Your West Midlands Wedding - December/January 2023/2024 (Issue 89)

AWARD-WINNING Stockton House, situated in the beautiful Shropshire countryside, received the accolade of ‘Best Venue (Other) in the West Midlands’ at the Wedding Industry Awards, an evening that celebrates suppliers across the wedding industry. Stockton House and the dedicated team will now go on to compete in the national finals, which take place in London in January 2024. Owned and run by the estate, the Georgian Grade II-listed venue opened its doors in August 2022 and has had a successful first year. There are two other tenant businesses on the Apley Estate, Brides View at Astol and Emmie Hair, based in the Estates Farm Shop courtyard, who have also been nominated as regional finalists. Venue manager Amy Applegarth commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be announced as regional winners at The Wedding Industry Awards. We only opened our doors in August 2022, and to win such a huge accolade like this is amazing. We are striving to offer our couples a wedding weekend experience with very few limitations. I believe our personal and dedicated approach is what sets us apart while always providing a warm welcome. We’re now looking forward to showcasing our venue at the National Finals in January.” Head over to www.stocktonhouseweddings.co.uk for more information. DRINK IT ALL IN Couples looking for something special for their guests will love Warwickshire Gin Company’s miniature spirits, which make the perfect table favours. Great conversation starters, the inspiration behind the award-winning distillery’s collection comes from a desire to capture a moment in history, develop flavours to fully represent the county’s own unique story, and bring the range of hand-crafted flavours to life. The new special-edition rums are among those also now available in 5-cl servings, with the added option of rope-handled gift bags and tonics or even handmade chocolates infused with their own gin or rum. The rum collection is inspired by Warwickshire’s own legendary boxing champion, Randolph Turpin, who earned himself the nickname Leamington Licker. The distillery also offers visitor experiences, including gin tastings, cocktails at the distillery, afternoon gin and tea, and a range of build-your-own branded gift bundles. Visit www.warwickshiregincompany.co.uk for more information. NEW VENUE ALERT! Plans to transform a former antiques centre into an exciting new luxury wedding venue in the West Midlands have been unveiled by property consultants Burley Browne. Blackbrook Barns, prominently located between Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield, is set to be re-imagined by its new owners as a high-class wedding venue set within beautiful rural surroundings against the backdrop of a Grade-II-listed hall and outbuildings. The venue will be able to accommodate wedding ceremonies and all the subsequent celebrations. The development will also boast eight retail units, which are ideally suited to retailers and businesses associated with the wedding and wider hospitality sectors. David Hemming, the joint managing director of Burley Browne, said: “The redevelopment of Blackbrook Barns offers some really exciting opportunities for retailers operating in the weddings sector. Our client will transform the current site into a fantastic new luxury wedding venue that will be surrounded by high-quality shops. It will provide couples getting married in the region with superb new facilities in an extremely convenient location.” Check out www.burleybrowne.co.uk for more information. www.eloiseandmitch.com A HISTORIC SETTING Weston Hall is a magnificent Grade II* listed building nestled in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside. Encompassing four large pitched roofs, a striking exterior, and a mixture of modern and Elizabethan features, the venue has several beautiful wedding spaces to choose from. The Shrewsbury Suite’s impressive countryside views and original mullioned windows allow for a magical backdrop for an enchanting ceremony of up to 110 guests. On the other hand, the Westminster Suite provides elegance and charm with its oak beams and stone fireplaces. Boasting a private bar and custom-made dancefloor, The Westminster Suite is the ideal setting for up to 150 loved ones to enjoy the celebrations. Weston Hall is hosting an open day on 13th and 14th January, 2024, from 11am to 4pm. This is the perfect chance to see the venue for yourself and meet the wonderful team. To find out more about the venue, visit www.weston-hall.co.uk or call 01889 271 082. www.instagram.com/charlotteashleyphotography 10

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