FASHION, BEAUTY, GROOMS, HONEYMOONS, VENUES, NEWS AND MORE APR/MAY 2023 £3.55 www.yourgloswilts.wedding Head OVER HEELS Bridal shoes and bags Petal POWER Big-day bouquets and floral installations SPOTLIGHT ON... South and West Gloucestershire READY TO WED Romantic real-life love stories Woodland wedding Outdoor summer shoot inspiration Frill seekers Ruffled and layered wedding gowns cCa ko oe ls A slice of the latest flavours
KINGSHEAD-HOTEL.CO.UK 24 MARKET PLACE, CIRENCESTER, GL7 2NR The Kings Head hotel is a stunning boutique style wedding venue located in the heart of the historic town of Cirencester, the heart of the Cotswolds. From an intimate ceremony, lavish wedding reception or simply a meal with close family and friends our celebration spaces offer you the perfect backdrop for any occasion. • Licenced for civil ceremonies from 2 - 150 people • Wedding packages from just £70.00 per guest • Bespoke package options available, tailor-made to match your vision • Intimate ceremony and dining rooms • Wedding reception parties for up to 300 guests • 64 Stylish en-suite Bedrooms and one/two bedroom apartments available • Discounted accommodation rates • Exclusive use of hotel available To arrange a viewing and to discuss how we can create your perfect day call us on: 01285 700900 or email Daisy on weddings@kingshead-hotel.co.uk
3 REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER A warm welcome from Claire 9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the regions 13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs 58 HOT TOPIC Local experts offer big-day advice 90 COMPETITION Win a four-night break in Tuscany CONTENTS APRIL/MAY 2023 FEATURES 45 THE LADY AND THE UNICORN New Wiltshire venue The Woods at Oakley provided the backdrop for this Parisian-themed shoot 49 COOL WAYS WITH CAKES We reveal new designs and flavours 53 DARLING BUDS OF MAY Budding flora for spring weddings On the cover... New Wiltshire-based wedding venue The Woods at Oakley (https://thewoodsatoakley.co.uk) provided the stunning al fresco backdrop for our cover image which was beautifully captured by photographer Paul Underhill. See the shoot in full on page 45 and to book Paul for your wedding, visit www.paulunderhill.com 65 VENUES 17 IN FULL BLOOM We reveal the finest garden venues throughout the regions 23 SPOTLIGHT ON... Wedding venues in South and West Gloucestershire the regions 82
4 GROOMS 78 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 79 SUITED AND BOOTED Styling advice for the groom-to-be 80 IT’S ONLY NATURAL With neutral colour palettes on the rise, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite products to ensure you look on-trend this season FASHION & BEAUTY 60 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 61 IN LOVE WITH LACE This timeless fabric never goes out of fashion 65 FRILL SEEKERS This season’s bridal dresses enjoy tiers of ruffled tulle, silky satin layers and subtle pleats 70 HEAD OVER HEELS Walk down the aisle in style this season with our hand-picked edit of the best bridal shoes and bags 71 BAN THE BLOAT Professional nutritionists at Wedding Wellness explain how to avoid untimely bloating on your wedding day 72 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with these must-haves for the bride-to-be 74 BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems 76 SOOTHING SELF-CARE Gracie Leader finds out about the world of Reiki REAL WEDDINGS 26 YURT LIFE Dionne and David’s big day looked magical with yurts set up in the grounds of Hilles House 33 SOMETHING BLUE The Pear Tree in Purton, Wiltshire provided a pretty backdrop for Rosie and James’s special celebration 38 LOCAL LOVE Holly and Michael chose Gloucestershire’s Pauntley Court as the backdrop for their special day 72 15 78 70 HONEYMOONS 82 HONEYMOON NEWS The newest openings and honeymoon destinations 84 A GRAND AFFAIR Experience ultimate luxury at Rhodes-based Ixian Grand & All Suites 86 SANTA NEEDS A SPA DAY The Runnymede on Thames set the scene for a pre-Xmas break 88 FLY AWAY WITH ME We've rounded up some of our favourite city escapes 60 53
From the moment you arrive, our friendly team will support you in helping to plan your perfect wedding day at Llanthony Secunda. There are two magical locations, as well as the glorious grounds available for wedding hire, providing a beautiful setting for your wedding celebrations. Whether you dream of a vintage style afternoon tea or a glamorous wedding reception, our warm and relaxed atmosphere will make everyone feel at home. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is also located on the doorstep of the Priory, which in combination with our historic buildings on site, provides some truly unique photo opportunities. Llanthony Secunda Priory, Priory Junction, Gloucester, GL2 5FA 01452 563499 | info@llanthonysecunda.org | llanthonysecunda.org ORGANIC SOURDOUGH WOOD FIRED PIZZA Box Kitchen serves up organic sourdough wood fired pizza for events, weddings, festivals, private parties and anywhere there is a need for top quality mobile pizza! We use soil certified organic, fresh, local ingredients wherever we can, and go the extra mile when it comes to creating truly delicious flavours. We have plenty of vegan and gluten free pizza options, so whatever your dietary requirements, we have you covered. WWW.BOXKITCHEN.CO.UK hello@boxkitchen.co.uk | 07794 418207
With Easter just behind us, the next important date in the diary is the King’s Coronation. For those of you putting the finishing touches to a royal-inspired, late-spring or earlysummer wedding, this issue is packed full of finishing touches to help. If you’ve just started your wedding planning journey – maybe you became engaged over Easter – then let our actionpacked pages help to find you the perfect venue or wedding yurt, and style it with inspiration from our real-life wedding couples. Don’t miss Dionne and David’s festival-style celebration on page 26 for wow-factor ideas! There’s also expert advice, all the latest news, exclusive offers and ideas for cakes and flowers that are not to be missed plus fashion, beauty, well-being, grooming and honeymoons. Until the next issue... Claire x Claire Ridley, Editor A spring in my step Cheltenham-based hair and make-up artist Juliet Draper is our beauty expert in this issue. Don’t miss her trend-led advice on page 74. Check out the cute new pretty furoshiki ring bags from Zusetsu, importing beautiful gifts from Japan, on page 58. Why not commission a bespoke painting of your wedding bouquet as a lasting memory? Read all about it on page 55. 6 ISSN 2399-4967 Your Glos & Wilts Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your Glos & Wilts Wedding is published six times a year. cwe COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS ADVERTISING Account Manager Julia Owen | 01376 538 556 julia.owen@county.wedding @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding EDITORIAL Editor Claire Ridley | 01376 535 611 claire.ridley@county.wedding Enjoy a spring fling in the Cotswolds with Finest Retreats. Read all about how to book on page nine.
