Confeti Winter 2013

CONFETI

WINTER 2013

The Wonders

of aWinter

Wedding

A Passion THE EXTRAORDINARY forPastels Villa del Mar LAUNCH OF NEW BESPOKE VENUE

The Courtyard

Marbella

Jannie Baltzer

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Spain, Gibraltar and The Balearics’ dedicated wedding bible

Alan Hannah | Amanda Wakeley | Anna Romysz | Annasul Y Augusta Jones | Babe | Blue Bridalwear | Caroline Atelier Caroline Castigliano | Charlotte Balbier | Charlotte Mills Chic | Cocoe Voci | Cymbeline | Delphine Manivet | Eliza Jane Howell | Elizabeth Stuart | Emma Tindley | Fara Difusion Freya Rose | Gemy Maalouf Bridal | Halo & Co | Harriet Wilde | Hollywood Dreams | HT Headwear | I Love Gorgeous Ian Stuart Bride | Intersposa | Ivory & Co. | Jack Sullivan Jenny Packham Accessories | Jesus Peiro | Karen Willis Holmes KatyaKatya Shehurina | Lark Bridal | Linea Raffaelli

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Where the top names in

BRIDAL DESIGN SHOWCASE THEIR NEW COLLECTIONS

TO THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE RETAILERS AND MEDIA

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Little Bevan | Lou Lou | Lusan Mandongus | Lyn Ashworth Madeline Isaac-James | Malis Henderson | Mia Mia | Miguel Suay | Miranda Templeton | Mooshki | Naomi Neoh | Nicki MacFarlane | Nicola Anne | Novia D’Art | Nymphi | Orsalia Parthenius | Philippa Kunisch | Polly Edwards | Qiana Bridal | Rachel Simpson | Raimon Bundo | Ritva Westenius Sadoni | Sassi Holford | Sasso | So Sassi | Stephanie Allin Stephanie James | Terry Fox | The Couture Veil | Timeless Couture | Victorio & Lucchino Novias | Watters | Yolan Cris whitegallery.com

White Gallery London is open to trade buyers only and not members of the general public

THE FINEST IN BRIDAL DESIGN 6-8 APRIL 2014 | BATTERSEA PARK LONDON

Image by Annasul Y

100% EXQUISITE BRIDAL DESIGN

Winter 2013

Features, advice, tips, ideas and suggestions to help arrange THE PERFECT WEDDING IN SPAIN, GIBRALTAR OR THE BALEARICS

CONFETI WINTER 2013

Fashion

16

32

11 Confeti Loves

What’s hot in the world of bridal?

16 The Headart Heiresses

Charlotte Balbier showcases her vision for 2014 collection Spain, Gibraltar and The Balearics’ dedicated wedding bible

22 Aisle Style

Lusan Mandongus fuses classical French lace with Vietnamese vintage collars

28 The Supporting Act

58

Unleash your lingerie loving to find the ideal wedding underwear

jeremystandley.com

40

Beauty

38 The Test Factor

Read our panel’s views on the latest beauty products

Location, Location

40 Venue Reviews

Step inside the doors of the magical Villa del Mar, as well as the VIP launch of The Courtyard Marbella

58

Cover Stories

Archaic animal customs decide if you are to be lucky in love

86 It’s Ladies Night

Top tips from hen party expert for the ultimate do

Danish designer Jannie Baltzer A magical setting for your special day

48 Exclusively Yours

93

Staff PUBLISHER Andy Clark andy@iconpublishing.es ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Gabriel Moya Gonzalez enquiries@iconpublishing.es

DESIGNER Constanza Martínez constanza@iconpublishing.es FEATURES EDITOR Amber O’Shaughnessy

84 Our Furry Friends

32 Exclusive Interview with 40 Villa del Mar

Ten couples’ love stories

Details

14 Theme Your Day

Embrace a passion for pastel pink and creamy caramel colours

Real Weddings

charlottebalbier.com

CONFETI News

Round up of local wedding news

100 Confeti’s Address Book

The best professionals, specialists and services

The Courtyard Marbella, a new bespoke wedding venue

EDITORIAL TEAM Christie Holland, KJ Elsdon, India, Baltran, Natasha Johnson, Padre Peter CONTRIBUTORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS David Toms, Gregory Korvin at SolWedding, Jeremy Standley, Julia Roder, Nani de Perez, Owen Farell.

CONFETI is published quarterly by: Icon Publishing S.L. Depósito Legal: MA 1559-2010 CIF: B93035210

54 Winter Weddings

Discover the advantages of a winter wedding in the Costa del Sol

All enquiries, please call: +34 600 812 418 or email enquiries@iconpublishing.es The views and opinions expressed by contributors to CONFETI may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers.

Icon Publishing takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements or advertorials in this magazine. No part of CONFETI may be reproduced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of Icon Publishing.

www.confetimagazine.com nanideperez.com

That Indefinable

I

t is no secret that weddings are a costly affair.

Whatever your budget, expect to exceed it as unexpected twists and turns result in finances being flung out of the window.

It is a curious thing, however, that whenever we speak to brides-to-be, their common wish is not necessarily to have the unlimited budget to splash and splurge on the most expensive of items, instead brides are always hell-bent on capturing that elusive ‘personal touch’ for their wedding day. So in the Winter Issue of CONFETI we bring you all the tools you need to create that indefinable point of difference for your day because nobody likes to blend into the crowd, do they?

We present you with the freshest trends from the British Bridal Exhibition and there was certainly a sense of design bravado at the event. Designers showcased dresses in ultra hot new blush shades, daring keyholes running right down to the waist also featured on many gowns, as well as delicate jewelled chains.

Our designer profile this issue also epitomises the exceptional; Danish-born Jannie Baltzer hung up her ballroom dancing shoes to plunge into the world of bridal couture, launching a collection of exquisite hand crafted headpieces. Every headpiece is custom-made according to the specifications of her client, guaranteeing a 8 CONFETI

Point of Difference

setting of La Zagaleta Golf Club.

Not only did the venue offer enviable surroundings but the couple added a sprinkling of uniqueness with a gymnastic performance which took place whilst guests enjoyed dinner. Discover how the couple captured a spirit of the carnivalesque on their wedding day on page 80.

The Zagaleta wedding was not the only wedding to embrace a spirit of boldness. Turn to page 58 to read about nine more Real Weddings that made the participants’ day unique and unforgettable, whether it was through an Alice in Wonderland theme or an ice blue colour scheme!

charlottebalbier.com

totally unique accessory for each bride to be.

Following on from the daring new shade of blush that was so prominent at the British Bridal Exhibition, add a further hint of personality to your wedding wardrobe by embracing candy pink or creamy caramel colours; we showcase our passion for pastels on page 14.

Aside from the design of your dress, there is no better way to create that special point of difference than in your choice of wedding venue. We present you with high end, elite venues such as the Villa del Mar the perfect host to a day of peerless luxury. We also feature a showstopping real wedding that took place at the splendid

Finally, if you really dare, why not break with all tradition and organise a Winter Wedding? As the cold wintry days draw in throughout much of Europe, head out to the Costa del Sol where the sun never seems to set for a winter celebration of your love. Read about all the advantages to a winter wedding at the Sunset Beach Club on page 54.

So wholeheartedly embrace our winter issue. It is brimming with fresh-hot ideas that will guarantee your day is forever etched on the minds of your guests, but most importantly you will have created a day unique to your husband and yourself. Be bold and be beautiful!

The Confeti Team

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C

ONFETI loves...

By Christie Holland

Royal Style

Vattana Watters certainly brought her A-game to the latest Watters collection with a selection of gowns so beautiful it was tough to choose a favourite!

Luxurious fabrics and hand detailing are synonymous with Watters designs and the ‘Something Blue’ collection did not disappoint. Something blue refers to blue blood, taking inspiration from the royal family and their aristocratic heritage.

From gorgeous traditional a –line styles, dramatic ball gowns, to ornate mermaids styles, the collection has a dress that will make every bride feel like a queen. watters.com

Picture Perfect

Whether you are in need of something to wear to a friend’s celebration or you are searching for something for your bridesmaids, this floral creation is one not to miss. Beautifully printed with hyper-real florals, Giambattista Valli’s silk-chiffon dress is a truly feminine choice. A ruched waistband and swishing skirt shape a flattering silhouette - simply add nude pumps and a smile! net-a-porter.com

Burgundy Bliss

These scene-stealing chic drop earrings will add a rich touch to your wedding outfit without breaking the budget. Martine Wester is renowned for creating beautifully feminine boutique jewellery, mixing vintage inspired charms with crystal highlights, all you need for a special occasion. martinewester.com

Outside the Box

FETI CON -HAVE T S U M

Olvi’s unique and distinctive lace dresses focus on fresh, innovative design using the finest stretch French lace. Each lace piece is handmade to order and created to fit and flatter the feminine form. The collection is aimed at the discerning bride looking for something a little different. olvistrend.com

A Scent for all Occasions

If you are like most women, you can never have too many perfumes and trying to select one to wear on your big day is a whole other story! L’Occitane have the answer... four distinct scents each created by perfumer Karine Dubreuil including Jasmin & Bergamote and my personal favourite, Vanille & Narcisse featuring notes of blackcurrant. So, there is one for your hen do, one for your rehearsal dinner, one for the day itself and one for your honeymoon! Now you just need to find a dress for all the occasions! loccitane.com

CONFETI 11

C

ONFETI loves...

By Christie Holland

Do It a Little Differently

Retro honeycombs are back in fashion again, ideal for brightening up a unique wedding. Use as table decorations or adorn the aisle for a fresh alternative to balloons or flowers. For a truly striking focal point attach to the top of your wedding cake – that will be sure to have everyone talking! sistersguild.co.uk

Just Married

Finished with rusted tin hearts, a ribbon bow and distressed for an authentic vintage appearance this delightful wooden sign, handmade from reclaimed wood can be personalised with words of your choice. delightfulliving.co.uk

Perfect in Pink Delightful Decade

Glitzy Secrets 1920’s inspired headpiece definitely stands out from the crowd. The roaring ’20s look has been quietly gaining momentum the last few seasons, especially with brides. This striking headpiece will complement a range of hairstyles from a cute bob, chic up-do or bohemian loose waves. Embrace the style of this fabulous decade and turns heads as you glide down the aisle. glitzysecrets.com

Hen-Do Delight

Packed with treats and remedies, these striking screen-printed pouches will unleash your hens for a full-on celebration! They are perfect for filling with sweets, aspirin, champers and detox face masks - anything to set the mood for the fun ahead! Plus they will make a wonderful souvenir of the day, too! weddinginateacup.co.uk 12 CONFETI

Topshop’s nude suede pumps are strikingly feminine whilst the contrast electro-plate heel adds a contemporary twist. Slip into this platform pair to elevate your bridal gown or bridesmaid dress. topshop.com

Charitable Touch

Add a touch of glamour to your wedding outfit and enjoy knowing that 100% of the profits are going towards fighting heart disease. This blue beauty is the perfect addition to a striking hair-up or why not try wearing your hair half up and half down for a modern twist on a classic style. bhf.org.uk

Luxury in Marbella has its own name.

We invite you to discover our newest luxuries.

Calima restaurant – by Dani García – awarded with 2 Michelin stars Oyster & Caviar Bar the perfect place to start and end the evening enjoying our selection of oysters, caviar, sushi & champagne.

Cappuccino Grand Café our beach club set on Marbella’s promenade for cocktails and food all day long.

Timeless Luxury with Avant-garde Flair

José Meliá, s/n · Marbella · Málaga, Spain Reservations: +34 952 770 300 · email: reservasdonpepe@melia.com · www.gran-melia-don-pepe.com C H I N A • S PA I N • G R E E C E • I N D O N E S I A • I TA LY • M E X I C O • P U E R TO R I C O • V E N E Z U E L A

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9

5

Theme Your Day

PASTELS Don’t be afraid to show off your girly, sweet side in cotton candy pink or creamy caramel colours.

By Christie Holland

6

8 The ultimate in Issa design, the classic wrap dress is a feat of magnificent pattern cutting. The feminine V-neck and fitted waist, paired with an elegant long sleeve and hem epitomises timeless style and elegance.

7 Write with light! Great value for money these cute lanterns are perfect for personalising your wedding, greeting your guests, and adding a romantic ambience to your reception... Simply select the letters, numbers or symbols to make up your own unique glowing message.

1. Kiss Slowly Poster, sarahandbendrix.com 2. Lilly Flower Dress, £55, monsoon.co.uk 3. Baby Pink Polka Dot Paper Straws, £2.99, gingerray.co.uk 4. Something Blue Garter, watters.com 5. Ombre Essentielle in Eclaire, chanel.com 6. Basketweave Texture Shirt, £155, chesterbarrie.co.uk 7. Alphabet Paper Lanterns, £1.35, weddinginateacup.co.uk 8. Classic Wrap Dress, £565, issalondon.co.uk 9. Whimsy ‘He Asked…’ Wedding Invitation, peonyandrose.co.uk 14 CONFETI

THE

Headart HEIRESSES 16 CONFETI

The Charlotte Balbier brides showcase intricate head embellishments against gritty urban backgrounds to accentuate the delicacy and femininity of the new collection.

CONFETI 17

Holly

Boadicea

Elegant in style and shape, Holly embodies a distinctive cross pattern heavy cotton body with soft tulle skirt.

Simple yet striking, Boadicea was designed with the sophisticated bride in mind.

18 CONFETI

Libby Luxurious lace appliques embellish this pretty soft tulle gown. Iridescent in the light, Libby is a sublime gown with intricate details.

CONFETI 19

Beaullea As a gown that offers sultry style combined with an elegant edge, Beaullea has eye catching back detail embedded with silver toned hues.

20 CONFETI

Rose

Rose by name, Rose by nature; this floral inspired gown is an modern elegant choice for a bride who is out to capture that fairy-tale look.

charlottebalbier.com CONFETI 21

Aisle Style

Lusan Mandongus’s 2014 collection is vintage inspired with rich and subtle details, incorporating different stunning features, from neckline to waist. The collection is infused by various vintage elements to present a cosmopolitan and still classic and sophisticated style.

22 CONFETI

The latest collection highlights sophisticated necklines. The signature neckline is inspired by the Vietnamese traditional costume. “We appreciate the conservativeness and modesty of the Vietnamese fashion and would like to present it into our collection.” The design team has aimed to redesign the collar to portray classical glamour with the application of romantic French laces, while maintaining the higher collar to reflect the conservative modesty of Vietnamese fashion and to breathe new life into the traditional Vietnamese costume.

For a vintage aspiration, Lusan Mandongus sought inspiration from Christian Dior’s New Look from the late 1940s, a waistcinching tailored look which emphasised the sexy hourglass shape of women’s bodies. A peplum design has also been

incorporated to emphasise the same theme of feminine elegance; however the design team has departed from the traditional peplum to create instead a lace version on both sides of the hipline, which highlights the waistline. This cunningly applied peplum detail allows the bride-tobe to look graceful, yet sexy, on her big day.

French lace continues to be a favourite material this season. The generous use of layering lends a contemporary look and crystal appliques and embroidery give the gowns a touch of modern glamour.

Each aspect of these dresses flawlessly reflects the elegance, femininity and sophistication of Lusan Mandongus’s style. lusanmandongus.com

CONFETI 23

NOW

Trending Here we wrap up the hottest wedding dress trends for 2014.

Get ready to swoon, ladies.

S

o what were the trend indicators that emerged at the British Bridal Exhibition in September? As far as gowns go, the story is one of unashamed luxury, glamour through and through, new and exciting fabrics and some brilliant interpretations of vintage. Â Whatever a bride might fancy, the newest collections will make her dream dress a reality, so evident at the show was a new sense of design bravado and even the houses known to adopt a traditional approach have re-invented the classics with a twist that spells contemporary dressing.

There is gold in the dĂŠcor, and gold showed up in many collections, as hints of pale colour came through as one of the biggest stories of the 2014 collections.

Blush - already accepted as a statement-making shade in bridal, has been joined by the palest golds, ashy grey (Jack Sullivan has perfected this one), pastel greens, mint, and touches of Wedgwood blue (such as in

24 CONFETI

Mooshki’s 50s-style shortie in ivory lace over blue).

Watters offered the option of different linings and underskirts - in bronze, grey and copper tones for starters, under simple lace shifts, while Alfred Angelo, known for its intricate embroidery trims, was in a blue mood that included a rich sapphire and well as cornflower.

Pale, pale coffee, a real skintone flatterer, appeared time and time again.

Pattern is another trend message.

We loved the bold use of laser-cut fabrics that formed abstract detailing or featured swirling flowers and some of the brilliant prints Wendy Makin is a style setter here - that give a bridal gown an eveningwear feel. More pattern has been created by re-embroidered lace motifs that sometimes carry the gleam of pearl or the sparkle of diamante, or the shimmer-shine effect of opulent all-over beadwork that has become the signature of Eliza Jane Howell.

