Love Our Wedding - September/October 2022

With all Pure Bridal gowns retailing below £999, please visit our website to view the entire collection and find your nearest stockist.

REAL WEDDINGS,

Three gorgeous celebrations to share with you

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

2022

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

19 THE FASHION EDIT

Browse to your heart’s content at the incredible new designs for 2023 brides

60 YOUR DRESS YOUR WAY

Get your girls to check out this fab new collection, with dresses to suit all shapes, styles and sizes

69 SIXTH SCENTS

6 moreish fragrances to consider for the big day

EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

32 LOVE THE COLLECTION: ENZOANI

36 FIND A STOCKIST: BLUE BY ENZOANI

42 LOVE THE COLLECTION: SPECIAL DAY

46 LOVE THE COLLECTION: CASABLANCA

50 LOVE THE COLLECTION: SILHOUETTE

Use

your

YES TO THE DRESS, P54

Curvaceous designs for fuller figures

GORGEOUS GROOMS, P62 Because it’s not all about the bridal dress... Right?!

REBEL BRIDE GUIDE, P93 How to give your day an alternative edge

SWEET TREATS, P64 Delicious desserts from Slimming World

EDITOR

Jade Pepperell

jade@meanttobemedia.com

LOVE OUR

THIS ISSUE WE’VE CHOSEN THE BEAUTIFUL LENNON DRESS BY ROMANTICA OF DEVON AS OUR COVER STAR – BRAND NEW FOR 2023!

US

Love Our Wedding is published by: Meant To Be Media Ltd loveourweddingmag.com

ART DIRECTOR

Andy Allen andy@meanttobemedia.com

SALES MANAGER

Martha Cooke martha@meanttobemedia.com

ONLINE MANAGER

Richard Presley richard@meanttobemedia.com

AWESOME

www.martinthornburg.com

Ed’s letter

Autumn

is by far my most favourite time of year, although I’m a little bias as both mine and my daughter’s birthdays are in November! I adore the colour scheme of the season, with green, brown, orange, yellow and red everywhere as the leaves start to fall. The arrival of acorns, conkers and fur cones, all make for great additions to reception decor, and the chilly weather can inspire some great food ideas, too! Find more reception inspiration over on page 70.

As well as the stunning season, Autumn is the time that designers start to showcase their brand new collections, and we have a TON of new dresses this issue for you (from page 19). You’ll also find some great attire for your groom (page 62), chic styles for your maids (page 60) and the perfect bridal scents to complete your wedding vibe (page 69). Send us your pics after the big day for your chance to get featured!

Happy reading...

JADE PEPPERELL

My favourite picks this month!

1. I’m totally in love with this Orb of the Night fragrance by Ghost. The perfect bridal scent! From just £27 at The Fragrance Shop 2. Groomswear is at its peak right now, and I love this suit from French Connection, especially the funky tie! 3. These oak and acorn dangly earrings from Reeves & Reeves are a steal for £46

4. DIY your stationery with these stamps from Perlenfischer, from £3.22

SUZANNE HUGGING EVERY PART OF YOUR SHAPE, THIS TRULY ELEGANT DESIGN IS GOING TO BE HOT PROPERTY!

SCARLETT

OUR FAVOURITE IN THE COLLECTION IS SCARLETT, THANKS TO HER WOW FACTOR DETAILING. WHAT PRINCESS BRIDES HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

SHERYL A SOPHISTICATED OFF-THE-SHOULDER TEAMED WITH A SULTRY HIGH SPLIT IN THE SKIRT –WIN/WIN!

SHAYLA ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DRESS WITH A HIGH SPLIT SKIRT. WE LOVE THE ON-TREND LOW-V BODICE

SKYE THE SHEER TRAIN ON THIS GOWN IS THE PERFECT FINAL FLOURISH

SUMMER COVERED IN FLORAL APPLIQUÉ, SUMMER IS THE PERFECT DRESS FOR ANY SEASON!

WHERE TO SHOP FOR

BY ENZOANI

PERFECT

CHIC

ENGLAND

1. The Dressing Rooms Bridal Halesowen

2. Ava Rose Hamilton Lancashire & West Yorkshire

3. Alice Elizabeth Couture Durham

4. Along Came Eve Cheshire

5. The Wedding Dress Shop London

6. The Wedding Dress Company Northumberland

7. Bellissima Weddings Chelmsford

8. Ann Louise Bridal Greater London

9. Champagne & Charlotte Bridal Devon

10. The White Collection North Somerset

11. Emily Bridalwear Sheffield

12. Liverpool Bridal Boutique Liverpool

Blush Ely Cambridgeshire

14. Surrey Brides Weybridge, Surrey

Krystle Brides Bath

Le Sposi Buckinghamshire

Brides Visited Ashtead, Surrey

La Belle Angele East Anglia

19. Ava Louise Bridalwear Southampton

20. Louise Victoria Couture Bridal Stratford-Upon-Avon

21. Lulu Browns Clitheroe

WALES

22. Laura May Bridal Cardiff

SCOTLAND

23.Blush Bridal Fraserburgh

24. Sophia Grace Couture Haddington

25. Opus Couture Ayrshire

26. Emma Roy Edinburgh

NORTHERN IRELAND

27. Elody Bride Co Down

IRELAND

28. Diamond Bridal Cork

BY

WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THE COOL DETACHED SLEEVES WITH THIS DRESS. GLIDE DOWN THE AISLE LIKE THE GODDESS

