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welcome
contents...04 CENTURIES OF SUCCESS Coombe Abbey from 1150 to the present day
06 REST LIKE ROYALTY Beautiful bedchambers
10 A FEAST FOR THE SENSES Mouth-watering morsels from the Garden Room
11 FOOD WORTH CELEBRATING Culinary creations for every event
15 WEDDINGS WITH WOW FACTOR Stunning settings for your special day
18 THE DRESS OF YOUR DREAMS Beautiful looks that won’t break the bank
21 ALL OUT FOR ASIAN WEDDINGS Catering for large and lavish celebrations
23 PICTURE PERFECT Capturing every moment
27 SAY IT WITH FLOWERS Picking the best big day blooms
29 TIERS OF JOY Creative cakes
29 MUSIC, MAGIC AND MORE Keeping wedding guests entertained
31 TO DO BEFORE I DO Planning a wedding step-by-step
32 KEEPING IT CORPORATE Doing the business for corporate events
As one of the finest wedding and function venues in the UK, Coombe Abbey Hotel has a lot to offer.
This magazine has been designed to give you just a taste of that, with a tour around our beautiful bedrooms and fabulous function suites, as well as a chance to learn more about the venue’s amazing history.
We’ve also teamed up with our experienced wedding co-ordinators to bring you a one-stop guide to planning the perfect big day, including advice on fashion, cakes and entertainment and a look around our magnificent wedding marquee.
So, whether you are planning a wedding, corporate function or simply looking for somewhere to spend a weekend, I hope this magazine will offer plenty of inspiration and we look forward to welcoming you to Coombe Abbey Hotel very soon.
The publishers cannot accept liability for mistakes or misprints or views expressed within advertising submissions: No Ordinary Wedding Venue Magazine 2013
PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING: Riney Publishing Limited, Sue Riney-Smith Tel: 01325 304360 Email: [email protected]
EDITORIAL: Bernice Saltzer, Claire Buchan and Christie PringleSorted Public Relations and Events Management Tel: 0191 2656111 Email: [email protected]
DESIGN: Distinctive Publishing Tel: 0845 884 2384 Email: [email protected]
SPECIAL THANKS:Photography courtesy of: Graham Emery, Storybook Weddings, Doherty Photography and Jems Photography
Coombe Abbey HotelBrinklow Road, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2ABTel: 02476 450450 Fax: 02476 635101Email: [email protected]
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They say that fact is stranger than fiction and nowhere is this more true than in the story of Coombe Abbey Hotel.
In a tale befitting a Hollywood screenplay, mysterious disappearances, kidnapping attempts and centuries of religious dedication have all played a role in shaping this beautiful building from the 12th century to the present day.
Take a stroll around the hotel and its acres of gardens and
you’ll see several signs of this illustrious history, from the 19th century tennis court, now used as the Courthouse, to the stable block and coach house, still visible outside the Abbeygate function suite, which were originally built in 1849.
But it all started rather more simply in 1150 with the foundation of The Abbey of Cumbe - Warwickshire’s largest monastery for Cistercian monks.
centuriesOF SUCCESS
From a place of worship to the epitome of modern-day luxury, Coombe Abbey’s 800 year history has seen more plot twists than a big screen blockbuster.
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Used by the monks and abbots primarily for grazing sheep and growing cereals, the abbey and its lands remained relatively undeveloped for almost four centuries, with only the addition of the stone built Cloisters in 1509 offering any sign of the changes to come.
During the nationwide dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, Cumbe Abbey, as it was then known, and all its possessions were claimed by Henry VIII.
For the next 40 years the property passed through several hands before being acquired in 1581 by local man John Harrington, who soon set about transforming it into a comfortable home.
In 1603 Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King James I, came to stay and spent two happy years living and learning at Coombe Abbey, as it was known by then.
The princess was forced to leave in November 1605 after Guy Fawkes failed in his gunpowder plot to kill the king, kidnap Elizabeth and make her the new queen of England.
In 1622 Coombe Abbey was bought by Elizabeth Craven, the widow of Sir William Craven, former Lord Mayor of London and one of the richest men of his day. It remained in the Craven family for the next 300 years, with each generation overseeing new additions and carving their own special mark.
Elizabeth’s son, William, was responsible for laying the foundations of the modern-day Coombe Country Park by enclosing 650 acres of the abbey’s land in 1634.
In 1682, Captain William Wind, the architect who designed Buckingham House (later converted to Buckingham Palace), was brought in to add a large West Wing to the house – which still stands proudly overlooking the hotel’s gardens,
It was famed landscaper Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown who redesigned the gardens in 1771, but much of his work
was lost when, in 1849, the property was given a facelift in-keeping with the then fashionable gothic style.
As part of this makeover, which also saw the abbey’s entire east wing and part of the north wing demolished and rebuilt, the gardens on the south and west of the house were landscaped, with those on the north and east sides being used to grow a wide range of exotic flowers and fruits.
Sadly only the outer walls of these kitchen gardens still remain, though the moat and canal constructed at this time are relatively unchanged.
