An Essex Wedding - Jan/Feb 2020 (Issue 90)

HISTORIC LOVE Happy 300 th birthday to the beautiful Mansion House at Hedingham Castle! Why not check out this fabulous building as well as the awe- inspiring castle at the venue’s wedding open day on Sunday 8 th March, 2020. Find out more at hedinghamcastle.co.uk samandlouise.co.uk SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE… Want a designer gown without the price tag? Take a look at Something Borrowed Bridal, a new business based in Basildon that allows you to hire a wedding dress at a fraction of the retail price. “We have a gorgeous collection of styles from timeless classics to contemporary-chic looks,” owner Alyson Scrivener tells us. “There are a wide range of silhouettes from a simple sheath to showstopping ballgowns. Our dresses are from some of the world’s most prestigious bridal designers including Mori Lee, Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander and many more.” If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or you don’t have time to order a new gown, then hiring may be the right decision for you. “Our dresses range from £250 to £450 for a week’s rental and this includes dry cleaning,” Alyson explains. “If you need the dress for longer this can be arranged at an additional cost.” To find out more, go to somethingborrowedbridal.co.uk A GRAND AFFAIR Stifford Hall Hotel has unveiled its recently refurbished Regency Suite. Working with designers Diverse Interior Architecture, the plan was to restore the grandeur of the main manor house – and it’s certainly done just that. Bespoke crystal chandeliers and fittings flood the space with light, while plush new carpets and sophisticated neutral décor mean the space can be easily decorated to couples’ requirements. The capacity for this room has also changed, now catering for up to 160 loved ones for a formal wedding breakfast. To find out more about hosting your wedding here, visit the website bespokehotels.com/stiffordhall DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Colchester’s historic Town Hall is throwing open its doors on Sunday 23 rd February, 2020, from 11am to 3pm to host a wedding fair for brides- and grooms-to-be at this iconic town-centre venue. You’ll be able to see a wide selection of stands from talented local suppliers, covering everything needed to plan your big day from photographers and cake designers to florists. Make sure you check out the beautiful rooms available in the Town Hall for ceremonies, receptions and after-parties. While there, you can also find out about other iconic venues in the town such as Colchester Castle, Castle Park, the exclusive Summer House and larger settings such as Charter Hall. Couples must get a free admission ticket via Eventbrite. For more information, visit colchester-events.co.uk/weddings MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THE AMAZING WEDDING SHOWS WE’RE ORGANISING THIS YEAR! GO TO COUNTYWEDDINGEVENTS.COM 10