Look what catches the eye of the editor with a special emphasis on local wedding businesses, shops and suppliers.
Strawberry Hill House & Garden offers a magical setting for both ceremonies and receptions. This fairytale Gothic castle was built in the 18th century by writer and collector, Horace Walpole. Grade II listed, it's internationally renowned as Britain's finest example of domestic Georgian Gothic revival architecture. An oasis of calm and tranquillity close to the river in Twickenham, Strawberry Hill House boasts extensive grounds and a Grade II listed garden. The House also benefits from good transport links and easy access to London and surrounding areas. Say “I do” in The Gallery (84 guests). This magnificent historical backdrop boasts a fan-vaulted ceiling and golden canopies, which inspired Horace Walpole to make his famous admission: “I begin to be ashamed of my own magnificence.” The Waldegrave Suite (120 dining, 250 evening guests) is home to wedding receptions here. Lady Waldegrave's suite of historical rooms was originally designed for entertaining guests. Dine beneath the opulent chandeliers of the Waldegrave Dining Room, followed by drinks and dancing in the adjoining rooms. You and your loved ones can also enjoy drinks and canapés among the historical lime grove and drifts of wildflowers on the lawns.
020 8744 1241 | www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk
Read about more historic venues, in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!
Ruth and Sam met in 2012 at a ski resort in New Zealand. It was Sam's third time there as a seasonaire, but Ruth's very first. “So, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing,” Ruth says. We're told that there's an unwritten rule when it comes to learning to ski or snowboard: you should never let your significant other teach you if you don't want it to end badly. But that season, Sam taught Ruth to snowboard and 11 years later, the two got married. “Perhaps we've broken the curse,” Ruth says. “That's not to say there weren't a few choice words muttered under my breath on occasion when she kept telling me to relax more!” After that ski season, the couple travelled together for a further two years. “It was a pretty intense way to start a new relationship, but it just worked,” Ruth says. “I like to think our personalities complement each other well.”
In 2022, the duo chose their engagement rings together; and in Barcelona that year, Ruth proposed on the balcony of their hotel overlooking a quiet courtyard in the Gothic Quarter. “No big gestures, no gimmicks, just a moment for the two of us,” she says.
Ruth and Sam were both drawn to The Palm House for different reasons. Sam spent a lot of time in Sefton Park with her grandparents as a child, so it held fond memories for her. For Ruth, she'd always envisioned an outdoor wedding surrounded by nature, but worried about the weather. Stumbling across The Palm House on Pinterest one day, was a real lightbulb moment, it offered the best of both worlds. So, they booked a viewing and were completely sold from the get-go.
The date was set for 22nd September 2023. Ruth tells us more in the Mar/Apr24 issue of Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding, download it for free at www.yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding/free-download
The Ridgeway Barns, Nr Aldbourne, Wiltshire is an award-winning, farm-based wedding and events venue is situated in the heart of the North Wessex Downs. Whether it's an intimate celebration in the farmhouse for up to 24 guests; a small wedding in the stretch tent for up to 50 loved ones or a larger gathering in the 19th-century threshing barn that seats up to 100 people with 120 standing for an evening reception, it offers something for every type of wedding. Elopement weddings also take place here. Read more in the issue available to download now for FREE and to book, visit https://theridgewaybarns.co.uk
Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at Missenden Abbey daily from noon, with fresh sandwiches, petit fours, freshly baked scones and tea and coffee all served using homegrown or locally sourced produce ensuring the freshest ingredients. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are also available. To book, visit https://missendenabbey.co.uk and download the latest issue now for FREE to read more about this fabulous wedding venue!
At Canonteign Falls near Exeter, couples have the option of planting a tree or similar within the grounds of the falls to commemorate their special day. They are also welcomed back to Canonteign Falls free of charge on their first anniversary. Read more in the issue available;e to download for FREE now and to book, visit https://canonteignevents.co.uk/weddings
Rachael and Andrew were high school sweethearts. “We were friends for a little while and eventually got together when we were 15,” says Rachael. “It was all very high school; a kiss at a house party, a mutual friend asking if I would say yes if he asked me to be his girlfriend!”
After eight years together, Andrew whisked Rachael away to York for the night. “We stayed in a room at the Principal York,” shares the bride. “After a delicious meal at The Rattle Owl, we walked back through the hotel’s gardens and Andrew told me that he had another surprise for me. When I turned around, he was down on one knee with the most beautiful engagement ring. There were fairylights in the trees and it started to rain a little. It was all very romantic. Of course I burst into tears and he had to wait for me to calm down to say yes! He had designed the ring himself with the help of our family friend, who is a goldsmith.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournortheast.wedding/free-download
Jess and Sam met nine years ago via a dating app. “I moved to Oxford after meeting Sam and we started a long-distance relationship with him in Pembrokeshire and me in Oxford,” says Jess. “I would get the train to Pembrokeshire after my night shifts and he would drive up every Friday night after work and drive back every Sunday. We travelled long distances for three years before Sam moved to Oxford.”