Tragedy struck in 1921 when Lord Craven mysteriously disappeared from his yacht and was discovered drowned two days later. The death duties on the Coombe Abbey estate were too much for the family to handle and they reluctantly decided to sell.
After that Coombe Abbey went through various incarnations, from being used as a breeding ground for cattle in the 1920s, to serving as a residential training centre for the General Electric Company throughout the 50s and early 60s.
In 1964 it was purchased by Coventry City Council, who opened it to the public as Coombe Abbey Regional Park.
Its transformation into the luxury hotel you see today began in 1992 when the site was taken over by No Ordinary Hotels. Over the past twenty years the company has worked hard to restore Coombe Abbey to its former glory and boost its appeal with the addition of many modern features.
These included the launch of its first bedrooms and function suites in 1995 and completion of the elegant restaurant and conservatory bar in 2005.
Throughout the rest of this magazine you’ll get the chance to take a tour of these facilities and see some of the many ways in which you too can play a part in the story of Coombe Abbey Hotel. p
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Once home to the Craven family and used exclusively by them and their invited guests, Coombe Abbey has since been transformed by No Ordinary Hotels into a place where even those not born of noble blood can rest like royalty.
If you, too, wish to follow in the footsteps of 17th century visitor Princess Elizabeth (daughter of King James I) and spend the night surrounded by historic artefacts, sumptuous fabrics and breathtaking
views, then a stay in any of the hotel’s beautiful bedchambers is sure to bring these dreams vividly to life.
Rich in furnishings, subtle lighting and an array of special touches, each of Coombe Abbey’s 119 bedrooms has been individually decorated to offer its own unique character and ensure surprises always await, even for the most regular of hotel guests.
Split into three distinct categories – Crown, Feature and Grand Feature
- all are fully en-suite and equipped with the best modern technology and services, including a flat screen TV, complimentary wireless broadband, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and access to 24-hour room service, perfect for ordering a king-sized midnight feast.
They also offer stunning views across the hotel’s historic courtyard, parkland, lake, tree-lined drive or formal gardens, with different outlooks depending on where they’re
From paupers to princesses - everyone has the chance to be king or queen of the castle with an overnight stay at Coombe Abbey Hotel…
royaltyREST LIKE
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located within the hotel or the luxurious Park Priory development, which was purpose-built by No Ordinary Hotels in 2008.
Coombe Abbey’s Crown bedchambers, which come with a choice of single, double or twin beds, are ideal for couples, families and corporate visitors.
Each has been decorated with an array of rich colours and furnishings, which not only reflect the venue’s history and elegance, but also offer a sense of luxury and comfort befitting even the noblest of guests.
The hotel’s Feature bedchambers,
which are equally as lavish, offer the opportunity to make your stay even more special, with many boasting four poster beds and Victorian baths that are tailored for romance.
For those with a sense of adventure, the Feature rooms also boast many hidden features, including bathrooms carefully concealed behind bookcases.
The jewel in Coombe Abbey’s crown, though, is undoubtedly its 14 Grand Feature bedchambers.
From the impressive surroundings of the Lady Craven Suite, honouring the abbey’s former owner, to the decadence of the Chinoiserie, which
is decorated in the 17th century Chinese-style after which it is named, each of these rooms has its own unique personality, while all are the epitome of grandeur and style.
No wonder then that they have proven so popular with those seeking a magical and memorable place to enjoy a peaceful slumber, including many honeymooners and those celebrating other special occasions.
For a chance to take a peek inside these rooms visit www.coombeabbey.com/accommodation - where you’ll also find details of the latest offers on accommodation, which run throughout the year.
Award winning Wedding Cake designer Rebecca Jenkins has over 10 years’ experience in designing and making bespoke wedding and celebration cakes. Each cake is specifically designed to the client’s needs making the whole process personal to you.
Whether you’re after delicate flowers, intricate piped detail or personalised sugar figures you
will be sure to find it at Bows and Butterflies. We offer everything from tiered cakes and cupcakes right the way through to hand decorated cookie favours all of which are made using the finest ingredients.
All our cakes are handmade in our brand new studio, where we invite you to book an appointment to try some of our delicious cakes
and discuss what it is that you are looking for in your wedding cake. We strive to offer a personal one to one service from design down to delivery. Making sure that all of our customers are treated like royalty on their special day.
Becky Jenkins on 07921 518905 [email protected] bowsandbutterflies.uk.com
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After serving breakfast to its overnight guests, Coombe Abbey Hotel throws open its doors to cater for leisurely lunches, romantic dinners and all manner of meals with family and friends.
Its elegant Garden Room restaurant, housed in a beautiful, purpose-built orangery, is equally suited to informal dining and special occasions, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere ensuring every meal is both relaxing and memorable.
Open daily for dinner and from Sunday to Friday for lunch, it offers a wide range of classic dishes, all cooked to order by the hotel’s team of expert chefs.
Diners can choose from a daily table d’hote menu or make their selection from the extended À La Carte, which is seasonally updated.