However, it is back detailing that ticks every box when it comes to desirability. Last season’s pretty illusion panels have led the way to a real focus and unveiled the potential for daring keyholes that run right down to the waist (and often plunge below), intricate lace, deep and perfectly-draped cowls, and beadwork that becomes a form of jewellery, with delicate jewelled chains that tumble down the back or link together over the shoulders

creating a sparkling epaulette on bare skin. Donna Salado’s new collection features some perfect examples of this new wave in design, while accessories houses such as Richard Designs and Linzi Jay have produced jewellery pieces that create the effect when worn with a simple, well-cut gown.

Pearl is a highlight that has been getting stronger in recent seasons and this time round that gleam is to be taken very seriously. A favourite of ours was the Peter Pan pearl-collared dresses at LouLou, which also showed little tailored jackets with bands of pearls from the cuff.

Pearls featured on headdresses and veils too. Joyce Jackson’s brow bands, deliciously hobo, mixed pearls and lace and a touch of crystal and came with a choice of veil lengths. Elizabeth Dickens added edgings dotted with pearls and some beautiful lace trims to its veils.

Pearls in their own right are the stars of the By Elise jewellery collection, this is an elegant and thoroughly original collection of finely-worked pieces in beautiful materials. A pearl held in place by a tiny golden octopus made the perfect pendant and is a real conversation piece, while wide satin collars, dotted with different shapes and sizes of pearls

is perfect wedding wear and all the more special after the big day when the stones can be removed and restrung to make a necklace.

In menswear, there’s also a lot going on. Anthony Formalwear has introduced a group of very smart, Harris tweed accessories (a concept that the overseas stores will doubtless be buying into fast).

This line is the real thing; Anthony searched for the authentic fabric for a good long while and eventually found a mill on the Isle of Lewis that can trace its history back several centuries to the original black house weavers. This eco-friendly cloth is made using cheviot fleeces and the waistcoats and ties speak reams about elegant dressing with a touch of the dandy.

At Masterhand, alongside the great classics, we found a stunning crimson velvet jacket edged in elaborate gold braiding, and a gleaming black satin tailcoat, dotted all over with diamanté - both perfect for the groom who wants to be in the spotlight, but just as gorgeous on a girl, we reckon.

The show finishes off with the RBA Awards and here are the names to came out on top: Top Gown Supplier over £1800 - Ian Stuart Top Gown Supplier under £1800 - Pronovias Top Bridesmaid Supplier - Dessy Top Shoe Supplier - Rainbow Club Top Headdress Supplier - Richard Designs Top Menswear Supplier - Cameron Ross Best Customer Service - Alan Hannah Best Occasionwear Supplier - John Charles Special Recognition Awards - Neil Flatley CONFETI 25

26 CONFETI

Else Peretti Open Heart Necklace, Tiffany and Co €410 Crystal cluster earrings Martine Wester £45.00

Necklace, Crislu €199

Bedazzled From the simply elegant to the wildly dramatic, we have handpicked the most exquisite bridal jewellery and hair accessories to help you complete your look. It’s your big day, so make sure you sparkle all the way to the altar.

Petal and Spike Short Drop Earrings, Accessorize £7.00

Alberta Earrings, Monsoon £19.00 Fly by Night Pendulum Earrings in White Gold with White Diamonds, Stephen Webster POR

Twenties Sweetheart Headpiece, Glitzy Secrets £78.00 CONFETI 27

The

Supporting

Act

There’s nothing worse than seeing a bride spill out of her dress. With this in mind, Julia Anderson went on a search for wedding lingerie suitable for brides blessed with an ample bosom.

Blushing bride Julia Anderson

B

eing petite may sound like a dream to most women, but it is a nightmare when trying to find underwear that fits. So you can imagine the difficulty I had finding something suitable for my wedding day. I am a 30 D cup, which means I cannot fit into most of the lingerie and bikinis on the high street, let alone bridal corsets.

My wedding dress was strapless, so the first thing on my agenda was, of course, a nude strapless bra. Sounds easy, huh? Not so. Even when I finally did find my size, the bra was either uncomfortable, wouldn’t stay up for long (I knew I would spend most of the reception dancing, so this was a major factor), my breasts bulged over the top, the cups were too loose or the bra could be seen through my dress.

28 CONFETI

Jane Basque and G string

The basque is a seductive piece of lingerie that has more going for it that you may think; old-fashioned for some, totally trendy Madonna-style for others and perfect for my wedding night. The basque helps shape the figure (slightly) and creates a slim waist. With detachable suspenders here, to sex up the look. I have also bought it in black to wear under a suit jacket as it’s simple too fabulous to wear only in the bedroom.

On top of this I wanted a wedding night corset as a present to my husband, something classy but with sex appeal and finally I needed a comfortable bra for my honeymoon.

With the increase in women opting for breast enlargements before their big day, the demand for bridal underwear in petite sizes with larger cups is rising so it was a real surprise that the lingerie industry isn’t keeping up with the trends.

Finally the answer to my prayers came from the brands Marie Jo and Marie Jo L’Aventure, which stand for pure, feminine lingerie made of high-grade materials and styles to fit every woman.

They can be found at prestigious boutiques such as Rigby & Peller – well as the saying goes, if it is good enough for the Queen…

They catered for all my needs and although I could have bought enough sets to give my bank manager a heart attack, this is what I settled for. mariejo.com

L’Aventure Tom Strapless

Tom is a completely invisible series and just what I needed for my honeymoon as most of my clothing was be sheer or tight fitting. This padded bra may be just a ‘basic’ but the quality is superb and it has become an essential item in my wardrobe.

Avero Strapless

Avero is Marie Jo’s bestseller. The Multiway bra offers the best of both worlds.

A supremely comfortable strapless t-shirt bra with a lightly foam filled cup and guipure lace detail. It was the only strapless, low-cut bra that I could find for a fuller bust. The smooth fit means I could even wear it under the tightest of white vests. It was ideal under my wedding dress and, yes, it didn’t budge, even when I attempted M.C Hammer’s running man on the dance floor.

CONFETI 29

marksandspencer.co.uk

Debenhams black bow tie £12

austinreed.co.uk Austin Reed Charcoal Smoke Waistcoat £110

Marks & Spencer Best of British Braces £25

Acne Bow Tie €100

GROOMY BABY If you happen to be marrying a man with an excellent sense of style, lucky you. If not, inspire him with our hottest picks, guaranteed to make him stand out from the crowd.

mytuxedo.co.uk.jpg

Panerai Luminor Watch €5950

Jimmy Choo Shoes €475 30 CONFETI

Dolce and Gabbana Jacket €1100, Trousers €475

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Private Parties Cocktail Receptions Luxury Private Dining Weddings Corporate Catering Chef at Home Bar at Home

www.chezvous.es 路 info@chezvous.es +34 667 341 809

D esigner P rofile

Jannie Baltzer

Jannie Baltzer’s meticulously hand crafted couture headpieces and accessories are regularly featured in the likes of Vogue Elle and Cosmopolitan. The Danish designer talks to CONFETI about her latest collection, style icon Kate Moss and‌ Latin American dance?

32 CONFETI

Photos by Sandra Aberg - sandraaberg.com

I became involved with fashion design…after having

lived in London, Edinburgh, Moscow and Hong Kong for eight years as a Professional Latin dancer and finally moving back to Denmark. Having been involved with Ballroom dancing all my life I have always had a big interest in fabrics, lace and crystals, and I often designed my own dresses.

So it was quite natural, for me to start working in the fashion industry.

I decided to specialise in bridal couture headwear because… I always

had a passion for accessories. So when I took my degree in design at the Scandinavian Academy of International Fashion and Design in Copenhagen, I knew I wanted to design accessories. I started

out as a jewellery designer, but when I got engaged five years ago, I wanted to create something unique and special for my wedding, and that was the beginning of Jannie Baltzer Couture Headpieces.

I am best known for…my

own unique style and I love it when people can recognize my work. Excellent customer service is a must for me, and my motto is ”Give the customer more than they expect.”

My biggest achievement to date… is having

my accessories featured in VOGUE, ELLE and Cosmopolitan Magazine; these were really big moments for me. The last couple of years have been amazing as I have also been lucky enough to work with some extremely talented photographers, stylists, editors, bloggers and planners from all over the world, and that is something, I really enjoy.

CONFETI 33

Photos by Sara Wight - sarawightphotography.com

My 2014 collection is… truly luxurious

and delicate. It is all about luminous textures and shine. This collection has exquisitely intricate beadwork and beautiful shades of honey gold, champagne, antique silver and ivory. It was inspired by the beauty of nature and its organic shapes the curl of a leaf, skeleton leaves, delicate flowers and branches - these are all exquisite things that catch my eye and find their way into my design.

34 CONFETI

Next year’s trends will see… dresses with a more

modern and sleek feel and there seems to be very little beading or embellishment. Probably due to my background as a Latin dancer, I have always loved the low cut back on dresses, and I am so happy to finally see that trend in the bridal fashion. Designers like Claire Pettibone and Ines di Santo have designed some gorgeous dresses with very dramatic backs.

I feel inspired when… I see and feel

different fabrics. That is the time I feel most like a kid in a candy

store and start to get excited about my new collection. I also love to see old movies from the 1920s & 1930s, where the women were so glamorous and chic, though I do think inspiration can come from anything.

client and be allowed into her thoughts and dreams. I love to design custom-pieces for my brides to make sure, that they have the perfect piece for their wedding days. I work far too many hours and never really stop before 12pm, but I truly love my job.

My day always starts with a… I am currently good cup of coffee. Then I working on… a check emails and look at my to-do list; I always make a list the night before, so I know, what to do the following day. Most days I am at my studio, where I design all the accessories and am often visited by brides-to-be; I really enjoy getting to know all of my lovely brides. It is an amazing feeling to meet a new

small unique jewellery collection for the fashion forward woman, and I can´t wait to launch it at the beginning of the New Year.

I feel very happy about where I am at the moment. My company is really growing, and I am super excited about the future.

My favourite bride has been…Kate Moss. She

looked stunning; I really liked how she managed to keep her own style, even on her wedding day.

A bride gets from a Jannie Baltzer couture piece… a unique, delicate and beautiful handmade accessory – all made with love.

I spend a lot of time talking with my brides about their wedding - style, theme, dress, hairstyle and dreams - so I can design the perfect headpiece for them. I love to design custom-pieces for my brides to make sure, that they have the perfect piece for their special day.

I would love to dress…the Danish

Crown Princess Mary because she is such a beautiful and chic woman. I would love to design a headpiece for her.

For a destination wedding I would recommend…

something light and airy - maybe a beautiful flower halo or a soft tulle veil wrapped around the head to give a relaxed and free feeling.

Couples who plan a destination wedding often crave a different style of wedding, so they can be a little more relaxed and bohemian in their style.

I would advise a bride when choosing her hair accessories that… it’s important that

you look like you on your wedding day - not too much makeup. That being said, you still want to look stunning. So if you wear a very detailed dress, you might want to choose a more simple but elegant Photos by Sandra Aberg - sandraaberg.com

CONFETI 35

headpiece. But if your dress is plain, I would choose a more dramatic headpiece to spice up the look.

People would be surprised to know that‌ I have

travelled the world many times teaching Latin American dancing.

I feel very lucky to have been able to travel to so many wonderful and exciting countries, and I have learned so many things about people and different cultures, that I really cherish today. I have also travelled with the ultimate ballroom sensation Burn The Floor for two years, where we performed in Australia, Europe and USA.

A bride’s perfect hair accessory would be... something that shows her personality and makes her feel special.

janniebaltzer.com

Photos by Sandra Aberg - sandraaberg.com 36 CONFETI

IntImate weddIng · specIal event · weddIng ceremonY · lunch & dInner · annIversarY

Eat at the beach. Dine under the stars!

Finest dinning experience at the beach

Photography courtesy of Greg Korvin (Solwedding)

W

We understand that your wedding is one of the most important days of your life.

Le Papillon Restaurante & Beach Club is the perfect venue to celebrate your wedding reception, anniversary or any special occasion. Our professional team are at your disposal to tailor make all your drinks or menu packages adapted to your budget.

Floral & table decorations, entertainment, cakes. Film & Photography (provided by Solwedding), can also be arranged to make your special day a unique dream wedding in Spain. Accomodation for family and friends can also be arranged.

ing Book your wedd phy Film or Photogra ng with Solweddi

We offer you a unique bespoke service allowing you the freedom to design and tailor your wedding to reflect your personality, tastes and dreams. We can cater for up to 120 guests for wedding receptions and private parties. Also for evening events we can cater for 160 people.

RECEIVE A 10%!

DISCount ur wedding offer valid for yo staurante at Le Papillon ReClub h & Beac

Eat at thE BEach, DinE unDEr thE stars!

Celebrate your wedding at the Beach Club

Club Playa Real situated only 2 minutes walking distance from the Beach Club.

Specialists in Intimate Weddings & Private Parties

Le PaPiLLon RestauRante & Beach cLuB Urbanización Marbesa (Exit Camping Marbella Playa) caLL Carretera de Cádiz Km. 193 29604 Marbella · Málaga · Spain info@restaurantepapillon.com

PARKING fAcIlItIes

foR ReseRvations

952 834 113

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M A R B E L L A · B A R C E L O N A · E D I N B U R G H · C O R K · PA R I S T: (+34) 952 93 44 78 · M: (34) 678 486 069 · info@solwedding.com · Visit our website: www.solwedding.com · Follow us:

THE

FACTOR

Our resident beauty expert and three brides-to-be share their views on the hottest products to hit the beauty stands.

The Panel Emmy Richarson, 35, solicitor, London

Nicola McGeorge, 32, beauty expert, Marbella

BOBBI BROWN Bronzing Powder Nicola: This bronzer is a contouring dream and helps create cheekbones to die for.

Found in most pro makeup artists’ kits, this soft matte, silky-smooth bronzer instantly gives skin the look of a natural tan and can be used year round to get a sun-kissed look. The ‘medium’ shade will suit most skin tones. perfect for my fair Millie: I opted for the natural shade which was they tend to make as ers bronz from away stay ly complexion. I usual shimmer free, so it me look a bit muddy! This smooth powder is once looked patchy; never and looks totally natural. It blends nicely a great makeup staple.

ENVIRON C-Quence Eye Gel Nicola: Being a sun worshipper I started noticing fine lines around my eyes as soon as I hit my twenties. Since then I have tried a zillion different eye creams hoping to reduce their appearance. When I was sent Environs to review, I wasn’t holding out much hope but I am so glad they proved me wrong. The gel contains three peptides, Argireline, Matrixyl and Dermaxyl, which have been scientifically proven to combat the appearance of wrinkles; working together with vitamins A, C, and E, Environ C-Quence Eye Gel results in firmer, healthier and more radiant skin. Not only are my fine lines less noticeable it has helped with my dark circles. A definite must have product.

Emmy: I have never used an eye cream before and tend to slap any old moisturiser all over my face.

Environ was definitely a wake call; the difference it made to the skin around my eyes was unbelievable.

Puffy eyes in the morning is the norm for me, yet after only two weeks this became a thing of the past.

My eyes look fresher and younger. I was so pleased with the results I actually went to see an Environ specialist and bought a whole skincare range.

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Mille Farrell, 24, PR, Liverpool

Aoife Doyle, 28, childminder, Belfast

M.A.C COSMETICS Cremesheen Glass in Yo u’v

e Got It

Nicola: This product has a non-sticky formula that is ridic ulously comfortable to wear. Becaus e of their creamy texture, the se do wear off faster than the regular Lipglasses by MAC and con tain half the product, but I don’t care as I adore them. Most brides search high and low for the perfect nude gloss for their big day and You’ve Got It ticks all the boxes. It is a nude taupe with green pearl which seems to lighten the lips. Just make sure you pop it in your bag as you will need to reapply during the day.

Aoife: Cremesheen Glasse s have a nice, non-sticky, me diumweight, creamy consistency.

It had semi-sheer to semi-op aque color coverage which worked perfectly with the rest of my makeup up and once applied it added a milkiness to my lips . Well my hubby approved so that’s all I cared about.

DANIEL SANDLER Watercolour Fluid Blusher and Invisible Radiance Foundation and Concealer Nicola: If you are going for that typical English Rose bridal look, then you CANNOT get married without Daniel Sandler’s Watercolour Fluid Blusher in So Pretty. It gives the perfect pink flush to a bare or made up cheek and blends seamlessly with the skin. I would also recommend checking out his Invisible Radiance Foundation and Concealer. Used alone, this fluid foundation feels as light as a feather on skin, while the creamy concealer disguises under-eye darkness or blemishes. The duo forms the perfect partnership, allowing you to avoid the chore of hunting down a match to your base. stayed put all day, Millie: I adored this blusher. It was so easy to use and, best of all, it the most amazjust is it well duo, the for As flush. and glow giving my cheeks a natural reacted at all to this haven’t I yet skin, dry sensitive have I ler. concea and ion foundat ing bride want? Thank product. It simply glides on leaving a dewy finish. What more could a you Daniel!

plastic surgery aesthetic medicine dental aesthetics Oral & maxillOfacial surgery

Dr. Kai O. Kaye - Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon • Full Member of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery SEGPRE • Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery EBOPRAS • Full Member of the German Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery DGPRÄC • Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga (No.29/2909452)

WINNER of ESSENTIAL MARBELLA

AWARDS

2010 & 2011

Av. Ramon y Cajal, 7 - 29600 Marbella 0034 951 775 518 - Mob : 670 770 455 info@oceanclinic.net - www. oceanclinic.net

The

Villa del Mar

A MAGICAL SETTING FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

Wedding Photos by nanideperez.com

S

et on the pristine shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the legendary Marbella Club Hotel • Golf Resort & Spa’s dreamlike Villa del Mar awaits you. Surpassing its original splendor, the recently refurbished 5,000 square metre villa offers a magical setting for your special day.

