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ULTIMATE WEDDING MAGAZINE Autumn/Winter 2013 Free
CASTLE SPECIAL 6 OF THE BEST CASTLE VENUES
WIN A VIP HONEYMOON
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, STAYS IN VEGAS
COMPETITIONS
WIN A BEAUTY BOX, SEARCYS HEN PARTY, BOUTON JEWELLERY AND SO MUCH MORE
REAL WEDDINGS • FASHION • BEAUTY • HONEYMOONS • COMPETITIONS ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Choose the perfect jewellery from sumptuous ready to wear Bridal and Bridesmaids collections or engage in Alyssa’s bespoke service to create you the perfect piece to wear on your wedding day and for years to come... View the collections online w w w. a l y s s a s m i t h . c o . u k
Photography by: Michelle Szpak Photography. Makeup by: Jenni Defalco
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FOR THE MOMENTS YOU MISS Tel: 01442 869 099 www.shootmestudios.co.uk 4
Ultimate Wedding Magazine
Contents Autumn/Winter 2013
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67 Winter invites 69 What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas 72 Choosing your Gift List
Editor’s letter What’s hot
Real weddings
Honeymoons
10 Jane & Paul 14 Janna & Adam
74 Winter wedding wonderland 79 C’est la Vie
Fashion 18 24 28 34 38
Venues
Married to Couture Stephanie Allin Terry Fox Choosing your wedding ring Winter jewellery
83 92 94 97
Beauty
Castle venues The Pinewood Hotel Hampden House Hello Sailor!
Grooms
43 Luscious lashes 48 Winter bridal hair
103 Savile Row Inspired suits
Competitions & offers
Features
33 Win your bridal shoes 37 Win a charm bracelet 41 Win a pair of Blingbacks 47 Win a beauty box 91 Win the ultimate sophisticated hen party 107 Win vintage china hire 109 Special offers
50 Urban Glamour styled shoot 55 Buy cheap, buy twice 58 VANtastic! 60 Wedding party gifts 63 Sowing the seeds of love 64 Late night nibbles
Front cover courtesy of Konstantin Suslov Photography: konstantinsulslov.com Dress: Federica Bruno Couture, federicabruno.com Model: Michelle Duckett, michelleduckett@hotmail.com
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ULTIMATE WEDDING MAGAZINE
Editor’s letter
Editor Tina Reading
Welcome to our Winter issue! Time to wrap up warm and snuggle down on the sofa with your loved one and plan!
Creative Director Ricky Vann Client Marketing Sara Osman Bridal Beauty Editor Katy Messer Advertising
advertising@ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
Editorial
editorial@ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
Contributors Coo Jewellers, Electric Hairdressing London, Claire Garner, Richard Jones Fancy a chat? Telephone: 01442 780 808 Email: hello@ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk Keep up to date with UWM at: www.ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
We love QR codes! Give them a scan with your smartphone4
Like us: facebook.com/UltimateWedMag
Since we last saw you, we have been very busy. Not only is the magazine in print, but you can also download on your iPad the UK’s first fully interactive wedding magazine, you can touch it, swipe it, play with it! Immerse yourself in a world of 3D wedding planning from the comfort of your home. See couture design on the catwalks, walk around a venue, see what is hitting the latest wedding blogs and so much more. If you are finding the whole planning process just a little too much, or your budget is tight, take a moment to read our article on Buy Cheap, Buy Twice. We see too many stressed brides and grooms, and with money being so tight, everyone wants more and more for their money. I talk honestly and frankly about the industry and how a limited budget does not mean you should sacrifice your hard earned pennies on sub-standard products or services. This issue is packed full of fantastic competitions from jewellery to a VIP honeymoon in St Lucia. Make sure you jump online and enter these! Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear all the latest from wedding world. And if you have a story to tell and would like to be featured on our blog or in the magazine just give us a friendly tweet!
Follow us: @UltimateWedMag Produced by Ultimate Wedding Magazine Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure quality and content, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors in articles, advertisements and photographs. © Ultimate Wedding Magazine Ltd 2013
Tina Reading Editor ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Luxury candy counters Indulge your fantasies with one of these unique luxury candy counters, these are sure to be a dazzling focal piece! There are 7 beautiful designs from The Great Gatsby, Love Lux, Enchanted Garden and more. If you’re looking for something a little more bespoke, Candy Counters will work with you to create something to match your theme. Candy Counters offer a mouth-watering selection of delicious delights to compliment the chosen theme, from handmade marshmallow, scented cupcakes, chocolate lolly’s and an array of colourful candy’s and confectionary’s. candycounters.co.uk
5 The wedding silver sixpence £30, royalmint.com
Spitbank Fort 4 Read our review of Spitbank Fort and two more unique venues in Portsmouth on page 97.
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What’s hot brand new stuff we love!
Allegra silver heart drop studs 4 £68, alyssasmith.co.uk
6 Leather jewelley case £585, ospreylondon.com
Stunning orchids There are so many table centrepieces to choose from. Candles, vases, flowers, the list could go on! If you’re looking for something simple and elegant, why not have an Orchid? With so many different colours to choose from to match your theme, these are perfect. Here’s an idea, after the event you can give them to friends and family as permanent reminder of your special day. orchidsinfo.eu ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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real weddings
Jane & Paul 23rd August 2013
How did you meet? We have known each other for over 30 years, but we did not get together until 2002 on a friends weekend at Butlins! Was it love at first sight? No, we had been friends for a very long time and the friendship grew and blossomed over the years. It was certainly lust, love came after. The proposal I proposed to Paul 4 times and each time he avoided the question, so I gave up. He took me away for my 40th birthday to Barcelona, and took me to the top of the Sagrada Familia Church and he asked me if there was anything he could have done to make my birthday anymore special, I said ‘no’, with that he pulled out a ring, got on his knee and said ‘what about this then?’. Yes, a complete surprise, but a fantastic one!
What was your theme? The theme was butterflies (which was the first word I spoke as a young child), plus pink! We used hot pinks on the day. I looked at the internet and magazines just to see what other brides had done, and what would suit us. How about your venue? We got married at Missenden Abbey after looking at numerous venues, we jointly decided Missenden was for us. We held our ceremony there following by a champagne reception, then a barbeque, then buffet in the evening for additional guests. We loved the atmosphere and look of the Abbey. It had similarities to Barcelona and that is something that we both liked. The grounds are stunning so we knew our guests would have room to mill about, and create a relaxed environment for the day. After the wedding
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we had a two night break away at The Wood Norton in Evesham, which was a surprise present from some of our friends. It was perfect, an amazing suite, fantastic food. Just what we needed after the wedding!
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Would you have done anything differently? It was stressful at times, but I would not change a thing. The day was made more special as it was something we had created for ourselves. I took charge and arranged the majority of the day, Paul was responsible for the evening entertainment and suits for himself and the grooms party.
The bride and groom outfits The grooms suits were relatively easy, as our friend Tina is the editor of UWM and she recommended that Paul should contact Nick at Hire Class in Beaconsfield as she has always found him to be exceptionally I don’t think I became a Bridezilla, but it is knowledgeable and helpful. He helped Paul get exactly what the boys wanted for the day. fair to say organising a wedding can be quite stressful and time-consuming, and you need good friends around you to support you. For my dress, I wanted a local supplier but used magazines and blogs to source inspiration and get an idea for the style/shape What advice would you give to that I wanted. I knew I wanted lace and for it other brides? to be fitted, once I found the dress, I knew it Keep calm, relax and enjoy the day. What will was the ‘one’, just like my husband. be will be! Make sure you have a good group How easy was it to plan your day? of friends who don’t mind your wedding I was keen to get involved and do some diy countdown. Definitely have the day recorded, to make the wedding personal to us. We it all goes by too quickly and watching the brought our flowers in from Kent, and made video is a reminder of anything you might our own Bird Cage, wine glass charms and have missed in all the celebrations. Paul even made a wooden wishing well for guests to place cards into (which now stands Venue in our garden). Missenden took care of the Missenden Abbey catering, bar, etc. My friend made my cake as missendenabbey.co.uk a present. Our hair and make-up was done by another friend. The video another friend. Photography Everyone got involved and made it a very Glimmer Photography personal and unique day. glimmerphotography.co.uk Bride’s dress Inez, Ian Stuart Bridesmaid Dresses Joliffes, Marlow jolliffes.co.uk
Make-up Desire Hair & Beauty desirehairbeauty.co.uk
Flowers Mal’s Bespoke Bouquets malsbespokebouquets.co.uk
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real weddings
Janna & Adam 16th December 2012
How did you meet? Adam and Myself met in 2006. I was on a night out with the girls and Adam was on his brother in laws stag do in Manchester. I had just started University and Adam was in the Marines so we saw each other quite often and the rest is history.
as he pulled out a box with the most stunning engagement ring inside.
It was the most beautiful moment. I then ran back down the hill, ten times faster than it took me to get up and as there was no phone signal I couldn’t wait to call my family and friends. After it had all sunk in we went to The The Proposal? Dome in Edinburgh for champagne which It was a beautiful crisp, cold, sunny November is the most stunning winter venue, its like a day and Adam suggested we go and walk up Christmas wonderland. Arthurs Seat which gives you the best views of Edinburgh from the top. He had taken a The Theme? backpack on the walk and as we sat at the We had a Winter Wonderland theme, top he said he had brought a flask of mulled wine for us which is my absolute favourite. So which I’ve wanted from being a little girl. It had always been a dream of mine and I’m while we were enjoying a warm mulled wine obsessed with Christmas and Winter. I have he then pulled out mince pies, I was already a large family and it’s just a fabulous time of over the moon. Mince pies and mulled wine year to get everyone together. I truly feel it’s are two of my favourite things about winter. He then said “oh and I got you one of these” the most magical time.
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Bride & Groom outfits I knew I wanted a swan feather dress as me and Adam had been to see the Sex and The City film at the cinema (obviously my choice), he made a comment that Carries wedding dress was lovely and that it was made from swan feathers. When I got back to Manchester I went to a boutique shop with a friend and saw the dress, I just knew I had to have it. A swan feather corset, crystal embellishment at the waist and puffy princess material at the bottom. I tried it on, went back with my mum the week after and ordered it. It was a Pronovias gown and I chose Gina crystal strappy shoes from Selfridges.
