Love is IN THE AIR Photography trends Dreamy honeymoon destinations WIN! A honeymoon in the Maldives The great OUTDOORS Glorious venues Fly away with me APR/MAY 2024 £3.55 WEST MIDLANDSWEDDING
b a r & r e s t a u r a n t The perfect place for your perfect day The Lake at Barston Restaurant, Located between Meriden & Balsall Common. Marsh House Farm Lane, Barston, Solihull B92 0LB Tel: 01675 444 890 www.thelakeatbarston.co.uk Making your Wedding Day dreams come true Weddings The Lake at Barston is the perfect setting for your big day. Nestled in acres of beautiful countryside, landscaped gardens and overlooking the stunning Barston Lake. There are many photo opportunities to perfectly capture your day including the gardens, patios, gazebo and lake backdrop. Our privately owned venue is licensed for civil ceremonies should you wish to hold your ceremony on-site also. You will also have exclusive use of the venue for your whole day. If you have any queries whatosever or would like to meet our team and take a look around please contact us. COMING SUMMER 2024
47 REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER What to look out for in this issue 9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on the latest from around the West Midlands 11 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 44 HOT TOPIC Our experts answer your questions 81 COMPETITION Win a honeymoon in the Maldives worth £3,000 CONTENTS APRIL/MAY 2024 FEATURES 37 BOOGIE THE NIGHT AWAY Meet local musicians and entertainers 41 WHIMSICAL FLORALS A team of local suppliers worked together to produce this elegant styled shoot at Stockton House 47 TREND SETTER Some of the region’s best photographer have shared their trend predictions for 2024 51 GLAM SQUAD A group of talented suppliers created this luxury shoot at The Blakelands Estate On the cover... This issue’s cover was photographed at Stockton House (www.stocktonhouseweddings.co.uk) by Nellie Photography (www.nelliephotography.co.uk). To see more images from the styled shoot and the full list of suppliers, turn to page 41. 51 www.shepherdphotography.co.uk VENUES 13 SPOTLIGHT ON COVENTRY, NUNEATON AND RUGBY Discover some of the best local venues 17 THE WONDERS OF NATURE Tie the knot in a venue with a glorious garden www.everthinevideography.com 3
REAL WEDDINGS 21 LOVE BLOOMS Marguerite and Jason incorporated their French and English heritages into their big day at The Mount Hotel 26 FALL IN LOVE Daisy and Barnaby knew from the moment that they saw Dewsall Court that it was the perfect venue for their autumnal wedding 31 RUSTIC BLISS Hayley and Simon had a sage green and pink theme for their wedding day at Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa FASHION & BEAUTY 54 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal news, buys and launches 55 IN LOVE WITH LACE This delicate fabric is always in fashion 60 THE ULTIMATE EDIT Add instant glam to your big-day look with these latest jewellery launches 61 RUFFLE UP Romantic layers and tiers are decorating bridal dresses this season 64 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the latest must-haves 66 JUST BREATHE Actor turned meditation facilitator Maude Hirst tells us how to handle the stresses of wedding planning 68 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A Local professionals solve your problems 26 HONEYMOONS 74 HONEYMOON NEWS Our travel editor reveals the newest openings and honeymoon essentials 76 THE ITALIAN DREAM Live la dolce vita at Villa La Massa in the heart of the breathtaking Tuscan countryside 78 PICTURESQUE PARGA Jet to Parga Beach Resort in this popular coastal town located on the north-western coast of Greece 80 A ROOM WITH A VIEW Get away from it all at Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort GROOMS 70 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 71 LUSCIOUS LOCKS TikTok star Matt Newman reveals his haircare tips for grooms-to-be 72 FEELING PEACHY We’ve rounded up some of the latest on-trend products for the groom-to-be inspired by Pantone’s colour of the year, Peach Fuzz 74 21 www.njr-photography.co.uk www.th-photography.co.uk 55 31 www.georginamaiphotography.co.uk 4
Cheylesmore Manor House, Coventry Coventry is an historic city with a rich and diverse history, situated in the heart of the country. It is known for its medieval Coventry Cathedral which was left in ruins after WWII bombing and home to an unfortified Manor House, previously the only unfortified royal palace outside of London, Cheylesmore Manor is now used as a stunning ceremony venue. The remnants of a medieval royal palace, the gatehouse of Cheylesmore Manor, is at the heart of the city on New Union Street. The magnificent timber building is a key piece of Coventry’s rich and important heritage. The manor is believed to have been built for the Earl of Arundel in 1237. By 1320 it had passed to Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II, along with the lavish Cheylesmore Park that surrounded it. Her grandson Edward, the Black Prince, took possession of it after her. The building we know today is, in fact, only the gatehouse and parts of two cross wings to the original manor house. The Manor House houses three beautiful ceremony rooms: The Queen Isabella Room, The Black Prince Room and the Library Room. www.ceremoniesinsidecoventry.co.uk With bespoke ceremony co-ordinators on hand to guide you through every step of the way, helpful Register Office teams and even easy to manage personalised stationery packages, Coventry can’t wait to welcome you for your ceremony, from weddings to naming days, commitment celebrations and civil partnerships - we can host it all. Images courtesy of AJKP Photography – ajkpphotography.co.uk
