Table Of Content

Your ERTS & BEDS WEDDING www.yourhertsbeds.wedding E uplore ineast f Hertfordshire a WIN! A minimoon in the Lake District E ENS a eh Discover local phot apher . z , . , dl Og ONG LONE FASHTO . | ¥ i i al SPM local weddingsm FORW MG | Showstopping dres me . OF We uy AWA Beautiful barn venue * wh On 06> JUN/JUL 2022 ISSN 1753-0911 091027 771753 9 SPONSORED BY COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS ¢ Win a luxury honeymoon * Huge number of wedding specialists including venues ¢« Bridal fashion shows ¢ Covid-19 secure e Entertainment « Refreshments Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of SSOGIATION Wit ‘WD | SPABREAKS Cwm Follow us on /CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents 6 EDITOR’S LETTER Olivia Gibson shares her top picks from this issue 9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the counties 13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 73 HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas 91 COMPETITION Win a two-night stay in the Lake District, worth £1,500 18 GOING LOCAL Tie the knot in east Hertfordshire 21 BEAUTIFUL BARNS Discover the perfect settings for rustic nuptials On We cover This cover’s image is taken from Joe and Rebecka’s wedding on page 33, and was captured by Rafe Abrook Photography (www.rafeabrook.co.uk). 45 BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL Check out this timeless shoot at The Barn at Alswick in Hertfordshire 49 PICTURE PERFECT Discover dream-worthy images no matter the weather 76 THE SUPPORT ACT Fashion and accessory ideas for the bridesmaids, mothers and groomsmen 88 WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? County Wedding Magazines’ senior editor, Melissa Barker, shares her wedding planning journey FASHION & BEAUTY 57 FASHION FOCUS Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals her latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 58 THE FINER DETAILS This season’s wedding dresses are boasting statement straps that will never go out of fashion 63 CITY GIRL New wedding start-up business P.S. Bridal has collaborated with a team of talented suppliers to create this fashionable shoot 66 HONEYMOON LUST-HAVES These bright and bold pieces are suitcase essentials 68 BEAUTY BUZZ Beauty editor Kelly Andrews reveals all the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be 70 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 71 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A Look your big-day best with top expert advice WEDDINGS 26 LOVE IS ALL AROUND Cathryn and Jonathan tied the knot at Fanhams Hall in Ware 33 THE PERFECT DAY The Barn at Alswick was the perfect location for Joe and Rebecka’s memorable wedding 39 TRUE LOVE Lucy and Billy’s rustic-themed wedding featured a blush colour scheme 85 GROOMS’ NEWS Grooms editor Melissa Barker reveals the latest best buys and product launches 86 HUE COMPLETE ME Pastel hues are a popular trend for spring and summer nuptials HONEYMOONS 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 ESCAPE TO THE FOREST Sarah Gallivan discovers the great outdoors at Nottinghamshire’s Sherwood Hideaway SPONSORED BY ie IN ASSOCIATION WITH WEDDING SHOW J aon One of the largesimms pens + Free entry ~ ¢ Win a luxury honeymoon . + Huge number of weddi ng. ss specialists including Vv nues * Bridal fashion shows a ~ y ¢ Entertainment ¢ Refreshments ¢ Covid-19 secure Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of | SPABREAKS A date for your diary... SUNDAY 5™ MARCH 2023 Hosted at Wembley Stadium London Pre-register at said ea aca Follow us on: @ / County\ Wedd COUNTY WEDDING MAGAZINES. EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Olivia Gibson | Editor [email protected] Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing Editor and Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor Melissa Barker | Senior Editor, Grooms and Travel Editor DESIGN 01376 535 616 [email protected] Graphic Designers | Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O'Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher Digital Marketing Coordinator Katie Laley Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley ADVERTISING. Sales & Events Director Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 [email protected] Account Manager Kirsty Brindley | 01376 538 490 [email protected] Subscriptions 01376 514 000 [email protected] ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 [email protected] Accounting Manager | Derrick James F) @CountyWeddingMagazines ry) @CountyWeddings @cwm_wedding Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com Jour Herts & Beds Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. 