Northamptonshire — September/Autumn 2013
Issue 2
Venue Review: Brampton Grange “A Day in the Life Of” A Wedding Event Co-ordinator from Compton Verney
Questions & Answers with
Tried & Tested - Products for your feet Win with our ‘Caption Competition’
Plus Stationery, Mood Boards, Dresses, Events Diary and ideas on products for your Wedding Day.
Your local guide for all your wedding requirements. Designed to bring local suppliers and local couples together.
E E R F
Visit our website www.localweddingconnections.co.uk
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/LocalWeddingConnections
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Hello again and thank you for picking up a copy of my second magazine. Since the first issue I’ve had a new logo created, set up a new forum for anyone to leave messages on and now trying to get going a new account on Twitter with #weddingdaychat - use the hashtag every Monday or Friday between 8am and 8pm and say hello to other couples getting married or ask some questions of suppliers, or even just pop on there to say hello and tell us a bit about yourself. Also since the last issue I’ve been visiting and talking to some more fantastic suppliers, from Cakes to Photographers to Celebrants and even some people just over the county border, like Melanie Thorn from the stunning venue Compton Verney which is a Georgian mansion and an award winning art gallery, that is in the county of Warwickshire. Read Melanie’s article on Page 7. There is also another venue featured is this issue, take a look at Page 15 for a review on the fabulous Brampton Grange country house too. I hope you enjoy this magazine and don’t forget to check out the Facebook and Pinterest boards, or even post a comment to me on Twitter.
Lorraine Thurman
(Editor)
Contact Information:
Inside this issue:
0758 161 9085 info@localweddingconnections.co.uk @LocalWedConnect LocalWeddingConnections www.localweddingconnections.co.uk 2 Cabot Close, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, NN14 6SL
Events Noticeboard
Page 6
A Day In The Life Of
Page 7
A Wedding & Events Coordinator Questions & Answers with
Page 8
Tabby Clegg from ‘Mode For’ Mood Board - Autumn
Page 10
Stationery with ‘Henry & Flora’
Page 11
Venue Review
Page 15
Brampton Grange
localwedconnect
Tried & Tested
Page 16
Products for your feet
http://localweddingconnections.tumblr.com
Directory Listings
Page 18
http://localweddingconnections.freeforums.org The next issue will be out on Cover photograph supplied by Rob Grimes www.robgrimesphotography.co.uk www.facebook.com/RobGrimesPhotography While every effort is taken to ensure the content of this magazine is accurate and up to date, ‘Local Wedding Connections’ cannot be held responsible for any omissions or errors. Local Wedding Connections cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from artwork supplied by its advertisers
2nd December 2013. Print deadline for all adverts & articles is
Friday 15th November 2013. This magazine has been printed by:
‘Local Wedding Connections’ does not endorse any of the businesses, products or services advertised. Copyright on all written material and artwork produced by ‘Local Wedding Connections’ remains with ‘Local Wedding Connections’. This magazine is intended for personal use and must not be copied, sold or reproduced in any form without prior written consent of Local Wedding Connections.
www.weatherbys.co.uk
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www.localweddingconnections.co.uk Email: info@localweddingconnections.co.uk
L A S Pet Sitting Let us take care of your pet on your wedding day or while you are on honeymoon. We cover the Kettering & Market Harborough areas.