Options range from sumptuous starters, such as pan-seared king scallops or oak smoked pigeon breast to mouth-watering main courses of
oven roasted quail and slow cooked cheek of Scotch beef.
For those with a sweet tooth the restaurant also serves a decadent dessert menu, offering a wide array of seasonally-inspired dishes such as chestnut and praline parfait, lemon curd cheesecake and frangipane and fig tart.
All of this can be enjoyed with a tipple from Coombe Abbey Hotel’s well-stocked wine cellars, which offer an ever-changing range of wines and Champagnes.
On a Sunday the Garden Room restaurant offers a traditional lunch, which uses four set menus to cater for both new and repeat visitors. The menus, which rotate on a weekly basis, have all been designed to capture the essence of a British roast, with a few special changes giving it the signature Coombe Abbey twist.
They include dishes such as roast rump of Angus beef with all the
trimmings, slow cooked shank of Cornish lamb and twice-baked blue cheese soufflé, as well as a variety of starters and delicious desserts.
For those seeking something a little lighter, but no less indulgent, Coombe Abbey Hotel also offers a daily afternoon tea.
Served on the outdoor terrace during the summer months and accompanied by carols during the winter, this is a great way to take in the hotel’s majestic surroundings, while enjoying an assortment of cakes, sandwiches and homemade fruit scones.
Alternatively, visitors can enjoy just the scones with clotted cream and preserves, with both options being offered alongside a selection of specialty teas and coffees from 2.30pm until 5.30pm.
For more information, or to book, call restaurant reservations on 02476 450 450 or email [email protected]
From the taste and smell of its classic cuisine, to the look and feel of its sumptuous surroundings, dining at Coombe Abbey Hotel offers a feast for the
senses at any time of day.
sensesA FEAST FOR THE
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From weddings and graduations, to birthdays, baby naming ceremonies and corporate dinners – every occasion can be marked in style thanks to the fine food and service at Coombe Abbey Hotel.
Whether it’s catering for 10 guests at a private dinner or 110 at a wedding, conference or other large scale event, the hotel’s experienced chefs put the same flair and dedication into every dish.
If you’re planning a get-together in any of Coombe Abbey’s private dining rooms or larger function suites, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the culinary team to design a menu that is perfect for your particular event.
For private dinners involving anywhere between 10 and 40 guests, organisers are asked to compile their own menus featuring up to three starters, three main courses and three desserts.
These are chosen from a list of seasonally-inspired suggestions, carefully compiled by Coombe Abbey’s chefs and events team to ensure they cover a wide range of tastes. This generally includes a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, as well as a good mix of desserts.
There’s an even longer list to choose from when it comes to planning a meal for weddings and larger corporate events, with organisers being asked to pick one starter, main course and dessert to create a single set menu, which will ultimately be served to all their guests.
Most of these dishes, including chicken and wild mushroom parfait, glazed Gressingham duck breast and
Bailey’s crème brûlée are available all year round, with a separate children’s selection also on offer to cater for younger guests.
For more informal gatherings, such as parties and evening receptions, Coombe Abbey Hotel also has a carefully-considered array of buffet menus, including Italian, Indian and Tex-Mex, as well as suggestions for canapés and lighter bites.
In all cases the dishes can be adapted to suit any dietary requirements and food intolerances, with the option to also add a drinks package should this be required.
More details can be found by contacting the hotel’s wedding teams and events teams on 024 76 450 450.
Event organisers looking for something completely different, can also book one of Coombe Abbey Hotel’s signature medieval banquets, which include a four course feast with wine and mead, as well as themed entertainment.
For more details on this or the wide range of other entertainment options for events of any size and style, email [email protected]
Make every occasion extra special with Coombe Abbey’s culinary delights…
celebratingFOOD WORTH
Sample wedding menu
Trio of Scottish salmon Poached, smoked & citrus cured salmon
with dill potatoes & a honey & mustard dressing
Slow oven roasted sirloin beef With a thyme, cracked pepper &
mustard crust, smoked cheddar gratin, green beans & confit shallot
burgundy sauce
Banoffee torte Caramelised bananas and rum caramel
Tea, coffee & sweetmeats
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40 Alcester Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7NL01527 857637 | [email protected] | www.stellaliliana.com
Stella Liliana
B R I D A L W E A R & D E S I G N
Stockists of Benjamin RobertsTiaMaggie SotteroAugusta JonesNicola AnneVenus BridalBeautiful by Enzoani
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Professional Harpist
Audrey Douglas
For more information visit:
www.audreydouglas.co.uk
07860 932382
s Classically trained at the Royal College of Music. Has worked with all major orchestras and the Royal Shakespeare Company
s 20 years as specialist Wedding Harpist
s Extensive repertoire includes Classical, Contemporary, Musicals, Film Themes, Celtic, Bollywood
s Civil Ceremonies, Church Ceremonies, Wedding Breakfast, Champagne Receptions
Mobile: 07878 142 906
Tel: 01788 522812
Website: www.flowersbymichelle.info
Email: [email protected]
FlowersB y M i c h e l l e
Flowers for all occasions
Free Consultations
For information pack with sample CD telephone 01522 512753 www.danteferrara.co.uk
Elegant…music for your ceremonyBright…music during your photographsEntertaining…music for your wedding breakfast
� One minstrel� Five beautiful instruments� Choice of superb costumes
E L I Z A B E T H A Ne n t e r t a i n e r &
M I N S T R E L
A N T Ee r r a r a
Recommended by Coombe Abbey & approved by Registrars nationwide.