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I wanted it to be traditional but also to have a fun, Christmassy feel that would get everyone into the Christmas spirit and celebrate with us. We had a civil ceremony at Blenheim Palace and on new years eve we had a Greek wedding with just our parents, grandparents, brother and sister at the Greek Church in Manchester which was beautiful and very personal. Do Anything Differently? The day was better than I could have ever imagined, it was a truly magical experience and I wouldn’t change anything, I really wouldn’t. I did feel stressed on the lead up to the big day but only because we had put so much time, effort and money into the wedding. The day was perfect and all our hard work had paid off.
Adam did not want a typical morning suit so he went to a bespoke tailor in Manchester called Richard Smith. Together they created an amazing 3 piece grey suit. Adam chose What advice would you Give to everything from the buttons to the stitching other Brides? and it even had our names, venue and date of Just to listen to their heart, take others the wedding stitched into the suit lining. opinions into consideration but do what they truly want. The Venue? We chose Blenheim Palace as it was just Venue breathtaking. We knew that we were going to Blenheim Palace have around 150 guests and needed a venue blenheimpalace.com that could accommodate that many for the Photography wedding breakfast. Its every little girls dream Guy Hearn to have a Palace wedding and the winter guyhearn.com wonderland theme would be amazing for such a grand setting. Bride’s dress Pronovias Bengasi Bridesmaid Dresses Coast coast-stores.com
GROOM’S SUIT Richard Smith Bespoke richardsmithbespoke.co.uk
TRANSPORT Nostalgia Travel
nostalgiatravel.com
CAKE Top Tier cakes ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Grace Dress Duchess Silk Gown with draped bodice and crystals hand-embroidery £POA, federicabruno.com Colleen Headband £280, donnacrain.com Millington Cuff £220, donnacrain.com 18
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fashion
Married to Couture
Photography: Konstantin Suslov Photography konstantinsulslov.com Dress designer: Federica Bruno Couture federicabruno.com Make-up and Hair Styling: Essex Wedding Beauty essexweddingbeauty.co.uk Venue: Luton Hoo lutonhoo.co.uk Model: Michelle Duckett michelleduckett@hotmail.com Headpieces & cuffs: Donna Crain donnacrain.com Shoes: Freya Rose freyarose.com Flowers: Dora Kovacs dorakovacs.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Rugiada Dress Structured Douchess Silk Fishtail Dress entirely handebroidered with Swarovsky crystals and glass beads ÂŁPOA, federicabruno.com 20
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English Rose Outfit Set Italian lace shirt with coordinating crystals embroidered bra, paired with Silk Duchess skirt and belt ÂŁPOA, federicabruno.com Lacey Comb ÂŁ240, donnacrain.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Bella Blossom Dress Draped fishtail dress in Italian silk organza ÂŁPOA, federicabruno.com 22
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Madame Butterfly Dress Embroidered organza Top with multi-layer draped Silk Chiffon skirt, the edges are all hand-embroidered with glass beads ÂŁPOA, federicabruno.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Stephanie Allin The Look of Love Collection
Maisy ÂŁPOA, stephanieallin.net 24
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Peony ÂŁPOA, stephanieallin.net ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Melanie ÂŁPOA, stephanieallin.net 26
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Stephanie Allin is one of the UK’s top bridal designers. They have two shops, the flagship store in London’s fashionable Marylebone and the original boutique and workrooms are in the picturesque seaside village of Mumbles on the Gower in South Wales.
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Stephanie has been creating bridalwear for over two decades. Studying at Ravensbourne School of Art, Stephanie became interested in Theatre, Drama and the traditional dress making skills used in Costume design. Upon graduating Stephanie remained in London to work for a variety of designers before returning home to South Wales with her young family to start the business. For the last 20 years Stephanie Allin has been pursuing the perfect wedding dress. “My style is all about great structure and fit and designing dresses with a freedom that encompasses fashion and the bride’s individuality.” stephanieallin.net
Evelyn £POA, stephanieallin.net ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Terry Fox
Capturing Romance & Designing The Dream
Kisses A delicate one shoulder dress made from silk satin, draped with tulle and lightly dusted with hand stitch lace appliques. ÂŁPOA, terryfox.co.uk 28
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Swoosh A bodice created using Terry’s signature layering of tulle, organza ribbon, twinkle and chiffon. All wrapped around the body and then bursting out into layer upon layer of floating tulle and rustling silk. £POA, terryfox.co.uk ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Whimsical Classic with a vintage twist. Gorgeous french laces patchworked together over a vibrant ivory underlay. Sheer neckline back and front topped with lovely lace buttons. ÂŁPOA, terryfox.co.uk 30
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Terry Fox is an haute couture fashion designer, author and sewing expert with a proven career spanning 30 years. Terry served demanding couture apprenticeships with both Zandra Rhodes, and the Emmanuels. Soon her unique style developed into the launch of her first collection of Bridal and Special Occasion wear. It was an instant sell-out at such prestigious outlets as Harrods of Knightsbridge. Her enthusiastic approach to fashion created a fantastic opportunity for her, presenting an eighteen part television series entitled ‘Wear It Well’. Her book ‘Terry Fox Fashion Collection’, regular appearances on television, and video & magazine articles were soon to follow. Terry has been honoured as ‘Best UK Wedding Dress Designer’ in The Wedding Industry Awards 2013, and continually strives to push the boundaries of her design skills, creating beautiful gowns that fit every client perfectly. terryfox.co.uk
Stardust Terry’s signature layering of tulle, organza ribbon, twinkle and chiffon. as above but longer in the body for a sexier shape. £POA, terryfox.co.uk ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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www.thedressroom.co.uk | 01992 535 729 | kirsty@thedressroom.co.uk The Dress Room, 1, St. Andrew St, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1HZ Ultimate Wedding Magazine
competition
Win your bridal shoes with Rainbow Club
Calling all brides-to-be! Are you struggling to find the perfect pair of Cinderella shoes to complete your dream outfit? Well call off the search! We’ve teamed up with Rainbow Club to offer all of our readers the chance to win a pair of gorgeous bridal shoes. Rainbow Club is one of the most loved bridal footwear and accessories brands in the UK. With legendary shoe designer Diane Hassall at the helm, Rainbow Club create everything from must-have bridal shoes, to exquisite handmade veils and ornate headdresses.
The lucky winner of this exclusive competition will receive Ella, Rainbow Club’s beautifully simple platform court shoes covered in gorgeous ivory lace. Retailing at £85.00, Ella is one of the most popular designs of the year. For more information on the Rainbow Club and to see this season’s styles, visit the website: rainbowclub.co.uk
How to enter To enter the competition to win a pair of Rainbow Club shoes, visit our website: ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk Competition closes 31st January 2014. T&C Apply. ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Choosing your wedding ring with COO Jewellers of Hatton Garden
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The most important thing about the process of choosing your wedding ring is that it should be fun! Your wedding is a special event and the rings represent the symbol of your future lives together. They also form a pivotal part of your special day - the moment you become Mr and Mrs. You should choose a jeweller who has the time and patience to listen to your ideas, and one who pays attention to the design of your engagement ring to make sure that both rings will sit comfortably together. They need to have the knowledge and expertise to make sure that the wedding band will fit with the engagement ring, especially if the engagement ring has diamonds that are set low or is heart or pear shaped. In these cases it is good to be able to explore having a bespoke ring designed that will fit the engagement ring perfectly.
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platinum sitting next to gold is not a good idea. Gold is softer than platinum, which will wear as it rubs against the harder platinum metal. The men have pretty much a free choice of metals as the ring is usually worn on its own. This can range from Platinum, Palladium, white, yellow or rose Gold, Silver or Titanium. The final choice will come down to personal preference and budget, A plain polished wedding band can cost as little as ÂŁ99, but those who love diamond set wedding bands will need to budget accordingly. It makes sense to decide on a budget for your bridal jewellery, in the same way that you do for the rest of your wedding plans. It is worth spending as much as you can comfortably afford on the wedding rings as they will be your lasting reminder and they need to be made to last too!
Having a bespoke shaped wedding band usually means leaving your treasured engagement ring with a jeweller whilst the wedding band is made, this can take up to 8 weeks. Not so at COO Jewellers of Hatton Garden, they have just invested in 3D digital scanning which means your engagement ring can be scanned in their showroom while you wait, the scan can then be used as a template for the wedding band, so you should only be without your engagement ring for a few minutes, now that is impressive!
Platinum and Palladium are currently the most popular choices; both metals are maintenance free as they are naturally white coloured, unlike white gold which is usually plated in Rhodium. The plating tends to wear off within a year to 18 months. It can however easily be re-polished to restore it to its original finish.
The next thing to think about is which precious metal should you choose. The first rule is that whatever the engagement ring is made of, the wedding band should be made of the same metal. This will avoid a hard metal rubbing against a softer metal - for example
The wedding ring specialists, COO Jewellers of Hatton Garden offer a completely free consultation service with no pressure to buy, either in their showrooms or at your home. For more information, visit the website: coojewellers.com
So have fun and enjoy choosing or designing a wedding band that fits with your lifestyle.
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All hand-made to order Wine Glass Charms, Phone & Bag Charms, Happy Bags and Decorated Boxes Voted Wedding Industry Experts 2012 Awards Winner For Best Accessories - Aylesbury www.charmsbyjoanna.co.uk telephone: 07905 601 549 email: joanna@charmsbyjoanna.co.uk facebook.com/CharmsbyJoanna | twitter.com/CharmsbyJoanna
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competition
Win a charm bracelet and charm of your choice with BOUTON
BOUTON, the luxurious new silver jewellery brand is made using a signature special micro pavÊ technique, in which very small stones are used to obtain a gem encrusted look with very little silver showing. While the setting style goes back to the earliest days of jewellery making, the finished product - coming from the hands of the BOUTON master setter can make for some of the most magnificently beautiful and intricate designs with the stones set in entirely by hand. We’ve teamed up with BOUTON to offer readers the chance to win a stunning bracelet with a charm of their choice from the large selection. To view the full range, visit the website: bouton.co.uk
How to enter To enter the competition to win a charm bracelet and charm, visit our website: ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk Competition closes 31st January 2014. T&C Apply. ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Winter jewellery 8.
