Affinityweddingss2015

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SPRING/SUMMER2015

AFFINITY WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

FREE

Diamonds are Forever Rings to dazzle

Little Cherubs Turn your little ones into angels

Undiecover

Our ultimate bridal lingerie

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Weddings at The Bedford Swan Set on the banks of the River Ouse, The Bedford Swan is a unique 4 star 18th century hotel overlooking the River Ouse boasting 113 luxury bedrooms and a selection of elegant function rooms, licensed for both intimate ceremonies to larger traditional weddings of up to 250 guests for a reception.

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Offering a range of highly distinctive, character rooms to hold your civil ceremony and reception, The Bedford Swan Hotel is an ideal location for a truly stunning wedding and a lifetime of happy memories.

Our all inclusive wedding packages have been meticulously designed to take the stress out of your special day.

From the moment you book your wedding to

the day itself, our dedicated team will assist you with your preparations paying attention to even the smallest of details.

We also pride ourselves on the ability to cater for individual, tailor-made weddings, so whatever your needs, do get in contact to arrange an appointment to discuss your requirements with us. Our aim is to ensure you have the day you’ve always dreamed of.

Wedding Exhibition on 28th June 2015 11am- 4pm - top local exhibitors free entry, free parking Come and see us at The Affinity Wedding Shows To arrange a viewing or for more information call us on 01234 346565 or email weddings@bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

The Bedford Swan Hotel, The Embankment, Bedford MK40 1RW

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CONTENTS

Welcome...

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Heads Up Bridal Candy Best Foot Forward Mink Magic Rustic Romance

Spring is in the air and with spring comes the beginning of a very busy wedding season, with new trends being shown in all guises with flowers, venue dressing, invitations, cakes and so much more.

The new season's wedding dresses are now in the shops, and you'll be spoilt for choice. We show you a selection of our favourites (page 11).

We take a look at the colours that are hot for theming/styling your wedding and Christof and Ffreuer share their real life wedding with us (page 33)

48 Something Blue 50 50 Shades of Grey 53 Styling Inspiration

Honeymoons or a pre wedding getaway are a great way to de stress before and after the wedding why not enjoy one of our stunning locations,(from page 59), almost makes me want to get married all over again!

Finally, don't forget to join us at our next Affinity Wedding Showcase on Sunday 26th April at the stunning lakeside setting of Wyboston Lakes Hotel Executive Centre - Bringing you everything you need for your perfect wedding all under one roof!

59 Wish You Were Here 68 Unusual Weddings

For all you brides to be remember to relax and enjoy the best day of your life.

Jane x

Editor: Jane Fry jane@affinitymag.co.uk 01234 215523 07507 602401 Advertising Executive: Julia Crofts affinitymagjuliac@gmail.com 07966 696784 www.affinitymag.co.uk

facebook.com/AffinityMag

Cover Look Bolero by Pronovias

@affinitymagz

All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400

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Dream Dresses

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Luxurious Lace

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Dahlia Maggie Sottero Lillian West Essense Designs Justin Alexander Justin Alexander Londyn Maggie Sottero Ellis Maggie Sottero Inga Maggie Sottero Justin Alexander Tara Alan Hannah

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Take the Plunge

1. Allure Couture 2. Lillian West 3. Allure Bridal 4. Justin Alexander Signature 5. Fabienne Maggie Sottero 6. Castillejo Pronovias 7. Calamian Pronovias 8. Cameron Pronovias 9. Molly by Jennie Packham 10. Justin Alexander Signature

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Designer Delights

1. Lillian West 2. Essense Designs 3. Lillian West 4. Justin Alexander Signature 5. Justin Alexander Signature 6. Justin Alexander Signature 7. Justin Alexander Signature 8. Essense Designs 9. Carmit Pronovias 10. Allure Bridals

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Vintage Bridal

1. Essense Designs 2. Shayla Maggie Sottero 3. Justin Alexande 4. Alfred Angelo 5. Jean by Jennie Packham 6. Essense Designs 7. Temperley London 8. Florence by Jennie Packham 9. Essense Designs 10. Essense Designs

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Tight Fit

1. Essense Designs 2. Allure Couture 3. Mandisa Pronovias 4. Alfred Angelo 5. Lillian West 6. Essense Designs 7. Melitta Maria Maggie Sottero 8. Carezza Pronovias 9. Allure Couture.

