Silverlinings Midlands Wedding Guide - Spring/Summer 2020

Spring/Summer 2020 | silverlinings.co.uk

GUIDE

ESSENTIAL PLANNING TOOLS Wedding fair diary Planning timeline Local venues Wedding trends Inspiring themes

FREE

wedding

EXCLUSIVE WEDDING RING OFFER

W W W. S T E F FA N S . C O. U K

£100 GIFT CARD TO USE IN STORE AGAINST ANY ITEM, WHEN YOU PURCHASE BOTH WEDDING RINGS FROM STEFFANS

LIFETIME WARRANTY FREE ENGRAVING 3 FREE REFINISHERS 1 FREE RESIZE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE DIAMOND LOUNGE ON 01604 622090 In order for a customer to receive the £100.00 gift card, to use against any item, the customer must buy both wedding rings from Steffans jewellers. If only one ring is purchased the customer is still entitled to the other parts of the offer providing they purchse a Brown & Newirth ring. If both customers buy Brown & Newirth rings, then both will receive the TLC booklet.

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wedding .co.uk Spring/Summer 2020 | silverlinings

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Call Emma on 07732 285617 or email hello@silverlinings.co.uk www.silverlinings.co.uk

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ESSENTIAL PLANNING TOOLS Wedding fair diary Planning timeline Local venues Wedding trends Inspiring themes

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Welcome

in this issue...

REGULARS

Firstly congratulations on your engagement!

Before you can start planning the details, you need to decide on and book your venue as this usually determines most other decisions around your wedding. As a county we are lucky enough to have a huge choice of venues - from stately homes to rustic barns, and bijoux pubs to luxury exclusive use hotels. You will find a list of your local venues on pages 25-28.

Another great place to start your wedding planning is at wedding fairs. These give you the opportunity to talk to a whole room of wedding experts who will be able to guide you along those first steps, and a place to start making connections with potential suppliers. The first few months of the year are incredibly busy with wedding fairs so we have included a diary of fairs around the county on pages 78-79.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for in our magazine or at the show, head over to www.silverlinings.co.uk and check out our Wedding Directory for a comprehensive list of local wedding professionals. You’ll also find wonderfully inspiring blogs and practical planning downloads.

Planning your wedding is a huge task but using all of the resources available magazines, websites, blogs, wedding fairs will make the process easier and fun!

Cover photo: Sarah Vivienne Photography Venue: Holdenby House, Bridal Studio: Courtyard Bridal Boutique, Dresses: Eliza Jane Howell, Jewellery: Steffans Jewellers, Accessories: Miss Clemmie Bridal Accessories, Hair: The Hairbook, Makeup - Liza Smith Makeup, Model: Lily Mawby

7 Silverlinings diary of wedding fairs

24 Questions to ask your wedding venue

10 What you need to do & when

25 Northamptonshire wedding venues

18 Ask the experts

52 Mood boards

FEATURES

42 Interview

GILL HARVEY, FOUNDER OF ELIZA JANE HOWELL

22

QUICK GUIDE TO FESTIVAL WEDDINGS

KEEP IN TOUCH...

34 Creating your own Downton Abbey wedding 48 Dare to jump 70 Catering outside the box 74 Your wedding’s soundtrack

76

HONEYMOONING IN THE UK

CONTACT US Editor Emma Tuckley hello@silverlinings.co.uk Art Director Chris Bunt - Desine adcopy@silverlinings.co.uk

29 Picking the perfect wedding bands

PERSONALISING YOUR CEREMONY

14

REAL WEDDINGS 58 Stuart & Rachel The Tythe Barn, Launton

64 Andy & Lauren At home

silverliningsweddingfairs silverlinings_wedding_guide wedding_fairs

The views of the contributors in the Silverlinings Wedding Guide are not necessarily those shared by the publisher. The contributor acknowledges that material submitted may be published in any publication, website, or social media produced or managed by High Times Weddings Ltd. The contributor agrees not to submit material where they do not own the copyright or where they have not obtained all necessary permissions from the rightful owners. The contributor confirms all necessary model releases have been obtained from persons appearing in any image.

silverlinings.co.uk

5

FAWSLEY HALL HOTEL & SPA FAWSLEY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

The perfect venue ďż˝ Stunning views, striking backdrops and an exclusively flexible venue.

Surrounded by 2000 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of Northamptonshire, this historic mansion house has striking yet flexible function rooms, including your own exclusive venue.

An inspiring canvas for your wedding, Fawsley Hall has space for romantic outdoor ceremonies, drinks and dining, with the comfort of elegant bedrooms and suites for you and your guests.

Showrounds & Showcases Visit for a showround and immerse yourself in all Fawsley Hall has to offer, where our Wedding Specialists can help shape your exciting ideas!

We also host wedding showcases and viewing days throughout the year. Full details, as well as virtual tours, are available on our website.

Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa Fawsley, Near Daventry NN11 3BA 01327 892000 weddings.fawsley@handpicked.co.uk handpickedhotels.co.uk/fawsleyhall

HOTELS B U I L T

F O R

P L E A S U R E

Free Goody Bag packed with magazines, discounts & offers

Pre-register and attend to be in with a chance of winning a Bridal Gift Box worth £275 from Steffans Jewellers* at every wedding fair.

Pre-register at www.silverlinings.co.uk

Want to Exhibit?

Contact us at hello@silverlinings.co.uk or 07732 285617 * Terms & Conditions apply

THE BIG NORTHAMPTON WEDDING SHOW AT THE NCCC SUNDAY 5TH JANUARY Northants County Cricket Club, Northampton, NN1 4PR NORTHAMPTON MARRIOTT WEDDING FAIR SUNDAY 12TH JANUARY Eagle Drive, Northampton, NN4 7HW THE BIG KETTERING WEDDING SHOW AT KETTERING CONFERENCE CENTRE SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY Thurston Drive, Kettering, NN15 6PB LEICESTER MERCURE THE GRAND HOTEL WEDDING FAIR SUNDAY 2ND FEBRUARY Granby St, Leicester, LE1 6ES KETTERING PARK HOTEL WEDDING FAIR SUNDAY 8TH MARCH Kettering Parkway, Kettering, NN15 6XT HIGHGATE HOUSE COUNTRY WEDDING FAIR SUNDAY 29TH MARCH Grooms Lane, Creaton, Northampton, NN6 8NN SPRING WEDDING FAIR HANGAR ONE SUNDAY 19TH APRIL Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton, NN6 0BN

All fairs are open from 11am - 3pm (unless stated otherwise) Free Admission (unless stated otherwise)

01604 609286 events@nccc.co.uk www.northantscricket.com

The tranquillity combined with the historical and picturesque setting of the Cricket Ground makes us the perfect location for your wedding day.

With years of experience planning weddings and events, our qualified team will be on hand to ensure your dream day is brought to reality.

The County Ground is proud to ensure clients have one central point of contact; from the moment your initial enquiry is processed through to the day itself. We will then smoothly hand over the details of your day to our experienced operations team who will be with you every step to ensure everything runs without a hitch. With our friendly and flexible approach we will ensure your event runs effortlessly and exceeds all your expectations.

We are now licenced for civil ceremonies from 10 to 550 guests and with a variety of spaces, many with natural daylight and pitch side views we can offer the perfect location for your big day.

Please contact our events team today and organise a convenient time to pop down to The County Ground and have a look around.

Like many of our clients, you’re sure to be impressed!

Happy Ever After starts

at Mercure Leicester the Grand Hotel.

It’s the most special day of your lives so spend it at a special place. Not only will you be in a beautiful setting but you can rest assured that we’ll help you get it just right. We’ll get to know you, your tastes, your wishes - and help make those dreams come true.

For more information and a wedding show-round please call the hotel.

T: +44 (0)116 214 9257 | E: weddings@mercureleicester.co.uk W: mercureleicester.co.uk

Dance

TOAST LOVE

MEMORIES MADE AT MARRIOTT It's the day you've been dreaming of. Make every moment unforgettable with the perfect backdrop, delicious handcrafted food and your every wish meticulously coordinated by your personal wedding team. Bespoke wedding packages from £32.00pp At Northampton Marriott Hotel we don’t just host events, we make memories.

MemoriesMadeMarriott.co.uk/Northampton

Northampton Marriott Hotel 01604 768700 northampton.events@marriotthotels.co.uk Eagle Drive, Northampton NN4 7HW

Planning

WHAT TO DO & WHEN 12 MONTHS BEFORE...

