Your South Wales Wedding - Issue 84 March/April 2022

www.yoursouthwales.wedding

BOOGIE ALL NIGHT LONG

STEP INTO SPRING Gorgeous real weddings

Music and entertainment ideas

Sweet DREAMS Luxury hotels

Spotlight on...

Venues in Swansea

WIN!

A honeymoon in St Lucia

Searching for the one

MAR/APR 2022

£3.55

Stand out from the crowd with a fashion-forward gown

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

Gallwch chi ganfod eich stori gariad dragwyddol yn Nhy Bryngarw

Find the happily ever after to your love story at Bryngarw House

Wedi’i leoli mewn 113 erw o dir parc gwledig, sy’n edrych yn ysblennydd trwy gydol y flwyddyn, mae Ty Bryngarw, sydd mor berffaith â darlun, yn un o leoliadau priodas mwyaf atyniadol De Cymru.

Set in 113 acres of country parkland, which looks spectacular all-year-round, pictureperfect Bryngarw House is one of South Wales’ most sought-after wedding venues.

Contact us about the last remaining dates for 2022 www.bryngarwhouse.com

01656 729009

events@bryngarwweddings.com

www.claireroigephotography.co.uk

REGULARS 6 EDITOR’S LETTER

What to look out for in this issue

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

Win a honeymoon in St Lucia

13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

51 HOT TOPIC

VENUES

FEATURES 43 TIME TO CELEBRATE

Our experts answer your questions

www.megan-sianphotography.com

On the cover...

This issue's gorgeous cover has been sponsored by fairytale wedding venue Hensol Castle (www.hensolcastledistillery.com). It was captured at the wedding of Sarah and Dean by Philip Warren Photography (info@philip-warren.com).

12 COMPETITION

Meet local musicians and entertainers

47 ELEGANT ROMANCE Fall in love with this gorgeous styled shoot at Woodbank House

43

15 SPOTLIGHT ON SWANSEA & AROUND

54 BY THE SEASIDE To celebrate the return of weddings, a team of local professionals worked together to create this styled shoot at Ogmore by Sea Beach

56 HERE COME THE GIRLS

Discover some of the best venues in the area

County Wedding Magazines senior editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

21 SWEET DREAMS

59 RETRO VIBES

Tie the knot in a venue with accommodation

Groove to the music with this 70s-inspired styled shoot

25 GRAND ESCAPES

73 FASHION FORWARD

Melissa Barker visits the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle

The latest seasonal wedding dresses

21

www.laurenowensphotography.co.uk

MARCH/APRIL 2022

CONTENTS

59

3

REAL WEDDINGS

27 TODAY IS MY NEW FAVOURITE DAY Cadi and Gareth had a fairytale wedding at Hensol Castle

32 AUTUMN LEAVES Katie and Shaun tied the knot at the breathtaking St Tewdrics House

FASHION & BEAUTY 62 FASHION FOCUS

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals her latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches

63 THE FRILL OF IT Layers and ruffles adorn dresses in the newseason bridal collections

68 AISLE STYLE From skyscraper stilettos to comfortable flats and even sliders, the new-season bridal shoe collections offer something for everyone

27

www.claudiarosecarter.co.uk

63

37 BACK TO NATURE After falling in love with The Great House Hotel and Restaurant, Sophie and Tom booked their September wedding surrounded by friends and family

69

HONEYMOONS 86 HONEYMOON NEWS

A round up of new openings and honeymoon essentials

88 GOURMET LOVERS PARADISE IN THE ALGARVE...

With 3,000 hours of sunshine and just a threehour flight from the UK, the Algarve offers a delightful year-round destination

GROOMS 81 GROOMS' NEWS

All the latest best buys and product launches

82 IN THE PINK Fuchsia, watermelon, flamingo, rouge, salmon, coral, hot pink... the choices are endless when it comes to this oh-so fabulous hue!

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69 LOVELY IN LACE

78 BEAUTY BUZZ Beauty editor Kelly Andrews reveals all the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

80 SKINCARE SUPERHEROES Serums are the skincare essentials of the 20s, especially if you're on the quest for a radiant big-day complexion

84 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A Local professionals solve your problems 4

https://katerichardsphotography.com

This classic fabric never goes out of style, whether you choose a traditional gown or a more relaxed, boho-inspired dress

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

DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers | Sarah Hill 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 Honeymoons Editor melissab@county.wedding Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing Editor and Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

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

Step into spring F

or me, spring is a wonderful time of year. I love seeing nature come alive, and being able to go outside without it being dark is something I’ve truly missed. Although I adore Christmas (who doesn’t?) I’m not a fan of the winter months and am so glad we can finally say hello to spring! With a new season comes lots of wonderful real weddings, and I can’t wait to hear from those of you who are set to tie the knot in the next few months.

As many of you know, my wedding is in July 2022, so we’re finally in the home stretch and counting down the days. We’ve opted for a summer wedding, partly due to my dislike for the cold weather, but also because when we got engaged in 2020 we were in the middle of one of the many lockdowns and were unsure if we’d be able to get married anytime soon. We booked our venue for 18 months later, and here we are about to walk down the aisle and say ‘I do’.

For those of you who are newly engaged, believe me when I tell you that your day will arrive in the blink of an eye! My number one piece of advice is to take your time and enjoy the planning process.

In this issue, we’re embracing the time of year and showcasing seasonal wedding dresses, hot topic questions and the latest news from around South Wales.

Remember, if you’ve recently celebrated your day or have been involved with a styled shoot, you can submit it at www.yoursouthwales.wedding/get-involved-real-wedding or melissa.barker@kdeventsandpublishing.com

Melissa x

Wedding dresses with lace detailing.

Melissa Barker, Senior Editor

WIN

a honeymoon in St Lucia!

12

Groove to the music with this 70s-inspired styled shoot.

59

@CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @cwm_wedding

ISSN 1756-6428

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

6

www.claireroigephotography.co.uk

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.

69 84

Top tips from local fashion and beauty experts.

63 32

EDITOR’S LETTER

www.laurenowensphotography.co.uk

Katie and Shaun had an autumnal-themed wedding at St Tewdrics House.

9

The latest news and offers from local suppliers.

Looking for something with lots of ruffles and layers? Check out our striking fashion section.

To celebrate the return of weddings, a team of local professionals worked together to create this styled shoot at Ogmore by Sea Beach.

56

www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

54

www.chrisandrewsphotography.co.uk

21

37

Sophie and Tom had the perfect celebration at The Great House Hotel and Restaurant.

https://katerichardsphotography.com

Read all about my wedding planning journey.

Gorgeous hotels and accommodation.

7

I love everything about doing a wedding from the first conversation with the bride to the morning of the wedding, even after the wedding.

I try my best to make sure my bride is relaxed and stress-free about her hair all the way up to the wedding and especially the wedding day. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I have a happy, relaxed and comfortable bride I love being a part of their special morning and making them feel special.

facebook.com/ staceyatnewimage

stacey.jaynewilliams@hotmail.com 01639844503

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

British Hair & Beauty Awards 2021 Bridal Hair Specialist G O L D A WA R D W I N N E R

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 sales@artificialfloralsupplies.co.uk

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

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

LOCAL NEWS NEW AND IMPROVED Bryngarw House is located in the heart of more than 100 acres of award-winning country parkland. The wedding venue has recently transformed some of its overnight guest accommodation, including a new bridal suite overlooking the lawn and a self-contained Coach House.

Bryngarw House is one of the hospitality social enterprises operated by Awen Trading Limited, the wholly-owned trading subsidiary of registered charity Awen Cultural Trust. Its chief executive, Richard Hughes, tells us: “Our vision was to develop Bryngarw House, a venue with an impressive history, as a luxury Welsh brand and high-end destination for the wedding market, whilst diversifying the business for conferences, weekend retreats, and special occasions. This, in turn, will boost the venue’s impact within the local community and create new and sustainable employment opportunities within hospitality and tourism industries which have been among the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Through our refurbishment plans, we will celebrate the beautiful Welsh valley surroundings, promote the language, cultural and environmental heritage, and offer the very best from local producers and suppliers.”

For more information, visit www.bryngarwhouse.com

d e w y l r a e N

NEWS www.kirstenmcternan.co.uk

All the latest from around South Wales

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Made in Cymru is celebrating one year since its launch. In that time, the site has grown to include a vast array of jewellery, home décor, clothing, art and beauty products all made by local Welsh artisans. To celebrate its first anniversary, the site has partnered with local charity, St David’s Hospice to raise funds to support local people living with lifelimiting illnesses.

Made in Cymru are part of a new breed of online shopping platforms that champion and promote locally made products. The founders of Made in Cymru have carefully curated a selection of diverse makers catering to most shopping whims, including more than 2200 items by 500 different Walesbased makers.

Head over to www.madeincymru.com for more information.

PETS AT WEDDINGS The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is set in the grounds of Cardiff Castle and borders one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the UK, Bute Park. The property has announced it will now allow dogs in all external areas of the venue. The new wedding officer, Aimee Daniel, tells us more: “We know how important it is to have your four-legged bestie at your side on your big day! We are fortunate enough to be nestled amongst Bute Park so couples and their photographers can get some stunning images of themselves with their canine companion in the relaxed park setting before joining the wedding party at the drinks reception in the Anthony Hopkins Centre Courtyard (which used to be the stables for Cardiff Castle) for some champagne and paw-secco.

“I am new to the role and am fortunate to be able to take it on while also still working as a freelance professional opera singer (having studied here at the college), and I’m loving every minute of meeting new couples and joining them on their wedding journey.”

To find out more, visit www.rwcmd.ac.uk or www.instagram.com/rwcmdweddings 9

CONGRATULATIONS! Stacey Williams, a hairstylist in Swansea, has won gold at The British Hair and Beauty Awards for Best Bridal/Special Occasion Hair Styles of the Year.

We spoke to Stacey to find out more: “I started hairdressing almost 18 years ago at the age of 15 and have focused on weddings a lot more in the last nine years. I love everything about a wedding, from the first conversation with the bride to the morning of the big day. I try my best to make sure my bride is relaxed and stress-free about her hair. I stay until she’s ready to leave for the aisle or until she is happy that I’m no longer needed, I also help the bridesmaids into their dresses and help the bride get buttoned up.

“I truly wasn’t expecting to win the award, but it means the absolute world to me. I have genuinely never felt more proud of my achievements and my work. It shows how far I’ve come in the wedding industry and how much I have improved over the years. I take great pride in my designs, and I’m constantly trying new ways to better myself and create new looks for future brides. I have opened up a separate Instagram page to help my couples find my creations a lot easier called www.instagram.com/bridal_braids” Visit www.facebook.com/staceyatnewimage for more information.

WANT EVEN MORE INSPIRATION? Here at CWM HQ we’re literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because, really, what is enough? We’d go on forever if we could. So, with that in mind, we’ve created our very own County Wedding Magazines YouTube channel, just for you.

It’s full of tons of big-day ideas from venue tours to dream dresses.

Catch up on beauty reviews and how tos from our beauty editor and peek behind the scenes of styled shoots featured in our titles past and present. You can even be a fly on the wall at some real weddings – after all, if we’re honest, who doesn’t love being a bit nosey! And we haven’t stopped there, as you’ll also find local supplier interviews packed with tips and tricks.

We’re adding more content all the time, so why not hit subscribe so you never miss a thing? It’s your one-stop shop for wedding vid-spiration! Simply head to YouTube and search ’County Wedding Magazines’ or click here www.youtube.com/channel/ UCMAChACKNanShdZwI5QGXMQ

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY SGDJ and SG Discos, a collective of professional DJs in Cardiff, have been nominated for Entertainer of the Year at The Welsh Wedding Awards. Established in 1999, the company offers a range of services, including entertainment for the ceremony, wedding breakfast, and evening celebration. Moving seamlessly through each part of the day, the team is dedicated to ensuring you have the perfect wedding.

Each of SGDJ and SG Disco’s packages can be customised to include a master of ceremonies, customisable background music for the meal, PA hire for the speeches, a recording of the speeches and vows, uplighting, dancefloors, and a selfie wizard.

Discover more at www.sgdjweddings.com

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A LUXURIOUS STAY Hensol Castle has launched 23 new design-led bedrooms, each of which blends contemporary opulence with the splendor and heritage of a listed castle. The beauty of the new accommodation is that no two rooms are the same – a deliberate design feature to make every guest’s stay that little more special. All rooms have large en suites furnished with freestanding baths for some indulgent pampering on either side of the wedding celebration, while others boast dressing rooms and separate lounges.

Many have stunning views across the castle parkland and serpentine lake – ideal for those looking for a quiet space to retreat among the excitement of the occasion.

Stephanie Metson, the marketing manager, said: “Weddings are the most special of events and it’s really important that guests, as well as the happy couple, are well looked after and enjoy every moment. We are confident this sumptuous new accommodation will perfect our wedding package for couples who want to hire a venue exclusively and have everyone celebrating together in one location. We have spent a lot of time, care, and attention in creating something truly special that is both luxurious and sympathetic to the history of the castle.”

Check out www.hensolcastle.com for more information.

BLACK

MOUNTAIN

,{I, BR,ITISH

it CANOEING

STAG & HEN PARTIES THE ULTl MATE ADVENTURE IN WALES!

Gorge Adventure - High Level Ropes & Zip Wire Clay Pigeon Shooting - Canoeing - Archery

HILARY’S FLORAL DESIGN 01873 853 086 www.hilarysflowers.co.uk

Rock Climbing - Caving - Paddle Boarding & Many More!

WWW.BLACKMOUNTAIN.CO.UK 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

WIN!

W

A HONEYMOON IN ST LUCIA

indjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is situated on the stunning Eastern Caribbean island of St Lucia – a honeymooners paradise.

Nestled into 60 acres of lush hillside, Windjammer Landing is a Mediterranean-style resort on a large crescent-shaped stretch of beach, boasting six swimming pools (two of them for kids), a selection of signature restaurants and bars, spa, fitness centre, watersports programmes and well-equipped kids club.

The resort’s 212 guest rooms, suites and villas range from stylish and contemporary waterfront villas to beachfront suites steps from the water’s edge and charming hillside rooms each designed to offer its guests beautiful views across Labrolette Bay and the Caribbean Sea. With complimentary windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, pedal boating, day and night tennis, 24hour fitness centre access and water aerobics, guests are encouraged to be as busy or relaxed as they like. Motorised water sports and scuba diving are also available, and the St Lucia Golf and Country Club’s 18-hole course is just a 25-minute drive away. At the end of an actionpacked day, Windjammer’s Spa provides the perfect tranquil setting to relax and unwind.