10. Essense Designs

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Heads up

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Charleston Headpiece £58 Glitzt Secrets jpg Wheatsheaf Crystal Comb £290 Jane Taylor Millinery

Sensation Side Tiara £74 Glitzy Secrets

Dreams of Gold Hair Comb £36 Glitzy Secrets

Silver Pearl Crescent Comb £125 Ivory & Co

Gabriela Tiara £15 Accessorize

glitzysecr ets

Swarvoski Crystal Feather Slide £170 Nina Rai

Alyssa Tiara £145 Ivory & Co Crystal Shooting Star Headband £395 Jane Taylor Millinery copy

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Gold Deco Hair Comb £26 Rock My Vintage

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Bridal Candy

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1. Elie Saab L'eau Couture £47 Debenhams 2. Lancome My French Palette £42 John Lewis 3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Body Lotion £24.50 John Lewis 4. Guerlain Meteorites Compact £40 Debenhams 5. Laura Mercier Flawlwess Skin Infusion De Rose Nourishing Oil £32 Urban Retreat 6. Clarins Garden Escape Instant Light Natural Lip Balm Perfector - Coral £18 John Lewis 7. Jessica 'Born to Pansy' Nail Polish £10.50 8. Origins KissZing Pink Charming £16 Debenhams 9. DIOR Diorific Golden Shock Illuminating Pressed Powder £49 Selfridges 10. Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Body Lotion £24.50 John Lewis

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Flower Pom Pom Alice Band £12 Accessorize

Pink Princess

Ayana Cardigan £24 Monsoon

Glitter Shoes Monsoon Proncess Ballgown Necklace £6.50 Monsoon

Girls Pirouette Dress £45 Monsoon

Fairy Wings £8 Claire's

Frederica Dress £55 Monsoon

Angel's Face Cardigan £38 Selfridges

Andanines Shoes £49 Childsplay Clothing

Angel's Face Rose Pink Petti Dress £76 Alex and Alex

Flower Headband £4.50 Claire's

Dahlia Dress £55 Monsoon

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Best Foot Forward

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Benjamin Adams Alba £99 Crystal Bridal Accessories Charlotte Mills Alexis £265 Crystal Bridal Accessories Pink Paradox Cupcake Shoes £79.95 Benjamin Adams Lillian £179 Crystal Bridal Accessories Charlotte Mills Angela £360 Crystal Bridal Accessories Harriet Wilde Peony £199.99 Crystal Bridal Accessories Rainbow Club Else Montrose Shoes £55 Melodee Dune Rainbow Couture Avanti Shoes £99 Harriet Wilde English Rose £449.99 Crystal Bridal Accessories

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Will you

Marry me?

So he’s popped the question, now it’s time to choose the ring…

Diamond Full Eternity Ring £1,997 Tresor Paris

Art Deco Style Ring minimum 0.9ct starting from £6,950 Lewis Malka, London

Diamond Fancy Engagement Ring £897 Tresor Paris

Diamond Solitaire Ring £397 Tresor Paris

Parallel Twist Design Minimum 0.5ct Starting from £2,950 Lewis Malka, London

Solitaire with Baguette Shoulders Minimum 0.5ct Starting from £3,475 Lewis Malka, London

Solitaire with Pave Shoulders Minimum 0.5ct Starting from £2,950 Lewis Malka, London

Diamond Five Stone Half Eternity Ring £497 Tresor Paris

Traditional Six-Wire Set Design Minimum 0.5ctStarting from £2,950 Lewis Malka, London

Double Row Halo Style Minimum 0.5ct Starting from £4,950 Lewis Malka, London

White Gold Engagement Ring £19,997 Tresor Paris

Single Row Halo Style Minimum 0.5ct Starting from £4,950 Lewis Malka, London

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Fun of the Fair

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Brides Name: Ffreuer Masheder (Nee) Whitaker Grooms Name: Christof Masheder Date of Wedding: 17th August 2013

How did you meet?

We met at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, we both commissioned into the Royal Artillery.

