LOVEOURWEDDINGMAG.COM
ISSUE 56
• SEPT/OCT 2021
THE BIG DAY A-Z MUST-READ TIPS TO USE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
SHE’S IN FASHION!
THE TOU FINAL CHE S
THE LITT LE D THE ET MOS T! TH AILS CO IN S UNT EME T Y YOU LE JEW R DA ELLE , FROM Y RY A Y ND S OUR THE HOE ROO S MD ECO TO R
THE LATEST DRESS TRENDS FOR YOU AND YOUR BRIDESMAIDS
BRIDES are BACK!
RO M A N T I C A w w w. r o m a n t i c a o f d e v o n . c o . u k
ALLUREBRIDALS.COM
70
66
CHIC SHOOT Florals galore in this wow-factor shoot at Blenheim Palace
PASTEL POP Choose subtle, soft tones for your reception decor
LOV E OUR
Contents
18
SEPTEMBER/ O C TO B E R 2021
Contact us DREAMY DRESSES From lightweight to princess
EDITOR Jade Pepperell jade@meanttobemedia.com ART DIRECTOR Andy Allen andy@meanttobemedia.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 42
TIME TO FRILL! One of this year’s biggest fashion trends is exposed in this fabulous feature
61
BRIDAL PERFUMES The Fragrance Shop share their top big-day scents
62
92
BBQ TREATS All the taste, none of the guilt! Recipes from Slimming World
74
REAL WEDDINGS We have three gorgeous stories to share with you, tissues at the ready!
@LoveOurWedMag LoveOurWedding loveourweddingmag
THE A-Z OF ON THE DAY ADVICE Our fool-proof guide will ensure your day runs smoothly
LoveOurWedMag
MEANT TO BE MEDIA
E X C L U S I V E F E AT U R E S 32
LOVE THE COLLECTION: LOVE BY ENZOANI
38
LOVE THE LABEL: MARTIN THORNBURG
50
LOVE THE COLLECTION: ROMANTICA OF DEVON
56
SEASONAL BRIDESMAIDS Dress your girls to suit the season
64
8 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
ELEGANT EARRINGS Choose your perfect pair from our shortlist
Love Our Wedding is published by: Meant To Be Media Ltd loveourweddingmag.com
CINDY
RO M A N T I C A w w w. r o m a n t i c a o f d e v o n . c o . u k
ENZOANI.COM
LOVE OUR WEDDING
1 2
3
My favourite picks this month! 1. Pastels are my absolute favourite hues, and this super cute wreath from Lights4Fun is the perfect decoration for a spring/ summer wedding, £29.99. 2. I am
EDITOR’S LETTER
W
ell, it’s safe to say, this issue has been a long time coming! After sitting out for a while as the world recovered from the pandemic and normality resumed, we couldn’t be happier to be back talking about what we love the most – weddings! It’s been so heartwarming to hear all your stories; how you overcame postponements and managed to change plans to fit with the guidelines. To those that wed during this tough time, give yourself a pat on the back! And to everyone still waiting to say ‘I do’, I commend your patience, and now’s your time to really get stuck into the planning, letting the excitement unfold! We have LOADS of stunning dresses, details, tips and everything in between this issue. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed making it! We can’t wait to JADE PEPPERELL see the abundance of weddings ahead... Editor
always blown away by Enzoani’s dresses, but the new Renee design is definitely one of my all time favourites! 3. Subtle stationery like this menu from Knots & Kisses will make more of an impact on
5
your tables than you think, £2.50. 4. Louboutin shoes are about as sumptuous as it gets when it comes to shoes, and these nude Iriza heels are the perfect statement for
4
brides, £545 5. Weddings Gifted sell some lovely jewellery, which comes in a cute little bag! I love this pair, Julianna, £14.95
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 17
www.casablancabridal.com CELIA
www.sophiatolli.com STYLE Y22186
www.modeca.com NAYA
www.enzoani.com RIVA
www.justinalexander.com CAMBRIA www.elbethgillis.com POPPY
18 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE DRESS
H E AV Y V S L I G H T W E I G H T
GORGEOUS DRESSES From lightweight gowns for summer to heavy duty styles for cooler months, we’ve got you covered!
www.enzoani.com ROXANE www.enchantingbymoncheri.com STYLE 221160
L OV E LY & L I G H T
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 19
www.elyseebridal.com AALIYAH
www.ronaldjoyce.com STYLE 18553 www.enzoani.com ARYA www.xxxxxxxxx.com GOWN NAME
www.ronaldjoyce.com STYLE 69657
www.morilee.com STYLE 2374
20 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE DETAILS
www.allurebridals.com STYLE C621 www.specialday-ireland.com STYLE 21990
www.elyseebridal.com GIVERNY
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk STYLE JW20321
www.enzoani.com RONDA
www.ronaldjoyce.com STYLE 18558
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 21
www.enzoani.com OZALEA
www.justinalexander.com KUSI
www.justinalexander.com STYLE 11190
www.savannahmiller.com MAE www.enzoani.com ANSLEY
22 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
VALLY
ronaldjoyce.com
ELYSEEBRIDAL.COM
LOVE THE DETAILS
www.modeca.com OULA
www.enchantingbymoncheri.com STYLE 221163
www.allurebridals.com STYLE 3452
www.modeca.com NOAH
www.casablancabridal.com LILOU
www.enchantingbymoncheri.com STYLE 221156
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 25
www.enzoani.com ARLETTE
www.ronaldjoyce.com STYLE 18572
www.justinalexander.com BLISS
www.elbethgillis.com ARIANA
www.specialday-ireland.com STYLE E21991 www.enzoani.com ALYSON
26 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE DRESS
S T RO N G & S T U N N I N G
www.casablancabridal.com ANASTASIE
www.allurebridals.com STYLE 9852
www.sophiatolli.com STYLE Y22174
www.modeca.com NANCY
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk STYLE PB128
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 27
www.morilee.com STYLE 2370 www.enzoani.com ROSETTE
www.sinceritybridal.com STYLE 44279
www.enzoani.com OLANI
www.belovedbycasablancabridal.com ALANNA
www.justinalexander.com CAMRYN
28 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE DETAILS
www.badgleymischka.com EDNA
www.modeca.com NANETTE
www.ronaldjoyce.com STYLE 69682
www.specialday-ireland.com STYLE E21977
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 29
www.sinceritybridal.com STYLE 44269
www.morilee.com STYLE 2377
www.madison-james.com STYLE MJ661 www.morilee.com STYLE 2380
www.xxxxxxxxx.com GOWN NAME
www.sinceritybridal.com STYLE 44277
www.sophiatolli.com STYLE Y22182 30 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE DETAILS
www.martinthornburg.com STYLE 221206
www.martinthornburg.com STYLE 221210
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk SLOANE
www.morilee.com STYLE 2375
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk MIRIAM
www.elyseebridal.com SOLEIL S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 31
AISHA WE’RE GETTING SOME SERIOUS PRINCESS VIBES FROM THIS BEAUTIFUL GOWN. SUCH A GORGEOUS TULLE OVERLAY
L OV E T H E C O L L E C T I O N
LOVE This exciting new collection brought to you by Enzoani is sure to turn heads!
