Plymouth Wedding February 2017
Special
Creative inspiration at The Wedding Hub
Meet The Swing Kings
Magical moments with Kristien Making the right moves at The Dance Shed
plymouth magazine the
WEDDING CATERING AT ITS BEST From a delicious sit down meal to informal festival style food, from a mediterranean hot buffet to fancy canapés. The choices are as big as your imagination. We are here to make your dream come true. We are the premier wedding planner in the South West of England.
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Mount Edgcumbe...
...where dreams come true With three licensed rooms and an outdoor summer house for civil ceremonies plus two stunning reception venues, the choice is yours. New for 2017 - bespoke elopement packages. Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, Cremyll, Torpoint PL10 1HZ Tel: 01752 822236 email: edgcumbeweddings@plymouth.gov.uk, www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk
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PLH Mag_Feb.indd 1
05/01/2017 The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
13:55:23
Getting married? Here are some fresh ideas... Weddings are big business in Plymouth and this special supplement is designed to provide some fresh ideas for couples who are planning to get married. It is also a platform for businesses and individuals to promote their products and services. There are some fantastic wedding venues in and around the city and a number of them are featured in this supplement. We have taken the opportunity to tell you more about some of the talented suppliers from Plymouth who help make the big day even more special. At the end of last year we ran a competition inviting local wedding photographers to submit their favourite image with the prospect of the best one being featured on the front cover of our special wedding supplement. The winning image was taken by local photographer Michelle Letts, who runs Little Star Images. We asked Plymouth Magazine readers to select their favourite image from the three chosen for the shortlist - and Michelle’s photo was the clear winner. Nearly 750 votes were cast and Michelle secured well over half of them for her photo taken in Devonport Park. Michelle, who has a home studio in Crownhill, started her photographic business three years ago, mainly specialising in photos of new born Michelle Letts babies. A former accountant, she turned her hobby into a successful enterprise and now also has many wedding bookings all over the South West. Of her winning image Michelle said: “The couple had their wedding at Plymouth Albion’s ground, which did not provide too many special photo opportunities. “I suggested Devonport Park because I knew the bandstand would provide an ideal backdrop. They had not been to the park before and thought it was perfect. It was a military wedding, so it made for a great photo.”
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Michelle can be contacted on 07487 709968.
INSIDE
Meet The Swing Kings - page 6
31 Devonport Rd, Stoke, Plymouth, PL3 4DJ 01752 606099
Lighting up the special event - page 10
• • • •
Individual Lashes Hot stone Massage Gel colour polish Intimate waxing
• Pedicures • Facials • CND Acrylics Nail extensions
Wedding Offer Bride has free acrylic extensions
Making all the right moves - page 14
when 3 or more of the Bridal party have acrylic Nail extensions *Only with this advert. T&C’s apply
Book online www.karismanails.co.uk The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
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Play your cards right with the Wedding Game If you’re scratching your head over how to get your wedding reception off to a cracking start with everyone mingling and having fun right from the off, then a new personalised card game launched by Plymouth businesswomen Laura Joint could be just what you’re looking for.
The cards have questions about the couple with the correct answer and two spoof wrong answers. Each table has a pack, with each guest taking a card with a quiz question for the rest of the table to answer. Laura explained: “It brings something completely new to the table, literally, and it helps to remove those awkward silences that can often break out. Laura, a former BBC journalist, got the idea after writing several life stories, some of them ‘potted’ versions for couples getting married: “In the biographies I interview people and write up their stories. The idea of doing a card quiz that reveals quirky, funny or interesting facts about the couples came out of that. “They just need to send me a selection of questions with the correct and two incorrect answers, plus a couple of nice head shots and the date of their wedding and I create their personalised cards. “I think the ideal mix is a selection of questions about each of them and some about them as a couple as well. The questions can be as silly, sensible or as romantic as they like, although I personally think that silly is good! It’s just a bit of fun although the wedding couples might want to give a little prize to each table winner and the cards can double up as a wedding favour too,” she added. The game, which has a registered trademark, has already been embraced by The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, who are keen to promote the game to their wedding couples. Leila Nottage, the hotel’s director of marketing said: “Laura has offered us the opportunity to create a branded version of the game featuring the established fleur-de-lys from our logo, which will replace the hearts. We think this is a great way to personalise your wedding and get your guests talking!” The cards are printed by a local firm, Significant Signs, so they’re 100% ‘Made in Plymouth’. Prices start from £199.
