Weddingsaut-win2016

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AFFINITY WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

FREE

AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

WIN! A Dream on to Honeymo Bali

Paradise Found

Dream Dresses Sophisticated “I DO” Style

our top honeymoon choices

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You’ll be spoilt for choice

AUTUMN/WINTER 2016/17

real life couples share their special day with us

Pretty in Pearls complement your look with these accessories

dress up your venue

Babes in Blue

have your flower girl looking like a princess

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Editor’s letter

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Congratulations you’re getting married! Which means it’s time to start planning you’re dream wedding, and Affinity Weddings is going to help you do just that!

Once you’ve decided on a date you need to let your guests know as early as possible – Page 46 brings you a round up of some of our favourite ‘Save the Date Cards’ to send out to family and friends.

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Wedding dresses where do you start? There are so many different ones to choose from - long, short, straight, full, white, ivory the list goes on and on. Turn to page 15 where we share a selection of this season’s dream dresses to help give you inspiration for your big day.

And inspiration is certainly in store for you when you turn to page 39 and take a look at the latest venue styles (Gold Opulence and Vintage Barn), you can take a few of our ideas to add to your own or use them all to create the WOW factor it’s entirely up to you, as we point out many times it is YOUR day to do what you want!

And because we know how expensive getting married can be, we are giving you the chance to win a luxurious honeymoon on the Island of the Gods at Banyan Tree Ungasan in Bali. All you have to do is enter our competition on page 82 And who knows you could be a winner!

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Don’t forget to pop along to one of our Affinity Wedding Showcases to meet some passionate wedding suppliers who will help inspire and make your dream wedding a reality.

Until next time - Happy Planning!

My favourite picks…….

Jane x Follow us on Instagram affinityweddingmag Twitter @affinityWeds and like us on FB AffinityWed

Front Cover:

Galia Lahav - Belle

1. True Rocks Married Necklace £195, truerocks.com 2. Cinema Light Box (one week hire) £395, goodwinandgoodwin.com 3. Freya Rose Lucia Shoes £390 freyarose.com 4. Kate Spade Wedding Belles Cake Tote £178, katespade.co.uk 5. Ted Baker Stormm Crystal Drop Earrings £49, John Lewis

Editor: Jane Fry

jane@affinitymag.co.uk

01234 962106

07507 602401

Advertising Executive: Gwen D’Souza affinitymaggwen@gmail.com 07506 770554

www.affinitymag.co.uk facebook.com/AffinityWeds @affinityweds All adverts are printed in good faith. Affinity cannot take responsibility for the content of adverts. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are accurate. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Printed in the UK by Regal Litho 01908 270400

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CONTENTS

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8 30 32 39 43 48 53

Editors Picks Pretty in Pearls Beauty Roundup Gold Opulence Rustic Barn Babes in Blue Berry Beautiful

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76 56 63 68 74 78 84

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SUBSCRIBE 4 issues for only £16 jane@affinitymag.co.uk

Vineyard Vows Step into Style Tranquility in Thailand A Wild Romance Year Round Sunshine Wedding Fair Roundup

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The Bride

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Here comes

Galia Lahav Jade

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Jenny Packham Cora

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Lela Rose The Lounge

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Sophia Tolli Darice

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Kenneth Winston Style 1616

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Jenny Packham Faith

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Essence of Australia The Bridal Boutique Biggleswade

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Elizabeth Filmore Ivy

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Lela Rose The Parlor

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Mikaella

The Bridal Boutique Biggleswade

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Come to our Wedding Fair: Sunday 6th November 2016 11am-3pm

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1920s Style Pearl Bracelet £21 Rock My Vintage Rose Gold Pearl Necklace £50 Lustrous Jewellery

Audrey Ring £100 Athena Gioielli di Sil

Pretty in Pearls Pearls never go out of fashion, they make the perfect piece of jewellery to wear on your wedding day

Three Strand Pearl Bracelet £48 Lustrous Jewellery

Ted Baker Sinna Pearl Stud Earrings £25

Pearl Bracelet with Silver Heart £30.00.

PIA Jewellery

Tiffany & Co South Sea Noble Pearl Pendant £2,325

Pearl and Diamante Bracelet £100 Lustrous Jewellery

Pearl Earrings £49 Cadenzza

Flower Pearl Choker £179 Cadenzza

Pearl Drop Earrings £45 Lustrous Jewellery

Ted Baker Deliaa Double Pearl Beacelet £35

Thomas Sabo Pearl Charm Bracelet £42

Ted Baker Deede Double Drop Earrings £35 Deco Pearl Headband £10 Rock My Vintage

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Kure Bazaar Rose Collection (£15) French Rose, Dolce and Lily Rose are the three Rose-Nude shades in the new nail polish collection from Kure Bazaar. These non-toxic nail polishes combine staying power, super-shine and vibrant, fashion-forward colours in an innovative-first care formula.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator (£32) This Multi-use, multidimensional highlighting powder brings customisable light to face, eyes, and decolletage. Prismatic pigments deliver longwearing illumination that won't fade or shift. Using different brushes, you can sweep on the level of illumination you want, where you want it.