32 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE LABEL
STYLE C561 MAKE A BOLD STATEMENT IN THIS OH-SO PRINCESS A-LINE DRESS
ANTONIA LOOK FRONT-TOBACK PERFECTION IN THIS FIGURESKIMMING STYLE. SIMPLY ELEGANT FROM THE FRONT WITH A WOWFACTOR BACK (LEFT)
AMINA ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED ABROAD OR IN HIGH SUMMER? THIS LIGHTWEIGHT DRESS COULD BE PERFECT FOR YOU
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 33
STYLE C571 COMPLETE WITH A STUNNING SWEETHEART NECKLINE, THIS DRESS WILL MAKE YOUR PARTNER’S JAW DROP!
STYLE C568 WE LOVE THE SIMPLICITY OF THIS DESIGN, AND ITS CUTE OFF-THESHOULDER STRAPS
STYLE C573 GLIDE DOWN THE AISLE WITH THIS FRILL LAYERED MERMAID SKIRT
ALYSE WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THE FRILL LAYERED MERMAID SKIRT ON THIS GOWN. SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE!
34 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
ALEXA CARESS YOUR CURVES IN THIS FITTED DRESS, COMPLETE WITH SOPHISTICATED SLEEVES
LOVE THE LABEL
STYLE C564 SOPHISTICATED, CLASSIC DESIGN THAT WILL NEVER DATE IN YOUR PHOTOS
ANNE ANOTHER FABULOUSLY FRILLY FROCK, THIS TIME WITH SPAGHETTI STRAPS AND A PLUNGING V-NECKLINE
ARLETTE OPT FOR A CLASSY, SOPHISTICATED LOOK WITH THIS GORGEOUS A-LINE DRESS. THE SLIT IN THE SKIRT ADDS JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SULTRINESS
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 35
www.martinthornburg.com
STYLE 221207
STYLE 220262
38 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE LABEL
L OV E T H E C O L L E C T I O N
MARTIN THORNBURG Get your paws on a gown from this incredible collection, and you’ll be sure to make your partner’s jaw drop!
STYLE 221209
STYLE 220276
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 39
STYLE 221202
STYLE 221210
40 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE LABEL
STYLE 221204
STYLE 221207 STYLE 221203 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 41
www.elyseebridal.com CHALAMET
www.belovedbycasablancabridal. LANEY
www.specialday-ireland.com STYLE E21 970
Time to frill From subtle necklines to full layered skirts, we can’t get enough of frilly details like these...
42 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
www.badgleymischka.com ELYSE
.com
www.allurebridals.com STYLE 9859
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 43
www.allurebridals.com STYLE F236
www.justinalexander.com ANABELLA
www.elbethgillis.com ADELINE
www.savannahmiller.com INDRA
44 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk STYLE PB133
www.modeca.com OLDA
www.martinthornburg.com STYLE 221206
www.justinalexander.com TILER
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 45
www.justinalexander.com MIRELLA
www.enzoani.com RENEE
www.savannahmiller.com LUCIA
www.allurebridals.com STYLE 3315
46 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
ENZOANI.COM
www.sophiatolli.com
www.sophiatolli.com
MIRIAM GET A REGAL LOOK THAT WILL NEVER AGE IN YOUR PHOTOS, COURTESY OF THIS BREATHTAKING A-LINE DESIGN
ROSEMARIE GLIDE DOWN THE AISLE IN THIS PRETTY DRESS, WITH A TULLELAYERED SKIRT
L OV E T H E C O L L E C T I O N
ROMANTICA OF DEVON The 2021 collection is sure to tick all your bridal boxes... But which one will you choose?
50 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE LABEL
TIFFANY SKIM OVER YOUR CURVES IN THIS FIT AND FLARE GOWN, COMPLETE WITH STRAPS FOR ADDED SUPPORT
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 51
STYLE C571 LILIANA COMPLETEBRIDES WITH FAIRYTALE A STUNNING ARE GOING TO FALL SWEETHEART HEAD OVER HEELS NECKLINE, THIS FOR THIS LITTLE DRESS WILL MAKE SHOW-STOPPER! YOUR PARTNER’S JAW DROP!
