NEWS Nearlywed

from Your Herts and Beds Wedding - June/July 2023 (Issue 98)

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All the happenings from around the counties

IT’S A BLING THING

At Your Herts and Beds Wedding, we’ve caught up with expert jewellers Gatwards at Hitchin to learn more about the company. Here’s what Charlotte Gatward has to say…

What does the company offer?

Gatwards is the oldest independent family-run jeweller in the UK and is based in Hitchin’s historic Market Square. We specialise in fine jewellery and are renowned for our exquisite range. Our treasure box of exceptional fine jewellery from highly skilled design houses and independent makers sourced from the UK and worldwide is the place to find special pieces to mark life’s extraordinary moments.

What service can couples expect?

Open Evening

Step through the gates of Toddington Park this summer for the Wedding & Events Open Evening on Wednesday, 12th July 2023. Discover the private residence from 5 pm until 8 pm and the spaces available for bespoke weddings and events.

Guests will experience this beautiful summer venue with an evening of entertainment, a glass of prosecco and delicious canapés to enjoy. Talk to handpicked local suppliers, including a helicopter charter, a sustainable florist and a jeweller that creates bespoke crafted pieces.

With prior planning permission to convert the property into a luxury hotel and spa, Toddington Park’s new owners have decided to retain it as a private residence and offer minimal days for private events. The Georgian manor house sits at the heart of 30 acres of private parkland and is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

For those seeking to celebrate life’s most cherished moments, the venue provides an unforgettable backdrop that will leave a lasting impression on guests. With its boutique charm and exquisite surroundings, this historic estate is an idyllic destination that will captivate senses and transport guests to a world of sheer tranquillity.

Contact Toddington Park to reserve your space at sarah@toddington-park.co.uk.

Discover more about the venue: https://toddington-park.co.uk

Expect a dedicated and outstanding customer experience with highly qualified staff to advise choosing and caring for the best pieces to suit your lifestyle. We also have an in-house workshop for repairs and alterations.

What’s the latest happenings at the company?

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Diamonfire range in-store. With cubic zirconia stones set in sterling silver, the range brings plenty of diamond sparkles without the price tag. The range offers an affordable and high-quality alternative to natural diamonds with many beautiful pieces from stone-set collars, line bracelets and single-stone pendants with matching rings.

Discover more: www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk

Beautiful Designs

Be Spoke Petals is a new wedding company that offers bespoke paper flowers for special events.

Located in Welwyn Garden City, owner Laura Hall offers stunning floral designs from bouquets, thank-you gifts, buttonholes or pieces to decorate wedding cakes.

All flowers are made from coloured paper or, for a softer touch, tissue paper. Laura also can use pages from books, which is how she found her passion after creating her friend’s bouquets using pages from the Harry Potter books.

Discover more: www.instagram.com/be.spoke.petals

PRE-WEDDING DATE NIGHT

Located in Hertfordshire, The Salisbury Arms Hotel has undergone a total refurbishment and revamp to add even more wow factor.

After closing down for six months, the team have been working hard to completely transform the entire building while still maintaining many of its original features and character. They’ve opened two parts of the bar to add a better flow to the area, updated the restaurant for a more formal feel and added a stunning courtyard perfect for gathering in the summer months. The staff have kept the small Snug room at the front of the building for small gatherings and afternoon teas. The reception area

Raise A Glass

Willow Tree Distilling is home to the award-winning Willow Tree Gin, Bedfordshire’s first gin distillery.

The family-run business lovingly distils in small batches, with sustainability at the heart of every process. The team is now able to create unique and bespoke wedding favours thanks to the exclusive gin-making experience. Couples can create their recipe, labels and gin miniatures to share with guests for a gift they’ll never forget.

Check out the company here: www.willowtreedistilling.co.uk has been completely opened up for a more welcoming and relaxed feel for guests when checking in. All the bedrooms were fully refurbished, with a minimum of a king-sized bed in each. There are two accessible rooms through the courtyard for guests who can’t quite manage the stairs. The signatures and some of the boutique rooms have beautiful free-standing baths – some even feature double showers.

The Hotel isn’t just the perfect location for pre-wedding getaways but can also host wedding receptions. Read more about the wedding spaces on page 22.

Check out: www.salisburyarmshotel.co.uk