Beauty

Roundup

The latest beauty products to have you looking good on your wedding day

NARS Velvet Lip Glide Liquid Lipstick (£22) Formulated with NARS’ Oil Infusion Complex, this hybrid lip colour combines the fluidity and effortlessness of a gloss with the coverage and comfort of a lipstick. Oil Infusion Complex allows for a smooth-glide effect, instantly delivering saturated colour with sensorial comfort.

Burberry Bright Glow Foundation (£36) This light-enhancing, skincare-enriched illuminating foundation delivers a long-lasting, flawless complexion and natural radiance.

Harnessing the signature Burberry glow, skin is left looking even and naturally glowing, as if ‘lit-from-within’.

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Tanya Burr Face Illuminator (£6.99) Give yourself a gorgeous glow with these cheek illuminators from Tanya Burr, available in three different shades and presented in beautiful rose gold packaging.

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Nude by Nature Natural Wonders Eye Palette

Liz Earle Botanical No.9 Eau de Parfum (£49) A rich and warming handcrafted scent combining traditional chypre scents with succulent dark forest fruits. This luxurious perfume will have you feeling like a princess on your wedding day.

The Natural Wonders Eye Palette

by Australian mineral make-up brand Nude by Nature has all the shades of Australia in a versatile luxury eye palette. The 10 shade collection comes in a luxury case with full size mirror, perfect to achieve personalised beauty looks on your wedding day.

MADARA SOS Hydro Recharge Cream (£33)

Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Brightening Night Capsules (£60)

An intensive moisture-locking cream infused with the agedefying antioxidants of Northern peony. The cream hydrates, replenishes and calms dehydrated and stressed skin to restore youthful radiance.

Brighter looking skin while you sleep. This advanced nighttime serum works synergistically with skin’s natural repair process to help minimize the appearance of excess pigmentation and dark spots and support skin’s natural collagen and elastin matrix, giving skin a smoother, brighter look.

blinkbrowbar Rose Cleansing Balm and Facial Paddle (£42) Formulated to remove all make-up and impurities, the Rose Cleansing Balm contains natural ingredients to improve skin radiance and help fight against pollution, rose essential wax to hydrate and sweet almond oil to sooth and comfort skin. The Facial Cleansing Paddle is a hygienic and easily washable tool that stimulates and cleanses the skin all in one go.

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Crowning Glory Tiaras are perfect accessories to finish off your bridal look

Damaris Tiara £35 blossom.co.uk

Harley Tiara £185 ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk

Gwyneth Tiara £135 ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk

Jon Richard Tiara £40

Elise Tie Tiara £135 libertyinlove.co.uk

Luisa Tiara £135 ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk

Feather Tiara £189 Pretty Eccentric

Valkyrie Tiara £175 ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk

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Outdoor Mood Lighting

Confetti & Dry Ice

Room Drapery

IndoorMood Lighting

Modern DJ Booths with BOSE sound system

White Twinkle Head Table Backdrop

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Gold Opulence

The rich colour of gold creates instant elegance and luxury whether on it’s own or infused with another colour

Adam-Alli-Photography

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Gold Foil Sign Made with Love Designs Gold Foil Lanterns £12.50 Sisters Guild

Gold Wedding Wands £7.99 Ginger Ray Gold Damask Favour Boxes £1.25 Hope and Willow

Tea Light Holder £4.95 Dotcomgiftshop.com

Gold Bottles

Gold Wedding Cake Wedding Cake Maker Set of Ten Love Heart Lollipops £20 notonthehighstreet.com

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Gold Candelabra £40 Sisters Guild

Gold Wedding Embossed Invitation £3.99 gingerray.co.uk

Hurricane Lamp £12.99 Homesense

Gold Bells Heart Decoration £12 Paperchase

houseofhud

Gold Glitter Hanging Pegs £2.99 Ginger Ray

Gold Champagne Flute Talking Tables

Gold Mesh Fairy Lights £32 The Forest & Co Gold Embossed Wedding Cake by

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Rustic Barn

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The rustic charm and unusual characterisitics from a barn means you can style the vast empty space exactly how you want

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Are you looking to get married in a location that can be made to look and feel just how you want it to? Barns are perfect as they are often a blank canvas, giving you the scope to have your wedding styled exactly how you always imagined, however their size alone can be daunting. Lindsey Hunter of Get Knotted gives us her recipe for transforming a barn from blank and chilly to warm and romantic.

