Your London Wedding - November/December 2022 (Issue 86)

On the cover

This issue’s cover was shot by Leanne Ashcroft Photography and is taken from our dreamy City of London elopement shoot on page 55. www.leanneashcroftphotography.co.uk

REAL WEDDINGS

Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. We provide a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of speciality departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. We are confident in the quality and value of our products, and we stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction. For more information please visit www.costco.co.uk/join or scan the QR Code.

The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership* is £22 ex VAT (£26.40 inc VAT). The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership* is £28 ex VAT (£33.60 inc VAT).

To join and start saving please provide one piece of business evidence for Trade membership, or for Individual membership your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employment, PLUS one piece of photographic identification for both memberships.

3.12ct Pear Cut Diamond Special Offer JOIN TODAY £10 V OUCHER for new members to spend online when you sign up for membership†.

Solitaire Ring, Platinum Expires: 30th April 2023

Channel Set YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS VALID IN ALL 29 UK WAREHOUSES, WORLDWIDE AND ONLINE! † Sign up for membership with this advert at our Wembley warehouse and receive a £10 voucher to spend online at www.costco.co.uk. New members only. *Membership Criteria applies. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. ∆Qualifying ID required to preview in the form of business evidence or company payslip ID. Accepting Mastercard, American Express and Visa credit cards as well as cash, debit card or cheque. No cash or cheque at fuel station. Fuel stations not available in all locations. JN32119

Eternity

EDITORIAL

01376 535 611

Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor

Sarah Gallivan | Editor

Kelly Andrews | Deputy Managing

Editor, Beauty Editor

Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor

Melissa Cullen | Senior Editor, Grooms and Honeymoons Editor

DESIGN

01376 535 616

artwork@county.wedding

Graphic Designers

Stephanie Hodder | Vicky O’Connor

Production Assistant | Lorna Butcher

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Katie Laley

Web Development Manager

Stuart Weatherley

ADVERTISING

Sales & Events Director

Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarahe@county.wedding

Account Managers

Julia Owen | 01376 538 556 julia.owen@county.wedding

ACCOUNTS

01376 535 616

accounts@county.wedding

Accounting Manager | Derrick James

Deck the halls

If you’re just starting your wedding planning journey and wondering how to execute a theme, look around you right now and take inspiration from Christmas! This is the best time of the year to see how a theme can come together. It’s not just about the mouth-watering seasonal food and drink or the magical winter wonderland décor (don’t you just love festive styling?), it’s the warm feeling that you get that’s been building for weeks. The anticipation of what’s to come, the excitement of seeing your loved ones come together and the happy glowing buzz that’s all over the city whenever you venture out to do that last-minute Christmas shopping (even though you said weeks ago you were finished – or is that just me)! All of that’s so similar to the build-up to your big day, so soak it up and enjoy every minute, just like you do throughout the festive season.

If you like to hibernate in winter (like I do), now’s the time to do your wedmin and delve into the world of weddings. Your London Wedding’s the perfect place to start and this issue won’t disappoint.

We have our pick of gorgeous venues from page 19, local florists share their favourite seasonal blooms on page 45 and look your very best with our top fashion, beauty and accessory advice on page 51. For real wedding inspiration, head to pages 31, 36 and 40 and check out our two local shoots on pages 55 and 69, all brimming with ideas, beautiful love stories and showcasing the wonderful City of London in all its glory.

Happy planning!

Sarah x

Sarah Gallivan, Editor

Blooms come into their own at this time of the year! Check out our flower feature for all the inspo.

If cake’s not your thing, opt for a cheese tower like Danielle and Will did – yum!

Create your winter wonderland in these stunning venues.

Visit us online at county.wedding and countyweddingevents.com

Your London Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your London Wedding is published six times a year.

I love that Gary and Jack’s guests were all asked to wear white – some even wore their wedding dresses! Don’t let the winter weather ruin your day –Rebecca and David didn’t and the pics are beautiful.

Wondering what tipple to serve your guests this season? Our Hot Topic feature has it covered.

WHAT’S YOUR FLAVA?

London’s award-winning social enterprise Luminary Bakery has released not one, but two new flavours for the autumn/ winter season, available in their signature mini cakes, celebration cakes or tiered wedding showstoppers. What’s more, both new flavours are plant-based so no one has to miss out on these delicious new additions.

First up is Chocolate Mocha for the chocoholics and coffee addicts. Rich and indulgent, this cake’s made with a decadent chocolate sponge, layered with smooth coffee buttercream and ganache.

The Spiced Apple and Blackberry option brings all the flavours of autumn into one bake. The apple sponge is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and layered with exquisite cinnamon buttercream and fruity blackberry jam.

Made by an all-female team, each cake’s lovingly baked and beautifully hand-decorated, meaning every single one is bespoke.

Check out https://luminarybakery.com to find out more about this amazing brand and to order your sweet treats.

NEWS Nearlywed

WITH THIS RING

All the latest from the city

NEW DESTINATION TO LONDON’S WEDDING SCENE

Rose Court Events has recently launched on London’s South Bank and brings a new destination to the capital’s wedding scene.

Offering the ideal private bolthole for intimate wedding receptions, engagement parties, and commitment ceremonies, Rose Court Events spans the top three floors of its riverside location with nine private spaces accommodating 10-30 guests. And for larger wedding gatherings the venue can host up to 220 for a seated dinner or up to 450 guests for a reception in a single space.

Every space has floor to ceiling windows and expansive views across the capital. At the pinnacle of the venue are the show-stopping views from the roof garden. Accessed via a contemporary curved staircase, guests can take in the sweeping River Thames along with views of The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Walkie Talkie, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.

With an eye for Instagram, the interiors feature clean lines and sleek, natural materials and colours along with the roof terrace which is styled with contemporary outdoor furniture and has one of the best photo backdrops in London.

To plan your big day here, head to www.rosecourtevents.co.uk

If you’re looking for your wedding bands or a gift for your partner, check out London-based jewellery brand SAM HAM Design. As well as a contemporary wedding collection, Sam’s taking on her Irish heritage in an all-new unisex Claddagh Ring collection. Inspired by connecting with her homeland, Sam’s new pieces are a clean, modern reinterpretation of the traditional elements of the Claddagh ring. Showcased across three designsone 9ct. yellow gold pinky ring and two over-sized sterling silver rings - each piece is created with Sam’s design technique which unfolds a familiar representation of Irish jewellery in an all-new aesthetic.

Sam was inspired by her longing for family and friends back home during the pandemic so she’s linking this new collection with anti-loneliness charities in the UK and Ireland with 10% of each order going to Age Action Ireland and The Loneliness Taskforce UK.

View this new collection and more at www.samhamdesign.com

BAKED TO ORDER

My Baker, who sell delicious artisan cakes made by a network of independent bakers has launched a new range of 12 wedding cakes, available in just one week from ordering. Cake lovers everywhere will be delighted by the eyecatching modern and traditional designs available in a range of flavours. My Baker’s ‘wedding within a week’ range is made freshly to order and can be customised to meet any colour scheme.

The new range includes the Azure Innocence, a decadent tiered caked topped with beautiful florals and a touch of elegance with a gold drip; the Forest Retreat, a rustic winter themed cake perfect to adorn any autumnal wedding table; the Fleurs de Printemps, a delicate sponge cake layered and covered with fresh buttercream and decorated with dried edible flowers.

With prices starting from £150, these delicious cakes can be delivered within 48 hours across the UK and next day within London.

For more information visit the website https://mybaker.co

COUNTY WEDDING EDITOR, RACHEL WESTALL, TRIES OUT THE EXCLUSIVE MEDICAL PEDICURE BY MARGARET DABBS LONDON

What a treat for the feet! As a working mum my feet work hard. Often wearing heels or sandals, exposing my feet to the elements I suffer with dry heels and skin build up on the balls of my feet. So, when the opportunity came to try out a medical pedicure at Margaret Dabbs, I jumped at the chance. It’s a giant leap further than your standard pedi. To explain a bit further, think hygienist for the feet and foot facialist all in one.

The famous medical pedicure or medi-pedi, as I like to call it, is a thorough overhaul performed on the feet, by a qualified HCPC registered Podiatrist. This treatment includes a comprehensive consultation, diagnosis and treatment, providing feet with a complete maintenance, and addresses all aspects of foot health. The pedicure is performed on a dry foot to ensure exceptionally long-lasting results and uses their own-brand, sumptuous, award winning Margaret Dabbs London product range. My treatment was delivered within a beautiful, tranquil specialist clinic. I came away feeling confident and cared for, with a walking on air feeling and realise the importance of investing in your feet – I mean, they’re pretty important!

The Margaret Dabbs London Foot Clinic & Nail Spa is based at 7 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 8UU. You can call the ever-so-helpful staff on 0207 487 5510 to get yourself booked in!

