Love Our Wedding - March/April 2020

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LOVEOURWEDDINGMAG.COM

ISSUE 51

• MARCH/APRIL 2020

‘We’re engaged!’

FROM ‘YES’ TO ‘I DO’, WE SPEAK TO REAL COUPLES ABOUT THEIR BIG-DAY JOURNEY

ILLUSION LACE THE BEST EXAMPLES OF THIS TOP TREND

It’s all in the detail PERFECT FINISHING TOUCHES FOR A GLAMOROUS GLOSS

allure bridals CATER FOR ALL THE BRIDAL PARTY, AND THE GROOM, TOO!

STYLE FOR THE SEASON GORGEOUS GOWNS FROM SPRING TO WINTER, P19

SAVE

£8K IN ONE YE AR! EASY T THE WEIPS TO BOOS T DDIN IN JUST G FUND MONTH12 S

Magical Melodies WEDDING PLAYLISTS TO GET YOU FROM THE AISLE TO THE DANCEFLOOR



ALLUREBRIDALS.COM ALLUREBRIDALS.COM



RO M A N T I C A C O L L E C T I O N S BRITISH BY DESIGN

A bridal gown is so much more than just a dress, it is a statement of style, personality and above all romance. www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk




LOV E OUR

Contact us EDITOR

55

75

GOLDEN GIRL Choose timeless gold as your wedding colour scheme

Jade Pepperell jade@meanttobemedia.com

HOW TO SAVE £8K IN ONE YEAR And do it without batting an eyelid!

ART DIRECTOR Andy Allen andy@meanttobemedia.com HEAD OF ADVERTISING Martha Cooke martha@meanttobemedia.com

Contents

ONLINE EDITOR Sophie Grabham sophie@meanttobemedia.com

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36

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 52

FAKEAWAY TREATS A spin on your favourite takeaway meals without the guilt, courtesy of Slimming World

58

VICTORIAN DREAM Be inspired by this famous era, with help from this brilliant photoshoot

82

THE ULTIMATE WEDDING PLAYLIST Music to walk down the aisle to, through to your last dance of the day

86

THE CARIBBEAN DREAM We catch up with Sandals Resorts who reveal all about their incredible all-inclusive wedding packages in the heart of the Caribbean

@LoveOurWedMag ILLUSION SLEEVES Tap into this top trend for 2020

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BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATIONS Three wow-factor real weddings

LoveOurWedding loveourweddingmag LoveOurWedMag

MEANT TO BE MEDIA Love Our Wedding is published by: Meant To Be Media Ltd

E X C L U S I V E F E AT U R E S

loveourweddingmag.com

28

LOVE THE COLLECTION: BELOVED BY CASABLANCA

35

LOVE THE LABEL: ALLURE BRIDALS

41

LOVE THE LABEL: JENNIFER WREN BY ROMANTICA OF DEVON

Love Our Wedding magazine has a readership in excess of 30,000. The magazine is distributed throughout the UK to selected bridal boutiques, wedding venues and wedding fairs. Love Our Wedding is an official partner of the BBSA.

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RAINBOW BRIDESMAIDS Every colour for your best girls

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19

SEASONAL DRESSES Gorgeous gowns from spring to winter




Pure Bridal offers brides designer style without the high price tag, with gowns retailing from an amazing ÂŁ345 to ÂŁ890. View the brand new Pure Bridal 2020 collection here: www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk




SASSI HOLFORD www.sassiholford.com


LOVE OUR WEDDING

1

Editor’s letter W 2

My favourite picks this month! 1. I love the simplicity

of these cute gold heart earrings from Oliver Bonas, just £9.50. 2. This stunning Savannah dress from Elbeth Gillis is the ideal choice for a winter wedding – so chic! 3. Finish off your updo with this lovely little Mimosa hair comb from Rachel Simpson, £90 4. I adore these Marlene peep toes from Love Art Wear Art, £230 5. Get your groom looking suave and sophisticated in a cool outfit from Twisted Tailor. Oh-so chic and bang on trend!

3

elcome to the stunning Spring issue! Jam-packed with great ideas and inspiration for your dream wedding, we’ve got everything from bridal fashion through to big day planning tips and honeymoons. This issue we’ve got beautiful dresses for every season (page 19), gorgeous gowns for every colour of the rainbow for your best girls (page 47), and three beautiful real weddings to inspire your own big day. My favourite feature this issue is ‘How to save £8k in one year’ (page 75). It’s amazing to see just how much money you can save in 12 months by making tiny changes to your daily life, without even batting an eyelid. It’s important to remember that weddings are about the marriage not the party – it’s about the commitment you are both making to each other for the rest of your lives, so you don’t want to start that new adventure in debt. If your wedding is this coming season, best of luck from all of us at JADE PEPPERELL Love Our Wedding, make sure you Editor send me the pics after the big day! 5 5

4

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Modern, decadent and unforgettable.... View the brand new Jennifer Wren Bridal 2020 collection here: www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk



JENNIFER WREN

MODECA

HERVE PARIS

SEASONAL STYLES FOR

BE AUT IFUL BRIDE S SPRING

ELYSEE

IVORY & CO

MORILEE

BEAUTIFUL BY ENZOANI

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BADGLEY MISCHKA

DANDO LONDON RONALD JOYCE

SUMMER

ELBETH GILLIS

ALLURE BRIDALS RANDY FENOLI BRIDAL

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SASSI HOLFORD


SANSA

www.morilee.co.uk



ROMANTICA OF DEVON

PURE BRIDAL

ALLURE BRIDALS

AUTUMN

CASABLANCA BRIDAL SPECIAL DAY

XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX

SASSI HOLFORD ELLIS BRIDALS XXXXXXXXXXXXX

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MODECA

ELLIS BRIDALS ELBETH GILLIS

WINTER

ENZOANI

CASABLANCA BRIDAL RICHARD DESIGNS

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BADGLEY MISCHKA


DINA


Flagship stockists BOA BOUTIQUE

HOLT

TILLY MINT WEDDINGS BOHO BRIDES

AMANDA K BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

RICHMON D 0208 948 2340

THE NORFOLK BRIDE

BIJOU BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

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STEPHANIE FRANCES BRIDAL

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L U E L L A E L I Z A B E T H B R I D A L NEWARK

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TRURO

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CAROLINE CLARKE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE D R O I T W I C H BRIDALWEAR BY EMMA LOUISE

BOLTON

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THE WHITE YARD

THE WHITE COLLECTION

WILLOW BRIDAL BOUTIQUE M I D D L E W I C H 0 8 0 0 0 8 6 9 3 3 0

HARVEY’S OF RAMSEY

CLEVEDON 01275 876056 RAMSEY 01487 711002

R I S P I N C O U T U R E SCARBOROUGH 01723 866099

BARNSLEY

01226 446724

THE BRIDAL BARN BOUTIQUE L A T H O M 0 7 8 4 5 8 6 6 0 9 9 FRILLY FROCKS

IRELAND

www.ivoryandcobridal.co.uk

041 980 1740



L OV E T H E C O L L E C T I O N

Beloved By CasaBlanCa A wow-factor collection that’s the perfect match for a contemporary bride