To create warmth and intimacy in a large, vacuous area – a complete blank canvas – you will need: • Style, flair and vision • Lighting • Props • One happy couple, friends and family

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The Entrance • Make your entrance a teaser for your guests by decorating it with lanterns or fairy lights • Arrange lights as a pathway leading inside The ceremony • Create an aisle using fresh bay trees in baskets or silver storm lanterns to walk in between as you head towards your groom • A floral arch makes the most romantic place to say your “I do’s” beneath • Use plenty of candle light to enhance the romantic atmosphere as you get married • Match your chair cover fabrics or bale covers and cushions with the drapes to carry your theme throughout the barn

The Décor • Divide the space inside your barn into clearly defined areas – seating, chill out, dining, bar and dancing • Use colourful drapes to soften the light and create smaller spaces • Be bold with fabrics and colours for a unique look • Barrels make great poseur tables and can be great for creating more intimate spaces • Use lots of glass wear, candles and flowers to set the scene. Group stemmed cylinder vases of different heights with floating candles to emphasise the size and structure of your barn • Create dramatic groupings of candle holders, flowers and even fruits, depending on your style and theme, for added special touches to your tables • Create a seating area with low lighting and fun soft furnishings, such as inflatable sofas, straw bales and coffee tables • Use wide trestle tables to make use of the space, which will also provide you with enough space for food and decorations • Reduce vast expanses of empty wall with carefully positioned lighting such as twig lights or LED birch tree lights. Use these at different heights for some added warmth. You can also use lighting to show off quirky features in your barn And there you have it, a recipe for transforming a barn into something wonderful. All you need to do now is enjoy your special day.

Save the Date

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Chalkboard-Calendar Save The Date £1 Norma & Dorothy

Festival Ticket Save the Date £1.35 Appleberry Press

Fingerprint Calligraphy Save-the Date £1 notonthehighstreet.com

Flower Garland Save The Date Card £1.75 hummingbirdcards.co.uk Key To My Heart Save The Date Tags £1.85 hummingbirdcards.co.uk

Wooden Jigsaw-Save the Date £2.75 Bateman Designsate

Forget-me-not Seed Packet Save the Date £1.25 Wildflower Favours

Pencil Us In Save the Date £2.50 notonthehighstreet.com

Spring Fields Save the Date £1 notonthehighstreet.com Save the Date £2.50 Pingle Pie

Vineyard Save the Date Card £0.58 Confetti.co.uk

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Alice in Wonderland Dress £87 M0nnalisa

Babes in Blue Blue Tulle Bag £139 Lesy Luxury

Rosie Dress £50 Monsoon

Blue Flower Hairband £18 Children Salon

Osaka Dress £65 Monsoon

Lacey Butterfly Wand £18 Monsoon

Ruby Rose Dress £50 Monsoon

Lesy Luxury Selina Jacquard Dress £65 Monsoon

Patachou Jacquard Cape with Fur Trim £115 Children Salon

John Rocha Dress £38 Debenhams

Jasper Conran Shoes £16 Debenhams

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Floral

Chic Lola Dress £199 Pretty Eccentric

Magnolea Shoe £80 Dune

Jenny Packham Earrings £25 Debenhams

Charlotte Balbier

Paper Dolls Flower Lace Dress £60 Little Mistress

Floral Dress £59 M&Co

Serafina Clutch £55 Dune

Delphine Manivet Floral Dress £139 La Redoute

Chiffon Dress £72 Little Mistress

Lorran Flower Necklace £49 Ted Baker

Bouquet Dress £55 Little Mistress

Paper Dolls Floral Dress £48 Little Mistress

Prom Dress £80 Very

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Berry

Beautiful

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Ostrich Feather Stole £95 Pretty Eccentric

true bride luna style farah

Accacia Dress £160 Aloura London

Necklace £24 Oliver Bonas

Lace Pencil Dress £87 Very

Azzra shoes £85 Dune

Cavendish Dress £280 Aloura London

Jenny Packham Dress £160 Debenhams

One Shoulder Dress £38 Little Mistress

Jenny Packham £199 Debenhams Clutch £28 Wallis

Flapper Dress £189 Pretty Eccentric

Saffron Gown £210 Aloura London

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Weddings

Real Life

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Vineyard Vows Cristina & Rod

Cristina and Rod were married on 31st December 2014 at The Zonzo Estate in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Australia.

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How did you meet?

Rod owns a beautiful restaurant and winery in the Yarra Valley, Victoria called Zonzo Estate. I met Rod while attending a friend's birthday function at the Estate in 2010.

How did the proposal happen?

After four years of dating, Rod had planned an epic proposal on my birthday. He organised a chauffeured vintage Bentley, private chef, photographer and stylist to arrange countless long stem roses draping from beams around our table and fairy lights laid out on the floor to read “she said yes” after he proposed.

He picked the most beautiful ring without me. It was a wonderful surprise and also very thoughtful and romantic – he had me in (happy) tears for an hour!

Where did the wedding take place?

Zonzo Estate What did the bride wear?

Karen Willis Holmes What did the rest of the Bridal party wear?

My Maid of Honour wore Saba and the Best Man wore Calibre What was your theme?

White, white and more white, (with a touch of gold), something elegant and classic – timeless!

Describe your cake 5 tier metallic fondant

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Something Blue?

The blue cross on my bouquet, it signified: something old, something borrowed and something blue. It is from Malta and has belonged to Rod’s mother for 58 years.

What were the highlights?

Our church service was lovely and our priest had a nice sense of humour. When we walked into the room at Zonzo Estate the flower arrangements just blew us away!

