An Essex Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 93)

All the latest from around the region NEWS Nearlywed OUTSIDE IN Baddow Park House in Chelmsford has announced the launch of its spectacular new Orangery. Promising to be the ultimate hub for weddings at the venue, the light, spacious setting has impressive views over the rose-decked terrace and vineyards beyond. Couples can celebrate here with up to 150 friends and family. Bi-folding doors open on to the terrace giving an indoor-outdoor feel, and its balcony makes a lovely spot for couple portraits. Housing a well-stocked Art Deco-style bar, in-house caterers Abigails (www.abigails.co.uk) pr ovide an in- depth knowledge of wines and cocktails to complement your dining experience. Come the evening, the space can be transformed with a dancefloor ready to party the night away. Find out more at www.baddowparkhouse.co.uk LOOKING FORWARD As the world is rocked by a pandemic that was unimaginable only a few months ago, plans have been put on hold until safer and happier times, not least in the wedding industry. Blake Hall Weddings has taken this time to proactively work with its couples to ensure they still get the day they dreamed of, albeit on a different date. “We understand for couples who have had to reschedule it’s been an extraordinary wrench,” says Sarah Leonard of the venue. “We’ve postponed weddings to available dates at the end of the year and into 2021. We appreciate the financial strain this has caused so we have not charged any extra, and for couples moving to mid-week dates, we’ve honoured the lower rates for them.” The venue has also been conducting virtual viewings of the barns, gardens and accommodation, allowing them to take bookings and look forward to the future. “We can’t wait for the time when vows can be made, corks will pop and confetti will be thrown,” Sarah says. Find out more at www.blakehall.co.uk BACK IN ACTION Sharyn Warner, owner of Bridal Reloved Maldon, is celebrating a year running the boutique, which specialises in pre-loved, new and ex-sample designer gowns. “For the anniversary, we were planning a celebration for past and present brides, with plenty of fizz,” Sharyn says. “Unfortunately, this will have to be postponed because of coronavirus, but watch this space!” With restrictions starting to lift, Sharyn is looking forward to reopening the boutique after a lockdown facelift. “I’m running a reboot offer of 10% discount on all dresses plus extended payment plans,” she tells us. “Just call, email or message me on social media to book your appointment.” For more information and how to make contact, visit https://bridalreloved.co.uk/shops/maldon/ MAKING PLANS Changing wedding dates has been a stressful process for many couples, but the amazing people at Essex venues have made it so much easier. We have heard from a number of couples all singing the praises of the staff at Chelmsford wedding venue Ivy Hill Hotel for their support. Head to our website to read their stories, and visit https://ivyhillhotel.co.uk fo r more information on its new socially distanced viewings. YOUR ESSENTIALS 9