Imagine yourself relaxing amid the stunning Mediterranean scenery, breathing in the floral scent of bougainvillea and listening to the gentle sound of the waves; surrounded by family, friends and your one true love. Meanwhile behind the scenes, the Marbella Club team work their magic, taking care of every minute detail and effort-

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lessly orchestrating the kind of fairytale wedding celebration that dreams are made of.

As you arrive the grand Spanish wooden doors open to your completely secluded, private six-bedroom beachfront villa and wedding venue that is actually a hotel within the Marbella Club hotel. That’s right, you will actually spend the night in the villa. In fact, with its enormous six bedrooms and living area the villa can accommodate your entire wedding party.

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No need to stress about arrivals and departures, travelling by car in your wedding attire or the arrival of the wedding party, you will already be at your destination. The Villa del Mar will be your private ceremonial palace.

From arrival and nuptials to wedding night and departure, the experience is tailor made to your particular desires.

Whether you need a last minute work-out with a personal trainer, a calming Pilates session or to practice your dance steps; simply speak to the 24 hour butler and your wish will be granted. He will be delighted to

arrange whatever you need. If you are feeling tense before the big day enjoy a private steam in the hammam or book a relaxing massage with one of our therapists. Should you wish to arrange an elaborate rehearsal dinner, BBQ or celebratory cocktail, the special events manager, private chef and wait staff will be at your service to ensure all of your expectations are exceeded.

Originally the former residence of a Marbella aristocrat who adored simplistic beauty and elegance, it is no wonder the property has such a romantic ambience. Room by room, you CONFETI 43

will be seduced by its charming decor. Light blues, earth tones and silver hues adorn the grand foyer blending perfectly with the architecture. Wood burning fireplaces, comfy sofas, handmade silk carpets and panoramic floor to ceiling windows create a regal yet relaxed feeling in the living areas; perfect for Bridal parties and sharing a few words of womanly wisdom over a glass of wine.

While the cinema room, Jacuzzi and twelve person sauna and hammam provide the ultimate retreat for the Groomsmen, where they can relax, watch old movies or simply admire the dramatic sea views while enjoying a fine single malt

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whiskey. The Villa del Mar is a wedding venue that guests will remember with great nostalgia for years to come.

The elegant interior courtyards, lush, tropical gardens and impressive water features, provide the perfect location for the ceremony. The Alhambra inspired veranda, creates a natural focal point for all who enter the villa and offers an ideal setting for the post nuptial cocktail. For dinner, your guests are led through the villa’s impressive reception hall to a fairytale setting of immaculately set tables with delicate floral arrangements that encircle the beautifully lit, elevated gardens and infinity pool that overlook

the most enchanting sea view.

The Villa del Mar truly sets the stage for a magical union.

The gala dinner will delight your guests. Such delectable dishes as cream of lobster soup with cognac and white toasted sesame, terrine of duck foie gras with mango chutney or filet of angler with king prawns, CONFETI 45

shellfish sauce and saffron are created and served directly from the villa’s professional kitchen. After an extraordinary dinner flowing with champagne and flawless wine pairings, humorous speeches, live music and dancing you and your love politely excuse yourselves and take leave of your guests.

It is time to discover your Master Suite – freshly cut flowers adorn the bedroom, your favourite music is softly playing in the background, champagne is waiting expectantly on ice and the private terrace invites you outside to admire the breathtaking view. The Master Suite, which is virtually located in its own wing, makes you feel like a real prince and princess.

Everything has been specially prepared to ensure your experience continues to be sublime.

The next morning as you wake to the serene sounds of the sea and a view that makes your heart skip a beat, you may well ask the question: why can’t every day start this way?

In addition to the lavish décor, surroundings and in-suite services, Villa del Mar guests are treated to preferred reservations at all on-site restaurants, appointments at the Thalasso Spa and complimentary tee-off times at the Dave-Thomas designed 18-hole golf course. Guests are also given first preference when it comes to making reservations for the Marbella Club’s private 18 metre Yacht throughout the duration of stay.

At the Villa del Mar, each wedding is distinct and extraordinary - a dream come true.

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The Villa del Mar can be reserved for weddings, private events and special occasions. All of the services and amenities listed below are included in the rental of the villa. * Services of a wedding and events manager * Venue accommodates up to 250 guests for gala cocktail and dinner * More than 5,000 m2 of private space including indoor and outdoor dining facilities * Professional kitchen onsite.

Choice of preselected or bespoke menu. Three outdoor and two indoor bars * Fully staffed, butler, chef, maids etc. are exclusive to the Villa. Guests can request full service or privacy at any time * Gated entrance to the villa, onsite parking and 24-hour security * Stunning sea views, wraparound terraces and direct access to the sea 5,000 m2 * Six bedrooms ranging from 80 – 250 m2. All bedrooms offer terraces with sea views * Infinity pool for the private use of Villa del Mar guests * Private Gardens: Three outdoor fountains. Private Zen garden with waterfall. Alhambra inspired garden and outdoor event space/terrace * Domotic System, a wireless network that has the ability to monitor the surrounding environment, control music, light fixtures and temperature marbellaclub.com CONFETI 47

Exclusively

Yours

Text by Amber O’Shaughnessy Aerial Photos by www.flymedia.tv Photos by Laura Facio Lince

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Cakes by Cake Couture Marbella

A

s new bespoke events venue The Courtyard was unveiled on 26 September, all that could be heard was clusters of guests ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ at the magical transformation of this site. Without losing any of its rustic charm, The Courtyard Marbella has undergone lots of changes making it one of the Coast’s most idyllic venues for events of all shapes and sizes.

Situated on the edge of a stunning valley complete with cascading waterfall, it is quite easy to be fooled into believing that The Courtyard is located deep into the mountains behind Marbella. However, its easy accessibility is in fact one of the bonuses to The Courtyard since the venue is found only a short distance of 2.5km inland from the beach on the a-355 Ojén road. So as guests congregated on the main terraza at the launch event they were

able to soak up the secluded feel and magnificent views that come with one of Andalucia’s infamous mountain villages without any hair-raising drive back home afterwards!

The Courtyard has been designed specifically for events and this is reflected in its layout.

The venue is comprised of over eight individual areas including the indoor banqueting area that can seat up to 120 guests and overlooks the terraced gardens and valley to the more intimate conservatory and summer house. This layout enables The Courtyard to serve as a highly adaptable and versatile venue that can be tailor made to suit the specifications of any event.

Not only this, but its design has also created numerous unique photographic settings and opportunities. An outdoor bar and fully retractable roof are added benefits since it allows the venue to function all year round.

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Mr. & Mrs. Paneque

Zoe Strutton from Flowers Inc., Makeup artist Eli Lynch and María Lopez

The Golden Tarts Team

This crème de la crème of event vendors based along the Coast can satisfy all of your catering and event planning needs and their products at the launch event allowed guests to visually experience how all of these aspects collide to create an unforgettable event in the most idyllic of settings.

At The Courtyard’s launch, numerous wedding vendors assembled in the indoor banqueting area to showcase all the key ingredients needed to perfect an event.

Flor Valentin displayed unique arrangements of white roses and gypsophila, alongside Cake Couture who had concocted a number of tasty cakes including a fresh raspberry cake with vanilla butter cream and fresh raspberries.

Guests who were mainly wedding industry experts flocked to witness the magic of The Courtyard for themselves, Padre Peter, whose unique

The girls from Golden Tarts and Eli Lynch had all hair and beauty issues covered whilst KDS FX presented their international transfer service – events can often prove very costly so who wants to spend even more on unnecessary additional factors? Simply Shuttles provided information on the various transfers they offer to make your hen or stag party, pre or post wedding events and airport transportation run smoothly.

BWS Team

Finally Purple Pepper delivered in the kitchen; guests enjoyed Indian canapé platters as well as signature Spanish dishes such as canapé sized portions of gazpacho with tomato bread twists.

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Photographer Michael Brik, Bettina Lewitzke, Luna Siebrasse and our graphic designer Constanza Mtz.

Features Editor Amber O’Shaughnessy and Photographer Julia Roder

ARTISTIC & CREATIVE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Irish Wedding Photographer based in Marbella, Spain Available for weddings all over Spain & International locations

Spain 0034 670 664 341 Ireland 0035 3872682832 info@owenfarrellphotography.com www.owenfarrellphotography.com www.owenfarrellphotography.com/blog

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Owners of The Courtyard Marbella, Jean and Dallas Dodge

Padre Peter and wife Pat Miln

Kirstin and Dan from KDS FX

humanist ceremonies are in ever increasing demand here in the Marbella region, attended, as well head PR and event planning gurus from some of the Coast’s most exclusive hotels.

All involved enjoyed the food, drink and live entertainment from D&Co that was on offer throughout the day.

For exclusive photos of The Courtyard, guests of the launch event and the wedding vendors that exhibited their products

and services on the day, as well as more information on the venue itself, ‘like’ The Courtyard Marbella on Facebook and/or follow us @TheCourtyard__ on Twitter. Regular updates will be uploaded onto these pages, in particular any information you need to make a booking for the 2014 Wedding Season. You can also watch a short video filmed at the Launch Event by Reynard Productions if you were unable to make it on the day at: vimeo.com/75641254.

Humanist Minister Natasha Johnson and Yvonne McLaughlin

The launch of The Courtyard as a boutique events venue was indeed a roaring success.

This newly transformed magical retreat sparkled in all its glory as guests became adamant that it will soon become THE venue for those events seeking perfection, intimacy and that indefinable point of difference.

The Courtyard Marbella Carretera Ojen 2.8Km, Marbella thecourtyardmarbella.com

Omaya Koreitem from Cake Couture Marbella CONFETI 53

T

inter Weddings

raditionally summer is known as the wedding season, with brides and grooms making their way to Spain in order to benefit from the fabulous weather and the opportunity to enjoy a beachside wedding.

If you want to benefit from guaranteed sun and warm temperatures then it cannot be denied that the Costa del Sol delivers both quality and reliability.

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Another attraction for British and Irish brides-to-be is its proximity to the UK, meaning that the wedding party can make use of the frequent flights that arrive in Mรกlaga and Gibraltar from all parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Of course, the Andalusian climate also means that the south of Spain enjoys comparatively balmy weather throughout the year, so bridal couples to be who wish to avoid the summer rush would be well advised to plan a winter wedding.

Organising a wedding in a foreign country might seem like a daunting prospect, but with many venues specialising in doing just that, it is perfectly easy to have the wedding of your dreams, from the ceremony itself to the cake and even small touches like the perfect wedding favours.

The Sunset Beach Club in Benalmรกdena has a wealth of

experience when it comes to organising weddings and offers some very generous rates for bridal couples who would like to benefit from the wintertime average temperature of 19 degrees Centigrade.

“Bridal couples who choose to marry in the period from November to March can save as much as 1,000€,” says Deborah Wallace. “The climate on the Coast is so excellent that, even in December, wedding parties can make full use of Sunset Beach Club’s beachfront setting. We have organised many ceremonies on the beach during the winter – the climate here is so good that it is actually twice as likely to rain during a summer wedding in the UK or Ireland than it is in a winter wedding on the Costa del Sol.”

n i a p S n i g n i d Your Wed

Commercial Director, Deborah Wallace says, “Our wedding planners regularly visit the UK and Ireland to meet with potential brides and answer any queries they may have about getting married in Spain. Our location, only a 20 minute drive from Málaga airport, means that ) pprox. £4.400 Sunset Beach Club is convejust €5.100 (a om fr ng di ed W niently situated and theYoairlines packages are available ur CompleteSpecial s, including: 40 person for parties offer flights to Málaga from for of up to :40 people ding Detaialsfull wedding Wedinclude essing most major cities in the UK and and can or Seafront Bl rt urch wedding Ch er nn Bridal Transpo Pla y Ireland.” or a simple seaph ra Wedding ceremony og ot Ph ir & Make-up Ha s pé rs na we Ca front blessing. couples scounts* il with Bridal Flo Cockta“Some ation di DJ Welcome l Accommodin Most brides are more focused choose a ste civil ceremony r mea Ta y* sta g in dd we epr ee uet: a more on the romantic aspects ofFr their Gibraltar but then want Wedding Banq beer Wedding Cake & we can wineand big day, but it would be a misspiritual blessing ng wi r table flo ee Fr Coffee Flowe urse meal er Tea &Deborah. nn Pla ng take not to acknowledge that 3 co spee provide that,” explains di plan Wed e bl es ta & ch us Cava for bons Men air covers & rib one of the major advantages centres Ch ly. mmings ! tri e th l al us These... pl special wedding pack- *Conditions app of planning a winter wedding is ages include a personal wedthat it is cheaper than a sumding planner, the management mer ceremony. e at

of the rest! e r a c e k ta e w .. ..

You set the date

ailabl ings are also av Bespoke wedd ach Club.

Be na h venue Lu our new beac ordinator r wedding co ils: Contact ou ta de r fo ll he Claire Mitc 0 41 9 2 57 Tel: (+34) 95 ch cl ub .c om ea b et ns su d in g s@ Em a il: w ed hclub.comn unsetbeac .s w ww álaga, Spai M , ta a Cos Benalmáden

Seafront

blessing

Banquet Room

oon Suite Honeym

of a full wedding ceremony or blessing, bridal flowers, hair and make-up, a photographer and photo book, a drinks reception with canapés, wedding banquet with wine and a DJ for the party afterwards.

“We have a fantastic banqueting room with spectacular sea views and a private bar, which can easily accommodate up to 100 guests. Of course, it’s also much cheaper to stay at Sunset Beach Club during the winter months, with accommodation starting at just 50 € a night and, because our rooms are spacious, apartment style units, a family consisting of four people can all stay together.”

Every bride and groom wants their wedding day to be a day to remember and ensuring that this happens entails a great deal of work. No wonder more and more people are choosing to leave the arrangements in the hands of experts, such as the Sunset Beach Club team. sunsetbeachclub.com

CONFETI 55

Elegant Asian Affair

davidtoms-weddings.com

davidtoms-weddings.com

davidtoms-weddings.com

and then he asked me to marry him - my response was a mixture of laughter and tears, and of course, I said ‘Yes!’.

Bhavesh and Rajvi enjoyed a magical

MEANT TO BE…

We were young, crazy and care free at 17 years old. We knew of each other through friends and in the few times we would bump into each other I would sometimes get a wink and a smile and he would get a little wave back. Who would have known that 17 years later, I would be married to him!

Bhavesh and I met again after some years at a fitness centre and we recognised each other straight away. We started to meet up as friends and realised that we shared the same interests however our friendship drifted slowly

Real Weddings

three day celebration filled with

apart and we became quite busy in our own lives but we would call each other now and again over the years just to catch up until one day we decided to meet, enjoying each others company so greatly we began to spend more and more time together before falling completely and utterly in love.

Two years later, we had been well acquainted with each other’s family and friends and we had been on a few holidays together and we were definitely ready to take the next step in our relationship.

It was just a case of him popping the question. Last September we

fun, family and friendship.

went to Cuba and that was where Bhavesh proposed to me. We were on a tiny island off the south coast of Cuba and on our last night on the island (we were due to fly to Varadero the next day to continue our holiday), Bhavesh had booked us a table at a restaurant. When we arrived, I was surprised to see that he had arranged for us to dine in a private cabana that was beautifully decorated with candles, flowers and white curtains that were softly blowing in the breeze. During our meal, we were serenaded with beautiful Spanish love songs. At this point he told me that he did this for me

because he loved me and he just wanted to say thank you for being such an amazing girlfriend and so I still had no clue what he was about to do.

It was after dinner when Bhavesh suggested that we go for a walk on the beach. As we walked towards the sea, I was holding on to him and walking with precaution as it was dark with only the moonlight to guide us, and the deck that led to the rocks above the shore had large enough gaps for my stilettos to become wedged in! When we arrived at the beach, the moonlight hit the waves that were rolling onto the sand - we just stood there in awe of the scenery. We held each other tight and reminisced about the amazing times we had been through together over all the years we had known each other. He then suddenly said, ‘Can you see that?’ I turned around to see what he was pointing at, and as I looked down, a light shone on to the rocks where there was a sign that read, ‘Marry Me?’. I then turned back around to see that Bhavesh had got down on one knee! He told me that he wanted to spend the rest of his life and more with me

Real Wedd

ings

davidtoms-weddings.com

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Address Book

At the Water’s Edge Jake and Laufey

when Jake Our love story began in a queue struck up a conversation Sadly for the cashpoint in London! had as he the timing was terrible, ‘Boys just booked a three-month HowOnly’ trip to South America. complete with ever we kept in touch, bills until Jake phone astronomical (much to send me a plane ticket friends on the the annoyance of his America trip,) and suddenly South holiday became our own romantic

celebrated their timeless

nuptials at the eternally

Wedding Dress: Caroline Castigliano

Bridesmaid Dresses:

morning, the blessing ceremony in the afternoon followed by cocktails and the reception party into the night. All were outdoors, the weather was amazing and all this infused with the surroundings and the ‘buzz’ our guests came with made it truly the best wedding, I myself, had ever been to, and I still can’t believe that it was my own.