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1. Kaleidoscope Statement Necklace, £108, martinewester.com 2. Festive Collier Necklace, £69.90, lolaandgrace.com 3. 18k white gold 3 drop 1.56ct diamond earrings, £6,300, savvyandsand.com 4. Allegra Large Silver Heart Pendant, £75, alyssasmith.co.uk 5. Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier bracelet, £231, cadenzza.com 6. Ti Sento petite range silver pearl bracelet, £55, johnsonsjewellers.co.uk 7. Bridal Tiara by Diamonfire, £575, swaguk.co.uk 8. ‘I Do’ bracelet, £235, diamonfire.co.uk 9. 18k white gold 1.79 diamond drop earrings, £4,150, savvyandsand.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Discover the UK’s first fully interactive wedding magazine
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Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
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competition
Win a pair of Blingbacks We have the most fabulous competition for you from Blingbacks! We really are your wedding fairy godmother! With a little swish of our wand, you can turn your wedding shoes into blingtastic shoes! Finding wedding shoes is quite a task, sometimes you find the perfect looking pair but they are impossible to walk in! Or you find the most comfortable pair but you wish they had more decoration, well welcome to this wonderful accessory that means you can bling up your shoes, and your bridesmaids too. We all hate that painful rubbing feeling, especially for a Bride who must be looking her best at all times despite being on her feet all day! So with Blingbacks there’s a tiny rubber lip that creates a cushion between the heel and rim of the shoe. Made from super squidgy material, the lip is designed to hook over the back of the shoe and protect the heel, but retaining glamour at the same time! These also make the perfect gift this Christmas for any Bride to be. Accessorise your shoes with Blingbacks, a shoe jewellery collection with a twist, the perfect way to transform your shoes from day to night. Jazzup a pair of heels whilst protecting them from rubbing and slipping with Blingbacks Shoe Jewellery, an ingenious foot care solution that cushions your heels as well. We’ve got 6 pairs of Blingbacks to giveaway, with a design of your choice. For more information on Blingbacks, visit the website: blingbacks.co.uk
How to enter To enter the competition to win one of 6 pairs of Blingbacks, visit our website: ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk Competition closes 31st January 2014. T&C Apply. ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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beauty
Luscious lashes with Katy Messer
Following on from last issue where I waxed lyrical about brows, I feel it’s a good time to talk about lashes. Not just lashes, but everything that goes on with that whole area. We’re talking mascara, eyeliner and good old falsies. Let’s start with mascara. There are literally tens of thousands of mascaras out there. Different formulations, brush styles, brands and they all make these promises. “Thicker, fuller, lifted lashes with one sweep!”
works best for you. Do you like the uniformity of a plastic brush and the hard bristles? If you have long thick lashes, you can get away with a larger fuller brush. You’ll have less chance of smudging it onto your eyelid. For those with shorter, sparser lashes, a finer brush with shorter bristles will give you more control. Then there are the differences in texture. Some mascara creams are thicker, some runnier, dome drier. Experiment and find out which work best for you. My favourite mascaras are-
This is alongside a beautiful image of a model/ actress with quite simply ridiculously uniform lashes. If you look closely and wear your magnifying glasses you’ll see the disclaimer ‘enhanced post production and styled with inserts’ or something along this thread. Cheeky at best!
High Street – Rimmel Volume Flash in Extreme Black. This has a medium soft bristled brush and a really deep intense shade of black. This is a really affordable £5.99
My guide to mascara is really loosely based on this. Buy high street mascaras before you invest in an expensive premier brand, Try out different brushes and find out what style
Mid range – Avon Mega Effects - £10. This is about as different as you can get when it comes to brush design. But give it a try!4
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3Marilyn lashes sera-g.com
Laura Mercier Curlers4 ÂŁ10.50, lauramercier.com
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Premier – Clinique Lash Power Mascara. This is the mascara I recommend for people who need a really super long lasting mascara on a daily basis but don’t want to wear waterproof every day. This is a fine delicate brush but gives really fantastic definition. It’s removable only with warm water over a certain temperature. So even the oiliest of eye makeup removers won’t take it off and neither will tears or sweat. I think it’s so worth the £17 it is. If you need to intensify your lashes, false lashes have come a long way in the past few years. All the high street chains have shelves full of lashes with hundreds of different styles. My guides to selecting a good false lash are: Look for a light and flexible band. The thicker the band, the less bend you’ll have and the likelihood of it lifting off at the inner and outer corner increase. Our eyes are anything from lightly curved to very curved, depending on bone structure. You want the lashes to hug the lash line comfortably.
beauty
make-up tutorial videos etc but it’s more than just lining the inner rim of the eye. To intensify the volume of the lashes you need to darken in-between each lash. It *can* be done with a pencil if needs me but the risk of smudging is greater, also you are less in control. You don’t want a razor sharp pencil tip near your eyeball. The best way to get pigment there is to use a flat, synthetic brush and I use a gel liner. My brush of choice is Laura Mercier Flat Liner Brush and I adore Clinique’s Brush on Cream Liner. Lift the eyelid gently and press the tip of the brush between the lashes from the underside of the lash line. Be mindful not to apply product onto the inner rim as this will then transfer onto the lower lid. This then means that if your mascara doesn’t quite get to the very root, you’ll still have depth there. It’s an age old trick and takes a little practice, however when you nail it, it’s worth it.
My last gem of advice is to curl. This is an instant eyelift and it’s easy to do. My absolute favourite lash curlers are Laura Mercier and cost £10.50. A huge saving compared to the cult favourites out there Take a look at your own lashes. They at £20-25+. This lifts and curls your aren’t totally uniform or exactly the right length. Lashes that are wispier, with a bit lashes in literally seconds so don’t clamp of movement in are easier to wear as they and hold for too long, literally 2 seconds will blend in better with your own lashes. gives a good bend. Just DON’T do this after mascara; you’ll literally snap your lashes clean off. Eeek! Don’t automatically go for full strips. Corner, half, demi, individual and ¾ lashes are all good alternatives. Often if So to sum up- Curl, tight line, mascara you’re uncomfortable in falsies, it’s the (waterproof for your wedding day) and inner corner that is off putting. finish off with a false lash to enhance if needs be. Then flutter to your heart’s I’m LOVING a brand called Sera G lashes content! at the moment and use her Marilyn lashes a lot. Katy x Another step which is imperative in creating a fuller lash line is eyeliner. There is a trick called ‘tight lining’ which gets bandied about a lot these days on
For more information, beauty tips and advice, get in touch with Katy by visiting her website: makeupbykaty.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Make up by Ainsley Add that finishing touch to your perfect wedding day!
Professional make-up artist Rachael Parrey, professional make-up artist based in Thame, Oxfordshire.
Bridal make up artist www.makeupbyainsley.co.uk ainsley@makeupbyainsley.co.uk 07515 467 872
T: 01844 261 541 | M: 07841 479 444 Email: rachaelparrey@tiscali.co.uk Facebook: RachaelParreyMakeUp Twitter: @RachP30
Bridal hair and makeup specialist All aspects of beauty therapy offered Hair and eyelash extensions Call: 07980 176 748 Email: grace@desirehairbeauty.co.uk
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Winter bridal hair with Electric Hairdressing London
There is something so magical about a winter wedding, there is an added air of glamour, excitement and ultimately romance. The pressure of the sun shining is off, it is when the sun goes down that a winter wedding really comes alive; candles are lit, fairy lights twinkle and the roaring fire warms, everyone is basked in a golden glow. The sheer glamour of the season allows you to adorn beautiful hair accessories from an exquisite antique hair slide to feathers, jewels, lace and velvet textured pieces are a perfect addition to your total look. A little more thought is required when choosing your bridal hairstyle, weather can play havoc with a soft down do so we would recommend hair up, you do not want to look windswept and dishevelled. “Hair up is a great solution, wearing hair off the face can be so elegant; it elongates the neck, shouldn’t flatten, shift out of place and will survive adverse weather conditions”, says Mark Woolley, owner and creative director of the Electric Hairdressing Brand. This Autumn Winter hair is ‘done’ rather than textured and undone. Hair is smooth, shiny and more sophisticated than we have seen over the past couple of seasons. Experiment with retro finger waves, victory rolls or perhaps try a Mad Men & Marilyn Monroe style with brushed out glossy waves and pined just behind the ear with a jewelled piece. For more information, tips and advice, visit the website: electric-hair.com
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Urban Glamour styled shoot
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feature Photography Hannah McClune Photography hannahmcclunephotography.com Styling Serendipity Weddings serendipity-weddings.co.uk Florist Tarnia Williams flowers4weddings.com Cake & Desserts Melissa Woodland Cakes melissawoodlandcakes.com Sweet Table, Favours and Sweet Dessert Table The Sweet Stylist thesweetstylist.co.uk Vintage Prop Hire and Table Plan Tea and Doilies teaanddoilies.co.uk Other Stationery Paperknots paperknots.co.uk Tissue Flowers and Pompoms Tissue Blossoms tissueblossoms.co.uk Dresses and Accessories Borrowed Blue & Lace borrowedbluelace.com Hair and Make up Liz Patey Make Up lizpateymakeup.co.uk Model Steffi Green
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delivering smiles
Bespoke Wedding Photography
Creating stunning bespoke wedding cakes throughout Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond. Quote UWM to receive a free 1st anniversary cake when you book your wedding cake. 07739813659 www.melissawoodlandcakes.com www.facebook.com/melissawoodlandcakes
www .klpphotography. co.uk
Lisa’s Iced Gems Cakes and Favours for all Occasions
Beautifully hand decorated cakes and favours designed to personal specifications. Choose from my extensive range of flavours for a cake that tastes as good as it looks.
