Table Of Content

Se in the Lake Dist Fie worth £1, he JUN /JUL-2022 SSN 2049-4203 { \ : , \( > _ “>. > I 772 ost With over 25 years’ experience, West End performer Hayley can cater for any number of guests to make your event sound perfect. Her versatile vocals can create either a soft, romantic atmosphere for an acoustic/ mellow event, or get the party started with pop classics for all generations. She has her own PA system and Dancefloor Lighting (if required) to make your event happen with ease. Why not get her to rewrite lyrics of a special song for a guest or partner? Contact Hayley on 07886 385799 or email: [email protected] www.hayleyotway.com © © @AlwaysWeddingSinger JUNE/JULY 2022 a . —<— ~~. REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER A warm welcome from Claire 9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the regions 13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 59 HOT TOPIC Local experts offer big-day advice 91 COMPETITION Win a two-night stay in the Lake District, worth £1,500 VENUES 19 SPOTLIGHT ON... Oxford and around 25 STEEPED IN HISTORY Venues with a story to tell Berkshire-based wedding and family photographer Annabel Farley took the stunning cover image this issue as part of a styled shoot at new venue Bill Hill Park revealed on page 49. To book Annabel for your wedding, visit hitps://annabelfarleyphotography.co.uk FEATURES 49 SOMETHING NEW New Berkshire venue Bill Hill Park was the glorious setting for this styled shoot 53 HANDMADE IN... Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 63 BELLE OF THE BALL We reveal what the region’s bridal boutiques have to offer 86 WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? County Wedding Magazines' senior editor, Melissa Barker, shares her wedding planning journey 69 FASHION FOCUS Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals her latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 71 THE FINER DETAILS This season’s wedding dresses are boasting statement straps that will never go out of fashion 77 CITY GIRL New wedding start-up business P.S. Bridal has collaborated with a team of talented suppliers to create this fashionable shoot 80 HONEYMOON LUST-HAVES These bright and bold pieces are suitcase essentials 81 TRESSES TO IMPRESS Whatever challenges your hair throws at you, there's a product to help you conquer all and we've put some of them to the test 82 BEAUTY BUZZ Beauty editor Kelly Andrews reveals all the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be 85 BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems ~ ace 4 B0 Pe ; 30 VINTAGE VIBES Emily and Tom’s special day took place at De Vere Wokefield Estate in Berkshire 37 DOWN BY THE LAKE Stanlake Park was the beautiful backdrop for Stacie and Max’s wedding 42 THAT FESTIVAL FEELING Alex and Guy enjoyed a church ceremony followed by a wedfest-style party B2 Ee - ——— 88 HUE COMPLETE ME Pastel hues are a popular trend for spring and summer nuptials 90 GROOMS’ NEWS Grooms editor Melissa Barker reveals the latest best buys and product launches 92 HONEYMOON NEWS Travel editor Melissa Barker reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials 94 A ROMANTIC ESCAPE Melissa Barker explains why Mauritius is the perfect honeymoon destination 96 FOREST FREEDOM Sarah Gallivan discovers the great outdoors at Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Hideaway Nuneham Estate is nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside and reached by a private road. Offering beautiful secluded outside spaces for wedding receptions that will be both unique and memorable. With fields, woodland, quirky buildings and nothing but the sound of birdsong, there will be a space to suit all wedding dreams. In 2023 the fabulously refurbished walled gardens will be available for weddings, along with luxurious self-contained accommodation, making Nuneham Estate a one-stop wedding reception destination. Wedding Planner Tracy Hammond, who has extensive experience in weddings and events, armed with her ‘black book’ of local wedding suppliers, will be on hand to assist with all you will require from booking through to your wedding. WWW.NUNEHAM.COM NUNEHAM ESTATE | Nuneham Courtenay | Oxon | OX44 9PQ | T: 01865 343413 | E: [email protected] cwnyr COUNTY WEDDING MAGAZINES M y much-loved parents are celebrating 50 years of genuinely happy EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Claire Ridley | Editor [email protected] Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor, Grooms Editor and Travel Editor Kelly Andrews | Senior Editor and Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor marriage this June which, in this day and age, is a remarkable achievement. Not r only have they provided a happy home life for my brother and me to grow up in -. —and there's not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for the carefree childhood that we had - they still provide a loving family unit for us now that we're adults. When pees an | watch how they love, respect and support one another, take [email protected] care of each other and talk and laugh a lot, | realise that these Graphic Designers | Stephanie Hodder are the key ingredients to a long and successful marriage. As a | Vicky O'Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher family, we'll be celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary Digital Marketing Coordinator : this June and | can't wait. Katie Laley Another big celebration taking place in June is The Queen's Web Development Manager Platinum Jubilee and plenty of our local suppliers will be Stuart