Although we were simply friends for 5 years before 'realising' there was meant to be more to our friendship! We started our romantic relationship two months prior to deploying on an operational tour of Afghanistan, we were pen pals for six months while there as there was no other way to talk! Letters could take as long as a month to get between us but we wrote almost every day, we both really enjoyed this finding it, strangely, more intimate than talking on the phone. This is really when we fell in love. We were engaged two months after returning (that's how long it took Christof to have the ring made).

How did the proposal happen?

He asked me on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle in June 2012. The castle was closed to visitors at the time but as we were both serving officers in the British Army he managed to get us in. I had no idea that's why we were there, he told me that it was for work reasons and I was so shocked he had to ask a few times before he got any sort of answer!

Where did the wedding take place?

St Andrews Church, Headington, Oxford followed by the reception at Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire

What did the bridal party wear?

Bridesmaids wore sage green chiffon dresses from Coast. My brothers and civilian ushers wore tails from Moss Bros. My dress was by Veromia, I wanted to be a princess for the day and I certainly felt like one. I found it at Mae Bridal in Witney with the help of Hannah. It has an asymmetric satin bodice scooped into a beautiful flowery bloom on the hip, a really pretty detail for photos, with a very full layered tulle skirt; perfect for swirling around the dance floor and it squished very well into a dodgem car.

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What was your wedding day style?

Style can only really be described as 'traditional with as much fun as possible'. We were keen to have a serious religious ceremony as that's where we became husband and wife, but thereafter we just wanted a great party. Christof is half French, so we wanted to do a bit of a showcase of 'Britishness' that's where the red bus comes in along with the reception being held at Eynsham Hall. We chose to continue with a champagne afternoon tea for the wedding breakfast, which everyone loved, and gave tea cups and saucers as wedding favours (my mum and I collected them between the engagement and the big day, no two were the same and all came from charity shops). We also made bunting in green materials (green was the colour scheme chosen as we were both in the army) which included a few flags of the camouflage from our uniform. I made my own bouquet using a French technique for beaded flowers (took ages but it looks as lovely now as it did on the day). My mother knitted the bridesmaids shawls and one for me for the evening (which was subsequently used as a christening shawl for our daughter). My mother also made the four tier cake and decorated the tables! The Dodgems, ice cream and candid floss? - I love dodgems! There were dodgems at our commissioning ball and we remembered the most serious of people becoming so care free, childish and laughing their heads off and wanted a bit of that at our wedding (seeing my mother and the vicar in a head on collision with Christof's parents and all laughing hysterically was so much fun). We both love candy floss and discovered this on our fairly unique first date in Disneyland Paris, so we had to include it somehow. The ice cream was meant as a pudding to the wedding breakfast. We were keen to leave the table to maximise the time we spent with our guests, a fun way to do it and the children LOVED it, especially because they could have as many scoops as they wanted!

Something Blue?

My mother sewed a beautiful blue button onto the lining of my dress.

What were the highlights?

The absolute best part was saying our vows. We both love the St Andrews family and regularly attend the Sunday service there. The service was so poignant and just about everyone was in tears including the vicar, brought on by the hymn choice no doubt (I vow to thee my country) as so many of our guests were in uniform. Everyone felt it was such a moving service. The Dodgems were then the perfect balance of silliness, our faces hurt from laughing so much!

Describe your wedding rings They are matching plain platinum bands. Made by the same jeweller that made my engagement ring, Chapel Jewellers in Sudbury, Essex.

How did it end?

We were cheered off the dance floor at midnight and stayed that night at Eynsham Hall. We had breakfast the following morning with all our guests.

Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?

The day went so quickly. We were married at 11am and it still flew by! It's not possible to add more hours to a day but we did feel like we hadn't spent enough time talking to everyone. We packed the day with activities which made it even busier, we loved the craziness of it all but that's not everyone's cup of tea...

Where did you go on honeymoon?

Mauritius. Beautiful place to just laze about together.

What plans do you have for the future?

I've since left the army and I'm a stay at home mummy to our honeymoon baby! Christof remains in the Army. We hope to have another child at some point but we're enjoying this one for now (9 months old at the moment). As we're a military family we will move to wherever Christof is posted (we've moved twice since marrying). When our family is complete I hope to make my dressmaking hobby more than a hobby but for now most of the dresses are for our own little princess baby!