Daisy and Barnaby knew from the moment that they saw Dewsall Court that it was the perfect venue for their autumnal wedding. 26 81 an all-inclusive honeymoon in the Maldives! Welcome to our April/May issue! I love this time of year partly because I adore spring weddings but also because of the new wedding dress collections. This issue is one of my favourites to write and I always get excited seeing the stunning gowns that are available in our lovely region. I got married a few years ago, so I know how stressful finding the perfect dress can be. I had no idea what style I wanted, but my wonderful consultant helped me pick my dream A-line gown. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of choice available, make sure you listen to your consultant. They have years of experience and have helped brides of every shape and size find their dream gown, so they will know what looks good on you even if you don’t yourself. Go to your appointment with a rough idea of what you like, but try to keep an open mind. On paper, it might not be what you want, but it still might be the one. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our fashion section for heaps of inspiration. Happy planning! Melissa x Melissa Cullen Senior Editor Fashion forward 55Check out these wedding dresses covered in beautiful lace. 51 WIN 6 ISSN 1759-4723 Your West Midlands Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your West Midlands Wedding is published six times a year. @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding EDITORIAL Senior Editor Melissa Cullen | 01376 535 611 melissa.cullen@county.wedding ADVERTISING Account Manager Matthew Stageman | 01376 538 567 matthew.stageman@county.wedding A group of talented suppliers created this luxury styled shoot at The Blakelands Estate. www.shepherdphotography.co.uk www.th-photography.co.uk
21 72 74 41 We reveal the latest best buys and product launches for the groom-to-be. Marguerite and Jason incorporated their French and English heritages into their big day at The Mount Hotel. A team of local suppliers worked together to produce this elegant styled shoot at Stockton House. Read all about the latest openings and honeymoon destinations for couples post-vows. www.nelliephotography.co.uk 13 Looking for your dream wedding venue? Check out our venues section for some of our favourite picks. www.ajtimages.co.uk Hayley and Simon chose a sage green and pink colour scheme for their wedding day at Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa. 31 www.njr-photography.co.uk www.georginamaiphotography.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 7 Sammy Njoroge
HARVEY NICHOLS, 65 WHARFSIDE ST, MAILBOX, BIRMINGHAM B1 1RE INFO@THEWEDDING-CLUB.CO.UK WWW.THEWEDDING-CLUB.CO.UK @TheWedding_Club theweddingclubuk theweddingclub theweddingclubofficial 0121 440 8276 theweddingclubofficial theweddingclubofficial theweddingclubofficial
All the latest from around the West Midlands NEW VENUE ALERT Hotel Indigo Coventry is now open after a multi-million-pound building project that took just 19 months from start to completion. The stunning new-build features ‘Cogs Restaurant & Bar’, which celebrates the amazing growers and producers in Warwickshire and the British Isles. The kitchen is open and fully integrated, allowing the chefs to be a part of the diner’s experience. The bar, with 100 seats, is both stylish and captivating, creating the perfect atmosphere for pre- and post-dinner drinks. The hotel also boasts a fitness suite, a wine wall and an intimate meeting room for up to 12 people. Comprising of 101 stylish bedrooms, the rooms are designed around themes reflecting the vibrance and style of Coventry’s historic neighbourhood. The hotel is situated next to Coventry Railway Station, a short walk from the city’s cultural attractions, including Coventry Cathedral, Coventry Transport Museum and the Herbert Art Gallery, offering the perfect location for visitors to discover all that Coventry has to offer. The hotel is part of a wider Friargate regeneration project that is set to transform this area of the city into a bustling hub of activity. To find out more, visit https://coventry.hotelindigo.com SAVE THE DATE Whether you’ve recently gotten engaged or are at the end of your wedding planning journey, trying to find the perfect suppliers can be stressful. To help you plan the wedding of your dreams, why not visit a local wedding fair? This is the ideal chance to meet some of the region’s best companies and discuss your big day. Couples looking to visit a dreamy venue and meet a host of suppliers will love The Hawkesyard Hall Wedding Fair (www.facebook.com/events/3388645731435525) taking place on Sunday 28th April between 11am and 3pm. Entry is free of charge. The Smith & Gooding Events Wedding Fayre (www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk/wedding-fayre) will be taking place on Sunday 5th May between 11am and 3pm. Entry is free of charge. The Warwick Racecourse By Wow Wedding Shows event (www.facebook.com/warwickshirewedshow) will be taking place on Sunday 19th May. Entry is free and the doors open from 11am to 3pm. To see more, visit www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/events Nearlywed NEWS BRIDAL BEAUTY Rituals, a brand dedicated to sustainable and personal wellbeing, has launched its first store in Merry Hill in the West Midlands. With an expansive innovation portfolio in body care, home fragrances and natural skin care, Rituals is inviting couples to visit and enrich their wellbeing. Annemarie Forsyth, the managing director of Rituals, says: “We are so excited to be opening this store in the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, expanding the Rituals interactive experience in the UK. Living in these ever-changing, fast-paced times, we understand more than ever the need for creating moments of joy and feeling balanced in our everyday lives. The new Rituals store will help customers achieve a sense of wellbeing by finding the perfect products that will help them balance the body, mind and soul. This opening marks an exciting time for the brand in growing our retail presence across the UK.” Discover more at www.rituals.com Getty Images LOCAL NEWS 9