10 MONTHS BEFORE...

Choose a wedding date

Order your wedding dress

Decide on a budget

Choose bridesmaids’ dresses

Open a planning book

Choose the music, hymns and readings for the ceremony

Make a list of guests and decide on numbers

Order wedding stationery

Book your church or registrar

Book entertainment

Book your reception venue/caterers

Choose and order your wedding cake

Send out “Save The Date” cards

Make an appointment with your chosen florist

Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man Start looking for The Dress!

Select a Toastmaster Decide on how you’re getting to the venues

Choose and book your photographer Choose and book your videographer Take out insurance cover

6 MONTHS BEFORE...

Start thinking about the honeymoon Book an engagement shoot Give Notice of Marriage

NOTES...

Purchase or hire menswear Order venue decoration/chair covers Select your wedding rings Book a make-up artist/hairdresser and arrange a trial Choose a Gift List Think about timings of the day Book transport Buy shoes, lingerie and accessories Attend initial fitting for your wedding dress.

10

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Planning

4 MONTHS BEFORE...

Send out your wedding invitations Check your passport expiry date Check if you will need visas or vaccinations for your honeymoon destination Choose attendants’ gifts Order favours

2 WEEKS BEFORE...

Start thinking about a seating plan Book your wedding night accommodation Make arrangements for Hen and Stag parties

Make a note of wedding gifts as they arrive

Arrange fittings for the menswear

Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal with the relevant people

Organise rehearsal with the relevant people

Arrange to change your name if appropriate

Choose your menu

Speak to all your suppliers to confirm details

Have a final meeting with your venue

Book dry cleaning for your dress

1 MONTH BEFORE...

Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress Telephone guests who have not responded to your invitation Buy a wedding gift for each other Arrange for a final fitting for your bridesmaids, ushers and best man and arrange when to collect the outfits Confirm timings with the venue and all relevant suppliers Have a final meeting with your venue Create a list of important photos for the photographer

1 WEEK BEFORE...

Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear Arrange for your order of service to be given to the minister Pack for your honeymoon or overnight bag Have all your beauty treatments Book the groom a hair cut Organise an emergency kit for on the day Drink plenty of water and have some early nights

...and relax and enjoy this time all your hard work is about to come to fruition! silverlinings.co.uk

11

CRANFORD HALL ESTATES

Cranford, Kettering NN14 4AL

Photograph by jscoates.com

FA C I L I T I E S • Seating for up to 100 guests • Private use of the garden for games and photographs • No daytime corkage • Supplier flexibility and no set packages • Hire of St Andrews church for blessings • Drawing Room available for formal photographs if the weather is poor • Use of a private room to get ready before your blessing • Accommodation available

B

uilt by Sir James Robinson in 1720, the magnificent Georgian Mansion is still the seat of the Robinson family and a private home.

Because of the dedication we put into each and every wedding, we only host a small number per year, making yours a unique and exclusive event. We tailor our facilities to create a wedding that is about you; your relationship, your sense of humour, your friends, family and those you want to share your day with. We do not have wedding packages so the choice of caterer, room decor, table layout, timings etc. is entirely up to you.

For price lists and private viewings, please contact Emma Robinson Email: cranfordhall@gmail.com Tel: 01536 330608 Photograph by aniaames.co.uk

A beautiful rural venue set amongst a sheep farm Furtho barn provides you with a blank canvas to be as creative as you wish.

The barn enables you to make your wedding day unique, personal and perfect.

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Intimate weddings are now available on Tuesdays - which can be anything from ceremony only to an evening reception.

BED & BREAKFAST

Party Barn

Large rooms

Civil Ceremonies

The barn, gazebo and ceremony room are licensed for civil ceremonies, whilst the Church is available for a limited number of blessings.

En-suite

Intimate mid week weddings

24 hour access

Accommodates up to 200

There are five guest rooms on-site as well as plenty of space for camping and glamping.

Choice of breakfast

Available all year round

OFFICES

STORAGE

Quality rural office units

From 160 - 6,850 sq ft

Secure units

Free parking

ALSO INCLUDED: Exclusive use of the venue for your weekend Start setting up mid-week Midnight finish

Short and long term agreements

If you would like to come and view Furtho Manor Farm please contact Linda Welton

01908 542139 | 07968 004609 linda@furtho.com | furthomanorfarm.co.uk

FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF YOUR LIFE, YOU SHOULD EXPECT THE VENUE OF YOUR DREAMS. Our unique Alfresco Garden Wedding Ceremony, with beautiful surrounding gardens Choice of three beautiful reception suites - accommodating up to 250 guests A delicious range of menu options Licensed for civil ceremonies, partnerships and vow renewals

For more information please call our Wedding Manager on 01536 416666 Take advantage of some very special offers on last minute dates - up to 25% off

Kettering Parkway, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN15 6XT ketteringparkhotel.com

Image: applebimages.co.uk

Marriage

YOUR CEREMONY With Nicola & Denise from Cornish Celebrants

So how can I personalise my ceremony?

This is a question that couples often ask us – and as Independent Celebrants we are happy to oblige!

Registration Services may offer some choices but they are not usually able to offer the range of personalisation that a Celebrant can, and if you opt for a religious service the marriage service for that religion will be used, with choices for hymns and readings.

14

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

There are so many options to help make your ceremony feel that it is about you, from choosing to write your own vows, opting for readings and involving your guests, but we find the inclusion of a ritual – something visual for all to see – is the one thing that adds the “wow” factor to your wedding.

Marriage

Image: devonrosewedding.co.uk

HAVING A RITUAL MAY SOUND A LITTLE BIT ‘LEFT FIELD’ TO YOU, SO LET ME EXPLAIN SOME OF THEM – AND MOST CELEBRANTS ARE HAPPY TO ADAPT EVERY ONE OF THEM TO SUIT YOU. HERE ARE SOME OF THE FAVOURITE ONES:

HANDFASTING In many countries, cultures and religions the hands of the couple were bound together as a sign of their marriage. Handfasting is often described as an ancient Celtic rite and can range from a simple symbolic tying of the hands with cords, ribbons or wrap whilst you say your vows to each other to a more involved form of rite.

QUAICH (LOVING CUP) The use of the quaich or loving cup symbolises the coming together of the couple and the trust between them.

TIE THE KNOT This is such a fun ritual! Two cords representing the two people in the marriage are joined with fisherman’s knots; the cords are pulled and the knots come together, the harder the couple pull, the more secure the knot becomes – a real visual metaphor for marriage! This ritual can be adapted to include children; it works especially well for a blended family and becomes a visual representation of the new family being created.

UNITY CANDLE We ask a family member from each side to light a candle. With two candles lit, we then ask each of the couple to light a taper from their respective family candles and then light together a third candle representing the light from their two families uniting into a new family. Some couples buy personalised candles with their names and date of wedding for the central candle as a keepsake.

WINE BOX CEREMONY The couple choose a bottle of their favourite wine and place it in a box together with letters to each other written on the morning of their wedding.

They choose a date in the future to open the box and re-read their letters with a glass of their wine a lovely idea for a special anniversary.

The cup can be filled with your favourite drink – or a combination of two! – then take it turns to offer the cup to each other and take a drink until the cup is empty. This idea can be extended to the wider family, but if children involved it’s probably best to use soft drinks rather than alcohol!

RING BLESSING A wonderful way to include all your guests.

The ring is passed amongst your guests at the beginning of your ceremony, so that everyone has the opportunity to hold the ring and imbue it with love and blessings for your wedding.

So take the plunge, be creative with your Celebrant and discuss what you can do to make your ceremony one to remember for both you and your guests, and if none of these rituals work for you – make up one of your own!! silverlinings.co.uk

15

WEDDING SHOWCASE

Wednesday 4th March 2020 (4.30pm - 7.00pm)

Meet the Wedding Team & Suppliers and view the Wedding Facilities

Are you looking for a day to remember? Are you looking for something special to make your hen day amazing?

Would you like an......

Spend a couple of hours as part of your hen day, painting one of these designs, or one of your own. You will have a beautiful keepsake.

You don't need to be artistic as I will guide you through each step.

Grab a drink, be prepared to release your inner Van Gogh, and go home with your very own masterpiece.

All the materials and equipment are provided.

You choose your venue. Parties can take place in pubs, clubs or private venue, including your own home!

From ÂŁ25 per person, 10% o! a party of 12.

"Well my Ăžrst go at acrylic painting I really enjoyed it!"

"My friends didn't think I did it!"

You don't just need to be a hen to enjoy an arty party!

