All the latest from around the Midlands A FLICKER OF LOVE Getting married this year and searching for the perfect wedding scent? Romantic florals are always a timeless choice. CocoLuxe’s new My Darling P Candle is a love letter to the senses, featuring elegant notes of peony and taif rose, grounded by a rich base of oud. For those looking to add a magical touch, The Enchanted Candle offers a delicate interplay of scent notes, blending bergamot, lily of the valley, and fruity hints with woody accords and sweet undertones for a truly enchanting experience. CocoLuxe candles are housed in sleek black or amber gloss glass, making them a stylish and elegant addition to any wedding table. The company also offers the perfect gift for the wedding party. The limited-edition Amalfi Coast candle conjures images of sun-drenched lemon groves and refreshing sea breezes – perfect for reminiscing about honeymoons or summer getaways. Meanwhile, Sunday Afternoon is a cosy blend of bergamot, cinnamon, cedar, patchouli, tobacco, and myrrh, capturing the essence of a blissful, post-wedding Sunday unwind. To complete the gift, include the CocoLuxe wick trimmer and snuffer set, finished in stylish gold – everything they’ll need to keep their candles burning beautifully. Discover the range: www.cocoluxeltd.co.uk FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Belfry Hotel & Resort is turning up the heat this season as its Rocca’s restaurant brings the vibrant flavours of Southern Europe to the heart of the country. With a sun-kissed new menu, Rocca’s invites guests on a culinary journey around the Mediterranean, showcasing many of the region’s most beloved dishes. Inspired by traditional recipes and classic ingredients, the mouthwatering tapas-style offerings include delights such as halloumi with warmed honey and lemon, patatas bravas with a spicy tomato sauce, and piquillo peppers stuffed with cream cheese. The menu doesn’t stop there as guests can explore an array of salads, flatbreads, pasta, small plates, and hearty mains. Highlights include: •Tagliatelle with Italian sausage meat and porcini mushrooms in a silky white wine and cream sauce. •Flatbread topped with prosciutto, mozzarella, sun-ripened tomato sauce, rocket, Parmigiano Reggiano, and extra virgin olive oil. •Chickpea salad with tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, olives, red pepper, feta, parsley, and vinaigrette. To complement the Mediterranean flavours, Rocca’s also offers an enticing drinks menu featuring carefully selected wines from Italy, Spain, and Portugal, as well as a tempting variety of cocktails. Open every weekend and boasting a beautiful outdoor terrace, Rocca’s is the perfect spot for a well-earned break from wedding planning or a much-deserved date night. Discover the full menu: www.thebelfry.com/dine/roccas NEWS DISCOVER THE SUPPLIER! Anesha Baxter, founder of Anesha’s Art of Cakes, has been creating breathtaking wedding cakes for more than a decade, but her journey began in optometry. Her passion emerged while baking birthday cakes for her children, inspiring a career shift into cake artistry. Drawing from her multicultural background and life as a mother to neurodivergent children, Anesha crafts cakes that celebrate individuality, blending bold global flavours with classic British wedding traditions. The company specialises in bespoke, handcrafted-iced wedding cakes adorned with sugar flowers and cocoa butter-painted details. Each design tells a unique love story, and Anesha takes only one commission per week to ensure full creative focus. Flavours are as vital as aesthetics in her work. Her menu features vibrant combinations like Trinidadian black fruit cake as well as passionfruit, mango and coconut or chocolate and tonka bean, all made entirely from scratch with premium ingredients. Creativity, authenticity and sustainability guide Anesha’s process. She sources responsibly and views wedding cakes as more than desserts, they’re edible memories. Personalisation is key, often incorporating cultural roots, wedding attire, or shared experiences into the design. Anesha encourages couples to choose cakes that reflect who they are, prioritising flavour alongside design. She’s currently inspired by nature textures, edible artwork, modern sugar flowers, and meaningful, hand-painted details that transform each bake into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Discover the company: https://aneshasartofcakes.co.uk www.cherishedbyclaudia.co.uk Nearlywed 8
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