An Essex Wedding - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 84)

Weather dependant My husband-to-be and I are planning an al fresco wedding in the spring. With the British weather being so unpredictable should we have a contingency plan in place incase there is a down pour? Victoria says: Yes, we’d always recommend a back-up plan, as with the good old English weather you never know what is going to happen! At Braxted Park, we can cater for both inside and outside weddings, so you’ll have a picturesque setting for your ceremony come rain or shine. The idyllic Knott Garden is the perfect spot for al fresco nuptials, surrounded by spring blooms and plenty of colour from the flowerbeds. Should you decide to exchange your vows indoors, the Orangery is full of elegance and character, offering wonderful views of the gardens and a truly romantic place to say your ‘I dos’. Our glass-sided Pavilion, situated within the beautiful Walled Garden, really does bring the outside in. Overlooking the vibrant gardens and impressive water features, it’s the ideal spot for your reception at any time of year. Victoria Vince Head of wedding planning braxtedparkweddings.co.uk My husband-to-be and I are tying the knot on Valentine’s Day and have no idea how to decorate our village hall venue. What would you suggest? Joanna says: Village halls are fantastic as you’re starting with a blank canvas, so the clever use of flowers can make them look stunning. If you’re having long tables then I’d opt for garlands of foliage running along the centre with small vases full of pretty flowers and lots of candles threaded through – it’s still the winter season so it’s a great way to add a little romance of the occasion. Just because it’s Valentine’s you don’t have to choose the traditional blooms, especially as prices will be at a premium, instead mix some red tones in with pinks, blues and ivory with lots of seasonal foliage and berries to give a rich luxurious look. For added wow factor, fairylights or candles will leave the space looking gorgeous. Village halls can often be very quirky so highlight these areas by adding foliage and lanterns along window ledges or wrapping beams with bunting and lights. Joanna Brown Owner brownsbloomsandballoons.co.uk BEAUTIFULLY IN BLOOM I do, I do, I do My wife-to-be and I are looking for a bespoke ceremony that reflects us but we’re not sure what options are available. What would you recommend? Shelley says: Being engaged is an exciting time, but it can also be really daunting. Like you, lots of my couples are looking to get away from what’s become the norm. American poet, Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This is something I hold at the core of everything I do. I love my job as a celebrant and I’m lucky that I get to work with some really fantastic venues and suppliers, all of whom want you to have the wedding day you’ve always imagined. I like to spend time getting to know couples over a cup of coffee or two, so we work out what is important to you for your ceremony. Together, we can build a plan and I can even direct you to professionals who have looked after my previous clients with everything from tables and chairs to gin bars and tight rope walkers. If you want to get married dressed as hedgehogs or have your ceremony on the Hogwarts Express, I say, bring it on! If you’re looking to have your ceremony with just the two of you on a secluded beach with your dogs as ring bearers, that’s ok too. For me, it’s all about making your big day into your best day and I’m always honoured to be able to help any couple achieve that. If you want to involve friends and family members, pets, hymns, prayers or excerpts from your favourite songs, it can be made a reality – if it’s really important to you that aunty Marjorie is there to play a violin solo during the evening, then let’s work together with the venue on a twilight ceremony. The options really are endless. Shelley Bell Celebrant shelleybell.co.uk 116