How cute do newlyweds Rosie and James look in this image captured as the sun was setting on their special day at The Pear Tree in Purton? Turn to page 33 to see more. I adore our outdoor woodland photo shoot in this issue that took place at The Woods at Oakley. See more on page 45. How magical do the yurts from Cheltenham Yurt Hire look here at the real wedding of owners Dionne and David? They were placed within the grounds at Hilles House and the wedding can be seen on page 26. I love this fabulous three-tier cake decorated with flowers from Cotswold Rustic Cakes. If I were getting married again, this is definitely what I’d pick! Turn to page 49 to see more of their delicious designs. EDITOR’S LETTER 7 Win a dreamy Italian honeymoon in Tuscany on page 90! Wow! The pretty gardens at the wedding venue Birtsmorton Court look so wonderful in full bloom on page 17.
We are all about weddings with personality, individualism, theatrics and creativity. With 11 individually designed bedrooms, and quirky spaces that can host parties of 15 up to 150 guests, Weddings at the House enables couples to design a day that is authentically them, all under one fabulously stylish roof. 01285 648230 | info@inglesidehouse.co.uk inglesidehouse.co.uk Weddings at the House A unique experience for unique couples, seeking something different from the norm. Love comes in many forms, which is why we don’t offer impersonal packages for one of the most personal days of your life.
The latest news from around both counties PREPARE TO BE PAMPERED AT A POB HOTEL PoB Hotels has recently launched as a collection of carefully curated rooms, the finest restaurants and spas and the most authentic regional experiences across the UK. Formerly known as Pride of Britain Hotels, the new PoB Hotels marks a shift towards an entirely new brand, personality and ethos under CEO Kalindi Juneja. POB Hotels will encompass relaxed, modern luxury and continue to showcase a range of independent properties dotted around the UK which keeps inspiring guests to discover new hotel experiences that are Pampering, Outstanding and British. These include Whatley Manor hotel and spa (www.whatleymanor.com) and Lucknam Park Hotel, Spa, Estate (www.lucknampark.co.uk) in Wiltshire and Barnsley House (www.barnsleyhouse.com) and Ellenborough Park in Gloucestershire (www.ellenboroughpark.com). New research commissioned by PoB Hotels from market intelligence firm AudienceNet, shows that more British customers intend to not only travel across the UK during 2023 but also stay longer at their chosen luxury hotel. Almost two-thirds of UK adults (63%) claimed that the appeal of taking a break in Britain as opposed to flying abroad had increased since the pandemic. Furthermore, over one-third (35%) of all UK adults plan to stay at an upmarket, luxury or spa hotel within the British Isles, with 53% saying they would be more inclined to book a three-night stay within a British hotel, rather than a two-night stay. Two-thirds (66%) of UK adults claim they like to be very well looked after and pampered when staying in a British hotel. The importance of experiences, such as good food, better spa and well-being facilities was said to have increased for as much as 60% of the UK adult population when staying at a British hotel. Kalindi Juneja, CEO of PoB Hotels, comments, “It’s an exciting new era for PoB Hotels as the evolution of our iconic British brand has already brought us new hotel members and is attracting new guests. Britons want to spend more time enjoying the incredible experiences on offer within the British Isles and we will be showcasing the finest privately-owned hotels, restaurants and spas available.“ In line with the new brand, PoB Hotels is launching a new website that is centred around the guest experience. Features include ‘The Handle’ which is PoB Hotels’ new online magazine, an intelligent search bar, and a mystery door for guests who want a surprise element to their next British holiday. PoB Hotels will relaunch all social media channels under the new name and the brand has also launched on TikTok to interest guests through creative content and videos. The rebrand also unveils the PoB hotels gift vouchers that can be personalised and purchased as part of a luxurious gift pack including a reusable travel bag, a copy of The Directory book and a stylish gift wallet. For an instant gift, the voucher can be sent digitally presenting the perfect opportunity for guests to give the gift of luxury to their loved ones. Each gift voucher can be redeemed at any of the hotels across the British Isles. PoB Hotels will also launch The Collection, a coffee-table-style book that’s inspirational. PoB Hotels is committed to responsible travel and the importance of sustainable practices across its hotels and has partnered with EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking certification, and advisory group for travel and tourism to develop environmental good practices and certification for hotel members, and company-wide regenerative practices. Sue Williams, general manager of Whatley Manor has been elected their sustainability brand ambassador and guide, and PoB Hotels is aiming to have more members embark on becoming carbon responsible. CEO Kalindi Juneja added: “Our existing guests will continue to see the familiar sense of our passion to serve. We have taken time to assess what our guests love about us so we can amplify that whilst also looking at what we can improve. The new PoBHotels look is clean, fresh, and more reflective of what the membership has evolved into.” To find out more, visit www.pobhotels.com THE CLUB BY BAMFORD OPENS Recently opened in March 2023 at the organic farm Daylesford in the Cotswolds is The Club by Bamford, a sustainable country private members club offering fitness classes, a state-of-the-art gym, farm fitness, tyre flipping, rope climbing, Olympic lifting, skiErg, padel tennis and first-class facilities amongst nature with world-class personal trainers. It isn’t a spa but it offers doctor-led health appointments and the latest treatments leaning on science-meets-wellness for those serious about their health and fitness goals including CryoTherapy, Red Light Therapy and cold-water swimming. To find out more, visit www.bamfordclub.com NEWS Nearlywed LOCAL NEWS 9