STYLE Y12241

STYLE

STYLE

STYLE

STYLE 2473

THIS FIT AND FLARE GOWN IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING. WE CAN’T TAKE OUR EYES OFF THAT INCREDIBLE BODICE!

STYLE 2466 LAYER UPON LAYER OF LUXURY - WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT THIS BODY SCULPTING BEAUTY?

STYLE 2467 HOW AMAZING ARE THE CAPED SLEEVES ON THIS GORGEOUS GOWN? A REAL HEAD TURNER

STYLE 2471

ELEGANT FLORAL MOTIFS ARE THE STAR OF THIS DRESS. PERFECT FOR A SPRING/SUMMER WEDDING

STYLE 2461 WE’RE GETTING SERIOUS ETHEREAL VIBES FROM THIS DREAMY DESIGN!

STYLE 2468

CUTE DRESS WITH OFF-THE-SHOULDER STRAPS AND A FLOATY FLORAL SKIRT

ACACIA WE ADORE THIS GOWN COVERED IN PRETTY PETAL MOTIFS

BETTY JANE WE ADORE THE ILLUSION NECKLINE AND SLEEVES ON THIS GORGEOUS GOWN, COMPLETE WITH A HIGH SPLIT SKIRT. SO PRETTY!

CAMILA JANE GLIDE DOWN THE AISLE IN THIS LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN, WITH A BREATHTAKING LOW-V NECKLINE AND SUPPORTIVE STRAPS

ELLIE SHINE LIKE THE GODDESS YOU ARE IN THIS INCREDIBLE TOP-TO-TOE LACE EMBELLISHED DRESS. JUST TAKE A LOOK AT THOSE SLEEVES!

HARPER ROSE DELICATE STRAPS AND INTRICATE MOTIFS ON THE BODICE MAKE THIS DRESS A REAL SHOW-STOPPER!

KIRRA BELLE THIS GOWN EFFORTLESSLY HUGS EVERY CURVE, CREATING THE MOST STUNNING SILHOUETTE

www.morilee.com

www.casablancabridal.com

www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk

www.morilee.com

www.casablancabridal.com

BRINGS

Crease-free care

Keep your wedding dress in perfect condition on the big day, and use this handy device to keep your whole wardrobe happy afterwards!

Everwondered how bridal shops make their dresses look so gorgeous? Steaming has been one of bridal’s best kept secrets, and it’s the fastest and safest way to get bridal gowns wedding ready! Steaming on the hanger is so simple, with no need for a cumbersome ironing board, and a beautiful dress all over the floor. Propress MINI has been designed so brides can get the

same performance from a lightweight handheld steamer as bridal boutiques do from professional range steamers. In fact, it’s so good that many bridal boutiques are using Propress MINI in store as well as selling them to brides.

The MINI is available in a choice of 3 stylish colours; Vintage Pink, Idol Blue or Arctic Grey. Choose which colour best reflects your character. The Propress MINI also comes with

LEARN

www.propress.co.uk/wedding

a steaming mitt and travel bag. Why not upgrade and have the unique ‘Big Belly’ tank, a useful larger capacity tank increasing steaming time from 7 to 13 minutes? Or the Propress Pressing Pad, which is ideal for helping with tricky areas and applications.

Why not add this handy bit of kit to your gift list? It’s ideal for smoothing creases from your dress on the big day, and freshening up the groom’s suit, then pack it in your bag to ensure your honeymoon outfits look fab. After the wedding you can use the Propress MINI on workday, casual and party clothes to ensure you are always looking the part. And it’s not just for clothes, you can use your MINI on curtains and soft furnishings, freshening and sanitising as you steam. You can buy your Propress MINI direct, or from and increasing number Bridal Boutiques. To find out more, call 020 8417 0660 or email brides@propress.co.uk.

FASHION FOCUS

Dessy

This issue we wanted to share the stunning new Cynthia & Sahar collection for your bridesmaids. Available in a huge palette of colours and a multitude of sizes to suit all shapes, this collection is designed to enhance the female figure, leaving your girls feeling like the best version of themselves. And these beauties can be worn long after the big day! See dessy.com.

