Margot's Wedding Issue 11

Issue 11

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In this issue...

Contents 6

Margate. A Hipster’s Paradise – Editor’s Review

8

Cakes Galore

12

Flower Power

16

Real Wedding – Fran & Tom

22 28 8

40

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Kitsch Honeymoon – Styled Shoot

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A Dreamy Hen Do

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The All Important First Dance

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Get The Look

37

Competition – Win A Veil!

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Not Your Average I Do

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Real Wedding – Tash & Russell

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It’s Showtime!

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Featured Venues: Glasshouse & Orangeries

Cover Photography | www.lemonadepictures.co.uk

Design | RAD Creative | www.radcreative.co.uk

Dress & Photo Shoot Co-ordination | www.storyofmydress.com

Print | PPG Print | www.ppgprint.co.uk

Hair & Make-up | www.amua.co.uk

Published | In Southsea by Margot’s Wedding Ltd.

Hairband | www.glassoyster.com

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www.carrielaversphotography.com

From the editor Well hello! So much has changed since I wrote my last editor’s note! Firstly we’ve changed our name from Doily Days to Margot’s Wedding. The reason behind the name change was because lots of people seemed to think we were a vintage wedding magazine. That is where it all started way back in 2009 but we’ve evolved so much since then that our name didn’t suit us anymore.

We’re all about cool, creative ideas; couples doing things their way. Edgy, alternative, urban… it’s so hard to put a label on it. Basically if I like it, I like it!

Margot is a fictional character in my head. She’s cool, creative, stylish, a bit of a hipster and she’s living her life to her own set of rules. It gives me a starting point when looking at suppliers, features and front covers. I ask myself: “Is this Margot?”.

I had my first child in 2015. I was convinced I was having a girl and, you guessed it, she was going to be called Margot… but Rupert turned up instead!

My business has always been my baby so it’s fitting that Margot has slotted into my life. Our website now reflects the new look and feel and fresh blog content is added three times a week.

We also have a brand new supplier directory so go and check it out!

As always I’ve loved putting this issue together.

The two real weddings I’ve chosen really reflect our ethos. Tash and Fran are fun-loving brides who have tailored their nuptials and celebrations to fit their personalities.

I had the best time in Margate at the end of last year, checking it out as a hen party destination.

I think if Margot was a place she’d definitely be Margate, don’t you? Oh and Margot would most definitely go for a glasshouse wedding as featured on pages 46-47. Dining amongst flowers and plants at antique tables… er, yes please! I’m thinking strings of festoon lighting = dreamy.

The styled shoot featured on pages 22-25 was curated by myself and Alex from The Vintage Parade. It was so much fun and I’m looking forward to working on two styled shoots this year.

Make sure you check out issue 12 in September to see what we’ve been up to. Enjoy the issue!

And as always, I love to receive feedback.

Helen

Helen Ruff | Editor helen@margotswedding.co.uk | 07795 076 553 www.margotswedding.co.uk @margotswedding margotswedding

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Margate. A Hipster’s Paradise Editor’s Review Redseven in In my former life I worked for and stag packages Brighton. They provide hen ’re launching a new in the UK and abroad. As they s sent me there, in a Margate package MD Ian Luca out some hot spots. freelance capacity, to check a lovely four-star I stayed at The Sands Hotel, n and right on the property in the centre of tow balcony I cou ld see beach. Looking left from my to the right was the big wheel of Dreamland and ery and the harbour the Turner Contemporary gall in the car park arm. My car stayed firmly put ped and ate and shop d, lore exp I for four days as drank to my heart’s content.

Top tip – the Moroccan tent at The Crescent Victoria is great for afternoon tea. Why not book Miranda Dunn to join you there for some mystic tea leaf readings?

old-fashioned Dreamland, the to that dates back amusement park a t ntly underwen the 1800s, rece 2015. d re-opened in £25m revamp an

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Dreamland-Margate

The opening of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 put Margate on the map as an arty farty destination.

