Thursday 27 February 2014

Simply a beautiful venue... Blue Bell Hotel, Bedford


We introduce you to the Blue Bell Hotel, Belford....


An old coaching inn dating back to the 1700’s the Blue Bell Hotel is steeped in history and oozing rustic charm.  

Ideally situated in the stunning Northumberland countryside, just off the A1 and a short drive to the amazing coast and castles Northumberland has to offer. A walkers paradise, The Blue Bell Hotel, Belford, is the perfect choice for a break away or indeed, your big day!




What facilities does your venue boast?  
Golf Course, 28 En Suite Rooms, Ballroom, Private Grounds

Does your hotel cater for weddings?  If so, what numbers can you accommodate and what packages do you offer?
Yes! The decadent Ballroom is the ideal room to have a wedding reception in, while the Lounge will suit the more intimate gathering. We can cater for up to 150. Intimate packages start at £995


Can guests stay over at your venue?  What accommodation is on offer? 
We have 28 en suite bedrooms at the Blue Bell Hotel. Accommodation offers the age old charm expected of such a well established old coaching inn with a mix of superior and standard rooms. The décor in all the rooms reflects the traditional and historic ambience of the hotel but with modern high quality reproduction fittings, often incorporating classic style four poster beds, and clean, stylish soft furnishings.

Tell us about your food/ menus/ wines... 
Our Garden restaurant is open daily. We have an extensive wine list. Banqueting and buffet options also available

Do you have any sporting/ spa/ golf facilities on site? 
Our 9 hole golf course is a short walk away!


What sets your venue apart from others? 
Extensive grounds, quiet location, Flexible packages and a truly beautiful setting.


Anything special that we should know about the venue?  
Our hotel is 300 years old! We are very close to the coast and local castles and sights of beauty. An ideal way to retreat from the hustle and bustle.

Where can we get more information/ read more/ contact the venue? 
 www.bluebellhotel.com 01668 213543 heidi@bluebellhotel.com

Thursday 20 February 2014

Friday 14 February 2014

Simply a tale as old as time.....


Valentine’s Memories...

Once again we have teamed up with Helen McArdle Care to bring you your annual installment of some beautiful tales of love  as some of their clients reminisce with us... 



Ruth and Arthur Henderson
Ruth met her husband Arthur in 1952 at a dance in the Blackpool Tower ballroom. They both loved to dance and they courted for two years before they married on 25 September 1954. They married in St Andrew’s Church in Penrith, Cumbria, where Ruth lived. Ruth and Arthur had two children, Paul and Jane, and they all emigrated to Australia for four years before they came back to the U.K. They brought up their children in England and were happily married until Arthur died in 2005. Ruth speaks very highly of a loving life with Arthur.


Lisa and Egnar Sorensen
Lisa Sorensen met her husband Egnar, who was Danish, in North Shields when he was a fisherman; he lived in Denmark and came to the Tyne for work. They did live in Denmark for a while but settled in Cullercoats and had six children: Raymond, Robert, Peter, John, Ann and Janet. They had a very happy marriage until Egnar died in 1998. Lisa often talks about how she liked Denmark but work was scarce and prospects were poor and Egnar really enjoyed living in England.

Lydia and Roger Wilkinson
Childhood sweethearts Lydia and her husband Roger knew each other from birth; they lived in the same street and their mothers were friends. They did drift apart for a while but then got together and married in 1944 at St James’ Church in Gateshead. This was a wartime wedding and food rationing was in place so the neighbours and friends all got together and donated butter, sugar, dried fruit and eggs for their wedding cake. The local dressmaker made her a lace dress out of a spare piece that was in her workshop and it looked splendid. They had twin girls in 1950. Roger went into the army after the war, he had been in a reserved occupation in an Ordinance Factory during the war but had to join the army afterwards. He was in Germany and helped to build the Berlin Wall.

