Your South Wales Wedding - Issue 86 July/August 2022

Must-see honeymoon destinations

WIN! Two nights in the Lake District

NATURAL ROMANCE

Venue with glorious gardens

Hold me close

Come rain or shine

Real weddings £3.55 JUL/AUG 2022

Some like it hot

www.yoursouthwales.wedding

Capture stunning photos whatever the weather

HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, FASHION, GROOMS, EXPERT ADVICE, FREEBIES AND MORE

CLEARWELL CASTLE

FOREST OF DEAN

info@clearwell-castle.co.uk

01594 832320

GLOUCESTERSHIRE clearwell-castle.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2022

CONTENTS

REGULARS

86

6 EDITOR’S LETTER

What to look out for in this issue

11 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on the latest from around South Wales

15 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

57 HOT TOPIC Our experts answer your questions

88 COMPETITION Win a stay in a five-star inn in the heart of the Lake District at The Wild Boar

VENUES

17 SPOTLIGHT ON PEMBROKESHIRE TO SWANSEA

On the cover...

This issue’s cover was photographed by Mefus Photography (www.mefusphotography.com) at St Mellons Country Club (www.stmellonscountryclub.com). To see the full shoot and list of suppliers, turn to page 69.

FEATURES 47 HELLO PETAL

The latest flower trends

53 THE BRIDGERTON EFFECT How Netflix's biggest show has influenced weddings

60 FROM MISS TO MRS County Wedding Magazines’ senior editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

63 WHATEVER THE WEATHER Local photographers showcase their favourite images

Discover some of the best venues in the area

69 GOLAU’R GWANWYN

23 AL FRESCO ROMANCE

A group of talented suppliers worked together to create this spring-themed shoot at St Mellons Country Club

Tie the knot in a glorious garden

www.weddingguys.co.uk

17

3

34

www.lloydwilliamsphotography.com

www.megan-sianphotography.com

29

FASHION & BEAUTY

REAL WEDDINGS

The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches

Teri and Kyle had a romantic celebration at Mounton Brook Lodge

73 STYLE DOWN THE AISLE

34 TRULY ROMANTIC

These boho-inspired dresses in luxe lace and flowing fabrics were made for fun and flirting

Lauren and Gaz opted for a green and gold colour scheme for their wedding at Craig Y Nos Castle

72 FASHION FOCUS

78 LEADING LADY Mothers-of-the-bride will love these stylish dresses and accessories

79 PARTY PIECES

29 CLASSIC ELEGANCE

41 ONE FINE DAY Molly and Marc celebrated their big day at Hensol Castle with a white, gold and nude theme

HONEYMOONS 92 HONEYMOON NEWS

The latest openings and honeymoon essentials

94 CARIBBEAN VIBES Enjoy breathtaking, tropical views whilst listening to turquoise waters rolling in with a glass of St. Lucia’s famous rum punch in hand

96 TRAVEL GOALS An island country nestled in South Asia, Sri Lanka has always been a bucket-list destination for Louise Prance

These glamorous gowns are worthy of the red carpet

82 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the must-haves for the bride-to-be

84 YOU CAUGHT MY EYE! We put together some gorgeous wedding-day eye make-up looks using the newest launches to hit the counters

86 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A Local professionals solve your problems

GROOMS

89 GROOMS’ NEWS 90 FUN IN THE SUN Honeymoon must-haves for the groom-to-be

4

www.fireandice.co.uk

The latest best buys and product launches

41

BIG MAC’S WHOLLY SOUL BAND

SOUTH WALES’ PREMIER WEDDING AND FUNCTION BAND

3000 beautiful dancing brides can’t be wrong For your big day get the big one BIG MAC’S! CALL US ON 07904 278552/01633 255631 | Email: mike.mcnamara69@googlemail.com | www.bigmacswhollysoulband.com

Web Development Manager Stuart Weatherley ADVERTISING Sales & Events Director Sarah Ellis | 01376 538 490 sarahm@county.wedding Account Manager Julia Owen | 01376 538 495 juliao@county.wedding Subscriptions 01376 514 000 subscriptions@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James

From Miss to Mrs I

t’s finally here, my final issue as Miss Barker! In just a few short weeks, I will officially be Mrs Cullen, and I cannot wait.

My fiancé, Dave, and I have been engaged for nearly 18 months, and with all of the lockdowns and uncertainty it’s been quite a rollercoaster of emotions, but now that the day is nearly here, it’s all starting to feel real.

It seems like just yesterday that I was telling our loved ones that we were engaged and here we are about to tie the knot. My number one piece of advice is to enjoy the process and make it about what you want. We found that some of our nearest and dearest were quite vocal about what they wanted and how the day should be, which can feel quite overwhelming at times, but try to remember it’s meant to be about you and your partner.

Pick things that you want and that will make you both happy and forget about everyone else.

In this issue, we have a flowers feature looking at the latest trends, a weather-focused photography feature and we showcase gorgeous venues in Pembrokeshire and Swansea. If that’s not enough, we also look at showstopping dresses and wow-factor honeymoon destinations.

If you’d like your wedding featured in the magazine or have been involved with a styled shoot, drop me an email at melissa.barker@kdeventsandpublishing.com or at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding

60 Read all about my wedding planning journey.

90

The latest honeymoon must-haves for the groom-to-be.

Melissa x

Melissa Barker, Senior Editor

@CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines

WIN!

A two night stay in the Lake District.

88

Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com Your South Wales Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your South Wales Wedding is published six times a year. Subscription rates are £18.20 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing and sent to Your South Wales Wedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP.

ISSN 1756-6428

cwe C O U N T Y WEDDING E V E N T S

6

94

Enjoy breathtaking, tropical views whilst listening to turquoise waters rolling in with a glass of St. Lucia’s famous rum punch in hand.

www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher Digital Marketing Coordinator Katie Laley

www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Melissa Barker | Senior Editor, Grooms and Travel Editor melissab@county.wedding Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing Editor and Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

79

EDITOR’S LETTER www.fireandice.co.uk

These glamorous gowns are worthy of the red carpet.

41

47

Molly and Marc chose a white, gold and nude colour scheme for their wedding at Hensol Castle.

The latest flower trends.

92

www.lloydwilliamsphotography.com

34

The latest openings and honeymoon destinations for couples post-vows.

73

Lauren and Gaz celebrated their love surrounded by friends and family at Craig Y Nos Castle.

23

These bohoinspired dresses in luxe lace and flowing fabrics were made for fun and flirting.

www.purecreationsphotography.com

Tie the knot at a venue with a glorious garden.

7

all about eve occasionwear

01633 243943 | newport@allaboutevebridalwear.com

7 Clytha Park Road, Newport, Gwent, South Wales NP20 4NZ

all about eve bridal

www.allaboutevebridalwear.com

Simply the Best

Ededa J Exclusive LadiesWear

Appointments can be made if desired

Free Personal Dressing Service Sizes 8 to 26 Open Monday - Saturday Tel. 01239 710513 | Email. enquiries@ededa-j.co.uk

www.ededa-j.co.uk

Sycamore Street, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire Ededa.J ededaj.nce ededajNCE

LOCAL NEWS TIME TO CELEBRATE Black Mountain Activities in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary. First opening in 1992, this family-run adventure centre specialises in high-quality outdoor adventure activities that are perfect for stag and hen parties. The company provides rock climbing, caving, canoeing, kayaking, gorge walk adventure, white water rafting, clay pigeon shooting, archery, high-level ropes and zip wire, abseiling, mountain biking and much more!

Half-day, full-day and mix-and-match activity options are available. Alternatively, if you’re looking to make a weekend of it, then there are weekend packages available with accommodation.

Check out www.blackmountain.co.uk for more information.

d e w y l r a e N

NEWS

All the latest from around South Wales

SAY YES TO THE DRESS To celebrate All About Eve’s 20th birthday, the bridal boutique is undergoing a ‘glow up’, to create the ultimate wedding dress shopping experience.

The first phase to be completed is the fully-licensed Signature Lounge, which has a gin and fizz bar and luxury bridal suites. There are two bridal fitting rooms, with large comfy sofas for your guests and appointments include a bottle of prosecco, snacks and yummy treats. (The lux appointment is available at a cost of £40).

Once you have said yes to the dress, grab a selfie under the ‘All About the Bride’ neon sign and toast your special occasion in the new gin and fizz bar, which has a luxurious bathroom, exclusive to Signature Lounge brides.

You can book an appointment online at www.allaboutevebridalwear.com/book-appointment

REST AND RELAXATION Family-owned Penhein Glamping in Monmouthshire has launched a dedicated Go Wild Family Break to max out summer adventures. If you want to carve out time in nature, to relax and run wild, then fall asleep smelling of woodsmoke in the comfiest of beds in a luxury Persian yurt, the new Go Wild break is ideal. It encourages adults and kids to enjoy nature with no Wi-Fi or TV, and since the accommodation is off-grid, it’s the perfect place to escape from the stresses of everyday life.

To book or for more information, visit www.penhein.co.uk 11

A ROYAL AFFAIR Spells of Love, a jewellery designer in Wales, is celebrating after the Duchess of Cambridge was seen wearing their Alia Hoop earrings at the Platinum Jubilee Weekend. The company launched in 2016 by jewellery designer Hayley Jones, who creates fine jewellery with lots of love and attention to detail.

Defined by beautiful craftsmanship, fine materials and ethical practices, Spells Of Love is Hayley’s vision of accessible luxury with a human touch. Spells of Love blends bohemian femininity with a contemporary aesthetic, designed to celebrate individuality, confidence and self-expression. The joy of a Spells of Love piece is its longevity – these pieces are designed to be worn and cherished forever.

Head over to www.spellsoflove.co.uk for more information.

STYLING DISCOUNT The White Pallet Co is a small business in the heart of South Wales run by Charlotte Evans, who is passionate about weddings and rustic décor. Charlotte designs wedding pallets and signage for brides and grooms for collection or local delivery (at a small additional charge).

“I design custom decorations to fit any colour scheme and personal style,” says Charlotte. “The choices are endless, but there is one thing that is consistent with all of my designs, and that is that they are beautifully handcrafted, affordable and personal to the client.

I recently dropped my prices by 50 per cent to support brides and grooms who suffered from COVID-19. To help get weddings back on track this year, I’m offering a massive reduction and have promised to continue with these low prices until the end of 2023.”

Check out www.instagram.com/the.white.pallet.co for more information.

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STYLE ME PRETTY Bewitched Interior Designs is a new company in Pembrokeshire. The owner, Marie Tate, tells us: “We are a new business just starting out, and we hope you will take the time to look at our creations as we have so much to offer. We are a family-run business that designs wreaths, decorations and much more. We can offer advice and guidance to assist you in finding your perfect interior décor to suit all occasions.

We have a wide selection available, and our products are proving very popular. We are currently in the process of creating ceiling wreaths on a bed of freshly woven willow and hand-decorated with flowers and greenery of your choice. Our wreaths can also be decorated with luxurious velvet bows or on-trend hessian. Nothing is too big or small, and we aim to provide high-quality pieces.”

Call 07359 388 940 to find out more or check out www.facebook.com/bewitched-interior-designs-108787495042965

WELL DESERVED Voting for the Best of Welsh Wedding Awards 2022 is now open. This is your chance to highlight any suppliers who have helped make your day extra special along the way.

To nominate a company, simply visit the website and create a vote.

The nomination is then posted on the Best of Welsh Wedding Award’s Facebook page for other couples to vote. When voting closes, the votes are printed, counted and verified by two independent parties.

The shortlists are made up of first place, second place, third place and fourth places and the awards are given to first place and the runner up.

To find out more and to nominate a supplier who has gone above and beyond, visit www.bestofwelshawards.co.uk

Weddings at the Diplomat Hotel & Spa Create your bespoke fairytale wedding at Llanelli’s most popular and romantic wedding venue. We occupy a fabulous position in Llanelli, where we have been catering for wedding receptions for the past 40 years. In this time we have built up a long standing reputation in South Wales for attentive service and fabulous food.

We understand that every wedding is unique and whether you are planning a small intimate wedding for close friends or large grand wedding, at the Diplomat we will specially tailor the day to your requirements and budget.

Our hotel holds a civil wedding licence and offers you the convenience of having your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception all under one roof. We are also the only luxury hotel within a 30 mile radius with an indoor swimming pool, full spa and gym facilities.

Arrange an appointment with our wedding and events team to view our beautiful hotel and wedding facilities.

Felinfoel, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 3PJ T: 01554 756 156 E: info@diplomat-hotel-wales.com

www.diplomat-hotel-wales.com

NORTON HOUSE HOTEL | SA3 5TQ 01792 404891 | functions@nortonhousehotel.co.uk

www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk/weddings PAC K AG E S 2 0 23 /2 0 24 S I LV E R PAC K AG E

G O L D PAC K AG E

P L AT I N U M PAC K AG E

40 Day Guests, 70 Evening Guests, Exclusive Use of the Hotel, 17 Rooms Included!

40 Day Guests, 70 Evening Guests, Exclusive Use of the Hotel, 17 Rooms Included!

40 Day Guests, 70 Evening Guests, Exclusive Use of the Hotel, 17 Rooms & 4 Apartments Included!

2023 £7,000 2024 £7,400

2023 £8,000 2024 £8,400

2023 £7,000 2024 £7,400

Located a short walk from the town of Mumbles a stones throw from the stunning Swansea Bay Coastline is the Norton House Hotel. A Georgian Grade II listed building with 17 en-suit rooms, 4 apartments and a large Function Room, Restaurant and Bar as well as a large Patio and Garden space perfect for your big day.

Come and take over the whole building, with exclusive use just for your special day with one of our packages. Or, if you are looking for something a little different speak to a member of our team about creating a bespoke package just for you. Whether you want an intimate occasion for 15 people or a blow-out celebration for 90 we have something to suit you.

FREEBIES & OFFERS

CHERISHED MEMORIES

Encapsulated Memories is a small business in Llanharan offering flower preservation. The owner, Emma Cross, tells us more: “I’ve been building this dream for just over a year. It all started because I wanted to learn how to preserve my own bouquet from my wedding. My heart and soul goes into every order, I feel so honoured to be able to preserve such precious, memorable handmade pieces and I hope you love your order just as much as I love making it.”

Emma offers a wide range of services, including hearts, spheres, blocks, arches and hexagons designs, letters, coasters, tea light holders, teddy bears and frames. Prices start from £10 and there are a range of products to choose from.

Exclusively for Your South Wales Wedding, Encapsulated Memories is offering our readers an amazing 10 per cent discount on any of its products. Valid until 5th September, 2022. To claim this fab discount, email Emma at encapsulatedmemories.byemma@gmail.com and mention the magazine.

To find out more about Encapsulated Memories, visit www.encapsulatedmemories.com

Freebies & OFFERS Take advantage of these gorgeous giveaways and fab offers

ACCESSORISE AND SHINE

Award-winning British contemporary jewellery designer and silversmith Lucy Quartermaine has had a passion for designing and creating jewellery from a young age, having been inspired by her grandmother’s craft and skill.

Loved by A-list celebrities in the UK and around the world, Lucy’s brand is renowned for stylish designs and luxury aesthetics. What’s more, for every piece of jewellery purchased a tree is planted meaning eco-concious consumers can rest assured their purchases are sustainable.

