Your Sussex Wedding - June/July 2020 (Issue 85)

NEW BOUTIQUE ON THE BLOCK Clara Fitz Bridal is a new boutique opening soon in Worthing, which is something brides-to-be can truly look forward to in the coming weeks when lockdown is over! It will be stocking the latest Justin Alexander range, Adore, and Romantica of Devon to name just a couple of the designers available. Alongside these two top designers brides will also be able to choose a gown from the boutique's very own Clara Fitz label, as well as many ready to wear designer sample gowns from the likes of Kenneth Winston, Ella Rosa, Essense and Justin Alexander. "We’re a bijoux boutique so can offer brides a personal unhurried and fun experience," shares owner Claire Baldwin. "Having always wanted to open my own boutique I now get to realise my dream, many years after starting out at the age of 18... never give up!" For more information about the store opening keep in touch with Claire on info@clarafitzbridal.com an d head over to the website www.clarafitzbridal.com an d @clarafitzbridal STAY SOCIAL When lockdown began, there was understandably a great deal of distress among members of the wedding community. So, we at CWM HQ wanted to do something to guide nearlyweds through this minefield. Our lovely social media coordinator, Beth Morton, explains: “Watching all of this unfold was really quite difficult to see. So, I decided that there could be no better time to engage our community of hard-working suppliers and couples, in a project that ultimately would help ease the pressure a little bit.” The videos range in style from light-hearted tips to expert wedding planning advice. Beth says, “Our best received video so far is our interview with eight real-life nearlyweds who told us about their experiences with postponing their weddings due to Coronavirus.” There are plans to work with more suppliers over the coming weeks, so stay tuned and check out the full Keep Calm & Keep Planning with CMW playlist at www.facebook.com/watch/ CountyWeddingMagazines/507575796579869 Chin-chin Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate, near Horsham in West Sussex has introduced a wine delivery service, which includes a free, weekly online wine tasting experience each Sunday. Owner Penny Streeter OBE says, “The vineyard estate is closed during the lockdown, so we wanted to bring something of the experience for members to enjoy in their own homes. While people can’t visit us for vineyard tours and wine tasting sadly, they can order a case and enjoy a live online tasting with our cellar master, Johann Fourie, who is at our Benguela Cove Lagoon vineyard in South Africa.” Each event includes food pairings, with South African-style braai barbecues led by chef Annie Badenhorst. The home delivery service is a great opportunity for you to start tasting wines for your wedding day. Penny says, “Benguela Cove wine brings a taste of sunshine in a glass during the lockdown.” An example of a six-bottle pack offer, priced at £90, is Lighthouse Syrah 2017, Joie De Vivre 2014, Benguela Cove’s flagship Méthode Cap Classique, Leonardslee Rosé 2018, Benguela Cove Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Benguela Cove Collage 2015, and Noble Late Harvest 2015. For further information on deliveries, visit the website www.manningsheath.com WIN YOUR WEDDING An amazing group of local wedding suppliers are waiting to make one couple’s dreams come true. The team behind the Sussex NHS and Carers Wedding Competition was inspired by the incredible nurses, care assistants, doctors and other health professionals who are risking their lives daily to help fight against Covid-19. Natalie of Night and Day Entertainment says, “We’d like to give something back to these courageous and selfless people, who deserve something to look forward to.” The lucky couple will win their dream 2021 wedding day at the beautiful Cottesmore Hotel Golf and Country Club, including everything from attire and wedding rings, stationery to photography, from an impressive roster of more than 30 suppliers. For a full list of participants see www.yourkent.wedding. The competition is open to all Sussex NHS employees, and health and social care workers. Further terms and conditions can be found on the website. This once-in-a-lifetime competition closes on Friday 31 st July 2020, and the winner is expected to be announced by the end of September. Check out the website www.sussexnhsweddingcompetition.co.uk www.laurashaw.co.uk 10