A GIFT TO REMEMBER BYAM England, a contemporary luxury homeware brand based in Staffordshire, has launched its online store with a range of products that combine elegance, quality and sustainability, perfect as wedding gifts. Founded by Mandy and her daughter-in-law Harley, the brand offers fine bone China-scented candles, coaster sets, premium kitchen linens, art prints and greeting cards, all beautifully illustrated with original, contemporary line art drawings. All the products of BYAM England are supplied in reusable canvas bags and the brand is keen to support the economy and maintain the sustainability of UK manufacturing. Its priority is to ensure its products are made in England with minimal environmental impact and a high aesthetic appeal. “At BYAM England, we work hard to ensure our products are of premium quality and considered for both our customers and the environment,” said Mandy. “We want to offer our customers a luxurious experience while also being mindful of the planet and the people who make our products. We are proud to be a family-run business that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and sustainability.” Visit www.byamengland.com for more information. READY, SET, ACTION! Wedding Film Guy is a videographer based in Warwickshire. “Having filmed over 100 weddings since 2020, all with five-star reviews, my goal is to create a stunning and timeless wedding video that you’ll treasure forever,” says Wayne, the owner. “I use top-of-the-line equipment and techniques to capture every moment of your special day, ensuring that your wedding video is of the highest quality. If you’re searching for a high-quality wedding video, look no further! I specialise in creating personalised and cinematic videos that capture your love story and I use the latest technology and equipment to deliver stunning results. Contact me today to learn more about our wedding videography packages and how I can help you create an unforgettable wedding video.” Head over to www.weddingfilmguy.co.uk for more information. SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND Lily Arkwright, an ethical jeweller that specialises in lab-grown sustainable jewellery, has launched a new showroom in Birmingham. The new showroom will be in the heart of the city, situated in the renowned Mailbox development. Voted as one of Birmingham’s best breathing spaces, Mailbox boasts unrivalled accessibility to canalside dining and some of the city’s best retail and leisure amenities, providing an exclusive sense of community for Lily Arkwright’s couples. The opening of the Birmingham showroom marks a significant point in Lily Arkwright’s expansion plans. After years in the pipeline, Lily Arkwright is thrilled to see an instant response to this exciting next step, with appointments being booked at a record rate. Managing director Philip Dawson said: We’re really thrilled to launch our Birmingham Showroom; it’s been an integral part of our five-year growth agenda as we continue our expansion plans. Birmingham is a city like no other, with such an amazing retail scene and we’re really proud and honoured to be able to service our Birmingham clients.” Check out www.lilyarkwright.com for more information. NEW AND IMPROVED Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat, a spa and wellness destination in Staffordshire, has announced it will be upgrading its event space, The Venue, taking inspiration from the natural lakeside and woodland location of the retreat to offer a bright and fresh feel. A popular wedding venue, corporate meeting space and party spot, the two-stage refurbishment will take place this spring with the aim of offering couples and businesses an open and airy event space for the warmer months of 2024. Emma Moss, the design director at the Interior Design Practice, tells us: “As guests walk into The Venue, they will be met with a new seating area in the bar, which offers a much more relaxed lounge feel. The whole area is softened by new soft seating, more lighting and planting to make a connection with the surrounding countryside location that Moddershall Oaks is loved for. A central ring seat is surrounded by an array of soft, comfy seating, all using luxurious neutral fabrics, meaning wedding guests or delegates from conferences can lounge by the bar area, making it more comfortable and relaxed.” Find out more at www.moddershalloaks.com www.weddingfilmguy.co.uk 10
Take advantage of these gorgeous giveaways and fab offers YOUR DREAM WEDDING Steve Morris is a celebrant based in Wolverhampton. He tells us: “Being able to create an event that is truly yours and has all the elements you care about is why I started doing what I do. From a young age, I dreamed of bringing to life the best celebration for each occasion, from birthday parties to family events. This passion has evolved into what I have become today: a devoted event producer who can’t wait to perfect your special day. I put my heart and soul into every event I plan, like it were my own. With my knowledge and expertise at your disposal, you can sit back, relax and soak in the excitement until the big day arrives! I have around 30 years of experience writing and performing rituals and celebrations. I love taking your ideas and transforming them into your perfect occasion; I never forget who really matters! I’m more than happy to incorporate any beliefs or develop a themed or costumed event. I will write your celebration using original or source material and keep in touch every step of the way. If you want something truly bespoke in form as well as function, something that feels like you made it yourself, come and talk to me.” Exclusively for Your West Midlands Wedding readers, Steve is offering 10 per cent off his services, a package upgrade and a rehearsal if your venue is within 30 miles of Wolverhampton. To claim this fabulous offer, email Steve at steve@stevemorriscelebrant.co.uk and mention the magazine. For more information about Steve’s services, visit www.stevemorriscelebrant.co.uk LILY CHARMED IS GIVING READERS THE CHANCE TO WIN £150 TO SPEND ONLINE Crafted from recycled sterling silver and gold-plated recycled sterling silver, Lily Charmed (https://lilycharmed.com) brings you a seamless canvas for effortless jewellery curation, ensuring that each piece offers a lifetime investment for authentic self-expression. Collect and curate your very own jewellery box of keepsakes with Lily Charmed’s unique range of consciously crafted charms. Bringing joy through jewellery, each piece is designed to showcase your memories and magical life journey with a modern edge. From engraved talismans, romantic hearts and keys, pretty florals, colourful motifs cast in resin, and whimsical bees and biscuits, to lustrous pearls, chic lockets and personalised birthstones adorning charm bracelets, charm collectors, chains and hoops, Lily Charmed offers a pick ‘n’ mix of playful designs. Layer, stack, mix and match, play with chain and bracelet styles, add charms, add colour − the choice is endless! Infinity symbols represent ever-lasting love, whilst alphabet charms and custom engraving make the perfect personalised touch for weddings. Elsewhere its hug rings, friendship charm bracelets and retro Mixtape, Cowboy Boot and Puzzle Pieces make effortlessly thoughtful bridesmaids gifts. Enter online an www.yourwestmidlands.wedding/win. Terms and conditions apply. Freebies& OFFERS www.flywheelphotography.net FREEBIES & OFFERS 11