Also our first dance being serenaded to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”, there is a lyric “we found love right where we are” and this was quite apt for us as it is where we met. We love that we married where we met!

Your best buy?

My wedding dress. My sequin gown fitted the New Year’s Eve theme.

How did it end?

At midnight we had confetti canons, at countdown, blow out red metallic love hearts over the dance floor.

Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?

We feel fortunate to have had the relaxed and elegant wedding we wished for.

Where did you go on honeymoon?

There was not much time for a honeymoon but we managed to escape for a couple of nights in sunny Queensland, Australia.

FINER DETAILS

Photography: Jonathan Ong (www.jonathanong.com) Dress: Karen Willis Holmes Venue: Zonzo Estate (zonzo.com.au) 58

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Lady of The Manor Rachel & Liam

Rachel and Liam were married on 22nd February 2016 at Dewsall Court in Hereford

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How did you meet?

We studied the same degree (International Business) at Manchester Metropolitan University and met through a mutual friend.

How did the proposal happen?

Liam proposed on Christmas day, skiing in Switzerland. He packed a picnic and a flask of mulled wine. We skied off-piste to the awnings of a summer chalet (where they make the local cheese in the summer), where he got down on one knee in the snow!

Where did the wedding take place?

Dewsall Court in Hereford – we took over the whole house for the weekend What did the bride wear?

Agape bridal – I hated all the long dresses and felt so restricted. So the shorter dress really suited my style and the relaxed wedding too.

What did the rest of the Bridal party wear?

Men – Bespoke Philip Alexander Suits Bridesmaid – Agape Bridal (they combined two dresses she liked into one – so helpful).

They also did all our accessories too, including the fur cape, which was a specific request from my bridesmaid, once she found out we were having a winter wedding! They really came in handy for the outdoor pictures though.

Describe your cake Made by Bloomsbury Cakes in Knutsford – who were amazing.

The top layer was a painted floral design and the bottom was ombre ruffles – a lovely combination.

I didn’t really know what I wanted until Marsie at Bloomsbury started talking and showing me pictures; the cakes by Maggie Austin really inspired me!

Bloomsbury also did the petit fours, handmade chocolates and macrons – the Battenberg flavour was definitely a favourite!

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Something Blue?

Nearly everything! Navy was our main colour scheme. But in particular, my Mum sewed a Spanish blue butterfly necklace her Grandmother (my Great Grandmother, 105 this August) had bought her as child, into my garter [there are some lovely pics of this] What were the highlights?

The night before we had a fondue, with all the trimmings, down the length of the long communal table, it was a fantastic atmosphere; this was followed by a pub quiz run by one of our friends!!! It really brought everyone together and started the party atmosphere early!

The flowers were the highlight of the whole weekend and really made me smile every time I looked at them. There were displays dotted throughout the house, on mantelpieces, in old birdcages ... everywhere! The table decoration was a particular favourite, with the woodland theme, there were all sorts of surprises hidden in the grass, and it ran the length of the table. All the flowers were grown locally and were seasonal (no small task for late February). We still have the snowdrops in our garden now.

I can’t forget to mention the food by A-to-Zest catering – we had quite clear ideas about the food and had a bespoke meal of curried scallops, followed by venison wellington and Îles flotant created. The looked after us all weekend from afternoon tea on Friday to Sunday brunch.

Your best buy?

Not a best buy – but the help we had from the girls at Pomp & Ceremony was invaluable, their knowledge, style and personal touch really made the weekend work without a hitch How did it end?

The Vernon Sisters played a rabble rousing set, and got everyone on their feet for the whole night Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?

Nope – it was a magical weekend Where did you go on honeymoon?

We went skiing to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the USA, after a whistle stop tour of New York, including seeing a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Stadium. The skiing in Jackson was remarkable, with fresh powder every day, we came back exhausted but elated! The memories will last a lifetime.

FINER DETAILS

Photography: Phil Drinkwater (www.phildweddingphotography.co.uk) Dress: Agape Bridal Venue: Dewsall Court, Hereford (www.dewsall.com) 62

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Step into

Style

Add some sparkle to your bridal look with these statement shoes

Gold Glitter Mary janes £35 Dorothy Perkins Betsee Shoes £80 Dune

Estelle Gold Sandals £675 Rupert Sanderson

Iona Shoes £99.95 Moda in Pelle

Behold Shoes £90 Dune

Silver T Bar Heels £29 Dorothy Perkins

Pecina Rose Gold £215 Freya Rose Onto Glitter Shoes Office

Strappy Sandal £49 Debenhams

Pointed Heels £70 Office

Nice Girl £65 Office

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Countryside Charm Rachel and Paddy

Rachel and Paddy were married on 29th May 2016 at Tewkesbury Park in Gloucestershire.

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How did you meet?

We met via an online dating site, both of us had been married before and both been cheated on, so we were very nervous but there was an instant spark and from the minute we met we knew we had found the other half of our whole.

How did the proposal happen?

