Bridesabroad iss17x

Issue 17

Cool white weddings in

Winter Wonderland ❤ Snowy mountain peaks ❤ Ice hotels ❤ Northern light displays

Celebrities say “I do”

Italian Style

George & Amal, Rod & Penny, Justin & Jessica, Kim & Kanye, Wayne & Coleen and more!

REAL WEDDINGS

Zanzibar, Florida, Canaries, Zante, The Alps

136 Amazing I do s

“

’ ”

in sunshine destinations

❤ Dream venues

❤ Magical receptions ❤ Stunning gowns

❤ Gorgeous accessories

TWO IN ONE HONEYMOONS In Sri Lanka and The Maldives

Why fly to

Majorca

when you can take a romantic road trip through stunning rural Spain?

Wedding planning!

Honeymoon Savings www.BridesAbroad.tv

£3.99

Legal advice, worldwide weddings, wedding planning, honeymoon tips

9 772045 870009

17

STYLE: TA N E

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Welcome

Credits Published by Joint Venture Media Ltd Tel: 01937 58 48 92

Publisher Martin Cody-Owen martin@jointventuremedia.tv

AND CONGRATULATIONS!

So, he asked you, and you said “Yes!” Now begins the fun challenge of organizing everything. But don’t worry, Brides Abroad is here to inspire you!

It’s that time of year when the weather in the UK should be clear, crisp and cold, but after one of the warmest, wettest winters on record, a snow white wedding in this country is looking rather unlikely. If you are dreaming of a magical ceremony in a winter wonderland, then head to the Arctic or the Alps – we have some great suggestions (p.64).

Brrrr! Sounds a bit too cool for your liking? Then why not head to warmer climes where the sun is hot and the sky is blue and say ‘I do’ bathed in sunshine on a white sandy beach? That’s the beauty of a destination wedding. It’s your day – so YOU decide! So now the burning question is, where do you fancy tying the knot?

For somewhere a little exotic, how about the gorgeous tropical West African Island of Zanzibar? Look at p.22 to whet your appetite!

Or how about a wedding on one Caribbean island and a honeymoon on another? Sandals have some fabulous suggestions with their dual destination offers in the Caribbean (p.28). Or see why one lucky couple chose Florida for their big day. (p.32).

You don’t have to fly long-haul to have your dream wedding. Take a look at the Canary Islands for year-round sunshine (p.44). Or do it Mama Mia! style on the Greek island of Zante (p.54). Go for glamour and follow the stars with an A-lister wedding in Italy – that’s if you feel like keeping up with the Kardashians or rubbing shoulders with George Clooney! (p.74) Honeymoons can also be varied and interesting, for example stay in two contrasting destinations such as

Sri Lanka and the Maldives, just like our real honeymoon couple (p.98), and if you’re thinking of heading to Majorca, forget the plane and go the picturesque route through mainland Spain by road and ferry! (p.106)

Wherever you decide to go – it’s a big beautiful world out there and it’s yours to discover – together! Don’t forget the old saying, people who travel together, stay together!

Editor-in-Chief Terri Cody-Owen terri@bridesabroad.tv

Assistant to Publisher Patsy Owen

Contributors Lisa Burton Holly Catz Lily Hardwick Martin Cody-Owen Alan Benstock

Photography Dreamstime Shutterstock Cara de Hart Mette Brandt Photography Lukas Agelasto of Story Studios Danny and Eva at Allegro Photography

Design Anil Verma Chris Peach

Printer Warners Midlands Plc www.warners.co.uk

Advertising Sales Joint Venture Media Ltd 01937 58 48 92 enquiries@bridesabroad.tv

Terri Cody-Owen EDITOR terri@bridesabroad.tv

To Subscribe to Brides Abroad for just £22 for 6 issues, email Martin@JointVentureMedia.tv

0800 211 8255 www.BridesAbroad.tv ©Joint Venture Media Ltd. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved.

Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Brides Abroad magazine do not necessarily represent the views of Joint Venture Media. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publisher of Brides Abroad magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in any offer, competition or advertisement contained within Brides Abroad magazine.

Director of Sales Sylvia Oakley 0113 284 31 00 Sylvia@bridesabroad.tv

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Contents IN THIS ISSUE 56

10

Wedding and honeymoon news

20

We're loving…

42

Get the look – Tropical ceremonies!

72

Get the look – Snow weddings!

80

Get the look – Mediterranean style!

REAL WEDDINGS 24 36 48 56 68

36 08 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Secret wedding in Zanzibar If you are going to elope, do it in style in tropical Zanzibar, just like Lucinda and Danny

Celebrations in Clearwater Samantha and Lee married in the dunes on a Florida beach – with son Joshua as witness

Hearts and flowers in Gran Canaria In love with the Canary Islands as well as each other, Rachel and Warren tied the knot in the Gran Canaria sunshine

Mama Mia! Style in Zante Just like in the movie, Nicola and Andrew celebrated in traditional Greek style at their romantic ceremony on the island of Zakynthos

Totally chilled Alpine wedding It may not have been snowing, but Sofia and Guido's wedding in the French Alps was definitely a 'cool' occasion for the couple and their guests

68

40

WEDDING DESTINATIONS 22 28 32 40 44 54

32

98

64 74

Exotic Zanzibar

The island of Zanzibar, just off the coast of Africa, is one of the world's most gorgeous locations for a delightfully tropical beach wedding

Island hopping with Sandals

Why settle for one gorgeous Caribbean resort when you can have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon in two fabulous Sandals resorts

Wedding bliss in Florida

From a Disney-style wedding in Orlando to vows on the white sandy beaches of Clearwater, Sanibel and even Miami, you have plenty of choice in Florida!

Join the Elite

We discover romantic, all-inclusive Caribbean wedding and honeymoon destinations with a distinctively Elite style

Beach vows in the Canary Islands

With a choice of seven gorgeous islands, each with its individual character, the Canary Islands offers plenty of choice

Zante – for movie-star weddings

If you've seen the film Mama Mia! and dream of a similar wedding full of character and Greek tradition, then Zante has it all

It's snow time!

For the prettiest and whitest winter weddings, choose from mountain tops, Ice hotels and winter wonderland landscapes

Celebrity weddings – Italian style!

It's no surprise that glamorous stars head to Italy for the most stylish weddings on the planet

PLANNING

74

84 88

Weather permitting

92

Ask the planner

Your worldwide weather guide

Pop the question

Your questions answered by expert wedding planners Tips and advise from wedding planner Lisa Burton of the Bridal Consultant

HONEYMOONS 94

Beach-ready body

98

Twice as nice

102

Soma Bay – Egypt's most exciting resort

106

Our slimmer’s guide to a great honeymoon

Rachel and Sirak's twin-centre honeymoon of a lifetime in Sri Lanka and the Maldives Fun, sun and romance on the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea

Sail to Majorca

Don't just fly and flop on a beach in Majorca, take a car ferry and sail to its sensational shores for an unforgettable road trip all the way from the UK

www.BridesAbroad.tv 09

Wow wedding jets!

From a high-flying proposal to an ultra-luxe honeymoon, as romantic gestures go, whisking your beloved off in a private aircraft is the ultimate high! Whether it’s for a special hen/stag getaway or the wedding day itself, more couples than ever before are incorporating private aviation into their plans, according to private jet booking service PrivateFly, the leading global booking platform for private jet charter. PrivateFly recently flew a hen party to Barcelona for lunch, dinner and shopping before a late evening flight home. You can also charter

a private airline for the wedding guests. Of course, the ultimate way for the bride to arrive at church is by helicopter or private jet, and the newly married couple can then fly off together to their reception venue! Aircrafts can be decorated with ribbons, balloons and a ‘Just Married’ sign to make the day individual and extra special!

Book it!

Further information: www.privatefly.com

BRIDES ABROADNEWS Be inspired, informed and amazed by the latest news on overseas weddings & honeymoons

Mexican Pacific vows

Mexico is considered one of the world’s top wedding destinations.

However, the lesser-known west coast, and the neighbouring regions of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, await discovery by couples looking for stunning wedding venues away from the usual Mexican hotspots. Whether you want to marry on a sandy beach, or in a traditional chapel, the possibilities are endless. You can combine the wedding with a fun-fuelled adventure honeymoon with surfing in boho town Sayulita and zip lining through the Sierra Madre Mountains or simply relax on a gorgeous beach. Many hotels in the region cater for weddings of all sizes and budgets.

For 5-star luxury choose the St Regis Punta Mita Resort in Riviera Nayarit, or for a budget option the tranquil Hotel Riu Vallarta offers wedding and honeymoon packages for just £475.50. The 5-star Secrets Vallarta Bay, a luxurious, adult-only, all-inclusive resort is also highly recommended

Book it!

Direct flights to Puerto Vallarta are available via Thomson Airways (http://flights.thomson.co.uk). For more information visit: www.rivieranayarit.com and www.visitpuertovallarta.com 10 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Mayanwedding-free Chinesehoneymoon

There’s an incredible offer for couples marrying at Banyan Tree Mayakoba on Mexico’s Riviera Maya – they can honeymoon in China absolutely free, courtesy of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.

This special gift is available to couples who book their wedding in Mexico between now and the end of 2016. Wedding couples will receive a gift certificate redeemable for a five-night honeymoon of a lifetime at Banyan Tree Lijiang and Banyan Tree Ringha, from where they can explore the Yunnan highlights of China and the spiritual charm of Tibet. The complementary honeymoon package includes airfare credit, airport pick-up and hotel transfer, romantic villa accommodation, a fine dining experience and spa treatment. Banyan Tree Mayakoba is an ideal wedding venue surrounded by emerald lagoons, lush mangroves, golf course and sugar-white beaches. It offers wedding packages from small, intimate beach weddings to extravagant affairs and spiritual Mayan Wedding rituals.

Book it!

For further details contact the wedding coordinator at Banyan Tree Mayokoba, email: yeimy.pina@banyantree.com.

Elope to Shanti Maurice

If you want to say, “I do” without all the fuss of a big wedding, then Shanti Maurice’s new ‘Elopement Package’ is ideal. Designed for brides and grooms-to-be looking to escape the wedding stress and focus on the magical moment alone together, the dedicated staff at Shanti Maurice will take care of all the details for your ‘big day’ – from organising the ceremony, to providing two witnesses.

A blessing from the ‘Grandma’ of Shanti closes the ceremony before the newlyweds hop aboard a luxury catamaran for a sunset cruise with Champagne and picnic. To mark the union, they will be invited to plant a tree in the Shanti garden, cementing them in the Shanti family forever. Couples can then watch Love Lanterns being released to further seal the union as they enjoy a romantic bonfire on the beach.

Book it!

The Elopement Package includes a 3-night stay at Shanti Maurice in a luxury villa with pool, plus the wedding ceremony and extras.

Rates start from £5,622 per couple.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 11

Cool Canada

Fancy a honeymoon in winter wonderland? In Ontario, Canada, the fun intensifies as winter approaches and the temperatures drop, turning the landscapes into a frozen wonderland. To warm the hearts, there are nearly 3,000 events across the seven regions of Ontario every winter. At Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, the famous Niagara Falls are covered with vibrant colours as people travel from around the globe to see the display of millions of sparkling lights along a 5km route. Niagara Icewine Festival takes place over two weekends in January to celebrate Ontario’s famous Icewine, featuring fire pits for roasting icewine marshmallows, ice sculptures and a signature icewine Martini

Icy adventures

The ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland is a favourite destination for winter weddings, which take place in its ICE CHAPEL. Now ICEHOTEL is giving wedding parties the chance to enjoy a full Arctic adventure.

Honeymooners can ‘sauna like a local’ and combine an authentic three-hour private sauna marathon with a chilly ice plunge into the Torne River. And as part of a special three-day Arctic Living package, the wedding party can enjoy Arctic activities including cross country skiing and winter wilderness survival training and will be served a delicious Arctic Feast of traditional Swedish dishes. The ICEHOTEL is built entirely of snow and ice in the picturesque village of Jukkasjärvi 200km north of the Arctic Circle. Its famous Art Suites are filled with unique ice sculptures and couples can also enjoy the experience of sleeping on a bed of ice complete with fur throws.

12 www.BridesAbroad.tv

bar. Winterlude is one of the greatest winter celebrations in North America. Get into the winter spirit with a spin around the Rideau Canal Skateway – at 4.8 miles long it is the largest Ice Skating rink in the world. Winterlude also features the world’s biggest snow playground, the Snowflake Kingdom with zip lines and a giant maze.

Book it! www.ontariotravel.net/uk

Book it!

The three-day Arctic Living package is available at ICEHOTEL when you book with specialist tour operator, Discover the World, during the December 2015-March 2016 season, with prices starting from £1,533 based on two sharing, including flights. www.discover-the-world. co.uk

Twin hub honeymoons Traditionally, newlyweds want to simply fly and flop on a sunny beach – but things are changing in the world of honeymoons and many couples now seek unique experiences in undiscovered corners of the world. Travel specialist Scott Dunn is arranging bespoke twin-centred honeymoon itineraries that link some unexpected destinations, including Namibia and Zimbabwe – an African adventure that takes in Victoria Falls and a Namibian safari (from £6,000 pp); Vietnam, Hong Kong & China – on a trip to Vietnam’s magical Ha Long Bay, Hong Kong and the rural heartlands of China (from £7,000 pp); India and The Seychelles – visit the Himalayas, Tibetan monasteries and Mumbai then on to the tropical beaches of the Seychelles (from £5,500 pp); Japan and the Philippines – beginning in Toyko and the city of Kyoto before moving on to Manila and the stunning white sands of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches (from £6,000 pp).

Book it!

All itineraries are created bespoke by Scott Dunn and include accommodation, flights and private transfer. www.scottdunn.com

Film set safari

If you have been mesmerized by David Attenborough’s new wildlife TV series The Hunt then recreate the magic for yourselves with an unforgettable safari honeymoon to the program’s spectacular location in Africa. Episode one featured Tanzania – where the wildlife travel company Aqua-Firma is offering the Mara River Crossing Safari.

This small group safari aims to catch the Great Migration of more than a million wildebeest and zebras as they make the death defying crossing of the Mara River as Nile crocodiles lay in wait.

Aqua-Firma also offers private safaris across Africa’s famous Serengeti plains as well as the more affordable small group safaris for up to seven people.

You can expect to see all kinds of Big Game along the way and will stay in a combination of fixed and mobile tented safari camps, travelling onboard a 4WD safari vehicle driven by a local expert tracker and guide.

Book it!

The small group Mara River Crossing Safari running 4-11 September 2016 costs £2,690 pp. Private safaris run in August and September, prices from £2,730 pp for a group of four. www.aqua-firma.co.uk

14 14 www.BridesAbroad.tv www.BridesAbroad.tv

FOR THE PERFECT HONEYMOON SELFIE Visit CANADA with canadiansky.co.uk

From snow-capped mountains and vast azure lakes, to vibrant cities, Canada offers a host of natural settings that will truly take your breath away. If you’ve always dreamed of tying the knot in a relaxed outdoor ceremony or embarking on an adventurous honeymoon, there’s nowhere more stunning than the Canadian landscape. Famed for its natural beauty, it provides the ideal setting for a romantic wedding or honeymoon.

visit www.canadiansky.co.uk or call our specialists on 01342 886911

Alpinebliss

Romance is alive and well in the Swiss Alps for honeymooners staying at The Chedi Andermatt. The luxury hotel is offering winter sportsloving newlyweds the decadent Romance in Style package, where days are spent speeding down the slopes of the Gemsstock Mountain, followed by candlelit dinners and cozy evenings in front of roaring fires, all within the intimacy of their own suite. The luxury hotel nestles in the Urseren Valley and offers a highly personalized experience, where Ski Butlers are on hand to warm up ski boots before hitting the slopes and the stunning Alpine surroundings provide ample thrills to complement the Romance in Style package

Book it!

The Romance in Style package starts from £1,235 and includes two nights in a Deluxe Suite, a 60-minute Ancient Balinese Massage, a 30-minute Chedi Love Bath Ceremony, Champagne and canapés; romantic four-course dinner and a bottle of Taittinger Champagne. www.ghmhotels.com/en/andermatt

Free stay in Mauritius

Romance is in the air at the Maritim Crystals Beach Hotel, a beachfront resort on the beautiful island of Mauritius. The luxurious 4-star hotel is offering a complementary 7-10 night stay for the bride and groom with every wedding booked with 12 or more full-paying wedding guests staying at the hotel for a minimum of 7 nights. The Maritim Crystals Beach Hotel is located on the east coast of the island on a half-mile stretch of sandy beach. It offers chic accommodation in 181 spacious rooms, all with stunning sea views. Weddings can be held on the hotel’s sandy beach in front of the turquoise lagoon, or at equally gorgeous locations within the resort’s lush, tropical gardens. Prior to the big day, the wedding party can indulge in spa treatments at Crystals Wellness and Beauty Centre and use the services of the resort’s hair salon on the big day.

Book it!

Price from £1,979 pp, based on two sharing. The wedding offer runs from 7 January 2016 and is available through all major tour operators. www.maritim.com

16 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Caribbean by tandem

Explore St Lucia in a totally unique style on a magical bicycle made for two when you book your honeymoon at The Landings.

The tandem can be used to cycle around the luxury all-suite resort as well as exploring the nearby Pigeon Island National Park and bustling Rodney Bay with its beaches, bars, restaurants and shops. The use of a tandem is included in a special added value romance package that also offers Champagne and flowers on arrival, a special flower petal turndown and a couples massage at the resort’s Soleil Spa. The Landings St Lucia is a luxurious beachfront resort and spa overlooking Rodney Bay with 85 opulent

Chocolate treats in St Lucia

St Lucia is a fairytale destination for newlyweds, and a stay at the stunning Capella Marigot Bay is the first step towards happily-ever-after. The luxury hotel is offering authentic honeymoon packages that encompass all elements of a dream honeymoon in a breath-taking location immersed in tropical rainforest. As part of the package, newlyweds will be greeted upon arrival with a bottle of premium Champagne, ready to toast to the future, before being treated to Capella’s signature Chocolate Experience for two at the spa, and a romantic sunset cruise. The very essence of Capella Marigot Bay Resort & 18 www.BridesAbroad.tv

villa suites boasting stunning waterfront views and terraces, some with private plunge pools. The resort has an array of facilities including watersports, tennis, a health club, yacht marina and spa.

Book it!

The romance package can be added for free to any stay of 5 nights or more in a Marina Suite at The Landings between 3 January and 16 December 2016 if you book before 15 January. www.landingsstlucia.com

Marina is romantic luxury. The resort houses six Penthouse Suites with unspoiled panoramic views, four-poster bed and private hot tub and 37 Bay View Suites, all of which evoke an authentic tropical Caribbean feel.

Book it!

