Bracknell

The Bracknell council’s Syrett Suite of ceremonial rooms will play host to a very special wedding in May when the winners of our competition say ‘I do’.

Simone Minal and Paul Osborne, from Trevelyan, Great Hollands, will be married by the Bracknell council’s registrars in elegant surroundings, watched by family and friends. They will then enjoy a small reception at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

The couple, whose whirlwind romance began on holiday in Spain last August, are thrilled to have the won the competition, run in partnership with the Bracknell News and the arts centre. They had to write in no more than 50 words why they deserved to win and were one of three finalist couples to be quizzed by representatives of the council, the newspaper and the arts centre.

Simone, who works at Easthampstead Park School, said: “We were very nervous about the interview but everyone there was very nice to us and put us at our ease. We’re still in shock. We never expected to win but we are just so pleased.

“We were going to get married next year when we had saved up for a wedding. We were already thinking about the Syrett Suite because it’s such good value for money. We’re so looking forward to our day.”

The Bracknell couple will be busy for the next few weeks sending out invitations, looking for wedding outfits, organising flowers and, of course, a cake. But they hope to have time to go to the Syrett Suite open day on Saturday, April 25 when council registrars will be on hand between 2pm and 3.30pm to answer visitors’ questions and show people round the stylish ceremonial rooms. The Syrett Suite is located at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre in Wokingham Road, Bracknell.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell corporate services said: “Residents can have a number of different ceremonies in a superb venue, with fantastic facilities and all at a good price. The borough has always prided itself on offering value for money services and in these increasingly difficult economic times that’s evermore important

"Some brides and grooms can’t spend a lot, just like Simone and Paul, but they still want a day to remember. The same goes for people who want to do something special like a naming ceremony for a new baby or even a renewal of vows. With the recession hitting everyone’s pockets, more people are choosing budget-friendly options like the Syrett Suite, rather than postponing the occasion."

For more details about getting married in Bracknell Forest call 01344 352052.

Bracknell Forest Council