LORELEI ILLUSION LACE IS EVERYWHERE RIGHT NOW, AND THIS OFF-THE-SHOULDER DRESS IS A FINE EXAMPLE

SUMMER WE LOVE THE SWEETHEART NECKLINE TEAMED WITH THE SPAGHETTI STRAPS ON THIS DIVINE DRESS

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LOVE THE LABEL

KHLOE CARESS YOUR CURVES IN THIS GORGEOUS GOWN – THE IDEAL CHOICE FOR AN HOURGLASS FIGURE

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KELLAN THE SUBTLE GEOMETRIC EMBELLISHMENT ON THIS DESIGN IS TRULY BREATHTAKING – OUR PICK OF THE COLLECTION

JOSIE SULTRY, CHIC AND OH-SO CONTEMPORARY. THIS DRESS WILL TICK ALL YOUR BOXES!

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ANDI PRINCESS BRIDES, EAT YOUR HEART OUT! WITH A FULL TULLE LAYERED SKIRT AND SPARKLY BODICE, IT DOESN’T GET MUCH MORE FAIRYTALE THAN THIS


LOVE THE LABEL

HALLIE OPT FOR TRADITIONAL STYLE WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL BALLGOWN

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W W W. A L L U R E B R I D A L S . C O M


SPECIALDAY

SPECIALDAY

www.specialday-ireland.com


A bridal collection for 2020 that will have you swooning from start to finish If you want to see a masterclass in design, comfort and glamour in bridal, look no further than the 2020 collections from Allure Bridals. This brilliant brand always hit every note perfectly, and the latest designs are no exception. In fact, we think the signature collection could be their best ever! Filled with contemporary dresses the modern bride will fall head over heels for, whilst also catering for those that want traditional styling, there really is something for everyone with Allure. And that doesn’t just apply to the bride! Did you know that Allure also offer beautiful collections for the bridesmaids and grooms, too? Equally as high in quality and designed to make your favourite people look and feel like the best versions of themselves on the big day, Allure really is a one-stop shop for your wedding. Are you a curvier bride? No problem! Allure Bridals also offers the stunning Allure Women collection, created specifically for plussize brides. To find your nearest stockist and to see the new collections in full, visit allurebridals.com today.

ALLUR E B R IDAL S

LOVE THE LABEL

M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 35


KELSEY ROSE WHITE SINCERITY BRIDAL JENNIFER WREN

ALLURE BRIDALS

LE PAPILLON BY MODECA

RONALD JOYCE

ELLIS BRIDALS ELLIS BRIDALS

DANDO LONDON

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SASSI HOLFORD


MODECA

LE PAPILLON BY MODECA

ENZOANI

PURE BRIDAL

RONALD JOYCE

Sleeves I L LU S I O N

PURE BRIDAL DANDO LONDON ROMANTICA OF DEVON ELLIS BRIDALS BLU BY MORILEE

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L OVE T H E L A B E L

Fashion Focus... Elbeth Gillis

W

hen you envisage yourself on the big day, you’ll want to look and feel like a million dollars, wearing a dress that’s not only comfortable and high quality, but also feels like it’s ‘yours’. The key to this is versatility – being able to adapt a dress to make it completely your own. Elbeth Gillis offers exactly that with her latest collections. A simple dress can be easily adapted with bows, sleeves and overskirts to mix and match a completely unique look to you. You could even mix up the look throughout the day! Take a look at the variety on offer now at elbethgillis.com.

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For an appointment call 0207 680 9716 Shop Online at catherinedeane.co.uk


L OVE T H E L A B E L

PICTURE PERFECT

Jennifer Wren

T

he newest label from bridal powerhouse, Romantica of Devon, is the delightful Jennifer Wren. Lovingly designed right here in the UK, these gowns offer the ultimate in luxury for every bride. From the front to the back, every dress has been cleverly and carefully thought out, with breathtaking style and comfort in mind, using only the finest materials and embellishments. In a Jennifer Wren gown, you’re guaranteed to wow your guests and groom in a gown that will never date in your photos. To see the collection in full, visit romanticaofdevon.co.uk.

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Emma BRIDALS

WWW.EMMABRIDALS.COM


LOVE THE LABEL

AUBREY BEAU

Ellis Bridals This prestigious London label has come up trumps with their 2020 collections... Ellis are known for their traditional, well-structured gowns, with comfort and attention to detail at the fore. The 2020 collections are proving to be a massive hit with bridal boutiques and brides alike, with pretty much every gown ticking the boxes of contemporary

brides. From regal A-line gowns to slinky lace designs, Ellis have got it covered. Our pick of the bunch is Grace (right). We adore the breathtaking illusion neckline and sleeves. Bang on trend for 2020! See the full collection now at ellisbridals.co.uk.

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GRACE


BREE

CONSTANCE

MARIE

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RICHARD DESIGNS

SPECIAL DAY

XXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXX

MORILEE

MARK LESLEY

ALLURE BRIDALS

Bridesmaids RAINBOW

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DESSY

KELSEY ROSE

ROMANTICA OF DEVON


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DESSY

MORILEE

ALLURE BRIDALS

ALLURE BRIDALS

ROMANTICA OF DEVON

DESSY

RICHARD DESIGNS

KELSEY ROSE


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DESSY

DESSY

MAIDS TO MEASURE

ROMANTICA OF DEVON

DESSY

ALLURE BRIDALS

ALLURE BRIDALS

SPECIAL DAY


Introducing our Lovely Collection, a playful and modern line designed in collaboration with Lovely Bride. Each dress is carefully crafted to reect your fashion-forward wedding style and available in loads of beautiful colours and inclusive sizing. Learn more at dessy.com



Fun & filling fakeaways A healthy spin on your favourite takeaway treats, courtesy of Slimming World...

RECIPES TAKEN FROM SLIMMING WORLD’S COLLECTION.TO FIND YOUR NEAREST SLIMMING WORLD GROUP VISIT WWW.SLIMMINGWORLD.CO.UK OR CALL 0344 897 8000. IMAGES: SLIMMING WORLD/ GARETH MORGANS ©SLIMMING WORLD 2020 ‘SLIMMING WORLD’ IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF MILES-BRAMWELL EXECUTIVE SERVICES,TRADING AS SLIMMING WORLD.