An array of restaurants and bars cater to the most discerning palates offering everything from elegant dining to more casual tastes either

beachside or nestled in the hillsides overlooking the bay. Those looking for something truly special can book a private dining experience with their own in-villa chef and a personalised menu.

For couples who can tear themselves away from the myriad attractions at the resort, honeymooners can enjoy St Lucia’s natural beauty with a scenic island cruise or rainforest excursion. Adrenaline seekers might prefer to zip-line through the forest canopy or climb the Gros Piton, the tallest of the island’s iconic twin peaks The Pitons – a UNESCO World Heritage site. What’s more, you can enjoy dolphin and whale watching, a helicopter tour or horseback riding on the beach. The sulphur springs, Pigeon Point, Marigot Bay, Castries Market and Rodney Bay are all within reach and easily booked through Jammin’ Tours, the resort’s own excursion team!

Rooms at Windjammer Landing start a US$266 per night with Villas starting at US$448.

For information and reservations visit www.windjammer-landing.com

THE PRIZE: County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort to give readers the chance to win: a three-night stay in a premium one-bedroom villa with breakfast included for two adults. T&Cs apply and the winners can add on additional nights for an additional charge.

Closing date 3rd June, 2022. Terms and conditions apply. Please see our website for details.

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FREEBIES & OFFERS

BEAUTIFULLY BESPOKE

WIN AN AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO

Surrounded by breathtaking views of Cardiff Bay is the impressive voco® St David’s, Cardiff. The five-star hotel is flooded with natural light from the glass-fronted façade and boasts a sleek and elegant interior. Inside is an award-winning spa with a wide range of treatments available, a pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant and a range of luxurious bedrooms to choose from.

Located close to a Wetlands Reserve, there are plenty of places to explore and a range of wedding spaces available, including the Penarth Suite, the Roald & Dahl Suites and the Penarth Terrace, which is ideal for al fresco celebrations.

We’ve teamed up with voco® St. David’s, Cardiff, to offer one lucky reader a free afternoon tea for two. The traditional afternoon tea swaps out the venue’s regular menu for indulgent savoury snacks, warm scones and sweet treats created using local produce.

For the full terms and conditions and to enter for the competition, please visit our website.

To find out more about the hotel, visit https://stdavids.vocohotels.com

Paper Patootie is a stationery company based in Cardiff. The owner Vikki offers two different packages; The Bespoke Option is ideal for couples who love Vikki’s style but aren’t sure what they’re looking for, while the Semi-Bespoke Option means you can have an existing design customised for your big day.

We spoke to Vikki to find out more about her company: “I’ve always adored stationery. Since I could pick up a pencil and put it on a piece of paper, I have drawn. Now, I write as much as I can, from personalised envelopes for wedding invitations, to my to-do list for the week - I love it all! My love of design and writing has been continued through typography. For me, the only thing better than looking at a finished product, fresh from the printers, and falling in love with it is my clients falling in love with it too!”

Exclusively for Your South Wales Wedding, Vikki is offering 10% off your entire order if you mention the magazine when booking at hello@paperpatootie.com. A free sample pack is also available via Paper Patootie’s website when you use the code CWMFREESAMPLE1.

For more information about Paper Patootie, visit www.paperpatootie.com

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

WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY Coppa Club’s The Swan at Streatley is a tranquil countryside getaway set in the Berkshire village of Streatley. Situated on the River Thames, roughly an hour from London, the 47-bedroom property has been newly refurbished and offers river-view rooms, or suites opening onto the garden lawn making it a great option for a dog-friendly getaway!

The grounds include the property’s own private island, lovely walks for couples and families (and four-legged companions) and the property is also ideal for riverside weddings, seating up to 130 friends and family!

Perfect for a pre- or post-wedding getaway, guests can access the property via car, boat or helicopter and have access to on-site paddle boarding, exercise classes, hotel gym and events throughout the year.

You can book a Small Double Room from £80 per night, and a Medium Double Room from £100 per night.

Check out www.theswanatstreatley.com County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Coppa Club The Swan At Streatley to give readers the chance to win an overnight stay for two people with breakfast, as well as a three-course meal with a bottle of fizz!

ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.YOURSOUTHWALES.WEDDING Closing date is 3rd June, 2022, unless otherwise stated.

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Award winning venue b a s e d o n t h e G o w e r P e n i n s u l a , S o u t h Wa l e s “ Yo u r h o t e l i s a l i t t l e m a g i c a l p l a c e that makes wishes come true” - Judith & Roger

Arrange a private viewing with the wedding team www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk 01792 390775 | weddings@kingarthurhotel.co.uk

www.mybigdayphotos.co.uk

REGIONAL VENUES

Spotlight on...

SWANSEA AND AROUND KING ARTHUR HOTEL, SA3 1AD

Celebrate in style

01792 390 775 | www.kingarthurhotel.co.uk

The award-winning wedding venue and function room, Avalon, has been hosting weddings since 2003. Avalon has a high pitched ceiling supported by an exposed French oak frame, and the polished oak floor at the centre of the room is bordered by Welsh slate. The beautiful arched windows overlook the surrounding landscaped gardens and the room can accommodate 140 seated friends and family throughout the day.

All weddings include a wedding coordinator, exclusive use of the hotel rooms, white table linen, a microphone, screen and projector, a cake stand and much more.

We love...

Couples will receive a complimentary stay in the bridal suite on the night of the wedding.

www.mybigdayphotos.co.uk

The King Arthur is a delightful wedding venue nestled under Cefn Bryn, the highest point on Gower Peninsula. Boasting views over the Bristol Channel and North towards the Brecon Beacons and West to Carmarthenshire, the property has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The family-run venue consists of two bars, a restaurant, 18 en suite hotel rooms, a small barn conversion cottage, four self-catering cottages, fivestar cottage apartments and a breathtaking banqueting hall.

The fairylights nestled in the huge willow tree in the gardens is a new stand out photo opportunity.

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www.jenkins-photography.co.uk

CRAIG Y NOS CASTLE, SA9 1GL 01639 731 167 | www.craigynoscastleweddings.com Craig Y Nos Castle is located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons and is surrounded by breathtaking grounds. Once home to Adelina Patti, the world-famous opera singer, the property is a grand space with a long and interesting history that dates back to 1840. 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.

Rossini’s last Italian opera and the walls are decorated with the names of Patti’s favourite composers. The space can accommodate 120 guests throughout the day.

Lovebirds can choose from two reception spaces. The Conservatory can hold 130 friends and family, and the Music and Billard Room has room for 120 people.

Located in the centre of the castle are The Patti Bar and Nicolini Lounge, which are available for loved ones to use throughout the night.

Celebrate in style

We love...

One of only eight Grade I listed opera houses in the UK, The Theatre has a 125-year-old curtain depicting Madame Patti on a chariot in

W-day couples can enjoy a tour of the castle to learn more about its rich history.

BRANGWYN, SA1 4PE

Celebrate in style

01792 635 432 | www.brangwyn.co.uk

There are two wedding spaces available. The Brangwyn Hall has high panelled ceilings and gorgeous walls, and The George Hall and Lord Mayor’s Reception Room is decorated in an Art Deco style and provides a more intimate setting for nuptials.

Built in the 1930s, the Brangwyn is an impressive wedding venue in Swansea that’s known for its Art Decor décor. Situated within easy walking distance of Victoria Park and the spectacular sweep of Swansea Bay, the building boasts a striking and majestic architecture throughout with historic British empire panels created by renowned artist Sir Frank Brangwyn.

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We love...

Brangwyn has versatile wedding spaces that are ideal for both large and small celebrations.

WEDDINGS AT MORGANS Morgans is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the centre of Swansea, just minutes from the beautiful Maritime Quarter and a short drive from the Mumbles and Gower coastline.

Morgans is the ultimate boutique wedding venue in the heart of Swansea. Our friendly and professional staff, exquisite rooms and Grade II* listed location will contribute to making your day a very special and memorable one for your guests, and more important for yourselves.

01792 484848 events@morganshotel.co.uk morganshotel.co.uk

T R AV E L H O U S E

S AY Y E S TO N E W A D V E N T U R E S Love is someone to share paradise with, make your honeymoon as memorable as your big day with Travel House.

Book your tailored honeymoon with one of our experts today.

01792 293743 Or email: sales@travelhouse.co.uk Find your nearest branch: www.travelhouse.co.uk

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GILESTON MANOR ESTATE

destination Wedding Venue

Create the Wedding of your Dreams...

Our elegant Manor House, exquisite gardens, bespoke lotus Marquee plus our luxury boutique accommodation suites, combined with our location in the Vale of Glamorgan with breathtaking sea views, makes Gileston Manor Estate the perfect venue for your Destination Wedding. visit our website

www.gilestonmanor.co.uk

email: enquiries@gilestonmanor.co.uk

photo by Philip Warren Photography

Woodbank House WEDDINGS, EVENTS & GROUP ACCOMMODATION

Woodbank House is the ideal boutique venue for your special wedding day in the heart of the Usk Valley, South Wales, with spectacular panoramic views overlooking the River Usk. Exclusive use means you will have 20 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside and sprawling terraces to host your special event. It is our goal to help you create a personal and unique day and enjoy our facilities, in a house built for entertaining.

Woodbank House provides the perfect inclusive setting for your wedding, we can accommodate up to 70 guests for your civil ceremony and wedding breakfast and 100 guests for your evening party.

+44 (0)7899 751204 | info@woodbankwales.com | www.woodbankwales.com WOODBANK HOUSE

LLANHENNOCK

MONMOUTHSHIRE

NP18 1LU

www.richardsavage.co.uk and www.theweddingbusiness.co.uk

REGIONAL VENUES

MORGANS HOTEL, SA1 1RR 01792 484 848 | www.morganshotel.co.uk Morgans Hotel is a Grade II* listed boutique venue located in the centre of Swansea, just minutes from the beautiful maritime quarter and a short drive from the Mumbles and Gower coastline. The four-star property opened in 1902 as the Swansea Harbour Trust Building and was designed by architect Edwin Seward who submitted the winning design out of 100 entries. The exterior is clad in white stone and red brick and is topped by a Greek statue-clad clock. Inside is 42 individual bedrooms and a restaurant situated on the first floor with access via a champagne bar.

Also check out...

NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, SA1 3RD

03001 112 333 | www.museum.wales/swansea

Celebrate in style The Restaurant and Atrium can accommodate up to 130 guests for the wedding breakfast and up to 200 friends and family for an evening reception.

The property is licenced for civil ceremonies and partnerships in both the main function room and the Sir Galahad Suite.

We love...

The many photograph opportunities, the history behind the building and its central location to the city along the famous Swansea Bay coast.

NORTON HOUSE HOTEL, SA3 5TQ 01792 404 891 | www.nortonhousehotel.co.uk

Located on the Swansea Marina, the National Waterfront Museum is a superb choice for couples looking for a wedding venue with a view.

The property combines the convenience of a city centre location with the picturesque tranquillity of the nearby Swansea Bay. In the grounds is a beautiful courtyard garden, which is big enough for couples to have a garden party in the summer months.

Norton House Hotel is an independent country house hotel which has been thoroughly refurbished with weddings in mind. The property exudes 1970s charm and features an impressive entrance, with a round-headed arch door, elegant windows and 17 individuallydesigned bedrooms.

THE THOMAS ARMS HOTEL, SA15 3JF

MANSION HOUSE LLANSTEFFAN, SA33 5AJ

01554 772 043 | www.thomasarms.co.uk

01267 241 515 | www.mansionhousellansteffan.co.uk

The Thomas Arms Hotel dates back to 1829 and offers a friendly, highquality service. This beautifully restored hotel lends itself to all occasions and boasts a range of premium wines, spirits and an impressive menu.

There are 10 en suite bedrooms for guests to choose from and a function room that’s ideal for both grand and small celebrations.

Situated within five acres of Welsh countryside and luscious woodland is the Mansion House Llansteffan. Built around 1820, the Georgian mansion has a rustic yet contemporary décor and still retains much of its historical charm. Guests will love the stained glass windows, ornate staircase, stunning grounds and eight individually designed bedrooms.

THE PLOUGH RHOSMAEN, SA19 6NP

WELSH GREEN WEDDINGS, SA44 5XE

01558 823 431 | www.ploughrhosmaen.com

01559 370 517 | www.welshgreenweddings.co.uk

The Plough is set in the beautiful Towy Valley, at the edge of the Brecon Beacons and its national park. Surrounded by castles and country houses, and with the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney House only minutes away, the hotel is ideal for couples looking to explore the local area.

Welsh Green Weddings is a family-owned farm with a stone and slate exterior situated in the Carmarthenshire countryside. The property boasts a friendly yet professional atmosphere and has a range of overnight accommodation available, including a double-decker bus and a 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

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

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

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)

www.laurenowensphotography.co.uk

THEMED VENUES

Sweet DREAMS

Tie the knot in a venue with accommodation GILESTON MANOR, CF62 4HX

07794 611 105 | www.gilestonmanor.co.uk

Celebrate in style The estate houses the pretty church of St Giles, which is perfect for couples planning a religious ceremony.

Civil Ceremonies can be hosted in a variety of settings, including the gardens and neutrally decorated Lotus Marquee, which has sparkling chandeliers, views of the Jurassic Coast and can comfortably seat 140 dinner guests for the wedding breakfast with room for more in the evening.

We love...

The views and on-site accommodation.

www.laurenowensphotography.co.uk

Gileston Manor Estate is a five-star wedding venue located in the awardwinning village of Gileston in the Vale of Glamorgan. Tucked away off the beaten track and set in nine acres of lovingly kept gardens and grounds, the property boasts sweeping front lawns and breathtaking panoramic sea views.

The Georgian Grade II* listed manor house has recently been renovated and includes an elegant wedding room on the first floor, complete with original panelling, mirrors and crystal chandeliers. The house also boasts eight exquisite guest suites, all individually themed and styled, including the bridal suite which was designed by David Emanuel.

An additional 24 guest bedrooms can be found in the courtyard which is just a few steps away at the end of the evening.

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www.itpie.co.uk

www.itpie.co.uk

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

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 The manor house at Tall John’s Weddings is situated within acres of exquisite grounds with mature trees and breathtaking views across the valley. The working walled garden is the ideal place to take photographs with a rose bower, a double swing hanging from a beech tree and a silver birch bower.

There is also 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.

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 22

120 friends and family.

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

There are two outdoor ceremony spaces available which can both accommodate up to 40 nearest and dearest.

We love...

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

be able to spend the wedding night in The Coachmans. The house is also available for up to 23 guests on a staffed basis, with breakfast included.

Celebrate in style Intimate services of 20 nearest and dearest can be held in the Drawing Room of the manor house, or the split-level Granary, with its canopied beams and light stone floor, can accommodate 80-110.

Large celebrations are held in the barn, which is licensed for up to 160 guests.