Propress MINI The Handheld Steamer used, recommended, and stocked by Bridal Boutiques

Propress MINI The Handheld Steamer used, recommended, and stocked by Bridal Boutiques

Propress Confetti August 22.pdf 1 24/08/2022 15:27

Propress MINI used, recommended, and stocked by Bridal Boutiques

The simple way to ensure your wedding dress looks as flawless on your wedding day as it did when you fell in love with it in the shop. Then pop in your suitcase and take on your honeymoon.

Tel: 020 8417 0660 | Email: hello@propress.co.uk propress.co.uk

The simple way to ensure your wedding dress looks as flawless on your wedding day as it did when you fell in love with it in the shop. Then pop in your suitcase and take on your honeymoon. Always looking great - the Propress way.

The simple way to ensure your wedding dress looks as flawless on your wedding day as it did when you fell in love with it in the shop. Then pop in your suitcase and take on your honeymoon. Always looking great - the Propress way.

Tel: 020 8417 0660 | Email: hello@propress.co.uk propress.co.uk

Tel: 020 8417 0660 | Email: hello@propress.co.uk propress.co.uk

groomed

When it comes to wedding planning, searching for your dream dress is usually very high, if not top of the list in priorities, but believe it or not, it’s not all about the bride (shhh!). Take as much enjoyment out of helping your groom find a suit that makes him look and feel as gorgeous as he is. There are loads of companies out there to buy from or hire, on the high street or designer with varying prices. The best bit is, he can wear his suit again and again (not so much with the white wedding dress...). Here are some of our top picks.

FRENCH CONNECTION

TM LEWIN

TED BAKER

TED BAKER REISSM&CO

MATALAN

TED BAKER

All recipes are taken from Slimming World’s collection. Recipes are based on Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan and the liberating concept of Free Food – food that is 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.

Sweet treats

SATISFY THOSE SWEET CRAVINGS WITH ONE OF THESE DELICIOUS DESSERTS

CHOCOLATE & CHERRY MOUSSE

Ready in 20 minutes, plus chilling

INGREDIENTS

SERVES 4

60g plain chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)

3 large eggs, separated*

1 level tbsp sweetener granules

Fresh cherries, halved and pitted, to decorate

METHOD

Set aside 1 square of chocolate. Melt the rest in a heatproof bowl placed over a pan of gently simmering water, without stirring.

Leave to cool for 5 minutes. Add the egg yolks and sweetener to the chocolate, then beat using a balloon whisk until smooth. Put the egg whites in a clean, glass bowl. Beat with an electric hand whisk until they form medium-stiff peaks.

Using a metal spoon, add a large spoonful of egg whites to the chocolate, folding it through to loosen the mixture. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Divide the mousse between 4 dessert glasses,

cover with cling film and chill for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.

Discard the cling film. Top with the cherries, then a grating of chocolate from the remaining square.

*Pregnant women, the elderly, babies and toddlers are advised to choose eggs showing the British Lion stamp if eating raw or partially cooked eggs.

©Slimming World 2022

‘Slimming World’ is a trademark of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services operating as Slimming World.

Images: Slimming World/Gareth Morgans, Nassima Rothaker, Danielle Wood

CRÈME BRÛLÉES WITH RASPBERRIES

Ready in 45 minutes, plus cooling and chilling

INGREDIENTS

350ml skimmed milk

2 level tsp cornflour

4 medium egg yolks

1 level tbsp sweetener granules

½ tbsp vanilla extract

40g caster sugar

SERVES 4

Fresh raspberries, to decorate (or hulled fresh strawberries, if you like)

METHOD

Preheat your oven to 190°C/fan 170°C/gas 5. Pour the milk into a non-stick saucepan and place over a low heat. Gently warm through until steaming, then set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the cornflour, egg yolks, sweetener and vanilla extract. Using a balloon whisk, slowly whisk in the warm milk to make a thin, smooth custard.

Divide the custard between 4 x 150ml ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking tin, then pour in a kettle of freshly boiled water, so it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the custard has set, but still has a good wobble when you gently shake the ramekins. Set aside to cool for 30 minutes, then chill for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to serve, divide over the sugar, then use a chef’s blowtorch to caramelise it. Or, set your grill to its highest setting, then put the brûlées directly underneath the grill for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown. (The sugar caramelises very quickly, so keep an eye on them.) Leave to harden for 5 minutes, then serve with the raspberries or strawberries.

CHEESECAKE

Ready in 30 minutes, plus chilling

INGREDIENTS

10 reduced-fat rich tea biscuits

50g low-fat spread

SERVES

8

4 x 150g pots Lindahls Kvarg Coconut quark

18g powdered gelatine

150g extra-light plain soft cheese

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 level tbsp sweetener granules

300g fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced into small triangles

25ml dark rum

Fresh mint leaves, to decorate

METHOD

Line an 18 or 20cm loose-bottomed,

round cake tin with baking paper. Put the biscuits in a food bag and bash with a rolling pin to make fine crumbs. Alternatively, put the biscuits in a food processor and blitz. Melt the spread in a small, non-stick saucepan over a low heat, then stir in the crumbs until fully coated. Spoon the crumbs into the tin, then use the back of the spoon to press them down into a thin base. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, put 100g quark in a small, non-stick saucepan, then stir in the gelatine and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, use a balloon whisk to beat together the remaining quark, soft

cheese, vanilla extract and sweetener until smooth.

