Alternative Wedding Magazine Issue 1 by Alternative Wedding Magazine

ISSU E 1 | A U TUM N / W INTE R 20 1 9 | Â£ 3 .9 5 NO R TH E A ST A ND YO R K SH IR E

WWW.ALT ERNAT IVEWEDDINGMAG A ZINE .C O .U K

WILD MOODY TIMELESS

thewildloveclub.com thewildloveclub

Image: Joe Connor @fotocouture

The Oraculum Beauty Emporium 273-275 Ryhope Road, Grangetown, Sunderland SR3 3LQ

Tel: 0191 565 9392

www.theoraculumsunderland.com

theoraculumbeautyemporium Affiliates - Hair HeX- Insta - hair_hex_sunderland | Length Envy - lnsta - lengthenvy | Mjo Aesthetics - Insta - mjo_aesthetics

WELCOME

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST ISSUE OF THE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING MAGAZINE.

e want this to be a sensory experience. Take it all in, feel the pages, breath in the visual delight your're about to see. Do not expect pages and pages of ivory, that is not what we are about. We are about bringing you, you beautiful human being, alternative wedding inspiration. We love the weird and wonderful and I’m guessing you do too. You're engaged, you're looking through magazines, on the internet, at wedding fairs maybe and you just feel like they don’t get you. Well, we get you and we celebrate every single inch of you. If you're wanting a day that reflects you and your partner's personality, this is the only magazine you need. You don’t need to feel stifled by wedding traditions and social norms, you need to be true to yourself. Our team has poured blood, sweat and tears into creating a wedding mag with a difference. We hope that you are inspired to design your very own distinct, alternative wedding.

EA T TH E BL OO D, SWAM TE S AR & TE

COV ER SHO T PHOTOGRAPHY THE WILD LOVE CLUB WWW.THEWILDLOVECLUB.COM DRESS | BEX BRIDES WWW.BEXBRIDES.CO.UK HEADPIECE GLORIOUS BY HEIDI WWW.GLORIOUSBYHEIDI.COM

NICOLA EDWARDS EDITOR IN CHIEF

HELEN SYSON EDITOR

AMBER BLACK DESIGN

SIAN NEARY ARTWORK

CO NT RI BU TO RS MICHELLE JONES AMY MARTIN EMMA ADAMS SOPHIE TAYLOR REBECCA LOMBARD-EARL SAMANTHA JADE NYE LOUISE GIBSON CASSIE COOPER

HAIR STYLING VERY YOU HAIR WWW.VERYYOUHAIR.CO.UK

T! CH EC K US OU

MUA | @JANE_LONGSTAFF 07732 371937

WWW.ALTERNATIVEWEDDINGMAGAZINE.CO.UK

MODEL | KENNEDY ELISE @KENNEDY_ELISE_MODEL ©2019 Alternative Wedding Magazine. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, artwork, advertising or photographic material while in transmission or with the publisher or with their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print.

OR FOLLOW US ON @ ALTERNATIVEWEDDINGMAGAZINE @ ALTERNATIVE_WEDDING_MAGAZINE FOR MORE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING INSPIRATION! EMAIL: ALTWEDMAG@YAHOO.COM 5

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

Who says the bride should wear white on her wedding day? We threw away the rule book in our styled shoot at Newcastle Castle.

et against the iconic castle that named the city, with the help of our talented suppliers, our brides Rebecca and Catherine prove how beautifully your wedding can be styled if you prefer the dark side. The brides look stunning in their nontraditional, gothic-inspired black wedding dresses. Gorgeous hairstyles, jewellery and bespoke nail designs really set off the outfits. The red and cream bouquets provide just enough colour to lift the look without straying far from the colour palette.

The look of the wedding reception really compliments the brides and provides a pleasing aesthetic. The table decorations include bird cages, old-style glassware and butterflies in jars and puts you in mind of the Gothic Romanticism of Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre. The cake is a beautiful spectacle. With the brides making their vows on the rooftop of the Keep and the stunning panoramic views of the modern city, this truly is a wedding of contrasts- successfully bringing together traditions both old and new.

# A LT W E D D I N #D GI IYN BR S IPDO E

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

MODEL: CATHERINE THOMPSON-MCLEAN

MODEL: REBECCA TIA

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

E NO IR RO MA NC CREATIVE TEAM CREATIVE DIRECTOR | NICOLA EDWARDS ALTERNATIVE WEDDING MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY | THE WILD LOVE CLUB WWW.THEWILDLOVECLUB.COM LOCATION | NEWCASTLE CASTLE WWW.NEWCASTLECASTLE.CO.UK MICHELLE JONES WEDDING PLANNER WWW.MJWEDDINGPLANNER.CO.UK DRESSES/HEADPIECES | BEX BRIDES WWW.BEXBRIDES.CO.UK CAKE | DEBBIE GILLESPIE CAKE DESIGN WWW.DEBBIEGILLESPIECAKEDESIGN.CO.UK CELEBRANT | LISA WILSON EVENTS WWW.LISAWILSONCELEBRANT.COM MUA | WHATS YOUR FACE MUA INSTAGRAM.COM/WHATSYOURFACEMUA NAILS | THE ORACULUM BEAUTY EMPORIUM WWW.THEORACULUMSUNDERLAND.COM HAIR | VERY YOU HAIR WWW.VERYYOUHAIR.CO.UK PROPS | BIRDCAGES AND DRAGONFLIES WWW.BIRDCAGESANDDRAGONFLIES.COM FLOWERS & STYLING | RUBY TUESDAY EVENTS WWW.RUBYTUESDAYEVENTS.CO.UK MODELS | REBECCA TIA INSTAGRAM.COM/REBECCATIAALTMODEL CATHERINE THOMPSON-MCLEAN INSTAGRAM.COM/HAMMER.GLAMOUR.80 12

ADVERTORIAL

For ion For the the perfect perfect recept reception

Exquisite building • Incredible location Exquisite building • Incredible location

St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, Gateshead St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Oakwellgate, Gateshead (0191) 433 4699 (0191) 433 4699

www.gateshead.gov.uk/stmarysheritagecentre www.gateshead.gov.uk/stmarysheritagecentre 13

#JOINTHEDARKSIDE

Black wedding dresses: breaking wedding taboos. Cassie Cooper helps non-traditional brides achieve a gothic yet beautifully romantic look.

hen we think of black wedding dresses (or search for them on popular search engines) we usually would predictably come up with a mixture of pics of Lily Munster, The Corpse bride, The Woman In Black and Halloween fancy dress, sigh. But now black dresses are staging a revival and come in all styles suiting all ages. It was once said that a bride who wears black is someone who wants to flaunt popular convention and picks black to show her rebellion against tradition. In Spain women choose to wear black on their wedding day to symbolise they are being faithful until death. According to many sources black is here to stay and one person I interviewed stated that ‘The bride who wears black does not look back’ as she explained more about her Halloween inspired nuptials later in the year. So as we know there are many rules to follow in the wedding etiquette world, but what if all you want to do is break them all instead? How do you ensure that your special day incorporates your individuality but conveys the true meaning of love and romance? How do you move away from what is ‘expected’ and towards something that is ‘unique’? I have come up with these considerations to ensure your wedding is dark and full of secrets but still rides high in the style stakes...

