INDEPENDENT WEDDING VENUES IN WORCESTERSHIRE.
Kidderminster Town HallWhere: Central Kidderminster.
What: 1855 historic complex with two rooms to get married in, one with medieval panelling or the Victorian Music Room with a William Hill Organ that can take 450 guests!
Weddings: Yes, licensed for weddings (2 rooms). Lots of others for your reception.
Who: Ask for Joanne Bowkett when phoning 01562 732158. or e-mail her on joanne.bowkett@wyreforestdc.gov.uk or go to their website at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/weddings
Laughern Hill
Where: Set in the rolling fertile hills of Worcestershire.
What: Grade II listed manor house. Fantasic gardens.
Weddings: Two areas licensed for weddings and space for marquees. Fabulous gardens for pictures and canapes including 'the hidden garden'.
Who: Phone Kirsten Palmer-Jeffery on 01886 889013 or e-mail info@laughernhill.co.uk
Park Hall, Nr Kidderminster
Where: In Worcestershire countryside near Kidderminster. Easy for M5.
What: Queen Anne mansion (1710) set in 132 acres of parkland.
Weddings: Whole site can be booked for your exclusive use. Licensed for civil ceremonies with reception facilities and loads of room for marquees etc.
Who: Contact Anneka on 01562 700602 or e-mail her on enquiries@parkhallcountryhouse.co.uk
Web: Park Hall's dedicated website is at www.parkhallcountryhouse.co.uk
The ARK at Alvechurch
NOT what you expect in a sleepy Worcestershire village - but there it is - right next to the Medieval Church in Alvechurch, a superb, modern, warm, dry, fully equiped, futuristic hall available for functions including wedding receptions. Its called The ARK and is run for the Church by highly enterprising Ian Price. The ARK also has an amazing website at www.thearkalvechurch.co.uk. Visit the website or e-mail Ian at thearkalvechurch@yahoo.co.uk - or call him on 0121 447 7955. You will not be dissappointed.
Rous Lench Court, Nr Evehsam.
Where: In the Vale of Evesham, deepest rural Worcestershire.
What: A complex of 16th Century buildings set in 54 acres of parkland with gardens, sweeping lawns, statues, fountains, huge trees and a lake. The view has few signs of the 21st century.
Weddings: Licensed for civil ceremonies with up to 40 guests in the house, but for those with more guests you may choose to get married in the tiny Norman Church one field away. Afterwards stroll with your guests across a swathe cut through a classic English meadow and through their private manorial gate to the manor house. Sublime. Lots of room for marquees and accommodation too. Great picture potential.
Who: Phone the irrepressible Sam Thorp on 01386 793072 or e-mail samthorp@btconnect.com
Web: A dedicated website may be found at www.rouslenchcourt.co.uk
OTHER WEDDING SERVICES IN WORCESTERSHIRE.
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. West Country Marquees
Worcester-based marquee company with a wide range of kit and a wealth of experience - not just marquees, but dance floors, lighting, bars, toilets - and a planning service. Call Eddie on 0800 6522956 or e-mail him at admin@westcountrymarquees.co.uk or visit their website at www.westcountrymarquees.co.uk.
2. 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
PIG ROASTS for your wedding.
1. Heath Farm Pig (and lamb) Roasting
Tim Goldsmith raises pigs (and lambs) on his farm at Hallow near Worcester. They are very happy pigs (and lambs) and are spit roasted by Tim to perfection for seven hours. The stuffing is homemade, as is the apple sauce. Tim can deal with any sized function.
Go to the website at www.heathfarm.org.uk or call Tim Goldsmith on 01905 640313 or e-mail him at timbo26@hotmail.com
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. Plato catering hire
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
MORE SUPPLIERS/SERVICES TO FOLLOW.