Place the gelatine mixture over a low heat and stir frequently until the gelatine has completely dissolved (don’t let it boil). Add to the quark mixture and stir well. Spoon the mixture over the biscuit base. Chill for 3-4 hours.

When you’re almost ready to serve, mix together the pineapple and rum, and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Evenly top the cheesecake with the pineapple and scatter over the mint. Cut into 8 equal slices and divide over any leftover rum.

Jennifer Lopez, Promise, 50ml £34.50

Barbour, Female, 50ml £45.50

Ghost, Orb Of The Night, 50ml £37.50

Sixth scents

RICHARD DESIGNS

Choose one of these amazing scents for your big day, courtesy of www.thefragranceshop.co.uk

Lancome, La Vie Est Belle, 50ml £78

Estee Lauder, Beautiful, 75ml £82.50

Carolina Herrera, Good Girl Supreme, 50ml £83.50

A DREAMY DECEMBER WEDDING

Catherine & Ryan

How did you first meet?

Ryan and I went to the same school. I was 16 and he was 18, that’s when we first started going out with each other.

How did he propose?

It was my birthday and we’d not long had our son Dougie. We went to a log cabin in England for the week. At midnight on my birthday, while we were in the hot tub, he proposed – it was a total surprise!

Where did you get married?

Oldwalls Gower

What attracted you to the venue?

It’s so amazing! We’ve been to so many weddings, so knew what we liked and didn’t like. When we came to Oldwalls, we just knew. We didn’t care how long we had to wait or how much it was going to cost; we just knew we wanted our wedding there. The venue flowed perfectly. Other venues we’d been to there were different floors and rooms, but Oldwalls flowed nicely. The service and staff were amazing too, as soon as we walked in, we felt like celebrities.

What was your wedding theme? Ivory and black tie.

What stationery did you have?

We used a company called LUMI events and they did all our menus, table plans, order of the day, post box and table numbers. We also had nut crackers, a sweet table, and confetti cones. We hired a Tepee for the kids, which had balloons and toys in there to keep them entertained.

What did you wear? Tell us about your gown…

I had two dresses and wore my second dress for the wedding after changing my mind. With Covid and having a baby in between, I went back to my old figure and the dress didn’t fit me like it once did. I lost weight and I wanted to feel nice. I went to Yasmin Rose in Cardiff and tried on a few dresses there. My original dress was sparkly with lace, and my second dress was plain with an over skirt, which I took off in the evening.

How did your dress make you feel?

I felt amazing! I got to wear my mum’s fur jacket that she wore for her wedding with

These childhood sweethearts tied the knot on the third time of trying! Catherine reveals all...

my dad in 1988, which was amazing and sentimental.

What did the groom wear and where were the suits from?

The suits were from Dyfed Menswear, and they all wore black tux.

How did you feel when you first saw him at the altar?

I was emotional. Dougie, our little boy, was really ill on the day, and we didn’t know why. Turned out he had scarlet fever. He was so excited for the wedding too.

I was 45 minutes late as Dougie didn’t want to put his suit or shoes on and didn’t want to wait at the front with Ryan. He walked in between me and my dad down the aisle and stood between me and Ryan the whole time throughout the ceremony. Ryan was stressed because I was so late, so it was very emotional when we finally saw eachother.

Tell us about your bridesmaids, who were they?

I had 4 bridesmaids, all best friends and they wore short ivory dresses.

What was your best memory of the ceremony?

It must be Dougie standing in between us the whole time throughout the ceremony. It was so funny, he

VENDORS

Venue: Oldwalls Gower (@oldwallsgower)

Photographer: Phil Warren (@philwarrenphoto)

Florist: Roots floral design (@jess_rootsdesign)

Dress designer: Ashley & Justin (@ashleyjustinbride)

Dress shop: Yasmin rose (@yasminrosebridal)

Videographer: Posh bear (@poshbearuk)

Hair: Wags hair salon Newport (@wags_hair_salon)

Make Up: make up by HW (@makeupbyhw)

Cake: the blonde bakery (@the.blonde.bakery)

Stationary: lumi (@lumieventdesign)

wouldn’t move. He was even between us when we had our first kiss.

What was your first dance song? Wherever you will go by The Calling.

How did you entertain your guests? Ryan’s friend and best man have a band called Cover Up and they played in the wedding for us.

