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NEARLYWED NEWS
London-based celebrant India Maclennan of India Bel Ceremonies has been nominated for the Global Celebrant of the Year, Best National Celebrant and Rising Star awards at the 2021 Celebrant Industry Awards (TCIA), hosted by The Celebrant Directory. An industry first, these awards are dedicated to recognising the excellent work of celebrants.
Founder of The Celebrant Directory Jennifer Claire Constant says, “I’m so excited to finally launch these awards to shout loudly about our fantastic celebrant community and recognise their talent.” To find out more about Streatham-based India Maclennan and how she can make your ceremony extra special, visit www.indiabelceremonies.com Fine jewellery brand Fenton has opened a gorgeous new showroom in West London, allowing customers to try before they buy. Currently, the company sees 75% of sales made online, but it recognised the demand for an IRL space where customers could meet the resident gemologist and experienced team ahead of making such a personal purchase.
Many couples have proposed with a promise ring during lockdown and are now looking to choose an exquisite engagement ring or their wedding bands. COVID-safe appointments at the beautifully decorated showroom are normally 30 to 60 minutes long and include lots of personal touches to make customers feel extra special, including a glass of fizz. Check out https://fentonand.co NEWS Nearlywed All the latest from around the capital
True romance
We are in love with the dreamy new Kerala Collection from London-based designer Olwen Bourke. This ethereal range of bridal gowns was inspired by the designer’s trip to south India and draws influences from the lush flora and fauna. Perfect for the contemporary bride, you can expect delicate embroidered flowers, sweeping tulle skirts and breathtaking botanical designs.
Not looking for traditional white or ivory? You’ll find other beautifully soft shades here too. “Hints of colour add personality to the gowns,” Olwen says. “It means that they can be worn again after the big day.” With an artisanal approach, each gown is handmade to order. The cloths are cut at a small, family-run workshop in India, before being cut, sewn and handfinished at Olwen’s North London studio. Olwen tells us, “I love to incorporate personal emblems or secret messages into the embroidery or lining, so that each dress is an original work of art.”
Olwen knows a thing or two about showstopping dresses, having designed custom gowns for Strictly Come Dancing, red-carpet events and eveningwear ranges for fashion houses in London and Paris. She also collaborates with Monsoon on its bridal and bridesmaid range. To find out more, and to book a consultation, visit www.olwenbourke.com
CITY SLICKERS
Opening in September 2021, Pan Pacific is a new luxury hotel in the City of London. With its private entrance via a glass lift, a dedicated pre-function area, VIP bridal suite and a showstopping ballroom, couples are going to love this gem of a venue.
The contemporary ballroom space can host up to 250 loved ones, while more intimate spaces are also available on the fifth floor overlooking the plaza. Packages have been designed to offer London couples everything they could want, as well as bespoke options to put the cherry on the cake. We also love the venue’s Events Emporium, where couples can work with the team to transform their special day into a fully sensory experience.
Find out more at www.panpacific.com
Five-star treatment
The Dilly, a new five-star West End hotel, has announced its packages for weddings of up to 200 guests in the heart of the capital. With an external terrace overlooking Piccadilly, The Dilly is a blank canvas for couples to create their London love story. Nearlyweds tying the knot here will experience a wedding steeped in history with a modern essence and the city as a backdrop. On its doorstep, the surrounding parks, Buckingham Palace and the famous Piccadilly statue of Eros, the god of love, make memorable photo opportunities.
The Dilly is the only hotel in London with its own dance studio, where couples can master their first-dance routine. The dedicated events team are on hand throughout the wedding journey to help with inspiration, menu tastings, entertainment and anticipating every detail of the day. The Dilly’s chefs can create delicious bespoke menus, or couples can opt for a more flexible dry-hire package. Find out more at www.thedillylondon.com
Xander Casey www.edwinmarcow.com Beginning his career at the tender age of 17, award-winning photographer Edwin Marcow has captured everything from fashion collections and model look-books to the natural world for National Geographic and Discovery Channel. Today, he focuses his talents on weddings, and has just added wedding videography to his services. “I’m excited to be able to offer a one-stop shop to my couples for all their photography and videography needs,” Edwin says. “It’s one less thing for you to have to worry about.” Find out more at www.edwinmarcow.com
A NEW DIRECTION
After planning luxury events at some of London’s most prestigious venues, Maria Neves, a wedding planner with more than 15 years’ experience, has launched Sustainable Wedding Workshops out of a passion for helping couples and the planet.
The practical workshops are designed to give engaged couples the tools to create a sustainable wedding that’s both beautiful and reflects their values. “After seeing the waste and damage to the environment that traditional weddings can create, I knew it was time to rethink the way the industry works,” Maria says. “Now, more than ever, we need to respect and protect our planet.”
Launching in the capital in 2021, the weekend workshops will allow couples to learn how to plan their own eco-friendly and sustainable wedding. Maria will show them the importance of family dynamics and diplomacy, create a wedding timeline and vision board, access reliable, ethical suppliers and more. To-beweds will also receive a final one-to-one consultation two weeks before the big day to finalise details. Maria adds, “Knowing your budget and allocating it to the things that truly matter to you will make you feel empowered and confident on your wedding day.” Visit www.sustainableweddingworkshops.com
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