A RIVERSIDE WEDDING We’re planning our summer wedding and want some wonderful venue options – what do you suggest? The venue: Monks’ Barn is a 13th-century, Grade II listed medieval barn that offers a special venue for ceremonies, wedding receptions and parties. Set in the riverside village of Hurley between Marlow and Henley on the bank of the River Thames, it’s open from May until September and is licensed for ceremonies that can take place anywhere in the building, with the added option of saying ‘I do’ under the stunning archway leading to the lawn. The Great Hall in the barn can seat up to 120 guests at long tables or up to 150 loved ones at round tables for the wedding breakfast. Adjacent to the Great Hall is the Monks’ Bar and The Dance Hall which has ample room for a DJ. Guests can be received on Monks’ Barn lawn, where there’s plenty of room for a marquee plus secure overnight parking. This versatile venue allows receptions to take place anywhere inside the building and couples can create a bespoke day with their choice of caterer, florist and furnishings. The park is family friendly making it the ideal choice for couples wanting to enjoy a familymoon in the region afterwards. https://hurleyriversidepark.co.uk/about-us/monks-barn; www.facebook.com/HurleyRiversidePark; www.instagram.com/hurleyriversidepark ALL WRAPPED UP We’re looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding gift list, what can you suggest? Meet the expert: Jan Jenkins is the owner and founder of Gifts Instead of Flowers based in Buckinghamshire offering affordable unique gifts from UK-based artists and small businesses who retain 100% of their sales revenue whilst supporting William’s Fund. Jan says: Weddings are special occasions that deserve unique gifts. But finding the perfect gift for the happy couple can be challenging. Guests want to invest in something meaningful, memorable, and unique that they will cherish for years to come. According to our research, personalised gifts are immensely popular right now, especially artwork that captures the personality and style of the couple. A personalised artwork is not a generic or mass-produced item that you can buy from any store. It is a one-of-a-kind creation, especially for the recipients, based on their preferences and interests. It shows that you have put thought and effort into choosing a gift that suits them. Sending a personalised gift shows that you care and here are three ideas. Artist Jesse Brown offers a range of customised portraits that include the bride and groom in various scenarios (pictured). Jesse is a Londonbased artist who finds inspiration in the streets of Camden. He loves painting scenes from everyday life, observing people going about their daily business, lost in their thoughts, or chatting on the street. Jesse has exhibited his paintings in various galleries and has worked with the likes of BBC, Alexander McQueen, St Paul’s Foundation, Soho House, and St Martin’s. Jesse Brown at Gifts Instead of Flowers Jo Gogh, whose vibrant paintings are full of joy and colour offers personalised heart-shaped artwork which is a bestseller as a canvas or a cushion that would brighten up any room. Or why not send an enamel postcard by MaisyPlum? It is unique and can be personalised for the happy couple! These adorable enamel cards (pictured) can be written on with permanent ink with your message. Each postcard can then be stored safely in a wallet or framed as a picture and come gift-boxed. www.giftsinsteadofflowers.com; www.facebook.com/giftsinsteadofflowers; www.instagram.com/giftsinsteadofflowers 62
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