STYLE C568 BECCA WE LOVE THE WE ARE OBSESSED SIMPLICITYWITH OF THIS THE DESIGN, AND ITS INTRICATE CUTE OFF-THEDETAIL ON THIS SHOULDERDESIGN, STRAPS AND THE MERMAID SKIRT IS THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT
STYLE C573 GLIDE DOWN THE AISLE WITH THIS FRILL LAYERED MERMAID SKIRT
52 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE LABEL
STYLE C564 SOPHISTICATED, CLASSIC DESIGN THAT WILL NEVER DATE IN YOUR PHOTOS
SHAYNA OUR FAVOURITE IN THE COLLECTION HAS TO BE SHAYNA – THIS CHAMPAGNE DESIGN, LAYERED WITH STUNNING LACE SIMPLY OOZES WOW FACTOR
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 53
www.madison-james.com STYLE MJ760
www.specialday-ireland.com STYLE E21 975
www.savannahmiller.com SOFIA
Pearly Queen Pearls are a classic way to finish any outfit, via jewellery or on the dress itself... 54 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
www.ronaldjoyce.com FABIOLA
www.savannahmiller.com AMBER
www.madison-james.com STYLE MJ671
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 55
AUTUMN
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
www.allurebridals.com
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
www.allurebridals.com
www.dessy.com
56 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
WINTER
LOVE THE BRIDESMAIDS
SEASONAL BRIDESMAIDS Style your girls according to the time of year you wed, from January through to December...
www.allurebridals.com
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
www.allurebridals.com
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 57
SPRING
www.specialday-ireland.com
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk
www.allurebridals.com
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
www.specialday-ireland.com
58 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
SUMMER
LOVE THE BRIDESMAIDS
www.dessy.com
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk
www.dessy.com
www.allurebridals.com
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk
www.allurebridals.com
www.dessy.com
www.dessy.com
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 59
SPECIALDAY
SPECIALDAY
www.specialday-ireland.com
LOVE THE DETAILS
Paco Rabanne, Olympia Blossom, eau de parfum 50ml, £65.50
Chloe, eau de parfum 75ml £91.50
Estee Lauder, Beautiful Magnolia, eau de parfum 100ml, £98.50
Perfumes RICHARD DESIGNS
BRIDAL
Choose one of these amazing scents for your big day, courtesy of www.thefragranceshop.co.uk
Armani, Si, eau de parfum 50ml, £77.50
Lancome La Vie Est Belle Soleil Cristal eau de parfum, 50ml £77.50
Miss Dior, Roses n Roses eau de toilette 50ml, £64.50
Gucci Bloom, eau de parfum 50ml £76.50
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 61
All recipes are taken from Slimming World’s Little Book of BBQ book. Recipes are based on Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan and the liberating concept of Free Food – those foods that are naturally lower in energy density (calories per gram) and most satiating, so you stay fuller for longer.To find out more about Slimming World and how to join, visit slimmingworld.co.uk or slimmingworld.ie, or call 0344 897 8000 or 01 656 9696. Images: Slimming World/Gareth Morgans ©Slimming World 2021 ‘Slimming World’ is a trademark of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services operating as Slimming World.
BBQ RECIPES Enjoy the last of the great weather with delicious treats to share with friends and family...
Veggie kebabs with ricotta pesto Ready in 35 minutes
SERVES
4 INGREDIENTS 24 baby new potatoes 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into bite-size chunks 2 green peppers, deseeded and cut into bite-size chunks 24 chestnut mushrooms 8 bay leaves Low-calorie cooking spray
For the ricotta pesto: 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 small packs fresh basil, a few small leaves reserved to garnish Juice of 2 limes 120g ricotta cheese
potatoes in a saucepan of lightly salted boiling water over a high heat for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Drain well and set aside until cool enough to handle.
METHOD Light the barbecue for direct medium heat. Cook the
While the potatoes are boiling, make the pesto. Put the garlic, basil, lime
62 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
juice, ricotta and 2 tbsp water in a food processor. Season to taste, blend well and spoon into a bowl. Thread the potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and bay leaves on to 8 skewers, spray all over with low-calorie cooking spray and barbecue over direct medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning once. Or cook under a high grill. Arrange the skewers attractively on a board, garnish with a few basil leaves and drizzle over the pesto to serve.
Hoisin drumsticks Ready in 1 hour, plus marinating
MAKES
a large non-reactive bowl (glass, ceramic or plastic) and mix well.
12
INGREDIENTS 2 level tbsp hoisin sauce 3 tbsp soy sauce 1 garlic clove, crushed 2.5cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder 3 tbsp sherry vinegar 12 chicken drumsticks 2 level tsp sesame seeds Shredded spring onions, to garnish Salad, to serve
Skin each drumstick by pulling away the skin at the thicker end and pulling it off over the bony end. Make a few slashes in the flesh of each drumstick and put them into the hoisin mixture. Toss to coat well then cover and chill for 2 hours.
Light the barbecue for indirect medium heat. Barbecue the drumsticks over indirect medium heat for 35-45 minutes or until cooked through, turning once. Close the lid if you have one. Or METHOD cook them in the oven at 200°C/fan Put the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder and vinegar into 180°C/gas 6.
Arrange the drumsticks in a serving dish, sprinkle over the sesame seeds and scatter over the spring onions. Serve hot with the salad.
Strawberry and blueberry ice lollies Ready in 15 minutes , plus freezing
MAKES
6
INGREDIENTS 200g strawberries, hulled and quartered 300g blueberries 600g fat-free natural yogurt 1½ level tbsp sweetener 1½ tbsp vanilla extract METHOD Blitz the strawberries to a smooth pulp using a food processor and transfer to a small bowl. Clean the food processor then add the blueberries and blitz until thick and pulpy. Tip them into a second small bowl. Whisk the yogurt, sweetener and vanilla extract in a third bowl. Spoon the 3 mixtures into 6 x 100ml ice-lolly moulds in whatever order takes your fancy. Insert the ice-lolly sticks, cover and freeze overnight. When you’re ready to eat, dip the moulds in warm water for a few seconds to release the lollies. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 63
www.weddingsgifted.com £14.95
www.sophieallport.com £38.50
www.lido-collection.co.uk £125
www..lucysylvester.co.uk £300
www.jewellerybox.co.uk £59
www.thebritishcrafthouse.co.uk £40
www.lido
www.lido-collection.co.uk £90
www.lucyashton.com £75
64 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE DETAILS
ELEGANT EARRINGS Give your lobes some well-deserved glamour with these beautiful designs...