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Necklace £35 Monsoon

Mink Magic

Debenhams

Monsoon Monsoon

Jenny Packham £140 Debenhams

Jenny Packham Dress £140 Debenhams

Aleana Dress Phase Eight

Lantana Dress £229 Monsoon Nimfa Pronovias Debenhams Sophia Dress £119 Monsoon

Vintage Flower Pillbox £35 Accessorize

Maxwell Clutch £80 Monsoon

Monsoon

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Rose Crown £8 Accessorize

Pink Perfection Avalina Dress £179 Phase Eight

Dress £55 Oliver Bonas Mae Rose Dress £99 Phase Eight

Floozie by Frost French £25 Debenhams Pearce Fionda Dress £165 Debenhams

Chain Clutch £25 Simply Be Rose Jacquard Dress BHS

Rose Lace Fit & Flare £160 Phase Eight

Nanine Pronovias

Miko £89 Dune Cupid Pink Nail Polish The Body Shop

Tulle Dress £250 Phase Eight

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The Millhouse Hotel is the perfect backdrop for your special day with ample space for you and your guests to feel relaxed Our Unique and peaceful location offers the following: · Marquee up to 120 seated guests · Licensed room to hold the ceremony itself · Music, from a solo harpist over dinner through to a DJ or live band in the evening · Your choice of wedding menus including breakfast, lunch or dinner (separate choices for kids too) plus your choice of reception drinks and canapé options · 9 Bedrooms available for one or more nights as required all including breakfast · Exclusive booking for the entire hotel

Please contact us for more information or to arrange a personal meeting to discuss your requirements Mill Road, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1NP T: 01234 781678 F:01234 783921 info@millhouse-riverside.co.uk

www.millhouse-riverside.co.uk Millhouse Hotel and Riverside Restaurant @millhouse_hotel

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Necklace £18 Very

Monochrome Model Dress £29 Apricot

Striped Bardot Dress £49 Very

Floral Monochrome Dress BHS

Pearce Fionda £250 Debenhams

Hat £22 Accessorize

John Rocha £89 Debenhams

Clutch £55 House of Fraser

Earrings £10 Very

Skater Dress £55 Simply Be

Maggi £79 Dune Mori Lee

Monochrome Dress Marks & Spencer

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Gingerbread Heart £4.50 John Lewis

Save the Date £4 Paperchase

Pair of Love Birds £19.99 GettingPersonal

Wedding cheese 'cake’ Fabulous Flowers

Evening Invitations £5 Paperchase

Thank you Cards £5 Paperchase Recycled Seed Packet Wedding Favour £1.75 Wildflower Favours

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Perching Birds invitaiton £2.50 PaperGrace Hanging Personalised Heart £15 Delightful Living

Modern Vintage Invitation

Lovebirds Cake £1250 Rosalind Miller Cakes

Vintage Birdcage Save The Date £2.00 Paper Grace

Perching Birds RSVP £1.50 Saving Grace Perching Birds Save the Date £2.00 Saving Grace

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Floral Fancy - Tissue Fan Decorations Luck & Luck 10 Three Macaron Favour Boxes £50 La Dinette

Invitations £5.50 Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous Heart Balloon with Tassel Tail Bubblegum Balloons

Save the Date £4.95 Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous

Watercolour Blooms Rectangle Wedding Invite £2.05 Life is Peachy

Lollipop Twirls £2 Not on the High Street

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Blue Lace overlay Lingerie Bra Primark

Madison Swarovski Baroque Crystal Pendant & Pearls Garter £40 Laura George

Something Blue

Henrietta Lingerie Boux Avenue

L'Agent Agent Provocateur Iana Bra £65, Briefs £30 John Lewis Chantelle Vendome Bra £58 Briefs £36 Harrods

Agent Provocateur Snowberry

Coco Garter £34 Laura George

Tamara Powder Blue Lingerie Boux Avenue bouxavenue

Ultimate Lingerie Debenhams

Somerset by Alice Temperley Folk Floral Bra £45, Thong £22 John Lewis

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Sienna Boux Avenue

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50 Shades of Grey

Allure Suit Jacket £80 Next

Bulldog Cufflinks £50 Simon Carter

Jacket Debenhams

Futuristic Trousers Next John Rocha Waistcoat £45 Debenhams

CaféRoyale Textured Italian Leather Belt £79 black.co.uk

Tie £20 Debenhams

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme Vulcano Limited Edition £46-£63 John Lewis