SOMETHING BORROWED

Something Borrowed at London’s The Wedding Wardrobe is a new service offering designer dress hire, giving brides-to-be beautiful gowns for a fraction of the buying price whilst still helping you feel special on your big day.

These elegant, timeless bridal gowns are perfect for those on a tighter budget or for those arranging your wedding sooner rather than later! The dresses range from timeless classic designs to glamorous gowns, ensuring every budget and style is catered for.

Choosing to rent a wedding dress is becoming increasingly popular. It reduces the environmental impact of the fashion industry while lowering cost for brides across the country.

The wedding dress hire is straight forward and stress-free. The Wedding Wardrobe take care of dry cleaning, and you can forget about long waiting times, because with Something Borrowed, you can pick up your bridal dress rental in as little as a week from your order date.

For more information, head to www.waterlooweddingwardrobe.co.uk

YOUR CITY OASIS

Those looking for some pre- or post-wedding time out should check out AIRE Ancient Baths London, located in an 18th-century townhouse in Covent Garden where the author of Peter Pan, JM Barrie, once lived. Nearlyweds or newlyweds can now choose packages from The White Collection – an edit of gifts designed exclusively for weddings. The curated experiences have been chosen to honour this celebration of love and make the perfect gift as well as being a treat for those needing a much-needed respite in the lead up to or after the big day, or a thank you to someone who helped to make your day as special as it was.

The AIRE experience begins with a tour at your own pace of the thermal baths at various temperatures (hot, warm, cold and ice), steam rooms infused with aromatherapy, a bath of a thousand jets and the Floatarium; a salt bath that allows you to float effortlessly. Each wedding experience is enhanced with a botanical and magnesium salt footbath, moisturising face mask and Cava and truffles to add a little more indulgence. The White Collection Gift boxes are beautifully packaged in a white and gold cover and include a space for a personal dedication to be written for the recipients.

To find out more about the range of experiences on offer visit https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-london

The Fan Museum

Greenwich, London

Situated in Greenwich World Heritage Site, The Fan Museum is the only museum dedicated entirely to the history, culture and craft of the fan. Our Grade II* listed buildings are the perfect site for our internationally significant collections, and our Orangery is the perfect venue for your special day.

The Fan Museum 12 Crooms Hill London SElO BER

To arrange a viewing, please get in touch. 020 8305 1441 info@thefanmuseum.org.uk thefanmuseum.org.uk

RAISE YOUR GLASSES

Hire the Bar is an East London based mobile bar service. Founded in 2019 by Tom Lissimore, Hire the Bar will take care of all aspects of your bar service and the dedicated team of industry professionals offer everything from welcome drinks through to bespoke big-day cocktails and a cash bar service. The bars are set up to minimise queues and with over 40 years combined hospitality experience you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands and your drinks will be served seamlessly.

When booking Hire the Bar for your wedding drinks, you can add your own décor touches to the bar itself and the team welcome drink requests too – so you can be sure that your favourite tipples will be served.

We’ve teamed up with Hire the Bar to offer a free bottle of fizz and two bottles of wine to all couples booking a package before the end of December, 2022. Just quote Your London Wedding when booking to receive this offer.

To find out more, check out www.hirethebar.com or call 07487 612233.

Freebies & OFFERS

STYLE STATEMENT

On your wedding day, light up the room in these statement gold ear climber earrings which bedazzle with four intricately cut moonstone gems. The sparkling gemstones, in a staggered line, descend in size and sit in an 18k gold-plated setting. Every detail has been well thought out, from the size of the stones to the slight curve of the earrings, creating the perfect mesmerising bold earring for a bold woman.

Founded by Ramona Gohil, an inspirational female entrepreneur passionate about her British Indian heritage and culture Rani & Co is not just any jewellery brand; its crafted unique pieces symbolise how powerful women can be.

Check out www.raniandco.co.uk

County Wedding Magazines’ readers have the chance to win a pair of Rani & Co Moonstone Climber Earrings worth £64.99!

COLOUR POP

Delving into the magic of bygone eras, Michelle Krausz of Krausz Jewellery creates one-off headpieces, earrings and hair combs using the most exquisite vintage pieces from 1930’s to 1960’s. Sourced from many eclectic people and places, Michelle tells a contemporary story by re-modelling jewellery pieces from the past. These stunning hair accessories make a perfect finishing touch for a modern bride.

A new Colour Pop collection has just launched. These headbands are easy to wear and complement any big-day outfit either with or without a veil. “I was inspired by strong floral hues, using rich green materials, cornflower blue, red, pink and lilac paired with gold or silver and added sparkle and pearls to create a statement,” explains Michelle.

To celebrate this launch, we’re offering readers a 20% discount on all orders placed before the end of December, 2022. To order, email Michelle at info@ krauszjewellery.co.uk, with your choice of headpiece from the website www.krauszjewellery.co.uk, and quote Your London Wedding to receive the discount.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Autumn wedding show season. From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues to our larger Signature Wedding Shows, we can’t wait to welcome back our couples and help plan their wedding days.

Here’s what to expect when attending one of our events...

Whether you’re joyous that restrictions have passed, or are still a little hesitant, couples can rest assured our venues are continuing to maintain some of the government guidelines and measures to ensure everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy the day:

• Attendees will need to pre-register to attend events

• There will be allocated time slots for visitors

• All venues will also have enhanced cleaning procedures, with hand washing and sanitising facilities still available

• Spaces between exhibition booths will be maintained to ease congestion

• Optional face masks

• Anyone with symptoms must refrain from visiting

Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof.

On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés, and attending our exhibitions is free!

For more information on any of our exhibitions visit County Wedding Events’ website.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events.

Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events.

Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com

WEDDING SHOWS SPRING 2023

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM unless otherwise stated

SUN

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area.

All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

EAST ANGLIA KENT

SUN 26 MAR | HAYCOCK MANOR Wansford, Peterborough, PE8 6JA

SUN

KEEP IT

Where to tie the knot in North London

www.beckypaynephotography.com www.beckypaynephotography.com www.beckypaynephotography.com

THE DEPOT 020 3218 0083 | https://thedepotn7.co.uk

This converted old English bus depot, benefits from its entire exterior being made up of floor to ceiling windows that bring light into the venue no matter what time of day.

The rustic and bohemian interior is the perfect backdrop for any wedding and one of the venue’s focal points is the grand-rounded bar, that was originally sourced from Royal ascot racecourse.

The three open plan levels allow a party of any size to be an intimate and memorable affair. From the spacious dining and bar level to the loft and mezzanine for a drinks reception space, you can go from a refined wedding breakfast for 180 guests to a buzzing disco for 300 guests in a moment! Outside, the courtyard is embraced by two exotic plant walls that act as a beautiful entranceway for the newlyweds into a cobbled courtyard with an array of country-like picnic benches all framed by bulb-bunting lights that bring a warm glow after sundown.

Couples are offered an evening of wine sampling, food tasting and cocktail tippling to experience what their wedding day has instore.

LAUDERDALE HOUSE

020 8348 8716 | www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk

Located amongst the pretty gardens and green spaces of Waterlow Park in Highgate, Lauderdale feels like a country house while offering all the convenience of a London location.

This Grade II listed historic building dates back to 1582, offers several flexible spaces for ceremonies or receptions, with options to accommodate up to 130 guests.

Located a short walk from Archway tube station, Lauderdale’s attractive rooms open directly onto the beautiful, terraced gardens of Waterlow Park; the perfect backdrop for those all-important photos.

Lauderdale House is a registered charity and runs as an arts centre for the local community. The income made from weddings is invested back into education, outreach and heritage projects.

FORTY HALL

020 8363 8196 | www.fortyhallestate.co.uk

Located on the edge of London, Forty Hall’s perfect for couples looking for an idyllic countryside setting yet near to the city. The Grade I listed Jacobean manor house boasts exquisite architecture and stunning views over its ornamental lake, medieval fishing ponds and streams, walled garden and pleasure grounds.

There’s a selection of period rooms to choose from in which to host your day. The Long Gallery boasts brick walls, high windows and its

ceiling beams give a quirky and country feel to the room. Ideal for larger celebrations, this room can seat 100 guests for a ceremony and 120 for an evening reception. Welcome drinks are served in the Inner Courtyard with its white walls, interior windows, glass doors and a contemporary glass roof allowing natural daylight to flood the space. Located on the ground floor, the Great Hall is one of the most opulent and highly decorated rooms, boasting an exquisite fireplace as its focal point. With rich wooden paneling, Jacobean-style ceilings and large bay windows offering views across the estate, these stunning period rooms are perfect for more intimate gatherings of 40 guests.