Email: info@laspetssitting.co.uk www.laspetssitting.co.uk
Tel: 0787 099 8398 Facebook: LASPetssitting
Making your Wedding Day Musical! with
Mode for....Events Suppliers of amazing live music for every budget. From brass bands to jazz, classical to pop. Creating your bespoke musical wedding package. www.modeforevents.co.uk www.facebook.com/modefor e-mail: info@modefor.co.uk
07901672598
Or for a hint of Italy at your wedding, check out “With Love from Italy� at www.facebook.com/withlovefromitaly
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Events Noticeboard l We
a ation N e Th Show
Cond
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Knuston Lodge Farm wedding fair
ndon t, Lo r u o C be r Earls ptem e S h be r y 27t ptem Frida e S th ay 29 Sund
Higham Road, Irchester, Northants, NN29 7HB
Sunday 1st September 11am - 4pm
am ingh m r i B , r NEC tobe c O y 4th ber Frida Octo h t 6 ay o.uk Sund ow.c h s g n eddi nalw o i t a .n www
The Ritz Banqueting and Conference Suites
http://knustonlodgefarm.com
Batte
e Nas
‘The
Show ’
DES
rsea Park, Lond y 11t on h Oc tober 13th - Sun Octo da y ber www .bride sthes how . co.uk
Frida
Bonnie Brides & Grooms Autumn Wedding Shows
Events by Ido Chrysalis Theatre Wedding Fayre
Sunday 22nd September The Park Inn, Northampton,
Japonica Lane, Willen Park South, Milton Keynes MK15 9JY
NN1 2TA
Sunday 8th September
Sunday 20th October
11am - 3pm
Kettering Conference Centre, NN15 6PB
Wedding Fashion Show
www.bonniebridescorby.com
7-9 Station Road,
Northants County Cricket Club Wedding Fayre
Holiday Inn, Corby
The County Ground Abington Avenue Northampton, NN1 4PR
Geddington Road, Corby, NN18 8ET
Sunday 15th September
Desborough, Northants, NN14 2RL
Wednesday
Wedding Fair
25th September
Sunday 6th October
7:30pm - 9:30pm http:// ketteringvenues.co.uk
11am - 3pm www.hicorby.com Events In A Box
Truly Scrumptious - Wedding Fair
Freemason's Hall Wedding showcase
The Park Inn (by Radisson) Peterborough
Sheaf Close, Duston,
Wentworth Street, Peterborough, PE1 1DH
Sunday 22nd September 11am - 4pm www.truly-scrumptious-events.co.uk
Northamptonshire NN5 7UL
Sunday 13th October 11am - 4pm www.eventsinabox.org.uk
Do you have a Wedding Fair that you would like to advertise in this magazine and on our website - for FREE! www.localweddingconnections.co.uk/wedding-fairs-local-events Just email us at ‘info@localweddingconnections.co.uk’ with all the
11am - 4pm
Wilton Hall Wedding Fair Wilton Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6BN
Sunday 13th October
Towcester Racecourse Wedding Fayre London Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 6LB
Sunday 27th October
Winter Wonderland Wedding Fayre Billing Aquadrome, Crow Lane, Great Billing, Northampton, NN3 9DA
Sunday 17th November www.eventsbyido.co.uk
details of your event.
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A Day In The Life Of…. A Wedding & Events Coordinator by Melanie Thorn, from Compton Verney “To do a job like wedding and event coordination you either really need to be a fan of early mornings, late nights and working weekends or you need to love your job. Fortunately for me it’s the latter of the two! Although there is a lot of preparatory work put in to ensuring the smooth running of a wedding, my efforts on the day count for everything. A wedding day starts with a quick check of emails and voice messages to make sure that there are no last minute emergencies! However, usually there are none, but it’s good to let your brides know that I am available and there to help. Once the inbox is cleared (and a strong cup of coffee consumed) I head out of the office to make sure that everything is in place for the ceremony (wherever possible, I set the room up the day before). Around mid-morning the florist will arrive and other deliveries, such as the cake, are taken into safe storage. At Compton Verney we are licensed to hold civil ceremonies, so 90% of our weddings will include a ceremony set-up, wedding breakfast and evening do, most of which are held in the spectacular Adam Hall. So as you can imagine there are a lot of quick room changes and ‘all hands on deck’ moments throughout the day. One of the most important parts of the day is before the ceremony, once you’ve got this bit right the rest seems to fall into place – of course that is normally helped by all the preparation in the weeks and months running up to the big day. From the moment I welcome the wedding guests and the Groom it’s all systems go – and