The fabulous wooden gazebo in the garden means couples can also enjoy an open-air ceremony on the natural grassed stage.

We love...

The venue is exclusive use meaning couples will have the site to themselves on their special day.

You’ve found ‘the one’ and now it’s time to discover your dream venue. Hidden seductively o-road yet situated just a stone’s throw from the historic Penarth Pier, Holm House is a luxury boutique hotel that dates back to 1926. It has an elegant and sophisticated interior, an impressive exterior and oers magnificent water views across the Bristol Channel. The venue will be exclusively yours for the day, allowing you and your guests to take full advantage. Holm House boasts several stylish reception spaces, 12 individually designed bedrooms, picturesque manicured gardens and an award-winning spa.

Holm House is also an approved venue for civil wedding ceremonies with the Vale of Glamorgan registrar’s office. We cater to ceremonies of all sizes, with our most intimate space seating 12 of your closest friends and family. Our lounge with its homely relaxing feel and stunning feature fire place sets the perfect scene for a romantic ceremony, and is ideal for ceremonies for up to 40 guests. For ceremonies of up to 85 guests, our restaurant with spectacular views of our flourishing gardens and romantic seaside setting creates the perfect backdrop for the beautiful couple to say ‘I DO’.

Our beautiful, light and airy restaurant boasts floor to ceiling bi-folding windows, immersing you and your guests into the overlooking cliff tops,

flourishing gardens and the seaside breeze delivering an authentic al fresco dining experience. Our distinguished One AA Rosette Restaurant can accommodate up to 85 guests for the wedding breakfast and 100 guests for your evening celebration. Impress your guests with delicious food using the finest ingredients and where possible local and sustainable produce. As part of booking your wedding with us you will both enjoy a complimentary tasting to ensure you have the perfect menu for your special day. Our 4 star hotel with 12 cosy, boutique rooms provides a comfortable retreat for you and your guests and our award winning spa will leave you all feeling refreshed, relaxed and ready to celebrate.

HOLM HOUSE, 11 MARINE PARADE, PENARTH CF64 3BG HOLMHOUSEHOTEL.COM

RECEPTION@HOLMHOUSEHOTEL.CO.UK

02920 706 029

GRAND ESCAPES Melissa Barker visits the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle

F

ollowing (far too) many lockdowns and ever-changing restrictions, I hadn’t been able to travel to South Wales for more than a year; so when the Vale Resort in Hensol invited me to come visit, I jumped at the chance. My fiancé, Dave, and I adore South Wales and were really excited to see the area and explore the hotel.

LET THE LOVE BE-GIN Dave and I started our stay in true style with a gin tour at Hensol Castle, located just outside of Cardiff, in the heart of the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan countryside. I had heard about the new distillery located in the cellars of the 17th-century castle and was excited to see it for myself.

I’m ashamed to admit – much to my colleagues’ disgust, that I don’t know much about gin but I was eager to learn more. The Guided Distillery Tour and Tasting lasted for an hour-and-a-half and our guide, Peter, was very knowledgeable and made the whole experience enjoyable and very informative. He showed us around the distillery, explained the history of the castle and (of course) the gin, and showed us the botanical room where we learned what ingredients are used to make the delicious drink.

My favourite part was the tutored gin tasting, where I discovered that I love Strawberry Hensol Gin – a must try. This was followed by a relaxing drink (or two) at the bar. After the tour, we took a walk around the grounds and visited the 15-acre lake. Even in the strong winds, it was still beautiful and would make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. We can’t wait to visit again and try the Gin School and make our very own bottle of gin!

REST AND RELAXATION After we walked around the Hensol Castle grounds, we made our way over to the Vale Resort. The Vale is a short walk away from the castle, and has an impressive exterior and gorgeous interior. The friendly receptionist answered all the questions we had with ease and a level of professionalism matching the high standard of the hotel and she made sure we settled in comfortably.

The space went beyond our expectations; with a super king-size bed, a TV, and grand windows that overlooked the grounds. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we saw the en suite bathroom, boasting a walk-in shower, fluffy towels, complimentary toiletries, and my favourite, a luxurious bath.

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After a few hours’ rest, we decided to try out the hotel’s health club that we’d heard so much about. Boasting three squash courts, three tennis courts, a fitness studio, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and a spa – we were spoilt for choice. We started with the 20-meter swimming pool, which was lovely and quiet. We were able to relax after the long drive in luxury – I didn’t want to get out. I couldn’t leave without testing out the sauna and steam and whirlpool bath. The bath was amazing, and I could have easily spent the day there. After a few hours, we made our way back to the room, where we relaxed in comfort until it was time for dinner.

TO DINE FOR Lounging around on our unbelievably comfortable bed, it was a struggle to drag ourselves out of the room for dinner, even though I couldn’t wait to taste the food I’d heard so much about. The delightful staff escorted us to our table where we were presented with the menu and our first course.

We both opted for the vegan Brazilian black bean and sweet potato chilli. It was lovely, and Dave was still talking about it several days later.

For the main, I chose the roasted Welsh pork fillet and Dave opted for the pan-seared sea bream. The meal was delicious, and it was the ideal size to fill me up but leave enough room for what I consider to be the main event: dessert! I finished with the hazelnut fudge brownie – I have a sweet tooth, so for me, this was perfect. It wasn’t too heavy, and I could have happily eaten more. The service was impeccable, and the staff went out of their way to ensure we were enjoying ourselves and had everything we needed.

After dinner, we wearily headed to our room, and I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? We awoke after the best night’s sleep we’d had in a long time, feeling like royalty. We had breakfast in the main restaurant, where there was something to suit everyone, from pastries and cereal to a full-Welsh fry up. Everything was delicious, and there was so much food that I think I ate enough for two!

We were sad to be leaving after such a luxurious stay, having fallen in love with the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle. It’s safe to say we’re planning on visiting again soon!

BOOK IT: Hensol Castle, www.hensolcastle.com Vale Resort, www.valeresort.com

THEMED VENUES

VOCO® ST DAVID’S, CARDIFF, CF10 5SD 02920 454 045 | https://stdavids.vocohotels.com voco® St David’s, Cardiff is a five-star hotel that overlooks Cardiff Bay. Flooded with natural light, the venue has a glass-fronted façade, a sleek and elegant interior, a pool, an award-winning spa, a fitness centre, a restaurant and luxurious bedrooms.

Celebrate in style The beautifully decorated Penarth Suite is ideal for intimate ceremonies and wedding breakfasts.

Alternatively, The Roald & Dahl Suites, which form part of a larger room, and the Dylan & Thomas Suites can be used throughout the day for large celebrations.

Outdoor blessings and drink receptions are held on the Penarth Terrace, which has impressive views and can be decorated with pop up bars, twinkling fairylights and portable heaters.

We love...

Couples will receive free tasting evenings and overnight accommodation.

Scan to view video

WOODBANK HOUSE, NP18 1LU 07899 751 204 | www.woodbankwales.com Woodbank House is a stunning wedding venue located in the picturesque Usk Valley. Dating back to the late 19th century, the property used to be a country cottage and possible shooting lodge of a large estate. It has since been sympathetically restored, resulting in a period yet contemporary feel throughout.

Guests will approach the boutique venue via a private 250-metre sweeping tree-lined drive and take in the surrounding 20 acres of Welsh countryside.

Celebrate in style The Main Hall and Drawing Room are available for ceremonies of up to 70 loved ones during the day and 100 in the evening. Both spaces have Grecian-style fireplaces, oak floors and an oak staircase.

Intimate receptions take place in the Dining Room with up to 22 friends and family.

We love...

Overnight accommodation for up to 20 guests is available, and there is a bridal suite available for newlyweds to use on the night of the wedding.

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favourite day REAL WEDDINGS

TODAY IS MY NEW

Cadi and Gareth had a fairytale wedding at Hensol Castle Images courtesy of Claudia Rose Carter Photography

C

adi and Gareth met online through a dating site. “We both very nearly didn’t turn up to the first date as were hungover after celebrating a Six Nations win for Wales the night before,” says Cadi.

“We quickly realised we had similar interests, which made organising dates an easy job.”

Gareth proposed on Christmas Day. “It was very low key,” shares the bride. “Neither of us like much fuss, so it was nice that it was private. It was somewhat a surprise, however, I had dropped lots of hints! He chose a ring from a beautiful independent jeweller in London that I’d been following for a long time called Ruth Tomlinson. We did end up going back to create a bespoke ring which incorporated family stones from our grandmothers and my birthstone. I feel very lucky to have such a special engagement ring that has such sentiment behind it.”

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

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and would accommodate We strug gled to find a venue that we both loved perfect, and the décor was quite everyone. The courtyard at Hensol Castle was bonus for us what that Hensol neutral, so we saw it as a blank canvas. A oms. This allowed me to get ready Castle had just finished its new on-site bedro was one less thing to worr y about. there on the morning of the wedding which

I knew before we got engaged that I wanted Forbesfield to do our wedding flowers.

Beth is a genius when it comes to all things floral. As Hensol Castle is a large space we wanted to try and maximise what we could get within our budget. We spoke with Beth about incorporating foliage along with a combination of fresh and dried flowers, full of texture and warm autumnal colours and boy did she deliver! Apart from the classic bouquet and buttonholes, she created an incredible installation on the staircase and two incred ible towers at the end of the aisle, which were a focal point all day.

chairs that worked so well with the rest YOLO Events provided wooden cross back room the night before the wedding to see of the décor. I cried when I walked into the moodboards we’d put together. what they had created. It was exactly like the 28

From the start, we knew we didn’t want a set theme or colour scheme. We designed all of the stationery ourselves and asked our friend Simona if she would draw a picture of us that we could use on our invitations and save the dates. We kept the stationery quite simple so that it would go with whatever colours we chose for the day itself.

apparent that ever yone wanted a cake, but it became Gareth and I didn’t think we chen, who creates e contacted The Sweet Cak Kit else wanted us to have one. We ue. We sent her resc our to would be available to come beautiful cakes, to see if she she created a and ers, flow ist had put together for the the colour palettes that our flor us. stunning gluten-free cake for

We knew we wanted to add a bit of drama and warmth into the room, but with it being such a large space, it was quite hard working out how to do it.

I’d been following Boomting Bunting on Insta gram for a while and they had so many examples of exactly the type of thing we wanted, so I got in touch with Georgia. I sent her pictures of the venue and she came back with some great ideas. I also put her in touch with our floris t to see if we could incorporate some foliage into their drape design and light insta llation, and they sorted everything.

REAL WEDDING

We worked with Strawberry Shortcake Dining and their exec utive chef, Scott, to write a menu for the day. We combined our canapés and star ters and created street food stations during the drinks reception. We always feel like the can apés get a little lost during the drinks receptio n, and we didn’t want ever yon e sitti ng for a threecourse meal, so it was a good way of doing something differen t and a bit more relaxed. We had some deliciou s wine too, chosen from a sele ction by Fine Wines Direct UK in Cardiff.

Gareth visited Edit Suits Co in London and chose a bespoke navy two-piece suit with an accompanying grey check waistcoat. His shoes were a pair of Conker Loakes from The Brogue Trader in Cardiff.

The entertainment was the par t of the day we were most look ing forward to. Gareth found a Mariachi covers ban d called Beat Banditos, who were great. They played as ever yone was finishing thei r desserts, and they led ever yon e out into the front rooms of the castle, while the venue set the main room up for the even ing guests. This was a great way of keeping the par ty going at a time when you can lose a bit of momentum.

to know what my style was. I I don’t usually wear dresses, so I found it tricky t through Waxflower Bridal in finally chose Adair by Suzanne Neville, bough modern. It had long sleeves, a Chepstow. The dress was simple, elegant and y, the owner of Waxflower Bridal, high neckline and a cut-out at the back. Kath ible boutique! She has an impressive was incredible. I felt so at home in her incred some of which I wish I had the guts to collection of dresses/jumpsuits/separates, sorising the dress. I have curly hair and wear! She knew I was strug gling with acces or hair clip, and she found a headband, didn’t want to fuss too much with an up-do perfect! which was quite out-there for me, but it was

The bridesmaids opted for a combination of forest green Bardot-style dresses from Laura May Bridal in Cardiff and a silver gown from Ghost in London. They all looked amazing!

Afterwards, we hired Disco Motel to DJ with an interval by The Tom Jones Experience. He went down a storm and was a great way of breaking up the DJ set.

Nathan from Disco Motel brought disco balls and confetti cannons and even gave one of our guests a spotlight.

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Walking down the aisle and getting stuck in the plughole cover halfway down was pretty memorable! My heel got stuck, and the guests had to free me! It did make us all laugh, and normalised things a little, which I think made us both relax more!

One of the best men also offered Gareth a swig of his hip flask at the alter before I arrived, and the registrar quickly reminded them that it was not allowed!

without any restrictions, and everyone Being able to have the wedding we wanted, and-a-half of no events like that partying together was wonderful. After a yearspecial. being able to have everyone together was so

Apart from having the most incredible parents that helped give us an amazing day, we had an after-party the following day with 40 of our close friends and family. We organised a wine tasting event at Fine Wines Direct UK and then went for a meal.

www.poshbear.co.uk

I’d spent so much time planni ng and wor rying about ever ythi ng, that when the day came round, I felt excited rath er than nervous. It did help tha t I had the best group of women around me in the mor ning. We loved being pampere d by Nikki from Brows + Brides, who styled my hair, which is no easy task as I still struggle to style it myself, and Cat Willia ms Make Up made us feel so gorgeous without going over the top. I think I surprise d ever yone with how chilled I was! I wanted to just enjoy ever y minute of it.

Scan to view video

We are cur rently planning our

honeymoon, hopefully somewh

ere hot and far away!

Our top tip for any couple is to try and remember that it’s your day.

It’s easy to take what everyone else thinks you should have/do onboard and forget what it is that you want.