Sweet and sour chicken

SERVES

4

Ready in 30 minutes INGREDIENTS 8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 large onion, roughly chopped 1 green pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 435g can pineapple chunks in natural juice, drained, reserving 2 tbsp juice 1 garlic clove, crushed

1 level tbsp cornflour 1 tbsp tomato purée 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp soy sauce A handful of finely sliced spring onions, to garnish Boiled dried rice, to serve METHOD Place a non-stick wok or deep frying pan over a high heat and spray with low-calorie cooking spray.

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Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes, stirring continuously. Transfer the chicken to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the onion, pepper and carrots to the wok and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the chicken to the wok and cook for a further 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Meanwhile, make the sauce by mixing the reserved pineapple juice with the garlic, cornflour, tomato purée, red wine vinegar, soy sauce and 100ml of water. Stir the sauce into the chicken and vegetables, add the pineapple and cook over a low heat for 2 minutes or until thickened. Scatter over the spring onions and serve hot with the rice.


Fish, chips and mushy peas

SERVES

4

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. Boil the chips in INGREDIENTS lightly salted boiling water 1kg floury potatoes, peeled and for 5 minutes. Drain well, thickly cut into chips return to the pan and cover. Low-calorie cooking spray Leave to cool slightly then 4 thick skinless cod or haddock fillets shake the pan to roughen 2 eggs, separated the edges. Line a baking Lemon wedges, to serve tray with baking parchment Mushy peas, to serve and arrange the chips in a single layer. Spray with For the tartare sauce 4 tbsp bottled gherkins, roughly chopped low-calorie cooking spray and bake for 20 minutes or 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed until golden. Line a baking tray with non-stick 2 level tbsp extra-light mayonnaise baking parchment. Arrange the fish on 200g fat-free natural fromage frais 1 tbsp finely grated unwaxed lemon zest the tray and season to taste. Whisk the egg whites in a large A small handful of chopped fresh dill, to serve bowl until they form soft peaks. Whisk Lemon wedges, to serve the yolks in another bowl and fold into the egg whites along with a pinch of salt. Stir to mix well and spoon the mixture over the fish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the Ready in 1 hour 15 mins

egg is lightly browned and the fish is cooked through. Meanwhile, make the tartare sauce. In a bowl, mix the gherkins, onion, capers, extra-light mayonnaise, fat-free natural fromage frais and lemon zest. Season, scatter over a little chopped fresh dill and chill until ready to serve. Season the chips and serve the fish with the tartare sauce, mushy peas and lemon wedges to squeeze over.

Spiced vegetable kebabs Ready in 35 minutes, plus marinating

SERVES

4

INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp sumac ¼ tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ground cumin 3 garlic cloves, finely grated 3cm piece of root ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika Juice of 2 lemons 1 courgette, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 red peppers, halved, deseeded and cut into bite-sized pieces 2 yellow peppers, halved, deseeded and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 aubergine, cut into bite-sized pieces Couscous, to serve Salad, to serve

METHOD In a large bowl, mix together the sumac, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, ginger, paprika and lemon juice. Season well and add all the vegetables. Toss to coat evenly, then cover and marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes or overnight if time permits. When you’re ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-hot. Thread the vegetable pieces on to eight metal skewers (or wooden skewers soaked in water for 20 minutes) and grill for 6-8 minutes on each side or until lightly charred and cooked through. These kebabs are best served hot and go really well with couscous and salad. M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 53


Find our gorgeous range of accessories online at linzijay.com


LOVE THE DETAILS

WEDDING

A MALL, £PO

OLIVER BONAS, £9.50

JOHN LEWIS, £4 FOR 2 HOMESENSE, £24.99

A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S I S

Golden..

GLITZY SECRETS, £35

E HOWEL ELIZA JAN

L, £POA

JENNY YOO, £POA

RICHARD DESIGNS

Add some glamour to your day with these metallic treats

HOMESENSE, £7.99

M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 55


CAKE MAISON

AMARA, £20 FOR 2

OLIVER BONAS, £24

THE WEDDING OF MY DREAMS, £5

THE WEDDING OF MY DREAMS, £2.50

GLITZY SECRETS, £38

GEORGE HOME, £16

DA WANDA, £5.72

THE WEDDING OF MY

DREAMS, £6

THE WEDDING OF MY DREAMS, £7 LOVE ART WEAR ART, £230

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FOR 10

PINGLE PIE, £POA

THE WEDDING OF MY DREAMS, £4.20


28/07/2017 13:09

With a selection of base-shoe designs to choose from, Adrienne Shoes work together with you to choose colour, fabric and crystal embellishment to create shoes that are handmade exclusively for you Base shoe... ...to final design!

Visit Our Studio At: Suite 9 Resource Business Centre, 537 Norwood Road, London, SE27 9DL Telephone: 07983 290 401 info@adrienneshoes.co.uk adrienneshoes.co.uk

LMW28_Adrienne Shoes.indd 34

Exquisite Handmade Accessories WWW.LAURELLIME.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANNA MITROI PHOTOGRAPHY

LOW24_Blank Page.indd 1

05/09/2017 15:04


THEME YOUR DAY

Victorian charm T

he Victorian era offered an abundance of timeless fashion and decadence through beautiful deco details – and this vintage styling is making a big comeback this year. This beautiful shoot proves that styling

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from over 100 years ago can give modern weddings a classic charm that will never date in your photos. From the high neck dresses and lace parasols to the chic groomswear and monochrome stationery, we can’t get enough of this look!


Photography: Sephory Photography Invitations: Giant Invitations Dresses: Jason Grech and L’ETO Bridal Suit tailor: Half Past 8 Bridal shoes: Sophia Webster Venue: Rippon Lea Estate Event management: Peter Rowland Jewellery: Franco Jewellers Make-up artist: Suzy Sela Hair stylist: Natalie Jaye Hair Bridal skincare: LUIERE Catering: Mary Eats Cakes Male model: Jake Marin Female model: Sophia Barrett M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 59


LOVE OUR WEDDING

Laura & Martyn A B R E AT H TA K I N G W ED D IN G IN CO RN WA L L

We can’t get enough of this beautiful wedding! Bride Laura tells the story of her day... How did Martyn propose? “We were in Austria on a skiing holiday. It was Christmas Day 2017 and, as my Auntie put it; he got down on one ski! The day

didn’t start so well because I wasn’t feeling great and wasn’t sure I’d ski that day (he must have been worried it wasn’t going to plan!). However, by the afternoon

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we set off on the slopes together. We came to a stop in a picturesque location. I was desperate to take a Christmas Day photo, and I thought that was why we had stopped. Martyn asked me to take my gloves off and I thought it was strange to do so just for the photo (and it was freezing!), and he proposed then and there

on the slopes. It was very romantic! Buzzing from the moment, I skied (shakily!) straight into the nearest bar to celebrate with some fizz!” What dress did you wear? “My dress was by Naomi Neoh called Ivy, in the Oyster shade. I bought it from The Bridal House of Cornwall in Truro. Luckily