it all seems to whiz by in a blur! Once the groom is reassured that the best man hasn’t forgotten the rings, I can lead him in to see the registrar before heading off to welcome the bridal party. Usually there can be a few tears from the bride, in a last minute realisation that the day has finally come round, but other than that my experience so far has been that brides are by this point quite calm, but excited. Only once did I have a bridesmaid have a delayed flight from America, to turn up 5 minutes before the ceremony was due to begin, and she wasn’t even in her bridesmaid dress! Once the ceremony has taken place and the Bride and Groom are enjoying some fizz on the beautiful Georgian portico outside (if the weather allows) it’s all hands on deck to transform the Adam Hall ready for the wedding breakfast. Then it’s the catering team who step in whilst I am able to grab another coffee! I like to be around during the service of food to ensure the guests are happy and that service runs smoothly, followed by another room transformation - this time with a dance floor! Once the guests are enjoying bopping around to some good old chart classics (as is the usual choice of soundtrack) I manage to find time to have my lunch – yes, lunch! It is usually wise at this point to keep an eye on guests and make sure that people are informed of the important things like the cutting of the cake, the first dance and that the bar is open and the evening buffet is being served. It’s great to see their surprise that there is yet more food on offer! I often take the latter part of the evening as an opportunity to check my inbox again and see what the next pressing matters are that need attending to ready for the following day, although by that time in the evening it’s more a case of skim reading and flagging anything important so that I can read things properly after some welcome rest. By this point it’s time to say goodnight to the guests and wish the bride and groom luck and happiness for their future together, before having a quick tidy and checking that there aren’t any lone guests still making use of the sparkly dance floor!
Then it’s home time, happily knowing that I’ve helped in creating a special and memorable day for another happy couple”.
Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ Tele:
01926 645521
Follow on:
@CV_Hire
Email: events@comptonverney.org.uk www.comptonverney.org.uk
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In our regular feature this time, we have put some questions to Tabby Clegg, a Director of Mode For… www.modeforevents.co.uk
Email: info@modefor.co.uk
Tel: 07901 672598 (Tabby) or 07846 996597 (Simon) www.facebook.com/Modefor Tabby Clegg is a 35-year-old professional musician and business woman living and working in Yorkshire with her partner, professional musician Simon Kerwin. Together they co-direct ‘Mode for…’ which specialises in music for a variety of events from weddings to major sporting events. They also specialise in music education and own their own sheet music publishing house. Tabby advises on all aspects of music for weddings from ideas to supplying musicians across the world. She has also just launched a new venture called ‘With Love from Italy’ which inspires and creates perfect Italian themed weddings and events here in the UK, combining her event organisation skills and passion for Italy. All this is as well as being a regularly performing professional musician and mum to 9-year-old Oliver!
You are a musician yourself, when did you realize you had such a talent? “It all started for me at a very young age, about seven years-old, and with the inspiration and ‘pushing’ of my father who was a very talented professional musician, I was fortunate enough to be moulded and guided in all the right way to develop the talent!” What made you decide to go into music professionally? “Throughout my childhood I had pursued two passions; music and horses, but as a young teenager pursuing a music scholarship and a place at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama Junior Department, I knew the career pathway was to be a musical one. So, I worked hard, became very stubborn and committed and made music my career.” Who has been your biggest influence in your career? “I have been inspired by so many musicians, artists, business people and peers over the years but my two greatest influences have to be my late father Philip ‘Pip’ Hall and my partner, love and best friend, Simon.”
