswear, Conwy; smartassmenswear.co.uk 8. Ray-ban Original Wayfarer Classic sunglasses from £137; ray-ban.com 9. Boxed handkerchiefs £19.95, Cherry Tree Country Clothing, Ruthin;

Denbighshire cherrytreecountryclothing.com 10. Hoggs of Fife Prestwick brogues £149.95, Cherry Tree Country Clothing, as above 11. Hicks & Hides 12 bore cu inks (various colours) £28, Anna Davies,

Betws-y-Coed, Conwy; annadavies.co.uk 12. Meyer Oslo navy wool trouser £99, Peppers, Church Stretton, Shropshire; peppersfashion.co.uk

Motoring

VOLVO S 90

Executive cars have been the preserve of the German triumvirate of BMW, Audi and Mercedes for some time. Now Volvo’s powerful S 90 is giving them a run for their Bitcoin, writes Bob Hickman.

If you’re in the market for a large executive car, you’re probably thinking German. While other manufacturers have tried to muscle in, the Big Three have had it pretty much wrapped up. Yes, you could add into the equation Land Rover and Range Rover – but there’s another name you may not have considered. The Volvo S 90 is a full-size executive and different again from the boxy estate and SUVs we’ve come to know over the years. Of course, Volvo has changed hands, and huge investment by the Chinese has taken the manufacturer into a new arena.

The S 90 is a powerful hybrid with over 450bhp, giving phenomenal performance – 0-60mph in just over 4.5 seconds, which for a vehicle of this size is quite incredible. The top speed is restricted to 112mph but that is a feature unique to Volvo and their safety factors.

Being a hybrid, power can be utilised from both petrol and electronics – they work together. This means there are choices to be made: two power sources both cut in and out, they have a common four-wheel drive system and a setting that lets the car run on battery only, but the range is extremely minimal. This hybrid is designed to assist the petrol engine. One of the highlights of the S 90 is the interior. The rear seats are sumptuous and comfortable even for tall adults; the front seats are like sitting in business class on an airliner. The Bowers & Wilkins stereo is a marvel. Being a Volvo there’s a plethora of safety features – brilliant, yes, but for me they take away a little of the enjoyment in actually handling the vehicle. It is a big car, and the front and rear sensors are extremely useful, as is the hands-free power-operated boot. The two-zone climate control is a wonderful feature, and with 19in alloy wheels the Volvo S 90 can rightfully claim its status as an executive saloon.

The Volvo S90, as tested, including all the various options, comes in at a hefty £62,840.

Bob is a devoted car and motorcycle fan. After a 30-year career as a police motorcycle patrol officer and latterly as a sergeant, patrolling the motorways of the Midlands, retirement beckoned and he embarked on writing about his love of transport. Bob is a member of the Guild of Motor Writers and the Midland Guild of Motor Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield Continental GT and drives a 1994 MG RV8. FACTS AT A GLANCE • • • • • MODEL TESTED: VOLVO S 90 RECHARGE PLUG-IN HYBRID T8 AWD PRICE: £62,840 ENGINE: 1969 CC 303 BHP PETROL WITH ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC MOTOR 87 BHP MAX SPEED: LIMITED TO 112 MPH 0-60MPH: 4.8 SECONDS The front seats are out of this world

“An incredible performance for a vehicle of this size” embarked on writing about his love of transport. Bob is a member of the Guild of Motor Writers and the Midland Guild of Motor Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield Continental GT and drives a 1994 MG RV8. MODEL TESTED: VOLVO S 90 RECHARGE ENGINE: 1969 CC 303 BHP PETROL WITH ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC MOTOR 87 BHP MAX SPEED: LIMITED TO 112 MPH