Shops in the old town consist of boutiquey-style affairs; quirky collections curated by former actors who have escaped the rat-race of London and are living the dream by the sea.

You’ll also find vintage shops and galleries, perfect for ‘mooching’. Fort Road Yard is a snooper’s paradise that sells everything from street art to old funfair paraphernalia. At the back of Fort Road Yard I stumbled upon Miranda Dunn, Fortune Teller & Clairvoyant. She read my cards in her little red shed and it was very insightful indeed!

If yoga’s your thing head up Northdown Road to Cliffs, an uber-cool coffee house/record shop/yoga studio. Treat yourself afterwards to quiche at Batchelors Patisserie, a nonpretentious, unassuming café whose décor has remained untouched since the 1960s. Trust me, their quiche is to die for.

It was closed when I went but I hear another great place for lunch in the summer is The Bus Café, a kitchen and café within a 1980s red double-decker bus.

Dreamland-Margate

Artist Tracey Emin grew up in Margate and her edgy and unique style seems to have set the tone for the area.

Redseven | www.redsevenleisure.co.uk Sands Hotel | www.sandshotelmargate.co.uk Dreamland | www.dreamland.co.uk Turner Contemporary | www.turnercontemporary.org Fortune Teller | www.macalevy-magic.co.uk Cliffs | www.cliffsmargate.com The Bus Café | www.thebuscafe.co.uk Buoy & Oyster | www.buoyandoyster.com The Ambrette | www.theambrette.co.uk The Crescent Victoria | www.crescentvictoria.co.uk

When it comes to glamming up and heading out it would be rude not to conduct a mini pub-crawl in order to experience the best of Margate’s quirky independent bars. My favourite was Fez, an Aladdin’s cave of a watering hole. A place where you can sit at an old fashioned pinball table, choose from 60 gins, make friends with the locals, get yourself involved with an impromptu ukulele jam and order pies in from Gary down the road. If pies in paper bags aren’t your thing then Buoy & Oyster is a great choice for cocktails and posh nosh, or perhaps reserve a table at The Ambrette, an award-winning anglo-Indian fine dining restaurant (apparently a favourite of the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge).

Margate’s an ‘easy’ place to go for a hen do.

It’s small so everything’s on your doorstep and it’s cool. Shoreditch by the sea vibes.

You can chill, mooch, explore and immerse yourself in culture. You’ll leave vowing to return, I promise.

Helen 7

www.katforsyth.com

Black & Bronze

Geode www.katybakey.co.uk

www.everafterweddingcakes.co.uk

www.amandakarenphotography.co.uk

CAKES GALORE Geometric

www.littlebearcakery.co.uk

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Gilded Greenery

www.blossomandcrumb.co.uk

www.philiphardmanphotography.com

Gold Leaf

Iridescent

www.katybakey.co.uk

www.katybakey.co.uk

Metallic

www.amandakarenphotography.co.uk

www.madebymariegreen.co.uk

www.amandakarenphotography.co.uk

P ainted

Semi-naked (or, as we like to call it, scantily clad)

www.s-k-cakes.co.uk www.spooned.london

www.bunstonbakes.com 9

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www.mariannechua.com

Flower Power www.zoetropeweddingphotography.co.uk

Working with the seasons is a great place to start when it comes to your wedding. It is a natural signpost that can help you choose most things; from the menu, drinks, clothes and colours. Just as a mulled cider or an apple crumble conjures up images of cosy nights and open fires, the smell of a garden rose can take you straight back to a summer’s day.

As a (very rough) rule of thumb spring flowers tend to be smaller and more delicate; think paperwhite narcissus, hellebores, snake’s head fritillaries. As summer romps in with the bigger and brighter; delphiniums with their blue spears, scented garden roses, twisting clematis and wafting buckets of cosmos. After the riot of summer, autumn strikes a deeper note and brings more earthy tones with sunflowers and dahlias in almost every colour. Of course there are countless exceptions to this (isn’t there always with a good rule?). There’s also the overlaps, like the couple of weeks where rununculas and diva peonies get to appear in the same bouquet.