Anne and Alan Kirtley
Anne and Alan met in 1942 aged 14 years old. The lovely couple met at Shildon Hippodrome; Anne was with a group of girls and Alan with a group of boys, one of which was his twin brother. Alan’s twin brother was a bit of a ‘Jack the lad’ and tried his luck first, but Alan was the one for Anne. Alan was called up for the army and away for two years, during this time they agreed to go their separate ways but just two weeks after Alan was discharged they were back together and married in 1951. After the service the vicar said to Anne and Alan: “Never sleep on an argument.”
They have had their up and downs but are still together now and moved into Eden House together on 30 January 2014.

Anne and Alan



Mr and Mrs Foreman
Mrs Foreman met her husband when he was bed; he was ill in hospital and she was his nurse. They had lived close by for many years but it was only through caring for him in the ward that she truly got to know him, she said: “When I first met him I thought he was a highly intelligent man.”

Bob and Mabel Sanderson
Here are Bob and Mabel Sanderson of Park House, the picture was taken on their wedding day.



Secret Valentine’s Couple
 “We can remember our first date together, it was summer 1944. I was a country boy born and bred, loved walking. She was a town girl, loved going by car, bus or tram. I let her walk in her high heels from Riding Mill to Blanchland. That's twenty whole miles door to door. 70 years later she still reminds me of her bruised feet, but we're still walking side by side. “

Thursday 13 February 2014

Simply Wedding Fayre Season: Ufton Court, Berkshire

Simply Bows and Chair Covers Berkshire will be at the Ufton Court Wedding Fayre this weekend!
Why not come along and see us?
 
 
 
 
 
Sunday 16 February 2014 11.00am-3.00pm,
Free Entry

Ufton Court
Green Lane, Ufton Nervet, Reading, Berkshire
RG7 4HD
 0118 832 2099

Wednesday 12 February 2014

Simply 20 Marriage Tips... shared from Twed.com

I recently came across this brilliant article on 20 Marriage Tips Everyone Needs to Know on http://twed.com/20-marriage-tips-everyone-needs-to-know/ and just had to share it with you all as thought it was truly brilliantl!

 
Please be aware that this has not been written by Simply Bows and Chair Covers but simply shared with love, from the writer above :) Enjoy!
    
            Below are 20 wise marriage tips from a man that was recently divorced. You wouldn’t normally think that a divorced man would give good advice on being a husband, but this man has been through enough hardship to know what is worth fighting for:
MARRIAGE ADVICE I WISH I WOULD HAVE HAD:
 
Obviously, I’m not a relationship expert. But there’s something about my divorce being finalized this week that gives me perspective of things I wish I would have done different… After losing a woman that I loved, and a marriage of almost 16 years, here’s the advice I wish I would have had…
 
1) Never stop courting. Never stop dating. NEVER EVER take that woman for granted. When you asked her to marry you, you promised to be that man that would OWN HER HEART and to fiercely protect it. This is the most important and sacred treasure you will ever be entrusted with. SHE CHOSE YOU. Never forget that, and NEVER GET LAZY in your love.
divorce-advice
2) PROTECT YOUR OWN HEART. Just as you committed to being the protector of her heart, you must guard your own with the same vigilance. Love yourself fully, love the world openly, but there is a special place in your heart where no one must enter except for your wife. Keep that space always ready to receive her and invite her in, and refuse to let anyone or anything else enter there.
 
3) FALL IN LOVE OVER and OVER and OVER again. You will constantly change. You’re not the same people you were when you got married, and in five years you will not be the same person you are today. Change will come, and in that you have to re-choose each other everyday. SHE DOESN’T HAVE TO STAY WITH YOU, and if you don’t take care of her heart, she may give that heart to someone else or seal you out completely, and you may never be able to get it back. Always fight to win her love just as you did when you were courting her.
 
4) ALWAYS SEE THE BEST in her. Focus only on what you love. What you focus on will expand. If you focus on what bugs you, all you will see is reasons to be bugged. If you focus on what you love, you can’t help but be consumed by love. Focus to the point where you can no longer see anything but love, and you know without a doubt that you are the luckiest man on earth to be have this woman as your wife.
 
5) IT’S NOT YOUR JOB TO CHANGE OR FIX HER… your job is to love her as she is with no expectation of her ever changing. And if she changes, love what she becomes, whether it’s what you wanted or not.
 