To book contact Fiona on: 07824 602787 Facebook: @craftycreationsltd Email: Fiona.demarcopayne@craftycreationsltd.co.uk

Ask the

purplerosephotography.co.uk

TOP TIPS FROM WEDDING INDUSTRY BUSINESSES

PHOTOGRAPHY EMMA FROM PURPLE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY Always meet your photographer! I’ve arrived at weddings at 7am and not left till 11pm... that’s a long time to spend with someone you don’t know. So meet them at a wedding fair or even for a coffee before booking to make sure you get on with them. If you don’t get on well it really will show in your photos. Your photographer should feel like a welcome friend at your wedding! It’s also a good opportunity to ask lots of questions about how they work.

CATERING VICTORIA FROM PORTFOLIO EVENTS Your wedding breakfast menu creates an experience for your guests and memories of your wedding day – it’s your day, so choose the menu you want as you will not be able to please all of your guests. Choose something that you have shared together and has already created memories for you. Enjoy a tasting together with the caterer so you can be confident with your choices, if you want to tweak the menu don’t be afraid to ask. As caterers, we want to help you create your dream menu.

18

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Ask the expert JEWELLERY STACIE FROM MICHAEL JONES Take your time when choosing wedding rings and start looking early. We encounter a lot of couples waiting until the last minute to buy them having spent months planning their big day! But rings aren’t just for the ceremony, you will be wearing the wedding rings you choose for the rest of your life. There are so many options to choose from, so don’t rush, find one that speaks to you and that you will love both now and 50 years in the future.

BRIDAL CHARLOTTE FROM CEL’ADORE ‘Don’t forget about you’ - if there is anything that we see quite regularly it is that brides can get lost when looking for ‘the one’.

Chances are it is not what you imagined and it is not what your family and friends expected either - we see so many brides push aside the dream dress because it is not what is “expected” of them.

Ladies! It’s YOUR day and you’ll be the one wearing it! If you feel amazing and you can see yourself walking down the aisle - you only need to listen to yourself...say YES.

silverlinings.co.uk

19

www.northampton.gov.uk/theguildhall ďˆ° Guildhall Northampton

The Guildhall, Northampton offers a unique & memorable setting for your wedding The building features period features and majestic Victorian architecture set in an enviable location offering an impressive backdrop for your perfect day.

We have a choice of stunning rooms allowing us to cater for small intimate ceremonies for as few as 4 guests up to large celebrations for 220 guests.

For more information, call 01604 838400 or email guildhalloffice@northampton.gov.uk

Planning

QUICK GUIDE TO

WEDDINGS with Hayley from Sunset Tipis

22

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Planning

If you’d prefer a more relaxed approach to your wedding, one that’s fun and informal, then a festival themed wedding may be the one for you.

Many couples are opting for a full weekend of celebrations and what better than the feel good vibes of a festival to bring a group together.

Without question you’ll be hunting for an outside venue – one which allows tents, yurts or tipis. For an authentic festival experience, onsite camping or glamping is a must. Afterall, stumbling across a field at the end of the party and falling into your tent is a Glastonbury rite of passage!

HAVE FUN AND GET CREATIVE You can really ramp up the festival vibe by bringing lots of colour, creativity and live music. Your budget may not stretch to lots of bands but musically talented friends or family may want to contribute to a relaxed Sunday afternoon acoustic set.

You can do away with the formal three course dinners and sparkly tiaras and opt for street food vendors and D.I.Y flower crowns. Whatever your personality you can really inject it into your own mini “wed-fest” and create an event everyone will remember.

SET THE TONE Many people have preconceived ideas of what a wedding “should” be like. A festival does away with convention but it may be wise to get your guests on board with your theme. Try to supply all the information they will need when sending the invites. Suggestions on suitable footwear or extra layers of clothing may be helpful.

If you’re planning a two day event then your guests will require more notice to book holiday and plan accordingly.

WEIGH IT UP There’s no denying that stretching the party plans will also stretch the budget. You may need to feed people for two days or at least make arrangements for catering to be made available.

Toilet and generator hire firms often charge for a 24 hour basis so it’s worth researching any additional hire costs for extended use.

Portable shower units are also a welcome option for wedding guests. Do thorough research of your venue shortlist and check they’ll allow a full 2 day event including live music and the sale of alcohol. If guests are staying, a venue with an early music cut off or neighbours close by may be too restrictive for your plans.

silverlinings.co.uk

23

10 TOP

QUESTIONS

to ask a wedding venue to ensure there are no ‘surprises’ further into your wedding planning!

1

IS VAT INCLUDED IN THE PRICES QUOTED?

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON DECOR?

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

24

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

7

WHAT TIME DOES OUR EVENING RECEPTION NEED TO FINISH?

5

3

IS THERE A SOUND LIMITER FOR THE DJ, OR RESTRICTIONS ON A BAND?

6 4

HOW LONG WILL YOU PROVISIONALLY HOLD A DATE FOR?

8

2

IF THE VENUE ISN’T EXCLUSIVE USE, WHO ELSE COULD BE THERE ON MY WEDDING DAY?

HOW MUCH IS THE DEPOSIT TO SECURE OUR DATE?

10

WILL THERE BE SOMEONE FROM THE VENUE PRESENT ON OUR DAY?

9

WHAT ARE THE BAR PRICES?