Theme

Theme your wedding on a key item and the rest will follow...say, choose some dark purple lilies (think gothic romance) and then match/ non-match to your colour scheme/bridesmaids or ....throw out the rule book and clash clash

clash! Dark pinks/purples/vivid or classic red tones all complement darker colours beautifully.

Accessorise!

Veils and netted black masks as well as intricate hair wreaths look stunning with rich toned gothic gowns.

Historical Fashion

Use historical fashion as your influence and give it a modern shake up... taffeta, corsets, fishtail skirts, silk and organza...whatever floats your boat from times past, add glimpses of silver/emerald green/red perhaps, or embrace black in all its glory. Netting adds depth and drama and this Hause of O number is a change from the norm with a very modern twist.

Backdrop is Everything

A stunning black dress is made even more dramatic depending on where it is photographed. This backdrop of a cornfield makes the black pop against its lightness and makes for an impactful result! I also love the idea of throwing in powdered paint to contrast against the black (I reiterate...who needs a white dress again?!)

Go Against Convention

Last of all, sometimes going against convention can be nerve-wracking but what is clear about weddings is that you have got to plan for the day that most reflects YOU. If you’re more of a Helena Bonham Carter than a Kate Middleton then do your thing in all your gothic glory. Plan the alternative wedding of your dreams and dance your way to the dark side. Judging by the stunning choices available I’m sure you’ll be glad you did.

By Cassie Cooper - Manic Mum Days blogger | manicmumdays.com 14

#JOINTHEDARKSIDE

STYLING: CHANTAL MALLETT WWW.CHANTALMALLETT.COM | PHOTOGRAPHY/ART DIRECTION: MAGIC OWEN WWW.MAGICOWEN.CO.UK HAIR & MAKE-UP: HALLIMAH ABUBACKER OF H BEAUTY WWW.HBEAUTY.CO | MODEL: LITA FLORES GARCIA WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/LITA.FLORES.GARCIA BOOTS: HOUSE OF ELLIOT WWW.HOUSEOFELLIOTCOLLECTION.COM

IMAGE: ALEXANDRA HOLT PHOTOGRAPHY

1.DEMETER

IMAGE: MAGIC OWEN-WWW.MAGICOWEN.CO.UK

2.DOLCE VITA GOWN

WORN WITH AURELIA CHOKER

#JOINTHEDARKSIDE

IMAGE: LOUISE RAYNOR

'O' MOON

IMAGE:IAN MOORE

Image: facebook.com/maxcoopephotography

ADVERTISMENT

An Enterprise of Burlesque Entertainment With dazzling costumes and breath-taking choreography, our reception entertainment will keep your guests talking for years to come. Your special day becomes our special day with your bespoke burlesque entertainment. As every wedding and individual is unique, each package is bespoke to you. We have various packages available but always happy to work within your requirements.

Add a pinch of sparkle to your wedding info@houseoftrixieblue.co.uk for your free quote www.houseoftrixieblue.co.uk

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EVIE

IMAGE: INEVISION PHOTOGRAPHY

IMAGE: RACHEL BURTON PHOTOGRAPHY

IMAGE: ALEXANDRA HOLT PHOTOGRAPHY

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NYX LEGEND BRIDAL DESIGNS

IMAGE: MARNIE V PHOTOGRAPHY

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A D V E R T O R I A L | S I LV E R R O S E C O R S E T R Y

“Don’t save your good lingerie for dates, wear it for you.” - Dita Von Teese

ver the course of history corsets have been a controversial garment, believed to cause a vast amount of health problems, ignored purely to satisfy the male desire for a virtuous woman. However, despite being a heavily boned and compressing garment, they were not deadly. Corsets would be made to measure, ensuring that the only compression on the body was the waist, and believe it or not, the waist can easily be reduced by at least 2 inches. It’s hard to believe that a garment which caused so much controversy has survived through so many fashion Eras, yet it has; why? If you have ever worn a corset before, you will be aware of that initial ‘lacing up’ feeling. The instant surge of sensuality and feeling of self-power that increases with every bow. The emphasis upon the curvy hour glass figure, the enhancing of the natural female waist, and the gorgeous figure that every woman possesses, makes the corset a luxury item for any occasion! Thanks to the likes of corset designer Jean Paul Gaultier, punk designer Vivienne Westwood, and the burlesque queen Dita Von Tease, corsets became sexy and brazen, worn as outerwear on haute couture catwalks. Just as the role of the corset has changed, so has the style of bridal, yet to this day, the corset still features in the majority of designer’s gowns. Due to its design, the corset can be worn by any shape or size, providing unparalleled support and enhancing your

@SILVER ROSE CORSETRY

natural gorgeous figure! With the lace up detail and made to measure fit, straps on your gown become decorative, rather than necessary and as for wearing a bra under your gown…there’s no such thing! The corset can be produced as an under-layer to your gown, or as a key part of the design, the choices are endless; but most of all the corset exudes sensuality; and what better occasion to feel so glamourous than on your wedding day? Silver Rose Corsetry is a British designer of fantasy-inspired couture bridal. Founded upon the diverse design and sensual shape of the corset, Silver Rose ties together the elegance of the hourglass figure and the design of outwear corsetry to create unique pieces. The alternative designs are created bespoke to the client, with accompanying accessories to match your gown. Bespoke veils, detachable capes, shrugs and jackets can all be created to accompany your gown for your big day, with hand embellishment lingerie sets for something a little extra also available. Silver Rose can also meet any of your bridesmaid requirements, producing bespoke gowns, two pieces and tulle skirts to compliment your wedding. Bridal alterations for the wedding party, dressing robes for you and your bridesmaids and bridesmaid gift bags are also among the vast services available. Silver Rose would be honoured to bring your wedding dress dreams to life.

ETSY: SILVER ROSE CORSETRY

EMAIL: SILVERROSECORSETRY.INFO@GMAIL.COM

ADVERTORIAL | KILLER CORSETS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ISERISPHOTOGRAPHY

MODEL: NINETTE

#DIYBRIDE

IMAGE BY: MARK BRIGGS | MODEL: SILVER ROSE CORSETRY

LUNA OPALINA

TEMPESTA ABRAXAS

IMAGE: SUBJECT TO STATUS PHOTOGRAPHY | MODEL: FLORRY_SGH

VALENTINA

IMAGE: SUBJECT TO STATUS PHOTOGRAPHY | MODEL: TIA LOUISE

VALKYRIE S I LV E R R O S E C O R S E T R Y

IMAGE: SUBJECT TO STATUS PHOTOGRAPHY | MODEL: GINGER GALORE

IMAGE BY: CARLOS RANIA | MODEL: CLAIRE VICTORIA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG MCNAIR FROM FLASHPOINT PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLA HUNTER FROM WILD LOVE CLUB

Individual Items for every

Personality

Corsetry and Couture is a specialty corsetry and dressmaking boutique. Using traditional corsetry techniques, we produce bridal, burlesque, couture, fashion and evening wear. Our distinctiveness is highlighted by the use of high quality materials, original designs and expert workmanship in the North East of England. website: corsetryandcouture.co.uk email: corsetryandcouture@gmail.com tel: 07502190170

IMAGE: WWW.GAILSECKER.COM | DRESS: BEX BRIDES | FLOWERS: ALL BUNCHED UP

ADVERTORIAL | INANNA BESPOKE SHOES

How different would the story of Cinderella be without the famous glass slippers? Louise Gibson from Inanna Bespoke shoes provides her top tips to find the perfect shoes to ‘fit’ your big day. Choosing the perfect wedding shoes can be a daunting prospect. The last thing any bride wants is to spend her day with aching feet distracting from her magical wedding. So here are 9 things to consider in your quest for the perfect pair and ensure you spend your day in blissful comfort.

