Cornish Issue 42 - 2016
Up, Up and Away ... So, how long before the big day? For some of you, it’s probably just around the corner and you’ve been in full planning mode for ages. For others, the whole exciting process is just beginning and you’re positively itching to get out there and get started. But you will need some help and some inspiration. It’s been 16 years since we published the first issue of Cornish Brides magazine and it has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege for me to have edited each and every issue. It is impossible to put a figure on the number of brides that we have inspired over the years, but there is no doubt that it runs into tens of thousands and that’s a wonderful feeling. When I think of all the brides-to-be who have turned the pages of Cornish Brides since 2000, it makes me quite humble, although very proud and I know that vast numbers of those brides have found inspiration on these very pages and hopefully, you are one of them. Looking back at the letters and emails we have received over the years, it is quite clear that Cornish Brides has played a hugely important role in the wedding preparations of so many couples and I am so very glad that I have had the chance to meet many of those brides at our Cornish Brides Shows over the years. Your positive comments and feedback has, in turn, inspired us to keep on inspiring you and what a joy that has been. My job has taken me around the globe and whilst it’s a bit of a cliché when you hear someone say ‘I’ve got the best job in the world’, in my case, I truly believe that! Of course, there have been a lot of changes in the wedding industry since we published the first issue of Cornish Brides and it’s fair to say that we have seen a lot of businesses come and go over the years. Like most things in life, weddings tend to go through phases - fads and trends come along, have their day and then disappear and we’ve certainly seen our share of, shall we say, the more whimsical side of the wedding industry. But it seems to me that at the root of every wedding, there lies a deep and unbending commitment of love and devotion between a couple and that is what every wedding should be based on. The number of guests you invite to share your nuptials is irrelevant; the amount of money you spend is immaterial. The only thing that matters is that you get the day you want. From where I am sitting, it seems that brides-to-be have come full circle and are now favouring a more traditional wedding day, with less of the whimsy and wacky aspects that have been around for the last couple of years. Couples want simplistic sophistication; they want a beautiful day, shared with close family and friends in a stunning location and fortunately, that is exactly what Cornwall can offer you. So, drawing on my experience at the helm of Cornish Brides for 16 years, the best piece of advice I can give you - whether your wedding day is looming within the next couple of months or you are just starting out on your journey - is to decide what it is you want from your big day and then do it your way. Your wedding day should be the most important and perfect day of your life, so do what’s best for you. Happy wedding planning and may we all live happy ever after.
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what’s in store ...
FRONT COVER : A Country Wedding Photography: Grant Lampard Photography Hair: Emilie’s Professional Hair Make-up: Kathryn Sevier Flowers: Art of Flowers Cornwall Model: Jess Black
www.cornishbrides.co.uk Publisher & Head of Sales Colin Robinson Editor-in-Chief Janice Robinson Features Contributor Neill Mabbott Administrator Kirsty Forbes
Tel: 0785 583 5186 info@cornishbrides.co.uk www.facebook.com/cornish.brides/
The inclusion of any article or advertisement in this publication does not constitute any form of accreditation by the Editor. Every effort is made to ensure that advertisements appear correctly. However, no responsibility can be accepted for errors to individual advertisements. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY ADVERTISEMENT WHICH WE CONSIDER TO BE UNSUITABLE OR INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PUBLICATION. © Cornish Brides and/or individual advertisers or contributors. All rights reserved. No part, written or visual, of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.
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Amanda Wyatt www.amandawyatt.com
Amanda Wyatt www.amandawyatt.com
Benjamin Roberts www.benjaminroberts.co.uk
Benjamin Roberts www.benjaminroberts.co.uk
Charlotte Balbier www.charlottebalbier.com
Charlotte Balbier www.charlottebalbier.com
Stephanie Allin www.stephanieallin.net
Galia Lahav www.galialahav.com
Eliza Jane Howell www.elizajanehowell.com
Eliza Jane Howell www.elizajanehowell.com
Ellis Bridal www.ellisbridals.co.uk
Ellis Bridal www.ellisbridals.co.uk
Sanyukta Shrestha www.sanyuktashrestha.com
Sanyukta Shrestha www.sanyuktashrestha.com
Sonsie Collection by Veromia Bridal www.veromia.co.uk
Sonsie Collection by Veromia Bridal www.veromia.co.uk
Nymphi Design www.nymphidesign.com
Qiana Bridal www.qianabridal.co.uk
Novia D’Art www.noviadart.com
Novia D’Art www.noviadart.com
Novia D’Art www.noviadart.com
Ian Stuart www.ianstuart-bride.com
Ian Stuart www.ianstuart-bride.com
Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Barrett www.lynashworth.co.uk
Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Barrett www.lynashworth.co.uk
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
Hermione Harbutt www.hermioneharbutt.com
Rachel Simpson Shoes www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk
Andrew Geoghegan www.andrewgeoghegan.com
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
Keli Thompson www.kelithompson.co.uk
Lia Goncalves www.joalhariadeautor.com
Papillon Rouge www.papillon-rouge.co.uk
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
Harriet Wilde www.harrietwilde.com
The Season Hats www.theseasonhats.co.uk
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
Nicki Macfarlane www.nickimacfarlane.com
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
Freya Rose www.freyarose.com
Sammie Jo Coxon www.sammiejocoxon.com
Amanda Wyatt www.amndawyatt.com
aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ... aisle style ...
Manor Fashions The outfit experts situated near Helston
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE and MOTHER OF THE GROOM Outfits, Hats, Fascinators, Shoes and Bags
Call Ann for your appointment
01326 561455 www.manorfashions.co.uk
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day Birth d r 3 our rating Celeb Stylish Bridal Boutique in the heart of historic Launceston
Stunning Collections from ROMANTICA OF DEVON TIFFANY BRIDAL VICTORIA KAY BLUSH All dresses under £1,000 with many available from just £195
Bridesmaids’ Dresses from Tiffany Serenade Shoes, Veils and Accessories No appointments needed during normal hours Out-of-hours appointments available Friendly, helpful service in a relaxed environment
12 Church Street, Launceston PL15 8AP
01566 778989
www.lowenbridal.co.uk
JaneLouise Beautiful Occasion and Evening Wear
Mother of the Bride Outfits We stock a large range of stunning designer outfits for Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom
We also have a massive selection of accessories, including shoes, bags and jewellery. Also, Prom and Evening Wear Sizes 6-26
5 Pike Street Liskeard PL14 3JE
01579 348304 www.janelouisecornwall.co.uk
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A COUNTRY WEDDING t o o h to S Pho
A COUNTRY WEDDING The Venue : Cornish Tipi Weddings www.cornishtipiweddings.co.uk Photography and Styling : Grant Lampard www.facebook.com/grantlampardphotography Dresses : Budeiful Brides www.facebook.com/budeifulbrides Dresses and Groomswear : Little Anne Maids www.littleanne-maids.co.uk Hair : Emilie’s Professional Hair www.facebook.com/emiliesprohair Make up : Kathryn Sevier www.kathrynsevier.wix.com/studio13newquay Ice Cream Cart : Jack Benny www.facebook.com/Bennysorganicicecream Jewellery : Maya at Papillon Rouge www.facebook.com/papillonrougejewellery Flowers : Jules at Art of Flowers www.artofflowerscornwall.co.uk Arch : Chris at Meltwood Designs www.meltwooddesigns.co.uk Models : Jess Black and Rob Brown
BRIDAL
Beauty
Every so often a product comes onto the market which is really innovative and, more importantly, it actually works. Well, allow us to introduce you to Moroccanoil, a haircare range that really will make a difference to the way you treat your hair.
Check out the full range of Moroccanoil hair and beauty products. Moroccanoil was inspired by the transformative power of Argan Oil. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this age-old beauty secret has many uses; helping to hydrate and soften your hair, increase elasticity and consistently restore shine to dull, lifeless hair. Argan trees grow and tenaciously survive in semi-desert areas of the Mediterranean. Their deep roots and small leaves allow the tree to resist arid winds and water loss, resulting in a nut with a unique oil profile. Pure argan oil is a rare and precious oil that is harvested and extracted from the nut of the argan tree and for centuries, women across the Mediterranean have used argan oil in their beauty regimes for vibrant, healthy looking skin and hair. Moroccanoil set out to create a unique canvas for all hair-care styling and their signature product, Moroccanoil Treatment, is the perfect foundation for your hair. Complete with both styling and conditioning benefits, this award-winning formula creates long lasting smoothness, increases manageability, speeds up the blowdrying process and boosts shine.