venues NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

A

BOUGHTON HOUSE 01536 515731

CORN MARKET HALL 01536 534279

boughtonhouse.co.uk

legacyleisureevents.co.uk

northampton.gov.uk

BRACKLEY TOWN HALL 01280 702441

COURTEENHALL ESTATE 01604 864290

brackleynorthants-tc.gov.uk

courteenhall.co.uk

BRAMPTON GRANGE 01604 844717Â

CRANFORD HALL 01536 330608

bramptongrange.co.uk

cranfordhall.co.uk

BRAMPTON HEATH Golf Centre 01604 843939

CROCKWELL FARM 01327 361358

bramptonheathgolfcentre.co.uk

crockwellfarm.co.uk

BRIDGE HOTEL 01832 732128

CROWN HOTEL 01280 702210

bridgehotelthrapston.com

thecrownhotelbrackley.co.uk

ABINGTON PARK MUSEUM 01604 838110

ALTHORP HOUSE 01604 770107 spencerofalthorp.com

AVIATOR HOTEL 01604 642111 aviatorhotel.co.uk

AYNHOE PARK 01869 810636 aynhoepark.co.uk

B

C

D

CASTLE FARM GUEST HOUSE 01832 226200

78 DERNGATE 01604 230166

castlefarm-guesthouse.co.uk

78derngate.org.uk

BARTON HALL HOTEL 01536 515505

COCK HOTEL 01908 567733

DEENE PARK 01780 450278

bartonhall.com

greenekinginns.co.uk/hotels/ cock-hotel

deenepark.com

BEST WESTERN ROCKINGHAM FOREST HOTEL 0844 387 6278

COLD ASHBY Golf Club 01604 740548

rockinghamforest.com

coldashbygolfclub.com

BLUEBELL WOODS ESTATE 01604 494547

COLLINGTREE PARK Golf Club 01604 700000

bluebellwoodsestate.co.uk

collingtreeparkgolf.com

BOAT INN 01604 862428

CORBY MASONIC COMPLEX 01536 201535

boatinn.co.uk

corbyweddingsandfunctions.co.uk

DELAPRE ABBEY 01604 760817 delapreabbey.org

DELAPRE Golf Centre 01604 764036 delapregolfcentre.co.uk

DE VERE STAVERTON PARK 01327 302000 devere.co.uk/staverton-estate

silverlinings.co.uk

25

Northamptonshire venues

DODFORD MANOR 01327 349761 dodfordmanor-venue.co.uk

DODMOOR HOUSE 0845 241 3511 dodmoorhouse.co.uk

DOVECOTE FARM 01536 742227 dovecotefarm.co.uk

H

HARLESTONE PARK 01604 845155 harlestonepark.co.uk

holidayinn.com/northamptonuk

HOLIDAY INN RUGBY 01788 824800 hirugbyhotel.co.uk

HARROWDEN HALL 01933 677234 harrowdenhall.com

HOME FARM 07769 589459 homefarmevents.co.uk

HELLIDON LAKES GOLF & SPA HOTEL 01327 262550 hellidonlakeshotel.co.uk

F

HOLIDAY INN NORTHAMPTON 01604 622777

HIGHGATE HOUSE 01604 505505

FALCON INN 01832 226254

HOPPING HARE 01604 580090 hoppinghare.com

HOTHORPE HALL 01858 881500 hothorpe.co.uk

HUNSBURY HILL CENTRE 01604 702444

thefalcon-inn.co.uk

hunsburyhillcentre.co.uk

FAWSLEY HALL HOTEL & SPA 01327 892000 handpickedhotels.co.uk/fawsleyhall

FRANKLIN’S GARDENS 01604 751543

sundialweddings.com/ highgatehouse

franklinsgardens.co.uk

HILTON NORTHAMPTON 01604 700666

FURTHO MANOR FARM 01908 542139

hilton.com

furthomanorfarm.co.uk

HIND HOTEL 01933 222827 thehind.co.uk

G

GRENDON LAKES 01933 665303 grendonlakes.co.uk

GROSVENOR HOTEL RUGBY 01788 535686 grosvenorhotelrugby.co.uk

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

K

KELMARSH HALL 01604 686543 kelmarsh.com

KETTERING Conference Centre

HINWICK HOUSE 01244 571208 hinwickhouse.com

HOLDENBY HOUSE 01604 770074 holdenby.com

HOLIDAY INN Kettering/Corby 01536 401020 hicorby.com

01536 414414

ketteringconference.co.uk

KINGFISHER COUNTRY CLUB 01908 562332 kingfishercountryclub.co.uk

KETTERING PARK HOTEL

N

NARROW BOAT INN 01327 340536 narrowboatatweedon.co.uk

01536 416666

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

ketteringparkhotel.co.uk

P

PALM BEACH 07814 859423 clubpalmbeach.co.uk

PARK INN by Radisson Northampton 01604 739988 rezidorparkinn.com

PLOUGH HOTEL 01604 230554 KNUSTON LODGE FARM 07766 003361

the-plough-hotel.co.uk

knustonlodgefarm.com

PLUM PARK 01327 811515 01604 514490

L

plumpark.co.uk

nccc.co.uk

NORTHAMPTON GUILDHALL 01604 838400

LA ROCCA RESTAURANT 01933 278764

northampton.gov.uk

laroccarestaurant.co.uk

NORTHAMPTON MARRIOT HOTEL

LAMPORT HALL 01604 686272

Q

QUEEN’S HEAD INN 01780 784006 queensheadnassington.co.uk

lamporthall.co.uk

QUINTON HOUSE 01604 752050

LANGHAM HOTEL 01604 639917

quintonhouse.co.uk

langham-hotel.co.uk

01604 667604

northamptonmarriott.co.uk

M

MEADOW SPIRES FARM 01295 768989 meadowspiresfarm.com

MERCURE DAVENTRY COURT HOTEL & SPA 01327 307000 mercure.com

O

OVERSTONE PARK HOTEL 01604 647666 overstonepark.com

Did we miss your venue?

Email us to be added hello@silverlinings.co.uk

R

RAVEN HOTEL 01536 202313 theravenhotel.com

RED LION HOTEL 01604 770223 redlionthornby.co.uk

ROCKINGHAM CASTLE 01536 770240 rockinghamcastle.com silverlinings.co.uk

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Northamptonshire venues

ROYAL & DERNGATE 01604 624811

SYWELL GRANGE 07732 285617

THE WORLDS END 01604 414521

royalandderngate.co.uk

sywellgrange.co.uk

theworldsend.org

RUBY LOUNGE AT DIANA’S 01933 277344 rubys.co.uk

RUSHDEN HALL 01933 316216 rushdentowncouncil.gov.uk

RUSHTON HALL HOTEL & SPA 01536 713001 rushtonhall.com

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TALBOT HOTEL 01832 273621 thetalbot-oundle.com

THE BARN RESTAURANT 01327 349911 thebarnrestaurant.net

TRAVEL PLAZA HOTEL 01536 764789 travelplaza.co.uk

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WALNUT TREE INN 01604 859551 walnut-tree.co.uk

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SARACENS HEAD 01604 770640 thesaracensatbrington.co.uk

SARACENS HEAD HOTEL 01327 350414 oldenglishinns.co.uk

SAXON HALL 01933 622087 raunds-tc.gov.uk

SEDGEBROOK HALL 01604 821666 sedgebrookhall.co.uk

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THE CHEQUERED SKIPPER 01832 273494 chequeredskipper.co.uk

warwickhouse.co.uk

THE CHURCH RESTAURANT 01604 603800 thechurchrestaurant.com

WESTONE MANOR HOTEL 01604 739 955 westonemanor.com

THE DECO 01604 622749 stage-right.co.uk

WHITTLEBURY PARK 01327 850040 whittleburyweddings.co.uk

THE GRANARY at Fawsley 01327 361730 granary-weddings.com

WICKSTEED PARK 01536 512475 wicksteedpark.org

THE GREAT BARN 01869 810823 thegreatbarn.net

WINCHESTER HOUSE SCHOOL 01280 702483 winchester-house.org

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT 0844 3750 740

THE RITZ BANQUETING & CONFERENCE SUITES 01536 763510

silverstone.co.uk

ketteringritzcomplex.co.uk

SKYLARK FARM 01327 300471

THE SNOOTY FOX 01832 733434

skylarkfarm.co.uk

thesnootyfoxlowick.com

STOKE PARK PAVILIONS 01604 862329

THE STANWICK HOTEL 01933 622233

sweet-events.co.uk

thestanwickhotel.co.uk

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

WARWICK HOUSE 01926 815738

Wedding Fair Venues Please see page 7 for our Wedding Fair Diary.

Jewellery

After the cake has been cut, and the dress and suit are back in the wardrobe, your wedding rings are the lasting reminder of a wonderful day celebrating the commitment you have made to each other.

So why do people but such a significant piece of jewellery online? With busy lifestyles revolving around work and family, it’s easy to look at some pictures on a website, read the specifications and choose from there - and with lower prices promised, they’re easy to buy at the click of a button.

However, the advice you get is little to none and the quality is not the same as you would get from a renowned jeweller.

Most rings are available in different widths and weights, including a lightweight design which is ideal for those who don’t normally wear any jewellery. Platinum is a popular choice for engagement rings, with their counterpart wedding bands favoured by brides-to-be, especially the diamond eternity styles bands.

With Palladium becoming a rising and less expensive alternative to White Gold and Platinum, it has become popular amongst young couples, and particularly with groomsto-be. With more finishes to choose from, the metals can be brushed and patterned, or even customised to your personal designs.

If you have something else in mind, or perhaps have a Pinterest board with your dream ring, many jewellers will offer a bespoke service - from creating an image for you to see, then making a ring completely unique to you and your personality.

Not getting married until next year, or even the year after? With the cost of precious metals and diamonds steadily increasing, it is never too soon to purchase your wedding bands - it is actually one of the last things that engaged couples buy, after the venue is booked and outfits are purchased, and then we come full circle to buying lower quality rings on the internet that may not necessarily be want you want.

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Jewellery

At Steffans, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service, and have done for over 40 years; that’s why our motto is ‘Love Service, Love Steffans’. The friendly team in store are trained to advise on every aspect from material and sizing to cost, and will happily guide you every step of the way.

We provide professional and tailored advice to suit your requirements, and do so from our very own Diamond Room. In there you can look at and try on all styles of wedding rings, and if you have an unusually shaped engagement ring, we can cater for this to create a wedding band to fit perfectly.

As well as these traditional shapes, other popular choices are ribbon twist, square profile, diamond set, halo, and wishbone styles.

Buying from Steffans means you are buying high quality, long-lasting wedding bands that suit your budget and personality.

We also offer a gift card worth £100 to spend on anything in-store, and a lifetime guarantee on both rings, along with other offers.

And if that isn’t enough to entice you in, we also have a free bar with Champagne, so you can enjoy a glass or two when you come in!

PLATINUM The most popular metal for wedding rings because of its hardness and natural white colour which will stay white and never need replating.

Platinum is hypoallergenic, so perfect for people with sensitive skin.

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

D-SHAPE The ring has a rounded exterior, but the inside is flat to the finger - a ‘D’ profile.

WHITE GOLD More affordable than platinum but it will need recoating in rhodium almost yearly to maintain the bright white colouring.

YELLOW GOLD Created by combining pure gold with copper and silver. Depending on what carat you choose, the colour and hardness of the ring will differ - 9ct is the hardest but less durable, while 24ct is the softest.

Jewellery

FLAT COURT This style is the reverse of the D-shape. The exterior is flat, but the inside is domed to give a comfortable fit.

TRADITIONAL COURT The outside and inside profile of the ring are rounded. This curved style is comfortable and also makes it easier to slip the ring on and off.

SOFTENED COURT Softened court rings have a very similar profile to the court shape but with a less pronounced dome on the outside of the ring.

ROSE GOLD The warm, pink hue is created by combining yellow gold with a copper alloy. Rose gold often features in bi-coloured rings to offset the more traditional white or yellow gold.

PALLADIUM More affordable alternative to platinum as it is not as rare but is just as durable. It has the same hypo-allergenic properties and bright white colour which will never fade or need replating.