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the Wedding Game 01752 295944 www. theweddinggame.co.uk
The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
THE DUKE
Mini Wedding Collection THURSDAY 16TH MARCH 2017, 5-8PM
GETTING MARRIED?
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW
Join us for a truly special wedding show and discover how the Duke of Cornwall Hotel could make the perfect setting for your big day. Come and fall in love with Plymouth’s most magical wedding venue.
Visit EVENTBRITE.CO.UK (Search ‘Duke Mini Collection’) This FREE event is open to engaged couples only.
AT THE DUKE OF CORNWALL HOTEL PLYMOUTH T 01752 275850 E weddings@thedukeofcornwall.co.uk @TheDukePlymouth www.thedukeofcornwall.co.uk/wedding-collection Image: Toby Lowe Photography
Wedding Car Specialists
01752 788724 | 07773 262385 88 Peverell Park Road PL3 4ND www.plymouthexecutivecars.com info@plymouthexecutivecars.com
Hine Marquees Marquee Hire in Devon and Cornwall Allow our expertise to give you your perfect day
The Swing Kings Music plays a big part in making the special day memorable - but entertainers are not always in tune with the what the happy couple want to hear.
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The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
Award-winning duo The Swing Kings have gained an enviable reputation for providing a unique and tailored entertainment service which allows the bride and groom to choose their own wedding music and help create their own show. The Swing Kings, who are based in Plymouth, came into being five years ago when soloists Richard Godefroy and Danny Jones were performing at a local music showcase. Richard, 31, said: “I hadn’t met Danny before, but after hearing him sing I approached him and asked if he had ever considered being part of a duo. “We hit it off straight away and initially did a few local gigs and soon got the first wedding under our belts. It was so successful that we decided weddings were the way to go and haven’t looked back since.” Using the latest in sound and light technology The Swing Kings deliver a memorable sound and visual performance to the wedding venue. Richard said: “We believe it’s important for the couple to hear their favourite music on their big day. Many of us have heard of wedding singers or DJs who just aren’t in tune with the audience and their musical needs - often playing the wrong songs at the wrong time and ignoring personal music requests.” The Swing Kings offer a range of packages to suit the occasion. These include a daytime package with an hour of live singing plus background music, an evening singing only offering with two 45 minute sets, first dance request and background music or a singing and DJ package, complete with full sound and light set up. They also offer an all day package with a mix of live singing, background music and DJ providing entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening. “If couples can’t find the package they are looking for we can create one specially for them incorporating all their ideas and wishes,” said Richard. The Swing Kings have a huge repertoire covering classic swing, ratpack, rock and roll and popular music everything from Frank Sinatra to One Direction!