www.coombeabbey.com
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Standing in 500 acres of parklands, including a moat, lake and formal gardens, Coombe Abbey Hotel provides a beautiful backdrop for wedding photography – and the magic continues once inside.
The former Cistercian abbey, which once played host to royalty, has been lovingly restored to its former glory and now, as Warwickshire’s premier wedding venue, offers an unrivalled setting for celebrations of any size and style.
There are eight rooms licensed for civil ceremonies, from the 25-seater De Camville, complete with ecclesiastical décor and views overlooking both the courtyard and moat, to the medieval Abbeygate with stone flagged floors, armour, tapestries and room to seat up to 120 guests.
A wedding reception at Coombe Abbey Hotel is an equally magical experience, with a choice of eight function rooms able to accommodate between 25 and 160 guests for a formal dinner or relaxed evening buffet.
This includes the new wedding marquee, which allows couples to
enjoy all the luxury of a leading hotel, while also making full use of Coombe Abbey’s outstanding outdoor space.
The marquee, which is now available to hire all year-round, offers beautiful views across the grounds and is fully-furnished with a carpet, chandeliers and a private bar.
It is ideal for larger weddings, involving between 100 and 350 guests and even comes complete with a stage for entertainment and speeches.
Other options for larger gatherings include the Cloisters, which offers access to an outdoor patio in the warmer months and the two-storey Courthouse, purpose built on the site of the abbey’s former tennis court originating in 1817.
These rooms can accommodate up to 130 and 160 people respectively, with lower numbers depending on the desired layout.
For those seeking something truly unique wedding celebrations can also be held in Coombe Abbey’s Abbeygate, where guests will be taken back to medieval times with themed entertainment, including minstrels
playing music and singing from the Ladies of the Court.
More intimate weddings also get the royal treatment at Coombe Abbey Hotel, with a choice of two function rooms designed to make even the smallest gathering feel extra special.
This includes the Stuart suite, which boasts an ornate ceiling, original stuccoed decorations and long flowing drapes and the Walnut room, which takes its name from its floor to ceiling, antique wood panelling – both of which can take up to 60 guests.
Whichever room you choose, Coombe Abbey Hotel’s experienced wedding team will be on hand to help plan every element of your special day.
They currently have a wide range of set packages, many including a red carpet arrival, a disco and overnight accommodation, but are also happy to work with you to craft a bespoke package.
For more information call 02476 450450, email [email protected] or visit one of the wedding open days taking place throughout the year.
Grand and intimate, inside and out - Coombe Abbey Hotel’s wide range of fairytale function rooms promises weddings with wow factor all year round.
wowWEDDINGS WITH
FACTOR
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Tel 02476465577 Mobile 07772865859
www.jessicaclairedesigns.com
Chair Covers, Bows and Specialised Linen
Table Centres and Ceremony Aisles available
Coombe Abbey Hotels recommended supplier for 8 years
T: 01676 540333
Meriden Road | Fillongley | CV7 8DX
www.heartofenglandevents.co.uk
Make your wedding day even more special with The Heart of England Event Services.
We provide all the finishing touches to make your day magical:
Chair covers
Table clothes
Themes
Table centres
Evening entertainment
Children’s entertainment &
activities
Bucking bronco
Sweetie cart
DJs and discos
Wedding Hire
Quote ‘Coombe’ for a 10% discount
5, Quinton Parade, Cheylesmore, Coventry
024 7650 6111www.bridalgallerycoventry.co.uk
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dreamsTHE DRESS OF YOUR
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For most brides the dress is THE most important aspect of their wedding and one which has occupied many a daydream since they were little girls.
Whether those have been fantasies of a gown that’s big and bold or something simpler, every woman deserves to feel like a superstar on their special day – even if they don’t have a celebrity-sized bank balance.
Thankfully, you don’t have to set aside a huge part of your big day budget to look and feel like a million dollars. Thanks to the rise of affordable designers, as well as internet and high street retailers, the dress of your dreams can now be found at a reasonable price either in store or online.
And it’s not just in the price, where you can have your say. For the most part, modern brides can have as much influence on their dress as they desire, from the sweep of the neckline to the length of the hemline and every detail in-between.
There is a style, length, neckline and colour to suit every bride but, with so many options to choose from, finding the perfection combination may prove challenging.
As a general guide, big ballroom-style gowns are best suited to those seeking a fairytale wedding and the chance to live out their princess fantasies in a dress with a very full skirt.