ONE OF THE LARGEST WEDDING SHOWS TO BE HELD IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND

SUNDAY 26TH FEBRUARY, 2023

ASCOT RACECOURSE, BERKSHIRE

• Free entry

• Win a luxury honeymoon

• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues

• Bridal fashion shows

• Entertainment

• Refreshments

• Covid-19 secure

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of

ONE OF THE LARGEST WEDDING SHOWS TO BE HELD IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, SURREY

• Free entry

• Win a luxury honeymoon

• Huge number of wedding specialists including venues

• Bridal fashion shows

• Entertainment

• Refreshments

• Covid-19 secure

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of

www.peterchamberlainphoto.com

STEPHENS HOUSE & GARDENS

020 8346 7812 | www.stephenshouseandgardens.com

Having appeared in many film and television productions, Stephens House boasts a stunning classic Italianate-style exterior that was extended by the Ink Magnate Henry Charles Stephens in the late 1800s. Surrounded by 10 acres of historic landscape and nestling within an arboretum of ancient and rare trees, the photo backdrops are endless. The beauty continues indoors with lovingly refurbished classic Victorian

interiors with private external areas and access to the extensive gardens.

The recently restored Dining Room, Salon and Drawing Room are all available for your ceremony and evening reception and in warmer months, the private terrace is ideal. This venue can host 70 loved ones for your ceremony and wedding breakfast and 120 guests for your evening celebrations and the inhouse catering is second-to-none.

Stephen’s House & Gardens has a strong connection to the late comic genius Spike Milligan with his statue on a bench in the gardens and his grand piano and other memorabilia being on display indoors. ISLINGTON

The impressive Grade II listed Islington Town Hall, with its grand façade and colourful displays of flowers, is a real focal point of Upper Street and home to an endless choice of reception spaces. On arrival, friends and family can gather in the courtyard at the front of the building before the ceremony, and the main steps are perfect for them to greet you with confetti as you leave.

At the top of the Town Hall’s impressive sweeping marble staircase, you enter the grand ceremony room that is the Council Chamber. The room

www.olliverphotography.com

features an original vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained-glass windows. The horseshoe seating layout ensures that none of your guests will be more than five rows from you, and although it seats 50 guests, it retains the intimate atmosphere. After you’ve tied the knot, the famous marble corridor’s the perfect place for a romantic moment together.

When it comes to your photos, the backstreets of Islington are picturesque and charming, with many beautiful small parks, the historic Camden Passage and Regents’ Canal all being nearby.

Weddings at WWT London

Overlooking the Thames, on the outskirts of London within acres of nature reserve, pools and reed beds, WWT London provides the perfect backdrop to your wedding.

Late availability mid-week and winter weddings packages available Ceremony Packages from £1,500 Full Wedding Packages from £5,500

We offer everything in one location. A magical ceremony in Wetland Living, our thatched fisherman’s hut, nestled within the reserve is perfect for those looking for a small, intimate wedding. For larger celebrations book our Observatory, with stunning views over the lakes and pools. This glass walled room can bring the outside in creating a stunning romantic wonderland.

Winter

WONDERLAND

Picture-perfect settings

www.peterdyerphotos.co.uk

THE CADOGAN ARMS

020 3148 2630 | https://thecadoganarms.london

Located in the heart of Chelsea’s bustling King’s Road, just a short walk from Chelsea Old Town Hall, The Cadogan Arms is available for pre and post wedding celebrations.

The Rose Room, the dedicated events space, is equipped with a horseshoe bar and space for up to 50 guests with a variety of food and drink packages. The Dining Room can be reserved for private use and can accommodate up to 35 seated guests, and 50 seated and standing. For larger wedding parties, The Cadogan Arms is also available for exclusive hire.

The venue’s infamous Feast Menu has been designed specifically for large groups, and a Best of British menu is on offer, with Two Michelin-starred chef James Knappett appointed as Culinary Director and Alex Harper formerly of The Ledbury and The Harwood Arms as Executive Chef.

Following the ambitious renovation, the restoration of The Cadogan Arms recreated the lost early Georgian architectural details and ornate timber panelling of the original building, which are softened with warm velvets and floral-patterned fabrics.

www.peterdyerphotos.co.uk

WEST LODGE PARK HOTEL

020 8216 3900 | www.westlodgepark.co.uk

West Lodge Park is a stunning hotel with a rich history. Situated in 35 acres of rolling countryside, this venue’s a romantic, luxury setting within easy reach of London. All accessed by an impressive drive, the landscaped Beale Arboretum, Garden Pavilion and historic 16th-century lodge offer the perfect backdrop for your day. The interiors at West lodge Park are elegant and relaxed, paying homage to their historic past while delivering beautifully designed, modern bedrooms.

With space for 100 guests, The Garden Pavilion situated on the croquet lawn under the stunning giant redwoods is the latest addition here and the premier place to host your ceremony. More intimate gatherings can be accommodated in a variety of rooms that cater for 10 to 80 loved ones. For your reception, the largest space is the marquee. Located on the lawn beside the national collection of hornbeam trees, this state-of-the-art setting can host up to 200 guests.

When booking, couples receive a complimentary menu tasting, a bridal suite for the wedding night and a full English breakfast the next morning.

MORDEN HALL 020 8102 0553 | www.mordenhall.com

Morden Hall’s a romantic country house steeped in history and surrounded by 125 acres of National Trust parkland. Built in 1770s and lovingly restored in 2015, this venue’s been brought into the present day without losing the heart of its elegant history. This 18th-century house exudes elegance, charm and sophistication with high ceilings and a real sense of character.

www.galileophotography.co.uk

There’s a collection of stunning spaces to use in the morning whilst you’re preparing for your big day and The Willow and Mulberry Suites are both options for your ceremony and reception seating 120 guests and 150 guests respectively for your nuptials and up to 200 for your evening party. Outdoors a tranquil oasis awaits you. Situated beside the River Wandle, the private lawn offers stunning photo opportunities with its beautiful old footbridge leading over the river and what’s more, Morden Hall’s exclusive use, which means you’ll have the place all to yourselves on your big day.

The Grade II* listed Victorian Gothic-revival facade of Le Gothique is one of the best original exteriors of its kind in Britain. The spectacular towering spires, gargoyles and large statue of St. George give it a dreamy castle-like feel. An enchanting awardwinning Secret Garden is found tucked within the venue. The perfect al fresco space for celebrations, it can be covered, heated and lit. A hard-standing patio with a barbecue is surrounded by neatly striped lawns and hanging floral baskets.

Inside, the space is split into two levels, with formal dining on the mezzanine floor and a Gothic bar occupying the ground floor. A bronze statue of Bacchus, the god of wine, adorns the west wall.

Outdoor weddings with 250 loved ones are accommodated in the Secret Garden and celebrations can also be held inside the venue in the Gothic Room for a maximum of 90 guests.

The venue can also help couples arrive in style with its vintage Rolls Royce to hire.

If you are considering a celebrant led ceremony, be it a wedding, vow renewals or a baby naming ceremony. We will work together to bring your story to life. We cover most of the UK and also travel outside of the UK. Beautifully tailor made ceremonies.

We offer a free no obligation consultation to discuss your requirements call: 07947 610483 or email: kelly@blessedcelebrants.co.uk www.blessedcelebrants.co.uk @blessedcelebrants

We offer many different settings for your ceremony, whether it be in the gardens or one of our beautiful rooms.

Just 12 miles from central London

West Lodge Park is a stunning country hotel set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds 020 8219 3909 wlpweddings@bealeshotels.co.uk www.westlodgepark.co.uk

Your dream, your vision, your day, your way!

CORE CLAPTON

020 3011 4161 | www.coreclapton.org

Set in a quiet street in Clapton, Hackney, Core Clapton is the perfect setting if you want a large blank canvas with the freedom to add your own personality to your surroundings to create a stunning winter wonderland. The main event space benefits from high, barrelled ceilings and its numerous windows provide an abundance of natural light. The white décor means this space is perfect for any theme and can be brought to life with your choice of décor and lighting.

The ground floor reception room hosts ceremonies with 50 loved ones and the main event space can accommodate 200 guests. The reception room is also perfect for your arrival drinks, a children’s area, photobooths or a chill out zone. It’s also a useful area for guests to mix if the main space needs a room change between your ceremony and evening party.

The venue benefits from a private terrace for the warmer months and a large onsite kitchen for all your catering needs.

DRAPERS’ HALL

020 7448 1324 | www.thedrapers.co.uk

Drapers’ Hall is a hidden oasis in the city of London that offers an idyllic and picturesque setting.

Whether Drapers’ Hall is chosen to host a small intimate wedding breakfast or the grandest of celebrations, the venue’s available for exclusive use including its two outdoor spaces.

The Drapers’ Garden’s perfect for entertaining up to 180 guests on warm evenings and the Courtyard provides another separate

outdoor space for evening receptions.