Church Fulbeck Micro Derby Shoes £285 Selfridges

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Vivienne Westwood Pvx Orb Loafer £170 Selfridges

Hammond & Co Waistcoat

by Patrick Grant £50 Debenhams

Silver Pre Tied Bow Tie With Pindot mytuxedo.co.uk

Saville Row Suit £399 Marks & Spencer

The Futuristic Jacket £80 Next

Flower Tie £65 Jaeger

Jacket £270 Jaeger

BOSS Mens Watch £250 bosswatches.co.uk

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Howick Blazer £145 House of Fraser

Cuff Links £125 Hoxton, London

Pocket Square £25 Jaeger

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Styling Inspiration

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Bold & Bright

‘Bright colours will infuse your wedding and are now more popular than ever’

Glass Jars - Not on the High Street Flowers £34.90 iflorist Wedding Stationary Etsy Macarons by Anges De Sucre Table Decor The Knot Decorations £8.50 Candle & Cake Fiesta Geometric Honeycomb Cake

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Romantic Charm

‘Bright colours will infuse your wedding and are now more popular than ever’

Suppan & Suppan £22.08 Pastel Perfection Invitations Stationery from £4.99 Ginger Ray Suppan & Suppan £9.53 Tissue Paper Pom Poms - £5.99 Ginger Ray Cake by Wedding Party Design Photo Booth Props £7.50 Ginger Ray Pink Rose Garland £6.95 Tittlemouse Gifts

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Simply Green

‘These simple spring greens are just perfect to create an impact’

Cake The Country Cake Company Green Minature Glass Bottle £2 The Tuscan Romance Collection From £1.50 Best Day Ever Serviettes by Paper & Design Cake Dream Day Cakes White & Green Flowers Bay Tree Table Plan £49.95 Made with Love

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Wish You Were Here

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The Seychelles – Fit for VIP’s

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ot only are they the most beautiful and diverse islands on the planet! The Seychelles are the perfect destination for an overseas weddings or honeymoon.

You are only required to be in the Seychelles for three days before taking your nuptials, you also do not need to worry about getting any of your documents translated as they will be accepted in English or French.

It is very easy to combine a stay in the Seychelles with a stay in the Middle East as visitors travelling to the islands from the UK have to travel via either Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, or Dubai with Emirates. Both destinations offer the perfect contrast for a twin centre stay.

There are also no visa requirements, regardless of where

you are travelling from, everyone arriving in the Seychelles is able to obtain a visa on arrival which allows for stays of up to one month, as long as you have proof of accommodation, sufficient funds and a return ticket.

All hotels in Seychelles perform only one wedding per day, so clients are assured of the wedding team’s full attention, right down to the minute details. Where necessary, members of the wedding team are also able to serve as witnesses.

The North Island is the ultimate wedding and honeymoon destination (it is where Wills and Kate had their honeymoon) Prices start from EUR €2,582 per person, per night. Based on two adults sharing a Presidential Villa.

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Saint Lucia – Iconic Caribbean

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aint Lucia's scenery is spectacular and the beaches are gorgeous, but there is also lots of fun things to do on the island such as zip lining, climbing and sailing. There is also the stunning Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens which are well worth a visit, as is the Mount Soufriere volcano. For sporty active types that like equal measures of beach and adrenalin, it really is the perfect place!

It is almost too easy to get married in Saint Lucia!! There is no requirement for a standard length of stay, so you can have a tropical wedding and start that Saint Lucian honeymoon within 24hrs of arrival, as long as you apply for a Same Day Marriage License and you have all the necessary, original documentation.

Most hotels offer wedding planning as part of the package.

This often includes everything from flowers, cakes, decorations, even a best man if you need one!

The food in Saint Lucia is a delicious mix of Caribbean staples and local creole dishes such as Creole Crabs, Lambi (conch meat) Curried Octopus and a variety of tasty stews!

There are lots of different accommodation options available to suit all budgets if you have guests flying out to join you. Saint Lucia is also only a 9 hour direct flight from the UK. The gorgeous Viceroy Sugar Beach where 7 nights room-only in Sugar Mill Luxury Room, including economy flights and return airport transfers start from ÂŁ1,775pp based on 2 adults sharing.

