< PreviousThe PyewipeThe PyewipeYour Perfect Wedding Venue The Pyewipe Inn is an idyllic seng for the perfect wedding venue. If required, exclusive use is guaranteed for the day, accompanied by superbcuisine and first class funcon facilies. Set in a 4 acre rural seng beside the famous Fossdyke Canal your pictures will have the backdrop of trulybreathtaking views of the Cathedral and Castle. With our own moorings youcan arrive or depart in style, or choose to stay in the bridal suite within the adjacent lodge.Saxily Road, Lincoln 01522 528708enquiries@pyewipe.co.ukwww.pyewipe.co.ukSara&Robertwelcomeyou050:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:04 Page 1Settingthe sceneLINCOLNSHIRETODAY51WEDDINGSLincolnshire’s weddingvenues offer apicturebook setting forthat special dayIt’s highly likely that someonereading this magazine will have foundan engagement ring under theChristmas tree – or maybe you’relooking forward to February 29th andthe rare chance for the other half ofthe couple to pop the question.Although it’s often been reported thatthe number of weddings that takeplace has dropped in recent times,Lincolnshire’s top wedding venuescontinue to be booked solid for mostof the year and it remains a hugelyimportant day for many people.What certainly has changed inrecent years is the level of formality.For generations, the vast majority ofweddings were carried out in atraditional and formal fashion – you’dget hitched quite early on in yourrelationship as it was the done thingto do, the couple would still live intheir family homes before theceremony, it was almost always heldin a church and the parents wouldgenerally pay for most of it and sohave a major say in the way the dayworked out.Of course, this traditional approachis still followed today and for manythe idea of anything other than achurch wedding would be out of thequestion. But increasingly these dayspeople are getting married later in life– or indeed more than once – and thatmeans they generally have moremoney to spend on the big day. Inaddition, it’s highly likely that acouple have lived together for severalmonths, or even years, before the bigday and could be already beconsidered completely inseparable.The actual formalities of the marriageceremony itself therefore take ondecreased importance, with the daynow serving as a celebration of therelationship.Hence you shouldn’t have to feelyou need to follow all the weddingtraditions to the letter. If you want togo for something out of the ordinary,then there are certainly plenty ofoptions to choose – whether you wantto forego the traditional breakfast foran informal party, or indeed introducea special theme to proceedings. AcrossLincolnshire, the top venues offer ablank canvas as the setting for thespecial day as you want it.The top venues in Lincolnshiremake use of their own team ofwedding co-ordinators who can helpmake your day work like clockwork.This doesn’t mean that your plans willbe homogenised and you’ll have tofollow the never-changing planswheeled out for every previous couple.53 PHOTO BY BAMBINI & KAMARA PHOTOGRAPHICSettingthe scene051-055:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:06 Page 152 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYChef SolutionsStand out from the crowd!Our exceptional and accomplished team consists of Michelin-trained chefs and professional event organisersCorporate Catering Bespoke Chefs Services Private Events Hog Roasts & BBQ Weddings & Family OccasionsFor more information on what we can offer you contact us onT:0845 094 1157E:info@chefsolutions.co.ukwww.chefsolutions.co.ukProduction Kitchen lCross York Street lLeeds l LS2 7EE051-055:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:06 Page 2LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53WEDDINGSThe role of the wedding specialists atthe venue is to help turn your dreamsinto reality. If you planned any kindof get-together over the festive seasonyou’ll know how there is potential foreven the most informal gathering togo awry, so for something that –fingers crossed – you’ll never do again,you need to make sure it’s alright onthe night, and the wedding co-ordinators work as an extra pair ofhands to ensure that’s the case.The best wedding co-ordinators willlisten to your ideas and work out howbest to realise them on the budget youhave. They usually have vastexperience and will know what willand won’t work, ensuring you don’tspend time on a flight of fancy thatwould be impossible to arrange. Inaddition they also have additionalvalue in helping to dot the Is andcross the Ts on the day. Even if youwant to make sure the big day goesexactly as you planned it, it’s likelyyou won’t want to spend timeworrying if the tables are correctly laidout or the sound system for theentertainment will work properly. Thenuts and bolts of the day can belooked after while you can concentrateon the more enjoyable aspects of theplanning.The increased informality ofweddings explains why many venuesnow offer marquees to host thereceptions. This doesn’t mean that thevenues themselves aren’t attractive –quite the reverse, and indeed the lawstill requires the actual ceremony