5-night stay in Capella Marigot Bay’s Penthouse Suites from £5,545. 5-night stay in Bay View Suites from £3,293. www.capellahotels.com

Marfa Road, Cirkewwa, MLH 9068, Malta T. (+356) 2152 1166 F. (+356) 2152 1153 E. events@paradise-bay.com

www.paradise-bay.com

We’reloving Seeds of love

Say thank you to your wedding guests by ensuring they ‘forget you not!’ with these eco-friendly seed packets, personalised with your names and wedding date – they are perfect for slipping into envelopes when you send out your thank you cards!

The packets contain hundreds of forget-me-not seeds to grow flflowers owers that symbolise faithfulness and enduring love. They are also perfect for giving as wedding favours. Price £1.40 each – minimum order of 10 seed packets. www.weddinginateacup.co.uk

On the boil

Boiled eggs will never taste as good as they do for newlyweds who use this adorable pair of egg cups for their wedding breakfast.

Reading ‘Mrs’ on one, in a feminine script font, and ‘Mr’ on the other in a classic font, these porcelain beauties are the perfect romantic gift for bride and groom.

You can crack open the runny centre as you reminisce on the most egg-cellent day of your lives! £9.99. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Blackboard Place Setting Win the hearts of your dinner guests with these quaint mini blackboard peg place settings, in the shape of mini hearts, so you can write the name of each guest. Product code: 24972. Made in wood/ metal. Height 8cm, width 7cm. Price £1 each. www.dotcomgiftshop.com

&

Graceful stylish

The elegant Grace bracelet is a complete showstopper that is bound to turn heads on your wedding day. Pearl and silver combine to create a sight to behold. Make a statement by pairing with the matching necklace from the Grace collection. £180. www.follifollie.co.uk

Wedding feathers When it comes to signing those all-important wedding papers, the luxury quills and ink sets from Pen Heaven not only make a memorable romantic gesture on the big day, they are also a beautiful keepsake. The Silver or Gold Quill pens are as delicate as they are delightful, and come complete with a set of 5 nibs, practice guide, ink pot and pewter quill stand. Price £19.90. www.penheaven.co.uk

20 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Just Married planter

This beautiful Antique Apple Crate Planter is printed with the bride and grooms name and marriage date and is supplied empty for the newlyweds to plant their favourite flowers and plants as a keepsake after their wedding – or it can even be used as a hamper or an attractive storage solution. We suggest you plant it with a stunning floral display to decorate your wedding reception.

Each crate is crafted from a high quality pine. Price £32. www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Light from the sea

If you are planning a seaside or beach themed wedding, the Rafiki Urchin T-Lights are perfect to decorate your tables to create a glowing candlelight in a novel style. This urchin T-Light was inspired by nature and created by La Luna using natural elegance combined with the beauty of porcelain.

Available in a set of three. Price £33.60. www.in-spaces.com

Pur Pu ure re

Pure Zanzibar The World’s Leading Zanzibar Specialists

0800 0 00 422 0 0798 798 | IInfo@Zanzibar.co.uk nfo

Zanzibar is the ultimate exotic tropical island paradise that offers romance and adventure in equal measures. This magical island is home to a wide range of high qulaity hotels, lodges, spas, private islands, secluded white coral sand beaches and some of the most amazing marine life found anywhere in the world.

Pure

Zanzibar.co.uk

The World’s Leading Zanzibar Specialists

0800 422 0798 | Info@Zanzibar.co.uk

www.Zanzibar.co.uk

www.Zanzibar.co.uk

www.Zanzibar.co.uk

Exotic Zanzibar

The stunning island of Zanzibar must be one of the most magical settings on earth for romantic destination weddings and honeymoons, with its pristine white sandy beaches, warm azure waters and breath-taking tropical sunsets 22 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Zanzibar is a beautiful tropical island just 38 km off the coast of mainland East Africa. It is the largest of a number of islands of a Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Away from its gorgeous beaches and charming resorts, Zanzibar has a rich history and culture, which begs to be explored.

Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar, is a World Heritage site. This fascinating town was a historic trade centre with Swahili and Islamic influences. Stone Town is atmospheric and vibrant, and is rather similar to the Medina of Morocco with its winding lanes, carved doorways and 19th-century landmarks such as the House of Wonders, a former sultan’s palace. Exploring its quaint streets is a must.

21 days before your ceremony. You must send an application to the Regional Commissioner stating your names, marriage date and birthdates of yourselves and both sets of parents, and that you are both single and intend to marry in Zanzibar. This must be signed and notarised if you are having a civil ceremony.

Documentation

The earliest visitors to Zanzibar were Arab traders who are said to have arrived in the 8th century to trade primarily in ivory, slaves and spices.

The earliest building that remains on Zanzibar is the Mosque at Kizimkazi, which dates from 1107, and is still an impressive tourist attraction.

Zanzibar is now predominantly Islamic, and the main language is Kiswahili – English is also widely spoken, as is Arabic.

For couples looking for the perfect location for their weddings and honeymoons, one of Zanzibar’s biggest selling points is its idyllic climate for most of the year – except in April and May, which is its rainy season, and it can also be a little showery in November, though they are usually short showers. Being close to the equator, the islands are warm all year, however a pleasant breeze keeps temperatures from becoming too hot.

If you enjoy swimming and water sports, Zanzibar has a plenty of activities to satisfy even the most adventurous couples. Mnemba Island is an atoll off the northeast coast near Matemwe, which is excellent for drift diving and is a breeding ground for turtles, which are often seen gliding by along with dolphins and huge schools of fish. Kite surfing is also becoming a popular sport. For relaxation take a dhow sunset cruise or visit the hotel’s luxury spas for top-to-toe pampering. For further information log on to: www.purezanzibar.com

Twin-centre honeymoons

For a really special honeymoon itinerary, you can incorporate a short safari in Saadani, Selous, or Mikumi National Parks – just a quick flight from Zanzibar to the Tanzanian mainland. This gives an amazing insight into the incredible diversity of wildlife in East Africa. At Saadani Safari Lodge you can stay in a unique Luxury Honeymoon Suite, and the staff will provide all sorts of extra special touches to make your stay truly unforgettable. www.puresafari.co.uk

Weddings in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a truly exotic wedding location. Getting married on Zanzibar is becoming increasingly popular as the appeal of warm, azure water, white powder beaches, beautiful landscapes and guaranteed sunshine beckons – not to mention the famous Zanzibari hospitality. The island has so many ‘wow-factor’ venues on the beach and in the resort hotels that you will be spoilt for choice – you can even hire out your own island for an extra special touch.

The legal age for couples to marry without parental consent is 18-years.

Two witnesses are required (hotel wedding planners can usually provide witnesses), and you will need to be in Zanzibar for at least two working days before your wedding. Your intent to marry must be posted for

Passports and 2 photocopies.

Birth Certificates.

Certificate of No Impediment.

Certificate of Domicile stating where you live.

2 passport photos each.

Decree Absolute if divorced.

Previous Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate of previous spouse if widowed.

For religious ceremonies you need a letter from your church stating that you have followed its requirements and that banns have been posted in your home country.

All documents must be stamped with an apostille and notarised.

Top 5 Things to do 1 2 3 4 5

Explore Stone Town

Stroll down the narrow streets of historic Stone Town with its twists and turns and discover its magical architecture and heritage. Its lively, modern influences include restaurants, bars and curious attractions that don’t compromise its old world charm.

Spice up your life

Zanzibar has been one of the largest exporters of cloves and other spices and no trip to the island would be complete without a tour of a traditional spice farm.

Snorkeling

Take a full-day excursion with Safari Blue from Fumba, which includes sailing around mangroves and snorkeling along coral reefs followed by a delicious seafood BBQ. Safariblue.ne

Dive the Mnemba Atoll

Take the plunge and dive at Mnemba. The experience is stunning – inside it’s like being in a giant aquarium and the outside offers excellent wall and drift dives.

Swim with wild dolphins Zanzibar offers a unique opportunity to track and swim with dolphins. Each morning the local pod of dolphins wake from their overnight spot in Menai Bay and playing with the tourists is just part of their morning routine.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 23

REAL WEDDINGS

Forget Gretna Green! If you are going to elope, do it in style like Lucinda Cope and her fiancé Danny Scrivens who tied the knot in a secret ceremony on a Zanzibar beach. The couple, from Hertfordshire, met on a dating website, and look forward to telling their grandchildren one day, of their secret escape to the dazzling white shores of the Indian Ocean for their barefoot beach wedding

Finding ‘the one’

We actually met online – plentyoffish.com!

Our first date was in my local pub in St Albans, Hertfordshire, where I was living at the time. For me it was absolutely not love at first sight! He was very quiet – turns out he was just a little shy and nervous. I went on a second date because, before our first date, he was chatty via text and email and quite funny.

Our second date was at Thorpe Park. It was such fun!

The proposal

He popped the question on London Bridge! He went down on one knee on the bridge – thank goodness not too many people saw! I couldn’t wait for him to stand up, I was mortified he was on his knee!! I had a good idea that it was going to happen, but didn’t think it would on this particular day.

Location, location

When it came to our wedding – we eloped! We didn’t tell anyone. We didn’t

24 www.BridesAbroad.tv

want the huge expense of a wedding, and much preferred putting the money towards a house. We love each other like crazy and I thought it would be super romantic to run off and get married, and it was more than romantic! Best day of my life!

We really wanted to go on safari, so we contacted tour operator Pure Safari and they did all the hard work and sorted out the whole holiday. I’d never heard of Zanzibar (the first part of the holiday – the beach part) and put all our faith and trust into John at Pure Safari, who highly recommended Zanzibar and said it was amazing. It was more than amazing! It was pure paradise. Not many people can say they eloped to Zanzibar to get married and then had a honeymoon on Safari now that’s one to tell the grand kids!

The planning

The travel agents at Pure Safari did everything – I just filled in some forms and sent them back to them. They bent over backwards to help us every step of the way. All I had to do was sort out my dress and I took a silk bouquet.

Getting the look

My wedding dress was a very simple dress from a small shop. It was pretty odd as, when I came out the shop, I knew that was the dress I had to have, because I

Lucinda and Danny elope to tropical paradise

www.BridesAbroad.tv 25

REAL WEDDINGS walked past another shop - a flower shop, and the theme in the shop window was a safari theme. They had elephants, giraffes, and monkeys all over the window, and I saw it as a ‘sign’ that I had to have the dress, so I walked back in and bought it! For my accessories, I borrowed a necklace and earrings from a friend.

No shoes. No veil

Something Old, Something New?

Something New: dress; Old: earrings; Borrowed: necklace; Blue – I had a blue ribbon stitched in my dress from my friend who altered the dress for me. I paid for my hair and makeup to be done, however, I am not sure that was the right decision as, apart from the fake eye lashes, I could have done it just as well as he did. Yes he!

Well groomed

Danny wore a white shirt from T.M Lewin and Fat Face blue trousers rolled up.

The details

I took a silk bouquet, and fresh flowers from the garden for the wedding – flowers and petals were everywhere! For our cake we had alittle cake made by the cook at our hotel, Dongwe Ocean View.

The ceremony

Our 20-minute wedding ceremony took place on the beach, under a homemade arch. We were married by Father Charles. We walked down the aisle together – Danny had met me at my room once I was ready. The hotel staff helped to get me ready, which was lovely. To give a feel of our location, we followed the island’s tradition and had Zanzibar dancers – it’s a dance when they jump up and down, up and down! It was quite fun.

The reception

Following our wedding we had a candle lit dinner for two on the beach after dark, when we were served lobster. It was fantastic! The hotel surprised us by decorating the table beautifully with flowers and candles.

First Dance

We didn’t have a First Dance – I guess that’s my only regret!

Photographic memories

Two local photographers from Zanzibar took our photographs, as well as all the staff and the

26 www.BridesAbroad.tv

locals that turned up to watch our wedding.

My favourite photograph is one where we are walking along the beach. That beach was so beautiful!

Magic moments

The amount of people that came to our wedding was a massive surprise! Apparently, once the locals know about a wedding everyone turns up. It was great fun. After we got married – like five minutes later, one of the locals asked me to go to his shop and have a look, see if I would like to buy anything! I had JUST got married and no way wanted to go to his shop! He wasn’t kidding either, so I laughed a lot!

The honeymoon

After the wedding, and time spent enjoying the beach location, we flew to the Selous Game Reserve for a safari honeymoon, which was amazing!

On budget?

Everything, including the wedding, honeymoon, dress, rings etc. cost under £10,000. We didn’t have a budget in mind, as this was a holiday with an add-on wedding.

Further information WEDDING PLANNER: Pure Safari www.puresafari.com info@puresafari.com T. 01227 753181 VENUE Dongwe Ocean View Zanzibar

www.BridesAbroad.tv 27

Island Hopping With Sandals

Two gorgeous resorts add up to one amazing holiday!

Struggling to decide which Sandals Luxury Included速 resort to pick for your wedding or honeymoon? With so much to see and do, Sandals Resorts understands how hard it must be to settle on just one Caribbean island and to choose between 15 Luxury Included速 resorts. To make choosing slightly easier, Sandals Resorts has combined some of its most popular inter-island twin and multi-centre holidays, so couples can now experience two or more resorts on one unforgettable holiday.

28 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Barbados & Grenada What better way to experience Sandals Resorts’ two newest resorts, Sandals Barbados and Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa than with a twin centre stay. Nestled on Dover Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Barbados, Sandals Barbados offers guests decadently romantic suites with private Tranquillity Soaking Tubs and world-class dining at 11 Gourmet Discovery Dining restaurants, including Sandals’ first ever Indian restaurant, Bombay Club. Once guests have sampled the luxurious Sandals Barbados, they can head over to Grenada to experience the ‘Spice Island’ in true VIP fashion at Sandals LaSource Grenada. The resort offers unprecedented accommodation, from stunning Skypool suites featuring infinity edge plunge pools in the Italian Village to ultra-luxurious Millionaire suites in the South Seas Village and 10 Gourmet Discovery Dining options from around the world, including: Teppanyaki at Kimonos, authentic Italian fare at Cucina Romana and world-class steak at Butch’s Chophouse.

Book it!

Six nights’ accommodation at Sandals Barbados in a Caribbean Premium Room plus six nights’ accommodation at Sandals LaSource Grenada in a Pink Gin Grande Luxe Room costs from £2,479 per person, includes 12 nights’ accommodation on a Luxury Included® basis, return flights from London Gatwick, inter-island flights and resort transfers. Subject to availability and valid for travel between 2nd May – 24th June 2016.

Grenada & Antigua With its exotic elements and bold, contemporary design, Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa is the ideal place to begin a Sandals Resorts’ twin centre stay. After seven nights in Grenada, guests can island hop to Antigua, home to Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. Voted the ‘World’s Most Romantic Resort’ year after year, the resort offers the best of two worlds - the authentic Caribbean and the stylish Mediterranean - in one legendary all-inclusive holiday. The resort’s charming seaside garden oasis, known as the Caribbean Grove, is graced by meandering pathways, majestic palms and cooling trade winds, whilst the Mediterranean Village, offers a realm of chic sophistication, where European grandeur unfolds from the hillside to villas-by-the-sea.

Book it!

Six nights' accommodation at Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa in a South Seas Hideaway Junior Suite with Balcony Tranquillity Soaking Tub plus six nights' accommodation at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in a Mediterranean Club Level Suite costs from £2,609 per person. The price includes a total of 12 nights' accommodation on a Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) basis, return flights from London Gatwick, inter-island flights and return resort transfers. Subject to availability and valid for travel between 2nd May – 24th June 2016. www.BridesAbroad.tv 29

Barbados & Antigua With only an hour flight between the two islands, Barbados and Antigua are a popular choice for a twin centre holiday. Distinctively chic, Sandals Barbados is the only luxury all-inclusive resort in Barbados that is designed exclusively for couples. The resort is also home to Barbados’ largest and longest lagoon pool.

Set on Antigua’s best beach, Dickenson Bay, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa offers 11 Gourmet Discovery Dining restaurants and an exotic Red Lane® Spa. Whether it’s catching some rays on the resort’s white sand beach or enjoying the unlimited land and watersports available as part of Sandals Resorts’ Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) offering, there’s something for everyone at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa.

Book it!

Six nights' accommodation at Sandals Barbados in a Caribbean Premium Room plus six nights' accommodation at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in a Mediterranean Club Level Suite costs from £2,615 per person. The price includes a total of 12 nights' accommodation on a Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) basis, return flights from London Gatwick, inter-island flights and return resort transfers. Subject to availability and valid for travel between 2nd May – 24th June 2016.

St Lucia & Grenada Visit the lush island of St Lucia and stay at the most intimate Sandals resort on the island. Sandals Halcyon Beach is set in tropical gardens and offers unspoilt views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Guests staying at the resort can also take a trip to one of two nearby Sandals resorts as part of Sandals’ ‘Stay at 1, Play at 3’ programme, to experience all the restaurants, beaches and amenities at all three resorts. With this programme, guests’ dining options expand to 23, bars to 21 and choice of swimming pools to 10. Round-trip transportation is included between resorts. Once guests are fully rejuvenated in St Lucia, it’s only a two and a half hour flight to their next stop, Grenada. Situated on 17 acres of stunning land just minutes away from the Maurice Bishop International Airport, Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa is an exotic retreat for couples looking to experience the unspoiled destination of Grenada in style.

Book it!

Six nights’ accommodation at Sandals Halcyon Beach in a Honeymoon Hideaway Walkout Poolside Club Level Room plus six nights’ accommodation at Sandals LaSource Grenada in a Pink Gin Grande Luxe Room costs from £2,315 per person. The price includes a total of 12 nights’ accommodation on a Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) basis, return flights from London Gatwick, inter-island flights and return resort transfers. Subject to availability and valid for travel between 2nd May – 24th June 2016.

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Bahamas Twin Centre Stay Each of the 700 islands of the Bahamas has its own character, own atmosphere and subtle differences in culture. A twin centre stay split between Sandals’ two Bahamian resorts allows guests to add a wonderful variety to their holiday experience.

Nassau is the vibrant capital of The Bahamas, known for its history, architectural charm, casinos and duty-free shopping. Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, based on Nassau’s renowned Cable Beach offers an oasis of ‘old world charm’ and understated elegance. In 1946, the original resort ‘The Balmoral Club’ was created to be the playground for the Royal friends of the Duke of Windsor who was then Governor of The Bahamas. The resort boasts two white-sand beaches, ten restaurants, eight bars and a breathtaking off–shore island.

Set in the Exumas, Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort brings unprecedented luxury to the easy-going rhythms of the Bahamian Out Islands.

Secluded within 500 tropical acres along a pristine, mile-long beach, the resort boasts three impressive pools - including a half-acre, zero-entry pool with a dramatic fire pit in the middle, seven exceptional restaurants, a par 72 Greg Norman designed championship golf course, a 29,000 sq. ft. spa and a deepwater marina.

