Issuu

“Our Fabulous Wedding Venue in London.”

eorge Orwell once taught at Fray’s college, so named for its situation on the banks of the river Fray that winds an idyllic journey through west London. The river itself so named after John Fray, who owned Cowley Hall estate beside the river in the fifteenth century. Believed to have been originally made to divert water resources to the mills of the day, used to produce flour and paper amongst other things, it winds through a beautiful and romantic section of west London. As the great man once wrote, “What happens to you here is forever” Enriched in old English splendour, yet greatly accessible by land, sea and air, the Qvardis and the Mallard suite feel like a world away. A beautifully ornate building and grounds amid a haven of lush countryside, adjacent to a slow, dawdling river. The venue, grounds and ambience really do speak for themselves. Part of the wedding experience are the people who help make the magic happen. The care and attention to detail employed by a variety of staff from chefs to chamber maids. Chief coordinator of this fantasy is owner and wedding coordinator Nick Stanton. Obviously providing a personal touch and care for the industries’ delicate demands, I ask how he came to be in this line of work.

he adds, “We take a lot of time & effort into making sure that the day is perfect from the leading up to the day then from start to the finish. “As we offer many things in the packages, it leaves the happy couple with less to do & stress free.”

The personal touch cannot be over emphasised. In this monumental occasions it’s the little things that count. No one understands more than the coordinator. “Every wedding is interesting in its own way. Sharing your special day with your special someone. With your favourite loved ones. You really couldn’t ask for more.

Q Vardis & The Mallard Suite, Exclusive Wedding & Events Venue Old Mill Lane, Cowley ,Uxbridge, UB8 2JH Telephone: 01895 270 271 / 01895 237 559 Email: q.vardis@btconnect.com

Contents 2019

04 Bridal Wear 16 Venues 30 52 Honeymoons 66 Services 75 Fireworks 80 Photography 84 Entertainment 86 Shows Guides 92 Beauty

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Weddings Abroad

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Weddings and Occasions Magazine offer a personal service to our bridal readership who can call us or email us at any time so we can help you choose which services are best for you. We can talk you through your needs and with our 18 years knowledge of the wedding industry we can assure you that weâ€™ll help put you at ease when choosing the right venue, dress, photographer etc. Just give us a call on 01926 941514 and ask for Lisa

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Beauty

The Best Bridal Beauty

If like the Duchess of Cambridge you want to do your own ‘special occ along. Here’s our list of the coolest products and best beauty buys for m

YVES SAINT LAURENT

CHANEL ROUGE COCO SHINE

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine: £24.00 Debenhams

YSL Babydoll Mascara

his, in my eternal s mascara, is by far m our features editor Kris using it since its launch still haven’t found any p since. Admittedly, it is s this is perhaps to be exp brand such as YSL. The very long time and I find all. While we can’t guar make you look like mod Delevingne who fronts t help you stay picture pe

e’re not sure it gets any more special than Chanel. What a beautiful product to pull out of your bridal clutch for touch-ups on the night? The texture of this lipstick becomes fluid on contact with the lips and provides a stunning gloss effect with natural shine, and perfectly complements this seasons key eye shadow colour trends (pastels, silver, orchid and grey)

NARS ORGASM POWDER BLUSH

ove it or hate it NARS Orgasm is a best seller “It’s the most versatile colour and is loved by every celebrity client of mine,” says make-up star Vicky Brooks. “I use it on all skin tones – as a light sweep on a redhead for a natural flush or as contouring on black skin.” Use a fan brush to apply this standout hue, she says. “It helps you build colour naturally.” Featured all over the Spring/Summer catwalks NARS Orgasm range is here to stay and fast becoming an iconic beauty product.

NARS Orgasm Powder Blush £21.50 4 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

NARS

Beauty

Buys ?

By Kristina Rose - Editor

casion’ make-up, there are some ways to help your inner make-up artist making up like the pros...

T MASCARA VOLUME EFFECT FAUX BABYDOLL

search for the perfect my favourite so far” says stina Rose “I have been in May last year and product that matches up somewhat pricey, but pected from a high end e mascara lasts for a d that it hardly flakes at rantee this mascara will del of the moment Cara the ads it will certainly erfect on your big day”

am almost certain I will not make it through the ceremony, especially our personally written vows without crying; I keep having nightmares about ruining my make up” says reader Kimberley Adams from Portsmouth

a: £24.50 Debenhams CLINIQUE ALL ABOUT EYES

ou want to look your best on your wedding day right? Too much stress and not enough sleep can leave you with tired looking puffy eyes. This cream from Clinique actually hydrates the area, soothes it and brightens it smoothing out fine lines and reducing eye bags. It’s a lightweight gel formula that can be applied day and night and works well as a base for eye make-up too. The team here at Weddings and Services magazine all tried this and are happy to report practically no puffiness after one week’s use – Amazing! A must have beauty buy for any Bride

Clinique Eye cream: £25.00

STILLA STAY ALL DAY WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER

Clinque

If you cry at your wedding you are probably crying tears of joy, a good waterproof eyeliner and mascara will do the trick. We love Stilla’s stay all day waterproof liquid eyeliner, it won’t smudge or run, and stays in place until you say when! The thin marker-like tip is easy to use even for the least experienced, and delivers a defined thin line to a dramatic bold line with precision. Goes on smoothly without skipping, smudging, or pulling, and lasts all day! Perfect! Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

£13.00 Stilla

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 5

Beauty

AIRFLASH SPRAY FOUNDATION (NE

YVES SAINT LAURENT TOUCHÉ ÉCLAT

his is one cult concealer pen: star make-up artist Ruby Hammer has used it for 20 years. “I love the texture and the pumpaction pen, plus it’s now available in many shades and it’s super-versatile too.” So many uses for this fantastic product, banish shadows and tired looking eyes by adding light, and creating an instant lift to the eye area. Want wider looking eyes? Use between the eyebrows and along the sides of the nose. For fuller looking lips when use in the hollow of the chin and around the contour of the lips. This product is a Weddings and Services must have for radiant skin which will last from the altar to the honeymoon suite.

YSL Touché Éclat £25.00

he new season sees Dior re-laun Airflash foundation, which now free formula, new packaging and addi The spray on formula goes on as a m a flawless finish perfect for wedding p foundation makes your skin look fant easy to apply.

Dior Airflash foundation: £33.00

Feel Unique

BOBBI BROWN BRIGHTENING FINISHING POWDER - PORCELAIN

brightening pick-me-up for skin - this all-over powder instantly illuminates and gives skin a healthy-looking glow. Comes in a super-reflective silver compact with an interior mirror (so on-the-go touch-ups feel extra sophisticated).Infused with a skin-brightening blend of mulberry, grape and scutellaria extracts, as well as sodium hyaluronate to help keep skin fresh and smooth looking.

Brightening Finishing Powder:£40.00 6 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Bobbi Brown

SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMER

rimers do for your skin what lingeri figure: They smooth, flatter, concea in place, so that everything you put on to immediately better by blurring wrinkles, appearance of pores and evening skin to has a loyal following - so much so that th launched an entire range of alternative v every different skin type. My favourite is which is second to none says Kristina it focus finish and silky texture.

Primer: £25.00

Smashbox

Beauty

EW FOR SPRING 2014)

BOBBI BROWN NAIL POLISH IN PINK CLOUD

nch its original has a parabenitional shades. mist, delivering photos, air flash tastic and is really

0 Boots

ie does for your al and hold things op of them looks , minimising the one. This primer he brand has versions to suit s still the original gives skin a soft-

obbi’s take on nail polish? Punctuate your look with long-lasting colour for perfectly polished fingers (and toes). Done in rich, matte shades that dry to a lustrous finish, this polish is the ultimate accessory and perfect colour for DIY bridal manicures, we really love the colour too pretty without being OTT.

Nail Polish - PINK

£11.00 Bobbi Brown CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER CONCEALER (BRAND NEW FOR SPRING 2014)

rand new for spring 2014 Clinique’s Even Better Concealer feels creamy and applies smoothly onto the skin to brighten it with Vitamin C and even the tone. A must-have to beat dull skin days glides on seamlessly and covers well, the best we could find for hiding blemishes “even better” than their last concealer (which was also amazing) we <3 Clinique!

Clinique Concealer: £18.00

Boots

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 7

Beauty DIOR TRINANON EYESHADOW PALETTE (NEW FOR SPRING 2014)

ith four light pastels and one smoky grey, Dior’s ‘Pastel Frontages’ gives eyes a wash of shimmering colour perfect for spring. While all of the shades in this palette are creamy, smooth and fairly pigmented, they do apply quite sheerly, making for a more subtle, rather than a full coverage finish Dior eye shadow palette: £41.00

Harrods

DIOR TRIANON PALETTE (NEW FOR SPRING 2014)

lmost too pretty to use this is obviously the show piece of the Dior Trinanon collection in the silver handbag style palette which Dior have previously done. Contains a trio of frosted finish pastel shades in taupe, sea grass green and ice pink. The black is a powder eyeliner. Incorporates springs cool pastel tones that are absolutely everywhere on the high street at the moment. Beautiful colours and packaging as always the luxe quality synonymous with Dior our only criticism is blusher is a baby pink which is so sheer it would only really show up on a porcelain skin but other than that fab!

Dior Trinanon palette £59.00 8 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Boots

MAC LIPGLASS

hen make-up master Kristina R create a plumped-up lacquered for these glosses. “They change your l 3D effect,” she says. The more you ap the glossier and the glassier the textur without being too sticky.” Dab on a br your finger for a lip stain effect, or wo with layers of gloss, she suggests. Lipglass: £14.00

MAC Cosm

CRÈME DE LA MER MOISTURISING C

real beauty cult classic Creme De reigns supreme as the most sought luxury moisturiser on the market, and a and Services office favourite. So many c skin experts and make-up artists swear b skin softening power. Although it’s price very rich and nourishing, and a little goe way, if like us you always wanted this pro couldn’t justify the spend… your weddin great excuse!

Crème De La Mer Moisturising Cre

Beauty CHANEL PERFECTION LUMINERE LONG-WEAR FLAWLESS FLUID MAKEUP

ake-up whizz Hayley James uses this foundation as an instant skin perfector. “It feels like silk when it goes on, blends seamlessly, covers where it needs to and leaves an incredible glow.” Press it into skin for a natural finish or apply it with a brush “for an airbrushed effect” very long lasting coverage - this really does what is says on the tin.

Perfection Luminere foundation: £36.00

MAC EYE BROWS

Rose wants to d lip, she reaches lip shape to a full, pply, the thicker, re becomes, right colour with ork a power pout

elf-propelling, SelfSharpening Brow defining, what more could you ask for in an eyebrow pencil.

metics

“These are amazing I wish I’ld discovered these years ago!” says make-up artist Jennifer Shaw, who has recently used them on Georgia May Jagger Naomi Campbell, and Alicia Keys “The nib is narrow enough to draw on fine strokes, but deposits dense colour that brushes through brows easily.” To get springs groomed arches, “use a shade slightly lighter than your natural colour to bulk out the brow and a darker shade to fill in sparse areas””.

CREAM

La Mer t after Weddings celebrities, by it for its ey it’s also es a long oduct but ng day is a

eam £105.00

Debenhams

House of Frazer

MAC Eye Brows

£14.00 Mac Cosmetics WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 9

Beauty

LAURA MERCIER BRONZING PO

CHANEL LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR

e love these pretty pastel shades perfect for any Spring Wedding. This varnish is great a really vibrant nail colour with a high gloss quality finish that you would expect from Chanel, added nail care ingredients mean no nail damage and best of all - not a chip in sight! Intense colour and high gloss. The original formula ensures rapid drying and lasting hold. Best for long wear none chip varnish.

Nail Colour: £18.00

House of Frazer

VERA WANG EAU DE PARFUM PEARL

onsidered by many to be the ultimate wedding perfume, it is an excellent choice when planning for your big day or as a hen party or bridal shower gift for a friend who is marrying soon. Also known as The Lover’s Fragrance, Vera Wang captures desire through this floral, modern bouquet. With top notes of Bulgarian Rose, Calla Lily and Mandarin Flower with a heart of gardenia, Lotus, Iris and Stephanotis; this fragrance will smell exquisite and last you for an incredibly long time.

Vera Wang EDP 30ml: £41.50 10 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

The Perfume Shop

aura Mercier’s Bronzed Pre a lightweight, smooth texture which allows it to glide on to your skin evenly leaving no heavy patches, just a luminous healthy glow. The velvety texture makes it stay on for longer and the pigments blend to your skin tone, giving you a natural glow allyear-round.

Laura Mercier Bronzing Powde

Beauty

OWDER

essed Powder has

er: £26.00

Space NK

ST TROPEZ GRADUAL TAN EVERYDAY BODY

recent Weddings and Services reader survey revealed that 53% of you worry about looking too pale on your wedding day. Many steer away from fake tan for fear of looking orange. For a nice subtle bronzed (and tasteful) glow we love St Tropez Gradual Tan. A moisturiser with a hint of tan lets you build up colour day by day. This pleasant smelling moisturiser gives a subtle, natural looking colour with no streaking, which lasts for 4 days. Gradual Tan

£14.30 St Tropez

MAC’S MASTER CLASS BRUSH COLLECTION

ou could be forgiven for mistaking these for fancy toothbrushes! They are in fact MAC’s revolutionary master-class brush collection. Whether you’re right or left handed, these makeup brushes promise to make flawless application a doddle. Launched earlier this year these are ergonomically designed for good grip, even application and precision. So no more wonky lines and patchy blush! ” These are without a doubt the best make up brushes I have ever used” says Kristina Rose our features editor “it’s not just the handling, but the silky bristles that make the difference” perfect even application – a definite winner! Prices from Left to right Linear 1 brush £22.50, Oval 3 brush £27.00, Oval 6 brush: £33.50

MACS Cosmetics

Don’t forget to check our website for more Best Bridal Beauty Buys!

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 11

Beauty

Wedding Proof Mascara’s... We put them to the test On a day as important as a wedding, there’s going to be more than a few tears. But raccoon eyes are never a good look, whether you’re the bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, or just a supporting guest. So what’s the answer? Waterproof mascara. We’ve rounded up the most popular and put them to the test. Yves Saint Laurent Everlong Mascara Waterproof YSL’s waterproof formula received high scores for even coating and not clumping. It did quite well in our lab’s waterproof test, and our testers affirmed that it doesn’t wear off easily. It also got great scores on our lab test for not irritating eyes. It has a large brush, which some testers thought was a bit unwieldy, but others loved for its even coverage. The pricy Yves Saint Laurent mascara has beautiful gold packaging, so it may be the right pick for those who want a bit of glamour in their makeup kit.

£23.50 John Lewis Maybelline New York Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara Many of our testers noted the volumizing effect of Maybelline’s Colossal Volum’ formula — We’re big fans of anything that puts the ease into the hard-to-perfect smoky eye. Doing just that, this mascara is formulated to give lashes a great matt black kohl finish - without dropping - in keeping with the sexy, smokey look, while the mega brush is designed to thicken and amplify lashes. Work deep into the lash line to really define the lash line and double the impact of your perfect smokey eye.

