An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The most Instagrammed venues!

As UK searches for 'wedding venues' skyrocketed by 110 per cent over the past few months, the wedding experts at Aura Print scoured social media for the most popular autumn/winter wedding venues nationwide, and tallied Instagram hashtag numbers to reveal which venue stands out as the most memorable for weddings this autumn/winter. Not surprisingly, Gosfield Hall came in at 13! Congratulations!

County Wedding Magazines launch new websites!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ the office is abuzz with excitement at the launch of our new websites – I'm sure you can hear the *collective oohs and ahhs* from where you are! So yes, it's here, after months of hard work, sweat and tears (maybe less tears but more cheers!), our shiny, new, glorious websites are ready to be viewed by our much-loved readers – we really hope you like them as much as we do! Wedding planning at your fingertips - What's new, we hear you ask? Well, everything! The County names are as important as ever, it's our ethos after all, but we have a lush new font and modern colour scheme that really makes our County Wedding Magazine titles jump off the page.

The best of English sparkling wine, with Amelia Singer this National Champagne Week (1-7th October)

There's the New World of wine, and then the New New World: English Sparkling Wine is on the rise. This National Champagne Week, wine expert, Amelia Singer selects her favourite bubbles from our own green pastures... Which country comes to mind if you think of "wine"? For most, I imagine France, Italy, or perhaps even the USA these days, probably dominates. We all know, however, that the world is a-changing and so should our concept of wine and where it comes from. English wines are on the rise, and it's my opinion, along with a fair few of the worlds top wine experts, that they are the new frontier of wine making – even beating out top champagne houses in sparkling wine competitions.

Personalised wedding gifts from Pen Heaven

Find beautifully crafted, meaningful, and personalised wedding gifts to cherish forever with Pen Heaven. A master of exquisite stationary design, Pen Heaven was founded in 2008 and offer a comprehensive range of luxury writing instruments, leather journals and gifts. Specialists in classic brands such as Parker, Cross and Lamy, Pen Heaven also boast some more unusual and hard-to-find items such as the Japanese hand painted Platinum range, Italian calligraphy sets and the design focused Worther brand. Offering an in-house, by-hand engraving and embossing service, Pen Heaven are the ultimate destination for meaningful gifts with a personal touch perfect for big-day gifting.

Trialing the Medik8 Platinum Facial at Greenwoods’ Spa

I was lucky enough to enjoy the Medik8 Platinum Facial at the beautiful Greenwoods' Spa. Medik8 is a dedicated professional-led skin care brand. Not only was the beauty therapist professional in the application of products, she also had excellent advice and knew the products inside out! My facial lasted 60 minutes and was tailored to me and my specific skin care needs.

County Wedding Magazines' readers share their prize win story!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, we love nothing more than to hear from the winners of our competitions. In the crazy world of wedding planning, it's exciting for us to be able to offer our lovely readers some exciting giveaways and competitions which will hopefully give you a much-needed pick-me-up during on the countdown to your wedding day. In March 2023, CWM ran a competition, 'Win a minimoon in Northern Ireland!' and the winners were nearlyweds Jennifer and her partner.

Find out more about Woo Illustrations at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show

Surrey-based artist Megan, of Woo Illustrations, is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 29th October, 2023. Creating mementos that guests and couples can cherish after the big day, Megan's a live, retrospective illustrator that can capture loved ones throughout the special day. From the happy couple, to the bridesmaids, best men and bridesmaids to the ceremony and evening guests, there's plenty of loved ones on a wedding day who would love this special keepsake - and it makes for great entertainment watching Megan and work!

Cheers to Garden Gin!

Luxury property, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate situated in the picturesque Essex countryside has announced the launch of its own bespoke Down Hall Garden Gin, in partnership with local and sustainable distillery, Essex Spirits Co.Infused with delightful citrus and floral notes, the carefully crafted spirit is a local take on classic London dry-style gin and has been delicately blended with five different botanicals, foraged from the hotel's impressive kitchen garden and across the 110-acres of grounds that surround the property. Hedge trimmed bay leaves, wild mint, homegrown lemon verbena, handpicked rosemary and nasturtium leaves all come together with timeless juniper berries, coriander seeds and Angelica root to create a lasting flavour and an intensely smooth modern gin.

Elevate your special occasions with Polmac (UK) Ltd's exquisite custom wooden boxes!

Polmac (UK) Ltd, are artisans of elegance with more than 25 years experience, masters of craftsmanship, and creators of lasting impressions. "Our expertise lies in meticulously crafting bespoke wooden boxes that transcend the ordinary, including enchanting wedding gift boxes and captivating centerpiece planter boxes. What sets us apart? 1. Unmatched beauty: Our wooden boxes are more than just containers; they are exquisite works of art. Each piece is painstakingly designed to radiate timeless beauty, ensuring that your cherished moments are housed in something truly exceptional.

Find your big-day photographer at Mercedes-Benz World

Hertfordshire-based Ami Louisa Photography is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on 29th October 2023. Amy says, "I love photographing romantic, joyous weddings that are full of personality. Getting to meet so many wonderful couples and be with them in their happiest moments is a privilege that doesn't get old." What other people say about Ami Louisa Photography, "We honestly couldn't have asked for a better photographer! Ami is the sweetest, most genuine person we've ever met. Our photos are magical and looking back through them makes me emotional all over again. I can't thank her enough!"

