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Hedingham Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved Norman keeps in Britain, is excited to announce the opening of its new attraction, The Royal Chamber. Visitors can now step back in time and experience the luxurious lifestyle of the medieval English royalty at the castle, with all the conveniences of 21st century living.

Located on the top floor of the 900-year-old Norman Keep, which would have originally been the dormitory floor, The Royal Chamber features a grand four-poster bed, exquisite tapestries, exceptional views and elegant furnishings in the style that would have been used by the lords and ladies of the castle. Modern additions have also been included for the comfort of guests, such as a large bath big enough for two and a cleverly hidden widescreen TV that can be watched from the comfort of the bed.

The bed itself is inspired by the Great Bed of Ware, one of the V&A's greatest treasures and famously over three metres wide – the only known example of a bed of this size. Hedingham Castle have collaborated with luxury bedding brand, And So To Bed, to deliver an exceptionally comfortable sleeping experience for guests. Featuring a super king Vispring Pure Luxe Hybrid mattress and 400-thread count Palazzo bedding, a peaceful night's sleep is virtually guaranteed.

The Royal Chamber is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway or for history buffs looking to immerse themselves in the castle's rich heritage. The room can be booked as a honeymoon retreat for the venue's wedding couples, as well as being available to book by the public on a Bed & Breakfast or Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis. Champagne, chocolates and a continental breakfast for two are provided as standard with every booking, and, if also dining, your meal is enjoyed in the form of a five-course tasting menu, served in the breathtaking Banqueting Hall, quite a setting for an intimate dinner for two!

For more information about the Royal Chamber and Hedingham Castle, please visit: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

At the heart of a vast walled estate, you'll find Braxted Park's magnificent country house and its stunning gardens. The intimate gardens that connect Braxted House to the grand Wedding Pavilion provide an idyllic setting for any wedding vision. Within the historic Walled Garden guests can enjoy a series of themed 'rooms' that include a romantic English Garden, a Knott Garden and an Italian Garden. The year-round interest each provides creates beautiful and varied backdrops for wedding photographs.

The venue is featured in full in our April/May issue available now to read online for FREE

Chelsea and Mark tied the knot at The Warren Estate with elegant touches of blue throughout. The bride tells us, "My parents surprised us with the releasing of doves, from True Dove Ways, which was incredible, I cried when I first saw them, we literally had no idea, it was always my dream to do it on our wedding day."

The wedding is featured in full in our March/April issue available now to read online for FREE

The sun shone for Olivia and Neel Raja, who kept all things sustainable and recyclable at their marquee wedding in Hazeleigh. All the energy for the reception such as the lights, toilets, mobile fridge – was powered using emission free energy, thanks to TCP Eco. The couple commented, "Our friends and family were very pleased with the idea of an eco-friendly wedding and using the hydrogen power really set it apart!"

To find out all about this wedding, read An Essex Wedding magazine for free!

The formally landscaped wedding garden at Houchins has been cleverly planted to show interest all year. So, no matter what time of year a wedding takes place there's always some formal structure and colour in the garden. Beyond the garden is the woodland area for woodland weddings fronted by the recently renovated pond and fountain providing an elegant arrival.

I particularly love that the reception drinks area incorporates the bar and enormous west facing terrace overlooking the wedding gardens. You can enjoy garden games and mingling with your guests before celebrating the wedding breakfast.

The latest issue, with plenty of fabulous venues inside, is available now. Read An Essex Wedding magazine for free!

Cheryl from Cheryl's Flowers says, "Dressing the bridal party with additional flowers is just as important as the bride carrying her bouquet. The groom's buttonhole complements the brides by using the same florals to adorn his left lapel."

I absolutely love the colourway this groom has chosen! What a pop of colour!

For more tips on how to dress the bridal party, Read An Essex Wedding magazine for free!

On 22nd October 2022, Madeleine married Matthew Wood at The Coach House at Markshall in an autumnal, vintage-inspired affair.

Maddie wore a vintage-pink silk dress with a white lace overlay. The gown was designed by Millie May Bridal and purchased from J'adore Bridalwear in Coggeshall. Maddie didn't have an exact design or colour in mind prior to going to the boutique but knew that she'd like her dress to be vintage style, if possible. Maddie styled the dress with a floor length veil which contained tiny crystals throughout and opted for Hollywood waves to complete the vintage look.

Orsett Hall has an on-site chapel, licensed to conduct religious and non-religious wedding ceremonies, as well as civil partnerships. Its stunning interior resembles something out of a fairytale and must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Designed in soothing pastel tones and framed by elegant white beams covered in white flowers, the Chapel offers traditional seating and a large balcony where additional guests can be seated and music can be played.

The gazebo offers couples the opportunity to get married outdoors within the gardens of Orsett Hall. Perfect for weddings in the summer months, it offers couples an intimate setting al fresco. All function rooms are also licensed for wedding ceremonies.

The Gold Room with its exquisite chandeliers, period fireplace and large window areas, is a bright and welcoming setting for a wedding. It can cater for up to 100 guests seated, and up to 200 for an evening reception.

Whitmore is decorated in warm rich tones and can comfortably accommodate up to 140 seated guests, or 250 for a standing reception. It includes a large bar and is the perfect venue for a special occasion.

The Grahame Thomas Pavilion is the largest suite; it contains its own private bar and can seat up to 520 people for a banquet or wedding. The Pavilion is fully air-conditioned and even boasts its own koi carp pond and bridge, where outside seating is also provided.

For further information, visit: www.orsetthall.co.uk

Hatfield Place is a historic Georgian country house sitting within its own grounds of approximately 15 acres. The House can be reached by a tree-lined driveway that leads to a large, gravelled sweep to the front of the house.

The house offers a true country house feel, with a welcoming reception hall, beautiful Ballroom leading out to the terrace and an elegant Drawing Room. In addition to the house, we have a beautiful Orangery within the Walled Garden which has been carefully landscaped to create the perfect balance of the English country garden but with a modern-day twist. Fourteen luxurious bedroom suites are also available with each room being individually styled and furnished to a very high standard.

For further information, visit: www.hatfieldplace.co.uk

Is your mum still looking for her W Day outfit? Rachel from Christine's Occasion Wear says...

"Pale blue, Silver and white are popular colours this year. Navy is still very dominant too. The Bardot neckline is one of the most popular trends for 2023." Check out: https://christinesoccasionwear.co.uk