The Hampshire Wedding Fair™

Plans are well advanced for the 2008 presentation of The Hampshire Wedding Fair. Following a similar format to last year we are looking forward to welcoming both last year’s exhibitors, as well as some exciting new ones. The list of exhibitors that have agreed to attend is on the right, and is being updated on a regular basis. Photographs from last year’s fair can be found here.

Winners of last year’s prize draw Rachel Bradberry and Stephen Parry enjoyed a romantic break in Henley courtesy of the Hotel Du Vin.

The couple had attended The Hampshire Wedding Fair in April 2007 out of interest, and were delighted when they were lucky enough to win this luxurious prize. Stephen had been planning to propose to Rachel for some time, and was thrilled when presented with this opportunity to finally pop the question.

“I had been waiting for the perfect moment to pop the question to Rachel and couldn’t believe my luck when the ideal opportunity dropped in my lap.”

The couple agreed to use their prize of dinner, bed and breakfast at this renowned hotel to celebrate their sixth anniversary together. Stephen contacted Event Organisers and Wedding Consultants From This Day Forwards as soon as they had booked the hotel for November and together they began the search for the perfect engagement ring.
“It was fantastic to receive such help with purchasing something so important. I was very nervous about getting the design right, but thanks to From This Day Forwards I felt I could leave most of my worries behind me from the moment I made the call. Their knowledge was incomparable and I felt I could place complete trust in them. They helped me to make sure that such an important moment of my life went down as a great success, and for that I am eternally grateful.”

After visiting several jewellers and viewing many stones with his Consultant Stephen commissioned local jewellers Simon Lawson to craft a bespoke pink diamond trilogy ring in white gold.

“The service I received from Simon was thoroughly professional, I enjoyed feeling I was really part of the process of making something that would be so special in our lives together. Simon ordered several stones into his shop in Bishops’ Waltham and then invited me to examine them closely with him in order to choose the perfect diamonds for the ring. His extensive knowledge and enthusiasm ensured that the end result was perfect.”

When November finally arrived Stephen was fully prepared to pop the big question to Rachel, and proposed during a romantic stroll down the river in Henley.

“I was speechless” Rachel said, “The ring is absolutely beautiful”

The couple then enjoyed an exquisite dinner and the fabulous accommodation that the hotel had to offer before returning home to spread the good news to their family and friends.

Rachel and Stephen are planning a country wedding in Devon, near Rachel’s family home, for June of 2008. The garden themed wedding will take place in the church Rachel attended with her family as a child, and the reception will be held in a marquee in the grounds of a nearby hotel.

Rachel and Stephen’s wedding plans are well under way and we wish them every happiness in their future lives together

Congratulations to them both!