For those who fear looking like a meringue, slimline styles are fast becoming the epitome of the modern bride. Petite women in particular often favour empire line dresses, which create the illusion of an elongated figure, while mermaid or fishtail dresses accentuate and flatter natural curves.
When it comes to colour, virginal white is the obvious choice, with variations such as cream, ivory and even gold proving flattering to all complexions.
But for those willing to take a risk, the choice could be endless. Celebrities such as Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon all opted for pink and blush tones for their bridal gowns, inspiring brides the world over to break with tradition and opt for ever more daring hues.
In a further break from the norm, the once-popular strapless styles are now taking a back seat, with long sleeved dresses in particular making a comeback as brides flock to recreate the modest look of Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen lace-sleeved gown.
This lace detailing, originally made famous by Princess Grace of Monaco, screams sophistication and elegance and can also be recreated in a bolero if you want the chance to remove it later on.
For added Hollywood glamour, try jewel encrusted embellishments, such as a crystal belt sash, which can make even the cheapest dress look luxurious.
Whichever style you choose, be sure to enjoy wearing it on your big day because you will only wear it once!
Pictures supplied and all dresses are available from: The Bridal Gallerytel: 02476 506111www.bridalgallerycoventry.co.uk
Glamorous, elegant and beautifully bridal –here’s our guide to looking like a million dollars without breaking your big day budget…
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Big and bold, large and lavish – Coombe Abbey Hotel now caters for Asian weddings of every size and style.
asian WEDDINGS
ALL OUT FOR
Since being transformed into a luxury hotel Coombe Abbey has played host to countless Asian weddings – each more extravagant than the last.
This year, to better cater for its Asian clientele, the hotel introduced a new wedding venue, specifically designed for larger weddings involving up to 350 guests.
The new marquee, which stands proudly on the East Terrace, boasts its own bar, stage and dance floor, as well as a number of windows offering beautiful views across the hotel’s stunning gardens and grounds.
Available to hire all year-round, the marquee also comes fully carpeted, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, a luxurious white lining draped on the walls and a star cloth to make the area around the dance floor shimmer and shine - the rest of the décor is up to you.
Anyone who hires the marquee will have exclusive use on the day of the wedding and is free to use external suppliers for everything from the decorations to the linen, tableware and even staff.
Coombe Abbey Hotel has two preferred outside caters – Five Rivers, which offers mouth-watering menus prepared by award-winning chefs and Mahirs Experience, which can provide authentic Punjabi cuisine, as well as a range of other event management services.
The wedding marquee at Coombe Abbey will be available to hire on all dates from June 2013. Current hire charges stand at £5000 weekdays and £8000 weekends, though this is subject to change.
For more information contact Coombe Abbey Hotel’s wedding team on 02476 450450, email [email protected] or visit www.coombeabbey.com
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Wedding days are filled with countless happy moments, from the bridal party bonding as they have their hair done, to the walk down the aisle and the romantic first dance at the end of the night.
But once these moments are gone, they’re gone forever, so it’s important to have a lasting memento that will always remind you of that special day.
For most couples this means having professional photography, which they and their loved ones can turn to whenever they want to relive the beauty and romance, even decades after their big day.
Whether you want someone to capture the ceremony and reception, or to also be there for the build-up and every moment in between, it’s important that you give your photographer strict instructions about what is expected and where they’ll be required throughout the day.
Many couples now opt to hire a professional photographer solely for
the ceremony itself and a short time immediately afterwards, where they can get posed pictures of the happy couple with family and friends.
If the budget stretches they may also ask them to attend the wedding breakfast and evening reception, to take shots of the speeches, cake cutting and symbolic first dance, though this is often done more informally by friends and family members to keep costs low.
Whichever you choose, it’s helpful to agree in advance a list of the images you most desire, such as one of the bride with her parents or one of the groom with his ushers and best man, as this will ensure that even if things get hectic you’re unlikely to have missed anyone important.
This is also an ideal opportunity to discuss the style that you’d prefer, for example whether you want just formal, posed pictures or some that are more unexpected and off-the-cuff, as well as whether you’d like the finished article to be colour, black and
white or a combination of the two.
It may also be helpful to take your photographer on a tour of your wedding venue and pick potential locations for both good and bad weather ahead of the big day.
Having all this planned in advance will give you a good idea of what your pictures will look like and to set an expected cost, so there are no nasty surprises later on.
Remember, once these photos are taken they can be turned into almost anything, from a beautiful album that can be passed down through generations, to a framed canvas that will take pride of place on the wall or even novelty gifts like mugs and key rings, which make unusual favours for parents and guests.
The one thing that can’t be done is to recreate moments that weren’t captured properly the first time round, so take time in the planning and make sure you’ll have a lasting reminder that can be cherished and enjoyed.
Albums, canvases and novelty gifts – wedding photos can be displayed in many ways but there’s only one opportunity to get them right.
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Bows Belles String Quartet
Bow Belles are full-time professional players whose performance combines elegance with exceptional quality which is guaranteed to make
your day extra-special.