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For more information visit www.theswingkings.co.uk
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For your perfect Wedding Day
Licensed for civil ceremonies Set in 100 acres of spectacular South Hams countryside yet only minutes away from Plymouth Choice of three recently refurbished ceremony and function rooms One of the largest function rooms in the South West seats up to 200 guests South facing sun terrace with beautiful views A golf buggy to transport you to the lake on our golf course for photographs Four poster bridal suite with spa bath 36 guest rooms, spa and gym facilities Dedicated wedding coordinator Extensive complimentary parking Hen & Stag packages available
Visit our Wedding Open Day on the 19th of March from 11am to 4pm! Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon PL7 5EB | 01752 336 428 | www.elfordleigh.co.uk The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
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Castle Hill, Filleigh, North Devon
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Choose from the splendour of the West Wing or the romance of the Holwell Temple
50 acres of picture perfect gardens Every wedding at Castle Hill is truly unique and exclusively yours
www.castlehilldevon.co.uk Telephone 01598 760421 - direct line to Marie for Weddings and Events
All-inclusive Wedding package to include … Red carpet arrival
Welcome drinks for all your guests
Three course wedding breakfast followed by tea & coffee Sparkling wine for the toasts
Chair covers & colour co-ordinated sashes Colour co-ordinated balloon package Single tier cake stand & knife Disco with our resident DJ Evening finger buffet
King suite for the bride and groom on the night of the wedding (b&b basis)
£1800*
*Based on 30 Day Guests, 45 Evening Guests
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www.futureinns.co.uk
The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
The Wedd - inspiring c Plymouth boasts many talented individuals and organisations who provide a range of products and services for the local wedding industry. One of them is local mum Danielle Donnelly who launched Faithful Designs, a bespoke wedding stationery and styling service in 2011 – and since then has won a host of awards for her work. Not content with running her own successful business, Danielle launched The Wedding Hub two years ago to provide a showcase for the many creatives working in the city. “I met so many talented people who, like me, were working from home and realised that there was the potential to provide a focal point for all this creativity,” said Danielle. “Since starting up my wedding stationery business I’ve learned a great deal, come up against a mountain of obstacles and made some truly wonderful friends who continue to be my inspiration because of how talented and dedicated they are.” “We all work so very hard to reach our goals and I know first hand how tough we are on ourselves.” Danielle was determined to find premises that would provide a shop window for the many suppliers she had met and formed relationships with. After a brief spell located in Stoke Village, Danielle took over larger premises in Waterloo Street, Stoke. She describes it as ‘a creative wedding space for couples and suppliers to find inspiration.’ “Right from the beginning I wanted to help and offer other creative wedding folk a space to showcase and sell their work, a place that really complements and focuses on their worth and talents as providers of unique hand crafted products. “I want The Wedding Hub to be a place where couples can come to be inspired, somewhere they can find a collection of what I believe to be some of the best suppliers of bespoke loveliness in the wedding industry.” The Wedding Hub now works with dozens of local suppliers, with a number of them displaying products in the Waterloo Street shop, everything from cake toppers to wedding dresses. Danielle also runs workshops at Waterloo Street covering subjects such as calligraphy, knitting, sewing
ding Hub creativity -
Say ‘I Do’
and painting. She is now actively searching for even larger premises in the Devonport area, where there would be space available for other suppliers to come together under one roof. “We feel it would great to have a venue where we can not only display products but also hold workshops and seminars and invite suppliers from further afield to come to Plymouth,” said Danielle.
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For more information visit www.thewedhub.com or call 07595 533287
A beautiful Grade I listed building in the heart of historic Plymouth The perfect space for your special day. Call us now on 01752 395028 to arrange a viewing.
devonportguildhall.org
Dartmoor Horse Drawn Carriage Tours A Surrey with Fringe on Top can be hired for your wedding or birthday celebrations! Our carriage has seats for 6 in front behind the driver and more room for 6 adults or 8 children at the back of the carriage on seats facing in, 12 in total. The carriage is similar to the landau that takes royalty to Royal Ascot. Fairfax Luxmoore, 7 Acre Cottages, Stoke Damerel, Plymouth, PL14QS
01752318087
Fairfaxluxmoore@gmail.com www.plymouth-self-catering.co.uk/dartmoor.cfm
The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
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LIGHTING UP THE SPECIAL OCCASION
Wedding couples can now have their name in lights - literally - thanks to South West Letter Lights, who are based near Plymouth. The enterprise was launched just two years ago by father and son Alan and Richard Godefroy and their letter lights are one of the most popular wedding enhancements to date. Richard has worked in the wedding industry for several years, performing in the award-winning wedding band The Swing Kings. He was performing at a wedding in the Midlands three years ago and saw letter lights for the first time. Richard said: “I thought they were fantastic and after a lot of research I discovered there was no-one supplying them in the South West.” He and his father Alan - who has been working in decorating and interior design for 25 years - have established a workshop in Yealmpton where another member of the family, brother-in-law carpenter and joiner Michael Francis makes the lights. “Each light is made with total care
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and attention to ensure the highest possible quality,” said Richard. “Our individual letters measure four feet high by just under three feet wide. All letter lights are finished in eggshell white and house 3W Warm White Led bulbs which are cold to the touch. “We started with the letters for LOVE and now have multiples of the alphabet as well as several sets of LOVE. MR & MRS is also very popular, but we can almost supply any word you like. We have a lot of stock or we can make more letters in our workshop. “They are really popular and add something really special to the couple’s big day.” The letters - which are only for use indoors - are easy to install with a standard 5amp UK plug and a two metre long power cable. They can be hired by contacting South
The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
West Letter Lights by phone or online. The standard hire period is 24 hours and South West Letter Lights offer free delivery and collection within 20 miles of Plymouth.