Do you still perform yourself or do you mainly concentrate on your business? “It’s a very busy life, but as well as running our fabulous business Mode for... with my partner Simon, I am still working as a professional musician, either performing or conducting. Staying active as a musician is great because you really keep in touch with the performance world and its trends, artists and audiences and this is really important when it comes to working with our own musicians and clients. As well as the music, I have also just launched a new website and service called “With Love from Italy”, which will give Italian inspiration and help clients organise fabulous Italian themed weddings and events. Simon and I love Italy and often escape to our little “bolt hole” in Umbria so I’m regularly inspired by the lifestyle, music, art and culture of the country!” Do you write any of your own material? “I used to write and arrange music in my college days but, whilst the ideas are in my head they stay private and I stick to writing words. Anyway, my wonderfully talented partner, Simon, is the musical writing brains as a professional composer and arranger with over 400 published pieces of music, some of which are used in TV and movies. It’s a great asset for our businesses that we can write, arrange and provide music and words for all of our clients to suit their exact requirements.” What is your favourite song or piece of music for a wedding & why? “I’m often asked this question by friends and clients and it’s so difficult to answer because the music chosen should reflect an individual’s or couple’s own emotions and feelings and not anyone else’s. If I had to choose a song right now for myself it would be something like “In the Arm’s of an Angel” by Phil Coulter or for something rousing and classical I would opt for “Parade of the Charioteers” from the movie Ben-Hur with 100 brass players lining the venue and surrounding area.” You can provide a range of different performers, from string quartets to brass bands or vintage singers, but what's your favourite style of music? “I’ve been bought up with brass bands and that’s what got me into music and ultimately my career, but I really love all styles of music. I listen to quite an eclectic mix from modern day hits to classical, opera to jazz and I love our wide and varied range of excellent musicians and performers. My favourite style of music though is probably easily listening jazz, though I am a sucker (along with my two greatest friends) for a 1980s power ballad and songs in particular from Peter Cetera and ‘Chicago’.”
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What's your worst fear about organising a performance at somebody's wedding? “I would say it is performers and musicians not turning up! Luckily, all our performers are completely reliable and I’ve never been let down yet, but until you know everyone is where they should be and underway you don’t rest easy. You have to remember that this is someone’s most important day and music is vital.” Are there any requests that you would absolutely refuse to do? “I haven’t had any so far as usually I try and fulfil every request possible. I’m always up for a challenge and don’t let logistics get in the way of requests so I await a challenge I haven’t fulfilled yet.” What is the best thing about entertaining at weddings? “Creating a fabulous atmosphere and meeting people. Music is one of the best aspects of a wedding because people never forget the live music and we always have comments that it made the day. I believe this is because music rouses emotions in all of us and if you perform a wide variety of music there will always be something for everyone. I also love it when the guests interact and really enjoy the music, either by asking for requests or “air conducting” as we like to call it! Makes for a great occasion.” What is the most embarrassing moment in your career? “Good question! Touch wood I can’t think of any in my professional career. I’ve had incidents when, as a conductor, things don’t go to plan on stage with your musicians because of their nerves and players breakdown, but this just the nature of live performance versus human instinct and whilst you could feel it is embarrassing, it’s really just a case of “C’est la vie,” and you carry on with a smile!” Have you ever had any strange requests (that you can tell us!)? “We always get requests for particular pieces of music but probably one of the funniest requests I had was for a TV show wedding when I organised musicians and performed myself on the BBC show “Playing the Field,” in about 2001. The request was for the musicians to pop up in the balcony playing Tom Jones’ “Sex Bomb” in the church service scene. Random and fun! I was also asked to be the ‘sound recorded stunt double’ cornet player for the lead character who was surprising his wife-to-be by playing the cornet along to “Sex Bomb” as she walked down the aisle. Other requests include emulating the “Notting Hill” wedding scene with choir and musicians appearing from nowhere playing in church.” If you could perform with any famous artist, who would it be? “So many, though I have been lucky enough to work with some great classical musicians over the years. If I could turn back the clocks and delve into history I’d have loved to of performed with Luciano Pavarotti. Amazing Italian musical passion and voice.” Where is the strangest place you've performed? “In a swimming pool in Singapore! To be fair it was only messing about for a photo shoot with a band but was different. Apart from that on a raft floating down a canal.” What has been the most memorable event you have catered for? “Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford and England v Ireland 6 Nations Rugby at Twickenham.” What has been the biggest audience or event you have had to set up a performance for? “Again it would be Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford and England v Ireland 6 Nations Rugby at Twickenham. Live to 82,000 at Twickenham and 76,000 at Old Trafford playing the National Anthems on pitch prior to kick-off. Also broadcast on Sky TV and the BBC to millions worldwide.” What is the best and worst thing about your job? “The best thing is it’s your hobby and passion you work with every day as a musician. The worst thing, if you’re not working you’re not being paid.” If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? “I struggled with this question and asked my loving partner who said a young Glenn Close should play the part of me! I think I would opt for either a young Julie Walters (I think she would depict the public school girl me very well) or even someone who isn’t an actress and go for Holly Willoughby as it would be only chance I’d get to look that good!” Best piece of advice for anybody thinking of a career like yours? “Simple. ‘Do it because you love it.’ When you stop loving it, stop doing it because without passion for something you’re not very good at it.”