CADI AND GARETH’S CONTACTS Venue, Hensol Castle, www.hensolcastle.com | Photographer, Claudia Rose Carter Photography, www.claudiarosecarter.co.uk | Videographer, Posh Bear, www.poshbear.co.uk | Bride’s dress and accessories, Waxflower Bridal, www.waxflowerbridal.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Edit Suits Co, www.editsuits.com | Groom’s shoes, The Brogue Trader, www.thebroguetrader.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Laura May Bridal, www.lauramaybridal.co.uk and Ghost, www.ghost.co.uk | Hair stylist, Brows + Brides, www.browsandbrides.co.uk | Make-up artist, Cat Williams Make Up, www.catwilliamsmakeup.com | Wedding/engagement rings, Ruth Tomlinson, www.ruthtomlinson.com | Cake, The Sweet Cake Kitchen, www.thesweetcakekitchen.co.uk | Flowers, Forbesfield, www.forbesfield.co.uk | Décor installation, Boomting Bunting, www.boomtingbunting.com Chair hire, YOLO Events, www.yolo-events.co.uk | Entertainment, Disco Motel, www.facebook.com/discodiscomotel, The Tom Jones Experience, www.tomjonesexperience.uk and Beat Banditos, www.beatbanditos.co.uk | Wine supplier, Fine Wines Direct UK, www.finewinesdirectuk.com Catering, Strawberry Shortcake Dining, www.strawberryshortcakedining.com 30

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

Autumn LEAVES

Katie and Shaun tied the knot at the breathtaking St Tewdrics House Images courtesy of Lauren Owens Photography

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REAL WEDDINGS

K

atie and Shaun met online six years ago. “We had our first date at Ystradfellte Waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons and quickly became inseparable,” says Katie. “Shaun is a very loving and kind person who puts me first, which was something I hadn’t felt before and knew it was special. We moved in together after a year, which some may say was quick, but to us, it was so natural. We were on the same page, and I’m pretty sure I mentioned getting engaged within a few months of being together! Shaun put the reins on that for some time, but good things come to those who wait.”

Shaun proposed in May 2018 while the couple were on holiday in Rhodes, Greece. “It was our first real holiday together as a couple,” shares the bride. “I had a feeling that Shaun was going to propose as he is terrible at keeping secrets.

He smirked the whole plane journey and was very particular about keeping his bag on him at all times. We arrived at the hotel late at night, so I was tired and grumpy. I started unpacking, and when I turned around, Shaun was on one knee in the middle of the room. It was perfect as I always wanted the proposal to be just us. I asked him later on why he did it so urgently, and he explained that he was worried I would find the ring and he couldn’t keep it a secret any longer.”

SETTING THE SCENE “We chose St Tewdrics House for numerous reasons,” explains Katie. “We loved the house, courtyard, its character and the fact we could have the ceremony and reception all in one place. The grounds were beautiful, and the wildflower meadow was the perfect setting for us. The customer service we received from our wedding coordinator, Charlotte, was outstanding! She was amazing and made sure the day was flawless. When we did have a hiccup, Charlotte was there to take care of it. All the staff at St Tewdrics House were superb, from Valentino, the bar manager, to the service staff and chefs.”

Instead of favours, the couple donated money to two different cat charities, Forgotten Felines Cat Rescue and ARC – Anna’s Rescue Centre.

“The table plan was made by my maid-of-honour,” recalls the bride. “The card used for the numbers was the same as the menu cards on the tables. We featured my cat, Otis, in the middle of the table plan as I’m a bit obsessed with him.”

For the centrepieces, Katie and Shaun opted for geometric glass lanterns with gold lining, small tea lights and greenery. “We felt the candles made the venue feel warm and cosy,” adds Katie. “We wanted to keep the centrepieces simple and practical so that everyone could see and interact with each other.”

“When I first discussed my flowers with Hayley from Misselthwaite Flowers Ltd, I requested lots of burgundy and deep reds with a Gothic/moody twist,” says the bride. “I gave all creative freedom to Hayley in terms of what flowers to use and the design, and she did not disappoint! I had no clue what the arrangements were going to look like and when I saw my bouquet I cried (a lot). All the flowers were everything I wanted, and so many people mentioned them on the day. I’ve now had my bouquet preserved using resin.”

The cake was a four-tier design made of jam, buttercream and lemon from Onecake Ortwo. “The artificial flowers for the cake provided by Misselthwaite Flowers Ltd were perfect,” shares Katie. “The blooms matched our colour scheme perfectly, and you would never believe that they were artificial.”

“In the venue’s entrance, we had a letter board stating the order-of-the-day, a card box and artificial rose petals,” explains the bride. “We had pictures of our animals dotted around the venue, which gave me comfort knowing they weren’t forgotten on our big day. We also had two photo frames, one with a picture of my late grancha and another with a poem about remembering loved ones who couldn’t be present. We wanted to make sure that our wedding was very personal to us and sentimental.”

DRESSED TO IMPRESS “I wore a Morilee gown called Rosa from Willow in White Bridal Co,” recalls Katie. “The dress was the opposite to what I thought I wanted, but as soon as I put it on, I felt so special and emotional. From the detailed lace to the long, intricate train, it felt like it was made for me. To accessorise, I purchased a veil with clusters of pearls that matched my hairpin from VsFilipchenko on Etsy. I was also given a Clogau bracelet from Shaun as a wedding present. It was part of the Princess 33

Diana Collection, and I wore it on the day as my something blue as it had a sapphire on the pendant. I also had a second dress in the evening, which I purchased many years ago. It was perfect for dancing and was light and comfortable.”

Shaun chose a three-piece navy Ted Baker suit from Slater Menswear in Cardiff. “We chose a design with a brown check running through it to help him stand out,” adds the bride. “He also had a rose buttonhole to match his tie.”

“The bridesmaids opted for navy halterneck dresses from Next,” says Katie. “My dad got married three weeks prior, and this is the dress I wore to his wedding. I loved it so much that I decided to put all my bridesmaids in them. It turned out great because the navy went so well with the flowers.”

TIME TO CELEBRATE “We decided not to have entertainment at the drinks reception or wedding breakfast, purely to be cost-effective,” shares the bride.

“There were lots of people mingling and chatting that it worked out great. We did have a Spotify playlist playing throughout, and then Boutique Disco kept everyone entertained in the evening.

Our friends and family loved them, and they played music that got our guests up and dancing.”

MEMORABLE MOMENTS “I remember feeling quite calm in the morning, however when my make-up was complete, I wanted to cry,” explains Katie. “When my mum had her make-up done, I wanted to cry again. I cried a lot, but it was because I was extremely happy. I have never felt so proud of my friends and family. It’s a feeling I can’t describe, and I wish I could have bottled it and kept it forever. I think by the evening, everyone was so tired from all the tears shed!”

The happy couple had the perfect ceremony. “When I started walking down the aisle, Shaun and my dad couldn’t hold back the tears,” recalls the bride. “I just remember seeing my mum and Shaun, it was as if I had blinders on and couldn’t see anyone else in the room, and it was a special moment for us all.”

“The speeches were a highlight for me,” adds Katie. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. I also loved the 15 minutes in the evening where Shaun and I had some time to ourselves.

We had a glass of champagne, a cwtch and a chat. It gave us a moment to reflect on what we had just accomplished.”

The day didn’t go quite according to plan. “The best man, Nathan, got extremely nervous about his speech and started drinking quite early to calm his nerves,” says the bride. “When it came to doing his speech, many people commented how it was the funniest speech ever as everyone knew how intoxicated he was. He never got to finish and repeated his lines quite a few times. The master of ceremonies, Rhys, asked the crowd to give a round of applause halfway through and sat him down. It ended up being one of the highlights of the wedding.”

“All our suppliers made the day so easy and special,” shares Katie. “Kirsty Rowlands Make Up Artist made the bridal party, and I feel so beautiful and was so easy to talk to. Anna Williams Bridal Hair Specialist and Lauren Owens Photography helped get me into my dress and it allowed us to have a much-needed breather. Our videographers, James and Cory from Posh Bear, helped Shaun in the morning, running into the bridal suite with him when I wasn’t there and directing us both throughout the day.

Hayley from Misselthwaite Flowers Ltd went above and beyond, answering any questions late in the evening and going through the wedding journey with us. Everyone made us feel so special on the day.”

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REAL WEDDINGS

KATIE AND SHAUN’S CONTACTS Venue, St Tewdrics House, www.sttewdricshouse.co.uk | Photographer, Lauren Owens Photography, www.laurenowensphotography.co.uk Videographer, Posh Bear, www.poshbear.co.uk | Bride’s dress and veil, Willow in White Bridal Co, www.willowinwhite.com | Second wedding dress, Jadie Leigh Bridal Boutique, www.jadieleighbridalboutique.co.uk | Bride’s hair pin, VsFilipchenko, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/vsfilipchenko Bride’s bracelet, Clogau, www.clogau.co.uk | Hair stylist, Anna Williams Bridal Hair Specialist, www.yourspecialdaybridalhair.co.uk | Make-up artist, Kirsty Rowlands Make Up Artist, www.kirstyrowlands.co.uk | Bridesmaids’ dresses, Next | Groom’s suit, Slater Menswear | Cake, Onecake Ortwo, www.facebook.com/onecake.ortwo | Flowers, Misselthwaite Flowers Ltd, www.misselthwaiteflowersltd.co.uk | Flowers preservation and resin, Out of the box, www.facebook.com/outoftheboxbykate | Invitations, VistaPrint | Entertainment, Boutique Disco, www.boutiquedisco.com Catering, Cleverchefs, www.cleverchefs.co.uk 35

Beautifully natural

At Jarvis & Co. we make nature inspired wedding jewellery for the alternative bride, we cast twigs and leaves collected from memorable locations and turn them into Sterling Silver and gold jewellery encrusted with beautiful Sapphires and Diamonds.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Stand out with one of our White gold Oak twigs with Australian Sapphire engagement ring.

Click on the link and get in touch for further information regarding our Wedding Jewellery.

www.bet h an jarvisjewelle ry.co m admin@bethanjarvisjewellery.com

07581 202 910

Your day, your way Plan your perfect day at a romantic wedding venue positioned on the beautiful Cardiff Bay waterfront, water laps up the edge of this stylish building.

Complete with an entrance hall that soars so high, our modern five-star hotel will leave your guests stunned from the moment they first arrive.

Our experienced team will make your day just as you’ve imagined.

C O N TA C T O U R T E A M stdavidsevents@ihg.com | +44 (0) 2920 454 045 | stdavids.vocohotels.com/weddings | Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SD

voco_StDavids_South_Wales_wedding_ad_jan-feb.indd 1

09/12/2021 16:22:43

REAL WEDDINGS

nature

BACK TO

After falling in love with The Great House Hotel and Restaurant, Sophie and Tom booked their September wedding where they were surrounded by friends and family Images courtesy of Kate Richards Photography

S

ophie and Tom met in secondary school. “In 2013, we were on a night out and bumped into each other, and we’ve been inseparable ever since,” says Sophie. “I had plans to move to Liverpool to study nursing that September, but that didn’t stop Tom. He would travel up on his days off and spend days chilling out while I went to study. I eventually moved home, and in 2015 we bought our first home and not long after that, we got engaged.”

The proposal was a big surprise for Sophie. “We were on holiday in the Dominican Republic when Tom asked me to marry him,” shares the bride. “I was wondering why Tom was drinking champagne for breakfast (trying to hide the nerves), and then when we got back to our room, he got down on one knee.”

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

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After booking almost everything, I couldn’t help but think of the holidays and experiences we could have with that money instead and sat Tom down and broke the news that I didn’t want to go ahead with the big wedding and wanted to consider abroad, so we cancelled almost everything! The following month, COVID-19 hit, and my mum mentioned that we had not cancelled the original booking of the church ceremony. My mind started to whirl, and I said to Tom, let’s get married on the original date and go with it, so we did! With four months to go, we started planning! After ringing around the local pubs/venues to see if they could accommodate us, my mum had a call from The Great House Hotel and Restaurant to say that our date had become available!

With restrictions changing day by day, we decided to keep to 30 guests and have a party in the evening with the rest of our friends and family. Being so intimate made the day extra special, and being able to party into the night with all of our nearest and dearest was lovely.

The centrepieces were a surprise as I had planned to create them myself with the help of my mum, but I handed the reins over to her, and she surprised us with the most beautiful flowers from Florrie & Jo Florist.

Our mums said we couldn’t have a wedding without a cake and ordered the most gorgeous design from Audrey’s Bakery, who delivered it the morning before not knowing it was for a wedding.

When they realised they took the cake away and added an extra tier and brought it back. It was so delicious!

The bouquets and buttonholes were from Lynn at Village Florist in Pencoed, who did the most amazing job.

Tom and I changed the traditional top table and decided to have our daughters, maid-of-honour and best man next to us. Our parents had their own tables, which was perfect.

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REAL WEDDINGS

We booked a car and bus for the bridesmaids from Prestige Airport Transfers Bridgend. The service was fantastic.

There were lots of different menu options, and The Great House Hotel and Restaurant were so accommodating with any dietary requirements.

The canapés were delicious, and in the guest book, there is a comment which says: ‘the onion bhajis are bangin’.

Tom wore a suit from Moss Bros and looked so smart. We decided on bow ties for the men, Tom had a gold version and the groomsmen wore pink ones to match the bridesmaids.

With four months to find the perfect dress, I contacted Laura May Bridal in Cardiff and went along with my mum and maid-of-honour.

My dress was everything I dreamed of and more. It was an Essense of Australia fitted gown. I never dreamt of wearing a fitted dress after two children, but as soon as they did the dress up, I knew it was the one before looking in the mirror. I took it home with me that same day. I wore the most gorgeous cathedral veil, which my mum had bought for the original wedding.

We booked Alun Roberts Music to play while the evening guests arrived until our first dance. He was a hit with all the guests. We were extremely lucky with the weather, the sun was shining all day, so I asked if he could play outside. For our first dance, Alun had learnt our song, which was quite a slow acoustic number, however on the night, I asked if he could add a bit of dance into it, and without any hesitation, Alun changed the beat and off we went! Dancing on the lawn with our daughters and being surrounded by our friends and family was the highlight of the day.

I messaged the bridesmaids and asked them to go on ASOS and send me any colours and styles they liked. We then had a night at my house where they tried them all and chose their favourite, which ended up being the same dress in the same colour! They looked absolutely stunning! Looking back at the photos, I can’t believe how well the dresses matched my gown. It was all meant to be!

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I was so excited to walk down the aisle to Tom. I remember our priest, Simon, asking if I was ready outside the church, and I turned and said ‘let’s do this’ and off we went!

The most amazing part of the day was going down to Ogmore By Sea for some photos. After the reception, we rounded up the best man, picked up a beer each and off we went with Kate Richards Photography. The weather was incredible, the beach was so busy and there I was in my wedding dress with my husband! The best man helped Kate with the veil and took a little snooze while soaking up the sun. It was so lovely to have some time together.

After the first dance, we had Brian Morris as our DJ. The party went inside, and we danced the night away. Brian asked for a playlist and took requests.

He took photos of the evening guests arriving and added them to a screen, which was a lovely touch.

We can’t thank our family and friends enough for making our day so perfect.

I had gone up to my room to freshen up, and after a little while, Tom came to look for me and walked into my sisterin-laws and I all sat in the bath in the bridal suite having a catch-up.

Kate Richards Photography made us feel so relaxed in front of the camera. She remembered every little detail, reminded us about the little touches that we had put into the day and even helped me get into my dress! Elenor and Hannah from The Great House Hotel and Restaurant also went above and beyond. They made us feel so special. Nap time fell at the same time as the speeches, and Elenor took the pram and walked our youngest daughter around, so nobody missed out. They could not do enough for us, and we’ve never felt so special.