What was the cake like? We had four tiers with all different flavours. The cake was plain white, and we added some real flowers onto it. The flavours we chose were white chocolate and raspberry, sticky toffee pudding, chocolate orange and lemon.

How did you feel on the day?

Amazing. It goes so fast! We had to reschedule our

wedding three times due to Covid. We were meant to get married in August 2020, then we moved it to December 2020, then finally we tied the knot in December 2021. We were so lucky, we knew restrictions were coming back, but our wedding was just before they came back into play. The weather was also amazing! It was cold, but it was so sunny.

What’s your recommendation to future couples getting married?

Enjoy every minute it as it really does go so fast. I would have a videographer, too. One of my favourite moments was watching it back. When you’re in the moment you forget some parts of the day like the speeches. It’s nice to watch it back and see all the little things you forget on the day.

STUNNING WEDDING

Molly & Gareth

A fairytale wedding at a fairytale venue!

How did you first meet?

Gareth and I are from the same hometown, Brecon. We met on a night out.

How did he propose?

In New York. It was Gareth’s 30th birthday. We went to the top of the Rock; I didn’t expect it at all!

Where did you get married? Fairyhill by Oldwalls.

What attracted you to the venue?

We first visited the venue in December. The fires were all lit, the Christmas decorations were up, and we just fell in love with the cosiness of Fairyhill. When we walked into the K room, it was set up ready for a wedding breakfast and that did it for us.

What was your wedding theme? Simplicity. Whites and greens.

What stationery did you have?

We had the order of the day, a table plan, table names which were silver wooden place names people could take home. For the favours we had pocket scratch cards saying ‘we’ve tied the knot, we hope you hit the jackpot’.

What did you wear? Tell us about your gown…

I tried on quite a few dresses from different dress shops before I chose the one. I’d seen it online and I just knew that was the dress I wanted to try. It was an A-line gown and I had off the shoulder lace straps added to it. I had it tailored to suit me, so it was a one-off dress.

How did your dress make you feel?

It made me feel like a princess. I didn’t think I’d go for this dress, I thought I’d go plain but I went the complete opposite! It’s a dress you only wear once so I wanted it to be really ‘wow’.

What did the groom wear and where were the suits from?

Dyfed menswear. The groomsmen wore grey suits with navy ties, and we had 4

Real bride Molly shares her story with us...

page boys that had navy suits with navy ties.

How did you feel when you first saw him at the altar?

I was nervous but really happy. When I saw him at the altar he burst into tears. We were both overwhelmed, we got engaged in October 2019 and had 18 months to plan the wedding.

Tell us about your bridesmaids, who were they?

I had my Maid of honour, Gemma who is my best friend and five other bridesmaids. I also had a flower girl. They wore Maya Deluxe dresses which were dusky blue with sequins on top.

What was your best memory of the ceremony? When I got down the aisle and finally saw Gareth! He could see I was nervous; he was trying to comfort me.

What was your first dance song? Lucas Graham Love Someone.

How did you entertain your guests? In the day we had Jeris Music and in the evening we had Fairyhill’s house DJ. We also had a cocktail station for our guests to enjoy.

VENDORS

Venue: Fairyhill (@fairyhill)

Photographer: Page One Weddings (@pageooneweddings)

Florist: Eve Francesca Designs (Dressed the venue) @evefrancescadesigns and Flower Shop Hye On Wye (Did the bouquets and button holes)

Dress designer: Allure Bridal (@allurebridals)

Dress shop: Timeless Elegance in Cardiff (@timelesselegancebridal)

Videographer:

Page one weddings (@pageooneweddings)

Hair: Philippa Torrance bridal hair Brecon (@philippatorrancebridalhair)

Make Up: Faith Wilde (@faith_wilde)

Cake: truly scrumptious (@trulyscrumptious118)

What was the cake like?

We had a brownie stack and a semi naked caked on top with flowers. We opted for Biscoff and raspberry and white chocolate.

How did you feel on the day?

I was nervous at the start of the day and before the ceremony. Afterwards I was more relaxed and happier and really enjoyed seeing and talking to everyone.

What’s your recommendation to future couples getting married?

Try to make the most of the day as it goes so fast. Take it all in and enjoy the moment. Try not to worry about everyone else, they’ll be having a good time.

I wish Gareth and I spent more moments together, taking ourselves to one side, and having time to reflect on the day.

Faye & Callum

How did you meet?

“We met at work six years ago. We both work in marketing, but it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. Callum wasn’t my usual ‘type’ - I thought he’d rolled straight out of an episode of The Inbetweeners! But his sense of humour won me over and within a few months we were living together. We’ve been laughing every day since.”

Can you tell us about the proposal?