The Perfect Size

This is a dilemma for most, sky scraper shoes look stunning but can you really walk in those 4 inch heels? Be realistic and consider getting lower heels or flats so you know you will glide through your day pain free.

It sounds like an obvious one but honestly how many of us have bought a pair of shoes we knew weren’t quite the right fit and regretted it later? Make sure you have the right fit, and wear them in your house for an hour or two just to be sure. The last thing you want is to find out on your wedding day that you didn’t make the right choice.

Get 2 Pairs

Will You Wear Them Again?

Heel Height

You know you shouldn’t, they are just too high, but you NEED those beauties in your life. So get them! You know you won’t make it all day so say ‘yes’ to a second pair too. Have your perfect heels for the ceremony and photos and when it all gets too much change to your second pair. 26

Consider the style of shoes you wear day to day and know will be super comfy to dance the night away in: wedges, sandals, Converse or even DM’s.

One thing most brides don’t think about is if they will ever wear their shoes again. It’s assumed your perfect items are for use on that one day only, casually nipping to the supermarket in your wedding dress may get you a few funny looks and a round of congratulations. But that

ADVERTORIAL | INANNA BESPOKE SHOES

Cost

You have a budget in mind and it’s easy to go over but if you are buying shoes to be worn again then they are not only a wedding item but become a wardrobe staple. When I’m buying items I think in a ‘price per wear’ basis. £150 for a pair of shoes solely for your wedding day is £150 for that one wear which is steep, but wear them just 14 times more and that cost per wear plummets to only £10. Think of your shoes as an investment to brighten any outfit on any day.

Throw away the rule book!

IMAGE: GAIL SECKER PHOTOGRAPHY

doesn’t have to be the case with your shoes, especially with more brides than ever choosing to wear colour on their wedding day. Think about matching your shoes to your theme with florals, tartans or wilder and add a pop of stunning colour to your outfit.

IMAGE: KIRSTY ROCKETT

Who says you need to wear white and be traditional, it’s your day so do it your way. At Inanna we love the different, the bold, the creative and the brave. Embrace who you are and let your shoes be a talking point. have that colour, wear those boots, add a leather jacket over your dress (we also paint jackets), hell even have dinosaur shoes! The only one you need to make happy is you. There’s no request too ‘out there’ for us, in fact we LOVE it.

Consider Bespoke

IMAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY

Sometimes finding exactly what you want off the shelf can be impossible because they simply don’t exist. You are looking for a specific heel height with a strap or you would like shoes to harmonise with your unique wedding style and theme or are looking for something stunning and non-traditional and simply can’t find “the ones”. If any of these sound familiar then consider bespoke. At Inanna Bespoke Shoes I help brides who are looking for their perfect shoes but just can’t find them. My mission is to create desirable and beautiful bespoke shoes. Each pair birthed from your style and personality and created to be as individual as you.

Hand Painted

You provide the shoes and we provide the art. Choose hand painted and see your shoes transformed into your perfect vision. Whether your style is heels, Dr Martens, converse or ballet pumps we paint them all. And for those yearning for 2 pairs to see you from day to night with a unified artistic theme we take 10% off your order. Or choose the full bespoke experience and co-create the shoes of your dreams. Hand made shoes designed for you with a choice of heel height, colours and materials finished off with the most stunning hand painted designs and brand new to our services tattoo’d leather soles! Or if you’re like me and have the grace of Bambi on rollerskates in heels, ballet flats and hand made leather sandals can also be made to your specific requirements with all the eccentric artistic flare of our heels. A pair of shoes which are not just a pair of shoes but a piece of wearable art to make every bride proud on her wedding day and beyond. What would yours look like?

IMAGE: KIREN PAUL

Hand Made

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I help brides who are looking for their perfect wedding shoes but who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get excited about bland pairs off the shelf. I offer a bespoke design service to turn brides ideas into hand painted or handmade and hand painted wearable art, to adorn your feet not only on your wedding day but for years to come. W W W . I N A N N A B E S P O K E S H O E S . C O M

@inannabespokeshoes M: 07927 396 857 UK based, worldwide shipping

Image by: Kieran Paul Photography

Image: Alt Wedding Co.

By multi awardwinning cake artist Sa ndra Maria Cle nnell

130, Medomsley Road, Consett, Co. Durham DH8 5HS

www.sugarfun.co.uk sugarfun@hotmail.co.uk 07736 814 258

By Appointment Only

Image: Alt Wedding Co.

Hair stylist & Bridal hair specialist offering all professional hair styling services from Occasion hair to weddings Ideal House, Front Street, Dipton, co. durham Call: 07904 639 082 @ dyesanddollsdipton

HD # E IAYD BERRI D E

# DH I YEBARDI D EE R

Bolton Castle provides a stunning medieval backdrop for our Game of Thrones themed wedding inspiration

ame of Thrones may be over but that doesn’t stop us sharing this wonderful Thrones-inspired photo shoot filmed at the Winterfellesque Bolton Castle. As massive fans of the show and with the help of our incredible creative team, we wanted to provide inspiration for couples wishing to incorporate elements of ice and fire into their big day. If you’re looking to really impress your guests- wearing outfits influenced by your favourite characters, fire breathers providing awe-inspiring entertainment, making your entrance on white horses and (sugar) hearteating Dothraki will leave them in no doubt about your love, not only for your other half,

but for the greatest show to grace our screens. For those looking to hint at the theme instead, consider small but powerful touches- a gorgeous cake boasting dragons, direwolves and all things Thrones, custom-made shoes displaying your favourite house sigil, a brooch or a character-inspired hairstyle. Master-style calligraphy signage and table decorations (dragon egg centre pieces make a great talking point!) help set a compelling scene. Whatever your intentions, whether you have grand plans to include dragons and white walkers or you prefer to include subtle touches, we hope this photo shoot will give you the ideas you’re looking for to create a truly unique homage to the second love of your life.