www.facebook.com/Modefor
@Modefor_Tabby
From the Editor: “A big ‘Thank You’ to Tabby for taking the time to answer our questions - so many great answers, that we just had to include them all! We look forward to hearing more from about the new venture ‘With Love from Italy’ too!”
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Are you getting married in Autumn? Will you be including the season as a theme D MOO RD BOA
for your day? Here’s just a few ideas that we found on Pinterest
mn
Autu
http://pinterest.com/localwedconnect/autumn-theme/
Roses come in nearly every shade you can imagine.
Mix and match your bridesmaids in shades of red, gold, orange & brown.
Why not even opt for autumn leaves on your wedding cake.
Have leaves printed in your stationery design.
Simple but very effective favours - why not give seeds to plant?
Beautiful pendants for bridesmaids to wear that still follow the autumn theme.
Add a bit of sparkle to your table decorations. Fallen leaves make a unique and natural confetti..
The autumn leaves can make a stunning background for your photographs.
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Looking for ideas for your stationery but don’t know where to start? Henry and Flora is proudly flying the flag for wedding stationery designed and printed in the UK. With over 18 years of combined experience in graphic design and illustration, they offer a varied choice and ever increasing range of designs, and are sure you will find something you love. 'Henry and Flora Wedding Stationery' is a brand new company that launched their fantastic new website for wedding stationery in the Summer of 2013. www.henryandflora.com brings to the market a wide range of designs that can be customised to suit the couple's requirements and any wedding theme. Their team are highly motivated to work with clients, listening to the couple's ideas and wishes and then translate them into wedding stationery that will bring an elegance and style to their wedding day. They also offer a custom service, where couples can contact them with a seed of an idea, and allow it to grow into a unique design that no one else will have. Henry and Flora love to create custom invitations and paper goods. From a bespoke design created entirely for you, to then hand finishing with gems and ribbons, they can create the wedding stationery of your dreams. You can find everything from your invites through to the table plans and even your Thank You cards and Return Address Labels all to match the same theme!
Not only that, but the Henry and Flora website links to a regularly updated blog, with DIY craft ideas to add fun, handmade elements to your special day, fashion and beauty finds from all over the internet and all the latest thinking and trends in wedding styles. Find it all here: www.henryandflora.com/blog Tele: 0796 841 1140
Email: hello@henryandflora.com
Website: http://www.henryandflora.com Henryandflora
@henryandflora
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Come and chat to us on Twitter. We have a new #weddingdaychat on Mondays and Fridays too. Join us anytime between 8am & 8pm @Weddingdaychat
Take a look at our Blog! http://localweddingconnections.tumblr.com
Sign up for our monthly email newsletter via our website at: www.localweddingconnections.co.uk/ newsletter-forum-surveys/
Post a message on our new forum. Ask suppliers a question, tell everyone a bit about yourself & when you’re getting married. Leave us some feedback about our magazine or website. http://localweddingconnections.freeforums.org/
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Caption competition. It’s competition time again. I found this really cute picture on Pinterest. (Source http://www.loveluxeblog.com/planning-children-at-weddings/)
Can you come up with a funny or witty caption for this photograph? The winner will receive a bouquet of flowers, delivered to their door, courtesy of (Value of bouquet will be at least £25).
Email your captions to: comp@localweddingconnections.co.uk And put ‘Caption Competition’ as the subject. Winner from Issue 1 was Ann Peate from Helsby, Cheshire. “If you can make me laugh every day like this, marriage will be such fun!“
Competition Terms & Conditions: Closing date for the competition is Monday 11th November 2013 at 8pm. The winner’s name will be printed in the December issue of our magazine & also on our website & Facebook page (with the winner’s permission). The decision of the Editor is final.