Words by Hannah Best Hannah runs Petal & Feast and The Secret Barn in West Sussex.

As well as her amazing blooms and magical venue she also offers rustic catering and styling solutions. www.petalandfeast.co.uk

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Top

Keep it Personal: Is there a flower that was included in your mum’s/ grandmother’s bouquet? Did you spend your childhood growing sweet peas, or strawberries, or snapping the heads off tulips? Are there any flowers that remind you of someone in-particular? Is your mum’s house covered in a rambling rose?

www.ruby-roux.com

Smells: There are loads of ways to add perfume with various flowers and foliage, try including herbs; rosemary, lavender, mint, thyme, sweet peas, scented geranium, garden roses, lilacs etc.

Tips Pinterest: Pinterest is a really helpful tool for gathering ideas – pin anything and everything you fancy and when it gets closer to decision time, be ruthless! Go back through your board and take off anything you don’t love. With what’s left make notes on each photo; have you pinned it for the colour, shape, a particular flower, a ribbon?

Your Florist: Couples often worry that they don’t know the names of the flowers they want. If you have a good Pinterest board that won’t matter, your florist will be able to see the kind of thing you like and swap flowers that aren’t in season for other flowers with the same look.

Go Big: A few big pieces can make more impact than lots of little bits. For example, a huge flower ball hanging from the beam in our barn really adds the wow factor, and you really don’t need much more.

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Real Wedding

Fran & Tom Fran & Tom’s two-day wedding celebration was a compromise; a small intimate ceremony one day and a big party the next!

Photography | www.oliviajudah.co.uk Ceremony venue | www.worthingtownhallweddings.co.uk Reception venue No.1 | www.worthingpier.co.uk Reception venue No.2 | www.stpaulsworthing.co.uk Flowers | www.petalandfeast.co.uk Dress | www.prettyeccentric.co.uk Bride’s shoes | www.maguba.com Bride’s hair piece | www.tegenaccessories.co.uk Groom’s suit | www.next.co.uk Bridesmaids’ embroidered denim jackets | www.larasparks-embroidery.co.uk Bridesmaids’ outfits | www.oasis-stores.com Wedding brownies and cannoli | www.bakedworthing.co.uk and www.giuseppeslite.com Light-up letters | www.tohaveandtohireweddings.com Singers | www.facebook.com/madilouiselane and www.facebook.com/bacchusmusicuk

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“I knew I didn’t want a full

pping

length gown. I was out sho

in The Lanes in Brighton one

day, we walked past Pretty ss in the window.

Eccentric and I saw the dre

y… but it was!”

Surely it shouldn’t be so eas

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“There was a touch of a sea

side theme, with painted peb

and the table names were all

bles for name places

old vintage postcards, from

Ferring Beach and Whitby

Brighton Pier to

Bay for the northern relative

s!”

“The feature colour was gold, which I love; we had gold orb balloons and my shoes (Rio Maguba clogs) were gold!”

”

ng – bright, wild and rustic.

“Our bouquets were stunni

Real Wedding

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Fran & Tom

e secretly

e of the day was th

“The best surpris

d his cousins

ance by my dad an

planned perform

of Dean Martin’s

‘That’s Amore’.”

“We had fish and chips and knickerbocker glories, with lots of toppings and little British and Italian flags!”

“I walked down the aisle to ‘You and Me’ by Penny & The Quarters and our first dance was ‘You’re My Best Friend’ by Queen which was performed by two of our dearest friends.”

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Photograph by mcbweddings.com

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“When we were pulling together the mood board for this shoot I had the motel from True Romance in mind; iconic, bright clashing colours, cocktails. Dramatic and stylish but with a hint of ‘trashy’.”