Book it!

Six nights’ accommodation at Sandals Royal Bahamian in a Balmoral Premium Room plus six nights’ accommodation at Sandals Emerald Bay in a Beach House Luxury Club Level Room costs from £2,979 per person, includes 12 nights’ accommodation on a Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) basis, return flights from London Heathrow, inter-island flights and return resort transfers. Subject to availability and valid for travel between 22nd November – 15th December 2015.

Jamaica & Antigua The birthplace of Blue Mountain Coffee, reggae and jerk, Jamaica is an island filled with natural beauty that will take your breath away. It is also home to some of the friendliest and most hospitable people you will ever meet.

The recently renovated Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is the largest Sandals Resort, situated on the slopes of over 100 acres of beautiful hillside gardens overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The resort features 16 dining options, a fresh, trendy Ochi Beach Club, resort entertainment, upgraded luxurious accommodations and more.

Guests can split their stay with the stunning Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa to continue their holiday at the 'World's Most Romantic Resort'.

Book it!

Six nights' accommodation at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in a Riviera Bamboo Grove Premium Room plus six nights' accommodation at Sandals Grande Antigua in a Mediterranean Club Level Suite costs from £2,610 per person.

The price includes 12 nights' accommodation on a Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) basis, return flights from London Gatwick, inter-island flights and return resort transfers. Subject to availability and valid for travel between 2nd May – 24th June 2016.

To book or for more information on Sandals Resorts’ Island Hopping Packages call 0800 597 0002 or visit www.sandals.co.uk www.BridesAbroad.tv 31

Wedding bliss in

FLORIDA Barefoot on a Florida beach, the sun shining on shimmering waters and the person you love standing next to you – life can’t get any better than that on your Big Day! 32 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Whether you want to tie the knot on a picture-perfect white sandy beach or exchange your vows Disney style in an Orlando theme park, a wedding in Florida is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Few destinations can offer as much as Florida for wonderful civil ceremonies, vow renewals and glorious honeymoons!

Your wedding can be arranged on the beach, in lush gardens and in wedding chapels for as many guests as you wish – and for something very different, how about a wedding with Mickey Mouse as a guest?

At Walt Disney World the bride can even arrive in Cinderella’s coach. Or you could get wed in a helicopter or hot air balloon and even exchange rings under water!

Couples wanting to get married in Florida can, if they wish, leave all the organising to someone else. Choose the date and one of numerous wedding companies will do the rest – from requesting the marriage license to ordering the cake and flowers.

Many travel companies also do wedding and honeymoon packages to suit all budgets. And there are plenty of extra perks available. Get married at Amelia Island Plantation Chapel and enjoy a spa day, golf day or rehearsal dinner. Fishing trips and excursions can be arranged for the wedding party.

Florida honeymoons

Orlando’s theme parks – Disney, Universal and SeaWorld – are extremely popular

TOP 5 Things to do

1 2 3 4 5

Hire a car

And have a honeymoon on the road, driving from one beautiful beach resort to another as you discover all that Florida has to offer

Go skydiving

Over the amazing Kennedy Space Centre on the Space Coast and see the shuttle launch pads as you parachute to the ground from 18,000 ft.

Celebrate the sunset

Spend a romantic evening watching the sun go down from Pier 60 during nightly celebrations at Clearwater Beach

Drink margaritas

From the giant exploding volcano at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Universal City Walk, Orlando

Pick Sea shells

On Sanibel Island – known as one of the Shell Islands because of its perfect seashells.

with honeymoon couples – spend the day on thrill rides and then head out to party at Downtown Disney or Universal City Walk.

Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Coast is great for walkers and cyclists and Miami for ‘beautiful people’ who want a touch of the glamorous side of Florida. The gulf coast of Florida offers stunning white sandy beaches, natural islands and wildlife. Couples who want to sail further afield should consider a honeymoon cruise. Major cruise lines leave ports, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Port Canaveral, for destinations including the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands. Only one thing to do – say, “I do” to Florida!

The legals

A license can be applied for in person at a courthouse. Both the bride and groom must appear in person, or apply by mail before arriving in Florida. The cost is around £60. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Courthouses are open from Monday to Friday only so make sure you leave time when making travel arrangements.

Get married on the beach and you could be standing in a raised heart in the sand as warm water laps close by.

Choose a garden and a flower-strewn garden gazebo can be the centrepiece for your wedding. www.BridesAbroad.tv 33

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is a 113-mile long chain of islands linked by Highway 1, which takes you on a sensory overload journey over the ocean through the Keys. It begins at the southernmost tip of the Florida’s mainland and travels first to Key Largo and ends at charming and historical Key West. The Florida Keys offer natural beauty and some of the finest fishing and diving in the world – they are home of the only living Coral Reef in the USA.

Fort Myers, Sanibel & Captiva

White beaches, blue skies, Spanish architecture, lush greenery and worldclass shelling are in abundance in southwest Florida where the Gulf of Mexico laps uninhabited islands which provide sanctuary to wildlife. Fort Myers is the area’s urban anchor, with shopping, restaurants and nightlife, whereas Sanibel and Captiva islands represent some of the best beaches with stunning natural beauty, sugar white sand and teal waters. Reached by a long causeway, the islands offer a welcoming village-esque sense of hospitality.

Miami

Miami is one of the world’s most popular vacation spots, which is not surprising as this vibrant city has plenty to offer – from the trendy nightlife of South Beach, the bustle of Calle Ocho and the high energy of Little Havana to the plush hotels of Miami Beach with its long stretch of white sand, and the historic hideaways of Coral Gables. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in modern, sprawling malls in contrast with the family-owned shops of Coconut Grove. Miami is also the world’s biggest cruise port.

Orlando

The city of Orlando remains the theme park capital of the world. It offers attractive parks, lakes, world-renowned gardens as well as those beloved theme parks – Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Sea World and many other attractions as well as the famous Hard Rock Cafe. But Orlando also offers world-class hotels, shopping opportunities for every budget, year-round golf courses and some of the most enticing dining opportunities on the planet.

St Petersburg & Clearwater The area is made up of 26 distinct communities, each with its own flavour.

St Petersburg/Clearwater is famous for award-winning beaches, including St Pete Beach, Caladesi Island State Park, Clearwater Beach and Fort De Soto Park. Outdoor recreation and natural attractions, from boating and biking to wildlife viewing, are abundant throughout the year. The area also offers shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Everglades

The Everglades National Park is a rare and beautiful place. It’s a beautiful wilderness with rugged, subtropical landscape experienced by a relatively few adventurous souls each year. The best way to see the Everglades is on a guided tour by Airboat, when you can get up close to the spectacular wildlife.

The Florida Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side, however, the symbol of this vast ecosystem has to be the Florida panther.

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REAL WEDDINGS

Celebrations in

Clearwater Samantha Lewis and her partner Lee Riches from Bognor Regis had been together for many years before Lee took her by surprise and popped the question during a romantic meal. However it didn't take long to make the decision to wed on a stunning sandy beach in Florida, with their son Joshua to join in the celebrations

Finding ‘the one’

We first met in a previous workplace, and although I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was love at first sight, there was definitely an instant attraction for both of us!

The proposal

He actually popped the question to me at Goodwood Race Course! We had been together for 15 years and have a 10-year old son, so it was completely unexpected when he asked me to marry him over a romantic meal.

Location, location

The decision to get married in Florida was an easy one. We both love Florida and wanted to go back there after having been there twice before, so we 36 www.BridesAbroad.tv

felt it would be an ideal choice for us.

We decided that a beach setting would be intimate, personal and perfect for us, and Clearwater Beach and the Sand Pearl Hotel stood out to be everything we wanted – our dream location!

The planning

We did our own searches online but our travel company, Tropical Sky, organized and advised us on everything we needed. Tropical Sky was very helpful, answered every enquiry we had and handled all our arrangements extremely well. Before we went we simply organized the basics – we just knew where and what we wanted and had a reception party organized for the day after we arrived home.

The guests

We chose to have an intimate beach wedding – just us and our son, Joshua.

I have two other children, Chelsey and Todd and would have loved for them to be there too, but with children of their own it was too expensive for them,

Sam and Lee's intimate beach wedding in Florida

www.BridesAbroad.tv 37

REAL WEDDINGS especially at short notice as we had decided to plan and book our wedding with just a ten week time scale!

Getting the look

I had two dresses. I ordered the first one from China, which I wore for the ceremony – I added a little extra detail to it at home. I wanted it to be light, white and backless, something simple but stunning, sexy but classy. The second dress was my reception dress for the UK party, which was strapless with diamante style bust and fuller skirt in an ivory colour, which I

wore with beautiful heals. I just wore flat sandals for the beach ceremony. I kept the accessories simple and twirled pearl hair accessories into my hair, which I wore up for the wedding and down loose for the UK reception. I also had a beautiful wedding bouquet in Florida with white orchids.

The ceremony

Our wedding ceremony took place on the sand on Clearwater Beach and lasted around 40 minutes. Our son Joshua gave me away, which was lovely.

The reception

We didn’t have a reception in Florida, we waited until we were back in the UK and had an evening reception at the Robin Hood

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in Bognor Regis with a buffet for our guests. We also had our First Dance at the evening reception, which was All of Me by John Legend.

seeing Lee cry when I tapped him on the shoulder, and his first look at seeing me in my dress. The funniest moment was trying to get Lee’s ring on his finger!

Photographic memories

Lee: My best moment was seeing my stunning bride, and our vows on the beach.

Our Florida wedding planner and photographer, Cara De Hart, took our wedding photographs. She was an absolute star and a pleasure to work with – an amazing lady! There are quite few photos that we love, but the ones on the beach are particularly special to us, and Joshua photo bombing us made us laugh and is one of our favourites!

Magic moments

Samantha: One of the most special things I remember from our wedding day was

The honeymoon

We stayed for one week at the hotel in Clearwater where we were married, then we moved on to Orlando to enjoy ourselves in the theme parks with Joshua.

On budget?

It cost around £4,500 for the wedding and two week stay in Florida. We were very happy with the price!

Further information WEDDING PLANNER UK: Karen Andrews & Danni Jones American Sky www.americansky.co.uk Tel: 01342 889224 WEDDING PLANNER AT RESORT: Cara De Hart VENUE Sand Pearl Resort Hotel PHOTOGRAPHER Cara De Hart

www.BridesAbroad.tv 39

Advertising Feature

JOIN THE ELITE For the most romantic and stylish Caribbean weddings and dream honeymoons choose an Elite Island resort, where utter bliss is all-inclusive

ANTIGUA

St James’s Club & Villas

Just a 10-minute drive from Nelson’s Dockyard, St James’s Club & Villas enjoys a prime position on a picturesque 100-acre peninsula.

The all-inclusive resort exudes a casual, club-like ambience and offers luxurious facilities, plenty of activities and a choice of wedding packages and venues for dream weddings – including decorated gazebos overlooking the Caribbean and a wedding arch on the beach. Luxury accommodation is in guestrooms, suites and villas, including the Royal Suites – perfect for honeymoon couples, and private villas overlooking the bay. Delicious cuisine is served in a choice of four restaurants and the resort has two beautiful sandy beaches, the calm Mamora Bay and the exciting surf of Coco Beach, plus six swimming pools, tennis courts and a fitness centre.

Non-motorised water sports are complementary, and the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa offers total pampering and couples rituals.

Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Few resorts in the West Indies enjoy such an idyllic beachside setting as Galley Bay Resort & Spa. Just 10 minutes away from the vibrant port of St John’s, it is a peaceful, romantic hideaway in 40-acres of tropical gardens with a lagoon and bird sanctuary. The resort has charming rustic architecture with just 98 rooms and suites in a choice of four categories, including beachfront rooms and suites overlooking golden sands and azure waters and Gauguin Cottages with thatched roof and private splash pool. Honeymooners can relax and enjoy a landscaped swimming pool with waterfall, luxurious spa, fitness centre, tennis and complementary non-motorised water sports.

A superb variety of restaurants offer beachfront à la carte dining to suit all moods – from casual to special occasion. Galley Bay has a choice of beautiful settings for wedding ceremonies, including beach gazebos and a path leading to a gazebo located in the lush gardens.

Advertising Feature

The Verandah Resort & Spa

Nestling on the lush agricultural northeast coast of Antigua, The Verandah Resort & Spa offers wedding and honeymoon packages in a spacious oasis of luxury and tranquillity, just a 5-minute drive from the spectacular Devil’s Bridge National Park. Set in 30 beautiful beachfront acres, it boasts pretty white sandy coves with calm turquoise waters and luxurious accommodation in suites and villas within manicured gardens – each boasting its own signature ‘verandah’ to enjoy the tropical and sea views. The resort has gorgeous settings for weddings with 5 wedding gazebo options including a wedding gazebo overlooking the bay. An expansive swimming pool is the resort’s centrepiece, there’s also an adult-only pool for quiet relaxation. With three restaurants and four bars, guests have a choice of dining options followed by live evening entertainment. The Tranquility Body & Soul Spa is an elegant hideaway for pampering and relaxation.

THE GRENADINES Palm Island Resort

For perfect Caribbean weddings and honeymoons, the Palm Island Resort in the Grenadines is a magical escape. Completely secluded on its own 135-acre private island fringed with coconut palms, soft white sand and turquoise sea, it is an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

The resort has been built to blend in with its natural surroundings, with many of its rooms, suites and villas located on the beach.

Here honeymooners can hike, swim, enjoy non-motorised water sports and explore the island at their leisure. Palm Island offers relaxation with five white sand beaches, a swimming pool with waterfall, fitness centre and Spa Treatment Room. The beachfront restaurants take advantage of locally grown vegetables and fresh seafood, and romance seekers can enjoy private beach dining at the romantic heart-shaped tree (additional charge).

ST LUCIA

St James’s Club Morgan Bay

BARBADOS

The Club Barbados Resort & Spa

Set in a beautiful location, just a 10 minute drive from Rodney Bay Marina, and offering plenty of Caribbean charm, this fun-filled beachfront resort has an abundance of first-class facilities to keep honeymooners relaxed and entertained in the St Lucia sunshine. The all-inclusive resort is the perfect place to say: “I do” with a choice of inclusive wedding and honeymoon packages. Rooms are set in pink blocks around the resort with garden, pool or ocean views. There are six delightful dining options and four swimming pools, including a large main pool area with swim-up bar and separate kids and adultonly options. The Hilltop Spa offers luxurious couples treatments whilst active rest is offered with a range of activities including water sports, tennis courts, fully-equipped gym, pilates and spin classes and fantastic live evening entertainment.

In a gorgeous setting on the west coast of Barbados, known as the ‘Gold Coast’, The Club Barbados Resort & Spa nestles amid lush tropical gardens and is a haven of blissful relaxation. The adults-only, all-inclusive resort is a 30 minute drive away from Bridgetown with its vibrant nightlife. The hotel has a small beach with its own extensive list of water sports, including water-skiing. A short stroll in the warm sunshine takes you to one of the beautiful beaches on either side of the resort, or relax on a lounger by the hotel’s split-level pool, or in the spa where you can be indulged with luxurious treatments including couples massage and aromatherapy. The hotel offers mouth-watering cuisine in a choice of two restaurants and the Rum Shop Bar is a true Bajan rum shop and a great place to round off another day in paradise.

Book it!

www.eliteislandresorts.co.uk or though your local travel agent

Get the look

Tropical

Headband, £15 www.accessorize.com

Weddings Beach brides in exotic island locations will look sensational beneath the coco palms with simple lines, a splash of colour and floral theme to depict the beauty of nature

Flower stud earrings, £8 www.accessorize.com

Flower bangle, £19 www.accessorize.com

Flower pendant, £200 www.alexisdove.com

Silk bouquet, £60.50 www.sarahsflowers.co.uk

Flower studs, £35 www.alexisdove.com Candle holders, £978 www.amara.com

Gold sandals, £32 www.accessorize.com

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Gold rose ring, £475 www.feiliu.co.uk

Dress, style Lourdes Sarahseven.com

SOMETHING BLU W I T H 3 0 0 D AY S O F S U N S H I N E A N D T H E S H I M M E R I N G M E D I T E R R A N E A N S E A A S A B A C K D R O P, M A LT A O F F E R S J U S T T H E R I G H T A M O U N T O F M A G I C O N Y O U R S P E C I A L D AY. B O O K W I T H U S A N D T A K E A D V A N TA G E O F T H I S O F F E R E X C L U S I V E T O B R I D E S A B R O A D M A G A Z I N E : E N J O Y A C O M P L I M E N T A R Y N I G H T AT T H E R E S O R T A N D A C O M P L I M E N T A RY B OT T L E O F S PA R K L I N G W I N E O N YO U R W E D D I N G N I G H T A S W E L L A S A F R E E RO O M UPGRADE WHEN GETTING MARRIED WITH US!

W H E N S AY I N G I D O

HOTELS DESIGNED TO SAY YES! Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands radissonblu.com/goldensandsresort-malta T: +356 2356 0000 E: weddings.gs@islandhotels.com T&Cs: free upgrade is subject to availability. Other terms and conditions may apply.

Beach vows in the

CANARY ISLANDS

With a perfect climate, stunning coastlines, breathtaking lunar landscapes and amazing sunsets, the Canary Islands are the perfect choice for gorgeous beach weddings and dream honeymoons whatever time of year you choose to say: “I do�

44 www.BridesAbroad.tv

The Canary Islands are made up of seven islands, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and the lesser known La Gomera, La Palmer and El Hierro. All boast idyllic beaches and crystal clear water, and this year, there’s great news for couples! Due to new legislation, t he Canary Islands can host wedding ceremonies on the island’s pictureperfect beaches – making wedding days an extra special experience.

Looming volcanoes, prehistoric sites, lush pine forests, sandy coves and miles of Sahara-style dunes are all begging to be explored beyond the Canaries seafront resorts. Wedding parties and honeymooners will find plenty to see and do throughout their stay. The islands offer a variety of quality accommodation and leisure activities that keep visitors coming back year upon year.

Active honeymoons

Sporty and adventurous couples will discover plenty of outdoor activities: On land you can hike along signposted footpaths that criss-cross the islands, from easy trails to mountain treks, or hire mountain bikes to explore the beautiful scenery. The sea promises a host of water-based activities: Go scuba diving and marvel at more than 350 species of fish and the odd shipwreck or two; or pump up the adrenalin by kite surfing, windsurfing and surfing – all are big attractions in the Canary Islands. Or take a more leisurely pace with a camel or horse ride, or round of golf.

Be sure to take a whale-watching excursion and be amazed as families of whales swim alongside your boat.

Time to relax

Those who simply want to fly and flop will find plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in the Canary Islands, and of course, the most relaxing spot is down on the beach. From the soft rolling dunes in Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria to the wide arcs of golden sand in Tenerife and the black volcanic beaches – the shores here take some beating. You can also enjoy Thalassotherapy and spa pampering at a choice of Thalassotherapy Centres and hotel spas on all the islands.