www.lido-collection.co.uk £70
www.nataliawillmott.co.uk £75
o-collection.co.uk £55
www.weddingsgifted.com £11.95
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 65
www.boots.com Chloe perfume, £52 www.lights4fun.co.uk Pastel egg wreath, £29.99
www.ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk Spirit hair pin, £35
Pastel Pop
www.christianlouboutin.com Iriza heels, £545
Choose subtle, colourful hues to decorate your day with modern style
66 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
www.knotsandkisses.co.uk Pink menu, £2.50
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk Ivy bridesmaid dress, £POA
www.modeca.com Nouri bridal gown, £POA
www.neviepiecakes.com Peony cake, £POA
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 67
www.asda.com Tealight holder, £2
www.lights4fun.co.uk Love Heart garland, £14.99
www.homesense.com Blue jug, £7.99 www.bubblegumballoons.com Pastel heart balloons, £12.50
68 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
www.swarovski.com Angelic earrings, £45
www.glitzysecrets.com Misty pink hair pins, £20
www.monsoon.com Flowergirl dress, £38
www.swoonatthemoon.co.uk Candy Confetti beer mat, £POA
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 69
70 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
THEME YOUR DAY
Fabulously floral T
here’s nothing quite like an abundance of fresh flowers to create the most beautiful, elegant look for your wedding. This incredible shoot, taken at one of our favourite venues, Blenheim Palace,
has completely got this trend bang on the money. The more blooms the better! Combined with the gorgeous stationery, delicious cake and chic wedding attire for the bride and groom, this photoshoot is packed with inspiration.
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 71
72 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
Contributors Shoot Concept: @amv_weddings @katiejulia_ @allforlovelondon Venue: @blenheimpalace Planning + Design: @amv_weddings Photographer: @katiejulia_ Florals + Design: @allforlovelondon Rentals: @optionsgreathire Models: @bameagency @itsmayaansar @adilthemalik Dress: @viktorandrolfmariage @viktorandrolf Groom’s attire: @menswearr_suits Stationery: @crimson_letters Hair/Makeup: @chloeghbridal on behalf of @botiashairandmakeup Cake: @cakesbykrishanthi Linen: @just_4_linen Accessories: @botiasaccessories Shoes: @bellabelleshoes Embroidered Ribbons: @theembroiderednapkincompany
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 73
LOVE OUR WEDDING
74 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
A STUNNING SOMERSET WEDDING
Lydia & Toby A beautiful day filled with pretty blooms and a subtle bumblebee theme. Bride Lydia tells all... How did Toby propose? It was uncharacteristically romantic. We were spending a little getaway together down in Ilfracombe as a treat for my 29th birthday. On a particularly windy but sunny day, we decided to go for a stroll around the headland. Toby stopped me at the highest point of the walk, wind threatening to blow me into the Atlantic, to try and wedge his phone into the cliffside for a quick selfie. Keen to get off the path and to safety, I was telling him to hurry up when I turned to see him down on one knee holding this beautiful engagement ring. He asked me to marry him and I of course said yes! He’d wedged his phone in the cliff to film the whole thing.
and silver leaves. It was so gorgeous, I ended up having my veil attached under my hair bun so as not to hide it from view! She also gave me a matching silver bracelet. Toby bought me a beautiful pair of diamond drop earrings, which complemented the diamond necklace my Mum, Sandra, leant me. The garter I wore was made by my Mum using the lace from her own wedding dress, fashioned into a honeycomb effect with a bee attached.
What did the groom wear? Toby wore a classic, yet modern, three-piece morning suit hired from Moss Bros, the Navy Carisbrooke tails. The jacket and trousers were navy blue with a light grey doubleWhat dress did you wear and where breasted waistcoat. This was accompanied did you buy it? by a dusty blue tie and matching pocket I wore a Maggie Sottero dress. Strapless, square set, topped off with a silver pocket sequined lace embroidered and corseted watch given to Toby by his Dad on the around the waist with a sweeping train. morning of our wedding. I had also bought I bought my dress from Sassi Holford in Toby a lovely pair of engraved cufflinks to Taunton. Having tried several other retailers wear but had not considered that his shirt with no luck, it was amazing how quickly I fell would not have double cuffs! Unlike my Dad, in love with Sassi’s range of beautiful dresses. Neal, Toby chose not to hack his lovely new They even managed to craft a veil using shirt with a knife to accommodate the gift! the same lace from the dress to complete the look. As Sassi is a family friend of the How did you feel when you saw him Thorne’s, this made it even more special. up the aisle? As soon as I saw Toby waiting for me at the And the accessories? aisle, I was filled with love and happiness. My sister (and maid of honour), Carla, made He looked so handsome. Without realising a gorgeous hair slide with pearl bead flowers it, and finding it hard to articulate how I S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 75
DETAILS Date: 17/07/2021 Location: Family Home in Kingston St Mary, Somerset Photographers: Christopher Bethell & Bekky Calver Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero Groom’s attire: Moss Bros Bridesmaid dresses: Babaroni
76 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
felt, the first words that came out of my mouth where, “you look beautiful”. This is not something I would normally say and we’ve laughed together looking back on this moment. I could see from Toby’s blushed complexion that he thought the same seeing me in my dress. Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from? My sister Carla was my maid of honour. I also asked Toby’s sister, Joanna, to be my bridesmaid, along with my best friend Lisa and my cousin Louise. They all looked beautiful wearing dusty blue, long, floaty chiffon gowns with delicate lace straps. We intentionally wanted to match the dusty blue theme from the bridesmaid dresses with the ties and pocket squares worn by the groom’s party. These were all bought from an online store called Babaroni. What was your wedding theme? We wanted to have a classic rustic style theme but with a touch of elegance and class, in keeping with the beautiful Somerset scenery. We had a loose bumblebee theme incorporated, as Toby and I first met through the dating app, Bumble. Even our wedding cake had a bee bride and groom on top made from icing, along with several other subtle bee related decorations including hexagonal table numbers, S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 77
78 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
honeycomb patterns dotted about and a small silver bee on my bracelet from Carla. What was the highlight of your day? After the service, we enjoyed a peaceful drive around the country lanes in an incredible vintage Aston Martin Lagonda. We both really enjoyed having this quiet time together to reflect on the marriage service, with the warm sun on our faces. This was short lived, however, as when we approached the reception at the Thorne family residence, our driver put
his foot down, honking his ‘Toad of Toadhall-esque’ horn and hurtling us towards all our nearest and dearest family and friends. We both agree this was the absolute highlight of the day. Being able to re-join our loved ones for the first time as a married couple. What was your best buy? By far, the best money spent was on our fabulous photographers Bekky and Chris, and our incredible band, Wildcard.