Image: Stu Ganderton Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR T: 01527 831 363 E: bookings@avoncroft.org.uk www.avoncroft.org.uk Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings with its 19 acres of grounds, historic buildings and views over the Worcestershire countryside, is truly a beautiful, unique and romantic setting for your wedding. Say ‘I do’ in the majestic New Guesten Hall with its beautifully detailed medieval roof which was originally part of Worcester Cathedral. Hidden away in the heart of England, with a harmonious balance of Country House grandeur and modern twists, Alrewas Hayes is the idyllic setting to say ‘I do’. Complete with festoon lighting, wisteria trees and chandeliers, The Lakeside sets a perfect scene for your Wedding Breakfast, before transforming into a star-lit space ready to party the night away. Burton-on-Trent DE13 7DL info@alrewashayes.com 01283 791625 www.aLrewashayes.com Images: Monkeymole Photography, monkeymole.co.uk 01675 446 080 weddings@hamptonmanor.com hamptonmanor.com @hamptonmanorweddings Exclusive use weddings on our foodie estate Wedding menus by MasterChef Professional Champion Stuart Deeley
RUGBY SCHOOL, CV22 5EH 01788 556 357 | www.rugbyschoolenterprises.com With some of the most splendid buildings in the Midlands, Rugby School is a dreamy setting for wedding services and receptions. Rich in history, it offers a combination of heritage and beautifully maintained grounds in elegant yet understated surroundings. Dating back to the early 18th century, the venue is steeped in tradition yet ideally suited to a contemporary, modern-day wedding. Boasting several venues, you are able to choose from spaces that encapsulate the history and heritage of the school or more contemporary, modern facilities that provide sleek backdrops and areas for you to transform into the ideal setting for your event. Atmospheric historical buildings, manicured grounds and first-class facilities are just a few elements that create the 400-acre site of Rugby School and the 90-acre site of Bilton Grange, making them perfect for weddings. Celebrate in style Rugby School has its own civil ceremony license, which means those couples looking to be married by the Warwickshire Registration Service are able to do so in the two approved venues, Old Big School or the outdoor venue Old Quad. Recent changes to the law mean that you are now able to have a service anywhere within Rugby School, which then must be followed by a smaller legal service in one of the approved venues. You could use the pavilion as your summer wedding backdrop, exchange rings on the Macready Theatre stage, or if you’re a rugby fanatic, why not say ‘I do’ directly under the rugby posts at the birthplace of the game? Under special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the glorious school chapel is available to be used by those who have an affiliation with the school for a wedding service. Pews for the congregation face each other in this chapel designed by Butterworth and there is enough seating for up to 600 guests. There are a number of indoor and outdoor spaces that can be used for drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts and evening receptions. The smallest venue, Old School Hall, can accommodate a wedding party of 15, Old Big School up to 80, Temple Speech Room up to 150, or a marquee in the grounds, which can seat up to 400 people. We love... The venue’s rich history and picturesque views. Spotlight on... Coventry, Nuneaton and Rugby www.darleyandunderwood.co.uk www.jamiegrayphotography.co.uk 13 REGIONAL VENUES
THE HEART OF ENGLAND, CV7 8DX 01676 540 333 | www.weddingsatheart.uk Set amongst 160 acres of rural Warwickshire countryside, including a 16th-century woodland, a park and a beautiful lake, The Heart of England is a dreamy venue perfect for weddings. This versatile property offers a range of ceremony and party rooms, extensive grounds and a marquee with breathtaking views of the rolling countryside. Celebrate in style The Chestnut Suite is situated on the upper floor. It has space for 100 people and can be accessed by staircase or lift for those less abled. Alternatively, The Birchley Suite offers a distinctive setting for your wedding, with room for 260 loved ones for the service and a starlit backdrop that will help make your celebration unforgettable. The Birchley Suite is capable of hosting up to 550 guests for your evening reception, with a variety of evening buffet options available. Additionally, there is a balcony area that can accommodate an extra 110 friends and family if needed. Intimate services are held in the Pine Suite. Located on the ground floor, it can accommodate 70 of your friends and family for the ceremony. If you’re looking for an outdoor celebration, the 160 acres of grounds can be used for an al fresco celebration. The wedding marquee provides a picturesque view of the Heart of England lake and the Warwickshire countryside. With the ability to hold 500 loved ones for the ceremony, 450 for the wedding breakfast and 600 for a standing breakfast, the team can provide chair covers, sashes and other décor to match your theme. We love... The wedding team will be there every step of the way to help manage all the details and provide styling ideas. ST MARY’S GUILDHALL, CV1 5RN 02476 430 545 | www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk Step into a timeless tale of love and history at St Mary’s Guildhall, a picturesque Medieval hall nestled in the heart of Coventry city centre’s Cathedral Quarter. As you embark on the journey of a lifetime, let the rich tapestry of this enchanting venue weave the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Celebrate in style The Guildhall’s architecture exudes a magical ambiance that transports you to a bygone era. From the moment you cross the threshold, you and your guests will be captivated by the charm and elegance that define this historic property. Experience the magic of saying ‘I do’ with up to 100 people in a space that has acted as the centre of power in England during the War of the Roses, housed the crown jewels, was the prison of Mary, Queen of Scots, and hosted famous literary figures such as George Eliot and Shakespeare. We love... St Mary’s Guildhall will provide a complimentary afternoon tea and a wedding menu tasting once your wedding has been booked. www.jamesmerrick.co.uk www.thefinishingtouch.co.uk www.aaronlaw.photography www.aaronlaw.photography 14