£6.10 feelunique.com 12 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara This longtime best-selling mascara with the iconic pink tube received the highest score in our lab’s waterproof test — demonstrating its ability to resist smudging. Our testers also gave it high marks for its ability to volumize, lengthen, and separate lashes.

£4.99 boots.com Max Factor 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper Our testers loved the deep, rich black color of this mascara, and it got good scores for volumizing and not clumping. Some testers found its flexible, bristly brush unique, while others thought it was too chunky for easy application. This product received fairly good marks in our lab for resisting smudges, but our testers weren’t as sold on its waterproofness. One commented, though, that she would continue to use the product anyway because it was so volumizing! This mascara also scored well for not irritating eyes. Drugstores nationwide.

£7.99 boots.com

Wedding Gift Lists

PREZOLA UK’s largest independent wedding gift list company.

THE PERFECT WAY TO RECEIVE THE PERFECT PRESENT.

s you want your wedding day to be perfect, you will also wish to receive the perfect gift for your new or existing home together. You will also want to help your friends and family to choose a useful gift that will not be duplicated by someone else. If you don’t have a gift list, you may run the risk of ending up with lots of gifts you don’t like or need. At Prezola it is so much fun to create a gift list for your guests to choose from and make sure you receive the perfect gift for you. You can also create a wedding gift list that’s as unique as the two of you! The beauty of this is that you can choose any item from any retailer, which makes the choice personal and unique for you, not just be registered with one store. Within the gift choice you will find many reputable ranges from all the high street brands including Wedgwood and The White Company, boutique brands such as Cox & Cox, and quirky designers such as Jimbobart. There are various packages you can set up including: • • • • • •

Gift list cards Donations to any charity Honeymoon fund and cash contributions Have all your gifts beautifully wrapped No delivery charges for guests All this with over 30,000 items from 330 brands to choose from!

The Premier Service is free. If you wish to add cash contributions towards whatever your heart desires, from the perfect honeymoon to renovating your vintage campervan, you need to upgrade to the Premier Plus service at just £39. Now you really can have it all, and with ease! Never before has building your home together been less stressful, and pleasantly simple, for you and your guests. The website is a must to browse. Visit www.prezola.com and be impressed! You can also call us from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm on

01373 865 661 13 | WEDDINGS & SERVICES OCCASIONS

Cash as a Wedding Present

Is it OK to ask for money as a wedding gift?

nce upon a time, a newly married couple needed wedding gifts and bridal showers to set up their house hold. Today people tend to be getting married a bit later on in life and most of us have lived with our other half for years before setting a wedding date. So is it okay to ask for money as a gift or just tacky? This has sparked a debate here at the office:

Yes I think its perfectly acceptable, and totally reasonable to indicate that you would prefer cash to help you start your married life. Maybe you feel like you have plenty for the kitchen. Or maybe the one thing that would help the two of you set up a new home would be cash towards a down payment on a new home. Whatever the case, let’s get this out of the way once and for all. It’s totally normal to want and prefer cash to a blender! Now for the hard part How do you actually communicate this to your friends and family? My advice… You should never directly ask for specific gifts, monetary or otherwise.

Laura - Weddings & Occasions

Instead, let them know (if they ask) that you would prefer cash gifts. Let your parents, siblings, wedding party, and close friends know too — and if guests ask them, have them relay your preference. If you are keen to send the message along with the invites the classy way to do this I would suggest is to not-ask outright but to steer guests in the right direction for example you could say something to the effect:

“We’re getting married, but as we’re both grown-ups, we already have sufficient toaster ovens and knife blocks. The best gift you could give us is your sincere wishes for a happy future together, however, if you really want to supplement that with something tangible, cash or vouchers for store X will certainly be appreciated” And of course, be sure to accept and acknowledge every gift gracefully (that means send out thank-you notes). As for monetary gifts, let the giver know how you intend to spend their gift in a thank-you card.

14 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Cash as a Wedding Present

No I can’t think of a “polite” way to ask for money from your guests. In my humble opinion, it’s tacky to ask for cash; actually, it’s not cool to ask for any kind of wedding gift.

Tina - Weddings & Occasions

My personal feeling is that people who think cash is a great gift don’t need to be told to give cash, they’ll give it no matter what you say. People who are on the fence will give cash when they see there is no registry. People who don’t like to give cash won’t change their mind because someone they know is getting married, asking for cash is only going to offend that group of guests. So really, there’s very little to be gained by outright *asking* for cash, it might nudge a few guests in one direction but it has the potential to annoy many more. Even the “cash is a great gift” crowd doesn’t necessarily want to hear the bride and groom ask for it.

However, it occurs to me that it will most likely occur to the majority that two people who have been living together prior to the wedding , are not “setting up household”, and thus do not need the stereotypical blender and toaster that most young couples used to have on their registry. I’d bet that a lot of couples would get a high percentage of cash and gift cards without saying a word about it.

ur advice on getting the gifts you really want without causing offence: The key is simple: don’t ask, but do tell. What I mean is this: Let your closest friends and family members know — and then share — your preferences with your befuddled friends who will be asking, “What can we possibly give them? They’ve been together forever. They must have everything!” In turn, they can reply: “In fact, Laura and Dave don’t need anything, but they are saving for a rainy day (….or a honeymoon…. or a baby). I know they would love if you could help them.” The same answer works equally well if either of you is prompted: “Well, we have pretty much everything we need, but we’re saving up for ‘X’ from this shop. If you’d like to contribute, then a gift card would be amazing. But more than anything we’re looking forward to seeing you.”

No matter what, however, you two must maintain the pretence that you don’t expect a gift from anyone. If you wouldn’t ask someone outright for the quesadilla maker of your dreams (and you wouldn’t, since that would be, well, cheesy), you certainly wouldn’t ask them for cold, hard cash. Still, over here on the “manners desk,” I took the temperature of our trusty, snarky and usually wise Facebook friends and fans. I wanted to double check that the culture, thanks to one recession and perhaps another. Alas for you, 100% of the respondents said asking for cash was “distasteful,” “tacky,” and “so very not OK.” OK, back to basics — and reality. First off, remember that weddings are not about gifts but having your loved ones witness your union.

(Thus the adage: “Your presence is our present.”) And second, gifts are never required and shouldn’t be expected. They are voluntarily given as a (small or large) token of our affections. But the reality is that gift-giving is traditional (and mannerly) for anyone invited to a wedding. The registry business owes its existence to couples who want to “manage” those gifts. So your situation is a good example of why I love manners: They provide us with so many ways to work around this to get what we actually want. Finally, guests, please take a hint from me. If you have friends who are planning a ceremony, step up and ask them (or their best friends) the question directly: “Is there anything in particular that you might like for a gift?” And when in doubt, it’s always acceptable to give cash, a gift card, or a cheque. WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 15

Bridal Wear

t London Bride Couture we offer an exclusive, individual experience with our expert team of bridal consultants. Our central London Boutique provides an exciting choice for the modern bride. General information Stockists of:

• Ian Stuart • Paloma Blanca • Pepe Botella • Yolan Cris • Sanyukta Shrestha • Veerle Praet

16 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

IanStuart Renowned for his glamorous creations, this multiple awardwinning designer has always had a passion for making women look & feel fabulous. His current collection is inspired by an understanding of what the modern bride is looking for.

Bridal Wear

Experience

London Bride Couturesâ€™ staff have been in the industry for many years and have the experience and knowledge to help you find your perfect dress.

Join Us

Paloma Blanca Designer Wedding Dresses UK Since 1937, Paloma Blanca has been producing exceptional bridal gowns from Ontario, Canada with a reputation for attention to detail and their unique and innovative designs. They are three time winners of the Distinctive Excellence in the Bridal Industry award.

1 | WEDDINGS & SERVICES

WEDDINGS & SERVICES | 2

Plus Size Perfection

Beautiful Wedding Dresses and Bridal Accessories.

nlike most wedding dress shops in Rugby and around Warwickshire in general, Amore plus has invested in only plus sizes. That means our wedding dresses start at size 16 and go right up to size 36 plus. Ultimately, visiting our bridal shop in Dunchurch is about finding your perfect bridal gown and being the bride you want to be. We truly believe that choosing your wedding dress and accessories should be an amazing experience and memory to treasure. At Amore Plus, our expertise and enthusiasm will ensure that your journey to becoming a beautiful bride will be perfect from the very start. Our private consultations ensures that you are not rushed and are able to experience a vast selection of dresses from designers such as, Beautiful Bride Plus, Bonny Bridal UK, Sonsie by Veromia and Allure.

“Our aim is to make sure you are relaxed and able to enjoy your visit as you plan for one of the most important days of your life.” After your appointment at Amore Plus we want you to leave feeling more spectacular than ever irrespective of your figure or budget. Supporting you every step of the way is what we do best and it is a very special privilege to play such an important part in your special day. We open Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 by appointment only. The shop is very easy to get to and is accessible for plus size brides from all over Warickshire and the West Midlands including, Coventry, Leamington Spa, Warwick and Birmingham.

info@amoreplusbridal.co.uk www.amoreplusbridal.co.uk 20 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Evenings and Sunday appointments available on request (Please note that there is a £25.00 fee for Sunday appointments) At Amore Plus we are passionate about choosing wedding dresses to suit a fuller figure. We want you to look and feel more beautiful than ever before. Every designer you see at our shop in Dunchurch reflects our passion for creating beautiful brides from all around

The secret to looking perfect on your Wedding Day?

Body Sculpting W

hether it’s a shoeless ceremony on a sundrenched beach in the Caribbean or a full blown ‘traditional’ in a 10th Century Anglo-Saxon Church in the heart of the English countryside, wherever you’re getting married, it’s the one day in your life that you want to feel and look your very best and be the absolute perfect 10! And we’re not just talking dress sizes here.

Which is where CoolSculpting® Body Sculpting comes in...

Achieving the perfect body shape you desire for your big day takes a lot of time and effort. And sometimes, no matter how hard you try, how well fitted your bridal wear is or how long you spend in the gym, you sometimes find you need a little outside help to shift those stubborn little bulges, or tone those defiant areas of flabbiness, that won’t vanish whatever you seem to do.

CoolSculpting® is the world’s #1, FDA cleared, nonsurgical, fat-reduction treatment that uses controlled cooling to eliminate that stubborn fat that is resisting all reduction efforts through diet and exercise. It is painless and permanent and - more importantly for prospective brides and grooms - looks great from every angle.

And, when you’re spending thousands on your special day and have a million and one other things to sort out too, the last thing you want to have to do is spend even more time at the gym on an exercise regime you’re not entirely sure will get you sculpted and toned in time for your big day.

To date over six million CoolSculpting® treatments have been performed worldwide delivering outstanding results in just a matter of weeks; without the use of needles or anaesthetic, and with minimal discomfort and no downtime following treatment. Which is unlike other body sculpting procedures that are currently available such as liposuction.

So, whether you’ve got saddle bags or a mummy tummy, muffin tops or love handles, a double chin or bra puffs, bingo wings or other areas of ‘pinchable’ body fat that are spoiling the line of your designer wedding dress or the cut of your tailored morning suit, CoolSculpting® can help. You can achieve the look you want for your big day by re-sculpting those areas that can be hard to reduce, treating the pockets of fat permanently; producing the body contour you want without the gruelling gym work or restrictive dieting.

So, how exactly does CoolSculpting® work and how long does it take? Years ago, scientists at Harvard University observed that some children who ate ice lollies got dimples in their cheeks. The scientists realized that the lollies were freezing and eliminating small pockets of fat cells. This science i.e. ‘that cold targets fat cells without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue’ was the insight behind Cryolipolysis® on which the CoolSculpting® fat freezing procedure is based. CoolSculpting® safely delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently and effectively target the fat cells beneath the skin. These treated cells crystallise (freeze), shrivel and die over the coming weeks; your body then metabolises them and simply disposes of them naturally. This results in a noticeable and long-lasting reduction in the unwanted fat bulge, resulting in a more sculpted, shapely contour in time for your big day. Depending on the area you are having treated you will start to see changes from three weeks onwards with maximum results at around two months and with ongoing improvements, up to six months after that as more fat cells are eliminated from the body. It is not a quick fix but one that is proven and effective and will need to be factored into your wedding planning at the start to give you the time needed to achieve the results you are looking for.

MediZen are the premier aesthetic clinic in the Midlands and one of the few clinics anywhere with two CoolSculpting® machines which allows them to conduct DualSculpting® - treat two areas simultaneously - which not only cuts treatment times in half but costs too! To plan your treatments or find out more about how CoolSculpting® can help you achieve the body shape you want on your wedding day contact MediZen today

MediZen The Midlands’ Premier Cosmetic Injectables and Laser Hair Removal Clinic

0121 667 5703

Suite A, 1st Floor, Astor House, 282 Lichfield Road Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2UG e: info@medizen.co.uk w: medizen.co.uk

Beauty / Fitness

Shape up for your wedding with Bride &Groom t Fitness for Everybody, our Power Plate classes will not only help you lose weight before your big day, but also decrease cellulite, lower the stress hormone Cortisol, improve your skin tone and define your muscles. We have personal trainers on hand to teach our small groups to make sure you sessions are focused the for you! Tell us what type of dress you have and we can make it fit to perfection! Location; We are 7 minutes walk from London Bridge or Borough Stations and only a few minutes by tube from Canary Wharf. We are just south of the river from the City of London, in between London and Tower Bridges. Call us on 020 7403 9988 or drop us a line for further details.

We believe that fitness opportunities should be available to everybody, so we provide a wide variety of monthly membership options, classes and target-focused personal training. SE1 is a great, central location, offering London residents easy access to our fully equipped gym and highly trained experts – led by friendly studio owner and fitness professional, Jane Dowling.

Fitness training with a personal touch!

Join us on a ski fit course, for a post natal exercise regime or even an anti-ageing fitness class - there’s so

Jane has been working in the fitness industry for 19 years and set up her fitness studio and gym in 2004. H benefit from a real ‘hands on’ service, with sessions being personalised to help you reach your specific fi

Jane has experienced the power of personal training first-hand, having used the Power Plate alongside achieve their own personal targets, and she passes her knowledge and enthusiasm on to the other perso OCCASIONS 28 | WEDDINGS & SERVICES

Beauty / Fitness Phone: 020 7403 9988 Email: reception@fitnessforeverybody.co.uk Web: www.fitnessforeverybody.co.uk

What we offer

Venues

Power Plate classes

20 minute classes, great for time-challenged professionals who want focused toning without having to shower after – allowing you to return to the office quickly and with minimal disruption to your working day.

Small group training/semi personal training

Its like personal training without the cost! 40 minute sessions for those who want to work harder and don’t mind sweating! Using different equipment including; Power Plate, TRX, spin bike, treadmill, weights...and more! In a group of no more than 4.