We want to hear from you! In the next issue (December 2013) we want to include a ‘Letters Page’ part to the magazine, so please send us your contributions! Write to us about your wedding plans or send us a photograph of your big day. Do you have any tips or advice for other couples? Any wedding business you would like us to do our ‘Q&A’ or ’Day in the Life Of…’ with? Do you have any comments about the magazine or website?
Do you have any amusing stories about your wedding planning? Have you found a fantastic supplier you want to tell everyone about? The best letters will be printed in the next issue of the magazine, with the writer of our ‘Star Letter’ receiving a bottle of Champagne courtesy of Cherish-Ceremonies. www.cherish-ceremonies.co.uk
CherishCeremoniesUK
Contact us: Email:
info@localweddingconnections.co.uk
Write to:
Local Wedding Connections, 2 Cabot Close, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, NN14 6SL
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13
Add a bit of colour to your wedding dress.
Mark Lesley Bridalwear MLB 2167 www.stunningbridal.co.uk Northampton, NN1 4QX
Pure Bridal By Romantica / pb4776 www.bridesofwellingborough.co.uk Wellingborough, NN8 1BQ
D'Zage / Lily www.camelliabridal.co.uk Northampton, NN1 4EW
Jasmine Couture / T481-F www.wedding-wardrobe.co.uk Northampton, NN1 1DP
Ian Stuart Bride / South Pacific www.fairy-tale-weddings.co.uk Towcester, NN12 6DB
Pleasure www.irina.co.uk/hand_embroidered_wedding_dresses.htm Northampton, NN3 2BZ
Image from Pinterest Pinned by Julie Whitfield
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VENUE REVIEW - Brampton Grange If you are looking for a unique country house venue for your wedding day, then take a look at the spectacular Brampton Grange at Chapel Brampton. Brampton Grange is an 18th Century property which once belonged to the Spencer family and is set in a beautiful 25-acres of countryside, yet is only a 10 minute drive from the centre of Northampton. Considered as one of the best venues in Northamptonshire, Brampton Grange will be exclusively yours for the whole day (and night) making sure that you and your guests do not have to share any part of your special day with anyone else. The venue has two barns that are both licensed to hold Civil and Partnership Ceremonies, The Verona Barn which can seat up to 85 guests for your ceremony or the Venice Barn which can accommodate up to 160 guests. Your wedding reception can then be held also in either of these barns, with the Verona Barn being more suitable for intimate celebrations and seating up to 60 guests. The Venice barn can cater for up to 94 guests plus your top table, but wait for this‌..do you want more guests & a bigger option, then Brampton Grange also has a third converted barn, The Florence Barn which can seat 116 guests plus a top table or you can even have both the Venice Barn and Florence Barn together to allow for 220 guests. Still not enough? Then how about a marquee reception that can accommodate between 400 and 800 guests. You could even have your Wedding Breakfast and Evening Buffet in separate areas, so there is no disruption to the day when trying to rearrange the tables - how unique is that! The cuisine here is exceptional too, with a highly recommended chef, Brampton Grange can cater for just about any discerning palette. You can meet the chef & catering team prior to your wedding and discuss any requirements and adjustments to both the sit-down and buffet menus, so that you can make your meals as individual as you are. They also offer a variety of drinks packages or if you decided to provide your own wine and champagne, then more than just corkage is offered, as they will store and chill your beverages, include glasses and also the staff to assist, so nothing is left for you to worry about. Brampton Grange also offer a stunning English Country House sleeping up to 15 people with access to the swimming pool and tennis courts. In addition to this there are 3 beautiful converted stables which sleeps a further 7 people. You could have a total number of 21 of your family and friends all sitting around the breakfast table the following morning, reminiscing of what a perfect wedding you had. With outstanding countryside views, the entire venue at your disposal and a dedicated team of staff to look after your every need, then you are perfectly set to create the wedding day of your dreams. From your first enquiry to the time you leave, the people at Brampton Grange will help you take care of all the details. They can point you in the direction of excellent suppliers too, from photographers to cakes, stationery to evening entertainment - nothing is too much trouble. Why not arrange a visit and see what the team have to offer for yourself, with this venue it will be love at first sight.