With the average spend of weddings rings being ÂŁ2000 for the pair, spread the cost of your wedding bands by using payment plans offered by most jewellers.

TITANIUM Its natural colour is a silvery grey, however, titanium can be coloured so you can pick just about any hue for your band.

It’s lightweight and durable, but cannot be resized.

TUNGSTEN Tungsten is available in black, grey and white and is very strong and durable, but cannot be resized.

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THE GOLDSMITHY Bespoke, Handcrafted Wedding Rings CranďŹ eld, Bedfordshire Design the ring of your dreams to last a lifetime A special experience for couples Design your own wedding bands Add a personal touch to your rings Recycle unworn jewellery & heirlooms

Rare opportunity to take part in the making of your rings 1-3 month lead time on standard designs thegoldsmithy.com | 01908 565200 info@thegoldsmithy.com

Beautiful

Individual

Personal

Bespoke

Beautifully designed Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings & Eternity Rings...

By Appointment Only Monday to Sunday

The Studio @ 53, Mears Ashby Road Earls Barton, NN6 0HQ Mob: 07768 775095 | Tel: 01604 810005 www.weddingringsbynatalie.co.uk natalie@weddingringsbynatalie.co.uk /weddingringsdesignedbynatalie

Affordably Exclusive

Planning

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Planning

We loved the TV series and now we have another chance to get our Downton Abbey fix with the release of the movie. There are lots of reasons for loving Downton but one of them surely has to be the stunning vintage style, period settings and gorgeous costumes.

We’ve also been lucky to watch a number of weddings over the years – from Anna & Mr Bates’s simple registry office ceremony, Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes opting for a traditional village celebration to the full-scale society wedding of Lady Mary Crawley.

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Planning

First of all, of course, you’ll need a magnificent country pile.

Holdenby House is what remains of Elizabethan England’s greatest Palace. After the Civil War, the Palace was sold and reduced to a single wing. In 1709 it was bought by the Duke of Marlborough, since when it has descended the female line to the Lowther family. The house is still lived in by the Lowther family and it has a number of beautifully ornate rooms that are licenced for weddings including the Ballroom and Dining Room.

Other incredible country house wedding venues include Fawsley Hall with tradition and history, Highgate House set in picturesque countryside, or Kilworth House with a taste of timeless elegance.

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Planning

Eliza Jane Howell’s 2020 collection is aptly called ‘The Roaring Twenties’ and really embraces the glamour and silhouette of that era, whilst still including elements of modern fashion such as jumpsuits and colour.

Eliza Jane Howell is available exclusively in Northamptonshire by Courtyard Bridal Boutique.

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Planning

The food and drink you choose to serve to your guests is a great way of emphasising your chosen theme.

You could simply create a menu with Portfolio Events that includes timeless classics or opt for a luxury banquet that includes ingredients such as game to really give your day an aristocratic air. Cocktails such as Mimosa and Sidecar were invented in the ‘20s and you could serve them to your guests before the breakfast.

One of the great things about a Downtonthemed vintage wedding is it’s a great prompt to go plastic-free and use natural materials throughout your wedding. From flower petal confetti to natural foliage decorations, table settings, wedding stationery and even gifts on your wedding list, it’s a great way to bring vintage style bang up to date. Local florists such as Florae Foray and With Love & Roses will help you create stunning arrangements.

KTV Venue Stylists or Something Borrowed Event Hire will take your theme and style every aspect of your wedding to fit in with it.

Include your wedding transport in your theme and pick classic vehicles or even a horse drawn carriage to get you to your venue.

Speak to local suppliers about the vehicle options they can offer, and you might find yourself travelling to your wedding in a vintage Rolls-Royce from Bridal Carriages or your wedding guests being conveyed in an old-style charabanc.

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Planning

PHOTO SHOOT CREDITS: PHOTOGRAPHY: Sarah Vivienne Photography sarahvivienne.co.uk VENUE: Holdenby House holdenby.com BRIDAL STUDIO: Courtyard Bridal Boutique courtyardbridalboutique.co.uk DRESSES: Eliza Jane Howell elizajanehowell.com JEWELLERY: Steffans Jewellers steffans.co.uk HAIR: The Hairbook thehairbook.co.uk ACCESSORIES: Miss Clemmie Bridal Accessories missclemmie.co.uk MAKEUP: Liza Smith Makeup lizasmithmakeup.co.uk FLOWERS: Florae Foray floraeforay.co.uk MODEL: Lily Mawby

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130A NORTHAMPTON ROAD BRIXWORTH

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE & VENUE STYLIST

FOR THE MODERN BRIDE @CEL.ADORE

FOR APPOINTMENTS CEL.ADOREWEDDINGS@OUTLOOK.COM WWW.CELADORECOLLECTIVE.CO.UK

Wedding Hirewear at Warwicks Dressing Grooms Since 1868

Kettering | 8 Lower Street, NN16 8DH | 01536 481862 Wellingborough | 33-39 High Street, NN8 4HW | 01933 224981 Northampton | 281 - 283 Wellingborough Road, NN1 4EW | 01604 627700

facebook.com/warwicksretail

www.warwicksmenswear.co.uk

Award winning, family run boutique originally established in Kettering

Maddison James by Allure

01858 288020 56 Main Street, Lubenham, LE16 9TF

Interview

founder and designer of Eliza Jane Howell

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Interview

Can you give a little overview of how you came to be a bridal designer?

I grew up in Swansea, South Wales and came to London when I was eighteen years old to study first at Central St. Martins, and then The Royal College of Art for my MA in Fashion. Fashion was in my family and I would be the third generation to work in this field.

my life a s a desig ner s tart ed with the gl a mor ous ital ian kni t w ear col l ection for the “medici” brand.

My knitwear always leaned towards occasion dressing and so it wasn’t long before I started adding beaded evening gowns to the collection.

Just under seven years ago when Andrea Cutts and I started working together, we wanted to create a stunning, new Bridal collection. I had known Andrea for many years and had always admired her individual style and marketing skills in the fashion business.

We both felt that Bridal dresses were not catering to the modern bride who is far more aware of fashion trends and has developed a personal style long before she is ready to choose her wedding gown. So, we took two dozen of our most glamorous evening gowns and remade them in ivory to show at the Harrogate Fair. All the dresses were hand beaded and made in less than five weeks. Our stand was mobbed and “Eliza Jane Howell” was reborn.

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Interview

W hat w e r e the inspir ations f or your l atest col l ection?

It is always the most recent collection that sticks in my mind and that I am most proud of. So, this would be our 2020 collection aptly named “The Roaring Twenties”! The 1920s was a decade of decadence, travel, high fashion and glamour after the austerity of the First World War. We are hoping that the 2020’s will also be the dawn of a “New Age”.

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Do you usually design with a particular type of bride in mind?

An Eliza Jane Howell bride can be a woman of any age and any size. She is usually confident with her own style, fashionable and knows that she doesn’t want a traditional wedding dress. We think of our gowns as modern vintage and an heirloom to pass on to the next generation.

What is the process around designing a new collection?

I can’t give away my secrets but I create all of my gowns from scratch.

I design the beading patterns, choose the beads and accessories, sketch the artwork for the fabric and the shape of the new gown. There are many stages in the creation of a new wedding dress.

What do you feel sets your brand apart?

What makes Eliza Jane Howell so special is that our dresses are made one dress at a time and completely beaded by hand.

None of our dresses are mass produced.

What part of the design process do you enjoy most?

What I enjoy seeing most are when the first samples start to come through and I see my designs come to life.

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Interview

do you have a favourite design from the current ‘The roaring twenties’ collection?

The Lexington dress is my favourite design. The dress features more modern contemporary beading with a fluid sequin skirt.

Having watched your wonderful videos of the dresses being meticulously embroidered and beaded in India, what is special or important about the craftsmanship there?

It is a privilege to work with such skilled artisans in India. It’s an Eliza Jane Howell dress that keeps the ancient techniques alive and we know that the hand beading skills will be passed on to the next generation.

Eliza Jane Howell available from Courtyard Bridal Boutique courtyardbridalboutique.co.uk

What would be your top tip to a bride choosing her wedding gown?

I would advise any bride to shop for her dress with only one other person who they trust and go with her gut reaction and be confident with her choice. It’s a big mistake to involve too many opinions And when you’re not immersed in the wedding world, what else do you enjoy doing?

When I’m not designing I love cooking, running round the London parks which clears my head and helps with new ideas, reading, and my two Siamese cats keep me grounded.