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

THE PROTHEROS

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

LAURA WALKER

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

KAITLYN STORES

MARK BRIGGS

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

NATASHA WARDMAN

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

WENDY WOODLAND

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

ES GA ME OF BR ID CREATIVE TEAM CREATIVE DIRECTOR | NICOLA EDWARDS ALTERNATIVE WEDDING MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY | ALT WEDDING CO WWW.ALTWEDDING.CO.UK LOCATION | BOLTON CASTLE WWW.BOLTONCASTLE.CO.UK DRESSES | BEX BRIDES WWW.BEXBRIDES.CO.UK CORSET/DRESS | SILVER ROSE CORSETRY FACEBOOK: SILVERROSECORSETRY MUA | BOMBSHELLS AND BELLES WWW.BOMBSHELLSANDBELLES.COM KIRSTEN B MAKEUP ARTIST WWW.KIRSTENBMAKEUPARTIST.COM HAIR | DYES AND DOLLS DIPTON FACEBOOK: DYESANDDOLLSDIPTON LAVISH LENGTHS FACEBOOK: LAVISHLENGTHSX CALLIGRAPHY/SIGNAGE | LAVELLE LETTERING WWW.LAVELLELETTERING.COM CAKE | SUGARFUN CAKE ARTISTRY WWW.SUGARFUN.CO.UK BROOCH BOUQETS MADDISON ROCKS FLORAL SCULPTURE FACEBOOK: MADDISONROCKSFLORALSCULPTURE DRAGON PROP NEIL TAYLOR INDEPENDENT MODEL MAKER FAUSTUS70@HOTMAIL.CO.UK HAND PAINTED SHOES | INANNA BESPOKE SHOES WWW.INANNABESPOKESHOES.COM HEADPIECES | VIOLET MOON EMPORUIM FACEBOOK: VIOLETMOONSEMPORIUM MENS COSTUMES, VENUE STYLING & PROPS COSTUME COMPANY UK LTD WWW.COSTUME-COMPANY.CO.UK WHITE HORSE (THORE) | YGGDRASIL STUD WWW.YGGDRASILSTUD.CO.UK FIRE PERFORMERS | DRACARYS INSTAGRAM: DRACARYSFIREOFFICIAL

MOD ELS THE PROTHEROS - TONI AND LEWIS INSTAGRAM: THEPROTHEROS LAURA WALKER | INSTAGRAM: LAURAGEOWALKER SPECIAL THANKS TO MARK BRIGGS THE ONE TRUE KING

HOLLIE WOOD ALT MODEL

HOLLIE WOOD ALT MODEL INSTAGRAM: HOLLIEWOODALTMODEL WENDY WOODLAND INSTAGRAM: WOODLAND80 NATASHA WARDMAN INSTAGRAM: NATASHAWARDMAN KAITLYN STORES INSTAGRAM: KAITLYNSTOREMODELLING

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

23/11/2018 | BAGDEN HALL

Harry Potter fans, Melanie and Josh, took elements from the books to create a wedding day as unique to them as the wand that chooses its wizard. What was your favourite part of your day? Mel: It has to be seeing everyone enjoying the hard work we had put into our wedding day. It was like a sense of relief in a way. I also got far too drunk celebrating the end of planning and have a very classy photo of me passed out on the bridal suite bathroom floor at the end of the night! Josh also announced during his speech that our eldest was changing her surname to his, and presented her with the certificate. This was a really special moment for us as a family. Josh: Finally seeing Melanie in her dress, she absolutely blew my mind, she looked beautiful, and beyond anything Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever seen. 40

Where did you save?

We wanted to try and do as much as possible to save money. I spent months folding pages of Harry Potter books to make table numbers and the tables were decorated with skulls, flowers and glass poison bottles with gold feathers pens. Floating candles hung from the ceiling and taxidermy owls hung from the walls. Even after doing the decorations and invites ourselves, we still ended up spending over ÂŁ14,000. We made a budget plan so we could see exactly what had been booked. This really helped us be as organised as possible.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

FINALLY SEEING MELANIE IN HER DRESS, SHE ABSOLUTELY BLEW MY MIND, SHE LOOKED BEAUTIFUL, AND BEYOND ANYTHING Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE EVER SEEN.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

Where did you splurge?

Our biggest expense other than the venue was photography/ videography and flowers, which we can honestly say was well worth the money. Francesca, our florist, really went above and beyond; helping us set the tables so it was one thing less for us to worry about. Alt Wedding Co were just amazing to work with and the album and video we’ve received is perfect.

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day?

Don’t feel that you have to invite everyone; people will pressure you to invite people that they think should be there. At the end of the day, this is a celebration for the two of you. Do you really need ‘Jim’, the family friend, who you’ve not seen or spoken to in the last 10 years rocking up to eat the food you’ve paid for, for them to fuck off and never see you again just because your Mum says it’s polite?

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Make Memories at

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DJM PHOT OGRAPH RAPHS BY

www.northshire.co.uk Tel: 01287 642228 carolhopkinson@msn.com

PHOTOG

At North Shire, we offer every couple exclusive use of our venue for your wedding, including our stunning Enchanted Wedding Barn and all on site accommodation which can sleep up to 60 of your guests and includes the only replica Hagrid's Hut in the world and our very own Hobbit House. Our team are experienced in weddings and events from a traditional ceremony to any theme you can imagine. Come and visit us to see how we can create your very own fairytale ending. Packages start from ÂŁ4,995

Let us take your wedding dreams and turn them into a reality.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

Jessica & Josh 06/05/2019 | VALLUM FARM

Josh and Jessica got engaged after discovering they were expecting their first baby together. Josh proposed in the beautiful village of Blanchland, somewhere Jessica’s Grandfather used to take her every Summer as a child. What was your favourite part of your day?

Jessica: As cliché as it sounds, the whole day was amazing and although it was a surreal blur, I have lots of memories that are special in their own way. From exchanging vows to having everyone we love in one room. The day was everything I could have hoped for. Josh: We were walking out of the tipi into a shower of confetti we had made ourselves. There was something about that moment that made me the happiest I have ever felt. The moment the guests threw it in the air the reality hit that I had just married my best friend. A really special moment was when the whole family got up and danced to ‘Somewhere beyond the sea’ by Frank Sinatra as an unplanned honour to Jessica’s Grandad. 46

Where did you save?

Jessica: Our budget was tiny so we had to be crafty to achieve the wedding of our dreams. We did lots of DIY jobs, from the bouquets to the confetti and the centre pieces. I also saved massively on the dress. I knew I wasn’t a princess gown bride and was looking for something alternative, even purple, but after trying on a beautiful £1500 dress in a bridal shop I was beginning to get sucked into the social norms of weddings. Thankfully I managed to talk myself out of it but was feeling deflated after trying on lots of budget gowns. At the end of another unsuccessful shopping trip I wandered into Lipsy, an ivory gown squashed into the corner of the rail caught my eye. I tried it on, loved it and ended up with a dress for £171!

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

A REALLY SPECIAL MOMENT WAS WHEN THE WHOLE FAMILY GOT UP AND DANCED TO ‘SOMEWHERE BEYOND THE SEA’ BY FRANK SINATRA AS AN UNPLANNED HONOUR TO JESSICA’S GRANDAD.

HR # EA ED A ELRA L T W E D D I N G

Where did you splurge?

Jessica: Because I saved on the dress I was then able to splurge on accessories that brought the whole look together, in particular my beautiful 6 foot custom-made veil by Adorn by Ashley. I always intended to wear my Grandmother’s veil but was disappointed to find the damage was beyond repair so the custom veil was a little pick me up and definitely the most beautiful thing I own.

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day?