In the case of Catholic ceremonies, the wedding ceremony in the Canary Islands is legally binding regardless of the nationality of the parties. Once the church in the Islands has been chosen, and a date set with the priest, the only thing left to do is ask the corresponding diosesis for the parties’ documents, a process, which takes about a month.

Wedding planning

It is a good idea to hire the service of a professional wedding planner to take care of every detail. Log on to: idocanaryislands.com, a website designed to give couples all the information they need to arrange the most important day of their lives. It offers plenty of advice, including the best wedding planners to organise your ceremony in the most romantic spots. The website provides a great variety of ideas and shows examples of real couples getting married in the Canary Islands to inspire your own dream wedding.

Top 5 Things to do 1

Spot whales and dolphins

2

Visit Teide National Park

3 Marry in the Canary Islands

One of the best reasons for marrying in the Canary Islands is the fantastic climate, considered to be one of the best in the world, with an o average year-round temperature of 18-24 C and cloudless skies almost guaranteed. Few countries around the world can offer such perfect weather. You will be spoiled for choice at the long list of stunning, unforgettable and romantic wedding locations the islands have to offer – from the grounds of beautiful hotels, or set against the amazing landscapes to ceremonies down on those breathtaking beaches.

Legals

A wedding ceremony in the Canary Islands is guaranteed to be a beautiful occasion. However, because the Canary Islands follow Spanish law, marriage of foreigners, including UK citizens, is not currently legal.

But don’t let that put you off. You can still take advantage of having a beautiful blessing ceremony, without having to worry about applying for a Marriage License, having the correct documents and getting them translated. We recommend that you apply to marry in the UK with a civil wedding at your local registry office before you leave for your blessing.

You are then free to travel to the Canary Islands and enjoy a totally romantic symbolic wedding ceremony.

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Be amazed by dolphins and whales swimming up close when you take a whale watching boat excursion in the Canary Islands.

The strait dividing Tenerife and La Gomera is populated with one of the most important colonies of pilot whales on the planet.

On an awesome up-hill road trip you will climb high above the cloud layer to Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses a remarkable volcanic landscape with close-up views of the dormant volcano Mount Teide.

Go Stargazing

With low light pollution and high altitude, the Canary Islands offer some of the best locations for stargazing in the night sky. The Teide National Park in Tenerife boasts one of the most important solar observatories on the planet, or visit the modern observatory in the mountains of the Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma.

Walk in the Dunes

Visit the spectacular Dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria – a Natural Reserve since 1897, which is an important landmark of Gran Canaria. Gaze in awe at the amazing formation of sand dunes as far as the eye can see, then take a stroll with sand between your toes.

Admire the savin Junipers

Be sure to take a trip to El Sabinar on the island of El Hierro to see the stunning sight of the savin juniper trees, which the strong and constant north-easterly winds have moulded into incredible shapes.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 45

Tenerife

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a world of contrasts. It boasts 269 km of coastline – from small bays and natural pools in the north to volcanic beaches in popular resorts in the south, including Adeje and Arona. However, the island offers more than just beaches. Discover Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal Natural Park. Hire a mountain bike or hike along mountain trails. You can also play golf or go surfing and hang gliding. Tenerife is also a spectacular place for diving as the volcanoes have produced an original sea floor. And a whale watching boat excursion is an absolute must!

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is famous for its lunar landscape, the result of volcanic activity 22 million years ago. It is now covered in craters, canyons and valleys of solidified lava, which is one of its main attractions. The beaches offer a mix of black and golden sands, and a visit to Timanfaya National Park is a must with its volcanic formations, as is the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve – a refuge for many species of marine birds. Play golf amidst lava and cactus, dive on the island’s beautiful sea bed, go deep sea fishing and surfing too - the waves here are considered some of the best in Europe.

Fuerteventura

With its magnificent white sand beaches flanked by sand dunes and year-long sunshine, Fuerteventura is idyllic. The island is an essential destination for lovers of windsurfing and scuba diving with its 150 beaches in the north and south of the island, while on the east coast you will find cliffs and small, hidden coves. The island boasts stunning natural beauty and thriving resorts and towns. Its unspoiled countryside can be seen at its best in Tindaya Mountain and the Betancuria Nature Reserve, the island’s largest areas of protected countryside.

Gran Canaria

The variety of landscapes and coastline on Gran Canaria is stunning – from the peaceful coves in the south to more popular tourist areas such as Las Palmas and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, home to the famous Playa del Inglés beach, and the stunning Maspalomas beach with its incredible sand dunes. The island is considered to be one of the best places in the world for windsurfing and has tracks and trails from which to explore its beautiful nature reserves on foot or by bike. You can also see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat in the waters off the south of the island.

La Gomera

Tranquil and beautiful, La Gomera, known as “Isla Mágica” (the magical island) is the second smallest of the Canary Islands, measuring barely 20 km. Its rugged coastline is dotted with small, black sandy beaches set between cliffs and it is a paradise for nature lovers. Its wild, mountainous landscape is packed with contrasts – from palm-covered valleys to huge canyons; from arid coastal areas to fascinating forests, crammed with vegetation. The prehistoric forest in Garajonay National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is particularly outstanding.

El Hierro

The peaceful island of El Hierro is less than 50 km long and is home to natural swimming pools and crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and scuba diving. It also boasts huge areas of protected woodland, a cliff-lined coastline, plus coves and lagoons such as Charco Manso in the north, and Charco Azul in the northwest. El Hierro has the densest concentration of volcanoes in the Canary Islands, and is also famous for its incredible savin juniper trees at El Sabinar, which have become mis-shapen by the strong winds.

La Palma

Volcanic sands, small bays surrounded by cliffs and exceptional natural landscapes, the island of La Palma is an idyllic spot with numerous ecological treasures. Known as the ‘isla bonita’ (beautiful island), it is the greenest Canary Island with lush forests and exceptional scenery. La Palma is home the Caldera de Taburiente National Park and high mountain ranges including the Roque de los Muchachos, with an observatory boasting one of the most spectacular telescopes in the world. The island’s historic town of Santa Cruz is well worth a visit.

46 www.BridesAbroad.tv

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REAL WEDDINGS

GRAN CANARIA HEARTS AND FLOWERS IN

After visiting the island many times since childhood, Rachel Malkin from Armitage, Staffordshire, admits she has a love affair with Gran Canaria. No surprise then, that when husband-to-be Warren Gilbert proposed, they both knew that Gran Canaria was the idyllic place to say: "I do!"

Finding ‘the one’

I met my husband Warren at work.

He actually interviewed me for my job!

I think there was always a spark between us and I definitely felt something for him immediately, but with him being my boss nothing was ever mentioned.

The proposal

Warren proposed to me at out house on Christmas Day. There were four presents all wrapped up for me. I opened them in order – lingerie, jewellery from my mother and finally a blue garter. It was then that he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The presents were Something Old; Something New; Something Borrowed and Something Blue! I had no idea that he was going to propose! We had been on holiday to Gran Canaria and I thought he was going to propose then, but when he didn’t I decided it was best not to get my hopes up again.

Location, location

We always wanted to get married abroad – the climate, culture and price 48 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Rachel and Warren tie-the-knot in the Canaries

www.BridesAbroad.tv 49

REAL WEDDINGS were huge factors. I have been going to Gran Canaria ever since I was 5-years-old, I‘ve been around 18 times so I know the island very well and couldn’t think of a more beautiful place to get married!

The planning

We used a wedding planner called The Perfect Wedding Company. They were really professional and attentive.

Bernadette and her team made us all feel so special and looked after. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to get married! We made all the travel arrangements separately ourselves as it worked out cheaper that way. The team at The Perfect Wedding Company took care of everything so we could relax and enjoy our day. Everything was planned before we went, which was great as it meant that we could have a stress-free and relaxing holiday.

The guests

We had 29 guests at our wedding. For 19 of us we hired a huge private villa, Villa Azul Puerto Rico, which was incredible.

Everyone one else stayed close by. We invited around 100 guests but we knew that there were many people who would not be able to travel for the wedding.

Getting the look

My wedding dress was beautiful. The moment I saw it I knew that it would be the one. I had gone to three shops before the final one and every time I tried the dresses on I thought they were nice but not me. My dress was all lace, no beading or bling, just very simple and beautifully cut. It was from a shop called Silk Bridal in Staffordshire and was by Pronovias.

I accessorised with a long veil – a simple veil with just the added crystals scattered around, which looked beautiful when they caught the sunlight. My earrings were Swarovski – I had brought them before I brought my dress. My bracelet was a 21st birthday present and was very special to me as very close family friends brought it for me. I was so grateful that they travelled all that way to the wedding. I had my hair and make-up done professionally at an incredible salon called Martinica. I was going to do my own make-up but decided I didn’t want the stress on the morning of the wedding, and I wanted to try a different look.

50 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Something Old, Something New?

My Something Old was my underwear – I didn’t want to be uncomfortable on my big day! Something New was my bracelet; Something Borrowed was the only thing I didn’t have, I got too excited and brought everything new; Something Blue was my garter.

Groom & bridesmaids

Warren wore a dark blue suit, simple white shirt and brown shoes. There was no tie or anything formal as it was a very relaxed wedding and it would have been too hot for him! The bridesmaids wore a short, strapless tiffany blue coloured dress with cream sandals. It was very lightweight and relaxed, perfect for a wedding abroad.

The details

The colour Tiffany blue was chosen by our little girl, who was in love with the film Frozen and wanted to look like Queen Elsa on our wedding day. Apart from that we just wanted to make sure we had a very relaxed day. My bouquet was in shades of creams and blues. I had a lot of gypsophila, which I think is beautiful and very simple. For our cake we had a single tiered cake. Our family don’t eat much cake, so it was more symbolic.

The ceremony

Our wedding ceremony took place on Anfi Del Mar’s beautiful Heart Shaped Island in Gran Canaria. It’s nestled between a white Caribbean-style sandy beach and a quaint harbour. It’s just the most amazing setting. The ceremony lasted around 15 minutes; It wasn’t a religious ceremony so we wanted

something short and sweet. Reverend Rock married us, and my wonderful father gave me away.

The reception

We had our wedding reception in an amazing setting on the Heart Shaped Island at Anfi Del Mar. The wedding dinner and the evening party all took place looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.

We had a cocktail reception first, which included five different canapés. We then chose a BBQ option for our seated wedding dinner, which was the perfect choice as it came with a selection of meats, salads, potatoes, topped off with the most amazing mini desserts! There was something for everyone and nobody went hungry. The meal included free flowing wine, beer and soft drinks, so our guests were well looked after. We had beautiful centrepieces with long vases and fresh flowers. We also had seashells for place names and postcards for a guest book to keep with the wedding abroad theme. We hired our own music system and danced the night away to our song choices.

Photographic memories

We had the perfect photographer, Mette Brandt, who took beautiful photographs.

We did feel a bit uncomfortable around the camera at first but Mette soon made us relaxed. The backdrops of the ocean and the island were stunning. Our favourite photo is the one where we are walking, hand-in-hand and looking into each other’s eyes. We both look so happy and natural.

Magic moments

memory is walking down the aisle, just looking at Warren and knowing that I am going to be his wife, and with him for the rest of my life. It made me realise that the whole planning process had been worth it.

One of the funniest memories was when the children got so hot that they stripped down to their underwear and played in the sand!

The honeymoon

After the wedding, we stayed on at the resort for our honeymoon. Our family and friends stayed with us and shared our honeymoon; it was so lovely to have everyone around!

On budget?

Our whole wedding, including our honeymoon cost £11,000. Our budget was £10,000 so, although we were slightly over budget, I think we did well!

Further information WEDDING PLANNER

Bernadette Garside (Director) The Perfect Wedding Company Tel: +34 653 642 208 Email: info@perfectweddingcompany.com www.perfectweddingcompany.com

VENUE Anfi Del Mar, Gran Canaria

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mette Brandt Photography Email: post@mettebrandt.com Web: www.mettebrandt.com Phone: +34 664 773 411 instagram: @mettebrandtphotography

The whole day was incredible but my best www.BridesAbroad.tv 51

Advertising Feature

Iberostar Anthelia Couples seeking luxury and romance in Tenerife will adore the plush Iberostar Anthelia, which enjoys an enviable position on El Duque beach in Costa Adeje – it’s just perfect for dream weddings and honeymoons, says Martin Cody-Owen

The stunning 5-star Iberostar Anthelia hotel offers everything you could possibly dream of for a gorgeous wedding celebration and a blissful sunshine honeymoon, whatever time of year you decide to marry. This beautiful hotel boasts elegant décor, delicious cuisine, attentive service, chic accommodation and first-class facilities, which include a spa and wellness centre and a spectacular 2000 sqm saltwater pool with poolside bar.

The hotel is set amidst landscaped gardens in a beautiful beachfront setting between the golden sandy beaches of El Duque and Playa de Fañabé, and is an easy stroll from the centre of town along a palm-fringed ocean front promenade.

Behind the hotel, the mountains of Costa Adeje rise majestically, creating a dramatic backdrop against the cloudless sky.

The spectacular reception lounge is filled with natural light from an atrium, where you will find the Hall Bar serving drinks throughout the day. The first impression gives you a flavor of things to come – and talking of flavor, the hotel’s themed gourmet restaurants offer delicious worldclass cuisine in a choice of restaurants including the Zeus buffet and Barbacoa BBQ as well as the specialty Poseidón and Portofino restaurants.

Accommodation is located in five separate buildings, offering privacy and a feeling of 52 www.BridesAbroad.tv

space in its 365 beautifully decorated rooms and suites, many with sea views and all equipped in every detail for guests to enjoy a completely stress-free stay.

in a private environment. The Thai Suite spa experience includes scented whirlpool bath and an impressive relaxation bed big enough for couples to relax together.

For utter bliss, head to the Thai Zen SPAce, a new spa and wellness concept imported from Asia, which offers holistic pampering for mind, body and spirit, with 10 different types of massage and individual wellness programs, plus yoga and meditation. Indulgent spa rituals are offered in individual Thai Suites – couples therapy rooms that have been carefully designed in Asian style for total relaxation

Weddings

The gorgeous location of the IBEROSTAR Anthelia hotel makes it the perfect venue for a wedding. The profession staff of the IBEROSTAR Anthelia hotel takes care of every detail, from the decor to the distribution of tables. For more information contact: anthelia.eventos@iberostar.com

All-inclusive Packages

IBEROSTAR Anthelia offers all-inclusive premium packages, which are ideal for honeymooners and include a number of premium benefits during your stay and a personalised service. The package includes buffet breakfast and dinner at the exclusive Zeus restaurant, and lunch with a three-course set menu at the Barbacoa beach club as well as snacks between 10am and 6pm at Zumeria beach bar. The premium package also includes a special dinner in the Portofino and the Poseidón, drinks at the Hall Bar and Anthelia Mall, a mini bar and free admission to the spa.

Book it!

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Zante For movie-star weddings

Couples seeking sunshine and spectacular scenery for their Mama Mia! style wedding need look no further – Zante has all the ingredients for an unforgettable wedding!

54 www.BridesAbroad.tv

across to Kefalonia, a quiet garden setting on the outskirts of the Tsilivi and boutique hotels that offer private areas for you to celebrate your wedding and reception.

Known affectionately as Zante, the island of Zakynthos is a jewel in the Ionian crown and is one of the most popular Greek Islands for hosting dream weddings and honeymoons.

It’s easy to see why! With its blue flag beaches, gentle trade winds and the sweet smell of bougainvillea in a rainbow of colours, it is one of the prettiest of the Greek Islands.

The lush island is famed for its colourful floral displays and olive plantations, all thanks to the summer sun and wet winter months. And Zante has kept its authentic Greek style – because, although you will find a wide selection of international cuisine in the resorts, the most popular choice by far are the fantastic Greek taverns.

Wedding venues

Zante is home to one of the only private beaches in Greece, Cameo Island – Zante’s most popular wedding venue by far. Cameo Island is a small island, accessed by a wooden bridge at the quiet end of Lagana Bay. The beach is set in a small cove and offers complete privacy for two hours so you can celebrate your wedding in style, and best of all, it doesn’t cost the earth!

Zante also has some of the prettiest beach venues in Greece, and beach weddings are the most popular type of ceremonies on the island. However, Zakynthos offers an excellent variety of venues, so there are numerous other options available – everything from luxury five-star hotels to rustic and shabby chic local venues; these include a balcony with stunning views overlooking the bay of Tsilivi and

Legals

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Fab Greek Customs

Walk to your wedding accompanied by traditional musicians serenading your way!

Offer your guests a delicious Greek Meze meal – this consists of lots of traditional local dishes.

Entertain your guests with Greek music during dinner, it is great when accompanied by dancers, and when the guests do the Mama Mia! style dance down on the beach at sunset!

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Take a ride as man and wife through the town on a horse and carriage while the locals clap, cheer, ring traditional bells and beep their car horns! It’s a fantastic tradition and to experience this local custom gives you the chance to feel like a real celebrity on your wedding day.

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Ask your entire wedding party to let off balloons or lanterns into the sky at dusk and watch them drift out to sea.

You can have a Civil, Catholic or Orthodox wedding in Zakynthos.

For religious weddings you need to prepare the paperwork with your church. For Civil weddings you will need: Birth Certificates, Change of Name or Adoption papers if applicable. Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of spouse if previously married; Certificate of No Impediment issued by your local registry office – this is only valid for three months from the issue date in Zakynthos.

The documents need to be stamped with an Apostille stamp, which you apply for with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk). The documents then need to be translated into Greek and presented to the Town Hall in Zante no later than four weeks before the wedding.

Wedding planning

If you decide to marry in Zante it is a good idea to use the services of a wedding planner who will take care of all the arrangements and legal requirements so that you can enjoy a stress-free wedding. The Bridal Consultant is a full wedding planning service that specialises in exclusive destinations, including Zante. For further information call Lisa Burton of the Bridal Consultant on: 01925 419 555 or log onto: www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk www.BridesAbroad.tv 55

Zante

REAL WEDDINGS

Mama Mia style in

When Nicola Campbell and Andrew Smith from North Lanarkshire in Scotland decided to marry on the stunning Greek island of Zante, they celebrated in true Greek style reminiscent of the hit movie Mama Mia! And whilst embracing the local customs and traditions, they still managed to incorporate some distinctively Scottish touches into their big day in the Greek sunshine

Nicola and Andrew’s vows on a stunning Greek island 56 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Finding the one

We met six years ago through a mutual friend whilst on a camping trip, where it rained torrentially for the entire time. We were all completely wrapped up so I couldn't even see Andrew's face! We spent the full night talking and laughing and I think I fell in love with him a little that evening without even seeing what he looked like! We started seeing each other a month later and we had moved in together within four months.

