Simply Splendid Venue: Donnington Grove

 What is venues name? 

                          Donnington Grove Country Club                                   

 

 

  How and why the company begin?        

Donnington Grove was built in 1763 and remained a family home up until 1990.  Parasampia purchased the 550 acre estate and built the golf course, it changed ownership in 2005 and many recent developments improved the accommodation and suites at the hotel to retain its original charm and character as we see it today

Why do brides come to your venue?    

We have a unique location and venue, there are not many 18^th century manor houses in 500 acres left now! The team at Donnington Grove offer a flexible approach to accommodate all requests

 

  What is your favourite wedding theme?
Winter wonderland weddings in the winter! They create a really atmospheric ambiance and take you back in time.

 

What do your bride and grooms love about your venue?

Our honeymoon suite occupies almost the entire first floor of the manor house, there are three beautiful chandeliers and high ceilings  in there too with ornate plasterwork. It also has amazing views!

 

Why do you love what you do?

Knowing that we are creating memories and setting a couple on their path to happiness for the rest of their lives together.

 

What is in store for you in 2015?

We have just had our first 3* AA accreditation so next year – definitely 4*, it was a very close score this time.

 

What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a venue?

Stick to your dreams and plans, its your big day – if there is something you really want to include insist it happens and find a venue flexible enough to work with you on it!
 

 Tell us something super interesting about you or your business that we wouldn’t already know…?

 William Brummell – (Beau Brummell in 1778-1840) lived at Donnington Grove, not only was he credited with being a friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV iand establishing as fashion, the modern men's suit, worn with a necktie. He also claimed he took five hours a day to dress, and recommended that boots be polished with champagne. We prefer to drink it at Donnington – there will always be plenty for your big day!

 

Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers?

Reliable, personal service demonstrating commitment in working together with us.

Simply Chiavari

Chiavari chairs are a big trend this season. The Chiavari chair is named after the coastal Italian town of Chiavari from which the design of the chair originates.

 

These chairs were designed in 1807 by craftsman Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi. Chiavari chairs today come in a variety of materials and finishes, from lightweight bamboo and beech wood to sturdier bronze and steel. The standard for weddings is a white or natural finish. Although Chiavari chairs ooze sophistication, they sometimes lack individuality, often leaving your room looking a little colourless and bland... This is where Simply Bows and Chair Covers come in....

 

 

 

 

Simply a fabulous venue... Double Tree by Hilton Aberdeen

What is your venue name, industry rating and where is your venue located?

DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen, 4 Star Hotel rating, located on Aberdeen’s beach front and only a ten minute walk from the main transport links. 

What facilities does your venue boast?

Our DoubleTree by Hilton hotel offers stylish guest rooms and comforting amenities including a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. We also offer our fully equipped Breakers Leisure Club gym, fitness classes in our dance studio and Breakers Beauty Spa with 3 treatment rooms, nail bar and spray tan booth.  For the corporate travelers we have a small business centre and 8 meeting/event rooms to suit a variety of requirements, with complimentary wi-fi access in meeting rooms and the Atrium bar. 

Does your hotel cater for weddings? 

A wedding often includes so many different events like the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception...even a next day brunch.  At DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen you have the added convenience of having everything in the same location.   Be it Spring or Winter you can still take advantage of the scenic coastal location on Aberdeen’s beachfront. 

With a variety of spaces to sprinkle with wedding magic, the DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen is perfect for small intimate weddings and those with up to 120 guests.  A dedicated wedding coordinator will take you through the variety of wedding packages that can be tailored to suit your every need and taste, including specially tailored wedding breakfast menus inspired by fresh and local Scottish cuisine – a comforting taste of home!  Our wedding packages form either the Platinum, Gold or Silver package which all include such items as three drinks per guest and an exclusive Honeymoon suite!

What about events, both large and small, what numbers can you accommodate?

We have 8 meeting room spaces ranging from 140 guests for a dinner to a small boardroom meeting for 10 delegates or even 1:1 interview spaces.  DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen simplifies meeting planning with bundled per person pricing and all the facilities you require with a dedicated on-site operations team to take care of your every need. 

Can guests stay over at your venue?  What accommodation is on offer?

Relax in contemporary accommodations at DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen. All the essentials and more are covered in our modern, stylish guest rooms with an array of amenities to make you feel at home.  We have 168 bedrooms on property, with a range of Classic, Premier and exclusive Platinum bedrooms. 

Tell us about your food/ menus/ wines...

Food is comfort. We make it easy for you to enjoy a delicious meal without even leaving the hotel. Whether you are into health food, snacks, or gourmet food all the way, we’ve got something to tickle your palate. Stay in and use our in-room dining service, check out the onsite restaurant, or unwind with after-dinner drinks at the Atrium bar.