HELEN RUFF, MARGOT’S WEDDING

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Styled Shoot

Kitsch Honeymoon Co-ordination | www.vintageparade.co.uk & www.margotswedding.co.uk Photography | www.photographybypaloma.co.uk Dresses | www.louiserosecouture.com & www.forgetmenotdesigns.co.uk Men’s (and dog’s) accessories | www.dapperandsuave.uk Bar | www.cocktailarts.co.uk Décor, props and painted leather | www.neonandblushweddingsandevents.co.uk Balloons | www.thefeatherballoon.company Inside venue | www.thewavemaiden.co.uk Headpieces | www.facebook.com/MindYourBonce Hair accessories | www.jobarnesvintage.com Hair & make-up | www.yawoma.com Bouquet | www.facebook.com/thelittlefloristsouthsea Airstream | www.pearlresort.co.uk Cars | www.vinniesvintagehire.co.uk Cake | www.cakedaway.co.uk Macarons | www.qbtreats.co.uk Models | Lauren Allen, Bryony Brewin and Greg Childs

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“The juxtaposition of the feminine dresses against the bold street art gave the urban and edgy look we wanted. The palm print and hot pinks inside the iconic Airsteam highlighted the soft pastel dresses and the vibrant tropical bouquet looked stunning against the yellow Cortina.�

ALEX CVIJOVIC, THE VINTAGE PARADE

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Styled Shoot

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A Dreamy Hen Do

Meeting Point www.coastworthing.co.uk Flower Crowns www.flowershowpresents.co.uk Photography www.saccophotography.co.uk Cocktails www.rockinghorseworthing.co.uk

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Photographer Olivia Judah tells us about her surprise floral hen do in Worthing, West Sussex and how having her wedding photographer there was the icing on the cake.

I was lead into Coast Cafe by my chief bridesmaid and best friend Millie with absolutely no clue what we were doing. All my seven (!!) bridesmaids were there as well as the mums, my auntie, and my two grandmothers, all ready to take part in a beautiful flower crown making workshop.

The workshop was SO good, we all had so much fun. Twelve flower crowns later, we headed outside to find Jayne (our lovely wedding photographer) waiting to take our photo (I had no idea she’d been

booked to document the hen party too! It was such a good idea).

My highlights of the rest of the evening: picnic on the beach, braving the sea for a photo, Nan winning lacy knickers in the pass-the-parcel and the willy straws… so many willy straws.

Later we went to the Rocking Horse for a cocktailmaking workshop, then headed into Brighton for the rest of the night, rocking our flower crowns.

Before the day, I really didn’t know what to expect but my hen party was absolutely out-of-this-world.

I had THE best time with the best company. I was blown away with everything Millie had planned.

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The All Important First Dance Hello, I’m Chris from wedding band Mister Kanish and being in a wedding band has meant I have seen and performed hundreds of first dances. I’ve also talked to loads of brides and grooms-to-be who are nervous about dancing in front of all of their friends or have no idea what song to pick.

I think the first dance is one of the most important parts of the wedding day for a number of reasons. If you don’t have an idea for a first dance song, or are contemplating not having one, I urge you to give it a little more thought.

It’s a great ice breaker to move the party from meal to massive party, and nine times out of ten the dance floor gets fuller faster when there is a first dance, compared to when there isn’t.

BUT WHAT IF YOU HATE DANCING OR SUCK AT IT (I KNOW I DO) AND DON’T WANT TO DANCE WITH EVERYONE WATCHING??

Despite the soppiness of it, a slow first dance is probably your best bet if you are a little worried about dancing.

If you’ve got moves, and you want to show them off, something faster can definitely work.

The thing I have learnt, is that your guests won’t judge! They are happy just to see you and your new spouse have a little chat for three or four minutes while you sway from side to side – which is what most first dances end up being.