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Bridal

to

alexandragrecco.com

nurit-hen.com

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide sezane.com

Bridal

jumpsuits we love

bhldn.com

rime-arodaky.com

catherinedeane.co.uk

berta.com

silverlinings.co.uk marceladecala.es

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Contemporary, traditional, informal and imaginative.

A blend of relaxed and formal styles is what you can expect from Andrew Cooper. 20 years of experience lets him make the most of any venue, guest list and weather. Entrust your photography to a seasoned professional with a proven portfolio.

Call - 07834 601561 andrewcooperphotographer.co.uk

146x114.indd 1

15/11/2018 13:59:53

patrickcollinsphotography.co.uk ď‚‚ patrickcollinsphotography ď‚• 07947 265200

I think the best photographs are those little moments that last a split second. Those perfect expressions, emotion, laughs and happy tears. This is what I am looking for when I photograph weddings and I do not interfere.

I want to do something different and unique that will have that timeless feel.

If you are looking for a professional wedding photographer who will put you and your guests at ease, who can blend into the background effortlessly to capture natural moments and who can also provide you with beautiful and creative portraiture, please get in touch.

Luminex Wedding Photography www.luminexphotography.com Nick Callaghan - 07713 064070

Mood boards

inspiration77.com

Zazzle - I Invite You

bbbgem.com

lulus.com

rosesandrings.com

NAVY &

nouba.com.au

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weddingtopia.co

confettisweethearts.com

Mood boards

theweddingcommunityblog.com

sangbarani.com

bellaflora30a.com

juxtapost.com

GREEN asos.com

bluebellsdesigns.com

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Mood boards

joanneflemingdesign.com

bellethemagazine.com

galialahav.com

purplesummerevents.com

apracticalwedding.com

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The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

weddingchicks.com

greenweddingshoes.com

Mood boards

marnivphotography.co.uk

beckyharleyphotography.co.uk

joellejulianphotography.com

storyandcolour.co.uk

brogenjessup.com

IN THE

marnivphotography.co.uk

kimberleykufaas.com

modwedding.com

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Prices from

£800 an here

Sc  07368 471641  primefocusphotographyuk@gmail.com  /primefocusphotographyuk

Mother of the Bride/Groom specialist All our suits and dresses come with matching hats, fascinators, shoes and bags to complement them.

As your wedding videographer, I’ll capture all the smiles, the special moments and the emotion of your day, creating a timeless and beautiful record of your wedding day that you will cherish forever...

Call 07947 265200 www.patrickcollinsphotography.co.uk ď‚‚ /WeddingDayonFilm

New

This outfit is a part of our new arrival collection

Real weddings

1ST AUGUST 2019

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Real weddings

TOP TIP Mak e sure you get at leas t 10m ins alon e after the cere mon y and pho tos to just sit back , rela x and take it all in.

VENUE We were looking for a rustic barn for our wedding venue. We decided to look at The Tythe Barn, Launton; it was the first we looked at and it was the last, we didn’t need to look anywhere else, this was the one. When you park up and walk round the corner to see it you just think, “Wow”! It is stunning from the outside and even better inside, with the wooden beams, fairy lights and huge barn doors. We both wanted an outdoor wedding and The Tythe Barn were able to do it in their beautiful enclosed garden. The staff were amazing and made everything run so smoothly, which couldn’t have been easy with 140 guests in the day.

FLOWERS We could not have asked more from Hayley from WEDDING THEME Bloomfields. She is an incredibly talented florist As Stuart is Scottish we decided on a Scottish and understood our vision perfectly. Flowers were themed wedding. After we had been married a central part of our day with rustic meadow Stuart’s uncle performed a Scottish ceremony bouquets, flower hoops for the flower girls, flower which consisted of hand fasting and drinking crowns, thistles for buttonholes and she even whiskey from a Quaich by the bride, groom, created a bespoke flower chandelier which was father of the bride and the groom’s mother; above our heads during the ceremony. As we this joins the two families together. decided on long tables for the wedding breakfast Hayley used vines and foliage along the tables HAIR to fit in with our rustic theme. It looked stunning It was not long after meeting Kerry-Ann that inside the barn. she quickly realised my style and the theme of our wedding. Having a rustic, barn wedding I wanted my hair down with loose curls and plaits that also incorporated my flower crown and veil. She knew exactly what I wanted and I would not change anything about the hairstyling, it was perfect! For bridesmaids and flower girls she created loose curls and waves which suited their gypsophila flower crowns. silverlinings.co.uk

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Real weddings

MAKE UP Sarah was recommended to me by a friend and I am so glad I chose her to do my wedding make up, she made me feel confident and beautiful. Sarah was fab and could not be more helpful on the day!

Her work is incredible and I would not hesitate to contact her for another occasion.

TRANSPORT We chose a friend of ours who owns the most amazing VW camper vans to transport the groom party to the venue.

Sam did two journeys as the groom party was large and he got us all there in comfort and style. Seriously, if you like your camper vans this is the company to use.

PHOTOGRAPHY Mark was highly recommended by The Tythe Barn, and after viewing photos from his previous weddings there (he loves this venue) we knew he was the one we wanted.

We did a pre wedding shoot a few months before which was a great thing to do as it breaks the ice and the pictures he took were stunning. Mark is an award winning photographer so we knew the pictures were going to be amazing. Mark captured our day perfectly, from the morning until we were dancing the night away. With our large guest list and bigger photo list, he did everything that we wanted and worked constantly through the day producing amazing natural pictures and great group shots.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:

The scottish ceremony and having a family member marry us this way is something we won’t forget.

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CAKE We went to Lindsay’s house for a tasting and she brought us a few flavours out to try. They all tasted amazing and we had difficulty deciding which flavours to choose! We ended up with a gorgeous four tier cake which included Oreo cookie, raspberry and white chocolate, lemon and carrot. She even made us a small tray of red velvet because it is our absolute favourite.

STATIONERY JMS Creative were great to work with, providing us with rustic wedding invites and order of the day books. They catered for our every need and were very happy with what they produced for us.

Real weddings

WEDDING DRESS Pronovias is one of my favourite designers and having my heart set on one of their gowns I knew I had to check out Serendipity Bridal in Weedon. Sure enough my dream dress was there! The most beautiful lace dress I have ever seen with sleeves, a long train and veil to match. Serendipity have a wide selection of beautiful gowns and accessories. The staff were welcoming and professional and I loved that they take a photo of you when you finally say yes to the dress!

WHO THEY USED: VENUE: The Tythe Barn, Launton thetythebarn.co.uk BRIDES DRESS: Serendipity Brides serendipitybrides.co.uk CATERING: Absolute Taste absolutetaste.com (venue caterer) BRIDESMAIDS: WED2B wed2b.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Lord Photography marklordphotography.co.uk MAKE UP: Sarah Carr makeup-by-sarah.com GROOMSMEN’S KILTS: Debenhams debenhams-formalhire.com ENTERTAINMENT: Gigz Entertainment via the venue HAIR: Kerry-Ann Hair via facebook CAKE: Lindsay Pemberton Wedding Cakes lindsaypemberton.com FLOWERS: Bloomfields Flowers bloomfieldsflowers.co.uk STATIONERY: JMS Creative jmscreative.co.uk PIPER: Matthew McRae encoremusicians.com CAMPER VAN: Silk and Satin Weddings silkandsatinweddings.co.uk CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER: Balloon Man, John Oliver twistedjon83@gmail.com silverlinings.co.uk

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John & Amanda Sarrington invite you to visit them in Thrapston in order to view their fantastic 9 car fleet of Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Daimler & Mercedes Benz wedding cars which could whisk you off on your way of dreams. An appointment is necessary to allow them to give you their best attention.

Free colour brochure available on request. Covering Northamptonshire, Stamford, Peterborough, Huntingdon & Surrounding towns & villages.

For further information or to arrange a viewing kindly call John or Amanda Sarrington on 01832 735162 or 0778 777 0971

serendipitybrides.co.uk

62 High Street, Weedon, Northants NN7 4QD

Serendipity Brides is an award-winning individual bridal shop, with individual attention to clients.

We pride ourselves in providing a comfortable and relaxed environment, where you can bring along friends and family and enjoy a stress-free time whilst choosing that perfect dress.

We stock a wide range of wedding dresses from leading designers, to suit every budget.

Get in touch today to book your appointment enquiries@serendipitybrides.co.uk ~ 01327 340011

Real weddings

ANDREW & LAUREN, 3RD AUGUST 2019

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Real weddings

Finding the one can be hard!

Julie and the girls at the shop made my experience the best, being patient while I tried on lots of different styles and going back to see them a number of times. I’m so glad they pushed me out of my comfort zone, I think they knew what I wanted even though I didn’t and that’s when I found the one!