CHEYLESMORE MANOR HOUSE, CV1 2ND 02476 833 141 | www.ceremoniesinsidecoventry.co.uk/ cheylesmoremanorceremonysuite Cheylesmore Manor House is the remnant of a Medieval royal palace in Coventry city centre. The magnificent timber building is a key piece of Coventry’s rich and important heritage. Previously the only unfortified royal palace outside of London, Cheylesmore Manor House is now used for wedding ceremonies. The manor is believed to have been built for the Earl of Arundel in 1237. By 1320, it had passed to Queen Isabella, wife of Edward II, along with the lavish Cheylesmore Park that surrounded it. Her grandson Edward, the Black Prince, took possession of it after her. The building we know today is, in fact, only the gatehouse and parts of two cross wings of the original manor house. Celebrate in style The property houses three ceremony rooms: the Queen Isabella Room, the Black Prince Room and the Library Room. The Black Prince Room retains a wealth of original features, including a magnificent vaulted beamed ceiling with an impressive stone fireplace and Medieval chandeliers. Once the ceremony is over, your guests will exit from the room via a winding staircase down to a huge oak door leading into a large stone-flagged courtyard, where a section of the city wall still remains. A small wooden bridge within the courtyard provides delightful opportunities for photographs and memories of the special day. This is the largest of the manor’s ceremony rooms, accommodating 50 loved ones. The Queen Isabella Room, with its beautiful beams, is tastefully furnished to a high standard. The room accommodates up to 20 nearest and dearest, including the two of you and your witnesses, with direct access into the room from the archway outside. Alternatively, the Library Room can hold up to 10 people, including you and your witnesses. The room is on the ground floor of the manor house, making it accessible for wheelchair users. We love... The venue’s rich history and stunning ceremony spaces. www.ajtimages.co.uk www.ajtimages.co.uk THE TIN AT THE COAL VAULTS, CV1 4LY 02476 230 699 | www.thetinmusicandarts.org.uk The Tin at The Coal Vaults is a multi-use arts venue that doubles up as the perfect alternative wedding reception venue. The 18th-century building, set in Coventry Canal Basin’s former coal storage building, oozes character with exposed brick walls and curved ceilings. Its somewhat industrial style creates the ideal backdrop, giving the space a distinctive sense of charm and character while remaining versatile enough to be personalised and adapted to suit your tastes. Celebrate in style The venue is set in two vaults, one of which contains a fully licensed bar stocked with locally sourced ales, wines, and spirits with a seating area, and the other has a built-in stage and dancefloor. Being on one level, the entire venue is wheelchair accessible. The maximum capacity over the two vaults is 150; however, this intimate venue doesn’t feel empty with 30 or 40 guests. We love... Although the venue doesn’t offer in-house catering, outside catering is welcome. The team does offer a range of optional extras, including the use of the PA system, a license extension until 2am, an optional in-house DJ and technical equipment. www.ajtimages.co.uk REGIONAL VENUES 15
HAMPTON MANOR, B92 0EN 01675 446 080 | www.hamptonmanor.com Hampton Manor combines the timelessness of a country manor house with interiors that blend contemporary design with historic beauty. The arts and crafts manor is weaved with William Morris’ nature-inspired patterns alongside modern craftsmanship to create a luxury sense of home. Forty-five acres of gardens and woodland surround the manor. A clocktower terrace, lawns, woodland, bluebell drifts, a daffodil dell during spring and a walled garden provide beautiful backdrops for your wedding photos. Hampton Manor sits in a sleepy village with a Medieval church and chocolate-box cottages. It is very close to major links such as Birmingham International and M6/M42 for easy access for your guests. There are 15 individually designed bedrooms, and MasterChef: The Professionals champion Stuart Deeley curates the wedding menus. He is also the head chef at Smoke, one of the two restaurants. The other restaurant, Grace & Savour, holds a Michelin star and Hampton Manor has three-day wedding packages that include a Michelin-starred meal for your goodbye lunch. Celebrate in style The Birches is a ceremony barn nestled among the birch trees at the edge of the woodland. Alternatively, the 800-year-old village church borders onto the estate, seating up to 132. It has its own private path to the church, so guests can walk to the ceremony. The Courtyard is a fresh setting for your wedding meal. Set in a historic stone wall with a view of the clocktower, the glass roof means no matter the weather outside, your wedding meal will always be light-filled. The Courtyard has its own private bar, a private outdoor terrace with firepits and can seat up to 132 guests. We love... When booking your wedding at Hampton Manor, you will receive a free tasting night and the help of a wedding coordinator on the day. The wonders OF NATURE Tie the knot in a venue with a glorious garden 17 GLORIOUS GARDENS