Weatherley taking part so whatever you're planning for the extended bank Ce ehpaee . holiday weekend, enjoy this historic milestone. Instagram went into overdrive with the ales & Events Director hat B kl Beckh 4 Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 In this issue, we have real-life couples at the start of their recent news that Brooxlyn Becknam an [email protected] Account Manager Julia Owen | 01376 538 556 and venue dressing inspiration, expert advice, offers, news [email protected] marital journey, who | wish all the very best plus styled shoots Nicola Peltz had tied the knot and on page 59, we reveal some celebrity-inspired suits! = [2 sms ' _ me and more. Subscriptions 01376 514 000 [email protected] ACCOUNTS 50 Ww 01376 535 616 [email protected] Accounting Manager | Derrick James Claire Ridley, Editor Until the next issue, Me with my parents and brother Gary at his weddi 6 @YourBerksBucksOxonWedding iy) @CWM_YBBOW ~ WAIN | A two-night stay in the Lake District; worth © a il 1) 900 on page 71) Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com Your Berks Bucks & Oxon Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine the was correct at the time of going to pre: publishers cannot accept le: for any errors or omissi accept responsibility for advert content, or of al responsibility nor can they the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher: Your Berks Bucks @ Oxon Wedding is published six times a year, Subscription rates are £18.20 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be suit { | , y made out to KD Media Publishing and sent ‘ to Jour Berks Bucks & Oxon Wedding, c/o KD p| Pein mies | ; Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands —- BERESESSS Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP. ISSN 2049-4203 EVENTS & LXeJPUBLISHING conte wropine events 6 The marquee on the grounds of historic wedding venue Missenden Abbey is the perfect summer venue. Turn to page 25 to see more. = Fashion brand, Quiz Has mR P p launched a stunningmle bridal dres¢scollection thot complements their “and) guests - tufn to N Bue 71 t Laan 1 ib \ = This stunning cake by Keighers of Caversham, along with more statement designs, can be seen on page 53. The new four-star plus Hotel La Tour has opened its doors in Milton Keynes, a sun-soaked private terrace available for outdoor ceremonies of up to 120 guests set against views stretching across Campbell Park. Turn to page nine to read all about it. The styled shoot in this issue photographed by Annabel Farley took place at the new Berkshire wedding venue Bill Hill Park...turn to page 49 to see more. Want a wedding ceremony with sparkle? Bespoke Wedding Ceremonies filled with laughter and happy tears! Multi award-winning celebrant Celebrant of the Year 2022, South East England COLETTE ASHBY GE: E'B RA Net www.coletteashby.com 07774 780072 Making memories you'll treasure forever Let’s connect! Follow us on Instagram @J23Events ‘ THE 2022 WEDDING INDUSTRY AWARDS REGIONAL HIGHLY COMMENDED Vaal [email protected] @ 07515 422 360 www.J2 3 eve nts -CO. uk SEARCYS RECREATES ROYAL WEDDING CAKE FOR ITS 175™ ANNIVERSARY The UK's oldest British caterer, in residence at historical venues across the UK including in Oxfordshire, is celebrating its 175" anniversary with the recreation of a royal wedding cake created by its founder, John Searcy, 126 years ago. The caterer has taken a trip back through its archives to the 1896 royal wedding of Princess Maud, then the future Queen of Norway, to Prince Carl of Denmark. The breathtaking multi- tiered cake was adorned with confectionary and decorated with fine sugar work flowers, roses and angels, along with the Royal Arms of England and Denmark. In tribute to its founder, Searcys has recreated the same cake, in partnership with baker Elizabeth Solaru of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium. Working alongside Searcy’s pastry chef, Yvonne Graham, the confectioners spent three weeks completing the cake to reflect its original design. Five tiers of Dundee fruit cake are covered with delicate marzipan and white and gold latticework icing and topped with carefully crafted sugar work of flowers, fruits, cherubs and lions. The Princess Maud Wedding cake can be made to order for any wedding celebrations booked across its iconic venues. To find out more, visit https://searcys.co.uk EDITOR LOVES Award-winning J23 Events, who recently won Regional Highly Commended at The Wedding Industry Awards 2022 were also nominated by one of their wedding couples for the Special Touches category. The company turn a great wedding reception into an unforgettable one with their discos, dancefloors, light-up letters and numbers, and photo booths. Covering weddings in Berkshire (and Surrey and Hampshire), their latest wow-factor offering is the dancing on the clouds dry ice that sets the scene for the first dance. To find out more and to book, call 07515 422 360 or visit www.j23events.co.uk LOCAL NEWS NEW SKY-HIGH HOTEL AND WEDDING DESTINATION OPENS The new four-star plus Hotel La Tour has opened its doors in Milton Keynes, combining modern sophistication with timeless elegance following a multi- million-pound development. Home to the county's highest bar and fine-dining restaurant, Fourteen, there’s also a honeymoon suite situated on the top floor, home to a super king-size bed, luxury bathtub with a TV and a secluded lounge enjoying skyline vistas \ across Buckinghamshire. a There's a stylish events space located on the first floor that’s licensed for ceremonies and can host between 60 and 200 guests. It’s home