NEARLYWED NEWS

The Little Pearl Bridal Boutique in Pickering has scooped up its third award title of Best Bridal Retailer in Yorkshire and The North East at this year’s The Wedding Industry Awards. Voted for by brides who have visited the boutique, and then rigorously judged by bridal professionals, this award is one of the most prestigious in the wedding industry.

Owner of the boutique, and mum of three, Diana McMann says, “I’m still on cloud nine! It has been the most challenging 18 months as a small business, going through times of not knowing if we’d have a business at the end of it, to having one of our most successful years yet! I’m so proud of how we’ve adapted and turned these challenging times into opportunities. I’m thrilled that my team have been recognised for their continued dedication to our brides and for giving them the most amazing bridal experience. We couldn’t do any of this without our brides and we are so grateful of their support too. It’s an honour to be a part of their special day and it’s so heart-warming to see wedding days now going ahead and the wedding industry getting back on its feet. I can’t wait for an exciting year ahead, which will see us open an additional fitting room, allowing us to help even more brides on their bridal journey.”

The Little Pearl specialises in bridalwear and accessories and prides itself on giving all of its brides an unrivalled, one-to-one, private, bridal experience. For more information visit ww.wthelittlepearlbridalboutique.co.uk

All the latest from the region

LUNAR LOVE!

A new study has revealed the best 2022 dates for couples to get married under the stars, based on the nights in the wedding season with the clearest stargazing views.

Burton Constable Holiday Park, which offers luxury holiday accommodation, has researched the predicted moon phases and darkness intervals for nights between May and October 2022.

The Park analysed the Fridays and Saturdays in the 2022 wedding season, which are the most common days for UK couples to get married, according to ONS data.

Couples wanting to stargaze at their wedding should view the stars on a night with a new moon, where the side of the moon illuminated by the sun is facing away from the Earth. This stops reflected sunlight from washing out and hiding the starry night sky. Avoid dates with a predicted full moon or high illumination as the bright light will wash out any stars.

The findings discovered that Saturday 27th August is the best date for stargazing weddings, with 0 per cent illumination, providing a clear view of the stars. August is also the most popular wedding month, so this could be the perfect date for a celestial-themed celebration.

The best Friday for stargazing, and the second-best stargazing wedding date overall, is the 29th July, which is also due to have 0 per cent illumination from the moon.

The top three Saturdays for marrying under the stars in 2022: ♥ 27th August (0 per cent illumination) ♥ 30th July (1 per cent illumination) ♥ 24th September (4 per cent illumination)

The top three Fridays for marrying under the stars in 2022: ♥ 29th July (0 per cent illumination) ♥ 26th August (2 per cent illumination) ♥ 1st July (3 per cent illumination)

The research follows data from Pinterest, which suggests that astronomy loving couples will be leading the pack when it comes to wedding themes in 2022. Lunar-themed events are predicted to take off in 2022, with moon party decorations seeing a huge increase in interest (+140 per cent) along with star-themed parties (+140 per cent).

For brides-to-be, lunar wedding dresses are predicted to see a +180 per cent increase in interest this year. And for couples with a lunar theme in mind, bioluminescence aesthetics will see an increase in interest of 80 per cent.

LET’S GET COOKING!

Thai restaurant, Chaophraya in Leeds, has relaunched its everpopular cookery masterclasses for participants to learn how to cook their favourite Thai dishes, following a successful trial at the end of last year. A great idea for a hen or stag do!

The cookery masterclasses, which will be located within the upper restaurant area, will bring guests together to learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes, from start to finish, whilst mastering the art of culinary skills transferable to any kitchen.

Running every Sunday, the class will teach participants how to make one of five starters and mains including some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes; Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Thai Soup, Spring Rolls and Massaman Curry.

Leading the cooking classes, is their experienced head chef who has been trained by and owner Executive Chef of the restaurant group, Kim Kaewraikhot.

Kim said: “Our guests can put their culinary skills to the test, or simply enjoy creating a classic Thai dish in a group environment.”

Classes start at £69 and for more information and how to book, visit the website: https://chaophraya.co.uk/cooking-schools

A guest appearance

James Buckley, better known as The Inbetweeners’ Jay Cartwright, has topped the official Cameo 2021 Year in Review, making him the most popular of all 50,000 stars on the world’s leading fan engagement platform.

With 80 per cent of Cameos given as gifts, it’s inevitable to see spikes in virtual message bookings around key moments like anniversaries; as a surprise for the hen or stag; or as a present for the bride and groom! Leeds was the seventh most popular location in the UK partial to sharing and sending a personal celebrity video message.

A Cameo spokesperson said: “Congratulations to James Buckley for being crowned the most popular star on Cameo in 2021. It’s great to see that he remains a fan favourite, not just in the UK, but also across the world. Cameo is about creating meaningful connections that matter, and we’re delighted to be able to help fulfil so many magical moments for fans.”

To book a Cameo from your favourite stars, download the app or visit www.cameo.com

Even MORE wedspiration from CWM!

Here at CWM HQ we’re literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because, really, what is enough? We’d go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we’ve created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you. here you’ll find tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses. Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings - after all, if we’re honest, who doesn’t love being a bit nosey! And we haven’t stopped there, as you’ll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks. We’re adding more content all the time, so why not hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a thing? It’s your one-stop shop for wedding vid-spiration! Simply head to YouTube and search ‘County Wedding Magazines’ or visit: www.youtube.com/channel/UCMAChACKNanShdZwI5QGXMQ

GET GIN-SPIRED!

The Mobile Gin School caters for hen parties, events and weddings. The company can even produce bespoke gin wedding favours for your day. It also offers a bespoke gin service to make your own custom gin bottle.

The Mobile Gin School is open for booking from May 2022 onwards. The company can come to your wedding day, where you and your partner can create your own wedding day gin using their beautiful copper stills. The team will ask for a bit of assistance from your guests with helping choose the flavours and then invite them to get hands on and recreate your recipe into miniature wedding favours to take home. You will receive the bottle you made in a gift box to cherish or to drink. Don’t worry if you drink it, the School will keep your recipe on file and can recreate it for you any time.

For further information visit www.themobileginschool.com or via social media.

Contact The Mobile Gin School quoting reference: Gin22 to receive a free bottle of gin upon a successful wedding booking.