“We’d not long moved into our new house, and it was Christmas Eve. I was preparing dinner for the next day when Callum gave me an early Christmas present - a new pair of pyjamas and slippers. I went upstairs for a shower and to get changed and, as I was walking back down the stairs, I heard our favourite song playing really loudly (There Will Be Time by Mumford & Sons). I opened the kitchen door and there were candles on the floor and a big card that said, ‘To my beautiful fiancé at Christmas’. As I walked through the kitchen and into the living room I saw him on one knee in front of the Christmas tree. I burst into tears and sobbed for a good five minutes. Callum later told me he had something different planned, but the UK was put on lockdown not long before. I’m glad it happened this way though as it was absolutely perfect (apart from the rollers in my hair). I really had no idea!”

Why did you want to have your wedding at The Belsfield Hotel?

“We visited The Belsfield Hotel on one of our very first trips together. We’d booked a weekend away in the Lake District and Callum surprised me with an eight-course meal in the Lake View Belsfield Restaurant, which has a gorgeous view of Lake Windermere. It was such a lovely evening and we fell in love with the hotel there and then. it had such a relaxing, romantic vibe and it matched our style perfectly! We picked the Completely Perfect package - it was perfect for our guest numbers and included allowances for hotel rooms, stationery, flowers, entertainment and more. This was great as it saved us both time and money!”

Can you tell us about the wedding day?

“I know everybody says this, but our wedding day was absolutely magical and, most importantly, a true reflection of who we are. We had a romantic and elegant theme but with bright, springlike colours, lots of natural, flowing florals and flashes of gold; it was traditional but with a modern twist. Music is a massive part of our lives and something that really connects us, so we had five different acts/ artists throughout the day, a piano player as guests were gathering in the bar and during the ceremony, an acoustic husband and wife duo for the drinks reception, a male singer with a guitar and a loop pedal

This couple enjoyed a beautiful wedding in the Lake District. Bride Faye reveals all...

for after the wedding breakfast, and a brilliant band in the evening followed by a DJ. I literally danced all day! We also hired a wedding host to keep energy levels high and everyone entertained, and opted for a relaxing, naturalstyle photographer who focused on capturing moments over formal group photos.

What was the highlight of your day? The ceremony was an unexpected highlight for us. We didn’t write our own vows and we’re not religious so, although we knew it would be emotional, we didn’t expect it to be so beautiful. The styling of the ceremony room was perfect, and the backdrop of the lake was stunning. Our registrar was so sweet and said we were one of the nicest couples she’d had the pleasure of marrying – there wasn’t a dry eye in the room! Our first dance was perfect, too. We were dreading this part of the day as we thought it might be a bit awkward, so we decided to do it later in the evening as opposed to the traditional time of straight after cutting the cake. It was definitely the right decision as it just felt more natural. Our band played a slow version of Free Fallin’, which was personal and intimate, and it felt like we were in our own little bubble.”

How would you describe your wedding experience with The Belsfield Hotel?

“Nothing short of amazing. The service provided by all the staff was first-class and all of our guests commented on how lovely they all were. A hotel wedding isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for somewhere that will support you, reassure you and help make your day as stress-free as possible then book with The Belsfield Hotel! The setting is just breathtaking!”

The Belsfield Hotel, an idyllic 4-star hotel on the banks of Lake Windermere, will host its Wedding Inspiration Day on the 4th of September, allowing couples to tour the enchanting hotel and grounds, meet a range of suppliers, and gather inspiration for their big day.

Between 12pm and 4pm, guests can explore the luxury boutique hotel to see a variety of different wedding set-ups and the stylishly designed bedrooms, plus meet the hotel’s dedicated wedding planning team, all while enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz with canapés from the hotel’s 2AA Rosette Lake View Restaurant. Guests who arrive between 1pm and 2pm will also receive a goody bag.

www.thebelsfieldhotel.com

LOVE OUR WEDDING RE

THE STYLE GUIDE FOR THE REBEL BRIDE

Finding your wedding dress should be one of the most enjoyable, happy, and memorable shopping trips you will ever experience. For some though, it can become quite stressful and not enjoyable at all. Here are Being a bride doesn’t mean you should wear a white wedding gown and walk down the aisle with a feminine bouquet. And in this day and age, it’s about time for women to feel more comfortable making decisions about their wedding instead of shying away from how they

want to celebrate their big day.

Traditional rules can be boring for rebel brides who are confident, bold, and ready to make a massive statement with some unexpected and nontraditional wedding dresses. To make it easier on your end, here are some of the best rebel bride-approved styles you can try on your wedding day!

Girl Boss Your Way Into The Wedding

Although tuxedos and suits are usually expected from the groom,

whoever said brides couldn’t wear one too? Even A-listers have experimented with wearing tuxedos over gowns during special events! To make it more chic, opt for a formfitting pair. Remember: if Jessica Alba, Emma Watson, and Victoria Beckham approve of it, then you’re good to go.

Sophisticated and high-end, bridal pantsuits have always been a go-to for unconventional brides. It’s an excellent indication that you’re a strong, confident, and independent bride – it will surely let your inner girl boss scream in happiness. And other than being incredibly stylish, they are also oh-so-comfortable!