to a dancefloor, fully functioning bar and features mood lighting at twilight. Connected to it is a sun-soaked private terrace available for outdoor ceremonies of up to 120 guests set against views stretching across Campbell Park. Alexandra Rumble, Hotel La Tour’s weddings and special events manager will be on hand at every stage of the planning and couples can work alongside executive chef Olivier Bertho to create a bespoke wedding breakfast menu serving seasonal British dishes as well as an evening barbecue or buffet on the terrace. Available to book from £78 per guest, Hotel La Tour’s wedding package includes exclusive use of the events space, private terrace and bar; a reception welcome drink for all guests; a three-course wedding breakfast; half a bottle of wine per person; use of Campbell Park for photography; a dedicated wedding co-ordinator to assist on the day and an overnight stay in the honeymoon suite. Guests are offered preferential rates offered on the Skyview Executive and Skyview Standard rooms on the wedding night. To book, call 01908 732 400 or visit https://hotel-latour.co.uk The latest news from around both counties f leccrlged NEWS CONGRATULATIONS! It's a hat-trick for Berkshire-based wedding celebrant Colette Ashby! She was recently awarded the prestigious Wedding Celebrant of the Year 2022 South East England in the LuxeLife Global Wedding Awards, became a winner in the Weddings Inc, Wedding Industry Awards 2022 and was the 2022 Local Round Winner in the International Wedding Awards. Colette tells us “The pandemic hit the wedding industry hard and now as the wedding season is busier than ever, | am thrilled to be recognised by my clients and fellow wedding industry professionals for the job | love doing. Helping couples celebrate their special day is a real privilege and | love getting to know them, creating their bespoke ceremony script "and delivering a truly unique ceremony for them. There is always lots of laughter and happy tears!” To book Colette, call 07774 780 072 or visit _https://coletteashby.com Or HENLEY FESTIVAL LAUNCHES NEW CHARITY INITIATIVE RISE To coincide with its 40" anniversary, Henley Festival has launched a new charitable initiative called RISE designed to nurture the next generation of talent to take their first steps into the world of performance and creativity, both in front and behind the spotlight. RISE provides opportunities for young musicians, comedians and visual artists to perform or show their work, as well as helping them before and after with marketing and production. This sits alongside a work experience programme to support aspiring talent working behind the scenes, including sound engineers, lighting designers and stage managers. Watch out for RISE performers across the festival week that takes place from 6" to 10" July 2022. To find out more, visit https://henley-festival.co.uk Crowne Plaza Marlow in Buckinghamshire has recently enjoyed a complete refurbishment. The luxurious AA Rosette-awarded hotel and spa is set in five acres of landscaped gardens with a private lake where couples can host a wedding fireworks display. There’s a choice of elegant and spacious banqueting suites, including the Winterlake Suite, which accommodates up to 460 guests allowing couples to host their celebration in a single location. The talented chefs have earned an AA Rosette in recognition of their exceptional culinary skills, and are pleased to offer a variety of different options for the wedding breakfast. In addition to traditional British dining, there’s a speciality Indian kitchen on-site for those preferring authentic Indian cuisine. To find out more and to book, call 01628 496 819 or visit www.cpmarlow.co.uk Crowne Plaza Reading East is the sister property, a luxurious new 4 Silver Star 2AA Rosette hotel set in landscaped grounds in Berkshire. Patisserie Valerie has launched its new luxury Signature Ceremonies and receptions take place in a choice of stylish function suites, including the Buckingham Suite, accommodating up to 220 guests, and the Collection of cakes, beautifully iced and exquisitely flavoured, Frogmore Suite, hosting up to 110 loved ones. available for nationwide delivery. With seven impressive The hotel has been awarded 2AA Rosettes for outstanding culinary talent, handmade designs, from modern ombre effect to showstopping and provides a selection of wedding breakfast options. two-tier rosette cakes, there’s something for every special occasion. Guests will be able to enjoy the hotel’s exceptional wellness and spa Each cake within the Signature Collection can be ordered facilities, as well as complimentary secure parking. To find out more and to book, call 01189 444 231 or visit with a vanilla sponge with a strawberry compote filling, or a www.cpreading.co.uk chocolate sponge with a chocolate cream filling. For a complete — eine 0 : celebration in a box, include a free personalised inscription, or : a : add glitter cake toppers, candles or balloons. The Floral Waterfall Cake, pictured, serves 22-24 people and is priced at £85. A striking design featuring five layers of sponge coated in beautiful shades of lavender and lilac, the Swiss meringue buttercream is decorated with intricate rosettes and sugar pearls cascading down the cake. The blue (or pink) Ombre Rosette Cake, also pictured, serves 16-20 people and is priced at £75. Two tiers combine in vibrant shades of blue buttercream with delicate hand-piped roses and ombre stripes — perfect for weddings. To shop, visit www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk/collections/signature-collection