6) TAKE FULL ACCOUNTABILITY for your own emotions: It’s not your wife’s job to make you happy, and she CAN’T make you sad. You are responsible for finding your own happiness, and through that your joy will spill over into your relationship and your love.
 
7) NEVER BLAME your wife If YOU get frustrated or angry at her, it is only because it is triggering something inside of YOU. They are YOUR emotions, and your responsibility. When you feel those feelings take time to get present and to look within and understand what it is inside of YOU that is asking to be healed. You were attracted to this woman because she was the person best suited to trigger all of your childhood wounds in the most painful way so that you could heal them… when you heal yourself, you will no longer be triggered by her, and you will wonder why you ever were.
Allow your woman to JUST BE. When she’s sad or upset, it’s not your job to fix it, it’s your job to HOLD HER and let her know it’s ok. Let her know that you hear her, and that she’s important and that you are that pillar on which she can always lean. The feminine spirit is about change and emotion and like a storm her emotions will roll in and out, and as you remain strong and unjudging she will trust you and open her soul to you… DON’T RUN-AWAY WHEN SHE’S UPSET. Stand present and strong and let her know you aren’t going anywhere. Listen to what she is really saying behind the words and emotion.
 
9) BE SILLY… don’t take yourself so damn seriously. Laugh. And make her laugh. Laughter makes everything else easier.
 
10) FILL HER SOUL EVERYDAY… learn her love languages and the specific ways that she feels important and validated and CHERISHED. Ask her to create a list of 10 THINGS that make her feel loved and memorize those things and make it a priority everyday to make her feel like a queen.
 
11) BE PRESENT. Give her not only your time, but your focus, your attention and your soul. Do whatever it takes to clear your head so that when you are with her you are fully WITH HER. Treat her as you would your most valuable client. She is.
 
12) BE WILLING TO TAKE HER SEXUALLY, to carry her away in the power of your masculine presence, to consume her and devour her with your strength, and to penetrate her to the deepest levels of her soul. Let her melt into her feminine softness as she knows she can trust you fully.
 
13) DON’T BE AN IDIOT…. And don’t be afraid of being one either. You will make mistakes and so will she. Try not to make too big of mistakes, and learn from the ones you do make. You’re not supposed to be perfect, just try to not be too stupid.
 
14) GIVE HER SPACE… The woman is so good at giving and giving, and sometimes she will need to be reminded to take time to nurture herself. Sometimes she will need to fly from your branches to go and find what feeds her soul, and if you give her that space she will come back with new songs to sing…. (okay, getting a little too poetic here, but you get the point. Tell her to take time for herself, ESPECIALLY after you have kids. She needs that space to renew and get re-centered, and to find herself after she gets lost in serving you, the kids and the world.)
 
15) BE VULNERABLE… you don’t have to have it all together. Be willing to share your fears and feelings, and quick to acknowledge your mistakes.
 
16) BE FULLY TRANSPARENT. If you want to have trust you must be willing to share EVERYTHING… Especially those things you don’t want to share. It takes courage to fully love, to fully open your heart and let her in when you don’t know i she will like what she finds… Part of that courage is allowing her to love you completely, your darkness as well as your light. DROP THE MASK… If you feel like you need to wear a mask around her, and show up perfect all the time, you will never experience the full dimension of what love can be.
 
17) NEVER STOP GROWING TOGETHER… The stagnant pond breeds malaria, the flowing stream is always fresh and cool. Atrophy is the natural process when you stop working a muscle, just as it is if you stop working on your relationship. Find common goals, dreams and visions to work towards.
 
18) DON’T WORRY ABOUT MONEY. Money is a game, find ways to work together as a team to win it. It never helps when teammates fight. Figure out ways to leverage both persons strength to win.
 
19) FORGIVE IMMEDIATELY and focus on the future rather than carrying weight from the past. Don’t let your history hold you hostage. Holding onto past mistakes that either you or she makes, is like a heavy anchor to your marriage and will hold you back. FORGIVENESS IS FREEDOM. Cut the anchor loose and always choose love.
 
20) ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE. ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE. ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE. In the end, this is the only advice you need. If this is the guiding principle through which all your choices is governed, there is nothing that will threaten the happiness of your marriage. Love will always endure.
 
In the end MARRIAGE isn’t about Happily ever after. It’s about work. And a commitment to grow together and a willingness to continually invest in creating something that can endure eternity. Through that work, the happiness will come.
 
Marriage is life, and it will bring ups and downs. Embracing all of the cycles and learning to learn from and love each experience will bring the strength and perspective to keep building, one brick at a time.
 
These are lessons I learned the hard way. These are lessons I learned too late.
But these are lessons I am learning and committed in carrying forward. Truth is, I LOVED being married, and in time, I will get married again, and when I do, I will build it with a foundation that will endure any storm and any amount of time.
 
 
Be the type of husband your wife can’t help but brag about.

Sunday 9 February 2014

Simply a beautiful Essex wedding venue....

If you are looking for a grand venue in Essex for your wedding, come along to The Wedding Guide, Wedding Show at Hylands House on 2nd March from 10am – 4pm.
 
Hylands House is owned by Chelmsford City Council and has undertaken a twenty year restoration programme resulting in a fascinating and beautiful country house. It provides a premier wedding venue in Essex and is the perfect setting for a stylish and elegant wedding reception with a perfect backdrop.
 
Simply Bows and Chair Covers are exhibiting on the day and will be showcasing a range of stunning table runners, chair veils and other creative products. There will be plenty of opportunity to get inspiration for your wedding day along with a chance to discuss your requirements.

Tuesday 4 February 2014

Simply Welsh Wedding Showcase....

Ewenny Priory Wedding Showcase 1st March 2014
 
If you are looking for a fabulous Welsh venue to host your marquee wedding why not come along to the Wedding Showcase at Ewenny Priory on 1st March 2014 11am – 3pm.
 
 

Ewenny Priory was a cell of the abbey of Gloucester, founded in the early 12th century and is exceptional for its remarkably intact Romanesque Priory Church, Norman fortifications and wonderful grounds.
 
Simply Bows and Chair Covers will be launching their Glitz and Glamour range of silver sequin chair veils and table runners together with inspirational ideas for dressing marquee chiavari chairs supplied by County Marquees. Together with Catherine Gray Flowers and Weddings by Zoe you are guaranteed to be inspired.
 
 
Event Organisers: County Marquees

Saturday 1 February 2014

Simply Something Blue!

Our friends over at Wedding UK created a little inspiration based around the 'Something Blue' rhyme and we thought it was great. Below we share it with you... if you prefer, head over to their page and read it there along with lots of other lovely blogs to inspire and charm you! http://www.myweddingapp.co.uk/mywedding/
 
 
rhyme
 
 
 
The words will no doubt be etched in your memory from your doll days and playground ceremonies, complete with tissue veils and bouquets of shredded daisies, torn from the ground. Now that the big day finally looms on the horizon, a fresh look and contemporary creativity is needed to make the oldest bridal checklist your own.
 
 
 
Something Blue
 
The cool shade synonymous with weddings was once worn as a symbol of faithfulness and loyalty, a hidden detail to reassure an anxious groom. Typically spotted on garters and ribbons and buried in the bouquet, blue inevitably finds its subtle way into the big day. But why not catch up with some seriously quirky brides this season, and celebrate with a unique take on the tradition?
 
 
Singing the Blues
Why wear the colour when you can listen to it, suggest Wedding UK members Cairn String Quartet and Arco String Quartet? Cairn are advocates of blues classics from artists like BB King or Jimi Hendrix, while Arco recommend Blue Moon. For Wedding UK's full Something Blue Playlist visit Wedding UK TV on YouTube.
 
 
 
Arco String Quartet - Mark Williamson
Arco in action. Image: Mark Williamson Photography
  
 
 
Blue In Motion
 
A to B has never been so wedding-friendly. Channel an adorably vintage, 1960's vibe with Wedding UK member Dorset Dubhire and a baby blue VW camper. The look is just crying out for a knee-length, Audrey Hepburn-inspired gown, flicked eyeliner and an ice cream palette.
 