1-2-1 personal training

For those with more specific aims, such as weight loss, sports specific training, injury rehabilitation or for those who feel more comfortable with one of our personal trainers on a 1-2-1 level in a 1 hour session. We will take your picture, weighand measure you along with a fitness test so you can see your progress. We will also monitor your food and give advice on your food diary. If you’re looking for a dedicated team of professional and friendly personal trainers in London, why not pop down to Fitness for Everybody to see what we can do for you? Our independent studio and gym is based in Bermondsey, SE1, and we’re here to help you reach your fitness goals - with a choice of 1 hour one-to-one sessions with your very own personal trainer or the more cost effective option of small semi-personal training classes. Whatever approach you choose, we can put you through your paces with boot camp sessions, cardio fitness programmes or circuit training and we also offer a FREE 20 minute Power Plate trial to all new clients – the benefits of which are equivalent to over an hour in the gym! Jane Dowling and her team of friendly, professional, personal trainers welcome you to the Fitness for Everybody exercise and wellbeing centre in London’s SE1, Bermondsey.

Offering a wide range of classes including boot camp, semi-personal training and oneto-one training sessions, there’s something to suit everyone, regardless of ability or objectives. Situated in a convenient, central London location, all kinds of people including sports professionals, well known celebrities, those with clinical needs and people simply trying to increase their fitness levels have enjoyed working with Jane and her personal trainers. Our gym in SE1 is within easy reach of Canary Wharf, and the studio is located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, close to several tube stations and the iconic landmark the Shard. Our location is very central just a few minutes by tube from Canary Wharf and just south of the river from the City in between London and Tower Bridge. Just 5 minutes walk from Tooley Street.

Fitness for everybody!

o much on offer!

Her many qualifications and bespoke approach to personal training ensures that all clients can fitness goals.

other methods to recover from a back injury. She now dedicates her life to helping other people onal trainers in the studio, ensuring that every client can find the best trainer to suit their needs. WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 29

Venues

Choosing a Wedding Venue?

ome people plan their whole day around their dream wedding location, while others don’t have a clue where to start. If your engaged choosing your wedding venue is one of the most important wedding planning decisions you’ll make.

The first thing to consider when choosing a wedding location is that there are likely to be two parts of your wedding to organise – the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception. As regards the ceremony, a church wedding is still the favourite choice for many couples, and most have a particular church in mind. In this case, the reception must be planned around the ceremony location. Factors such as ease of transport from service to reception will be important when planning your church wedding. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking about a civil wedding, you have the option of choosing a venue that will host both your wedding ceremony and your wedding reception. If this is what you are hoping for, you will need to choose a venue that is licensed for marriage ceremonies. This may come with a higher price tag than non-licensed wedding venues, but has the benefit of minimising the amount of travelling involved for you and your wedding guests.

How many guests?

The type of wedding you have will depend partly on how big it will be, so here are some things to think about before approaching wedding venues:

Venue capacity:

It may sound obvious but many venues will not be able to magic up extra space from nowhere if you add 20 extra guests at the last minute. You should have a good idea of numbers before you start looking at venues.

Seated or standing wedding reception?

A formal meal will obviously require more space than a stand-up buffet, so a venue whose seated capacity is 100 might well be able to accommodate 200 for a canapé reception. Which do you want?

Entertainment facilities:

Bands and other entertainment can take up a large amount of space, as can a dance floor, so decide when and where you want the entertainment to take place, and check with the venue that this can be done in the space available. Any number of buildings can make a perfect wedding reception venue, but here are some of the most popular options:

Historic wedding reception venue:

Castles, country houses and stately homes are among the locations many dream of for their big day. If your budget can stretch to it, this offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the use of a stunning building.Hotel wedding reception. 30 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Venues There are so many different types of hotel that there’s likely to be something for everyone, from traditional to ultra-modern. Having accommodation on the spot is, of course, a big plus.

Marquee wedding reception.

If you have access to spacious gardens or other outdoor space, a marquee could be worth considering. Many people are surprised at how pricey it can be to hire a marquee for their wedding, but the plus side is that you can take control of wedding catering and could save a considerable amount by providing your own alcohol. Sports or social club wedding reception. Different types of club premises can be perfect for a wedding reception. Do plenty of research and you could find one that’s in a stunning location, too. For example, some sailing or rowing clubs have picturesque waterside views, and can often be hired at a reasonable price, certainly compared to other popular wedding venues.

Restaurant or pub wedding reception.

Food and drink are among the main ingredients for a successful wedding reception, so where better to head than to a lovely restaurant or pub? Bear in mind that you’re more likely to find a good match if your wedding party is smaller, and if you’re lucky you might even be able to escape the heavy costs that are often quoted as soon as you mention the ‘w’ word!Before signing on the dotted line, check the detail and small print.

Fees. Exaggerated costs, such as a hefty corkage fee or drinks prices, might mean compromising on other aspects of the wedding. Vote with your feet if you feel it’s not worth it.

Staff. Are the staff experienced and professional? Flexibility is also important. Are they willing to adapt to your needs? This will be a major factor in how smoothly your day runs.

Facilities. Is the venue suitable for guests with a disability, and can it provide appropriate seating for the elderly and/or young children?

Accommodation. Is there a reasonable range of accommodation within easy access of the venue? Transport. Is there enough parking for guests who drive, and decent transport links for those who don’t? Restrictions. Does the venue impose limitations that could negatively affect your plans? Some stipulate no loud music after a certain time, others don’t like confetti or candles, and certain (usually historic) venues forbid high-heeled shoes for fear of their flooring being damaged.

Photography. Plenty of natural light in your venue will mean better pictures. You might also want to check that there are plenty of appealing outdoor spots close at hand. For advice on choosing a photographer who will make the most of your wedding venue, read this useful

Decoration. Are table linen, flowers, place cards and other decorations included in the quoted price, or will you have to provide your own?

Extras. Check the availability of extras such as a cake stand and cake knife. Many wedding venues will lend you these, but having to hire them separately adds to your hassle and your wedding expenses.

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 31

Awards

The Donkey Sanctuary An incomparable, magical and unique venue for your wedding

Secures Top Award for the Donkey Sanctuary

t gives us great pleasure to announce that Devon-based animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary, has been carefully selected to receive the Award for Exclusive Ethical Venue of the year 2019.

Receiving this award is a milestone for The Donkey Sanctuary and not only serves as a seal of approval to prospective clients, but also forms the final piece of the jigsaw that confirms the venues’ success. Slade House Farm in Sidmouth is the headquarters of international charity, The Donkey Sanctuary which was established in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE, the Sanctuary provides over 5,000 donkeys across Europe with a loving home. As a Sanctuary, Slade House Farm has a very welcoming atmosphere that allows everyone who visits to feel comfortable and at home. Some may even suggest that this could mean the perfect place for a wedding! By holding your wedding at The Donkey Sanctuary you would

32 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

be helping donkeys around the world, as well as the millions of people that rely on these beautiful animals. With the chance for your guests to meet some of the rescued donkeys and even the possibility of having them as your bridesmaids, you can get in touch with the animals that you will be helping across the globe. The venues available onsite are just as appealing. You could enjoy your ceremony in a luxurious intimate room with a private garden, or, take advantage of your setting and get married in a stable! If a stable isn’t big enough for your big day that isn’t

Awards a problem though, a barn with rustic chic decorations and an atmosphere to match should be large enough for all of your guests and any four-legged ones that might sneak in!

even making bookings ready for 2016! Couples that have already said their ‘I do’s’ said that it was “…all the little details that made the day so much more than we expected.”

With all of these wonderful things on offer there is no question as to why The Donkey Sanctuary won the ‘Ethical Wedding Venue of the Year Award 2015’. Couples that have tied the knot at this brilliant venue have described it as “…a five star wedding.”

It’s all of the little details that make a donkey’s life great too. These humble animals are used for working across the world and they don’t always receive the treatment that they deserve. That’s where The Donkey Sanctuary steps in. They are an internationally recognised animal welfare charity that operates projects in 30 countries, along with being one of the largest equine charities in the UK.

Here at the Weddings & Services Magazine we spoke to the Wedding Coordinator at The Donkey Sanctuary, Claire Shapcott. She told us a bit about how she and the amazing team at The Donkey Sanctuary felt about getting the award. “Here at The Donkey Sanctuary we are thrilled to receive an award for being an ethical wedding venue, we love donkeys and weddings so to be able to combine the two and give couples a unique and special day is a dream come true for us. “Since gaining our ceremony license last year [2014] we have helped over 30 couples make their donkey wedding dreams come true and we have enjoyed every single moment of each one.” Since then this amazing charity has also proven itself on being a venue that is just as amazing,

Over the 45 years that The Donkey Sanctuary has been running, they have rescued over 18,00 donkeys, with 500 of these at Slade Farm. By choosing this as your wedding venue you would be helping each donkey have the guarantee of a lifetime of love and happiness. Wedding Coordinator Claire wanted to emphasize this to any couples viewing The Donkey Sanctuary as a prospective venue. “Not only do couples get a wedding like no other by getting married here but they can also feel good knowing that by choosing us as their venue they are helping donkeys and the communities that rely on them all around the world!”

you help either. In addition to the welfare work with donkeys, Dr Svendsen was a passionate believer in riding therapy for children with additional needs. Not only did this amazing woman establish The Donkey Sanctuary but within this included Donkey Assisted Therapy work, giving children with additional needs the chance and opportunity to have contact with and ride donkeys are six purpose built centres throughout the UK. The work undertaken and achieved by Dr Svendsen is truly amazing, with the legacy that she created still going strong today. The award of ‘Ethical Wedding Venue of the Year’ is a great gift to a really terrific charity. A last word from the team at encourages you to think about the benefits of having your wedding at The Donkey Sanctuary. “By joining us you will be guaranteed a unique and ethical wedding venue, sharing your special day in the company of adorable donkeys who’ve found refuge from neglect and hardship in the lush Devon countryside – and helping to protect the lives of many more.” Please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk or call 01395 578222

It might not just be donkeys that

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 33

Venue of the Year 2019 - Oxfordshire

WEDDINGS

Wedding Venue of the Year 2019

seat up to 100 guests. For larger parties, additional guests are seated in the oak-paneled Library and Red Room.

Eynsham Hall has built a firm reputation as one of Oxfordshire’s premier wedding venues. Set within the heart of the 3,000-acre Eynsham Park Estate, the splendid Grade II listed mansion presents an idyllic backdrop for a couple’s big day.

Eynsham Hall offers a selection of wedding packages, tailored to suit the requirements of the couple and their guests.

“Located just 12 miles from Oxford, Eynsham Hall is a stunning Jacobean-style country house set within beautiful landscaped gardens with fountains and terraces. It’s a magical setting, perfect for that very special day in a couple’s life,” says marketing coordinator Laura Hobley, who has worked at the venue for 20 years.

“All of our weddings are bespoke. Whether you’re looking to get married in the winter or summer, or whether you’re looking for whether you’re looking for a large or more intimate event, our dedicated wedding specialist can tailor a package to suit you, your guests and your budget,” says Laura.

scale.

ccupying a grand Jacobean mansion on a sprawling estate, Eynsham Hall, located close to the centre of Oxford, is an elegant country house hotel that provides a magnificent venue for a wedding of any

“We are a unique venue in décor and in person. Every effort is made to make couples feel special from the second they enquire until they leave the day after the wedding.” The unforgettable experience of a wedding at Eynsham Hall starts at the magnificent driveway which offers a grand view of the mansion on approach. The terrace, fountains and gardens at the rear of the mansion provide an unrivalled backdrop for photo opportunities, at all times of year. The venue has two public reception rooms, the Main Lounge and The Gun Room bar. These rooms retain their original period features and oak carvings, but a contemporary twist has been added with elegant modern furnishing. The function rooms and main hall bedrooms at Eynsham Hall have been newly-refurbished, with key features in the main hall now including a grand fireplace, memorabilia cabinets, stag heads, and a library full of antique books. A range of lodge bedrooms have also been renovated, and all 134 rooms at Eynsham Hall boast character and individuality. With so many options, there is something to suit all tastes, preferences, and budgets. The beautiful Green Room, with ornate plaster ceiling and large stone picture windows with views of the gardens, can 34 | WEDDINGS & SERVICES OCCASIONS

“Our wedding specialist works with you from the very beginning, making sure that all your questions are answered and your needs are catered for so that when the big day comes, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the best day of your life. We take care of the rest.” The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships, and can cater for smaller weddings with 20 guests up to larger receptions for 100 guests. For evening receptions, Eynsham Hall can cater for buffet receptions of up to 200 guests.

Venue of the Year 2019 - Oxfordshire

One of Oxfordshire’s most popular venues, Eynsham Hall offers the perfect location for a romantic wedding. A number of rooms within the Hall are licensed for civil marriage and partnership ceremonies. There are plenty of accommodation options available to cater for guests wanting to stay overnight. The honeymoon suite is also reserved for newly-weds to stay with compliments on their wedding night. For wedding breakfasts, Eynsham Hall provides seasonal menus with a choice of food created by its team of chefs. Complimentary food and wine tasting is available for the bride and groom and the hotel also boasts an award-winning bar. As a result of its spectacular settings and standout service, Eynsham Hall has now been awarded ‘Wedding Venue Of The Year For Oxfordshire 2015’ by Weddings and Services magazine. The panel of selectors were most impressed by several aspects of the Hall including the true elegance of the place, the beautiful gardens, the in-house catering, the great packages on offer but the standout feature was the great selection of rooms the venue offered. Speaking on the award, Laura says “We are delighted to receive this award. “Winning the award is great recognition not only of the beautiful venue and location but of the hard work our staff put into making weddings at Eynsham Hall extra special. “We have 70 weddings booked for 2015 and look forward to holding many more in 2016. “This year has also seen an extensive programme of refurbishment taking place at the Hall and the opening of the brasserie at the end of 2015 will be an exciting addition to the venue.” Laura is hopeful the award will lead to a further increase of interest in Eynsham Hall for weddings. “We would very much welcome more enquiries and show rounds, and would love to continue booking in more weddings in the future.” “Eynsham Hall was recently highly commended as most romantic venue in the world, in the 2019 Prestigious Star Awards.”

EYNSHAM HALL North Leigh, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 6PN

01993 885200 | weddings@eynshamhall.com | www.eynshamhall.com WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 35

Venues EDITORS

CHOICE

RECOMMENDATION

ituated perfectly in the leafy town of Elsenham in Essex, located just far enough away from the main road to be exclusive yet close enough to be accessible, you’ll find the hidden jewel that is Elsenham Golf & Leisure. The estate is wonderfully English, gloriously in its natural splendour and elegance, complete with a picturesque 9 hole golf course. The recent refurbishment completion of the brand new function room provides a light and airy ambience, overlooking the classic course. The recent installation of a decadent new patio and beautiful balcony provide an excellent location to share pictures and make memories with your guests and bridal party. The whole venue can accommodate 200 people, with the fully air conditioned function room comfortably seating 90 guests. All fixtures and fittings can be easily removed for you, providing for a

200 person after party. Complete with an exceptional sound system, full lighting, outdoor bar, it provides that ‘wow’ factor to any wedding occasion. Elsenham Golf and Leisure’s friendly and professional Events Manager, Leanne Pharaoh, will guide you through all the options available to you and help you find the best package to suit your needs. Happy to cater for your requirements, the flexible and modestly priced menu includes 3 course wedding breakfast as well as a variety of finger and fork buffet options for you to choose from. Any special request will be accommodated so feel free to express your wishes. There are a range of options, for the hiring of the room only to a full-blown wedding package that includes the hiring of the full venue, complete with wedding banqueting, entertainment and an evening buffet. If required, Leanne can also organise everything from the flowers, transport and professional photography. They can even facilitate the full role of wedding planning services if you so desire. An especially special touch provided for you and your guests is the professional

We appreciate the importance of your special day and here at Elsenham we ensure everything is taken care of leaving you to enjoy your wedding celebrations. Leanne Pharaoh. Events Manager.

photo shoot on location. Transported by golf buggy to your chosen location anywhere on the estate and course, your party can have the best backdrop with breath-taking scenery for wedding photos you will never forget. For an unforgettable experience in a beautiful location, Elsenham Golf and Leisure offers a beautiful location and personal service with a price that is hard to find and even harder to beat.