We went back to our table where we finished off our champagne, when Bhavesh told me he had another surprise for me! What could possibly be better than this?

I thought he may have booked us in for a spa day or he would take me shopping… No. He had booked us both in for a skydive!

Fancy being proposed to and then kicked out of a helicopter at 12000 ft... romantic at first, daringly devilish to end.

I knew I wanted a traditional Hindu wedding with a twist of vintage and regal attire. Dianna from Party People and the team at Beau Rivaaaj ensured that the setting was just that and the planning was impeccable. The mandap was decorated with beautiful fabrics and hanging ornaments.

It looked exquisite with traditional but subtle colours. The large pillars surrounding the amphitheatre were draped with beautiful images of Lord Ganesh. For the blessing ceremony, Dianna had stripped away the colours and left a beautiful plain white chuppah that was complemented by the surroundings of the Roman Stone amphitheatre. The ivory and soft pink flowers paired with our outfits made a perfect combination against the sunlight and the greenery.

ALL I EVER WANTED AND MORE…

The wedding planning begun almost immediately after we had returned back to the UK. I had always dreamt of an outdoors wedding, with beautiful scenery and romance. I already knew that this would be the theme throughout. We decided to marry in Spain as we both travelled there often.

Spain has always been a destination close to home and close to my heart... the ambience, the people, the laidback attitude, the weather and climate.... we had to get married in Spain!

I wanted a wedding with a difference and I loved the idea of our closest friends and family all coming to celebrate our wedding abroad and also enjoying a holiday at the same time. We decided to have a three day event, with the first being the mendhi night. The second day was a leisure day at the Crowne Plaza Estepona with golf and spa in the morning, a pool party in the afternoon and a dinner in the evening and the last day was our big day - with the Vedic Hindu ceremony in the

davidtoms-weddings.com davidtoms-weddings.com

True Blue

After the sounds of the Spanish guitar and a few champagne cocktails later, guests were ushered to the reception on the outdoor terrace surrounded by olive trees with suspended Chinese lanterns and wicker hearts.

Surprises for our guests, and our selves, were ‘wow’ factors starting with flamenco dancing, speeches and performances from our loved ones to large glow sticks on our entrance, a live bongo player over a UK DJ spinning the best beats and then a firework finale.

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Michael and Melan two day ie marri celeb ed in a elega family, friend ration surro nt s and son, unded by their Dexter.

Reiss

Suit: Reiss

OUR STOR Y… Michael and I met through ing and workliving in Marbe the Real Estate sector lla, in years ago. about 8 property I was working for developer a for a renow and Micha el company. ned Real Estate He was professional charming, polite and , kind way about him, had a very of misch with a hint ief After a few in those blue eyes. years of not seeing each other, each other we bumped into again and meet up decided for coffee to tea, and or hence forth in my case good friend became s. We were ing for differe worknt comp then and anies by we chat, laugh, would meet up to woes over tell each other our a ner. Micha bit of lunch or dinel board and was my sound ing confidante. enjoyed each others We really everything company, plicated. was easy and uncom One day shortly after one of my birthdays, my age (not telling of course ) we met normal and up kissed’ and things changed, as ‘we was born. Michael and Melan ie

Venue: Villa del Mar, Marbella Club Hotel

stylish Villa del Mar.

Photographer: beckysharpe.co.uk

the rest of our and the beginning of in a restaurant lives. Jake proposed a few months in Paris in 2010 then twins hence later I fell pregnant with put on hold our wedding plans got for a little while. was sun, My vision for our wedding I really sea, flowers and glamour. outside, either wanted to get married suron a beach or somewhere in the blooms rounded by beautiful

idea of Initially I had a very different thought years earlier I sunshine. About three how I wanted my wedding, were relaxed Jake and I (newly engaged) I wanted more of a hippy beach as soon as I walking down the Marbella drink at feel to everything but go for a changed. front and decided to saw the venue everything restaurant. perfect but The Marbella Club beach The entire wedding was through the most sentiWe then had a little walk I would have to say the knew instantly speeches I the hotel grounds and mental moments were of that I had found the destination villa, and, of course, the ceremony. private and friends my dreams. The hotel’s Seeing all of our family and holds all that they had Villa del Mar is beautiful together and knowing 1950’s. I could the world of its charm from the all flown in from across parties that they all visualise all the glamorous was amazing. The fact in the past and as much as we that took place there enjoyed themselves wedding; my cake. the on visualised I icing that’s how did was truly the timeless. classic, glamorous and

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Michael proposed 2 month later, on s the last day amazing cruise holidaof an beautiful ring. It was y, with a ful surpri a wonde se reven start and before we could planning I was pregn the weddi ng, ant.

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Would you like

OUR VISION …

Spain

holds and the in our hearts a very special weddi as we have place all the ladies ng date, given lived here both to for many turned out real treat our son to be Dexter was years and and also proved to a an excell Costa del born in the ent be Sol Hospi friends and memento for our sion was tal. Our vito share family. our and this special time wedding OUR MOST with our loved ones. in our lives MOMENTS…TREASURED we wante We knew d to get It is hard everyone together to select all and for our just one moment and deare nearest from our st to be wedding as each a initiation day and every into marrie part of our perfec minute addition, d t. However was for some, life and in when the church yet had who had the not and Julie-A I entered soprano our darling pleasure, to meet singer began nn our son.

Ave Maria singing my also dedica heart melted We chose . She ted a song Villa Tiberio ing the recep location to as our as tion dinner us durcreated such wondeit is decorated with a very specia , which for Micha fountains. rful gardens and l memory el A simple the funnie and myself. I think scheme colour of st mome nt when my pale blue just off-white and mother was had to be was select Flamenco perfectly complemened, which dance and doing her cided he simple and Dexter deted our couldn´t elegant be withou grandmothe adorned vision. We t his the main r, ‘Abu’ for moment table with crystals even one so and blue her on the he decided to join place cards chose invitations, dance floor! and a stunni all, having seating Above ng plan in the everyone cherish The pale same hues. we love togeth and blue days ultima er for two whole embellished Spanish fans, with our ding everyt tely made our wednames ever wishe hing we could have d for and more.

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Nigel and Olivia’s whimsical wedding was inspired by Alice in Wonderland, allowing the couple to get crafty and creative with Drink Me favours, story props and décor.

“The time has come, the walrus said.”

We met in 2011 through friends.

There wasn’t really a textbook proposal of sorts. We knew when we met that it felt right and we both discussed marriage at a very early stage. As we live and work in Spain and many of our friends and family live here, it was the obvious choice for our wedding.

“

Curiouser and curiouser ”

The venue, Las Sirenas, was probably the nicest I have ever seen; a mixture of Arabic, Spanish, Italian it was simply bonkers, built by mad, eccentric wealthy heir Kirk Long, who brought artisans from the Palace of Versailles and the Alhambra. As an events company we have exclusivity to hold events there so it seemed right. There are so many parts to the house and it is also a botanical garden.

“Which road do I take?”

I guess we started out with the intention of being quite understated! However, being the ambitious people we are and letting our thoughts run away with us, things started to change. Having called in a good friend, Laura Charles from Reviva, to wave her magic wand over the decoration we came up with the perfect theme of Alice 58 CONFETI

Laura found some amazing LED fairy berries which slowly glowed on and off and these were placed everywhere.

Of course we also had to light the entire venue, which is huge. We used over 300 lighting fixtures just for decoration. It took us five days to set up, with 22 lorries full of equipment, tables, chairs, staging, chill-out sofas turning up on the first two days. It took the boys three days to dismantle it after the wedding day.

“You’re entirely bonkers. but I’l tel you a secret. all the best people are.” in Wonderland meets woodland fairytale - Alice in Woodland Fairytale, I guess!

If you run an events company you have two potential paths to follow: disappear and get married on the quiet in the winter with a few family and friends or go balls out and have a massive one. We chose the latter! With 200 guests on the day it wasn’t the biggest wedding we have done but it was the craziest. So we asked a dear

friend and colleague, Carla Mazzeo Tucco to coordinate the day, making sure it ran like clockwork.

We had small stools and tables made from cut logs with decoration and flowers. We also made a huge nine metre doorway and placed lots of teacups with small flower arrangements in teapots around the venue, a la the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

It was a matter of bringing in the resources we had available, as we also had three other weddings that weekend. So we basically used what we had left in the warehouse. We were pretty bonkers getting married in the middle of September when there was so much work but, heck, the weather was perfect and we really wanted to do it in the open air.

“It’s always tea-time”

When the guests arrived at Las Sirenas we had a string quartet

playing classical music, we also had a live sushi bar by Takumi in Marbella with over 900 pieces of sushi. Apart from the sushi, Chez Vous Catering provided the rest of the food and drink. We also served Elderflower and Prosecco in mini milk bottles with Drink Me stickers on them and also Melon and Mint cocktail served in mason jars as well as the normal cava and beer. At Chez Vous we specialize in foods of the world, so we had tapas from Spain, Thailand, Italy and Arabia to tantalise our guests.

The dinner consisted of a plated starter (Tuna Takaki) and a main course on a 30 metre long buffet with live cooking stations. We find with experience that a buffet can give the extra ‘wow’ factor if it is decorated beautifully, plus is a much more sociable experience than being glued to your chair. It also gives the guests an option to have as little or as much as they like and also is much easier for vegetarians or people with food allergies.

The dessert buffet was a mixture of Chez Vous desserts, gluten free cakes by Amanda from Belleria and the most amazing wedding cake designed by Sweet things by Fiona at Sweet Things By Fi

CONFETI 59

Real Weddings

with edible sugar teacups, sugar flowers and field mice. To keep with the romantic theme Fiona made edible playing cards with vintage images of Alice in Wonderland book pages and covered another with edible lace. It looked simply stunning.

“You’re nothing but a pack of cards”

The menu was designed by Laura Charles. We carried on the theme of Alice and had the menus printed as Mad Hatter’s Tea Party playing cards. Each name card had a vintage key attached. At each table was a white rose with a paint pot and brush to paint the roses red.

We wanted the flowers to be elegant but simple woodlandesque. With so many friends in the business offering their time for next to nothing we were so spoilt for choice. We are both

60 CONFETI

touched at the kindness and generosity displayed by so many.

Hiria Ozores Larios, the mother of one of Olivia’s oldest friends who is passionate about flowers and has worked her magic on many weddings in Galicia and Andalucia provided us with her magic.

Olivia bought her dress from London Bride couture and we were delighted to find the perfect classic champagne bridesmaids’ dresses in Monsoon.

The ceremony was held in the Catholic Church of Guadiaro. The entrance song was sung live by Arabella Gibbins from London and the exit song was Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered, which was quite a shock for some of the more religious family members.

Address Book

Dress - London Bride Couture londonbridecouture.com Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Monsoon monsoon.com Venue - Las Sirenas Sotogrande - Chez Vous Events chezvous.es Church - Nuestro Señora del Rosario - Guadiaro Photographer - Pierre Richardson pierrerichardsonphotography. com Hair - Romain Dominique Sotogrande

“Look after the senses and the sounds wil look after themselves”

The entertainment was provided by so many people. At the ceremony, Arabella Gibbins sang and performed in the church while during the cocktail reception the a string quartet from the Málaga Symphony Orchestra provided the perfect background music.

During dinner we were entertained by the amazing Sarah Howard duo, who are old friends of ours. After dinner the awesome Legal Aliens rocked on a full-size stage setup. We have worked so much together between Spain and London and these guys are simply brilliant. They love to get people up on stage also and with many friends in the music industry there were lots of our guests performing with them. Including the groom!

Then it was left to the excellent DJ, Tristan Harper to take us through until 6am. While some of the guests relaxed in our boho chic chill-out the others just didn’t leave the dance floor.

I

Make up - Katie Lee Sotogrande Cake - Sweet Things by Fi sweetthingsbyfi.com Flowers - Hiria Ozores Larios Car - White Vintage Princess Chez Vous Events chezvous.es Catering - Chez Vous Events chezvous.es Lighting, Sound , StagingChez Vous Events chezvous.es Tents - Chez Vous Events chezvous.es Chillout area - Chez Vous Events chezvous.es Entertainment - Sarah Howard Duo, The Legal Aliens, Malaga Symphony Orchestra, DJ Tristan Harper, Arabella Gibbins.

Decoration - Chez Vous Events/Laura Charles at Reviva chezvous.es/ reviva-weddings.com

can’t go back to yesterday because was a different person then.”

Our favourite moments were the look on our guests’ faces as they arrived at the venue and the love, support and happiness we all shared on such a magical day. We just want to go back to wonderland…

CONFETI 61

Real Weddings

You & Me FOREVER MORE

Our Story So Far.....

Michael and I have been good friends for many years. We supported each other through many experiences, from magnificent highs to devastating lows, until one day our friendship evolved into a relationship. Over the next couple of years we grew as a couple, travelled, wined and dined. Our son, Archie, was born in 2009 followed by our daughter Lottie in 2012, which made a brother and sister for Mike’s children, Grace and Oscar. We always wanted to tie the knot and vaguely discussed it over the years, but Michael still managed to surprise me one cosy, fire-lit evening, presenting me with a box filled with sparkles and a glint in his eye. Of course, I said yes.

A Rural Retreat We love the town of Benahavis and visit it annually. It’s awash with colour and beauty and some call it the dining room of the Costa del Sol, a title with which we tend to agree. It was only fitting, therefore that we would celebrate our wedding day in the botanical gardens, Parque Torre Leonera. We set about sourcing a villa that could cater for us all in one place. Our main aim was to hold our wedding on a Sunday but surround it with a few days either side of quality time with our guests. It was a wonderful fluke that a friend of ours had just acquired a villa, El Cortijo de los Caballos. Formerly an equestrian centre, El Cortijo de los Caballos is a rare gem, being one of the very few Cortijos left in the Marbella area 62 CONFETI

The blend of English romance and Spanish charm made Shara and Michael’s day a show stopping celebration.

Our Day, Our Way We wanted an informal, relaxed day, nothing too planned. Initially we didn’t want a first dance, bouquets, table plans or tables, even! Our initial plan was to start the day by having the wedding at 9am to allow for an all day affair but, yes, you guessed it, by the time the day arrived we realised that to enable 30 people, which included 15 children mostly under the age of eight, to feel relaxed we actually needed some structure.

We ended up by holding the ceremony, which was held by Elizabeth Anne Marriage (Lizzie for short), who was the most enthusiastic, humble lady and managed to reduce us to tears within five minutes around the table at our 4 pm rehearsal at the Parque Torre Leonera; this was followed by a sneaky beer and a couple of snaps then a quick coach journey back to the cortijo. Whilst we were getting hitched the cortijo was transformed into a magical fairytale setting. There were pristine white tablecloths on five circular tables, set up for dining on the lawn by the lagoon pool with flowers adorned with rosemary, thyme, sage and a host of other touches, which was exactly what we wanted. Fairy lights spilled out from root to tip on the palm trees with paper lanterns swaying in the breeze. There were little chalkboards and picture frames with quotes on love, life and laughter to welcome us as we returned for our evening reception.

A Different Take On Cake We had canapés and bubbles at the bar arranged by the brilliantly

Address Book Wedding venue: elcortijodeloscaballos.com

talented Terra Sana Catering.

We had pre-selected our dinner choices but didn’t think that they would be quite so delicate and scrumptious. Toni catered for our every need. We both have a sweet tooth and really couldn’t decide on just one filling for a cake, so we chose four. Fiona from Sweet Things by Fi suggested we indulge, so we did. We had 45 cupcakes in a variety of flavours: Lemon, Raspberry Ripple, Cherry Bakewell and Vanilla Bean. We later found out that some people had sneaked a few out in napkins to enjoy them in their hotel rooms later. We were serenaded by Tom Rust, a smooth jazz and swing singer, who was also sublime. He ‘swung’ us through our meal and

then helped us to party into the night with some classics.

Caught On Camera Our whole day from getting ready, walking down the aisle, our secret kisses, my nephew rubbing the quotes off the chalkboard (the culprit was only revealed when we had our photos back) was all captured by Owen Farrell. We couldn’t be more pleased with his professionalism, insight, artistry and stamina. He was thoughtful and mindful of our excitement and anticipation and was SO fantastic with our children (who were indeed tired, hot and camera shy). He managed to capture the characters of our guests perfectly and record our day with precision

and flair. The photographs we have received are a testament to his talent.

One Love Apart from the birth of our children, our wedding day has to be THE most memorable, amazing, wonderful time of our life. We knew we had some close friends and family but, my word, those few days exceeded anything we were expecting. There is a word for it…perfection! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We have some exceptional memories, hysterical stories and truly magnificent friends and family. This has certainly left an imprint on our hearts.

