A NEW mum has launched a unique business creating bespoke centrepieces for weddings.

Hayley Taphouse offers couples the option to have beautifully decorated trees instead of flowers at their reception, after having these at her own wedding in December 2015.

The 32-year-old nurse, from Overton, who has a three-month-old daughter, is currently on maternity leave, and is hoping to boost her business venture The Wedding Tree during her time away from work.

She has teamed up with Basingstoke bridal shop Elderberry Brides, in New Street, and has created a window installation, for which she will change the theme according to the month, including one featuring poppies in November for Remembrance Day.

The Manzanita trees can be used as centrepieces at weddings or as extra décor around the venue, decorated with anything the couple choses, such as twinkling lights, colourful baubles, pretty flowers or autumnal leaves.

Hayley said: “They can be fully adapted to suit any colour and theme. I started the business after having the trees at my own wedding. I wanted something a bit different for a winter wedding.”

Hayley received numerous compliments from her guests, and so decided to attend a wedding fair to display the trees and assess the interest.

She said: “It all kicked off and I had 10 bookings last year and another six in the pipeline.”

She added: “I am a new business just starting but I want to expand and become the ‘go to’ company for trees in Hampshire.”

Hayley can also provide 6.5ft white blossom trees as extra decoration, and she offers customers a full service of adapting to a theme, setting up and dismantling.

“It’s something I had never seen before,” said Hayley, adding: “That’s what people say when they see me at wedding fairs. They are quite eye-catching and offer something different.”

For more information visit theweddingtree.org.uk.