Sam proposed during lockdown. “Sam bought the ring the Sunday afternoon before we went into the first lockdown in March 2020,” shares the bride. “We couldn’t go abroad, so we planned a two-week road trip around the north coast of Scotland in September. Sam wasn’t sure when to do it on the trip, so he kept the ring hidden in his sock as we travelled around. Our last stop was Loch Torridon on the west coast and the place where we were staying had its own private beach. He knew straight away he wanted to do it, so he took me down to the beach and asked me to marry him. He cried, I cried, and it was very magical.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/free-download
Sophie and Sam instantly clicked 10 years ago when they met on a night out at Kent University; Sophie was a student and Sam was out with his rugby team. After starting a relationship Sam later proposed while the couple were in Thailand after a day of exploring the Phiphi Islands on a secluded beach. “He felt like it was the right moment, after carrying the ring in a box on a wobbly boat for the entire day!” shares Sophie. “It was near the beginning of the holiday, so it gave us a good excuse to celebrate for the remaining duration!” The big date was set, 8th July 2023 with Chapel House Estate setting the scene.
Read more about their day in the latest issue available now. Read Your Kent Wedding magazine for free!
Chloe and Matt met at a mutual friend's birthday party when they were 18. There was an initial attraction but they didn't exchange numbers until the following year after bumping into each other again at a club in Bristol. After some texting back and forth they went on their first date and the rest is history. Matt popped the question in the couple's favourite restaurant on Chloe's 26th birthday, much to her surprise. “It was such a wonderful experience and one I'll never forget,” she says. Matt was so nervous leading up to his proposal that Chloe thought he was coming down with a cold! He'd taken her younger sister to help him pick out a ring a few weeks before, and she knew exactly the type of ring Chloe would like ensuring he chose the perfect fit. Chloe who'd worked in the centre of Bath would pass Tracy Park every day and always said to herself: “One day I'll get married there.” So, when Matt asked the all-important question, she wasted no time in checking out the website and brochure, immediately booking an appointment to visit. “We met the fabulous Michaela who gave us the most magical tour of the grounds, ceremony room and onsite accommodation,” says Chloe. “We were completely blown away and my mum helped us pick our wedding date.” That date was 30th August, 2023.
Read more about their wedding in the latest issue available now. Read Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding magazine for free!
Nicky and Scott met on a dating website. “Our first date consisted of drinks and a meal,” says Nicky. “We found that we had a connection straight away and Scott consistently made me laugh and was a complete gentleman.”
The happy couple went away to Wales with their family when Scott popped the question. “It was a real surprise, as Scott always struggles to keep a secret at the best of times, so the fact that he had hidden it from me for so long really shocked me,” shares the bride. “Scott had given me a telescope and named a star after me on a previous birthday, so his original plan was to point the telescope at the star and ask me to marry him, but, due to poor weather, he ended up proposing in the bedroom of our lodge.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/free-download
Katie and Darren first laid eyes on each other when they became next-door neighbours. “We always got along well whenever we bumped into each other, but Darren moved to another house and soon after, so did I,” says Katie. “A few years later, we met at work after I started a new job at the same place as Darren. We were put on the same team during a period of 12-hour shifts and instantly hit it off. There was a mutual attraction and an instant spark between us. We would laugh and talk and we realised we had loads in common. We started meeting outside of work for yoga classes and walks and eventually got together after Darren cooked me an irresistible dinner. That was seven years ago and we have since bought a house together and had twin boys.”
Darren popped the question for Katie’s 40th birthday. “He took me away for a hotel break; we had a fantastic time and he spoiled me rotten,” shares the bride. “I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. I had secretly hoped he might propose, but it didn’t happen. I just told myself to be patient. The next day we came home and I was instructed to get ready for a late birthday lunch at a restaurant with my parents. I was taken to the restaurant, where I was led into a private dining room. To my utter shock and amazement, there were about 40 of my closest family and friends shouting surprise! There was a buffet, cake and presents. Darren had organised the whole thing. To top it all off, he gave a lovely speech and called me up, only to get down on one knee and propose with a gorgeous ring in front of everyone! I was in tears and, of course, said yes. It was lovely to be able to celebrate with everyone straight away and show off my bling!”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.youreastanglian.wedding/free-download
Sam and Iain met through a mutual friend and instantly hit it off. “We really enjoyed each other’s company and shared a similar sense of humour,” says Sam. “It felt so easy and natural talking to one another.”