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The Details DATE: 18th August 2018 VENUE: Trevibban Mill Vineyard, near Padstow, Cornwall PHOTOGRAPHER: Jo Clement from Enchanted Brides LAURA’S DRESS: Naomi Neoh MARTYN’S ATTIRE: Military attire BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Frock & Frill ACCESSORIES: Merle & Morris, Laura Rhodes, Agent Provocateur, Sash + Veil

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it was off the rail because it was actually my second dress. I had changed my mind about my original one. I think this was because I bought my first dress too early. I loved this one and I’m glad that I trusted my instinct to buy the second dress, otherwise it wouldn’t have been perfect.” And the accessories? “I wanted to keep my accessories quite simple and understated. I ordered

bespoke gold drop earrings and a matching bracelet from Laura Rhodes, a lace garter from Agent Provocateur, my shoes were from Merle & Morris, and my veil was bespoke from Sash + Veil in Colchester. I went to the shop to select the fabric and design the veil to complement the dress. The veil had hand-sewn dried flowers on it. I loved its romantic but understated look – perfect for an outdoors wedding. I wore

my favourite perfume, Coco Chanel Mademoiselle, and MAC lipstick in the Velvet Teddy shade.” What did Martyn wear? “The groom wore military uniform (he is a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy) along with other guests who were invited to wear uniform for the wedding.” How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle? “It was an incredible

moment. I was driven to the aisle by my brother and I remember feeling pleased that I was on time (I’m usually running late for events!). The anticipation was an amazing feeling as I reached the start of the lake where I would walk around to the aisle. I kept glancing over at him on the island on the lake and it was such a great feeling to get to him at the end! This included walking over the bridge across the lake, with

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LOVE OUR WEDDING

me worrying my dress might wore matching dusky pink dip in it!” embroidered dresses from Frock & Frill.” Who were your bridesmaids and where What was your theme? were their dresses from? “My wedding theme was “My bridesmaids were two ‘Romantic Vineyard’. I of my best friends, wanted to create a romantic, Rachael and Alicia, and natural, outdoors-amongstmy sister, Amanda. They the-vines feel. I used 64 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0

having a preview of our wedding reception before the guests entered. It was amazing seeing my Pinterest board brought to life. I was What was the highlight so grateful to our on-the-day of your day? wedding planner (Jenny of “Having some time together Jenny Wren Weddings). She as a couple to just revel in had completely understood the moment – including the vision.” Pinterest to save images I liked and took inspiration from other vineyard weddings.”


What was your best buy? “The candles and vases (which we needed in bulk for all the tables for the reception) were from Ikea.” What’s your saving tip? “Save as much as you can beforehand and use your planning time wisely! We

had a year and a half before our big day but it really does fly by. Even if you have a shorter time frame, researching and planning is important. Planning in advance allows you to shop around for the best deal and not panic buy in the lead up to your day.” M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 65


LOVE OUR WEDDING

Carly & Scott A GORGEOUS GREEK WEDDING

A stunning wedding overseas in glorious sunshine. Bride Carly shares the story of her day... How did Scott propose? “It was my birthday on 29th December 2016. I had just walked in from a 12-hour night shift. As I went to walk upstairs, I noticed Scott’s

legs in the living room. He was sat in the dark! I turned around to switch the light on and when I turned back he shouted: “Happy birthday, will you marry me?”

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What dress did you wear? “My dress was by Ronald Joyce. It was beautiful, heavily beaded and so flattering. I plan to make it into a christening outfit one day. I bought it from Boutique Brides of Crosby.” What did Scott wear? “Scott wore navy linen material trousers and a

matching waistcoat, finished with a white shirt and black shoes purchased from Slaters Menswear in Liverpool Town centre. His lemon silk tie was purchased from tiesplanet.com.” How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle? “At first I felt guilty for being 30 minutes late and him


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The Details DATE: 24th July 2019 VENUE: Porto Azzuro, Zakinthos, Greece PHOTOGRAPHER: Irida Studio CARLY’S DRESS: Ronald Joyce SCOTT’S ATTIRE: Slaters & tiesplanet.com BRIDESMAID DRESSES: ASOS WEDDING PLANNERS: Zante Dream Weddings

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being stood in 37 degree heat the whole time, then an overall sense of anxiety came over me. Our moment was finally here!” Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from? “I had eight bridesmaids: my two sisters, Paige and Faith, sister-in-Law Emma, our niece Sophia and my best friends Shelley, Natalie, Nikki and Dayna. I also had two pageboys – my little

brothers Luke and Nicholas. The dresses were purchased from ASOS. I thought they were perfect for a wedding abroad. The pageboy suits were from Next.” What was your theme? “We didn’t have a theme so to say. The location said it all, and the backdrop behind the top table was just amazing. However, we did enhance the surroundings with lots of fresh flowers, lanterns

and fairy lights. It was just magical!” What was the highlight of your day? “The whole evening was just amazing and went so fast. But I think the highlight was the dancefloor when the saxophonist was playing.”

charm allowing my loved ones sadly no longer with us to accompany me down the aisle.”

What’s your saving tip? “Start early and shop around! Also consider what you can make yourself. I made our own favours, which saved a fortune. What was your best buy? Make lists and work through “I loved all the little touches, them methodically. At the in particular the ring security end of the day, it’s your case, fairytale book ring special day and you’ll want it holder and my bouquet to be memorable.”

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LOVE OUR WEDDING

Victoria & ashley A WINTER WEDDING IN SOMERSET

A stunning celebration on a cool Winter’s day in Somerset. Bride Victoria reveals all... How did Ashley propose? “Ash proposed back in December 2013 on Christmas Day. It was a real surprise, I really didn’t have a clue! It was lovely because both my grandad and Ash’s dad were there, and they have both sadly now passed away.” What dress did you wear? “I wore a beautiful Morilee dress. I loved the shape it 70 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0


gave me and the back was amazing. I got it from Cherry Blossom in Taunton.” And the accessories? “I borrowed most of my accessories. My veil was my best friend’s – it was beautiful and went well with my dress. My leopard print shoes were from River Island and a total bargain £30. My necklace

and bracelet were borrowed from my mum. They were my nana’s. I felt very lucky to be able to wear them.“ What did Ashley wear? “Ashley, my dad and the groomsmen all had threepiece suits from Slater’s of Bristol. They all looked so handsome. The groomsmen had green ties and Ash had

a golden tie to make him stand out from the others. Albie, our little boy, was our pageboy, and we tried to match his suit to the boys. His bow tie with gold stags was from Roco Clothing.“ How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle? “There were lots of emotions when I saw Ashley. I was so

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The Details DATE: 21st December 2019 VENUE: St Audries Park, Somerset PHOTOGRAPHER: Brad Wakefield VICTORIA’S DRESS: Morilee ASHLEY’S ATTIRE: Slaters FLOWERGIRL’S DRESS: TKMaxx PAGEBOY’S ATTIRE: Roco Clothing SHOES: River Island

nervous beforehand, but also very happy because we’ve been together for so long. I was feeling so excited with an overwhelming feeling of contentment. Last year was very hard for us both, so it was great to finally get married and end the year on a high!”

Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from? “My bridesmaids were my best friend Stephanie and my friend Heather. They wore Hunter green dresses with faux fur shrugs. Betsie-may, our little girl, was our flowergirl. She

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wore a TKMaxx dress with shoes and a handbag from Accessorize.“ What was your theme? “I Iove Christmas so we went for green and gold. We instantly fell in love with our venue, St Audries, because it was going to be decorated

perfectly for Christmas.“ What was the highlight of your day? “Having our friends and family together along with our children made it into a huge party. Now, finally, we are the Golesworthy’s, which is extra special.”


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Wedding Fairs 19th April - The Ravenswood,

West Sussex

26th April - Michelham Priory East Sussex

10th May - Southlands Barn West Sussex

17th May - Crowcombe Court, Somerset

24th May - Battle Abbey, East Sussex

31st May - Basing House, Hampshire

Join us for an introduction to hundreds of truly brilliant, highly experienced wedding suppliers. Our professionally organised wedding fairs are perfect for all wedding planning couples, wherever you’re getting married. Entry is FREE and we will have excellent goodie bags for all visiting couples!

Register for tickets via Facebook or at www.empiricalevents.co.uk empiricaleventsweddingshows

empirical

empiricalevents  empiricalevents_  01424 310580

EVENTS


How to save £8,000 in a year! You’ve started the wedding planning process and quickly realised that they’re not cheap, are they?! Well fear not – you could save over £8,000 a year by making simple changes to your daily life, without even batting an eyelid! Here’s how… Cut out the coffees – 2 times a week saves £700 a year Tough day at work? Late night? Time to get that caffeine fix – pronto! We all do it, but have you stopped to think about

how much these mini fixes are setting you back each month? The average person in the UK spends a whopping £13.50 a week on take out coffees, including the sweet treats that tempt you at the counter. That cost over the year amounts to just over £700! That could pay for all your bridesmaid dresses, or the majority of your wedding details. Simple swap Bye bye: Take-out coffees Hello: Instant coffee in your reusable cup!

Make your own lunch – saves £600 a year When you’ve had a long day and finally have the chance to put your feet up, getting prepared for the next day’s lunch may feel like a hassle you could do without. But with the average cost of take-out lunches costing a pretty penny, you could save a bundle by taking an extra 10 minutes to prepare your meal for the next day. For the cost of one take-out lunch, you could buy the bread, fillers, fruit and crisps for the whole week, with some change!

LLOYD RICHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

LOVE THE PLANNING

Simple swap Bye bye: Lunch meal deals Hello: Home-prepared snacks Take a walk not gym – saves £384 a year We would never advise against keeping fit and healthy, but with gym memberships costing an average £32 a month, with some as much as £70+, is it really worth the cash when you’re trying to save for the big day? £384 a year could cover the cost of all your wedding stationery!

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SLIMMING WORLD

tonight’ shopper. Research has found that you can end up spending six times more a week on food shopping Ditch the cinema – Plan the food shops – this way than if you had saves £150 a year saves £3,000 a year planned your weekly Movie lovers will be keen to You’re looking at this meals and bought the food have their monthly fix of the thinking, ‘£3,000, yeah accordingly. More visits to big screen, but tickets can be right!’, no doubt, but it really the local shop means more super expensive, and when does add up, for multiple temptation to buy little you chuck in the premium reasons. If you do a big extras you didn’t really want rates for the popcorn and food shop, and don’t plan (or need!). drinks, you may find that the ahead, there will inevitably whole evening costs more be a ton of waste, because Simple swap than your average night out. you put the curry off until Bye bye: Sporadic shopping With so many other great the weekend and the meat Hello: Planned weekly options out there, like Netflix has already expired. Or the food shops at only £5.99 a month, you veggies you bought to make can watch loads of great those homemade fajitas have Cut out the takeaways – movies and shows and spoiled. Worse still, you saves £480 a year spend a snip of the price. may be a ‘buy what I need We all deserve a treat, but Simple swap Bye bye: Gym Hello: Runs in the fresh air

Simple swap Bye bye: Cinema Hello: Netflix

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how often are you getting that take out pizza? Prices vary from shop to shop, but buying just one takeaway a month could really add up over the course of a year. These savings could come in really handy, and you’ll have a healthier diet too, win-win! Simple swap Bye bye: Takeaways Hello: Homemade meals Cash only on nights out – saves £200 a year You’re on a night out having fun with your friends, and the cash runs out. But you’re not ready to stop the party! Out comes the credit card.


alzheimers.org.uk/weddings

‘It was our way of making our friend Pat involved, even though she couldn’t be there. Seeing everybody wearing Alzheimer’s Society pin badges made us think of Pat everywhere we looked.’ Rebecca and Leigh

The perfect gift for the perfect day Your wedding day will create wonderful memories to last a lifetime. If someone you love can’t be there because of dementia, you can still make them part of your celebration. Honour them in a really special way by supporting Alzheimer’s Society. You can invite your guests to make a donation to us rather than give you a gift, organise a collection on the day, or order our unique wedding favours. As you enjoy your big day, your generosity will help us defeat dementia - the best wedding gift of all. To find out more visit alzheimers.org.uk/weddings or call us on 0330 333 0804

Photo of Rebecca and Leigh © TDH Media Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered charity number 296645.



XXXXXXXXX

CJ EVANS SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

LOVE THE PLANNING

Something we’ve all been guilty of time and time again! However, one simple trick will ensure you can’t fall for this trap, even if you wanted to. Simply only take out the cash you wish to spend, covering drinks and a taxi home. This way even when you really want another one or two, your sober self has pulled in the purse strings! Simple swap Bye bye: Credit card Hello: Cash only

suggesting this as a fulltime fix, but a temporary solution. Spending money has never been easier than nowadays, with apps aplenty, from eBay to Amazon. So one way to stop the temptation is to delete the app until the big day has passed. Out of sight, out of mind… Simple swap Bye bye: Shopping apps Hello: Healthy bank balance!

Local leisure (holidays) – Delete the shopping apps – saves £1,500 a year saves £600 a year If you’re the sort of couple Fear not, we’re not that just HAS to have their

annual trip away, consider swapping an overseas break for a UK getaway. Blighty has some incredible places to spend time away relaxing, from the beautiful beaches of Cornwall to fun city breaks in Manchester. Cutting out flights will certainly save you a bundle of money, too.

your contract expires, but are you happy with your current phone? Do you need to upgrade? If not, don’t bother. You can pay the minimal phone tariff on your lovely phone without having to fork out the extra £25-£40 a month for the new phone!