WHY DO I THINK IT’S SO IMPORTANT? Weddings are frantic. People you haven’t seen in ages want to talk to you, everyone asks how you’ve been, you might have last minute plans to put into fruition or speeches to worry about. Over the course of the day you hardly get a moment to yourself, let alone with your new husband or wife, so these three or four minutes spent together can be a welcome break. A time to sit back and think, “Woah, I’m married to this person,” before the day is over. First dances are a great way to put a momentary pause on a wedding day.

HOW DO WE PICK A SONG? When we got married my wife and I didn’t have a song that was “our song”. We didn’t have a clue what to play for our

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first dance. We both love music, and there are so many tunes that represent highlights in our relationship. We just went for something that was fun and had good lyrics – ‘You Make My Dreams’ by Hall and Oates.

But having spoken about it since if we had done it again we’d have picked The Cure, ‘Just Like Heaven’. We both think we’d spend a lot more time thinking about it so I’ve come up with a sure fire way of picking your first dance song (which a number of couples have tested so I know it works).

MY ADVICE FOR PICKING YOUR FIRST DANCE IS AS FOLLOWS… Both write down separate lists of at least 10 songs without conferring. Songs that make you think of your other half when you listen to them. The ones that give you goose bumps, or send those tiny little hairs on the back of your neck standing on end. These don’t necessarily have to be songs you think the other person will like (usually there’ll be a common interest anyway), just ones you’re happy to admit to yourself that you like (and maybe even one or two you’d never admit to liking – you may be surprised).

THEN PUT THE LISTS TOGETHER WITHOUT JUDGEMENT. IF THERE’S ONE SIMILARITY – BINGO – YOU HAVE YOUR FIRST DANCE!!

If there’s a few then make a playlist, and have a listen together. Listen to the words. Do you agree with the sentiment? Maybe google the meaning of the lyrics.

It’s always worth checking the theme behind a song. I remember someone asking for ‘Every Breath You Take’ as a first dance thinking it was a lovely love song. Actually it’s about obsession, and jealousy, and stalking!! Uh oh!

GET YOUR BAND TO ARRANGE SOMETHING! If you’ve managed to pick a fast song, and aren’t too keen on dancing in front of your guests, then see if your band can make an arrangement for you. Lots of our acts are more than happy to make a slowed arrangement of your first dance – Laura and I asked Mister Kanish to slow down the first verse and chorus of ‘You Make My Dreams’ , and it was great.

www.misterkanish.com

Popular First Dances We’ve Played in the Past You Are The Best Thing Ray Lamontagne

Lover Of The Light Mumford & Sons

Romeo and JULIET Dire Straits

Dancing In The Dark Bruce Springsteen

It Must Be Love Madness

Mountains Biffy Clyro

Keep On Movin’ 5ive

Stand By Me Ben E. King

One Day Like This Elbow

Your Body Is A Wonderland John Mayer

You’re My Best Friend Queen

Mean To Me Brett ELDREDGE

In the end if you’re really not keen on having a first dance that’s okay. But if it’s due to a fear of dancing alone in front of your friends you can always convince the best man or bridesmaids to join you with their partners, then the dancefloor’s already full for the band’s first set.

I hope you’ve found this useful. If you need help choosing a great band to play at your wedding please get in touch. Either pick us or we can recommend lots of other acts for you!

Chris Powell Bass / Double Bass www.misterkanish.com

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Hair Lou – “I wanted to create something edgy and elegant whilst keeping the clean lines of the Nordic style. I braided three sections of hair into delicate fishtail plaits and placed them around the top of the head, incorporating the beautiful flowers each step at a time until I had the finished piece. When creating a style such as this one, a lot of it is about the bride’s face shape, the colours of their hair and the placement of their features.” www.lovehairbylou.co.uk

Make-up Birute – “The style of the overall look is modern and contemporary but with just a hint of en-trend Scandi influence.