The proposal

We had been on a short caravan holiday at Turnberry Caravan Park. The sun was starting to set, and the sky was orange and absolutely breathtaking when he asked me if I wanted to go for a drive and watch the sun set. We drove to Dunure Castle and found a place to sit on rocks by the sea. We took pictures of the sunset and snuggled up for a while. Next thing I knew Andy got down on one knee with a ring in his hand and asked to marry me. I was in complete shock, but I soon came to my senses and said: "Yes!" Then he brought a bottle of Champagne out of the boot of the car and we sat watching the last bit of the sunset with a Champagne toast. It was completely perfect. A year previously I showed him a picture of my dream engagement ring. He had got his friend from Harkness Premier Jewellers to make it for me. I had no idea he could keep such a huge secret and give me the best surprise of my life!

Location, location

We had attended quite a few wedding prior to our engagement and we both agreed that we hated the formal feeling to it all. This made us decide on a more relaxed and much less formal wedding for ourselves.

The weather was another important factor. Also, very importantly, we wanted our guests to enjoy themselves fully. We decided that Greece would be ideal for this, as it was close enough for guests to be able to attend. We wanted a private location, which was child friendly (we had seven children under 7 attending) and didn't want sunbathers in the background, so we spoke to our wedding planner, Lisa Burton from The Bridal Consultant, and explained exactly what we were looking for. She then came back to us with quite a few options, but the one we chose stood out significantly.

It was a private island in Zante called Cameo Island, which is just like the island in Mama Mia! I cannot begin to describe how beautiful this place is. I could search the world and not find anywhere more perfect than this little island that time forgot.

The planning

We booked our wedding through The Bridal Consultant and they organised absolutely everything for us. They used a company in Zante called Tsilivi Travel to arrange the details for us over there. They were so professional, and they organised all the legal paperwork for us as well as the wedding. The Bridal Consultant made our dreams become a reality with minimum effort from us, we simply booked our holiday through Thomsons and the only thing for us to organise was our clothes. We also took extra favours for our guests, even though sugar almond favours were included in our package. www.BridesAbroad.tv 57

REAL WEDDINGS The guests

Altogether there were 34 of us in our wedding party who travelled to Zante seven stayed at one hotel and the rest of us stayed at another. All of our guests booked individually and arrived within 24 hours of each other. We were all in the town of Tsilivi and the hotels were within walking distance from each other. We didn't give out invitations as such for the actual wedding as we didn't want to put pressure on anyone to come, so we basically told everyone the dates and place, and made it an open invitation to everyone. With the exception of just a few we had all of our closest friends and relatives with us, so it made it extra special that so many people had made an effort to come. Most guests turned the trip into their summer holiday.

Getting the look

My wedding dress was from a little boutique called Ivory Pinks. I probably tried on 50 dresses before I picked 'the one'! I ended up choosing one that I had tried on near the start – every other dress I tried I found myself comparing it to that one. The only issue was that it was absolutely huge – not what I expected to choose for a wedding abroad. I went to

my travel company and made sure I could actually get the dress abroad, and thankfully there was no problem. Looking back, I am so glad I chose that dress and was not put off by the size. My wedding jewellery turned out to be a last minute choice, as on the morning of the wedding my bridesmaid brought me a gift from Andy – tiny diamond earrings and the most stunning diamond necklace, which he had made especially for me by his friend in Harkness Premier Jewellers.

Finishing touches

My brother's fiancée (Nicole Dutreuilh) is a professional make-up artist and

58 www.BridesAbroad.tv

hairdresser and has worked with many celebrities – including Peter Kay and Rebecca Ferguson. I don't think I could have been luckier than to have her in our wedding party to do my hair and makeup.

We had hired a separate hair and makeup artist to come in and do the bridesmaids and few of the guests so that Nicole had the full day to pamper me.

Something Old, Something New

Something Old were my flip flops. My dress was very long so you couldn't see my feet. I decided I wanted to be comfortable that day so I chose to wear an old pair of flip flops, which was a great decision as we were on the beach for photos. Something New was my dress.

My Something Borrowed was a little charm that I borrowed from my little boy, Campbell. There is a bit of a story behind that. When he was 12-weeks-old we went on holiday to Turkey. One evening an old Turkish man came over and clipped a little 'blue eye' charm onto his pram. He told us that this would protect him against "The Evil Eye". I clipped this into the underskirts of my dress and wore it for my wedding. My Something Blue was the little bow stitched onto my garter.

Groom and bridesmaids

As we are Scottish the Groom, Best Man and Pageboy (my son) wore traditional Scottish kilts with a modern twist in a beige colour material with the tartan imprinted on it. We chose not to have them wearing jackets as it was too warm so they just had waistcoats on.

For the bridesmaids I wanted floaty dresses, so I chose long dresses made of chiffon with each of the bridesmaids in a different colour – a pale dusky pink for my sister Jodie, my chief bridesmaid; a nude colour for my other sister Cheryl and pale lilac for my bridesmaid Stacy.

The details

We didn't choose a particular theme for our wedding but had everything in light summer colours. The attention to detail was amazing and the tables were absolutely stunning. For our flowers we opted for a mix of local blooms, using the colours of the bridesmaid dresses. For our cake we chose to have one tier chocolate, one vanilla and one mixed then covered in soft pink icing with white piping on it in the shape of little flowers – it tasted delicious!

The ceremony

The ceremony took place at 6pm on a small, lush island near Lagunas in Zante, called Cameo Island, which is very rustic

and overgrown. We paid for the private hire of the island so nobody else would be on it. There is an old wooden bridge, around 400 yards long, which crosses the sea to the island. You then need to climb old stone stairs to the top and back down again at the other side to take you to the beach where the ceremony takes place.

As I walked down the aisle with my dad, my brother played the guitar and sang Christina Perri – A thousand Years. An arch full of flowers had been set up just in front of the beach. The noise of the sea in the background during the ceremony was beautiful.

The ceremony itself was conducted by the mayor of Tsilivi in Greek, and then

translated by our wedding coordinator into English. It was a very short ceremony, probably no more than 10-minutes in total. After the service we had a Champagne toast for our guests, with music playing in the background. We mingled with everyone for a while then we went to the top of the island for photographs. The whole thing was like a huge fairy-tale.

The reception

The reception was held in a beachfront tavern back in the town of Tsilivi, which we had hired out privately for sole use of our wedding party. The guests were driven back here on the bus while Andy and I www.BridesAbroad.tv 59

REAL WEDDINGS were driven in our wedding car. Once we got close to the venue we transferred into a horse and carriage for one of the most fun parts of the day. We followed the Greek tradition of driving through the town in our horse and cart with our wedding car in front beeping its horn. The town's people all came out of their houses and restaurants to wave to us. It was amazing to see so many people line the streets and it felt like we were actually famous. When we arrived the guests were gathered outside waiting on us. As we drove round the corner the old song She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain was playing loud and everyone clapped and cheered! Then we joined our guests on the pier and everyone was given a pink release balloon, after a short countdown everyone released their balloons and we watched as they soared above us into the sky. After this we moved inside for the meal, which was a BBQ buffet – with every type of meat available, plus Greek salads and pasta. The room had been decorated for us and was stunning – each table had candles and gems scattered, watering cans full of flowers, seat covers with matching ribbons and little woven hearts hanging on the walls. I couldn't possibly have done it any nicer myself!

The music of love

After dinner we had hired Greek dancers to get everyone in the mood to dance.

They danced first and then started getting people up – and by the end every single person was on their feet dancing and having an absolute blast, and everyone stayed on the dance floor for the rest of the night. Our First Dance was the John Legend song – All Of Me. Our second

60 www.BridesAbroad.tv

photographer to take a picture of them pulling their kilts up. Scottish tradition says that to be a real Scotsman you cannot wear anything under your kilt. Anyway, lets just say I wish there was another photographer there to take a picture of the photographers face! Everyone was laughing and it's safe to say that picture did not make its way into my album.

On budget

The whole wedding cost us around £15,000 and then probably another £3000 for the party back home. We planned on spending around this much so it was on budget. And it was definitely a lot cheaper than a wedding in the UK!

The honeymoon song was I Want To Spend My Life With You from a Scottish band called the Proclaimers – I don't think the Greek staff were quite prepared for 34 Scottish people singing at the top of their voices!

At the end of the night we had a firework display. After the fireworks we did our traditional Scottish Auld Lang Syne to end the evening.

Photographic memories

We had a photographer included in our wedding package, he and his colleague captured so many magical moments and made everyone feel at ease. We also had a DVD included in the package.

Magic moments

My best memory was definitely the horse and carriage ride. I laughed so hard it hurt and it was one of the rare times that day that Andy and I got to spend on our own.

My funniest memory was when Andy and his Best Man decided to get the

Our guests that came to Zante for the wedding stayed for one week and then they travelled home and left us to have the second week as our honeymoon. Even my little boy went home which was hard at first but it gave us time to relax.

Further Information WEDDING PLANNER UK Lisa Burton The Bridal Consultant WEDDING PLANNER ZANTE Tsilivi travel VENUE Cameo Island for the ceremony Terrazzo Beach, Part of the Alexander Beach Hotel for the reception.

PHOTOGRAPHER Lukas Agelasto of Story Studios

Advertising Feature

Grotta Terrace, db Seabank Resort + Spa

Your Perfect Wedding

in Malta

on the ‘Island of Honey’, with db Catering & Events!

Every couple wants a special wedding, that reflects their individuality.

The question is how and who can turn a wedding into something truly special? db Catering & Events would be a very good start for a Wedding abroad.

They offer the answers to all your question – from start to finish, from wedding venues to accommodation, spectacular food to themed weddings, and logistics in relation to paper work and to setup on the actual day – a day that will run smoothly and perfectly as you always dreamt of.

The company helps you to create your perfect wedding on the ‘island of honey’, Malta, which is situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, just three hours flight away from the UK. db’s resorts and hotels include the award winning db Seabank Resorts & Spa at the water’s edge of Malta’s most beautiful sandy beach in Mellieha and db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, overlooking

the magnificent St Paul’s Islands in Qawra. This means that couples can choose from a variety of accommodation on an all-inclusive basis, delightful venues and an interesting programme of activities.

db Seabank Resort + Spa

At db Seabank Resort & Spa, brides and grooms are spoilt for choice with the selection of idyllic wedding venues. The Atlantis Suite is a chic, modern venue with its own private entrance. It is nicely divided into three sections, making it versatile enough to host various functions and events catering for up to 500 standing or 250 seated guests. The venue has two bars, intelligent lighting system, airconditioning and private facilities.

Not many venues are quite like the Grotta Terrace, which is beautifully positioned in front of the Grotta and overlooks the Laguna Pool. This large outdoor venue is set at the end of the resort for more privacy and has the capacity to host up to 800 standing 450 seated guests.

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The Gazebo Terrace nestles in open countryside, surrounded by lush greenery with stunning views of Mellieha heights and the famous Red Tower in the distance. Being terraced, it has a lot of flexibility to cater for specific events. It has its own private access and capacity to host 300 standing or 150 seated guests.

The Upper Terrace is positioned overlooking the resort and enjoys magnificent seaviews on one side and the Mellieha heights as a backdrop on the other. The venue has been designed for large groups and sit down functions of 600 guests or 1,000 standing. Civil ceremonies and weddings can also be hosted underneath the Gazebo. The venue is accessible by car, so it’s ideal for brides who wish to make an impact on ther big day and be driven to the venue in a bridal car from the resort.

db San Antonio Hotel + Spa

San Antonio Pavilion, San Antonio Hotel + Spa

The db San Antonio Hotel & Spa offers an equally impressive choice of venues for wedding parties, including the Casablanca Suite, which has a fresh decor of warm, shaded colours complemented with parquet flooring, creating a look of grand splendor. It is ideal for large standing receptions of up to 600 guests or gala dinner for 250 guests. The Casablanca enjoys natural light from the magnificent skylight above the terrace and includes a lobby area complete with a bar and private facilities.

The Pool Terrace welcomes you with a free flowing water fountain, fire torches and a spectacular view of St Paul’s Bay. It’s an ideal venue for a standing reception around the wonderful multi-tiered outdoor pool during hot summer nights and can cater for 600 standing and 300 seated guests.

The Roof Top Terrace, perched on the tenth floor, spreads across the entire roof and undoubtedly offers one of most breathtaking views in Malta across Qawra Bay, St Paul’s Islands and even Gozo. The infinity pool is an eye catcher and, all-in-all, it is a wonderful location for sunset weddings and receptions.

Kosy Lounge & Terrace, db San Antonio Hotel + Spa

The spacious Kosy Lounge & Terrace is quite literally a room with a view. Perfectly shaped with an imposing glass dome, it overlooks the magnificent panorama of St Paul’s Bay and the islands of St Paul and Gozo. Having a contemporary, open plan design and featuring floor to ceiling glass and a breathtaking terrace, it offers a standing and a sit down capacity of 600 to 200 guests respectively. Another 200 standing guests can be accommodated on the terrace.

The Kosy Terrace is also an ideal venue to host your wedding ceremony or renew of vows, and can host up to 100 people seated. You can also utilise this space for a stand up reception for over 200 people.

The new San Antonio Pavilion will be available for Summer 2016 with the facility to host a wedding party of up to 30 people with a reception area and bar with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Further information

Gazebo Terrace, db Seabank Resort + Spa

Contact the db Hotel’s Events team so they can plan your memorable day with you, as you always dreamed it to be.

Email events@dbhotelsresorts.com or call +356 2350 3750/1 to further discuss your wishes for your special day.

You can also find further details on

Website: www.dbhotelsresorts.com Facebook page: dbcateringevents

Upper Terrace, db Seabank Resort + Spa

IT'S SNOW TIME!

From snow-kissed mountain peaks to charming Alpine chapels and hotels made entirely from ice and snow, we discover the perfect destinations for winter weddings, all guaranteed a generous helping of the white stuff!

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MOUNTAIN TOPS FRANCE

CHILLY POWDER – MORZINE Morzine, in the heart of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, makes the perfect setting for Alpine weddings. Hold your wedding ceremony at the charming Chilly Powder chalet hotel, which offers a number of romantic locations within the hotel – from indoors around a large roaring fire to the sun terrace and snow-covered lawns with mountain backdrop. The pistes descend straight into the hotel gardens providing ski-in-ski-out access to the mountains. www.chillypowder.com

AUSTRIA SPORTKRISTALL – KAPRUN Tie the knot in the Austrian Alps with a mountain top blessing – you can hire a decorated cable car exclusively for your wedding party through wedding planners Austrian Wedding.

Alternatively the company can arrange your wedding at the charming 4-star SportKristall hotel, which offers exclusive wedding packages. The hotel nestles close to the ski lifts in the romantic village of Kaprun, so it’s the perfect choice for ski-enthusiasts. www.austrian-wedding.com; www.sport-kristall.at

JAPAN NISEKO

Fancy something completely different? Discover the delightful skiing resort of Niseko on Mount Yatai. It is officially one of the world’s snowiest towns, and boasts a number of churches and hotels, perfect for ensuring your big day goes according to plan – so if you are a winter sports enthusiast, and you’ve got your eye on a white wedding in an exciting long-haul destination, this world-class location is well worth consideration. www.skijapan.com

CANADA

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE Right in the heartland of Canadian skiing territory, this fairytale hotel in Banff, Alberta is snow-covered during the winter months, ensuring a white wedding on your Big Day. After you’ve tied the knot you can zip off to the local ice rink for a romantic night of skiing, while sleigh rides and snowboarding sessions are also available. www.fairmont.com/lake-louise www.BridesAbroad.tv 65

WINTER WONDERLAND SWEDEN

THE ICE HOTEL - JUKKASJARVI Set in the gorgeous Arctic town of Jukkasjarvi, the spectacular ICEHOTEL is made entirely from ice and contains a spectacular ICE CHAPEL which is a breathtaking venue to tie the knot, plus an ICEBAR and chance to spend your wedding night sleeping on a bed of ice, covered in furs. Each winter the hotel is re-built from scratch – so you know your wedding will be truly unique. www.icehotel.com

QUEBEC HOTEL DE GLACE For the coolest wedding in Canada, the Hotel de Glace in Quebec will give you and your wedding guests the warmest of welcomes. This magnificent structure boasts snow vaults and ice sculptures, providing an atmospheric and unique location for your nuptials. Couples can have an awesome ceremony in the beauty and splendor of the Hotel de Glace Chapel, where you can walk down the aisle on a red carpet to say “I do” at an ice alter. www.hoteldeglace.com

ICELAND REYKJAVIK

Iceland is one of the best places on earth to view the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in its full splendor, and the luxury Hotel Ranga, set in panoramic scenery on the banks of the river Ranga, is the perfect vantage point. Just an hour away from Reykjavik, the hotel offers a choice of wedding venues, including a pretty nearby church and two waterfalls – absolutely ideal for a white wedding! www.hotelranga.is

FINLAND

KAKSLAUTTANEN In its winter wonderland setting in the Arctic Circle, this charming Finnish town is picture perfect with fabulous wedding chapels. Stay in a glass igloo at Igloo Village, which offers a view of the snow outside from the warmth and comfort of a heated cabin. To make your Big Day extra special, at the Kakslauttanen Hotel the blushing bride can even be taken down the aisle on a reindeer! www.kakslauttanen.fi 66 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Your Wedding in the

French Alps Take your vows amidst breathtaking scenery in summer or winter!

Invite your friends and family to stay for any number of nights in relaxing and homely surroundings. Turn a special day into a special few days, so you can spend some quality time with the people that matter to you most.

Delicious world cuisine Friendly and professional staff Organized activities and excursions Hotel Au Coin du Feu Morzine, France www.chillypowder.com 0207 289 6958

REAL WEDDINGS

Totally chilled

ALPINE WEDDING Whilst working in the French Alps, Sofia Tavares found more than just fun in the snow – she also met her ‘Mr Right’, Guido Pijper.

The couple now live in Rotterdam, Holland, where Guido is a professional photographer. However it was no surprise that the couple returned to the scenic mountains to say: "I do" 68 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Sofia and Gui do's trad itional nuptials in the mountains www.BridesAbroad.tv 69

REAL WEDDINGS Finding ‘the one’

We met in a bar in Avoriaz, France. I was out with my friends and he was working at the bar. It wasn’t love at first sight – we met again and then the love blossomed…

The proposal

He proposed in Avoriaz, where we met after a night of work at the bar. We were chilling together and he popped the question. It was totally unexpected for both of us as he had not planned to do it, but it just felt right.

Location, location

We met in France, got engaged in France, so we thought the only place to get married would be in France! I worked for Chilly Powder, the hotel where we had our wedding, at the time of meeting Guido.

It such a beautiful chalet and the location is stunning.

I stayed in good contact with the owners, Francesca and Paul, after the season was finished and I knew this would be the perfect place to get married.

