An Essex Wedding - Page number 9 - May/June 2021 (Issue 98)

All the latest from around the county NEWS Nearlywed THE MEANING OF LOVE We’ve been catching up with Essex wedding professionals to find out what it’s been like to run their business during the pandemic. Clive of Special Moments Celebrant has been supporting his couples throughout postponements, cancellations and reorganising. “There have been many tears as the stress of this prolonged uncertainty has taken its toll,” Clive says. “My role is to ensure that plans are adapted so that the couple can still look forward to celebrating their love in a way that reflects them. Twenty years of experience has equipped me with the expertise to ensure that even if the wedding isn’t what was originally planned, that it’s still a magical experience – even if Zoom is necessary!” With many couples opting for a small official ceremony followed by a second ‘sequel’ wedding after restrictions have lifted, Clive can make sure the second wedding is truly special. “I can create a unique event where the only limit is your imagination,” he says. “With the backlog of ceremonies developing, a celebrant-led wedding can happen at any time and place, giving you more flexibility.” Head to www.specialmomentscelebrant.co.uk GARDEN PARTY Born from a desire to see people laugh, socialise and celebrate together again, The Garden Club was created by a group of likeminded, carefully curated event specialists to provide an easy, stress-free way to organise a party. Totally versatile, The Garden Club can be whatever you want it to be! From the comfort of your own garden to the grounds of a hired venue, from ten guests to 1,000, the team can help you style and host a truly memorable event. Think engagement parties, hen or stag dos or epic festival-style weddings. The team covers everything: food, drink, furniture, music, photography and videography, plus a whole lot of industry knowledge. You can book the whole team or pick and mix the suppliers you require. The only VIP is you. Visit https://thegardenclub.co.uk Historic settings During this time of restrictions and lockdowns, Layer Marney Tower has hosted a few very special intimate weddings, and while it had fewer visitors, it was the perfect opportunity for works to take place. The venue was lucky enough to receive a Cultural Recovery Fund Grant, and the money has been put to work renovating the large Medieval Essex Barn, which runs along one side of the Courtyard. Over winter, the uneven floor has been dug up, insulation has been laid and sandwiched between two layers of limecrete is underfloor heating, with a top layer of York stone. The leaky roof and walls are being insulated and tiled, while making sure it loses none of its rustic charm. Although not completed yet, work should be finished in time for the venue’s planned reopening to general visitors on Wednesday 19 th May. Couples can look forward to Layer Marney Tower’s Evening Wedding Fayre on Thursday 10 th June, when they’ll be able to see this wonderful new space. For more information, visit www.layermarneytower.co.uk www.chloeleephoto.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9