Tel: 07737 074312 www.lisasicedgems.co.uk 54
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Buy cheap, buy twice with Tina Reading
Dear Lovely UWM Bride and Groom.
help bring the cost down! Look at what you can do yourselves, we can inspire you to diy part of your wedding if cost is a concern.
This is just for you, to hopefully help you on the winding road of planning your big day. Very politely tell your family and friends Having met so many of you over the past that it is your day, and by that you mean couple of years at shows and events across YOURS!! That you do welcome their opinion the UK, you all have the same concerns. but all final decisions will be made by you two And I see daily posts on facebook, etc, I am alone. looking for a good but cheap photographer/ make-up artist/cake maker. Let me enlighten Make a list of all the essential suppliers you, there is no such thing!! You get EXACTLY you need, plus a budget by the side of what you pay for. what you are prepared to pay for each. When you decide you are going to spend Important part: We all know someone who your lives together in marital bliss, you start has got married/is getting married. When they the mammoth task of planning your special exclaim ‘oh it is expensive’ take note. If you day. Even if you want to keep it simple, you want a magical fairytale day, it is going to cost find yourselves swamped under magazines, look books, paper, etc. Here is my easy guide you. But there are ways around this, this is where you get to be creative without taking to getting the day that YOU want: any short cuts. Make a list of everything you want from your big day, not only the theme, but how Make sure every supplier you use is credible, that they have genuine feedback. You want you want it to emotionally fulfil you. value for money (this is your hard earned cash) but suppliers do not take kindly to Make a list of everything you do NOT want from your day, trust me this list will bartering or begging. Be realistic about what you can afford and be honest with them, they be much bigger than the first! will they help you get what you want, at the price that is right for you. Pin these two lists on your fridge, and in the middle put a post-it note. On it put your BUDGET!! Do not, under any Never, under any circumstances try to fake circumstances go over this. In fact, decide it. Buying second rate goods ie dresses is upon your budget (your maximum budget), never going to bring tears of joy, only ones of then take 10% off. Write this amount down, sadness. If your dress budget is tight, look and that is your ceiling. You will be glad of at sample sales, or try the Lanes in Brighton. the hidden 10% – this will be your emergency Talk to friends, see if anyone is selling a dress, money, the extras, the add-ons. Look at if you know a good seamstress they might be who is running competitions (all us bridal able to alter one to your frame, or they should magazines do) and see what you can win to be able to make you something bespoke 4
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Take a look at Joyce’s work: bridesandbeauty. co.uk
(this can be expensive though). If money is tight, don’t just jump on eBay and panic buy. Think about what dress suits you, what dress you want for the big day, do your homework. If you cannot afford the £3000 price tag for the dress of your dreams, use the £300 you do have creatively.
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so many times in the industry distraught couples who have no good pictures from the day because they booked the ‘budget’ £350 all inclusive package. Again, not everyone can afford the £1500+ BUT if you are talking to photographers then take a good look at their work, importantly how they interact with you. This is not just about price, do you feel We are seeing more and more the c word comfortable with them? Are they offering on bridal forums. Please understand that c to do a free engagement shoot with you means bad, not good. Take a look at a blog beforehand, which is a great idea! You get on the website of Joyce from Brides & Beauty. used to your photographer, they get used Joyce is a highly respected MUA in the to you (yes give them a break, some of us industry, she is wedding royalty. So when you are stiff as a board) and you get a chance to are posting a request for getting your hair and practise those all important poses. Trust me, make-up done, but you only have a budget learning how to stand correctly is a skill all on of £50, it really is not going to happen, and it’s own. anyone offering it at that price is either not properly trained, or just starting out, neither of I will not go on about the c word supplier, which bodes well for your wedding day. If you but remember you get what you pay for. want experience and quality, you will have to None of these guys are ogres, talk to them, pay for it. But you need to talk to these girls! tell them what you want and what your Joyce runs make-up classes, so if you cannot budget is. If they cannot help you, they will afford her for the day, go to one of her classes recommend someone who can, or knowing and learn for yourself! Just open your mind, them as I do, then will bend over to try to explore all avenues and plan. accommodate you if it is within their price range. Communication is key!! That shall be A pet hate is cheap photography. We see your c word henceforth! No more cheap!!! Ultimate Wedding Magazine
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Photography courtesy of lucynoble.com
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Diary! Buy one, write in it, stick to it. Plan backwards from your day, and mark everything in that needs to be done and by when. Don’t put things off, otherwise they will all build up and the day will suddenly be upon you and you will be spending the week before rushing around doing the essential things!
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Don’t ignore your partner! Remember he/she is the reason you are doing this. Try to make decisions together (but never when football is on) and try to have fun planning. Don’t drag them around wedding fairs if they would rather be doing something else. Go yourself with some friends, and take everything home for them to look at. Some brides/grooms feel a little intimidated at wedding fairs, after all this is personal to you.
your list of things you wanted but the budget wouldn’t cover. If the money is there then you have a choice, you can splash the cash, or diy and make the item yourself (if you can), and use it for something else. Again, this is your hard earned money, spend it how you wish!
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Marriage is about commitment, love and honour. Too often we get consumed about what a wedding day should be. It it is about two people committing to a lifetime together, through good times and bad. The rest is just frosting! In 20/30/40/50 years, you will remember your day. You will look at the photographs, you will remember your first dance, you will twirl your wedding Take time out for you two. Nothing is bands on your fingers. You have each other, worth the amount of stress this could potentially bring to your lives. Have set times that was the real point wasn’t it? The day is during the week when you can talk weddings, a celebration of your love, make it unique to and definitely have at least one day Saturday you. DIY or splash the cash, let you decide or Sunday when it is OFF the agenda! the day, not the day dictate to you.
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Remember that 10% you hid away. As you get nearer the day, look again at
Tina, Editor UWM xxx
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VANtastic! Stylish, unique and memorable
Everyone loves something a little bit different at their wedding. It could be an unusual wedding theme, venue or even the dress! With more and more weddings taking place at venues with plenty of outside space, this makes it perfect for an unusual vehicle. Whether you quite fancy an ice cream after the wedding breakfast, tea and cake towards the evening or even a unique photobooth. These are some of the best converted vehicles which will be a showstopper at your wedding!
Catering in a caravan Dotty is a fabulously fun and unique catering caravan. Originally kept by several generations of the same family as a play house for children, Dotty has since been transformed and now tours around the country making appearances at weddings, festivals and other special events. Packed with vintage style and charm Dotty can cater for any event and offers a wide choice of specialty teas, barista coffee, homemade cakes, ice creams and other sweet treats to tempt you. Dotty can be hired for your reception to serve drinks or why not have your wedding cake served from Dotty with a nice cup of tea?
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Step inside an icon Kamper Klicks takes the concept of the Photo Booth and creates an experience you will never forget. Controlled by you and your guests, ‘What Happens in the Kamper doesn’t stay in the Kamper’ you get to see and keep all the images!
Ice cream! A beautifully restored classic 1972 ice cream van delivering vintage glamour and fun and serving delicious luxury treats to weddings, parties and events. Daisy is dressed in vintage style bunting and fresh flowers, the prettiest ice cream van you will ever meet.
Kamper Klicks can even be themed, it’s your experience and it’s unique to you. With personalised print designs, touch screen graphics and the chance to create a bespoke Daisy is available to hire to wow your guests interior, your options are endless. with giant scoops of luxury handmade ice cream, sorbets, retro sweets and ice lollies, kamperklicks.co.uk gourmet popcorn, soft drinks and hot chocolate. There are lots of menu options for you to choose from. daisyicecreamvan.co.uk
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Wedding party gifts FOR HER
5Personalised message ring pendant £40, lovelilyrose.co.uk
6Bunch of grapes bag charm £5, charmsbyjoanna.co.uk
5Lotus flower charm bracelet £75, cleasilk.com
6Flower Girl silver cupcake necklace £30, weddinginateacup.co.uk
5Triple travel frame £65, dainesandhathaway.com 60
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Wedding party gifts FOR HIM
3Personalised Sterling Silver Disc Bracelet £POA, lovelilyrose.co.uk
5Captive Flask 4oz £39, dainesandhathaway.com
5Tom Wallet £25, katchabilek.com
5No.3 London Dry Gin £35/70cl, no3gin.com
5Monocrome vintage style union jack cufflinks £26, thelostlanes.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Special Days offers a personal & flexible approach to wedding planning. We provide the experience & inside knowledge to make your wedding a reality at a price you can afford. Visit our new website
www.special-daysuk.com For enquiries please contact us on: Tel: 07425 157 507 special-days@outlook.com www.facebook.com/specialdaysuk
Made with Love by Lyn create beautiful handcrafted rose topiaries, vintage ribbon and lace trees, elegant pomanders & unique button art gifts. We also offer a bespoke design service, perfect for the modern vintage inspired bride.
Wedding and Event Childcare Service Professional, innovative and creative service bespoke to your special day.
* Mobile Crèche * Babysitters * Event Nannies * Entertainment & Activities * Unique Gift Bags For further information call 01844 212134 email enquiries@lemonjellychildcaresolutions.co.uk web www.lemonjellychildcaresolutions.co.uk Covering Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire.
info@madewithlovebylyn.co.uk | 07783996068 w w w. m a d ew i t h l ove by ly n . c o. u k 62
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Taking care of the little smiles at your event!
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Sowing the seeds of love with Tina Reading
Let The Love Grow personalised seed packet £1.60, weddinginateacup.co.uk
There is something so simple about this idea that it is one of my absolute favourites in the wedding world. A marriage is eternal, long lasting, a journey through good and bad. Coming from a long line of gardeners, I look at plants and flowers in the same way. If you nurture them, they will grow and flourish, if you ignore them they will decline and fade away. There are parallels to be found here my dear readers! Love is like a garden, it will grow, it will enjoy the sunshine and the rain, but you must pay attention to both.