The planning

We organized everything ourselves with the help of Francesca (the owner) and Vicky (the manager).

We drove to France from our home in Rotterdam.

We had pretty much organized everything before we arrived at Chilly Powder a week before our wedding, so we could sort out the final touches.

The guests

We had a total of 50 guests who all stayed with us at the chalet Chilly Powder. We had friends and family traveling from Australia, New Zealand, Holland, England, France and Portugal, and only had a few friends who were unable to make it to the wedding. The guests who did come treated it as a mini holiday, as our wedding celebrations were three days long!

Getting the look

I wore an ivory mermaid-style dress with a sweetheart neckline. I bought it when I was in Australia visiting my parents. My mum came with me and loved the dress right away. It was the fourth dress I tried on. I wore a cathedral veil, drop earrings and matching bangle – and I wore electric blue shoes from Dune! I had my hair styled by the local hairdresser in a 1920’s pin curl. My make-up was done by my friend, Emma, who works for Mac in the Netherlands.

Something Old, Something New?

My ‘Something Old’ was an old earring from my great grandmother pinned to the inside of my dress.

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Something New: my dress. Something Borrowed: the earring from great grandmother. My Something Blue were my shoes!

Groom & bridesmaids

Guido wore a light grey suit and purple shirt from a Dutch designer, Hans Ubink.

I was very chilled about the whole bridesmaid thing – I had my two great friends and both wore a black cocktail dress of their own choosing. They both have different body types so they wore a dress that suited their individual shapes so they can actually wear them again.

The details

We didn’t have a theme – it was very simple, we just let the Alpine surroundings be our theme. The whole wedding was very much about our family and friends. Our flowers were all peonies (Sarah Bernhardt) including all our bouquets, buttonholes and table decorations.

Our wedding cake was a three-tier cake made by a baker in Holland. It was decorated with white chocolate squares and flowers made out of biscuit in the shape of my engagement ring flowers.

The ceremony

We had the ceremony in the local church in Morzine, which lasted around 30 minutes. My dad, Fernando, gave me away and Father Binoy married us. It was a traditional Catholic ceremony.

The reception

After the ceremony we all hopped onto a touring bus and made our way to Lac de Montriond, where Paul and Francesca were waiting for us with a picnic of canapés and Champagne. We ate, took photos and our guests got to know each other better. After the picnic our guests were driven back to the chalet to freshen up and Guido and I went off with our photographers for more photos. The wedding meal included Entree: Rare roast beef salad with caramelized onions, roast peppers and olive Crostini; Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella and fresh Roman tomatoes. Main: Spiced pork loin with saffron potatoes, stuffed figs and a Madeira sauce; Pan fried red snapper with salsa verde. Dessert: Fresh berries fromage frais, white chocolate sauce and honeycomb, plus wedding cake. All was washed down with fine French white and red wine. We didn’t really do ‘First Dance’ but we did choose Lenny Kravits I Belong to You to boogie to with our guests. We put the music together ourselves and chose all the music.

Photographic memories

We had our good friends from Allegro Photography take our wedding day snaps. OMG I have so many favourites, especially the one of Guido and I walking towards the lake. We were just having a moment on our own and didn’t realise this photo was even taken. Also our photographers organized a Funny Photo Booth, with crazy masks and dress up hats and clothes etc. They then made a

little book with loving messages from our guests. After a bit of drinking, you can imagine these photos were very funny!

Magic moments

Best memory was having all the people that we love in one place at the same time.

The honeymoon

We stayed at chalet Chilly Powder for three days. However we had our honeymoon in Lisbon, Portugal at a later date.

On budget?

Our entire wedding cost around £10,500, that was right on our budget!

Further information WEDDING PLANNER AT THE RESORT Francesca, owner of Chilly Powder chalets VENUE Chilly Powder Morzine, France www.chillypowder.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Danny and Eva @ Allegro Photography

www.BridesAbroad.tv 71

Get the look

Snowflake headband www.anglocouture.com

Snow

Weddings

Look like a cool Ice Queen whilst keeping snug and warm at your wedding in winter wonderland

Vintage snowflake earrings, £2,300 www.biiju.com

Snowflake pendant, £65 www.feiliu.co.uk

Faux fur wrap, £69 www.monsoon.co.uk

Snowflake earrings, £75 www.feiliu.co.uk

Crystal bouquet, style Yalena, £439.99 www.silkblooms.co.uk Bracelet, £19.95 www.whatsabouttown.com

Ring, Roaq collection

by Payal Shah www.ldezen.com Snowqueen shoes, £1,245 www.freyarose.com

72 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Dress by Berta Bridal www.bertabridal.com

TH E U LTI MATE WE D D I N G

2 UNIQUE VENUES, 1 PERFECT LOCATION

Situated in Verbier, at the heart of the Swiss Alps, La CordĂŠe des Alpes and Le Mouton Noir provide the perfect location for your wedding celebration.

A 4 Star superior luxury hotel, CordĂŠe des Alpes offers an intimate, personal service with a restaurant to enjoy the most exquisite fine dining.

And at a height of 2200M and boasting uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, Le Mouton Noir provides a stunning location to make your special day a unique and unforgettable one.

email: info@hotelcordee.com tel: +41.27.775.45.45 Route du Centre Sportif 24 - 1936 Verbier, Switzerland

Celebrity weddings

ITALIAN STYLE From the Italian lakes and ultra stylish cities to its breathtaking coastline, few countries can cater for glamorous celebrity weddings with as much pazazz as Italy

1

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Florence, Italy

If you have managed to keep up with the Kardashian’s, you will know all about the extravagant wedding between reality TV star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West at the 16th-century Forte di Belvedere in Florence in May 2014. No expense was spared – from the Italian meal served at a 230 ft marble-topped table to a serenade from Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. It’s the first time a wedding has been hosted at Forti di Belvedere – but for the alleged fee of £243,000, any objections were soon overcome! For your wedding in Florence, we recommend the gorgeous and more affordable 15th Century Villa Patrizia. www.distinctiveitalyweddings.com 74 www.BridesAbroad.tv

2

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin Venice, Italy

George Clooney’s love affair with Italy began long before he set eyes on the beautiful Amal Alamuddin, and as the owner of a luxury villa in Lake Como is not surprising he chose to marry in Venice. In September 2014 he tied the knot with Amal in a delightful ceremony in which his celebrity guests arrived by boat to the historic Hotel Aman, built in the 16th century palazzo.

With rooms charged at around £700 per night, it’s just as well that his guests, including Bono, Matt Damon and Anna Wintour have very deep pockets! www.aman.com

3

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Lake Como, Italy

You may not be too surprised to learn that John Legend serenaded his bride, model Chrissy Teigen, whom he first met during the filming of a music video, with his romantic ballad All of Me when they married at Villa Pizzo on Lake Como – a song that has since been First Dance for many couples at their own weddings!

During their two-year engagement, the stars considered marrying on a Southern farm because Chrissy wanted to wear cowboy boots—but instead, she settled for peep-toe Louboutins. A wise decision! www.villapizzo.eu www.BridesAbroad.tv 75

4

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Puglia, Italy

Hollywood arrived on the shores of Italy’s Puglia when Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel said: “I do” in a gorgeous 5-star hotel – Borgo Egnazia, a Leading Hotel of the World. The magnificent hotel overlooks the Mediterranean and is set in 50 lush acres of land, dotted with olive and lemon trees. The couple rented the entire hotel, including 63 rooms and 28 villas for their October 2012 ceremony.

Jessica, the blushing bride, wore a spectacular pink Giambattista Valli gown, whilst pop star Justin serenaded his bride with a song specially written for her as she walked down the aisle – how romantic is that! www.borgoegnazia.com

5

Emily Blunt and John Krasinski Lake Como, Italy

The George Clooney effect rubbed off on English actress Emily Blunt, who was inspired to marry John Krasinski at Lake Como in the sensational Italian Lakes. The couple are said to have spent a week hanging out with Clooney at his estate in Lake Como in the run up to their Big Day. They then married in a beautiful lakeside ceremony at the nearby Villa d’Este in July 2010. The opulent hotel is iconic and is a UNESCO world heritage site, dating back to 1873 – it boasts exquisite gardens featuring gorgeous fountains, grottos and 16th century mosaics – a truly romantic Italian haven! www.villadeste.com 76 www.BridesAbroad.tv

6

Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin

Portofino, Italian Riviera

He may play football for England, but star striker Wayne Rooney chose the magnificent 17th century Villa Durazzo, on the Italian Riviera, when he exchanged vows with his childhood sweetheart, Coleen McLaughlin. The lavish £5 million ceremony was held at the luxurious hotel in the Mediterranean resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, near Portofino. The ceremony took place in the hotel’s stunning gardens and was performed in Italian by the town’s deputy mayor, Gianni Costa, in front of around a dozen of their closest family members who were in Italy to help them celebrate their Big Day, Italian style. www.villadurazzo.it

7

Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster

Villa Durazzo, Portofino

The iconic Villa Durazzo, where Wayne and Coleen tied the knot, is a popular celebrity haunt, and is also where Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, Rod’s girlfriend of seven years, exchanged their wedding vows in an intimate ceremony, when the only people present were bride, groom and two witnesses. Afterwards, the rock star went out into the villa’s magnificent landscaped gardens to pose for photographs. He and Penny then made their way to a cloistered medieval abbey at La Cervara for a blessing ceremony in front of 100 family and friends, followed by a reception with dinner, dancing and fireworks. www.villadurazzo.it www.BridesAbroad.tv 77

8

Salma Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault Venice

Although actress Salma Hayek married Francois-Henri Pinault on Valentine’s Day in a secret, low-key civil ceremony in Paris with only the closest family members in attendance, the newlyweds had a wedding blessing in a lavish, star-studded ceremony in Venice soon after. Not surprisingly no expense was spared for the union of one of Hollywood’s leading actresses and one of France’s richest men! The two-day wedding celebration took place with a service at La Fenice, Venice’s exquisite opera house, and also included a carnival-style masked ball at Venice’s triangular shaped art gallery, Punta Della Dogana. www.distinctiveitalyweddings.com

9

David Bowie and Iman Firenze, Italy

Twenty years ago, in the beautiful setting of a stunning 16th Century Medici Villa overlooking the River Arno in the heart of Tuscany, just 15 minutes from Florence, David Bowie married his gorgeous girlfriend, model Iman.

They wed at Villa La Massa in the on-site chapel and rented the entire property out for their guests. Reportedly the British rock star fell madly in love with the Somali-born supermodel the second he laid eyes on her on a blind date in 1990, and they married two years later. Bless! www.villalamassa.com 78 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Dream Days Weddings Malta – Perfectly Planned, Remembered Forever‌ www.dream-days.com

weddings@dream-days.com

+356 99627899

Mention Brides Abroad in your email for 20% OFF our wedding consultancy fee!

The magic of Italy will enchant you with its charm, beauty and rich history.

Our passion, creativity and innovation will ensure that your experience in Italy is simply unforgettable.

Tel: +39 366 490 2179

|

info@italianspecialoccasions.com

|

www.italianspecialoccasions.com

Get the look Mediterranean

Diamante tiara www.riverisland.com

Weddings

Hair Comb, £95 www.freyarose.com

Ultra chic gowns, and sparkling gems reflect the unique style and sophistication of the Mediterranian

Drop earrings www.ldezen.com

Waterfall posy

by Debbie Carlisle, £295 www.dcbouquets.co.uk

18ct white gold pendant, £2,250 www.goldsmiths.co.uk

Veil, £89 www.monsoon.co.uk

Cadenzza bangle, £49 www.candenzza.co.uk

Ring from Roaq collection www.ldezen.com Naomi Silver shoes, £190 www.freyarose.com 80 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Dress style 1002, Santorini collection www.julievino.com

www.BridesAbroad.tv 81

Photo courtesy of The Bridal Consultant. www.thebridalconsultants.com

Planning Guide

84 Weather permitting

Don't let your wedding day be a washout – check our worldwide weather guide for the sunniest beaches, snowiest peaks and perfect temperatures

88 Pop the question

Expert wedding planners answer your most frequently asked questions

92 Ask the planners

Lisa Burton of the Bridal Consultant professional wedding planning service shares her wisdom and experience with brides-to-be

www.BridesAbroad.tv 83

Weather permitting

Do you want to sizzle at the hottest wedding of the year or are you a cool bride looking for a seriously chilled location?

Check out our weather guide to help you choose the perfect destination throughout the year

At a glance Best for May-October Tahiti, Fiji and other Pacific Islands Mauritius and Seychelles North America Hawaii Canada Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar Europe Queensland and Barrier Reef

Best for November-April Caribbean Mexico Thailand Australia and New Zealand Maldives South Africa Dubai European ski destinations 84 www.BridesAbroad.tv

January

February

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Hot spots

Cool and chilled

Canada, European Alps, Iceland, Scandinavia, Iceland, USA

Something different

Hot spots

Cool and chilled

Canada, European Alps, Iceland, Scandinavia, USA

Something different

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Sri Lanka

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Sri Lanka

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Avoid

Avoid

March

April

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico

Jungle & Safari Alaska, Borneo

Hot spots

Cool and chilled

Canada, USA, European Alps, Scandinavia, Iceland

Something different

Jungle & Safari Alaska

Hot spots

Cool and chilled European Alps, Scandinavia

Argentina, Egypt, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Hong Kong

Something different

Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Belize, Zambia

Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Costa Rica, South Africa, Zambia

Jungle & Safari Avoid Alaska

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India

Jungle & Safari Avoid

Alaska, Kenya, Tanzania

www.BridesAbroad.tv 85

rg e h at ittin e Werm p

May

Hot spots

Brazil, Cyprus, Dubai, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand

Cool and chilled Alaska, Iceland

Something different

Cook Islands, Egypt, Hong Kong, France, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Morocco, Scandinavia

June

Hot spots

Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA

Cool and chilled Alaska, New Zealand

Something different

Peru, France, Scandinavia, Scotland, Ireland

Jungle & Safari

Jungle & Safari

Borneo, Botsana, Tanzania, Zambia

Avoid

Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt, Maldives

July

August

Canada, Cyprus, Fiji, French, Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, Italy, USA

Canada, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Seychelles, Spain, Majorca, USA

Cool and chilled

Cool and chilled

Belize, Borneo, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia

Avoid

Caribbean, Cuba, Kenya, Maldives, Tanzania

Hot spots

Alaska, New Zealand

Something different

Hot spots

Alaska, New Zealand

Something different

France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Peru, Scandinavia, Scotland, Spain

French, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Peru, Scandinavia, Scotland

Borneo, Botsana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia

Borneo, Botsana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia

Jungle & Safari Avoid

Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt

86 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Jungle & Safari Avoid

Beliza, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt

September

October

Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA

Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Dubai, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain

Hot spots

Cool and chilled Alaska, New Zealand

Something different

Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Peru. Sri Lanka, USA

Jungle & Safari

Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia

Avoid

Hot spots

Cool and chilled Canada, USA

Something different

Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Morocco, Sri Lanka, USA

Jungle & Safari

Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa

Avoid

Belize, Caribbean, Cuba, Costa Rica

Alaska, Belize, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Cuba

November

December

Australia, Brazil, Dubai, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Mauritius, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Hot spots

Cool and chilled Canada, Scandinavia, USA

Something different

Hot spots

Cool and chilled

Canada, European Alps, Scandinavia, USA

Something different

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Sri Lamka, USA

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, USA

Belize, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Jungle & Safari Avoid

Alaska, Borneo

Jungle & Safari Avoid

Alaska, Borneo

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POP the Question

The facts…

Where can I get married abroad?

Where do you fancy? You name it, and you can probably get married there. Weddings can be arranged in more than 30 countries around the world, and in many different settings.

How much will it cost?

Tour operators Kuoni are destination wedding specialists. They say the average price of their destination weddings, including honeymoon, is less than £3,000 – a small cost compared to the average UK wedding! Prices vary considerably for a wedding or vow renewal package; this is paid as a supplement to your holiday package price. Some resorts offer free wedding packages, so bargain hunters should check their options with tour operators.

The legals…

Will our marriage be legally recognised in the UK?

Yes. Your wedding will be registered in the country it takes place in and is completely legal under British law, so you don't need to register your marriage again when you get home.

What are the legal requirements?

They vary from country to country, but in general you must be over 20 years of age and need your British passports, original copies of your Birth Certificates and documentation regarding any previous marriages or if you are widowed or divorced. Some countries have additional costs for legalisation and translation of documents. If you book through a tour operator, such as Kuoni, Thomas Cook, Turquoise and Sandals, your dedicated wedding team will give you full details at the time of your booking.

Are there residency restrictions in some countries?

Yes, so you need to check residency restrictions with your tour operator or wedding planner. The most difficult countries are Spain (40 days residency), France (40 days) and Australia (one month and one day); however, there are no restrictions in Antigua, Jamaica or Las Vegas.

What name should I travel under?

We asked dedicated wedding planners to give us a selection of their most frequently asked questions…

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If you are getting hitched abroad you can't change the name on your passport until you return home. You must travel in your maiden name and your return airline tickets need to be in the same name as your passport or they will not be valid. Of course you can change your passport to your married name once you are back home in the UK and are in possession of your Marriage Certificate.

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When will I receive my Marriage Certificate?

It will either be handed to you at the resort or sent via registered post to your home address. Don't panic if it takes a while to arrive – this is normal, especially if you marry in Jamaica where it can take up to 12 months! If you get married in certain countries, like Mexico and the Dominican Republic it will need to be translated, which will cause extra delay. For more information visit direct.gov.uk and search under passports.

The ceremony…

Can we invite guests to our wedding?

Of course! Some hotels even offer reduced rate weddings for more than four guests. Remember to order extras for your guests, such as more wine, a larger wedding cake or extra buttonholes. If the wedding couple is staying at an All Inclusive resort, they will need to buy oneday passes for guests staying at other hotels, and in adults-only resorts you will need to ask special permission for children to attend the wedding on a day pass. All this can be organised at the resort by your wedding planner.

When do I meet the resort's wedding planner?

One to three days after your arrival at your resort. Your wedding planner will sort out the fine details of your wedding, from Champagne to the icing on your cake, and check your documentation so that you can relax as the arrangements are done on your behalf. Once the local registrar is happy your paperwork is in order, your wedding planner will give you a date and time for the ceremony and send out invitations to your guests.

Where will our ceremony take place?

The hotel wedding planner will show you the locations to choose from – usually in the gardens of your hotel, or in a decorated wedding pavilion. If you are marrying in Europe you may choose to exchange vows in the local church or town hall, or in Las Vegas, a wedding chapel. The hotel wedding co-ordinator will show you the locations to choose from. It's unusual to have a ceremony on the beach, but many couples take beach photographs after the ceremony.

Who will be at the ceremony?