Brampton Grange, Sandy Lane, Chapel Brampton, Northamptonshire, NN6 8AD Tele:
01604 844717
Email: sales.events@bramptongrange.net
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15
Whether you just fancy a bit of pampering before your big day or you’re looking to set yourself a new beauty routine, then look no further than the ‘Fresh Handmade Cosmetics’ from Lush. This time I thought I would look at something to pamper your feet, ready for your big day because after all, you will probably want to dance the night away! Lorraine (Editor).
www.lush.co.uk
Stepping Stone - Foot Scrub I loved the quirky look of this little stone, but I was quite surprised by how crumbly it was, as I was actually expecting something like a pumice stone. Don’t put it all in the bath at once, as it will dissolve into nothing! The best way to use it, is to break a piece off and then rub that into your damp feet as a paste. However, I did love the smell - it actually smells fizzy! It did leave my feet feeling fresh too and I would buy it again. Only real down side was that my husband moaned that it left a green sand in the bottom of the bath!
Fair Trade Foot Lotion This cream was a bit thin and watery for my liking, but it does has a light, refreshing minty smell to it. I found that it didn’t rub into my skin very well either, I seemed to just spread it! The plus point was that it has a lovely cooling feeling when you apply it and after about a week of using it everyday, my feet did start to feel a little softer. The best way to use this product - probably best asking your other half to give you a foot massage and apply this at the same time. Very relaxing!
Lemony Flutter - Cuticle Butter Don’t let the name ‘Cuticle Butter’ put you off - this is a really thick and quite luxurious cream that you can use on any hard skin anywhere on your body, so again I tested this on my poor, neglected feet. You only need a little and it rubs into your skin really well. The cream has a really lovely, fresh lemon smell and after only a couple of applications I noticed that the hard skin had really improved - so much so that I then tried it on my husband’s feet too!
Volcano - Foot Mask This can get quite messy to apply and you actually need to leave it on and sit with you feet up for a while, which I found impossible with 2 children under the age of 5. It didn’t really make any difference to the skin on my feet - probably because I’ve got thick skin like a Rhinoceros on my heels! I found the Stepping Stone (above) had a lot better result. This did leave my feet feeling a bit tingly afterwards, but was quite tricky to rinse off too. I don’t think I’ll be using this one again, sorry.
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Talking Point This is our discussion page and we want you to tell us what you think about the topics we write about. You may agree or you may think it’s outrageous - whatever your opinion, we want to hear it. We will print the best comments in the next issue of our magazine and on our Facebook page too.
The topic we want to hear your thoughts on this issue is…...
Are Weddings too expensive? So most experts will say that the wedding industry is ‘recession proof’ as everyone will spend money on their wedding day celebrations, but does that have to be the case? Do you really need to spend a small fortune just for one day? Why spend an obscene amount of money on a wedding dress that you will only wear for one day and then probably pack away in a box. Are wedding dresses too expensive - will you be choosing a designer dress from a bridal boutique or have you found another option? What about the venue for your wedding reception? Are you having your special day at a big country house and inviting everyone you know or maybe you are only having a small, intimate reception for those closest to you? Do you spend a lot of money on your flowers and are you having real flowers for the day and if so, what will you do with them afterwards? Maybe you will opt for silk flowers that you can keep after the big day, but then do you just put them in a box alongside your wedding dress? What about a bouquet made from buttons and brooches that would definitely make a nice keepsake? Surely a good photographer is a must. After the celebrations have been and gone, you may still have your memories, but the one thing you will be able to look back on in years to come are your wedding photographs. The only trouble with photographs is then there are the extra costs of which album to chose, do you have a large print of you as the happy couple and now there also seems to be a trend of having a pre-wedding shoot too! It all adds up. Is it still traditional to have the bride’s parents pay for the wedding and if so, there must be a limit to how much you can spend from the ‘Bank of Mum & Dad’. Do you (or should you) save up your own money before tying the knot? Perhaps a way of saving some money is by asking your guests to pay for or provide part of the wedding, instead of buying you a wedding gift? It might just be that your best friend is a dab hand at making fantastic cup cakes, or your future Mother-In-Law might be able to make you a few dresses for your bridesmaids or maybe add some embellishments to a dress that you want to make unique for you. Do either of you know someone that can wield a camcorder or provide the evening entertainment? Most people want their wedding day to be the day of their dreams and why not, but it does come at a price and just exactly where to you draw the line?