SOPHIE AND TOM’S CONTACTS Venue and catering, The Great House Hotel and Restaurant, www.great-house-laleston.co.uk | Photographer, Kate Richards Photography, https://katerichardsphotography.com | Bride’s dress, Laura May Bridal, www.lauramaybridal.co.uk | Groom’s suit, Moss Bros | Bridesmaids’ dresses, ASOS | Hair stylist, Kate Wingfield Mobile Hairdressing, www.facebook.com/katewingfieldmobilehairdressing | Make-up artist, Studio 82, www.facebook.com/studio-82-104852488358442 | Cake, Audrey’s Bakery, www.audreysbakery.co.uk | Bouquets and buttonholes, Village Florist, 01656 863 377 | Centrepieces and flowers, Florrie & Jo Florist, www.florrieandjo.co.uk | Transport, Prestige Airport Transfers Bridgend, www.prestigeairporttransfersbridgend.co.uk | Entertainment, Alun Roberts Music, www.alunrobertsmusic.com 40

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

Share the Joy Making your weddings memorable... for all the right reasons

Hair & Make-up

by Maya Jasinska HMUA

100% reliable www.sgdjweddings.com | www.facebook.com/SGDJHire www.instagram.com/sgdiscossgdj | 07779657983

DJ Sound and Lighting

www.loxushairandmakeup.com tel. 07886970296 www.instagram.com/LOXUSHairandMakeup

Cardiff Wedding Disco

WEDDINGS FAMILY & EVENTS Tel: 07927 975 219 Email: megan-sian@hotmail.co.uk

www.megan-sianphotography.com CHEPSTOW • MONMOUTHSHIRE

Supplying beautiful music for your wedding day and night.

Bose Evening Disco

www.cardiffweddingdisco.co.uk Cardiff 07800 845 014 www.facebook.com/DJ.Alan.Matthews

Time to celebrate

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Meet local entertainers

W

hen organising your wedding budget, entertainment is something that’s going to take a large share. Nothing brings people together more than laughter and shared experiences, so it’s important that you hire a supplier who will keep your guests smiling throughout the day. To help inspire you, we’ve listed some of our favourite entertainment ideas and rounded up some of the best local suppliers.

Sing your heart out

Hire a band to keep your evening guests on the dancefloor.

There are so many options available from swing and jazz to modern and rock. Many will even go the extra mile and learn your favourite song ready for the big day.

Like looking in a mirror

Book a caricaturist for your drinks reception and guests will have a special memento to take home and treasure. These talented artists will keep spirits high while you have your photographs taken.

Meet June Gould (DJ June Cecilia) from SGDJ Weddings 08007 710 174 | www.sgdjweddings.com

“A wedding is a very personal thing so we strive to provide a personal service. Each celebration is different, so making sure the music is special to you is important to us. It’s essential to keep your guests entertained, which is why a combination of songs you have chosen and our response to the dancefloor creates a perfect formula.

“We can customise lighting. Whether you’re filling a large room or a small one, we can create something romantic or fun. We can take care of your ceremony and reception music as well as your evening entertainment. If we are with you for the day, we can also record your speeches and vows and supply other options within the package price.

We offer a custom monogram light, uplighting and a selfie wizard photosharing system as add on services. We always give you the option to meet up to plan and prepare for the day. Once booked, we won’t let you down.”

Surprise!

While dinner is being served, surprise your guests with singing waiters and waitresses. Dressed the part of catering staff, the performers burst into song at the tables.

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www.megan-sianphotography.com www.megan-sianphotography.com

Meet Megan-Sian from Happy Snappy and Megan-Sian Photography www.instagram.com/happysnappyphotoboothuk www.megan-sianphotography.com

“My name is Megan, and I’m a wedding photographer. I love capturing memories and being able to look back at the photos and talk about those days with friends and family. With my love of this, I thought about adding more services to my business, and that’s how Happy Snappy was born as a sister business to MeganSian Photography. The name came from the fact that nearly every wedding I photographed over the last year, I have had a guest tell me how smiley and happy I am. As I put my all into my work, it just seemed fitting! Happy Snappy is a fun and friendly photo booth business, perfect for a wedding or event that wants something a little extra and to capture the fun side of their guests. The backdrop is described as a flower crown, with all the flowers bunched at the top and a gorgeous bridal gown like voile draping down. The flowers can be changed to suit your style. I love florals, so creating this to look like a flower crown was a no brainer!

“I offer a three-hour package that includes: unlimited prints x2, a guest book for you to keep that includes prints and a booth attendant. What’s great about my business is that we love to have fun, be a bit silly and make the experience enjoyable.

“We’re offering a 15 per cent discount when you book Megan-Sian Photography as your wedding photographer and Happy Snappy on the same day.”

Music to my ears

The harp is a beautiful instrument that will add a soft, romantic touch to your big day. It can also create a relaxing ambience as you walk down the aisle or during your drinks reception.

So cute!

Incorporate beloved animals into your big day. You could hire doves to be released when you leave the venue, owls to act as ring bearers or enjoy some time with gorgeous birds of prey.

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Mind-blowing magic

It can be difficult trying to find wedding entertainment that will please all of your guests, so why not look for something a bit different and hire a magician?

Laugher is the best medicine

Hiring a comedian is ideal for the wedding breakfast, and is sure to leave your friends and family roaring with laughter.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Meet Alan Matthews from Cardiff Wedding Disco 02920 777 591 | www.cardiffweddingdisco.co.uk

“I offer music throughout the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening disco. I also provide uplighting packages if needed. My couples can expect good communication, a professional service, prompt responses, sensible prices and an extensive playlist. I would recommend getting in touch as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

“My top tip for any couple would be to have your day your way. It’s your wedding, so try and make it as personal as possible and let your personalities shine through. Relax and enjoy yourselves, the day will inevitably run late, but that’s fine! Your friends and family are there for you, and they love and care about you, and that’s all that matters, so have fun!”

Soothing melody

Why not hire a guitarist to perform as you walk down the aisle and for the drinks reception? The sound of the guitar will keep the atmosphere relaxed and sounds beautiful.

Fun in the sun

If you’re fortunate enough to have a summer wedding, take advantage of the glorious weather and hire some giant garden games.

Jump, jump, jump

Brilliant fun for children and adults alike, a bouncy castle is sure to keep everyone smiling. Lots of companies will offer a white option that looks fabulous in pictures.

Kids at weddings

Keep the children entertained with an arts and crafts area. You could include wedding-themed colouring books, glitter and a fun gift pack.

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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

REGIONAL SHOOT

romance Elegant

Fall in love with this gorgeous styled shoot at Woodbank House Images courtesy of The Storyteller

T

o find out more about this gorgeous set of images, we spoke to the shoot coordinator Bess Asprou from Woodbank House: “The aim of the shoot was to showcase all the suppliers and Woodbank House as a new venue. The contributors are very established in the wedding business, so the idea was to let them work their magic in order to introduce the venue. The colour palette was compiled by Jan Lima Flowers and was based on the seasonal flowers that were available at the time of year, which also determined the table décor and chairs expertly put together by The Luxe Touch and Simply Bows and Chair Covers. The beautiful bride was styled by Janet White-Ashby & Co and High Society Bridal Boutique and the artistic images were captured by The Storyteller.”

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REGIONAL SHOOT

CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SHOOT Venue, Woodbank House, www.woodbankwales.com | Photographer, The Storyteller, www.thestorytelleruk.com | Dresses, High Society Bridal Boutique, www.highsocietybridalboutique.com | Hair and make-up artist, Janet White-Ashby & Co, www.janetwhiteashby.co.uk | Cake, Ginger Bear Bakery, www.facebook.com/thegingerbearbakery | Flowers, Jan Lima Flowers, www.janlimaflowers.co.uk | Venue styling, Simply Bows and Chair Covers, www.simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk and The Luxe Touch, www.theluxetouch.co.uk

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HOT

EXPERT ADVICE

TOPIC Wedding worries Our experts solve your problems

RING-A-DING-DING

Your wedding day will be one of the most unforgettable days of your life, so what better way to commemorate it and celebrate your bond than with personalised matching wedding rings? These can be anything from having each other’s fingerprint impressions imprinted on the inner or outer band, special words engraved, or symbols on the inside that only you and your partner know about.

If you have a memorable location that you share, why not get a ring made with a twig (cast in precious metal) collected from this special location? These beautiful rings can be personalised even further with precious gemstones and diamonds to represent each other or your children. You could have beautifully textured sand-cast wedding bands cast using sand from a beach that holds precious memories. Both the twig and sand cast rings will be a constant reminder of your precious memories.

Research the jewellery you like and find a jeweller that specialises in that style to ensure you get the best possible quality.

Bethan Jarvis | Designer and maker www.jarvisandcojewellery.com

www.emotionpicture.co.uk

My hubby-to-be and I want to wear personalised rings for our wedding. Do you have any ideas of how we could do this?

PICTURE PERFECT What should we take into consideration when booking our photographer?

There are many things to take into account when looking for your photographer, but here are a few of the main ones: Are they busy? Do they post new work on their social media pages and websites frequently?

Ask to look at previous galleries. An active photographer is a busy photographer, and that brings experience for every eventuality, whether it be rain or shine, and also some amazing creative images and ideas. They will know what’s happening before you do. This may be the first time you have done something like this, but for a good photographer, it may be their 500th.

Do they have great reviews? It takes time and effort to leave a review and only truly happy customers will go that extra mile and sing the photographer’s praises. If they do not have many reviews, then that may be something you want to take into consideration.

You need to click! You’re going to be spending the whole day with the person you choose, so do you get on? It will show in the images if you have a connection with your photographer and they put your mind at ease.

Are they fully insured? If they were to knock the cake over, damage part of the venue, or even not deliver your images, they must be covered.

Ask what happens if they get ill? It happens so do they have a backup plan? A good photographer will have a close group of other photographers who all help each other out if need be.

Do they carry spare equipment? You get one shot at capturing your once-in-alifetime day and cameras are massively complex devices and can and do fail, so it’s worth asking.

Ian Gilbert | Photographer www.emotionpicture.co.uk 51

THE WRITE STUFF We’re having a spring-themed wedding and want to incorporate the time of year into our stationery.

Do you have any ideas?

Everyone’s first thought when they think of spring is flowers. Consider what blooms you’re having at your wedding and incorporate the same ones into your wedding stationery, whether it be through the artwork printed on your invitations or flower wreaths encapsulating your names. ❤ You could have a flower wax seal to accessorise your envelope. Tiny flowers or petals can also be dropped into the wax before the wax seal stamp goes in, which looks classy and beautiful. ❤ An envelope liner is a cheap and effective way to inject some personality and luxury into your stationery. I’d suggest a delicate repeat floral pattern to tie in with your theme. ❤ Whether it be soft pastels or fresh greens, the colour that you choose will instantly give you that seasonal feel. As beautiful as the deep maroons and navys of winter are, spring is the time for a light, bright and fresh palette. Pale blues and lilacs are rumoured to be very on tend in 2022. ❤ If you prefer a minimalist design, you can still brighten up your stationery by adding foil, gold and rose gold. ❤ Consider accessorising your on-the-day wedding stationery such as

menus and place cards with pampas, eucalyptus, or a flower of your choice. A single piece laid in the blank space of your menu instantly adds a seasonal feel and extra layers to your table layout.

Vikki Thomas | Creative director www.paperpatootie.com

STYLED TO PERFECTION I have very curly hair that never seems to behave. Do you have any ideas of how I could style it on my big day?

Curls can be unpredictable, unruly, and difficult to control, and there are days when your hair probably feels less than enviable. The difference between fighting with your locks and loving them lies within your routine. Embracing your natural curls to create a gorgeous up do is a great option for your big day. The key to controlling your locks is good products that follow your hair’s natural flair. Finding the right products and hairstyles makes managing it so much easier, and makes your hair so much healthier, in turn.

You could create a low romantic style leaving out some natural curls to frame your face, or if a high up do is more your thing, then you could do a high up do using a scrunched technique and loosely pin it to the top of your head.

There is also the option of smoothing some of the hair out to create a more relaxed style, this can be done by straightening certain areas to relax the look, while still keeping your natural curls within the style.

Some of my favourite products are: ❤ Affinage Kitoko Oil Treatment is an intense nourishing oil for all hair types, leaving it soft and silky but not greasy. ❤ Bed Head by Tigi is one of my favourite serums for up dos, it smooths cuticles to tame flyaway hair. ❤ Milk Shake 12 Effects Serum is an intensive treatment, with an amazing 12 effect treatment including heat defence and UV protection. ❤ Milk Shake Whipped Cream is a leave-in conditioning mousse.

It’s great for dry hair, but also amazing for curly locks as it has added argan oil which doesn’t leave the curls crispy like normal mousse and helps prevent knots and tangles. ❤ Schwarzkopf Osis Hairspray is a great product as it’s fast-drying, non-sticky, and is easy to brush out.

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Stacey Williams | Hair stylist www.facebook.com/staceyatnewimage

Personalised Wedding Gifts Memorable presents for bride and groom

W W W. FA R R A R - TA N N E R . C O . U K

Bonkers OCCASION & CASUAL WEAR | SIZES 8-22 FROM LEADING DESIGNERS Joseph Ribkoff | Frank Lyman | Gina Bacconi Lotus shoes | Ispirato | Michaela Louisa | Hats/Shoes & Handbags to compliment Lizabella Personal Choice | Ella Boo L U X U R Y W E D D I N G S TAT I O N E R Y D E S I G N WWW. PA P E R PAT O OT I E . CO M

@ PA P E R _ PAT O OT I E

27 High Street, Haverfordwest | 01437 767326 WWW.BONKERSFASHIONS.CO.UK Pembrokeshire’s leading stockist of Joseph Ribkoff

seaside

BY THE

To celebrate the return of weddings, a team of local professionals worked together to create this styled shoot at Ogmore by Sea Beach Images courtesy of Chris Andrews Photography

W

hen we saw these gorgeous images land in our inbox, we just knew our lovely readers would adore them. We spoke to the shoot coordinators Chris Andrews Photography and Hayley Rees from Misselthwaite Flowers Ltd to find out more: “We were all feeling quite down about weddings being cancelled during the pandemic, so we decided to come together to create this styled shoot. Chris suggested Ogmore by Sea Beach, which was perfect for sunset shots and his brilliant shooting style. Hayley used the ocean as inspiration for the artificial bouquet and flower crown that reflected the waves and unpredictability of the sea. We used a charity shop wedding dress to create this shoot, and it all worked together perfectly.”