Power suits may make you look like a total HBIC on your wedding

Turn away from tradition and opt for a cool alternative wedding with these tips...

day and are often much more comfortable than layers of heavy stuff. Furthermore, it’s not hard to find them anymore. A tailor can make you a custom suit if you have problems finding one you adore. Several bridal companies sell them in-store as well. You may also experiment with nontraditional wedding heels because they’ll shine through when paired with pantsuits.

Everyone Wears White But The Bride

If you don’t want to wear the traditional pristine white wedding gowns that everyone seems to be wearing on their big days, your interest might peek at the sight of neutral-coloured dresses. Pink, champagne, and grey are beautiful yet out-of-the-ordinary colours for a wedding gown. However, they will still look and feel beautiful.

By choosing this style, you’ll avoid tradition while embracing your femininity.

To make neutral gowns more wedding-ready, you may incorporate soft elements such as lace, tulle, and floral patterns.

Incorporate Bold, Metallic Colours

Wearing a metallic gown will be an excellent choice if you want to make a bold move. On the other hand, you’ll look glowing in a silver or gold gown. Just make sure to consider your undertone before deciding on a colour. In addition, with the gown’s deeper and richer colours, your wedding photos won’t look bland and boring. And don’t worry because, despite the bold colours, you can still wear gorgeous accessories for a glamorous appeal!

Have A DIY Paint Date With Your Fiancé

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a great painter or not, and you can always bond with your fiancé by hand-painting your beautiful gown! You may use light, delicate colours, go for darker tones, or mix all the colours you find – what matters the most is

that you’ll have fun with your partner.

And on your wedding day, you’ll have difficulty hiding your smile because you know that you’re wearing something made of love.

Two-Piece Is In; One-Piece Is Out

If you want something trendy, you may always choose a two-piece wedding gown – and it doesn’t have to be white. It has a laidback feel without being underwhelming, and it’s easier to style than one-piece gowns. You have the freedom to wear a belt, add some glitter, or pair it with bold lipstick.

Try A Convertible Attire

If you’re a rebel bride on a budget, wearing a convertible gown that’ll take you from the ceremony to the reception will be an excellent choice – you’ll be hitting two birds with one stone! First, it allows you to wear two gowns without spending twice the amount. You can wear a traditional puffy wedding gown during the ceremony and unleash its chic, badass, body-hugging design at the party.

And this is where you can get help from your bridesmaid – make sure they’ll give you a hand when changing!

Add Some Striking Accents

When it comes to adding some

oomph to your gown, you have unlimited options. You may add a subtle champagne-coloured lining or go big by adding some geometrical patterns on the top or skirt portion of the gown.

But if you want to maintain a clean-looking gown, you may add some bold designs on your veil instead!

Be Unconventional By Wearing A Black Gown

If you’re planning to be a rebel bride all-out, why don’t you wear a black wedding gown? By wearing black, you’ll exude power and elegance. You may pair it with an unconventional hairstyle and a dark lip for a goth look! Moreover, everyone will look at you, making for an excellent story when you grow old with your partner

Conclusion

Of course, every bride wants to find the perfect bridal gown of their dreams, regardless of the wedding style they choose to go with. And by considering the options listed above, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect wedding style that’ll suit your preference. And remember: it’s YOUR wedding day! So it would be best if you didn’t let tradition stop you from doing what you feel like doing because it’s your special day.

REVIEWS

Magic Mike!

Conceived

and co-directed by Channing Tatum, MAGIC MIKE LIVE, which has already wowed over 300,000 people in London alone and over 1 million worldwide, is a largescale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which opened at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square in November 2018.

From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, MAGIC MIKE LIVE is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18* and up. Audience members enter Magic Mike’s mythical

club and marvel as some of the world’s sexiest, most talented guys perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind and above them. Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, are presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world. Equal parts empowering and exhilarating, the 90-minute show is punctuated by unexpected, temperature-raising acts from a thrilling range of acrobatic and musical talent. In other words, it’s got basically everything!

If you’re looking for the ultimate hen night, look no further than MAGIC MIKE LIVE. If you’re NOT into letting your hair down, laughing out loud and really hot guys, then it’s probably not for you.

It’s time to FREE YOUR MAGIC! Tickets start at just £39. www.magicmikelondon.co.uk

*MAGIC MIKE LIVE guests must be at least 18 years to attend - appropriate photo ID will be requested on arrival at the venue - begambleaware.org

IF YOU LOVED THE MOVIE (WHO DIDN’T?!) THEN YOU’RE GOING TO GO CRAZY FOR THIS AMAZING SHOW!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

party heaven!

CLUCK

specialise in creating tried and tested hen party packages that you can trust are top quality – they don’t do tacky. They offer day to evening packages that include food, drink and activities from just £90 per person. Their payday payment plans offer bitesized installments from as little as £22.