THE 10 MOST INSTAGRAMMED WEDDING VENUES ARE REVEALED With more than 278,000 UK weddings expected to take place this year, there’s no doubt that couples across the country are scrolling through Instagram in search of inspiration. With this in mind, Aura Print (https://aura-print.com) have discovered the 10 most Insta-worthy and beautiful wedding venues in the UK by searching Instagram to discover which venue was being talked about the most. Gloucestershire was a popular spot with Cripps Barn located in Cirencester at number three, Elmore Court situated in Gloucester at number five and Stone Barn in Cheltenham at number six. Cripps Barn has 23,356 mentions on Instagram. This renovated barn from the 18th century is located in the quintessential Cotswolds. With rustic-inspired weddings being a big trend, this venue offers a 150-person dining capacity, a state-of-the-art sound system and a beautiful setting. The team has also ensured that couples will have an amazing after-party with their late-night licence making the fun last even longer. To find out more, visit https://crippsandco.com The fifth most Instagrammable wedding venue is Elmore Court with 21,205 mentions. This stately home was built around 1580 and showcases many different types of architecture throughout the mansion. Weddings can be enjoyed inside or out, with the aesthetics accommodated by the unique collection of styles found around the estate. To find out more, visit www.elmorecourt.com and read on, below, for the latest news about their new treehouse accommodation. Stone Barn, part of the Cripps & Co group, is a traditional Cotswold barn home to roaring fires and an open kitchen. It can host up to 200 guests for an indoor or outdoor ceremony and for the wedding breakfast, and up to 250 people for the evening reception with a late-night license until 1 am. To find out more, visit https://crippsandco.com/stone-barn CONTEMPORARY TREEHOUSES SET TO OPEN AT ELMORE COURT Elmore Court country estate in Gloucestershire will be open to holiday guests for the first time this year with designer accommodation on offer in six new high-end treehouses. With countryside views, guests will have the opportunity to escape to a new space where refined meets rewild. Visitors will experience the comforts that people seek when on holiday whilst drawing in the flourishing flora and fauna of Elmore Court Estate’s nature recovery programme as it enters its third year. The new accommodation project is on track with bookings open for stays from 24th May 2023 onwards, making Elmore one of the UK’s most exciting new staycation choices this year. The treehouses are set in Park Covert Woods and their opening in late spring is perfectly timed for the first guests to enjoy carpets of bluebells and other wildflowers and countryside rambles. Visitors are invited to explore the estate, which is just a short drive from the cathedral city of Gloucester, on recommended walks and learn more about the rewilding programme which started in 2020 when a portion of land was set aside, free from cultivation allowing it to flourish. Each treehouse operates as a self-catering holiday let, is separate from its neighbours and accessed by private boardwalks and sizeable decks from which guests can enjoy the dramatic views across the wetlands and beyond. Each uniquely crafted treehouse features an electric car charging point, fun zig-zagging boardwalk entrances through the woods, British cedar cladding with a corrugated roof, cork flooring and poplar ply walls. The clever design means they are maximally insulated as well as gaining energy from both the sun and occupants. Other features include a modern brazier with a wood store on the seated decking and even an outdoor bath to soak up the incredible views. High spec outside kitchens with a hob, combi ovens, fridge and dining all under shelter optimise time spent al fresco. All treehouse dining areas have outdoor heating. Inside there are bespoke super king-size wooden spindle beds built by Jamie Fraser, who is the owner, Anselm’s, cousin and bedding and mattresses from champions in sustainability, Naturalmat plus an indoor bathroom with shower. The names for the treehouse are inspired by the South American medicine wheel (using British equivalent animals): Wren, Adder, Wild Cat, Sky, Earth and Kite. Sky is stair-free, and pram and wheelchair friendly. The interior design sees another talented cousin of Anselm’s, Tracey Boyd, in charge. Tracey is a well-respected fashion and homewares designer with clients including Anthropologie. Each treehouse is different, using similar materials such as wood, metal and glass with Scandinavian sleek lines, accented by splashes of colour and textures. Accommodation is flexible and suitable for couples, friends and families, sleeping two, three and four people. All treehouses have super king-size beds with a single trundle bed that slides out except Wren which has a super king-size bed with no trundle, sleeping two. The treehouses that sleep four guests have a day bed fitted into a snug next to the bedroom. Whilst the treehouses are equipped for self-catering, guests can pre-order a range of food and drink items such as breakfast hampers, gourmet ready meals and wine, beers, soft drinks and even champagne directly from the estate kitchens. Prices start from £290 per night in Wren; £340 per night in Adder, Wild Cat or Kite and £370 per night in Earth or Sky. The minimum stay is two nights. For reservations, visit www.elmorecourt.com/treehouses www.gettyimages.co.uk ENJOY A SPRING FLING IN THE COTSWOLDS WITH FINEST RETREATS Stay in a spectacular converted Grade II listed building in the picturesque village of Painswick in Gloucestershire. Extensive renovation works by Parti Architects have turned the ARC Painswick property into a light-filled, luxurious haven with plenty of surprising design features. With nine bedrooms sleeping up to 24 guests, it’s perfect for a mini-moon. Arranged around a central courtyard featuring a swimming pool and a barbecue area complete with a pizza oven and firepit, there’s space to socialise. For cosy nights in, the luxuriously equipped kitchen with four ovens and a wine fridge is perfect for whipping up a feast, while the projector room and bar area invite guests to their very own movie night. To find out more and to book, visit www.finestretreats.co.uk 10
www.devere.co.uk/cotswold-water-park-hotel | 01285 864 000 | waterpark.events@devere.com Lake 6, South Cerney, GL7 5FP A picturesque wedding venue in the Cotswolds Set in miles of Cotswolds countryside and more than 150 lakes, this hotel venue provides a stunning backdrop for any wedding day. With lake views, delicious wedding breakfasts curated by an Executive Chef, luxury overnight accommodation and experienced Wedding Coordinators, you can be sure every detail is taken care of to create an unforgettable day.