Although this venue’s not licensed for ceremonies, you can host a blessing here and it provides an exquisite setting for receptions, which take place in The Drawing Room. Peaceful and elegant, the Drawing Room can host a champagne drinks reception followed by the wedding breakfast with up to 276 friends and family.

When tying the knot here, couples are offered a complimentary menu tasting and will benefit from an incredibly simple planning process, with all of the essentials included, plus elegant candelabra centrepiece, dancefloor and a Steinway classic grand piano.

Unrivalled Experienced

Trusted & Recommended

Relaxed Reportage Style

AND

To infinity

BEYOND

Gary and Jack met online and soon became best friends.

“We realised we lived two roads apart, so we spent many nights dancing around each other’s flats, just the two of us,” says Gary. “I wasn’t ready to commit for a long time though, so we didn’t become official boyfriends for two years. Jack waited that whole time,” he adds. They became official on holiday in Greece a couple of years later. “We were in a bar, and I went into the bathroom at midnight on 01.08.17 and added him as my boyfriend on Facebook. I came out and showed him and told him I’d waited for this date so our anniversary could be 01.08, because 8 is the infinity symbol and I wanted this to be forever,” Gary recalls.

The duo visited Jack’s family in Devon over Christmas 2020, when Gary asked Jack’s stepdad and mum for permission to propose. “We then went to stay with my family in Barnsley and on Christmas Eve I gave him a card that said Fiance on the front,” says Gary. “I made him read the inside verse out loud and the last line said Will you marry me? As he said that, I was down on one knee giving him the engagement ring and I said yes! So, I always tell everyone Jack officially proposed to me!” he says. “We always loved each other from the beginning and the relationship grew from a friendship which was the perfect foundation for us to get married seven years later.”

Here, Gary tells us more about their day…

Gary and Jack’s RuPaul’s Drag Race-themed day was full of fun and colour Images courtesy of David Ferguson

We live in Walthamstow and we wanted the wedding to be in London as our lives and lots of our friends are in London now. The Screen on the Green was the perfect quirky venue for our ceremony.

We wore matching navy check suits and tailored waistcoats with a gold and blue marble material for the back and accessorised with bronze metal flowers as lapel pins.

Our ushers wore grey check suits, which looked really smart. They did an amazing job of decorating the venue and organising everyone for our photos.

We had 18 maids of honour who came to our room in the morning, and we gave them all matching silver bracelets and shared a glass of bubbly.

We walked into the Wenlock and Essex and loved the vibe and décor. It has lots of fairground lights, big windows that open onto the street, and the size was perfect.

We walked to the cinema with our maids of honour. We got a lot of looks and people taking pictures with all the girls being in white.

For our centrepieces we bought twig lights and placed them in empty alcohol bottles on the tables.

Every female friend was invited as a bridesmaid, so we had about 70! We asked them to wear white bridalwear. It was fantastic because we had such a mixture of outfits, from wedding dresses to white suits and party dresses, and some even wore veils.

Our tables were named after drag queens. Our top table was RuPaul and the rest were our other favourites like Adore Delano and Jinkx Monsoon.

We didn’t have favours as such but we asked our guests in advance to send pictures of us together. We spent hours formatting and printing them and we let people take their photos at the end of the night as a keepsake.

The table plan was a curtain of lights with the drag queen picture clipped on and names underneath which hung in the entrance as people walked in.

My mum made our huge cake. We had a naked cake design with a few flower details in white and navy blue to match our suits and the cake topper was how I proposed.

One of our maids of honour made us two white bouquets for us to throw. Our friends Lindsay and Jo caught them. We threw them again a couple more times later in the night directly to our other single friends.

Our friend Angela wrote and sang a song about us and our relationship which was incredibly funny. She’d asked us some questions about what we love and what annoys us about each other and worked everything into the song.

Our friend Flo is a professional opera singer so she sang Habanera from Carmen during the service. The acoustics in the cinema were great and it sounded fantastic without a microphone.

Throughout our day we were surprisingly relaxed. We’d been planning for a year and had so much help from friends that we weren’t worried about how the day would run.

During

Our wedding song was Happiness by Alexis Jordan, and Jack and I had some silly moves to it. We taught this to our friend who recorded herself dancing along and we sent this to our friends, so when the song played, everyone joined in the dance with us which was so much fun.

GARY AND JACK’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venues, Screen on the Green, www.everymancinema.com/screen-on-the-green, Wenlock and Essex, https://wenlockandessex.com Photographer, David Ferguson, www.instagram.com/london_film_photographer | Jewellery and accessories, Bassin and Brown, www.bassinandbrown.com | Suits, Moss Bros London Oxford Street, www.moss.co.uk

Rings, Blazer Arts, www.etsy.com/shop/debblazer | DJ, DJKP, www.dj-kp.co.uk

the reception we played musical bingo, then Mr and Mr and we made paddles with cartoon versions of me and Jack for us to use to answer.

LIKE

no other

Rebecca and David’s day oozed glamour and seasonal vibes Images courtesy of Heather Sham Photography

Rebecca and David met in a local bar on Christmas Eve, so a seasonal wedding was always on the cards for them. “Linking our day to that time of the year was very special to us,” Rebecca says. “David was like no man I’d met before. We took the time to get to know each other and found that we were both attracted to what we wanted from life and how we were going to get there, and we share the same sense of humour, which helps!” she says.

It was during a holiday in Portugal that David proposed. “It was a complete surprise, as a few days before I’d joked that I loved a particular ring I’d seen while we were out shopping for last-minute holiday bits and David got upset saying that we couldn’t afford it to throw me off the scent,” she recalls. “We’d rented a beautiful villa with our family, and I was getting ready to go to dinner one night when David called me out to the garden. All of our family were on the balcony looking over us and our son was standing next to me when the next thing I knew, David was down on one knee,” Rebecca explains. “The sun was going down behind us and it was a very special moment. I was in so much shock, I couldn’t really take in what he was saying,” she adds.

LONDON VIBES

The duo tied the knot at The Old Marylebone Town Hall and hosted their reception at 34 Mayfair. “We wanted something small and intimate with a jazzy London vibe,” says Rebecca. “When we walked in, we knew it was perfect for our guest numbers. It had a beautiful bar with neon signs, a small space for dancing and for entertainment to perform and the staff were really friendly.”

When it came to getting to the venue, there was a slight hiccup. “We hired a white wedding bus to take guests from the ceremony to the reception but there was a police incident in Westminster, which meant the roads had been shut off so it couldn’t get to us in time. Luckily it was only five minutes away so instead we all got black cabs or walked. It’d just started to drizzle with rain but we made it work,” Rebecca says.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

Rebecca’s dress was by Australian designer Jane Hill. “I always knew what style I wanted. I loved square necklines and gowns with lots of embellishment,” she says. “I found a dress online called Benji and my son is called Bennie, so it had to be the one! I found out that there was a trunk show at Halo and Wren, a small boutique in Hemel Hemstead and booked straight away to go and check out the collection,” she explains. After trying on four different dresses, she knew that Benji was the one for her. “The dress was very bling with pearls and shimmer, so I paired it with small diamond pear-drop earrings and wore a pair of white patent Christian Loubiton court heels to keep the look simple,” says Rebecca.

David and his groomsmen all looked handsome in black tuxedos with a satin lapel and black patent shoes and Rebecca’s maids of honour wore black satin floor-length dresses to match the theme.

SEASONAL STYLING

Rebecca carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses and the flowers in the décor complemented that perfectly. “For our centrepieces we had gold bowls that contained a mixture of red, blush and white winter flowers to reflect the deep colours of the room,” she describes. “We didn’t opt for much décor, as the room was very colourful and dressed already. It had a beautiful Christmas tree in the corner with flowers and cute neon signs were placed around the space, which we loved.”

The table plan was a large white textured card on an easel with black writing and gold wax R&D stamps and table names were displayed in simple gold frames. These matched the place names, menus and invitations, tying the stationery together seamlessly.

“We had a two-tier white and gold flecked vanilla cake. It was simple but beautiful with a personalised gold mirrored Mr and Mrs Earley topper to add the finishing touch,” says Rebecca. For the favours, guests were treated to personalised white biscuits that were detailed with the duo’s married name and wedding date in gold lettering and the wedding breakfast consisted of burrata cheese to start, slow-cooked beef for mains and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. “It was all really lovely,” says Rebecca.

TAKING IT ALL IN “During the evening we had the most amazing performers who I found on Instagram. They sung our first dance song and then party music for two hours. I didn’t want anything cheesy, and they were fabulous,” Rebecca recalls.

The day was captured on camera by Heather Sham Photography. “Heather was brilliant. Even in the rain taking our couple photos we laughed so much, she just slotted into the day without feeling too intrusive,” says Rebecca.