Wedding planner: Rachel rachelroseweddings.blogspot. co.uk Minister: Elizabeth Anne Marriage Photographer: Owen Farrell; owenfarrellphotography.com Dress: Chantilly lace; chantillylace-bridalwear.co.uk Suit: Henry Herbert; henryherbert.com DJ: Tom Rust: tomrust.co.uk Cake: Fiona at sweetthingsbyfi.com Catering: Toni at terrasanacateringmarbella.com Ad hoc jewellery, vintage: notonthehighstreet.com

w T he vo w s I w ro te to m y no hu sb an d, M ik e:

peaks and y, my darling, through I’m with you all the wa troughs we’ll soar d me , my darling, you an Its you I’ve fallen for forevermore you make me the start, my darling, I’ve loved you from feel complete g, I’ll catch your and lows, my darlin I’ll share your highs every heartbeat d on the , darling, they’re carrie Listen to the whispers breeze I’m here, so d crisp, my darling, My choice is clear an love me please nds and ether, darling, our frie So, here we stand tog families look in dge, to see our and witness our ple To honour our love lives begin peaks and y, my darling, through I’m with you all the wa troughs we’ll soar d me , my darling, you an Its you I’ve fallen for forevermore.

CONFETI 63

Real Weddings

An Andalusian Dream It was an al fresco family affair for Daniela and Steve

Whirlwind Romance We first met at the wedding of Steve’s best friend but it took us a more than a year to have our first date. After this gradual start, we fell in love quickly and experienced such deep feelings that we did not want to hesitate and spend any time apart – we knew that all we wanted was to marry each other.

The Dream Venue It was always my dream to marry by the sea under a blue sky. We were initially deliberating between Scotland and Spain but Steve had travelled around Southern Spain before and loved Andalucía, so that sealed the deal. When looking for a venue our wedding planners - Marbella Wedding Angels - showed us Tikitano near Estepona. The venue was in the most amazing location and exactly what we had always envisaged with its incredible terrace, dreamy 64 CONFETI

beachfront setting, quaint green park surroundings, palm trees… the list of its features is endless.

Our planners Jenny and Jeanette even arranged a special private room for the party to continue late into the night; it was everything we had dreamed of.

The Dream Team Our main aim for the weekend was for our loved ones to feel comfortable, relaxed and to enjoy spending time with us in this beautiful location. Every detail of the weekend fitted perfectly with this vision. We stayed in the Barceló Hotel which was in the best

location we could have chosen.

Its delightful spacious rooms, the charming mahogany coloured furniture and the hotel’s attention to detail made it the ideal place to have as the base for the celebrations.

The wedding planners made this all possible; their skills

ranged from organising flowers to sourcing the right hotel and locations, from coordinating hair and makeup styling to many other “extra” wishes. Our photographer, Julia Roder, was also a dream to work with. Her calm persona allowed her to capture many stunning images without disturbing any special, intimate moments of the weekend. She also made a video which we love even more than the pictures - it’s like living the moment all over again.

Cool as Ice We wanted to maintain a simple theme that was still special and unique. Our colour theme was iceblue which looked elegant and reflected the sparkling ocean. It was a real challenge to find a dress to match this colour scheme; in the end the gown was created and tai-

Address Book Planning & Organising: Jeanette & Jenny from Marbella Wedding Angels, marbellaweddingangels.com Singer for Ceremony & Cocktail Hour: Amanda Rosa, amanda-rosa.com Flowers: Andi from AndiFlora Floral Designs, andiflora.com lored especially for me. The colour of my dress contrasted with the red and black dress code of our guests. To adhere to the theme we chose an amazing ice blue cake produced by Bettina from Cake Creations, which not only looked fantastic but also tasted so good. On the tables we placed stunning arrangements of blue hydrangeas, ice blue Cake Pops as place-cards and disposable cameras and bubbles to blow.

The Ultimate High One of our favourite moments was when Amanda Rosa sang the German song ’JA’ from a German Band called Silbermond , which

savour the wonderful moments.

Time flies and even more so on special days. We are so grateful to have the video produced by Julia, so we can go back in time, again and again.

The Key is in the Planning We had a wonderful time which surpassed all expectations and made our dreams a reality. The success of the day is mainly due to our wedding planners; we trusted the Marbella Wedding Angels who took all of our wishes into consideration and brought us in contact with people who had what it took to make our day so special. We

Photos & Video: Julia Roder, juliaroder.com Hair & Make up: Salon ‘’Beso’’, besohair.com Celebrant: Sheila Wohlmuth, sheila_wohlmuth@hotmail.com Cake: Bettina Samain from Bettina’s Cake Creations, Bettina.samain@hotmail.com Decoration: Michelle from Gorgeous Event Decorations, gorgeouseventdecoration.com Dj/Karaoke: Mark Borrow from Costa Del Party, costadelparty.com Venue: Tikitano

she had learned, just for us ! It was during this performance that Steve saw me for the first time in my wedding dress. My father delivered an emotional speech which was also very special and another highlight has to be when Steve sang ‘Angels’ live.

No Regrets If we were to do it all over again, every single detail would remain unchanged. The only difference would be to stop time in order to

would certainly advise future brides to be to find a wedding planner you can trust to do an excellent job. Tikitano’s slogan summarises it perfectly: your only limit is your imagination!

We genuinely fell in love with Andalucía, there are no words to describe our experience and how much all the efforts of the people involved have touched our hearts.

CONFETI 65

Real Weddings

Love medo

A breathtaking venue, handmade decorations and vintage touches made Jo and Nick’s celebration a dazzling affair

Childhood Sweethearts We have been together since we were at school and were both living in the Middle East when Nick decided to propose. He had booked a weekend away at the famous Emirates Palace (a 7* hotel in Abu Dhabi) and I was totally clueless about his plans, I honestly thought it was just a mini getaway for us both. We were in the middle of an incredible meal and chatting away about when we would get married etc, when in true Nick style he produced a ring and said, “So do you want to get married then?”

Off the beaten track Nick’s dad is from Gibraltar and most of his family still live there or in southern Spain. We have been visiting Spain for many years and had always said that is where we would like get to married. A big lavish wedding affair is not our style and we just wanted it to be simple with our close friends and family.

The minute we walked into the Cortijo Del Marques we simply fell in love. It was exactly what we both wanted; unique, quaint and beautiful in picture perfect surroundings. The Cortijo also had the advantage of having a stunning chapel in their grounds.

We had our heart set on a venue that could hold the whole wedding, without people having to travel from the church to the reception. The location is slightly off the beaten track and on the drive up all our friends were thinking, ‘Where is this wedding?’ and then when they arrived they 66 CONFETI

all said, “I know exactly why you chose it.”

Artistic license My dress was designed by Yolan Cris, which was a complete coincidence. As I was living in Dubai I decided to look for a gown during a trip back to the UK. As soon as I put the dress on I knew it was the one, it was elegant yet extremely detailed at the same time. Natalie (the manageress of

the shop) was asking me about the plans for the wedding and said, “That’s strange - your dress is by Yolan Cris and they are sisters based in Barcelona.”

I didn’t have a set colour scheme for the wedding but my theme was somewhere between ‘vintage’ and ‘garden party’.

However, I did have a very clear

idea of how I wanted everything to look. First I chose the flowers and flower pots from a local shop in the UK and sent a picture to the florist in Spain. Then I set up a table and sent photos to the wedding planner so she could completely understand my vision. I also handmade each of the name cards along with the table plan. I remember on the

morning of the wedding getting up and preparing the name cards for each table and sorting out the decorations. Everyone kept offering to help but I knew how I wanted it to look and wouldn’t relax until it was done.

For the wedding favours we chose to donate a set amount per person to cancer research and purchase a pin badge and

card for each guest to inform them what had been done.

Intimate and emotional I think for both of us the ceremony was the most nerve-wracking part. My Dad came and got me and I remember entering the chapel and walking down the aisle to Nick, he then turned and kissed me and I remember thinking no, not yet, we need to do our vows first! I walked down the aisle to Pachebel Canon in D and we left the church to Michael Bublé’s Close Your Eyes. It was perfect for us.

After the ceremony we opted for a selection of traditional tapas to be served during the cocktail hour along with sangria, wine and beer. For the wedding breakfast we started with salt cod and prawns in puff pastry, followed by pork loin. I decided to serve the wedding cake as desert, which was a three-tier Victoria sponge cake in a heart shape. The food was outstanding and we can’t thank the chefs at the Cortijo enough.

Our photographer Owen Farrell was brilliant on the day. There is one photo of Nick and I really laughing, because as Owen was bending down his trousers completely split, so I can safely say that the picture of laughter was completely natural. We are very pleased with the photos and feel they perfectly captured the day.

We would like to say a special mention to Silvia and Eliko the owners of the Corijo Del Marques. They both arrived on the Friday before the wed-

Address Book ding and were involved with the wedding down to the last detail.

They were fantastic and ensured that the day went flawlessly.

I will never forget...

My dad’s speech, it really came from the heart and had everyone in tears. I also loved walking down the aisle to Nick and seeing him with tears in his eyes.

He doesn’t really show emotion like that so it really touched me. Nick’s speech was brilliant, as were the speeches from the two best men. For Nick, his favourite moments were the ceremony and our guest throwing confetti over us as we left the chapel. I think we were both overwhelmed by the fact that not only did all of our friends from the UK come to our wedding but also that we had our friends from Dubai, Thailand and Canada there too. It meant such a lot to us that they had made a special effort to come.

Dress: Yolan Cris

Nick’s Suit: Anthony’s anthonyformalwear.co.uk

Bridesmaids: Dresses from Zara, shoes from Asos Wedding Planner: Theresa at AWOL Granada awolgranada.com Venue (Chapel) & Food: Cortijo Del Marques Priest: Daniel Muñoz daniel.munoz@haciendalosolivos. org

Florist: Nerine Florist, Granada, nerineartefloral.jimdo.com Cake - Figs and Honey figsandhoney.es

Spanish Guitarist: Armando Javier Lopez armandoguitarrista.es

DJ: Eduardo.

Wedding favours: Cancer research giveincelebration, cancerresearchuk.org Photographer: Owen Farrell owenfarrellphotography.com

CONFETI 67

Real Weddings

SOMETHING

Borrowed, SOMETHING

Blue

Ylva and Petter bring Danish tradition to a quintessentially Spanish wedding venue to create a personalised celebration of their love Proposed to on a ‘Bad Hair’ Day! We first met when Petter started working in the same law firm as I did. We quickly fell in love and, after a while, he moved in with my then two year-old son Alfred and me. We had talked about marriage, but Petter surprised me by proposing on a real “bad hair” day, when I expected it the least! We were blessed with a beautiful baby boy in 2012 and decided to have our wedding celebration the following year.

Quality Time Petter and I wanted a destination wedding because travelling abroad with family and friends would give us all more time together. After a friend recommended Marbella as a wedding destination we looked at various venues along the Coast, but the Beach Club at Vincci Estrella del Mar was the place we fell in love with. We had a welcome dinner the night before the wedding at Restaurante La Tirana in Marbella. The charming, rustic garden and excellent Spanish food and wines, accompanied by a live Spanish guitarist, proved to be the ultimate setting for our guests to socialize and get ready for the big day ahead.

68 CONFETI

Glamour with a Sprinkling of Simplicity We wanted the wedding to be classy but with a touch of red carpet glamour, so the dress code was black tie. We complemented the grandeur of the dress code with a stunning floral archway of pink and white, which provided the focal point of the ceremony and lace fabric and lanterns, which enhanced the intimacy of the beach side setting.

It was important to us both to give the decor a personal touch, so Petter and I spent many nights

before the wedding hand-making fans for each guest and writing welcome cards, which we placed in the guests´ hotel rooms alongside a bottle of cava ready for their arrival.

My wedding dress was a beautiful Pronovias gown, which had a subtle flamenco influence with its floaty layers of toile and was therefore perfectly matched to a Spanish wedding! My bridesmaids wore matching long turquoise dresses, the colour of the fabric enhanced by the backdrop of the sparkling azure Mediterra-

nean Sea. My bouquet consisted of elegant and simple pink calla lilies.

Ocean-side Dining The wedding ceremony took place on the edge of the Beach Club´s gardens. The idyllic setting was complemented by the beautiful tones of vocalist Simone Harding and saxophonist Damian Arroyo. The entrance music was a Norwegian classical piece by Edvard Grieg, called Wedding Day at Troldhaugen. For our choice of songs during the ceremony we had a combination of Etta James’s big classic ‘At Last’, but Petter and I wanted the music to be personal as well. Since Petter is an avid James Bond fan, we edited the lyrics of Skyfall by Adele to suit our story and the journey so far.

My son Alfred, now six years old, was the ring-bearer, and carried our wedding rings in a large white shell with a turquoise ribbon. Both he and his little brother Ferdinand (aged one year) wore black ties; they were so cute that they actually stole the show for a short while!

The seating for dinner was outside on the restaurant patio, facing the ocean. We had a five-course menu consisting of scampi and candied walnut salad, grilled sea

bass, a mojito sorbet, a hearty sirloin steak and finished with a chocolate caramel fondant. As in any traditional Norwegian wedding, there were a lot of speeches, and a good mix of laughter and (happy) tears.

Dancing Shoes Swapped for Flip Flops!

Our first dance was a traditional bridal waltz and we chose Leonard Cohen´s ‘Take This Waltz’.

The DJ took over from there, and kept the dance floor busy into the small hours of the night. To make sure the guests would keep dancing, we provided a basket of pretty flip-flops for both men and ladies, and in the rest room the ladies could find a make-up kit and other party-all-night essentials.

That Special Moment Our favourite moment was something quite simple amidst the non-stop celebrations that had continued throughout the day and night. The party had ended with guests late night swimming, afterwards Petter and I walked hand in hand up from the Beach Club in our bathrobes, carrying our wedding dress and tuxedo and both ridiculously happy. We have

Address Book Wedding planner: Dyana Dessar Simmons theweddingscompany.co.uk Hair & Make Up: princess-bride.co.uk

Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Restaurante La Tirana restaurantelatirana.com Guitar: Adriano Lozano

Wedding Venue: Estrella del Mar Beach Club lots of beautiful memories just like this that will last forever.

Pearls of Wisdom If I were to offer advice to future brides who were considering getting married in Spain I would suggest most definitely conducting a test dinner before you decide on the venue. In the case that you are not happy with the taste of the food, you will then have time to make alternative arrange-

ments. However, if you wait for the rehearsal dinner only two weeks prior to the big day to taste the cuisine, it may not be as easy to rearrange the venue if you are unhappy with the quality. Secondly, use a wedding planner. No bride wants to be stressing about all the logistical details on her big day.

We are forever grateful to ours, Dyana Dessar Simmons, as the day was just a dream come true.

Entertainment: Simone Harding (vocal) and Damian Arroyo (saxophone)

Flowers: Virginia Florista virginiaflorista.com

DJ: Erik Lottrup, eriklot.com

Photographer: Kjersti Bergstrom kjerstibergstrom@gmail.com

CONFETI 69

Real Weddings

YOU HAD

Me AT

Hello

Details and personal touches brought effortless elegance to Charlotte and Lee’s day Our story Lee and I met at work in 2010 and I have to say, he completely and utterly swept me off my feet.

After an amazing year of fun and excitement, including trips to Las

70 CONFETI

Vegas and Mexico, Lee topped it all off by proposing to me over an intimate candlelit meal in a suite up in the dizzy heights of the Hilton Hotel in Manchester

on Christmas Eve 2011. I literally felt on top of the world... and the ring was to die for!

Planned to perfection We immediately began planning the wedding and soon decided we definitely wanted to get married abroad. Lee and I both love the sun and wanted to give our guests more than just a day, so we planned an entire wedding week. The first thing to figure out was where to have the wedding. Why Spain? Two reasons: sunshine and our incredible wedding planners, Laura and Michael of Andalucía Weddings.

Laura and Michael had been recommended to us, so we decided to contact them and the next thing we knew we were on a plane to Málaga and had a whole host of venues to visit.

Hotel Cortijo Bravo was the first and we instantly fell in love with it. We knew we had found what we were looking for, the perfect setting for our dream wedding.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the hotel and its beautiful grounds and already could almost visualise the wedding. It is a traditional Andalusian mansion with a simply stunning backdrop and breathtaking views.

Its shabby chic vintage décor just oozed style and elegance, exactly what we wanted for the setting of our wedding. The hotel also has a wedding hall in its grounds and we loved the fact that we could have both the ceremony and reception at the hotel. With 22 rooms it was also the ideal size for the majority of our guests. We had a guest list of approximately 90 people.

Alderly Edge, Cheshire and his ushers wore three piece suits from Slaters of Manchester. We had Louie’s little outfit made by an American company and he looked adorable.

My old, new, borrowed and blue were an old silver locket belonging to my late grandmother worn on my new pearl bracelet, diamond earrings borrowed from my mother and amazing blue sparkly shoes.

For flowers we kept it very simple and traditional and opted décor of our wedding venue. I wanted everything to match and look and feel as though that place was designed, built and decorated for OUR wedding. So ivory and grey was our theme and that’s where it all started.

We looked at several other venues that day, but they only confirmed what we already knew -that Hotel Cortijo Bravo was where we wanted to get married.