WEDDINGS AND EVENTS BY BAZ & FRED oldgore@yardspace.co.uk • 01285 708200 • www.yardspace.co.uk Traditional and contemporary designs and techniques Our team will guide you through every stage of your vision, from initial concept to final delivery of your beautiful wedding stationery. Contact us to find out how we can help: 01453 843571 info@cotswoldletterpress.co.uk www.cotswoldletterpress.co.uk Fine wedding stationers LETTERPRESS GOLD FOILING EMBOSSING THERMOGRAPHY
SCIENTIST DISCOVERY TOURS OFFER ITINERARY IN WILTSHIRE New Scientist Discovery Tours is inviting those wishing to travel back to ancient times with a selection of fascinating new tours and expeditions that explore some of the world’s most intriguing sites and delve into their scientific origins with one itinerary being in the Southwest, perfect for a mini-moon in the region. The county of Wiltshire is home to some of the UK’s most fascinating and historically-valuable sites, and on the Prehistoric Southwest England tour, participants will visit a variety of National Trust, English Heritage and UNESCO-listed attractions including Stonehenge (pictured), Old Sarum, Avebury Circle and Maiden Castle. Trip highlights include: Insightful walking tours around several prehistoric sites UNESCO Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site Cerne Abbas with New Scientist’s Editor-in-Chief Emily Wilson Pre-eminent earthworks of Maiden Castle and Old Sarum Talks from the directors of the Salisbury and Wiltshire museums Four nights’ accommodation on a bed-and-breakfast basis is included with four dinners inclusive of wine; two lunches; transfers and full touring itinerary as detailed on the website. Entry to all sites and attractions is also included along with a tour manager throughout the trip and free parking at the hotel. Priced at £1,595 for five days from 4th September 2023. To find out more and to book, visit www.newscientist.com/tours/human-origins-england-stonehenge COTSWOLDS HIDEAWAYS OFFER WEEKEND ACTIVITIES With the television documentary series Clarkson’s Farm back on our screens, one of the show’s most popular personalities is Gerald Cooper, the farms dry stone wall expert. Couples wanting to book an actionpacked honeymoon in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty can now learn to make a drystone wall on some of the county’s most exclusive estates and remote sites with local partner Honeystone Training (https://honeystonetraining.co.uk). The course can be booked through the holiday cottage agency Cotswolds Hideaways which offers honeymoon-worthy accommodation (www.cotswoldshideaways.co.uk). Guests will spend a full weekend in the glorious Gloucestershire countryside learning to build a dry stone wall from the foundation up, and leave having been guided through all the basics of traditional Cotswold dry stone walling. New dates have been added for 2023 that include the 20th to the 21st of May, the 24th to the 25th of June, the 22nd to the 23rd of July and the 9th to the 10th of September. For those staying with Cotswolds Hideaways, they receive a 10% discount on the £145 fee for attending the two-day course. www.gettyimages.co.uk DID YOU KNOW... That online searches have surged for staycations in the Cotswolds. The UK’s travel scene is booming and has been ever since the pandemic when holidaymakers had little choice but to travel within the UK. It seems that Britains are continuing to favour a staycation, the perfect pick for a honeymoon or a mini-moon rather than travelling abroad. It’s considerably more sustainable than hopping on a flight as more people are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and travel more responsibly. While others simply want a more affordable and convenient alternative, especially when travelling with children. From luxury nature retreats to beautiful beaches, some of the country’s most luxurious destinations are right on the doorstep waiting to be explored - all without the inconvenience of flying. Luxury cashmere brand N.Peal www.npeal.com) has revealed some of the best destinations in England and the beautiful Cotswolds is named as one of those where there are plenty of activities to enjoy, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family or with friends. Covering an area of almost 800 square miles, this quintessentially English tourist haven is situated over five counties – Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. To find out more, visit www.cotswolds.com www.gettyimages.co.uk LOCAL NEWS 13
BESPOKE WEDDING STATIONERY Bellapeach Creative create a full range of wedding stationery including, Save the dates, Invitations, RSVP cards, Song request cards, Table plans, Table names, Place names, Menu cards, Order of service and Order of the day boards! Get in touch to book a free consultation Web: Bellapeach.co.uk Email: Bellapeachcreative@hotmail.com Tel: 07900695661 Bellapeachcreative UNIQUE AND STUNNING TIPI HIRE for weddings and events in the Cotswolds and throughout the UK. WWW.FIREFLOWERTIPIS.COM Hello@fireflowertipis.com | 07814684424 www.stevelewisphoto.co.uk info@stevelewisphoto.co.uk 07779134116 It is a privilege to witness, observe, anticipate and capture the moments that convey love, emotion and happiness.