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For more information visit www. southwestletterlights.co.uk or Facebook at www.facebook. com/southwestletterlights
Book your dream wedding here. Spring | Summer weddings – what a beautiful setting…
Autumn | Winter weddings – the magical feel of the darker evenings…
The Orangery and gardens are simply stunning in the spring and summertime.
There’s nothing like being by the coast on a crisp winter day with all your loved ones and friends.
Live music on the lawn, homemade scones being served, whilst the hog is turning. The sun is beaming and the Champagne and Pimms are flowing. It doesn’t get better than this.
Wintertime in this historic venue is the most romantic and picturesque setting of all. Candelabras glowing, heating roaring, and guests toasting mulled wine under the moonlight. Perfect.
Formal dining Three course wedding breakfast
Relaxed dining Out door hog roast, barbeques and buffets in full English tradition.
The Orangery, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cornwall, PL10 1HZ Tel: 01752 822 586
www.theorangerymountedgcumbe.co.uk
Magic moments with Kristien Harris Weddings are always magical occasions - but there’s even more magic on offer with close up artist extraordinaire and street entertainer Kristien Harris. Plymouth-based Kristien began his venture as a professional magician three years ago - but his passion for magic started many years before that. “I did my first gig at the age of 17, but I’ve always been interested in magic, and anything that seemed magical to me – such as poetry or painting,” said Kristien. “There were a couple reasons why I began to take it more seriously around the age of 12. One story is that my Grandad used to keep a pocket knife which he would take with him when visiting garden centres. “He would walk around making discreet clippings of all the different plants he wanted so he wouldn’t have to pay for them. I always saw that as a great example of sleight of hand! My Dad also used to play a lot of cards. He was the one who taught me how to cut a deck of cards with one hand.”
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Kristien has come a long way from the days when cutting a deck of cards was his proudest feat. He now specialises in close up entertainment, sleight of hand, table top ruses, card tricks, illusions with small objects such as coins, as well as beginning to work on his street entertainment routine. Having worked with the BBC, St Austell Brewery, Plymouth University and The Treasury to name just a few, Kristien is confident in his ability to wow his audience, whether he’s working a private party or a corporate event. Kristien’s attitude is cool and casual, with a nonintrusive mix and mingle approach to his tableside magicianship. Affiliated with the Plymouth Magic Circle and the Cornish Magic Society, Kristien provides a fun and unique addition to the special day. Whether it’s to delight guests during the photos, or to entertain table
The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
side during the evening reception, the happy couple can rest assured that the party will be live and kicking with Kristien’s cheeky chappy charm working its magic.
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For more information visit www. kristienharris.com or find him on Facebook as Harris Magic. To book call 07974 488379.
bespoke jewellery from Nicola Hurst Available to buy instore and online at www.nicolahurst.co.uk Nicola makes jewellery on the premises. Commissions and repairs undertaken. 65 Hyde Park Rd, Plymouth, PL3 4JN Tel: 01752 228000
Licensed for civil ceremonies
Beautiful 4-Poster and Deluxe suites
Weddings from 10-250
Accommodation discounts for guests
Bespoke menus
Individually tailored packages
Dedicated Wedding Co-ordinators
Memories that last forever
Millbay Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3LD | T: 01752 220782 E: weddings@newcontinental.co.uk | W: www.newcontinental.co.uk
To the world you may be one person...