The newlyweds were nervous on their day but loved every minute. “It was the right time for both of us. We had our children there, had bought our house and this was our next step,” says Rebecca. “A standout part for us both was watching how happy our children were on the day. Our son cried in the ceremony, which was very sweet, and they both danced all night and had so much fun,” she says. “At dinner when we got the chance to sit next to each other and chat, we looked around the room at our close family and friends and we both got emotional at what we’d achieved. It was an amazing feeling.”

REBECCA AND DAVID’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venues, Old Marylebone Town Hall, www.adaytoremember.london/old-marylebone-town-hall; 34 Mayfair, https://34-restaurant.co.uk

Photographer, Heather Sham Photography, https://heathersham.com | Dress, Halo & Wren, www.haloandwrenbridal.com | Suits, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk | Hair stylist, Hair by Lucie, www.hairbylucie.com | Make-up artist, Jade Ewen, www.instagram.com/jadeewen_mua Cake, Laura’s London, www.lauraslondon.com | Flowers, Michelle Buabin Flowers, www.instagram.com/michellebuabinflowers Stationery, Knock Knock Penny Studio, www.knockknockpennystudio.com

An epic party was had by all at Danielle and Will’s special day

Images courtesy of Hiro Arts Photography

STRIKE IT lucky

Danielle and Will met on Tinder in May, 2016. “We met quickly after matching and went bowling at Elephant & Castle bowling alley,” says Danielle. “Will fondly remembers the day of him scoring four strikes! We really hit it off and decided to keep seeing each other from that point onwards.”

A few years later Will had many plans for the proposal that kept being delayed due to lockdown, but the day finally came in February 2021. “We went for a lovely walk from Deptford to London Bridge and were at a quiet spot on the Thames,” Danielle recalls. “Will quickly blurted it out and presented

me with a ring that he’d got at an auction, so the size was a little out – I persevered though and managed to get it on eventually!” she says. They then celebrated with a mini bottle of Champagne sat by the river before continuing their walk along the Thames to London Bridge. “It was a lovely blue sky and sunny day for February – one of the first that I remember of the year! We then came home and had a nice home-cooked meal and some more Champagne” she says.

The planning soon got underway and just over a year later their big day arrived. Here Danielle shares all the details…

Will’s a regular attendee at St Paul’s Church and volunteered there during lockdown. It’s beautiful inside and out so it seemed like the perfect place to celebrate.

For our reception, as soon as we walked into One Friendly Place, we could just see it working there. The different floors and rooms that we could use for different parts of the wedding and roof terrace were perfect.

I wanted to have two looks to show the change in venues. For the ceremony I wore a gorgeous Whistles design and accessoried with Jimmy Choo shoes and a veil by Veil by Chelsea.

Will wore an Officine Generale suit and accessoried with a tie from Drakes of London. He looked really smart.

For the evening, I wanted a dress that was more fun for me to dance the night away in and opted for an Asos sequin design with Novesta trainers

Our bridesmaids wore infinity dresses in champagne to compliment the greenery of the bouquet and our groomsmen wore suits of their choice. We were quite relaxed about their outfit choices.

The ceiling of the warehouse was decorated with hanging greenery and foliage. It looked great against the white backdrop.

We had three long tables so everyone could sit together, and we sat in the middle of the central table surrounded by our closest friends. We had a great time!

For our flowers, I didn’t want anything too structured. Will loves his cooking so we asked for herbs to be included in them too which left a nice smell throughout the church and venue afterwards.

Rather than a traditional cake, we opted for a Cheese tower from Mons London. It looked and tasted amazing.

There was a big blackboard at the venue that we drew the table plan on for people to find their seats.

To tie in with our theme, we tied foliage to the pue ends in church.

We hand-wrote our placenames and added sprigs of rosemary from Will’s family garden. They were styled with napkins that Will’s mum made that had our initials sewn into them.

The venue’s very quirky and had lots of props that we could use to add character to the seating areas and drinks reception.

We hired a black cab to take me to the church and then Will and I to the reception.

We hired a brass band for our entertainment. They did two sets of songs and learnt our first dance song, which was Hello Dolly (my favourite movie as a child).

The dancefloor was never empty whilst the band played. We also had a DJ that followed their performance.

For our cards we had a wicker basket with handmade bunting and fairylights. It really suited the look of the venue.

Our food not only tasted amazing, it looked fabulous too.

Instead of a traditional guest book, we asked guests to take pictures throughout the day and write a message alongside their Poloroid –it created some fabulous memories.

Everyone had the best time. There was lots of laughter, lots of wine being drunk and lots of bad dancing. The wedding was also on the Jubilee weekend so there were many jokes that this was the biggest party in London that weekend.

DANIELLE AND WILL’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Venue, One Friendly Place, www.onefriendlyplace.com | Photographer, Hiro Arts, www.hiroartsphotography.com | Dresses, Whistles via John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com; ASOS, www.asos.com | Veil, Veils by Chelsea, www.etsy.com/shop/BloomandVeil | Hair and make-up, Kat Sykes Hair and Make-up, www.katsykeshairandmakeup.co.uk | Cake, Mons Cheesemongers, www.mons-cheese.co.uk

Flowers, Harley’s Flowers, www.harleysflowers.co.uk | Transport, London Corporate Cabs, www.londoncorporatecabs.com Catering, Cocette Catering, www.cocottecatering.co.uk | Rings, Allure Jewellers, www.allurejewellers.co.uk

Seasonal blooms… the largest and best flowers for big pieces are Amarylis, pure white through to deepest claret – they always make a statement. The most popular at the moment are Ranunculus also known as the winter peony, particularly the Clooni Hanoi varieties in white through to pinks. My absolute favourite is Hellebores, these soft delicate childlike flowers really say winter to me.

Foliage… My favourite winter foliages are rosemary, senecio which looks like sage, and a dark red hebe. All English and all sustainable.

Bouquet inspo… For winter, I always recommend something simple and easy to hold with cold fingers!

Venue styling… Use cut branches to create woody table centres hung with flower heads or little cut out snowflakes and place floating candles in different height vases to create a magical feel without breaking the bank – my favourite are magnolia budded branches.

Top tips… Listen to your florist. Winter flowers mark easily and can be difficult to get open in time. Go armed with a budget but this year be prepared for it to go up as flower costs have risen dramatically in the last few months.

Seasonal

BLOOMS

Create your winter floral look

a beautiful season for flowers and it’s not just about your bouquet, you can really go to town with your venue styling too. Using blooms to create your winter wonderland backdrop is a must! Here, our local pros share their ideas and top tips for your venue styling, their favourite seasonal blooms and bouquet inspiration to get you started…

Winter’s

AMANDA AUSTIN

Amanda Austin Flowers, https://amandaaustinflowers.co.uk

EMMA SOULSBY

Emma Soulsby Flowers, www.emmasoulsbyflowers.com

Seasonal blooms… If you’re going to get married in the winter, embrace the theme, work with your florist and stick to seasonal flowers, so go for winter/spring blooms.  I love a Clooni Ranunculus and Italian Anemones.

Foliage… Winter weddings that embrace foliage are always my favourite. There’s such an abundance of different cut pines available in so many wonderful tones, deep greens and greys and all with such a wonderful fragrance. The more variation you use the better texture and ultimately the better overall finish you’ll get.

https://joeshortwedding]photography.com

Seasonal Blooms… Anemones are great for a wild forestry look. Carnations work well at this time of the year as well as a mix of Baccara Roses Thistle, Hypericum Berry and Callas. What I love about these flowers is their diverse range of colour and the texture they’ll create.

Foliage… Berried ivy adds that deep drama and texture and is always so popular. The softer frongs of the Dusty Miller works well in lighter toned bouquets and softer arrangments, while the seeded Eucalyptus adds a dainty element to any arrangment and is super versatile.

Bouquet inspo… Using some of the deep rich velvety blooms available with hints of steel-coloured berries are a real favourite. These always gel well with sand and nude toned blooms. Use lots of different types of textured foliage to really pull your theme together.

Venue styling… If you say winter wonderland to me, it conjurers up an image of snowy peaks, icicles and mossy branches so if you’re going for a white winter wedding look, then embrace that. There are lots of beautiful wintery berries and branches with rich deep earthy tones but equally as the flower seasons move slightly ahead of Mother Nature you’ll have an abundance of spring blooms to also choose from.

Top tips… Pick a theme that works with and complements your chosen venue, as this will help to enhance the overall look of your day.

Bouquet inspo… We love bouquets brimming with rich warm tones and variety of style. Pampas grass is so on trend and great for those rustic, modern, minimalist aesthetics.

Venue styling… An inexpensive way to create a winter scene would be to use a selection of winter foliages like blue pine, ivy, and Dusty Miller on tables as runners. You could also add pinecones to create a woody feel and cinnamon sticks for fragrance. Glitter and frosted stick arches are also a brilliant way to add a cool icy feel to your venue. You could also hang crystals and foliage to add a bit of drama.