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ENTER ONLINE VIA OUR WEBSITE WWW.YOURGLOSWILTS.WEDDING WORKS OF ART Maryanne Stefanovic is the passionate baker behind the brand Cotswold Rustic Cakes based in Moreton-in-Marsh. She specialises in bespoke floral buttercream wedding and occasion cakes and draws her inspiration from nature and her beautiful Gloucestershire-based surroundings. She loves working with couples who have creative ideas about how they want their wedding cake to be and she welcomes moodboards, colour themes and ideas for the flowers. Cotswold Rustic Cakes also offers taster boxes to couples who have booked their wedding cakes which helps them pick their flavours. These range from white chocolate and blackberry to sticky toffee sponge with salted caramel buttercream. These exceptional flavours are produced using seasonal produce sourced from the local Cotswolds and the fresh blooms used to decorate them are grown in the Cotswold Rustic Cake garden. Maryanne’s two-tier designs feed up to 55 wedding guests and prices start from £335. For a wow-factor three-tier cake that feeds up to 95 people, prices start from £540 and for a statement four-tier centrepiece serving up to 120 guests, prices start from £660. Your Glos & Wilts Wedding has teamed up with Cotswold Rustic Cakes to offer readers 5% off orders booked for wedding cakes over £500 and 5% off orders for celebration cakes over £75. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, visit https://cotswoldrusticcake.wixsite.com/cotswoldrusticcakes quoting YGWW38. www.facebook.com/people/Cotswold-RusticCakes/100057509496944; www.instagram.com/cotswoldrusticcakes Turn to page 49 to see more of Maryanne’s delicious designs in our cool ways with cakes feature! Take advantage of these great giveaways WIN A PAIR OF STEVE MADDEN BRIDAL SHOES The hunt for the perfect bridal shoe ends here with the chance to win the ultimate pair for your special day from Steve Madden. The shimmering Bridal Collection is not only amazing for brides but bridesmaids too, ensuring a picture-perfect look on the big day. For everyone who loves to shine you can choose from rose gold, silver, nude and white with finishes that include satin, rhinestone, leather and clear materials. If the shoe fits… be your own Cinderella! Check out www.stevemadden.co.uk. County Wedding Magazine readers have the chance to win a pair of bridal shoes to the value of £150 from www.stevemadden.co.uk For your chance to win enter online via our website www.yourgloswilts.wedding Freebies & OFFERS www.clairewestawayphotography.co.uk www.inbetweendaysphotography.com www.capturedbykatrina.co.uk FREEBIES & OFFERS 15
WEDDING RECEPTIONS AT THE BISHOP’S PALACE Tel 01722 555302 www.salisburycathedralschool.com/weddings 1 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EQ CALL LOUISE OUR WEDDING & EVENTS MANAGER ON 01242 862352 01242 862352 | EVENTS@THEGREENWAY.CO.UK THEGREENWAYHOTELANDSPA.COM Weddings Our 16th Century Elizabethan manor house offers a stunning and historic wedding venue in the Cotswolds. Surrounded by landscaped grounds and rolling countryside, imagine a picture perfect backdrop to celebrate the most important day of your life with friends and family. Your day is special, which is why we make it our policy to only host one wedding a day. Plus, with our Elan Spa, brides-to-be can relax the night before with a range of soothing treatments. GREENWAY HOTEL AND SPA THE NEW - 10_10_2022 - TGH.indd 1 06/10/2022 15:26 Our Space Walking down the aisle is one of the biggest and most important moments of your big day. If you choose to have a civil ceremony with us then there are two air conditioned rooms to choose from. Your Cotswold Wedding Our Grade 2 Regency town house, set in the heart of one of the prettiest towns in the Cotswolds. The perfect choice for your civil ceremony. Warm golden stone and two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens combine with our unique style, exquisite food and attentive service. We promise you and your guests a truly wonderful experience. UPPER HIGH STREET THE SQUARE CHIPPING CAMPDEN GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL55 6AN www.cotswoldhouse.com The Montrose Suite A lovely light-filled room with pitched roof and beams. Can seat up to 90 guests for a ceremony, 90 for a wedding breakfast and 120 for an evening reception. The Fig Lounge This room encapsulates the original Regency Manor House with contemporary décor. The perfect backdrop for a grand entrance. Can seat up to 50 guests for a ceremony and 44 for a wedding breakfast.
In full bloom We reveal the finest garden venues throughout the regions Michelin-star restaurant, Bybrook, located within the historic hotel of The Manor House and the iconic Cotswold village of Castle Combe, is now open following a complete refurbishment to entice locals and travellers alike. The restaurant features a new interior design aesthetic, led by interior experts Trevillion, known for their previous work for Foxhill Manor, and Dormy House. The makeover brings a more visually fresh and modern feel to Bybrook, whilst remaining sympathetic to the history of the property and the heritage of the Cotswolds, with design influences inspired by the kitchen garden and Bybrook river. New additions to the restaurant include the new wine area consisting of a bank of EuroCave wine display fridges where all of the bottles on offer can be perused by diners, discussed with the Sommelier, and chosen to accompany the dining experience. Whilst the dining room delivers a fresh, crisp, contemporary experience, with additions such as the new light fixtures giving the space more ambience, comfortable banquette seating and a garden influence coming from a combination of planters and artwork inspired by nature printed on an antique mirror. Along with the refresh comes some new dishes from executive chef Rob Potter and his team to the well-loved, award-winning tasting menu. Continuing to be influenced by the seasons, the dishes are inspired by the best of British produce, local farms and what’s harvested from within the grounds of The Manor House. New menu highlights include Salcombe crab with blood orange and grapefruit and salt-aged duck with liver, morel and beetroot. For dessert, there’s an apple with almond, Neston Park honey and Madagascan vanilla. Private dining has also been part of the refurbishment, with The Saxon Room, offering a private dining space for up to 12 people to enjoy the tasting menu, or The Brook, a semi-private area of the restaurant for up to 40 people. The restaurant also extends out to an updated outdoor area to enjoy a pre or post-meal drink in the sun. Celebrating the abundant kitchen garden where just minutes after being harvested, gardeners are on hand to share their crops with the kitchen close by, a small collection of raised beds will be installed to grow an exceptional variety of vegetables besides the outdoor seating. Giving guests a feeling of participation in the wholesome concept of the kitchen garden to table. General manager Gaius Wyncoll comments: “We’re so excited Bybrook is now open to local diners and our hotel guests with an inviting and fresh space to dine in, whether you’re a couple looking for an intimate dinner, or a group celebrating a special occasion. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and hear people’s thoughts.” The Manor House offers an incredible wealth of experiences unlike any other in the Cotswolds. It’s a 14th-century luxury hotel with a championship 18-hole golf course and 12th-century pub all wrapped up in 365 acres of stunning countryside, and located in one of England’s prettiest villages. It’s home to luxurious rooms, suites and mews cottages, with afternoon tea served as well as Michelin-starred dining and more than 180 gins to sample, not to mention delicious gastropub fare at The Castle Inn too. To book, visit www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house/food/bybrook What’s new? 17 THEMED VENUES
