Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 10 - May/June 2021 (Issue 86)

GET YOUR GLAM ON A local businesswoman from Aldershot in Hampshire has defied the odds and opened a new Edwardian- themed beauty studio despite spending most of the last four months in lockdown. National award-winning hair and beauty artist Ema Doherty has provided mobile hair and make- up artistry to brides in Hampshire and Surrey for the past 25 years. However, COVID restrictions have meant she’s been unable to operate for eight out of the past 12 months. “Although it’s been a tough year, I’ve taken the opportunity to review my business and have brought forward a plan to open a beautiful home salon,” she reveals. “The beauty is that I can now offer a relaxing sanctuary- style experience in a safe and COVID-secure environment.” The Hair and Beauty Artist is open by appointment only providing beauty treatments and a vintage cream-tea experience for brides- to-be for their hair and make-up trials. Visit www.thehairandbeautyartist.co.uk/bridal-hair-makeup fo r full details. AL FRESCO DINING New Forest wedding venue the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst has opened its doors to outside diners. The hotel’s new Lodge Kitchen and Bar has a cool beach bar theme complete with surfboards and other fun props. The outside Savernake Terrace has also been expanded and landscaped for an additional al fresco dining experience. Following the official opening general manager Michael Clitheroe said, “It has been a long time coming and opening the doors was an exciting moment for the whole team. It has been fantastic to see families and small groups of friends socialising again for the first time.” Offering a casual style dining experience including freshly cooked artisan pizzas and charcuterie grazing boards, at the weekends visitors can experience the famous Balmer Lawn breakfast from the sun- drenched terrace or in the weatherproof lodge. Plus the outdoor bar will be open and private dining for small groups can also be catered for. For more information visit the website www.balmerlawnhotel.com Honeymoon dreams While honeymoons abroad have been on hold couples have been dreaming of destination hotspots. Now they’ve got expert help to hand with a new dedicated website to make memories to match the dream, courtesy of Not Just Travel. Hampshire-based Personal Travel Consultant for the company Nick Horne (www.nicholashorne.notjusttravel.com) explains, “Honeymoons have been such a large part of our service that we thought it time to dedicate it to its own section. Over the last year we’ve been beavering away in the background to focus on bringing couples the most serene locations, dreamy properties and wildlife to create the perfect honeymoon experience to suit you both.” As well as organising your perfect trip, the service includes a direct line to your own travel concierge and access to the personalised honeymoon gifting website, so instead of wedding presents, friends and family can contribute to your dream getaway. “What’s more we will ensure your honeymoon kicks off in style with pre-departure lounge passes, after all there’s always time for a glass of bubbly,” adds Nick. The new website is still being filled with lots of useful info, take a peek at  www.exclusivehoneymoons.co.uk New home Hampshire-based Cocoa & Whey Cakes have moved, but don’t worry they haven’t gone far. The bespoke wedding cake company has relocated over the border near Blandford Forum in Dorset. Appropriately the business is now based in an 18 th -century cottage called Little Batch! Run by cake designer, Penelope Hurst, Cocoa & Whey produce both sweet wedding cakes as well as delicous savoury ones and favours. Penelope says, “We will continue to serve all our usual clients and venues throughout Hampshire and Wiltshire as well as expanding into Dorset.” Visit www.cocoaandwheycakes.co.uk 10