Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

How to avoid pre-nups becoming a wedding alarm bell

As one of the most popular seasons for wedding proposals approaches, couples are being reminded to factor pre-nuptials into their plans well ahead of the big day. No longer associated with the rich and famous, people from all walks of life and finance levels are entering into nuptial agreements. And often it's not the couples themselves who initiate the idea to enter into a nuptial agreement, it can often be suggested by their parents. "It's becoming more common for couples to take out an agreement because their parents have helped them financially more than perhaps, they did 5 to 10 years ago," said Sally Ward, a Senior Associate solicitor in Family Law at leading law firm, Ellisons Solicitors.

Riverside House Hotel boasts a charming exterior surrounded by lush gardens

Nestled on the edge of the River Lark, the Riverside House Hotel boasts a charming exterior surrounded by lush gardens. The historic building, originally constructed in 1720, exudes timeless elegance. Its picturesque setting includes outdoor seating areas in the garden, perfect for enjoying scenic views during the warmer months. The classic architecture harmonises beautifully with the natural landscape, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere.

The garden overlooking the River Lark provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding day photographs and is the ideal environment in which to enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés with your guests. Here, you can relax and capture the scenes of the day.

Salon Nine has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024

Salon Nine, a hair and beauty salon based in Suffolk, has won Bridal Salon of the Year for 2024 at the illustrious Hair and Beauty Awards (The HBA). Founded in 2021, Salon Nine has quickly established itself as a premier destination for brides-to-be, offering hair and beauty services tailored to create unforgettable wedding day experiences.

Rebecca Clark, the owner of Salon Nine, expressed her gratitude and excitement upon receiving the award: "Winning the Bridal Salon of the Year award is an incredible honour for our team at Salon Nine. We are passionate about making every bride feel beautiful and special on their wedding day, and this recognition is a testament to our dedication and hard work."

Donations instead of wedding gifts - support VOW for Girls

From unconventional venues to unique attire choices, modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love. But what if one of these unique touches could mean helping change the lives of millions of girls around the world? This is where VOW for Girls steps in. Founded by Princess Mabel van Orange of the Netherlands, a serial entrepreneur for social change and founder of VOW for Girls, this unique charity aims to tackle the urgent issue of child marriage through a creative and powerful funding method. Instead of the usual wedding day traditions, VOW for Girls invites couples to use their special day as a force for good. By saying 'I do,' couples can empower millions of young girls to say 'I do' to a brighter future.

Winter wedding colour trends set to dominate 2024 & 2025

The date has been set, the invitations are out. Have you planned a winter wedding for this season and are still looking for inspiration for your decorations? Trend expert Ella Citron-Thompkins from Diamonds Factory tells us which five colour schemes are ideal...Ice Princess: silver, white, blue, grey: For those who prefer classic elegance, the "Ice Princess" colour scheme is perfect. The cool colour palette of silver, white, blue and grey creates an elegant, frosty look and adds a touch of fairytale magic to your winter wedding. Crystal clear accents such as ice crystals, sparkling fairy lights and shimmering decorations fit perfectly and create a magical, almost arctic atmosphere.

Wood Farm Barn is in an Area of Outstanding Beauty

Wood Farm Barn is surrounded by a stunning rural landscape in an Area of Outstanding Beauty. The walled garden, natural pond, copse, and tree-lined avenue offer plenty of opportunities to take your big day photographs.

At night, the venue can be lit with strategically placed lights, giving enough illumination without destroying the magical atmosphere of this rural setting.

The Barn has several options for where to hold your ceremony. There are outside locations, such as the woodland area, the open barn or grassland, to choose from.

Find Shropshire Petals Confetti in your County Wedding Events' goodybag

When visiting a County Wedding Events show, whether it's our smaller events or our larger Signature Wedding Show exhibitions; couples will find a sachet of Shropshire Petals ' biodegradable petal confetti in their goodybag! Book your attendance at one of our events now. Perfect for weddings, British flowers are grown on its fourth generation family farm during the summer months, and picked by hand when they're perfectly bloomed. All its petals and flowers are sustainable, eco-friendly and as nature intended.