Elsenham Golf & Leisure

Hall Road, Elsenham, Nr. Stansted Airport, CM22 6FL

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Telephone: 01279 812 865 Email: info@elsenhamgolfandleisure.co.uk Website: www.elsenhamgolfandleisure.co.uk

Venues Join Us!

hether you dream of an English afternoon tea with croquet on the lawn or a lavish weekend affair, ANSTEY HALL offers the perfect location, facilities and flexibility, to ensure that your wedding is just that … YOUR wedding. Our team is always on hand to ensure your day is flawless and we excel at both traditional and nontraditional weddings. The Hall is licensed for civil ceremonies for 120 guests and dining for up to 200 guests.

It is YOUR country house for YOUR Special Day. That is something we feel is important as it ensures exclusivity. We have contact with all types of musicians, florists, ice sculptures and much more, that way everything is tailored to fit your tastes, and can be as intimate and informal as you wish. Limited only by your imagination, you could have fireworks, a hot air balloon, a casino, a traditional Victorian carousel, or even a helicopter arrival. Please do not hesitate to contact us to arrange a viewing. Weekdays, weekends and evenings are fine. We look forward to hearing from you. A family owned Grade 1 listed venue, ANSTEY HALL is quintessentially English country house, dating back to the 17th century.

Anstey Hall is a truly special place and it was “lovely to be able to hold our big day somewhere so beautiful but with such a comfortable and friendly Ali & Dave atmosphere.

”

Anstey Hall, Maris Lane, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 9LG Tel: +44 (0)1223 700400 Fax: +44 (0)1223 474971 Email: enquiries@ansteyhall.com Website: www.ansteyhall.com WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 37

4 . o N

15% No.4Hamilton HamiltonPlace* Place* 15% off off wedding wedding packages packages atatNo.4

No.4 Hamilton Hamilton Place magnificent, central venue forfor wedding ceremonies and and receptions. It hasIt ahas a No.4 Place is is a magnificent, centralLondon London venue wedding ceremonies receptions. picturesque, heated roof terrace with views over Hyde Park, making it a stunning location for your celebrations. picturesque, heated roof terrace with views over Hyde Park, making it a stunning location for your celebrations. With the elegant old-world grandeur of the Edwardian Town House and its wonderful location in Mayfair, it is an With the elegant old-world grandeur of the Edwardian Town House and its wonderful location in Mayfair, it is an incredible setting for one of the most important days of your life. incredible setting for one of the most important days of your life.

There is also a roof terrace with stunning views, that just canâ€™t be rivalled, across Park Lane to Hyde Park, the Roof one of a Place select have few locations in Central London an exclusive location in aand The teamTerrace at No.4isHamilton a passion for quality and offering style manifest in theiroutside personal service garden terrace setting. creative expertise, ensuring it will be a day to remember for all the right reasons. The team at No.4 Hamilton Place have a passion for quality and style manifest in their personal service and For further information call 020 7670 creative expertise, ensuring it will be 4314, a day to remember for all the right reasons. email: hello@4hp.org.uk or visit www.4hp.org.uk For further information call 020 7670 4314, email: hello@4hp.org.uk or visit www.4hp.org.uk

No.4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ.

*For For weddings takingplace placebetween between January and 31st December 2016 only. *For new new bookings bookings only. only. For weddings taking 1st1st January and 31st December 2016 only.

Venues

HACKNEY VENUES is a collection of some of the most sought-after wedding and civil ceremony venues in east London.

he venues in this fantastic collection show off the diverse nature of the architectural history of Hackney. Covering different styles from the past 250 years, there is sure to be the ideal venue space that will make the big day one to remember for many years to come. The collection includes five completely unique spaces each with 17 individual rooms ranging from 550 for a standing reception in the two Assembly Halls, right down to 40 people for an intimate dinner in the Drawing Room of Clissold House.

Available throughout the year for summer and winter weddings, three of the venues – Clissold House, Stoke Newington Town Hall and Hackney

Town Hall are licensed for wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships, along with spaces for the wedding breakfast, reception and dancing. This multi-purpose style means that a whole day’s experience can take place in one venue saving time, effort and money whilst also offering stunning surroundings. The remaining two venues – the West Reservoir Centre and the Hackney Marshes Centre mare available for post ceremony events only but still offer outstanding contemporary aesthetics along with excellent value for money. WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 39

Venues

ll of the venues have a dedicated events team on hand to provide you with most relevant and useful guidance, meaning that the costs of wedding planning is greatly reduced. From site visit, preparing the event itself and upon your final departure, each team is dedicated to making your day the best and most experienced suppliers in the industry. The venues work extensively with caterers, lighting designers, furniture suppliers and florists who will all come together to plan and deliver the event. The venue surroundings are often one of the most important elements of the day and these stunning venues will ensure some of the best photo opportunities in London. Weather it’s the vintage glamour of the tow town halls, the classical elegance of Clissold House; the historic nod to an industrial past or the glimpse of the country’s sporting future, these venues will create a stylish and unique visual experience.

Your ceremony Hackney’s registration service offers a wealth of guidance for any newly engaged couple for both weddings and civil partnerships. The team works closely with each of the venues to ensure that every element of the ceremony is planned and delivered in the most special way. Offering advice on the legal requirements prior to a ceremony is planned and delivered in the most special way. Offering advice on the legal requirements prior to a ceremony including notice periods and required documentation, they are dedicated to making the process as simple as possible. For further information about this service and for many more ideas on how to make the ceremony unique and special to you, please visit: www.hackmey.gov.uk/mariages-and-civil-ceremonies 0208 356 3000 Ceremonies@hackey.gov.uk CONTACT DETAILS Clissold House 0207 249 2308 www.hackneyvenues.com/clissold-house Hackney Marshes Centre 0208 986 7955 www.hackneyvenues.com/hackney-marshes-centre Hackney Town Hall 0208 356 5505 www.hackneyvenues.com/hackney-town-hall

40 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Stock Newington Town Hall 0208 356 5505 www.hackneyvenues.com/stoke-newington-townhall West Reservoir Centre 0208 442 8116 www.hackneyvenues.com/west-reservoir-centre

Venues

www.hackneyvenues.com

Venues

COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING VENUE

et in 400 acres of rolling parkland, Sandon Hall is the perfect wedding venue Couples enjoy exclusive use, marrying and celebrating free of any distractions Weddings are bespoke with each one unique Marry in the Library, enjoy drinks in the gardens and dine in the Saloon before partying the night away Smaller parties can enjoy an intimate dinner in the Old Dining Room A bedroom is available in which brides can get ready and relax at their leisure High-quality catering is provided by our partners, Jenkinsons of Stafford Large or small, a wedding at Sandon Hall lives long in the memoryâ€Ś..

email: info@sandonhall.co.uk Tel: 01889 508004

www.sandonhall.co.uk

42 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

THE SECRET’S OUT! ...there’s a fantastic wedding reception venue located in the heart of Portsmouth’s Naval Heritage Area Fully licensed for Weddings and Civil Partnership ceremonies ✦ Wedding breakfast and drink packages available ✦ Personal service from our experienced Event Planner ✦ Catering from 30 to 250 guests ✦ Accommodation at special rates ✦ Two air conditioned function suites ✦ Walking distance from Gunwharf Quays and the Historic Dockyard

Great Food! Great Service! At Prices you’ll love! Telephone or email for full details and a quotation now!

Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HS Club Tel: (023) 9282 4231 ● Functions Tel: (023) 9283 5842 ● E: peter.driscoll@royalmaritimeclub.co.uk Photographs used the permission Ross Young Photography and Danni Beach Photography Photographs used withwith the permission of: THIS of IS :PHOTOGRAPHY LTD and DANNI BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

44 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

The Royal Maritime Club Not your average event venue.

he Royal Maritime club started out as the “Sailors Home Club” back in the 19th Century but nowadays provides not only memorable functions available to all, but also quality accommodation, much of it already refurbished to a very high standard with an ongoing programme of improvements. We are already well known and much appreciated for the attention to detail shown in our discussions with the organisers of all types of function from sumptuous wedding receptions, masonic ladies’ (and gentlemens’) nights, leaving parties, charity fundraisers through to informal reunions, Trafalgar night dinner, Burns night dinner dance, Summer ball and post – funeral receptions. In fact most functions and parties can be catered for by our experienced team of professionals in one or more of our versatile function rooms. What may not be common knowledge is that our banqueting and events side is run as a separate business from the main charity , however all profits are put straight into the central fund to enable the club’s charitable work to continue. This means that anybody is able to hold their function here and also take advantage of our quality guest accommodation at discounted rates.

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Package deals are available with wedding breakfasts from £36.50 per person and drink packages from £12.75 per person. There are no hidden charges and you agree an estimate with us before putting down a deposit and signing a contract. Let us work to your budget and make your money stretch further! In keeping with our naval heritage and charitable status, we offer further discounts to serving members of HM Forces and retired forces veterans using our facilities. Do contact us and find out how we can help you to organise your own special event.

The Royal Maritime Club www.royalmaritimeclub.co.uk

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 45

Venues

Hintlesham Hall is a magnificent 16th Century Grade 1 Country house set in beautiful, peaceful and mature gardens, with an impressive tree lined drive. The Hall is the perfect setting for your wedding, whether your dream is for a more traditional occasion or a vibrantly spectacular celebration.

The warm, relaxing and friendly ambience of this beautiful country house, together with attentive staff and renowned cuisine, will create a truly memorable occasion for you and your guests. We offer a flexible range of Wedding Packages including Exclusive Use of the Hall. Book an appointment to tour this beautiful wedding venue with our experienced Event Managers to discuss your personal requirements.

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE ON ALL REMAINING DATES IN 2014!

Call us today on 01473 652334 or Contact tracy.carter@hintleshamhall.com www.hintleshamhall.com 48 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Venues

Gorse Hill

...A Truly Magical Setting

orse Hill is a beautiful mansion house hotel in the heart of Woking. Nestled in 17 acres of manicured gardens, it is the perfect setting for your fairytale day. Licensed for civil ceremonies, we can host the wedding of your dreams from start to finish. Our Experienced team are on hand to guide you every step of the way, from our dedicated wedding co-ordinator and operations manager to our talented chefs. Enjoy champagne and canapĂŠs on the lawn, treat your guests to delicious lovingly prepared food and hand-picked wines all before dancing the night away. With 50 individually appointed en suite bedrooms, a well-earned peaceful sleep is not far away!

Choose from all inclusive packages or discuss your requirements in details to create a bespoke day. Come along and see for yourself, give us a call to arrange a tour of the venue- weâ€™d love to hear your ideas! Please contact Marsha Stubbs on 01483 747444 or email: mstubbs2@deverevenues.co.uk Gorse Hill, Hook Heath Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 0QF

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troll along the beach with the sand between your toes, trek through forests or mountain bike in the countryside and at the end of a long day you can kick back and relax beneath the stars in the comfort of your own Wigwam® cabin. Each of our wonderful heated Wigwam® cabins is fully insulated to keep you cosy even in the chill of winter, and our super comfy foam mattresses will ensure the perfect night’s sleep. Double glazed windows open to allow in a cool summer breeze whilst sturdy lockable doors offer you peace of mind when you’re out and about having fun. Guaranteed to keep you warm and dry whatever the weather. Accommodation ranges from the basic ‘Wee Brave Wigwam’ up to the luxurious En-Suite ‘Running Water’ which is truly ‘glamping’ at its best ! Some even have hot tubs to while away a romantic hour or two before snuggling up in front of a real camp fire.

“The Wigwams are good value for money, visitors love them and they’re easy to maintain and clean. There’s nothing to go wrong! They are better built than the other options we looked at.” - Jan Hardwick, Secret Valley Wigwams With locations throughout the UK from wild and rugged Shetland to the sun-kissed coast of Cornwall you will be truly spoilt for choice. Wigwam® Holidays offers the perfect break – whether it be a romantic honeymoon choice, or a pre- wedding stag or hen party. Some sites also offer complete wedding packages with accommodation and catering options to cater for all your guests. Feel the wind through your hair, not through your tent and go wild, go Wigwam!

For more information:

visit www.wigwamholidays.com, call 01838 400298 or email enquiries@wigwamholidays.com 50 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Shop our biggest store at dunelm.com

Getting Married Abroad

Getting Married Abroad - How to m

aking heartfelt vows to your beloved in front of family and friends ranks for most couples as one of the happiest moments of their lives. But planning a wedding has to be high on anyone’s list of stressinducing experiences. Bridezillas, overbearing relatives, and spiralling budgets; they can all add a few grey hairs before you’ve even had a whisper of a chance to grow old together.

Unsurprising then that an increasing number of couples choose not just to take their honeymoon abroad but say those two timehonoured words (I do) at their0 favourite holiday destination. Getting married abroad is becoming more and more popular, Going abroad for your nuptials can not only be cheaper but less stressful – some would say a marriage made in holiday heaven. Cost benefits aside, booking with a tour operator can also relieve some of the pressure. Wedding coordinators in the UK and at your destination will be there to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Getting married abroad can also simply be more exciting, ‘It is a fantastic way to combine your 52 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

wedding with your holiday or honeymoon and a wonderful way of spending time with your nearest and dearest.

Insurance

You may not be able to insure yourselves against relationship breakdown but you can make sure that your wedding is sufficiently covered. The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) said last year that couples should check their insurance and that simple travel insurance may not be enough. Spokesperson Peter Staddon said: ‘A wedding is different and, as such, brings with it other problems, the dress, the rings, the wedding refinery.’ We recommend John Lewis where prices start at just £59 www.johnlewis.com

Making it Legal

The legal requirements for marriage or civil partnerships vary from country to country, so planning in advance is essential. Foreign Office advice

Getting Married Abroad

make your big day one long holiday recommends contacting the embassies of where you plan to marry to find out what documentation you will need. You should also check visas or if you need proof of residency in that country before you can get married in some countries it is a necessary requirement that you spend a certain number of days there before making your vows. You may also need to take a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or a Nulla Osta (in Italy), which is a document confirming that there is no reason that you cannot marry. There is also the question of whether your marriage is legal when you return to the UK. The FCO advises speaking to a lawyer to find out if your marriage is recognised. For more information, including foreign embassy contact details, please visit www.fco.gov.uk

Top Tips

• Don’t leave it too late to book the wedding. • ‘We recommend a minimum of six months to

plan perfect wedding.’ • Beware of too much sunbathing remember your wedding photos. • Don’t get a dress that is likely to get creased easily or ruined in your bag or in resort. • Make lists of everything that you need If you to pack something, have a big impact on particularly, it it’s your

forget it can your day, wedding dress.