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www.moroccanoil.com
Every bride-to-be knows how important it is to get a good night’s sleep during the build-up to her big day, but with all the stresses of a wedding, many brides find it difficult to relax, let alone sleep. So, allow us to introduce you to the Good Night Balm by 1001 Remedies the perfect sleep remedy for brides who are feeling the stress and are desperate for sleep. This is the perfect antidote to relax an anxious bride-to-be; a rich relaxing balm created from Melissa Essential Oil to help calm and sooth you. The delicate fragrance will help you drift off into a peaceful sleep and you’ll wake feeling refreshed and re-vitalised. www.1001remedies.com
Sometimes it is difficult to know what the best treatments are and which routines to follow to ensure you look your best on your wedding day. Most brides are keen to drop a few pounds, lose a couple of inches around the waist and bottom and have shiny hair and glowing skin on their big day. So if you feel you need a little help to achieve these goals, Nutritional Therapist, Angelique Panagos, is on hand with helpful tips, guidance and encouragement. Her online programme is perfect to ensure you have that bridal glow, feel fantastic and stay healthy; let’s face it, nobody wants to feel ill in the run up to or on their wedding day! www.angeliquepanagos.com
St Kitts Herbery in Camelford is delighted to introduce its latest creation, Amber Musk perfume. This wonderfully layered scent contains fruity top notes of plum, cassis, mandarin, apple and peach, blended over vanilla, amber, musk, jasmine and rose to form a deep, sensuous fragrance. A warming, musky scent that is perfect for those long evenings, whether you’re heading for a night on the town or curling up in front of the fire. Beautifully packaged, this sensual perfume is ideal as a gift or a treat for yourself. View the full range of St. Kitts Herbery products on the website. www.stkittsherbery.co.uk
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Your Perfect Day Voted 'Best Wedding Venue in Cornwall' for the third year running, take your wedding vows against the great sweep of Porthminster beach, with a backdrop of golden sands, open skies and clear blue waters. A truly idyllic venue for your wedding celebration, St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa complements the surrounding natural beauty with elegant and contemporary décor and with 46 stylish bedrooms, it is the perfect venue for your guests to relax in luxury after the celebrations. With spectacular views across golden sands and clear blue waters, the Harbour Suite is the perfect place to take your vows. Bright and airy, with wide spanning windows to drink in the scenery, this sun-drenched venue is licensed for up to 150 people to share in the most important moment of your life. As the ceremony concludes, guests can head out through the trellised archway, to the private Lower Wedding Terrace, with beautiful inter-twined jasmine arches and a silk-draped area, overlooking the immaculate lawn, complete with seating and a bar set-up for your drinks reception before you head down to the water's edge for your breath-taking beach photos.
Enjoying the same incredible views, the hotel's unique Godrevy Sands Suite can be transformed into your dream setting, whether it's a relaxed beach themed wedding, romantic and chic, sleek and elegant ... you are free to add all the individual touches and details that make your day truly unique and your guests can enjoy every inch of this stunning location as they drift out onto a private terrace to soak up the sun and savour the views. Seating up to 80, your wedding breakfast commences with the head table set against a backdrop of sweeping sea views as you and your guests enjoy one of the hotel’s delicious local flavour menus.
For couples who would prefer a more relaxed and informal affair, why not use the outdoor gazebo and terrace; perfect for a BBQ or beach buffet overlooking the water. Accommodating up to 250 guests for your evening event, outdoor options for BBQs and live cooking are available and as dusk falls, the evening entertainment - with band or DJ - gets underway in the Godrevy Sands Suite. The lights dim, the music starts and everyone gathers round to enjoy your first dance together as husband and wife.
With such an idyllic location and so much to explore in the local area, from messing about on the water to scenic coastal strolls, beach-combing and ambling around picturesque St. Ives with its cobbled streets bursting with boutiques, restaurants and bars, extending your stay over a few days will mean your wedding is a real event for friends and family to enjoy. And when the celebrations are over, you’ll be left with wonderful memories of the most perfect wedding in the most ideal location.
www.stives-harbour-hotel.co.uk
All photography by Cruz Photography
ONE STOP WEDDING & PARTY SHOP COVERING ALL OF CORNWALL
Organising your wedding takes a lot of time and energy and sourcing the right suppliers to turn your dream day into a reality is not always easy. But help is at hand in the form of Divine Divine - your one stop wedding and party shop based in the beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Bodmin. Here, you will find all the help you need with Emma and her wonderful team on hand to help with the planning and decorating of your venue as well as your chair covers, catering, flowers and event styling. They can even help with your wedding dress as they stock new and previously-loved dresses, prom dresses, mother-of-the-bride and special occasionwear, not to mention shoes, bags, fascinators and jewellery! At Divine Divine, you can hire linen, chocolate fountains and sweet treats and the professional team can take care of all your venue décor with packages to suit all budgets and occasions. Your catering needs are also well taken care of as Divine Divine offer a five-star service ranging from afternoon teas and delicious canapés to finger bufets, hot fork buffets and elaborate sit-down meals for 5-500 guests. The studio is fully equipped and set-up to showcase the best of Cornish wedding suppliers who Divine Divine recommend, including Cruz Photography, Snazzy Balloons, Handsome Momento Photo Booths, The Pavilion Centre Wedding Venue, Classic Car Hire, Stephanie Stevens Handmade Jewellery, Paper Gardens, Humblee Bumblee Cakery, DJ for All Occasions, Hair and Makeup by Neila, Sew-Jennarous and Handmade by Cards’n’Things. So, you can organise as much of your wedding or special occasion as you want all under one roof at one time! For more information, to book an appointment or to obtain a free quotation, visit www.divinedivine.co.uk or call Emma on 01208 269007 or 0771 825 3949
NEW and EXCLUSIVE at the Divine Divine Studio! Nail & Beauty Bar every Friday with hair and make-up artist, Neila Dawes offering facials, manicures, make-overs and pedicures. The studio also offers Hen Party packages including a mini treatment, glass of bubbly, canapé reception or a Cornish Cream Tea with homemade cake from Humblee Bumblee Cakery (the coconut and sour cherry cake is a firm favourite).
Divine Divine recommended suppliers: Cruz Photography (www.cruzphotography.co.uk) Handsome Momento Photo Booths (www.handsomemomento.co.uk) Paper Gardens (www.papergardens.co.uk) The Pavilion Centre Wedding Venue (www.pavilioncentre.co.uk) Snazzy Balloons (www.snazzyballoons.co.uk) Weddings by Neila (www.weddingsbyneila.co.uk) Handmade by Cards’n’Things (www.facebook.com/HandmadebyCardsnThings) DJ for All Occasions (www.djsi-cornishweddings.co.uk) Sew Jennarous (www.facebook.com/SewJennarous) Classic Car Hire (www.loveweddingscornwallco.uk) Humblee Bumblee Cakery (www.humbleebumbleecakery.com) Stephanie Stevens Handmade Jewellery (www.stephaniestevensjewellery.co.uk)
Wedding & Party Studio
"We are passionate about what we do; our aim is to make your day PERFECT!" Coldrenick Farm Offices • Helland • Bodmin PL30 4QE 01208 269007 • 0771 825 3949 www.divinedivine.co.uk Wedding Planning
info@divinedivine.co.uk
Party Planning
If you would like more information on our services or would like to arrange a complimentary Wedding or Party Consultation, please get in touch using the contact details above.
Confetti Capers Loving these new Confetti Pops from our friends at Shropshire Petals. We all know that throwing confetti at a wedding is a must, but it has just got even more exciting. With a ‘push and a pop’ a delicate shower of confetti explodes over the happy couple for a magical confetti moment. Confetti Pops are filled with beautiful natural petal confetti, in a range of colours. Also new from Shropshire Petals are these adorable Petal Pouches. Each hesian bag is adorned with a handprinted heart and filled with confetti of your choice. Perfect for handing to your guests, hanging on chairs at the ceremony or attaching to your Order of Service cards. www.shropshirepetals.com
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Jazz up your venue with this fun Bubbly Bunting. Made up of eight 11cm tall mini cork Champagne bottles made from natural Portuguese cork, newlyweds are hanging this bunting on the walls, chairs and tables of their reception venues as a stunning finishing touch. www.xlcork.com
Made With Love Designs have launched a range of stunning new wedding signs, taking inspiration from the current trend for all things metallic, to add a little sparkle to your wedding. www.madewithlovedesigns.co.uk
These personalised crackers are a sure way of raising a smile amongst your guests. Perfect for table decorations and favours, they can be tailored to your big day with a choice of colours and styles as well as a gift range to suit every budget. Forget paper hats and bad jokes, these crackers will delight your guests because each one will have been chosen with that guest in mind. www.simplycrackers.co.uk
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Loving the stunning collection of wedding fragrances from the Yankee Candle Company. Whether you’re looking for a special gift for the happy couple, a thoughtful favour for your bridesmaids or simply want to fill your reception venue with subtle elegant fragrances, these candles will definitely help you mark the occasion with style. www.yankeecandle.co.uk
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Every bride and groom wants a unique venue for their wedding; a place that will impress their guests and leave a lasting memory ... for all the right reasons! Well, if it’s a stunning venue with spectacular views, fabulous food and unequalled service you’re looking for, then we know just the place ... Offshore Bar & Bistro. Nestled in the soft undulating dunes in Cubert on the outskirts of Newquay, with breathtaking views of the north coast, Offshore is a splendid and truly unique location, carved into the Cornish countryside. Bringing together such a breathtaking location, with both indoor and outdoor seating, an extensive wine and Champagne list and a menu lovingly crafted and cooked fresh by the Offshore team; you really can have it all. At Offshore, they understand that your wedding day is a day to remember for a lifetime. Their highly skilled and experienced team of chefs take the utmost care in the preparation and execution of their food, using only the highest quality ingredients, locally sourced in the west country, wherever possible. Owner and Director of Offshore, Angus McNair has over 25 years’ experience as an Executive/Head Chef and has successfully catered for over 300 weddings throughout his career. Wedding packages at Offshore are unique and well thought out, eliminating the stress of your catering, service and venue needs. For more information, simply contact a member of the Offshore team on 01637 830505.