Keep Calm seed packet £1.50, wildflower-favours.co.uk
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party seed packet £1.50, wildflower-favours.co.uk
Here are some of my favourite seed packs! I just adore the idea of planting something in your garden that you can watch over the years, a permanent reminder of two peoples dedication and commitment to each other. Plant a rose bush, and when your children get married, you can add something personal into their bouquet! Love grows, and these are the perfect gift for your guests!
Meant to Bee personalised seed packet £1.50, weddinginateacup.co.uk ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Late night nibbles with our food guru Claire Garner
The wedding breakfast has always carried great importance at a wedding, a meal to celebrate the marriage, but also spoil your guests, and if we’re all honest, show off a little! While some couples getting married do break from the norm, and choose a menu around a particular style or cuisine, the majority will choose to stick to a traditional 3 course wedding breakfast, perhaps a classic lamb dish, or crowd pleasing chicken. However, more and more we are now seeing clients opt for creative food options later for in the evening. This is where they can cut loose and have some fun, serving up options that reflect the bride and grooms personalities. Serving a cheeseboard is not a new idea in the wedding evening food arena, however cheese towers, large wheels of cheese stacked up to form a tiered wedding cake, adorned with fruit, herbs, flowers and nuts are growing in popularity. It makes sense! To feed 120+ guests cheese, you will require a number of wheels of cheese anyway, so why not stack them up and create another feature at your wedding? Some brides choose to have this in place of their wedding cake, which is often left untouched by guests, a clever way to maximise your budget. Stepping away from the traditional option of cheese, more and more of our clients ask to offer their guests a hot, more substantial treat. Slow roasted pulled pork in ciabatta with a caramelised red onion relish, Cox’s apple and wholegrain mustard coleslaw, served up with kilner jars of apple sauce and barbeque sauce – delicious! Send your guests back to their student days and offer cheesy chips, fish
and chips cones or bacon rolls. They needn’t be served in polystyrene boxes, attractive dishes can sourced, disposable or not, which will add a bit of style to the otherwise not-sosophisticated dishes! Lebanese lamb pita wraps with tzatki, assembled by chefs to order in front of your guests to add theatre will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. This theatre food can translate into many dishes, how about a wok station, with Phad Thai cooked fresh to order? Large Paella pans with simmering sea food, chicken and chorizo, or perhaps slow cooked Lamb tagine, pomegranate cous cous, spiced yoghurt, toasted almonds, apricots and coriander. At the end of the evening, say good bye to your guests with a good night station. Becoming hugely popular, the stations can be adapted for different seasons by simply changing the treats that are offered, for example sweetie bags and in Summer or hot, roasted chestnuts in Winter. The station can also be adapted to the couples colour scheme or wedding theme with the use of the crockery and decorations at the station. The goodnight station is an innovative way to bid your guests adieu and will leave your guests feeling slightly spoilt. With options like these, the late night food option could easily steal the show from the wedding breakfast! For catering ideas and advice, speak to Claire Garner at: seasons-catering.com
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Bespoke Private Caterers As seasoned professionals we have a wealth of knowledge from within the industry.
Looking for something special? We evaluate your particular requirements and design a menu package to suit.
Seasons Catering Co. Ltd 4 Market Square, Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0DQ food@seasons-catering.com
01494 727807
www.seasons-catering.com Delicious food inspired by the seasons
K OON L EUNG P HOTOGRAPHY
Hertfordshire Documentary Photographer
Capturing memories...naturally Visit the UWM website for the latest offers
07970 600345 info@koonleungphotography.co.uk www.koonleungphotography.co.uk 66
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1. Natural Winter boxed invite, £POA, bellybuttonboo.co.uk 2. Artica Invite, £POA, elinorrose.co.uk 3. Winter wonderland invitation, £4, ananyacards.com 4. Nordic save the date cards, £POA, peonyandrose.co.uk ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk 67
Perfect for a luxurious hen party Synonymous with pampering and relaxation, Champneys award winning spa resorts are elegant and charming, ideal for pre-wedding celebrations or just for a girls night in!
To relax and unwind before the big day, simply grab your favourite girls and book
the ultimate getaway at the Champneys Resort of your choice. Enjoy your favourite chick flick with some fizz, indulge in the latest spa therapies, take a dip in the pool or try the latest fitness craze in one of our daily classes
Prices start from ÂŁ199, book with a group of four or more and we will include a champagne reception, make up workshop and gift for everyone to take home.
0843 3162222 www.champneys.com 68
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Champneys Resorts
@Champneys
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What happens in Vegas
STAYS IN VEGAS with Richard Jones
It's the entertainment capital of the world, and following the release of The Hangover Part III earlier this year UK stag parties are set to invade Las Vegas in unprecedented numbers. Here's a rundown of the top 10 things for stags, or 'Wolfpacks', to do in Sin City.
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HAVE A FLUTTER
Las Vegas was built on gambling, and every hotel on the Strip is specifically designed to relieve you of your hard-earned dollars. For a fun gambling experience head over to Flamingo and get your buddies together for a game of craps. Large parties can take over a table, and with the stakes relatively low ($10 minimum bet) and the drinks complimentary, you will be high-fiving and hollering into the early hours. Alternatively you could always try the Pussycat Dolls Party Pit over at Caesars Palace - but please try to concentrate on the cards, gentlemen.
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TAKE IN A SHOW
You can’t visit Vegas without going to
a show, and not all the productions here are aimed at 60-something middle Americans. Check out Absinthe at Caesars Palace - a bizarre and memorable mix of sexiness, laughter and circus performers which has been voted the Best Adult Show on the Strip. Meanwhile, Britney Spears has been all over the news recently after signing a multi-million dollar deal to perform her show “A Piece of Me” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino from December 27 onwards.
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Lounge by the pool
Pools in Vegas are nothing like those in Mediterranean Europe. Here bikini-clad cocktail waitresses totter along with trays of lethal designer cocktails to cool you from the hot Nevada sun, while pumping or chilling music (depending on where you are) rings out over the speakers. For a good mix of rocking tunes and relaxation to ease you into the evening's shenanigans, splash out on a Voodoo Beach pool cabana at Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.4
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of Las Vegas Boulevard, looping above A trip to the gun range has become the Downtown area, and back again. A cheaper, and by no means less a staple of stag dos around the world. But this is Las Vegas, and Guns and spectacular, option is taking an elevator Ammo Garage is no normal gun range. ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower to take Owner Mark Cole carries all the biggest some snaps. and baddest weapons out there - and his Zombie Apocolypse Experience gives Eat… stags the chance to fire a Glock, Uzi Some say "eating is cheating" on 9mm, AK-47 and pump action shotgun. stag dos. But with food this good, Wolf There are currently no plans for a rocketPacks would be foolish not to line their launcher package. Well, not yet. stomachs. Gordon Ramsay now has his name above three restaurants in Sin City, Get a history lesson Those few people who watched the and if you tell the staff at Sugar Factor much-maligned Sky1 TV show Vegas will American Brasserie in Paris that you have something to celebrate, they'll push the recognise Downtown Las Vegas as the boat out by preparing a special Bachelor place where it all began. Jump in a cab from the Strip, cruise past the driveParty menu and plying the groom-to-be through wedding chapels and “Elvis Slept with liquid-nitrogen infused cocktails. Here” motel signs and spend a day in this historic district. Marvel at the wonders Drink… of Fremont Street, tour the brand-new Despite the fact that there are many Mob Museum, book in for a steak at clubs scattered down the Strip, they still Triple George Bar and Grill, and play retro tend to be exclusive and difficult to get games with beer in hand at video arcadeinto. Book early and reserve a VIP table cum-bar Insert Coin(s). with bottle service at PURE (Caesars Palace), Chateau (Paris), Gallery (Planet Drive a Ferrari Hollywood) or Voodoo Rooftop (Rio) to Suit up, buckle up and prepare for avoid disappointment. Line your wallets the ride of your life with Dream Racing though, as a one litre standard bottle at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After of Absolut, Skyy or Grey Goose vodka a safety video, tuition and a practice session on the simulator, it's time for the with mixers will set you back a whopping $400, while a bottle of Dom Pérignon is a stag and any other wannabe Michael Schumachers to climb into the cockpit cool $50,000 in some joints. of a red Ferrari F430GT for five laps of the legendary circuit. The instructors pull And be merry… no punches and will make sure you are Stag party or not, if you do one all pushing the non-street legal prancing thing when you are in Vegas, make sure horses to their absolute limits. you go to a pool party. A crazy Sunday morning-afternoon session on the lash, Take to the skies in beautiful surroundings, set against the Vegas is a breathtaking sight during soundtrack of pumping house music the day, but at night the place comes courtesy of star DJs. And, of course, alive and is an assault on every sense. Such is the scale of the place, there is no there is the odd silicon enhanced woman better way to see all the sights than from in a bikini. Rehab at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - the longest running of the air. A narrated Night Strip helicopter all the pool parties in Las Vegas, now flight from McCarron Airport with Heli celebrating its 10th year - is still the best. USA takes groups over the bright lights
Fire an AK-47
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Choosing your Gift List with so many to choose from, here are some of our favourites
Perfect gifts you’ll love With an incredible choice of high quality products, you can register for the John Lewis gift list absolutely free, with the flexibility to manage your list plus free nationwide delivery, along with expert advisors to help make everything as easy as possible. You and your friends can shop in-store, online or by phone. John Lewis stock some of the highest quality brands including Georg Jenson, Villeroy & Boch, Sebastian Conran, Bose, Dualit, Le Creuset and Vera Wang. If you’re moving soon or you’d like a longer time to choose, you can always ask for gift vouchers. John Lewis keeps a record of everyone who chooses to give them, so you won’t miss anyone off your thank you list. If you’re planning a honeymoon you can also invite friends and family to contribute to this wonderful experience. Their selected travel provider Kuoni can help craft your perfect trip as well as accept contributions towards it. From their Personal Travel Experts who book your holiday to their local guides with insider knowledge, the Kuoni team is truly passionate about travel. 72
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Honeymoon heaven Buy Our Honeymoon is an alternative gift list service that allows you to create your own fantasy wish list of experiences, activities and contributions to make your honeymoon the trip of a lifetime. The honeymoon gift list service works in a very similar way to a traditional department store gift registry, but instead of kitchen implements or fresh towels, you put together a list of experiences and activities for your honeymoon. Imagine champagne chilling in your upgraded hotel suite, a gourmet meal in the flickering candle light as the ocean laps nearby! buy-our-honeymoon.com
Gorgeous furnishings Like the idea of a gift list, but don’t want to choose what you want on it right now? The brand new Wedding Gift Card Service at Laura Ashley is perfect. An easy to use online service that allows friends and family to contribute money towards a gift card fund. This is perfect for those large investment pieces that will make your home beautiful. Setting up the gift card service couldn’t be easier. Set it all up online with your names, wedding date, a photo and a personal message. Once you’re all setup, you’ll be provided with a personal URL. You can send this to friends and family so they can contribute to your gift card fund and leave a personal message. 10 days after your wedding, you page will close and Laura Ashley will send you your gift card with the total amount contributed. weddinggiftcard.lauraashley.com
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Winter wedding wonderland When we think of a winter wedding, do we think of using this as inspiration for a ceremony on our own shore? How many brides and grooms would take it to the extreme and book the real deal? If you are one such couple then have a little look at three ideas to help and inspire you. From the iconic Ice Hotel to the luxury of Switzerland, plus a company who specialise in turning your ideas into a day to never forget.