WORCESTER LODGE ON BADMINTON ESTATE Designed by William Kent in 1746, Worcester Lodge is a Grade I listed building that faces south along the three-mile avenue that leads to Badminton House in South Gloucestershire. It boasts spectacular views of the surrounding fields, woodland and Badminton House itself. An idyllic wedding venue, it combines the grandeur of a historical building with the versatility of a modern outdoor wedding. Inside Worcester Lodge is a grand room flooded with natural daylight through the large windows that are reflected by the mirror suspended above the working fireplace. There are stunning period features including an intricate ornate ceiling. The venue is in the process of securing a ceremony licence for ceremonies to take place inside the lodge for an intimate 30 guests, under the archway or in a marquee in front of the lodge which is where receptions also take place for up to 40 loved ones. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01454 218 203, www.badmintonestate.com We love... that the four balconies face towards Badminton House. BIRTSMORTON COURT, NEAR MALVERN Picturesque wedding venue Birtsmorton Court is a 12th-century medieval moated manor house that’s rich in history, and romance and elegantly decorated throughout. The impressive house is surrounded by an extensive moat and boasts a stunning terrace which overlooks the water. The charming and romantic White Garden provides guests with an intimate sheltered space for ceremonies and receptions. The enchanting Formal Gardens, Top Lawn and Lower Lawn offer year-round options for wedding photography. Ceremonies take place on the Lower Lawn which seats up to 200 people against the backdrop of the manor house and surrounding moat. The Top Lawn, which also seats up to 200 people is another option overlooking the moat and manor house with views of the surrounding gardens. The White Garden seats up to 80 people and enables couples to marry amongst nature in a garden brimming with white roses and wisteria. There’s also an on-site church for up to 120 people with its highbeamed ceilings and organ. Inside the venue, the Great Hall seats up to 60 guests alongside the crackling fire while The Barn accommodates up to 180 people, perfect for larger celebrations and offering the aisle of dreams. Receptions take place in The Linney, a new purpose-built dining space for up to 200 loved ones. This beautiful oak beam structure has floorto-ceiling windows that lift away, opening up to the courtyard gardens on one side, and the party barn on the other. It’s been designed with the Great British weather in mind. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01684 833 888, https://birtsmortoncourt.com We love... the moat and surrounding idyllic gardens, plus the romantic white bridge, perfect for photographs. Interior of Worcester Lodge courtesy of Tom Matten Photography. 18
Weddings W L P Find out more at www.badmintonestate.com
MARQUEES FOR ALL OCCASIONS Based in the heart of the Cotswolds with over 20 years experience in providing marquees for customers in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, parts of Warwickshire, West Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Whether you are planning a wedding, a garden party, a festival or a sporting event, we are here to help. 07873 403589 | richard.hance@icloud.com WWW.ABCPAVILIONS.CO.UK Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with 1000 acres and 1000 years of history, Sudeley Castle is the perfect location for your wedding. E: events@sudeley.org.uk T: 07825 136469 @sudeleycastleweddings Image by The Curries Intimate, barn and marquee weddings, exclusively yours for a whole weekend. www.theridgewaybarns.co.uk @theridgewaybarns 01793 791746 enquiries@theridgewaybarns.co.uk
https://leedanielsphotography.com CHELTENHAM YURT HIRE This family-run business located in the Cotswolds offers the most beautiful hand-crafted yurts for hire that are all made locally. They offer the most stunning venue option and unusual backdrop for weddings, different to marquees and tipis. Often, guests will have not seen them before which adds an element of surprise and excitement. The Pavilion Yurts are unique in that they have a double-height roof which gives an immense feeling of space. The bright canvas material makes them light and airy inside and photographers love them because they provide the perfect lighting for photos. The largest yurts can seat up to 150 guests for dining. Some couples prefer to have everything under one roof while others like to book multiple yurts; one for the dining and the other specifically for the evening entertainment, along with other yurts for a bar or chill-out lounge. There’s a range of sizes available, from the largest ones that are most suited for dining, to the smaller yurts that make great bars, chill-out lounges, and glamping options. The team at Cheltenham Yurt Hire can provide everything that couples need to create a fantastic outdoor celebration, from pretty things like furniture and fairylights to generators, toilets, stages and PA systems. We offer an event management service where one of the expert team members will be on hand to take care of any operational issues throughout the day. The yurts can be hired throughout the year and travel across the country but the team try to stick to weddings and celebrations in the South West as much as they can. Winter yurt weddings are a magical experience, it’s a different vibe. They can be filled with flowers and greenery and luxurious throws and sheepskins to create a winter wonderland, while heaters can be added to keep guests warm all night. During the summer months when it’s hot, the side canvas can be removed allowing the breeze to flow through and showcasing panoramic views. Contact: 01453 705 130, www.cheltenhamyurthire.co.uk We love... check out how fabulous these wow-factor wedding yurts look on Instagram, https://instagram.com/cheltenham_yurt_hire Turn to page 26 to see the real wedding of owners Dionne and David Popplestone. THE RIDGEWAY BARNS WILTSHIRE The