With elegant jewellery and accessories perfect for the big day, County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Lucy Quartermaine to offer readers the chance to win an Art Deco Oval Pendant worth £95. The 925 sterling silver with rhodium overlay pendant is inset with white topaz gemstones and can be worn at a 16 or 20-inch length.

Visit www.lucyqdesigns.co.uk

ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURSOUTHWALES.WEDDING Closing date is 31th August, 2022, unless otherwise stated.

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Brangwyn Hall_FPA_YSWW63.indd 1

22/08/2018 15:17

REGIONAL VENUES

Spotlight on...

PEMBROKESHIRE TO SWANSEA MORGANS HOTEL, SA1 1RR 01792 484 848 | www.morganshotel.co.uk

WE LOVE...

The venue’s location on the famous Swansea Bay coast offers plenty of places to explore and take pictures.

www.weddingguys.co.uk

Located minutes from the maritime quarter and a short drive from the Mumbles and Gower coastline is Morgans Hotel. This Grade II* listed boutique venue opened in 1902 as the Swansea Harbour Trust Building and was designed by architect Edwin Seward. The four-star property has 42 individual bedrooms, a restaurant situated on the first floor with access via a champagne bar and a Greek statue-clad clock outside that looks wonderful in photographs.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Morgans Hotel is licenced for civil ceremonies and partnerships in the main function room and the Sir Galahad Suite.

The Restaurant and Atrium can accommodate up to 130 guests for the wedding breakfast and up to 200 for an evening reception.

17

www.pembrokeshireweddingphotographer.co.uk

WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL & SPA, SA62 5LZ 01437 741 225 | www.wolfscastle.com Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa is a family-run property nestled in the village of Wolfscastle. This glorious Victorian vicarage has 20 ensuite bedrooms, a two AA rosette stylish restaurant, a contemporary brasserie and a boutique spa. The award-winning property offers views of the woodland landscape and the awe-inspiring Treffgarne rocks. The well-established borders change with the seasons providing a burst of colour throughout the year and the nearby Sealyham woods offer ample photograph opportunities for couples.

BRANGWYN, SA1 4PE 01792 635 432 | www.brangwyn.co.uk The Brangwyn is an impressive wedding venue in Swansea that’s known for its Art Decor décor. Built in the 1930s, it’s situated within easy walking distance of Victoria Park and the spectacular sweep of Swansea Bay. The property uses striking and majestic architecture throughout, with historic British empire panels created by renowned artist Sir Frank Brangwyn on display.

18

CELEBRATE IN STYLE The Garden Room is a bright and airy space with high ceilings, large bifolding doors that open up to the rear garden and room for 130 nearest and dearest.

Large celebrations are held in the Sealyham Suite, a spacious area that can be dressed to any specification with colour-changing lighting. This room can accommodate 180 loved ones for the wedding breakfast and 300 for the evening celebration.

WE LOVE...

The bride-to-be will be able to visit the spa for free when three or more people book a spa package.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE The Brangwyn Hall is available for weddings and has striking highpanelled ceilings.

Alternatively, The George Hall and Lord Mayor’s Reception Room is decorated in an Art Deco style and provides a more intimate setting for nuptials.

WE LOVE...

Brangwyn is full of history and beautifully-decorated wedding spaces.

YOUR DREAM WEDDING VENUE AWAITS At Gileston Manor Estate, our Grade II listed Queen Anne Manor house is set in exquisite sprawling gardens, and when combined with our bespoke lotus marquee, luxury accommodation suites, and our breath taking location overlooking the heritage coast, the estate is the perfect setting for your special day.

S C A N T H E Q R C O D E T O B O O K A V I E W I N G T O D AY F I N D O U T M O R E AT G I L E S T O N M A N O R . C O . U K

WINNER OF ‘WELSH ROMANTIC HOTEL OF THE YEAR’ 2019

The romantic charm of the family-run Wolfscastle Country Hotel is just one of the many factors that have made us a leading Pembrokeshire wedding venue. You can be assured that your experience will be intimate and completely bespoke. Our venue is set in modern surroundings with breath-taking views across to Treffgarne Rocks as well as impeccable food and service throughout.

From the moment you arrive for your first visit, your team of dedicated wedding coordinators will be with you to ensure your day is both enchanting and unforgettable.

We hold a civil ceremony licence in our Garden Room and can cater for both intimate and larger gatherings of up to 130 guests attending the ceremony and 180 for your wedding breakfast. The spacious suite can be dressed to any specification with lighting that can be adjusted to any colour scheme.

Our Exclusively Yours package allows you to hire the whole hotel for your special day or even the entire weekend. You and your guests can enjoy private use of all of the rooms, facilities and grounds ensuring that your day is full of unique touches.

For information including pricing, menus and availability or to book an appointment with our wedding coordinators for a personal tour and informal discussion, please contact us 01437 741225 Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, SA62 5LZ | www.wolfscastle.com

www.jenkins-photography.co.uk

REGIONAL VENUES

CRAIG Y NOS CASTLE, SA9 1GL 01639 731 167 | www.craigynoscastleweddings.com favourite composers. This space is one of only eight Grade I listed opera houses in the UK and can accommodate 120 guests throughout the day.

Alternatively, the Conservatory can hold 130 nearest and dearest and the Music and Billard Room has room for 120.

The Patti Bar and Nicolini Lounge are located in the centre of the castle and both are available for friends and family to use throughout the night.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE The Theatre is decorated with a 125-year-old curtain depicting Madame Patti on a chariot in Rossini’s last Italian opera and the names of Patti’s

WE LOVE...

History lovers can organise a tour of the castle to find out more about its interesting past.

www.dominiclemoinephotography.co.uk

Located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Craig Y Nos Castle is surrounded by breathtaking grounds and views. There are 36 en suite bedrooms to choose from, a state-of-the-art gym with high-quality apparatus, a private lounge and a luxurious hot tub. The property was once home to Adelina Patti, the world-famous opera singer, and dates back to 1840.

WELSH GREEN WEDDINGS, SA44 5XE 01559 370 517 | www.welshgreenweddings.co.uk Welsh Green Weddings is a family-owned, eco-driven, organic farm situated in the Carmarthenshire countryside. The team grow and cook with a lot of their produce, all the heating is biomass or solar thermal, and the power is solar PV to help encourage low-impact weddings.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Weddings can take place in the new courtyard using the beautifullydecorated Pole Barn and the Yard Tipi for celebrations. The maximum capacity for the Pole Barn is 220 guests, and the Yard Tipi can fit 140

nearest and dearest.

Alternatively, the Oak Pagoda is available for up to 10 loved ones in the established walled garden. The pews, benches and hay bales can accommodate 200 people and the Old Dairy, which boasts a wonderful stained glass window, has room for 76 friends and family.

WE LOVE...

There is a range of on-site accommodation available, including a doubledecker bus, yurts and a gypsy caravan.

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Your Day. Your Way. Beautiful Barn Wedding Venue in Wales Nestled amongst the rolling Welsh hills of the Brecon Beacons and a stone’s throw from beautiful Llangorse Lake, sits the stunning Tall John’s House.

Set in its beautiful grounds is our blank canvas wedding venue in our wonderful stone Barn, which has been completely restored to make the perfect wedding venue for up to 160 guests with integral toilets and catering area. We have also restored the nearby Granary to make an alternative civil ceremony venue or extra reception space so that we can be as flexible as possible to fit in with your dreams for your big day.

The barn is a blank canvas venue - it is yours to style as you wish, to create a space that is personal, individual and unique to you. We know every bride is different, every couple is unique and your wedding day should reflect that. To help you create the wedding day of your dreams we offer you the chance to make the barn your own - your friends, your family, your style. YOUR day, YOUR way.

Blank canvas venue / Exclusive Use of our beautiful grounds / Incredible private position / NO set suppliers or corkage / Cottage accommodation included / Cottage included for bridal couple / Elegant Georgian manor house available / Gazebo in the gardens for civil ceremonies / Granary for civil ceremonies or additional reception space

Images courtesy of The Wedding Guys & Pure Creations Photography

www.talljohnshouse.com | Llangasty, Near Brecon, Powys, LD3 7PX | T: +44(0) 1239 821143 | E: hello@talljohnshouse.com

Manor Park Country House is set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, with picturesque blooming florals and greenery all year round. The house displays a modern twist on the original architecture from the 1700s. Dressed with beautiful chandeliers and a breathtaking, hand-carved wooden staircase finished with golden steel accents. Manor Park has in house specialist co-ordinators who help plan your dream wedding day from décor down to the delicious three course dinner.

WE OFFER BESPOKE WEDDING PACKAGES BUILT AROUND THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND DESIRES OF EACH COUPLE, DOWN TO EVERY LAST DETAIL. Call us on 01792 846999 or email enquiries@manorparkcountryhouse.co.uk

MANOR PARK COUNTRY HOUSE YNYSPENLLWCH ROAD, CLYDACH, SWANSEA, SA6 5NR

www.manorparkcountryhouse.co.uk

www.purecreationsphotography.com

THEMED VENUES

Al fresco ROMANCE Tie the knot in a glorious garden

MANOR PARK COUNTRY HOUSE, SA6 5NR

01792 846 999 | www.manorparkcountryhouse.co.uk

Ceremonies of up to 300 guests can take place in the grand Ashleigh Suite, or it can be split into two to accommodate 80 friends and family.

More intimate celebrations are held in the Alisha Suite, which has room for 80 loved ones.

During the most recent refurbishment, the beautiful patio was extended and is ideal for outdoor weddings.

We love...

The team can dress the space to suit any theme or colour scheme and provide everything from the meal to the décor.

www.purecreationsphotography.com

Manor Park Country House is set within 12 acres of landscaped gardens and boasts picturesque florals and greenery all year round. The building has been refurbished several times throughout its history and offers a modern twist on the original architecture from the 1700s. The property is dressed with grand chandeliers and a hand-carved wooden staircase finished with golden steel accents. Although it’s decked out with modernday facilities, the venue retains many of its prominent architectural features and oozes character.

Celebrate in style

23

www.sachamiller.co.uk

www.sachamiller.co.uk

HOLM HOUSE HOTEL, CF64 3BG

www.ramphoto.co.uk

Built in 1926 by JS Neale, Holm House Hotel is just 10 minutes outside of Cardiff and a stone’s throw from Penarth’s restored Art Deco pier. The property is a perfect example of ornate early 19th-century architecture fused with modern touches. Offering expansive views over the Bristol Channel and the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm, this luxury boutique hotel has a 1AA Rosette restaurant, an award-winning spa and a private garden. In the summer months, a stylish purpose-built outdoor bar is open, which is perfect for drinks in the sun and evening parties.

Celebrate in style The hotel caters for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts for up to 90 guests and receptions of 130. There are a range of spaces to choose from, including the restaurant with unspoilt views of the gardens and a marquee which can be erected in the grounds.

We love...

Holm House Hotel offers a complimentary food and wine tasting, a free gym membership three months before the big day and discounts on spa and hen parties. www.ramphoto.co.uk

02920 706 029 | www.holmhousehotel.com

MANOR PARC, CF14 9UA

Celebrate in style

02920 693 723 | www.manorparc.com

The Orangerie has a glass-domed ceiling and patio doors that open onto the grounds, with space for 110 guests for the ceremony, 80 for the wedding breakfast and 110 for the reception.

Alternatively, The Cedar Room, benefiting from two large bay windows that overlook the Cedar trees, can accommodate 110 friends and family throughout the day and 160 for the evening celebrations.

Manor Parc was previously known as the country manor house, Y Parc until it was renamed in 1984 and transformed into the current establishment. This independent family-run venue boasts a new seating area, balconies, gardens and Cedar trees alongside 200 free car parking spaces. Inside there are 21 bedrooms available at a discounted rate for guests, an impressive staircase and original oak flooring.

We love...

Couples will have access to a suite on the night of the wedding and a discounted rate for the night before.

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Holm is Where the Heart is...

W E D D I N G S AT H O L M H O U S E EXCLUSIVE USE OPTIONS

P I C T U R E S Q U E L O C AT I O N L U X U R Y A S S TA N D A R D

Holm House, Marine Parade, Penarth CF64 3BG 02920 706029 | events@holmhousehotel.co.uk

With over 40 years experience celebrating weddings, Manor Parc remains an independent family run venue with an excellent reputation for its customer service, dining & weddings Private Dining, Weddings, Functions & Celebrations

2023/2024 PACKAGE PRICES ORANGERIE WEDDING PACKAGE (Monday to Friday Only)

45 day guests & 80 evening guests – Orangerie only

2023 £5,900 2024 £6,400

SATURDAY WEDDING PACKAGE

(Choice of Orangerie or Cedar Room)

60 day guests & 100 evening guests

ULTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGE

Orangerie wedding ceremony, Cedar room wedding breakfast & evening party

75 day guests & 120 evening guests

2023 £8,000 2024 £8,500

2023 £9,500 2024 £10,000

P R I VAT E D I N I N G R O O M S | 2 1 E N S U I T E B E D R O O M S | PAT I O S & T E R R A C E S 2 0 0 + S PA C E C A R PA R K C O N TA C T U S F O R A B R O C H U R E O N 0 2 9 2 0 6 9 3 7 2 3 O R E M A I L E N Q U I R Y @ M A N O R P A R C . C O M THORNHILL ROAD

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THORNHILL

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CARDIFF (Sat Nav CF14 9UE)

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CF14 9UA

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manorparc.com

www.itpie.co.uk

www.itpie.co.uk

THEMED VENUES

PENCOED HOUSE ESTATE, CF5 6JR 02921 678 090 | www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk Once home to ministers of the church, the King of Glamorgan and King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, Pencoed House Estate dates back to 979AD and is nestled at the end of a tree-lined driveway. Surrounded by 36 acres of grounds, well-groomed lawns, flowers and ancient woodland, the venue is perfect for taking photographs.

Celebrate in style The stately Old Hall is made from original stone walls and boasts a striking vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, a roaring log fire and room for

TALL JOHN’S WEDDINGS, LD3 7PX 01239 821 143 | www.talljohns.wedding Tall John’s Weddings is situated within acres of exquisite grounds with mature trees and breathtaking views across the valley. The gardens at Tall John’s House are the brainchild of Willow Cracroft, who transformed it from an overgrown and neglected space to an amazing garden with features such as a rill, rose arbour, silver birch circle amid a splendid display of flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables.

There is a restored Welsh barn available for weddings which looks across the Black Mountains with an enchanting courtyard and a wooden gazebo that can be decorated with flowers and covered in Perspex if the weather is unkind. Inside are electric points, underfloor heating, insulation, hard floors and a catering area.

120 nearest and dearest.

Adjacent to the Old Hall is the self-contained Woodland Bar, which is ideal for post-wedding drinks.

Al fresco celebrations are available for up to 40 friends and family.

We love...

The happy couple will receive a complimentary wine tasting session, the help of a wedding coordinator, staff to manage guest parking and carefully selected caterers.

Celebrate in style The Drawing Room, inside the manor house, is available for up to 20 guests.

The split level Granary with its canopied beams and light stone floor can accommodate 80 loved ones downstairs, but there is space in the gallery above for extra friends and family.