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. Tour Herts & Beds Wedding is published six times a year. Subscription rates are £18.20 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing and sent to lour Herts & Beds Wedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP. ISSN 1753-0911 EVENTS & PUIBUSIING cemcremasram H ello lovely readers, and welcome to another issue of Your Herts and Beds Wedding. It's finally summer, my favourite time of year, and I’m really enjoying the warmer temperatures and sunny skies. There's something so refreshing about the time of year, | have so much more energy and there's even more to do, | personally love the brighter evenings and venturing outdoors more in the garden and enjoying family barbecues, beach days and picnics. This summer will be one of the best seasons we've had in a long while with weddings back in full swing. Plus, my best friend and colleague Melissa will be exchanging vows in July to the lovely Dave — I’m super excited! As a bridesmaid, there hasn't been anything better than helping someone your care about plan such an important event. I’m so proud of what they have both achieved, and | know their day will be wonderful. As we reach the busy wedding season, it’s great to see so many talented suppliers working hard to create dream events. This time of year is perfect for weddings, especially al fresco events, and the longer daylight means there’s no rush for taking memorable images — plus, | love a good golden-hour shot! We've showcased some of the top companies from around the counties to help you plan the perfect day. It doesn’t matter what time of year you're exchanging vows; our experts prove that stunning images can be captured in rain, snow or sunshine in our photography feature. In this issue, our experts share key advice to help you create amazing looks for your dearest and dearest. We've got you covered, from bridesmaid, groomsmen and mother-of-the-bride inspiration. If you've started searching for the perfect backdrop to your day, then check out our venue features where you'll discover dream barn settings and properties located in east Hertfordshire. That's all from me; now sit back, relax and celebrate anything and everything wedding. Happy planning! >? livia x Olivia Gibson, Editor The Barn at Alswick wasthe)perfect setting for this‘styled Y shoot, which featured-a.vibrant-colourschemes “4 | ie} 1o) a as) Qi SS hotogr ymurphyp Find the perfect jewellery for your best girls with help from Heulwen Lewis Bespoke. Keep up-to-date with all the latest happenings in the world of grooms. EDITOR’S LETTER Psst, Next Level Show Band is offering a great discount on http: //boumansour.co.uk last-minute bookings. | love this rustic wedding at The Barn at Brook End Green Farm, the couple had such a memorable day surrounded by their loved ones. AQ as x 3 oF as Fe) 2 a} The historical Micklefield Hall creates the perfect backdrop to rustic weddings with multiple spaces for ceremonies — the options are endless. 33 \ / How stunning is this image captured by Rafe Abrook Photography? dlibertybridal.com rookico.uk The lovely bride Rebecka wore a beautiful Jane Hill Bridal gown If you're looking for a fashion-forward gown, then you're in luck and accessorised her look with a hairpiece, white beaded heels and because we've gathered the latest designs to add the wow factor to silver jewellery. your day. Down Hal A MAGICAL DAY The stunning grounds of Down Hall are the perfect setting for your wedding, whether lavish or intimate. t: +44 (0)1279 731 441 e: [email protected] downhall.co.uk THE PERFECT DAY When | first saw the images from this styled shoot at Hinwick Hall House & Gardens, | instantly fell in love! Shoot coordinator Gemma Harris at Gemma Harris Hair Design brought together a team of talented suppliers to create an elegant day with romantic and modern touches. Valentina Val Photo captured the day perfectly. Owner Valentina Ledyukova says, “We were inspired to showcase a diversity in brides, and our goal was to show that every person is beautiful. The hair and make-up was focused on soft natural beauty with an added touch of glam. We opted for flowing and romantic gowns for the models and then we switched to a more fitted-glam look later in the evening. “The stunning light-filled rooms of Hinwick Hall inspired us to create an elegant and feminine look. Floral arrangement and bouquets were chosen around the décor and venue to complement the spaces.” Check out the stunning shoot and discover the talented team here: www.yourhertsbeds.wedding/news 1) FN EWs Catch up on news from around the counties 2022 THE 2022 DING WEDDING (AWARDS INDUSTRY AWARDS THE WEDDING VOWS Local Hemel Hempstead celebrant Kelly Hawes has won the prestigious award of Celebrant of the Year, East of England at The Wedding Industry Awards 2022. The award show was established in 2011 to recognise and reward some of the most talented suppliers in the wedding industry, while helping pairs decide on trustworthy businesses. Owner Kelly was nominated by one of her brides in October 2021, which then encouraged her to enter the awards for the very first time. When voting, past couples score companies based on various aspects of their service. It’s not just about the total number of votes each business gets, but the quality of the scorecards. Combining the average voter score and the judging process will determine regional finalists, the regional winners and the national winners. As an independent celebrant, Kelly’s service to her couples includes meeting and getting to know each pair well before writing and presenting a wedding ceremony that completely encapsulates their personalities. Every ceremony is personal and performed with a modern and fun touch. Check out: www.kellyhcelebrant.co.uk wwwvalentinavalphote.com _- ; 2 SUBSCRIBE = counry D CWI Sik. © VouTube WANT EVEN MORE INSPIRATION? Here at CWM HQ we're literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because, really, what is enough? We'd go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we've created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you. It’s full of tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses. Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings — after all, if we’re honest, who doesn’t love being a bit nosey! And we haven't stopped there, as you'll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks. We're adding more content all the time, so why not hit subscribe so you never miss a thing? It’s your one- stop shop for wedding vid-spiration! Simply head to YouTube and search ‘County Wedding Magazines’ or click here www.youtube.com/channel/ UCMAChACKNanShdZwl5QGXMQ LOCAL NEWS be S is) sy a o g =] = v 3 PLANNED TO PERFECTION Located in Hertfordshire, LBC Weddings and Events is currently offering 10 per cent off on-the-day coordination for all 2022 weddings. As couples approach their big day, they may need someone to manage the event and be their eyes, ears and voice throughout the day. That’s where the team come in to help support pairs so they can focus solely on soaking up all the amazing moments while celebrating with loved ones. When lovebirds book this service, the company will: © Help plan the wedding four months before the special day. © Attend final meetings with suppliers. © Create all coordination documents and send them to suppliers, including wedding schedules and floor plans. © Confirm final details with your venue and suppliers. © Support couples with any custom requirements. ® Liaise with all on-the-day suppliers, including the venue. © On-the-day coordination for up to 10 hours, including overseeing the set-up if required. The company started back in 2020, and the team works hard to provide couples with exceptional service and takes any added stress away from nearlyweds. Check out: www.lbcweddingsandevents.co.uk DE-STRESS AND REST Steeped in history, The Grove has a new package perfect for pre-wedding getaways. The Great Escape two-night package is the ideal opportunity to relax and take a break from wedding planning. Pairs can use the property's bikes to explore the stunning grounds, nearby countryside and canals to discover picture-perfect spaces. The whole family can practice their golf skills in a 60-minute lesson with a PGA Professional. Families can make unforgettable memories with a choice of activities to pick from. Why not get in the saddle and enjoy the venue's newly-launched Pony Club for those staying in the school holidays with kids? Outdoor lovers can also build dens and learn outdoor crafts in the Forest Camp. For lovebirds with younger children, they can book a two-hour session at Anouska’s Kids Club for children aged two to nine years old. Parents can then discover the newly-refurbished Sequoia Spa with a Japanese spa bath and pool. Guests can head to The Secret Garden Cinema in the summer months with Everyman Cinema for the perfect movie night. The Great Escape Package includes: © Two-night stay in the deluxe room. © Breakfast at The Glasshouse or in-room. © Dinner both nights in The Stables or The Glasshouse. © A45 minute segway experience (ages 10+), laser clay pigeon shooting (ages 8+) or an archery lesson (ages 6+) for the whole family, or two hours at Anouska’s Kids Club for children. © Complimentary use of The Grove’s bikes to explore the woodland trails. © Use of one of the tennis courts for the whole family. © A 60-minute golf lesson with one of The Grove’s PGA Professionals. ® Time in the award-winning Sequoia Spa and Walled Garden during the summer. The package starts from £1,050 per room per night during the school holidays, and the friendly team is excited to welcome guests. Find out more: www.thegrove.co.uk RAISE A TOAST Calling all wine lovers! Founded in 2013 by wine expert India Marshall- Roads, Bottle Bazaar Ltd is currently bookings made before August 2022. To receive the discount, all couples have to do is use the code YHBW 10 online at checkout. uroakydessojoydsaarpoyolamm Couples can get creative with the wine bottles with a vast library of designs to choose from. Why not tie the venue décor into the wine, use the bottles as table numbers or give them to the bridal party for gifts — the options are endless! Bottle Bazaar lets pairs personalise individual bottles of prosecco, champagne or their favourite wine by choosing a label and adding words and maybe even a photo. There's no minimum order from 100 bottles for your reception, six bottles for your wedding party gifts, or just one for the best man. The company offers an extensive range of wines, including vegetarian, vegan, organic and sustainable options from £22 plus delivery for a single bottle and would receive discounts for six or more. Check out: www.bottlebazaar.co.uk