CHURCH Our ceremony was in our hometown at Rothwell Trinity Church and loved the idea of getting married there.

We walk past it most days on dog walks so when little Dottie walked down the aisle it made it more special.

We ditched the typical hymns for more upbeat and well known Rugby hymns.

VENUE We were fortunate enough to use Andy’s parents’ field. The field holds many memories to us as we grew up playing around in it. It was the perfect countryside setting, a paddock lined with trees and surrounded by fields and animals... only if the weather is on side however.

Luckily it was! This allowed the day to have a rustic/ garden party feel so it was perfect for us! There was plenty of space for garden games and evening walks for guests that wanted to retreat from the party.

We’re so happy we had a marquee reception, but the biggest stress was checking the weather forecast weeks before as this was the only thing we couldn’t control. silverlinings.co.uk

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Real weddings PHOTOGRAPHER Latzo is a good friend of ours so it was extra special that he could shoot our wedding for us.

Everyone loved his enthusiasm and he even got “down and dirty” as he laid down in a ploughed field to get the right shots. He was brilliant even if he was covered in mud!

HAIR Laura has been recommended to me a number of times and I was not disappointed! My hair and bridesmaids looked amazing all day and night!

She was amazing on the day, so friendly and made us all at ease; Laura even gave us tips on how to make eggs benedict!

SUITS We knew exactly what we wanted and Warwicks fitted everyone. We opted for brown shoes with Navy tails and they looked spot on; however, we didn’t get much use out of them as it was a lovely summer’s day! Finer problems to have, I suppose!

VIDEOGRAPHY Tin Box Memories were amazing. Liz and Bronte were so friendly and captured the day perfectly as they worked in sync with the photographer.

MAGICIAN We saw Jamie Docherty at a friend’s wedding and knew instantly that we wanted him at our wedding someday. Luckily he was available and mesmerised our guests during the welcome drinks.

DÉCOR We decorated the marquee ourselves. Andy’s Auntie spent months creating the fabric bunting which finished off the marquee beautifully and the groomsmen were tasked with all the heavyduty jobs such as carrying all the hay bales.

We created our own favour bags which included personalised love heart sweets and a miniature Jägermeister for adults and party boxes for the children. We also created a glitter station which went down a treat!

WHO THEY USED: CHURCH: Rothwell Trinity Church MARQUEE: Chelsea Hire chelseahire.co.uk CATERING: Creative Event Services creativeeventservices.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: Latzo Photography latzo.co.uk VIDEOGRAPHY: Tin Box Memories tinboxmemories.co.uk HAIR: Love Laura Hair Design via Facebook LAUREN’S DRESS: Gowns and Garters gownsandgarters.com DESIGNER: Essense of Australia essensedesigns.com MAKEUP: Becca Chambers (friend) ANDREW’S SUIT: Warwicks warwicks.net RINGS: Cara Jewellers, Dubai DJ: Big Bopper Entertainment bigbopperentertainment.co.uk SAXOPHONIST: Sarah Sax sarahsax.co.uk MAGICIAN: Jamie Docherty Magic jamiedochertymagic.co.uk TOASTMASTER: Nigel Adair nigeladair.com 66

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

Real weddings SAXOPHONIST She was amazing and she tooted a chilled romantic set throughout the arrival drinks then returned with a bang for our first dance surprise and then partied all night. Sarah is so friendly and gets involved on the dancefloor. We were so lucky to have her!

We are now groupies of Sarah Sax! TOASTMASTER Nigel Adair is more than just a toastmaster, he’s the Singing Toastmaster! From the moment we booked Nigel he was very professional. He met up with us and assisted in the running order of the day and explained on how it will run. He gave the day the structure that it needs and confidence that the day will run smoothly.

CATERING Creative Events provided our wedding breakfast.

They catered for all our guest’s dietary requirements, and the BBQ and dessert platters were delicious. The team came set up, served, cleared and vanished seamlessly. We had a hog roast in the evening to keep everyone going.

It has to be our First Dance; we chose an up-beat song (Higher Love – Kygo & Whitney Houston) to start the night off in style. Sarah Sax then blew away our guests as she tooted a surprise performance during the first dance. It really got the party going!

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Originating from a small family business in 1984, Portfolio Events is now one of the leading local event caterers. We work regularly with a number of prestigious venues and have extensive experience working in marquees. We are also just as happy to cater for a private dinner party or celebration in the comfort of your own home.

GREAT BRITISH FOOD Whether you’re planning a wedding, an intimate dinner party or a sophisticated ball for hundreds, Portfolio Events Catering can offer a solution based on over 20 years of wedding and event experience.

We can offer solutions for every budget, ranging from the simplicity of delivered canapĂŠs to a full scale banquet. Superb food choices with a repertoire of dishes both contemporary and traditional, along with an excellent service guarantee that Portfolio Events will create a menu that is tailor made for your special occasion, providing you with hassle free entertaining.

01604 215606 or 01223 955401 | team@portfolioevents.com | portfolioevents.com

Catering

Alternative catering ideas for an unconventional wedding breakfast

PICNICS Put out the blankets and gingham tablecloths, and fill picnic baskets with locally sourced Ploughman’s lunch of hams, English cheddars, fresh bread, pickles, crudites and fruit.

For added fun, add bottles of cider to perfectly match this food heaven!

SPANISH PAELLA A fiesta is the ultimate fun celebration, and the food is a culinary delight! Serve delicious tapas as a starter, followed by a mix of seafood and meat Spanish paella as a main course, where guests can serve their own meal from giant paella pans where delicious paella has been cooking throughout the day, and mouth-watering smells are conjuring up a fiesta vibe.

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OYSTER BAR Surely this is one to WOW your guests with! Served along with Champagne, this is the perfect grazing table. Or you can even find specialist oyster shuckers who will ‘shuck’ open the oysters with your guests, giving them an unforgettable experience as well as fine dining.

STREET FOOD If space is a premium at your wedding venue, bring in the street food vendors!

Served directly from food vans, let your guests choose their food, with everything from fully loaded hot dogs to jerk chicken, or something more sophisticated like fresh seafood and Mediterranean classics. What better than to serve a Thai takeaway in the evening!

PUB GRUB Opt for an all round pub grub favourite like pie and mash! Specialist pie caterers offer a huge variety of fillings to suit any pie connoisseur, all served with flavoured mash, homemade mushy peas, and rich pie gravy to top it off.

SURPLUS FOOD Treat your guests to a sprawling feast using surplus food destined for the rubbish bin! Waste-food conscious caterers are intercepting produce from supermarkets, local shops, wholesalers that cannot legally be sold but are still fit for purpose. Plus it could also save you hundreds of pounds!

SHARING PLATTERS Sharing platters are a great way to get your guests interacting over the Wedding Breakfast. Promote one of your guests to the ‘head of the table’ and task them with carving a juicy joint of meat, then serve with bowls of succulent vegetables and crispy potatoes making for a ‘Sunday lunch at home’ feel to your meal.

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Wedding Fai rs Dates for yo ur diary Events in a B ox

BRAMPTON HEATH GOLF CLUB Wedding Fair 2nd February 2020 11.00am -1.45pm Sandy Lane, Church Brampton, NN6 8AX

THE RUFUS CENTRE FLITWICK

KINGSTHORPE LODGE FARM

Wedding Fair 16th February 2020 11.00am -1.30pm

Wedding Fair May 3rd 2020 11.00am - 2.00pm

Steppingley Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1AH

Polebrook PE85QE

GRENDON LAKES

GRENDON LAKES

Spring Fair 29th March 2020 11.00am - 2.00pm

Evening Wedding Fair June 24th 2020 6.30pm-9.00

Main Road Grendon NN71JW

Main Road Grendon NN71JW

CHICHELEY HALL Wedding Fair 26th April 2020 12.00pm-3.00pm

Please follow https://m.facebook.com/EventsinaBox Further dates and information will be added regularly.

Chicheley nr Newport Pagnell MK169JJ

To pre register www.eventsinabox.org.uk Free gift bags and welcome drink for the first 50 pre-registered brides or grooms.

www.facebook.com/EventsinaBox

Wedding Show

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The Big

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dates for your diary

IL T O N K E Y NE

Image: Two D Photography www.two-d.co.uk

Visit the website: www.centralexhibitions.co.uk for further information or call 01908 305123 Follow us: @Central_exhibit

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Entertainment

CONTRIBUTOR: David Griffiths from Your Forever Song yourforeversong.com

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Quick, what’s the first thing you think of when you hear, “wedding planning ”?

Chances are that images of dresses, venues or flowers come to mind. Blame years of Yes to the Dress episodes or the near right of passage that assembling a wedding Pinterest board has become: we all tend to prioritize the most visual wedding elements.

