NEWS Nearlywed All the latest from around the county IN IT TO WIN IT When South Woodham Ferrers midwife Natalie Chapman and her paramedic fiancé Mark Bomford entered a competition for NHS workers to win an incredible Essex wedding, worth more than £26,000, they never dreamt they’d win – until they were surprised outside the hospital they work at, surrounded by friends and family! The competition was organised by Thorpe-le-Soken-based florist and venue stylist Rosie Obeney of Rose Decor Styling – www.rosedecorstyling.co.uk – who wanted to give something back to NHS staff working throughout the pandemic. “I have a big list of amazing people I love to work with in the industry, so I put the feelers out and the response was incredible,” she says. “I was inundated with amazing businesses offering up their services to one lucky couple.” In total 26 multi-award-winning Essex wedding suppliers teamed up, from the photography and videography right down to flowers, bridal hair and outfits. Held at Tuffon Hall Vineyard on 3rd March, 2022, Natalie and Mark were gifted wedding stationery, catering, decorations, transport, entertainment, occasion wear and more. “Our wedding day was perfect from beginning to end,” say the newlyweds. “We are so incredibly grateful for all of the suppliers coming together to give us this unbelievable gift, and making our wedding day so special.” COME DINE WITH ME Wedding plans stressing you both out? Take five and remember why you’re getting married in the first place by heading for a date night at Danbury restaurant, The Griffin. Having recently undergone a renovation to bring seasonal fine dining to the village, the eaterie now boasts a spectacular Champagne and oyster bar, alongside a menu centred around exquisite fish and seafood dishes. Created by Executive Chef Mik Nelder, the cuisine showcases a host of delicious flavours and textures, with menu highlights including grilled lobster with garlic butter, thermidor and mayonnaise; and whole roasted poussin with a bourguignon sauce. Editor Claire Muffett-Reece was invited along to sample the menu and find out more… “Arriving at The Griffin I was immediately impressed with the interior – a fantastic mix of exposed beams with a cool, contemporary bar and stylish dining space. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable of the menu, which comprises of a delicious mix of meat, fish and vegetarian options. My husband and I both opted for the pan-fried scallops to start, served with fennel compote, pickled apple, seaweed and caviar sauce. I then chose the grilled skate with capers, brown shrimp, cucumber and chicken butter sauce, which literally melted in the mouth, while my husband enjoyed a chunky fillet of halibut, complemented by parmesan gnocchi, chanterelle mushrooms and a shellfish sauce. He was then too full for dessert, but I personally couldn’t resist, asking my server what she’d recommend. She suggested I try the Paris-Brest, choux pastry filled with praline mousseline and topped with a warm chocolate sauce. Baked to order, it was absolutely worth the wait! We both left with full and contended tummies, knowing we’d return with friends so they, too, could sample The Griffin’s delicious cuisine.” Visit https://griffindanbury.co.uk to book and find out more. PICK ’N’ MIX Organising your own wedding favours just got a whole lot easier, thanks to Haribo opening their latest store at Braintree Village. Now visitors to the shopping centre can experience the sweet giant’s eclectic mix of popular treats, all the while deciding what their friends and family would most like to unwrap – and eat! – while listening to those wedding speeches. “We have so many treats in store for shoppers, with our pick your own selection featuring more than 30 varieties of sweets,” says store manager Sam Rogers. “From Tangfastics to Starmix, MAOAM Bloxx to Goldbears, and Jelly Babies to Fruity Frogs, we have it all.” There’s never been a more relevant time to say that when it comes to the new store, you really will be like a kid in a sweet shop! Visit https://braintree-village.com for more information. Editor Claire enjoyed a delicious meal at Danbury restaurant The Griffin WANT TO SEE THEIR INCREDIBLE DAY? Look out for the couple’s fantastic wedding, exclusive to An Essex Wedding, in our July/August issue, available from June, 2022! https://da-photo.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 9
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