Our extensive repertoire includes some of the world’s greatest music. From well-known classical pieces to nostalgic melodies, exciting and entertaining popular songs to upbeat twenty-first century numbers, we have the perfect
music for perfect occasions.
We pride ourselves on our friendly, personal service, guiding you from your first enquiry through to your big day. We can advise you on your choice of music and even arrange something especially for you, although our vast
and wide ranging repertoire may already offer exactly what you need. Your wedding is as important to us as it is to you.
[email protected] | Tel: 0115 945 2850
www.bowbelles-stringquartet.co.uk
Experienced professional musicians with many years experience in wedding entertainment
Let us add that special touch to your special day
With our emphasis on style, Occasions transform venues using high quality fabrics, fashionable accessories and an experienced eye for detail.
Dramatic colour and glamour starts with crisp,freshly laundered white or soft ivory chair covers decorated with taffeta or organza sashes chosen from a huge colour palette that ranges from Cadbury purple and hot pink to delicate sage, teal or pastel blue. Our chair covers fit all chairs at all venues. We also supply and set up Table Runners, Decorations and Swagging.
Visit our website for the latest pictures and accessories including the new Mirage Starlight Backdrop and Starlight Cake Table to compliment table swags and runners plus on trend accessories such as candelabras, bay trees, wish trees and post boxes. Our creative team has personally dressed events at many of the Midlands most prestigious venues as well as totally transforming marquees, village halls and golf clubs.
Occasions pride themselves on their competitive pricing, personal service and attention to detail from the design consultation to dressing your venue on your very special day.
OCCASIONS chair covers
For your special occasion...
I look forward to hearing from you... Contact Elena on 07757 314633 or [email protected]
www.occasions-chaircovers.co.uk
Tel: 07834 188383 Email: [email protected]
www.pam-cakes.co.uk
Pam-Cakes offers beautiful handmade, Wedding cakes and Cupcakes.
We will work with you at every stage to create a Beautiful centre piece for your Wedding day.
Andrew McCoyP h o t o g r a p h y
The contemporary storybook collections are a combination of traditional and informal photography, creatively designed in our graphic studioto capture one of the most important days of your life.
This voucher entitles you to £100 off any wedding package with Andrew McCoy Photography.
Subject to availability and excluding CD Album.
Tel: 07767 840 940Mobile: 07957 924 701
www.AndrewMcCoy.com/CoombeAbbey
Qualified Master Photographer
Corporate Events
Weddings
Birthdays
Engagements
Anniversaries
Theme Nights
Fancy Dress
Charity Nights
And More...
Discos - Karaoke - Sound Systems - Dance Floors
07717 568 225
LOCALVENUES
LOCALDJs
www.coombeabbey.com
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SAY IT WITH flowersWhile many modern brides pick bouquets and buttonholes based on their colour and impact, those marrying in Victorian times tended to choose flowers that conveyed a message.
In her wedding to Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton used the language of flowers, originally popularised by Queen Victoria, to ensure she carried a bouquet conveying meaningful messages that were personal to her.
This included the return of happiness, symbolised by lily of the valley, myrtle for love and marriage and hyacinth, representing a constancy of love.
If you want your bouquet to mean more than just a pretty display, then a little online research or quick chat with a knowledgeable florist should help point you in the right direction and ensure you find blooms that reflect your thoughts and feelings, as well as your personal style.
This could include traditional red roses or tulips, both said to symbolise love, ivy for fidelity and marriage and even blue violets, believed to represent faithfulness.
If you are superstitious, you may want to avoid flowers
with more negative connotations such as yellow roses, which some believe to mean jealousy, lavender, which has been interpreted as mistrust and evening primrose, which translates to inconsistency.
When choosing flowers for your big day it may also pay to opt for those that are in season. While most blooms can now be imported all year round, this does tend to increase costs and may make it more difficult and expensive to source a sufficient number for your bouquets and buttonholes, as well as any required for venue decoration.
Using a mix of flowers where possible will also help to minimise this problem, allowing you to incorporate a variety of hidden messages and add extra depth to your arrangements with a combination of textures and proportions.
Further impact can be made with imaginative structures and creative accessories. For example, a growing number of brides now choose to embellish their flowers with feathers or diamantés, while a hanging or tall arrangement will attract the eye and bring new dimensions to any venue – even one as stunning as Coombe Abbey Hotel.
From declarations of love to a pledge of fidelity – flowers can bring more than colour and style to your special day. p
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For more details and a FREE information pack contact us:Tel: 024 7635 3111 Fax: 024 7635 3123E-mail: [email protected] visit our Website: www.fireworksatyourwedding.comor www.jonathansfireworks.co.uk
Or visit our all year round firework showroom at:158 Arbury Road, Stockingford, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7ND
Coombe Abbey’s ONLY trusted Firework Display Provider
Jonathan’s Fireworks have been creating stunning firework displays at Coombe Abbey for over 12 Years!
Our displays are spectacular, innotive, exciting and will give the perfect climax to your wedding day!