If you’re looking for something individual, alternative or something that truly reflects your style then shop small and local. My most cherished and complimented pieces from the wedding were either things I made myself or items I bought from independent traders. Also don’t stress about the small stuff or take yourself too seriously. We danced with our chocolate Labrador, Layla- sharing the moment with our four-legged family too! Of course you want your day to be perfect but things don’t always go to plan. Sometimes it’s those unplanned, funny, embarrassing or disastrous moments that you’ll talk and laugh about for years to come. 48

# R E A L A L T W EH DEDAIDNEG R

SUPPLIERS PHOTOGRAPHER: RACHELLE WILLIS @ MAGDALENA & ME PHOTOGRAPHY | CATERER: IN HOUSE (VALLUM FARM) | FLORIST: DIY CAKE: TIERED CAKE - WENDY DAWSON (GROOMS MOTHER) VEGAN 1 TIER CAKE: STACEY DENALI, DECORATED BY THE BRIDE MAKEUP: CAROLINE OXBERRY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FACE BODY MIND | JEWELLERY: HOWLING MOON | DRESS: LIPSY AT NEXT | SHOES: IRREGULAR CHOICE VEIL: ADORN BY ASHLEY | GROOM/GROOMSMEN SUITS: NEXT | SHOES: DR MARTEN | BRIDESMAID DRESSES: ASOS | VIDEOGRAPHER: STEVEN LAMB MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT: YUMA MUSIC | VENUE STYLING: DIY | CELEBRANT: NORTHUMBERLAND REGISTRARS 49

IMAGE: WWW.JENNYAPPLETON.CO.UK ADVERTORIAL | BEX BRIDES

ADVERTORIAL | BEX BRIDES

Ombre: Ombré /ˈɒmbreɪ/ (literally “shaded” in French) is the gradual blending of one colour hue to another, usually moving tints and shades from light to dark.

just love colour. I basically love being a little bit different (or zany / bonkers/ choose your crazy adjective...) when it comes to the world of weddings. Working in the industry for over a decade as a designer, you can get a bit snow blind with all the ivory, but I came up with a solution for brides who want an ivory dress but with a little bit of their own personality added. So I’ve now become just a little bit obsessed with colour and the way it can completely transform an ivory dress. I hand colour the

gowns myself, so I can use synthetic fabrics which are hard to dip dye. I also make ombre veils, from little shoulder length ones to cathedral length. I can design bespoke pieces or hand colour a client’s own... the only limit is our imagination! It’s a process particularly suited to recycling/ upcycling vintage and charity shop gowns. But, to be honest, a little colour makes everything a little more special! Bex x

IMAGE: WWW ORANGELEMUR.COM

IMAGE: WWW.EMMARYANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

IMAGE: WWW.GAILSECKER.COM

ADVERTORIAL | BEX BRIDES

BEX BRIDES 07801 443 931 OR VISIT ETSY: ECLECTIC BRIDE BEXBRIDES, BESPOKE DESIGNER AND VINTAGE BRIDAL STUDIO

BEXBRIDES

EMAIL: BEXBRIDES@LIVE.COM

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

Pete & Charley 22/06/2019 | THRUNTON WOODS

Pete got down on one knee and asked Charley to marry him in the rainforest when exploring Kerala, India together. What was your favourite part of your day? Charley: Getting to the ceremony, arriving at the top of the forest felt magical. As an event planner I had predicted for every eventuality and could envisage everything, but I could never have imagined the feeling of getting to the top of the hill and seeing everyone I loved and adored plus my best pal Pete waiting to make our relationship official.

Pete: When Charley came up over the brow of the hill in the forest I felt like the luckiest guy 54

on the planet. I’ve totally bagged a hottie, for life! It was awesome to see the result of all the hard work the Mums had put in on the dress which somewhat softened all those times I was kicked out of my own house. I had no idea that my Mum had cut up her own wedding dress either, when she told me after the ceremony that was a really nice moment. We had quite a rough winter unfortunately with a number of friends & family pass away, including a best friend. We couldn’t have got through any of it if it wasn’t for the kindness of our friends. We are definitely blessed with the good people.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

Where did you save?

We didn’t want to end up in debt for a wedding so we were very savvy when we did spend. Our family and friends were a huge help, my Mum & Mother in law made my two wedding dresses, my sister made the jewellery, Pete’s Mum did all the flowers, my Dad helped us create a wedding website rather than a printed invite, Rob my Bridesman made homebrew prosecco for everyone for a toast drink.

Where did you splurge?

We splurged on a few items, food was important to us and we had to get this right, so this was our biggest expense. My jacket was a special treat as was Pete’s suit and shoes.

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day? No matter what anyone says, make sure to do what you want. Your loved ones’ opinions matter, but I am really glad we stuck to our dream and followed our imaginations. We definitely took a leap to bring our Northern Irish families to Newcastle, force them into a 2-mile hike then feed them Indian food! I didn’t want any regrets on the day from not being ourselves and I think we got that balance perfect.

WHEN CHARLEY CAME UP OVER THE BROW OF THE HILL IN THE FOREST I FELT LIKE THE LUCKIEST GUY ON THE PLANET. I’VE TOTALLY BAGGED A HOTTIE, FOR LIFE!

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

SUPPLIERS PHOTOGRAPHER: PICS BY BISH | MUA: KELLY BLICK | RINGS & BESPOKE BRIDESMAID JEWELLERY: SARAH FLEMING JEWELLER COACH HIRE: KEITH’S COACHES | CEREMONY SPACE: THRUNTON WOODS | SUIT: BOGARTS BELFAST | UILLEANN PIPER: JOE CRANE (NO ONLINE PRESENCE, BUT RECOMMENDED BY TYNESIDE IRISH CENTRE) | WEDDING BREAKFAST RESTAURANT: URY | EVENING VENUE: ST MARYS HERITAGE CENTRE BAR HIRE: BAR 4 HIRE | CHAIR HIRE: DANDY EVENTS | EVENING CATERERS: VEGANO | VEGAN CAKE: JESMOND CAKE COMPANY | DJ & UP LIGHTERS: BRIDE & GROOVE | PA HIRE: CLEAR & LOUD | PROP HIRE: SPRIG & THISTLE | WEDDING CAR: OUR FRIENDS BEN’S AMAZING MARK 1 GOLF CELEBRANT: OUR BEST PAL KIRSTY | MY DRESSES: MUM JACKY & MOTHER IN LAW CORALIE | FLOWERS: MY MOTHER IN LAW CORALIE HAIR: MY FABULOUS BRIDESMAIDS | BAND: BACKYARD RHYTHM ORCHESTRA | CHARLEYS JACKET: DENIM AND BONE 57

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29/09/2017 | NEWTON HALL

Hairdressers Chris and Greg met at the salon where they worked. After Greg popped the question on Christmas Day, they chose Newton Hall as their wedding venue to suit their quirky style. What was your favourite part of your day? Greg: The food was being served and I just sat back and looked at all our friends and family in one room and took it all in. One of the funniest moments included a wasp buzzing around us when we were signing the register- Chris was a wreck! The DJ also announced us on the night as Chris and Gary! Chris: I loved every minute of our wedding day, but one moment I will never forget and cherish forever was when we got some time alone. The guests were being seated and we had a drink in the bar. Just to have that moment together and go through all the different emotions with my new husband was amazing.

Where did you save?

Best saving was hair and makeup as our friend Danielle who is a makeup artist did it for us and as hair stylists we did everyone’s hair ourselves.

Where did you splurge?