Large celebrations are held in the barn, which is licensed for 160 nearest and dearest.

Those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors can tie the knot anywhere in the gardens or under the wooden gazebo.

We love...

Included in the venue hire is two nights in the Honeysuckle Cottage, which sleeps eight people on a self-catering basis, and the couple will be able to spend the wedding night in The Coachmans. The house is also available for up to 20 guests on a staffed basis, with breakfast included.

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Shappelles

Chepstow based bus operator with a beautiful fleet of classic buses available for hire. All our vehicles are lovingly restored to ensure they are in the best condition. With us, you are guaranteed a journey filled with fun, excitement and nostalgia.

Function Suite

What day could be more special than your wedding day, or the wedding day of a family member or friend?

That’s why we want it to be perfect for you, and we’ve made many days perfect for many people. Here at Shappelles Function Suite, we can help your whole day go smoothly so that all you need to worry about is arriving on time (or maybe slightly late if you’re the bride)!

www.chepstow-classic-buses.co.uk t: 01291 625 449 e: chepstowclassic@btconnect.com

Our totally private facility and staff will be at your disposal to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and memorable. After enjoying your silver service wedding breakfast you will be able to relax in our beautiful grounds while waiting for the evening guests to arrive.

We can also offer a first dance option, you can come along and we will choreograph a simple routine to your chosen song.

Packages start from £3000 Mid week lunch time weddings now available

tel: 01443 815909 email: info@shappelles.com www.shappelles.com SHAPELLES | THE BRIDGE YS T R A D M Y NACH | H EN G OED | CF82 7ED

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRAIG.MARC.9 @Chapter22patisserie E: chapter22patisserie@hotmail.com

elegance CLASSIC

REAL WEDDINGS

Teri and Kyle had a romantic celebration at Mounton Brook Lodge Images courtesy of Megan-Siân Photography

T

eri and Kyle met at work. “We went on to have our own business together,” says Teri. “Kyle will tell you that he only asked me out to get a pay rise, but six years later, we’re still together, and he never got that pay rise.”

Kyle popped the question during a surprise weekend away in 2019. “He only revealed where we were going when we got to the airport,” shares the bride. “He took me to Rome, which was where we went on our first holiday together and he had asked me to be his girlfriend three years earlier.”

Here the bride shares some of her favourite moments from their big day...

29

Kyle and I looked at a lot of venues online, and Mounton Brook Lodge was the only one we went to see in person and we fell in love with it straight away! We wouldn’t have changed a thing about it.

We wanted something which looked beautiful and could accommodate large numbers but kept everyone together.

The bar area is so special and stands out as soon as you walk in, and the decked terrace area was ideal for a warm summer’s day. I couldn’t of picked a better place to spend the night before the wedding, and its large living area made getting ready in the morning fun and stress free!

I added acrylic writing to clear plaques for the place names which doubled up as favours.

We wanted the whole day to be simple but elegant, so for our centrepieces, we chose candles and artificial flowers. From the start, I knew I wanted hydrangeas included in my bouquet and Lottie at The Bloom Room created an arrangement which matched my vision exactly.

Vicki at BB’s Cakes created an elegant cake with matching cupcakes. Everyone commented on how they not only looked delicious but tasted great too.

Catering was the only part of the wedding that Kyle wanted to be involved in, and it was decided from the start that the evening food would be a choice of pizzas. The wedding breakfast was a three-course meal that tasted wonderful. All the catering was provided by Mounton Brook Lodge, and we had so many options to choose from.

30

REAL WEDDINGS

Kyle always knew he wanted a navy suit, but since it was his wedding day, he wanted something slightly more special, so we went for a bluechecked three-piece option with tan shoes. The groomsmen paired their suit with matching blue ties, and Kyle kept it classic with a navy tie.

I’d seen lots of multi-way bridesmaids’ dresses that never had the wow factor, until I came across the perfect design at Kates Dresses.

We felt so much love on the day and I don’t think anything will ever compare to that. Looking around and seeing all of our friends and family having a good time was a wonderful feeling.

I wore a Morilee dress called Rapunzel from LJ Bridal Collection. It came with an added overskirt and extra train, however, I decided not to wear it on the day as the dress was already stunning. I styled it with a simple veil as to not take anything away from the gown. I never actually had “that moment” that most brides get when trying on dresses, and I think there is a lot of pressure on women to feel that way. I probably never got that feeling as I wanted something different that people wouldn’t expect me to wear, which was a bit out of my comfort zone.

I loved the gown and at every alterations appointment I began to love it more and knew it was the right choice. Looking back at the photos, it was without a doubt perfect, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it.

Before the wedding breakfast Kerry Scorah, an amazing magician, entertained our guests. She was a great ice breaker and brought everyone together. She kept our friends and family entertained while we went off for our photos and even impressed people who were non-magic believers!

During this time, we also hired Poppy’s Vintage Ices, a beautifullydecorated ice cream van, which was a big hit.

31

While I know your wedding day is meant to be about you, we always wanted it to be a day to bring everyone together. On arrival and during the drinks reception, we chose the wonderful cellist, Nerys Clark.

This was actually a last-minute booking as we had seen her play at a wedding fair only a couple of months before the wedding. She played beautifully, and it set the scene for the day.

We knew we wanted a live band who would play songs that kept the dancefloor full all night and The Hype definitely delivered! We also had Caricatures by Tony Marriott (Tony’s Toons) draw fun caricatures of people laughing, and we felt these drawing were more personal than a photo booth and something people could keep forever.

We couldn’t single out one person or supplier as we were so lucky that everything went so smoothly. Without a doubt having these people around us made our day.

Scan to view video

www.oliviamadethis.co.uk

Our wedding was originally planned for May 2021, however due to COVID-19, we decided to postpone until later in the year for the best chance of fewer restrictions. We chose our honeymoon to the Maldives, but when we postponed the wedding, our trip would fall in peek rain season, so we went on a minimoon to Devon instead. It gave us time to look forward to our dream honeymoon, which we went on a few months later. It was the ideal way to drag out the celebrations!

TERI AND KYLE’S CONTACTS

Venue and catering, Mounton Brook Lodge, www.mountonbrooklodge.co.uk | Photographer, Megan-Siân Photography, www.megan-sianphotography.com | Videographer, Olivia Made This, www.oliviamadethis.co.uk | Bride’s dress and accessories, LJ Bridal Collection, www.ljbridalcollection.co.uk | Alterations, Jennifer Sly | Groom’s suit, Regency Groom, www.groomswear.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Kates Dresses, www.katesdresses.co.uk | Hair stylist, Rockarella Hair and Accessories, www.facebook.com/rockarellahair | Make-up artist, Angharad Letitia MakeUp, www.facebook.com/angharadletitiamakeup | Cake, BB’s Cakes, www.facebook.com/bbsbakes | Flowers, The Bloom Room, www.bloomroommonmouth.com | Stationery, Mally’s Crafts, www.mallyscrafts.co.uk | Cellist, Nerys Clark, www.nerysclark.com Band, The Hype, www.warble-entertainment.com/the-hype | Magician, Kerry Scorah, www.kerryscorah.co.uk | Caricaturist, Caricatures by Tony Marriott (Tony’s Toons), www.tonystoons.co.uk | Ice cream van, Poppy’s Vintage Ices, www.poppysvintageices.co.uk 32

Cardiff Wedding Disco

WEDDINGS FAMILY & EVENTS Supplying beautiful music for your wedding day and night DJ Alan Matthews 07800 845 014

www.cardiffweddingdisco.co.uk www.facebook.com/DJ.Alan.Matthews

Tel: 07927 975 219 Email: megan-sian@hotmail.co.uk

www.megan-sianphotography.com CHEPSTOW • MONMOUTHSHIRE

A multi-award winning Hair & Makeup Team working with you to create your wedding day image.

No party too large or small.

Go to our website to see a gallery of our real brides. www.janetwhiteashby.co.uk | 07960 123584

romantic TRULY

Lauren and Gaz opted for a green and gold colour scheme for their wedding at Craig Y Nos Castle Images courtesy of Lloyd Williams Photography

34

REAL WEDDING

L

auren and Gaz met in the summer of 2017. “Gaz was volunteering at my cattle ranch in Wyoming,” says Lauren. “We were just friends until he went to leave, and sparks began to fly. When Gaz returned to the UK, we stayed in touch and after a few days, he had already booked his flight back to the ranch. His second stay was a little more romantic, and by the end of it, I had decided to follow him over to Wales for the winter season while he got his degree.”

Gaz proposed in Clyne Woods near where he grew up in Swansea on New Year’s Day. “It was such a lovely spot, and it was so special that it was just us and our dog in the beautiful forest,” shares the bride. “The proposal itself wasn’t a surprise as we had talked about it for a long time, but it was a really special moment, and I loved the ring that he picked out.”

SETTING THE SCENE “I had been eyeing Craig Y Nos Castle before Gaz officially proposed,” recalls Lauren. “It was the perfect place for so many reasons! There was plenty of room to accommodate all my international guests, and we had the venue to ourselves, which meant we could set up a whole room for board games and even bring laser tag for the kids. For an American, getting married in a castle was huge! I suspect it was a big draw for our guests to book such an expensive trip. For our original wedding, that was supposed to happen in 2020, we had more than 40 guests coming from the US, New Zealand and Bali. Many of my American friends had never travelled outside of the US and while I’d like to think that they were all just really keen to celebrate with us, I think most of them were just really excited to have a massive party in a castle. While I didn’t know it at the time of booking, looking back there was one thing that made our day more special than everything else combined and that was the staff! Everyone at the castle was so warm, accommodating and overall terrific! From the very start, they went out of their way to make our day special and did such a fantastic job pulling the whole thing off exactly to our specifications. Nicola was absolutely phenomenal, and did so much to bring all of my ridiculously elaborate dreams to life! Craig Y Nos Castle handled all the catering for the wedding weekend, and it would be the understatement of the century to say it was delicious. Everything from the spectacular full English breakfast to the delicious canapés and elaborate sit-down meals was beyond any expectation I could have invented in my wildest dreams.

Having lived several years in San Francisco, I’ve become fairly spoiled with delicious cuisine, so when they served up the foodie heaven that they did, we were absolutely blown away! In the run-up to the wedding, we also ate at the Ancient Briton and the Pen Y Cae Inn, and both were spectacular as well.”

Lauren and Gaz created care bags for their guests as favours. “These included a tote bag with our custom logo, water bottles, snacks, earplugs, Welsh cakes and custom-made coasters for guests to identify their seats,” explains the bride. “We love astronomy, so we named each table after a different constellation.”

“The centrepieces were floral arrangements done mostly by my dear friend and florist, Samantha Shorts from Heide’s Fresh Cut Flowers, who flew over from the US,” reveals Lauren. “The flowers were by far the most elaborate aspect of our wedding. All arrangements were overseen by Samantha and bought in Swansea.

Samantha worked with me and several of my friends to build two massive flower walls, 10 table arrangements, four mantelpiece arrangements, a floral garland for the cake, six bouquets and 17 buttonholes and fascinators. I cannot express enough how accommodating, and helpful the Craig Y Nos Castle staff were in helping us to realise our vision for the space. Not only did they allow us to gather foliage and ivy from their grounds, but they moved arrangements from one room to the next to maximize the use of the arrangements.”

The couple’s cake was decorated with a floral garland. “We were lucky enough to be lent a sword by a friend of mine who is a historian,” adds the bride. “It meant we could cut it in style.”

DRESSED TO IMPRESS “My dress was designed by Lili Butler, a close friend of the family who happens to be a high-end American fashion designer,” says Lauren. “When she found out

35

Marc Smith Photography

Nick Murray Photography Nick Murray photography

Rachel Lambert Photography

Studio Cwtch

Lloyd Williams Photography

Owen Mathias

Joe Lewis Photography Joe Lewis Photography Nick Murray Photography

Winner of ‘Best Venue’ at the Welsh National Wedding Awards Complete exclusivity of the whole Manor for your special day Stylish decor with a selection of unique spaces to suit every guest; including our gin lounge, Atrium and children’s room With a talented team of in house chefs, you will have the opportunity to discuss and plan your perfect menu. TripAdvisor certificate of excellence for 9 consecutive years and voted the ‘foodie venue’ by WalesOnline. *NEW ACCOMMODATION* Our fabulous Pamper and Prep Suite compliments our existing boutique bedrooms and allow you to stay in pure luxury the night before your special day!

02920 892 232 | enquiries@decourceys.co.uk | www.decourceys.co.uk

REAL WEDDINGS

I was engaged and had picked Craig Y Nos Castle as a venue, she started planning the dress. We picked out the fabrics in New York, and she painstakingly set her team to work on the elaborate gown, which was quite literally made to be worn in a castle. The whole dress is made out of various types of silk and was made with well over 50 yards of material. It was accessorised with borrowed diamond and pearl earrings and shoes that I had dyed to match the aisle in the castle’s theatre. It’s also worth noting that Julie Holmes Make up Artist did a fantastic job of styling the bridesmaids to their exact specifications. I looked like the absolute best version of myself in a truly understated way and it stayed place all day. Our hair was done by Calon Bridal Hair, who was fantastic too, and not a single style looked tired by the end of the night, and we were all so delighted with how we looked!”

The groom and groomsmen wore morning suits from Slater Menswear.

“Gaz was different in that his cravat matched my dress, while the groomsmen’s matched the green that the bridesmaids wore,” shares the bride. “With so many wonderful women coming from different backgrounds, it was important to me that they each wore something that reflected their style, so I just gave the guideline of picking something in dark green. I absolutely loved the mismatched result as it really highlighted them each as individuals and allowed them to pick a dress they truly loved and might wear again.”

TIME TO CELEBRATE “Pure Wedding DJ’s was our only entertainer, and he did a fantastic job,” recalls Lauren. “He quickly gauged the vibe in the room, took recommendations and played hit after hit. The dancefloor was still absolutely packed when he finished at 1am.”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS “As we had planned the wedding to happen a year-and-a-half before and had a small ceremony in 2020, there was very little pressure on the festivities and we just wanted it to be as beautiful as possible,” explains the bride. “This helped in a big way for us to let go on the day. We planned all that we could, but the things that went differently on the day felt more serendipitous than difficult, and from start to end, it was more fun than I ever would have expected. Something about our day being just after restrictions were lifted, the level of fantasy and whimsy in the décor and the overall joy radiating from the staff was just magical. So many of us were ready to pretend the past two years were a figment of our imagination and the magical wonderland of the castle and staff were spectacular at bringing that fantasy to life.”