County Wedding Events coming to Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Kesgrave Hall, Suffolk, for inspiration on Sunday 27th October 2024! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events. Set in beautiful countryside, Milsoms Kesgrave Hall is a boutique hotel, luxurious spa and brasserie restaurant just outside Ipswich.

Glamping Hideaways is offering new short courses for couples to enjoy on-site

Glamping Hideaways in Norfolk, known for its outdoor holiday retreats, is spearheading this trend by providing guests with a chance to unwind and reconnect with the natural world, all while indulging in modern comforts. In addition to providing a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, Glamping Hideaways is committed to supporting rural communities and sharing local life with tourists. By partnering with local artisans, farmers and businesses, Glamping Hideaways contributes to the growth, support and awareness of rural areas and their natural beauty.

Top tips for a happy marriage

Victoria Walker, family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow gives her top tips for a happy marriage! A happy marriage is built on a foundation of effective communication, love and mutual respect. Here are my essential tips to strengthen your partnership and foster lasting happiness. Wishing you all the best for your hopefully happy ever after. Before getting married... Don't rush! Take your time to really get to know the person. Ensuring that you both share similar or complementary aspirations is key. I've encountered couples where one person desired early retirement or to work overseas while the other was not in agreement, leading to irreconcilable differences and the end of the relationship. There have also been instances where one partner was satisfied with a simple and less demanding lifestyle, while the other was not. Qualities that were initially endearing might become sources of frustration later on.

The Meadow Garden is a four-acre private oasis on the edge of the historic city of Ely

The Meadow Garden is a four-acre private oasis on the edge of the historic city of Ely. This natural garden has a surrounding hedgerow, wild roses, trees, tall grasses, a wildlife pond with a bridge and a weeping willow tree, which looks stunning in photographs.

In the garden, there is a gazebo that can be used for a ceremony with rustic wooden benches for your guests. There is also a wooden moongate as an alternative choice for ceremonies or a photo backdrop framing the natural scenery. There is romantic lighting in the garden, which looks amazing by night, as well as outdoor seating. There is a toilet lodge in the garden, which provides ladies and gents toilets in a rustic chic style. Incorporated into this lodge is a family toilet with baby change facilities, which can also be used as a changing room, accessed by a ramp.

Meet local photographer Emily Tyler Photography

Emily Tyler Photography is a local photographer living in Suffolk. "I fill my days with the simple, beautiful parts of life and take time to notice the lights and shadows that dance themselves through daily life," says Emily. "I live with my musician husband and our two little humans, who all enjoy travel as much as I. I adore rummaging around vintage stores, candlelit dinners with friends, and dancing in the kitchen to vinyl records; myself and Rich bonded over a love of Bowie. I'm happiest when I can feel the sun on my skin; it'll be no surprise I adore photographing in warmer climates.

"Photography has long been a part of my daily life. I adore shooting film and digital and understanding the delicate artistry that goes into both. A box of very well-loved Polaroid photographs can be found on a shelf above my desk – unless it's out, as it often is, for me to rummage through our memories and keep adding to. There's nothing better than the feeling of looking back through old photographs and noticing all the little details in those memories; it's why I love helping you preserve yours too."

Wild With Consent has announced a new partnership with Retro Campers Norfolk

Wild With Consent has announced an exciting new partnership with Retro Campers Norfolk, bringing together the timeless charm of classic VW Campervans with off-grid camping experiences across East Anglia and beyond. Retro Campers Norfolk presents a selection of meticulously maintained vintage Campervans, including original 1975 T2 Bay models and a funky 1989 T25 Camper, all equipped to provide a comfortable and memorable adventure. Optional extras such as firepits or gas barbecues, along with camping facilities like a portable shower and pop-up tent, ensure a truly personalised and enjoyable camping experience – perfect for couples looking for something a bit different for their mini-moon.