We tried to stick to a budget of £14,000. We splurged on Newton Hall as we added extras to what we had paid for originally.

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day?

Take time to make your decisions. Make sure it’s what you want and you’re not doing things to suit other people. The only thing we regret is not getting it recorded, everyone says the day goes so fast and we always thought ‘ahh bet it doesn’t’ but it’s over in a flash and we wish we had a video to see the moments we missed.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

A WASP GOT IN JUST AFTER THE CEREMONY AND STARTED BUZZING ROUND US WHEN WE WERE SIGNING THE REGISTER, CHRIS WAS A WRECK AND THEN THE DJ ANNOUNCED US ON THE NIGHT AS CHRIS AND GARY

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

#DIYBRIDE

By Tabitha McGowan, Author Our love is not some fragile thing, Delicate as gossamer, fracturing at a single touch; It is a collision of stars, binary becoming unity In an endless cosmic dance Ageless and beautiful we burned in the firmament, Beginning our celestial courtship Luminous and proud in our own orbits but circling ever closer Pulled together by a force beyond our understanding Until two paths aligned in a blaze of wonder, Our dreams and futures forged together In the nova of our twinned hearts A once-in-a-thousand-lifetimes chance Brought us together in this universe, And now we shine together, The darkness made brilliant by our cosmic love

#DIYBRIDE

# A LT W E D D I N G I N S P O

CO SM IC LO VE CREATIVE TEAM CREATIVE DIRECTOR | NICOLA EDWARDS ALTERNATIVE WEDDING MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY | THE WILD LOVE CLUB WWW.THEWILDLOVECLUB.COM DRESS | BEX BRIDES WWW.BEXBRIDES.CO.UK LOCATION | MARSDEN BEACH, SOUTH SHIELDS SUIT | MASTER DEBONAIR WWW.MASTERDEBONAIR.COM HEADPIECE | GLORIOUS BY HEIDI WWW.GLORIOUSBYHEIDI.COM HAIR STYLING | VERY YOU HAIR WWW.VERYYOUHAIR.CO.UK MUA | @JANE_LONGSTAFF | 07732 371937 MODELS | KENNEDY ELISE @KENNEDY_ELISE_MODEL DATHAN CLEGG | @CLEGGY_DEE Special thanks Tabitha McGowan, who wrote ‘Cosmic Love’ especially for this shoot. Tabitha is a poet and creative writer. She also writes for weddings, civil ceremonies and handfastings. Email: pidwigeon@aol.com 71

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05/10/2015 | DOXFORD HALL

Emma asked Billie to marry her at home on the sofa with an engagement ring they designed together. What was your favourite part of your day?

Billie: The ceremony. As a bookworm it had to be held in the library! We both wanted to walk down the aisle with our Dads, and it felt right to walk into the ceremony room at the same time - as a partnership. Our vows to each other were personal. Every word meant something to us as individuals and as a couple. We really had fun with our vows, we promised each other spontaneous adventures and to spend our lives hand in hand wherever our journey leads us. Then I vowed to support Emma in every tattoo she gets, and she vowed to always buy me chocolate when necessary. Our guests and celebrant laughed and cried with us all the way through. Before the wedding we made a dream catcher from laser cut wood and ribbons, which hangs in our bedroom now. The celebrant talked about 72

our parents playing their parts in our lives so far and continuing to play parts in our lives as a married couple, and each of our parents got up and added a ribbon to the dream catcher. Our celebrant was so wonderful, when she got to the end to pronounce us married, she said ‘I’ve always wanted to say this, you both may kiss your bride!’ She really made the ceremony and I’m so thankful to her for her sincerity. Emma: When Billie surprised me with the car. I was expecting a luxury taxi service to pick me up because Billie had convinced me that a wedding car was an unnecessary expense. I was given a card to open and Billie had written ‘Did you really think I’d let you go to our wedding in a taxi?’ I cried, my Mam cried and then my driver turned up in a 1920s Regent. I remember thinking it had funny little windows that flipped open. I loved it. It made me feel really special that she’d done that for me.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

WE BOTH WANTED TO WALK DOWN THE AISLE WITH OUR DADS, AND IT FELT RIGHT TO WALK INTO THE CEREMONY ROOM AT THE SAME TIME - AS A PARTNERSHIP.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

Where did you save?

Billie: To avoid wasting money we wouldn’t see again, we invested in things we’d use again where we could, so I wore pink Irregular Choice ankle boots, which I have worn at every special event since, and Emma found an amazing pair of DMs, she owns a barbershop and they came engraved with swallows carrying electric clippers! We made huge savings by having the wedding on a Monday in October and by keeping the guest list intimate. The date meant the venues, the car, the jukebox hire, and photography, were all that little bit cheaper. And it all adds up.

Where did you splurge?

Billie: My dress was the most expensive spend and my cape was an additional spend that we didn’t plan on but I physically couldn’t put it back on the rail! My parents were so generous and helped us out with most of it, and we had plenty of conversations about what the important things were so the spending didn’t get out of hand. We started with a budget of £5000 but after spending more than expected on our outfits the entire day cost around £6000.

What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding day?

Emma: Take time out in the day together, and alone, just to appreciate the day. You’re constantly on the go from waking up until you go to sleep, so take a step back every now and again and make sure you’re taking it all in. I took myself to sit down a few times during the day, and people would ask me if I was OK, I was just taking soaking it all up, I didn’t want to forget one moment.

# R E A L A LT W E D D I N G

# A LT M E N S W E A R W E L O V E

We all love a dapper looking chap wearing his finest suit and what is interesting now is that the traditional wedding suit has started to fade and we are now introducing a new adaptation to a groomsman wedding attire.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m loving it! Patterned shirts, bow ties and brightly coloured tweed is surely making its mark and retailers are gripping onto this new fashion with pride and offering some fantastic alternatives to the traditional suit.

Just as massive meringue wedding dresses have fizzled out of style, it is also noted that alternative menswear is on the rise- personally

There are styles to meet everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specification from the borderline traditional type, embracing the vintage style with a more modern twist on a classic. From the quirky with funky patterns, loud enough to be heard and seen from every wedding venue in sight, to the crazy cats with bright colours that simply take everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breath away.

one are the days of bland suits, basic ties and that boring shirt that has been pressed within an inch of its life. We have welcomed with open arms a new way of introducing style that is packed with sass and with a little more personality to the wedding scene. As an avid Pinterest obsessed scroller, I often see amazing ideas that allow the men in our lives to really show of their style by expressing themselves through the world of wedding attire.

# A LT M E N S W E A R W E L O V E

PHOTOGRAPHY: THE WILD LOVE CLUB | SUIT: MASTER DEBONAIR, MARC DARCY DION SUIT. CLAUDIO LUGLI WHITE SUGAR SKULL SHIRT.