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s s e n i p p a H
FIVE STEPS TO
Cornish Brides ‘best friend’, Carley Wetting, takes you on a journey to find happiness!
As anyone who has ever read one of my columns will know, I do consider myself to be something of an authority on marriage. Not through experience, you understand for I am a confirmed spinster (is it just me who thinks that is the most awful word in the English language?) No, my experience is drawn from observation - I am a serial observer of people, plus everyone else I know is married or getting married, so I have spent an awful lot of time listening to other people plan their wedding, talk about their wedding and ultimately, I have gone to their wedding, so I feel I know as much about it as they do!
Sorry, but I am just going to digress slightly and go back to that word. Unmarried men are referred to as bachelors, which conjures up a picture of a young, sexy and virile man who works hard and plays hard and has the world at his feet. Unmarried women are called spinsters, which seems to suggest a somewhat old, sad and lonely person - someone who life has, perhaps, passed by. So unfair! Anyway, back to my story. As I say, I have spent many a long evening listening to my numerous friends talking about their impending nuptials. I have traipsed around endless bridal boutiques while my girlfriends try on upteen versions of the same dress. I have endured sympathetic looks from bridal boutique owners who clearly feel I am destined to always ‘be the bridesmaid’ and I have sunk many a bottle of wine while consoling my friends after they have had a falling out with their boyfriend/fiancé all the while knowing full well that while I will be nursing the mother of all headaches in the morning, they will be on the ‘phone to their loved one making up and promising never to argue again! That is another of life’s conundrums that always leave me baffled. Couples never seem to just have a row; they split up. If I had a pound for every time
someone has said to me: ‘did you know they’ve split up?’ I would be a very rich woman by now. My stock answer is: ‘Oh no, really?’ but what I truly want to say is: ‘Oh don’t be so ridiculous, they’ve just had a row. By tomorrow, they won’t even remember what it was about and they’ll be back to their usual starry-eyed selves’. Because you see, it is human nature to argue; we all do it and for the most part, we can’t help ourselves. Some of us don’t even know we’re doing it - or so I’ve been told! But I’m jumping ahead of myself here. My first step to happiness is that you actually have to meet someone. Now this can happen at any time in any place and often it happens when you least expect it. Sometimes it can be a chance encounter or it can be a fleeting moment that leaves you breathless. On the other hand, it can happen without you even realising and it can take quite a while for the penny to drop. But once it has happened and you’ve both acknowledged it, then you can safely say that you have achieved the first step to happiness. The second step comes when you start dating the person you’ve met. Does anyone actually say ‘dating’ any more? It seems quite an out-of-date expression, but apart from ‘going out with’ I can’t really think of any other alternatives, so I’ll stick with dating. Now dating is not to be confused in any way, shape or form with romance. Passion, yes - I will give you passion, but in my experience (yes, I have had some experience of dating) romance comes along quite a bit later. A date does not necessarily have to be a romantic candlelit dinner. It can be a takeaway and a couple of beers back at your place or, as seems quite popular these days, a date can be an outing you have with a group of people, not just the person you met in Step 1 above. But whatever guise it takes, dating is definitely the second step to happiness.
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So this brings us nicely onto Step 3, which is arguing. Now I concede this might seem to be a rather strange step in the journey to happiness, but it is a necessary one, so bear with me. As we’ve already established, we all argue; there is no getting away with it, so you might as well get used to it. If you are ever going to find true happiness, then you have to know how to argue and when to argue. More importantly, you have to know how to deal with an argument, how to stop an argument and how to not let an argument get out of hand. In order to achieve this, you need to understand that men and women are completely different; think: ‘Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus’. John Gray hit the nail on the head with his now legendary and ultimately definitive relationship guide (recommended reading for any bride-to-be). You really can’t ask a man for his honest opinion and then take the ‘ump when he gives it to you. Likewise, there is absolutely no point whatsoever in asking a man to do more than one thing at a time. It’s a well-known fact that men are simply incapable of multi-tasking and trying to do two things simultaneously will result in neither task being achieved to your satisfaction or at all. The best advice I can give you is to accept that arguments will happen, but don’t over-dramatise them. Accept them for what they are and realise that after the shouting and sulking (yes, women shout, men sulk) he will still love you and your little spat will not have made a jot of difference to the world at large, so just get over it and move on. Third step accomplished!
An engagement is seen as a couple’s announcement to the world (well, to their family and friends) that they are in love and intend to spend the rest of their lives together, with a marriage following shortly. However, I have been reading some rather interesting statistics that seem to suggest that a surprisingly high number of couples don’t actually view an engagement in quite this way. Almost one-third of couples get engaged because of the status it brings and, no doubt, the gifts that will be bestowed on them! A disturbingly high number of women want to get engaged just so they can sport a ring on the third finger of their left hand which they can show off at every opportunity, clearly believing that this enhances their standing in society. Now I know that is not what you think, so we shall move quickly on. Your engagement is the time that you plan your wedding and again, there is no limit on the time you are engaged, although my trusted reseach tells me that most couples are engaged for between 1.6 and 2.4 years, which seems fairly reasonable. So you are now safely on the final leg of your journey and your wedding preparations are progressing nicely. The arguments still come, although hopefully these are now few and far between and the romance that we touched on earlier has also now come firmly into play. You really do get a tingle in the pit of your stomach every time he comes through the door or whenever he calls you at work and although neither of you might admit it, there is nothing you like better than cosying up together on the couch with a bottle of wine and a shared bowl of popcorn, watching a re-run of a favourite movie. That’s romance. The passion will come and go and that’s fine, just as long as the romance is always there. So we have now arrived at our destination - the fifth and final step on the road to happiness. Your wedding day. But it isn’t just the day itself that completes your journey. Your wedding day is the first day of the rest of your life together and that is when you achieve happiness. Each day, your happiness will grow; you don’t have to think about it, you can’t plan it and you won’t have to work at it. As you grow together, so too will your happiness. Your fifth step - job done!
So, despite the arguments - or maybe because of them (afterall, making up is always such fun) you should now be making your way steadily and surely towards the fourth step of your journey; the engagement. Now there are no hard and fast rules as to when exactly in a relationship this will happen. Some couples plod along for years with no sign of an imminent betrothal. Others are sporting a ring within weeks or months of meeting. The national average timespan between Step 1 and Step 4 is 2.3 years, but there’s nothing to say that you can’t buck that trend. Now I’ve never been engaged, so I can’t say for certain whether there is a defining lightbulb moment in a relationship when you both instinctively know that you want to spend the rest of your lives together. I rather suspect there isn’t and without wishing to put too much of a dampener on it, I think it just sort of happens. There is no fanfare, no fireworks - you are just sitting there one evening watching another repeat on TV and before the final credits roll, you have decided to get engaged. Fourth step complete. Cornish Brides
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Spring and Autumn are traditionally the times when bridal designers launch their new collections, so this year, we decided to ‘do the double’ and visit both New York and London International Bridal Shows. April saw us jetting
nd a k or Y w s e N w o t h i l S vis a d s i e r B rid l B a n h o i s t i a n Cor tern n I on d n o L
off to the big apple for the thrills of Piers 92-94 and in May, we were back up in London for White Gallery in Battersea Park. Two fabulous shows in
two amazing cities and literally thousands of stunning new bridal gowns. Here’s our ‘best bits’ from these awesome trips ...