Simple swap Bye bye: Holiday abroad Hello: British breaks

Simple swap Bye bye: Expiring contract Hello: Basic tariff

Don’t upgrade your mobile phone – saves £350 a year Your phone contractor is bugging you to upgrade your phone next month as

Total saved in year one = Over £8,000! So there you have it – making huge savings doesn’t have to mean big changes. What are you waiting for?!

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Love Our Wedding reviews...

Mount Somerset A stunning Somerset hotel & spa awaits to host your dream wedding... ABOUT THE VENUE

wedding breakfast, and up to 80 guests for the evening reception. The venue boasts 19 luxurious bedrooms. For smaller weddings couples have the option to secure smaller ceremony and reception spaces within the hotel on a non exclusive-use basis. There is also alternatives to the traditional wedding breakfast, in the form of an afternoon tea package.

CAN YOU GET MARRIED AT MOUNT SOMERSET?

WEDDING PRICES

A privately-owned portfolio of nine beautiful properties in the UK. The 19-bedroom regency country house hotel has views over Taunton Vale, a fine-dining restaurant serving delicious seasonal fare and an intimate spa. Stay overnight from £109 per room (two sharing), including full English breakfast and access to the spa.

Yes you can get married at The Mount Somerset. The venue is fully licensed and there are a variety of beautiful ornate rooms and outdoor spaces that work equally well for all manner of ceremonies, from large and flamboyant to small and intimate. HOW MANY GUESTS CAN IT ACCOMMODATE?

The venue caters for both small and large wedding parties. You can hire the venue on an exclusive-use basis for larger wedding parties. The Mount Somerset can accommodate up to 45 guests for the wedding ceremony and

You will be pleasantly surprised to hear that Wedding prices start from just £2,020 for non exclusive-use (based on 30 guests) to £7,999 for exclusive-use (based on 45 guests for the Wedding Reception and breakfast and 80 guests for the evening reception) ensuring there is THE perfect wedding package for every budget!

THINGS TO DO

The Mount Somerset hotel boasts the luxurious Elan Spa. All hotel residents have complimentary access to the Spa facilities between check-in and check-out, these include; Sauna, Steam Room,

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Hydrotherapy Pool, Experience Showers and Foot Spas. Highly skilled therapists are readily available for all manner of treatments. The Spa exclusively uses products from renowned skin care brand ESPA maintaining a strong focus on wellbeing and relaxation. Music to the ears of any stressed out bride-to-be! Nestled in the heart of Somerset there are also some stunning walks through breathtaking countryside as soon as you set foot outside the hotel. To find out more or to book your wedding call The Mount Somerset Hotel & Spa on 01823 442500 or visit themountsomersethotelandspa.com.



PLAYLISTS FOR 2020

W

e’ve taken a look at the most popular songs so far this year for every part of your wedding playlist. From traditional classics to walk you down the aisle, to heartwarming first

dance tunes that won’t leave a dry eye in the house, and finally, to the last dance to ensure the evening goes out on a high for you and all your guests, we’ve got it covered.

TO P 10 B R IDE ENTRANCE SONGS 1. 2.

TO P 10 CEREMON

Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

3.

Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles

4.

Canon in D – Pachelbel

5.

Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good) – Quindon Tarver

6.

Butterfly Waltz – Brian Crain

7.

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

8.

Make You Feel My Love – Adele

9.

The Prince of Denmark’s March – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

10. Glasgow Love Theme – Craig Armstrong

Y SONGS

1.

Better Toget

2.

Claire De Lu

3.

A Thousand

4.

All Of Me –

At Last – Etta James

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BETH ALDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Magical melodies

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

her – Jack Jo

ne – Claude

hnson

Debussy

Years – Chris

tina Perri

John Legend All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Oper Wedding M a) – usic How Long W ill I Love You – Ellie Gould ing Just the Way You Are – Bru no Mars Bridal Choru s (From “Loh egrin”) – Royal Wedd ing Orchest ra Moon River – Frank Sina tra “Ode to Joy” from Sympho ny No. 9 in D minor, O p. 125: Chora l) – Beethove n


TO P 10 FIR S T DANCE SONGS 1.

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

2.

At Last – Etta James

3.

All Of Me – John Legend

4.

Your Song – Elton John Something – The Beatles Let’s Stay Together – Al Green I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing –

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Aerosmith A Thousand Years – Christina Perri Stand By Me – Ben E. King

10. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

TO P 10 L A S T DANCE SONGS 1.

(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jenn ifer Warnes

2.

Don’t Stop Me Now

3.

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers

– Queen

4.

All You Need Is Love – The Beatles Don’t Stop Believin ’ – Journey 6. Walking On Su nshine – Katrina & The Wave s 7. At Last – Etta James 8. Champagne Su pernova – Oasis 9. God Only Know s – The Beach Boys 10. Hey Jude – Th e Beatles 5.

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THE ISLAND WEDDING

of your dreams

Walk down an isle of sand and exchange ‘I-do’s’ with the world’s clearest waters in view. On unique 16 islands of beauty and possibility, you can have it all visit us at bahamas.com T: 0207 355 0800


LOVE THE PLANNING

S AY “ I D O ” I N A

Caribbean Paradise

D

oes the idea of joining the love of your life at the end of a powdery, white-sand aisle make your heart skip a beat? Do you dream of kissing under the Caribbean sun while the vibrant blue ocean paints a pictureperfect backdrop for your vows? If this is what you’ve always imagined your big day to be, then allow Sandals to create the wedding of your dreams. Situated on six of the Caribbean’s most romantic islands, Sandals

Resorts offer the ideal destination to begin life as newlyweds. With 15 breathtaking resorts featuring luxurious world-class all-inclusive amenities, you’ll indulge in the holiday of a lifetime, carefree to soak in every minute of this beautiful moment. If you prefer to elope in an intimate ceremony or host a grand affair for all of your closest family and friends, every little detail will be carried out just as you envisioned. And best of all, at Sandals Resorts

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everything is included! From 5-star Global Gourmet Dining™ and premium brand drinks through to unlimited land and water sports – it’s always included and unlimited. That’s why Sandals has been voted the World’s Leading All Inclusive Resorts for the past 24 years at the World Travel Awards. At Sandals, they understand that your love story is unique and special… and your wedding should be, too. They say the best things


in life are free, and Sandals most certainly agree. That’s why, when you book 3 nights or more, they’ll gift you a wedding for free^! Yes, that’s right, a FREE wedding! This includes a stunning ceremony location, a bouquet, boutonniere, and even a cake to cut when it’s all said and done! Plus, if you want to customise your dream wedding, the options are endless with their wedding

inspirations. Sandals’ stunning Wedding Inspirations are designed to inspire your imagination and help plan the wedding of your dreams. You can mix and match their tasteful décor options to reflect your personal style. Their inspirations are styled ideas, colours, flowers and finishing touches that will guide you through the planning journey. So tell Sandals your dream, and they’ll bring it to life.