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Transun If you’re not sure where to start when planning your perfect winter honeymoon in the Arctic Circle, take a look at Transun. Established in 1982, Transun is an independent, specialist tour operator offering experiences to destinations all over the world including Lapland, the Arctic Circle, Thailand and Croatia. This includes Transun’s authentic breaks to see Santa and to enjoy the Arctic Circle and Lapland as well as Northern Lights and outdoor snow adventures. Transun’s years of expertise ensure that packages and tailor-made holidays focus on
the individual cultural experiences available in each destination, giving travellers the chance to participate in local customs and try their hand at specialist activities. For a spectacular honeymoon, take a look at their Northern Lights tours. You will be guided through Arctic forests to a night time vantage point, where conditions are perfect. If you’re looking for something adventure packed take a look at their ski holidays in Lapland. transun.co.uk
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Icehotel Welcome to the world’s first ice hotel, constructed in Sweden, 200km north of the Arctic Circle. Made with frozen Torne River water, a combination of snow and ice, this amazing hotel first opened it’s doors in 1989.
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You can have your whole wedding here, or just the ceremony, or a blessing or even renew your vows. Imaging standing in such an unreal environment making that commitment to each other. Weddings held here are very special indeed as the church is only present for a limited amount of time per year. In the Spring it simply melts away back into the river, and is re-built when the winter weather sets in Ultimate Wedding Magazine
again. Couples from all over the world come here, and each winter about 150 ceremonies take place in this totally unique setting. Combined with a stay at the hotel (don’t worry, they have warm rooms), this is certainly a wedding never to be forgotten. They offer different activities depending upon the time of year, but what better setting than to see the Northern Lights, or go ice driving? And they make sure you are adequately wrapped up when outside in those sub-zero temperatures! icehotel.com
honeymoons
Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken Interlaken in Switzerland is a popular holiday destination and is the ideal starting point for many excursions. The town is famous for it’s beautiful surroundings and host of experiences. Whether you want to relax or take part in excursions, this is perfect. Set in the heart of one of Europe’s most romantic cities, Interlaken – the Hotel Royal St Georges Interlaken presents the perfect getaway for newly-married couples. The plush property offers a stunning backdrop featuring the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains and is also close to the majestic Brienz and Thun lakes.
The hotel dates back to the early 1900’s with a beautiful facade and many original Art Nouveau features, this is a beautiful hotel. The bar and restaurant offers traditional cuisine in a modern atmosphere. If you’re looking for some relaxation, the hotel features a sauna, whirlpool and steam bath/ More active couples can enjoy the hotel’s heated pool and benefit from the hotel’s ski hire offering. The garden offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Harder Kulm mountain. hotelroyal.ch
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competition
Win a VIP honeymoon in St Lucia
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The rooms are equipped with flat screen televisions and DVD players, in-room safe, hairdryer, and bathrobes. The rooms are fully air-conditioned but you also have the option of being cooled by natural breezes, combined with ceiling fans. Outside, the extensive gardens are filled with tropical plants and fruit trees and dominated by an eye catching swimming pool with a feature Sugar Mill waterfall and island. A Still looking for the perfect honeymoon? Enter secluded cove, ideal for snorkelling is just 50 this competition and you could be enjoying a yards away while a sandy beach is just a five VIP honeymoon at a luxurious private villa on minute walk away. Both are ideal for romantic the beautiful Caribbean island of St Lucia. picnics or barbecues. Located in the north of St Lucia, C’est la Vie is a beautifully designed and decorated villa built in a traditional Caribbean style with some Balinese influences. The villa is very spacious covering over 5,000 square feet and is surrounded by extensive gardens with a feature swimming pool. You also have easy access to two beaches. From the moment you land in St Lucia you and your loved one will be treated like VIPs. You will be whisked by private car from the airport to C’est la Vie where the VIP treatment will continue. At C’est la Vie you can completely unwind and relax. C’est la Vie is like a boutique hotel with a team of staff, including a butler, chef and housekeeper, on hand to cater to your every need. Your stay will include breakfast each day and one night the chef will prepare a romantic dinner for just the two of you. You can enjoy your meals in the villa’s Sunroom, outside on the deck by the pool or on the private verandah of your bedroom suite. You will be staying in one of the five spacious bedrooms each of which are named after trees growing nearby such as Julie Mango, Golden Apple or Flamboyant. Each bedroom is individually styled and has an en-suite bathroom and a private verandah.
During your stay you will also have access to a Premier Concierge service to arrange any extras you may want. They can arrange anything from sightseeing and excursions to spa treatment or fitness classes. The gardens have an area set aside for tai chi or yoga practice. THE PRIZE The prize is a 7 night stay for two people at C’est la Vie including breakfast each day and one dinner prepared by the chef. The prize also includes private return airport transfers. The prize winners also have access to the services of Premier Concierge St Lucia. Charges apply for any services booked through Premier Concierge St Lucia. The prize is subject to availability and can be taken between 1 May and 19 December 2014. International flights are not included. For more information on C’est la Vie, visit the website: villacestlavie.com
How to enter To enter the competition to win a honeymoon at C’est la Vie in St Lucia, visit our website: ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk Competition closes 31st January 2014. T&C Apply. ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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The Wedding House of Wallingford offers a sumptuous setting where bridal parties can browse, relax and create a day of their dreams under one stylish roof. We have suppliers offering Bridal Dresses • Grooms Hire • Mother of the Bride • Cakes • Flowers • Photography • Stylish Furniture • Gifts • Event Planning • Entertainment • Hair & Make Up Based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, this stunning 18th century Rectory has everything you need to create a day to remember.
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Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm Appointments Available Outside of these hours Telephone: 01491 825 595 Web: www.weddinghousewallingford.co.uk
venues
Castle venues
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Eastnor Castle
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Eastnor Castle is a beautiful Georgian castle situated in the foothills of the Malverns, near Ledbury, Herefordshire and surrounded by a beautiful arboretum and lake. The castle is the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family and its lavish interiors contain medieval armour, fine art and a Gothic Drawing Room designed by AW Pugin.
The castle is an exclusive hire venue with 12 beautiful bedrooms hosting a limited number of very special weddings each year. Good locally sourced fresh food is an important part of any wedding, and they are proud of the exceptionally high standard and wide variety of menus that are designed to cater for a range of tastes.
It is the most perfect fairytale castle for the most memorable day of your life. You will find tranquillity, splendour and complete exclusivity, and whatever you are planning, Eastnor Castle will exceed your expectations.
The wine list has been carefully selected to offer good quality, easy-drinking wines, at sensible prices.