Getting Married Abroad

by Kristina Rose

WEDDINGS & SERVICES | 53

Weddings Abroad

Cyprus the Land of Love Why Cyprus as a Wedding Destination? Marry any day of the week

Hundreds of varied wedding venues.

very bride wishes to get married in spectacular surroundings, with equally spectacular weather. As the British summertime grows increasingly unreliable, many brides are opting for weddings in sunnier climates to realise the ‘fairy tale’ they have been dreaming of all their lives. It’s simply a case of finding a perfect venue that will take care of everything, leaving you free to enjoy not only your wedding but a holiday too! Legend claims the island is the birthplace of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. It’s thought she enjoyed secret forest trysts here with a string of ancient gods.

56 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Weddings Abroad And the Roman general, Mark Antony, is said to have presented the island to Cleopatra as a token of his love and affection. There’s no denying this place spells romance. According to Antigoni Kapodistria, CTO Tourism Officer, in charge of wedding tourism in Cyprus, Cyprus still has the dominant position in the wedding industry compared to other European and Mediterranean destinations. Cyprus remains the number one preferred wedding and honeymoon destination for British couples, she said. Some of the reasons include direct flights to and from the island especially from regional UK airports, guaranteed sunshine, the lower cost for combining wedding and holidays for couples and their guests, the variety of wedding venues other than town halls, the organisational expertise of local wedding planners and municipality wedding officers, simple procedures, and the identification of Cyprus with Aphrodite, which has made it widely recognised as the ‘Island of Love’, she said.

So why is Cyprus such a popular wedding destination? • Fantastic weather throughout the summer raging from temperatures in the late 20’s to early 40’s; • You only have to be on the island for 3 days before you can legally be married; • Marry any day of the week; • Choose either a Civil, Anglican, Catholic or Humanism service; • You can easily get married for less than €1000! • Phenomenal choice on wedding suppliers to complete your wedding all at extremely great prices; • It is has a very British culture from years of British rule; • Only a 4 hour flight away; • An island of natural beauty with a combination of beautiful coastlines and mountain scenery. • English translated ceremony; • Hundreds of varied wedding venues. Choices are from Hotels, Town Halls, Churches, Yachts, Villas and others all uniquely different;

“Getting married in Cyprus means not only can you have

a fairy tale wedding set against a breath-taking backdrop, but you can also ride off into the sunset together at the end of the day and enjoy a holiday on the Island of dreams and tranquillity.”

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 57

Weddings Abroad

Exclusive Yacht Weddings ® Specialists in Beach and Yacht Weddings

What makes getting married on a yacht Special?

magine being immersed in the beauty of the mountains, ocean and beautiful Cyprus skyline. Our Wedding Yachts are the only yachts of their kind in Cyprus, purposely built to be able to offer something special with luxury at affordable prices. Our yachts hold up to 150 guests with a choice of six yachts to choose from, depending on the town where you are staying in here in Cyprus. Each yacht has its own individual design, lighting, music and seating for dinner offering something that is private and intimate which is hard to find nowadays. Each yacht is decorated based on your colour scheme and the yachts can be used as both a cruising and unique dockside venue, although wedding ceremonies, to abide by the law, have to be docked in the harbour whilst the marriage takes place. Why not Exchange vows with the sky as your ceiling and the sun setting on the horizon? Our Wedding Ceremonies are one of a kind, complete with unobstructed 360 views of the shoreline. All our Wedding Yachts can be customized according to your venue needs and wedding style. Take your first steps into your life together surrounded by the perfect combination of unique elegance and scenic beauty. If not, we have “Vintage Style” with a ceremony at the byzantine castle at the harbour and then a “Vintage Style” on board our large wooden ship, very popular nowadays! Why not marry in the sand? We offer a fantastic unobstructed beach venue, say “I DO” overlooking the sea. Wedding Receptions are the perfect unique reception venue, our Wedding Yachts are the most exclusive and unique reception venues all over Cyprus, complete with customizable set ups and

58 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Weddings Abroad

Cyprus personal colour choice decoration. Choose to mix and mingle with your family and friends with a cocktail style venue, or enjoy a seated buffet or gourmet plated style affair. The options for your reception are endless aboard Our Wedding Yachts.

Hen and stag parties, renewal of vows and blessings by the Captain.

NEW!!!! Our Sea Star yacht with its new design for 2014 has an additional flying bridge enhancing the yacht into a different league. A spot light stage added, now caters for 130 seating for dinner plus another 50 persons on the main deck. Amazing underwater amphibian lighting systems... it is all about lights on board the Sea Star! Say “I do” surrounded by stunning scenery or dance the night away under the stars on our yachts. Enhance your wedding reception by having a ray of fireworks, dancing show, and even stay on board in the evening with our prestige honeymoon suite. Make your Wedding a moment to truly remember, that dream wedding is not far away, so email info@exclusiveyachtweddings.com We also offer hen and stag parties, renewal of vows, blessings by the Captain. Our prices start from as little as £699, why not let us assist you in your personal bespoke wedding, our Professional Team await you.

Ocean Flyer Ltd, T/A Exclusive Yacht Weddings, 54 Apostolou Pavlou Ave, Paphos, CY8046 CYPRUS

Email: info@exclusiveyyachtweddings.com Website: www.exclusiveyachtweddings.com

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 59

Weddings Abroad

Planet

Holidays

The most inspiring wedding venues

he average wedding in Britain costs tens of thousands of pounds , so it’s no surprise that more and more couples continue to choose an overseas setting for their big day, and saving pounds in the process but perhaps splashing out on the little extras that will make their wedding celebrations last longer than just a day or evening. AITO Specialist tour operator Planet Holidays & Weddings offers an eclectic collection of venues in Europe’s most romantic, luxurious and affordable, spots to tie the knot.

Barefoot romance. There is no doubt that beach weddings are the most popular option for couples that have decided to get married abroad. Cyprus, Greece, The Algarve in Portugal and Malta are perfect for a sand-between-your-toes ceremony.

Located a few miles from Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the municipality of Sotira features as one of Planet Holidays latest gorgeous locations where a beach wedding can be organised. Indeed, this area is blessed with a wonderful coastline where turquoise waters lap breath-taking beaches, often

Cyprus Portugal Italy

Malta Croatia Rhodes

Santorini Skiathos Halkidki

Thassos Zante Crete

compared to the Caribbean but without the long flight! Couples may choose to get married on either Poseidon Beach or Ayia Thekla Beach, both located on this lovely stretch of coastline. Wedding packages can include ‘dressing’ these beautiful beach settings with suggestions for reception, no matter how many guests are invited to share the special day. On the Greek island of Zante, an exclusive beach wedding venue is the Porto Azzuro. Located in the area of Vassilikos, some 8kms from Zante Town, Porto Azzuro Beach Bar & Restaurant is an enchanting wedding venue that offers the most idyllic setting. It’s not hard to understand why many 60 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Corfu Kefalonia Amorgos

couples opt to have their ceremony conducted right by the waterfront where chairs and a pretty wedding arch can be organised. After the ceremony the happy couple and their guests can enjoy drinks with canapes to hot or cold buffets or a barbecue. Extra services that can be organised include

Weddings Abroad HOLIDAY PACKAGE - ACCOMMODATION ONLY - FLIGHTS ONLY FINANCIAL PROTECTION ABTA & ATOL MEMBERSHIP itself or Minthis Hills for a touch of Tuscany in Cyprus!

Off the beaten track.

musicians and even a fireworks extravaganza to the end of your magical wedding day! Duna Beach Club sits directly on the golden sandy beach of Meia Praia beach in Lagos and is just picture perfect. This truly beautiful location on the Algarve boasts soft, white sand where a civil wedding or symbolic blessing will take place. It is a perfect way to combine the important moment of exchanging vows with a very relaxed and informal setting.

Urban chic. Italy tops the bill here, starting with the

Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of the beautiful town Florence. It is a huge, romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace that ranks among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo’s David statue as well the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi, it is without a doubt one of the most significant public places in Italy. Ceremonies take place in the richly adorned wedding hall. Once couples have exchanged their vows, there will be lots of opportunities for memorable photographs. Similarly, a quintessentially Italian reception can be arranged at one of Florence’s many restaurants. Other Italian gems include Rome where hope springs eternal, timeless classic Venice, as well as the Lakes, the romantic Amalfi Coast and lots more.

Old-fashioned glamour.

The Annabelle is to Cyprus, what Raffles is to Singapore, Reids to Madeira and Claridges to London. Located in Paphos, with amazing views of the castle and harbour, The Annabelle is a stunning hotel in a class of its own surrounded by beautiful gardens perfect setting for a wedding outdoors and elegant champagne reception, candlelit dinner and more. Other venues include Paphos Castle

www.planetweddings.co.uk

ABTA W6455 - ATOL 808 - AGTA - AITO 5164

A newly introduced area, the Alentejo, derived from Além-Tejo or Beyond the Tagus, covers almost a third of Portugal, from the south bank of the Tagus down to the Algarve, and from the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border in the east. But it’s home to just 7% of the country’s population and visitors will feel like they are exploring undiscovered territory, a sleepy landscape of empty roads, pretty white villages, fields of half-naked cork-oak trees (the bark is harvested

from their trunks and turned into almost everything), vines, olive groves and small towns that have remained practically unchanged for centuries. Choose to exchange vows in a Pousada or Convent and your wedding day will be exceptionally special from start to finish.

Tel. 01438 841 270 WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 61

o you’ve declared your love at your fairytale wedding that was organised with fierce focus and determination. Time to unwind and relax. You’re setting sail for a life of married bliss, a-glow with life and affection, off on the first adventure of your shared life time. But where and through who? Honeymoon research and booking is not as easy as it sounds.

Firstly, where? Heaven on earth exist’s in the mind’s eye; they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The famed writer Mark Twain said, “I think a man and woman should choose each other for life, for the simple reason that a long life with all its accidents is barely enough time for a man and woman to understand each other. And to understand is to love”. Maybe to one of you it entails white sand, a cool breeze, hot sun and no moving. Well, maybe a turning over every so often to allow for even tanning. Maybe it’s an ornate room you don’t want to leave, a balcony view to die for, a duvet of silk, hand woven by a hundred nuns, covering an oversized bed made for the angels, lined with unicorn feathers and moonbeams. Maybe it’s crystal clear blues, tropical fish and coral as you and yours scuba dive from sunrise then ride jet-skis into the sunset. Perhaps you like to hold hands as you inhale old world culture and history, walking through ancient ruins, breath-taking architecture and museums. Smiling with local craftsmen daily as you look for more inspiration. We set about to find the most sought after selection of recommended honeymoon destinations and operators, casting our net wide for answers from our readers, friends, family and colleagues from afar and online.

Beachcomber is a specialist company with a huge amount of experience and expertise in Mauritius, the Seychelles, Morocco, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Equal to your choice of destination, is who you choose to take you there. The most special time of your life needs to be appreciated as such, which is why we recommend you place yourself in the hands of Beachcomber, they appreciate the fine art of luxury travel, priding themselves on offering “choice and value for money”. With their own staff on the ground, they can really give offer you that ‘insider knowledge’. So put your seat to an upright position and makes sure your seatbelt is securely fastened as they take you on a tour of dream

DESTINATIONS. •

Seychelles

Beachcomber’s Sainte Anne Resort & Spa is the only hotel on the tranquil island of Sainte Anne, providing you with the complete Seychelles holiday experience in one beautiful resort on pristine white sandy beaches. Chosen with care; located in the protected waters of the Sainte Anne National Marine Park, there are no motorised sports or water-skiing. The surrounding Indian Ocean waters are crystal-clear for the ultimate in snorkelling and scuba- With the hotel fantastically positioned (just 10 minutes off Mahé by boat), it’s the perfect base from which to explore the exotic wildlife and untouched beaches of nearby islands on fascinating day-trips. Visit the markets at Victoria or try out a local restaurant on Mahé for lunch. Another great way to explore this fascinating archipelago is by island hopping. Combine Sainte Anne with either Denis Private Island or L’Archipel on Praslin to really get the most from your Seychelles honeymoon. 62 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

choice of dining and nightlife options, you may never want to leave! •

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi may have taken a while to catch up with Dubai in terms of what it offers holidaymakers, yet the results are worth the wait. An Abu Dhabi holiday offers a beguiling blend of Arabian mystique and modern excitement. Ornate mosques and mosaic fountains nestle beside cloud skimming skyscrapers and international designer stores, while the Corniche provides an oasis of verdant beachfront walkways. Their selection of Abu Dhabi hotels puts you right at the heart of the city action, or you may prefer to stay on one of the newly opened islands. Saadiyat Island is a mere 15 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and offers an irresistible combination of heavenly beaches and great golf at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Equally unmissable, for a day out, is exciting Yas Island, home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the world’s first Ferrari Theme Park. •

Morocco

Only a short flight away from the U.K., within an a few hours you could be settled into a luxury Beachcomber hotel just outside of Marrakech. Thousands years of culture await as you can lose yourselves in a maze of wonder and discovery. Search the winding streets of the ancient city in the Hivernage and Guéliz quarters. Explore the myriad of souks of the Medina or discover the chic Owning a hotel just outside of Marrakech makes Beachcomber as a little different from most operators selling honeymoons to Morocco. There’s so much to offer, from the mystic Jemaa el Fna square or exploring the myriad of souks of the Medina. Discover the chic, modern side of this ancient and exotic city in the Hivernage and Guéliz quarters. The cuisine and choice of restaurants, many open air, are delightful. As are the sights, such as the fabulous Majorelle Gardens, once owned by the late Yves St Laurent. Enjoy a round of golf with the African sun on your back at the fabulous Royal Palm Marrakech, or get away from it all with a couple of nights in the Atlas Mountains. •

Dubai

A honeymoon in Dubai is an incredible experience, think Arabian Nights meets downtown Manhattan! Soaring glass and steel architecture punctuates the ever-changing futuristic skyline, while Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island, really has to be seen to be believed. This vibrant, glittering city offers so much to see and do that it can be a struggle to fit everything in. Carefully picked resorts will ensure you make the most of everything a Dubai honeymoon has to offer, from breath-taking beaches, spectacular shopping malls, championship golf courses and the world’s tallest building, to swimming with dolphins, exciting water parks and dune safaris. Also with an unrivalled