It was on Christmas Day, we had exchanged presents and the children had all opened theirs, when Paddy said there was one more thing hidden in the Christmas tree. It was well hidden and because Pad is 6ft 2 to my 5 ft 3 I really couldn’t see it. As I opened the small box Paddy got down on one knee; I was delighted and we shared the news with the rest of our families later in the day.

Where did the wedding take place?

The wedding was at the beautiful Tewkesbury Park; we wanted somewhere local where we could hold our entire day and that could accommodate friends and family traveling to the wedding.

Paddy is a self confessed foodie so we wanted somewhere that would tick the boxes with the food too.

What did the bride wear?

I wore a Catherine Dress by Venus Bridal, which I purchased from Linda Gray Bridal in Gloucester.

What did the rest of the Bridal party wear?

The Bridesmaids wore Teal gowns all from Venus Bridal Collection too.

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What was your theme?

Our theme was relaxed and informal - a celebration of the joining of our lives and families. We incorporated elements of our family backgrounds into the wedding with fruit in the table centres since Paddy’s family business is fruit and veg wholesale and a Cornish pasty supper supplied by award winning pasty suppliers Philps of Hayle for our evening food to bring in my Cornish roots. We also made sure that there was lots of fun things as we had a mixed age group of guests so we hired space hoppers and giant lego which kept the children (and grown ups) of all ages happy Something Blue?

My sister in law bought me a garter with blue detailing and I also had blue gems on my wedding underwear What were the highlights?

Getting ready with my bridesmaids, Mum and children.

Seeing Paddy waiting at the top of the aisle - Our two sons had walked in first accompanied by my bridesmaids and so he was already quite emotional by the time our daughter walked me to meet him, it was a moment I will always remember.

Having all our family and friends in one place was so lovely and I remember looking around at the wedding breakfast and seeing everyone enjoying themselves, truly perfect.

We asked our photographer to grab some twilight pictures too and these are among my favourites not only for how they look but also because it gave us a chance to sneak away and capture a quiet moment together as the day was flying by.

Your best buy?

My shoes - I really wanted something sparkly and glamourous and we found some in Debenhams, which fitted the bill for under £50.

How did it end?

The evening party was a pasty supper with plenty of dancing and catching up.

We finished the evening with a nightcap in the hotel’s bar where the night porter introduced me to gin and cucumber, my favourite drink since.

Where did you go on honeymoon?

We went to Gwel an Mor resort in Cornwall with our children. The perfect way to spend two weeks and start the next chapter on our lives together.

FINER DETAILS

Photography: Sue Lloyd Weddings sue@suelloyd-weddings.co.uk Dress: Venus Bridal Venue: Tewkesbury Park (www.tewkesburypark.co.uk)

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Checked Jacket House of Fraser

Burberry Brit Eau de Toilette Spray £52

Waistcoat House of Fraser

Check it Out Pure Wool Jacket £149 Marks & Spencer

Our selection of checked attire allows your Groom to be a little less formal on the big day

Barbour Men’s Mortimer Watch £99 www.watchshop.com

Hawes and Curtis Checked Bow Tie £20

Checked Waistcoat £69 Marks & Spencer

Harrods Checkerboard Cufflinks £129 Goldfinch Waistcoat £65 White Stuff

Jacket £149 Marks and Spencer

Ferro Aldo Shoes £100

Vintage Checked Bow Tie POA Etsy

Jacket House of Fraser

Jaeger Slimline Jacket £299 Debenhams

Tranquility in Thailand

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Vicky & Nathan

Vicky and Nathan were married at Banyan Tree Samui in Thailand

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How did you meet?

We met 13 years ago through one of our best men and we started dating a year later.

How did the proposal happen?

We were in Koh Samui, one evening we were sitting on a swing under a palm tree on the beach and Nathan said he had a present for me, as long as I promised we would spend the rest of our lives together ... he then pulled out my ring.

What did the bride wear?

Lagara dress by Pronovias Barcelona What did the rest of your bridal party wear?

Nathan wore a blue suit by Vivienne Westwood and the best men wore similar. Our bridesmaids each had a different dress purchased from Asos.

What was your theme?

We always knew we would get married in Thailand so we based our theme around The Banyan Tree's beautiful location opting for light colours and fabrics to compliment the scenery around us.

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Something blue?

I had blue in my garter and a tiny blue flower sewn onto the inside of my dress.

What were the highlights?

We were so privileged to have many of our family and friends travel so far to celebrate with us, they helped create the most amazing day and we will always treasure that.

Your best buy?

I brought some paper fans with me in my suitcase and they were given to our guests for the ceremony. They definitely went down well as everybody was melting in the sunshine!

How did it end?

The Banyan Tree put on an amazing banquet of Thai food that we had on the hotel balcony overlooking the beach, it was divine! We then let off some flying lanterns (which nearly resulted in a bridesmaid going up in flames!) and finished off the night dancing away.

Is there anything you wish you'd done differently?