For more information on Sandals Resorts or to book an appointment with a wedding specialist, call 0800 012 1878, visit sandals.co.uk or pop into the Sandals Luxury Travel Store in London, SW3 6RT. T&Cs: ^Minimum 3 night stay. Mandatory marriage officiant and government documentation fees apply.

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JAMAICA

ANTIGUA

SAINT LUCIA


BAHAMAS

GRENADA

BARBADOS

SAY “I DO” IN THE CARIBBEAN SUNSHINE

OVER-THE-WATER CHAPEL, SANDALS SOUTH COAST, JAMAICA

THE WO R L D’S ONLY 5-STAR LUXURY IN C LUDED® RESORTS At Sandals, we understand that your love story is unique and special… and your wedding should be too. They say the best things in life are free. And we happen to agree. That’s why, when you book 3 nights or more at one of our 15 Luxury Included® Caribbean resorts, we’ll gift you a wedding for free^. This includes a stunning ceremony location, a bouquet, boutonniere, and even a cake to cut when its all said and done! Plus, if you want to customise your dream wedding, the options are endless with our wedding inspirations. You can mix and match our tasteful décor options to reflect your personal style. Choose from an array or colours, flowers and finishing touches that will make your special day as unique as your love. Plus when you stay at Sandals, everything is included. From gourmet dining, land & water sports, endless pours of premium brand drinks and unrivalled entertainment. It’s the perfect place to start your new life together.

VOTED THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS FOR

CALL 0800 012 1878

24

YEARS IN A ROW

VISIT SANDALS.CO.UK

Come in store London, SW3 6RT. See your local travel agent @SandalsResorts

@Sandals_UK

^Minimum 3 night stay. Mandatory marriage offi ciant and government documentation fees apply.

2019


LOVE THE PLANNING

B L U E B AY T R AV E L’ S

TOP PICKS

W

Considering saying your vows overseas? Then check out these top locations from Blue Bay Travel...

e’ve travelled the world over in search of the most romantic and breathtaking spots in which to say, ‘I Do’. From quaint hideaways nestled on the water’s edge to enchanting, intimate tropical garden settings, and everything in-between. At Blue Bay Travel, we’re

confident we can find you the ideal place for you and loved one to begin the rest of your lives together. With unbeatable upgrades, idyllic locations, and first-rate service to match. We’ve handpicked a selection of resorts that will ensure your unforgettable moments extend long beyond the big day.

1. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Excellence El Carmen Excellence El Carmen optimises everything we know and love about the Caribbean. This resort is a pictureperfect haven with breathtakingly romantic ocean views and a palm fringed white sand beach. Spectacular pools meander through the resort grounds and a wealth of eateries and bars are on hand to tantalise your taste buds. The hotel’s stunning location combined with contemporary architecture make this the ideal spot for your big day and the honeymoon that follows. Prices start at £1,199pp and include a choice of Excellence Club room upgrades and spa discounts. Visit caribbeanwarehouse.co.uk/ excellence-el-carmen for further details.

2.MEXICO Excellence Riviera Cancun This stunning all-inclusive resort is one of the best Mexico has to offer. With the Caribbean Sea providing a heavenly back drop for those special moments, and a first-rate service that has been perfected over the years, Excellence Riviera Cancun is sure to tick all the boxes. Located on a sugar-white beach on the famed Riviera Maya coastline, the stage is set for an unforgettable wedding in one of the Caribbean’s most memorable locations. Whether it’s an intimate boutique ceremony or a memorable celebration with the family, this hotel has it all and more. Prices start at £1,399pp and include a choice of Excellence Suite upgrades and spa discounts. Visit caribbeanwarehouse.co.uk/excellenceriviera-cancun for further details.

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3. THE MALDIVES Filitheyo Island Resort Breath-taking landscapes and turquoise waters effortlessly combine to create the dreamiest of surroundings at Filitheyo Island Resort. Feel the sand underfoot as you and your loved one recite your vows, on a day that you’ll never want to forget. With a choice of luxurious villas, your first nights as newlyweds are bound to be as unforgettable as your special day. With all rooms offering spectacular ocean views and an abundance of treatments on hand at the hotel spa, romance and relaxation isn’t hard to come by at this Indian Ocean escape. Prices start at £1,399pp and include an island-hopping tour, fishing trip and more. Visit tropicalwarehouse.co.uk/filitheyoisland-resort for further details.

4. PANAMA Dreams Playa Bonita Seeking a destination slightly more unique in which to whisper those immortal words? Dreams Playa Bonita in Panama offers loved ones a magnificent setting to begin married life together. Located on a sprawling beach and set amongst luscious greenery. This enchanting resort also provides stunning accommodations and an array of restaurants and bars to ensure wedding guests and honeymooners have an unforgettable time. Choose from a range of wedding and honeymoon packages tailored to surpass your expectations, as you unearth all that Panama has to offer. Prices start at £999pp and include Preferred Club upgrade, spa discounts and more. Visit caribbeanwarehouse.co.uk/dreams-playa-bonita for further details.

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VENUE DIRECTORY

Your guide to the UK’s best venues Next issue

Searching for the perfect place to • 50 of the best wedding dresses say ‘I do’?Look no further than for modern brides these extra special wedding venues • How to cut the guest list without upsetting anyone!

London South West

• How to get a luxurious-looking wedding for less

Number of guests Licensed for ceremonies Accommodation on site Catering available Licensed bar facilities Outdoor spaces

Heart of England East of England Northern England

• Beautiful real-life weddings, gorgeous details and much, much more...

GUIDE TO SYMBOLS

South East

Wales Scotland Northern Ireland

S

tarting your wedding venue search can be daunting, with so many things to consider – location, size, price. Is your wedding easy enough for guests to get to, without being too far from your home? Can the venue cater for your guests, whether 20 or 150 of them? Does it look like your idyllic setting but it costs far too much, or perhaps there’s a hidden

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treasure that’s bang on budget? We’ve made finding the perfect place to get married that little bit easier with our handy guide. We’ve handpicked our favourite wedding locations across the UK and given all the information you need to make an informed decision. Simply use the symbols (left) to discover which of these fantastic venues is perfect for you. Happy searching!


NEW

The Old Rectory

80

The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, Reading, RG7 4JD T: 0118 327 2878 theoldrectoryberkshire.co.uk

With exclusive use of our elegant Country House and manicured

grounds, we provide you and your guests with an idyllic setting in which to create your perfect day.

