NEARLYWED NEWS

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NEWS Nearlywed All the latest from around Surrey

FESTIVE WONDERLAND

This November, Christmas at Kew, a much-loved highlight of London’s festive calendar, returns for its ninth year. Perfect for a romantic pre-wedding celebration, this year’s trail features a host of firm seasonal favourites alongside pioneering new light installations, illuminating Kew Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage landscape with vibrant bursts of colour and over a million twinkling lights. Using a selection of spectacular trees from Kew’s arboretum as their canvas, the show will include a stunning combination of video design, projection mapping and light to bring Kew’s archived botanical illustrations to life, alongside a host of heart-warming festive imagery.

Sandra Botterell, the director of marketing and commercial enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to welcome visitors back to Christmas at Kew for 2021. As well as some much-loved festive favourites, this year’s trail also encompasses some enchanting new installations, taking inspiration from Kew’s wonderful living and archive collections. With over a million lights illuminating Kew’s spectacular botanic gardens, Christmas at Kew is a seasonal spectacular unlike any other.”

Visit www.kew.org.uk for more information. After a difficult 2020, Hartfield Manor is celebrating the return of the festive season with a variety of fun activities. Ideal for hen or stag dos, the Christmas party nights consist of a three-course dinner, novelties and a DJ until late. Alternatively, immerse yourself in a murder mystery where it’s your job to crack the case. Filter through the evidence, study the police files and interrogate the witness, all whilst enjoying a three-course dinner. There are also festive lunches, afternoon teas and a New Year’s Party available to book.

Head over to www.hartsfieldmanor.co.uk for more information.

SWEET DELIGHTS

Cocoa Island, a chocolate shop based in Dorking, has relaunched its wedding services during the pandemic. “We originally started by making bespoke wedding favours for our couples which have been popular since day one of our chocolatier’s inception,” says the owner Natasha Cocoa. “Then speaking to couples who were needing to postpone their weddings or move them, with budgets becoming tighter as lifestyles were changing, we looked to create something unique, and so our chocolate truffle tower was born. Our seven tiers of handmade chocolate truffles can be topped with a wedding cake, combining the traditional bake with favours for the guests. We’re also able to provide personalised truffle boxes, which allows guests to take some away with them as a memory of the day and saves a lot of wasted wedding cake!”

Check out www.cocoaisland.co.uk for more information.

TheRocketsCollective, a band in Surrey, is running an offer, perfect for couples looking for their big-day entertainment. Brides and grooms who book the five-piece (or larger) option will receive a free jazz duo for your drinks reception. Bookings must be made by 31st December, 2021.

TheRocketsCollective combine some of the UK's best musical talent with high energy performances to create a must-see show. The team offer bespoke entertainment packages, and the events coordinator will work with you to devise a set list tailored to meet your requirements from their extensive repertoire. Whether it's twisting and jiving to a 50's Rock 'n' Roll classic or moving to a current chart hit, there will be something for everyone.

Discover more at www.therocketscollective.com

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

BOA Boutique has recently relocated to Great Bookham in Surrey. Having worked for many years in leading London stores, including a fabulous couture house, the owner Sheila Harding and her team of experienced consultants know that many brides-to-be can find searching for their perfect gown a little overwhelming. At BOA Boutique the team have brought together an exciting collection of wedding gowns that have been selectively chosen, with each designer having a clearly defined signature. The company also offer a range of occasionwear, bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories all under one roof.

Complimentary appointments will last for an hour-and-a-half and you will be assisted by one of the lovely sales consultants. The team offers a made-to-measure service, using traditional couture techniques and the most luxurious fabrics.

To find out more, visit www.boa-boutique.co.uk

THE STARS ALIGN

Ginger Ray, based in Weybridge, has teamed up with astrologer Lisa Stardust to reveal how you can decorate your wedding based on your star sign.

“Aries are known for their passionate nature, which is why they’ll go for a white wedding dress with red flowers and décor to showcase their desirable nature,” says Lisa. “Being that Tauruses are so connected with the earth, they will prefer a botanical wedding that surrounds them with nature, flowers and open skies. Geminis like to set a light and airy vibe with an all-white colour scheme. The Cancer sign is all about inner glam vibes and has an old fashioned, vintage look with champagne flutes, ice sculptures and top hats. Leos love to make an entrance with big flowing dresses with metallic sequins sporadically spread all over for effect with a plunging back or neckline. Virgos are effortlessly cool, and a rustic vineyard that seats everyone outdoors on a communal table with free-flowing wine, great conversation, amazing food and classic music is the perfect wedding for a Libra. Scorpio season occurs at the same time as Halloween, so they will be drawn to a spookier affair. The Sagittarius are known for their adventurous and outgoing nature, which is why they’ll throw a huge party in a foreign place. Being that Capricorn is the first sign of the winter season, they will have an intimate wedding surrounded by a small group of friends and family while it’s snowing outside. Aquarians are laid back and will choose a bright coloured slip dress in lush fabrics, wear a crown of daisies in their hair, and opt to go barefoot to their wedding. Pisces are dreamers by nature, which is why they adore fairytale weddings with lace wedding dresses with feathers or rhinestone accents.”

To find out more, visit www.gingerray.co.uk

REST AND RELAXATION

The Coach House Health Club & Spa at Beaverbrook invites guests to discover a renewed sense of equilibrium with an illustrious line-up of wellness experts. There are a range of targeted retreats designed for both men and women, so dive in and explore the restorative and therapeutic powers of these ranging holistic practices.

The influence of the English countryside setting is reflected in the natural healing philosophy, the range of treatments and state-of-the-art facilities.

Visit www.beaverbrook.co.uk for more information.