Most overseas weddings are civil ceremonies, in the style of registry office services, unless a religious ceremony has

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been pre-arranged. The ceremony will be conducted by a Judge, Celebrant, Minister or Registrar. You will need two to four witnesses, who could be anyone from your wedding guests to people you have met on the beach the previous day. Your wedding planner will be there too, to ensure your day goes without a hitch.

The important bits…

How should I transport my wedding dress?

We recommend wedding outfits should be packed in a hard suitcase or strong box, as they will be placed in the hold of the plane. It might be an idea to contact your airline for more information. Generally, there is no extra baggage allowance for wedding outfits. You can also take out extra insurance to cover the transportation of your dress.

Can I choose my flowers?

Absolutely! At the resort, your wedding planner will show you photos of bouquets for you to make a selection. Your wedding bouquet and his buttonhole are included in your wedding package, but extra flowers and buttonholes can be ordered for guests and bridesmaids.

What about the music?

You can request whatever music you prefer and it will be arranged for you – from a DJ playing your favourite songs to calypso bands. If you prefer you can pack a CD with your chosen musical selection, which can be played at your wedding.

Will I have a cake?

A wedding cake is included in wedding packages; this is usually a sponge cake with white icing. You can add your own decorations, and even arrange for an upgraded cake. Sandals Resorts offer a

choice of themed weddings, which feature colour-co-ordinated cakes to match the chosen wedding palette.

Who will take care of my hair and makeup?

Every bride wants to look her best and fortunately many hotels have hair and beauty services with makeup artists on hand. Even if they don't, your wedding planner can arrange for experts to come to the hotel.

Can I arrange for a good wedding photographer?

At your pre-wedding meeting, your wedding planner will show you examples of local photographers work so that you can choose the style that suits you best.

Your video can also be arranged when you get to the resort. Photographer and DVD are usually at extra cost; they are rarely included in your wedding package.

What about the wedding dinner?

If you have a group of guests at your wedding, a gala dinner is usually arranged as part of your wedding package. If it's just the two of you, your wedding planner will arrange a candle-lit dinner for two in a romantic location.

We want friends and family at the ceremony but can we be alone for our honeymoon?

Absolutely. Simply ask your guests to stay at a different hotel close by, or transfer to another hotel after the ceremony.

And finally…

How can I find out more?

Speak to Brides Abroad’s Wedding Planning Team on 0800 211 8255.

Ask the planners!

We asked Lisa Burton of The Bridal Consultant wedding planning service to answer your burning questions on planning a wedding abroad

Bridesmaid error!

I’ve never been that close to my fiancé’s sister, not close enough to make her my bridesmaid anyway.

My fiancé completely understands this but his family, including his sister, have automatically assumed that she’s going to be my bridesmaid.

How do I break the news without hurting her feelings?

Jessica, Leeds

Hi Jessica

Just remember that it is you and your fiancé’s wedding, so nobody else should be making these decisions on your behalf. If your fiancé is ok with her not being your bridesmaid then this is absolutely fine, but it is important that you go about telling her in the right way.

How about asking her to be involved in the wedding in another way, such as asking her to do a reading at the ceremony or ask her to help with the table plan or some personalised decorative items. If you aren’t that close then she should understand why she wasn’t picked to be your bridesmaid, she may be disappointed at first but will be happy to be a part of the day in another way.

We’ve chosen our dream wedding venue, it’s very exclusive and in the fine print they have noted they do not want any overly drunk and disorderly guests! Although we couldn’t imagine any of our guests intentionally being a problem, and we do want everyone to have a great time, there are a few that have been known to have one too many cocktails at similar events! What do I do? I don’t want to be overseeing my guests conduct all evening, or have people feel they can’t relax and let their hair down!

Emily, Lincoln

I’m the Best Man for my friend’s wedding and, although I’m excited for the big day, I am not looking forward to the speech I’m going to have to make, especially in front of so many people I’ve never met before. The groom-to-be has always been the one with the confidence! Do you have any advice on how I can overcome the nerves?

Jeremy, London

Hi Emily

It’s completely normal to be nervous about making a speech in front of people you haven’t met before – even the most confident of people get this sort of nerves. The key to a great speech is plenty of preparation. Write the speech out more than once, practice the speech in private and then, quite importantly, practice your speech in front of somebody else.

Have your significant other or a friend give you their honest opinion on the speech. A little tip - if you can kick it off by making them laugh then you know you’re off to a good start!

People aren’t expecting a stand-up routine though, so don’t worry about packing it full of jokes – just some anecdotes followed by a heartfelt message and you’ll be OK.

Unfortunately this is a worry that many brides and grooms face. Despite your best efforts in planning there is no way to predict how much alcohol your guests will consume – after all this is a celebration and everyone likes a good party! If you feel you have a few guests that may have a couple too many, my advice would be to appoint a trusted guest to keep an eye out for anyone who is getting a little too merry. It’s more than likely there will be a bartender on watch too, who will be able to stop serving them drinks if they feel this is necessary. It’s unlikely, but if things look like they may get out of hand then your appointed guest can subtly remove the drunken guests from the venue!

They’ll probably thank you for it in the morning anyway!

Contact Lisa:

Do you have any questions for Lisa Burton, The Bridal Consultant Email your questions to: lisa@thebridalconsultants.com

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Best man speech nerves

Drunken guests

Hi Jeremy

The Bridal Consultant is a full wedding planning service that specialises in exclusive destination weddings in Santorini and Zakynthos (Greece), Italy, Croatia and Ibiza. www.thebridalconsultants.com

Honeymoons

94 Psychology of a beach-ready body Our guide to honeymoon health and beauty

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Twice as nice Rachel and Sirak’s twin-destination honeymoon in exotic Sri Lanka and the magical Maldives

Soma Bay – Egypt’s most stunning resort Couples visiting Egypt’s Soma Bay will discover an exciting blend of fun, sun, sport and romance

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Sail to Majorca For a fabulous short-haul honeymoon with a difference, take the ferry and drive to Majorca

www.BridesAbroad.tv 93

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF A

BEACH-READY BODY When it comes to losing weight for your honeymoon, weight loss expert Steve Miller is an advocate of tough love, so if you want to shed those surplus pounds, read on…

You want to look your absolute best on your honeymoon when you reveal your beach-ready body – but losing those excess pounds can be daunting. Whilst it may be tempting to try crash diets or cleanses, weight loss expert Steve Miller strongly advises against them.

of relaxing. Even lighting a scented candle can give you the warm feeling your body is craving.

He believes that the key to shedding excess weight is all about positive mind-set and eating in moderation. Steve uses ‘fat shaming’ as part of his approach to achieving the body you have always wanted.

These are the first photos of you on holiday as husband and wife, so let the thought of looking slim in your honeymoon album heighten your motivation every single day. Keep reminding yourself about how beautiful you will look in your bikini as the fat melts and your slim new figure is on display as you stroll along the beach with your new husband.

Here are his top tips for getting into that itsy bitsy bikini and feeling confident on the most important holiday of your life.

1. Ditch diets and live 80-20

Once you have set the date for your wedding and honeymoon, don’t start restricting your food intake altogether. Most dieters make the mistake of saying they’re going to ‘cut out the carbs’ or have a ‘detox’.

Instead, balance your diet by eating healthily eighty per cent of the time and a little of what you fancy twenty per cent of the time to ensure you don’t deny yourself.

2. Carry a mirror

Following the 80-20 rule means it is really important to watch your portion size. Just carry a mirror everywhere you go to ensure you remind yourself of how you look and this will automatically motivate you to eat less.

3. Picture yourself on honeymoon

Most girls dream of getting married and having a dream honeymoon, so use these fantasies now to motivate yourself to look at your very best. Allow your mind to bathe in the glory of your honeymoon, visualizing how your beloved will admire your amazing new beach body.

4. De-stress

Planning your wedding can put you under a lot of stress and you may find yourself wanting to comfort eat, so if you find yourself reaching into the biscuit tin after a stressful day, stop! Take a minute to breath slowly and find a different way to de-stress. Exercise or reading are great ways 94 www.BridesAbroad.tv

5. Think about the photos

6. Don’t over indulge

By all means use the 80-20 scheme but wedding planning can be surprisingly calorific. From fattening cocktails at your hen do to sampling the cake; there will be lots of temptations! So switch your drink to a slimline gin and tonic and ask the groom to try the cake. You can treat yourself to slice on your Big Day.

7. Carry a warning sign

Make yourself a warning card that reads ‘If you are fat THINK before eating’. Take a look at it before you eat to help you control how much you eat. Signs around the house will help too. The truth hurts, but let it motivate you to stay on the weight loss wagon.

8. Get a bikini a size smaller

What better motivation than to slim yourself down to size you want to be!

Try it on regularly so you can watch your progress as you slim down.

9. Learn self hypnosis

Consider consulting a clinical hypnotherapist and ask them to teach you self-hypnosis. It’s a tool that can help program your mind to eat less and eat healthier.

10. Plan everything for a slimmer you

Plan all the things you will be doing at the wedding as you weigh less – like walking tall up the aisle, posing confidently for the photos and dancing your pants off on the evening. Then imagine the looks of approval from your hubby as you squeeze comfortably into a strappy sundress and look sensational in your swimwear.

Advertising Feature

The Wedding of Your Dreams In The Hotel of Your Dreams

Celebrate your wedding on Crete at the St. Nicolas Bay Hotel on the terrace of the hotel’s beach side chapel. Say ‘I do’ in this dreamy location with the blue waters of the Cretan Sea glinting in the background.

The sumptuous Honeymoon Suite is sheer elegance with an exceptional personal service and attention to detail. The spacious terrace next to the pool, the intimate atmosphere and the luxury all combine to create memories of your Crete honeymoon that will stay with you forever.

Celebrations are tailor-made, whether a couple is planning a romantic wedding or a festive family celebration. St. Nicolas

Bay Resort Hotel has at your disposal the guest service team dedicated to providing couples with personalized attention to meet any special requests.

The St Nicolas Bay offers a number of fascinating outdoor venues for the wedding of your dreams for just the two of you or for your friends and relatives. Culinary options alongside your choice of music, the services of a professional photographer and even a fireworks display can also be arranged on request. Flowers for all occasions and wedding table decorations are created by the hotel’s expert florist to be tailor-made particular requirements.

Life is a collection of experiences – Let us be your guide Further information St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas Aghios Nikolaos, Crete 72100, Greece T: +30.28410.90200 Email: reservations@stnicolasbay.gr www.stnicolasbay.gr www.thalassavillas.gr

Advertising Feature

for wedding and honeymoon bliss!

Set on its own tropical island, amid lush vegetation, the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is perfect for beach weddings and luxury honeymoons, with its beautiful white sandy beaches and warm turquoise lagoons.

Tropical paradise? You bet!

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Advertising Feature

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa offers something for everyone in a heavenly haven of relaxation and luxury.

All 176 guest rooms and villas are spacious and dotted around the island, and offer privacy and easy access to the beach and lagoon. Rooms are furnished in chic island style with the finest amenities, including Sweet Sleeper bed for added comfort and 40” LCD TV.

Dine in style

Part of the Sheraton Maldives appeal are the varied international dining options – from beachside al fresco dining in Sea Salt, which features a lava stone grill, and delicious Thai cuisine in Baan Thai to crab and seafood specialties grilled by the beach at Kakuni Hut. However, for the ultimate romantic experience you can enjoy private dining on the beach under a starlit sky, just the two of you!

Relax on comfortable loungers or daybeds and listen to the local band whilst you sip cocktails in the Anchorage Bar, with its panoramic views of the Indian Ocean or get cosy in the Drifters English Pub & Sports Bar with a cold beer or cocktail.

Club guests have special access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, a relaxing, upscale space that offers complimentary buffet breakfast, tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day as well as evening drinks with canapés.

Spa pampering

Bride and groom can enjoy pre and post wedding grooming, pampering, beautifying and relaxation at the tranquil Shine Spa, where they can choose from the range of nurturing treatments on offer. Honeymooners can also experience Couples Spa Rituals at this haven of relaxation and calm for soothing top-to-toe indulgence.

Wedding blessings

Couples looking for the perfect backdrop to their big day, and to create magical memories to last forever, can say “I do” at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort. From here they can watch as the Indian Ocean unfurls into the horizon on white sandy beaches against the turquoise lagoon. The resort’s expert wedding planners will cater for weddings with your closest friends and family present, or with just the two of you, and help you to customise your celebration to your taste, including a Maldivian Bodu Beru band playing local traditional drums during the ceremony; a post-ceremony Sunset Cruise with Champagne and canapés and pampering couples spa treatments.

Honeymoons

Newlyweds can indulge in honeymoon bliss at the resort doing absolutely nothing but relaxing and enjoying the facilities. Alternatively they can take part in an abundance of activities available to suit all tastes – from a Fitness Centre and tennis court to the Water Sports Centre offering everything from banana boat rides to private snorkeling trips. The Dive Centre offers guests a chance to view magnificent marine life at over 40 world-class diving sites close to the resort. You can also take excursions to Male or picnic on one of the local islands. The possibilities are endless. Children in your wedding party are catered for too at Sheraton Adventure Club, which offers exciting activities to keep them occupied throughout their stay.

Further information Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Furanafushi Island North Male Atoll Republic of Maldives sheraton.com/Maldives

Reservations +960 665 0225 sheraton.maldives@sheraton.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 97

TWICE AS NICE

Inspired by their friend’s amazing honeymoon in both Sri Lanka and The Maldives, Rachel and Sirak Soloman chose to follow in their footsteps with an exciting stop-over to explore the jungles and wildlife of Sri Lanka before heading to the Maldives to discover the incredible marine life on its coral reefs.

background. That’s when I saw him suited up the end of the garden. There were candles all down the sides of the garden and on the fences. He stood in front of a table with our initials written in tealights. I actually panicked at this point, still not realising that he was going to propose and said: “What are you doing? Kate’s here!” He laughed and replied: “I know it’s part of the plan”. He then told me to turn around and there were a couple of close friends smiling like Cheshire cats. This is when I knew. I’m extremely emotional anyway so started to sob. He then gave a gorgeous speech, but I was too emotional to take in what he was saying! All I remember was that he got down on one knee and said: “Will you marry me?” Obviously I said yes!

Tying the knot We got married in our church where we met, Bethel Church in Liverpool. It was a lovely ceremony, everyone involved (right down to the registrar) were friends we knew, most from church.

Then went to a hotel in town for the celebrations! We had such a special wedding. Everything was home made, personal and just so us!

Choosing our honeymoon

The proposal Oh it was gorgeous! I was in London for a few days with Kate, an old school friend. On our drive back to Liverpool Kate was texting a friend of hers called Ben all the way home. I wondered who ‘Ben’ was! It was in fact Sirak under a different name, messaging and planning my arrival back in Liverpool. As soon as we got home, Kate said in a rather giddy voice, “Sirak, we’re home!” beeping the horn. I laughed. She was actually warning him that we were back. I walked into our home that we had recently moved into and it was FULL of candles with ‘our song’ playing in the 98 www.BridesAbroad.tv

A friend of ours did the exact same honeymoon the year before and it just looked so incredible I thought: “I want to do that!” I showed their photos to Sirak and he agreed without even having to think about it. We both love adventure but also love just relaxing in each others company, so a two-centre holiday was just perfect. The first week was full of culture and adventure and kept us extremely busy! Then the second week was the ultimate paradise where we could relax and enjoy incredible views I don’t think we’ll ever witness again.

Getting there We flew with Sri Lankan Airlines. It was a long flight but who can complain when you get free drinks, blankets and access to so many films!

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SRI LANKA

We walked out of the airport and the heat hit us instantly. A group of school children standing by us stared at my blonde hair, I think one boy even took a photo on his phone. I know my husbands’ highlight was the Elephant Orphanage and riding on (and being soaked by) an elephant. My personal highlight and most memorable moment was when we went to World’s End. I love walking anyway, but to walk through so many different exotic plants in such a beautiful country was just incredible. And the views when you got to the highest drop were just stunning!

We stayed in three different hotels whilst in Sri Lanka, our personal favourite being Hunnas Falls, simply for the views and 100 www.BridesAbroad.tv

its setting in the most romantic range of hills and mountains. On arrival they upgraded us to their best suite and was it amazing!

We felt so special. Jetwing Beach was also gorgeous! We spent time by the pool and beach at Jetwing Beach. Only for a couple of hours on the first day and on our last day, but it was a nice end to a busy week. Very chilled!

Our tour guide recommended a spa where we went for some medicinal pampering whilst in Sri Lanka. It was amazing value for money – we got a hour-long full body massage, Indian head massage and a steam bath all for the equivalent of about £17!

First impressions of the Maldives was wow! Absolute paradise.

Something I thought only existed in magazines after lots of photoshopping! We stayed at the Royal Island Resort. It was gorgeous! It could have been a shack and we wouldn’t have cared because of where it was situated. A beach villa on a beach? Amazing!

so spectacular that snorkelling was magical – the fish were huge and water was crystal clear. Under the jetty there were many shoals of fish that just swim around you, and looking over the drop off is incredible. We didn’t even have to try and relax.

Sitting on the beach on a paradise island really did it for us!

A cocktail in our hand helped too!

As soon as we arrived there was honeymoon Champagne and glasses waiting for us, and ‘Happy Honeymoon’ was written across our bed in flowers. We were also offered a complementary meal at the a la carte restaurant and could choose which day we wanted to take it.

Our most romantic moments were the night we sat and watched the sunset and the complimentary honeymoon meal. The sunset was magnificent – to watch the sunset whilst in paradise is a whole different experience, and to share that experience with the person you love the most in the entire world is magical. However, the most special part of the whole honeymoon for both of us was snorkelling hand in hand round the island. I love water and have always been awe-inspired by any underwater creatures, so to be able to see them in their natural environment whilst swimming together was a moment I know we will both never forget.

The hotel had a number of excursions to choose from. We wanted to swim with whale sharks but they said that, because of the time of year, we may not see any – so we went snorkelling with turtles instead! The reef around the island was

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SOMA BAY Egypt's most exciting resort

Honeymoon adventures await couples visiting Egypt's Soma Bay, along with an intoxicating mix of fun, sun and romance, says Alan Benstock 102 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Given that its history stretches over five millennia, it is hardly surprising that Egypt is an enigmatic place to visit and not just for those who love history.

It is this mystery and plethora of secrets waiting to be discovered that makes it a romantic choice for a honeymoon, especially if you looking for something a little different. Away from the famous world heritage sites such as the Pyramids of Giza or the Temple of Hatshepsut there are other treats and surprises for the visitor.

Soma Bay has been described as one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets.

This exclusive holiday destination sits on a peninsula south of Hurghada on the Red Sea. The resort is the embodiment of peace, luxury, and beauty. With year-round sunshine, idyllic beaches, blue skies and refreshing ocean, a trip to Soma Bay is the ultimate escape to enjoy the essence of life and is a treat for the senses.