...to one person you are the world ... The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
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Pro dancer Melissa helping couples and guests make all the right moves! Photo by Matthew Joseph
With a passion for dancing from the age of three, you could say that Melissa Fensom was born to dance. From child dancer to stage professional, Melissa is now helping to bring a wow factor to wedding receptions by teaching wedding dances to couples, as well as hen party dances and flash mob dances for guests to surprise the bride and groom. Melissa, from Plympton, set up her business, The Dance Shed, in 2014 after a recurring back injury brought a premature end to her dance career. “I started ballet lessons when I was three and dancing was always what I wanted to do as a career. My parents encouraged me to consider other options because a dancer’s career tends
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to be quite short but they could also see my determination and passion. They fully supported me and made it possible for me to train professionally. I had a very successful career and I loved every minute of it.” Melissa’s career took her to venues across the UK and Europe in a wide variety of shows. But when her back injury grew gradually worse Melissa was forced to retire when she was 28: “That was devastating news for me, a very sad time.” Her love of dance meant she was always going to find a new way of continuing in the profession, however. With The Dance Shed, she teaches children aged from 2½ to adults, and she also specialises in choreographing and teaching dances for weddings.
The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
“Where the dance is for the bride and groom, it’s usually a song that means something to them as a couple,” said Melissa. “So it’s a song that they choose and the dance will be one that they’re comfortable and happy with. It’s completely bespoke and personal so the dance is choreographed 100% for them. “The very first one I did was a Charleston with comedy elements; others are romantic. I’ve choreographed wedding songs that range from rock to ballads. “The men can sometimes be a bit unsure to start with but at the end of the first lesson they admit that they are really enjoying it,” she added. “It challenges their preconceptions of dance and they grow in confidence very quickly.”
The lessons are usually in three one-hour sessions, held two weeks apart, and completed one week before the wedding: “But they must practice in between,” said Melissa. “If we find that an idea doesn’t work we’ll try something else.” Melissa also teaches dances for hen parties. The 90-minute session can be held in a studio during the day or in the evening at a space at Annabel’s nightclub on the Barbican, with cocktails thrown in. “All the hen dances I’ve done have been great fun, we’ve laughed and laughed,” said Melissa. “And they can do the dance they’ve learned at the wedding as well.” Stag party dances and flash mob dances are also popular, and bridesmaids are increasingly choosing to learn a dance to surprise the couple on the big day. Melissa can also choreograph a dance for flower girls and page boys. “I think Strictly Come Dancing has got a lot to do with why people want to learn to dance now,” she said. “It has shown that it’s possible and that age is no barrier for dance. You just have to give it a go and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. It’s a really memorable thing to do at a
wedding; it makes it even more special. Afterwards, it’s what everyone seems to talk about.” And Melissa added: “I absolutely love teaching dances for weddings! I always think of them on the day and it’s lovely to see the photos afterwards. The feedback is great too. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to hear how the dance really added to everyone’s enjoyment on the day.” Contact Melissa to discuss a bespoke dance for your wedding.
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The Dance Shed 07889 981290 www.the-dance-shed.co.uk
The Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery also showcases a wide range of distinctly modern rings, made by hand “luxurious wearable pieces” “unique collections” “innovative designs” “rare, self indulgent” at the Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery www.victoriasewart.com jewellery@victoriasewert.com Tel:01752 220011
39 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LE
Enjoy your dream day at
Dartington Hall combines medieval grandeur, natural beauty, exceptional food and comfortable accommodation, and our experienced team are committed to making your wedding the most special day of your lives. Our award-winning venue can host weddings of all shapes and sizes, with flexible packages allowing you to create the wedding you want. We also welcome and cater for civil weddings. Come and see us at one of our Wedding Open Days on 26 February 2017, 10 September 2017 or 3 December 2017 between 11am and 3pm or our Wedding Fair on 23 April 2017 between 11am and 3pm
Contact our experienced Wedding Coordinator on 01803 847145 or email bookings@dartingtonhall.com
The Plymouth Magazine Wedding Special 2017
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