NYLON
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NYLON NYLON NYLON
NYLON NYLON NYLON
NYLON NYLON NYLON
NYLON NYLON NYLON
NYLON NYLON NYLON
NYLON NYLON NYLON
All show images courtesy of : New York International Bridal Week (www.newyorkbridal.com) and White Gallery London (www.whitegallery.com)
NYLON NYLON NYLON
GET READY, GET SET, GET BAKING says Beth Cadman of Sugar Shack
Creating tiers is easy too. You simply select different sized cake tins to create larger and smaller cakes and stack them on top of one another or use beautiful cake pillars add height and create a little more drama to your cake. Of course, if you’re feeling really creative - and brave then you might want to have a go at icing your cake. Creating a classic white or ivory look is not at all difficult with smooth sugar paste which can simply be rolled out, draped over your cakes and trimmed into shape. There are also many different colours and icing textures to choose from depending on the type of look you hope to achieve and how adventurous you are feeling! If the thought of one big cake is too daunting, then steer away from the traditional route and make individual cakes instead. There are so many options and you could do a selection from beautifully decorated cupcakes, fruit-filled meringue nests and tarts, mini muffins and chocolate profiteroles. Individual cakes are more informal and your guests can choose which cake they prefer. Beautifully presented, they will also look striking on your dessert or buffet table.
There is no denying that a wedding can be expensive and if you’re not really strict about sticking to your budget, the cost can easily run away with you. It is not surprising, therefore, that many brides-to-be are looking at ways to economise and many are turning their hand to a spot of DIY for their wedding day. At a time when home baking is so in vogue, a lot of you are seriously thinking about making your own wedding cake - or at least asking a friend or family member to bake you a cake! Of course, you want your wedding day to be perfect and your cake is an important part of your wedding breakfast. There are also many traditions associated with the wedding cake and it provides a beautiful focal point, not to mention a big photo opportunity. So it stands to reason that brides want a gorgeous cake that is going to look and taste good, but they can be expensive, which is where the dilemma starts. Do you throw caution to the wind and spend a couple of hundred pounds on a beautiful, professionally-made cake or do you rise to the challenge and set about making your own?
The decorating stage is where creating your own wedding cake becomes truly magical. There is no limit to the different styles and designs to choose from or you can let your imagination run wild and come up with your own unique designs. Your cake design can be simple and elegant or bright and bold. You can create something that is very personal to you or you can follow a more traditional design by looking at photographs of cakes and choosing all the bits that you love. There are lots of great websites and books that will help you and again, you don’t have to opt for the most intricate design. The choices may be endless, but sometimes less is more. Keep within your skill levels and make it fun; the last thing you want is to waste money that you are trying to save by pushing yourself too hard and you certainly don’t want it to be a stressful process. Follow these guidelines and you will give your guests a beautiful home-make cake that will look stunning, taste delicious and most importantly, will have been made with love.
Of course, not everyone is a goddess in the kitchen and if you haven’t progressed much beyond toast and a boiled egg, then it is perhaps a step too far to turn your hand to a multi-tiered wedding cake. But, if you are someone who enjoys baking and has a bit of a flair for it, then why not give it a go. It can be relatively easy and fun to create a wedding cake that not only looks beautiful but tastes delicious too. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Fruit cake is an excellent choice for the novices among you, as you can bake them well in advance, so if your first attempt doesn’t make the grade, you can give it another shot. They keep for up to 3 months, so you have plenty of time to perfect your recipe before the big day. A simple sponge cake also works well and is often the ideal choice as it is light and sweet and complements a rich meal. Sponge cakes are incredibly simple to make and there are plenty of great recipes that you can find online or in traditional cake baking recipe books. Sugar Shack is the UK’s leading retailer of cake decorating accessories and sugar craft products, as well as offering a host of tools and utensils to help create beautiful baked goods for professionals and amateur cooks alike! www.sugarshack.co.uk
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A perfect choice for beautiful and inspirational wedding flowers
Appointments in your home or at your chosen wedding venue can be arranged.
WEDDING FLORIST OF THE YEAR
WEDDING FLORIST OF THE YEAR
Also voted Bridal Business of the Year 2015
Please call Elaine or Emma
01840 212555 Celebrating 12 years of creating the most amazing flowers!
www.bruallen.co.uk
Beautiful Cakes for All Occasions
Phone: 07816 288 626 Email: clairelpotts@gmail.com Facebook: Claire's Sweet Temptations
www.clairessweettemptations.com Cornish Brides
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A CORNISH WEDDING
When Hannah Johnson, an NHS Physiotherapist from Old Coulsdon in Surrey, came across St. Enodoc Church whilst walking from Polzeath to Rock, she knew instantly it was where she wanted to marry her new fiance, Ricky Barnett. So Hannah set about arranging her dream wedding in North Cornwall from her home, more than 250 miles away. The newly engaged couple didn’t have a huge budget for their wedding, so they enlisted the help of Hannah’s Mum, Donna and together they pulled off the most beautiful ‘DIY’ wedding. Donna made all the bunting, napkins, table cloths, table decorations and confetti, as well as painting all the signs, which the groom-to-be then put together, while Hannah painstakingly handmade the invitations and order of service cards. For their reception, the couple rented Trefelix Meadow, within walking distance of Daymer Bay, where a marquee was erected and guests were treated to a lush Cornish Cream Tea with Pimms and Prosecco and later enjoyed a traditional Fish’n’Chips supper. With gorgeous flowers from Cornish Brides Award Winning florist, Flowers from Bruallen, perfect weather and such a stunning backdrop, Hannah and Ricky’s ‘proper Cornish wedding’ turned out to be absolutely perfect in every way.
Photography: Green Photographic (www.greenphotographic.co.uk)
Cars with Style Chauffeur driven wedding car hire
Rocklyns 10 Kings Avenue St. Austell Cornwall
01726 400317 • 01726 829157 • 07799 666209 les.farrow@sky.com www.wedding carsincornwall.co.uk
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The Hannafore Point Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge and boasts outstanding panoramic sea views across Looe Bay and St Georges Island, giving you a truly unforgettable setting. We realise that your wedding day is one of the most important and exciting days of your lives, so our dedicated wedding co-ordinator is on hand, offering guidance where needed and our senior mangement team will be in attendance throughout the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Come and meet the team and experience what we have to offer.
The Wedding you’ve always dreamed of…
Photograph: Rob Frost Photography
Hannafore Point Hotel • Marine Drive • West Looe • Cornwall PL13 2DG tel: 01503 263273
email: stay@hannaforepointhotel.com
web: www.hannaforepointhotel.com
For the wedding you’ve always dreamed of … The Hannafore Point Hotel overlooks the beautiful coastline of Looe Bay and St. George’s Island. Its large terrace balcony, with far reaching views of the sea and the rocks beyond, makes for amazing photographs. The hotel is licensed to hold Civil Ceremonies and boasts excellent facilities for formal and informal occasions with a variety of rooms to suit all requirements for both your wedding ceremony and reception. Accommodating up to 140 guests in the Headland Restaurant and 180 in the the Ballroom, the Hannafore Point can easily cater for your entire day giving you the opportunity to relax with your guests, safe in the knowledge that everything is being organised for you.
Choose from a variety of Wedding Packages, all of which include: Exclusive use of the Headland Restaurant for your wedding breakfast and a private room for your evening celebrations. The services of a dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator to help you plan your big day. A Master of Ceremonies to run the day. A wide selection of menus and drinks packages which can be tailored to your individual requirements. Complimentary sea view double bedded room for the Bride and Groom (when guest numbers exceed 50 people). Discounted room rates for your wedding guests. For an informal chat over a cup of coffee, call the Hannafore Point’s Wedding Co-ordinator so you can see for yourself the wonderful facilities on offer. Cornish Brides
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GROOM-ROOM
Premium British sock label, HJ Hall has launched their new Generation V collection. With great designs bursting with bright bold colours, polka dots and rainbow stripes, this new line is aimed at trendy grooms looking to make a statement on their wedding day. www.hj.co.uk
Look Mate is an innovative new sock label, perfect for grooms seeking to add a little style to their wedding day footwear. Bright colours and fun designs ensure this new collection is bang on trend. www.lookmate.co
A classic tie will finish off your wedding day ensemble in perfect style and who better to turn to than ‘new establishment’ tailors Richard James. www.richardjames.co.uk
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Loving these aquatic themed cufflinks from Simon Carter. The perfect finishing touch for a tropical or beach wedding. www.simoncarter.net
Introducing the new range of luxury ties from Chester Barrie. If you’re looking for statement neck-wear, check out these classic styles. www.chesterbarrie.co.uk
English sock company, Pantherella have been producing luxury socks for 80 years and are now offering a monogramming service to personalise your wedding day socks. A unique touch for any groom and a great gift for his best man and ushers. www.pantherella.com
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For centuries, the world has been obsessed with love. To some, it represents the very meaning of life, our reason for being. It is eternal. But do any of us really know what true love is? Has it just become a throwaway word, casually used without any real thought or understanding of its true and abiding significance. So what is ...
this crazy little thing called
LOVE
Photograph : www.rebeccadavidson.com
love
love
love
love
love
love
Did you know there are more than twenty definitions of the word love in the dictionary? Now by my reckoning, that surely makes it a fairly ambiguous word to start with. Much has been written about love over the centuries; from the early philosophers to modern pop stars, they all claim to know the meaning of love. Is it blind, is it the sweetest thing or is it, as Plato declared, a mental illness?