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 79
LOVE OUR WEDDING
80 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
A G O RG E O U S T R A D I T I O N A L DAY
Victoria & Nick
Postponements due to Covid highlighted what was important to this couple. Bride Victoria shares her story... How did Nick propose? We went on a villa holiday with my family and his family for my 30th birthday. It felt a bit like a Big Brother experiment but thankfully both families got on like a house on fire! Nick took me for lunch on my own and to a private cove afterwards to pop the question as he knows I love to be beside the sea. He did it the day before my 30th birthday for maximum surprise factor. I was so shocked I went down on my knees as well when he went down on his knee! Both families were back in the villa ready to celebrate with us and had decorated the villa. I was so overwhelmed I actually took a good solid nap in the middle of all the celebrations before I came back to resume the fizz popping! What dress did you wear and where did you buy it? My dress was called Harlem from the Blue by Enzoani collection. We bought it from Brenda Lorraine Bridal in Hornchurch, Essex. I had mixed experiences of wedding dress try-ons at a few different places, and really can’t praise Brenda enough for the experience she gave my Mum and I. I also changed into a sequin number during the evening reception, which I bought from ASOS. It didn’t have a train so it was perfect for dancing in all night. If you can’t be a Eurovision diva on your wedding day with an impromptu outfit change, when can you?!
And the accessories? I kept it quite simple accessory-wise and wore no jewellery apart from my engagement ring (and wedding ring post ceremony, of course). My dress and veil had a touch of sparkle so I didn’t want it to be too much. Within my bouquet I had a wedding bell charm from my Mum’s charm bracelet, which was really special and my ‘something old’. My veil was my ‘something borrowed’ from my sister-in-law, which she had originally bought from David Bridal for her wedding. My shoes were from ASOS and I added a blue pearl charm to the buckle, which my mother-in-law had gifted as my ‘something blue’. Then I had a beaded Mrs bag from Accessorize that my bridesmaids gifted to me at my hen do, which worked well as my ‘something new’. What did the groom wear? A brown tweed suit custom-made by Studio Suits, a green tie from tiesrus.co.uk, brown shoes from Dune and a pocket square from trendhim.co.uk. The groomsmen and Dads were in blue textured Moss Bros suits with green ties and a brown tweed waistcoat to match Nick. How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle? Very emotional! Although I’d seen Nick try on his suit at home, it still surprised me how dapper he looked on the day and it was an amazing experience to see him standing
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 81
DETAILS Date: 29th June 2021 (5th time lucky due to Covid rescheduling!) Location: Crondon Park in Stock Photographer: Danny Jack Photography Bride’s dress: Blue by Enzoani Groom’s attire: Studio Suits Bridesmaid dresses: ASOS
82 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
there, about to take the big step to finally become husband and wife. We both didn’t stop smiling (in between a few tears!). It was so surreal to finally be ‘doing it’ after all the postponements, and I think we both just felt so happy. The clichés are just instantly true about it being the best day of your life. Seeing the faces of much-loved friends and family all in one place after so long was very special and emotional also. Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from? Clare and Gina – friends from pre-school age; Charlotte, close friends from age 11 when we met on the first day at secondary school; and Claire, close friends from 18 when we met at uni. So very special friends from various chapters of growing up. They wore green, floor-length dresses from ASOS and all looked absolutely beautiful. My two sister-inlaws and close friend Jessica also played important roles on the day as readers and witnesses. Two friends (Claire and Andy) performed for us acoustically during the drinks and canapes sections, and our friend Alix made our wedding cake (Instagram sensation @Mykitchendrawer) so we were lucky to have several special friends playing a part in our big day as well as our wonderful bridesmaids and groomsmen. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 83
84 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
What was your wedding theme? At the beginning I was a bit of a rebel without a cause and trying so hard to be ‘different’, I was aiming for some kind of crazy enchanted forest-boho-farmyard theme. At one point I was genuinely contemplating arriving at the aisle with my Dad on a tractor! Postponing the wedding due to Covid reminded us of what’s important. We ended up changing venues and stripping back some of the bells and whistles to be a touch more traditional and had to downsize a little on the number of guests with us also. The period of no weddings during the pandemic also made us feel like a traditional wedding had the novelty factor once again and it was less important to ‘stand out’ from other weddings. We realised a lot of wedding traditions are there for a reason and if it ain’t broke… don’t fix it! So I’d say our theme ended up being outdoors and relaxed, with a few sprigs of eucalyptus to nod to our original forest vision along the way! What was the highlight of your day? It’s so difficult as there were so many! Getting ready with my lovely Mum and bridesmaids was really magical, seeing my Dad for the first time I’ll remember always, seeing Nick and the ceremony itself was incredible (and perhaps my all-time favourite bit if I really have to pick!). The speeches
were phenomenal with many saying it was the best groom’s speech they’d ever heard. My gorgeous baby nephews also presented us with a special good luck horse shoe, which was a lovely moment. And then I just loved dancing with Nick and all our amazing guests to our fabulous live Motown band. Our friends lifted us up on their shoulders during Proud Mary by Tina Turner and it was just magic! What was your best buy? My shoes in terms of what was most affordable; my dress in terms of most special (thank you Mum for treating me!). What’s your saving tip? Try to think about what you actually remember from weddings when you’ve been a guest. At one point we were planning on spending a fair amount of money on hiring different colour napkins and gold cutlery rather than using the ones included for free in our package from our venue. While these do look gorgeous, in years to come if we asked a guest about our wedding, I’m sure no one would have remembered the cutlery or listed it as a highlight. It’s lovely to have little touches that make it feel special, but just trying to remember the big picture and thinking about what will have the most impact helped us to prevent spend creep!