I forgot to order the bouquets for our bridesmaids, which we didn't realise until we were about to walk down the aisle! My quick thinking dad came to the rescue and made some emergency bouquets from the flower decoration on the buggy we had been transported in, whilst we hid behind the bushes from the guests. I wouldn't, however, change anything because that memory will make us laugh for years to come!

Where did you go on honeymoon?

We combined our honeymoon into our wedding trip, as we were fortunate enough to spend 4 weeks in Thailand and enjoy the time with our family and friends, although we did have a mini-moon in Dubai, where we spent a few days together on the way home.

FINER DETAILS Dress: Lagara Dress by Pronovias, Barcelona Venue: Banyan Tree Samui, Thailand (www.banyantree.com) 70

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Dream Destinations

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A Wild Romance On Safari at Ulusaba

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The African Bush - just the thought of it conjures up some fascinating images of breath-taking wilderness, sunrise safaris and a retreat far away from real life Ulusaba is British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson’s Private Safari Game Reserve located in the Sabi Sand Reserve in South Africa. It is known for the quality of its safari experience, and has some of the most experienced Rangers and Trackers in the country. During twice-daily game drives guests have the opportunity to spot lions, leopards, elephants and many more species.

Ulusaba has two lodges: one on top of a small mountain with panoramic views, and a second lodge in the heart of the African Bush – the lodges are 500m apart. There are 21 rooms and suites making it the perfect destination for your honeymoon, offering exceptional luxury with all meals and drinks included in the rates – this is where your dreams becomes reality!

Especially for honeymooners is the ‘Romance Offer’, a minimum of 3 nights accommodation including all food and beverages including unlimited French champagne. All game viewing, a fruit basket and champagne in the room on arrival and The Aroma Boma Devotional Journey spa treatment for two (60 minutes).

From delicious spreads at breakfast to evening banquets, dining at

Ulusaba is designed to cater to your personal tastes. And included in the ‘Romance Offer’ is the Lovers’ Picnic, where your Ranger will whisk you off to a secluded location for a romantic private lunch on a day of your choosing. Not only that you will also enjoy a private meal for two under the stars at the Bush Observatory. Your Ranger will be able to tell you all about the stars visible in the southern hemisphere, and even tell you some more about your own star sign – is your love for your partner written in the stars?!

A Romantic bath time experience on an evening of your choosing with of course champagne!

And dependendent on space there is a complimentary space-available upgrade and a gift on departure.

Why not finish off this ultimate lovers experience by booking one of the rooms that have their own private plunge pool, the ultimate way to cool off after all the excitement of the day!

A honeymoon at Ulusaba really is a dream come true.

BOOK IT A three night ‘Romance Offer’ including all food and beverages start from ZAR 61,107 per couple (approx £3,490). Virgin Atlantic operates a daily flight to Johannesburg from London Heathrow Airport. www.virginlimitededition.com

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Untouched Paradise In The Maldives

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Cast yourself to somewhere private, where powder soft sand caresses the beach, where hidden turquoise lagoons are home to breathtaking reefs, where elegant yet naturally simplistic beach or overwater villas have been created for you to rest and sleep.

Enveloped by stunning nature and tropical scenery, Amari Havodda has created a pristine island hideaway for you in one of the most preserved atolls in the Maldivian archipelago. From snorkeling on the spectacular coral zones, to lounging around as the sun goes down, Amari Havodda is the most romantic setting for your honeymoon, a jewel waiting to be found.

There is a fine selection of Asian and international dining options, where your meals are meticulously prepared with thought and care. Fast, fresh and flavorsome, with some of the very best ingredients picked from the organic garden. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll be able to share them together.

Spoil yourself with an overwater villa where you wake up in the mornings to a canvas of clear skies and turquoise seas, you can have breakfast then step out to soak up the Maldivian sun on your lounger or overwater hammock all from the privacy of your villa.

When you start to feel the heat, take a dip in the infinity edge pool or wander down your lagoon access stairs and slip into the calming blue sea. Wind down with a cool drink or romantic dinner on your outdoor deck before reclining to your master suite where the lull of the Indian Ocean will lull you to sleep, when a new day approaches, you start again.

BOOK IT

Amari Havodda is one of the few places that is still secluded, left untouched and completely exotic. It is one of the few places that will let you truly get far away, disconnect, leave it behind, relax and unwind – Here you will find that bliss really does exist.

A Duo Villa Experience Package starts from USD 554 per night (approximately £380). The price is for 2 people for a minimum four night stay with accommodation in a Beach Villa and the last two nights of your stay in an Overwater Villa featuring direct ocean access, outdoor terrace with sun lounger and a king bed.

Flights with Emirates start frm £483 per person. www.amari.com/havodda-maldives

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Year Round Sunshine Exquisite relaxation and luxury in Dubai

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With year-round sunshine, intriguing deserts, beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls, and fascinating heritage attractions Dubai is the perfect destination for a honeymoon away from lazing on the beach.

Situated in the heart of the city, Raffles, Dubai is a 19-storey hotel that is built in the shape of a pyramid. An architectural gem offering exquisite guest rooms and suites matched with uncompromising service and comfort. Gracing the Dubai skyline guests can experience exquisite luxury amidst a posh and progressive city.

