Your Sussex Wedding - February / March 2021 (Issue 89)

COASTAL CHARMS Head to the Sussex coast and experience the area’s true beauty. Parade up and down Eastbourne’s prom admiring the grand terraces that line the seafront before retreating to the cosy comfort of Hydro Hotel’s lounges to enjoy the warmth of its hospitality. The hotel’s classic coastal winter one-night stay is now available until 31 st March. The incredible package includes: tea and teacake on the day of arrival, pre-dinner glass of wine, three course table d’hôte dinner, overnight accommodation in a classic bedroom, and traditional breakfast. The one-night stay deal is priced at just £82.50 per person, or why not go all out and treat yourself to a suite for an additional £35 per person? At the time of writing the country was under full lockdown restrictions, so we advise you to contact the hotel to check on the current status of this offer. Call 01323 720 643 and head over to www.hydrohotel.com Could it be magic? Here at YSXW HQ we can’t get enough of the wedding- related expertise our local suppliers have to offer. This invaluable wisdom is born from years of experience and we love nothing more than sharing that with you. So, when we discovered magician Stephen James’ blog we thought it was about time we brought it to your attention! After all, there’s such handy hints as “6 Wedding Speech Mistakes,” and “How to Choose a Magician,” as well as our favourite: “4 Reasons to Book Wedding Magic.” Let’s take a closer look! Stephen’s first reason is to get guests excited. He says, “Walking around a drinks reception I see everyone perk up as I tell them which word they’re thinking of, turn lottery tickets into cash before their eyes or surprise them with smoke and fire.” Secondly, he tells us that a magician can fill in the gaps – “This can be when photos are being taken, while waiting for food, or even at the party later on. As a magician I fill these gaps making them a highlight of your day that people remember.” Next is breaking the ice. Stephen explains, “A magician brings the group on each table together as they all experience the magic and after I’ve performed, they usually go beyond small talk to discussing theories on how I pushed their wine bottle through the table!” Finally, as if you need any more reason to book a magician: photos and videos. After all, what could be better than a spot of magic to provide your photographer and videographer with ample opportunity to catch guests laughing and interacting? The proof ’s in the pudding so click the play button on the image to see Stephen at work. Also, check out www.stephenjamesmagic.uk Catch up on the latest from around the county Nearlywed NEWS  READY AND WAITING Crawley Borough Council has launched the town’s newest wedding venue: Tilgate Park. This beautiful space is now licensed to host weddings and has availability for 2021 dates and beyond. The Walled Garden boasts the most stunning scenery including peaceful formal gardens and ponds, an evergreen hedge maze, events area for a reception marquee and a café, making it the ideal location for celebrations. What’s more the Family Garden has been transformed into the magical Wedding Garden, able to seat up to 100 either side of the aisle leading to a wooden arbour beneath which you can say your “I dos.” Utterly charming! Councillor Chris Mullins, cabinet member for wellbeing at Crawley Borough Council says, “Tilgate Park is a stunning place to visit, but now with the chance to celebrate your big day there, this is a very exciting adventure. The Tilgate Park team has worked extremely hard to create a magical venue that you and your guests will remember forever.” To find out more turn to page 23 for our characterful venues feature. Also, check out www.tilgateparkweddings.co.uk or contact Sabrina Grant at weddings@crawley.gov.uk fo r booking details. www.vpa rker.photo YOUR ESSENTIALS 9