So when we’re with that special person, do we smile at things that others simply do not see? Do we laugh at the same silly jokes that others fail to find any humour in? Can we talk about anything without fear of ridicule or embarrassment? Do we enjoy each others’ company unconditionally and do our spirits rise when we are together and fall when we’re apart? Are these things a true definition of ‘love’?
At some point in our lives, we all ‘love’ someone or something. And, if we’re lucky, we will ‘fall’ in love. Of course, some of us fall in love more often than others, which must mean that we fall out of love as well. But is it really that simple?
They certainly seem to be the things that determine real love and
Of all the variations of love, the romantic kind must be the most complicated to understand. Afterall, it comes upon us when we least expect it, without warning or consideration for whether we want ‘it’ or not. Sometimes it can happen at the most inopportune times in our lives and sometimes it can be with the most unsuitable person. It is something we have no control over. Romantic love can take us from the depths of despair to the dizzying heights of ecstacy. It toys with our emotions and plays havoc with our ability to eat, sleep or, at times, string together a cohesive sentence. It can be all-consuming to the point that it turns us into shadows of our former gregarious selves rendering us incapable of reasonable thought or action. It can drive those around us to distraction and at times, it can threaten existing relationships and yet, most of us seem to accept it on face value and positively relish the experience.
about true love is that it bears very little, if any, resemblance to
Of course, there are sensible and indeed scientifically proven reasons for why we feel the way we do when we are in the throes of romantic love. When it first hits us, we are under the influence of a powerful chemical cocktail that comes surging through our veins. Copious amounts of dopamine - long known as the brain’s pleasure chemical - are released and come together with two key hormones, vasopressin and oxytocin, to tear around our body at an alarming rate. Now I know that doesn’t sound very romantic and it is even less romantic to know that recent medical research and MRI scans have shown that falling in love involves only the tiniest part of our brain - less, in fact, than we use in order to operate heavy machinery or drive a car, which may or may not come as a surprise to some people. It does, however, mean that when we fall in love, far from being something magical that consumes our mind, body and soul, it is rather a fairly insignificant process based on a mere fraction of our cognitive function. I know, it isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, is it? And is it really an ideal or reliable way to choose a mate with whom we could potentially spend the rest of our life?
promise of things to come, but whatever it is, it needs to be taken
which then transform into a deep and meaningful love that will get us through rainy days, financial crisis, emotional trauma and heartache. The strange and somewhat mysterious phenomenon those early psychedelic days of romantic love. This kind of love has nothing to do with watching the sun set, candlelit dinners, slinky underwear or spontaneous trips to exotic places. This love is all about normality, the mundane even. It is about sharing and caring, it’s about feeling a sudden surge of pleasure because your other half has brought you a cup of tea in bed on a rainy morning - yes, that is pretty much what it all comes down to! Romantic love is still one of life’s great delights, even when Cupid’s arrow is way off target. It’s thrilling and delicious and we’ve all been there. And romantic love is not ageist - it can happen to any of us at any time in our lives. For some, it is a recapturing of youth, a remembrance of days gone by, a reawakening of broken promises or lost dreams. For others, it is the with several spoonfuls of sugar, at least until we are sure of its intentions. Love has given us our greatest sonnets, poems, films and songs. It has given us great lovers - Romeo and Juliet, Heathcliff and Cathy, Antony and Cleopatra, Elizabeth and Darcy (Kanye and Kim) and it has given us joy and happiness. Love will be here long after we are all gone and it will doubtless continue to baffle, confuse, delight and enrapture future generations. So, whether you are currently in the throes of a new and utterly romantic love or have found true and lasting love, it is surely something to treasure, to savour and to enjoy for as long as it may last. Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote: ‘tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. His words are definitely true, but how much better it is to have loved and continue to love for your entire lifetime? So, do any of us ever get to experience true love? Of course we do - in the immortal words of Reg Presley, lead singer with 1960’s
But once the chemical reactions have settled and life has taken on a semblance of normality again, we find ourselves in a better position to decide whether we actually are in love or whether we simply ‘fell in lust’, which is a whole new ballgame!
rock band, The Troggs - ‘I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes, love is all around me and so the feeling grows ...’
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8 Polkyth Road St Austell 01726 61111
Our professional team of experienced and qualified florists are here to create the most beautiful flowers for your wedding day. Call in for a friendly chat.
www.andysflowers.com info@andysflowers.com
Occasions Covered Making your day extra special Themed Weddings and Parties Chair Covers, Bay Trees Wishing Wells, Table Centre Pieces Room Decoration and Accessories
Call Julie on 07526 886175 or 01726 891325 86
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Picture this ... Your guests receive a warm welcome on arrival and are now seated on the lawn with the stunning Atlantic Ocean in front of them. You make your way down the Victorian stone stairs and along the red carpet to meet your groom; your excitement builds as your guests stand and you make your way down the aisle. You exchange vows under the Pergola surrounded by your family and friends with the sun shining and the waves crashing behind you. As the ceremony ends, your guests stand to offer their congratulations; the Champagne begins to flow and canapés are proferred as you head to the beach for some perfect photos. When you return, there’s time for another glass of Champagne before you lead your guests into the sea view dining room for your first meal together as husband and wife. The high ceilings, grand chandeliers and large bay windows create a feeling of opulence as the Head Chef and his team serve a beautiful meal, chosen by you both and prepared with locally sourced ingredients. In the evening, the Ocean View Ballroom beckons and the celebrations continue with your first dance and a party until midnight Accommodating up to 300 guests, with private bar and dancefloor, there is plenty of space for all of your family and friends to join in the festivities. At the Hotel Victoria, this dream could come true. The hotel was built in an era of magnificent splendour, so it really is one of the most iconic and elegant settings for a wedding. Whether your dream in for a summer garden party, a sea view marquee or a warm and cosy winter wedding, their dedicated team will listen to your wishes and turn them into reality, creating the perfect day from an intimate ceremony for 4 to a grand evening reception for 300. The hotel is also available to host hen parties, offering a range of luxurious spa treatments in the ‘Ooh La La Spa’, with indoor swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. You can arrange a relaxing day or an over-night break packed with relaxation, bubbles, spa treatments and great food. Call the Hotel Victoria for a show-around and an informal chat : 01637 872255
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Forever begins here ...
Call our Wedding Planner Sam on 01637 872255 or email events@hotel-victoria.co.uk and start planning your perfect wedding today.
Photography by Tom Robinson
LATE SPECIAL OFFER FOR 2016 Your wedding for 50 guests from £3,000 Limited dates available. Please call for more information and package details. New bookings only.
East Street • Newquay • Cornwall TR7 1DB
SO WHO ARE YOU? The wedding industry is always speculating as to ‘who brides are?’ We are obsessed with who exactly is getting married, how old the couple is, how much they will spend on their wedding and what they want from their big day. The truth is that no two couples are the same, but the results from a some recent survey have revealed a few interesting facts about who you are and, more importantly, what you think!