Imagine as your and your guests step outside - the sky is brought to life with a spectacular fireworks display, by one of the Midlands leading Firework Display Companies.
Let Jonathan’s Fireworks create a stunning fireworks display on your wedding day or celebration.
• Range of Packages to Suit all Budgets
• Varied, exciting, Impacting Firework Displays
• Names and Love hearts created in Fireworks
• Wedding colours incorporated into your display
• Displays can be fired to Music
• All displays are covered by our £5 million Public Liability Insurance
www.coombeabbey.com
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There was a time when wedding cakes were rooted firmly in tradition, with designs limited in most part to a multi-tiered fruitcake, decorated with white royal icing and topped with elegant figurines of a bride and groom – but no longer.
Today’s wedding cakes have broken free from the limitations of expectation and tradition, with couples increasingly opting for more unusual designs that reflect not only their wedding theme, but their personalities, too.
This can include almost anything, from an all-butter sponge in eye-catching colours, to a tower of
profiteroles, cupcakes or even pork pies and cheese.
Couples who are struggling to decide often opt to incorporate several different flavours, with tiers in chocolate, sponge and fruit, allowing them to please varying tastes and incorporate some elements of tradition, which often pleases older guests.
Similarly, smaller or individual cakes can be offered in a wide range of flavours and can also double as wedding favours.
The look of the cake can be just as varied, with most good bakers able to incorporate multiple shapes, colours and textures to ensure it is both an
eye-catching centrepiece and a fitting tribute to the happy couple and their guests.
Embellishments such as ribbon, iced stencilling and even edible glitter, can also make all the difference, with a wide variety of toppers now available to serve as both a decorative feature and a lasting keepsake.
music, magic & more
joyTIERS OF
Music, magic and firework displays that light up the sky – entertainment can add the wow factor to weddings of any style.
Whether it’s the understated elegance of a string quartet or a live band strumming the greatest hits of rock and roll, music makes all the difference when it comes to setting the tone of a wedding and keeping guests going throughout the day.
When it comes to choosing the soundtrack for your big day, it’s important to pick songs with a purpose in mind. For example, music with meaning can often be incorporated into the ceremony itself, while slow and relaxed tracks can add atmosphere to drinks receptions, without interrupting every conversation.
The evening reception is the ideal time to get a little louder, with music designed to send people running for the dance floor and perhaps even doing the Hokey Cokey if they’re that way inclined.
Most live bands and DJs now offer couples the chance to pre-plan their own set list, which means whether it’s indie, swing or the greatest hits of the 1980s, the newlyweds and their guests can dance the night away in their own unique style.
If you want your guests to be mesmerised by more than just music, then magicians, caricaturists and even a photo booth may prove worthwhile.
Not only can they keep guests entertained during lulls in proceedings, such as when they are waiting for photos to be taken, but can also provide guests with a memento to take away.
Or, for a flourish that’s impossible to forget, why not treat your guests to a breathtaking firework display and add a colourful finalé to your special day?
Indulge your sweet tooth or shun convention and serve something savoury – when it comes to wedding
cakes anything goes.
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Married in Style Wedding Cars
Please visit our website for information and prices. www.marriedinstyle.com
Contact tel. 01455 239744 / 07973867957 email [email protected]
Astound your guests with one of our luxury dance�oors+44 (0)24 76 430 537
n A YEAR BEFORE WEDDING
• Prepareadraftguestlisttodetermine what size ceremony and reception space will be required
• VisitCoombeAbbeyHotelandmeet with a wedding co-ordinator to choose your ideal function room and pick a date. Then confirm by signing a contract and paying a deposit within 14 days
• Bookyourregistrar
• Setaprovisionalbudget
• Begindevelopingathemeorstyle
• Startthesearchforbrideandbridesmaid dresses
• Holdinitialmeetingswithsuppliers, including florists and photographers, who may be booked years in advance
n 9 MONTHS BEFORE
• Orderoutfitsforthegroomandgroomsmen
• Finaliseallweddingsuppliers,including entertainment and transport and put down deposits to secure them
• Bookyourhoneymoon
• Selectandorderyourweddingstationery, including invitations and post out save the date cards if required
n FOUR TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE
• Reserveaccommodationat
Coombe Abbey for guests planning to stay overnight
• Sendoutinvitations,includingdirections for any guests who may be unfamiliar with Coombe Abbey or the surrounding area
• Meetwithyourfloristtochooseyour floral arrangements
• Orderyourweddingcake
• Chooseaccessoriessuchasshoesanda veil and book a final dress fitting
• Orderrings,weddingfavoursandadditional items such as a guest book
• BookameetingwithCoombeAbbey’s Executive Chef to discuss your menu choice
• Pickupweddingnoticefromtheregistrar
• Planyourhen/stagnights
n TWO MONTHS BEFORE
• Choosereadings,musicetcfortheceremony
• Makehairappointmentsforthebride and bridal party, including any pre-wedding day trials or preparations
• Bookanartistforthebridalmake-up including a trial and any additional treatments such as manicures
• Meetwithyourphotographertofinalise details of the pictures you require
• ConfirmthesetlistforyourbandorDJ
• Buygiftsforthebridalparty
• StartgatheringRSVPS
• Contactyourweddingco-ordinatorat Coombe Abbey for your final details meeting
• PayestimatedfinalcostinfulltoCoombe Abbey hotel six weeks before the wedding date
n ONE MONTH BEFORE
• Makefinalpaymentstoweddingsuppliers
• Contactguestswhohavenotresponded and finalise the guest list
• Makeaseatingplan
• Startcompilingpaperworkifyouintend to change your name
n TWO – THREE WEEKS BEFORE
• Pickupweddingrings
• Re-confirmarrivaltimesforallsuppliers
• ConfirmroomsatCoombeAbbeyfor overnight guests
n ONE WEEK BEFORE
• GiveCoombeAbbeyhotelfinalnumbers four days before the wedding
• Pickuptheweddingoutfits
n THE BIG DAY
Relax and enjoy
TO DO BEFOREI dowww.coombeabbey.com
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corporateKEEPING IT
Whether you’re planning a conference, product launch or staff training, it’s important to get the right location – and there’s nowhere better than Coombe Abbey Hotel.