Ridgeway Barns is a beautifully renovated wedding venue, home to a tastefully restored Georgian farmhouse with intimate event spaces for up to 30 guests and accommodation for up to 15 people. Wisteria creeps up the front of the Georgian farmhouse, embracing the sash windows and framing the doorway, while the 19th-century threshing barn retains the original brick façade and exposed wooden-beamed roof, the perfect backdrop for rustic-inspired weddings. The grand reception rooms overlook the landscaped gardens boasting stunning vistas across the valley. The expansive lawn is the ideal site for a marquee wedding, while the oak-framed gazebo is the perfect backdrop for a ceremony or blessing for up to eight loved ones (including the registrar) with ample seating for guests just outside. The terrace provides the perfect spot for a summer drinks reception and guests can gather around the firepit to enjoy the long balmy evenings. Ceremonies take place in a choice of three spaces with a fourth coming this summer. As well as the outdoor gazebo, the bright and airy wood-panelled ceremony room is perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 32 guests where vows can be exchanged in front of the window or the beautiful stone fireplace. The dramatic garden room provides an alternative space for intimate weddings of up to 30 loved ones and later this year, the magical threshing barn will be licensed for weddings of up to 100 guests. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01793 791 746, https://theridgewaybarns.co.uk We love... that weekend weddings include three days of access, from midday on a Friday until 4 pm on a Sunday. Accommodation for up to 15 people is provided for two nights and a dedicated event manager is on hand throughout to ensure the day runs smoothly. www.patrickpartridge.com 21 THEMED VENUES
The Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HP 01451 820 456 . events@ slaughtersmanor.co.uk . www.slaughtersmanor.co.uk/weddings A few words from some of our brides... (as we couldn’t put it better ourselves) “The location is stunning, a beautiful Cotswold Manor House with amazing grounds set in the picturesque village of Lower Slaughter with its stream, water mill and quaint cottages, a perfect setting and endless photo opportunities. The Chef Nik and his team did a fantastic job, and all our guests were overwhelmed by the quality of the food and amazing service.” “The Slaughters Manor House exceeded our every expectation. Our daughter and son in law had a room called Valentine a wonderful suite big enough to hold her and 5 bridesmaids on the morning, with a private garden.” ‘’The wedding breakfast was wonderful, and everybody said it was the best wedding food they had ever tasted.” ‘’ The attentive service throughout the entire day was exemplary, nobody was left with an empty glass and the high level of service was maintained until the party finished in the early hours.’’ ©Weddings by Nicola & Glen We have a genuinely friendly and flexible approach to creating your perfect bespoke wedding, choose from a simple day ceremony through to full exclusive use (for up to 120 guests.) We would be more than delighted to show you around or chat on the phone, Please do let us know you will be calling in, either on 01451 820 456 , or drop us an email events@slaughtersmanor.co.uk
SOUTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE Spotlight on... LLANTHONY SECUNDA PRIORY, GLOUCESTER Llanthony Secunda Priory is situated just a short walk from Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Quays. The unique city-centre location offers a variety of nearby accommodation options within easy walking distance of the venue. Bursting with character and history, the medieval ruins and beautifully restored Grade 1 listed buildings are set within five acres of picturesque grounds. The Victorian Farmhouse, cattle pond, grassy lawns and veteran trees create a beautiful backdrop for weddings and big-day photographs and with its scenic location alongside the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, couples have the option to arrive by boat. This exclusive-use, dry-hire wedding venue provides the perfect option for couples who wish to create a personal day. The flexible and intimate spaces are brimming with character and history and can cater for a simple ceremony, a vintage-style afternoon tea or a glamorous wedding reception. Ceremonies take place in The Lady Margaret Hall beneath a beautiful timber-framed roof that has been recently restored using traditional techniques. With high ceilings and full-length medieval windows allowing daylight to pour in, the hall has a spacious and historical feel. It offers a treasure trove of photo opportunities and can host up to 60 loved ones for ceremonies, the wedding breakfast and drinks receptions. Additional features are wireless speakers, full ventilation and underfloor heating, a platform lift to the first floor, an accessible toilet and Wi-Fi. For the wedding breakfast, it can hold up to ten 5ft round tables with two rectangular tables plus 60 upholstered dining chairs. An easel for the table plan is provided plus a cake stand and knife and table number stands. Receptions take place in The Henry Dene Hall, a Grade I listed Tudor brick building that has been lovingly restored with high ceilings flooding the space with natural daylight. It’s the largest and most flexible self-contained event space in the venue hosting up to 80 guests for ceremonies, the wedding breakfast and the seated reception. For standing receptions and the evening disco, it can welcome up to 140 guests. It benefits from an integrated PA system with a handheld microphone, full ventilation and heating, roof lights with remote control blinds and Wi-Fi. For the wedding breakfast, it can hold up to ten 5ft round tables, two rectangular tables and up to 80 upholstered dining chairs. Again, an easel and cake stand can be provided. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01452 563 499, https://llanthonysecunda.org We love... the beautiful garden courtyard. We open the doors to some of the finest wedding venues WHAT’S NEW? The Greenway Hotel and Spa, a quintessential escape set in eight acres located near the Regency town of Cheltenham has enjoyed a £1.2 million renovation. Tucked away on the outskirts of the rolling Cotswolds, The Eden Hotel Collection has stylishly refurbished all 21 bedrooms at The Greenway Hotel and Spa with each now boasting its own unique colour palette, personality and characteristics. The extensive renovation project, led by director of The Eden Hotel Collection Marian Cartter, who heads up the group’s design team, assisted by renowned interior designer, Lucy Yarwood, combines the hotel’s natural rural setting with its rich history and enchanting period features such as original stone windows and roaring fireplaces. Room layouts within the hotel have also been altered to create larger, more elevated spaces and expansive bathrooms, placing the guest experience very much at the