37

Scan to view video

www.1visionphotography.com

LAUREN AND GAZ’S CONTACTS Venue and catering, Craig Y Nos Castle, www.craigynoscastleweddings.com | Photographer, Lloyd Williams Photography, www.lloydwilliamsphotography.com | Videographer, One Vision Photography, www.1visionphotography.com | Bride’s dress, Lili Butler, www.grouplili.com | Groom’s suit, Slater Menswear | Hair stylist, Calon Bridal Hair, www.calonbridalhair.com | Make-up artist, Julie Holmes Make up Artist, www.julieholmesmakeup.co.uk | Flowers, Heide’s Fresh Cut Flowers, www.facebook.com/heidesfreshcutflowers | Cake, Rachael Watkins | Entertainment, Pure Wedding DJ’s, www.pureweddingdjs.co.uk 38

Y lleoliad perffaith

ar gyfer seremoni a gwledd eich priodas neu bartneriaeth sifil

The perfect setting

for your wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions 01443 412248 • llancaiachfawr@caerffili.gov.uk

As M ka in bo ut ut eW o ed ur L di as ng t s

www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk • Llancaiach Fawr CF46 6ER

Wedding Package Packagesfor for 2021 2023 Wedding Midweek 50 Guests £5175 60 Guests Friday £6360 70 Guests Saturday for £7545

Includes: Three course Wedding Breakfast *Includes Exclusive of Castle Functions rooms with Exclusive useuse of Castle Function rooms Opera for Wedding WeddingCeremonies Ceremonies Opera house licensed licensed for Conservatory with Candelabra Candelabrafor fortable tabledecorations decorations Conservatoryfor for your your Wedding Wedding Banquet Banquet with

Three Course Wedding Breakfast, Welcome Drinks, 2 glasses wine on table, sparkling wine for toasts, Evening Finger Buffet, White chair covers & bows in either ceremony room or banqueting room, Cake stand, napkins, table cloths, Gold or silver candelabra, marquee style banqueting room with ceiling fairy lights, all above

Requires: Minimum 50 guests stayingstaying overnight, only 25 midweek, a B&B @ £75 per head.

Requires: Minimum 50 guests overnight on a B&Bonbasis @ basis £75 per head.

www.craigynoscastleweddings.com

Member’s Wedding Package - 125 Guests @ £50 pp Includes: Two courseweddinginformation@craigynoscastle.com Wedding Breakfast and Welcome Drinks (Add £20pp LAsfor third course and evening buffet)

fine day ONE

Molly and Marc celebrated their big day at Hensol Castle with a white, gold and nude colour scheme Images courtesy of Fire & Ice

M

olly and Marc met when they were teenagers. “We just clicked right away,” says Molly. “Marc proposed on a safari in Dubai in 2017. It was a complete surprise! The jeep pulled into a sand dune as the sun was rising, and there were rose petals and candles set up for us.”

40

REAL WEDDING

a fairytale. We loved the venue after Getting married at Hensol Castle was like ed a property where we could stay want attending my sister’s wedding there. We just stunning. were ds all day, and the groun

Bella Cakes provided a four-tier white cake with 3D flowers.

Our table plan was a map of the world with each table named after places we’d visited together.

family members’ touches and had photos from We included lots of decorative ones that had passed had a memory table of loved weddings on display. We also and couldn’t be with us.

stocks and eucalyptus from Best Marc and I chose a mixture of white roses,

by Samara.

Buds The centrepieces were a mixture of tall cande labras and vases filled with white flowers and greenery.

41

the staircase, a blossom tree arch outside We decorated the space with flowers along . the doors, candles, photos and dancefloor signs

Our catering was done by Hen sol Castle. They provided war m Welshcakes, drinks on arrival and a three-co urse meal followed by a hog roa st in the evening.

My dress was a Dando London design called Desire from ONE1 Bridal. I accessorised with silver pearl drop earrings, Jimmy Choo shoes and a veil.

The bridesmaids chose gold max

i dresses with a lace halterneck

42

from Coast.

Marc wore a black tuxedo from Dyfed Menswear. He stood out by having black buttons down his shirt while the groomsmen had white versions.

To keep our guests entertained, we had Bagpiper South Wales – John Campbell perform as the guests arrived. Ffion Wyn Sax then played some of our favourite songs on the saxophone during the drinks reception and singing waiters, Sing & Spin, pretended to fall over during the meal before singing five songs which got everyone dancing. Finally, we had a live band called The Styles in the evening with a DJ afterward. Our friends and family said all of the entertainers was amazing and we would recommend them all.

REAL WEDDINGS

On the mor ning of the weddin g, we felt excited and nervous . We were so glad we could finally have our day afte r it was postponed twice due to the pandemic.

Only I knew about it and it was a The singing waiters really shocked everyone. surprise for Marc as well.

Marc’s three best men did a speech, along with my dad and Marc. These weren’t PG-rated which made it even funnier. Ever yone was in such a good mood all day and it was an amazing experience!

Scan to view video

For our honeymoon, we went to Barbados for eight nights.

We planned it together and took our 11-month-old son . It was perfect and the best holi day ever.

MOLLY AND MARC’S CONTACTS

www.fireandice.co.uk

Venue and catering, Hensol Castle, www.hensolcastle.com | Photographer and videographer, Fire & Ice, www.fireandice.co.uk | Bride’s dress, ONE1 Bridal, www.one1bridal.com | Bride’s shoes, Jimmy Choo | Groom’s suit, Dyfed Menswear, www.dyfedmenswear.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Coast | Hair stylist, Be Soph Hair Sculpture, www.instagram.com/besophhair | Make-up artists, Sophie Does Makeup, www.instagram.com/_sophiedoesmakeup_ and Beauty by Becci, www.instagram.com/beauty_by_becci | Cake, Bella Cakes, www.facebook.com/bespokebellacakes | Flowers, Best Buds by Samara, www.bestbudsbysamara.co.uk | Venue styling, Be Our Guest Events, www.beourguestevents.co.uk | Transport, Prices Wedding Cars, www.pricesweddingcars.co.uk | Bagpipes, Bagpiper South Wales - John Campbell, www.bagpipersouthwales.co.uk | Singing waiters, Sing & Spin, www.singandspin.co.uk | Band, The Styles, www.thestyles.co.uk | Saxophone, Ffion Wyn Sax, www.facebook.com/ffionwynsax 43

Hensol Castle

where your wedding dreams and fairytales come true

Phil Warren Photography

A Grade I listed 17th Century Castle with all its traditional splendour,

exclusively yours †

for the day.

If you’ve always dreamed of a fairytale wedding venue where you will feel like royalty, Hensol Castle is waiting for you.

G

From 60 to 200 guests#



Idyllic photographic setting including a picturesque serpentine lake and jetty



Selection of menus and drinks packages



Outdoor ceremonies in our new bandstand



Hensol Castle Welsh Gin favours‡

s

Licensed for civil ceremonies



in

Set in 650 acres of countryside



ur EWo N Fav



Morgan James Wedding Photography

There are many wedding venues in South Wales - but only one in a Grade 1 listed castle.

Think majestic turrets, sweeping staircases and gothic towers (perfect for photo opportunities!).

Our gorgeous Grade I listed building is nestled in luscious, landscaped grounds steeped in history.

We’re easy to reach too! Perfectly placed, in a stunning countryside setting, yet just off the M4.

Every last detail will be taken care of, from room décor to evening entertainment and toasts. After all, we are passionate about making your dream wedding a reality.

The Wedding Business

Our dedicated wedding co-ordinators, along with our professional team, will grant your every wish on your special day from the moment you step onto the red carpet. It’s your day and we want you to remember it forever!

exclusively for you..

•

COMPLIMENTARY suite for the wedding couple

•

COMPLIMENTARY first anniversary dinner at the Vale Resort Grill restaurant for the wedding couple

•

COMPLIMENTARY Vale Health & Racquets Club Membership for the happy couple+

•

Choose either a COMPLIMENTARY round of golf with three friends^ or 20% OFF in the Vale Resort Spa+ for each member of the couple

Claudia Rose Photography

SpecialWINTER 2022 RATES AVAILABLE*

Phil Warren Photography

EW N

01443 665803 | www.hensolcastle.com *Terms & conditions apply, new bookings only, valid on winter 2022/23 weddings. #Minimum numbers apply. † Excludes Hensol Castle Atrium and Distillery. ‡Subject to tariff price. ^Handicap certificate required. +One month prior to wedding.

YSWW.07.22

Hensol Castle Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JX

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR DIY WEDDING We stock and sell a large variety artificial flowers and floral supplies.

Our stock range is the most up to date current available on the market and are always looking to expand our range with fresh ideas.

02920 814088 artificialfloralsupplies.co.uk afscustomersrv@gmail.com

• • • • • • •

Wedding Stationary Table Decoration Venue Decoration Wedding Flowers Wedding Craft Bride Accessories Dried Flowers Artificial Floral Supplies Ltd Warehouse 2 | Moy Road Taffs Well | Cardiff CF15 7QR

F LO W E R P R E S E R VAT I O N F O R A N Y O CC AS I O N Encapsulate your memories in a beautiful handmade keepsake encapsulatedmemories.byemma@gmail.com

W W W. E N C A P S U L AT E D M E M O R I E S . C O M

THE WEST USK LIGHTHOUSE IS AN INTIMATE WEDDING VENUE AND HISTORIC HOME The building itself is over 200 years old and overlooks the junction of the Severn and the Usk estuaries, which lead to the Bristol Channel.

YOU MAKE THE MEMORIES. . . . . .WE HELP PRESERVE THEM

Want to keep your wedding flowers as fresh as the day you walked down the aisle with them?

Based in Merthyr Tydfil, we specialise in flower preservation.

A very unique way to cherish special memories forever, incorporating your wedding bouquet into timeless resin keepsakes.

A MARQUEE WEDDING VENUE

Pre-booking is essential and slots are filling fast!

Reserve a slot for your special 2022-2024 date today.

Late availability, please contact us.

Please contact us on 07540 475288 for a consultation.

www.instagram.com/outofthebox_bykate Out of the box

WITH A HONEYMOON SUITE OVERLOOKING THE SEA

WWW.WESTUSKLIGHTHOUSE.CO.UK

info@westusklighthouse.co.uk | 01633 810126 The West Usk Lighthouse, Lighthouse Road, St. Brides, NP10 8SF

FLOWERS

Hello petal The latest flower trends

W

e love flowers here at Your South Wales Wedding, but with so many gorgeous blooms to choose from it can be a bit overwhelming. There are lots of ways to incorporate flowers into your décor, such as the bouquets, buttonholes, flower walls, table runners, corsages, centrepieces, arches, hanging installation, hair accessories and pew ends, to name but a few. To help inspire you, we’ve asked local suppliers more about their companies and for their top tips.

MEET KATE PUGH FROM OUT OF THE BOX kate_pugh22@icloud.com | www.instagram.com/outofthebox_bykate My name is Kate, and I’m a professional flower preservation artist. I create timeless resin keepsakes from your wedding bouquet that you can cherish forever.

The biggest trend I’ve noticed is the popularity of hexagon-shaped products. I think it adds a more geometrical look to the design, and it captures the flowers beautifully. I see a lot of neutral bouquets that use white and greens, so this seems to be the most popular colour scheme for weddings at the moment. As a result, I get very excited when I receive a colourful bouquet, and with summer and autumn weddings approaching, I can’t wait to see and work with lots of gorgeous hues.

How does the process work?

Start by contacting your supplier to secure your date. You will be contacted before the wedding to arrange how you will get your bouquet to them. For example, I ask couples to either post their blooms using my guide or bring them down to my studio.

I then ask couples to send me what they would like made from the bouquet. These flowers will go into the drying process for about two-three weeks. Once the drying process is complete, the flowers are ready to go into the design stage. They will be coated in resin, sanded, a top coat applied and then the order is complete.

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www.grahamdaviesphotography.co.uk

www.heartfulloftea.com

MEET RHIAN REES FROM WILD AND FABULOUS FLOWERS

www.michellehuggleston.com

The pandemic has meant that people have spent more time outside and this has resulted in a shift towards more seasonal flowers.

More couples are asking where their flowers come from. When British flowers are available, we try to use local farmers where possible. Re-purposing your flowers is also important. Why not use the church flowers on the bar table or place meadow troughs along the aisle and then along the top table?

Brides are looking for bouquets full of texture that are light and joyful and have movement and scent. It’s important to remember that flowers make your wedding photographs come alive.

Beautiful hand-tied silk ribbons that float in the breeze look amazing in portrait shots.

This year I am seeing far less coffees and creams. There has been a shift towards larger displays and installations. Church porches decorated with big displays, huge urns full of blooms, flower clouds, arches and big table garlands. They all create the most amazing atmosphere and are the perfect backdrops for photographs.

My prediction for 2023 and 2024 will be the trailing bouquet and flower headbands rather than flower crowns.

www.michellehuggleston.com

wildandfabulousflowers@gmail.com | www.wildandfabulousflowers.com

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A family business based in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, providing:

WREATHS · DECORATIONS · AND MUCH MORE...

We can offer advice and guidance to assist you in finding your perfect interior decor to suit all occasions. With a wide selection available, our new designs are proving very popular. We are currently in the process of creating made-tomeasure ceiling wreaths on a bed of freshly woven willow, hand decorated with flowers and greenery of your choice.

Our wreaths can also be decorated with luxurious velvet bows or Hessian.

Nothing is too big or small and we aim to provide a service of high quality pieces.

For free quotations or any enquiries please contact:

07359 388940

BewitchedDesigns@outlook.com

Wild and Fabulous Flowers

SPECIALISTS IN WEDDINGS, EVENTS & BESPOKE BOUQUETS. We create natural florals with an emphasis on using local flowers in a sustainable way. We also host floral workshops and flower crown parties.

AWA R D W I N N I N G W E D D I N G F L O R I S T F R E S H A N D A RT I F I C IA L F L O W E R S

www.wildandfabulousflowers.com wildandfabulousflowers@gmail.com

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FLOWERS

MEET EMMA CROSS FROM ENCAPSULATED MEMORIES encapsulatedmemories.byemma@gmail.com | www.encapsulatedmemories.com Have you thought about what you’re going to do with your bouquet once your special day is over? On average, eight per cent of a couple’s overall budget is put towards flowers, yet there’s no thought about what happens to them afterwards. Gone are the days when the only option was to bin them or air dry them, there are now lots of ways flowers can be preserved. Just imagine being able to keep a part of your special day encapsulated in a timeless memory.

Flower preservation is a worth while investment, it’s becoming popular amongst newlyweds who want to not only keep a part of their day for themselves but also to gift to their family and friends.

Framed options are a traditional approach to displaying your bouquet preservation; however, resin is taking the spotlight with more modern and varied options to choose from.

Preservation can also be functional, from coasters and trays to ring holders, or if you’re a couple that prefers to make a statement, there are blocks available in various shapes and sizes.

In terms of the flowers themselves, ranunculus and peonies are popular choices, both dry very well for preservation, and come in the most wonderful colours, perfect for if you’re opting for a soft, elegant, white bouquet or a colourful, eye-catching version.

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LAURA MAY BRIDAL Laura May Bridal opened in 2011, and has quickly risen to become one of Wales's leading bridal boutiques, committed to providing a personal and unforgettable shopping experience for every bride who walks through our doors.

THE MORGAN ARCADE, CARDIFF, CF10 1AF 02920344700 info@lauramaybridal.co.uk www.lauramaybridal.co.uk

INSPIRATION

The Bridgerton effect

Editorial assistant Gracie Leader looks at how Netflix’s biggest show has influenced weddings

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https://dominikamiechowska.co.uk

veryone’s favourite period drama re-entered our lives with a bang at the end of March when season two of Bridgerton became Netflix’s most viewed English-language TV series, watched for 251.7 million hours in its debut week alone.

And the show is certainly not going anywhere, having been renewed for both seasons three and four back in April of last year, following the huge success of season one.