To complement the beauty of the striking flower crown I wanted to create a minimalistic, clean and very modern look. I hope it inspires future brides to experiment and try out Scandinavian looks which is just perfect for the spring/summer season.” www.birutethomasmua.co.uk

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www.jessicawitheyphotography.com

Get the Look

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Competition Time

COMPETITION

WIN A VEIL!

The ‘Cloud’

About Suzanne Harrington Bride Suzanne Harrington Bride has been making bespoke wedding dresses for modern brides since 2012.

Founded in East London, the label is known for its soft fabrics, craftsmanship and imaginative design ideas.

Favoured by brides looking for a dress that is relaxed, comfortable, free-spirited and above all, a natural extension of their individuality.

The ‘Cloud’

HOW TO ENTER Email shbridelondon@gmail.com with five words that describe their brand.

The Prize Choose from: • The ‘Cloud’ veil. Simple cut edged.

Handmade from soft tulle in pale ivory or pale cream (other colour options available on request). Worth £70.

• T he ‘Bloom’ veil. Handmade from soft ivory tulle with a beautiful scattering of flowers. Worth £120.

The ‘Bloom’ Note - Images show cathedral length but can be made shorter.

Terms and Conditions: 1) Closing date 31/08/18 2) Only open to UK residents, by entering this competition Suzanne Harrington Bride reserves the right to add your email to their mailing list. 3) The prize is not transferable.

The ‘Bloom’

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NOT YOUR AVERAGE I DO Not Your Average I Do (NYAID) are national awardwinning wedding designers who offer a range of styling and planning services. We asked boss Kelly Kearley some questions and found out about the exciting workshops they’re offering at their West Sussex warehouse.

WHAT WEDDING SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? As bespoke wedding designers we offer an extensive range of planning and styling services to help a couple create the day of their dreams. This involves anything from bespoke draping to paper lantern displays, interesting lighting options, altar ideas and rustic furniture. We have a wedding warehouse full of alternative props that we encourage our clients to come and browse. With regards to planning, couples can opt for a full planning service or we can simply set-up and style their venue. Other options may be for us to transform a room quickly from ceremony to wedding breakfast or for us to be there to manage and organise suppliers on the day to ensure the whole day runs smoothly...

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Out of the ordinary and different. We want to encourage our clients to think outside the box. We love it when a couple come to us with exciting and fresh ideas.

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU WORK WITH OTHER LOCAL WEDDING SUPPLIERS. Although we have a warehouse full of props, draping and lighting, there is still so much that needs to be sourced.

Our clients often ask us to source suppliers that fit with the look they are trying to create. We have a list of trusted suppliers who we know produce the highest quality work.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WEDDING PLANNING WORKSHOPS. When you get engaged there are so many elements to think about and it’s often hard to know where to start. I’ve lectured at King’s College in London for the past three years on wedding planning to other event professionals and I thought wedding workshops for couples would be a great idea. Our three-hour workshop covers: where to start, what questions to ask which suppliers and top tips for how to have a stress-free day. Brides also get a full planning starter pack with checklists and electronic planners and access to our trusted supplier list.

www.notyouraverageido.com

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START NYAID. I’ve been in the wedding and events industry for 15 years.

I started my career in London organising large sit down dinners and award ceremonies on Park Lane for up to 1000 guests. After having my children and settling in Sussex I decided to turn my passion for events to the wedding industry.

“We like to work with couples looking to create an

urban, edgy look - think festoon lighting, soft draping against exposed brick, fresh foliage hanging from beams and copper pipe table centres.”

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Real Wedding

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Tash & Russell

Tash and Russell from West Sussex both love to travel so their elopement became part of an epic road trip. They flew into San Francisco and visited Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley, Zion National Park, Valley of Fire, LA and Vegas where their ceremony took place on a dry lake bed. They drank Champagne, shared salty fries and danced together under the setting sun.

