Your Sussex Wedding - June/July 2020 (Issue 85)

ROOM WITH A VIEW To help keep your wedding plans in motion during this difficult time Southend Barns is now running virtual viewings. You’ll be able to see the beautiful barns, explore the gardens and discover the outdoor ceremony area along with the bridal suite, all accompanied by a venue coordinator on a live tour.  Let this gorgeous venue capture your imagination and head over to www.southendbarns.co.uk/ virtual-tours-wedding-venue to find out more and book a viewing. www.adorlee.co.uk RUSTIC DREAMS Hidden down a country lane in Sussex is The Secret Barn, which as become the home of rustic wedding dreams. Run by a team of stylists and wedding aficionados known as Petal & Feast, there’s space for a party of 110 for dinner and dancing. This group of artisans are ready to create your wedding florals, and tend to your hearty catering needs. Both food and flora are either grown on the farm or sourced locally. What’s more, the crew will be on hand to manage and magic up everything for you on the day. The barn boasts original beams and flooring, offering a stunning setting for a dreamy countryside celebration surrounded by the South Downs. There’s also the option to have an outdoor ceremony in the old walled apple orchard. Petal & Feast’s Elizabeth says, “From flowers to food, through to an authentic old barn, we have all you need for the perfect do. Our flowers are natural, wild and loosely arranged, and where possible, we love to use our own locally grown blooms, embracing their curvy stems, textures, scent and seasonality. We’re passionate about good quality, flavoursome food. If you’re looking for relaxed catering, plentiful canapes, followed by the best barbecue and heaps of fresh salads or sharing platters, we’re your gals.” The first 10 couples to come to Petal & Feast through Most Curious are offered 10 per cent off all flowers. Simply quote “petal and curious.” For further information contact rebecca@amostcuriousparty.co.uk an d visit the website at www.petalandfeast.co.uk New venue alert! Tilgate Park has always been known as one of the South’s top visitor destinations being conveniently located close to the M23 and within easy reach of Brighton. The Walled Garden especially has always been a firm favourite, playing host to peaceful formal gardens and ponds, an evergreen hedge maze, events arena and café so it’s great news indeed that it’s recently been licenced for civil ceremonies. Entering the magnificent tall wooden gates of the Walled Garden, you’re greeted by a 40-metre- long pergola of beautiful wisteria, roses, clematis and grape vines all adorned with thousands of fairylights. The Family Garden within is being transformed into a magical private garden, able to seat up to 100 guests either side of the aisle leading to a wooden arbour where the ceremony takes place. Afterwards, it’s the ideal location to serve some pre-reception drinks whilst the newlyweds take the opportunity to explore the rest of the park for photo opportunities. In fact, the park was gearing up to host a wedding showcase to launch this stunning new venue this summer but, like all of us, plans have changed. Parks events manager, Sabrina Gant says, “We’re pleased to say that the event will definitely go ahead when the restrictions are lifted. We’ve had a lot of enquiries from people interested in hosting their ceremony in the park, and we’re just as excited to show them round our stunning venue.” Talking about how the park can support couples who have been affected by postponing their special day, Sabrina says, “When the rules are relaxed enough to permit small gatherings, we hope to offer pre-wedding celebrations and micro wedding ceremonies. It may even be possible for the couple to do this to mark their original date.” To find out more email Sabrina at weddings@crawley.gov.uk or call on 01293 438 437 and she’ll be delighted to invite you to be amongst the first to view the venue when the government gives the green light. Check out the news that’s local to you Nearlywed NEWS www.ruby-roux.com  YOUR ESSENTIALS 9