Begin your day getting ready in our charming courtyard lodge.

Walk down a isle in our Gala Hall surrounded by your loved ones and indulge in a delicious wedding breakfast in our gorgeous

glass Orangery. Later, dance the night away in our transformed

Gala Hall and unwind with family and friends in our lounge area,

with plenty of drinks and cocktails flowing from our in-house Oak Bar. After the party, get some well-needed rest in our honeymoon suite, plus five beautiful bedrooms for your nearest and dearest.

NEW

Hawkstone Hall

200

Hawkstone Hall & Gardens, Weston, Shrewsbury, SY4 5UZ T: 01630 685 242 E: enquiries@hawkstonehall.co.uk hawkstonehall.co.uk

Hawkstone Hall & Gardens offers a completely unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests to enjoy. From the intricate detailed ceiling of The Ballroom, the huge arched windows of The Saloon to the grandeur of The Chapel and the abundance of light in The Wintergarden each individual space provides it’s very own highlight. Hawkstone Hall & Gardens is licensed to hold wedding ceremonies and is able to accommodate up to 220 guests for a service, with a mixture of luxury suites and classic bedrooms available for your guests to spend the night.

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VENUE DIRECTORY

Hever Castle

550

Holmewood Hall

77

Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG

Holmewood Hall, Church St, Holme, Peterborough PE7 3BZ

Tel: 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

Tel: 01487 829555 www.holmewood-hall.co.uk

Hever Castle is proud to offer an award-winning venue in the heart of the Garden of England. Whether it’s the stately grandeur of the castle itself, the classic, country house atmosphere of the Astor Wing or the stunning lakeside location of the Italian Garden, Hever Castle offers a wedding venue to suit all your wedding day dreams. Intimate gatherings, exuberant parties, outdoor weddings, all catered for. Five star luxury accommodation is also available to book as part of your wedding, for you and your guests.

The UK’s most established exclusive use wedding venue group, Country House Weddings, has expanded its portfolio with the purchase of Holmewood Hall in Cambridgeshire. This stunning Tudor-gothic style country mansion has recently opened its doors for weddings, and it’s a magnificent choice for any couple. Holmewood Hall is nothing less than spectacular, inside and out. There are incredible facilities on-site allowing you to cater for large or small celebrations, plus 16 wow-factor bedrooms to keep your guests comfortable.

Gamekeepers Inn

200

Long Ashes Park, Threshfield, Near Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5PN Tel: 01756 752434 www.gamekeeperinn.co.uk

Our award winning Netherside Suite is the perfect setting for your day. With a vaulted ceiling framed by exposed oak beams, a log burning fire, private bar and doors opening out on to the terrace and garden. We can provide formal dining for up to 140 guests and a reception for up to 200 guests. Our idyllic location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park ensures a picture perfect setting for your photographs. The Gamekeeper’s Inn and surrounding grounds of Long Ashes Park allow you to capture the beautiful landscape, providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. We have ample onsite car parking for you and your guests.

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Clearwell Castle

150

Leez Priory

Church Rd, Clearwell, Coleford GL16 8LG

Hartford End, Great Leighs, Chelmsford CM3 1JP

Tel: 01594 832320 www.clearwell-castle.co.uk

Tel: 01245 362555 www.leez-priory.co.uk

A magical Castle in the Forest of Dean makes dreams of a fairy-tale wedding come true! The castle’s sensational facade is instantly transportive and speaks only of Prince Charming and his one true love. Despite its elegance and glamour, Clearwell Castle is truly warm and inviting. Fifteen luxurious bedrooms in the Castle plus a further 24 at the neighbouring The Wyndham, enables guests to make an extended visit and couples can enjoy an extended celebration! The venue also boasts a 75-foot aisle for a grand entrance!

St Audries Park

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In decadent Tudor-style, Leez Priory in Essex remains one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the country. Wedding ceremonies can be performed in any of the venue’s seven licensed settings, including the breathtaking historic Tower, or beneath the carriageway for a truly romantic setting on warmer, sun-kissed days. We love the Great Hall for its exposed beams and feature fireplace – perfect for a winterwonderland theme! Leez Priory’s perfectly manicured lawns and lakes make for great photo hotspots to treasure.

Gosfield Hall

St Audries park, West Quantoxhead TA4 4DS

Hall Dr, Gosfield, Halstead CO9 1SF

Tel: 01984 633633 www.audries-park.co.uk

Tel: 01787 472914 www.gosfield-hall.co.uk

The picture-perfect Victorian Orangery at St Audries Park in Somerset is a dazzling-bright way to become man and wife. Featuring sensational views over the Quantock Hills, this venue’s ephemeral, all-year round natural light will capture your heart and imagination – there’s so much scope to work with the expertise of the wedding team on hand to make this venue your own. Only one wedding venue we know is also home to a 100-acre deer park… the photo opportunities here are staggering!

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This stunning Georgian manor, built in 1545, boasts a picturesque setting all year round. Exclusivity is key when searching for the perfect location, and the team at Gosfield Hall are proud to be able to host your magical day at your very own stately home. Enjoy a civil ceremony in two stunning locations – accommodating up to 116 guests – followed by your seated wedding breakfast in their very own beautiful ballroom. With room for up to 250 guests in the evening, you can invite all of your nearest and dearest to join in the celebrations.

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Wedding Shows

Make sure you get tickets to these fabulous fairs and events! march 2020

april 2020

EMPIRICAL EVENTS 19TH MARCH The Ravenswood Cinder Hill Sharpthorne RH19 4HY. 18:00-21:00pm. 26TH MARCH Bannatyne Spa Hotel Battle Road Hastings TN38 8EA. 18:00- 21:00pm. empiricalevents.co.uk

THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW 4TH-5TH APRIL ExCel, London. nationalweddingshow.co.uk

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RUBY SHOO

EMPIRICAL EVENTS 5TH APRIL Cissbury Barns Nepcote West Sussex BN140SR. 11:00-15:00pm. 19TH APRIL The Ravenswood Cinder Hill Sharpthorne RH19 4HY. 11:30–15:30pm. empiricalevents.co.uk

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• Touches of glamour! How to create an A-list reception without a big budget • Top tips for perfect wedding photography

• The best wedding venues around the UK & their latest offers

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KIT MYERS PHOTOGRAPHY

• Planning tips to ensure your big day runs smoothly, beautiful real weddings and so much more...


WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS CAR I BBE AN | I ND IA N OCEA N

Whether you are renewing your vows after a lifetime together or just starting out on your wedding journey, our UK-based wedding coordinators are available 7 days a week to help you through every step of your celebration.

bluebaytravel.co.uk/weddings

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Book an appoinment today 03444 997 645 bluebaytravel.co.uk/contact



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