Let us know your views. Email:
info@localweddingconnections.co.uk
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www.facebook.com/LocalWeddingConnections
Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts.
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____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DewDRoPs Floral Design Wakefield Country Courtyard, Potterspury, Northamptonshire, NN12 7QX Tele:
Shop: 01327 810281
Mobile: 07880 778983
Email: paula@dewdropsltd.co.uk
Website: http://dewdropsltd.co.uk/
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Weatherbys - Wedding Stationery Sanders Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4BX Tele: 01933 440077
Email: printing@weatherbys.co.uk
Website: www.weatherbys.co.uk
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Raven Hotel 63 Rockingham Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 1AG For a viewing of the newly refurbished Raven Hall contact Louise on the details below‌ Tele:
01536 202313
Fax:
01536 203159
Email: info@theravenhotel.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theravenhotel Website:
www.theravenhotel.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mode For....Events Tele: 0790 167 2598
E-mail: info@modefor.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/modefor Website:
www.modeforevents.co.uk
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ L A S Pet Sitting Covering the Kettering & Market Harborough areas. Tele: 0787 099 8398
E-mail: info@laspetssitting.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/LASPetssitting
Twitter: twitter.com/LASPetSitting
Website: www.laspetssitting.co.uk
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Black & Whites 28A High Street, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, NN14 6BQ Tele:
01536 710460
Email: diane@blackandwhitesrothwell.com
Website: www.blackandwhitesrothwell.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Whites-Rothwell/407036979374905
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Queens Hairdressing 1-2 Bake House Mews, 19 Market Hill, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, NN14 6FE Tele:
01536 712732
Email: enquiries@queenshairdressing.co.uk
Website: http://queenshairdressing.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/queens.hairdressing
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Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONECTIONS when responding to adverts.
Knuston Lodge Farm Higham Road, Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN29 7HB Tele:
07895 059924 / 07766 003361
Email: knustonlodgefarm@gmail.com
Website: www.knustonlodgefarm.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Knuston-Lodge-Farm/131989853670631
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Something Borrowed Bridal Dexters Chambers, No. 6 Park Road, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 4PG Tele:
07759 123923
Email: somethingborrowed.bridal.5@facebook.com
Website: www.somethingborrowedbridal.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSBDesignerWeddingDresses
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Charlotte Harley Bridal Heart of the Shires Shopping Village, Brockhall, A5 Nr Daventry, Northants, NN7 4LB Tele:
01327 342729
Website:
Email: info@charlotteharleybridalcouture.com
www.charlotteharleybridalcouture.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharlotteHarleyBridalCouture
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Cherish Ceremonies The Grange, Priors Hardwick, Warwickshire, CV47 7SH Tele:
020 8798 3097
Website:
Email: judy@cherish-ceremonies.co.uk
www.cherish-ceremonies.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CherishCeremoniesUK
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Wollaston Garden & Home The Courtyard, High Street, Wollaston, Northamptonshire, NN29 7QF Tele:
01933 664280
Website:
Email:
Clare@wollastongardenandhome.co.uk
www.wollastongardenandhome.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WollastonGardenHome
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Design & Edit Photography 35 York Road, Rushden, Northants, NN10 0LB Tele:
07958 143238
Website:
Email:
donna@designandeditphotography.co.uk
www.designandeditphotography.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/designandedit
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts.
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