Iain proposed during a trip to Paris. “When we arrived, we had a few drinks before heading back to our room,” shares the bride. “We decided to go out to the balcony and enjoy the view. I turned around and Iain was down on one knee. It was a complete shock, as we have always said we wouldn’t get married as it isn’t really our thing.”
See more from their wedding in the current issue. Download your free copy at www.yournorthwest.wedding/free-download
Rosie and Jordi met through mutual friends at Glastonbury Festival back in 2013, and their wedding day took place 10 years later to the day, which couldn't have been more poignant for them. During a tense time for the country, in December 2021, while we were in lockdown but permitted a day to mix with one other household, Jordi proposed in front of Rosie's family at her home. “Safe to say, everyone needed a reason to celebrate at that time and we definitely did that,” Rosie says. Once it was safe to get out and visit venues, the couple checked out a few and although they liked them, none had the charm or convenience of Haselbury Mill for them. “We have a rather large group of family and friends, so the fact we could accommodate everyone on the grounds for the day and night was great,” Rosie explains. “We went along a couple more times before booking to try out the food and drinks, get to know the staff and get a feel for what the day was likely to bring, which definitely made our minds up for us. The food was incredible and the staff were very accommodating.”
Read more about their day in the latest issue available now. Read Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding magazine for free!
Annalisse and Greg had known each other as teenagers, but it wasn't until they matched on Tinder that they really connected. “When I got the notification, I pulled the car over so that I could message her straight back, she'd always had a special place in my heart,” Greg remembers. “Since then there hasn't been a single day we haven't spoken. It was always meant to be,” Annalisse continues. Now a couple and due to go on holiday together the following day, Annalisse and Greg were out for dinner at The Ivy in Guildford. The two had just enjoyed their starter when Greg asked: “Do you understand all that palm reading?” Annalisse thought this was a bit random, but assures us that given some of the things he usually comes out with, didn't think too much of it! He told her to close her eyes, placed a little box in her hand and asked her to marry him. “He apologised for not getting down on one knee but said he knew he wouldn't get back up again,” Annalisse remembers. They looked at a few venues online and as soon as they came across Reigate Hill Golf Club they went along for a viewing. “The walkway down to the picturesque outdoor ceremony area is beautiful; and the getting ready room is insane, the perfect space for ladies to prepare. There are also three bedrooms, which the lads used on the morning of. Even though it's part of a golf club, it's still very private. The price included everything, there weren't any hidden extras, which was great when working to a budget,” Annalisse shares. So, decision made, the date was set for 23rd August, 2023.
The bride shares her memories of the big day and preparations, in the latest issue available now. Read Your Surrey Wedding magazine for free!
This bride managed to source a matching wedding suit bandana for this handsome and very fluffy ring bearer, the two-year-old Eurasier Bruce! Discover dream-worthy wedding in our March/April issue, available to download for free now!
What's not to love about this rustic bake created by The Cake Queen, Lincoln? Owner Zoe Critchley creates flawless, flavour-focused designs for all to enjoy. Discover the supplier in our February/March issue, available to download for free now.
Melanie Spencer, photographed here at Pauntley Court is the founder of Melanie Jane Weddings & Events. In the latest issue available to download now for FREE she tells us about the benefits of hiring a wedding coordinator. To book Melanie for your wedding, visit www.melaniejaneevents.co.uk
I was lucky enough to visit Burnham Beeches in Slough recently (my review will be published the next issue). Inside the historic manor house, ceremonies, the wedding breakfast and receptions take place in the Windsor Suite for up to 120 guests, a blank canvas that can be styled to suit any theme. It's flooded with natural daylight and features wooden floors, contemporary neutral interiors and elegant features. This suite is ideal for weddings in the cooler months or for a drink reception with The Chiltern Bar, positioned next door, ensuring a sociable atmosphere. Read all about it in the latest issue available to download now for FREE and to book a stay, visit https://corushotels.com/burnham-beeches-hotel
I love dried flower arrangements, especially those with pampas so imagine my delight when I spotted this ceremony backdrop from Emily Rose Events Hire based in Redruth, Cornwall offering venue dressing, artificial bouquets and much more. Read about it in the latest issue to download now for FREE and to hire, visit www.facebook.com/EmilyRoseHire
The look of love! Shot on a crisp autumn day, a team of local suppliers worked together to create this stunning styled shoot at the majestic St Osyth Priory. The shoot appeared in the March/April issue - free to download! Images courtesy of Liam Gillan.