THE BARN AT DROVERS, HR3 6AG 07748 146 862 | www.droversrest.co.uk The Barn at Drovers is a 16th-century venue situated on a working organic farm. The farm’s food is sourced directly from the fields and foraged from the hedgerows and there are stunning courtyards and gardens with 150 acres to explore. Celebrate in style The venue is made up of two barns. The Rustic Barn has a wagon wheel and wooden ladders suspended by steel beams, old potato box slats for walls and plenty of straw bales. While the Industrial Chic Barn has wooden beams, a corrugated ceiling and wonderful old olive buckets as lights suspended from the beams. Al fresco celebrations are held in the field or charming woodland. We love... All the venue’s food is cooked on open fires and there are lots of outdoor spaces for summer weddings. BROADFIELD, HR1 3LG 01568 760 471 | www.broadfieldcourt.com Broadfield is an elegant yet relaxed setting, boasting a mixture of heritage and modernity. The bedrooms have luxurious beds and antique furniture; the sofas are grand yet comfy; and many rooms have wood panelling, stucco ceilings, and, of course, beautiful fireplaces. Parts of Broadfield date back to the 13th century, which can be seen in the mixture of stone and brick. The building is south-facing, with glorious views from the bedrooms and principal reception rooms. To the front are stone courtyards, and to the back are huge gardens. Broadfield is set in five acres of gardens within a further 22 acres that include a well-stocked rose garden, south-facing lawns, an orchard, woodland and a magnificent kitchen garden. The fold yard is a walled courtyard with Italianate loggia. The gardens and views are exceptional, and the house is a lovely mix of historic and modern. The bridal suite with wood-panelled bedrooms, a bathroom with a huge waterfall shower and a large dressing room is wonderful for weddings. The standout feature, though, is that Broadfield is available for exclusive use for two nights or more, so you can make your wedding and celebrations with family and friends last longer than just a day. Celebrate in style Inside the centre of the building is the inner hall, with ceremony space for up to 50 people. The wood-panelled dining room can seat 60, and the upper barn, with its low beams, has space for 100. For intimate ceremonies, the summerhouse is ideal, or bigger ceremonies can take place in the woodland, fold yard, or rose garden. If you have more than 50 guests, you can hire a tipi or marquee to dine and dance, situated at the top of the glorious south-facing lawns, overlooking the views of the Herefordshire countryside. With the atmospheric bar and firepits dotted around, the house, gardens and structure blend perfectly to create a dreamy reception space for those seeking a relaxed, flexible space. We love... All of the bedrooms at Broadfield are included in the hire, and you can choose to stay for longer than two nights if you wish. You can also organise as many planning visits as you want and receive complimentary bottles of wine to take away and taste, as well as invitations to open days. www.rosiekelly.co.uk www.chebirchhayesphotography.com www.leeshawilliamsphoto.com 18
TALTON LODGE AND TALTON HOUSE, CV37 8UB 01789 459 244 | www.taltonlodge.com Talton Lodge and Talton House combine a 10-bedroom Queen Anne manor house, brimming with history but by no means old-fashioned, with a walled Victorian kitchen garden where there is a festival-style marquee and fun accommodation. Celebrations normally start at Talton House with a ceremony on the lawn overlooking the lily pond, followed by canapés and drinks on the surrounding lawns with mature flower beds, a tennis court and a croquet lawn, followed by a party in the giant hat marquees in the walled kitchen garden. In the house, there are numerous reception rooms, including a large hall, drawing room, movie room, bar, dining room, games room and a new kitchen. The Victorian-walled Kitchen Garden once fed those living across the road in the 18th-century manor of Talton House. Now it presents a micro-festival site in surprising contrast to the formal lawns and flowerbeds of Talton House. In the Kitchen Garden, there are two linked giant hat teepee marquees decked out with matting, fairylights, a pavilion with a fully stocked bar and local beers on tap. Your guests can sleep in the house bedrooms or in accommodations such as the Tree-Boat House or Orchard Waggon in the walled garden, or just outside the walls is a converted barn with a large reception room and a kitchen. Talton House Barn and Kitchen Garden are surrounded by mature trees, woods, wild flower meadows, an orchard and flowing water. There is even a natural swimming pool at the top of the orchard where guests who cannot fit into the varied accommodations can camp or park a camper van for the night. Celebrate in style Ceremonies take place on the lawn in a traditional marquee or between the 300-year-old acacia trees on the lawn. For ceremonies of 60 or so, you can have your service in the hall. Receptions start in the Talton House rooms and the lawns in front of the house, accessed via the garden room bar, from where drinks and canapés are served. Your wedding breakfast will take place in the giant hat tipis in the walled garden with up to 100 guests. We love... Couples often choose to come to the Spring Feast or Christmas Feasts, where the venue opens as a pop-up restaurant so everyone can try a Talton feast and enjoy cocktails and music. LOWER HOUSE FARM, HR2 0NT 01432 805 240 | www.wildbynaturellp.com Lower House Farm is a regenerative farm and venue in the Olchon Valley. It’s set amongst 70 acres of unspoilt landscapes, with ancient woodlands, narrow streams, wildflower meadows and a waterfall. From the moment you and your guests arrive, the team will help you make the most of your stay. They’ll help you plan your itinerary, find opportunities to gather together at a table and reconnect with the outdoors, as well as find time to relax and make memories that will last a lifetime. Lower House Farm recommends using Old Great Marlborough as a base for your stay. The nearby farmhouse accommodation can comfortably sleep up to 22 of your nearest and dearest. While the cosy mountain pub, The Bull’s Head, is just down the road from the farm and has four cabins that each sleep two people. It’s the ideal place to gather the evening before the main day or to unwind and reconnect with your guests for lunch the day after. Celebrate in style On the farm, there are plenty of spaces inside and out for you to plan your day. At the heart of the farm stands a stone and oak-framed barn, a wonderful space that accommodates up to 100 people for feasting and celebrating. Outside, you’ll find the covered yard, large open meadows with a 600-year-old oak tree (a favourite for ceremonies), communal patios and orchards. If you need some time for an intimate moment, escape into the wilderness for a while. However you want to celebrate, the farm is yours – a beautiful blank canvas to plan your perfect day. We love... The stunning views and delicious food available. www.dominikamiechowska.co.uk www.chebirchhayesphotography.com www.abigailsteedphotography.com www.abigailsteedphotography.com GLORIOUS GARDENS 19