VENUES One aspect that defines the awe-inspiring beauty of the show is the grand country homes and sweeping ballrooms.

As nearly all of the filming for the show took place in the South of England, many of the real locations you see in the show can in fact be hired out for your wedding celebrations.

In the opening episode of the first season, the outdoor Vauxhall Ball set the standard for the grandness we could expect.

The parklands of Stowe House (www.stowe.co.uk) in Bedfordshire was the location for these scenes, the 17th-century Ducal Palace boasts individuality and elegance for a fairytale wedding.

The ballrooms in Leigh Court (www.leighcourt.co.uk) in Bristol are where we see many of the characters dance together at a number of parties held throughout the series. The 19th-century mansion is surrounded by 27 acres of wooded grounds and green lawns, and the grand double staircase in the Great Hall is perfect for making your first entrance as a married couple.

Many of us are captivated by the opulence and extravagance of high society shown on our screens and so desperate to feed some historical glamour into our own lives – especially during our big day.

Regency era and Bridgerton-themed celebrations are set to be one of the biggest wedding trends this year. Achieving this lavish style may seem impossible at first but we’ve broken down some of the simplest ways to inject 18th-century luxury into your nuptials.

COLOUR PALETTE The Regency era was defined by the baby blue colour that can be spotted in almost every episode.

Known as Regency blue, it is the perfect hue to weave into your flowers, decorations or dress code.

For a 21st-century update, Pantone have named the colour of 2022 ‘Very Peri’. The shade of violet-infused blue is perfect for a subtle nod to the Bridgerton world.

Soft tones of blush and pink were also extremely popular at the time and are perfect for creating an ultra romantic setting when you tie the knot. Take inspiration from Princess Beatrice of York’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in summer of 2020, the pretty pinks and fresh natural palette were a more modern twist on a classic regal wedding.

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INVITATIONS Sending out your invitations to your guests is one of the first ways to set the tone for your wedding. Handwritten notes featuring swooping calligraphy perfectly encapsulate the elegant nature of your celebration.

Incorporate watercolour and impressionist-style florals into your stationery for a whimsical affair. Gold detailing and other refined touches make sure your wedding stationery gives a perfect nod to the Regency era. Sealing your invites with a wax seal will make guests feel as though they’re receiving salacious gossip from Lady Whistledown herself.

Empire Waist, Marchesa Bridal 2022

Corsets, Marchesa Bridal 2022

Opera Gloves, ShleifDressBridalCo, Etsy

Navy herringbone tailcoat, Next

FASHION It’s not just on screen fashion that has been inspired by the extravagance of the Regency era. Those attending this year’s Met Gala were asked to adhere to the dress code ‘Gilded Glamour’, taking inspiration from the high society of Gilded Age New York during the late 1800s.

For a wedding gown fit to make you a diamond of the first water lots of inspiration can be taken from the dresses of this time.

Empire waist gowns were extremely popular during the time period and it’s unsurprising considering how flattering they are. For an ultraromantic style look for a dress with capped sleeves also.

Corsets were, of course, a huge part of fashion in the Regency era and now they are once again having resurgence. Whilst during the time 54

period they were a part of the undergarments worn by the bride, now they can be a featured part of your ensemble.

One easy way to add a touch of gilded glamour to your look is by accessorising with opera gloves. To modernise your wedding gown a sheer pair is the way forward.

Grooms can take inspiration from the dukes of Bridgerton and wear a morning suit complete with a tailcoat for a look that can compete with Jane Austen’s Mr Darcy.

To ensure all your guests are involved with the theme of your celebrations, a black tie or formal wear dress code can encourage everyone to attend in their finery.

www.lauraberesford.com

FLOWERS Any watcher of Bridgerton will know the budget they had for flowers when making the show was pretty impressive. The dreamy purple wisteria that draped over the exterior of the Bridgerton family’s residence caused fans mass hysteria, as many were keen to recreate the swoon-worthy look.

Although it can be hard to get your hands on, if you’re having a spring time wedding you may be lucky as many country house wedding venues have wisteria climbing up the outside of their buildings. It’s definitely something worth asking your venue about.

If you want to recreate the lush floral arrangements seen in Daphne’s wedding to the Duke of Hastings in the first season, shown last year, English garden-style arrangements with fresh greenery are best to create that clean and natural setting.

Standing beneath a floral arch, just like Daphne and Simon, when saying your vows will ensure your photographer can capture some dreamy and ethereal images from your ceremony.

INSPIRATION

CAKE One of the most spectacular visuals from Daphne and Simon’s wedding was a massive wedding cake that stood at 4.5-foot tall.

In addition to its impressive height, the centrepiece was extremely detailed, right down to the Bridgerton and Hastings crests iced on.

Detailed, extravagant cakes are certainly making a comeback in 2022. This year the UK’s oldest British caterer is recreating a royal wedding cake made by its founder 126 years ago, to celebrate their 175th anniversary.

Searcy’s catering (https://searcys.co.uk) has taken a trip back through its archives to the cake made for the1896 royal wedding of Princess Maud, then the future Queen of Norway, to Prince Carl of Denmark.

Five-tiers of Dundee fruit cake are covered with delicate marzipan and white and gold lattice work icing before topped with carefully crafted sugar work of flowers, fruits, cherubs and lions – all recreated by the cakemakers. This style of cake is perfect for those going all out regalia-inspired on their wedding day.

Pressed floral cakes are a great option for those still inspired by the 18th century but wanting a more earthy, whimsical feel for their day. Bakeries typically use edible flowers grown, picked and hand-pressed. They can be designed according to your favourite flowers and even match your bouquet.

ENTERTAINMENT One of the most memorable elements of Bridgerton that audiences hold close to their heart is the orchestral renditions of pop songs throughout the show.

Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift played by string ensemble provides the backdrop for Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma’s courtship in season two. If you wish to recreate this soundtrack for your own love story, a string quartet or harpist will produce the perfect atmosphere for walking down the aisle or during your first dance.

If you too want a mixture of classical and chart tunes, ask your guests to suggest some of their favourite tracks to be played by your musicians.

If you plan on getting hitched in the warmer months, traditional lawn games are an amazing era-inspired way to entertain your guests after the ceremony. A game of croquet before the evening celebrations is fun for both young and older guests alike.

DECORATION Maximalists rejoice as the only way to decorate a Regency era-inspired wedding is to go all out. And we mean ALL OUT. Look to see if your venue has a chandelier, as this is a perfect way to recreate the grand atmosphere seen in the Bridgerton world.

Oversized centrepieces are a signature of nearly all the weddings and balls held in the series. Work with your florist and wedding planner to create some awe-inspiring table decorations your guest will remember.

For your tableware, fine, floral china is a gorgeous nod to 18th-century Britain and the perfect decorative touch for the detail-orientated bride.

Gold cutlery or gold-rimmed glassware flaunt opulence and abundance but can be inexpensive if hired.

Having a champagne tower at your reception is the perfect indulgence enjoyed by high society – and your guests too. It’s a great touch to follow your wedding toast or a grand welcome as your guests enter.

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PL ANNI NG YOUR SPECIAL DAY? L E T U S E AS E TH E STRA I N A N D TA KE CARE OF THE ALL IM PORTAN T DETAILS, LEAV IN G YOU TO CO M P L E T ELY RE L A X A N D E N J OY YO UR SPEC IAL DAY W ITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOV E, SAFE IN THE KN OW L E D G E TH AT E V E RYTHIN G IS UN DER CON TROL AN D RUN N IN G SM OOTHLY. W H E T H E R I T’ S CAS UA L , A N U N U S UAL STY LE W ITH STREET FOOD STATION S, EX TEN DING YOU R CO LO UR T HE M E TO I N G RE D I E N T S E L ECTION S, OR A F IN E DIN IN G 5 COURSE SIT DOW N ( TO ENSU R E YO U R G U ESTS D O N ’ T G O HUN GRY ) - FOR US THERE REALLY IS N O LIM IT!

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EXPERT ADVICE

HOT TOPIC Wedding worries Our experts solve your problems

MUM’S THE WORD

What are the latest mother-of-the-bride trends?

27028 by John Charles

Gone are the days of the uniform two-piece dress and bolero jacket – unless that’s what floats your boat. Fashion now more than ever is very much in the hands of the wearer, and this is great news for all you lovely mums out there, as there are plenty of options available to suit your style.

The tea dress is certainly paving the way in 2022, these fit and flare midi-style dresses can look chic in any colour, fabric or print – it’s just finding the right one to suit you.

Soft silhouettes have certainly taken over the tailored look post lockdown and trouser suits in light fabrics of chiffon or crepe are also making a comeback.

Try and be open to bright pops of colour, happy shades of yellow, grass green and tomato red are just some of the primary colours that are dominating the catwalk.

Coryn Emma www.baroqueboutique.co.uk

SUMMER LOVING What flowers and colours will be available for our summer wedding?

www.pippacarvellphotography.com

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing flowers is to always go with the seasons. With sustainability being so important, try and choose locally-grown flowers wherever possible. There are some fantastic local growers out there, head over to Flowers from the Farm (www.flowersfromthefarm.org.uk) to see options in your area.

If you’re getting married in the summer, then you have a huge choice!

Early summer flowers, by which I mean June and early July, include

peonies, roses, astilbe, lupins, nigella, cornflowers, ammi, delphiniums, honesty seed heads, foxgloves, phlox, sweet peas, snapdragons, jasmine, achillea, alchemilla and orlaya, to name just a few.

Flowers from July to early September include hydrangeas, sweet peas, snapdragons, roses, asters, achillea, gladioli, dahlias, chrysanthemums, cosmos, amni, gauras, zinnias, cosmos, rudbeckia, echinacea, scabious, sunflowers, strawflowers, verbena, nerines and many more!

As far as colours go, it really is down to the style of wedding you’re having. Relaxed nuptial calls for lovely mixtures of colours and textures.

These can be soft summery pastels or hot and fiery late summer oranges, pinks and reds. For a more formal wedding, you may choose a more streamlined range.

I would say that sometimes a very sharp yellow can look too harsh on a hot summer’s day. In my opinion, yellow work best in spring. I always advise my clients to not get too hung up on having a specific flower, but to trust your supplier to create something beautiful within your chosen colour palette. Sometimes specific flowers are not available due to the weather not behaving as it should. When choosing your flowers, you should always go with your heart and trust your florist to create bespoke arrangements for your special day.

Rhian Rees www.wildandfabulousflowers.com

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A FLAVOUR EXPLOSION What cake designs and flavours would you suggest for a summerthemed wedding?

A flavour that is trending for summer weddings is berries. Don’t be afraid to use fresh berries as decoration or in the sponge or buttercream. Make use of the variety of options available. One of our favourites is lemon raspberry with lemon curd.

Always creating headlines are the naked cakes. It’s a lighter option for those who do not want a lot of buttercream.

These cakes can be adorned with fresh berries and flowers or whatever the happy couple desires.

Some of the old favourites such as chocolate, red velvet, carrot and lemon drizzle will always be well received by guests.

Malwina www.instagram.com/malbakescakes

TREASURED MEMORIES I’m thinking of having my flowers preserved after the wedding.

How does the process work?

www.wrightweddingphotography.co.uk

Start by contacting your supplier to secure your date. You will be contacted before the wedding to arrange how you will get your bouquet to them. For example, I ask couples to either post their blooms using my guide or bring them down to my studio.

I then ask couples what they would like made from the bouquet. I

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offer a wide range of products, including coasters, earrings, letters, frames and much more. Once that’s decided, the flowers will go into a drying process which takes about two-three weeks. Once this is done, the flowers are ready to go into the design stage. They will then be coated in resin, sanded before a top coat is applied, and then the order is complete and ready to be given to the happy couple.

Kate Pugh www.instagram.com/outofthebox_bykate

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Contact Mal on 0 7 3 9 4 1 0 8 1 5 6 MALBAKESCAKES@GMAIL.COM @MALBAKESCAKES

Joe Clark Photography

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is set in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and bordering one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the UK, Bute Park.

Our two unique venues form one of Cardiff’s most sought-after locations for your very special day. Our first is the stunning former Cardiff Castle stables with its historic courtyard and beautiful tree-lined entrance with the castle in view.

The second is our magnificent contemporary glass atrium with floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air terrace overlooking the park – a fabulous back-drop for your photographs and champagne reception – it is also a stunning location for your wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. This leads to an outstanding concert hall and theatre – perfect for a ceremony with a dramatic difference!

Sacha Miller Photography

As a creative venue, we offer lots of flexibility so that your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations suit your style and personalities – from traditional to theatrical, elegant to quirky. We can assist you in arranging a theatrical ceremony on a stage, a summer’s day wedding walk with your guests through the park, a reception with choirs, harpists, jazz trios and string quartets and special lighting and scenery for your evening party.

Whether your dream venue is historic or contemporary, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is a unique venue at the heart of Cardiff that is bespoke to you.

For enquiries, please contact our weddings officer via the email below or visit our Instagram: weddings@rwcmd.ac.uk - @RWCMDweddings Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Castle Grounds Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3ER View one of Cardiff’s most sought- after locations at: www.rwcmd.ac.uk/who-we-are/hire-us/weddings

From Miss to Mrs County Wedding Magazines’ senior editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey t’s finally here, my last bride’s diary entry before I become a married woman! When we first got engaged nearly 18 months ago, the wedding seemed so far away that it almost didn’t feel real, and yet here we are about to walk down the aisle. The last few weeks of planning have been a bit manic with all of our suppliers getting in touch asking for lastminute details, and although it can feel a little overwhelming, it’s also really exciting! This issue is all about my dress alterations, hair and make-up trial and keeping positive as the big day approaches...

FITS LIKE A GLOVE I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t incredibly nervous for my first dress fitting. I purchased my gown over a year ago, and I’ve gone through phases during that time where I’ve loved it and also doubted it. It was a size too big when I bought it, so looking back at the pictures it was hard to imagine what it would look like fitting properly.

I think my main worry was ‘what if it doesn’t look like I imagined or even worse, what if the seamstress makes it too small or too short!?’

As someone who likes to micromanage everything, this situation was certainly out of my comfort zone.

I took two of my bridesmaids with me for my first appointment for moral support, and the seamstress, Danielle, was wonderful. She made us feel really at ease and like nothing was too much trouble. She knew right away how to alter my dress and was able to do it within a quick timeframe. I left the appointment feeling much calmer but also a little apprehensive about how the dress would eventually turn out.

Fast forward a month, it was time for my second fitting and for the bridesmaids’ dresses to be altered. After a morning of panicking and worrying, I can’t put into words how relieved I felt when I tried on my dress and it fit like a glove. It still needed a few tweaks here and there, but overall I felt much happier as I was no longer drowning in a sea of fabric and worrying that my boobs might fall out at a moment’s notice! Danielle was also very reassuring to the bridesmaids who were worried about parts of their dresses and, within a week, we had all three back looking perfect.

Having had several meltdowns over this, my advice to any nearlyweds-to-be is to try not to panic and trust your suppliers. As long as they have good reviews and are confident in their capabilities, then leave it to them – they’re the experts after all!