•

Mauritius

Beachcomber built their first hotel here in 1952 and secured first access to all the prime locations on the luxury island paradise. All aspects any holiday package you want are covered, from economy to luxurious indulgence. With a mild tropical climate that keeps it warm all year round, gentle seas and safe beaches. An Indian Ocean tropical island paradise, Mauritius honeymoons will always be something that dreams are made of. Owning 8 of the best Mauritius hotels (more than anyone else) they can provide you with the best choice and value for money breaks in Mauritius, no matter what you want to do. A perfect honeymoon destination with only a 3 hour time difference and without a visa, vaccinations or jet lag to worry about. Their first–hand experience and unrivalled 22 years of selling Mauritius trips is something you’ll find hard to get with anyone else. What makes your holiday ever more magical is the attention to detail. Your coordinator being your guide to your fantasy island union and honeymoon of your dreams. Coordinators of great experience and charm, such as the beautifully named Sandrine Bouquet (yes, that is her real name). If a honeymoon package is booked in March you will receive 30% off your holiday throughout the year. Why not marry here also? Despite the large amount of business and requests Beachcomber receives, they only perform one wedding a day at the resort, guaranteeing all their energy is poured into facilitating your day, making your dreams come true. To book a Honeymoon with Beachcomber Tours 01483 445 685 or log onto www.beachcombertours.co.uk

call us on

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 63

Venues

Maldives

Hays Travel

ith all you have to worry about leading upto your perfect day, from button holes to buffets, your luxury honeymoon abroad should not be one of them. It can be wonderfully taken care of, taking the stress away from your travels. With years of experience helping couples find their dream honeymoon, Hays will plan your experience from the church bells and confetti to clear waters and soft sand. They will arrange all your flight details, taking the stress and headache away. All you have to do is relax, recline, sip your wine and enjoy the movie. Of course, everyone has a different idea as to what constitutes an idyllic honeymoon - some couples want to go on safari, others want a magnificent, multi-stop adventure, whilst many want to do nothing but kick back on

Las Vegas a deserted beach. Hays listen to your ideas and tailor-make them into reality. If you’re not sure where you would like to escape to, don’t worry, they have everything covered. Experienced travel consultants, passionate about the art of taking care of your dreams, can cater every desire. If you’re not sure where to go, talk to Hays. Hays have helped thousands of newly-weds and have dazzling resources at their fingertips. The array of locations is breathtaking, allowing the most desired locations in the world. Whatever you choose to do with your time, from laying on the beach in the Caribbean to swimming with dolphins in the Indian Ocean, whatever your hearts desire can be made available to you. With a spectacular range of luxury hotels, you can find the perfect place to begin married life. This is what Hays excel at highly’

For more informatio

www.haysfa

NOBODY OFFERS YOU MORE THE UK’S L 64 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Call: 0800 412 5394 personally working to ensure everything is considered allowing you to relax and enjoy. Whether it’s Asia, Africa, Australasia, the Caribbean or the Americas, they can pick out the most magical excursions and the most wonderful places to stay. Add in details like airport lounges, special suites and breathtaking trips and your Hays Faraway honeymoon will be everything you’ve dreamt of and more.

Why choose us? • • • • • • • •

Koh Samui

Dubai

Deposits from only £150 per person Full ATOL protection Exclusive Offers No booking fees Fly from national and regional airports Experienced and knowledgeable staff Personal travel advisor service Impartial reviews by expert insiders

Hays Faraway is part of the Hays Travel Group, the UK’s largest independent travel agent. Using our industry expertise and passion for travel, we’ve created affordable holidays to some of the planet’s most sought after destinations. Packed with brilliant offers and holiday inspiration, from beautiful hotels to magnificent, multi-stop adventures. Prefer to talk to someone? Consultants are on hand seven days a week to offer bespoke service and impartial advice. Whether you’re looking for a tailor-made trip, a honeymoon, a city break or a beach holiday, Get in touch and start planning your dream long haul holiday today.

*Terms and conditions apply, to receive early booking discounts bookings must be made before 30 days in advance of travel, departure date range between May 1st and October 1st 2014, other dates are available for a small supplement, offers are updated and extended on a regular basis to cover further departure bands.

on visit our website:

araway.co.uk

LARGEST INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT

Honeymoons

08000 22 30 30 THE LUXURY INCLUDED* HOLIDAY

amily-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has transformed itself from one brand and one resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica to become one of the most well-known and award-winning hospitality companies in the world. With five brands and 24 properties in seven countries including Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Turks and Caicos, Sandals Resorts International is the undisputed leader of Caribbean holiday experiences and remains fiercely committed to the region, dedicating itself to innovative resort development that in the words of Chairman and Founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart, “exceed expectations” for guests, associates and the people who call the Caribbean home.

In The Caribbean’s

Best Beaches

Every Sandals luxury resort sits directly on a stunning beach, on six of the most gorgeous islands in a region

66 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

famous for its endless white sand expanses, exquisite azure waters and quixotic sunsets. From Jamaica’s warm reggae pulse to the Bahamas’ sophisticated beat and from St. Lucia’s volcanic majesty to Antigua’s exotic allure, Sandals provides the best luxury all–inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, each with its own unique Luxury– Included® experience. Make Sandals Caribbean resorts your next holiday destination..

Honeymoons VOTED WORLD’S LEADING ALL–INCLUSIVE COMPANY

hy are we voted world’s best year after year? Sandals didn’t invent the all–inclusive concept, but we’ve perfected it. For over three decades, we have earned every resort award and accolade in the industry, placing Sandals leagues above any other all–inclusive resort. However, Sandals is not only the world’s best in the eyes of the travel industry, but the favorite destination for a Luxury Included® Holiday in the hearts of couples around the world. Our greatest reward of all is the high level of guest satisfaction we enjoy, inspiring us to continue providing the ultimate holiday experience in the Caribbean.

A Paradise For two people in love. Indulge in a world of heavenly togetherness, where endless beaches, plush accommodations, intimate restaurants and exotic gardens are the perfect interludes for exceptional privacy and romance.

Honeymoons

Affordable Honeymoons to the Ma

imply Maldives is a leading ATOL Protected Tour Operator that specialises in providing affordable package holidays for newly weds wishing to spend their honeymoon on one of the beautiful islands that form the stunning Maldives. The company boasts a number of exclusive offers, as well as a vast array of honeymoon extras, including a price match guarantee, ensuring only they offer the lowest prices to the Maldives from the UK. Think your budget will not stretch to a luxury Honeymoon? Your wedding is one of the most wonderful and memorable occasions of your life, culminating in the first holiday you will take as husband and wife. Every couple wants their Honeymoon to be extra special, an experience they will remember for years to come. Where better to spend your Honeymoon than in the Maldives? Picture this scene, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are lapping against brilliant white sands, with the gentle rays of the sun washing over your body as you relax under exotic palm trees. Prepare to be completely blown away by the beauty of the crystal clear waters in the magical Maldives. Located in-between the trading route of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has somehow managed to seamlessly blend it’s rich heritage with the latest in modern facilities to meet the needs of it’s 21st Century visitors. 68 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Island hopping, dolphin cruise excursions and deep sea diving are just a few of the activities which entice you into the Maldivian lagoons. The resorts also offer the ultimate in spa experiences and fine dining that rival the very best Michelin starred restaurants. In recent interview, owner of the company Amit Patel explained what makes the Maldives such an ideal place for Honeymoons: “With the Maldives being home to some of the world’s most amazing marine life, it attracts both luxury travellers and diving enthusiasts.”

With 7 nights all inclu

prices starting from just

Contact simply

aldives from £1,299 per person

Made up of 1,190 coral islands, each resort is an individual island, accessible only by a luxury speedboat or seaplane. Many resort islands are so small you could take a full circle walk around the island and arrive back in the exact same spot in under 10 minutes. Other resort islands are much larger, with facilities such as tennis courts, spas and PADI licensed diving schools”. Between 100,000 and 120,000 passengers visit the Maldives from the UK every year, and simply Maldives has seen a large growth in number of repeat passengers. The feedback we have from the majority of our customers is that once you have been to paradise that is the Maldives, no other destination

usive Maldives holiday

£1,299 per person... Maldives today!

Honeymoons

in the world compares, and I would have to agree. With our lowest price guarantee, we pride ourselves on not only offering the lowest prices, but also a personalized service ensuring you make the most suitable resort choice.”

Simply Maldives Holidays

Tel: 020 7481 0804

Email: info@simplymaldives.co.uk Website: www.simplymaldives.co.uk

Honeymoons

hat do you do for your wedding gift list if you don’t need a new set of spoons or bath towels? Perhaps you’d prefer to swap traditional household gifts for the honeymoon of your dreams! With a honeymoon gift list, instead of bed sheets, you might have the first night of your hotel stay; instead of a toaster, you might have a romantic breakfast watching the sun rise over the ocean. Here’s how Buy Our Honeymoon works. First, sign up for a free, no-obligation 7-day trial. Choose one of our beautiful, smartphone- and tablet-compatible design themes, and personalise your pages with your own photos and a description of your honeymoon plans. Then, start compiling your list of excursions, adventures, meals, accommodation and travel expenses. You don’t need to have your honeymoon itinerary fully planned-out, or even know where you’re headed. You can go into as much or as little detail as you want — we’ve got loads of sample gift lists to give you ideas, and we’re more than happy to help with any queries you might have. You can include absolutely anything you can think of, and even mix gifts for your honeymoon with gifts for your home. The most popular gifts are probably contributions towards travel and accommodation — perhaps 100 miles of your flight over the ocean, or the first night of your hotel stay. But many of our couples really get creative with their list — to tell the story of their honeymoon: where they’re headed, why it’s important to them, what they most hope to remember from the experience. There’s no limits to what you can include! And we don’t take any commission out of the gifts you receive. The value of your gifts is always paid directly to you, in whatever way suits you best. There are three main options. If you and the majority of your guests are based in the UK, the best way is to take advantage of our unique Direct Debit payments option. We’re the first wedding gift list service in the world to enable guests to pay for their gifts immediately online, with a one-off Direct Debit. It’s super-easy for you to set up, convenient for your guests to use, and totally secure for everyone. 70 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Honeymoons

You can also link your gift list to a PayPal account, so guests are able to simply pay online using a credit or debit card. Some couples choose instead to receive cash or cheques on the day of their wedding, and others leave details on making a balance transfer to their bank account. Buy Our Honeymoon helps coordinate and manage your gift money, but we don’t collect your gifts on your behalf. This means your gifts are completely safe, and yours from the moment they’re given. And if you get stuck, we’re here to help. We’ll provide you with 70 customised notification cards your guests can use to go straight to your list, which include a telephone number that guests can use to call us with any queries they might have. If you have guests who don’t have access to the Internet, we’ll be happy to send them a printed copy of the list and to place a reservation on their behalf.

100% INDEPENDENT ZERO COMMISSION UNIQUE OPTIONS NO ADS BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS PERSONAL SUPPORT FREE TRIAL Gift payments by Direct Debit straight into your bank account or by credit/debit card into your PayPal account

www.buy-our-honeymoon.com WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 71

Honeymoons

Honeymoon Advice Usin

The honeymoon, your first holiday together as a married couple sho but what about all the extra stress of

lanning a wedding is stressful. No doubt about it. Even the most serene brides-to-be, can get pushed to their limits. Whatever sends you over the edge, don’t let it be your honeymoon!

Booking any kind of holiday or trip can often prove to be an extremely stressful task. You can spend hours online searching for deals on flights and hotels, bouncing from one website to another in pursuit of the perfect price. This kind of process is time consuming, and headache inducing at best! But what about when that trip is your honeymoon? - Arguably the most important holiday of a lifetime, and the beginning of your new life together the stress can become unbearable. A recent reader survey revealed that 85% of you are planning on using a travel agent to book your honeymoon. The most common reason “To avoid the hassle” With seemingly endless choices for flights, hotels, car rental, and tours, it’s no wonder couples are ditching the DIY approach, in favour of their local travel agency. So why is this? Travel agents are very knowledgeable, they are better connected, they have access to benefits you can’t get otherwise, they can often beat any other prices available (even online, yes), and after you have planned everything, they provide a safety net during your trip that you simply won’t get by booking yourself or buying insurance.

72 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Honeymoons

ng Independent Travel Agencies

ould be every bit as exquisite and memorable as your wedding day, f planning this perfect honeymoon? Experience - Travel agents are experts in the field of travel. They are there to find the right product, at the best price, for your needs. Flawless travel plans lie in the details, and travel agents are experts when it comes to handling those details You end up with the added value of having someone who knows a lot more about travel taking care of all of the logistics, giving you advice, and making all of the bookings.

Saving money - Some couples shy away from using a travel

agent because they think they’ll be charged for the agent’s services. In reality the vast majority of Travel agents usually don’t charge customers for their services. Their payment actually comes through the hotels and wholesalers, meaning that you can simply tap into a free service. That also means using a travel agent should never be more expensive than booking by yourself online.

Personalised Service -

Using the services of a local travel agent means you are not booking with an impersonal website. You will be talking to someone who takes the time to find out what is important to you and will thus find your perfect honeymoon.

Problem Solving - Despite extensive travel planning, you might encounter some bumps on your honeymoon. Having a travel agent handle them for you can make your travel experience a lot less stressful. In almost any tough situation, you need a travel agent. Choosing the perfect honeymoon for you - Very often, people don’t really know what kind of honeymoon they really want. It’s the travel agent’s job to provide you with a number of options they think you’d enjoy. Not only will they help you book a trip, they’ll help you build the trip. Save Time - Avoid the headaches and let the travel agents call

around and do all the time consuming work of planning A travel agent will also make complicated Itineraries seem simple. Travel experts can take care of all the details for those complicated around the world itineraries and all the extra headaches that go with them, such as hotel and transportation along the way.

Less Stress - Travel agents do the work, resulting in less stress for you.

We Recommend

Wish You Were Here Travel is an independent travel agency based in the market town of St Neots, Cambridgeshire, with more than 20 years standing, they have a proven reputation for delivering great value, quality holidays www.wishyouwereheretravel.co.uk WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 73

Honeymoons Worldwide Holidays from Wish You Were Here Travel

honeymoon is a most treasured time. It’s also a chance for the happy couple to escape the stress of months of organisational madness that precede a wedding. This is your time now. So where to start and with who? To satisfy all tastes, wildest dreams and expectations of quality, you might think this may be difficult. Wish You Were Here Travel (WYWHT) is an independently owned travel agency which has been established in St Neots for more than 20 years, bringing together a passion for travel with all the delicate considerations of high quality customer service. The freedom which comes with being an independent travel agency allows WYWHT to offer you only the best, unbiased travel advice and create personal, quality holidays, tailored to your individual requirements. WYWHT specialise in activity, rail, guided breaks, quality holidays and cruises to world-wide destinations. One visit or a call to them will confirm the team’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for travel. The breadth and choice of holidays on offer, due to WYWHT’s independent status, gives them an integrity that translates into wonderful customer service, experience and great value to their loyal clientele. Upon talking to any of the consultants, it is very clear how passionate and proud they are about their independent status which allows them to be able to find the best holiday for you. Being an independent travel agent allows WYWHT to create any type of honeymoon you could imagine, working with specialist operators to whom quality and real value are second nature. While their most popular traditional beach holiday destinations are what you would expect – the Caribbean, Maldives, Seychelles – they also excel in organising holidays to specialist and niche destinations like Vietnam, rail trips on the Rocky Mountaineer across the Canadian Rockies and travel to some of the world’s greatest cultural places. Some other companies can only dream of offering this breadth of travel portfolio. With an ever growing portfolio of destinations, activities and ways to share your time with your loved one, allow yourself to dream. Don’t worry about anything and allow WYWHT to take you on a ride, wherever you want to go, however you want to get there. Whether it be mystical walks through ancient cultures of the Middle East and Asia, an Indian Ocean tropical island paradise, picturesque rail journeys along coasts and through valleys, to mountaineering and snowy exploration in the Arctic, WYWHT can offer fantastic and inspirational deals all year round. Your postcards to those left behind will be something to behold. They will wish they were there.