Walking down the aisle, your first dance, and your dinner and reception music are all a chance for you and your partner to really shine as the unique couple you are. Your wedding tells a story. And every good story needs a soundtrack.

BUT WHAT ABOUT MUSIC?

MUSIC SPEAKS TO THE HEART If you’re putting together some musical ideas for your wedding, a good place to start is to think of the main emotion you’re trying to encourage and sustain.

You might decide your Bohemian beach wedding needs peaceful, lilting music that will help everyone feel relaxed. Perhaps you and your partner are just two big kids at heart, and want plenty of playful, feel-good oldies.

Or maybe your love story is big and bold, and you want your guests to Party with a capital P.

While it’s tempting to spend a lot on the reception hall, the food and the decor, the honest truth is that these things don’t have as big an impact on your guests’ enjoyment as music does.

Music is powerful stuff. Nothing else can affect mood like the right music.

Do you want your guests to get up and dance? To share a tender moment during the ceremony? Maybe even shed a tear as you walk down the aisle to a song your late father used to love? Music can do all that.

It’s such a big deal that there’s even an academic discipline dedicated to studying music’s effects on our moods. Not to mention the music therapists and Mozart-listening plants out there! When you have such a wonderful palette to work with, why not get creative?

MUSIC IS YOUR CHANCE TO BE UNIQUE Don’t feel you have to go with what’s popular. Remember that music can be tailored to fit you just like your wedding dress can. If that song you love is too long to walk down the aisle to, you can cut out the middle part. If the lyrics for that pop song feel too informal for your first dance, you can remove them.

And if you and your partner’s special song would work so much better with different instruments, well, why not swap the guitars for cellos?

If you need some help bringing your vision to life, music producer David Griffiths can re-record your favourite songs, changing the instruments, style or vocals to suit you. Working with a producer isn’t as expensive as you’d think — costs start from just £200 for music to walk down the aisle, have your first dance or give speeches to.

By tailoring the right mood around the music you love, you can totally transform your day into something people will really remember. silverlinings.co.uk

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Honeymoon

IN THE UK WITH CONTINUED APPREHENSION ABOUT BREXIT AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT TRAVELLING TO EUROPE AS WELL AS OUR POCKETS, MORE COUPLES ARE LOOKING CLOSER TO HOME FOR LUXURY HONEYMOON BREAKS.

We often miss what’s on our ‘doorstep’ when we’re not seeing our captivating cities as a tourist would. Visit London and be a tourist - soak up some culture at London’s museums, ride on famous landmarks such as the London Eye, take in a West End show, see the city’s iconic skyline from the Shard, discover the Tower of London’s 900-year history.

Brimstone Hotel and Spa, Lake District, is the perfect getaway where your every need is looked after. The Brimstone Spa is a sensory indulgence, using products made locally using natural and organic ingredients.

Ascot’s Coworth Park has a timber and glass spa, topped with a ‘living roof’ of thyme and lavender, which houses a blue-lit pool with underwater music, steam rooms, and mood showers. Once you’ve relaxed in the spa, enjoy one of the Michelin-starred restaurant at the hotel.

Luxury tented treatment rooms lit by lanterns at the Scarlet Spa in Cornwall focus on your holistic wellbeing. Enjoy the cliff top hot tub while watching the sunset across far-reaching views of Mawgan Porth.

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An ideal destination for walkers and lovers of the great outdoors, Cumbria & the Lake District regularly features highly on dogfriendly holiday destinations.

North York Moors offers the perfect mix of rural moorland and beautiful coastline, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

No two walks will be the same, with plenty of varying backdrops to enjoy.

North Wales has a vast and varied landscape of lush countryside, imposing mountain ranges (including North Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon), rolling hills, deep valleys and picturesque villages.

Wild swimming is an adventure each and every time you take to the water, and there will be plenty of opportunities around the Cornish coast and the Isles of Scilly.

Scapa Flow offers some of the best diving in Europe; divers of all levels can see a number of shipwrecks, including seven German ships scuttled at the end of the First World War. Cycle the the Atlantic Highway, from the top of Northern Ireland all the way down to the southern tip of the Republic of Ireland, hugging the entire western coast.

Although the Isles of Scilly are just off the coast of Cornwall, they feel a world away with an enviable laid-back way of life.

The Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides, is home to some of the most captivating scenery in the world.

Pembrokeshire is a county packed with award-winning beaches, glorious coastline and Victorian seaside towns.

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Wedding fairs

FAIRS Are you a wedding venue hosting your own open days and fairs?

Let us know and we can list your dates in the next edition and online hello@silverlinings.co.uk 78

The Silverlinings Wedding Guide

DON’T MISS IT! THE BIG KETTERIN G WEDDING SHOW 26th January 2020 Kettering Conferen ce Centre

Wedding fairs

WEDDING FAIRS AND OPEN DAYS ACROSS THE COUNTY AND BEYOND BIG NORTHAMPTON SHOW AT THE NCCC, NORTHAMPTON Sunday 5th January silverlinings.co.uk NORTHAMPTON MARRIOTT, NORTHAMPTON Sunday 12th January silverlinings.co.uk

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL, MILTON KEYNES Sunday 1st March centralexhibitions.co.uk KETTERING PARK HOTEL, KETTERING Sunday 8th March silverlinings.co.uk

DODMOOR HOUSE, WEEDON Tuesday 21st January dodmoorhouse.co.uk

RUSHTON HALL, KETTERING Sunday 8th March buckinghamsonline.com

THE STANWICK HOTEL, STANWICK Saturday 25th January stanwickhotel.co.uk

HIGHGATE HOUSE, KETTERING Sunday 29th March silverlinings.co.uk

BIG KETTERING SHOW, AT THE KCC, KETTERING Sunday 26th January silverlinings.co.uk

GRENDON LAKES, WELLINGBOROUGH Sunday 29th March eventsinabox.org.uk

RUSHTON HALL, KETTERING Sunday 26th January rushtonhall.com

HANGAR ONE AT SYWELL AERODROME, SYWELL Sunday 19th April silverlinings.co.uk

FURTHO MANOR FARM (IN AID OF WILLEN HOSPICE), OLD STRATFORD Sunday 2nd February furthomanorfarm.co.uk

KIMBOLTON SCHOOL, KIMBOLTON Sunday 19th April cupidsweddingshows.com

BRAMPTON HEATH GOLF CLUB, NORTHAMPTON Sunday 2nd February eventsinabox.org.uk

CHICHELEY HALL, MILTON KEYNES Sunday 26th April eventsinabox.org.uk

MILTON KEYNES WEDDING SHOW - THE BIG ONE, MILTON KEYNES 7th - 9th February centralexhibitions.co.uk

KINGSTHORPE LODGE BARN, OUNDLE Sunday 3rd May eventsinabox.org.uk

THE RUFUS CENTRE, FLITWICK Sunday 16th February eventsinabox.org.uk

EVENING AT GRENDON LAKES, WELLINGBOROUGH Wednesday 24th June eventsinabox.org.uk

HOLIDAY INN CORBY-KETTERING, CORBY Sunday 23rd February hicorby.com

THE STANWICK HOTEL, STANWICK Sunday 28th June stanwickhotel.co.uk

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The Award Winning Disco Company

BigBopper Entertainment

NOBODY DOES WEDDINGS QUITE LIKE

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* sales@bigbopperentertainment.co.uk www.bigbopperentertainment.co.uk

01536 516447 07810 876183

Are you looking for great local suppliers?

If so, check out our

WEDDING DIRECTORY LISTING INFORMATION INCLUDES: • Overview of services offered • Contact information

• Links to social media • Links to online shops • Gallery images • Video clips*

• Directions to business* * Where applicable

www.silverlinings.co.uk/wedding-directory Are you a wedding business looking to reach more engaged couples?

If so contact us at hello@silverlinings.co.uk or 07732 285617

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bartonhall.com

enquiries@bartonhall.com

01536 515505

Barton Hall Hotel & Vines Brasserie, Barton Road, Kettering, NN15 6SG

AWARD WINNING WEDDING VENUE SET IN PICTURESQUE GROUNDS

Weddings at Kilworth

Extraordinary Weddings don’t just happen… …they’re planned!

A picturesque countr y house set amid rolling parkland is the perfect setting for your fair ytale wedding.

Turn your dreams into a reality surrounded by stunning scener y, architecture and the exceptional ser vice of our dedicated team.

Kilworth House Hotel, Lutterworth Road, North Kilworth, Leicestershire LE17 6JE Telephone: 01858 880058 www.kilworthhouse.co.uk