“We’re both massive fans of the film ‘The Big and throughout our elopement planning we to each other ‘fuck it dude, let’s get married’ a

Lebowski’

kept saying twist on the

line ‘fuck it dude, let’s go bowling’ from the film.

ded us to

That ended up becoming our mantra and remin

take a relaxed approach to the whole thing.”

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“We drank Champagne in the desert and had burger and fries for our ‘reception’. It was awesome.”

“My beautiful Brigitte Bardot

oute was £80

inspired dress from La Red

inine and lacy but I

rn). I wanted something fem

second hand (but never wo

wanted to be comfortable so

that I could move freely and

the desert heat. I loved my

not be too hot in

dress!”

d pops of colour to make us

“I came to the conclusion that we definitely neede

s. I really like the colours we chose –

stand out from the background in our photo

flashes of pink, maroon and blue – they go so

Real Wedding

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well with the desert.”

Officiant: Peachy Keen Unions www.peachykeenunions.com Photographer: Anna Pumer www.annapumerphotography.com Videographer: www.bloominglovelyfilms.co.uk

“Exchanging our vows was a magical moment. similar about each of us being the other perso moment, so in love with my almost husband

Russell and I said something

n’s home and I felt so truly in the

and just full of happiness and joy.”

ers from Whole Foods.”

“I picked up some pretty flow

“We decided to get married on Star Wars day (May the 4th be with you!) as we’re such big fans of the films and it was awesome walking along the strip and seeing Darth Vader and Chewie!”

Hair and make-up: www.rubyfinchsalon.com Flower crown: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HexagramCreations Bag: www.puptart.co.uk

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IT’S

!

E M I T W O SH

at tim e lar rec en tly it’s a gre ma n be ing so po pu ow Sh est dd es, eat Ge e Gr e uis asked Nic ole Lo Wi th film s like Th actor pe rfo rm ers . We ing w-f nk wo thi ing en ok wh bo s t to thi nk ab ou cti on s for he r top tip Ma nic Sta ge Pro du of tor es. ec ss Dir t ste en ho d nm En ter tai d co stu me d ho sts an ers , stilt wa lke rs an DD ES ab ou t bo ok ing da nc N ICO LE LO UIS E GE BY

1. ASK YOURSELF WHAT KIND OF PARTY YOU WANT! We know it’s obvious but you’d be surprised at how many couples don’t actually sit down and look at ideas. Do you want something original and never seen before or are you both envisaging classic and subtle touches? Do you want entertainment throughout the day? Or are you going all out for the evening do? Do you want to include a theme, era or colour?

2. SEARCH THE INTERNET Couples usually know what they want, or at least have an idea to start their search with. Maybe you’ve been to someone else’s wedding and got some ideas. But if you don’t have a trusted recommendation, then it’s worth having a Google. Why not try asking questions in local wedding Facebook groups – you usually get great recommendations that way and also lots of visuals on companies’ social media pages.

3. CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE Do they look professional? Do they tell you about their staff? Are they qualified and experienced? Are they fully insured? Do they have available risk assessments and checks? Is it clear what packages they offer, what you will get and how much it costs? Do they have testimonials on their site?

4. CHECK THEM OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA Have a look at their Facebook page, their Twitter account and Instagram – are they active on there? Do you like their vibe and personality? Are their customers talking about them? Have they received good feedback? Are they busy? And most importantly, do they look professional with high standards?

5. CHECK OUT THEIR TERMS AND CONDITIONS What happens if your booked entertainers are ill or stuck in traffic? Read the small print and make sure you’re happy with it and that the company has backup systems in place. Most reputable production companies will have an array of talent ready and be able to step in if such problems were to occur.

6. GIVE FEEDBACK Most companies will ask for feedback after the event. Good companies value honest feedback so it’s great to let them know what you enjoyed about their input and performance and also whether you have any tips on what could be improved.