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 85
LOVE OUR WEDDING
86 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
A B E AU T I F U L W E D D I N G I N G R E E C E
Hayley & Mike This couple decided to exchange vows overseas, and it looked amazing! Bride Hayley tells us more... How did Mike propose? This is actually one of my favourite stories. Mike used to ask me what my dream proposal was and I’d always say the same thing: a private yacht with champagne and Take That playing live. Obviously this is a ridiculous dream and one you wouldn’t expect to come true. But in 2015 when we holidayed to Gran Canaria, he said he had a surprise for me to celebrate our anniversary of 7 years. He kept telling me to not get excited as I might overthink the day – he was trying to pre-empt that I might think he’d propose so was trying to cover his tracks, and with what followed you can see why. He arranged for a private transfer to a harbour and the lady walked us around and finally stopped outside this beautiful yacht and said, “so this one is yours for the day!”. You can imagine my surprise, a private yacht for just us, this was when I had to keep telling myself to not get too excited, just like he warned me (not that it worked). We went aboard and sailed the beautiful oceans taking in the gorgeous scenery, when he said he’d arranged lunch. So down we went to the table, which had been set up with champagne and rose petals, and he’d arranged for my favourite meal of paella to be served with fresh salad. Before we ate, he popped open the champagne and asked me to walk to the front of the yacht. Just as we reached the peak, a playlist he’d created started playing, with, you guessed it,
Take That! (They may not have been live, but it’s pretty close). He held my hands in his, said the most beautiful things, and then got down on a knee, took the most beautiful diamond ring out his pocket and said “I love you with all my heart, but I don’t want you to be my girlfriend, I want you to be my wife, will you marry me?”. I swear my heart stopped beating and tears started streaming. All I could do was shout yes and throw my arms around him! The lady who owned the yacht started ringing the bell just as another boat passed and everyone was cheering. This day was my dream proposal and more! What dress did you wear and where did you buy it? My dress was actually from WED2B. It was this beautiful slim-fitting gown that had a low back covered with opaque lace and detailed with pearl buttons all the way from the neck to the bottom of my spine. With booking a beach wedding, I didn’t want anything too much or anything with a train, but I still wanted a full-length gown. I compromised with a small fan at the bottom that showed all the beautiful lace detailing, which could be lifted when walking on the sand. And the accessories? I’m a big fan of making the dress the statement so I kept my accessories to a minimum letting the dress do all the talking. All I had was a simple silver chain with my
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 87
DETAILS Date: 8/8/2018 Location: Koutsoupia, off the island of Kefalonia, Greece, through Ionian Weddings Photographer: Bethany Howard Photographer
88 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
engagement ring on around my wrist, a diamond toe ring (because marrying on a beach meant no shoes, so I had to glam up my feet!) and some delicate drop diamond earrings that actually all came from Debenhams. They were simple yet beautiful. What did the groom wear? Mike looked amazing! He didn’t wear the traditional threepiece suit – in 30 degree heat, I can’t say I blame him – but he did wear some camel trousers, a brown leather belt, crisp white shirt and brown woven loafers. The groomsmen all wore very similar outfits, so to make his outfit stand out a little more, he had all the buttons changed to brown ones on his shirt. A small detail but just enough to show he was the groom. He looked amazing! How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle? Our first moment seeing each other was actually on the boat! He had a big taxi with all the guests from the hotel and boarded the boat, whilst my dad and I had a wedding car. I can just remember getting out the car and looking up, seeing the boat and seeing Mike at the top looking back at me. He had the biggest smile on his face and looked so handsome. He was surrounded by all our guests who S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 89
90 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
just cheered me as I walked towards the boat. It was so overwhelming and surreal, I just remember saying to my dad, “I think I’m going to cry”. My dad just looked at me and said: “Hayley, you are not going to cry, everyone here is here for you and Mike and you are going to smile. Every time you think you will cry, you squeeze my hand and I’m here”. I somehow held it together and just looked Mike in the eye, and everything somehow just became suddenly perfect. Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from? Despite our wedding being complete at 16 people, I still had two bridesmaids. My beautiful sister Sarah, who wore this gorgeous natural pink lace dress from a small boutique in Nottingham. My sister is not a shopper so when she found this unbranded lace dress that fit her like a dream, I was thrilled, it was like her own little Carrie Bradshaw moment – ‘she wore a dress by no one’ but she looked phenomenal. My second bridesmaid was my sister-in-law, Laura, who got her dress from David’s Bridal, who also wore a natural lace dress that had a lovely V neck front and lace skirt. They both looked like something out of a bridal magazine, both so beautiful.
