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Venues  |   Caterers   |   Flowers and Topiary  |   Hair and Make-Up  |   Videographers  |   DJ, Music, Cakes and Others

Exceptional Venues
If you are looking for the perfect venue for your wedding perhaps the best place to start is For Better For Worse. Over 2000 venues listed including Castles, Country House Hotels, Rustic Barns, Gardens, Inns and City Centre Chic. Superb venues for your perfect day.

Gate Street Barn, Bramley, near Guildford - http://www.gatestreetbarn.com/ - Not only one of Surrey's finest wedding venues but also one the best in the country. Tucked away in the secluded Surrey Hills yet only five miles from Guildford with its superb transport links and accommodation. More than just your average wedding barn.

Tithe Barn, Petersfield - http://www.tithe-barn.co.uk - If you are looking for a rustic touch to a modern wedding it's worth checking out Tithe Barn, Petersfield. An exceptional location combined with exceptional service.

Bury Court Barn, Bentley - http://www.burycourtbarn.co.uk - Everything about Bury Court Barn is quite simply stunning. The huge oak beams and lofty ceiling are truly impressive. This country venue, the ideal location for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions, offers an impressive combination of rustic and modern styles. The original beams are offset by a natural oak floor and clean minimalist lines. Check it out.

Avington Park, Near Winchester - http://www.avingtonpark.co.uk - A truly stunning venue with an amazing sense of history, architecture and style. An absolute photographer's dream and a location to remember forever.

Clandon Park - http://www.clandonpark.co.uk - It might surprise you to learn that you can gain exclusive use of this incredible National Trust property. The tapestry room is an awesome place to have a civil ceremony whilst the main hall is second to none in architecture and provides an amazing setting for your drinks reception. The grounds are absolutely stunning.



Caterers
Jacaranda - http://www.jacarandacatering.com/ - Jacaranda have built a reputation for Creatively Catering and Co-ordinating dream Weddings, Elegant Parties and Inspirational corporate events throughout West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. I've worked with Jacaranda at countless weddings mostly at either Tithe Barn or Bury Court Barn. I feel fortunate to have such exceptional caterers on my door step and am always delighted when I arrive at a wedding to find they're providing the food.

Dennys Catering - http://www.dennyscatering.co.uk/ - I've worked with the folks at Dennys on a number of occasions. Apart from also hailing from Liss these folks can produce the most amazing culinary delights for your wedding. The food they produce is exceptional and they easily rank in the top catering firms in the country.



Flowers
Tiger Rose, East Meon - http://www.tiger-rose.co.uk - Susanna makes some of the most grand floral arragements you will ever see. I've worked with her on countless occasions and her work is distinctive and wholly impressive.

Bloomin Flowers, Southampton - http://www.bloominflowers.co.uk/ - Helen does an amazing job creating a unique floral experience.

Heavenly Scent Floral Designs, Liss - http://www.heavenly-scent.co.uk/ - Heavenly Scent is a Wedding & Event Florist based in Greatham, Hampshire at a country workshop. Established since 1996, they have a wealth of experience in the Wedding and Event industry and regularly feature in 'Wedding Flowers' magazine.

Topiary
The Topiary Company - http://www.topiarycompany.co.uk - The Topiary Company hires classic living topiary for weddings, celebrations and corporate events. As an added bonus Nigel is a top professional and goes out his way to ensure that everything is just right. He works wonders at Tithe Barn as well as other top South Coast venues. Give him a call...you won't be disappointed.



Hair and Make-up
Amanda J - http://www.amanda-j.co.uk - Referred to me as the 'Amazing Amanda J'. Amanda is not only a talented at what she does but is also down to earth and really easy to work with. Amanda specialises in bridal hair and make-up and trained at The London College of Fashion to HND level. In fact you've probably seen some of her work on television or fashion shows. Get the perfect look...book Amanda J.

Bridal Makeup by Juliet - http://www.bridalmakeupbyjuliet.co.uk/ - Julient has been a specialist bridal makeup artist for the past few years and have worked on 100's of brides. Her extensive experience means that she realises just how important a brides makeup is - important that she feels 'a million dollars', that it feels weightless and comfortable and that the wedding day makeup lasts all day. She specialises in creating a natural, radiant look - how most brides want to look and feel on their big day!

InParlour - http://www.inparlour.co.uk - InParlour offer all your bridal beauty needs from make up to manicures and are experts in making you look beautiful!



Videographers
Ever After Video Productions - http://www.everaftervideos.co.uk - Ever After Videos (aka Sylvia & Niels) are two fantastic videographers whom I can't recommend enough. Often times Bride and Grooms hire an unobstrusive photographer only to leave the door wide open to the complete opposite in videographers. Even though Ever After use two 'shooters' I can honestly say they were a breeze to work with...easier than most single shooters which is saying something. They cover the whole of the UK so don't let their Sheffield base put off anyone south of Watford Gap.

Smokescreen Visuals - http://www.smokescreenvisuals.co.uk - Kerry and Matt from Eastbourne are two exceptional videographers whom I've had the pleasure to work with on a number of occasions. Employing a cinetmatic style your wedding video is sure to have a Hollywood feel to it without the cheese that comes from too many videographers out there. Get in touch and be delighted.