CHERYL PIERCE KC Flowers and Events, www.kcflowerandevents.com

EMILY BAYLIS

June in March, www.juneinmarch.com

Seasonal Blooms… For a modern and stylish update on the traditional Red Poinsettia, try Amaryllis. It’s darker and a bit less obvious and, like Poinsettia, often comes potted. Then there’s Ranunculus, which is also a darker red with vibrant ruffled petals and thick stems – great for a bit of texture. Hellebores are also beautiful and they smell divine. Icelandic Poppies look pretty delicate and summery, but are actually a true winter wonder and very stylish. I love them. They do tend to be more of a January flower though, which is something to bear in mind.

Foliage… Not many plants flower over the winter. Traditional, winter season floristry includes lots of green foliage for a reason. Set the mood; there are options like Eucalyptus and even berried Eucalyptus for a lighter more contemporary look. Pine’s also great, it smells gorgeous and will create a lovely warm, cosy feel. For more traditional result you can go for Ruscus, or ivy.

Venue styling… Go luxe for less and create something vintage inspired for the table settings. I’ve added dried flowers into glass domes many times. It’s very ‘Victoriana’, looks vintage-chic and is easy to do. Build a small ball of moss – you can buy it from some florists or garden centres, then put some dried flowers in it. It looks so expensive, very much in keeping with the cosy winter season and will impress as a statement table centrepiece.

If you want to save a bit of money, don’t buy new things to style up a table setting I always use pieces from home or sometimes things I salvage or find out and about. You’ll often see me picking up a large stick in the park that I can use for hanging winter floral decorations. You can also use old wine bottles, jugs and large jars for table settings. Florals should be fun, especially at this time of the year.

Top tips… Dried flowers are a great money saving option and they’ll last and could even be put into storage for next year. It’s also a more sustainable way of enjoying flowers and they look very chic. You could go for the more traditional cinnamon and orange slice decoration or you could opt for something less obvious like dried thistle and artichoke, roses, Protea and Amaranth.

REBECCA PAULRAJ

Becca Blooms, https://beccablooms.com

Seasonal Blooms… The traditional colours for winter florals usually centre around deep reds, burgundies, white, sage and deep greens. There’s no written rule about mixing artificial with natural flowers and foliage. Work within your budget, be bold and mix and match. As a florist, I routinely mix fresh with artificial to achieve a desired effect and you can achieve amazing arrangements using your favourite flowers that may be out of season too.

Visit the Covent Garden Flower Market if you get a chance during the winter period to see the wealth of flowers and foliage available to choose from. It’ll mean an early morning for you, but it’s well worth the trip just for the experience alone. You can also source your candles, ribbons, lanterns, Christmas wreaths, table display bases, artificial flowers and berries here.

Venue styling… Most venues decorate with Christmas-themed florals and baubles and other decorations in the lead up to December. Incorporating or syncing with these displays is an important part of ensuring a continuous theme as well as keeping costs down.

Use the humble Christmas wreath to create your table displays,

incorporating candles, baubles, pinecones, berries and evergreen foliage to carry through the winter wonderland theme. Be bold in your use of greenery. A thick and bushy pine, fir and eucalyptus swag with a smattering of red berries and some white winter roses is all you need to bring a long trailing table garland to life. Use candles or strings of tiny battery-operated lights to lift the display.

Carry through your table displays into the chandeliers or hanging lights if you want to fill the space above your banqueting area. Use greens predominantly and use your florals sparingly. To add to the desired effect, hang baubles on pretty luxury ribbons from the displays.

Top tips… The bouquets, corsages and the boutenniers are probably the most important florals, as they’ll feature predominantly in your photos. Be willing to spend a large proportion of your flower budget on them and make sure you choose your florist wisely. Look at their websites, ask to see images of other wedding work they’ve done and make sure you choose the right person to work with.

Gift your table centrepieces to beloved family members and friends so that they can take them home and enjoy as a reminder of your special day. Leaving them behind will only mean that the florist/venue staff will have to dispose of them and you may get charged for the privilege.

Walking in a winter wonderland

Want to plan a seasonal wedding but unsure where to start? We’ve put together a guide to help you create the ultimate celebration

CHOOSING A COLOUR SCHEME

One of the first things you should do is decide on a colour palette. This time of year has some wonderful hues available, including greens, reds, golds, blues and silvers. Choose one or two and stick to them. If you try and include every colour, it may look overwhelming and messy. If you want to go against tradition, an up-and-coming trend that we’ve seen here at County Wedding Magazines HQ is jewel tones. These can add warmth to your venue and can be incorporated into your glassware, candles and cutlery.

DECIDING ON A VENUE

Picking a venue can be overwhelming, especially if you have a restrictive criteria. Look through social media and magazines to get some inspiration, and once you have an idea of how many people you want to attend and the area you want to get married in, you can begin narrowing down your search. The weather, as we all know, can be pretty unpredictable, so if you’re going for an outdoor ceremony, make sure you have a backup plan in case it rains or snows.

Christmas charms, from £45, sterling silver charm bracelet, £55, https://uk.pandora.net/en

Hair accessory, from a selection, www.azazie.com

FINDING THE PERFECT OUTFIT

If you’re tying the knot in the middle of winter, chances are it’s going to be pretty cold. Take this into consideration when choosing your dress, as you might start to feel chilly in a sleeveless gown. Those of you thinking of wearing a suit, choose warm fabrics and colours that will tie in with your theme.

Feather-trim dress, £45, www.dcey.co.uk

Bridal sandals, from a selection, www.davidsbridal.co.uk

ACCESSORISE AND SHINE

Accessories are your best friend when it comes to winter weddings. Do you desperately want a strapless gown but don’t want to freeze? Opt for a cover-up or bolero to keep you warm. These will tie in nicely with your theme and look super cute in those all-important photographs.

KEEP YOUR LOVED ONES WARM

If you’re worried your guests might feel the chill, supply blankets and slippers. A firepit is another way of keeping everyone toasty while also adding a fun element to your day. If you want to take it to the next level, supply some marshmallows – yum!

MUST-HAVE FLOWERS

Whether you opt for an arch, grand centrepieces, an oversized bouquet or a hanging masterpiece, your flowers will create a statement in your photographs. There are a range of wintry blooms to choose from, including roses, ranunculus, berries and much more. With a strong emphasis on eco-friendly weddings, ask your florist if their flowers are grown in the UK and if they use eco-products where possible.

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

If you’re big fans of Christmas like us here at CWM, why not lean into the time of year and incorporate aspects of it into your winter theme? You could add a Christmas tree in your reception room, have festive-coloured bridesmaids’ dresses, use reindeers as table names, give your guests baubles as favours or even ask Santa to come and visit the little ones.

Burnt-orange satin dress, £160, https://wearerewritten.com

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Food is one of the most important aspects of any wedding, so it’s important to pick something that fits your theme and personalities. With the cold weather outside, think of warming dishes such as soup or a roast dinner. You could serve mulled wine on arrival and create a fun hot chocolate station for the evening.

The SWAY ALLSTARS offers an elite squad of profession musicians of the very highest standard and we guarantee that it’s “THAT BAND!!” that your guests are talking about on their way home.

Looking your best

Be the finest version of you with this top advice and stunning products

Finding ‘the one’

Style: MS251223 | £1150

The Melissa Sweet dress, features 3D leaves trailing down this lace layered sheath gown. The low back and the plunging V-neckline creates a sexy silhouette that outlines the natural curves of the body for a universally flattering fit.

We love that the gown is fully lined in power mesh and finished perfectly with a grosgrain ribbon to highlight the waist.

Colours available: Solid ivory, solid white and an ivory cashmere.

Style: CWG901 | £895

For brides with an eye for detail, this dreamy beaded A-line tulle dress with a plunging V-neckline is an absolute must-try. Designed by in-house designer, Oleg Cassini, this elegant cap sleeve dress has a beautifully framed open back design which is both elegant and opulent.

Colours available: Ivory, white.

Style: SWG834 | £1450

This A-line dress is a beautifully poetic option, flattering on multiple body types. The visible boning detail compliments the sheer sweetheart bodice and removable sleeves for an off-the-shoulder look. The gown’s detailed with embroidered floral appliques that cascade down the airy, tulle skirt.

We absolutely love the glittery layers that add subtle sparkling dimension, drawing the eye to wrap style leg slit. This dress also pairs with a mini me counterpart style WG1421, although a little less daring, it’s just as glamorous.

Colours available: Solid ivory, solid white and an ivory cashmere.

Style: WG3979 | £625

One of our top sellers of the year for a reason, this off-the-shoulder ball gown gets a modern twist with an unembellished satin material. Exude femininity in this figure-flattering, structured gown that compliments any hair style whether it’s up, down, low-slung or Hollywood curls. The delicate pleats flow into a dramatic ball gown skirt that gives a dreamy princess look.