Do you have any sporting/ spa/ golf facilities on site?

Get fit at Breakers Leisure Club with fully equipped gym, personal trainers (by appointment), and various fitness classes in our dance studio.  Or relax in the swimming pool with jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, or visit our Breakers Beauty Spa for a wide variety of treatments including our nail bar and St Tropez spray tan booth. 

What sets your venue apart from others?

Located on Aberdeen’s beautiful coast line, with complimentary car parking and lots of amenities on site and nearby!  Enjoy our signature warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival, and know that this welcoming gift is only a taste of the warm, personal service you will experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen. 

Anything special that we should know about the venue?

The hotel underwent a total refurbishment in 2012/13, completely changing the look of the reception, Atrium, restaurant and bedrooms!

Any big plans for the coming months or 2015?

We are proud to be supporting the Baker Hughes 10K run again this year, welcoming Friends of Anchor on the 18^th of May for their warm up and after party!  Our doors will be open to everyone else in the run or spectators for some well deserved carbs!  

Where can we get more information/ read more/ contact the venue?

www.doubletreeaberdeen.com

T: 01224 633339

Simply Super Trend: Wedding Converse!

What is your company name?

 

Custom Converse

 

 

 

What is your line of business?

 

Hand painting and customizing Converse trainers to any theme and for any occasion.

 

 

 

 

 How and why the company begin?

 

The idea for Custom Converse developed after browsing the Converse website. They have a design your own section but don’t allow the customer much creative freedom; I wanted to add the logo of my favourite band to a pair but this wasn’t an option. I’d painted some canvases before and had some left over paint so took to my old Converse and customized them myself. I instantly fell in love with the finished pair and shared some photos on facebook. My friends and fans of the band loved them, so setting up Custom Converse seemed like the next logical step!

 

 

 

 Are you married? If so tell us a little about your wedding….

 

Still single.....

 

 

 Why do brides come to you?

 

I offer brides a great alternative to killer wedding heels. Converse are perfect to change into for the reception and allow both comfort and style when dancing the night away. The custom factor makes everything even more special and personal. I can match to the wedding theme through both colours and design, plus details such as the wedding date and a future married name make for a great sentiment to the day.

 

  

Custom Converse aren’t just for the brides either! I have done pairs for a full wedding party including the mother and father of the bride and groom, flower girls and pageboys.

 

 

What is your favourite design and why?

 

My favourite design to date was a pair of all white low top converse which had gold Swarovski crystal covered toe caps, ivory ribbon laces and a gold design of interlocking rings surrounded by small hearts. The colour combination worked really well and they looked very elegant.

 

 

 

 What is the most popular item you supply and why?

 

The most popular pairs are the Heel Tag designs. They’re very simple but effective. I paint the back heel tabs of each shoe with a colour of your choice and can then layer over a name, date, or tag to personalise. It’s a more subtle way of still having a totally unique item.

 

 

 

Where do you get your inspiration from?

 

A lot of the inspiration comes from the customers themselves. I allow them as much creative control as they’d like. Some people come to me with an exact idea of what they’d like and it’s brilliant to be able to bring their ideas to life. Others will leave me with a general theme and I will piece a design together from what has worked well in the past.

 

I’ve carried forward fonts which have been used for the wedding invites along with small design features such as the floral pattern.

 

 

 

What is in store for you in 2014/2015?

 

A lot of surprises! I never know what requests will drop in my inbox so I just take each day as it comes. A lot more custom pairs of converse are definitely on the cards though!

 

  

Who would be your dream client, and what sort of design would you envisage for them?

 

My dream client would be a band headlining Glastonbury. I’d want each pair to be personal to each band member and to be based on something they’re passionate about. I’d want them to really love the shoes and want to wear them with pride.

  

 

 What would be your top tips for brides when searching for a supplier in your industry?

 

Shop by reputation more than price. The cheapest option often compromises quality and lacks the personal touch which is essential when buying a bespoke item.

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us something super interesting about you or your business that we wouldn’t already know…?

 

Custom Converse is run singlehandedly by myself, Jen, and was set up 3 years ago when I was 19. The first famous person to wear a pair of Custom Converse was Dan Smith, frontman of the Brit award winning band Bastille.  

  

 Where are you based and where can you supply?

 

I’m based in Cambridge, UK and I ship worldwide.

  

 

 How can I get in touch to discuss my requirements or place an order?

 

Visit my website www.custom-converse.co.uk where you can gain inspiration for your own design and drop me a message with your ideas.

 

Custom Converse is also on twitter @Custom_Converse and facebook.com/customconverseuk

  

 

 Why do you like to work with Simply Bows and Chair Covers?

 

It’s a great company offering brilliant products and wedding inspiration. The perfect platform to spread the word about Custom Wedding Converse from!