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Greece – Cool and Understated

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he Greek Islands are by far some of the most idyllic in Europe, and visitors can pretty much find the perfect island to suit their needs. The dramatic scenery on the island of Santorini offers a picture perfect wedding / honeymoon destination.

Great as a short haul option, as it is easy to get to from the UK and no jet lag!

You could easily get married on one island and honeymoon on another. Santorini and Mykonos are a perfect combination for romance and fun.

To get married in Greece you are best to employ a local

wedding planner who will be able to guide you smoothly through the legalities, as there are a few formalities to adhere to. Most marriages in Greece are civil services, but this allows for extreme creativity in your location! Sunset wedding on a sailing yacht around the famous caldera in Santorini anyone?

For your honeymoon in Greece why not enjoy the luxury and privacy of a villa?

The stunning Grace Hotel in Santorini where 7 nights bed and breakfast in a deluxe room, include economy flights and return private transfers starts from ÂŁ1,385pp based on 2 adults sharing.

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Bali – Unparalleled Service

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ali offers two very unique holiday experiences. For the perfect beach wedding then you can head to the white sands of Nusa Dua, where there is a large choice of luxurious and exclusive resorts to choose from. Then head up into the Jungle and soak up some culture in beautiful Ubud.

Both on route and once you are there the possibilities are almost endless for a twin centre wedding and honeymoon.

Why not pair a stay in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Abu Dhabi.

You could even go on to Australia for your honeymoon.

If you are looking for something a bit different to a civil service then why not have a traditional Balinese blessing?

The culture in Bali is extremely unique and not found anywhere else in Indonesia.

Bali is renowned for impeccable service, so you can be assured that you and your new husband or wife will be spoilt

completely rotten! There are also a great range of spas and indulgent treatments available across Bali, nothing says honeymoon like an indulgent spa day just you and your loved one.

Seminyak is great for shopping and nightlife with some of the clubs and bars flying in top name DJ’s for regular nights.

Perfect for pre-wedding parties!!!

Stay at the exclusive Bvlgari Resort 7 nights bed and breakfast in a one bedroom Ocean View Villa, including flights and transfers from £3,730pp based on 2 adults sharing.

For further information on any of the above please contact Oxford Private Travel to speak to your dedicated personal consultant on 01993 899 430 www.oxfordprivatetravel.com

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Clevedon Hall Happy Ever After at

W

ith stunning surroundings that are rich in history, picturesque grounds and impeccable service where nothing is overlooked in creating the perfect backdrop to your special day, Clevedon Hall is an absolute delight.

The 150-year-old Victorian mansion has recently undergone a ÂŁ3 million transformation restoring the venue to its former glory, lining it up to become one of the top luxury hospitality venues in the UK, nestled amongst stunning grounds that include a picturesque lake, make it just perfect for beautiful memories to be created.

With a range of versatile rooms and suites, and bursting with original features, the venue is the perfect choice for every occasion. Chose from a vast array of breathtaking rooms or even carry the romance outside with a marquee set amidst the extensive grounds.

Whatever the size of your wedding Clevedon Hall offers it all, from large, lavish gatherings in the Great Hall, to smaller more intimate celebrations in the Snug, you’ll be guaranteed perfection.

A wedding at Clevedon Hall is something magical. The stunning mansion and beautifully landscaped grounds come together with the highest levels of personal service and attention to detail to provide you and your guests with a truly memorable day.

Clevedon Hall 01275 778160 www.clevedonhall.co.uk 64

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Shanti Maurice

offers Exclusive Honeymoon and Anniversary Packages

S

et on pristine sands on the remote south coast of Mauritius, Shanti Maurice provides the perfect backdrop to mark a romantic occasion. Throughout 2015, the luxury resort will offer celebrating couples the chance to enjoy a special package.

From the beginning of this year until 22nd December 2015, honeymooners and guests celebrating a wedding anniversary will all receive a 50 per cent discount* on accommodation, as well as an array of romantic treats during their stay.

This exclusive offer includes an intimate, candle-lit dinner with wine overlooking the Indian Ocean, followed by a romantic petal bath. Couples are also treated to a luxurious spa treatment in the form of a relaxing rose quartz Pranay Ritual, comprising a full body massage with an aim to create an optimum feeling of health and wellbeing.