happily, almost two-thirds of couples plan their wedding together. Almost 45% of couples pay for their own wedding with 88% using savings, although 53% will accept help, if offered, from their parents. The good news for those parents is that the average number of guests being invited to a wedding has dropped to 92, so there could be a few pennies to save there. Times certainly do change and statisticians are always looking for new numbers to crunch when it comes to the way we live our lives. Weddings are no different and it is interesting to see how things are changing for couples; from the way they plan their wedding, to their expectations for their big day and the way their allocate and spend their budget. The UK wedding industry is worth a staggering £10 billion each year and from engagment to wedding to honeymoon, the average spend per wedding is a whopping £36,000, although this figure includes the money spent by guests on attending a wedding (clothes, travel, accommodation, gifts etc). The national average cost of a wedding itself in 2013/14 was £13,047 with a further £2,956 being spent on a honeymoon and although there has been a 3% drop in couples’ budgets over the last 18 months, surprisingly, only 40% of couples actually stuck to their budget with 49% over-spending. Of these over-spenders, a worrying 17% went more than 50% over their original budget ... they either seriously under-estimated the cost of getting married or it really was some wedding! The age that couples are choosing to tie the knot has increased significantly over the last 50 years. In the 1960s, women were getting married at 23 and men at 26. Today, the average age of a bride is 30 and her groom is 33, so quite a leap. The length of an engagement is getting shorter, with the average lasting just 16 months with only 3% of couples managing to go from ‘will you marry me’ to ‘i do’ in less than 3 months! Today’s bride finds herself in full wedding planning mode for around 14 months and 31% of brides undertake most of the wedding planning with little or no help from their groom. 30% of grooms would like more involvement, but feel they are not always asked, but 90
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Summer remains the most popular season for weddings with 39% of couples choosing to opt (hopefully) for some sunshine and the most popular months remain August and September when almost 1 in 3 of all UK weddings take place. 26% of couples choose a Spring wedding and 23% go for Autumn. Winter is still the least popular season, although there has been a slight increase in the last two years and now 12% of couples will marry during winter. Not surprisingly, most winter weddings take place in December with January and February seeing the fewest weddings of the year. It seems that you brides remain optimistic about the weather, despite the unpredictability of British summers and also the hugely discounted rates that many wedding venues and suppliers offer for winter weddings. Maybe this is one of the areas where we will see some significant changes over the next few years. An impressive 82% of brides buy a new wedding dress with just 11% choosing second-hand and 7% making their own or wearing something they already own. Brides are spending an average of £915 on their wedding dress and 28% of brides said they would travel up to 2 hours to find the perfect dress. A bride is spending a further £94 on wedding day jewellery, £69 on lingerie, £65 on her head-dress and £84 on shoes, bringing the average cost for a bride’s wedding day attire up to £1,227 and this is before she spends £184 on her hair and make-up. Almost half of all brides plan to get their dress dry-cleaned after the wedding and then store it away in a box. Only 13% intend to sell it on and less than 2% are planning to ‘trash their dress’.
For a wedding that’s as individual as you are
Rosewarne Manor
GWINEAR ROAD CONNOR DOWNS NR HAYLE CORNWALL TR27 5JQ
01209 610414 *F R Ava EE W rea ilable edding der Ins s bo for all ura Co ok nce Ros ing th rnish * ew e i r w Bride a r n s e Ple eM ddi ase n a ask nor ga us t for det
ails
Multi award-winning wedding venue - for food and service Three times Cornish Brides Awards Wedding Venue of the Year Finalist Winners of a CHEFS Platinum Award - Holders of 2 AA Rosettes for 3 Years Four times Winners of Taste of the West Gold Awards Finalists in The Great Cornish Restaurant Award and 2 of our chefs were semi finalists (in the last 8) of South West Chef of The Year
BRIDAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
At Rosewarne Manor, you can be assured of fantastic food and an unrivalled menu choice. We cater for large and small weddings and can offer a choice of four ceremony rooms and a beautiful Bridal Suite. We have a superb location and pride ourselves on our friendly and helpful service. Exclusive use of the manor can be provided for ultimate privacy.
www.rosewarnemanor.co.uk
Exclusively Yours ... Say ‘I do’, celebrate and stay in this stunning, secluded rural hideaway.
www.tamill.co.uk 01840 261797 helen@tamill.co.uk
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UNIQUE AND AFFORDABLE WEDDING FLOWERS
PERSONAL ATTENTION ALWAYS GUARANTEED
EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
Call Jules for a friendly chat or to arrange your FREE consultation : 01726 822946 or 07500 868163
www.artofflowerscornwall.co.uk Cornish Brides
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Venue Styling Decorating your wedding venue with details to complement your wedding theme is a fun and exciting project and for many brides-tobe, finding different ways to decorate their venue’s chairs becomes quite a challenge. If you don’t like the chairs your venue is providing or if you don’t feel they complement your wedding theme, then why not take a look at this gorgeous new collection of chiavari chair covers from Get Knotted. These pretty covers will add an elegant softness to your styling, as well as some additional detailing, which will work perfectly if you want to keep your tables simple. Top Tip: This season is all about mix and matching. Why not mix table and chair designs to give your ceremony and reception a more contemporary feel. www.get-knotted.net
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A MagicalTransformation Are you thinking of getting married in a location that can be made to look and feel just how you want it to? Barns are the perfect blank canvas for creating your own unique and magical setting, giving you the scope to style your wedding just as you have always imagined. Lindsey Hunter of Get Knotted shares her ideas for transforming a barn from blank and chilly to warm and romantic.
‘Let’s not beat about the bush, here. Transforming a barn into a magical wedding venue is going to take time, effort and a whole lot of vision. You will need to plan the entire look you want to create right down to the last detail and you are going to need a lot of props and equipment, not to mention lighting. The first area to tackle is the entrance. Make this a teaser for your guests, a little taste of what is to come inside, by decorating it with lanterns or fairy lights and arrange the lights so they create a pathway leading inside. The barn will need to be divided into clearly defined areas - seating, chillout, dining, bar and dancing. If you are having your ceremony in the barn, you will need to create an aisle. Bay trees in baskets or silver storm lanterns work really well for marking out an aisle for you to walk down. A beautiful floral arch at the end of the aisle is a wonderfully romantic setting for you to exchange your vows and will provide a stunning splash of colour. Use plenty of candles to give the area a romantic glow and provide some much needed heat. Match your chair or bale covers with the drapes or use matching cushions to carry the colour theme. Use colourful fabrics to soften the light and create smaller spaces. Don’t be afraid to be bold with fabrics and colours for a unique look. Barrels make great poseur tables and can also be good for creating more intimate spaces. Use lots of glasswear, candles and flowers to set the scene. Group stemmed cylinder vases of different heights with floating candles to emphasize the size and structure of the barn. You can also create drama by grouping candle holders, flowers and even fruits depending on your style and theme. These can also be used as centre-pieces for tables. Design a seating area with low lighting and fun soft furnishings, such as inflatable sofas, straw bales, barrels, beanbags and cushions. Wide trestle tables will make better use of the space and will also give you plenty of surfaces for food and decorations. There is bound to be vast wall spaces, so reduce these with carefully positioned lighting such as twig lights or LED birch tree lights. Use these at different heights to add some warmth. You can also use lighting to cleverly show off the more quirky features of the barn. By definition, barns are meant to be rustic, so there is no need for anything uniform about your styling. Odd tables and chairs, an abundance of colours and an assortment of crockery and glasswear will enhance the setting and your guests will love the eclectic mix of it all. For your evening entertainment, sawdust will make a great dancefloor. Keep the lighting dark by a few well positioned spotlights for effect. Don’t be afraid to experiment. With such a large space, there is room to play with ideas. Decorating a barn can be expensive, so set yourself a realistic budget. You can buy, hire or borrow lots of things and you can have fun making stuff, such as bunting, wall coverings and table decorations. It will take time and effort, but the results will be amazing and you should have loads of fun along the way.’
For more great ideas and inspiration, visit www.get-knotted.net 96
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A complete and personalised service for all floral occasions
All engraved with the unique wording and design of your choice Special Gifts for Special People Pannier Market, Lemon Quay, Truro TR1 2LL 01872 223757 www.glass-engravers-cornwall.co.uk
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Call Karen
01726 850399 www.floralcreationsstaustell.co.uk
With beautiful sweeping views of Summerleaze Beach in Bude, the Edgcumbe is the perfect venue for an elegant wedding - ideal for those with smaller budgets or simply those who prefer a more intimate affair. You and your guests can celebrate your perfect wedding day in our candle-lit filled ceremony room, glass fronted sun lounge and enchanting snug bar. We offer you the choice of full ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations or a bespoke package and we will ensure your special day is tailor-made to your individual requirements and needs. The Edgcumbe Beachside Accommodation and Venue can also be exclusively yours with the inclusion of our 12 en suite bedrooms. Please contact our wedding co-ordinators Emma and Becky on 01288 353846
Summerleaze Crescent, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8HJ www.edgcumbe-hotel.co.uk
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Sweet Sensation Lavolio Boutique Confectionery introduce their new range of artisan sweets that would make perfect wedding favours. These miniature versions from their signature collections, Fruit Garden, Nutty Forest and Coconut Follies come beautifully presented in a delightfully designed tin and are available exclusively at Fortnum & Mason. www.fortnumandmason.com
Sweets and weddings go hand-in-hand, so add a pop of colour to place settings with your very own personalised Jealous sweets. These 100% vegetarian, gluten-free sweets are full of natural fruit juices and free from artificial colour and flavours. There are 7 different sweet types in the range including Fruitilicious, Tropical Wonder, Fizzy Friends, Grizzly Bears, Sour Beans, Yummy Bears and Tangy Worms. www.thejealouslife.com
Padstow based artisan confectioner, Buttermilk, has launched a range of new, individually packaged treats which would make perfect wedding favours. This family-run business already produces an extensive range of sweets, all lovingly handmade by a team of craft confectioners. So, if you have a sweet tooth and like the idea of providing your wedding guests with handmade Cornish favours, check out the new Buttermilk range. www.buttermilk.co.uk
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2017 BRIDAL SHOWS
BRIDAL SHOWS
St. Austell Conference Centre Carclaze, St. Austell PL25 4EJ
January 22
May 7
September 24
The Pavilion Centre Royal Cornwall Showground Wadebridge PL27 7JE
February 19
July 9
October 22
All Shows open 11am-3pm FREE Entry and Parking Up to 40 Exhibitors Bride’s Gift Bag Complimentary Welcome Drink
Tel: 07500 868163 www.artofweddings.uk
The Mill House is set in a beautiful secluded valley half a mile from the stunning surfing beach at Trebarwith Strand. It was once an 18th century Corn Mill and the restaurant, with a capacity to seat 120, is set alongside the millstream.