If you would like to find out more about Manic Stage Productions – do take a look at their website and social media.

www.manicsp.co.uk

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Chiswick House & Gardens

Northbrook Park

Kate Nielen-Photography

Marianne Taylor Photography

Featured Venues: Glasshouse & Orangeries Words by Emma Hla

Who doesn’t love a good orangery? Couples are crushing hard on this type of venue right now along with glass houses and clear marquees. With the botanical trend having firmly taken root, I don’t see this style choice going anywhere. There really is no denying the WOW-factor that comes with this kind of venue and having seen the ‘Pippa effect’ go beyond the Giles Deacon dress (thanks to the incredible glass marquee which held the reception party) it’s an accessible yet stylish venue option for your own celebration. Orangeries allow you to maximise your venue’s vista whilst glass houses bring the outdoors in. You and your guests can party into the night whilst the stars twinkle above – magical, if you ask me.

Here are a few highlights from our carefully curated venue collection:

20 Barbican

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Petersham Nurseries

Dale Weeks Photography

Chiswick House & Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Chiswick House is an exceptionally beautiful villa set within glorious Italianate gardens. It’s one of West London’s most sought after locations for elegant occasions and unrivalled service. Designed in 1728 by the 3rd Earl of Burlington, Chiswick House is the earliest and most important Palladian villa in England. Its splendid neo-classical architecture and lavishly gilded rooms have provided the backdrop to fabulous parties through the centuries. The gem is their conservatory where you can marry set amongst lush greenery and your guests can then spill out into the Italian garden to enjoy Champagne and the sweet scent of roses.

There are over 40 listed buildings and structures within Kew Garden housing a selection of living plant specimens as well as the world famous Economic Botany Collection. The beautifully restored orangery was originally designed by Sir William Chambers in 1761. This stunning 18th century building (which was formerly filled with citrus trees) is ideal for large evening receptions. With high ceilings and grand arched windows, the room is filled with an abundance of natural light. During the summer months guests can enjoy the large terrace, whilst admiring spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Petersham Nurseries

Kew Gardens

Internationally prized garden centre, Petersham Nurseries is a tranquil oasis and seedbed of inspiration located near the glorious park of Richmond, Surrey.

Nestled down a secluded road this is the perfect rustic venue just minutes from the centre of London.

Exclusively hire Petersham Nurseries Café for your wedding reception. Invite your guests to dine amongst flowers and plants at antique tables in the main glasshouse and enjoy seasonal, produce-led cooking.

The Barbican The Conservatory at the Barbican Centre is one of the most unique wedding venues in London. This lush tropical oasis is home to exotic fish and 2,000 species of tropical plants. Once you’ve said ‘I do’, you and your guests can move through to the contemporary Garden Room for the wedding breakfast and reception. The Garden Room has floor to ceiling windows which showcase fantastic views of the city and the Barbican Lakes. You can’t get much cooler than the tropicalindustrial fusion of the Barbican.

Northbrook Park Nothing compares to the timeless romance of a country estate wedding. Northbrook Park boasts a Grade II listed, 18th century manor house as well as a stunning orangery and enchanting Vine Room with floor to ceiling windows, marble floors and crystal chandeliers. Through a wooden door, you will discover the walled gardens with a sunken central lawn, mature fruit trees and water features. Couples may choose to hold the blessing in the sunken garden surrounded by herbaceous beds of aromatic rosemary, lavender and bay trees.

All venues (and many more in all categories) can be found via www.cocoweddingvenues.co.uk The award-winning website, currently showcases over four-hundred wedding venues across the UK with more being added weekly. Categories within the style-focussed directory are split into eight: Bohemian Beats, Coastal Cool, City Chic, Classic Elegance, Rustic Romance, Modern Vintage, Luxe Edit and Delicious Destinations. It’s simple for visitors to quickly find the perfect location to suit their style. The site’s curator, Emma Hla, personally selects each featured venue and also provides plenty of stylish inspiration on the Coco Wedding Venues blog.

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