36 High Street, ,St Neots , Cambs. PE19 1JA

Telephone: 01480 407666 Email: info@wishyouwereheretravel.co.uk Website: www.wishyouwereheretravel.co.uk

74 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Stationery

Your Wedding is the Inspiration. * Classic * Modern * Specific Theme * Do you want something different? Completely Handmade?

AJZCraftz uses your ideas to create exquisite handcrafted Wedding Stationery. •

From a blank piece of card emerges fully coordinated beautiful yet affordable bespoke Wedding Stationery.

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Invitation prices start at £1.00 including plain envelope and inserts.

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Pocket fold invitations are popular and allow you to include several items in one envelope.

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The AJZCraftz website shows a small selection of style examples.

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New designs are constantly being made.

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Let me know what you are looking for.

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No one else will have the same as you, anywhere!

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The Before You Order page has guidelines so you can provide the necessary information for your very own design to be created.

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All aspects of Wedding Stationery catered for, from Place Cards to Table Plans and everything in between.

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Working with you on a friendly, one to one basis your personal design can be adjusted to ensure you keep within budget.

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There is no minimum order and a small deposit secures your design and order.

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Handmade flowers along with embossing, ribbon and embellishments can be used to compliment your Wedding Theme.

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Each design is created exclusively for each couple’s Wedding Day. To see how your Wedding Stationery could look contact Angela.

A FREE sample is provided with every enquiry. AJZ CRAFTZ

4 Moors Way, Woodbridge Suffolk, IP12 4HQ Call (0)7895 05 93 32 Email: galloway536@btinternet.com Visit our Website: www.ajzcraftz.co.uk WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 75

Famous Love Quotes

Top 20 Famou

“A loving relationship is one in which the loved one is free to be himself – to laugh with me, but never at me; to cry with me, but never because of me; to love life, to love himself, to love being loved. Such a relationship is based upon freedom and can never grow in a jealous heart.” Leo F. Buscaglia “It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together … and I knew it.” Tom Hanks, Sleepless In Seattle “I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” Dirty Dancing “The greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity to feel the pain.” Jennifer Aniston “Better to have lost and loved than never to have loved at all.” Hemingway “The heart wants what it wants. There’s no logic to these things. You meet someone and you fall in love and that’s that.” Woody Allen “The heart was made to be broken.” Oscar Wilde “As long as you know most men are like children, you know everything.” Coco Chanel “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Ali MacGraw, Love Story “My heart is, and always will be, yours.” Sense and Sensibility 76 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

What woman weak at the a good love girls at the Yo Planner off We’re shari most iconic lo all time.

us Love Quotes

Famous Love Quotes

“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” Marilyn Monroe

n doesn’t fall e knees over quote? The our Wedding fice sure do! ing 30 of the ove quotes of ... Enjoy!

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day…” Ryan Gosling, The Notebook

“Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it’s better to leave them broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.” Unknown Author “Love cures people, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.” Dr. Karl Menninger “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.” Paul McCartney

“Hearts will never be practical until they are made unbreakable.” Wizard of Oz

“A simple ‘I love you’ means more than money.” Frank Sinatra “A wise girl kisses but doesn’t love, listens but doesn’t believe, and leaves before she is left.” Marilyn Monroe “Men should be like Kleenex... soft, strong, disposable.” Cher “Don’t forget I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” Notting Hill WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 77

Cakes

THE CAKE STUDIO WORCESTER

Speciality Cakes and We offer elegant cakes, cupcakes and favours for weddings in Worcestershire and beyond. All of our cakes are tailor made to your individual needs, with an unlimited choice of decoration. Our cakes not only look great but taste great too as we use only organic, Fairtrade and free-range ingredients where available. Consultations are free so you can discuss your wedding concept and your cake ideas with us. After the consultation we will email you a quotation(s), giving you the time and space to decide whether you would like to proceed with an order. We can create edible favours and gifts, hand made sugar models, jam jar cakes,

Sugarcraft Training edible placenames and sweet trees. Sugarcraft Training is also available to help you create your own beautiful cake. So whether you opt for an elaborate three-tiered white cake with spiralling fondant flowers or a modern monochrome cake with a personalised topper, we have over 30 years experience and will make cutting the cake the highlight of your day. Delivery and installation at your venue is Free within Worcester. TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT We recommend you book your cake 6-9 months in advance.

(We require a 25% deposit to secure your booing. The remaining balance is due two weeks

Telephone: 01886 832703 Email: su@designed4u. co.uk

www.designed4u.co.uk 78 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

EDIT

CHOIORS CE

Cakes by Rachel Maddams

s a son of a wedding cake maker, I can fully appreciate the skill, patience and pressure involved in putting someone’s centre piece to their dream day together. There’s not just the baking of the perfect cake to consider. The cutting and often shared feeding of the first piece symbolises the happy couples union, amid flashes from the photographer and a crowd of smart phones. It was the hours of painstaking pursuit of sugar crafting and decorative perfection that fascinated me as a small boy. The smell of marzipan and sugary goodness in the air, it was the production of hundreds of roses and flowers, ribbons and edible ornaments, delicately crafted and placed. This is where the real skill lies; here is where the magic happens. Rachel Madddam, famed owner of ‘cakes by Rachel’ in Bedfordshire, is no stranger to this process, becoming a master in her craft, an award winning baker in her own right.

“I seemed to get into it by accident”, she tells me, having being asked to bake her sister’s wedding cake. It went so well as to suitably impress the guests, 2 more orders were placed and an empire was born. Not just looking too good to eat, the proof is also in the pudding. Being an avid watcher of all things cookery and baking on television myself, I asked if she had the time to watch any. “Love them”, she answers passionately. Apparently though, due to having a qualification in cake design and sugar craft, she’s unable to apply. “I studied for 2 years at college in cake design and sugar craft”, she tells me. It’s a fine art with no little amount for dedication involved. I asked if she makes any obscure ‘Heston Blumenthal style’ concoctions to which she laughs and says, “No. I do bake over 30 flavours of cake though”. Her most popular request being for “strawberries and champagne”, Cakes by Rachael range from cookies and cream to piña

colada “. I get the impression her demands leave her little time to play. Rachel makes a variety of different cakes and wedding favours, a French chateau themed cake displayed on her Facebook page being particularly impressive. Showcasing at weddings shows and fairs, production has to be limited to “three wedding cakes per week. I used to try four but it was crazy”. Being extremely reasonably priced is part of her success story. Charges being determined by the “level of work and decoration”, the most expensive so far being £800. Watching my Mother’s creative process well into the night, I can tell you, this is not an art than can be carried out without love and appreciation. Rachel seems to go from strength to strength. If you’re looking for that special cake for your special day, look no further, but we suggest you book in advance.

Contact Rachel: 8 St Helena Road, Bedford MK42 0RA info@cakesbyrachelmaddams.com

Tel: (0)123 4312 389

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 79

Fireworks Follow us on Twitter.

You imagine it. We deliver.

The Sky’s the limit Now Imagine

rides and grooms often like to end their big day with a sensational firework display and that is exactly what Fireworx Scotland Ltd delivers.

The award-winning pyrotechnics company based in Inverurie has a reputation for delivering firstclass fireworks and superior displays at venues across the country. The family business, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, alsoprides itself on offering a personal service with a local face and excellent value for money. Director Mark Copland said: “We

do not sell set packages, instead we let the customer tailor the fireworks to sit them so they can choose the colours and the type of fireworks they want.” We can deliver our displays to any venue in Scotland. Our network of bases means that from the Highlands to the borders, our travel costs are kept to a minimum meaning you have more to spend on fireworks. Customers hire Fireworx Scotland year after year because they appreciate our value for money. If we are very occasionally beaten on price we will never be beaten on our value for money, service, safety and professionalism! We deliver “more than you can imagine”!

For further information, please call Fireworx Scotland on 01467 624 872, email enquiries to info@fireworxscotland.co.uk or visit the company’s website at www.fireworxscotland.co.uk 80 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Fireworks

Freephone: 0800 107 57 01

Wedding Firework Display Specialists Wedding Displays are really gaining in popularity, A Wedding Firework Display now being a “Must Have” with many Brides and Grooms choosing a huge Fireworks Finale to make a statement and launch their Wedding Celebrations into the Heavens.

Wedding Fireworks

ireworks Displays for Weddings, A Corporate Event Fireworks Display or Just Fireworks for that Special Occasion, Spitfire supply a range of Fantastic Fireworks Displays to bring your Event to a Thrilling Conclusion...

We extensively cover the Midlands region of England (United Kingdom) and fire shows throughout Great Britain providing a bespoke, personal - yet Professional Fireworks display service, fully insured for your peace of mind. Fireworks Display’s for those special occasions

Wedding Display fireworks

Spitfire provide Championship winning Fireworks for Weddings, bringing your celebrations to an earth shattering unforgetable climax. Our wedding displays have brought happiness to many Brides, grooms and guests all across the country. Spitfire Pyrotechnics are a fully registered and insured fireworks company providing professional firework displays throughout the year.

Fireworks Display to Music

This is Spitfire’s Speciality. Choreographed from a passion for fireworks and a musical talent that is artistically represented with each punctuation. Displays by Spitfire Pyrotechnics are second to none!. You will be guaranteed a customised Fireworks display to music of your choice. Our Music displays are fully choreographed and synchronized to a level that has won the British Music and Fireworks Championships two years running! - Visit our Video Page to view spitfire pyrotechnics bringing the music to life.

SPITFIRE PYROTECHNICS 47 Manderley Close Eastern Green, Coventry, CV5 7NR Office: 0800

107 57 01

Email: admin@spitfirepyrotechnics.co.uk Web: www.spitfirepyrotechnics.co.uk

Bespoke Fireworks Displays

Our unique pricing structure offers you far more flexibility to customise your individual firework display. This allows you to tailor your Display, getting the very best Fireworks and great value for your budget. Package displays are also available and are guaranteed to please the eye.

Corporate Display fireworks

Launch your companies image with a stunning Fireworks display to achieve incredible patterns and Symmetry, which will leave your clients suitably impressed. In turn, have the company party go off with a earth quaking bang and leave your employees smiling with glee.

All of Spitfire’s Fireworks Displays are built to exacting standards using the very best of Fireworks from such Firework importers as; MLE Pyrotechnics, Kimbolton, Pyro-vision and Sandling fireworks. This means they are not limited to one importer allowing us to select the Highest Grade materials available! Spitfire provide premium quality - firework displays. Corporate Fireworks, Wedding Fireworks, Birthday Fireworks, Anniversary Fireworks, Valentine day Fireworks, New Year fireworks, Christmas lights Fireworks and many more. A special individual display for all occasions. Our unique combinations of special effects create lasting impressions on your guests.

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 81

Confetti FREE DELIVERY on all orders over £100 Need help or advice?

01386 555045

An idea that blossomed from a confetti moment On a late spring afternoon nearly twenty years ago, Charles Hudson paused outside the local churchyard on his way home. Strewn around the lych-gate lay tiny, wet pieces of coloured paper from an earlier wedding, now sodden and mucky, that had turned the church entrance into an eyesore. Charles appreciated why so many churches ban the use of confetti within their grounds. On arriving home some petals fell from the ﬂower bouquet Charles was carrying for his wife and he experienced a ‘eureka’ moment - the idea of Real Flower Petal Confetti was born! After experimenting with many ﬂowers, delphiniums were chosen for their ability to retain their shape and colour when dried by a delicate natural process that Charles had evolved, using just sunshine and fresh air.

The best blooms hand picked The Wyke Manor Estate is now the British centre for real ﬂower confetti and the demand for natural, biodegradable petals meant Wildﬂowers, Natural Rose Petals, Coloured Rose Petals, Hydrangeas and Lavender have all been added to the collection. Handmade confetti cones, baskets, petal bags and more, are available to add those finishing touches. Charles’ Real Flower Petal Confetti has been used at the weddings of celebrities and Royalty, chosen for its unique beauty and ability to biodegrade as naturally as blossom. Visit the website for your free sample to help you choose your own bespoke confetti mix – www.confettidirect.co.uk

Your order will be hand picked and packed for a personal service The Real Flower Petal Confetti Company

Wyke Manor, Wick, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3NZ

Order Line & Customer Services 01386 555045 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri) E-mail: info@confettidirect.co.uk Website: www.confettidirect.co.uk

82 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Confetti Shropshire Petals grow biodegradable Natural Petal Confetti... baskets, the petal calculator will tell you how much you need considering factors such as how many guests, tables and even metres in your petal path.

uests taking a handful of delicate natural petal confetti, lifting it up high and showering a newly married couple is one of the most fun and traditional moments you will experience on your wedding day. Confused about confetti? Shropshire Petals have recently launched their new Petal Calculator to work out how much confetti you will need on your special day.

Pick and mix your 100% natural petal confetti online selecting from a variety of colours and petals. Create your own unique confetti mix to match or contrast your wedding theme or choose one of the Shropshire Petals recommended mixes. For inspirational wedding ideas visit the inspiration section on the Shropshire Petals website and see how else you can use confetti.

Get your free sample online

Whether you want confetti for throwing, decorating tables, a beautiful petal path or to fill flower girl Wedding confetti at Shropshire Petals. Shropshire Box, Confetti Baskets, Confetti Cones and more gorgeous packaging options Pick and Mix to create your unique confetti mix.

Shropshire Petals are offering Weddings and Services readers 2 of their Shropshire Boxes for only ÂŁ70 using the discount code WS2013 Telephone: 01952 691553 Email: enquiries@shropshirepetals.co.uk Website: www.shropshirepetals.com WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 83

telelphone: +44(0) 7949 144 578 web: www.philippagedge.com Philippa Gedge is a London-based photographer whose reportage includes portraits, weddings, events and PR work. Philippa is an associate member of Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and has been awarded an ABPPA (Associate of the British Professional Photographers Associates).

Photography Perfect Memories for a Perfect Day!

ith vast experience within the industry, Philippa has a passion for working with people and possesses a natural ability to catch spontaneous moments as they happen, getting the best out of her subjects whilst ensuring that they are happy and at ease. Her personal and enjoyable approach encourages casual posing with the most flattering influence of natural lighting where possible. From the very first meeting, it is important that you see eye to eye with your photographer and are able to get on with each other - the initial meeting is all about this. Philippa will take her albums and sit down with the couple to determine if they get on and if her particular style of photography is what they want for their day. This can either be done at the couple’s home or somewhere mutually convenient. Once booked, Philippa will visit the wedding day venue with the couple and conduct a venue rece – in order to look at the venue together and determine which parts they love and where the all important photographs will take place. At this stage, the parties will run through their timings – Philippa’s experience means that she can help with this and advise where necessary.