 
 
Dorset Dub Hire - Lulu at the The Italian Villa
Dorset Dubhire VW camper 'Lulu', at The Italian Villa
  
 
Blue Shoes
 
If your theme allows, a pair of royal, midnight or sky blue pumps pop against an ivory gown and serve as the little something blue. We are swooning over these Rainbow Club heels, dyed a royal blue and available from the Butterfly Bridal Boutique.
 
 
Royal Blue Christy
 
Shoes this exquisite deserve to be enshrined and if you are planning on putting your pumps on display, we do not blame you. For extra romance, why not pen a note to your beloved in blue marker on the sole, write the date of your wedding day on the in-step or invite your bridesmaids to doodle the shoe box in blue?
 
 
 
A View in Blue
 
Choose a blue setting. Sound crazy? You can surround yourself in the shade by hosting your big day by the sea. What better than crisp sea air as you exchange your vows or party on down, reception-style? For the most serene sea view, head to the Grand Hotel Tynemouth.
 
 
Grand Hotel Tynemouth 218 - Jack Hall
Room 218, Grand Hotel Tynemouth. Image: Jack Hall.
 
 
Who says your something blue need play a part in your wedding? Your honeymoon is full of possibilities! Hop on a plane to a land of azure skies and more of that divine blue ocean.  The Carribean is calling.
  
 
Blue Jewels
 
Accents of blue do not come any more beautiful than jewellery. Sapphire is the ultimate choice, but crystals are just as covetable. Colin Campbell Jewellers are feeling the love with these sweet love heart earrings:
 
mm sapp hrt std
 
Laings of Glasgow also boast a bounty of blue, whether you are lusting after something delicate or dramatic:
 
0020020070
 
 
 
 
 
0190081223
 
 
 
Style It Blue
 
Your venue should be dressed just as carefully as you; do not underestimate the importance of crafting the ideal wedding atmosphere with attention to little styling details. Be it chair covers, sashes, table covers or centrepieces, blue can seep into your venue for a luscious look. Simply Bows and Chair Covers created a blue themed table with sumptuous fabric, diamonté and blue floral accents.
 
 
Magazine_Photographer
Simply Bows and Chair Covers styling. Image: Stan Seaton.
 
  
 
Let There Be (Blue) Light
 
Take sections of your venue and uplight in blue, like Add a Little Sparkle have opted for at The Park Inn, Leigh.
 
 
Park Inn 4 - Add a Little Sparkle
 
  
 
Be Showered in Blue
 
The confetti shot is a wedding day essential. Why not throw a little blue into the mix? Have your guests toss tiny little pieces of blue tissue over you and your other half as you step out as man and wife. For added luxury, why not hand out petals instead? Shropshire Petals come housed in cute little cones and come in a variety of mixes – how pretty!
  
 
ShropshirePetals.com Blue Bird £10.85 per litre
'Blue Bird' £10.85 per litre.
 
 
 
 
ShropshirePetals.com Something Blue £10.85 per litre
'Something Blue' £10.85 per litre
 
 
  
 
ShropshirePetals.com Shropshire Box Pick and Mix with Blue Confetti Cones filled with Something Blue from £38.50
Box Pick and Mix with Blue Confetti Cones filled with 'Something Blue' from £38.50
 
  
 
Blue Beauty
 
Paint your nails in tribute. With so many shades to choose from, you are to bound to find an icy blue, or deep and dark number to compliment your skin tone, ring and colour scheme.
 
 
 
Hung Up and Blue
 
The obligatory photograph of the gown hanging up now peppers modern wedding photography. Commit to the tradition, and hang your dress on a blue hanger – a subtle touch, but one that will ignite your dress and album.
 
 
Have we sparked any ideas? Comment here, tweet us or send us a message on Facebook to show us your little something blue!
 
 
 
Blog article shared with permission from  http://www.myweddingapp.co.uk/mywedding/