Your South Wales Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 74)

THE ONE FOR ME DMG Ceremonies is offering brides and grooms-to-be zoom consultations during lockdown. We spoke to Donna Marie Graves to find out more: “There may be some of you, unfortunately, that have received a call or email to say your wedding, civil partnership or elopement has been cancelled. To help, I’ve been adapting to the current situation and instead of the usual consultations over coffee and cake, I’m now offering couples Zoom meetings. Some nearlyweds still want to celebrate their original wedding date, so ‘virtual wedding affirmation ceremonies’ can be arranged. Other couples are wishing to continue with their nuptials on their original date, and are opting for the alternative ‘get wed online’ option. Even surprise ceremonies can be coordinated (if you can keep a secret!) I can officiate weddings, civil-partnerships, elopements and vow renewal ceremonies. The beauty of a celebrant-led ceremony is that by separating the legal registration you’ll be able to have a personalised, handwritten service that no one else will have.” Visit www.dmgceremonies.co.uk fo r more. New and improved Neil Rayment Goldsmiths in Cardiff Bay has been refurbished. Director, Neil Rayment is a multi-award-winning goldsmith, and his apprentice is a double award-winner for her elegant centenary jewellery. After being in the bay for 10 years, the staff literally popped downstairs to open their first retail shop. Lovingly refurbished by Neil, it boasts traditional workbenches, which are on view to the public, an elegant private client area and a handmade contemporary shop counter. Hidden in the showcases are some real gems, but Neil’s new shop has been designed with one thing in mind, to bring the craftsmanship and personal service of an experienced goldsmith to each bespoke piece of jewellery. Head over to www.neilrayment.co.uk fo r more information. A HELPING HAND SGDJ Weddings has put new steps in place to help couples affected by COVID-19. We spoke to the owner, June Gould, to find out more: “Here are SGDJ, we have a reputation for being different. We’re loyal to our customers and believe in doing all that we can to create perfect moments. When there’s a problem we find solutions and we’ve been doing that for 21 years! To help couples whose weddings have sadly been postponed, we’re ensuring that everyone who has booked with us gets a new booking at no extra cost. We know it’s hard enough for everyone right now, so why make things more difficult? Secondly, we check in regularly with our couples, provide up-to-date information, thoughts, ideas and options that can help create a truly magical day. Our online planning system allows you to prepare for your special day at your convenience. Had an idea? Pop it into the planner or timeline before you forget. Thought of a song you love but could never remember the name? Make a note! If you change your mind, don’t worry, you can make alterations up to two weeks before the wedding.” To find out more, visit www.sgdjweddings.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY! The Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant, is celebrating its fourth birthday. To celebrate, the team hosted a virtual celebration on the company’s Facebook page. Clare MacLennan, the divisional director, said: “Celebrating The Royal Mint Experiences’s birthday is extremely important to us and this year we hosted our birthday celebrations for the very first time digitally. Over the last four years, we’ve welcomed more than 200,000 visitors to go behind the scenes and discover stories from The Royal Mint’s history. We’re delighted to be able to provide everyone with the opportunity to join in and celebrate the past four years with us through our exciting digital events.” Check out www.royalmint.com/experience fo r more. www.nea lejames.com 10