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REGIONAL SHOOT

THE DREAM TEAM Venue, Ogmore by Sea Beach | Photographer, Chris Andrews Photography, www.chrisandrewsphotography.co.uk | Hair stylist, MJ Hair Professional, www.facebook.com/mollyjanehairprofessional | Make-up artist, Makeup by Francine, www.facebook.com/francineannemakeup Flowers, Misselthwaite Flowers Ltd, www.misselthwaiteflowersltd.co.uk | Model, Danielle Lauren Morris, www.facebook.com/glamourdollss 55

www.chrisblackledgephotography.co.uk

Here come the girls County Wedding Magazines senior editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

I

can’t believe that in just a few months time I’ll officially become Mrs Cullen – eek! Dave and I have been engaged since Christmas Day 2020 and are due to get married this July. With all of the uncertantity surrounding COVID-19 restrictions, it’s been quite a stressful journey.

However, now that the date is drawing closer I’m finally starting to feel excited. In this issue, read all about my experience going shopping for the bridesmaids’ dresses.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

a Monday when it was quieter and I’m so glad we did! The consultant was absolutely lovely and couldn’t do enough for us. She made Kelly feel amazing and we didn’t feel pressured at all. With no time constraint, Kelly was able to try on every dress that caught her eye – it was a struggle to choose just one, she looked and felt stunning in them all. She eventually chose the same dress as Olivia, and in my humble (non-biased) opinion, they all look fabulous and I can’t wait to walk down the aisle with my beautiful friends.

Overall, shopping together was a nice experience and it was great spending time with the girls, but I’d definitely recommend that fellow brides-to-be start shopping for dresses sooner rather than later – particularly if you have got quite a few bridesmaids! I also can’t stress enough to avoid popular visiting times at your chosen boutiques. It will create a completely different experience and ensured everyone feels relaxed and can enjoy it.

Check out the next issue where I’ll be discussing our search for the groomsmen’s outfits and a last-minute videographer.

Melissa x

www.chrisblackle

.co.uk dgephotography

Choosing who I wanted to be my bridesmaids was one of the easiest decisions I had to make.

My sister-in-law, Nolwenn, has been part of the family for a few years now and I really wanted to involve her in our day, so I was pleased when she wanted to be one of my bridesmaids!

I also asked my two best friends and fellow County Wedding Magazines editors, Kelly and Olivia, who were over the moon when I asked them (virtually) during one of the many lockdowns.

With the easy bit done, we were on to the task of choosing their bridesmaids’ dresses.

With conflicting schedules and unpredictable restrictions it was hard to decide on a date that worked for everyone but we were eventually able to book an appointment for the beginning of December 2021.

Shopping for their outfits was one of the things I was most excited about when we got

engaged. I love all the girls dearly and really wanted them to feel special and a part of our big day, so making sure that they were comfortable was my number one priority. I wanted them to choose their own style and the only thing I asked was that all the dresses were sage green, which worked out perfectly as the girls all love that colour – it was meant to be!

We booked a Saturday appointment and oh my gosh it was busy! The girls had to share a changing room and only managed to try on a handful of dresses before our time was up. What shocked us all was just how long the dresses take to come into the store. Starting our shopping eight months early we all thought we’d have plenty of time to shop around, but we found that all of the gowns wouldn’t be in the store until early May 2022, which would only leave us with two months for alterations – this of course, sent my stress levels through the roof!

Despite all of the craziness and the insane amount of people in the boutique, Olivia and Nolwenn both managed to find their dresses on that first visit; Nolwenn opted for a sleeveless A-line gown and Olivia chose a similar style but with floaty off-the-shoulder straps.

Kelly and I both felt overwhelmed by the first appointment, and sadly she came away empty handed, so we decided to go back on

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Here are some things that we’ve learned during wedding planning.

BRIDE’S DIARY

VENUE

PHOTOGRAPHER

❤ Make sure a registrar or celebrant is available on your wedding day before confirming with the venue. ❤ Find out what is and what isn’t included in the booking price. ❤ Check whether your venue has any sound limiters or a curfew in place. ❤ Ensure the venue has liability insurance in case the worst was to happen. ❤ How will the venue handle poor weather or last-minute changes? ❤ Before booking, check the venue’s COVID-19 policies.

❤ If like me, you’re nervous or unsure in front of the camera book a prewedding shoot – it really does make a difference. ❤ Before booking, decide on what style of photography you like and set a budget. ❤ Lots of photographers don’t have prices stated on their website; find five you like and email them all asking for quotes so that you can compare. ❤ Find out how many images you’ll be receiving and how long your photographer will spend with you on the day. ❤ Most suppliers will require a meal, so factor that into your catering budget and check if they have any dietary requirements. ❤ You’ll be spending a large portion of the day with your photographer, so it’s important you get on well, and they make you feel relaxed.

FLOWERS ❤ Some flowers are seasonal and may not be available at the time of year you’re getting married, so be prepared to discuss this with your florist. ❤ Your supplier will have a wealth of knowledge and will be able to advise you on what blooms will suit your day. ❤ Check your quotes include VAT. ❤ Think carefully about if you’d like real or dried flowers. If you’re unsure it may be worth talking to a few different companies to discuss the pros and cons. ❤ Your florist should suggest ways you can save money, for example, re-using blooms from your ceremony for the reception. ❤ There are so many ways that you can preserve your flowers after the wedding, so it’s worth looking at your options.

WEDDING DRESS ❤ Try on a variety of styles to find what best suits your shape. ❤ Trust your bridal consultant and listen to their recommendations, after all, they’re the experts. ❤ Choose a dress that you feel comfortable in and makes you feel like the best version of yourself. ❤ Wear white or skin-coloured underwear to your appointment. ❤ Start shopping nine to 12 months before the wedding to ensure you have plenty of time to get the gown in-store and alterations to be done. ❤ The shopping process can be daunting, so don’t feel pressured to purchase a dress for the sake of it, when you find the right gown, you’ll know it.

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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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L I K E W HAT YO U SEE?

AN D MAK E I T A DAY TO RE M E M B E R

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REGIONAL SHOOT

RETRO VIBES

Groove to the music with this 70s-inspired styled shoot

Images courtesy of Claire Roige Photography

A “

s a lover of all things retro and 70s, I wanted to put something together that made you feel like you walked into a wedding from the past,” shares photographer Claire Roige. “We tied in elements of music with the disco balls and cassette tapes and filled the rest with beautiful flowers from the very talented Lush Blooms Bespoke Floristry.”

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REGIONAL SHOOT

MEET THE SUPPLIERS Venue, Clyne Farm Centre, www.clynefarm.com | Photographer, Claire Roige Photography, www.claireroigephotography.co.uk | Dresses, All About Eve Bridal, www.allaboutevebridalwear.com | Suits, Mens Formal Hire Ltd, www.formal-hire.com | Hair stylist, Alex Thomas, 07917 701 542 Make-up artist, Tara Jenkins Mua/Beauty co.Tsparkles, www.facebook.com/tsparklesmuabeauty | Flowers, Lush Blooms Bespoke Floristry, www.lushbloomsbespokefloristry.com | Transport, Vanity Weddings, www.vanityweddings.co.uk | Stationery, DesignYo, www.designyo.co.uk Venue dressing, Megan & Claude, www.meganandclaude.co.uk | Jewellery, One Little Hut, www.onelittlehut.co.uk 61

Editor’s favourite

This white satin eye mask, £10, www.bouxavenue.com, is perfect for getting some pre-wedding beauty sleep!

focus

FASHION Scan to view video

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

FASHION MEETS STATIONERY

Online stationery brand Papier has collaborated with iconic fashion house Temperley London, whose S/S22 bridal dress collection is available now, on a new wedding stationery collection inspired by the ethereal gowns. Decorated with whimsical details including bumblebees and wildflowers, the paper designs showcase the sense of fantasy that the Temperley brand is famous for. The collection is made up of three suites including Bibi, Delft Blue and Spring Rustic that’s inspired by the Toledo dress, pictured.

To shop, visit www.temperleylondon.com and www.papier.com/collaborations/ temperley-london

Thanks, mum!

The latest bridal collection from Joma Jewellery includes stylish gift ideas for brides, bridesmaids, flowergirls and mothers-of-the-bride (don’t forget that Mother’s Day is around the corner!)

These silver styles, £17.99 each, feature charms including hearts and flowers and all of the bracelets in the collection can be personalised.

The brand has recently unveiled the Wellness Collection featuring real semi-precious gemstones that represent empowering mantras and positive vibes. To shop, visit https://jomajewellery.com

GIRLS WHO WEAR PEARLS

The latest collection from www.coeur-de-lion.org offers pretty pearl pieces, from necklaces and bracelets to these drop earrings, £105.

Gifts for little lovelies

Dress to impress

The new Chi Chi London Wedding Collection has launched featuring luxury styles in soft fabrics with hand-designed embroidery for brides, bridesmaids, and flowergirls ranging from sizes four to 26. This is in addition to their selection of elegant guest outfits and accessories. To shop, visit www.chichiclothing.com/collections/wedding-shop 62

Flitzy, the newly launched children’s accessories brand has revealed its collection of jewellery charms championing the work of the WWF. Four unique designs have been created each representing an endangered animal that the WWF is working to protect with 50% of the profit donated to the charity.

The charms are designed for mixing and matching across Flitzy’s collection of charm bracelets and necklaces and make great big-day gift ideas priced at just £6 each.

To shop, visit https://flitzy.co.uk

The frill of it

FASHION

Layers and ruffles adorn dresses in the new-season bridal collections

www.sanyuktashrestha.com 63

Scan to view video

www.berta.com

https://costarellos.com 64

www.truebride.co.uk/733/Brighton-Belle

FASHION Scan to view video

https://katefearnley.com

www.katyakatya.co.uk

www.boandluca.com 65

https://rowleyhesselballe.com

Marchesa for www.pronovias.com

w.too by www.watters.com

www.monsoon.co.uk

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FASHION

www.needleandthread.com 67

White clutch bag with ring detail, £22.99, www.quizclothing.co.uk Ivory flat satin shoes with diamanté trim, £80, www.monsoon.co.uk

White leather sandals with ankle straps, £210, https://graceloveslace.com

AISLE STYLE Ivory suede peep toes with leather trim, £395, www.emmylondon.com

From skyscraper stilettos to comfortable flats and even sliders, the new-season bridal shoe and bag collections offer something for everyone

Rose leather and ostrich feather shoes, from a selection, https://carmenllaguno.com

Scan to view video

White leather sandals with interchangeable diamanté ankle strap, £137.50, https://camillaelphick.com

Dune London has also introduced beaded flat sandals, ideal for dancing, and these fluffy sliders, a must for getting ready in! www.dunelondon.com Dune London’s new collection includes beaded ankle straps, crystal-encrusted heels and satin strappy sandals with a selection of heel heights from tall stilettos to elegant kitten heels and everything in between.

Ivory clutch bag, £220, www.harrietwilde.com

Ivory satin beaded slingbacks, £149, www.rainbowclub.co.uk

Satin T-bar shoes with silver trim, £300, www.pronovias.com Pink clutch bag, £15, www.next.co.uk

Crystal-encrusted sandals, £85, www.paradoxlondon.com

Ivory suede sandals with mother-of-pearl block heel, £695, https://freyarose.com

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Tulle peep-ties with pearl detail, from a selection, www.jimmychoo.com

These pearl-beaded mules are a must for fashionistas! £315, https://dianehassall.com

FASHION

e c a in l LOVELY

This classic fabric never goes out of style, whether you choose a traditional gown or a more relaxed, boho-inspired dress

Scan to view video

Kai by www.truebride.co.uk

Boheme by www.truebride.co.uk 69

Dresses by www.monsoon.co.uk/wedding-occasion

Tinsley by www.boandluca.com

Gianna by www.alanhannah.co.uk

Hera by https://rowleyhesselballe.com

Style no 72208 EMY by Ti Adora by Allison Webb, www.jlmcouture.com/designer/allison-webb

Style no 22-17 by www.berta.com

Celeste from the Blu collection by www.morilee.com

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FASHION

Ekaterini by https://costarellos.com/bridal

Zoe by www.katyakatya.co.uk

Jessica by www.elbethgillis.com

Hana by www.catrionagarforth.com

Scan to view video

Scan to view video

Olive by https://graceloveslace.com Ivy by https://katefearnley.com

Otrano by www.thereformation.com

Nathalia by https://graceloveslace.com 71

MAKING BESPOKE BRIDAL DREAMS COME TRUE If you think your dream dress is out of your price-range, then let me help you make your dreams come true. I can work with any budget, no matter how small...

Every bride needs a Fairy Godmother (especially if the bride is on a budget)

I have dresses in stock, including famous brands, just waiting for you to walk down the aisle wearing them.

You can have something very special - including alterations, cleaning and even some bespoking - stress free and with a very caring, personal service. You can afford it!

Contact: 07724 584079 (phone or WhatsApp) Email: bbkbridal@outlook.com | bespokebykatie

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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

Baking your dreams come true Winners of BEST VEGAN WEDDING CAKE COMPANY & BEST VEGAN BAKERY OF THE YEAR We are a vegan only company specialising in making Vegan Wedding Cakes. We create beautiful bespoke wedding cakes designed to be the centrepiece of your celebration. All our beautiful Wedding cakes are handcrafted in a vegan only kitchen, every one of our wedding cakes is unique and personal to you. Whether you’re looking for a naked or elegant cake not only will it look stunning but taste amazing. We provide a professional service from the consultation to the collection or delivery and set up of your cake.

www.thenakedvegan.co.uk

E: sarah@thenakedvegan.co.uk T: 02921 321 040

forward

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES FLOWERS

FASHION The latest seasonal wedding dresses

F

inding a dress that not only complements your figure but is also appropriate for the time of year can be difficult. To help, we asked some of the region’s finest boutiques to send in their favourite seasonal picks.

W I N T E R LU X E

Dress: LE1177 by Martina Liana Luxe About: Style LE1177 features custom 3D floral and lace embellishments, which add feminine flair to the sweetheart-style neckline and flattering A-line silhouette.

Available at: www.lauramaybridal.co.uk

Dress: 2266 by Jesús Peiró About: This three-piece ensemble has a large volume skirt and bell sleeves in pleated taffeta.

Available at: www.pleser.co.uk

Dress: BT20-05 by Enzoani About: Perfect for boho brides, this full-length mermaid gown has lace sleeves, a soft tulle skirt and a deep V-back.

Available at: www.evaashley.com

Dress: Tayra by Eva Lendel About: Tayra is a wrap-around dress embellished with a V-shaped neckline and long loose sleeves with take-ups in the shoulders.