Each guest pays individually, and CLUCK take deposits and payments by debit or credit card from each member of the group and deal with the awkward chasing payments. They then send out a hen party itinerary ahead of the date, which includes travel info, booking references and a reminder of what’s included

in one handy document. So you can just turn up and take all the credit!

PARTY GIRL PACKAGE www.thisiscluck.com/activity/ the-party-girl-package/

This is one for the party girls that love good times and fast paced fun. Brunch, cocktail making and a rowdy evening of bingo… it’s guaranteed to be one helluva party!

The day will start with a sparkling brunch at cool brunch spot Rake’s. Scandal Brunch invites you to let your hair down, get a bit messy and allow the lines to blur a little in pure scandalous indulgence with live music, DJs and dance performances.

After brunch it’s time to learn the tricks of the cocktail making trade. After a welcome drink, you’ll use your own fully stocked bar to make 4 unique cocktails with a difference. Once you’re confident in your new knowledge you’ll have the chance to create your own cocktails to compete and be crowned the cocktail making champions.

Finally you’ll hit Jackpot Bingo where an exciting, rowdy and exhilarating night of fun awaits, whatever the result. Winners will be faced with a choice from a treasure chest of prizes – take your winnings or gamble for an even higher cash prize. The perfect end to the day!

BRUNCHING & BOATING

www.thisiscluck.com/activity/ brunching-boating/

CLUCK’s all time bestseller –Brunching & Boating is a great value hen party featuring a canal boat ride through London, bottomless brunch and Lucky Voice Karaoke.

The celebrations will begin with a bottomless brunch at a venue with retro Palm Springs vibes, flamingos, palm trees and desert shades. It’s an oasis of calm, right in the middle of crazy Camden. Home of the finest brunches in London, two hours of Margaritas, Prosecco, Bloody Mary and Aperol Spritz are served up alongside mouth-watering gluten free Mexican brunch items.

Next up it’s a short walk to bustling Camden Lock, where you’ll spend the evening on a 90 min trip floating along a canal. The boat will take you through some of the most gorgeous parts of London, including London Zoo, Regent’s Park, and Little Venice. There, you circle the island before returning to Camden.

Your final stop of the ultimate hen party package is two hours in a private karaoke room at Lucky Voice Karaoke. Not just another karaoke bar – it’s a place to cut loose, be yourself and truly sing from the heart. Using state of the art technology, select a song from one of the themed

playlists, or browse the 9,000+ song catalogue – there is something for everyone, from current chart hits to old school classics. Enjoy room service from the extensive cocktail menu using the iconic “THIRSTY” button.

THE STYLISH SLEEPOVER www.thisiscluck.com/activity/ stylish-sleepover/

If you’re looking for a high end, luxe hen party experience for a chic bride… look no further than The Stylish Sleepover. The package features a 5* hotel stayover in London, a scent masterclass and private dinner.

Included is one night’s stay in an amazing East London boutique hotel. From the moment you walk in to the hotel, you know it’s going to be a special stay. The triple-height lobby is sure to wow your bride-to-be, and just wait until she sees the bedrooms!

Floor-to-ceiling windows, queen sized beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, gorgeous blankets, natural stone bathrooms with walk-in rain forest showers and toiletries by REN… it’s definitely a luxury stay for the group.

Included in the package is a perfume workshop where you’ll blend and build your own personalised scent for you take home. This will take place in a private room at the hotel, and will be followed with a delicious

three course seasonal modern British set menu with half a bottle of wine for each guest. After dinner you can head to The Mezzanine, where DJs play every Saturday night into the early hours. Check out on Sunday isn’t until midday, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the delicious breakfast that’s included in the package before exploring the area.

INDULGE YOURSELF www.thisiscluck.com/activity/ indulge-yourself/

This package includes all our fave things - a chocolate workshop, Italian food, cocktails and dancing.

The day will start with a chocolate making experience, which kicks off with Prosecco and nibbles whilst you learn how to shake your own chocolate Martinis. You’ll then make your own tasty flavoured chocolate slab then make and decorate delicious fresh cream truffles and fudge. You’ll leave on a chocolate high, with bundles of your own handmade tipsy truffles, dipped chocolate fudge and delicious flavoured chocolate slab!

You’ll then head for a three-course Italian meal at a stunning venue with floor-to-ceiling windows with super chic interiors – it’s the perfect hen party venue. Enjoy the gorgeous food whilst the DJs spin disco all evening!

Your evening will end at nearby Nikki’s bar with a glass of Prosecco and two delicious cocktails included in your package. Nikki’s takes inspiration from ultimate pop cult icons like Quentin Tarantino and serves delicious cocktails, whilst playing a mix of old school and current hits. Get ready to drink, dance and party the night away!

Find out more now at thisiscluck.com!