Designs on you Invites went out about 10 months in advance, due to the fact it was a destination wedding; we knew our guests would need plenty of notice. I cannot tell you how glad I am that I found Bee Happy Designs, the company that made all our wedding stationery. Debs, the lady who owns the company, is so amazingly talented, professional, efficient and reliable it’s unreal! Looking back now, I think I based pretty much everything around the wedding stationery after that. I was especially pleased with the table plan. Debs made all the components to perfectly fit a huge mirror we borrowed from one of the rooms in the hotel and it looked incredible.

Next was the dress: I had actually given birth to our first child in August 2012. We had had a

baby boy named Louie Marc and he is absolutely amazing, so by the time I had recovered and lost the baby weight it was October, which meant that I had to get my skates on to find the dress. I eventually chose a stunning Tara Keely gown from Bride To Be By Hannah Lois in Manchester, which was customised with a diamante-encrusted belt and gorgeous taupe bridesmaid dresses by Dessy. Lee looked fantastic in a bespoke three-piece suit made by Harris & Howard tailors, based in

for ivory roses only. Laura, our wedding planner, actually did all our flower arrangements, buttonholes and bouquets herself and she did a fantastic job; they made the tables look incredible.

The best day ever On the wedding day itself Lee spent the day by the pool relaxing, but was apparently feeling rather nervous. My bridesmaids, my mum, Lee’s mum and I all got ready up in the honeymoon suite. Kathryn Parr did a fabulous job of our hair and make

With that decision made we booked out the venue exclusively for a week in June 2013 for our guests and ourselves.

Prior to the big day, our photographer, Jeremy Standley had asked me to describe our wedding in three words. My response was, “Glamorous, chic and elegant.” I spent hours poring over wedding magazines, websites, books and blogs, taking inspiration from all sorts of sources. The wedding blog, StyleMePretty was a particular favourite. Our colour scheme was actually inspired by the CONFETI 71

up, it was run like a military operation, meaning no stress and lots of fun.

The ceremony was held by the famous Padre Peter and was a very personal and emotional service that Lee and I had put a lot of thought into. Our gorgeous baby boy Louie and lovely goddaughter Ruby were carried down the aisle by our mums, followed by our stunning bridesmaids. I walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of ‘Make You Feel My Love’ and we walked up the aisle as man and wife to ‘One Day Like This’

by Elbow. Lee cried through the entire ceremony and I was beaming from ear to ear!

The ceremony was followed by drinks at the front of the hotel and then guests were shown to the wedding hall where the tables were all set out on the patio over looking Vélez Málaga.

It really was a ridiculously beautiful setting. Wedding favours were fans for the ladies and cigars for the gents with personalised matches. Speeches took place before the meal and were simple, heartfelt and emotional – and Lee cried again!

Gosh we put a lot of thought and planning into the meal. We had flown out to Spain in March, prior to the wedding, for a food/ menu tasting at the venue with our wedding planners. We loved the food but we were fussy about the presentation.

We wanted the food to look as special as all the other aspects of the wedding so we got a little bit of help from our good friend (and one of Lee’s ushers) who is the executive head chef of the Hilton Hotel in Manchester. He recreated our wedding meal in the way we wanted so we could

72 CONFETI

take photos of each course to send to the caterers in Spain.

They assured us they could recreate the presentation and they didn’t disappoint. The food was delicious and looked divine.

Because both the ceremony and meal were outside, the main elements of the décor were flowers and lighting. We had lanterns lining the aisle and walkways, fire burners, hundreds of candles and thousands of fairy lights and pea bulbs. As the sun started to

set during the meal, the candles and fairy lights took effect and created a breathtakingly romantic atmosphere. Guests signed our unique guestbook which was a word art montage which is now framed and up on our wall at home - a fabulous keepsake from our wedding day and personally I think a much better option than a guest book as we get to look at it every single day and it always brings a smile to my face.

Let’s get the party started After an amazingly romantic, chilled wedding meal, we revealed our plans for the evening reception - a nightclub theme.

After the first dance, Blue Moon

by Rod Stewart, Club Richardson came to life. We had planned a fantastic nightclub setting in the wedding hall, with band Monkey Tennis to kick it all off playing our request of Firework by Katy Perry. One word?

Amazing! Needless to say we danced the night away until the early hours of the morning and had the time of our lives.

A helping hand Our advice would be that a wedding planner is essential if you are getting married abroad, especially if you are having a celebration lasting a few days.

There are so many things that needed organising that we simply couldn’t have managed to do it on our own; not only due to our lack of knowledge of the local area but also because of the language barrier. We sent endless emails detailing every single aspect of the wedding and hundreds of photos to communicate our vision for our big

day. Laura and Michael made it all come alive.

Another tip is to invest in the best photographer your budget will allow for. We were absolutely thrilled with Jeremy Standley’s work; he captured the day magnificently and his photographs will be with us forever.

It was a week we will never forget, it was everything we hoped for and more and we made so many special memories, there is nothing we would change at all.

Address Book Bride’s Dress - Tara Keely Bride To Be By Hannah Lois bridetobebyhannahlois.co.uk Groom’s Suit - Harris & Howard Bespoke Tailors harrisandhoward.com Bridesmaid Dresses - Dessy Collection dessy.com Wedding Planners - Michael & Laura - Andalucia Weddings andaluciaweddings.com Cake - Wedding Cakes In Spain weddingcakesinspain.co.uk Flowers - Andalucia Weddings andaluciaweddings.com Band - Monkey Tennis monkeytennis.es Venue - Hotel Cortijo Bravo hotelcortijobravo.com Hair & Make Up - Kathryn Parr kathrynparr.com Celebrant - Padre Peter padrepeter1@gmail.com Wedding Stationery Bee Happy Designs beehappydesigns.co.uk Photographer- Jeremy Standley jeremystandley.com

CONFETI 73

Real Weddings

Sun Soaked Spanish Love Story

Fran and Rocio partied the night away under a firework-lit sky The Ultimate Birthday Present Fran and I met in 2006 in the bustling port of Estepona and shared an instant attraction. Shortly after, Fran proposed to me at my birthday party, in front of all my family and friends. It was such a special day and one I am unlikely to ever forget.

Spain was always going to be the destination for our wedding.

It is our home country and we are very proud of its people and landscape. Fran and I wanted to celebrate our love in the country where we had grown up and would hopefully grow old together.

A Magical Oasis Restaurante El Gamonal ticked all the right boxes as a wedding venue. We loved the fact that the restaurant was a family 74 CONFETI

run business and we adored its picturesque gardens; it felt like our very own enchanted oasis.

The staff’s precision and attention to detail was unshakeable and helped make the day enjoyable for all. I designed the table decorations myself and Fran and I made all decisions regarding the day between us; I preferred not to use a wedding planner as I wanted to be involved in every aspect.

Following the religious wedding ceremony at a San Pedro Church guests arrived at the venue while Fran’s sister, Liliana sang some classic Spanish romantic ballads in the restaurant. The service at the church had been emotional but hearing my new sister-in-law perform such beautiful songs really touched my heart. I knew at that moment that I needed to sa-

vour every minute of this special, special day.

Picture Perfect Our photographer, Gregory Korvin from Solwedding, then momentarily stole Fran and I away from the celebrations in order to capture some images of us on camera.

As the sun was setting in the sky Gregory captured some stunning images of Fran and I standing on the pier behind the Marbella Club Hotel with the majestic La Concha mountain pictured behind us. As we headed back to the venue, Fran had organised a surprise firework display. The dusky sky was lit up with explosions of pink and gold to the delight of all the guests. This was undoubtedly a highlight of the entire day for me.

Throughout the evening, a humorous video, crafted by Solwedding,

played in the background. The video was a Rocky parody due to Fran’s keen interest in kickboxing; it inserted a bit of light- hearted fun into the emotion of the day, as clips of my husband proposing to me in a boxing ring were projected

until 6am the following morning.

A sweet and candy trolley was organised by Events Ro and situated near the dance floor so guests could enjoy tasty treats throughout the evening.

If I were to offer advice for future brides-to-be, I would encourage them to enjoy every moment of the day. It passes so quickly, so don’t waste time worrying about every individual guest because it is your special day and the memory of it will last a lifetime.

Address Book Photography, Film & Printings – solwedding.com (see the full photography album on the Solwedding Facebook page)

Wedding Venue – El Gamonal, restauranteelgamonal.com DJ – Quique Sanchez Hair & Make Up – Body-Ro, bodyrosanpedro@hotmail.com Dress – Santos & Eva, santosyevanovios.com Hotel – Hotel Doña Catalina y Barceló, hoteldonacatalina.com

onto the big screen. Solwedding also recorded a video message from Fran to his grandmother who passed away the year before which was shown to guests; it was an extremely emotional moment.

Party All Night For our first dance, one of my close girlfriends sang Whitney Houston’s ‘I will Always Love You’; it was stunning. Following this, all of our guests hit the dance floor and we continued the party CONFETI 75

Real Weddings

A

Sparkling AFFAIR

The guests at Mike and Claire’s wedding enjoyed an exclusive, magical celebration

Not just a Holiday Romance Mike and I met whilst on holiday with friends in Puerto Banús back in July 2008. We first spoke to each other in the notorious Linekers bar after Mike approached my girlfriends and offered to buy them some drinks (out of the lads’ whip money). There was an instant attraction and we got chatting straight away. After enjoying many of the following nights together we exchanged contact details and met up shortly after returning home. It was clear this was not just a holiday romance; we shared a definite connection.

Champagne Showers After four years together, Mike arranged to take me away on a surprise trip to an unknown destination. He even arranged for me to have the time off work without me knowing. Mike revealed we were going back to Marbella. We stayed in a fantastic boutique hotel called La Villa Marbella. On 76 CONFETI

the second evening, Mike took me to the pier behind the Marbella Club Hotel and got down on one knee. After I said yes, we walked along the beach to the Trocadero restaurant where Mike had organised champagne on ice!

La Villa Marbella knew all about the proposal and had another bottle of champagne waiting in our room with rose petals lining the corridors.

Exclusively Ours Choosing the venue in Spain was the first thing we set about doing as we wanted to get invites and details out as early as possible.

We were clear that we wanted exclusivity, ideally a villa but we did not rule out beach clubs, hotels and restaurants. The moment we saw Hacienda San Josė in the foothills of Mijas we were taken by it. This picturesque villa consisted of 10 rooms for our family and friends and boasted magnificent views of the mountains. We organ-

ised a trip to the villa in December and, with the help of wedding planning company FiestaSol, we met photographers, celebrants, florists, videographers and did a fantastic tasting with the FiestaSol catering team; wedding planning was in full swing!

The Dream Dress I found it difficult to find a dress that I liked in the shops that I visited so I was fortunate that one of my bridesmaids put me in touch with dress designer and maker Emma Louise. She set about creating my dream dress which was based on a fishtail design with a sweetheart neckline. The fabric was important with the ceremony being in a hot country, so I chose two layers of organza topped with lace. The top section of the dress had an inbuilt corset and bra. I always wanted to have the option of a one shoulder so together with Emma we created a removable matching lace shoulder piece.

This added a Spanish element but allowed me to take this off later in the evening for dancing!

Blessed Beautifully I walked down the white aisle decorated with lanterns and rose petals with my Dad, as Michael Bolton’s version of ‘You Are So Beautiful’ played softly in the background. Lizzie Marriage, our celebrant, tailored the blessing perfectly to us and our story; her words were very meaningful and our decision to write and read aloud our own vows added to the emotions.

Roses are Red We never intentionally wanted to have a theme for our wedding, it just naturally came together.

Roses are a flower that we have always loved so the bridesmaids’ dresses were a rose colour and embellished with a rose on one

shoulder. They carried a stunning vendela rose bouquet and I had an amnesia rose that we had chosen to match the colour scheme.

Roses were also used in our décor on the wedding breakfast tables, down the aisle and in our confetti.

Our cake incorporated cascading roses down the four tiers.

Fiesta al Fresco There are many highlights but our first dance was so special. We chose James Morrison’s ‘I Won’t Let You Go’. Not only does the title say it all but this song choice was about how the lyrics relate to us. It’s about being with that special someone, experiencing what life has to offer and not letting them go no matter what. We took the moment to look around us and appreciate all our family and friends holding sparklers and enjoying the atmosphere. It was a great time to reflect on the day so far, out in the open and in such a stunning setting. Partying al fresco and dancing under the stars was

always something we wanted so it was a magical moment and a very special memory for us.

Wise Words A key thing for having a wedding abroad is organisation and planning. You must have great contact with your planner and utilise many of the yearly schedules available online to help you plan the months leading up to your wedding. It is great to keep spreadsheets or wedding books that you can use as a checklist to ensure things are covered. Ensure you do things that connect with you and not with what you think people would like.

It really is the little touches that your guests will remember and this is not always something expensive, but perhaps personalised favours and thank you notes.

Utilise online forums and magazines such as this (Confeti) which are a great source of information for ideas, pictures, stories and opinions of venues and entertainers. This is why we felt we wanted

to be a part of this magazine.

We made sure that at points throughout the day we would take a moment together alone and be thankful for an incredible day and one that we will never forget!

Address Book Photographer – David Toms, davidtomsphotography.com Dress – Emma Louise Design, emmalouisedesign.com Cake – Sweet Things, sweetthingsbyfi.com Celebrant – Lizzie Marriage, marriageweddingservices.com Wedding Planners & Catering – Fiesta Sol, fiestasol.com Saxophone Player – Leonardo La Peruta, leonardolaperuta.com DJ/MC/Singer - Ian Preston, ianprestonentertainment.com Flamenco Show- Matt McGurk and his group, mattmcgurk.com Venue, Caterers and Decoration – FiestaSol, fiestasol.com Videographer – Dougie @ Silverscreen, marbellavideos.com Hair – Lavish, hairandmakeupbylavish.com Bridal Makeup and Bridesmaids Hair and Make-up – Carrie Jessup, cljmakeup.com Florist - Zoe Strutton @ Flowers Inc, marbellaflowers&florist.com Balloons and Sparklers – Shona at Bunches

CONFETI 77

It’s a

Beautiful Day...

Fiona and Mark celebrated their love in a picturesque setting surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

Crossing paths Mark and I met five years ago in our local village pub. We lived five minutes away from each other, yet our paths hadn’t crossed before. Last year Mark proposed in the prestigious Crazy Bear Hotel, the oldest documented building in Beaconsfield and it was a complete surprise and simply a wonderful occasion for us both.

The first people we told were our 3 children, my son Eamonn (24) and Mark’s daughter, Olivia (18) and son, James (21). They were all so excited, which only added to our happiness.

The beauty spot During the next few weeks we looked at a few venues in the UK but we couldn’t find anything that made our hearts sing so we decided to wait until after our holiday in Spain. Our first holiday together had been to Puerto Banús and every year thereafter we visited the same area. Also, my sister (and bridesmaid) Claire lives in Riviera Del Sol, making it the perfect excuse for an annual trip.

About 10 years ago I visited the Tamisa Golf Hotel and I had never forgotten how beautiful the setting was. On our holiday we decided 78 CONFETI

to look at a few venues, just in case anything tickled our fancy and as soon as visited Tamisa we were blown away by the stunning views. On meeting John Peach and the in-house wedding planner, Luchy we knew immediately that they would be able to organise our perfect wedding day plus, with the option for all our guests to stay in the same place, we couldn’t think of anything more wonderful than to have our family and close friends combine our

wedding with a holiday in the sun.

Tamisa was the ideal place for us all to get together.

pink gerberas for our flowers, which were provided by Shona at Bunches.

Dress to impress As soon as we set about planning our day we knew we wanted it to be a very relaxed occasion. I chose a beautiful lace Lusan Mandongus dress and a stunning ‘one shoulder’ champagne coloured dress for my bridesmaid, Claire.

Mark wore a Paul Smith tailored grey suit and we chose fuchsia

My dream team Luchy was amazing and made arranging everything extremely easy for us by providing the contacts for all the wedding vendors we would need to make our day special. We chose Lorraine Romain for hair and make-up, Dawn Lashley for photography and Debbie Sheridan made our

beautiful wedding cake (a layer of lemon Madeira and layer of fruit covered in edible pearls.) We also settled on Kevin Williams to perform our ceremony. He is such a lovely man who made us feel very relaxed, while also encouraging us to adapt the ceremony to our own tastes.

For the favours, fans were handed out with the order of service to add an extra touch to our Spanish theme. During the ceremony an electric violinist provided the perfect accompaniment to our vows and for the champagne reception we booked a traditional folklore harpist. To get the party going, the Ian Jacks duo supplied the evening entertainment followed by DJ Laurie Scott, who kept us on our feet for the rest of the evening.

Let the good times roll On the Friday evening Mark had

asked John if the chef would carve a Serrano ham in front of guests, along with the welcome drinks. This was provided, along with delicious tapas which made it the perfect evening before the wedding itself. Our guests were delighted.

For the wedding banquet there was a choice of melon with Serrano ham or Thai Tamisa king prawn salad followed by sea bass or baby leg of lamb. The meal was topped off with a zingy lemon tart for dessert. The weekend ended with a barbecue on Sunday evening. John recommended the Rat Pack duo for entertainment and they were fantastic.