Rooms and suites are amongst some of the largest in the city, each with grand balconies overlooking the city. Guests can enjoy modern and comfortable spaces, designed to suit even the most discerning of visitors. With 252 luxury guest rooms and suites the hotel offers plenty of spacious and elegant options. Each guest room boasts a collection of exquisite furnishings and a large, comfortable bed.

Visitors enjoy expansive balconies overlooking the stunning Dubai skyline offering an unparalleled level of comfort and elegance.

Indulge in a culinary fare with a choice of award-winning restaurants and bars. Enjoy an international breakfast and lunch buffet at the all-day dining restaurant Azur, sip on your favourite

blends at Crossroads Cocktail Bar or spend a day by the pool with food and beverage delights from the Pool Restaurant and Bar. Embrace the scenery at Raffles Garden while Raffles Salon offers a well-deserved break with a cup of coffee or tea and a decadent sweet treat. Order home-grown Italian food at Solo Bistronomia & Vino Bar, while TOMO serves up authentic Japanese dishes on the 17th floor. Dance the night away at People by Crystal nightclub, at the top of the pyramid.

Raffles Spa offers a haven of relaxation with an outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped Fitness Centre and a range of spa treatments for a well-deserved break.

This prominent landmark offers a blend of intuitive service and blissful pampering. An oasis of calm and charm with an incredible sense of space, service and unforgettable style.

BOOK IT

A stay at Raffles Dubai are from 1314 AED (approx ÂŁ289) per room, per night based on two people sharing. Flights with Emirates Airlines start from ÂŁ349 per person. www.raffles.com/dubai

Barefoot Luxury

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Six Senses Hideaway in Vietnam

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About 110 miles southeast of Saigon, is a smattering of mountainous islands just out of the water, one of which is the stunning Con Dao, home to the idyllic hideaway, Six Senses Con Dao. The archipelago - known for its outstanding natural beauty, its history as a French and American prison, and more recently for its status as a national park - is an absolute gem.

Here Six Senses offers barefoot luxury, crystalclear seas, limitless skies and best of all, there is little development for a true island paradise feel.

Vietnamese restaurant set up as a market with food stalls, an elegant Asian fusion restaurant and a fun bar; happy hour each evening is a great way to watch the sunset.

On a perfect section of private beach, Six Senses houses 50 wood-paneled eco villas, all built from locally sourced teak and antique carved wooden panels from old Vietnamese homes and all of which have private plunge pools, superb interior, outdoor showers, an indoor tub, floor-to-ceiling windows and sea views. There is even a pillow menu sent to guest prior to arrival and an oncall butler throughout your stay.

A honeymoon paradise that will have you creating many idyllic memories for years to come.

Away from the private villas there is a stunning infinity pool and blissful spa, complimentary morning yoga sessions plus several restaurants with a fantastic choice of food – including a

The idyllic luxury is hard to tear yourself away from but do because this island is uniquely beautiful. Motorbike to the remote lighthouse and spectacular lagoon, snorkel and scuba dive beside turtles, or discover Con Dao's soul and history through excellent guided trips.

BOOK IT Prices are from £641 per night, based on 2 sharing on a B&B basis. Includes welcome amenities, WiFi, morning yoga session, complimentary shared transfers from/to Con Dao Airport. Flights with Cathay Pacific start from £590 per person in February 2017.) www.i-escape.com/six-senses-con-dao

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WIN!

A luxurious honeymoon on the Island of the Gods at

Banyan Tree Ungasan in Bali

F

ound on one of the most romantic and spiritual islands in the world known as 'the Island of the Gods', Banyan Tree Ungasan in Bali makes the perfect honeymoon location. Perched majestically on Bali’s southernmost cliff and only minutes away from the private beaches of Nusa Dua, the resort offers spacious private pool villas, lush landscaped gardens and breath-taking cliff-edge views of the Indian Ocean.

Inspired by local design features, the resort features distinct Balinese touches, such as the traditional thatched-roofs of the Balinese bales and swathes of bright Indonesian motif, which blend seamlessly with the mystic charm of the natural surroundings.

Each spacious Garden View Pool Villa boasts a private 10-metre infinity pool, a private jet pool and a Balinese bale complete with personal daybed and stunning views over the expansive gardens.

From each lavish bedroom, a timbered walkway leads through the peaceful pools, over a tranquil pond and into the intimate courtyard and living area. This huge villa offers the space and privacy desired by every honeymoon couple.

Outside of the villa, the resort boasts a wealth of excellent facilities for honeymooners to enjoy, from a huge infinity pool where couples can sip on Banyan Tree’s signature cocktails to a first-class gym and daily yoga classes. As night falls, couples can let a magical evening unfold at one of several restaurants at Banyan Tree Ungasan. Perched

HOW TO ENTER

For the chance to win this amazing prize just tell us:

What animal is said to be guardian of the 10th century Uluwatu Temple?

