WEDDINGS
Kayleigh and Nick’s wedding at Fonmon Castle had real sparkle
D
oes the thought of a winter wedding give you cold feet? With the expert help of our wedding expert, you’ll soon be warming to the idea, and saying ‘I do’ to an off-season big day.
OPEN INVITE
Between family visits and school Christmas plays, the festive period can be a busy one so, as Heledd Jones, bookings manager and wedding coordinator for Insole Court, explains: “Get the wedding invites out early to ensure they get in your guests’ diaries before they make other arrangements.” As for the invite design, Lisa Emmings, wedding expert at St Pierre, Marriott Hotel & Country Club, suggests capitalising on the time of the year as a theme. She says: “Simple greenery with a touch of frosted berries will look really effective, and can be later reflected in your wedding decorations.”
GET A ROOM!
There’s a wealth of venues to choose from in our beautiful region so considering what works for you and your partner is paramount. Dan Jones, the general manager of Holm House Hotel, the luxury boutique hotel and restaurant based on Penarth Esplanade, says, “Small intimate venues can be so effective in winter – think of a manor house, all cosy log fires and twinkling lights.” St Pierre’s Lisa reminds couples not to be afraid to go outside and utilise the natural outdoors backdrop for their photographs. “We have 400 acres of beautiful parkland, and when it is covered in autumn leaves, a cold mist, or crisp white snow, it makes for the most stunning pictures.” Emily Brown, wedding and special event coordinator of voco St David’s Cardiff, suggests an indoor/outdoor option by way of a compromise. “Our atrium is the perfect area for inside group photos but, with lots of natural light, and as our function spaces have floor to ceiling windows, you can have a photo with outside scenery as a backdrop without actually having to be outside.”
“A skilled photographer will amaze you with what they can create with some sparklers”
YES TO THE DRESS
Mary Wycherley, the Cardiff-based photographer with 20 years of experience capturing everything from toddlers to rockstars, says: “I’m a big fan of a bit of theatre in a wedding. Maybe a bit of white fur on a velvet dress, or an outfit that isn’t white at all. One of the best dresses I got to photograph was made by Susie Cave, the musician Nick
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