INDEPENDENT WEDDING VENUES.
Blakesley Hall (Birmingham)
Where: In the northern suburbs of Birmingham.
What: Late sixteenth century timber framed farmhouse built by Richard Smalbroke who was from a local merchant family.
Weddings: The Hall and Barn (both ancient) are licensed for weddings.
Who: Anne-Marie Hayes books weddings and she can be phoned on 0121 464 2193 or e-mail her on anne-marie.hayes@birmingham.gov.uk
Web: www.birmingham.gov.uk/blakesley
The Dudley Canal Caverns
Where: Dudley, North of Birmingham (or rather beneath Dudley).
What: You get married in the unique underground 'Singing Cavern' - how unique is that! The space is licensed for up to 50 guests seated in the caverns. Guests travel by boat and are joined by the Bride and Groom for the ceremony.
Weddings: Licensed for weddings, but no reception facilities on site. June (administrator) can point you in the direction of nearby venues.
You can also try Stourton Village Hall which is not far from this site, and in a rural location. Contact the Village Hall Secretary, Margaret Rogers on 01384 872073, or e-mail her on margaretmhrg@aol.com - and the hall even has its own little website at www.stourtonvillagehall.co.uk
Alternatively you can hunt for other halls you can hire in the area by going to the useful website at www.hallshire.com
Who: June Hodgetts runs the wedding bookings and may be phoned on 01384 236275, or e-mailed on bookings@dudleycanaltrust.org.uk
Web: Go to the Trust's dedicated website at www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk
Fazeley Studios
Where: Go through an unsuspecting door in an unsuspecting area of Birmingham and step into another world - a world of high arched Victorian ceilings, palms, rich carpets, stained glass, antique furniture and indoor fountains.
.Weddings: The newly renovated Fazeley Studios are licensed for weddings and there is loads of space for your reception. They have their own caterers too but if you'd like to get married here and use Kemp & Kemp Catering then you can.
Who: For availability of the Studios for your wedding, talk to Tara on 0212 224 8200, or e-mail her on tara@fazeleyevents.com.
Web: Go to their dedicated website at www.fazeleyevents.com.
OTHER WEDDING SERVICES IN THE BIRMINGHAM AREA
WEDDING CATERERS
1. Kemp and Kemp Catering
Wedding catering that features food that is always homemade by us. We make everything from scratch with nothing brought in or 'from frozen'. Karen Kemp is an inspired, passionate cook, heavily influenced by Nigel Slater, with more than a little 'River Cafe', some early Jamie and plenty of fresh Delia. We don't do 'Package A, Package B' style catering because we believe it is important to design your food around you, your venue and the season.
Visit www.kempandkempcatering.co.uk or e-mail info@kempandkempcatering.co.uk or call Karen on 07967 033332.
WEDDING FLOWERS
1. MyFlowerCo
Ellie Wiseman is a contemporary florist with imagination who specialises in reflecting wedding couples in her stunning floral designs. Ellie only ever takes a single project at a time so she can dedicate herself to you. Contact her by e-mailing ellie@myflowerco.co.uk
Or call her on 0790 4410650.
2. Alison O'Mara Floral Design
Alison has a design studio in Stone (Staffs) and when she isn't designing stunning floral arrangements for your wedding, she teaches her own distinctive style of floristry. Phone Alison on 01785 815948, e-mail her on info@alisonomarafloraldesign.co.uk or visit her vibrant, colourful website at www.alisonomarafloraldesign.co.uk
WEDDING MARQUEES
1. Crest Marquees
A new marquee company (2006) based in south Birmingham with a brand new range of equipment. Their planning service includes 3D visualisation of your plans by computer so that you can be sure how the whole set-up will look, even help design it.
Contact Matthew on 0121 773 8444 or e-mail info@crestmarquees.co.uk or visit their website at www.crestmarquees.co.uk
2. Smart Party Marquees
Very stylish marquees with a real difference. Based in Sutton Coldfield and operating throughout the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
Contact David on 0121 241 9891, or e-mail info@smartpartymarquees.co.uk or visit their website at www.smartpartymarquees.co.uk
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
1. Dave Golding
Will travel anywhere. Iconic pictures (see below) that stand out. Dave knows that good wedding photographs result from good planning. Whenever possible he likes to meet with you in advance to learn about the plans. He will make sure he is familiar with the venue and other locations so there are always opportunities for great photography - even if the weather is unkind.
Phone Dave on 07980 700558, or e-mail him from his website at www.davidgoldingweddings.com
Thanks to Dave Golding for the banner pic. We adore this picture.
2. David & Beverley Foster Photography
Award-winning wedding photography. You get to keep copyright over all your pictures.
Airbrushing and enhanced photography. Phone them on 01538 386403 or e-mail them at admin@bride.org.uk or see their comprehensive website at www.bride.org.uk
OTHER WEDDING SERVICES
1.Catering hire by Plato
Plato Catering Hire serves the West Midlands Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. For all your plates, glasses, cutlery, tableclothes, napkins, tables, chairs, everything from your serving dishes, your mobile ovens - down to your salt & pepper pots. They deliver, collect and wash up! Nice people, great service. Phone 01789 491133 or e-mail sales@platohire.co.uk or visit their website at www.platohire.co.uk
2. Bunting by 'Cotton and Roses'
Gill Bourbage makes the most divine traditional bunting to suit your needs.
E-mail Gill at cottonandroses@gmail.com or visit her website at www.cottonandroses.com