Dreams do come true Our wedding by far exceeded our expectations - all due to the help and friendliness of the staff at Tamisa and the stunning setting of this wonderful hotel. I would

thoroughly recommend marrying in Spain, as it is a completely stress free experience, especially with the help of Luchy, our amazing wedding coordinator and John Peach who really couldn’t have done enough for us or our guests.

Address Book Dress - Lusan Mandongus lusanmandongus.com Suit - Paul Smith paulsmith.co.uk Hair and Makeup - Lorraine Romain princess-bride.co.uk Venue - Tamisa Golf Hotel hoteltamisagolf.com Flowers – Bunches bunchesspain.com Celebrant - Kevin Williams Photographer - Dawn Lashley unityphotography.co.uk Band – Ian Jacks DJ - DJ Laurie Scott weddingdjspain.com Wedding Planner - Luchy at Tamisa Golf Hotel hoteltamisagolf.com Tamisa Golf Hotel hoteltamisagolf.com

CONFETI 79

Real Weddings

An Enchanting Love Affair Alessia and James celebrated their love in an explosion of peach and pink at a stunning mountainside location Mixing Business with Pleasure James and I first met three years ago in Dubai. We both work in the property sector and we first met on a visit to a property that had been put on the market. After that James invited me for a coffee and it carried on from there.

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Proposal on the Spot The proposal is actually quite a funny story since we did not have a ‘proper’ proposal moment.

James bought me a ring, but as we were living together he had nowhere to hide it so he kept it in his car glove compartment. We were out one day in his car when I was

looking for a tissue and opened the glove box. He became really nervous when I took the small box out. Of course I opened it and he had to pop the question there and then on the spot. He has however made up for the lack of proposal with other romantic moments ever since.

The Great Outdoors We chose Spain as a wedding location for numerous reasons.

Firstly, my mother lives in Marbella and she offered to organize the wedding. Spain was also very convenient for James’s British

family to visit and it gave my Russian family a good reason to have a vacation in Spain during the summer. We had a stunning official registration ceremony on The Rock in Gibraltar, located only an hour away, since we were not able to get legally married in Spain. This more intimate celebration took place at the Mons Calpe Suite which boasts 220 degree views over the Rock and surrounding area.

However, I felt my real wedding was at La Zagaleta Golf Club. An outdoor wedding was very impor-

tant for me because I like the open space, fresh air and scenery. La Zagaleta offered all of this alongside unbeatable views of the ocean and a spectacular backdrop of the Spanish mountains. Fabulously Feminine My wedding dress was designed

by Zouhair Mourad for Spanish designer, Rosa Clara. I kept in mind that I was choosing a dress for an outdoor wedding, so tried to keep it simple and elegant. It was a delicate piece, made out of fine lace and was complemented by a long tulle veil. It was very feminine and

CONFETI 81

suited my body shape. James, not wanting to be outshone by me, donned a pair of white and chocolate brown Laboutin loafers.

The colour scheme was also very feminine and romantic; I chose flowers in hues of peach, pink and white which were showcased in an arch of compact flowers at the head of the service. The bridesmaids wearing coral/peach dresses, carried bouquets embellished with vintage brooches and my flower girls wore delicate white dresses and flower garlands in their hair, with a nod to the bohemian trend. Men were advised to wear light summer suits, as the weather in July was quite hot. Women wore long elegant dresses. We supplied guests with white panama hats and fans with peach tassels dangling from the handles to provide relief in the searing summer sun.

Overcome with Emotion We had a traditional service, but it was more spiritual than religious.

To be completely honest, I do not remember much of the service, as I fainted five minutes after reaching the altar! I think I must

82 CONFETI

have been totally overwhelmed. I was revived soon after but we still laugh about it now, joking that it was part of the wedding entertainment for the guests.

Surprise Surprise There were so many unforgettable moments that the whole event was one big highlight, it is impossible to mention just one memory as my favourite. Our wedding was filled with entertainment and surprises created by the organizers for us the newlyweds - which made our special day unique. For example, a gymnast was flown in on many huge helium-filled balloons. The white balloons looked spectacular in contrast with the dark sky. The gymnast was brought to our table to toast my husband and me.

People were lost for words. It was wonderful to have all our family and friends there on the big day to share in these special moments.

Dance the Night Away We chose Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ as our first dance. It is a classic song but we chose it as we wanted to relate

to the elder people in the crowd as well as the younger ones. We love the lyrics of the song, and it was something we agreed on right away. We practiced the dance for over two months, so the first dance was another highlight for us during the wedding.

The Personal Touches I think it is imperative to put your own personal touch on a wedding.

For example, we created some videos portraying our day-to-day life in Dubai and our romantic dates. The videos were played in the background whilst our guests enjoyed dinner; everyone was interested in witnessing our story. I would also suggest picking a live band that will create the mood for the party and get everyone ready to dance - choose wisely. The day passes really fast, so enjoy the moment and try not to get stressed out! Finally, I think it is really important to have a professional wedding planner who will handle all the hassle for you. The wedding day should be about you as a couple and not about the stresses of organizing a party.

Address Book Event Organiser – Events Couture Marbella EventsCoutureMarbella.com Catering – Goyo, goyomarbella.com Gibraltar Wedding Venue – The Mons Calpe Suite, monscalpesuite.com Spanish Wedding Venue – La Zagaleta Golf Club, lazagaleta.com Celebrant – Lizzie Marriage, marriageweddingservices.com Dress – Rosa Clara, rosaclara.es Entertainment: Events Couture Marbella EventsCoutureMarbella.com Flowers: Alla Margun barcelonaflowerservice.com Decoration: Idea Eveni idea-eveni.com Photography: Nani & Antonio de Perez nanideperez.com

CONFETI 83

Our Furry Friends

By Padre Peter

C

ats were first domesticated in Egypt over three thousand years ago. They swiftly achieved a sacred status partly due to their ability to combat pests such as rats and mice, which threatened precious food supplies, and snakes, some of which were highly venomous.

(This high status lasted for centuries. In the Welsh “Laws of Hywel Dda” (d 950 AD) a fine of four pence had to be paid by anybody killing a cat, or the slain animal was held up by its tail and grain poured over it until the corpse was completely covered.)

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Egyptian royal cats were often dressed in jewels, and allowed to eat off plates at the royal table. When they died they were often mummified. The protector goddess of lower Egypt and defender of the Pharaoh was the black cat goddess Bast, and as cats tend to be protective of their offspring she was also regarded as the protector of mothers and those desirous of having children. And so a black cat was considered highly propitious and lucky for a bride!

This belief has lasted through the ages, and whilst in some quarters black cats are considered to be

unlucky, they are far outweighed by those who believe that black cats bring luck. There is, indeed, an old English proverb: “Whenever the cat of the house is black, the lasses of lovers will have no lack”, and on the Yorkshire coast the wives of the fishermen believe that their menfolk will return safely if a black cat is kept in the house.

Further inland, in the English Midlands a black cat as a wedding present was once highly prized.

Cats are also useful in deciding the future of a person’s love life.

In the south of France, if a young unmarried girl accidentally steps on a cat’s tail, she will have to wait

twelve months before she finds a husband. And among the hillbillies of America, a cat is used to decide whether or not a girl should get married. The bride-to-be takes three hairs from a cat’s tail and wraps them in a twist of paper which she then places under her doorstep. In the morning, if the hairs form a “Y” pattern, she should go ahead with the proposed marriage. If they form an “N”, then the prospective suitor is dismissed. A belief also exists that if the cat of the house sneezes as the bride leaves for her wedding, then the marriage will be a happy one.

It is, however, not only cats amongst the animal kingdom who have a profound effect upon weddings and marriages. If a bride encounters a lamb on her way to her wedding she is richly blessed.

A lamb represents innocence, gentleness and humility; traits which all brides hope to find in their husbands! This was as true in ancient Egypt (where the use of the lamb in religious art predates Christianity) as it is today. Similarly, brides should hope to see a dove on their way to a wedding, as doves symbolise love, peace, fidelity, prosperity and good luck.

To see such a bird guarantees a happy home. It is also the greatest of good fortune for the bride to find a spider in her wedding dress, or for a frog to cross her path.

This has nothing to do with the prospect of it turning into a handsome prince. For many centuries,

the Frog has been a symbol of abundance, partly due to the very large number of eggs it lays at one time. Frogs brought good luck to a home in ancient Rome.

In Ireland the frog is considered a close relative of the leprechaun, and one certainly needs these gentlemen to be on one’s side!

Whilst it undoubtedly does not bring good luck to a frog, which might well afford it a tasty little snack, a crane perched on one leg signifies fidelity throughout a marriage, and it is for this reason that cranes are often embroidered on bridal wear throughout Asia.

On the other hand, no bride should hope to see a pig. Unlike the beneficent Bast and her cats, the ancient Egyptians equated the pig with Set, the god of darkness.

With its cloven hooves, the animal is also associated with the devil,

and Jewish writers have often dwelt upon its association with vice and gluttony. Having said all that, however, in Germany the pig brings good luck! Lizards should also be avoided. Their furtive nature means that they are rarely seen, and if you see one scurrying away it means that bad luck is hard on its heels.

On the human front the sight of a clergyman, policeman, doctor, chimney sweep or blind man brings good luck to a bride, whilst a funeral procession is a definite no-no. The groom, however, should avoid a blind man, pregnant woman, monk or nun.

He should, however, seek out a pigeon, wolf or goat. In ancient Greece the pigeon was a symbol of Cupid, and closely associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The wolf is a creature with a

high sense of loyalty and strength.

Goats have peaceful natures and kind hearts.

There are other animals associated with weddings. Nowhere is this more so than in Korea, when the officiant may well hurl a live chicken in a bag into the congregation. The groom may also give his future mother-in-law a wild goose. As wild geese mate for life, the symbolism is obvious. What is not quite so obvious is the fact that before the happy couple retire to bed, the groom may be set upon by his friends who remove his shoes and socks in order to beat the soles of his feet with a fish, usually a cod. The reason for this strange ritual is lost in the mists of antiquity, but then when all is said and done it is no stranger than some of the customs which we accept without query here in the West!

CONFETI 85

Ladies’ NIGHT IT’S

Top Ten tips from self-confessed hen expert, The Adonis Cabaret, who organises hen parties for 35,000 hens a year and who really knows his hens from his ducks.

WHO TO INVITE Now this can be a nightmare before you even start! Usually left to the maid of honour - is she expected to invite ancient Auntie Ethel? Or the old school friend that no one but the bride can stand?

If you think people will clash, split the day into different sections - the tranquil safe spa day (ideal for the mother-in-law and party prudes) and the wild party in the evening that you know the bride will love!

Or, if there is an extreme divide, consider having two hen dos there is nothing worse than having one or two people that don’t join in with the fun or, worse still, ruin it for everyone else.

SAVE THE DATE Choose a day or weekend at least a week before the wedding and do not, under any circumstances, hold the hen party the night before the wedding. Plan well in advance so that you can maximise the numbers who are able to attend.

This is the bride’s big night so make sure all her best friends can be there.

BUDGET Cash is king and money can be a real deal breaker for some. Make sure you set a realistic budget for your intended guests, while retaining the feel of making a special effort for the bride. It can be a difficult balance and may well affect the ‘who to invite’ list above and the ‘location’ below. But don’t settle for “I’ll pay you later” - this only leads to resentment when you find out that the non-payer just splashed out on new shoes!

86 CONFETI

LOCATION Do your research! We have seen all varieties of hen dos, from a night at someone’s house or the local pub, to international city breaks in Europe and beyond.

Marbella is a top destination this season and there are some amazing deals out there at the moment.

A hen night is often an excuse for some quality girl bonding time and therefore location can be key. But wherever you decide, make sure you check out the best places to go (and the places to avoid!) before setting off. It may sound silly, but if you choose to go abroad then check that everyone has a valid passport - you don’t want any tears at the airport!

COLLABORATION

there will always be someone who doesn’t agree, but you can never please everyone. Go with what you feel the bride will want.

PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES

I know this could lead to a minefield of arguments but try to involve the other guests. Don’t be so vague as to ask, “Right girls, what are we doing?” because this will result in a barrage of conflicting ideas. Let them know your plans and see if they can add anything helpful to them. Remember,

It always seems that there’s not enough to fill the day but once you are all together catching up and gossiping, time flies. (We have first-hand experience of this - get a group of girls together and you can’t get a word in edgeways!)

Be flexible with your plans. If the group seems happy, don’t rush off to the next activity just for the sake of it.

Most brides want their hen dos to involve a good party and probably a little bit of naughty drinking. The most popular evening activities are comedy clubs, drag cabaret, strip shows and then - most likely – onto a nightclub, but also consider daytime activities: a girly spa day, beauty treatments or afternoon tea to make the bride feel really special.

THAT SAID, DON’T GO OVERBOARD

COMMUNICATION This seems really nerdy, but how many rows do you think are caused when groups are drunk and lost in a strange city? It is not long until everyone will start to panic, so make sure everyone knows when and where to meet on the day. Perhaps send an itinerary out beforehand and exchange mobile numbers. Once you are all there, establish a meeting point just in case anybody gets separated from the group and mobile batteries die during the evening.

PACE YOURSELF This is especially important if you are out for the whole day or weekend. You don’t want the bride (or anyone else) to be legless by lunchtime and not be able to enjoy the evening’s shenanigans.

So make sure you factor in some down time for eating and hydrating with soft drinks or water.

Finally, relax, enjoy the day and have fun!!

Flor Valentín C.C. Centro Idea Ctra. de Mijas km 3,6 ES - 29650 Mijas - SPAIN

www.florvalentin.es

Let Flor Valentin design the bouquet you always dreamt of!

janne@florvalentin.es

T: +34 951 311 086 M: +34 669 061 234

Photos by Anna Gazda - limelight.pl

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Established in Marbella in 2006, we pride ourselves on providing the best quality flowers for your special day, working alongside you, to create and achieve your dream wedding. From the most flamboyant affair to the most intimate, we can cater for all your requirements.

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READING

between

THE LINES

F

By Natasha Johnson

or most couples preparing for their upcoming celebrations and putting the finishing touches to their wedding ceremony, their nuptials would not be complete without a reading or two. A wedding reading makes a great inclusion to any ceremony for so many reasons; it’s a nice way to show how you think and feel through someone else’s words, it’s a great way to involve a friend of family member during the ceremony and it can be a good tool for bringing fun and humour to the proceedings.

Choosing the right reading It may come as a surprise to you but choosing a wedding reading is not as straightforward as it may seem!

Most importantly, you yourself need to understand and have an affinity with the words that are being read and to make sure that the reading resonates with both you and your partner.

Shakespeare may have been one of the world’s most romantic writers of prose but his sonnets are not for everyone!

Try not to pick poetry, which is too cryptic or classically styled, especially as the person who has to read it needs to be comfortable with the language.

If you choose a reading for a specific reason, i.e your partner sent you a love letter containing the reading when you first met or it is a reading that you know from your childhood for example, it is always a nice touch to have your reader mention this before they do the reading. Sometimes, a reading needs to be given some context, so that your guests also understand why you have chosen it.

Many couples like to have someone read the lyrics of their

88 CONFETI

Natasha Johnson looks at the art of wedding readings and how with the right approach, choosing the best reading for your ceremony can make all of the difference.

favourite song or a song that holds a lot of significance for them. This can be a wonderful element to any ceremony because many song lyrics contain some of the most powerful and expressive wording. However, it is also important to consider the rhythm of the lyrics and to make sure that they can be read rhythmically and not so that it sounds like the reader is doing a slow rap or trying to break into song!

A good rule of thumb is, if you read a reading that tugs at your heart, that rolls off of your tongue easily and gives you goose bumps, then it must be the right reading for you. And conversely, it’s not a good idea to include a reading that does not make sense to you, that you are not one hundred per cent sure of, or that you don’t instantly connect with.

Choosing the right person It is also important to think about the person who is going to be doing a reading for you.

Again, something, which at first may seem quite an obvious thing to say, is sometimes not always applied by couples’ when choosing their wedding reader. Your cousin Laura may be your best friend in the world and the sweetest person on the planet, but her squeaky high voice may not be the best for a wedding reading! Okay, so perhaps this is a little bit of an exaggeration but it does at least highlight the important point that the right reader is as crucial as the right reading.

Think about honouring the role to someone who is a naturally confident speaker, with a nice tone of voice and more importantly, someone who is happy to do it. It is a shame to see a beautiful reading lost on a reader who is shy,

extremely nervous (everyone is a bit nervous!) and lacking in confidence. Also, try to match the type of reading with the reader too. Giving a poignant reading to a reader who is known to be a bit of a laugh or a prankster, might be a disastrous, as would giving a humorous reading to some one who has quite a straight and serious manner.

Some couples also like to give their reader a selection of readings that they like and allow them to choose the final reading for themselves. Or the braver, more trusting couples allow their readers to choose the reading entirely by themselves and enjoy the surprise of what they have chosen on the day.

This can be a really special part of any ceremony; waiting to hear a reading that someone has chosen to read to you.

Thinking outside of the (text) box!

There is a plethora of beautiful wedding readings to choose

from, from poignant to romantic, from light-hearted to silly. However, many couples employ a broader definition when they think about their wedding reading and some choose to include a more personalized reading.