Over the years this former Cistercian abbey has hosted everything from private meetings and business dinners to staff parties, team bonding activities and lectures, each time offering the unique combination of a historical, yet state-of-the-art location to wow guests.
Thanks to the thoughtful transformation carried out by No Ordinary Hotels, this beautiful venue offers many opportunities for corporate visitors to both work hard and relax, with a fine-dining restaurant, 119 bedchambers and complimentary access to a nearby health club offering much-needed relaxation at the end of a busy day.
Back to business and its collection of elegant meeting rooms and function suites provide the perfect backdrop
for events involving between eight and 180 guests, with each boasting their own rich history and array of modern-day benefits.
The Courthouse development for example, which was built on the site of the former 18th century indoor tennis courts, is a versatile self-contained conference suite, with space for syndicate groups, refreshment breaks or separate exhibition areas.
Its two main rooms, the Centre Court
Coombe Abbey Hotel offers the perfect blend of history and modern technology to cater for all manner of business events.
www.coombeabbey.com
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and the High Court, can be hired together or independently, with each able to accommodate up to 180 guests.
On the opposite end of the scale, the hotel’s Griffin boardroom, which boasts beautiful views across the formal gardens, is tailored for more intimate meetings, with room for a maximum of eight attendees.
In-between, Coombe Abbey Hotel offers a choice of seven other rooms, including the spectacular Abbeygate Mediaeval Banqueting Hall for up to 160 guests and the 40-seater Walnut room, so named after its floor to ceiling antique wood panelling.
All of the rooms offer free wireless
and cabled internet access, as well as telephone points and refreshment areas, with the opportunity to add more specific elements such as themed entertainment and outdoor activities, including clay pigeon shooting, as required.
Whichever room you choose, Coombe Abbey Hotel’s dedicated conference team will be on hand to ensure your event goes exactly as planned and can put together tailored packages to ensure delegates are catered for throughout the event.
If your plans are more straightforward there’s also the opportunity to utilise the hotel’s ready-made corporate packages, including a day rate offering
unlimited tea and coffee, food served throughout the day, room hire and essential equipment hire, or the 24-hour package, which includes the above plus a three-course dinner, overnight accommodation and breakfast the following day.
Add the fact that Coombe Abbey Hotel is located just outside Coventry, with easy access to all of the Midlands’ major road, rail and air links and it’s hard to imagine why you’d want to hold your next corporate event anywhere else.
If you’d like to find out more please call Coombe Abbey Hotel’s conference team on 02476 450450 or email [email protected]
l Established in 2002
l Purpose built premises in the heart of Birmingham
l Proud suppliers of quality fresh fish to Coombe Abbey, and other quality hotels, restaurants and football stadiums in the Midlands
l All fresh fish is prepared on sight by professional fishmongers
2 Birch Road, Witton B6 7DDTel: 08450 268273Email: [email protected]
Established in 1991
Proud suppliers of quality fresh fruit and vegetables to hotels, restaurants and football venues in the Midlands
Based in the heart of Birmingham, we pride ourselves on our service to deliver the highest quality and knowledge of the industry
2 Birch Road, Witton, B6 7DDTel: 0845 026 8272Email: [email protected]
SUIT HIRE
High Street, Rugby CV21 3BG Tel: 01788 542620
www.wedding-suits.com
4 New Union Street, Coventry CV1 2HN
Tel: 024 7622 0022www.nuleaf-florists.co.uk
NULEAF FLORISTS - Award winning wedding and in-house florist. If you are planning a wedding or event make an appointment for a free consultation where you can look through our extensive portfolio and we can offer expert advice on your flower choices. We will help you choose floral displays that will complement the venue and theme whilst working within your budget.
Vera Wang Registered Wedding Designers