to beheld in a permanent building ratherthan a temporary structure like amarquee. What it does mean is thatthey offer an empty space entirely atthe mercy of your imagination,without having to work aroundexisting fixtures and fittings. So if youwant to introduce a specific colourscheme, this is your big chance.The most important people on thebig day are obviously the happycouple themselves. However theexperience of the guests is a majorfactor if you want to make sure theguests stick around for all theproceedings rather than nip off to alocal pub. You want their memories ofthe day to be the beauty of the bride,not the awful food or embarrassingspectacle they were coaxed intoparticipating in.Catering therefore plays a major partand, if you’re using a hotel then it’slikely that’ll be included in thepackage and it’ll be of the higheststandards. They’ll have a host ofoptions to choose from, usually even ifyou’re thinking of moving away fromthe traditional wedding breakfast andinstead hosting a buffet or justcanapés. If that’s the case, though,make this explicit on the invites toensure guests know what to expect –54 PHOTO BY MARK AT EXPRESSION PHOTOGRAPHY051-055:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:06 Page 354 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGSmost wedding guests will assume thetraditional fare will be provided so ifonly canapés are on offer the musiccould end up being drowned out byrumbling stomachs.Most venues will offer choices froma set menu and usually hold a tastingsession in good time for you to samplethe fare they usually offer and planthe desired menu. You shouldn’t betoo adventurous when deciding onthis, though, as your guests may notshare your tastes. If you’re planningon serving up just one menu, forpractical reasons, make sure it’ssomething that will be acceptable tomost. Even if you’re going for aBollywood-themed wedding, it’sprobably not the right place to serveup the hottest curry you can find.The skills of the wedding co-ordinators at the venue, together withthe flexibility and quality of thefacilities, means you shouldn’t have toworry too much about the sheerlogistics of the event, but if you’repondering over how many guests youshould invite to the reception, thegeneral rule is to allow eight squarefeet per guest if there’s a buffet, andfifteen square feet if a sit-down meal.If you start inviting more people thenthe chances of dancers constantlytripping over diners is increased.Obviously if you’re using a live band,too, they’ll take up more space than adisco would (and they’ll need to befed as well!).One issue that many couples ponderbefore the big day can often be highlysensitive – whether children areinvited. For some couples, the issuemay not even be considered – whywouldn’t you invite them? Others,however, may have second thoughts –if only a few of the guests havechildren, for example, it may be thatthey would get extremely bored duringproceedings.If you are planning to invite lots ofchildren, however, it’s probably worththinking about setting space aside forthem to play later in the evening, andmaybe even hiring some kids’entertainers to keep them occupied.OK, you’re not organising a children’sparty but the other alternative is abunch of hyperactive children runningaround the dancefloor al night, whichsome of your guests may notappreciate. At the other end of thespectrum, too, you may consideropening up a separate room awayfrom the band or disco so that some ofyour older guests, who may notappreciate the music, are able to talkand relax in comfort and peace.By taking advantage of the skill andknowledge of the co-ordinators andplanners at Lincolnshire’s top venues,you can be sure that a day you’ve beenlooking forward to for many years willlive long in the memory for all theright reasons.PHOTO BY JENNIE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY, BOSTON051-055:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:06 Page 4LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55PALACETHE OLDLINCOLNdeally located in the heart of Lincoln, set in a historic building, inelegant surroundings, The Old Palace is the perfect venue for yourspecial day - as exclusive as you like.e offer very bespoke wedding packages to suit your needs, offering a personalised service to every happy couple. For further information please contact us onT 01522 504075 F 01522 504051enquiries@theoldpalace.org www.theoldpalace.orgIWBEST WESTERNTHEVINE HOTEL01469 560 383 or 07749 497 88815 Brickyard, Great Limber DN37 8JUwww.lafoundouk.comLa FoundoukLincolnshire’s Exclusive Moroccan RestaurantIf you are looking for a unique experience for aspecial occasion, La Foundouk the Moroccanrestaurant set in the beauful Lincolnshirecountryside of Great Limber is the answer. Workshops and inmate funcon bookings are available. Contact us for more informaonIf you are getting married then this guide is yourmust have accessory. It’s full of advice, hints andtips from the county’s top wedding specialists andwill provide you with inspiration for your big dayTo receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, full colour Wedding Guide, senda