Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 10 - November/December 2021 (Issue 89)

A DREAM COME TRUE A big high five to Dorset’s Sarah Jane Bridal. Despite the recent tough times, owner Sarah Pardey has realised her dream of having her own bridal boutique and has celebrated the first anniversary of her new venture. She took over the former Sassy Brides shop in Poole in August 2020 after the previous owner retired. Her love of all things bridal stems from 20 years’ experience in the world of bridal hair and make-up. “I’ve always had an interest in wedding gowns and anything pretty, so when the opportunity arose to take over the shop it seemed like the perfect progression for me. I knew as soon as I stepped into the boutique that I wanted to do it,” she explains. “During lockdown it was very challenging but I kept myself busy creating a strong presence on social media, liaising with my suppliers, creating eye-catching window displays and keeping in regular contact with my brides.” She’s put her own personal stamp on the boutique and given it a complete makeover to create a luxurious and relaxing feel. The extensive range of bridal, bridesmaid and flowergirl dresses and accessories have all been hand-picked for their individuality and wow-factor and to suit all styles and budgets. To mark her successful first-year anniversary, Sarah has also taken on two new designers Allure Romance by Allure Bridals and Ellis Bridals offering refreshing and exciting gowns for the modern contemporary bride. “The new labels are due to arrive early next year and I can’t wait to show them off to our brides as I know they will love them as much as me,” adds Sarah. To find out more visit www.facebook.com/sarahjanebridalboutique SECRET GARDEN Relax on your big day and discover the new Secret Garden at Hampshire’s Great Barn, Titchfield. One of the most historic wedding venues on the South Coast, the 15 th -century oak building provides an elegant and impressive big-day backdrop. To add to its attractions, the Secret Garden is a new feature this year, providing a safe and secure, enclosed area for the little ones to play, while the grown-ups can relax over canapés and a glass of bubbly (or two). With beautiful flowerbeds, together with three olive trees, agapanthus and rose bushes, it’s a picture-perfect spot. The fragrant Rose Garden, is close by with wisteria and climbing roses along the wall, as well as colourful dahlias and other blooms. Themed around the Battle of Agincourt, where Henry V led his forces to victory in 1415, roses were planted to represent the English armies and lavender to symbolise the French soldiers. The venue’s dedicated groundskeepers look after the lawns and garden beds, and seasonal planting ensures there’s colour throughout the wedding season. As well as all the fabulous photo opportunities the venue and grounds provide, you can also pose for standout shots against the backdrop of the historic Titchfield Abbey too. For further details call 01329 556 156 or visit www.greatbarnweddings.co.uk BOOZY BAKES The creative juices have been flowing at Dorset’s Magically Crafted Cakes. Owner Beth Carter has been working on a new autumn showstopper to add to their range of wedding creations. She says, “It’s my absolute favourite season; I love all the colours, crisp cool air and log-fire evenings, so my latest design had to be autumnal. The stone effect really helps the colours of the florals to pop!” As well as being super busy with weddings, they’ve been working on tantalising new cocktail flavours too. “We already have Jack Daniels and rum and coconut on the menu, so we wanted to try some more daring alcoholic flavours,” reports Beth. Think piña colada, sex on the beach, watermelon and lime mojito and lemon and mint mojito; perfect for a summer wedding! To find out more visit www.magicallycraftedcakes.com RAISE A GLASS Sommelier and wine tutor Cécile Bergart of the Hampshire Wine School is on a mission to spread some winter cheer. Her quest is to find the perfect red wine and she wants you to join her in a virtual tasting; great for couples searching for a delicious big-day tipple. The online evening event is being run via Zoom in celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau 2021 on Thursday, 25 th November. For a different winter tasting experience, she’s also hosting a port and cheese pairing evening on Saturday, 4 th December in Southampton. For full details and to book your space visit www.hampshirewineschool.com 10