Get in touch for a custom quote or to arrange a viewing! Scan the QR code to learn more! www.droversrest.co.uk/barn-wedding-venue-herefordshire gatherings@droversrest.co.uk | Near Hay on Wye. Herefordshire Wild & Free WILD WEDDINGS. WILD FEASTS. Free Range Weddings
Love BLOOMS Marguerite and Jason incorporated their French and English heritages into their big day at The Mount Hotel Images courtesy of Nicholas Rogers Photography Marguerite and Jason met eight years ago in London. “I was looking for a space to rent and Jason’s house share had a room available,” says Marguerite. “I was in touch with Jason’s flatmate, but at the last minute he couldn’t show me around, but he mentioned that his flatmate, Jason, would do it instead. It’s a bit cliché to say it was love at first sight, but since the moment he opened that door, I knew I wanted to get to know him better. I even called one of my friends after the visit and said that if I don’t get the room, I’ll ask for his number. In the end, I didn’t need it, as they offered me the room. Once I moved in, we started to chat a lot and go out as friends until six months later, when we finally admitted our feelings to each other.” Jason proposed during a holiday to the Maldives in 2022. “Back in 2020, we planned to go to the Maldives, but due to the pandemic, everything was cancelled,” shares the bride. “Once everything returned to ‘normal’, we decided to treat ourselves and go on the trip. In the middle of the holiday, Jason booked a romantic dinner on the beach. We arrived and our table was set up on the sand with candles. We had our starter and then it started raining. The waiter moved us inside the restaurant and then all my hope was gone, as I know Jason is not the kind of person to make a big love declaration in public. So, we had our meal inside, but, in the meantime, Jason had been in touch with the waiters to see if the rain had stopped and if they could put back the candles. After dessert, he asked me to go for a walk on the beach and the next second, he was down on one knee, asking me to marry him.” Read on to see some of Marguerite’s favourite moments from their big day... REAL WEDDINGS 21
Our centrepieces were gold stands with fresh flowers from our fantastic florist, Every Occasion Floral Design & Venue Styling. For our catering, we chose tomato basil tartelette to start, blade of beef with vegetables for the main course and crème brulée for dessert to add a French touch to the wedding. Jason’s sister got married at The Mount Hotel and his parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary there, so we already knew about the property. When we visited and the team opened the doors to the Great Hall, we knew it was the place for us. We were able to get married in the garden and it could accommodate all our guests overnight, so it was perfect. For the ceremony, we put a voile draping in the gazebo with some white flowers and greenery. We also added two columns with similar flower arrangements on them. Jason’s mum and sister created our wedding cake. Everyone was blown away by it. There were three tiers and each of them had a different flavour. It was decorated with white icing, gold leaves and flowers. As I’m French, I wanted our signage to be in both languages, as some members of my family don’t speak English. We created the welcome board, table plan, table numbers and menus ourselves, all with the same design. It was difficult to decide on the favours, as I wanted something easy to transport since we had guests coming from overseas. In the end, we went for a white candle with our names and wedding date on it, finished with a gold ribbon. 22
I wore an A-line Stella York dress called 6752 from Forever Bridal. It was a lovely soft ballgown that was classic yet modern. I tried different styles, but when I put my gown on, I felt so comfortable and pretty in it and I knew it was the one! The wedding went so smoothly and it really was the best day of our lives. Jason chose a tuxedo, a dark green velvet jacket with a satin lapel and a black bow tie with a white silk pocket square. We had a live band for the ceremony and drinks reception. We had a mix of different cultures at our wedding – French, British and Jamaican – and our guests loved everything. I think it was nice to share the different cultures with everyone. My bridesmaids wore forest green Bardot-style dresses. We felt really relaxed on the day, except for half an hour before the ceremony, as it started raining and we had no umbrellas available for guests! Lucky for us, it stopped raining a few minutes before the ceremony was due to start. To have our family and especially my goddaughter with us was the best present ever, and of course, we are so thankful to all our suppliers who made the room look spectacular. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better wedding! REAL WEDDINGS 23
MARGUERITE AND JASON’S CONTACTS Venue, The Mount Hotel, www.themount.co.uk | Photographer, Nicholas Rogers Photography, www.njr-photography.co.uk Bride’s dress, Forever Bridal, www.foreverbridaluk.com | Groom’s suit, Peter Posh, www.peterposh.co.uk | Hair stylist, Sophie Hailey Hair, www.instagram.com/sophiehaileyhair | Make-up artist, Victoria-Ann Makeup Artist, www.instagram.com/victoriaannmua | Flowers, Every Occasion Floral Design & Venue Styling, www.everyoccasionvenues.co.uk | Styling, Cloud Nine Balloon Design Ltd., www.cloudnineballoons.co.uk Band, The Dandies, www.warble-entertainment.com/the-dandies | DJ, Midlands Pro DJ, www.midlandsprodj.com 24
Coach Hire for your Wedding You’ve booked the venue, invited the guests and now you need to get them there! Johnsons Quality Coach Travel offers the perfect travel solution for your wedding! Call 01564 510 173for a free no obligation quote! www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk Why choose Johnsons? 9 Ideally located in the heart of the Midlands 9 We can meet all your transport needs for your wedding day, hen do or stag do! 9 Our large fleet offers a choice of 7 to 89 seats, including wheelchair accessible coaches! 9 Smart, friendly & professional drivers 9 Friends and family won’t need to worry about finding a parking space! 9 Preview of your coach before your wedding day 9 You’re welcome to decorate your wedding coach to add your personal touch! Whatever your wedding group size, contact Johnsons! Enigma studios brings you the first of its kind, a mobile tattoo studio for your wedding reception! For a free quote contact us today! The couple and guests can choose tattoos and take home the most unique wedding favour - A permanent memory of the special day! 01242 805786 hello@enigmatattoopiercing.co.uk www.enigmatattoopiercing.co.uk @enigma.studios.ltd International wedding photographers • Recommended supplier at many venues in the UK and Italy • 2024 Hitched Wedding Photographer of the year The photo & video specialists www.njr-photography.co.uk|info@njr-photography.co.uk