The Mill is fully licensed for wedding ceremonies, including outside on the front terrace and receptions are designed to suit individual requirements. The hotel has 9 stylishly furnished rooms and live music or entertainment (even a duck race in the millstream) can be organised. For further details, please contact the owners Mark & Kep Forbes on 07767 341234 or e: mark.forbes@tesco.net www.themillhouseinn.co.uk The Mill House Inn • Trebarwith Strand • Tintagel • Cornwall PL34 0HD
If you are looking for a relaxed but stylish coastal wedding in Cornwall, then look no further.
Chute Lane Gorran Haven St Austell Cornwall PL26 6NU
www.thellawnroc.co.uk 01726 843 461
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where memories are made ... Beautiful, romantic, intimate ... three words that perfectly describe this unique boutique hotel, located just a 5-minute drive from the picturesque town of Lagos, on Portugal’s glorious Algarve. With its historical buildings, wonderful food and panoramic ocean view amidst lush, private gardens, Hotel Vivenda Miranda is the perfect haven for a truly unforgettable honeymoon. A member of the Healing Hotels of the World, prepare to be pampered in this stunningly romantic location where the emphasis is on wellness and well-being. With just 25 rooms - each beautifully decorated and furnished and all with private terraces affording uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and the hotel’s lush gardens - this is the ideal place to relax after the stresses of your wedding. Accommodation in this former private home of a 17th-century noble family offers comfort and attention to detail, combining Portuguese influences with a more contemporary, chic style. Boasting a large panoramic sun terrace with spectacular views, the fine dining Mirandus Restaurant is the culinary heart of Vivenda Miranda. Using seasonal and where possible, locally sourced organic ingredients,
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Mirandus offers modern Mediterranean-style cuisine with an exotic touch. Perfect for a delicious healthy breakfast, relaxed lunch or romantic dinner, the restaurant provides a discerning and friendly service with a wine list featuring some 60 Portuguese labels and only the best French Champagne. Experience first-hand a romantic sunset cruise, candlelit dinner or couples massage or perhaps dolphin watching, horse riding, golfing or a grotto tour is more to your taste. For those who are looking for sheer pampering and indulgence, the luxury Neal’s Yard Remedies (NYR) ethical and organic Spa invites guests to relax in one of three treatment rooms. Here, experienced therapists will pamper both body and soul with natural GMO and paraben free NYR signature treatments and products. Alternatively, you can indulge in a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, foot baths and tepidariums as well as heated loungers and a wellness pool. Vivenda Miranda offers something for everyone; the choices are endless and the experience will be one you’ll remember forever. www.vivendamiranda.com
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civil venue listings
Atlantic Hotel
So, you know you’re definitely getting married, but have you decided where you want to say ‘I Do’ yet? If you have your heart set on a civil venue - as opposed to a church or register office - then Cornwall has a number of amazing licensed venues for you to choose from. There is an
A stunning location with glorious views. Our
ever-growing list of hotels, castles, manor houses and stately
superb service, excellent food and attention to detail will ensure that your wedding day
homes which are now licensed to perform civil ceremonies.
is a day you will remember all your life and
Many have stunning views across lush countryside or
for all the right reasons. Come and see for
dramatic seascape vistas providing the perfect romantic
yourself what we have to offer - you won’t
backdrop for your big day and all are more than capable of
be disappointed because we know how to turn dreams into realities.
helping you arrange the wedding of your dreams. Dane Road • Newquay Tel: 01637 872244 www.atlantichotelnewquay.co.uk
Carbis Bay Hotel
With our unique setting, offering uninterrupted views across the golden sands of Carbis Bay, combined with many years of catering experience and the highest standards of service, you have the ideal location to make this special day a success. Whatever the occasion, a dinner party for 6 or a wedding for 150, the Carbis Bay Hotel can be tailored to meet your precise needs.
Carlyon Bay Hotel
Perched high on the cliffs overlooking picturesque St Austell Bay, the Carlyon Bay Hotel is a truly idyllic place to celebrate your special day. And with over 25 years experience, we are experts at making your dreams come true.
Carnglaze Caverns
A completely unique venue offering a choice of four licensed locations including the Rum Store which is licensed for up to 400 guests and has one of the longest aisles in Cornwall (almost 80m). For smaller weddings, our Underground Lake, Enchanted Dell and Vine Conservatory are ideal. Weddings haven’t gone out of style, they’ve just gone underground!
Carbis Bay Tel: 01736 795311 www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk
Carlyon Bay, St.Austell 01726 812304 www.brend-hotels.co.uk
St. Neot, Liskeard Tel: 01579 320251 www.carnglaze.com
Carn Marth
Eden Project
Falcon Hotel
A cool and contemporary family-run hotel
Magical, memorable and marvellous - three
offering panoramic views, a south-facing
ways to describe a wedding at Eden.
terrace, excellent service and a laid-back vibe with super sleek style and service. Catering for up to 200 guests
One of Cornwall’s top, award-winning wedding venues.
You can marry in the mediterranean or rainforest biomes or for a truly wonderful winter wedding, why not do it on ice - on our very own ice rink. We can cater for intimate weddings or
The Falcon Hotel offers you a most unique wedding experience in the most beautiful surroundings.
larger celebrations and you will enjoy the
Headland Road • Fistral Beach Newquay Tel: 01637 872519 www.carnmarth.com
services of our dedicated events team.
Our reputation is your guarantee.
The Eden Project • St. Austell 01726 811950 www.edenproject.com/weddings
Breakwater Road, Bude Tel: 01288 352005 www.falconhotel.com
Falmouth Hotel
Fowey Hotel
Greenbank Hotel
A romantic and stylish venue for weddings
Something Unique. Something Romantic. Something Boutique. Something Beautiful.
As one of Cornwall’s oldest and grandest hotels, there really is no better place to hold your civil ceremony and reception. Our beautiful landscaped gardens are fabulous for photographs and our views across Falmouth Bay are simply unbeatable! Combine this with our excellent food and first class service and you have the perfect venue for your wedding.
of up to 70 guests. If you are planning an intimate occasion, our Piano Lounge is ideal for up to 24 people seated or 30 for an informal buffet and our lovely gardens are perfect for welcome drinks and canapés. Feel free to call in anytime or contact our Wedding Co-ordinator.
Nestled into the harbourside overlooking Falmouth, the Greenbank combines centuries of tradition with contemporary styling for a timeless elegant feel. With sunlit waters and stunning vistas at every turn, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting for your special occasion. We have spaces to suit every need whether you’re having a civil ceremony, civil partnership or wedding reception.
Castle Beach, Falmouth 01326 312671 www.falmouthhotel.com
Telephone: 01726 832551 www.thefoweyhotel.co.uk
Harbourside, Falmouth Tel: 01326 312440 www.greenbank-hotel.co.uk
Hannafore Point Hotel
Headland Hotel
Hotel Victoria
Two people in love make a marriage, but a stunning location makes for a special wedding. Could there be a more romantic setting for your vows than a luxury hotel overlooking wild, rugged cliff tops hugging a sandy cove? Perched in view of the Atlantic rollers lashing Cornwall’s north coast, The Headland boasts a breathtaking location for a fairytale wedding.
By choosing the Hotel Victoria - one of Newquay's best wedding venues - you are assured of a friendly but professional service and we will promise to do everything in our power to make your special day a memorable one.
