Your East Anglian Wedding - Aug/Sep 2019 (Issue 38)

NEW ERA FOR CAMBRIDGESHIRE VENUE Country House Weddings venue Holmewood Hall has embarked on an exciting new chapter in its illustrious history. The venue has opened for weddings following major renovation of the property. The ground floor and reception rooms have been revamped and given a new lease of life and 16 new guest bedrooms created from scratch. The grounds have been transformed into manicured parkland with striped lawns at every turn. Relationships have been forged with a selection of local suppliers with more hopefully to come. The all-inclusive wedding option includes everything you need for an amazing big day, all rolled into one simple-to-understand package. Steeped in history, the hall was built by the distinguished Wells family and is said to date back to 1873. Over the years it’s had many uses, including serving as a base for the training and supply of resistance fighters during World War II. Visit holmewood-hall.co.uk to find out more. WEDDING A-LISTER Jack the miniature Shetland pony is our new office pinup! We’ve fallen in love with his well-groomed good looks and he’s fast becoming a celebrity on the local wedding scene too. As a four-legged confetti carrier, he’s a real show-stealer kitted out with his leather bridle, lead rope, decorated harness and wicker baskets. “Jack really enjoys all the attention he gets at weddings,” says owner Ali Stearn. “We’re usually booked as a surprise for the guests so we arrive during the ceremony and hide outside until the newlyweds appear. Everyone then forms an aisle and grabs confetti from his baskets as we walk through.” The confetti is freshly picked on the wedding morning from the David Austen rose garden on the family farm in Wymondham, South Norfolk. “The petals smell divine and are either a pale dusky or deep shade of pink but we can also buy in fresh ones to match the bride’s colour scheme,” adds Ali. After the confetti throwing, Jack happily stays for an hour or two before the wedding breakfast to mix and mingle and pose for photos. Named after Mark Brock, the man who rescued him as a foal, visit www.jackbrockltd.co.uk for further details. Exciting times for The Hoste Landmark venue The Hoste is under new ownership and is set to launch new wedding packages. Located in the pretty village of Burnham Market, close to the beautiful North Norfolk coast, it was bought by The City Pub Group in May this year. General manager Greg Hacon says, “This is a very exciting time for the team; the continued development of our venue with the guidance of The City Pub Group’s expertise will ensure The Hoste retains its very special heritage and reputation while ensuring the future success of the hotel.We’re also very excited to introduce new wedding packages towards the end of summer, ready for 2020.” The perfect place to unwind and explore the local countryside and coast, The Hoste is a collection of properties with a total of 62 bedrooms across the hotel, Vine House, Railway House and luxury self-catering cottages. Licensed for weddings, it offers elegant and flexible spaces for ceremonies and receptions. The stunning Garden Room has its own bar, which opens on to a walled garden, and can accommodate up to 120 guests for the celebrations. Smaller rooms are also available for more intimate weddings. Visit thehoste.com www.elizabethyoungphotography.co.uk lavenhamphotographic.co.uk fosseyimages.com 10