IN LOVE Fall Daisy and Barnaby knew from the moment that they saw Dewsall Court that it was the perfect venue for their autumnal wedding Images courtesy of TH Photography 26
In March 2016, Daisy arrived at a pub in Kington, Worcestershire. “I was there with another man,” says Daisy. “Barnaby, the barman and waiter for the evening, caught my eye. We chatted and flirted, but then I left with the other man. After a swift 24 hours and enlisting the help of my maid-of-hour, I hunted for this mystery bar man via the pub’s Facebook page, scrolling through hundreds of photos until I found him. I immediately added him on Facebook and the rest is history.” Barnaby popped the question in October 2021 at Watergate Bay Beach in Cornwall. “Being as subtle as a gun, I dropped hints like it was going out of fashion, even buying a ring measuring tool,” shares the bride. “Little did I know Barnaby had bought a ring five months before popping the question. He had meticulously planned the engagement, even hiring Tom, our wedding photographer, to capture the moment as it happened.” SETTING THE SCENE “Just four days after Barnaby proposed, I managed to get a viewing at Dewsall Court and instantly fell in love with it,” explains Daisy. “The charm and elegance of Dewsall Court oozes; its grand yet homely nature just makes you feel so at ease and relaxed. Weddings at the venue are three-day affairs. For a wedding I had dreamt about for many years, I thought, why not elongate it? “Stars have always been so central to our relationship, so we created a dine under the stars experience by suspending 15,000 stars through the canopy in the barn,” continues Daisy. “We also had laser-cut stars for all our place settings, as well as tiny pearl hair pins for myself and the bridesmaids. We had two long tables with hand-dyed muslin table runners, which were dutifully dyed about four times by Barnaby and I in the summer. On the tables, we placed small vases with fresh flowers and glass jars with dried versions, which had been collected from all our friends and families, all intermixed with candles in autumnal colours. Flowers are very important to me. I wanted to go for a berry and pink colour scheme with real autumnal berries, grasses and seed heads. I worked closely with Charlotte from Hilary’s Floral Design to create our dream arrangements; it was autumnal, but strictly no reds and oranges.” For their wedding cake, Daisy and Barnaby hired Perfect Cake Co to create a three-tiered design. “It was white yet had a small splattering of pink and beige to tie in with our colour scheme,” recalls the bride. “We had matching flowers on the second tier and our three cats were hand-painted onto the design, finished with our dog, Winnie, sitting on a log slice. “Barnaby and I are such foodies; this was one of the main reasons we went for Dewsall Court, as the food they produce is top-tier restaurant quality, as commented by our guests,” adds Daisy. “For our wedding breakfast, we had a variety of delicious options, including carrot and ginger soup, slow-cooked crispy pork belly and apple tart tartan. Just after dessert was served, we had an espresso martini tower and a custom-made bar menu dedicated to our four wonderful pets.” 27 REAL WEDDINGS
DRESSED TO IMPRESS Daisy chose a Suzanne Neville gown called Admire from Carina B Couture. “It was the first dress that I tried on and I instantly loved it,” remembers Daisy. “I tried on a few other options, but Admire was a clear winner from the start. I wanted the dress to speak for itself; however, I did want to inject some of my quirky personality into my overall look, so I wore pink velvet World Secrets shoes. I also made my own double-tiered veil, with tiny silk velvet daisies sewn on to the bottom train.” Barnaby opted for a bespoke suit made by Hawkes Bespoke Outfitters in a soft brown tweed. “Since Dewsall Court is a rural county estate, we wanted a beautiful tweed suit to match and Barnaby looked amazing,” recalls the bride. “I had three beautiful bridesmaids and I was really adamant that I wanted them to feel their best and be truly happy with their dresses, so I let them choose whatever style they felt most comfortable in, provided it was a natural colour.” TIME TO CELEBRATE “The day before our wedding, I surprised Barnaby with a live saxophone artist to play through the cocktail hour and dessert,” reveals Daisy. “This was a secret I had planned two years prior to the wedding and somehow managed to keep a secret. James Sax was a big hit! “On the wedding day, I walked into a cellist version of Biblical by Calum Scott, performed by our amazing musician, Michael G Moore,” adds the bride. “He was sensational; he worked entirely off requests; with a pack of post-it notes, he asked guests to write their favourite song, and then he simply picked one at random and played it. He was epic! We also had an amazing live artist who painted our guests; she was a real highlight for me coming from such an artistic background.” MEMORABLE MOMENTS “On the day, we were excited, nervous and emotional,” says Daisy. “Barnaby and I had a sweetheart table for our meal to ensure we had some one-on-one time. There was a moment during the wedding breakfast where Barnaby had gone down one side of the tables chatting with guests. I was alone only for a moment or so, but I looked around the room and thought to myself, I did it; my dream had come true, all of the endless hours I had invested into creating bespoke stationery, menus and colour palettes. The whole vision just came together perfectly. I was so grateful that I had the opportunity to create something so beautiful. “I did fall out of my chair after I gave my speech before the wedding breakfast,” laughs the bride. “When our video came back, we discovered my loving husband accidentally moved my chair as I sat down!” 28
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