Situated on the seafront at West Looe, the Hannafore Point Hotel enjoys breathtaking views across Looe Bay from its elegant public rooms. The hotel has a licence for civil ceremonies and facilities for receptions for up to 160 guests. We offer a professional yet friendly service, a superb location and a warm welcome.
Call now for a viewing and a friendly, informal meeting with our Wedding Planner.
Marine Drive, West Looe Tel: 01503 263273 www.hannaforepointhotel.com
Tel: 01637 872211 www.headlandhotel.co.uk
www.hotel-victoria.co.uk
Metropole Hotel
National Maritime Museum
Penmorvah Manor
You can now exchange your vows in one of the most beautiful locations in Cornwall and we can offer a truly bespoke event to ensure your every expectation is exceeded. Our truly professional service guarantees you the Wedding Day of your Dreams.
The Metropole - Padstow Tel: 01841 532486 www.the-metropole.co.uk
If you’re holding out for that perfect setting for your wedding, then look no further. Our unique and imaginative venue may be exactly what you’re looking for ... and then some!
East Street, Newquay Tel: 08451 664 280
With over 25 years experience in hosting weddings, the Victorian Penmorvah Manor House, set in 6 acres of private woodland and mature gardens with views across the valley leading to the sea, creates the
Whatever your requirements, we’re happy to discuss ideas with you and we’ll pull out all the stops to achieve the perfect day!
perfect backdrop for your special day.
Dayna Pope, Conference Manager Telephone: 01326 214557 www.nmmc.co.uk
Budock Water, Falmouth 01326 250277 www.penmorvah.co.uk
Penventon Park Hotel
Porth Veor Manor
Rosewarne Manor
A beautiful Georgian House set in
A family-run venue set in delightful countryside location offering a very personal service and truly superb food. Our beautiful function facilities and landscaped gardens will provide the perfect location for your special day. Our friendly staff will tailor every aspect to your requirements.
Fantastic reputation for excellent food.
For a truly romantic venue that can be exclusively yours, look no further than Porth Veor Manor, the Country House on the Coast. For a wedding that is as truly individual as you are, book an appointment with our dedicated wedding team.
West End, Redruth Tel: 01209 203000 www.penventon.com
Porth Way, Newquay Tel: 01637 873274 www.porthveormanor.com
Rosewarne Manor Connor Downs, Hayle Tel: 01209 610414 www.rosewarnemanor.co.uk
St. Ives Harbour Hotel
St. Mellion Resort
Ta Mill
woodlands in West Cornwall. Licensed for Civil Ceremonies for up to 150 guests. Spa and pre-Wedding Beauty.
A wedding in Cornwall doesn’t get much better than this. Exchange your vows against a backdrop of golden sands, open skies and clear blue seas. Join your guests for Champagne in our lovely private gardens before heading down to the beach for magical photographs.
Set in 450 acres of stunning countryside in a private Cornish estate, St. Mellion is the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Stylish and modern and with everything you need in one location, so you can relax and enjoy your big day. Choice of suites for ceremonies and celebrations, helpful staff, great food, bespoke packages and amazing location.
A unique Cornish Wedding Venue in a secluded rural hideaway location with stunning views and quality service. Exclusive hire available and with our beautiful accommodation, you and your guests can celebrate and stay in the same idyllic venue.
The Terrace • St. Ives 01736 795221 www.stives-harbour-hotel.co.uk
St. Mellion, Saltash 01579 352063 www.st-mellion.co.uk
St. Clether, Launceston Tel: 01840 261797 www.tamill.co.uk
The Edgcumbe
Tregenna Castle
Trenython Manor
The Edgcumbe is the only beachside accommodation and venue that offers sweeping views of Summerleaze beach perfect for an elegant and intimate wedding.
Tregenna Castle Hotel is located in a
An elegant and historic 19th century
magnificent 72 acre estate with stunning
Manor House set in the heart of natural
views over St Ives.
woodlands and boasting breathtaking views
We are licensed for weddings and civil
over St Austell Bay.
partnerships with a choice of ceremony
The perfect venue for an intimate ceremony
We offer you the choice of full ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations or a completely bespoke package to suit you.
rooms, including our beautiful outdoor
or larger wedding for up to 70 guests.
Pavilion - a truly unique venue.
Trenython ... more than you realised.
Summerleaze Crescent, Bude Tel: 01288 353846 www.edgcumbe-hotel.co.uk
Tregenna Castle, St. Ives Tel: 01736 795254 www.tregenna-castle.co.uk
Trenython Manor 01726 814797 www.trenython.co.uk
e d i u G s ’ e d i r B e Th A quick and easy page reference guide to find your favourite suppliers
86
Andy’s Flowers
93
Art of Flowers
102
Art of Weddings
87
Atlantic Hotel
103
Benny’s Organic Ice Cream
40
Bliss Bridal Gowns
80
Bodmin Treatment Centre
40
Budeiful Brides
108
Carbis Bay Hotel
OBC Carlyon Bay Hotel 108
Carnglaze Caverns
95
Carnmarth Hotel
80
Cars With Style
106
Celebration Pyrotechnics
98
Children’s Hospice South West
86
Claire Hosken Photography
73
Claire’s Sweet Temptations
53
Divine Divine
108
Eden Project
92
Emilie’s Professional Hair
108
Falcon Hotel
109
Falmouth Hotel
98
Floral Creations
73
Flowers from Bruallen
109
Fowey Hotel
99
Grant Lampard Photography
IFC
Greenbank Hotel
106
Guest Factor
81
Hannafore Point Hotel
74
Headland Hotel
89
Hotel Victoria
73
Inscriptions
88
Isle of Scilly Weddings
41
Jane Louise Fashions
103
Joey Lamb Photography
80
Jon Richard
80
Limelight Photography
103
Llawnroc Hotel
41
Lowen Bridal
101
Ma Chérie Weddings - Ibiza
40
Manor Fashions
109
Metropole Hotel
103
Mill House
106
Mount Edgcumbe House
58
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
86
Occasions Covered
59
Offshore Bar & Bistro
2
Penmorvah Manor
71
Penventon Park Hotel
58
Porth Veor Manor
91
Rosewarne Manor
51
St. Ives Harbour Hotel
93
St. Mellion International Resort
92
Ta Mill
99
The Edgcumbe
IBC
Tregenna Castle
107
Trenython Manor
86
Truffles Catering
www.cornishbrides.co.uk
. . . y l l a n i
f d an
Traditionally, this is the very last page that we put together in each issue of Cornish Brides (it’s not called ‘and finally ...’ for nothing, you know). We usually keep it for any last minute news items that come into our office just before we go print and we take the opportunity to do a quick round-up of what we’ve been up to and what we have planned for the next issue. But we thought we would do something a little different in this issue. A year or so ago, we published a poem called Balloon by Graeme King because we thought it was beautiful and such a fitting reading for a wedding. Since then, we’ve been asked by many of you for a copy of the poem; clearly you agreed with us and we know that many couples have, indeed, read the poem at their wedding. So, we thought we would use this final page to print it again ...
But, of course, there will always be time and space to include a couple of last minute ‘snippets’ that have just reached us like this delightful Personalised Wedding/Anniversary Crate from Plantabox. A beautiful way to present or display flowers and a lovely keepsake.
Balloon by Graeme King
www.plantabox.co.uk
Also loving the new Wedding Collection from Interflora which contains some
I think that I might fly away, in my hot air balloon And hide from worldly worries on the dark side of the moon; There’s but one thing I need before I float into the blue I need a sky companion and I want it to be you.
truly stunning designs and is a great place to start your search for the perfect
We’ll fly beyond the storm clouds and watch from up above I’ll cover you in rainbows as we feel each others’ love; You’ll shower in the stars at midnight in our special place I’ll dry you with a comet’s tail and kiss your beaming face.
wedding flowers.
Dreamy drifting panorama, changing every day Every night your loving smile will be my milky way; The moon will wane before us, sailing there in heaven’s height For nothing else can challenge our love’s everlasting light. Venus shining on us, glowing soft at our devotion Our daily drifting dalliance in love’s celestial ocean; I’ll write you lovers’ poetry, and you will be my muse Orion and Andromeda will oversee our cruise. We’ll sleep with clouds as pillows, maybe steal an angel’s wings Then fly as magic lovebirds or slide round Saturn’s rings; And should we tire of drifting and the stars all floating by We’ll hook onto a meteor and soar across the sky. www.interflora.co.uk
And a final footnote to Sam and Charlotte at Lowen Bridal in Launceston as we send them warmest congratulations on reaching their 3rd birthday and our very best wishes for many more successful years trading.
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Will you consent to be my mate on our celestial ship? I’m ready, heart all packed with love, to last us for the trip; Take my hand and step aboard, we’re heading for the sun We’re flying ‘til we find the place where our two souls are one.