An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Down Hall Hotel Named AA Hotel of the Year, England

One of England's most established country house hotels, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex, has been named AA Hotel of the Year, England at this year's AA Hospitality Awards. The prestigious annual event, held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, on Monday 23rd September, celebrates hotels, restaurants and chefs offering the highest hospitality standards across the country. This award is the highest accolade for hotels, with the AA inspectors commending Down Hall Hotel for its impeccable guest experience and seamless service – a testament to its dedicated and hardworking team, who continue to strive and provide a first-class offering for all visitors.

10% off all packages with Pure Mini Golf

At the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on 6th October, Pure Mini Golf is offering 10% off all packages and including a free garden games package which will include giant jenga and giant four in a row. "This will be for any people who book with us through the wedding show," shares the team, "Not necessarily on the day but in the future if they attended the show and booked with us from it we will grant the discount and package! "Our cleverly designed courses can be configured to fit any space, from straightforward layouts to intricate designs like letters, numbers and symbols. We handle everything from set up to staffing, so you can focus on enjoying your event. Our commitment to quality, experienced staff and customer satisfaction makes us the leading choice for mobile mini golf across the UK."

Find Shropshire Petals Confetti in your County Wedding Events' goodybag

When visiting a County Wedding Events show, whether it's our smaller events or our larger Signature Wedding Show exhibitions; couples will find a sachet of Shropshire Petals ' biodegradable petal confetti in their goodybag! Book your attendance at one of our events now. Perfect for weddings, British flowers are grown on its fourth generation family farm during the summer months, and picked by hand when they're perfectly bloomed. All its petals and flowers are sustainable, eco-friendly and as nature intended.

County Wedding Events coming to Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk, for inspiration on Sunday 27th October 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events. Set in beautiful countryside, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a boutique hotel, luxurious spa and brasserie restaurant just outside Ipswich.

Come and see Daisy’s Flower Preservation at Bluewater

Finding a florist who just gets you is one of the best boxes to tick on your wedding to do list, but what will you do with those carefully selected flowers once the day is over? Come and see Kate and Hayley at Daisy's Flower Preservation at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on 6th October, to secure your flower preservation place, meaning you will be able to enjoy your gorgeous wedding day flowers for years to come. "Whether it's a bouquet, buttonholes, corsages, or a selection of flowers, we will preserve them into a beautiful design of your choice, and present them in high quality wooden frames," says Kate.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

Deco Flowers: Handcrafted wedding accessories

Deco Flowers specialises in creating delicate, bespoke wedding accessories , with each flower and detail meticulously handcrafted to perfection. The company's mission is to encapsulate nature's unique motifs into elegant accessories that make every woman the centre of attention, inspiring admiration and awe. An Essex Wedding magazine spoke exclusively to Nadya at Deco Flowers to find out more about the company.

Hear live music at Bluewater wedding fair from Rose Gold String Trio

Visiting the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on 6th October will enable couples to hear the talented musician exhibiting at the event. Rose Gold String Trio is a highly regarded string trio specialising in weddings. One of the musicians, Sara, says, "Do come over to hear us play and discuss your wedding music requirements. We will create a wonderful ambience for your special day - and we play lots of styles, from Bach to Bridgerton!"

Complimentary text engraving and cleaning of engagement ring

The Diamond Setter brings a wealth of expertise in bespoke jewellery, redesigning heirloom pieces, crafting engagement and wedding rings and offering expert jewellery repair services. Gavin and Lorraine Marsh, the creative minds behind The Diamond Setter, have a refreshing hands-on approach with 'meet the maker' - which is exactly what you can do when attending the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater. Lorraine says, "Mark an unforgettable milestone with our bespoke wedding bands, made at our very own workshop in Royal Tunbridge Wells. We specialise in shaped or contoured bands and diamond set bands, and couples can experience a bespoke consultation with dedicated customer service and an opportunity to speak to the jeweller and diamond setter."

Halloween Spooktacular at Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate

As Halloween approaches, award-winning country house hotel, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex is embracing the spooky season with a range of thrilling experiences. From Friday 25th October to Friday 1st November, enjoy open-air film screenings, live music on the lawn, and a devilishly delightful afternoon tea. Some of the films showing include: Edward Scissorhands (PG) and Ghostbusters (PG).