Enhance Your Stay For those wishing to go the extra mile, Shanti Maurice has introduced an additional package to create the ultimate romantic setting upon arrival. Couples will step inside a beautiful candle-lit suite, decorated with rose petals and accompanied by soft background music.

Additional touches include personalised pillowcases, assorted chocolates dotted around the villa and an opportunity to share a bottle of champagne. Upon departure, couples are presented with a photograph as a keepsake reminder of their stay.

Nightly rates at the luxurious Shanti Maurice start from â‚Ź780 (approx. ÂŁ680) in a Junior Suite on a half board basis. www.shantimaurice.com

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Six of the Best Unusual Weddings Worldwide

From getting hitched on a roller coaster to marrying in a gold mine, we take a look at destination six of the most unusual weddings worldwide

N

ot all couples opt for traditional white weddings, as the destination wedding experts behind the site MarryAbroad know all too well.

Charlotte Hand, co-founder of MarryAbroad.co.uk says, “There are so many unusual wedding locations around

the world, it can be difficult to choose which type to go for, which is why we have picked six “best of the best”. We love the ceremonies we've chosen here as they make getting married even more unique, and definitely have the wow factor – a must for any wedding!”

1. Get Married in a Gold Mine, Nevada Specials fans will love Eldorado Ghost Town, or Nelson’s Landing, as otherwise known – a deserted town in Nevada, USA. Here brides and grooms can marry in a real mine location, with a tour of the ghost town and its sparse, barren scenery, costing from $1,799.00. Joni Moss-Graham of The LV Wedding Connection states: “At just one hour away from Vegas, this rustic town has an amazing array of old buildings, barns and props, like antique cars, rusted buses, gas pumps and even a crashed plane (as seen in the movie 3,000 Miles to Graceland).

“Ceremonies can take place inside the existing gold mine or outside, surrounded by antiques and desert scenery. These locations offer amazing photo opportunities with a 'built-in' vintage theme. It is truly for the eclectic,” says Moss-Graham.

2. Spooky Splicing in Niagara, Canada Couples who love Halloween, can opt for a one-of-a-kind experience, as they wed alongside guest of honour Jack Skellington - character from movie “The Nightmare before Christmas”.

The wedding officiant, also in a ghostly costume, pronounces the couple “Ghouly-weds”. Packages cost from $295.00 with Elope Niagara.

Elope Niagara

Elope Niagara

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3. Say ‘I do’ in a Cave, Croatia Deep down under a hotel in Dubrovnik, marine-loving couples can join in matrimony in a cave, with a glass floor overlooking the ocean. Significantly, the name of the resort is More, which translates to 'Hotel Sea'. Weddings cost from €5,300 with www.yes-i-du.net

David Postatny

4. Be a Bride in a Balloon at Disney Cartoon-fans can tie the knot in a hot air balloon, at Walt Disney World in Florida. The ‘Characters in Flight’ package can include a ceremony 400ft in the air, inside one of the largest helium balloons in the world, with stunning views of all four Disney parks and the surrounding area. A ceremony costs from $1,500 with Elegant Weddings Orlando.

5. Barcelona FC Stadium, Spain Couples more interested in playing footie than footsie, are now able to marry in the Catalan stadium in Spain, home to soccer giants FC Barcelona. With football-related, wedding photo-opportunities galore, from goalie shots to trophy pics, this ‘back of the net’ wedding offered by Catalonia Weddings Boutique is highly popular for true Barca fans.

LVCVA

6. Nuptials on the New York New York Coaster Gazing up at the New York New York casino on the Las Vegas Strip from the street, passers-by cannot fail to notice the huge roller coaster, which zooms around the outside of the building at 67 miles per hour. Thrill-seekers can say ‘I do’ in a NYC taxi cab-themed carriage, as the coaster lifts them up 203 feet and down 144, with views of the glittering Vegas Strip. Weddings cost from $700.00 with The LV Wedding Connection.

Marryabroad.co.uk

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Weddings at The Bedford Swan Set on the banks of the River Ouse, The Bedford Swan is a unique 4 star 18th century hotel overlooking the River Ouse boasting 113 luxury bedrooms and a selection of elegant function rooms, licensed for both intimate ceremonies to larger traditional weddings of up to 250 guests for a reception.

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