How to Manifest Anything: practical secrets to turn all your dreams into reality

Renowned manifestation coach and author Victoria Jackson has released her highly anticipated second book, How to Manifest Anything, published on 12th September 2024 by Octopus Books.Following the success of her debut book, "Manifesting For Beginners," Victoria returns with an essential guide that answers the most pressing questions about manifestation. "How to Manifest Anything" is written with Victoria's signature 'agony aunt' concept, providing a practical, dip-in-and-out collection of the most popular and recurring questions people have about manifestation as they incorporate it into their daily lives. Whether you're wondering how to manifest your soulmate, attract financial abundance, secure your dream job, or troubleshoot delayed manifestations, this book offers the guidance you need.

Suffolk Barn is a 15th-century barn just three miles south of Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk Barn is a 15th-century barn set in ancient parkland just three miles south of Bury St Edmunds. The historic parkland surrounding the barn provides ample space to ensure your day has the privacy and intimacy to entertain your family and family. There is also plenty of space for parking, extra marquees and garden games.

The barn has a large space for receptions and a smaller area for ceremonies. You will have a choice of 5ft round tables and event chairs for up to 160 guests or 8ft long trestle tables.

The 2024 SME Ely Business Awards recently took place

The 2024 SME Ely Business Awards recently took place. The judges were looking for organisations that displayed outstanding innovation, boldness, and sustainability in Ely, as well as strong management practices throughout their business.

Damian Cummins, the awards director, commented: "We're all aware that SMEs are responsible for driving innovation and competition across the county's economic sectors. This year's entries demonstrate a commitment to impact and purpose-driven work that's here to stay. We should all be proud that such businesses choose to call Ely home."

Advice from a divorce lawyer before your wedding day

As a divorce lawyer, one of the things that Joanna Farrands, a family lawyer and partner at Moore Barlow, helps couples soon to be married with is a prenuptial agreement. Here, she shares her advice... "These are increasingly common and popular as a way of considering your finances and future ahead of the wedding. Now, these can sometimes have a bad reputation. Some people dismiss them as they aren't the most romantic gesture, but in reality, a prenuptial agreement with your partner is a sensible, practical thing, and the conversations you have when going through it can make your relationship even stronger.

Hintlesham Hall is a charming wedding venue in Suffolk with glorious gardens

Surrounded by peaceful gardens, Hintlesham Hall has an impressive Georgian frontage and an elegant Tudor feature at the back. This Suffolk gem is sure to wow your guests as they wind their way down the treelined drive and discover the impressive hall.

There's a choice of distinctive rooms where you can tie the knot, including the Georgian-style Salon, which has an impressive chandelier, an ornate gold-leaf ceiling and space for up to 100 friends and family.

Intimate ceremonies take place in The Justice on the ground floor, which overlooks the back lawns. There are three function rooms too, including The Salon, which, with the adjacent Parlour, is big enough for up to 135 of your loved ones to celebrate in style.

Goodybag collaboration with Yankee Candle - don't miss out!

For couples coming along to the County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, they're in for a treat because in the Goodybags you'll find a Yankee Candle Votive. Yankee Candle Filled Votives come in the Signature Collection-exclusive and tried-and-true fragrances, making these tiny treats an easy (and adorable) way to try something new. Hand-illustrated labels, vibrant wax colours, and a premium soy-wax blend create an inspired addition to your home. Decided on a favourite? Arrange several of the same fragrance together to add sparkle and scent to your mantel or table.

Goodybag collaboration with Mocktails - don't miss out!

For those looking for booze-free options this wedding season, Mocktails Uniquely Crafted, is the non-alcoholic premium cocktail brand perfect for big-day guests; and when attending County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows at at Bluewater, Kent, Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire, you'll find a sample in your Goodybag! The alcohol-free, ready-to-drink beverages are perfect for those looking to offer a range of beverages at their wedding. Mocktails showcase a delectable collection of flavours, each carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.