Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - March/April 2021 (Issue 85)

All the latest from around the region NEWS Nearlywed NEW VENUE ALERT With growing demand for intimate and original destination weddings, step up Enchanted Manor on the Isle of Wight. Due to be launched in April this year, the new venue is devoted to all things love related – not only romantic, but spiritual and self-love too. Managing director Peta Panos explains, “We bought Enchanted Manor in October 2020 and will be specialising in weddings and retreats on an exclusive-use basis as well as couple mini-breaks and me-time staycations.” Perfect for a one-of-a-kind wedding with up to 16 people, it offers flexibility and privacy for couples looking to celebrate in their own special way. “Without the costs involved with larger affairs, couples are able to spend more on their guests’ experience, adding gifts, excursions and special touches to make the event more memorable,” adds Peta. She and her sister have set up the business after both spending more than 33 years working in the tourism industry. Although her sister won’t be involved in the day-to-day running, her daughter Montana will be working alongside her. Visit www.enchantedmanor.co.uk. PETA’S TOP TIP With two-night weddings what tends to happen is when the group gets together they have a big party that evening so everyone is tired and hung over for the wedding the next day. I’d suggest either making it a three-night affair with the wedding on the last day so there’s plenty of downtime for fun and planned activities beforehand or if you’re limited to two nights, marry first and relax afterwards. CONGRATULATIONS! Dorset-based Fab Frocks has won a UK first by scooping a prestigious trusted service award. The mother-of-the-bride and -groom boutique in Westbourne, Bournemouth is the only shop of its kind to win the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional service. Based purely on real customer experience and genuine reviews, it’s a highly valued badge of approval. Owner Steve Taylor says, “We’re very excited to be the only mother-of-the-bride boutique in the UK to receive this award, especially as it’s based on feedback from customers, who are the most important judges of all. It recognises how hard we work to deliver the best possible experience, even in a year as tough as 2020.” For further information about the award-winning boutique visit www.fabfrocks.co.uk Editor loves This glamorous bridal look created by Caroline Swaffield of Amazing Face echoes the rich colours of the opulent bouquet by Hampshire- based Arcade Flowers perfectly. To view the shoot by Sadie Osborne Photography in all its glory, turn to page 65. www.rob biekhan.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9