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FACING FACTS As someone who has only worn make-up once for prom night many years ago, I was unsure of what I wanted when it came to my bridal make-up. Make-up is not my forte and, much to my friends’ amusement, I can’t tell you the difference between highlighter, foundation and concealer – and that’s just for starters!

For this reason, I chose a hair stylist and make-up artist with great reviews, who are familiar with my venue and whole-heartedly put my trust in them.

During my trial, she sat me down and asked what I wanted, and I was honest and said ‘no idea’. She laughed and reassured me that I’m not the only woman in the world who doesn’t wear make-up (even though it feels like it sometimes). She went for a very natural look and talked me through the process. Even though my make-up looked great and was very subtle, it was still a shock to see myself with it on. It took me the whole day to get used to it, but I was really pleased with the result, and felt like a princess.

When it comes to hair (you’ll be pleased to hear I’m not as clueless), I had a rough idea of what style I wanted but was torn between a half up and half down look or an up do.

My hair stylist was wonderful!

She created both looks for me, took loads of pictures and made sure I was happy with both styles. After a lot of deliberation I’ve decided on an up do, as my dress has dramatic front and back detailing that I didn’t want anything to detract from. I left my hair and make-up in place, like they suggested, for the whole day and it still looked wonderful by 11pm.

I was really pleased with the whole experience and being dressed up made me feel so excited to finally marry my best friend.

Thank you all for sticking with me throughout my wedding journey. I hope you enjoy planning your own day and everything turns out perfectly!

Melissa x

www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

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BRIDE’S DIARY

Hindsight is a marvellous thing www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

Melissa’s hubby-to-be opens a window into the wedding planning journey from the groom’s perspective

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ello readers, as I’m sure you’re all well aware, my beautiful Melissa has been detailing our journey from our couch-based lockdown proposal to the wedding altar, and what a journey it has been! Thankfully Melissa is the most organised person on the planet, so my involvement in this process has been minimal at best, however that being said, I’ve picked up one or two things along the way that Melissa has generously given me this space to share...

www.chrisblackledgepho

tography.co.uk

GUEST LIST Being the social beast I am, I found putting together a finalised wedding guest list quite difficult. Much to Melissa’s dismay I wanted to invite everyone I’d ever met and their postman. However, (thankfully) the capacity of our venue and overall budget (I don’t think I appreciated how expensive day guests are) put the brakes on my invite rampage and forced me to reign in my expectations somewhat. I found that I felt quite guilty about not inviting everyone I’ve ever spoken to, but you definitely do need to draw the line somewhere. My advice to anyone planning a

wedding is don’t lose any sleep over not inviting someone, chances are they probably weren’t going to invite you to their wedding anyway!

CHOOSING YOUR GROOMSMEN Thankfully this was quite an easy one for me.

My best man has been my closest ally and confident for 15 years now, so there was no hesitation in my mind when asking him.

My biggest concern was that having four groomsmen might be too many, but I couldn’t imagine any of them not being next to me for support, so the thought of losing one of them from the party would have been like removing oxygen. Another thing I’m grateful for is that they all get along brilliantly. I’ve heard some real horror stories about infighting between people’s bridesmaids and groomsmen, so this is definitely something to consider when selecting your party. You might love them all, but do they like each other? You’d think that people would pull together for their friend’s biggest day, but you never know.

PLANNING YOUR STAG DO I’ll be honest, I never really saw the purpose of a stag do. Admittedly in my mind, I had this warped perception of the event being a trip to a dubious location to take part in nefarious activities. I’m not a particularly good drinker, and as I creep onto the darker side of my 30s, I’m even worse at handling a hangover, so the prospect of this seemed less than appealing.

Sitting down to discuss with my (similarly worldweary) best man, we came to the reassuring

realisation that a stag do can be whatever you want it to be. In my instance, I like Centre Parcs, and the thought of a trip there (and many, many barbecues) seemed like a slice of heaven, so this was a bit of a no-brainer. Ultimately my advice to any groom-to-be is don’t be afraid to book something that will make you happy.

If your groomsmen deserve their place in your party, they won’t challenge your choices.

THE SPEECH This is a big one, probably the biggest responsibility of the groom. The wedding day is such a big event in a person’s life, and the speeches really stick with attendees – good or bad! My first piece of advice would be not to leave it to the last minute. It’s certainly one of those things that can be put off, but I promise it won’t be worth the anxiety! There are thousands of great speech templates online that you can use as a starting point. Once I got started, I found writing about my loved ones and the significance of the day was easy, as it’s your opportunity to be honest, and just gush about everything. You proposed for a reason and this is your chance to share it with everyone, including your bride. Write from your heart, speak from the bottom of your lungs and try not to stare at your feet the whole time! Oh, and practicing the speech once or twice before the big day probably isn’t a bad idea!

Thank you for reading and good luck!

Dave x

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CLAIREROIGEPHOTO GRAPHY.CO.UK | 07860113606 | CLAIREROIGEPHOTO GRAPHY@GMAIL.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY

WHATEVER THE

WEATHER Picture-perfect photographs in any weather

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www.kemradfordphotography.co.uk

www.1visionphotography.com

hotographs are more than just keepsakes. It’s a way of reliving those happy memories over and over again and reminding yourself of just how magical your special day was. The run up to the wedding can be quite stressful and some things, like the weather, may feel out of your control but try not to worry, you can still have a picture-perfect album come rain or shine, as our local photographers show in this selection of big-day shots.

www.paul-daviesphotography.co.uk

www.megan-sianphotography.com

DON’T RAIN ON OUR PARADE

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www.paul-daviesphotography.co.uk

www.megan-sianphotography.com

www.kemradfordphotography.co.uk

YOU’RE MY SUNSHINE

www.1visionphotography.com

Web: jonathancundy photography.co.uk

Tel: 07847 533 769

Email: jon_cundy@hotmail.com

Creative, relaxed and romantic style that focuses on the use of natural light and shadows.

Having developed my skills for over 13 years and capturing over 180 weddings all over Wales & the UK, I shoot real life, captured as you remembered it. My aim is to remind you of all the fun you, your family and all your guests had on your wedding day.

I create classic portraits that are full of life, dramatic and un-posed, with a cinematic timeless feel to them - capturing memories to keep forever.

Visit www.kemradfordphotography.co.uk or contact 07530 680596

www.kemradfordphotography.co.uk

www.1visionphotography.com

www.paul-daviesphotography.co.uk

www.megan-sianphotography.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

YOU BLOW ME AWAY

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BRIDE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE / GROOM BRIDAL ACCESSORIES

APPOINTMENTS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

www.pleser.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1792 885 208 Email: pleser.bridal@xlninternet.co.uk

26 St Teilo St, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8SZ

(Opposite to the War Memorial on St Teilo Street)

JESUS PEIRO FELY CAMPO

TERESA RIPOLL MARYLISE

REMBO STYLING JOHN CHARLES

ROSA CLARA COCKTAIL ROSA CLARA COUTURE

Golau’r Gwanwyn

REGIONAL SHOOT

A group of talented suppliers worked together to create this spring-themed shoot at St Mellons Country Club Images courtesy of Mefus Photography

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hiannon Holland from Mefus Photography tells us more about this spring-inspired shoot: “I wanted to create something fresh with the creative freedom to try new things. From bridal make-up with a pop of colour, to bridal jumpsuits and fedoras, we wanted to showcase our creative vision and perspective clients that you don’t have to follow current wedding trends, you can try something new. I purposely didn’t write a shot list, something I usually can’t leave the house without! I created some moodboards and brought a dream team together. On the day, we all felt relaxed and excited. There were no time pressures,

no couples to please, just an opportunity to work together and create something beautiful. I used vintage lenses for most of the photo shoot, which meant I had to manually focus, this forced me to take my time and really think about the light and composition, rather than just ‘click, click, click!’. The venue was perfect as there were so many different areas with different colour schemes and fabulous natural light. I’m so grateful to all the suppliers who gave their time and creativity to the photo shoot, and we’re all very proud of what we achieved that day. The overall vibe is calm and ethereal, with a hint of regal elegance.”

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REGIONAL SHOOT

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SHOOT Venue, St Mellons Country Club, www.stmellonscountryclub.com | Photographer and concept, Mefus Photography, www.mefusphotography.com | Dresses and jumpsuit, Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique, www.rachelburgessbridalboutique.com Crowns and hair accessories, Clare Lloyd Accessories, www.clarelloyd.co.uk | Hats, Madog Millinery, www.madogmillinery.co.uk Jewellery, Claire Hill Designs, www.clairehilldesigns.co.uk | Hair and make-up artist, NGJ Make-up & Hair, www.ngj-makeup.com Flowers, Forbesfield, www.forbesfield.co.uk | Stylist, Betsan Jones, www.instagram.com/betsanjones Models, Sophie Rae and Hannah Elcock 71

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Crown jewels

Renowned British jewellery designer Kiki McDonough is proud to unveil the Kiki Tiara, combining her love of classic jewellery and elegant modern craftsmanship.

After featuring in a prominent tiara exhibition at Sotheby’s in celebration of the Jubilee this summer, the one-of-a-kind piece will be available to buy or rent for weddings and special events, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Starlight Foundation.

To find out more, visit www.kiki.co.uk

Lingerie experts Eberjey has launched The Wedding Shop, an edit of timeless bridal pieces designed with the wedding day and honeymoon in mind. The collection is created from eco-friendly fabrics including lace bralettes teamed with bikini bottoms, silk pyjamas and this romantic Modal robe, £145, perfect for the wedding morning. https://eberjey.com/pages/the-wedding-shop

FASHION Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals the latest bridal news, buys and launches

focus

Beauty sleep This rose-pink French lace and silk eye mask will ensure a good night’s sleep before the wedding, £75, www.coco-de-mer.com

SHINE BRIGHT Astley Clarke has launched a new fine diamond collection called Asteri consisting of 10 delicate pieces including two diamond lockets, dainty pendants and stacking rings. Prices start from £375, www.astleyclarke.com/jewellery-collections/asteri

HERO BAG This ivory patent croc clutch is the perfect pick for brides, maids and mums. It’s from Aspinal of London’s luxury latest wedding edit, www.aspinaloflondon.com

Editor loves

Fashion meets fitness this summer with these retro-inspired pink and yellow roller boots from Impala skates. Other Insta-worthy styles from this vegan-friendly brand include a rose gold pair with a hologram finish and a fashionable plum patent pair. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or regularly enjoy this favourite pastime, check out these tips and tricks!

To shop, visit https://impalaskate.eu and enjoy special offers of up to 50% off selected styles this summer.

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FASHION

StyleTHEDOWN aisle These boho-inspired dresses in luxe lace and flowing fabrics were made for fun and flirting

www.needleandthread.com 73

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www.mirkabridal.com

www.andreahawkes.co.uk

www.annageorgina.co.za

www.pronovias.com/gb

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FASHION

www.little-mistress.com

https://wearmywardrobeout.com

https://graceloveslace.com

www.janeatelier.com/the-wedding-suite

https://loveandlibertybridal.com 75

www.savinlondon.com

www.jjshouse.co.uk 76

www.sabinamotasem.com

www.whistles.com/wedding/dresses

www.temperleylondon.com

FASHION

www.truedecadence.com

www.watters.com

https://uk.morilee.com 77

White off-the-shoulder dress, from a selection, https://piagladysperey.com

Strappy sandals, £24.99, www.deichmann.com/en-gb

LEADING

lady

Mothers-of-the-bride will love these stylish dresses and accessories

Dress, from a selection, https://liveunlimitedlondon.com

Bracelets, £17.99 each, https://jomajewellery.com

Blue topaz necklace, £150, www.emilymortimer.co.uk

Silver-plated pink crystal brooch, £20, www.jonrichard.com Blue pouch. £22.99, https://katieloxton.com

Gold charm necklace, £105, https://flutterbyonline.co.uk

Blue dress and fascinator, from a selection, www.quizclothing.co.uk

Pink beaded dress, £290, Adrianna Papell at www.johnlewis.com

Beaded necklace, £129, www.coeur-de-lion.org 78

Blue pillbox hat with silk organza flowers, £645, https://mervebayindir.com

Party pieces

FASHION

These glamorous gowns are worthy of the red carpet

Bespoke dress, www.benvenisteaccessories.co.uk

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Karolina by www.annageorgina.co.za

Feather dress by https://clubllondon.com/collections/special-occasion

Amelia by https://gaala.com

Hadley by www.elbethgillis.com/bridal-collections

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Misty by www.pronovias.com/gb/wedding-dresses/collections/atelier

FASHION

Lagos by www.lolatara.com

Brooklyn by https://loveandlibertybridal.com

Dream Land by https://jennypackham.com

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Chania by www.thereformation.com

Sela by www.watters.com/products/sela

Okotan corset and Foxglove skirt by www.halfpennylondon.com

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WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS

The new Lemon Balm Body Gloss from Andrea Garland is a shimmering, lightweight, citrusy gloss reformulated with lashings of lustre-loving squalene, shea butter and lemon seed oils to wonderfully hydrate, smooth and soothe. What’s more, the zesty lemon balm and flowery geranium essential oils also help to ward off those pesky summertime bugs. Plant-based and cruelty-free, it’s hand formulated in Hackney. I’m obsessed with the Art Deco-inspired package design! £24, www.andreagarland.co.uk

EYE-EYE!

TikTok is raving about eye patches (not the kind pirates wear I hasten to add), so Pixi is here with a collection to suit you whether your eyes show signs of puffiness, dark circles or other effects of stress and strain. It’s time to find a way to revive them and these specially formulated under-eye gel patches may well provide the solution. There’s Detoxif-Eye for depuffing, Dream-y Eye for calming and Beauif-Eye for brightening. £22, https://pixibeauty.co.uk

Beauty BUZZ

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews rounds up the latest must-haves

REFILL AND REUSE

Concerned with the global plastic crisis, British natural beauty brand milly&sissy is committed to making us more conscious about the way we buy essentials with an innovative new, zero-waste line of just-add-water self-care products.

The Shower Crème Starter Set contains an oh-so chic aluminium bottle in blush with a bronzed metal pump offering years of use with no need to have plastic in your shower ever again.

Plus, the delicately fragranced Shea Tree and Passion Fruit Shower Creme is made from 99 per cent natural ingredients and once water is added will make 500ml leaving your skin, and your conscience, clear. £26, https://millyandsissy.co.uk

READY, SET, GO

Joining the much-loved Hydra Setting Spray Dewy from Illamasqua is the new mattifying setting spray providing up to 10 hours of lasting hold to keep your make-up artist’s hard work in place from ceremony to celebrations.