S.A.E. to: Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House,Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs DN31 2QEAlternatively visit www.blmgroup.co.uk/ltwgand view the whole guide onlinePlanning for yourspecial day?051-055:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:06 Page 556 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY WEDDINGSChris Pearson and Sara Hotchkin were married at theCharlotte House Hotel, Lincoln. For Chris, originally fromMetheringham and Sara, from Saxilby, this was a perfectlocation to tie the knot.Together for three years before marrying, Chris and Saraoriginally met while they were both at university. “However, it wasn’t until after university that we gottogether after meeting for a catch-up, but three years later weare married!” says Chris.Chris’s proposal was during a romantic return trip to adestination the couple had previously visited, the smallvillage of Kirkby Lonsdale in the Lake District. Chris managedto book the same hotel they previously stayed in and poppedthe all-important question while they walked along the river.“I got down on one knee and nervously mumbled ‘Do youwant to be my wife?’ and luckily she said yes!” says Chris“She was straight on the phone to her parents with thenews.”The couple soon got down to planning the big day,selecting a colour theme and matching flowers.Sara said: “M.R Poole Florist of Saxilby did the flowers. Ihave known them a long time and they did an amazing job.”“My favourite part was trying on dresses,” says Sara, “andthe hardest part though was picking the song for our firstdance, Chris is so musically minded that it was difficult toagree on a song we both liked! We got there in the endthough and chose ‘Feels Like Home’ by Chantal Kreviazuk.”Sara’s beautiful dress came from Elise Bridal inGainsborough, selected after she tried it on and knew it was‘made for her’ .Chris says the whole day was fantastic, but with a highlightbeing playing four songs on guitar for his new bride with hisfriend Joel on piano.“My favourite part was when the registrar declared ushusband and wife,” says Sara, “And of course seeing myfriends and families’ happy faces!”And the couple’s advice for those about to tie the knot? “Make sure you take everything in on the day as it rushesby. Also, keep a scrapbook, it’s nice to look back on yourplans to see how they have grown,” says Sara.“Just go for it!” says Chris “It’s easy to get carried away butit’s worth it as you will probably never have every singleperson you know in one place at the same time ever again.”A day torememberLincolnshire Today reader’s Chris and SaraPearson make their big day truly memorablePHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIEL KIFF, WWW.KIFFPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK056:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:08 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57If you are getting married then this guide is your musthave accessory. It’s full of advice, hints and tips fromthe county’s top wedding specialists and will provideyou with inspiration for your big dayAlternatively visit www.blmgroup.co.uk and view the whole guide onlinePlanning for your special day...?To receive a copy of the county’s most prestigious, fullcolour Wedding Guide, send a S.A.E. to:Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, North East Lincs. DN31 2QE135241) Carl Adams and Janey Houstonwere married at Gorse Lodge inStubton, near Newark, which wasalso the venue for their reception.After celebrating the big day withfamily and friends, they jetted off onhoneymoon to Mexico. Photo byRichard Picksley.2) Terry George and Melanie Joneschose the White Hart Hotel in Lincolnas the venue for their wedding andreception. Photo by Richard Picksley.3) Tim Ingham and Laura Rowley, ofLangworth in Lincoln, were marriedat Nettleham Parish Church. The bestman was John Ashforth andbridesmaids were Lisa and EmmaRowley. The reception was atWoodhall Spa Hotel. Photo byKamara Photographic.4) Carl Walton married Sarah Doyleat Swinderby Church. The couple,from Bracebridge Heath, held theirreception at Branston Hall Hotel andhoneymooned in Paris. Photo byKamara Photographic.5) Chris Allen and Jennifer Williamswere married at Broughton Church,near Brigg. The couple held theirreception at Normanby Hall,Scunthorpe, and honeymooned inthe Lake District. Photo by RichardPicksley.County weddings057:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:51 Page 158 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYTRAVELWe were recommended by friends totry the Brilliance of the Seas and wewere so pleased we did – we’ve cruisedwith Princess Cruises before and werea tad concerned that Royal Caribbeanmight not be able to meet such highstandards, but nothing could befurther from the truth.The Brilliance of the Seas is a verywell maintained vessel and so easy tofind our way around. The cabins wereexcellent and, thankfully had plentyof storage space plus a reasonablyroomy en suite – roomy, for a cruiseship anyway, although we weresurprised that there was no shampoosor conditioner provided throughoutour cruise - take note RCI!We’d