forefront. Some of the distinct design schemes introduced include opulent marble bathrooms with features such as classic roll-top baths and elegant brassware, whilst others have drawn on existing features to build a sumptuous design unique to each room. Interior designer Lucy Yarwood says, “We’re thrilled with the results and can’t wait to show our guests. Each room is different which makes it exciting when guests walk in. For instance, one of our bedrooms already had a lovely fireplace featuring tiles with birds on, which we thought was stunning but needed elevating, so we matched it to a feather-print headboard on the bed. What we have strived to do is create a classic style with a contemporary twist which combines the history of the building with our modern approach to the guest experience. It needs to work for the guest as well as for the room, so everything has been considered with them in mind.” The Eden Hotel Collection has worked with artisan and local suppliers including Leicestershire-based Wreake Valley Craftsmen to create bespoke joinery such as bedside tables, desks and wardrobes; as well as renowned Kidderminster manufacturer, Brintons, who have provided the wool carpets. It has also worked with West Bromwich-based furniture and soft furnishing manufacturer Jameson Seating to re-upholster and re-use existing furniture including sofas and wardrobes to align with the group’s sustainable goals. Midlands firm Builtec Developments Limited, based in Leamington Spa, was awarded the contract for the refurbishment programme. Mark Chambers, group managing director of The Eden Hotel Collection, added: “As custodians of great buildings, we are thrilled to bring this manor house back to life for our guests to enjoy. It’s been a tough few years for the hospitality industry but we are proud to build on our strategic programme of investment across the group as we continue to improve the quality of the visitor experience.” To book, visit www.thegreenwayhotelandspa.com LOCAL VENUES 23
BERKELEY CASTLE Striking, stunning and grand, Berkeley Castle is a magnificent Medieval fortress built from Cotswold stone situated on the edge of the Cotswolds with views stretching across the Gloucestershire countryside and River Severn. It boasts beautifully manicured, tranquil gardens and grounds home to flora-filled terraces and a picturesque lily pond with a water fountain and a small cascade waterfall. This luxurious, historic building is home to some fabulous reception spaces including the decadent drawing rooms with their gilded mirrors and chandeliers, cosy chairs and open fireplaces. The Great Hall showcases a vaulted ceiling, tiled floor and 13th-century tapestries meaning that Berkeley Castle offers the feeling of grandeur mixed with that of a cosy family home. Ceremonies can take place at the property for up to 130 guests both inside or outdoors and also in St Mary’s Church that’s situated on the private driveway of the castle. Inside, couples can get married in either the Long Drawing Room, The Small Drawing Room or The Great Hall. Outside, they can say their vows on the Queen Elizabeth bowling lawn, by the Culloden pine, on the old tennis court or by the cascade. The pretty gardens, especially the lower lawn and downstairs by the lily pond are ideal for a summer al fresco drinks reception while the drawing rooms provide a good winter alternative. The Gun Terrace and Inner Courtyard are grand and fun areas perfect for evening entertainment and catering. The Wedding breakfast takes place in The Great Hall for up to 130 loved ones receptions can be hosted at the castle for up to 180 people. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01453 512 999, www.berkeleycastleweddings.co.uk We love... that accommodation for two nights for up to 36 guests is included in the hire charge with no check-out time – guests can leave at their leisure. There’s also a honeymoon cottage for the happy couple on the night of their wedding with a complimentary champagne breakfast. DELTA BY MARRIOTT CHELTENHAM CHASE Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase, part of The QHotels Collection is set in 15 acres of beautiful parkland overlooking the beautiful Cotswolds. It’s located right on the edge of the Cotswolds, just a short drive from Cheltenham and Gloucester and just a 20-minute journey from the famous Cheltenham Racecourse. It offers affordable and delightful getaways in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also provides an ideal bigday backdrop. The four-star hotel resort has a range of rooms licensed for civil ceremonies so that the entire wedding day can be taken care of by the dedicated team. Wedding planners are on hand to help with all of the details, no matter how small. Whether couples are planning a large wedding or an intimate family celebration, the hotel has function rooms to cater for 20 to 200 guests. It has been stylishly refurbished with 122 spacious, modern bedrooms and a contemporary on-site health club and spa with a fully equipped gym. Weddings take place in a choice of rooms. The Buckholt Suite is the largest of the private rooms and is situated on the ground floor. With its own reception area, bar and cloakroom it can accommodate up to 200 guests. This chic room can also be split in two, providing space for up to 100 guests in each section. There’s also a range of smaller rooms available suitable for private dining and more intimate affairs. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01452 519 988, www.thecheltenhamchase.co.uk We love... that wedding fairs take place throughout the year and there are late-availability dates for weddings available. www.twofocusedphotography.co.uk www.caroline-alexander.co.uk THE SLAUGHTERS MANOR HOUSE, LOWER SLAUGHTER This 17th-century manor house combines striking interiors with traditional charm, attentive service and is home to one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Cotswolds. It's nestled within five acres of stunning landscaped gardens boasting fine specimen trees including magnificent redwoods and horse chestnut varieties, plus a croquet lawn that's perfect for outdoor summer weddings. Ceremonies take place in the Pink Lounge, a romantic room with dual-aspect windows showcasing far-flung views across the manicured lawns. The Pink Lounge can accommodate up to 22 guests for an intimate ceremony and can be styled with lounge furniture for a more relaxed, informal and quirky feel. The restaurant offers another option for larger ceremonies of up to 86 guests. It's a modern and elegant space, filled with plenty of natural daylight. It's also home to a restored stonework fireplace, making it the perfect pick for a winter wedding. Receptions also take place here for between 40 and 86 loved ones. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01451 820 456, www.slaughtersmanor.co.uk We love... the luxurious bedrooms and suites which are ideal for wedding guests. https://weddingsbynicolaandglen.com 24
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