The new Hydra Setting Spray Matte locks in make-up and absorbs excess oil, leaving you with a flawless complexion – no shine, just a gorgeous velvet-matte finish. £20, www.illamasqua.com

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SIMPLY BE-YOU-TIFUL

Authored is a vegan and sustainable make-up brand offering a range of go-to beauty products with a minimal approach – they’re designed to let your natural beauty shine through. Ideal for achieving that lit-from-within look for your wedding day, the Authored’s Push Kit houses the brand’s four essentials: a tinted moisturiser, mascara, brow gel and lip balm. £70, https://theauthored.com

BEAUTY NEWS

WORTH THE WAIT

Having taken Huda and the team over three years to develop #FAUXFILTER Luminous Matte Liquid Concealer is finally here! A medium to full, buildable, full-coverage, creamy concealer, it moves with you for a matte yet luminous, skin-like finish that lasts all day. Infused with conditioning sweet almond oil and vitamin E to care for the delicate undereye skin, this make-up bag must-have boasts a lightweight formula that melts into the skin, but doesn’t compromise on coverage or staying power. It’s the one I’ve been looking for! £23, www.feelunique.com

KIND TO HAIR AND PLANET

Silicone and sulphate free, L’Occitane Intensive Repair Solid Conditioner has been formulated with all the haircare expertise of its much-loved liquid version in a solid, more environmentally-friendly, format. Containing a botanical complex of five essential oils, it has an ultra-soothing and antibreakage patented formula perfect for damaged hair. With this little bar you’re sure to see your tresses in tip top wedding-day shape in no time. £12.50, https://uk.loccitane.com

LIFE IS ROSY

TOTALLY KISSABLE

Sann means true, real and genuine in Swedish and so the name of this new beauty brand is quite fitting. Sann’s edit of modern, multifunctional, make-up essentials designed to be simultaneously natural, genuine, chic, timeless and effortless. It launches with the Nourish + Care Solid Lip Serum, a balm and serum to hydrate and deliver soft glowing lips. Add a hint of colour with the Nourish + Tint Solid Lip Serum in Morning Dew, Sunset or Wild and you’re good to go for that “you may now kiss the bride” moment! £22 and £24 respectively, https://sannbeauty.com

Fresh Beauty’s new Rose Instant Hydration Mist has been created to instantly reduce the look of pores, while soothing, softening and immediately replenishing the skin. Key ingredients include moistureretaining damask rose, sourced from Rose Valley, Bulgaria; and soothing rosewater, used since antiquity for its cooling and astringent properties.

This multi-purpose mist can be used whenever you need a refreshing pick-me-up, whether that be pre or post make-up. It’s a summer handbag essential, so if you don’t plan on carrying a clutch on your big-day find someone to look after this for you! It’ll keep you feeling fresh as a daisy throughout your summer nuptials. £20, www.cultbeauty.co.uk

CARE, PROTECT, RESPECT

For more than 15 years, Germaine de Capuccini has been caring for and protecting the skin before, during and after sun exposure, and now the brand is launching Timexpert Sun. A completely reformulated sunscreen range featuring Ocean Respect formulas, the products care for your skin, protect it from sun damage and respect the environment. In fact, these broad-spectrum sunscreens offer so much more than the norm, as they’re also designed to target wrinkles and dark spots.

Check out the full range at https://germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk

HERE COMES THE SUN

Bridging the gap between suncare and skincare, Dear Dahlia Skin Paradise Tone-Up Sun Cushion with SPF35 boasts plant-derived ingredients providing a hydrating veil, naturally brightening the skin and giving it a soft glow.

Perfect for wearing under make-up this little gem offers a seamless base for flawless application and safeguards the skin against harmful environmental aggressors such as blue light and pollution. Handy suncare on the go! £35, www.lookfantastic.com 83

PURA ANADA NATURAL BLACK MASCARA £14.50, https://liveinthelight.co.uk “Hypoallergenic, ph balanced, paraben-free, gluten-free, mercury-free and formulated with eco-cert approved ingredients – what’s the catch? There doesn’t seem to be one! I was a touch sceptical at first, but I’m actually rather impressed with it. The formula is silky when wet and completely matte when dry. Although I didn’t put it to the test of crying and have no skin allergies, I can confirm that it’s smudge-proof, builds well without getting claggy and was very kind on my eyes.” – Beth Morton

PERRICONE MD NO MAKEUP EYESHADOW £30, www.perriconemd.co.uk “In the spirit of full disclosure, I did not get this No Makeup concept initially. But having tried it, I’m more than a convert, I’m an addict! The light-reflecting pigments provide a soft, satin finish while the serum texture formulated with acyl-glutathione means it glides on and blends like a dream. It didn’t crease and my eyes looked brighter. It also acts as a great base for a bolder eyeshadow look, but works just as well on its own for subtle everyday wear.” – Kelly Andrews

OPV LOOSE PIGMENT £8.50, www.opvbeauty.com “I’ve never tried loose pigment eyeshadows before and was sceptical when these first arrived in the office, but after just one application, I was hooked! These highly-concentrated products are easy to apply and are vegan and cruelty-free – a huge bonus. I love how you can create a soft and subtle look or build up the product for more glam.”

– Olivia Gibson 84

EYEKO LONDON LIMITLESS EYESHADOW PALETTE £25, www.lookfantastic.com “Shimmering champagne gold is the most subtle of this palette’s six-shade collection, creating a soft, glowing look that I loved. While those looking for a bold, striking look, will adore the darker brown options. The other shades are red/gold inspired and all suited my skin tone perfectly.

Each hue is easily blendable and all work well as a subtle daytime or standout evening look. They’re long-lasting and after a full day, my eyes still looked fabulous.”

– Melissa Barker

YOU CAUGHT MY EYE! We put together some gorgeous weddingday eye make-up looks using the newest launches to hit the shelves ICONIC LONDON GLAZE CRAYONS £24, www.iconiclondon.com “I’m always on the lookout for pigmented eyeshadows that are quick and easy to apply, and this dual-ended product didn’t disappoint. On one end of the stick is a creamy crayon that glides over the eyes and blends out beautifully, then flip the product over to find a non-sticky glitter liquid that stays on all day – it’s the perfect duo!” – Olivia Gibson DECK OF SCARLET OVER-ARCHING BROW KIT £34, www.deckofscarlet.com “This fab new kit has everything you need to create the perfect brow. I won’t lie I panicked slightly when I opened it up, not knowing where to start, but the super-helpful folk at Deck of Scarlet have included a stepby-step how to on the reverse, so all was well. The final look is subtle and totally natural, the perfect complement to a bridal make-up look.

The highlight for me is the sculpting wax. It held my brows in place all day without leaving them feeling greasy or crunchy – both of which I’ve experienced with other products!”

– Kelly Andrews

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Opening Hours Monday: Closed Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-4pm Sunday: Closed Out of hour appointments available.

www.bridalboutiquenarberth.co.uk 01834 862 780 deniseclewes@gmail.com 60 St James Street, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 7DA

2019 AWARD WINNERS BEST OCCASION WEAR IN WALES FOR 5TH YEAR

Baroque Boutique specialise in beautiful designer wear, accessories, hats and shoes for Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Wedding Guests and Special Occasions.

ABERGAVENNY (01873) 858 030 / 859 774 WWW.BAROQUEBOUTIQUE.CO.UK BOOK APPOINTMENT ONLINE TODAY

BEAUTIFULLY PAIRED

ty u a e b & n o i h s a F

Q&A Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best

Sycamore 69716 by Ronald Joyce

My wife-to-be and I want showstopping dresses that aren’t too similar. Do you have any suggestions?

I would start by talking to each other and finding out what your likes and dislikes are.

There are so many showstopping wedding dresses that would look great together. If you both love lace, then perhaps look for different silhouettes, for instance, one of you in a fitted shape and the other in an A-line silhouette.

Book an appointment in the same shop, so the boutique can ensure your fabulous wedding dress is removed from the rail so that when your wife-to-be comes to visit, your dress isn’t in sight, and there is no danger of you choosing the same gown! If you both request an appointment with the same consultant, they can also guide you away from something too similar.

Sycamore 69716 by Ronald Joyce is a gorgeous fitted dress with stunning sleeves, and Peggy 18605, a stunning A-line dress with a fabulous V neckline, would really suit each other.

Two of our favourites from Morilee are Chelsea 2372, a fabulous A-line gown with pretty lace sleeves, and Beatrix 2305, which is a stunning fit-and-flare wedding dress with off-the-shoulder capped sleeves.

Vicki Anthony www.allaboutevebridalwear.com

SUMMER GLOW

There are different products to help your hair and make-up last longer in the summer. For oily skin, you don’t want layers of thick make-up, and hair spray must be a strong hold that lasts through the humidity.

We generally recommend a summer bride to have her hair up, as the locks will be pinned up and in place all day, keeping the neck cool throughout the day. If you want your hair down, a half up/ down style is ideal. Apply a volumising mousse before styling to help keep the look in place throughout the day.

Know your skin! Prepping skin before applying your make-up is essential. Keep your foundation light and not too heavy, do not powder throughout the day as this will eventually cake and instead blot with tissues but be careful not to remove the make-up.

Remember, primers and setting sprays are key to keeping your look in place throughout the day.

Janet E White-Ashby www.janetwhiteashby.co.uk 86

www.michellehuggleston.com

I’m getting married in July and am worried the heat will cause my hair to drop and my make-up to run! How can I make sure I look fabulous all day?

Wedding Belles OF WALES

01656 744322 info@weddingbellesofwales.co.uk 1

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M O S T Y N

www.weddingbellesofwales.co.uk B R I D G E N D

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WIN

A TWO-NIGHT STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

Stay in a five-star inn in the heart of the Lake District at The Wild Boar

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he Wild Boar Inn is set adjacent to 72 acres of beautiful woodland with its own tarn and some beautiful wild settings. A traditional Lakeland inn with oak beams, log fires, an in-house microbrewery and smokehouse all in the rolling countryside of the Gilpin Valley. For the discerning foodie, when it comes to food there’s an extensive choice: from sharing plates to succulent steaks, traditional British to Mediterranean, its Alternative Afternoon Tea and Wild Afternoon Tea Picnic – there’s certainly something for everyone!

WILD WEDDINGS AT THE WILD BOAR One of the best things on offer is... choice! There are indoor-outdoor options of where to exchange vows, home-brewed beer and a library of single malt whiskies, outdoor activities in its stunning woodland, as well as a choice of individually designed rooms and suites for the couple and their wedding party.

Nearlyweds can also choose: a Lake District Falconry Hawk Walk in the woods – perfect for stunning photographs – Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery or even Axe Throwing on the day! For those who want to embrace the outdoors completely, why not opt for a tipi wedding?

From the first enquiry, the dedicated wedding coordinator will ensure that you have all the information needed to create a dream day. After a show round of the inn, grounds and woodland you’ll be offered support right up to the wedding and beyond. The team are happy to introduce to you to a great selection of local wedding suppliers hand-picked for their quality and expertise.

When it comes to the all-important wedding breakfast, with the

aforementioned culinary options on offer, the chef is also happy to discuss your bespoke ideas. The Wild Boar can comfortably accommodate between 70 to 90 guests for the wedding breakfast, and between 70 to 130 guests for the evening buffet.

Creating the picture-perfect backdrop for a stunning wedding album is easy here both within the inn and in the beautiful woodland. Some of the most popular shots are beside the secluded tarn in the woods, or surrounded by a variety of trees – or for fun photographs head to the shooting range! The venue’s Wild Boar Land Rover also features in quite a lot in images as couples are driven to their chosen backdrop.

LOCATION: The Wild Boar is located close to Bowness-onWindermere, in the south of the Lake District. Situated next to the B5284, part way between Windermere Golf Club and the small Lake District hamlet of Crook. The hotel has parking to the rear, next to the inn’s own private woodland.

For more information visit: englishlakes.co.uk/the-wild-boar Instagram @thewildboar Facebook @thewildboar Twitter @englishlakes THE PRIZE: County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, to give the readers a chance to win a two-night stay at The Wild Boar with bed and breakfast, and dinner on the first night.

To enter: Answer the following question via our website.

Q: Which lake is nearest to The Wild Boar?

Closing date is 14th October, 2022. Terms and conditions.

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GROOMS’ NEWS Men’s footwear brand, Percy Stride has launched a new collection. These colourful designs are available in UK sizes seven to 12 with the option to pre-order sizes four to 16.

Danielle Wathes, the founder, tells us: “We are proud to announce the release of our Men’s Derby range which consists of four innovative colours. Here at Percy Stride, we’re waging a war against the walls of blacks and browns, challenging conventional footwear choices, adding colour, vibrancy, and a sense of confidence into the market. Our shoes are handmade, lined with leather and Goodyear welt.”

To find out more and see the full collection, visit www.percystride.com

Seiko Watches has released a new men’s watch. The Presage Sharp Edged GMT Zero Halliburton is an exclusive collaboration with Zero Halliburton, American luggage experts, and the first brand to introduce the concept of aluminium luggage.

Iconic design elements from Zero Halliburton feature on the dial. Showcasing its signature double-rib pattern and clearly recognisable elegant yet functional style, this is complemented with the traditional Japanese hemp print from the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series. The caseback features the Zero Halliburton logo, the GMT hand and high visibility hour markers, along with a clear 24-hour bezel, meaning multiple time zone calculations can be made at a glance, quickly and easily.

Available at www.seikoboutique.co.uk Discover the new Gentleman Reserve Privee Eau de Parfum, a whisky-inspired fragrance, where floral sophistication meets woody depths. Co-created by master distillers and perfumers, two olfactory worlds are combined to create an intense men’s cologne for a strong, sophisticated gentleman.

The scent is expressed through a contrast of ethereal iris and amber woods. Infused with whisky absolute and crafted in Grasse using barley from a refined Scottish distillery, this fragrance embodies timeless elegance and refinement.

Available in-store and online at www.theperfumeshop.com

Grooms’ NEWS Grooms’ editor Melissa Barker reveals the latest best buys and product launches

Grooms and wedding guests looking to do a good deed whilst stepping out in style can hire a bespoke suit package, with proceeds going towards Marie Curie’s end of life charity.

The Marie Curie Blue Slim Fit Package, featuring a blue suit with a lemon tie and handkerchief – the charity’s corporate colours – and is available online and through 250+ Cameron Ross Formal Hire stockists across the UK. With prices starting at £110, £5 of each hire will go to Marie Curie, which provides care and support to terminally ill people and their families across the UK, either at home, or in one of its nine hospices.

Georgina Bushell, the partnership’s manager of Marie Curie, said: “We are so grateful to be receiving a portion of the suit hire. Not only is it a beautiful choice, but the people who are hiring it are helping Marie Curie to continue being there for terminally ill people and their loved ones throughout the country.”

To find out more, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk Terence Clack is selling a range of stylish limited edition watches that are perfect for the groom-to-be. This midnight blue limited edition watch is one of the most popular designs from The Stonebridge collection. It’s a timeless classic design that is as versatile as it is effortless.

Visit www.terenceclack.com to see more and apply the code ‘TCW20’ at checkout to receive a 20 per cent discount.

Offer ends 30th September, 2022.