# A LT M E N S W E A R W E L O V E

PHOTOGRAPHER: PAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY SUIT: CAVANI (WWW.DANDYTHREADS.CO.UK) BUTTON HOLE: FLOWER MAIDEN (GUISBOROUGH) VENUE: PRESTON HALL MUSEUM WWW.DANDYTHREADS.CO.UK

SUITS: SUITS MR MUNRO NAVY: THE CONNALL | WINE: THE CARLY WWW.MRMUNRO.CO.UK

PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMA RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY JACKET & TROUSERS:GIBSON LONDON WAISTCOAT: PEARLY KING VENUE: NEWBURGH PRIORY WWW.DANDYTHREADS.CO.UK

# A LT M E N S W E A R W E L O V E

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGELA WAITES PHOTOGRAPHY JACKET, WAISTCOAT & TROUSER: PEARLY KING BUTTON HOLE: (DANDYTHREADS OWN) WWW.DANDYTHREADS.CO.UK VENUE: SPA HOTEL SALTBURN

#DIYBRIDE

THE MAKEUP EDITION

DIY weddings is one wedding trend we love.

rom creative couples who design their own decorations to talented pairs who want to provide their own wedding day entertainment; a passion to create a totally individual day has created some truly incredible weddings and some say you can save a lot of money from your wedding budget by ‘going DIY’. One way that some brides are choosing to put their own stamp on their wedding is by doing their own makeup. To some this will sound terrifying and others will be looking forward

to that early morning pamper with their bridal party more than the wedding itself! If you are considering being your own makeup artist we have a TOP 10 of expert tips for you from Makeup Artist and owner of the amazing Makeup Touchup Station – Amy Martin. Amy did her own makeup on her wedding day long before she trained as a makeup artist and now spends most weekends creating beautiful wedding makeup for brides across the North East so she knows a thing or two about wedding day DIY makeup.

#DIYBRIDE

It sounds cliché but ‘be yourself’! If you don’t usually wear much makeup then whipping out a huge winged eye or bright blue lipstick on the most photographed day of your life will probably be something you regret in the future. Equally, if you love to express yourself with makeup then go wild wild-child and create something YOU love – it is your day and your face after all. Practise, practise and then practise some more! Find an image you love from the millions of makeup pics on the internet and then start to create your version of it. Please don’t rock up on the morning of your wedding with an image of Dita Von Teese in your mind if you have never tried so much as a red lip before, your wedding morning should be a fun, relaxing part of your day – not a time of crying over wonky wings. Say “I DON’T” to base or setting products containing chemical SPF or marked as “HD” as they will most likely contain ingredients which respond badly to flash photography. Ever read a gossip mag and seen an images of a celeb who looks like she forgot to dust off her setting powder or didn’t blend her concealer? That is FLASHBACK! The curse of light reflecting makeup! What appears as a flawless face to the naked eye can become a ghostly nightmare on camera. Primer is a must for all skin types. Primer works as a barrier to hold moisture into your skin, as a filler for fine lines and as a base to hold onto your makeup meaning you use less it lasts longer. Primer is life! Choose a face primer to suit your skin type and a separate eye primer so eyeshadow stays vibrant and crease free ALL DAY. Create the WOW factor with your lashes. Depending on your style either invest in a great mascara, grab your favourite brand of falsies or treat yourself to a lash lift or semi permanent lashes for your wedding day. Your beloved will spend a lot of time gazing into your eyes on your wedding day and so the eyes tend to be a focus for most bridal makeup artists. Even the most basic of eyeshadow looks can be greatly enhanced with amazing lashes.

Your wedding day could be great time to treat your skin to a premium brand if you haven’t invested much time or money into your skincare or makeup collection up to now BUT if you are happy with the makeup you have already don’t rush to buy something new just for your wedding day. If you already have base products that suit your skin type and tone perfectly stick with them rather than risk irritation from new products. Say “I DO” to setting products such as setting sprays and very fine setting powders. You want your makeup to stay put through hour and hours of smiles, tears, talking, eating and dancing... it needs all the help it can get... BUT beware... Preparation is EVERYTHING! Start to prepare your skin around 4 months before your wedding day... yep you read right, 4 months before. If the wedding budget can stretch to it, treat yourself to a facial once a month. If money is tight then spend as much as you can afford on a skin care routine to suit your skin type – make sure to include exfoliation, toning and moisturising. You will find it SO much easier to paint your beautiful canvas if it has been well looked after before hand. Blend it baby! Being able to blend your makeup well could be the make or break for your wedding makeup look. A great blending brush is almost magical in the transformation it can create. Invest in tools to help you to create softly blended eyeshadow, blush and foundation such as the Sigma Beauty ‘Most Wanted’ brush set which is a great start to your tools collection. Give yourself time. You want your wedding day to be as enjoyable as possible and memorable for all of the right reasons. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to do your makeup. On average I allow for an hour per person minimum for bridal parties and an hour and a half for the bride. Usually the makeup won’t take that long but it gives me a buffer in case of delays or makeup, hair or wardrobe mishaps. It is MUCH better to be ready early than be rushed out of the door half done on, the most dazzling day of your life.

BY AMY MARTIN - BOMSHELLS & BELLES @BOMBSHELLSANDBELLES

WWW.BOMBSHELLSANDBELLES.COM

Planning an Alternative Wedding BY MICHELLE JONES MJ WEDDING PLANNER

You want to ‘wow’ your guests and offer them something different, create a wedding that’s not like every other wedding, you want to do something alternative? Well, in truth, every single wedding should be different, should be alternative.

t’s quite simple, your wedding should not be like any other wedding. There’s no magic planning secret. As long as you are true to you it will be utterly magical and a hell of a lot of fun! If you create a wedding that is all about you, as a couple, as individuals, celebrating the love you share, the journey you have been on and the path that you dream of, it will be ‘alternative’, it will be ‘different’. It will completely engage with your guests and smack of the ‘wow’ factor. Trying to be different or creating something you believe to be alternative and doing something just because or including elements that aren’t significant and have no meaning; creating a day that is out of balance with your personalities, that’s when it becomes just a wedding and it’s definitely not your wedding. Simplicity in the planning and designing of your perfect day is key. Think about who you both are, what you love, what you dislike, what makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you mad, makes

you happy; what do you both enjoy? What have been your favourite experiences and your worst and where have they been? What food, music, drinks do you crave? What’s your favourite day, season, month, weather, time, place, country? What lights up your senses, which colours feed your eyes, what materials tingle at touch, which smells flare your nostrils, what sounds sing in your ears and which flavours make your mouth water? What atmosphere sets your life on fire. All the answers to these little fundamentals that make you both who you are, feed into making your day different, alternative and not just like any other wedding. They make it your wedding! Wedding planning is a huge project management operation, one that is highly emotive and packed with overwhelming expectation. The perfect alternative wedding day, where do I start I hear you say? Well, you start with you!