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

Introducing: Goldie Eau de Parfum

Steve Madden, the iconic American footwear brand best known for revolutionizing the shoe industry with accessible and on-trend styles, unveils fragrance as a new addition to its portfolio of shoes, handbags, and accessories... Introducing: Goldie Eau de Parfum is inspired by the vibrant energy and unapologetic confidence of the modern woman. Goldie is a warm, floral fragrance that embodies the spirit of individuality and self-expression with an air of luxury.

Do you believe in magic? Be in awe of Liam Ball at our Signature Wedding Show

Looking for your wedding day entertainment? There's nothing better than seeing it live and that's particularly important if you're thinking of hiring a magician. At County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater you can see magician Liam Ball perform. He says, "Weddings are one of the most magical days that two people can share, and I can't wait to be a part of yours. I'm Liam. An expert wedding host and master magician. Not only will I help to make sure that your day flows smoothly and on time, I will also ensure that your guests are entertained and have the best time celebrating your special day.

Get linked for life with ROKK Jewellery

Say "I do" to permanent jewellery, because your love isn't the only thing that should last forever! What sets ROKK apart is the brand's passion for harnessing the power of gemstones. Each gemstone is carefully chosen for its unique healing properties, allowing you to embrace their transformative energy. Whether it's the calming influence of amethyst, the nurturing nature of rose quartz, or the protective aura of turquoise, our gemstones serve as companions on your well-being journey. ROKK designs are not only on trend but also versatile, allowing you to effortlessly incorporate them into your everyday life, and with the permanent collecting they'll always be a part of your life!

I do with The Ring Company

The Ring Company, are dedicated to helping you choose the perfect wedding ring, and will be at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October. At the show, you will feel as if you've gone straight to the workshop; the team can create a bespoke ring to match your engagement ring or you can choose from an extensive range on display. On ordering your rings, a small deposit of 20% will secure your item(s) with the final payment due when collecting (an interest free monthly payment plan is also available). Part of the service includes a free polish and clean of your engagement ring, so it looks brand new for your big day.

Its craftsmanship has more than 30 years' experience in the art of fine handmade rings, why not book an appointment to see where your wedding rings will be made...

Ellis Gray Weddings exhibiting at Mecedes-Benz World

Ellis Gray Weddings are a wedding videography team based in Surrey whose style is candid and romantic, with a touch of cinematic flair. You can meet the team at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th October 2024. Experienced in intimate weddings, destination weddings and elopements. Pop that bottle of champagne, get cosy and watch back every moment from your special day with your very own Ellis Gray Weddings film!

Braintree theatre The Institute secures Tesco's Stronger Starts scheme

The Institute, Braintree's Grade II listed theatre and wedding venue, is bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme. Stronger Starts provides grants of up to £1,500 to local community projects, with three groups shortlisted. Tesco customers then vote for the group they think should win. The Bocking Art Theatre Trust: The Institute Restoration Project is one of the groups on the Braintree shortlist.

£20 off a bespoke, personalised, wedding or anniversary cushions

Claire, creator of Treasured Textiles, makes bespoke, handmade wedding and celebration cushions, will be at the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 6th October. Her personalised cushions can be treasured forever and are all individually handmade, based on your wedding photos. Her cushions make a perfect gift and keepsake for the couple themselves, or as a perfect 'Thank You' to parents, bridesmaids, or even flowergirls, that helped make your big day truly special. They would make an excellent 1st anniversary, 10 year or even 50th Golden Wedding anniversary presents! Claire also offers personalised ring cushions for the big day itself!

Ceremony inspiration with celebrant Amanda

Leigh-On-Sea-based celebrant Amanda Wheal will be on hand at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 13th of October to discuss all of your wedding planning needs. Are you looking for a unique wedding ceremony, written just for you? Amanda says, "Come and say hello and find out how together we'll create your personalised ceremony, amazing, unforgettable and totally feelgood. Whether it's traditional, formal, modern, relaxed or a mix I guarantee it'll exceed your expectations, and totally captivate your guests. I can clarify all the legalities like giving notice to marry and I'll talk you through each of my ceremony packages You'll be amazed at what I can do with ribbons, sand and candles, and find out why I have a broomstick! So, come and say hello, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you discover!

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.