Ultimate Wedding Magazine
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venues
Craig-Y-Nos Castle Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, Craig-Y-Nos Castle is the perfect location for your romantic and historic wedding. With the wonderful Welsh countryside it really is a special place to hold your special day. Craig-Y-Nos Castle has excellent wedding and banqueting facilities catering for small parties and large parties. All the comforts of the castle are offered together with a friendly service that will realise your every expectation for a successful event. The castle houses a grade one listed opera house theatre as well as newly refurbished Conservatory, both
venues are licensed for weddings, making Craig-Y-Nos the perfect setting for taking your marriage vows. The team encourage couples to view the castle and its listed gardens. This gives you the chance to picture how your wedding will be, in such a beautiful setting surrounded by history and romance. Weddings can include use of the stunning Theatre, the Nici Lounge for Welcome Drinks, the Conservatory for your Wedding Reception and Function Room for evening do. craigynoscastleweddings.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Sudeley Castle Sudeley is nestled in a natural amphitheatre in the Cotswold Hills, just outside Winchcombe in Gloucestershire. It is known as “the most romantic castle in England” and offers a unique, elegant setting for a Cotswold wedding. This is the place to create the day of your dreams, amid the historic stones of the ancient Castle and magnificent, awardwinning gardens where you can walk in the footsteps of royalty. The Castle is licensed for civil weddings and blessings and provides a dramatic, historic venue for your ceremony. Each wedding is 86
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bespoke and Sudeley’s planner will work with you to create a unique and special occasion. They can recommend suppliers and arrange marquees, catering, florists, photographers and music. The award-winning gardens are a photographer’s dream, with romantic ruins, reflecting ponds and abundant floral displays forming the backdrop for cherished pictures. Sudeley Castle, for the wedding day of your dreams. sudeleycastle.co.uk
venues
Tregenna Castle Hotel Tregenna Castle Hotel and Estate is the perfect place for a fairytale wedding. The ivy covered castle stands in a magnificent 72 acre estate which provides far reaching sea views over St Ives, making it one of the most romantic places in Cornwall. Tregenna Castle is licensed for weddings throughout the year which can accommodate from two to 160 people. It also offers the possibility of an outdoor ceremony, as from May to September couples can marry under our beautiful Pavilion with award winning views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Guests can enjoy the estate’s extensive choice of sports and leisure facilities which include a challenging 18 hole Presidents Golf Course. Conveniently, Tregenna also offers Castle Beauty and Hair by Sara Veal to help guests look their best for the big day. Each wedding day at Tregenna Castle is bespoke. An experienced team does everything possible to help you to create memories that you can treasure. The unique venue, flexible approach and attention to detail makes each wedding day perfect. tregenna-castle.co.uk
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Solis Lough Eske Castle Those looking for a magical venue for their winter wedding celebrations need look no further than Solis Lough Eske Castle, Donegal. The breathtaking, luxury, castle retreat is the perfect backdrop for the most special of days’. Located in Northwest Ireland, with the beautiful Bluestack Mountains as a backdrop, this stunning Castle caters to everything from small, intimate weddings of as little as 10 guests to larger celebrations of up to 280 guests. The surrounding estate and lake are straight out of a fairytale novel - picture postcard for those all-important wedding 88
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album images. There are 95 bedrooms and suites to choose from, and hotel facilities include a relaxing Solis Spa, two restaurants and bars, 600m² of event space and for couples’ looking to bask in total luxury, there is the gorgeous presidential suite. The Castle’s dedicated wedding planners are on hand to help couples’ plan with every last detail. Bespoke menus are created by the property’s award-winning and Michelin-trained Executive Chef, Nicolas Le Toumelin. solishotels.com
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Thornbury Castle Perfect for a castle wedding is Gloucestershire’s enchanting Thornbury Castle. With its magnificent medieval architecture, impressive Tudor Hall, luxurious bedrooms and award winning food, it really is the perfect location for an unforgettable wedding, not to mention being in easy reach of Bristol, the M4 and M5. The castle’s idyllic walled gardens provide an unsurpassed setting for a drinks reception and photographs. Thornbury Castle has an excellent pedigree when it comes to its food, winning many prestigious awards over the years. The Head
Chef uses locally sourced, seasonal produce for his modern British menus and a variety of vegetables and herbs come from the castle’s own Kitchen Garden and there is even an onsite vineyard too. He will create a delicious and artistically presented wedding breakfast that will delight you and your guests. Each one of the castle’s luxurious bedchambers offers a very distinctive experience. In-room pampering treatments are available to help you relax thornburycastle.co.uk
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competition
Win the ultimate sophisticated hen party with Searcys Champagne Bar St Pancras International Station You’ll spend the evening in the sumptuous surroundings of the lounge to gossip, giggle and, of course, enjoy a glass (or several) of the finest Champagne - Searcys will even We have teamed up with Searcys to offer one throw in a bottle of bubbly to kick the night lucky reader an evening like no other at one of off properly! Afterwards you could treat yourselves to a delicious meal at Searcys’ London’s premier Champagne bars. exclusive restaurant, St Pancras Grand, located opposite the Champagne bar. Or Searcys Champagne Bar at St Pancras you and the girls could go out on the town International Station oozes glamour and to enjoy the capital’s fantastic nightlife. Either sophistication, and makes for the perfect way, you’re guaranteed to have a night to destination to celebrate with the girls in style. remember. Based in the heart of London, the longest Champagne bar in Europe is the perfect If you’re not lucky enough to win but like the location to dazzle your fellow hens and really sound of a Searcys experience, take a look get the party started. at: searcys.co.uk The perfect hen party is almost as important as the big day, but every bride-to-be knows how hard it can be to make it utterly unique.
The lucky winner will receive a fabulous hen party experience to include exclusive use of the bar’s private Champagne lounge for the night. Usually costing up to £1,500, the intimate lounge provides the perfect location for an extra special evening for you and up to eleven of your closest friends and family.
How to enter To enter the competition to win a hen party at Searcys Champagne Bar, visit our website: ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk Competition closes 31st January 2014. T&C Apply. ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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The Pinewood Hotel George Green, Buckinghamshire
The Pinewood Hotel is at the centre of the prosperous community of South Buckinghamshire and Windsor located near Uxbridge, on the Berkshire - Buckinghamshire border. Nestled in 5 acres of mature grounds with fabulous lawns a water feature and specimen trees. It is hard to imagine you are less than 10 minutes from 3 major motorways and 10 miles from Heathrow airport.
lets you make the choices, not tells you what you can have, and a friendly helpful staff who you can trust to make your special day one to remember.
When it comes to the day itself everything has to perfect, that is where The Pinewood Hotel specialise as Jennie Hopcroft the Wedding Co-ordinator is there from initial enquiry, all meetings and the day itself making sure you Perfectly located for business or pleasure, The get to enjoy the day you have dreamed of. Pinewood Hotel, offers 48 tastefully decorated So much so, Jennie is currently the holder of Wedding Co-ordinator of the year 2013 at the bedrooms, 3 contemporary function rooms National Wedding Industry Awards, and as and Eden Bar & Restaurant, popular with a venue they were short-listed for London & local residents for casual dining and Sunday South East Venue of the year. The Pinewood Lunches. Hotel only ever take on one wedding a day, so your day will truly be yours. Contemporary with a twist, The Pinewood Hotel, Slough is for the discerning traveller, If you are searching for a wedding venue the food lover and is the perfect romantic in Berkshire or Buckinghamshire you will get-away. Whatever you are looking for, the probably experience a diverse spectrum of Pinewood will deliver. facilities. Be assured, the Pinewood Hotel do everything they can to make sure you get the The Pinewood Hotel pride themselves on wedding experience you want. their friendly staff, locally sourced suppliers and produce, and independence from the Let The Pinewood Hotel know what you constraints of the large hotel chains. The want from your wedding day and Jennie and accommodation pricing is fair and honest the team will do their absolute best to do without hidden extras such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, booking fees, to bump up everything they can to make it the day you want. The Pinewood Hotel are one of the very the cost. best wedding venues in Buckinghamshire. After all, they were short-listed as Venue of If you are looking for a venue for your The Year 2013 & 2014 London & South East. wedding, you will no doubt start to see that it is the little things that really matter – like For more information, visit the website: having someone at the end of the phone to pinewoodhotel.co.uk answer all your queries, a flexible venue that ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk
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Hampden House Great Hampden, Buckinghamshire
In the heart of the Chiltern Hills, this beautiful English country house provides the perfect setting for your wedding day.
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assist you in any way they can to make your day as special as possible. The ‘Exclusively Yours’ all-inclusive package invites bridal couples to enjoy the house and grounds Licensed for civil weddings, ceremonies can on an exclusive basis while all of the main be held within the House, including the Dining preparations are taken care of by the wedding Room and Great Hall; complete with the team. Based on a minimum of 80 guests (with Minstrels Gallery where string quartets and a maximum capacity of 100 guests in our other musicians can perform for your guests Dining Room), our three ‘Exclusively Yours’ if you so wish. By arrangement those wishing packages all include two glasses of pink to marry in Church may wish to consider St champagne, chef’s selection of four canapés, Mary Magdalene, situated within the grounds three-course seated wedding breakfast, tea and a short walk from the house whereby the and coffee, as well as a dedicated event bride and groom can lead their guests along manager on the day. Served in our Dining the path and into the house via the Gothic Room, guests will also enjoy half a bottle Passage. of house wine with dinner, plus a glass of champagne to toast the bride and groom. This magnificent house with a thousand years The three packages have a variety of optional of history is one of the most sought after extras, leaving you to decide how you want wedding venues in the county with nearly your day. 20 years’ experience in delivering exclusive weddings. Set in 300 acres of privatelyFor the ultimate mix of a lawn wedding with owned grounds, approached via the treeHampden House as the backdrop, our lined driveway, Hampden House is offered to marquee can be erected within the gardens you exclusively for your wedding day. which can accommodate weddings with up to 250 guests. Marquees are available from A venue for all seasons, champagne and April to October. canapé receptions are held on the Terrace in good weather or in the Great Hall during the Ideally located just 40 miles from inner winter months. The Dining Room seats guests London and within easy reach of the M40, for the wedding breakfast and the elegant Hampden House is one of Buckinghamshire’s Georgian Room sets the scene for your best kept secrets. evening entertainment, conveniently located adjacent to the Lounge Bar. For more information, to request a brochure or to arrange a visit to Hampden With wedding day options ranging from allHouse please contact the Wedding Team inclusive packages to bespoke choices, the on 01494 489042 or visit the website: team at Hampden House are prepared to hampdenweddings.com Ultimate Wedding Magazine
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Photography courtesy of: guyhearn.com
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From the moment you step through the doors of Fredrick’s Spa Hotel in Berkshire you can feel the difference.A personal welcome awaits you, with an exceptional level of service where each of your requirements has been anticipated and prepared for.
The Spread Eagle Hotel in Oxfordshire has stood imposingly in the heart of historic market town of Thame since the 16th Century. It offers an unrivalled location in the heart of South Oxfordshire. Our spacious Fothergill Hall is the perfect wedding venue for an unforgettable day, whether it is for the Civil Ceremony, Wedding Breakfast or evening party.
www.fredricks-hotel.co.uk Call Alix on 01628 581 000 Email: amatania@fredricks-hotel.co.uk
www.spreadeaglethame.co.uk Call Amanda or Jennie on 01844 213 661 Email: events@spreadeaglethame.co.uk
Fredrick’s Hotel, Maidenhead, Berkshire
The Spread Eagle Hotel, Thame, Oxfordshire
Art Hotels are 3 unique & individual properties in the Thames Valley, covering Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire. We have put together a wedding package for dates in 2013 that is available at any of the 3 unique properties.
