Your Surrey Wedding news and ideas from around the county

The therapeutic power of music on Mental Health Awareness Day

The issue of mental health has never been more important, three in five people in the UK suffer from some form of anxiety, but almost half of those people keep it a secret as they worry about being judged by others. And around one in six of the British population also suffers from moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Those shocking statistics show that the issue is still not spoken about enough, which means that sufferers feel excluded. But music can make a big difference! Making or playing music has been proven to deliver many mental health benefits.

Walk in the footsteps of Ada Lovelace at De Vere Horsley Estate

The 10th October 2023 marks Ada Lovelace Day, which recognises Ada's ground-breaking contribution to computer technology and celebrates the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). This year, De Vere Horsley Estate, located in Surrey and part of De Vere's collection of mansion house estates, is inviting guests to walk in the footsteps of Ada Lovelace at what was her marital home for 17 years. Lovelace, born in 1815, was a well-known mathematician and writer, and was regarded as one of the world's first computer programmers owing to her pioneering work on Charles Babbage's mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Ada was the only child of Annabella Milbank and the poet Lord Byron; her mother had mathematical training and insisted on Ada studying mathematics - an unusual education for a woman in the 1800s.

Jewellery designer exhibiting with County Wedding Events

Hampshire-based jewellery designer and creator Sarah Ralph, of Sarah Ralph Designs, is showcasing her work at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 29th September 2023. Sarah says, "I've been designing and handmaking jewellery from solid recycled sterling silver for the past 10 years. I absolutely love working with silver as it's such a great material to work with and it has such a lustre all of its own. "I love crafting jewellery that makes you smile and that you truly enjoy wearing, from either small piece for that understated look or statement one-off pieces that have that wow factor. All of my jewellery is crafted from solid recycled sterling silver. Being as environmentally friendly as possible is very important to me and it is a strong ethos within my work. I'm based in Winchester, Hampshire where all of my designs are crafted."

UK's 15 most Instagrammed venues to get hitched

As UK searches for "wedding venues" skyrocketed by 110%* over the past 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 season. Top 15 most Instagrammed wedding venues for autumn/winter 2023 to be inspired by...

Save money on wedding party gifts

With more and more couples choosing to thank their bridesmaids and groomsman with presents, Anita Naik, savings expert at the UK's most trusted savings site VoucherCodes.co.uk, has some great tips on how to save money on your wedding party gifts, without sparing the sentiment: Spend within your budget: Set a budget and stick to it. Often people can go down a rabbit hole when browsing for gifts, looking at items that are way over budget. It's important to set yourself a strict budget and spend an amount that you're comfortable with.

Surrey's Simply Laura Calligraphy exhibiting at Mercedes-Benz World's Signature Wedding Show

Surrey's Simply Laura Calligraphy is exhibiting at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World on Sunday 29th October 2023. Laura says," If you're recently engaged and planning a wedding, firstly congratulations! When it comes to stationery designs, the possibilities are endless, from save the dates to place cards and on the day signage, Simply Laura Calligraphy helps bring your special day to life through print. Come and Meet me at Mercedes-Benz World Signature Wedding Fair on Sunday 29th October 2023!"

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.

Reigate’s Lebnani Restaurant has launched cookery classes

Gather your besties and get your aprons on for a hen or stag do with a difference! Reigate's Lebnani Restaurant has just launched a series of cookery classes hosted by chef Jad Youssef. Learn and master the art of creating traditional Lebanese dishes, in a fun and intimate atmosphere. During the class, guests will receive a special Lebnani apron to wear and take home as a keepsake. On arrival enjoy a welcome drink and Zeytoun olives, then roll up your sleeves and enjoy a hands on cookery class, followed by a sit down meal where you can enjoy your prepared dishes, with a glass of Lebanese wine! Whether you're a kitchen novice or an experienced home cook, looking to expand your repertoire, these classes are tailored to suit all levels and an opportunity to immerse yourself into the vibrant world of Lebanese cuisine!

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.

Geo and Bert Productions are exhibiting with County Wedding Events

Professional wedding videographers, Georgina and Bert (of Geo and Bert Productions) will be at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October to chat with couples about their wedding plans and requirements. "Hi, we are Georgina and Bert! Our commitment is to work closely with every couple, ensuring we create a dream video that reflects their unique love story. With years of experience and genuine enthusiasm for our work, we pour our hearts into every frame, making your special day truly unforgettable."

Bridal party attire with Signature Wedding Show exhibitor

Surrey-based Katie Binns Dress Studio, will be showcasing its bridal party attire at County Wedding Events' Signature Wedding Shows. "I'm Katie and I absolutely love dressing up for a special occasion. Whether it's for a black tie event, wedding, a big occasion, any excuse and I'm there planning my outfit!. I will take my clients into a world of dresses where I can help to advise on what colours will make them radiate, to what style dress suits their unique body shape. I am also fully qualified in Colour Analysis and Personal Styling. When it comes to Proms and buying dresses, my amazing teenage daughter Daisy always likes to be with me on the buying trips to keep the dresses current."

Creating bespoke and heartfelt ceremonies to mark life’s events

KJM Ceremonies is exhibiting at County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse on Sunday 1st October 2023. Kathy Morgan, independent professional celebrant and owner of KJM Ceremonies, covers mainly Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey. Here, she tells us more, "Weddings are my complete world! I've always been involved in wedding planning in some way and I'm very proud to have won several awards as a celebrant, from Hitched, Lux Life Magazine and The International Wedding Awards.

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!

Surrey's Wedding Cakes by Lisa offering new cake tasting boxes

The best thing about cake shopping is the tasting and it's important that you try before you buy to make sure that the flavour you choose hits the spot. Lisa Broughton, owner of Wedding Cakes by Lisa, offers cake tasting boxes to her clients that contain five fresh flavours, packaged in a luxury gift box, and delivered straight to your door using next day delivery service (UK only). The boxes are priced at £25 but the best thing is, if you then order your cake with Lisa, the £25 will be deducted from your final invoice – so you're eating cake for free!

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.