Available at: www.lauramaybridal.co.uk

Dress: 209 by Jesús Peiró About: This gorgeous gown had a V-neck back in a Forreau style with long sleeves, an attached cape and buttons.

Available at: www.pleser.co.uk

Dress: BT20-11 by Enzoani About: Vintage elegance meets modern glam in this mermaid gown which boasts a bateau neckline, long lace sleeves and a low illusion lace back.

Available at: www.evaashley.com 73

ST E P I N TO S P R I N G

Dress: Iris by Savin London About: An off-the-shoulder A-line gown with a stunning plunge neckline and 3D floral detail.

Available at: www.lauramaybridal.co.uk

Dress: Bailen by Rosa Clará About: This princess wedding dress features an elaborate pattern that splits the design into two with a marked waist.

Available at: www.pleser.co.uk

Dress: Cora by Suzanne Neville About: Cora is a floor-length gown with clean lines, criss-cross straps and a belt.

Available at: www.evaashley.com

S U M M E R LOV I N G

Dress: Willa (7000.65) by Savin London About: Decorated with beautiful flowers, this gown has a structured bodice and a delicate skirt.

Available at: www.lauramaybridal.co.uk

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Dress: 2271 by Jesús Peiró About: This gown has a draped bandeau with a silk and platinum lurex wrap-tie bow, flared skirt and cowl pockets in silk taffeta.

Available at: www.pleser.co.uk

Dress: Calie from Élysée About: A mermaid design with hand-beaded straps, a plunging neckline and Chantilly lace that's been thoughtfully placed to curve around the body.

Available at: www.evaashley.com

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)

27 CASTLE STREET | SWANSEA | SA1 1HY | T: 01792 460420 8 DUNRAVEN STREET | TONYPANDY | CF40 1QE | T: 01443 433 355 3 ELY VALLEY ROAD | TALBOT GREEN | CF72 8AL | T: 01443 222 011

INFO@EVAASHLEY.COM | WWW.EVAASHLEY.COM |

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES FLOWERS AU T U M N R O M A N C E

Dress: Gwen by Eva Lendel About: Delicate Gwen has a sweetheart neckline, mermaid silhouette and off-theshoulder long sleeves.

Available at: www.lauramaybridal.co.uk

Dress: 2200 by Jesús Peiró About: Boasting a textured plain voluminous skirt, 2200 has a V-front and back with bow details on both shoulders.

Available at: www.pleser.co.uk

Dress: 21-P109 by Berta About: Style 21-P109 is part of the No.5 collection. This dress has a structured ruched tulle bodice and cups with long balloon sleeves.

Available at: www.evaashley.com

Dress: Cosette (56103) by Willowby Brides About: Cosette marries separates into a single gown through a combination of strategicallyplaced Aspen lace, exaggerated ruffle sleeves and a dramatic open back.

Available at: www.lauramaybridal.co.uk

Dress: Maeve by Marylise About: A sexy fitted dress made in crepe and lace with a deep V neckline covered with tulle.

Available at: www.pleser.co.uk

Dress: Sauca by Rosa Clará About: This ultra-romantic wedding dress features a deep plunge neckline for a touch of allure with beaded linear lace detailing on the waistline.

Available at: www.evaashley.com

CONTACT THE EXPERTS Laura May Bridal, www.lauramaybridal.co.uk | Pleser, www.pleser.co.uk | Eva Ashley Bridal Lounge, www.evaashley.com 77

SWEET ESCAPE

Tom Ford’s latest perfume launch lets you escape to the luxurious Mediterranean. Costa Azzurra Parfum (£108 50ml, £150 100ml) offers an air of freshness through crisp Italian lemon and evokes a dense coastal forest with magnified oakwood extract and cypress. Plus, cistus absolute and a harmony of ambers capture the spirit of luxury. Check out www.tomford.co.uk

TOTALLY TONED

Beauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews reveals all the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

ESPA’s new Tri-Active Regenerating Define and Tighten Body Serum (£60) aids in tightening and toning for naturally plumper skin. Harnessing the natural power of regenerating sea moss, mushroom, mandarin, plant stem cells and more for a symphony of super-nutrients, it helps to define skin and banish imperfections, restoring the body’s skin texture with luxurious hydration. Naturally enriched with aromatherapy, this body serum features essential oils from rose and geraniums for holistic, seasonal wellbeing. Check out www.espaskincare.com

BUZZ

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Award-winning haircare brand, Innersense Organic Beauty, has launched Serenity Smoothing Cream (£24), a nutrient-rich formula suitable for all hair types delivering a flawless and bouncy blow dry with a sleek look. Baobab and frangipani help to lock in moisture, as well as providing care for hair exposed to heated styling tools and strengthening strands without weighing them down. Meanwhile, vitamin-rich mango seed butter, avocado and coconut oils nourish and boost hydration while smoothing the cuticle to reduce frizz. Find it at www.naturisimo.com 78

A GROWER, NOT A THROWER

Recycling in the beauty industry is notoriously difficult, but here’s a clever invention by award-winning eco-pencil company Sprout World, designed not only to reduce waste, but to give something beautiful and useful back to the planet – recycling at its finest I have to say! Introducing Sprout Makeup Pencils (£9.95), the world’s first zero-waste plantable make-up pencils. Yep, plantable!

Just use as normal and instead of throwing them away when they become too small to use, flip them around, stick the end into a pot of damp soil and ta-da – beautiful, bee-friendly wildflowers will start to sprout within 1-2 weeks. Check out www.sproutworld.com

CHILLED-OUT SKIN

Adaptogens have been used for thousands of years in ancient Chinese medicine and ayurvedic remedies to help mitigate the effects of stress on the body, and until recently have mostly been used in herbal supplements and teas to regulate stress levels. But they could also offer the solution to stressed-out skin. MARA Volcanic Sea Clay Detox Masque (£48) contains aswagandha, a skin-strengthening herb and adaptogen powered by antioxidants, which works to fight free radicals, boost hydration and soothe stressed-out, blemish-prone skin. Find it at www.cultbeauty.co.uk

BYE, BYE DRY

Have the ravages of winter left your skin dry, dull, sensitive, flaky and tight? As we embrace the spring, get your glow back with Q+A Snow Algae Intensive Face Cream (£12). If, like me, you’re reaching for Google, allow me to explain.

Snow algae, also known as watermelon snow, is a species of green algae containing astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant great at improving dryness, sun damage and protecting against free radicals. I’ve only been using it for a couple of days and my dry skin is already showing signs of improvement. Find it at www.qandaskin.com

YOU CAN IMPROVE ON PERFECTION!

Now reformulated to be vegan-friendly and even more comfortable with an extended shade range suitable for all skin tones, Huda Beauty proves that the perfect liquid matte lipstick does exist. The non-drying formula delivers a oneswipe application of vibrant colour coverage with up to eight hours of staying power that every bride needs and is flake-, streak-, smudge-, and transferproof. It also now boasts the thinnest possible texture thanks to the brand’s unique L.O.V.E complex (lycopene, olive oil, vitamin A and E, essential fatty acids) helping to keep lips supple all day long. Find the new and improved Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipsticks (£18) at www.cultbeauty.co.uk

BEAUTY NEWS

COOL, CALM AND COLLECTED

Is worrying about irritated skin on your wedding day keeping you awake at night? Check out Organic Series’ new Soothing Mask (£29). Designed to soothe irritation and redness it contains rich amounts of floral chamomile, rose and lavender, sure to leave you with a spring in your step. With aloe vera and hyaluronic acid too, skin will feel moisturised, smooth and protected, while anti-bacterial rosemary helps reduce fine lines and firms the skin. Use at night before your head hits the pillow and wake up to regenerated skin. Check out www.organicseries.co.uk

BODY BEAUTIFUL

Alexandra Kay Time to Ease Muscle Relax (£29) and Time to Soothe Scent Free (£28) Body Oils are natural, organic and carefullyblended massage oils.

They’re created with plant extracts including hemp, rosehip and a new phytoactive CB2-skinTM biofunctional to offer calming and relaxing benefits. As well as soothing tired and aching muscles, these two new oils use innovative botanicals that deliver a comforting, nutrient-rich boost to delicate and sensitive skin. Find them at www.greenpeople.co.uk

EYE LOVE THIS!

FREEZE FRAME

Having seen Skin Proud Frozen Over (£16.95) go viral on TikTok I was keen to know more about this cryotherapy gel moisturiser. Designed to combat tired and puffy skin in desperate need of a pick me up, the gel-to-ice moisturiser hydrates and cools. Infused with anti-inflammatory aloe vera extract and hyaluronic acid it also works to lock in moisture and calm the skin. It can be used as is or popped in the freezer for a slush-like texture and extra-cooling relief. Find it at www.boots.com

Hot on FeelUnique at the moment is Vichy Mineral 89 Eye Brightening Serum with hyaluronic acid and caffeine (£20). This multi-tasker is designed to lighten the appearance of dark circles, make eye bags less visible, hydrate and plump the sensitive eye area for 24 hours and protect the skin’s barrier function. It can even make eyelashes appear stronger and feel silkier. I love the instantly soothing effect it has on the delicate eye area after scrubbing away to remove make-up. It’s an all-round little hero and you can find it at www.feelunique.com 79

NATURA SIBERICA ANTI-OX WILD BLUEBERRY RENEWING FACE SERUM £6.99 (30ml), https://naturasiberica.co.uk “This lightweight product ticks all the boxes; it smooths, hydrates and restores the skin’s natural radiance.

It didn’t take me long to fall in love with it and I was surprised by how quickly the formula absorbed leaving behind it a natural glow.”

– Olivia Gibson

Q+A VITAMIN C BRIGHTENING SERUM £9 (30ml), www.qandaskin.com “This product absorbed quickly and left my skin soft and silky in minutes. In just two days use, morning and night, my blemish-filled complexion had begun to clear and a soft glow had taken hold. Just one pump is enough to cover the entire face, so despite the bottle’s small size, it’s definitely going to last.” – Beth Morton

SKINCARE SUPERHEROES Serums are the skincare essentials of the 20s, especially if you’re on the quest for a radiant big-day complexion WISHFUL THIRST TRAP JUICE SERUM £41 (30ml), www.feelunique.com “The first thing to make me smile about this serum was its fresh scent, I could pick out the rose and aloe vera notes instantly. The second was the ease of application as it glided on smoothly. This mix of hyaluronic acid with firming peptides has benefited my skin, which is glowing and more hydrated.” – Claire Ridley

GLOW RECIPE GUAVA VITAMIN C DARK SPOT SERUM £41 (30ml), www.cultbeauty.co.uk “This super serum had me hooked from the moment I picked up its 100 per cent recyclable packaging and shelfworthy pink bottle. It doesn’t claim to be a miracle worker but my mature skin soaked it up without leaving a trace and although I can’t report that my dark spots have disappeared, it has certainly made a difference. My skin already appears more even with a healthier glow so I’ll definitely be sticking with it!”– Sarah Reeve ROC MULTI CORREXION HYDRATE + PLUMP SERUM CAPSULES £35.99 for 30, www.feelunique.com “Using one serum capsule every night for a week so far has made my skin feel soft and smooth. It’s helped solve my dry-skin problem and given me a glowing complexion. Each capsule provided more than enough product to cover my face and I even had enough excess to use on my hands, which also suffer.”

– Melissa Barker 80

OLE HENRIKSEN DEWTOPIA 20% ACID NIGHT TREATMENT £49 (30ml), www.boots.com “I’m thrilled with this night serum. Each morning I wake up and feel a difference to my skin.

Containing a powerful 20 per cent acid blend, it’s certainly helped minimise my pores and gives my skin the radiance it had previously been lacking.”

– Rachel Westall

INSTITUT ESTHEDERM INTENSIVE HYALURONIC SERUM £52 (30ml), www.feelunique.com “I’ve been suffering from dry skin lately, so I grabbed this little beauty as soon as I saw it. It sinks into the skin at breakneck speed, with no unpleasant residue whatsoever and leaves it feeling nourished, plumped and smooth. I’ve noticed an improvement in my makeup application already.”

– Kelly Andrews

GROOMS’ NEWS The Camden Watch Company’s recent collaboration with tattoo artist Rebecca Vincent launched in December 2021.

The No.27 Camden x Rebecca Vincent design, in either a black or tan strap, features a mother of pearl dial and was inspired by the Victorian language of flowers. In Rebecca’s signature style, this beautiful and striking unisex watch is the perfect addition to any wrist.

Priced £155, from www.camdenwatchcompany.com

Grooms’ NEWS All the latest best buys and product launches

Lush has launched two new hairstyling products. Wig, is designed to train your hair into shape with a matte, firm-hold, no-product-look. Scented with the brand’s Salty fragrance, it’s perfect for keeping hair looking trim between cuts.

Infra Wig is a soft hair styling gel with an invisible no-crunch feel, for subtle hold and supple styles. Fragranced with Lush’s The Hairdresser’s Husband perfume, a mouthwatering combination of grapefruit, lemon, myrtle and vanilla, it’s a treat for the senses.

These lockdown inventions were designed to be used together, alternating daily use.

Both £8 for100g from www.lush.com The new Charles Tyrwhitt wedding collection for spring 2022 encompasses some key pieces which would be perfect for a spring/summer wedding.

The range includes this sophisticated combo: a black tailored morning suit, duck egg waistcoat, luxury silk Italian tie and the regent weave shirt.

Check out: www.charlestyrwhitt.com

Iconic Italian luxury tailored menswear brand Canali, has opened it’s flagship store in London.

Located on the corner of New Bond Street and Brooks Street, conceived by the strategic design studio Hangar Design Group, the interior brings together the aesthetic style of the Canali fashion house and Milan.

Elegantly decorated, the boutique, spreading over 310 square metres, is an ode to the magnificent Milanese residential architecture of the early to mid-20th century.

The project focused on restyling the brand’s identity by introducing a more contemporary dimension to the display space dedicated to menswear. Visible from the street, airy spaces are dedicated to displaying tailored products in the area historically regarded as the most luxurious in London and devoted to prêt-à-porter purchases: Mayfair.

The upper floor houses a VIP Room for ‘Su Misura’ appointments. This made-to-measure service is available all year round in order to meet the brand’s high production standards.

Check out : www.canali.com/en_gb The experts at OnBuy Men’s Aftershave (www.onbuy.com) have revealed the top fragrances as ranked on TikTok. In first place, with a staggering 114,000,000 views is Sauvage by Dior. This woody, aromatic, fragrance currently retails for an average of £112. In second, with 51,900,000 views, is Eros by Versace. This 2013 minty fragrance currently retails for an average of £85. In third place is Bleu de Chanel by Chanel with 45,400,000 views. Bearing similar notes to Sauvage by Dior, this fragrance is also woody and aromatic, and it retails for an average of £102.