We love this dress for its understated, timeless simplicity and its coordinating flower girl dress style WG1428.

Colours available: Ivory, white, petal, black, iris, apple and dusty blue.

Style: Palermo – vegan silk wrap dress | £399

Feel good on your big day by wearing a dress made from a vegan-friendly fabrication. Our Palmero dress is made in 100% vegan silk, which is a combination of cupro and viscose to mimic the weight and feel of silk but from a certified vegan source.

Style: Alexandra – bow mini dress | £349

Being able to hit the dancefloor without worrying about the dreaded wedding train tangle or red wine spill on your dream gown is key to enjoying your evening celebrations and our Alexandra mini dress is perfect for this. Short and easy to dance the night away in (and it even has pockets for that all important lipstick top up).

MILLIE COWELL, DAVID’S BRIDAL, WWW.DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM

Beauty comes from within

GABI STANISZEWSKA, HAIR BY GABRIELLE, WWW.HAIRBYGABRIELLE.CO.UK

Looking your best on your big day is usually top of the list for brides-to-be and hair and make-up is the main way to achieve enhanced beauty.

First and foremost, while bridal make-up artists like myself have the skill to transform women with elegant and beautiful looks, it’s important to look after the skin underneath first. Pamper yourself ahead of your day with a facial, but my advice is not to carry out a chemical facial too close to the wedding in case of any reactions. I do strongly recommend an exfoliating and hydrating facial though, even for skin that’s already in good condition.

When it comes to your hair and make-up, don’t be too led by trends. Your photos will last a lifetime, and you won’t want to look back on them wishing that you hadn’t chosen a look that you weren’t comfortable with. Remember, you want to look like a glowier version of you, not someone else. We’re enhancing, not masking.

Your real beauty comes from within. There are so many clever tricks and techniques that hair and make-up artists can employ to ensure you look your best on the surface, but it’s also important to feel your best inside too. Wedding prep and getting married can be stressful, alongside the excitement and happiness, so make sure you’re looking after your mental health in the lead up. Being consistent with things like getting a good diet of fresh fruits and lots of liquids such as green tea can do wonders. As well as this, take care of your body by making sure you’re getting enough sleep and carrying out some self-care treatments, such as taking the time for a long bath or going for a walk. If you’re struggling, call in the troops and ask for some support – it’s a lot of pressure to be a bride!

PHILIPPA LEE, PHILIPPA LOUISE MAKE-UP, WWW.PHILIPPALOUISEMAKEUP.CO.UK

Looking good and feeling great on your big day starts from within. I always advise my brides to book in for some regular you time. This can range from going to a spa to really relax and unwind, to booking in regular facials to ensure your skin’s looking it’s best and glowing from within. I always suggest finding your facialist at least 6-8 months before your day so you can begin your skin journey and find what suits you, so on the day your skin’s in the best possible condition for the application of make-up.

FACEGYM is my go-to for facials and they do a wonderful bridal package. Let’s just say that you can look 10yrs younger! The £14million Club at Cottonmill Spa at Sopwell House is my fave spa to visit to switch off. This is pure luxury and it’s worth every penny. Ensure you book in for their one-of-a-kind massages too.

I also think that doing some mindful daily meditation and facial exercises on the lead up to the day is important, this can rid any tension in the jaw and face and enhance the glow whilst softening any fine lines. Look after yourself from the inside out and it will show on your big day.

The finishing touch

RACHEL TREVOR-MORGAN, RACHEL TREVOR-MORGAN LONDON, HTTPS://RACHELTREVORMORGAN.COM

R2007 Silk bow headband with face veil £895

Our best seller and firm favourite of our bridal collection. It’s pretty and feminine and can be set with a removable veil post-ceremony.

R2032 Gold lily of the valley headband £825

This is the perfect headpiece for a slightly more boho, natural look and can be made in silver as well.

R2020 Ivory and blush rose headdress £1545

This headdress makes a statement but is a beautiful partner on a veil. We’ve made one along with a cathedral-length veil and it was absolutely stunning.

MICHELLE KRAUSZ, KRAUSZ JEWELLERY, WWW.KRAUSZJEWELLERY.CO.UK

www.christophergunson.com

www.christophergunson.com

www.christophergunson.com

www.christophergunson.com

Headpieces are a great way to complete your bridal outfit, either with or without a veil. Our new colour pop headband collection is super easy to wear, adding a dash of colour and sparkle and creating the perfect finishing touch to a contemporary dress.

Made using original vintage pieces from 1930-1960s, these one-of-a-kind headwear pieces are timeless and will be a statement party accessory for years to come.

Priced £175 to £220.

www.christophergunson.com

WITHOUT TRYING Love you

The City of London comes to life in this dreamy elopement shoot

Tying the knot in central London doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on romance and dreamy styling.

Photographers Leanne Ashcroft and Mal Sivapunniyan teamed up with a group of talented local suppliers to show just that!

“Our vision for the shoot was to create luminous, dreamy, romantic images that’ll offer inspiration to modern, diverse brides and grooms,” explains Leanne. “For the style-conscious romantics out there, why can’t you glide through the streets of London wearing that elegant, floaty dress? Why should you sacrifice dreamy delicate bouquet details? The answer quite simply is – you shouldn’t!” she adds. “We had a pop of pink running through the styling, our bride wore the Francine dress by Wendy Makin and flowers by Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design demonstrated just that.”

This shoot emphasised that you don’t have to be wearing a trend setting jumpsuit or a short funky dress to pull off an elopement in the city. “We wanted to show that simplicity, style and romance does work with London as your backdrop,” says Leanne.

Diversity and inclusivity were important to the team. “Firstly, the location’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world, so we wanted to feature a real-life couple from different backgrounds. We didn’t just want diversity on display within our images, we wanted it to be behind the scenes too and there was also a wide range of representation from our team of suppliers,” she adds. “We also wanted to challenge stereotypical views. For this reason, we collaborated with War Paint for Men for our groom’s skincare and make-up.”

SHOOT SUPPLIERS

Styling and concept, Leanne Ashcroft Photography, www.leanneashcroftphotography.co.uk; Mal’s Photography, www.malsphotography.co.uk | Venues, Chelsea Town Hall, www.rbkc.gov.uk; Peggy Porschen Chelsea, www.peggyporschen.com/pages/peggy-porschen-chelsea | Photographer, Leanne Ashcroft Photography, www.leanneashcroftphotography.co.uk

Dress, Shades of White Bridal Boutique, www.shades-of-white.co.uk; French Collection by Wendy Makin, www.frenchbywendymakin.com Hair stylist, Zoe Emmett Hair, www.zoeemmetthair.com | Make-up artist, Makeupology, www.makeupology.co.uk | Flowers, Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design, www.emfd.co.uk | Stationery, Love Cards by Lynda Loves, www.lyndaloves.com | Male beauty, War Paint for Men, www.warpaintformen.com | Nail art, Niny Beauty, www.treatwell.co.uk/place/niny-beauty | Rings, BWR London, www.bwr-london.co.uk Accessories, Vivienne Westwood, www.viviennewestwood.com

WHAT LIES BENEATH

Have fun in feathers on your wedding night in this cute pink babydoll, £300, https://gildapearl.co.uk

Editor’s favourite

Celebrate this Christmas in these champagne bottle beaded earrings, £14.99, https://teamhen.co.uk

FASHION

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals the latest bridal news, buys and launches

focus

DANCING QUEEN

These leather strappy shoes, £495, will guarantee style down the aisle! https://uk.chelseaparis.com

Raising the bra

Known for the Wonderbra, Gossard’s new collection for spring 2023 offers some beautiful bridal pieces including this Superboost white lace bralet, £41, and matching tanga briefs, £18,

THANKS, MUM!

Surprise the leading lady in your life with this pretty floral pink watch, £106, Coach at www.watchshop.com

Editor loves

These black leather jackets emblazoned with the slogans Till Death Do Us Part and Hitched are from www.nastygal.com/gb

WITH THIS RING

These 18-carat gold diamond engagement rings are from the new Artisan Collection by www.lebrusanstudio.com which uses Fairmined ecological gold and ocean diamonds. The collection is quintessential by design, characterised by slender gold bands, elevated claw settings and one-carat round brilliant-cut central diamonds along with the option for intricate hand-engraving on request. Variations include a classic solitaire, a trilogy design and a band set with small shoulder diamonds. “The most beautiful jewellery is jewellery that tells stories,” the team at Lebrusan Studio tells us.