Halloween hen party ideas for 2023

If you're looking to throw a hen party that's nothing short of magical, mysterious and oh-so-memorable, then you're in for a treat, not a trick, with a Halloween hen party! This bewitching night is filled with laughter, eerie enchantment and spine-tingling surprises. Halloween, with its unique blend of the spooky and the playful, makes for a perfect theme that'll have everyone howling with delight. And just think of the costumes! Leading hen party company, Fizzbox is our guide as we embark on a haunted journey through the land of Halloween hen party ideas that will make your last night of freedom the talk of the town.

Pre-wedding prep with Ascot Racecourse's Signature Wedding Show exhibitor

Berkshire-based Laser Hair Removal Clinic will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October 2023. Be sure to pop along to meet the team and can answer all of your pre-wedding questions. "We're so excited for you. Everyone deserves to feel like the very best version of themselves on their wedding day, so we're here to help," shares Aaliyah Bashier, managing director. "We offer laser hair removal delivered by Soprano Titanium - the safest, industry-leading and FDA-approved treatment to be rid of unwanted hair not just on your wedding day, but thereafter!" Show visitors can receive a free consultation with 25% off their first treatment and a complimentary gift bag.

Renowned floral stylist exhibiting with County Wedding Events

Lynn, of Buckinghamshire's Love Flower Studio, will be at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October 2023. Specialising in floral arrangements and flower delivery services, including wedding flowers, funeral flowers, anniversary flowers, mother's day flowers, valentine day flowers and more! Making the final five of the Muddy Stilettos Award for Best Florist in Bucks and Oxon, you can count on Love Flower Studio to deliver beautiful flowers and bespoke floral arrangements for all your special occasions. With a passion for excellence from the beginning, the team at Love Flower Studio know that every flower counts, and strives to make the entire shopping experience as rewarding and fun as possible.

Join Sight ‘n’ Sound at Mercedes-Benz World to see all they have to offer

Hertfordshire-based Sight 'n' Sound will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 8th September - a must-visit event for those tying the knot. At the event, couples and visitors on the day will be able to see Sight 'n' Sound's full wedding service set-up including: Wedding disco, wedding DJ, sound system, lighting, white LED dancefloor and low smoke generator.

Surrey's Artypix Photography will be showcasing its photo booth with County Wedding Events

Surrey-based Artypix Photography will be showcasing its photo booth at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 29th October 2023 - a must-visit event for all those couples looking to tie the knot in the Surrey area. New to Artypix, is the Inflatable Photo Booth and with its hire couples will get: personal booth operators, props, instant image share, unlimited visits, and unlimited online downloads. Packages can be booked in two, three or four hour slots to suit couples' requirements when tying the knot.

Wedding day aesthetic according to your star sign

Jewellery brand Diamonds Factory, has spoken exclusively to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman, who has shared her top tips on how to plan your wedding according to your zodiac. Vibrant Colours for Aries, known for their fiery and youthful nature, embrace the vibrant energy of red. This intense hue symbolises their passion and dynamism. To capture their directness, a bow and arrow motif, reminiscent of Greek deity Eros, perfectly embodies Aries' spirit on their special day.

Hobbycraft opens at Lakeside

Hobbycraft, the UK's largest arts and crafts retailer, celebrated the opening of its new store at Lakeside Retail Park in West Thurrock last Saturday with a host of crafting activities, product offers and goody bags for the first 100 customers who walked through the doors. The store officially opened on Wednesday 13th September, whilst the grand store opening event took place on Saturday 16th September at 9am, attended by Mayor of Thurrock, Councillor Susan Little.

Let's talk about sleep - the importance of rest

A new nationwide study has revealed as many as 86 percent of us now regularly struggle to drift off - not good if you're wanting to look and feel your best physically and mentally in the run up to your wedding day and on-the-day itself! Research has revealed the top 20 natural sleep inducers in the modern age – and counting sheep or mugs of Horlicks did not make the cut. In fact, modern Brits are more likely to get intimate with their other half, listen to a true crime podcast, watch a comedy show, tidy their room from top to bottom, or cuddle up with their pet. But the survey shows, simply reading a book is the number one snooze inducing activity (23 percent), followed by scrolling through social media (22 percent), despite the consensus that looking at phones is bad for our sleep patterns.

Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, there's nothing we love more than our real wedding features - and we couldn't do them without you! If you would like to see your wedding grace the pages of one of our County Wedding Magazine titles, then please do get in touch! Grand and big-budget extravaganzas, to small and intimate I dos, themed from beginning to end, or personalised with a sentimental touch - we want to hear about them all!

Suited and booted with Wembley Signature Wedding Show exhibitor

Operating out of Bristol, London and Exeter, made-to-measure and retail suitors, Zebel, will be exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 8th October. Zebel looking to revolutionise and democratise suiting; doing away with the stuffy, elitist atmosphere of traditional tailor's shops and giving customers the opportunity to design their perfect garment. With Saville Row quality fabrics from some of the most prestigious clothiers in the world, a team of suit specialists with a keen eye for detail, and an incomparable passion for quality service, the team hope its customers will always think of Zebel when it comes to high-quality suiting at a reasonable price.