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pink

IN THE

Fuchsia, watermelon, flamingo, rouge, salmon, coral, hot pink... the choices are endless when it comes to this oh-so fabulous hue!

Tailored fit pine herringbone suit jacket £119, trousers £80, waistcoat £70, brown boots £129. Visit www.mossbroshire.co.uk 82

The Bedingfeld, navy and pink suede men’s tassel loafer, £165, www.fairfaxandfavor.com

GROOMS’ FASHION

San Shi amethyst cufflinks in 18ct rose gold vermeil, £150, www.tsaixtsai.com

Vegas dried flower buttonhole, £16, http://maryelizabethflowers.co.uk

Blazer, www.riverisland.com

Floral jaquard shirt, black wool trousers, burgundy tie all from www.tmlewin.co.uk

Luxury lounge socks, £25.75, www.heating-and-plumbing.com

Washable reusable face mask, £12, www.thefinecottoncompany.com

Scallop pink silk tie, £35, http://foxandchave.com

Burgundy velvet cotton Chaucer jacket, £553, https://favourbrook.com 83

ty u a e B & n o i h s Fa

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

THE PERFECT FIT My mum is 4ft 10ins and is worried that a dress will swamp her. What styles/designers do you suggest we look for?

Your mum needs to make sure she is wearing the dress rather than the dress wearing her. Sometimes less is more, so opt for simplistic elegance. Look for sleek styles over fussy detailing and make your mark with colour and accessories.

Always lift with colour to elongate your figure, and avoid wearing hats with brims.

Instead, look for a fascinator/hatinator that gives the illusion of height.

Designers to consider are Linea Raffaelli, Teresa Ripoll and Irresistible.

Coryn Emma | Co-founder and director www.baroqueboutique.co.uk

CELEBRATE THE MOMENT My wife-to-be and I are having a same-sex spring wedding, and we’d love for our hair and make-up to complement each other without being too similar. Do you have any suggestions?

Usually, once outfits are chosen and inspiration images are gathered, most clients come to us with a bit of a plan. From there, we talk through ideas during a trial and come up with an approach to your hair and/or make-up that suits your personality and theme.

If you’re keeping your outfit and styling a secret from your partner for an on-the-day reveal, your hair and make-up artist should be able to ensure that your looks complement each other without being too similar. Alternatively, you can come to your hair and/or make-up trial together to test some ideas as a couple and walk away feeling confident in your plan.

Keep in mind that while themes and planning are important for any wedding, we believe that it’s more important for a couple’s unique story and style to be celebrated and that should never get lost in the styling.

www.nickmurrayphotography.co.uk

Janet White-Ashby | Hair and make-up artist www.janetwhiteashby.co.uk

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IRIS880 by Irresistible

Handcrafted wedding decor & accessories for free spirited, modern brides Modular hire-to-keep macramé backdrop packages mean you get to keep a little of your day in your home to cherish forever!

Call today - 07872 970968 @hookedincotton www.hookedincotton.co.uk

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.

Mother of the Bride / Groom Event Thursday 26 May 2022 Friday 27 May 2022 Saturday 28 May 2022 Sunday 29 May 2022 Monday 30 May 2022 Includes drink on arrival & goodie bag!

WWW.BRECONBRIDAL .COM E: breconbridalboutique@gmail.com T: 01874 622525 breconbridalboutique

breconbridal

ABERGAVENNY (01873) 858 030 / 859 774 WWW.BAROQUEBOUTIQUE.CO.UK SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

s w e N

HONEYMOON A round up of new openings for post-vow getaways

RHODES

2022 marks the 500th anniversary of the Siege of Rhodes, and premium seafront resort Amada Colossos is brilliantly placed for those looking to explore this history-rich island and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre the Medieval City of Rhodes.

The resort boasts an impressive 140m swimming pool running parallel to its private Blue Flag beach, with dedicated adults-only zones it’s perfect for honeymooners! Its swim-up suites offer luxury for all the family, while the standalone villas provide privacy as well as private pools and sea views.

The resort’s catering offering is phenomenal, particularly the traditional Greek mezze at the taverna, and couples can make the most of these with its flexible packages booking either B&B, half-board or all inclusive to suit their individual needs.

The resort is ahead of the game on sustainable initiatives, including minimising irrigation needs by using native Mediterranean plants, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration technology which saves 50g of CO2 emissions (equivalent to 6km of driving) by consuming the three-litre daily water quota; the resort proudly flies the Blue Flag, awarded for the exceptional water quality and cleanliness of Kallithea beach.

2022 rates start from Є187 for a Double B&B room. Check out https://amadacolossosresort.com

COTSWOLDS

Beautiful country retreat The Feathered Nest Inn has launched a new cottage to add to its bespoke room collection, giving guests more options for a luxury break in the Cotswolds. The cottage sits within the grounds of the 15th­­­-century inn, located in the pretty village of Nether Westcote – it has stunning views of the Cotswolds countryside.

Known as the ‘Little House’ the cosy cottage combines period charm and modern elegance and includes key original features: flagstone flooring, exposed fire mantle and wooden beams.

The sitting room and modern kitchenette feature a comfy sofa and dining area. On the middle floor is a modern bathroom followed by a luxurious double bedroom on the top floor featuring a super-king size bed.

The Feathered Nest Inn offers outstanding 3AA Rosette cuisine and diners can choose between a gourmet tasting menu and an à la carte menu. Owner, Adam Taylor says, “The new cottage represents the new style of The Feathered Nest, relaxed luxury in the heart of the Cotswolds. We wanted to retain as much of the period charm as possible but also ensure we combined this with a modern understanded style.”

The Cottage is available for stays Thursday to Monday, it is family and dog-friendly. Rates start from £465 per night.

Check out https://thefeatherednestinn.co.uk 86

SCOTLAND

If you’re looking for a honeymoon spa destination then check out The Spa at Turnberry; it’s been named as ESPA’s Worldwide Spa of the Month for December 2021, beating 300 spas spanning 55 countries.

Set amongst 800 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside along the Ayrshire coastline it offers an oasis of pure relaxation.

ESPA launched its newest treatment range exclusively to The Spa at Turnberry, using its products to provide guests with a holistic experience designed to relax and rejuvenate the mind and body.

There’s also the innovative ishga range of products, which use locally sourced Scottish seaweed to harness natural anti-ageing properties. All treatments have been designed by the dedicated team of therapists and comprise massages, body scrubs, facials, reflexology and even a specialised massage for golfers.

Guests can enjoy also enjoy the resort’s picturesque 65ft heated infinity pool, whirlpool, a sensory shower, relaxation rooms, sauna, steam room, ice fountain and pool-side bio-sauna.

Check out: www.turnberry.co.uk/spa-at-turnberry

HONEYMOON NEWS

LONDON

Keep your eyes peeled in 2022 for Broadwick Soho, a 57-room townhouse hotel in the heart of London. Home to a Sicilian-inspired restaurant and terrace, rooftop lounge, intimate dining room and speakeasy bar, the refreshingly original property will offer impeccable personalised service in opulent yet cosy surroundings, inspired by the spirit of Soho.

Conceived by a group of friends, who dreamed of creating a hideaway in London’s most loved neighbourhood, the hotel will offer sanctuary and a place for fun, where all are welcome.

The residential style guest rooms, including one Penthouse and nine suites, are all individually designed, with many rooms offering private balconies and all featuring the finest appointments and amenities. Moreover, the hotel’s signature restaurant will serve Sicilian-inspired fare, including a classic aperitivo and traditional sharing dishes. On the upper floor, the wraparound rooftop bar and terrace will be a space for casual dining, excellent cocktails, exceptional vistas and a carefully curated programme of live music and entertainment. For those seeking private experiences, the eighth-floor dining room with views overlooking Soho offers a glamorous backdrop for celebrations and weddings.

Check out www.broadwicksoho.com

LONDON

WORLDWIDE

Oliver’s Travels has introduced a stunning collection of wellness villas for those seeking to indulge in some R&R and hide away from the stresses of modern life in 2022 pre- or post-vows.

Boasting an incredible selection of private and exclusive tranquil European villas, opulent British boltholes, and relaxing rentals afar, Oliver’s Travels has a host of properties for an idyllic wellness retreat. From private yoga studios and spa facilities to state-of-the-art gyms, these luxury wellness villas have the ultimate power to refresh and rejuvenate burnt-out guests.

In addition to offering some of the most exceptional and unusual places to stay, travellers can benefit from Oliver’s Travels concierge service offering a range of benefits from chef services, food delivery, fridge stocking, childcare, spa treatments, airport transfers, private yoga classes, car hire, travel insurance, tours and activities, maid service and much more.

To book, visit www.oliverstravels.com

Joining its beloved Surrey sibling, Beaverbrook Town House is the debut London outpost from the lauded Beaverbrook brand, in partnership with Cadogan.

This heritage hotel occupies two masterfully revamped Georgian townhouses, with views of the leafygreen, Grade II listed Cadogan Gardens opposite ‒ a prime perch on Sloane Street, in the heart of Chelsea.

Inside the hotel, guests will be in awe of the 14 theatrical suites, art and antiques, the 60-cover contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar, as well as benefitting from meeting and private event rooms, and a pretty perfumed garden reserved for corporate functions and private hire.

Rates start from £400 on a room-only basis, visit the website for more information www.beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk

DUBLIN

Lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke has launched Beckett Locke in the centre of Dublin’s thriving Docklands area.

Tucked behind the 3Arena, the 241-studio aparthotel is a new hub for culture and entertainment in the city. Set around a naturally lit atrium, Beckett Locke features a neighbourhood co-working space, artisan coffee shop, restaurant and intimate cocktail bar in addition to meeting and event spaces for up to 100 people.

Locke’s hybrid ‘home-meets-hotel’ concept has proven popular among guests seeking flexible accommodation for a night, a month or longer. Each beautifully designed apartment provides the space and comfort of home – including fully fitted kitchens, adaptable living areas where guests can dine or work, and ample storage – with industry-leading design and guest experience. This is combined with the social attributes of a lifestyle hotel, including buzzy co-working spaces, original food and drink concepts and a team of local house hosts.

The opening of Beckett Locke follows the successful launch of the 160-apartment Zanzibar Locke, which opened by Ha’penny Bridge in the centre of Dublin in June last year. Room rates at Beckett Locke start from €110 per night. Discounted rates are also available for mid- to long-stay guests. Check out www.lockeliving.com/en/dublin/beckett-locke 87

Gourmet lovers paradise in the Algarve…

W

ith 3,000 hours of sunshine and just a three-hour flight from the UK, the Algarve is unique in that it offers a truly delightful yearround destination. Situated in Quinta do Lago and nestled within the privacy and security of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a scenic swirl of seawater lagoons, sandy islands, salt marshlands and diverse bird life, lies Four Seasons Fairways – the ideal spot to escape a deux. Think warmth, sun and sumptuous Mediterranean food.

This discreet and elegant private villa resort is home to 132 colonial style villas and apartments many of which have recently been newly renovated. Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, each features its own pool or jacuzzi, terrace or garden area and outdoor barbecue/cooking station. The resorts ‘Clubhouse’ area is home to stunning heated indoor and outdoor pools, a wine cellar, gym, indoor-outdoor bar and there are tennis courts and bikes to hire for adventure loving newlyweds.

Visitors to the area are really spoilt for choice when it comes to dining too, here’s a round-up of mouth-watering suggestions…

A VER TAVIRA Enjoy lunch or dinner at this elegant restaurant, accompanied by great views over the city, Gilao River and Tavira Island. A unique gastronomic selection of international dishes with a regional twist and explosive flavours. A tip here would be to make a reservation for one of its exquisite Degustation Menus. Dishes change depending on the season but expect scarlet shrimps, pork cheeks, sea bass, tuna tartar and galician entrecote.

Visit: https://avertavira.com/en/

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ESTAMINE Possibly the Algarve’s best kept secret – an incredible restaurant located on Isla Deserta, only accessible by boat. Few places come close to this family-run gem, where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood along with other Algarvian specialities on your very own deserted island with 360 degree ocean views. When seen from above, the restaurant itself takes the shape of a crab among the sand dunes, an architectural tribute to their neighbours scuttling along the shoreline.

Clams ‘Bulhao Pato-style’, prawns, deep fried in a delicious secret spice and its charcoal grilled catch of the day, simply can’t be beaten.

Visit: www.ilhadeserta.com/estamine-restaurant

PORTUGAL AMARA If you’re looking to stay close to home one evening Amara, Four Seasons Fariways’ á la carte restaurant, doesn’t disappoint and boasts one of the finest views in Quinta do Lago. The concept of Amara is to twin intimacy with sophistication and Portuguese traditions with contemporary cuisine to give guests an unmistakable and memorable experience. The head chef, Nelson Candeias, is just one of a number of talented cooks whose genuine love for gastronomy shines through in every dish.

Visit: www.amararestaurant.pt

BOVINO Bovnio Steakhouse can be found within Quinta do Lago itself and serves some of the finest steaks and wines around along with an apothecarythemed cocktail menu. The décor is stunning, staff charismatic and it always has a good vibe. For two, the Chateaubriand is well worth it, or the Bovino signature cuts where you get to try filet, rump cap and ribeye.

The seafood is exquisite too and don’t forget to add a side of triplecooked chips or mac‘n’cheese.

Visit: www.quintadolago.com/en/restaurants/bovino-steakhouse

DOS PASSOS Another beachside delight located on Ancão Beach in the Ria Formosa Natural Park and boasts uninterrupted sea views with the dunes as a backdrop. They serve Mediterranean and regional Portuguese cuisine using fresh fish and shellfish sourced daily from the local markets in an Algarvian ‘tapas’ style so super fresh and the octopus salad and grilled sole comes highly recommend.

Visit: www.restaurante2passos.com/home/eng

TOP TIP: When staying at Four Seasons Fairways, if all you want is actually a cosy night in, they have a ‘Drop & Scoff’ service meaning you can order a delicious meal from the VIVO Bistro and have it delivered straight to your door – they drop, you scoff!

For more information visit www.fourseasonsfairways.com 89

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CLEARWELL CASTLE

FOREST OF DEAN

info@clearwell-castle.co.uk

01594 832320

GLOUCESTERSHIRE clearwell-castle.co.uk

Everyone has been to a wedding; but not everyone has been to a tailor made Pencoed House Estate wedding.

Every couple wishes for a unique and memorable experience that they and their families treasure forever. Yours exclusively for the day, the Estate and its 36 acres of captivating grounds afford wonderful photographic opportunities to capture every memorable moment.

Give family and friends something to look forward to and start planning an amazing wedding celebration at Cardiffs best wedding venue!

Now is the perfect time to set a date!

www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk Pencoed House Estate, Llantrisant Road, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff, CF5 6JR

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coed

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