What was your wedding theme? Although it sounds potentially a little cheesy, we kept the beach theme, which all started with the invitations where we made a ‘message in a bottle’. The message was the invitation and we filled the bottom with sanded shells. This theme then ran for the rest of the wedding, with soft blue and green colours in our centrepieces to reflect the ocean and a pop of orange in my bouquet for the gorgeous heat of the sun. Because of our intimate wedding, we wanted a fairly simple design and theme and kept everything else to whites, creams and nudes. On a beautiful beach, what more beauty do you need?! What was the highlight of your day? This must be the hardest question to answer as the entire day was just amazing, but I think if I had to pick a moment, it would be when we first saw the island from the boat. We had never visited the venue before, we booked it and saw pictures, but we never did a recce as we wanted the surprise. So seeing the island, completely empty of tourists with only our white silk carpet for the aisle, the archway made with beautiful flowers, and waiters waiting with canapés and champagne, was just amazing. It was so breathtaking, that Mike and I just looked at each and said “wow”.
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 91
THE A-Z OF
On the day advice A
AMBIENCE Creating the perfect atmosphere for you and your girls on the morning of the wedding is really key for setting the relaxed scene for the day. Try to choose a room with nice lighting, a calm ambience, and maybe have some calming music playing as well. All these things will help put you at ease and wash away any nerves.
B
BRING A CHANGE OF SHOES After a long day on your feet, high heels can really
pressure off you, and reassure you take their toll. Just like any other busy day or night out, you’ll be keen that everything is going to plan. to whip them off as soon as the night DON’T PUT PRESSURE settles in. Have a pair of flat shoes on ON YOURSELF hand to soothe aching feet, and allow You’ve more than likely for a night of dancing! invited a huge amount CHECK IN WITH of people you know and love. SUPPLIERS Although the wedding day is spread One of the biggest worries over several hours, you will be a for brides on the big day busy bee with getting ready, is whether the suppliers are on time the ceremony, photos, food and and have everything in hand. Check speeches, and then a second wave of in with them the day before the guests etc in the evening. It’s unlikely wedding and make sure all is in order. you’ll realistically get to speak to On the day, ask your bridesmaids to all your guests, and if you do, brief check in with them again to take that conversations are completely ok!
C
92 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
D
G
GET UP EARLY Needless to say, you’ll more than likely be wide awake at the crack of dawn from nerves and excitement. A good night’s sleep is ideal but not always realistic. Equally, a long lie in (if that’s feasible!) isn’t wise, you’ll have a lot to do in the morning and you don’t want to run behind schedule.
Don’t worry if you didn’t get to thank everyone, they will all understand the situation and just want to be there to support you. You can catch up with them in the following days if you missed them.
throughout the day, you’ll need fuel to keep you going. Not to mention the drinks, too, food is alcohol’s best friend when it comes to lasting the whole day.
E
FEEL THE LOVE IN THE ROOM Make sure that you take a moment to look around the whole room during the reception and watch everyone enjoying HOLD OFF THE DRINKS themselves. You’ve spent months, or If you’ve got alcohol years, creating this day for you, your throughout your wedding, partner and your guests. Be proud of from the toasts and the hard work you’ve put in and enjoy wedding breakfast through to the their enjoyment. evening and bar, make sure you pace
EAT! You’ve probably spent a fortune on all the food and canapés, so make sure you eat them! Breakfast is absolutely key to getting you started properly for the day. You may have butterflies and feel like it’s the last thing you want, but believe us, you’ll be burning off so much energy
F
H
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 93
yourself. Many people have a glass of bubbles with the girls when getting ready to settle the nerves, but make sure you eat well, and space out your drinking evenly throughout the day. You’ll want to remember every second of the day, it’s a once in a lifetime event.
I
IGNORE THE WEATHER! Easier said than done, we know, but the weather is one thing that you’ll never have control of, and us Brits know better than anyone that Blighty has her own ideas when it comes to the weather – no matter what the season! Don’t keep looking to the skies or checking the forecasts, what will be will be, and everyone is going to have the most special day come rain or shine... we promise!
J
JUST BREATHE Weddings don’t always go to plan, that’s a fact! If there is a mishap, just take a deep breath, delegate resolving the issue to a bridesmaid or usher, and keep going as if everything is normal. No big event will ever go 100% smoothly, so accept that and just enjoy everything else that’s going swimmingly!
K
SEALED WITH A KISS The wedding kiss is often overlooked in the prep for the big day. When at the altar, and you’re told to kiss your bride/groom, you might suddenly have a moment of ‘oh, do I go for a peck or a full on snog?!’. This can make for a very awkward moment
94 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
and even bumping heads or noses, so it’s best to both be on the same page. Speak to your partner about this before the big day, and a bit of practise never hurt anyone…
L
LIGHTING When thinking about photos, lighting is key. Make sure when you’re getting your make-up and hair done that you’re sat near a window. Look around the venue for props and spots with good lighting that will make for wonderful pictures.
M
MAKE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY CLEAR You can either do this before the wedding via the invites or you can ask someone to make the announcement before the ceremony. If you don’t want anything
shared on social media until you’ve made your first post, your guests should respect that, but equally they’re not mind readers, so be clear about this from the off.
N
NO DISTRACTIONS You’ll be sat around in the morning having hair and make-up done, eating breakfast with the bridal party etc. It might be tempting to go online and scroll through social media or check the news. Please don’t do this! You might see something that upsets you, or puts you in a mood, and that’s the last thing you want. Good vibes only!
O
ORDER OF THE DAY Keep an eye on time but don’t completely restrict yourself. Things will take
more or less time but it will balance out, just enjoy it and don’t tie yourself to schedules, especially after the ceremony.
brilliant day. That’s not your concern and it can be a little depressing!
R
ROPE IN THE LOUDER FRIENDS PHOTOS TO CHERISH If people aren’t doing what’s The lasting memory of your needed, have a few loud day will be your photos. Make voiced friends on hand to direct sure you have a strong list everyone. From getting everyone into of pictures you absolutely want and the reception, or calling out to certain ensure your photographer has the list people for photos, vocal friends can before the wedding, too. be really handy!