I’d love to hear how your day reflected your love, share your story with me. Any planning or design questions, get in touch: michelle@mjweddingplanner.co.uk Championed by Leanne MacDonald – My Mental Health Rocks

Bridal & Gifts L U X U R I O U S W E D D I N G A C C E S S O R I E S, G I F T S & D E C O R

kayleighfalcusgifts@hotmail.com 82

Kayleigh Falcus Bridal & Gifts

@kayleighfalcusgifts

IMAGE: NATHAN DUMLAO

Wedding Anxiety There is much more awareness of mental illness in our society today which is extremely positive and very much needed. The impact a wedding can have on our mental and physical health is significant. BY MICHELLE JONES

t AWM we will shine a light on managing mental health in relation to weddings to help everyone involved from the wedding couple to a wedding supplier. It is vitally important to seek medical professional help if you feel you have a mental illness or wish to ensure you protect your mental health. You must talk through the various options available to you from medical to holistic in managing your mental health with a mental health professional. We at AWM urge anyone to speak out about your mental health, it’s OK not to be OK, even when it comes to your wedding. In this first edition I am going to share with you my story about my mental health challenges and how I never thought I’d be able to walk down the aisle as a Bride. I was diagnosed as Agoraphobic in 2000, the year of the Millennium, a year I’d hoped the world would be opened wide to my dreams but due to illness my world became a bubble of safety that surrounded just my person, I couldn’t even cope with people visiting me. I have chronic long-term illnesses which present symptoms I found difficult to manage, at the time, and I developed a very significant fear of them. I spent much of 2000 in and out of hospital for my physical illnesses but there was no support for my mental illness. Hitting rock bottom, I sourced my own treatment through Hypnotherapy. I worked through accepting my chronic health problems and u nderstanding the panic attacks and anxiety I experienced. Although I returned to University then moved to London following my degree, I was still experiencing awful symptoms and the panic attacks were crippling. I continued to live in a bubble, I was out and about in the working and social world but very much within a tight parameter, I certainly wasn’t achieving what I wished to achieve. I shelved the idea of

MJ WEDDING PLANNER

setting up my own wedding business twice due to my anxiety, I was too frightened of myself. I still struggled to go to new places, try new things, put myself out there, it was debilitating and presented so many barriers. Fast forward a few years and I’d loosened the load so to speak, not much but enough to think about the next steps in my life however walking down the aisle, how was I ever going to do that! My boyfriend proposed to me, elation quickly followed by, how on earth am I going to get married! My boyfriend understood all my illnesses, he felt their impact daily but he was on the journey with me which helped significantly. I like to hide how I feel and keep my challenges to myself but I have learnt this only makes things worse so being honest with my partner about my fears had a positive impact. My wedding anxiety was one thought, ‘what if I am ill that day, what if my symptoms flair, I won’t be able to make the journey, I’d end up having anxiety attack after anxiety attack then I’d be locked in fear and I’d become too frightened and would need to hide away’? Travel is one of my biggest concerns, getting from A to B was still one huge panic attack. I didn’t want to have that feeling on my wedding day, I didn’t want to sit in the car with my Dad and be consumed by anxiety. Even against my own advice, I worried and worried about it which only fed the anxiety. This is how worry and anxiety works, the more you toil with it, the more it loves it and grows and grows and becomes all consuming, like pouring water on a seed. I was having Acupuncture at the time for physical illness so I discussed it with the practitioner and they started treating the anxiety too. I practiced the skills I had been provided through the Hypnotherapy. I discussed how I felt with my GP, my fear of becoming poorly and how best to prevent a flare. I spoke with the wedding car

company explaining my situation and they were amazing, they really understood and we went through the journey in detail marking points I could take some time if I needed. This gave me some power back and I began to relax. I’d be lying if I said I stopped worrying about it completely. I wanted to get married more than anything so the space to relax allowed the ‘want to get married’ to grow bigger than the negative thoughts. When the day came, I woke with butterflies not scary ones but big fat fluttery positive ones. I had a very relaxed enjoyable morning before getting into the wedding car with my Dad. The journey was fun for all the reasons it should have been, my work and plans to prevent anxiety taking over had full affect. My residing memory of the journey is my Dad talking to me about his Will! All of the discussions he could have choose but that’s my Dad. The panic I had built up anticipating this moment was non-existent. At the venue, the sheer exhilaration of what was about to happen was just so amazing, I felt completely alive. I’ll never forget Karen of Ruby Tuesday Events helping me get ready to walk down the aisle, a walk I never imagined I could have done, she looked at me and said, “I’ve never had such a relaxed Bride, you are simply glowing”. I beamed, I did it! I hope my story helps you understand that with support your wedding anxiety can be helped. As a Wedding Planner my own experience helps me support my couples and their family and friends through their wedding anxieties. Anxious? Got a story to share? Let’s talk: michelle@mjweddingplanner.co.uk Championed by Leanne MacDonald – My Mental Health Rocks 83

#SECONDTIMEAROUND

Second time around “Being someone’s first love may be great, but to be someone’s last is beyond perfect.” - Author unknown.

’m doing something next month that I swore blind I would never, ever do again... I’m getting married.

I’m a 42 Mum of two teenagers and I work in the vintage industry. When my first marriage ended, I felt like a failure ( cheery material for a wedding magazine, right?!) and vowed that the only aisle I would ever trot down again would be at the supermarket! Fast forward four years and after meeting my Simon, a chef and single Dad of three gorgeous young men, and my forever love, I’m doing it all again. But this time it feels entirely different, and I like it! I’m older, wiser and my battle scars have made me stronger. First time round I was 21 and went with the flow, I was excited about a wedding. This time I want to be Simon’s wife. Our Summer wedding will have a gothic theme and all the little twists from my red Couture Co dress and skull shaped confetti and black and red drip cake are exactly what we wanted. Our kids are involved and my daughter Katy (16) is my chief bridesmaid, Simon’s sons are his best men. Too old to people please, we’ve gone with our own style and I’m so excited to become Mrs Davies. Interested to hear how other couples felt the second time round, I put up a Facebook status asking for help with this and was inundated with replies, I picked three that really stood out.. First up was Jane and Finn, both in their mid forties: “We had an intimate affair with 30 of our closest friends & family. Married in the town hall, followed by a meal at Wagamama, then sat by the sea drinking & laughing. I think you

learn a lot from the first time. Back then my parents arranged the whole thing. Even though it was lovely, I felt it wasn’t what I wanted deep down inside. This time it was perfect, couldn’t have wished for a better day. Pleasing yourself rather than others is a common theme second time around. Doing things your way. Alison, married to Ian says: “We had a great big one with 100+ people!! I didn’t tell anyone first time I got married (including parents), so I needed to do it ‘properly’ this time! Though when I say properly, being 4 months pregnant and suffering with horrendous morning sickness wasn’t ideal” Last up is Emma and Lee who married in 2016 in a cool AF Alice in Wonderland themed wedding. Her first wedding was, by her own admission, a disaster in more ways than one as an earthquake hit her Caribbean island (fortunately no one was hurt) but had to get married in a damaged hotel which was horrendous. Here’s what Emma said about her 2nd wedding: "I met my 2nd hubby through a friend. We both had kids from previous marriages. We were polar opposites but we clicked from day 1. 6 children between us (1 of our own) and 11 years on we have a house and have just bought a motorhome. He’s my opposite but my world." No one ever gets married thinking it will end, but we are all living proof that life goes on after divorce and second marriages can be truly wonderful.

BY EMMA ADAMS - EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP EXT_THROUGH._THE_GIFT_SHOP

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EMMA & SIMON

SUPPLIERS PHOTOGRAPHER: CAZ HOLBROOK PHOTOGRAPHY | CAKE: JADES HUMBLE BAKES, LEDBURY FLOWERS: THE FABULOUS FLORIST, LEDBURY | RINGS AND PENDANT: HELLCAT JEWELLERY VENUE: GUPSHILL MANOR | DRESS: THE COUTURE COMPANY 85

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