The Pinewood is perfectly situated on the BerkshireBuckinghamshire border. With 48 beautiful bedrooms, and a stylish Function suite licensed for civil ceremonies, we are set in 5 acres of grounds. Dedicated award winning wedding co-ordinator. www.pinewoodhotel.co.uk Call Jennie on 01753 896 400 Email: weddings@pinewoodhotel.co.uk
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The Pinewood Hotel, South Buckinghamshire Ultimate Wedding Magazine
52 guests (50 plus B&G) Arrival drink 2 glasses wine with the meal 3 course meal & coffee Toast drink Red carpet Cake stand & knife Room hire (Civil ceremony, day & evening use to midnight) Over night accommodation for The Happy Couple 4 item evening buffet £2900. Inclusive of VAT Available on selected 2013 dates within each property.
venues
Hello Sailor!
three unique venues in Portsmouth with Tina Reading
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Imagine a warm sunny October morning, and myself and Ricky our Creative Director on a road trip, to Portsmouth. Now trust me, it is rare that I can be prized out of the office, unless it involves couture, champagne and 5* luxury, but Ricky had convinced me that a day out of the office would do me good, and I think he is getting tired of doing all the onsite visits on his own. (Very small team here at UWM, despite a universal/national misconception that there are many of us).
venues, now that has to be a good thing, my silver lining. Upon arrival we met our fellow guests (wedding editors, publishers etc) at The Spinnaker Tower. A vast structure reaching 170m high. Deep breath, into the lift and up we go!
I have a huge fear of heights, always have! I had to be rescued from the Eiffel Tower and was brought down 'firemans lift' style, sobbing. However, and I cannot believe I am Off we troll, a day ahead consisting of a saying this, but this tower is not one of terror! tower, a boat and a fort. Seriously? Two of I felt fine, completely safe, and even ventured my biggest fears, heights and water! (Now to the edge to look out of the vast windows. yes I can swim, and am a scuba girl, but This is a very different venue, an amazing actually hate being on boats). Great, I really couldn't wait for this day! On the plus side we architectural design, perfect for a wedding that is looking for some out of the ordinary. were going to see three completely different 98
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Credit: WPT
Photography courtesy of: Simon Coulson
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Credit: M Lewis
HMS Warrior 1860 Prices start from £875 for a ceremony or £910 for a reception. Maximum of 100 guests, but can cater for more charged per person. All reception packages include exclusive use of the ship until midnight.
Spinnaker Tower Prices start from £1,150, and it can hold a maximum of 70 guests. Exclusive use of View Deck 2 on midweek ceremonies or exclusive use of the Tower from 7pm on midweek evening receptions.
Your ceremony takes place on the View Deck 2, exclusively yours for a perfect sunset commitment. They have a wide variety of packages available, featuring fine dining and exceptional reception space. Next on our agenda was a ship, but not just any ship, this was HMS Warrior! Sitting in the heart of Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard this is a huge 4 deck ship, preserved to it's original 1860's condition. Simply beautiful, and if you have a longing for something nautical, or again, just plain different, then it definitely deserves your attention. Suitable for weddings of any size, you are totally submerged (excuse the pun) in a wedding world steeped in history. I could not resist ooooing and aaaahing at ever twist and turn I took onboard. There is so much here to take in, it is one of the most unique venues that I have seen. Our final venue involved a short boat trip from the harbour out to a fort. This was never going to be fun but I must say it is such a short trip that you are there within a matter of minutes, and as I sat on the back of the boat enjoying the spray, I thought this is certain to
Spitbank Fort Prices start from £9,000, and it can hold a maximum of 60 guests. This includes private boat transfer from the departure lounge at Gosport. Exclusive use of the fort with a choice of three bars.
be something out of this world. Upon arrival at Spitbank Fort you are immediately engulfed in something quite jaw dropping. Exclusive use venue, sitting in the Solent. Exquisitely decorated and furnished, this is pretty amazing, even by my standards. Imagine your very own private island with hot tub looking out to see, grassed decks for sunbathing, rooms that should be featured in The Longest Stay. The finest wine and cuisine, yes that is it! It is here! I realised as I sat with my hand swirling around the warm hot tub water that I had found my Utopia! I always imagined I would hate to be stuck anywhere, let alone a fortress in our cold seas, but for here, I would make the exception. You can experience this for yourself, even if you are not getting married, as they now offer limited availability so you can stay for DBB, repeat 'limited availability' after all, these guys have put the E in Exclusive! So that was it, 3 venues, 2 champagne receptions, 1 high tea. A thoroughly enjoyable day trip and one I am keen to repeat as soon as they ask me again! ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk 101
Your dream wedding in the Cotswolds This stunning Grade II mansion is the epitome of style and glamour. From the grandeur of it’s French interior, to its extensive grounds, this venue was destined to be yours for your special day. From drinks on the lawn, to champagne in the main hall, intimate ceremonies to larger marquee parties, this venue has everything you need for your big day. This venue is steeped in history, and in 1907 was the scene of a Royal Wedding between Princess Louise of Orleans and Prince Charles of Bourbon with many crowned heads of state attending from across Europe. For a bespoke day with a difference, The Wood Norton will live up to all your dreams and exceed your expectations. Speak to the events team: 01386 765611 events@thewoodnorton.com www.thewoodnorton.com The Wood Norton, Worcester Road, Evesham, WR11 4YB 102 Ultimate Wedding Magazine
grooms
Marks & Spencer Savile Row Inspired
Suit £349, Shirt £49.50, Tie £29.50, Pocket Square 9.50 marksandspencer.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk 103
Limited Collection Suit £99, Limited Collection Dress Shirt £19.50, Limited Collection Bow Tie £12.50, Pocket Square £9.50, Loafers £65 marksandspencer.com 104 Ultimate Wedding Magazine
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Blazer £199, Shirt £49.50, Tie £29.50, Pocket Square £9.50 marksandspencer.com ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk 105
STARLIGHT DISCO’S PARTY creating the your guests will LOVE
www.lucynoble.com info@lucynoble.com
Fun . Fresh . Modern Wedding Photography
With our high experience in entertainment, we’ll make your wedding party one to remember! Karaoke available with over 30,000 songs! 01494 260 037 / 07545 473 314 Email: david.gomm@sky.com
Online Suit Hire The UK’s largest Cravat & Tie range Waistcoats to buy from £17.95 Package deal on all products Suits Dinner Jackets Menswear Online Specialist Bridesmaid Dress Ladies & Girls Shoes Bridesmaid Sashes Call: 01869 360444
www.formaltailor.co.uk
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competition
Win vintage china hire for your wedding with styling
Fig Tree Road started 2 years ago after a seeing a rather large demand for china hire and DIY weddings based on personal experience from the owners planning their own wedding. Fig Tree Road is hugely passionate about being as ethical as possible, its a key part of their boutique, that they use companies that care about their ecocredentials. The delightful gifts, decor and accessories in the wedding boutique are aimed at brides that want to style a large part of their wedding on their own. The products are sent in recycled or reused packaging. Fig Tree Road are also available for event styling, set up and also afternoon tea. The fizzybunting blog helps with vintage wedding inspiration, business tips and loads of other fabulous weddingness. So if you’re looking for vintage inspiration and advice, then take a look at their website or give them a tweet. Whether you are a DIY bride, or would like Fig Tree Road to take care of the theme for you, they are on hand whatever you require. One lucky reader will win a vintage china hire package with styling for up to 50 people. This includes cups, saucers, side plates and forks for each, along with teapots, milk jugs, sugar bowls and tongs for each table. Plus a collection of their vintage props which include suitcases for cards, vintage ladders, books, glassware and birdcages. All this is worth £400! For more information on Fig Tree Road, please visit the website: figtreeroad.com
How to enter To enter the competition to win a vintage china hire package & styling, visit our website: ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk Competition closes 31st January 2014. T&C Apply. ultimateweddingmagazine.co.uk 107
The Greyhound Inn Chalfont st Peter
Your memories to cherish forever!
Recently refurbished, this historic hotel has a quintissential blend of traditional warm hospitality with 21st century luxury. The Greyhound combines excellent service, luxury and cuisine. The restaurant or bar area can be booked for exclusive use to a maximum of sixty guests. We can provide a full menu or Canapés. www.thegreyhoundinn.net Telephone: 01753 883404
The Greyhound Inn, High Street, Chalfont st Peter, Bucks SL9 9RA
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www.jthorpe.net • james@jthorpe.net 07531 490150 • 01604 289234
special offers
SPECIAL OFFERS 20% off Belle Gel
The At-Home Gel Nail Colour Manicure Kit Perfect For Creating Beautiful Bridal Nails Belle Gel is an affordable at-home alternative for creating shiny, strong and long lasting gel nails with a salon finish. It provides a perfect, low cost option for brides who want beautiful but fuss-free nails for their big day. Gel nail colour not only gives excellent results but unlike other treatments protects the natural nail underneath allowing for continual growth. The gel nail colour can last up to two weeks without damaging, wearing or chipping, so will not only see you through your wedding day but will also last throughout your honeymoon. The starter kit is priced at £59.95 and contains all of the necessary essentials and accessories to achieve professional looking bridal gel nails at home. Belle Gel is offering Ultimate Wedding Magazine readers a very special 20% off the entire range using the code ‘UltimateWeddingMagazine’, which can be used on: bellegel.co.uk
20% off Hair & Make-up Desire are based in Buckinghamshire and cover the home counties and London. Winner of the Wedding Industry Experts Award for Best New International Makeup Artist 2013, the team are on hand to assist with all of your beautifying on the day and leading up to it. They have given us this exclusive offer: Book your wedding before 31st January to get 20% off your hair and make-up combined. Usually £155 if you book before this date you will get both for an amazing £124! This offer includes your free trial, and they come to visit you in the comfort of your own home to discuss and try different looks for your special day. To take advantage of this offer, visit the website: desirehairbeauty.co.uk
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Services
feature
‘Top 10 Romantic Hotel Rooms in the World’ THE SUNDAY TIMES
CREATING MEMORIES...
YourWedding Day at Stoke Park 300 Acres of glorious Parkland and Lakes 49 Luxury Bedrooms 3 Fully licensed rooms and beautiful Southern Terrace for Civil Ceremonies Dining facilities for up to 120 guests Award winning Health & Beauty Spa Please contact our Wedding Co-ordinator on 01753 717171 or weddings@stokepark.com Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG 35 minutes from London and 7 miles from Heathrow Airport
www.stokepark.com
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