P
Q
QUIT WHILE YOU’RE AHEAD Enjoy all the day and night but make sure you’re not the last to leave. Leave before everything gets packed up so you can have a time to reflect with your husband or wife, and not see the mess that’s left after a
S
SPEAK UP If something’s upsetting you, don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t let it slide, or worse; dwell on it because it’ll be on your mind all day and ruin the excitement. Have a word with your parent or bridesmaids and ask them to resolve any issues for you calmly.
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 95
T
TAKE TIME OUT FOR TWO The day will whizz by, and often couples say that they don’t feel they actually saw much of their newlywed all day! Take time, even half an hour, just for you two away from everyone else to discuss the day so far. It will be a memory to cherish.
U
USE FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR HELP Your friends and family will be keen to help you with anything and everything, so let them! From setting up the tables to putting up bunting and more, delegate these chores so you can put your feet up and enjoy being pampered.
V
VIDEO YOUR DAY In addition to your wedding photos, we always recommend getting a
videographer, too. Hearing guests enjoying themselves, the little comments you all make throughout the day, and hearing the music played will trigger lots of happy memories for years to come for you.
with everyone you know and love in one room, brides should take the opportunity to express themselves and thank everyone with a bridal speech, too. The boys shouldn’t have all the fun!
W
Y
WRITE A LETTER TO EACH OTHER Before the wedding, write your partner a card or letter, and have their best man/bridesmaid hand it to them on the morning of the wedding to read. It’ll be a tear-jerking moment though, so make sure you do this before the make-up! A lasting piece of the big day you can keep forever.
YES TO THE DRESS Enjoy every moment of putting on the dress, do it in front of a full length mirror and watch your look come together. You’ve probably dreamed of this for years (or forever!) so don’t miss the opportunity.
Z
ZONAL CHECK-INS If you’ve got some quiet rooms at your venue, this XPRESS YOURSELF might be where the older Traditionally, wedding generations move to when things speeches are for the males. get a bit louder in the evening. Don’t The groom, father of the forget to check in with them every now bride and best men, but we think that and again to make sure they’re ok.
X
96 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
NEXT MONTH • How to double your savings in just one year! • Planning mistakes you must avoid... • The best bridal fashion, details and top tips
W W W. LO V E O U R W E D D I N G M AG .C O M S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 97
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
98 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
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!
Dog & Fox Hotel
120
24 High Street Wimbledon, Wimbledon, London SW19 5EA Tel: 020 8946 6565 www.dogandfoxwimbledon.co.uk
Discover the Coach House at the Dog & Fox Hotel, the brand-new wedding and events space in the heart of Wimbledon. With 28 boutique bedrooms, including a Bridal Suite with its own private terrace, this stunning Georgian property is the perfect place to begin your happily ever after from start to finish. From arrival drinks to the ‘I Dos’ through to dinner and dancing, choose from comprehensive wedding packages, starting from £120 per person, with easy premium upgrades and add-ons. The Coach House can host ceremonies for up to 120 guests, banqueting for 140 or a standing reception for 300.
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.
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 99
VENUE DIRECTORY
Bourton Hall
Holmewood Hall
120
Main Street, Bourton on Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ Tel: 01926 940900 www.bourton-hall.co.uk
The brand new addition to the Country House Weddings collection, Bourton Hall is a striking Italianate style mansion set in twelve acres of gardens, woodland & parkland. With far-reaching views over Draycote Water and beyond, this is truly a picture-perfect setting for your special day. The former Catholic Chapel is idyllic for your ceremony or opt for the Portico on warmer days. The Banqueting Hall is the setting for your fine dining and dance the night away in the Lantern Bar & Disco. Enjoy the view from your private balcony in the Bridal Suite and enjoy photos on the sweeping staircase.
77
Holmewood Hall, Church St, Holme, Peterborough PE7 3BZ Tel: 01487 829555 www.holmewood-hall.co.uk
Cambridgeshire’s newest and most exciting exclusive-use Wedding Venue, Holmewood Hall is a stunning Tudor-gothic style country nestled in the idyllic countryside at the Gateway to the Fens. Couples can tie the knot in the spectacular Gold Room, complete with its 50 ft-long golden aisle, or for sunnier days, opt for outside with The Bandstand and its perfect Country House backdrop. For the celebration, you can dine in style in the Banqueting Hall with striking views across the lake, then party the night away in the Vault Bar & Disco. Finally, guests can rest at ease knowing that they can retreat to one of 15 bedrooms at the end of the day.
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.
100 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1
LOVE THE PLANNING
Love Our Wedding reviews...
Grangefields Newly opened in August 2021 we explore this luxurious new wedding venue in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside ABOUT THE VENUE
Grangefields is located down a long private road through the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Situated on the Historic Trusley Estate. The venue has an impressive large red brick Ceremony room with an oak roof, an open fire, candles lining the walls and huge candle lit chandeliers. CAN YOU GET MARRIED AT GRANGEFIELDS?
Yes you can! For the warm days we have an outdoor ceremony area in the sheltered courtyard. Dining takes place in the Dutch Barn which has an open kitchen with a BBQ, French rotisserie, and pizza oven – your guests will be able to watch the delectable feast being prepared over the open flames and pizzas being spun late at night once an appetite has been
worked up on the dance floor In the courtyard there is a huge Argentinian ASADO which can be used to cook on hot days or as a firepit in the cooler months. HOW MANY GUESTS CAN IT ACCOMMODATE?
From 150-250 people WEDDING PRICES
• You can get a full online quote and see availability on the website. Prices start at £2,000 for the venue hire. • Exclusive use venue with three unique spaces and a private courtyard • Show Kitchen With BBQ, Rotisseries and Pizza Oven plus an outdoor ASADO Indoor & Outdoor ceremonies • Stunning countryside location with fantastic local accommodation – The
Cow at Dalbury Lees (a gorgeous small boutique hotel) is less than a mile away. HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
To find out more or to book your wedding at Grangefields email Grangefields@crippsandco.com or visit www.crippsandco.com/grangefields
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 ♥ L OV E O U R W E D D I N G ♥ 101