“I am friendly and know that a smile goes a long way in a crowd”

Philippa explained in a recent interview.

“I am unobtrusive and assertive when I need to be with brilliant large-group-herding skills” she continued. “The photos I shoot will be both posed and reportage style - a mix is important as with plain reportage you may not get the key shots you need; nowadays overly posed wedding photos are a ‘no-no’ so a balance is so important. I would describe my style as ‘beautifully composed, natural wedding photography”. Philippa always records the atmosphere of the event: bouquets, shoes, lighting, venue, table decorations, the mood in general. This not only paints a true picture of the day but in an album tells the story really well.

The photographs are then stored in a password protected online gallery as standard, where all guests can purchase or simply browse their photos. The couple will receive an A4 proof book containing all of their photography (9 photos per page). Following the day itself, Philippa Gedge will meet with the couple again to discuss their album options. Philippa generally uses Queensberry albums, as the range of leathers and page styles are gorgeous, although the final decision is left to the couple themselves. Once a style and theme is decided upon, Philippa will put together the album design based on what she thinks the couple would like and then sends a proof. With the help of their ‘proof book’, the newly-weds can then swap things around and add their own favourite photos in. In her basic package of £1195, Philippa includes ten 10”x8” prints in my basic package of. This also includes 8 hours photography, the proof book, the online gallery and the venue rece.

Join Us

Entertainment

Wedding Entertain

Many brides have spent hours putting the finishing touches to their hand made invita but the entertainment has only had a few minutes sp

electing the right entertainment is paramount to the success of the whole day. You want to stand back on your wedding day to see smiles & enjoyment being had by all. One way to ensure that guests have a good time, and you are free to focus on the countless other details, is to select a wedding entertainment option that looks after itself. The right wedding entertainment should suits the tastes of the bride and groom and will be appropriate for your guests. One of the best ways to create a memorable atmosphere at your wedding is live music. Live music for a wedding ceremony or music for a wedding breakfast could include a harpist, string quartet, jazz band, pianist, singer or choir. Music for a wedding drinks reception could also include latin bands, salsa bands, swing bands or rat pack singers. Music for a wedding reception would usually include pop bands, rock bands, wedding bands, function bands, funk bands, soul bands or if budget is limited, wedding DJs. When deciding on wedding entertainment, several factors should be taken into account, including cost, audience, interests the bride and groom, and venue

Live Acts

The variety available from live music makes it an excellent choice for your wedding entertainment. Live music adds a vibrancy and personal touch to your wedding. Whether you prefer a lounge act, an orchestra, acoustic group. Live acts can provide entertaining music as well as ensuring that everyone hears the toasts, speeches, and other announcements. Some of our favourite, fun, quirky and Unique Entertainment Ideas Include: Operatic Table Service - If you like opera and are after a live act with a difference the Three Waiters provide an excellent way to both surprise and amaze your guests: The act involves the talented operatic trio posing as “real” waiters hoaxing and amusing your guests before revealing themselves as singing waiters in a thrilling operatic performance a la The Three Tenors. Endorsed by Pavarotti himself and the great Sir Richard Branson. This lively trio are a must see! www.thethreewaiters.co.uk

Scottish Themed Wedding – A Scottish themed

wedding needs the very finest bagpiper. Look no further than John Mackintosh. Boasting a plethora of experience, John plays Great Highland absolute dream. Although Edinburgh based John is happy to travel nationwide weddings and other functions. Distance and short notice is no problem. www.highlandpiper.org

86 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Entertainment

nment – Getting it Right

ations, making sure the shades of pink match buttonholes, cake & bridesmaid dresses, pent on with quick search on Google’s “DJ’s for Hire”

Karaoke Fun - One way to make your wedding entertainment more interactive is to incorporate a karaoke session. For wonderful memories you can add to your special day. Imagine a “Marryoke” bride and groom duet.

A Quick Sketch - Who doesn’t love having their portrait done in under

five minutes, especially by a skilled caricaturist who brings out the best in everyone! Fabulous to watch and every picture is a unique gift for your guests.

Place your Bets - Make your wedding reception or party a night to remember with a mobile casino, most operate a just for fun policy so the kids can play too.

Abracadabra!

Why not add a little magic to everyone’s afternoon with a table top magician, amazing your guests with clever card tricks, cunning coin illusions and maybe an odd dove or three! Raise a Glass - It’s never too early or too late to book the services of a Toastmaster for your Wedding reception. The benefit of having a wedding toastmaster looking after you all is that he enables you all to sit back and enjoy the day, the knowing the man in red is in charge! There are some fantastic Toastmasters out there to choose from. We love Nigel Neve. Nigel’s friendly, good natured approach makes all the difference to your big day. All in all a really fun toastmaster, and captivating to see in action www.nigelneve.co.uk

Fantastic Fireworks – For the perfect end to your perfect day go out with a bang with fireworls1 Pyrotechnical displays are a great way to bring a bit of glamour to proceedings, and make your day even more memorable. Fireworks provide a spectacular crescendo and can serve as both a romantic moment between the bride and groom, and thrilling entertainment for the guests. Imagine this… Darkness has fallen, and for the grand finale to your day you invite all of your guests outside and ask them to direct their gaze skywards. Cheers, Whoops, sighs and laughter fill the air as your perfect day ends with a spectacular bang! When selecting your wedding entertainment option, be sure to communicate with the venue manager to ensure that space, power, and other factors are addressed, ensuring the smooth operation of your wedding entertainment. The last thing you want is a technical fault that could undo all of your careful planning. With a little thought and consideration, you can come up with an option that will be sure to make all of your guests happy. WEDDINGS & CCASIONS | 87

Entertainment

North East based agency dedicated to providing high class entertainment, whatever the occasion, The Entertainment Directors know how to get the fun going with the crowd.

From its base in Newcastle, The Entertainment Directors, led by Luke Westgate, makes it its top priority to provide clients with high-class entertainment at affordable prices. “As we recognise that no two events are the same and each entertainment package is tailored to work with our client’s theme and budget, we don’t advertise specific prices online but clients can contact us directly to know more,” says Luke. “For those interested in knowing more, a look through our huge range of acts on our website should provide more insight. However, if there is something specific required and can’t be found on the site, then please get in touch and we will find it for you.”

Stilt Walkers

Fire Performers

Meet & Greet

Angle Grinders

Let our professional, experienced & fully insured Stilt Walkers ‘Meet and Greet’ your guests & join in a party, themed specifically for your event. Ideal for Corporate, Weddings, Festivals, Functions and Parties.

Our Meet & Greet performers are a fantastic way to add some real glamour to your event. They can be tailor made to suit the venue and theme of the occasion. (More performers coming soon!)

Our fully trained Fire Performers display a wide variety of fire skills, choreographed to music and street style shows. Provide an unforgettable first impression with a fire performer to ‘meet and greet’ your guests. WOW.

Our highly skilled and professional Angle Grinders will perform a show to suit. Whether you’re looking for the “wow” factor during your event or a spectacular ‘meet and greet’, these angle grinders will definitely impress.

Hula Hoop Artists

Our highly skilled and talented Hoop Artists can perform with standard hoops, or with fire and LEDs depending on what would be most appropriate for your event! These performers are highly energetic and will certainly give your guests the intense party atmosphere you really want!

Vocalists

Offering you outstanding vocalists for your special event or wedding, our professional stars will make sure your guests will experience an unforgettable show!

88 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Aerial Artists

Our aerial artists come fully insured and with all their own equipment, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the sensational show!

Entertainment The Entertainment Directors acts include the aerial acts, angle grinders, dancers, fire performers, hula hoop artists, meet and greet, party DJs, stilt walkers, vocalists, and walkabout characters. Our professional, reliable and experienced mobile party DJs don’t just play the right music for your event, but they look good too. Whether you’re planning a special birthday, engagement, Christmas party, corporate event or just about any other function, we offer a professional mobile DJ service to host your special day. “All of our equipment is smart, modern and neatly presented to ensure the first class look to support your event. Our talent is to play to the crowd, playing the music you want and tailoring our theme to suit your special occasion.” “Our professional, experienced and fullyinsured stilt walkers can ‘meet and greet’ your guests and join in a party, themed specifically for your event. They are ideal for corporate, weddings, festivals, functions and parties.” “Our outstanding vocalists will make sure your wedding guests will experience an unforgettable show.”

TESTIMONIALS These awesome bunch of talented individuals work with our company every week. Providing our busy club nights with the very best entertainment throughout from stilt walking, fire breathing to angle grinding they always put on top class performance! It’s a pleasure working with them week in week out. I highly recommend them for all aspects from meet and greets to main stage fire breathing... They can’t be beaten. ALEX FORD (EVENTS MANAGER- MISH:MASH EVENTS, NEWCASTLE)

We use TED regularly at Bar Livello, primarily for our Bank Holiday event, CIRQ. They are extremely professional and reasonably priced. Over the years we’ve required a host of different acts, props and performers, all of which they have supplied to a very high standard. Their staff, dressed in fantastic costumes tailored specifically to each event, are friendly and consistently interact well with our customers. A comprehensive and dependable service overall. RICHARD TILLEY (SALES AND EVENTS MANAGER- BAR LIVELLO, NEWCASTLE)

AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED KINGDOM TELEPHONE - 07772262898 EMAIL - hello@theentertainmentdirectors.co.uk WEBSITE - www.theentertainmentdirectors.co.uk

WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 89

Entertainment - Editors Choice Join Us

The Original & Worlds Finest Surprise Singing Waiters Act

hree talented performers hoaxing and infiltrating a wedding as ‘real’ waiting staff, The Three Waiters show offers sophisticated, high-quality entertainment employing some of the best performers that opera and musical theatre have to offer.

“We are not a slap stick or improvised waiters show. Everything that happens at the start of The Three Waiters act could happen in real life, which is why the audience reacts with complete amazement to the comedy and wonderful vocal theatrics.”

Having performed over 11,000 shows in 85 countries, The Three Waiters is the original and most popular singing waiters act for corporate events, fundraisers, private parties and, of course, weddings. The act has entertained many a bride and groom and is a much sought after addition to any wedding reception.

Utilising the talents of top performers from the world of opera and musical theatre, each artist in The Three Waiters is chosen after an extensive audition process. Prospective performers must not only be vocally outstanding but must also possess a dynamic personality, with a flair for character acting, timing and comedy.

“Many people look back at their wedding day as the most important of their lives. Everything must be perfect, down to the smallest detail. The Three Waiters is the final piece that can make your wedding one your family and friends will talk about for years to come,” says Andy Moore, Operations Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “We have seen the tears of joy on many a new bride’s face, and on more than a few groom’s too, in the final crescendo of the spectacular musical climax ‘Nessun Dorma’.

“Unlike some of the singing waiters’ acts who have tried to follow our lead, The Three Waiters only use top West End and opera performers. Our performers are the only ones who can use the copywritten, multi-award winning script. “No one has won so many awards or performed as many shows – over 11,000 in 85 countries – meaning our performers have vast experience in dealing with every scenario.

“Indeed, after a long day, couples and their guests can relax and enjoy the world-class entertainment of The Three Waiters and recharge for the rest of the evening.” A global company with offices in London, New York, and Sydney, the multi-award winning The Three Waiters team covers all of the major continents. “The Three Waiters takes the concept of singing waiters to a new level of sophistication, spontaneity, humour, and audience interaction,” says Andy who is a performer himself.

The World’s Most Successful Singing Waiters Contact: 020 3122 1982 Website: www.thethreewaiters.co.uk

Over 11,000 Shows in 85 Countries 90 | WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS

Editors Choice - Entertainment Last year The Three Waiters celebrated its 11,000th performance worldwide and is offering a £250 discount off its usual performance fee for all bookings for wedding dates before the end of 2016.

RS EDITOCE

CHOI

“In addition, our office staff helps to make the whole process as easy as possible by arranging everything with friendly efficiency. This means, the bride and groom, or whoever has booked the wonderful surprise, have one less thing to worry about.” The Three Waiters singing waiters act works for any wedding size or demographic. The performance includes arias made famous by The Three Tenors along with favourite standards and well-known songs from popular musical theatre. So successful has the act been that they have received countless standing ovations over the 17 years they have been established, from five Royal families, including many members of our own Royal Family, from numerous celebrity weddings, including the wedding of Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster and from The Three Tenors themselves in 2003. In fact, the late great Luciano Pavarotti said The Three Waiters were ‘Great, Absolutely’.

“Weddings often bring groups of people together that don’t know each other very well. The Three Waiters is the perfect icebreaker. A shared hoax, a shared surprise, a shared experience of joyous humour, great music and spine-tingling singing” says Andy. “We combine incredible singers, laugh out loud comedy and the most unforgettable surprises. What a unique way to say thank you to all guests and loved ones for sharing such a special day.”

In acknowledgement of their class act and fulsome entertainment at weddings, The Three Waiters has been conferred the ‘Wedding Entertainment Provider of the Year 2015’ award by Weddings & Services magazine. Highly-impressed with The Three Waiters, the magazine’s panel of selectors said: “There were a number of reasons that impressed the panel. Firstly, and probably most importantly, that they offer something totally different and unique and something that people will never forget. Secondly, they truly entertain and amuse the guests creating a great atmosphere. At the same time, they also offer a professional service, leaving a lasting memory in people minds. Last but not least, our research team also looked into feedback and reviews of the act, which were all absolutely outstanding towards the act.” Andy said: “We are delighted to win this award. It is always lovely to be recognised for what you do and we are lucky enough to receive emails of thanks after almost every wedding. However, to get an award is always special and for us to receive one most years since we started in the UK in 2000 makes us realise that the act is still as popular today as when we started.”

Contact for performances in

UK, Europe & Africa: Call: 020 3122 1982 Email: uk@TheThreeWaiters.co.uk WEDDINGS & OCCASIONS | 91

Kent’s most vibrant, exciting and inspiring wedding shows in 2019 Hilton Hotel, Maidstone Sunday 6th January Kent Event Centre, Detling Sunday 27th January The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood Sunday 24th February

Kent Showground, Detling

The largest wedding show in the South East

Sunday 14th April

Hilton Hotel, Maidstone Sunday 9th June Hilton Hotel, Maidstone Bank Holiday Monday 26th August The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood Sunday 29th September

FREE ENTRY

Hilton Hotel, Kent Event Centre & The Hop Farm 10.30am–3.00pm

Kent Showground, Detling

The largest wedding show in the South East

Sunday 20th October

In partnership with

Kent Showground 10.30am–4.00pm

01795 844449

info@wedding-experience.co.uk

Pre-register at: www.wedding-experience.co.uk

#kentwedshow

Alive Network Entertainment Agency

Instant online quotes and availability at

www.AliveNetwork.com www.weddingsandoccasions.co.uk

Autumn 2013 Weddings & Occasions

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