Whether it’s swimming with brightly coloured tropical fish in the topaz blue waters of the Red Sea; soaring through the morning air whilst kite surfing; stargazing at the incredible Egyptian night sky or enjoying a sensual massage at a luxury spa, there is plenty for newlyweds to keep them entertained at Soma Bay. Or they can simply relax, unwind and indulge in honeymoon bliss on the wide, camel-coloured beaches of the peninsular.

The resort boasts five luxury hotels, each designed to offer a different holiday experience to guests. Visitors to Soma Bay can use the facilities at each hotel regardless of where they are based. There is a frequent mini-bus service running between each hotel and a stylish marina with shops and boutiques for a little retail therapy. For further information log onto: www.somabay.com

TRAVEL TIPS

Top 5 things to do

1 2 3 4 5

CURRENCY: Egyptian pound TIME ZONE: GMT +2 hours (Summer GMT+3 hours) FLIGHT TIME: UK to Hurghada 5-6 hours depending on departure airport AIRPORT CODE: HRG TRANSFER TIME: From Hurghada airport to Soma Bay 45 mins to 1 hour AIRLINES FROM UK: Easyjet, Monarch, Thomsons, Thomas Cook

Go snorkeling in the one of the bay’s turquoise-blue lagoons and be in awe of the magnificent marine life Gaze at the stars whilst sipping Champagne on the beach Spend an afternoon in the thalassotherapy pool at La Résidence des Cascades and emerge invigorated Watch the kite-surfers ride the wind and waves at 7Bft Kite House Borrow a bike and cycle around Soma Bay taking in the magnificent views of the Red Sea

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BEST GOLF SPA

La Residence des Cascades Sitting at the highest point on the Soma Bay peninsula, the magnificent La Résidence des Cascades, soon to be renamed the Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa, is surrounded by the spectacular desert links-style Cascades Championship Golf Course, an 18-hole, Par 72 course designed by golfing legend Gary Player.

La Résidence des Cascades is also home to one of the Leading Spas of the World, and Egypt’s only thalassotherapy spa. At its core is a magnificent seawater hydrotherapy pool with a variety of massage jets designed to relax, regenerate and tone every part of your body. With over sixty treatments rooms the Spa is able to offer visitors a wide choice of therapies ensuring everyone leaves rejuvenated.

Book it!

La Residence Des Cascades Golf, Spa & Thalasso T: +20 65 3562 600 Email: reservation@residencedescascades.com www.residencedescascades.com

BEST FOR KITE SURFING

Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge

For adventurous honeymooners, the modern, 4-star Breakers Diving and Surfing Lodge is perfect for kite surfers diving and water sports enthusiasts – as well as beginners who fancy learning these exciting activities.

Some say that kite-surfing is the closest thing to flying, so if you fancy learning an exciting new sport, take to the air and let the wind carry you high over the turquoise ocean. At Soma Bay Kite House, offers kitesurfers the most reliable and exciting conditions on the Red Sea. The exceptional waters of the Red Sea at Soma Bay also offer both novices and experienced divers a wonderful opportunity to explore the ocean and its fantastic dive sites. The house reef is accessed via an impressive 420 metre long jetty. In front of the coral reef a tranquil crystal clear lagoon provides sheltered waters that are ideal for snorkeling and diving training.

Book it!

Breakers Diving and Surfing Lodge and Water Sports Centre T: +20 653 562 641 Email: info@thebreakers-somabay.com www.thebreakers-somabay.com

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BEST FOR SUN WORSHIPPING Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay Inspired by the mystique of ancient Moorish fortresses, the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is the ultimate luxury hotel and an idyllic leisure retreat for honeymooners looking for a relaxing holiday in the sun. The resort is built around a picturesque landscape of pools lagoons and waterfalls that cascade down to an immaculate 400 metre sandy beach on the edge of the Red Sea. The gentle sound of the flowing water evokes a feeling of calm relaxation.

This is a truly luxurious hotel with elegantly appointed rooms and suites with a mixture of contemporary décor and European flair blended together with Egyptian hospitality. The hotel is renowned for its excellent choice of superb restaurants where you can experience a variety of fine international wining and dining.

Book it!

Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay T: +20 65 3561500 E: reservation.somabay@kempinski.com www.kempinski-somabay.com

BEST FOR FOODIES Sheraton Soma Bay

Described as a unique gem of a resort on the Soma Bay peninsula, the Sheraton is stunning. Luxor’s magnificent Karnak Temple inspired its architecture, whilst the spacious guest rooms are all beautifully designed with chic décor featuring wooden and pastel-coloured furnishings. The hotel also boasts over 800 metres of Red Sea beach front, offering plenty of opportunities for romantic barefoot strolls along the sand.

Diners enjoy splendid views of the Red Sea and the hotel's elegant grounds while indulging in an amazing selection of international specialties. From tempting buffets offering Italian, Middle Eastern, Oriental and French cuisine, to light refreshments by the pool and evening cocktails under the stars, the resort's four restaurants, grills and bars offer dining choices that are sure to please every taste.

Book it!

Sheraton Soma Bay T: +20 65 3562 584 Email: reservationssomabayegypt@sheraton.com Website: www.sheraton-somabay.com

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MOTOR to MAJORCA On the Spanish road trip of a lifetime

Nowadays it’s all too easy to hop on the plane at your local airport and fly to Palma, but where’s the fun in that? Much better, in our opinion, to make the journey part of the experience, says Terri Cody-Owen

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entirely by naked gay men!) We loved splashing in the crashing waves by day and in the evening we explored the old town, with its imposing cathedral, followed by a delicious al fresco Japanese meal on the promenade – where people watching is an absolute must. We then drove the short distance to Barcelona’s port to pick up an overnight ferry to sail to our next destination – Palma in Majorca!

Palma – Puerto Andratx First stop in Mallorca was at one of our favourite boutique hotels in Europe, the fabulous Villa Italia (www.hotelvillaitalia.com) in the upmarket Puerto Andratx. Once the summer home of Italian Dictator Mussolini, and now a chic and stylish hotel, the property enjoys a spectacular location on the hillside overlooking the natural harbour.

Below, are a myriad of fabulous yachts and floating ‘gin palaces’ at anchor. By day we enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the stylish seaside town and mingled with the wind-burned yachting brigade. By night, the waterside bars and restaurants come alive to the sounds of cool jazz, laughter, and popping Champagne corks.

With adventure in mind, my husband and I loaded up the car, suitcases in the boot and the back seat entirely occupied by an inflatable boat, which we bought on eBay, to add to the fun of our romantic anniversary road trip.

First, we headed off to Plymouth, to catch a Brittany Ferry (www.brittany-ferries.co.uk), which whisked us across an usually calm Bay of Biscay as we slept soundly in our cabin, before disembarking in the Spanish port of Santander in glorious sunshine.

Our continental journey through Spain would begin from the northern Atlantic coast through to the Mediterranean shores of Barcelona, a trip of contrasting landscapes, beginning in surprisingly lush Green Spain, then across the barren Pyrenees to Barcelona.

Sitges – Costa Dorada After a day of driving, an overnight stopover in the thriving, cosmopolitan and very liberal resort of Sitges in the Costa Dorada, was a welcome break. Sitges is within easy commuting distance of Barcelona, and it proved to be unexpectedly enjoyable element of the holiday. We spent a day luxuriating on one of the town’s golden sandy beaches (take care which you choose, as one is populated almost

Of course the coolest accessory in Puerto Andratx is a boat. And it doesn’t have to be something out of a James Bond movie, which is when our rubber boat, folded neatly on the back seat of the car, finally came into its own! Inflatable dinghies like ours can be seen bombing across the harbor 24/7 – by day they’re perfect for shopping trips to stock up the yacht. By night they bring guests to the plethora of bars and restaurants. For us, it was the perfect opportunity to take our little boat out of the car, inflate and launch it for the first time. What a great and inexpensive way to explore the coast, the boats and the marina – and to really feel part of the in-crowd!

Nikki Beach No trip to Majorca would be complete without sampling the cool music and even cooler vibe at the Nikki Beach Club, Magaluf. Oozing conspicuous consumptions of Champagne (more sprayed than swallowed), Nikki Beach is unashamedly hedonistic. Beautiful bodies, toned muscles and tiny designer costumes are all you need – and somewhere to keep your platinum credit card. Nikki Beach doesn’t come cheap, but the food is exquisite – go for a sushi gondola or a seafood salad – the king crab legs and lobster are to die for. Hang the cost and strike a pose! (www.nikkibeach.com)

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(www.barcelo.com/formentor), reached by a mountain road from the resort of Pollensa. Travel tip: be sure to stop at Cap Formentor en route, this rock peninsular juts out over the sea and provides awesome views of the rocky coastline. At the end of the road, nestled in woodland, hotel Barcelo Formentor overlooks a pretty bay. This iconic hotel has little changed since its heyday in the 1930’s, when it had a huge celebrity following, including Winston Churchill. Today, guests and their families are clearly of the well-heeled, old money variety and the whole place exudes a genteel charm and civility found nowhere else on the beautiful island of Majorca.

Barcelona - Zaragosa Puerto de Soller We said goodbye to Puerto Andratx and wended our way up the dramatic coast road to the thriving fishing resort of Puerto de Soller, where we stayed in the stunning new Jumeirah Hotel (www.jumeirah.com) perched high on the cliff above the town. We drank cocktails by the infinity pool as the sun dipped below the horizon, and dined in Cap Roig, one of the many restaurants serving delicious Mediterranean food and wine, as the waves crashed hundreds of feet below. Our little adventure in Puerto de Soller was when we took the rickety train from the port to the nearby town of Soller on a track that winds its way through the mountains, then the back gardens of houses in the town. Pouring rain failed to dampen our enthusiasm and most of the shops sell rain macks to keep the thousands of visitors each year dry whilst sight seeing.

Formentor For the next stage of our journey we drove over the mountains in the north of the island to the glamorous Hotel Barcelo Formentor

Another overnight ferry took us back to mainland Spain for a day shopping and soaking up the sights of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most dynamic and happening cities, before beginning our journey homeward across northern Spain to Santander. Beloved by the young and the beautiful, Barcelona is a colourful destination, which deserved more time than our itinerary allowed and is definitely worth a return visit. We left the city and we headed north to meet our ferry in Santander, choosing to break our journey in Zaragosa, a sprawling town in central Spain – but with great auto-route access for tired, continent-crossing tourists like ourselves.

Santander – Plymouth Note to self: do not sail on the Bay of Biscay without seasick tablets! Half the fun of sailing on the Bay of Biscay is to marvel at Mother Nature’s ability to whip an ocean into a frenzy! But the Brittany Ferries were built for the rough stuff and provided a reassuring yet entertaining night for passengers. But dawn restored calm and passengers enjoyed a sunny passage into the English Channel on deck for the last few hours of sunshine.

Would we do it all again? Isn’t it just easier to hop on a plane? The answer is yes – and it’s good to do both. But we have so many memories and stories to tell and we are already planning our next adventure to Brittany and the west coast of France. Maybe we’ll even take our dogs to further complicate matters! Bring it on – we cant wait!

Getting there Book your ferry tickets through www.AFerry.co.uk the world's leading ferry website. It is not just for travel to and from the UK, this handy site covers European routes too – over 1,650 ferry routes connecting more than 110 ferry operators.

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For one looking for somewhere special to stay

Cruise in style to France or Spain Stunning beaches, glorious countryside, delicious cuisine and a truly romantic atmosphere. France and northern Spain are magical destinations for making memories you’ll treasure forever.

Whether you’re looking for a five-star honeymoon, accommodation for your guests, or even just a pre-wedding shopping trip, our wide choice of holidays and breaks are sure to have something for you.

What’s more, holiday prices include return sailings with your car from Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth, with a choice of services, including our luxurious cruise ferries offering à la carte dining, stylish bars, entertainment and well-appointed cabins – the perfect start for any celebration.

For our latest offers visit brittanyferries.com/brides or call 0330 159 6761

Jumeriah Port Soller Hotel & Spa If you love incredible views then you will adore the luxurious Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, which boasts spectacular vistas over the Mediterranean from its enviable cliff top position overlooking the fishing village of Puerto de Soller, and surrounded by the UNESCO protected Tramuntana mountain range.

The newly-opened hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities and seamless service in gracious, bright and spacious surroundings. It’s a charming haven for honeymoon couples to escape, relax and unwind together in a romantic place where the sea appears to meet the sky. It’s a world away from busy and crowded tourist hotspots, and yet is just 25-minutes by car from Palma.

A choice of stylish accommodation is available in 121 airy sea or mountain-facing rooms and suites, spread across 11 buildings connected by pathways through wonderful scented gardens. Each room has its own balcony or terrace.

The food offering is equally impressive, with a choice of two restaurants serving Balearic cuisine with a distinctively authentic flavor, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Dining al fresco is a must, when you can drink in those fantastic views over a romantic candle-lit meal. You can also toast the setting sun with a cocktail or glass of Mallorcan wine in a choice of four bars.

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Soothing spa

A trip to the hotel’s Talise Spa is also a must for pampering and couples’ treatments using natural ingredients, including citrus, almonds and olive oil. Couples can relax together and use the spa facilities, including the wet area and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, which exudes the wow-factor thanks to its spectacular views overlooking the mountains and Puerto de Soller far below.

At your leisure Get your body in great shape during your honeymoon with the spa’s state-of-the-art

fitness facilities and regular yoga classes.

Alternatively, you can hike through the mountains, take a mountain bike, or play on the golf course, just 15 minutes away. Or, of course, simply relax by one of the hotel’s two heated swimming pools with a good book and enjoy those incredible sea views from the comfort of your sun lounger.

However, no honeymoon at Puerto de Soller is complete without hopping on the little train that takes you on a fascinating journey from the port, through the mountains, to the town of Soller, where it meanders through streets, gardens and back yards to the town centre. Here you can stroll around the shops and enjoy lunch before heading back to Port.

Weddings at Jumeirah Port Soller With unparalleled views of the Mediterranean, Tramuntana mountains and the quaint Puerto de Soller, Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa most certainly offers magical places to say “I do”. The hotel’s wedding coordinators will advise and guide you through every detail to assure you the perfect wedding in a unique location.

Book it!

www.jumeirah.com

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Barceló Formentor

Couples seeking the glamour and opulence of yesteryear will be delighted to discover the Barcelo Formentor, a hotel that absolutely oozes the elegance and sophistication that has been enjoyed by the European elite since 1929.

In the 1950’s, Prince Rainier of Monaco chose the 5-star Barceló Formentor for his honeymoon with new bride Grace Kelly, so can you imagine a more fitting place to feel like a movie star on your own honeymoon? It was also a favourite haunt of Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and Charley Chaplin and has enjoyed a celebrity following amongst the rich and famous ever since.

The iconic hotel is one of the oldest on the island and forms part of Majorca’s rich history. It is located in a privileged setting on the north coast of the island, on the romantic Cape of Formentor in Pollensa. Facing the idyllic Formentor Beach, it has become firmly established as one of the preferred places for sumptuous relaxation.

The hotel’s guest rooms and suites offer elegance and exclusive views of the sea or mountains. The classic decor is carried through to the lounge and relaxation areas, which are furnished to reflect the peaceful sophistication of the environment.

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Its gorgeous setting is a huge part of the hotel’s charm, surrounded by Mediterranean woodlands and carefully-manicured, landscaped gardens. You can swim in the hotel’s large rectangular pool, or take a few steps down to the fine sandy beach, to swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay. Then grab a traditional wooden sunbed and spend the day people watching with a chilled glass or two.

Wining and dining As you would expect, fine dining is served in the hotel’s restaurants, which offer both local and international cuisine – from the classical main restaurant to the more casual setting of the beach snack-bar to silver-service inroom service. At night, don’t miss the opportunity to try the range of cocktails on offer at the piano bar, with live music.

During your honeymoon, be sure to take active rest by joining in the activities, which harness the hotel’s natural surroundings, including snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle tennis, sailing, surfing, kayaking or a boat trip along the Majorcan coast.

Weddings Marry in style at Barcelo Formentor – you can sweep down the pathway in the hotel’s immaculate grounds to exchange vows or choose a beautiful indoor setting. Barceló Formentor hotel offers Wedding Packages which include everything from printed menus on the tables and floral decorations to room discounts. In short, everything necessary to guarantee an unforgettable day!

Book it!

www.barcelo.com/formentor

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Romantic

For a wedding venue with the wow-factor, it’s hard to beat Villa Italia in its stunning setting overlooking Port d’Andratx

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W

ith enchanting views of yachts moored in the bay and the swanky marina beyond, the delightful 5-star hotel Villa Italia is one of the most romantic hotels on the Majorcan coast to exchange your wedding vows or have a dream honeymoon – or both!

This rustic boutique hotel and restaurant is set in a 1950s villa perched on the hillside of Port d'Andratx, and has been lovingly restored to offer luxury, privacy and state-of-the-art facilities, coupled with top-quality service and attention to detail.

The hotel is an idyllic haven of seclusion, whilst being just a 5-minute stroll from the centre of this picturesque fishing port and the hub of activity, with harbour-side designer shops, cafes and the marina. From here you can hire day boats to explore the beautiful coastline and neighbouring bays. Hotel Villa Italia is also just 25-minutes from Palma and is perfectly positioned for golf breaks, cycling, water sports and hiking in the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains.

The pool area offers a tranquil place to soak up the sun and a charming spa to indulge in sublime treatments or simply soak in the bubbles of the indoor hydrotherapy pool and admire the magnificent views.

The 21 elegant rooms and suites are sumptuously furnished with cool, contemporary lines with a classical twist. All enjoy wonderful, sunny views of the bay and the mountains and have all the mod cons you could possibly need, including WIFI.

Wining and dining

There can be few restaurants in such intimate, romantic settings as Villa Italia – during the day you can enjoy the fantastic vistas and at night the flickering candlelight creates a magical atmosphere.

The superb restaurant serves Mediterranean and international haute cuisine with creativity and passion with chef Christian Catrina at the helm, washed down with the finest local and international wines. The elevated terrace setting offers both outdoor dining and year-round indoor dining inside an air-conditioned glass terrace. The terrace Cocktail Lounge offers the opportunity to finish the day with a sunset toast accompanied by relaxing live music.

Weddings

For a truly magical wedding venue, Villa Italia is the perfect choice.

Exchange your vows and enjoy a delicious reception in the glass restaurant and terraces of the hotel with a highly-personalised service ensured and those breath-taking views to wow your guests. The terraces have a capacity for up to 100 people and the restaurant offers menus tailored to meet the needs of each couple. Wedding couples and their guests who stay in the hotel will receive a 7.5% discount on hotel rates.

FURTHER INFORMATION Hotel Villa Italia Port d’Andratx Tel: +34 971 67 40 11 info@villaitalia.com www.hotelvillaitalia.com

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