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e th in SUN

FUN

The latest honeymoon musthaves for the groom-to-be

Kem Pink Basketweave Suit Jacket, £35, and Kem Pink Basketweave Suit Trouser, £15. Visit www.primark.com 90

GROOMS’ FASHION

The British Belt Co. Thistleton Casual Leather Belt – Tan, £45, www.farrar-tanner.co.uk

Personalised Stainless Steel Luggage Tags – Just Married, £14.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Givenchy GV 7196/G/S DDB 619O(GV27) Men’s Gold/Copper Sunglasses, £172, www.watchpilot.co.uk

Barbour Dunford Short Sleeve Summer Shirt, £64.95, www.barbour.com M&S Collection Super Lightweight Chino Shorts, £25, www.marksandspencer.com

Stitch Passport Cover – Brown, £28.50, www.chasingthreads.com

Dune London Frampo Green, £50, www.dunelondon.com Jacques Du Manoir Men’s Inspiration TwoTone Watch, £210, www.watchpilot.co.uk Carrera GIPSY65 807 64WJ(CAR19) Black Unisex Sunglasses, £109, www.watchpilot.co.uk Yuliya Riverside Wash Bag in Leaf Leather, £58.99, www.wayfair.co.uk

Dune London Fredss, £60, www.dunelondon.com

Scaramanga – Leather Duffle Bag, £230, www.scaramangashop.co.uk 91

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HONEYMOON Editorial assistant Gracie Leader shares the latest openings and honeymoon destinations for couples post-vows

SCOTLAND

Glenapp Castle, a 21-bedroom Relais & Chateaux Hotel in Ayrshire, Scotland, is a leading destination for delicious cuisine. With the introduction of the new The Azalea, Glasshouse & Bothy Restaurant which opened in May 2022, the hotel plans to take its dining experience to new levels with this informal venue.

Situated in the centre of the castle’s Walled Garden, The Azalea, Glasshouse & Bothy Restaurant are adjoining, giving guests the choice of the surrounding gardens or picturesque views of the Azalea Pond.

These two spaces can be kept separate for private dining experiences and more intimate celebrations, or they can be combined and offered exclusively for private events and weddings with space for up to 100 guests.

The Bothy Restaurant overlooks a Monet-style landscape, with bi-folding glass doors, and outdoor seating, providing a peaceful spot for guests to spend time, surrounded by stunning nature.

Check out www.glenappcastle.com

GREECE

Kanava Hotels & Resort’s new Luxury Collection Resort in Paros, Cosme, is opening on the 15th June, 2022.

This luxury escape, moments from the island’s lively harbour village of Naoussa, will feature an outdoor living spa and private beach club overlooking the turquoise Aegean Sea. Cosme promises to be a spirited, cosmopolitan home, exuberantly celebrating the enjoyment of life. The natural-chic décor elegantly blends rare elements from around the world, which can be experienced throughout the resort’s 40 suites and the beachfront Mediterranean restaurant where guests can revel at the uninterrupted panoramic vistas.

Check out www.kanavahotels.com 92

MALLORCA

Located on Balearic Island’s pristine Costa de la Calma, on a hillside above the spectacular Cala de Santa Ponça, is Cotton Club Mallorca.

This new beach club offers breathtaking sea views, a stylish restaurant and bar area with a 70-sunbed deck surrounding a grand pool.

Like the Cotton Clubs in Ibiza and Zakynthos, Cotton Club Mallorca delivers an authentic, welcoming albeit exclusive atmosphere with a sense of place that makes guests feel at home and wanting to return, again and again.

Cotton Club Mallorca at Galatzo Hilton Mallorca is less than a fiveminute drive from the hugely popular beaches of Paguera, with worldclass golf courses such as Santa Ponsa and T Golf, and Mallorca’s capital city Palma and Palma de Mallorca Airport is a short drive away.

Check out www.cottonlifestyle.com

HONEYMOON NEWS

ATHENS

The Lighthouse Athens, by Browns Hotel, brings contemporary urban glamour to the city of Athens. The 220 room hotel is the latest to open in Greece and boasts two restaurants, a nightclub, and a rooftop complete with a pool, open-air bar and panoramic views.

The property has an elegant yet eccentric design aesthetic with superb amenities to serve the needs of travellers and locals alike.

The Lighthouse Athens will host weekly DJ parties, weekend brunches, art exhibitions and special events on the first floor bar and restaurant.

The sprawling roof terrace, which will officially open on 1st June, 2022, is a standout feature at The Lighthouse Athens, offering 360-degree views that sweep across the Athenian cityscape and ancient archaeological ruins.

One of the largest and most impressive rooftops in the Greek capital, the rooftop at The Lighthouse Athens is the perfect place to relax and soak up the city with its open-air bar and restaurant, pool, sun loungers, Jacuzzi hot tubs and outdoor showers.

Check out www.brownhotels.com

NORWAY

Hotel Union Øye is delighted to be re-opening its doors this June, following an extensive transformation. A hidden jewel, located by the remote and beautiful Norangsfjord in the Sunnmøre region on the North West coast of Norway, it has been a firm favourite with mountaineers, artists, writers and royals since its origin.

The remote location in which the hotel resides makes it a wonderful, limitless playground for guests. With a plethora of hiking trails and cycling routes directly from the front door, couples can spend their days exploring this mountainous region either solo or accompanied by an expert local guide.

Those looking for some R&R can retire to The Library, which is home to a thoughtfully curated collection of antique Alpine Journals and contemporary coffee table books, in addition, The Game Room serves as a space to relax and unwind or to enjoy a glass of bubbly from the bar after an active day in the mountains.

Check out www.unionoye.no

ITALY

Masseria Calderisi, Puglia, has reopened its doors to welcome guests for its first full season. Launched in Spring 2021 as a newly-revived, charming boutique hotel set amongst eight hectares of secluded olive and citrus groves in the Puglian countryside, this is the region’s latest farmhouse stay for couples looking for a laid-back, authentic Italian escape, a stone’s throw from the Adriatic.

Guests will have exclusive access to Calderisi Beach, a private strip of sand equipped with sun loungers and parasols, offering drinks and light bites.

Back at the hotel, a dry-stone wall shelters an 18-metre pool, surrounded by tufa stone, chequered strips of grass, and sun loungers under the dappled shade of lemon and orange trees.

Check out www.masseriacalderisi.com

SEYCHELLES

DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort and Spa is welcoming new visitors to the Seychelles by offering exciting, bespoke itineraries that can satisfy even the most adventurous traveller.

Discover an underwater paradise with Allamanda’s array of water activities such as an unforgettable reef safari adventure on Moyenne Island to catch a glimpse of the Seychelles’ exotic marine life.

Those looking to explore Mahé on land can choose from a range of adventurous guided hiking trails that offer guests the chance to explore the natural wonders of the Seychelles.

This boutique hotel is perfectly placed as a jumping off point for those looking to explore Mahé Island and relax at the end of a busy day on one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.

Check out www.seychelles.hilton.com 93

Caribbean vibes Enjoy breathtaking, tropical views whilst listening to turquoise waters rolling in with a glass of St. Lucia’s famous rum punch in hand

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s the St. Lucians say, “No pressure, no problem!” So many tropical islands provide luxury, but only St. Lucia offers this alongside the feeling of joy and laughter courtesy of the amazing people. Such a friendly country, I was so warmly welcomed – and laughed a lot! This is the ultimate location to unwind after planning your big day.

If you don’t know much about St. Lucia, it’s an eastern Caribbean Island with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, known as the Pitons. These volcanic mounds are a spectacular landmark of the island, lush and green and ready for the adventurer in you to explore.

St. Lucia’s tropical climate makes it a prime spot for year-round sunshine and warm weather. Prepare for short downpours as those surrounding rainforests bursting with colour need watering.

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THE LANDINGS RESORT The Landings Resort & Spa is a beachfront hotel with a private marina, positioned on Rodney Bay. The Resort invites you to enhance your stay with its all-inclusive package, allowing you not only to sample their extensive food and beverage offerings but full access to the quality fitness centre, unlimited use of the sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkelling gear.

During my stay, I enjoyed the resort’s entertainment. Taking in the Caribbean vibes, we enjoyed a delicious barbecue feast on the beach while watching fire throwers and limbo dancers doing their thing on the stage… and did I mention there was rum punch?!

If your honeymoon is more of a familymoon, the resort has you covered with its awesome Kids Club and babysitting service. What more could you ask for?

HONEYMOONS

ACCOMMODATION Whatever your accommodation preference: marina view, beachfront or ocean view, you’ll be blown away. My marina view suite was equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen and private plunge pool. Listening to the birds with a cup of tea in hand in my plunge pool is a memory I’ll never forget.

THE LANDINGS SPA The revamped, luxurious 7,000-square-foot spa at The Landings features serene therapy rooms, some with outdoor hydrotherapy terraces so you can relax and take in the views after your treatment. As well as enjoying massages, manis and pedis, you can request a hair stylist to ensure your locks have full attention during your fabulous stay. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness centre with on-site staff and personal trainers to keep you in shape.

ST. LUCIAN CUISINE You can’t go to the Caribbean without enjoying the freshest seafood. However, the local specialties are a must try from curried goat to breadfruit (similar to potatoes but sweeter and starchier), and saltfish (stewed fish, which is usually sold dried and salted, with boiled green bananas, locally referred to as green fig).

EXCURSIONS If you like to do more than lay on a sun lounger, then St. Lucia has much to offer whether that’s zip-ling through the rainforest or taking a guided hike up St. Lucia’s signature Pitons.

During my stay, I enjoyed a visit to Project Chocolat from the well-known Hotel Chocolat. I was blown away by the luscious rainforest location, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the cacao groves. I was then invited to make my very own chocolate bar and tasted some amazing foods from their cacao inspired menu which included cacao mac ‘n cheese and even cacao burgers!

FIVE STAR LUXURY If you really want to push the boat out for your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, then take the transfer from Hewanorra International Airport to the resort via private helicopter. Just let The Landings know and they’ll arrange it all! Furthermore, to extend the luxe package, you can request a butler service to make your stay as carefree and relaxing as possible. Go on, treat yourself !

HOW TO BOOK

The Landings Resort Hotel & Spa 0800 066 8099 www.landingsstlucia.com 95

Travel goals

An island country nestled in South Asia, Sri Lanka has always been a bucket-list destination for Louise Prance, with her recent trip living up to her expectations and then some…

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here were countless reasons why Sri Lanka was my number one bucket list destination – with the tropical island pipping New Zealand, the Maldives and Vietnam to the top spot – but the one that stood out to me is the fact it is a Buddhist country, with a culture based on peace and family.

While the unstable social climate was garnering news coverage at the time of my trip, there is not one point during my stay that I felt any unrest.

From the second the tropical heat hit me as I arrived, to the moment I stepped back on the plane with a heavy heart upon my departure, I felt totally secure.

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES The flight time may be long, however, it was comfortable, and oh boy, does Sri Lanka make up for the time spent in the air.

Upon arrival at the airport, we were whisked away at a rate of knots towards our destination of Cinnamon Bentota Beach hotel. My advice?

Save the jet lag slumber for a little while longer, as you’d be mistaken to not fully immerse yourself in the changing landscape you’ll experience on the journey there.

The hustle and bustle of Colombo is an assault to the senses – albeit an exciting one. Arriving in the morning, we watched as parents took their children to school on TukTuks and workers started their day. However, soon enough, the city rolled away and we were treated to the lush green landscape Sri Lanka is so famous for.

Arriving at the Cinnamon Beach Hotel was an altogether memorable experience. A luxurious property nestled in the mesmerising Indian Ocean 96

along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, it has a heritage dating back to the 60’s and was designed by one of Asia’s most influential architects, Geoffrey Bawa. It is the ultimate tropical destination perfect for an art and architecture enthusiast or a lover of exquisite oceans.

A GASTRONOMIC DELIGHT While tired and hungry from our journey, these emotions were soon replaced with appreciation of the traditional welcome we received.

Heading into the hotel we were given a quick tour of the awe-inspiring grounds and facilities, and it was straight down to breakfast. With many restaurants on site, Ottimo and Zest are used as a buffet option for all three meals, suffice to say, there’s something for everyone. However, when in Rome and all that – we immediately tucked into curry for breakfast, a habit we all continued throughout the stay.

If you’re looking for something ala carte, the beachside Sea-MeatsSpice Seafood restaurant is the place to be. With the Head Chef looking after the menu, be prepared for a gastronomical sensation, before retiring to the plush sofas for a sundowner with the sand between your toes. The Fuze bar is perfect for a nightcap, and with dramatic ceilings and art aplenty, it oozes luxury.

Other highlights for fellow foodies included high tea looking out over the ocean, plus the authentic Sri Lankan cooking lesson and Chef’s Table Experience and dinner – all of which are able to be booked directly through the hotel. If you’re looking for a special honeymoon treat – I’d recommend all of the above!

HONEYMOONS

ART AND CULTURE Well known for its jungles, Sri Lanka certainly didn’t disappoint on this front. Tearing ourselves away from the array of calming pools – and pool bar – we headed to the Lunuganga Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate, where we were treated to a tour. If art and culture is your thing – this is one excursion not to be missed.

The country house of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the estate is just a short distance from the hotel, and had been used as a cinnamon estate during the Dutch era and then a rubber plantation under the British. In 1949, the estate was bought by Bawa and was converted into a weekend house where he created a tropical version of a European Renaissance Garden. It took the architect 40 years to complete the house.

OUT ON THE WATER However, for me, the highlight was most definitely the boat ride on the Madu Ganga and visit to the Mangrove Forest. With an excellent tour guide, we jetted down the river doing our best to spot all the animals that were highlighted as making the river their home. From bear monkeys to water monitors to jellyfish, to kingfisher’s – it was a veritable treat for an animal lover like me. The jury is still out on whether I’m happy or disappointed that the crocodiles kept themselves at bay.

And with Mangrove forests stabilising the coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides, the intricate root system of mangroves also makes these forests attractive to fish and other organisms seeking food and shelter from predators.

With little stops along the way, it was truly special to see cinnamon being made amidst the forest – and I’d recommend bringing some pocket change as it’ll be a feat to walk away empty handed.

If you’re one for a spot of shopping combined with a walking tour of a beautiful town, make sure you head to Galle. We combined this with the river tour, and it was well worth the hour’s drive.

A stunning town steeped in history there are views for miles and it would be well worth booking with Walkers Tours, and in particular Ashoka Dissanayke, to learn more about this beautifully resplendent town’s heritage. If you do head to Galle, don’t forget to leave space in your luggage for your journey home. With boutique shops and traditional stores alike, I’d challenge anyone to leave empty handed. If you’re looking for souvenirs or mementos of your trip – this is the place to get them.

TOURISM SUPPORT Sri Lanka has had its fair share of upheaval, from the 2004 Tsunami, the terrorist attacks in 2019 and now the national crisis. However, in my opinion this is all the more reason to go and visit this wonderful country, and give its tourism industry the boost it so desperately needs. Not only did I feel safe wherever I travelled in Sri Lanka, I am already planning my next trip back, and this time I may buy an open-ended ticket home…

A PEACEFUL NIGHT’S SLEEP Cinnamon Bentota Beach offers 16 Suites with unique sets of artworks that were commissioned from Sri Lankan artists as part of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ pledge to support the local arts and crafts. Eight artists were commissioned to depict a theme and record what they felt the name of the suite meant to them - resulting in each suite telling a story of the people and languages of Sri Lanka.

ADRENALINE JUNKIE If watersports are your thing, you won’t be disappointed at Cinnamon Bentota Beach. Taking place on the Bentota river, there are endless options from water skiing, to jet skis, banana boats and doughnuts. While first trying my hand at the doughnuts, the jet ski was a definite front runner. With the water so calm and the river so vast, it was the perfect opportunity to open up and let rip!

GET THERE Sri Lankan Airlines: T: +94117771979 E: reservations@srilankan.com www.srilankan.com/en_uk/uk

TOUR GUIDE Walkers Tours www.walkerstours.com 97

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