A. Elephant B. Tiger C. Monkey Send your answer to jane@affinitymag.co.uk Competition closes 30th December 2016, T&C’s apply

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high above the pristine Indian Ocean, Ju-MaNa is an award-winning, culinary hotspot serving exquisite cuisine in chic surroundings.

The adjacent Ju-Ma-Na Bar is the perfect spot to sip on freshly made drinks and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

For cultural couples, Banyan Tree Ungasan is a short distance from one of the island’s most mystical temples, the 10th century cliff-top Uluwatu, which is surrounded by a forest sheltering hundreds of monkeys, believed to be the temple’s guardians. The resort also hosts regular music and dance performances including Legong, a classic palace dance performed to a traditional gamelan orchestra.

With the opportunity to trek an active volcano, dive into natural hot springs or swim amongst the vibrant underwater life of the Indian Ocean, Bali offers plenty of excuses for adventurous honeymooners to immerse themselves in nature. Those looking for a new challenge can try their hand at cycling in the hills or hiking through the rice fields of Ubud.

One lucky couple will win a luxurious five-night stay in a stunning Garden View Pool Villa at the five-star Banyan Tree Ungasan. Also included will be a couple’s spa treatment at the multi award-winning Banyan Tree Spa which is renowned for its signature range of Asian therapies, combining time-honoured Indonesian remedies with a high-touch, low-tech approach. The winning couple will experience a romantic destination dining evening in one of the most picturesque spots around the resort such as a candlelit seafood feast in a secluded bale pavilion overlooking the ocean or a traditional Indonesian BBQ served on the beach.

THE PRIZE Five luxurious nights for two people in a stunning Garden View Pool Villa with a private infinity pool, private jet pool and Balinese bale set in lush landscaped gardens.

Stay includes one couples’ spa treatment at the resort’s multi-award winning Banyan Tree Spa, daily buffet breakfast and one destination dining experience for two. Flights and transfers not included.

T&C’s There is no cash alternative to the prize. Voucher valid for travel from 1 November 2016 to 1 November 2017. Stay must be booked a minimum of eight weeks prior to travel. Blackout dates when stay cannot be claimed are: 23 December 2016 to 5 January 2017. All stays are subject to availability and additional blackout dates may apply. Prize winners must be over 18.

Wedding

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Fairs

NOVEMBER

Sunday 6th Brampton Grange Wedding Show Sandy Lane, Chapel Brampton, NN6 8AD 11am – 4pm www.bramptongrange.co.uk Sunday 6th Bucks Railway Centre Wedding Fair Station Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, HP22 4BY 11am - 3pm www.bucksrailcentre.org Sunday 6th Kelmarsh Hall Wedding Fair Main Rd, Kelmarsh, Northampton, NN6 9LY 11am – 3pm www.silverlinings.co.uk Sunday 6th Aubrey Park Hotel Wedding Show Hemel Hempstead Rd, Redbourn, Herts, AL3 7AF 11am – 3.30pm www.wedding-exhibitions.co.uk Sunday 13th Pendley Manor Wedding Show Cow Lane, Tring, Herts, HP23 5QY 11am – 3pm www.weddingpartnership.co.uk Sunday 20th The Harpenden Rothamsted Manor Wedding Fair Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, 11am – 3.30pm www.weddingfairs.com

Sunday 20th Northampton Guildhall Wedding Fair Northampton, NN11DE 11am – 3pm www.silverlinings.co.uk Sunday 27th Affinity Wedding Showcase at The Barns Hotel, Bedford, MK44 3SA 11am – 3pm www.affinitymag.co.uk Sunday 27th Cheyne Walk Club Wedding Fair Cheyne Walk, NN! 5PU 11am – 3pm www.eventsinabox.org

DECEMBER

Thursday 1st Holdenby House Wedding Fair The Square, Holdenby, Northants, NN6 8DJ 6pm – 9pm www.silverlinings.co.uk

JANUARY

Sunday 8th The Peterborough Marriott Hotel Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6GB 11am – 3pm www.amandaorchardevents.co.uk 82

Sunday 8th Northampton Marriott Wedding Fair Northampton NN4 7HW 11am – 3pm www.silverlinings.co.uk Sunday 15th Fawsley Hall Wedding Fair Fawsley Rd, Daventry NN11 3BE 11am – 3pm www.silverlinings.co.uk Sunday 15th The Belmont Hotel Vintage Wedding Fair De Montfort Square, Leicester LE1 11am – 3.30pm www.boutiqueweddingfairs.co.uk Sunday 22nd Wicksteed Park Wedding Fair Barton Rd, Kettering, NN15 6NJ 11am – 3pm www.silverlinings.co.uk

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AFFINITY WEDDINGS MAGAZINE

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AUTUMN/WINTER 2016

WIN! A Dream on to Honeymo Bali

Paradise Found

Dream Dresses Sophisticated “I DO” Style

our top honeymoon choices

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AUTUMN/WINTER 2016/17

real life couples share their special day with us

Pretty in Pearls complement your look with these accessories

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Babes in Blue

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