Leo Ferenc - Perfect Day Studios - http://www.perfect-day-studios.co.uk - Leo is just one of those guys you love to have around. He makes shooting a wedding video look effortless and is perhaps one of the most sought after videographers by photographers in the South. What do I mean? Well, I haven't met a photographer yet who hasn't enjoyed his company or felt he was in the way. Something I can't say for all videographers (no doubt they think the same thing about us.

Zeus Films - http://www.zeusfilms.co.uk - Whenever I turn up to a wedding and first me a new videographer, my knees start to shake and I get hot under the collar. I start thinking, just how is this guy going to ruin my coverage. I felt the same when I first met Andy. But within about 3 1/4 minutes I realised he was the type of guy you add to your video all stars list. Easy to work with and great to have around I can honestly say you won't be disappointed...and if I'm your photographer, neither will I.

Cine8 Films - http://www.cine8.co.uk - If you are looking for something completely different in regards to video give Cine8 a ring. Specialising is shooting your wedding in 8mm film its as far aways from Hi-Def as you can imagine. But nostalgic, intriguing, mysterious and great fun are what you get in return. Nothing beats that handheld film look and since Andy is a top professional you are assured of a top product.

From The Hip - http://www.fromthehip.tv - With a name like that you would think we might be related. But, in fact, the answer is no. Its just coincidence on the name. What we do share is simple approach to capturing the moments that make a great day without forcing a thing. I really enjoyed working with Dan and think you will too. Too often videographers and photographers seem to clash on the day. I've been fortunate to meet some great like minded videographers and these guys are right at the top of the list.



Musicians
Oliver Sheen - http://www.oliversheen.com - Pianist and Vocalist based in Petersfield (near me). Genuinuely decent chap with a great hair cut (hey, check out his site to find he was in an 80's pop band and had hair that makes Brian May look tame). Sensational musician with a calming personality. Highly recommended.

Alexandria Ensemble - http://www.alexandriaquartet.org.uk - Not your average string quartet. Whilst the classical and baroque genre is part of their standard repetoire they also have a wild side. They even played a few bars of Superman...just for me I reckon. Have a click and a listen.

Kai Jansen - http://www.kaijansen.com - Ignore the scary website...this guy is a guitar genius. I worked with Kai last summer and was totally impressed by his master guitar skills. Ironically I was at the Petersfield Farmers Market and I could hear some familiar sounds in amongst the free range this and that. I was delighted to find Kai and to finally get to swap links and cards. From classical to modern this guy has a distinctive sound that your guests will love.

A Good Reed - http://www.agoodreed.co.uk - If you are looking for something a little different in a music ensemble you would be hard pressed to beat the girls at A Good Reed. This all girl saxophone quartet can provide the gentlest of background music to toe-tapping entertainment all during the same event. Check out the website to get a demo CD. You'll be glad you did.

DJ
Guy Stevens - http://www.discotheque.co.uk - Its the DJ who wears a DJ. Classy chap with monster moves and a rig that suits the location. So often DJs just want to rip a bit Robbie Williams whilst overloading the electrical system with dodgy effects and clouds of smoke. Guy plays to the environment making him a refreshing change from the norm.

Formal Wear
Just for Guys, Liss - How many times have I seen it this year. Size 32 trousers for a size 42 groom...or 2 shirts and no tie. Break away from dealing with spotty teenagers in a high street store and trust your hireware decisions to true professionals. Jan and her team deliver excellent customer service with friendly local service. Ring her on 01730 818477 or 07879 456773.

Cake
Cake Frills, Petersfield - http://www.cakefrills.com - Would I trust them? Well, I did. I had my own son's Christening cake made by the fine folks at Cake Frills and we were absolutely delighted. Stop in to see Alex or Pat for the finest in wedding and special occasion cakes.

Purple Book Cakes - http://www.cakes.purplebook.co.uk - Absolutely charming cakes from an absolutely charming lady. An amazing variety of wedding and special occasion cakes made exclusively by June. All of Purple Book's cakes are home made using the finest ingredients which is why they not only look fabulous, but taste great too. 25 years of experience and not a single dissatisfied customer.

Wedding Industry Blog
OMG think I'm fab and I think OMG is fab too! Alexis runs an insightful and openminded blog related to all things wedding.


Marquee Hire
Alexander Ball - http://www.alexanderball.co.uk - If you are looking for more than just a roof over your head contact Alexander Ball. Fabulous marquees and lighting.

Venue and Supplier Directory
So often supplier directories are just cash cows for some IT bod in the West Midlands. Occassionally someone bucks the trend and sets something up that is selective in who they select ensuring the cream of the crop. The Good Country Weddings Guide is such a guide. Don't be confused as the name is similar to another guide which is simply a paid for listings company. In fact, look closely and you may notice a few of the good folks above.

The Bridal File - http://www.thebridalfile.co.uk A wicked new bridal directory that sets itself apart by being a) useful and b) good looking. Search by supplier section as well as county, get involved in the forum and set up your own online planner

Wedding Planner
Dimples Events - www.dimplesevents.co.uk - Planning your special event may seem impossible at the moment, most couples underestimate the amount of time involved in planning important occasions. A solution is at hand in Simone from Dimples Events. Trained by the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners www.ukawp.com she is now a member of the alliance, offering her clients reassurance that they are hiring an experienced professional. Easy to work with, easy to talk to and nothing short of totally helpful. Give Simone a call and take a load off.