arrived in Dubai a couple ofdays prior to the cruise so we couldshake off any jet lag and do a bit ofpre-cruise shopping in Dubai Mall - agreat choice as there’s every shop youcould possibly want under one roof. When the day of embarkationarrived it was a pretty straightforwardaffair and plenty of staff on hand tosort us out making the experience gowithout a hitch – it always amazes mehow so many people can be checkedin so quickly and the baggage handledso efficiently. We were soon on boardand wandering around gettingacquainted with where everythingwas. Service throughout the cruise, asone would hope, was excellent. Wewere particularly well looked after atthe Windjammer buffet, where staffcome around and offer to bring drinksto the table – the only problem wefound with this was the amount oftime it took to return but you noticethis less and less as you unwind andwe began to wonder if we were being alittle impatient. There are plenty ofother dining choices, too, andwhichever venue you choose, the staffseem very friendly and efficient,although the dishes served in Chops,RCI’s specialty restaurant, were a bitlacklustre for our liking, so we optedinstead for the Minstrel restaurant.Tipping works out at around 15% andyou can sign up for automatic tippingif you prefer not to carry cash aroundwith you.There are a variety of things to doon board too so you can either soakup the sun, burn off a few calories inthe gym, cool off in the pool or bepampered in the spa. If, like us, youlike to sit down to enjoy a good showon an evening, then the PacificaTheatre is the natural choice. Theshows were very polished andcertainly up to the same level as we’dexperienced with Princess Cruises - infact, some were better. In the daytime there are lecturers onboard who certainly seem to knowtheir stuff on a variety of subjects and,of course, there’s the various ports tovisit plus a whole host of excursions toenjoy. Fujeriah, for instance, is one of themost beautiful places in the UnitedArab Emirates with pristine beachesand turquoise seas. But if sittingsoaking up the sun isn’t your cup oftea, why not take a sand dune tour - agreat experience driving up and downthe ‘wadis’ (dunes) in a 4x4.Muscat, the capital of Oman, is agreat city to visit – we’d recommendthe mystical excursion which takesyou on a guided tour throughUnforgettable experienceLooking for an unforgettable holiday experience? Look no further than aMiddle East cruise058-059:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:56 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY59TRAVELresidential areas to the Grant Mosquewhere we learned about itsarchitecture and heritage, then on tothe old city of Muscat and Al AlamPalace. There’s another stop at aprivate museum, Bait Al Zubai,housing collections of Omanijewellery, clothing and weapons andfinally, Muttrah Souq – where you canbrowse for authentic Omani crafts,jewellery, clothes, wood and leather.In Abu Dhabi, prepare to be amazedby the modern architecture, skyscrapers, huge gardens and parks andshaded boulevards - the marina mall iswell worth a visit, as is the towerwhich gives you a fantastic view of thecity.Back at Dubai there are plenty ofthings to do. In fact, you could spenda whole week here and still not scratchthe surface. There’s the famous Burj AlArab which is designed to mimic thesail of a ship. It stands on an artificialisland 280m out from Jumeirah beach,and is connected to the mainland by aprivate curving bridge. Then there’sAtlantis, The Palm - one of the mostexpensive hotels in the world, and therecord-setting choreographed fountainsystem set on the 30-acre manmadeBurj Khalifa Lake. This in itself isworth the trip over - illuminated bysome six thousand lights and twentyfive coloured projectors, the fountainshoots water 150m into the air, allchoreographed to classical andcontemporary music!We should stress that disembarkingat each port is very straightforwardand, while some people say it’s betterto walk off ship and book excursionslocally, we chatted with other guestswho’d saved very little by doing so. If you’ve never cruised before you’lllove the whole experience – it’s asrelaxed as you want to make it andmakes so much sense awaking indifferent ports and take in differentexperiences each day than say, aconventional holiday, where each dayseems a bit like the one before.Overall, we’d give this cruise 9.5out of 10 and will most definitelycruise again although next time wehope we’ll get toiletries andchocolates on the pillow – come on,RCI, take a hint!HOT OFF THE PRESS…..Lincolnshire Co-op’s travel team is holding a Cruise Fair at The Showroom, offTritton Road, in Lincoln on Sunday 15th January from 12noon until 3pm. The annual event is Lincoln’s biggest cruise fair and is usually attended byhundreds of holidaymakers.At the event, people will be able to speak to representatives from some of theworld’s leading cruise operators and also Lincolnshire Co-operative Travel’s ownteam of Association of Cruise Experts Ambassadors.There will be a booking service on the day with some exclusive offers anddiscounts.PHOTO COURTESY NEWSCAST058-059:Layout 1 8/12/11 15:56 Page 2Next >