Your East Anglian Wedding - December 2020/Janaury 2021 (Issue 46)

THE BIGGER PICTURE Cambridgeshire-based make-up artist Paige Richards is embarking on a new chapter in her career. After working as a freelance make-up artist under her own name for the past seven years, she’s relaunching under a new umbrella title Mirror Image and expanding to a bigger studio. The rebrand is designed to reflect how the business has grown and the range of services available. Paige explains, “It’s great to have your name recognised and known within the industry, however I felt that as I expand to a bigger studio with ambitious plans for the future, I needed to take the focus off my name to enable me to create a brand and a community. “Also, it’s not just about make-up and session styling, I’m also a fully qualified beauty therapist and have been for 11 years now. I offer all these services within the studio and the new name, captures the fact that my business is about the whole image.” The change is also in recognition of the talented make-up crew that work with her and their role within the brand family. Paige only moved to the area two and half years ago and has been busy building up new clientele locally. “What better time to rebrand and relaunch than in a new town and new studio!” she adds. Starting out in the industry at the tender age of 16, one of her greatest inspirations at the time was the TV show Britain’s Next Top Model which she later worked on under the wing of make-up artist and mentor Lee Pycroft. Before going freelance she worked for leading brands, make-up artists and salons as well as TV and magazine work. Plans for the future include a Mirror Image education project offering short and long courses in make-up artistry, wedding hair styling and beauty treatments. For weddings, she offers ready-made or bespoke packages as well as beauty services, hen-do make-up masterclasses or get-ready parties. To find out more visit www.paigerichards.co.uk RELAXATION STAYCATION The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket has launched its first exclusive three-night Relaxation Staycation package; perfect for a pre- or post-wedding getaway. Enjoy three nights of luxury in the four red star hotel, including a seven-hour spa day, a treatment of choice and delicious dining in the award-winning Squires restaurant. With a country house feel, the hotel offers the perfect home-away-from-home and a great base for exploring the heart of rural Suffolk. Situated in the picturesque town of Newmarket, it has launched the three-night spa escape in response to growing demand for staycations closer to home. Escape to paradise at the luxurious five-bubble rated spa with a full day of pampering, enjoy delicious food, and three nights of total luxury. Use of the spa’s state-of-the-art heat and hydrotherapy experiences is included. There’s a hydrotherapy pool with five different water experiences, rooftop hot tub available for a private 15-minute session, relaxing sauna and steam room. The spa day also includes a one-course lunch in the tranquil spa lounge and a choice of one-hour ESPA treatments with expert spa therapists. For two out of three nights, dinner can be enjoyed at the award-winning Squires restaurant. Visit www.bedfordlodgehotelspa.co.uk to find out more. BUBBLES AND BRIDES Relax and enjoy an indulgent spa break and pick up some handy floristry skills too. Norfolk-based floral designer Alison Mortlock has launched new hen party packages combining rest and relaxation with a handy craft workshop. Staying at The Old Post Office, a luxurious Georgian mansion in the heart of Norfolk, you can enjoy a hen spa weekend of pure indulgence with your friends and family. “Our Bubbles and Brides Hen Package looks to combine indulgence and individuality by focusing on a pampering service with a luxury Hammam spa, chromatherapy lighting and aromatherapy scents and a private workshop to design and create a range of wearable flowers that can be worn on the big day,” Alison explains. With growing demand for intimate weddings you can not only book The Old Post Office as your venue but also the Bubbles and Brides Intimate Package and create stunning floral displays for your big day. “We’re also  offering a three-day course on how to design and create your own wedding flowers, from buttonholes to bouquets,” adds Alison. Visit www.albertroseflowers.co.uk an d www.toponorfolk.co.uk www.lizgreenhalgh.co.uk 10