In recent years it has become popular for couples to write their own reading or a story about themselves. It can be an opportunity to have a friend read a poem you’ve written about each other or to share a story about how you met and fell in love, or about how you got engaged (if it is worth sharing!). Couples with children have been known to ask their little ones to pen something for their big day, which is a fantastic way of involving them in the ceremony and giving them their own voice. There are so many ideas that you can incorporate under the reading umbrella, which doesn’t mean that you have to stick to a reading in the traditional sense.

So choose your readings well and stand back and enjoy your wonderful choices on your big day.

Top Wedding Readings of 2013 He never leaves the seat up by Pam Ayres Yes, I’ll Marry you by Pam Ayres The Owl and the Pussy Cat by Edward Lear On Your Wedding Day, Author Unknown Love is a Temporary Madness, extract from Captain Correllis Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres Scaffolding by Seamus Heaney The Apache Wedding Song, Author Unkown On Marriage by Kahlil Gibran A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monckton The Key to Love, Author Unknown

CONFETI 89

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Confeti Local News

You Deserve A Perfect Day In H10 Estepona Palace you will find everything you need: an ideal location with an unequalled setting and lovely views that make it the perfect venue to make all of your romantic dreams come true.

The Chill-Out terrace offers maximum privacy and is the perfect location to enjoy delicious appetizers and welcome drinks receptions that will delight all your guests.

H10 Estepona Palace is the town’s most stylish hotel, located right on the beachfront, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean and Gibraltar and Africa as a backdrop.

Our charming, fully airconditioned Thalassa Restaurant affords superb sea views, thanks to its folding doors – the sunsets are especially memorable.

Outside, the swimming pools and gardens are imaginatively lit to create a magical atmosphere as you enjoy your delicious meal. Altogether

We invite you to take advantage of our professionalism and excellent Mediterranean cuisine with a signature touch; you can tailor your own menu to your taste.

it is the perfect venue for an unforgettable day.

H10 Estepona Palace pays special attention to every detail,

offering a personalised service to help you adapt your event to your specific requirements and we can provide the facilities and support to ensure that your wedding runs like clockwork from beginning to end.

Sharing our experience is our goal, so come and see us to find out what we can do to ensure

that you have a perfect day.

You deserve it.

Avda. del Carmen, 99. Playa de Guadalobón, Estepona Tel: +34 952 79 00 40 comercial.hes@h10hotels.com hotelh10esteponapalace.com

Fly Media Aerial Photography Capture your wedding from high in the sky with revolutionary new photography service offered by Fly Media.

This aerial photography company shoots your wedding venue at a unique angel to create that perfect keepsake of your day.

Contact: info@flymedia.tv

CONFETI 93

Confeti Local News

Tamisa Golf Hotel The 2013 wedding season for Tamisa Golf Hotel was packed full of special moments for the many couples who chose this fabulous venue to exchange their vows.

Here is one of the many glowing testimonials received by owner John Peach

Paul and Beth Crafts

21st September 2013

Thank you to everyone at the Tamisa who helped to make our wedding week and day so amazing and perfect. From the early stages of booking a date to the day itself, Joanne and John could not have done more to help us with the arrangements. Any questions or issues were resolved quickly via email or phone and everything came together exactly as planned, even the superb cake of cheese.

The groom’s party had the pleasure of playing the Lagos Golf Course on the morning before the wedding, which I can thoroughly recommend. It doesn’t get much better than playing golf and seeing your wedding venue already set up and ready to go. It’s especially amusing when all the guests are by the pool watching - it makes you concentrate that little bit harder on hitting a good shot.

94 CONFETI

The area reserved for the ceremony was beautifully set up and all the hotel staff members were superb throughout the day.

The backdrop of the pristine golf course, pine trees, mountains and Spanish sky is truly spectacular.

Canapés and drinks were served very promptly and the party started straight away. All the food was delicious and everyone commented on how impressed they were with their meal and wine. All the attentive serving staff made sure all our guests had what they needed. The best man was too nervous to eat until his speech was over, so his dinner was kept warm and substituted for an early brandy, to help calm him down.

Our wedding at the Tamisa Golf Hotel was the best day of our lives and exceeded all of our expectations; every one of our guests and we were smiling from ear to ear all night long, so we couldn’t ask for more. hoteltamisagolf.com

Your Wedding Blessing The Anglican Church of the Costa del Sol West was first established in 1975 and covers an area from Marbella westwards to Algeciras, including the major towns of Marbella, San Pedro, Estepona, Sabinillas, Casares and Sotogrande.

can be an occasion for the bride and groom to celebrate with family and friends in idyllic surroundings.

The excellent road system and proximity of Mรกlaga and Gibraltar airports make it easy for everyone to travel to your ceremony.

They offer a Wedding Blessing service which can be celebrated in church in either San Pedro or Sotogrande or at a place chosen by the bridal couple: there are many beach locations which specialise in wedding receptions, also rural locations and numerous hotels. CONFETI Magazine contains information on many of these venues and, of course, during most months of the year you are guaranteed superb weather if you choose an outdoor setting.

During a Wedding Blessing, our resident Chaplain, who is a fully ordained priest of the Church of England, carries out the service of vows and promises as laid down by the Church. You can arrange with him to personalise your service with hymns, readings and music of your choice. We keep everything very simple and stress free and will guide you through the whole procedure. Firstly you make contact with our Chaplain and he will note your basic details, after which he will arrange a meeting so that you can discuss your individual requirements and he will be able to offer you the benefit of his many years of experience. We are always here to help with any queries or special requests for the ceremony.

The Wedding Blessing ceremony follows the marriage which may have been in a church or at a civil ceremony. Some couples decide to have a Wedding Blessing here in Spain after having been married in the UK or Gibraltar. This way it 96 CONFETI

Nearer the time, our Chaplain will arrange a rehearsal with you at the venue, so that on the day itself your Wedding Blessing will be something to remember and cherish for the rest of your married life. You will then receive a personalised Certificate of your Wedding Blessing as a permanent record of your special ceremony.

A service of renewal of vows can also be conducted either in church or in a location chosen by the couple. This is often requested by couples who have been married for several years and wish to share a special anniversary with their family and friends.

For more information contact the Chaplaincy House: info.costachurch@gmail.com

Provides Live Music Entertainment and The Best DJ'S for -Weddings & Bar Mitzvahs -Birthday Parties & Special Occasions -Corporate Events -Anniversaries -Christmas Parties

Whatever your catering or event planning needs, whether it is for a small reception of canapĂŠs, summer BBQ or a full wedding menu with live entertainment, we can promise a professional, first class service to ensure that your event is a huge success.

www.dandcolive.com

Dyana Dessar Simmons tel. +44 (0) 2033711766 or +34 670636063

Contact: Dyana Dessar Simmons UK Office: +44 (0)203 371 1766 - Spain Mobile: +34 670 636 063 Email: dyana@purplepeppercatering.com Web: www.purplepeppercatering.com

Confeti Local News

Where the Sun Never Sets

Since Winter Weddings is one of the themes this issue, it would be erroneous to ignore the picturesque Le Papillon Restaurante & Beach Club as a prospective venue. As the cold wintry days drawn in throughout much of Europe, the sun never seems to set on the Costa del Sol and there really is no place better than Le Papillon Restaurante & Beach Club to host that wondrous winter wedding. Located in the intimate Royal Playa Las Chapas Marbella, Le Papillon strives to deliver unbeaten professionalism, an attention to detail and above all unparalleled customer service.

This jewel of a wedding venue boasts all the ingredients needed for your winter wedding - sea views, children’s playground, extensive parking, disabled facilities and accommodation for family and friends. With a capacity for over 200 people between its two indoor dining rooms and beautiful outdoor terraces, Le Papillon provides event space for wedding celebrations as the sun shines throughout the winter months and also as the temperature drops during the cooler evenings. Menus range from 25 to 70 euros and so satisfy a large range of wedding budgets.

Le Papillon is proud of its extensive wine list, consisting of bottles sourced from 40 different regions of Spain. Their revolutionary “Ginspiration” products create a twist on your run of the mill gin and tonic, using fresh and natural ingredients to make the perfect party drink.

The team at Le Papillon is also preparing for the upcoming festive season where guests can enjoy a fabulous Christmas menu for 35 euros and a spectacular New Year’s Eve menu consisting of 6 courses for 89 euros and live entertainment from Martin Joseph (Frank Sinatra & Dave Lee (Dean Martin) of the RatPack Fame.

It will undoubtedly be a night to remember! Check our Facebook page for regular updates.

Whether celebrating a winter wedding or any other special occa-

sion during this winter season, Le Papillon is the place to be! restaurantepapillon.com

Blessed Be

By Nicola McGeorge Photos by Gary Tapp, yourweddingmoments.com

I had the honour of working with celebrant Paul Gill last year at a beautiful wedding in Elviria. We had met on a few previous occasions, but this was the first time I actually got to see him in action. A caring, charming and dedicated man, he conducted a very moving ceremony, much to the delight of the happy couple. He was passionate about life and a pleasure to spend time with. Sadly, Paul passed away in August, so the CONFETI team and myself would like to send our condolences to his family.

98 CONFETI

Weddings, Renewal of Vows, Anniversaries, Same Sex Weddings and Celebrations - Birthdays, Blessings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs The Weddings Company can make your dreams come true For further information please contact: Dyana Dessar Simmons UK: +44 (0) 2033711766 Spain: +34 670636063 Gibraltar: +350 54029417 Email: dyana@theweddingscompany.co.uk www.theweddingscompany.co.uk

DI R EC TOR Y SPAIN & GIBRALTAR Cakes Cake Couture: +34 693 379 397; cakecouturemarbella.com Costa Cake Design: +34 952 426 287 / 678 863 387, costacakedesign.com Debbie Sheridan: +34 952 964 103 weddingcakesspain.com Delidelicius: +34 647 355 266 delidelicius.blogspot.com Sweet Things by Fi: +34 697 228 088; sweetthingsbyfi.com

Humanist Wedding Celebrant: malagaminister.com Kurt Kettner-Borough: +34 952 817 099/ +34 637 408 194 weddingministerspain.com Padre Peter: padrepeter1@gmail.com

Monique Lhuillier: moniquelhuillier.com

Health & Beauty

Net-A-Porter: net-a-porter.com

Eli Lynch Professional Makeup and Hair Stylist: +34 651 518 935

Olivier Laudus London: +44 208 374 1239; olivierlaudus.com Florists

Kristina N: +34 663 673 287

Entertainment

Gibral Flora:+350 20042655; gibral-flora.gi

D & Co Live: +44 (0) 2033711766 +34 670 636 063; dandcolive.com

Flor Valentin: +34 669 061 234; florvalentin.es

DJ Dave Hixson: davehixson.com

Stephanie Florist: +35 020 041 688; stephanieflorist.gi

DJ Nigel Davies:+34 697 931786 chezvous.es

Kathryn Parr: +34 607 717 523/ +44 7875 447 721 kathrynparr.com

Zoe Strutton: +34 952 907 986; flowersinconline.com

Lavish Hair and Makeup: +34 622 192 507 / +34 645 342 549; hairandmakeupbylavish.com Liza Mayne: +34 677 633 987: domayne.net Ocean Clinic: +34 951 775 518; oceanclinic.net Reflections: +34 902 325 324; reflectionsmarbella.com

DJ Ryan Fuller: +34 674 882 402/ +44 772 935 2287

General

Musibodas: +34 660 75 32 46; classicalmusicweddings.weebly.com

Fireworks: +34 955 716 335; pirotecniablancapaloma.es

Quike Navarro House Violin: +34 650 066 718; houseviolin.com

Gibraltar Tourist Board: +44 2078 360 777; visitgibraltar.gi

FiestaSol: +34 952 898 746; fiestasol.com

Fashion & Accessories

Hot Of The Press: +34 952 930 392; hotpgreen.com

Blaise Photography: +34 661 590 968 /+44 844 414 8367; blaisephotography.com

Marbella Wine Warehouse: +34 951 894 026; isi-spain.com

Anthony Diamonds: +34 952 588 795/+34 609 529 633; anthonys-diamonds.com

KDS Money Exchange: +44(0) 20 3598 2925

Boda Kids: +34 952 109 287; bodakids.es

Purple Pepper: +44 (0)203 371 1766 +34 670 636 063; purplepeppercatering.com

Aruna Seth: +44 (0)208 773 7859; arunaseth.com

Simply Shuttles: +34 951 279 117; simply-shuttles.com

Elite Booths: +44 0581 010 496 eliteboothsuk.com

Catering BWS: +34 952 373 233 Chez Vous:+34 697 931 786; chezvous.es

Celebrants Costa Church: + 34 952 808 605, costachurch.com

100 CONFETI

Browns: brownsfashion.com David Fielden: davidfielden.co.uk

Photography Agata Jensen: +34 633 921 231; agatajensen.com

Jeremy Standley: +34 607 717 565; jeremystandley.com

Julia Roder: +34 678 521 108; juliaroder.com

Granada Weddings: +34 958 521 875; granadaweddings.com

El Oceano Beach Hotel: +34 952 587 550; oceanohotel.com

Nikki Beach Marbella: +34 952 83 62 39; nikkibeach.com

Nani de Perez: +34 615 314 446 / 615 252 174; antoniodeperez.com

Sala Events: salaevents.com

Gran Meliรก Don Pepe: +34 902 144 440; gran-melia-don-pepe.com

PYR Hotel: +34 952 817 353; hotelpyr.com

H10 Estepona Palace: +34 952 790 040; h10hotels.com

Sunset Beach Club Hotel: +34 952 579 400; sunsetbeachclub.com

Owen Farell: +34 670 664 341 / +35 387 268 2832; owenfarellphotography.com Sol Wedding: +34 952 934 478; solwedding.com Talia Giraudo: + 34 605 275 407; thoroughlygorgeous.com Tunde & Loredan Serban: +34 633 092 739

Tarifa Weddings:+34 687 659 574; tarifaweddings.com White Wedding Days: +34 600 946 118; whiteweddingdays.com The Weddings Company: +44 (0)203 371 1766; theweddingscompany.co.uk WCS Bespoke: +34 956 61 04 74 +34 607 49 48 02; wcsbespoke.com

Hacienda La Herriza: +34 951 068 200; laherriza.com

Tamisa Golf Hotel: +34 952 585 988; hoteltamisagolf.com

Hacienda Las Fuentes: +34 952 584 248 / +34 677 530 633 haciendalasfuentes.es

TikiTano: +34 952 798 449; tikitano.com

Holiday World Resort: +34 952 579 757; holidayworld.es

Villa Del Mar: +34 952 822 211; marbellaclub.com

La Cartuja de Cazalla: +34 951 193 446 / +34 617 271 024

Videography

Venues Sound & Lighting Chez Vous:+34 697 931 786; chezvous.es Stationery Made With Love: +44 1457 838 838; madewithlovedesigns.co.uk

El Cortijo del Estrecho: +34 956 679 897; elcortijodelestrecho.com Cortijo Del Marques:+34 958 34 00 77 / +34 678 334 884; cortijodelmarques.com The Courtyard Marbella: thecourtyardmarbella.com

La Sala Private Dining Room; +34 952 812 836; lasalabanus.com La Meridiana del Alabardero: +34 952 776 190; +34 618 236 778 lameridiana.es

Boda Kids: +34 952 109 287; bodakids.es Nani de Perez: +34 615 314 446 / 615 252 174; antoniodeperez.com Sol Wedding: +34 952 934 478; solwedding.com

Wedding Lists Patricia Darch Interiors: Gibraltar: +350 216 77776; Sotogrande: +34 956 615 350; patriciadarch.com

Le Papillon: +34 952 834 113; restaurantepapillon.com Mons Calpe Suite: +350 200 79 478; monscalpesuite.com

Zankyou: +44 8458 677 856; zankyou.com Wedding Planners Chez Vous:+34 697 931 786; chezvous.es Fiesta Sol: +34 952 898 746; fiestasol.com

Photo by juliaroder.com CONFETI 101

LoveLove Love

This LoveLove Love

This

It is difficult to imagine anything more spectacular than a gymnast floating through the air, holding a vast bunch of white helium balloons and landing in the midst of your wedding celebrations. Why not add a hint of the carnivalesque to your special day with acrobats, magicians, fire eaters or stilt walkers?

Subvert expectations and liberate assumptions at your wedding with an atmosphere of absurdity and humour. Guests will be wowed and your day forever etched on their memories.

Photos by nanideperez.com 102 CONFETI

A privately owned independent boutique events venue

Set in large informal grounds high above the wooded hills of Marbella, the Courtyard enjoys views of the surrounding mountains, Marbella and across the mediterranean to Gibraltar and Morocco.

Designed specifically for events, indoor and outdoor spaces combined naturally adding versatility and flexibility to its character.

Subtlety of design has created spaces for seclusion and privacy with numerous unique photographic settings and opportunities.

The Courtyard is an idyllic and secluded location for weddings, special occasions and celebrations with a distinctive attraction and ambiance.

THE COURTYARD MARBELLA OFFERS COMPLETE PRIVACY AND IS EXCLUSIVELY YOURS Now taking bookings for 2014 Wedding Season

www.thecourtyardmarbella.com