LUCKY CHARM

These fashionable necklaces with charms, including a jewelled horseshoe known for good fortune, are from the new collection by www.orelia.co.uk

Pearl earrings, £170, and necklace, £190, Ray Makes Things at https://pearlsandpomegranates.com

Gemstone ring, £250, www.augustinejewels.com

Engraved necklaces, from £34 each, https://wanderlustlife.co.uk/collections/engravable-pendants

Shine like

A DIAMOND

Dazzle

this festive season in gold, pearls, diamonds and charms

Pearl earrings, £89, https://lilyandroo.com

Gold-plated bracelet, £150, Christmas tree charm, from £45, https://uk.pandora.net/en

Crystal necklace, from a selection, www.whistles.com

14-carat yellow gold bracelet with diamonds, £362, https://uk.vrai.com

Silver necklace, £60, 9-carat gold necklace, £200, www.wildfawnjewellery.com

Gold lily of the valley headpiece, £825, https://racheltrevormorgan.com

Pearl earrings, £85, https://gaala.com

www.rosaclara.es/en-gb

www.airebarcelona.com/en-gb

A touch of colour www.jennypackham.com

It’s an illusion www.dcey.co.uk

The thigh’s the limit www.azazie.com

Bow-tiful details www.halfpennylondon.com

Suited and booted www.temperleylondon.com Unveiled www.elbethgillis.com

Sugar plum www.truebride.co.uk/733/Brighton-Belle

Cape crusader www.truebride.co.uk

Amateur dramatics

www.truebride.co.uk/11/Nicki-Flynn-by-True-Bride

Glamour girlwww.jjshouse.co.uk

Dare to wear denim www.davidsbridal.co.uk

Pastel hues for the little lovelies www.quinnharper.co.uk

Pnina Tornai for www.azazie.com

Here every step of the way...

BRIDALchic

Wanting

Create your mood board with inspiration from this local shoot

to create a beautiful photo session with future brides in mind, Iwona Jarosik, founder of jewellery brand IJ Avenue pulled together a small but perfectly formed team to create this gorgeous mood board.

“Every day our businesses meet various brides who are looking for ideas and inspiration for their one-of-a-kind dress, bouquet and jewellery and we wanted to help by creating these photos,” says Iwona. The beautiful model, London influencer Serena Mendolia, and the photographer Toby Show helped to bring the idea to life. “We’re hoping that this shoot will help brides-to-be to organise their thoughts and refine the details of the big day without feeling overwhelmed,” she says. “Here we show an example of what a stylish modern bride can look like and how many beautiful options our women’s businesses have to make that big-day dream come true.”

Bouquets from Blooming Flair and chic pearl Jewellery from IJ Avenue were the perfect addition to the shoot. The session took place in Fross Wedding Collections Boutique, who also provided the dresses. The gown choices were Heket by Nicole Milano, Mae by Casa Blanca, Cade by Madi Lane and Anghel by Nicole Milano.

SHOOT SUPPLIERS

Venue and dresses, Fross Wedding Collections boutique. www.frossweddingcollections.co.uk | Photographer, Toby Shaw, www.tobyshaw.co.uk Jewellery, IJ Avenue, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/IJavenue; www.instagram.com/ijavenue | Model, hair and make-up, Serena Mendolia, www.instagram.com/serenamendolia | Flowers, Blooming Flair, www.bloomingflair.co.uk

LUXURY BEAUTY LIVE

The Bridal Beauty Festival takes place twiceyearly in the heart of London and features many of the beauty and wellness world’s biggest brands, all there to talk to you about you and your wedding. With live workshops, expert talks, guest appearances and even incredible live music, it’s the place to be if you’re thinking about your big-day look.

I visited the event in September at the luxurious Rosewood London and it was packed with plenty of my favourite brands. On the beauty and cosmetics side there were such titans as Charlotte Tilbury, Pixi, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown, while Penhaligons and The Wedding Scent Edit were on hand to talk big-day fragrances. The latter showcased an impressive array of highend perfumes from brands such as Juliette has a gun Parfums, Parle Moi De Parfum, Atelier Materi, Maison Crivelli and Mizensir. They were arranged in an inspired edit according to your wedding day vibe, be it elegant, beach, boho and more. I took home a sample of Une Tonne De Roses by Parle Moi De Parfum and have been receiving complements every time I wear it – highly recommended. In fact, I’m a huge fan of floral fragrances and also fell in love with Penhaligons’ Elisabethan Rose.

Experts were on hand from each brand offering complimentary makeovers, trials and tips for those with questions. I couldn’t tear myself away from the programme of talks taking place throughout the day. These included A Pixi Perfect Glowing Bridal Masterclass, Bridal Scenting with Carolina Herrera, Create a Radiant Wedding-Day Look with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and Beauty Complex: Skin, Hair and Nails with Dr Anita. I learnt a thing or two myself! My top tip gathered on the day was to always look down into a mirror when applying mascara. You’ll catch more of your lashes and are far less likely to get product all over your eyelid.

Check out the video above for some masterclass inspiration from Carolina Herrera and Bobbi Brown, and look out for the super-stylish customisable lipsticks from the new Caroline Herrera make-up range. You can choose your own cap design, bangle, charm and tassel for the ultimate wedding-day handbag accessory for on-the-day touch ups.

The next Bridal Beauty Festival is due to take place in October 2023, so keep an eye on the website for tickets to this must-visit event, www.thebridalbeautyfestival.com

TIME TO UNCLOG

In need of a skin detox? Check out Unplug, a new stick face mask from Skin Proud. Formulated with sebum-absorbing white clay, moisturising amino acid and a free-radical fighting active, this powerful mask detoxes the skin, while hydrating sesame oil balances and provides a hit of hydration. £12.95, www.iamproud.com

BUZZBeauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews brings you the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

PEEL POWER

Dr. Craft launched its sustainable mandarin skincare range recently and what makes this a world first is the use of mandarin peel. There’s currently no commercial use for it meaning 10 million tonnes are incinerated and wasted annually. However, the range’s creator, Professor Richard Blackburn, an expert in green chemistry, has been able to harvest the peel’s extract and produce this exciting range of products including the Soothing Cream Cleanser (£18), Gentle Brightening Exfoliator (£20), Purifying Toning Mist (£18), and Antioxidant Rescue Serum (£26). Bioflavonoid ingredients promote skin repair, soothe the complexion and have anti-inflammatory benefits. They also prevent oxidative stress, a type of environmental skin damage caused by pollution and UV rays. Find out more at https://drcraft.co.uk

KIND AND CARING

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and the first line of defence from environmental threats and lifestyle stress, but its barrier is a delicate balance of natural lipids, which without care, can become compromised. Olverum’s diligently-crafted solution to effective, gentle cleansing is a combination of botanical mastery and scientific know-how. The new Body Cleanser contains an innovative formula that’s been five years in development. Created for dry or dehydrated skin, it’s soap and sulphate-free and features a complex of five mild surfactants, derived from sugar, amino acids and responsibly-sourced coconut and palm. It turns into a dense, luxurious lather when wet and cleanses the body while respecting the skin, to leave it soft, supple and nourished with avocado oil. What’s more, its heavenly aromatic blend of essential oils, synonymous with Olverum’s hero products, helps to ease stress and relax tension. £26.50, www.olverum.com

A RESTORATIVE SLEEP

It’s a well-know fact when it comes to skin that sleep is a great beauty ally, but did you know this also applies to our hair? During the night, the release of the hormone melatonin allows our tresses, as well as our skin, to regenerate. Consequently, its in ideal condition to receive a stronger dose of nutrition than during the day and so your night-time routine is essential.

Christophe Robin has developed a new nighttime ritual composed of two treatments targeting different types of damaged hair: The Night Recovery Cream with White Lotus Flower formulated for fine to medium damaged hair, and the Night Recover Monoi with White Lotus Flower for medium to thick damaged hair. Apply to dry, freshly brushed locks before you going to bed, working in sections from root to end. Wrap, leave overnight and rinse and shampoo in the morning, by which time the beauty of your hair, deeply nourished, is revealed. £35, www.christopherobin.com

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

After agriculture the beauty industry uses the most water. On average a bottle of shampoo contains 70 per cent water with around 90 per cent in conditioner. So, pioneering new beauty brand We Are Concentrate is on a mission to create sustainable and essential products using as little water and plastic as possible. No water is added to the production process and with only a marble-sized amount needed per hair wash, these concentrated pastes contain all the actives and benefits of traditional haircare products, without any of the added water. Plus, to make sure nothing goes to waste, the tubes can be paired with a squeezer and shower hanger to ensure every last drop is used. We Are Concentrate Shampoo and Conditioner are both priced at £14 and can be found at www.weareconcentrate.com

AN EYE FOR ROMANCE

Founded by MUA Karla Powell, Karla Cosmetics creates handmade, on trend, colour-shifting eyeshadows and has recently launched its Romance Quad Palette – get ready to fall in love! Two years in the making, this innovative palette combines velvety-soft matte eyeshadows with the brand’s best-selling multichrome opal shades seen in pressed formula for the first time.

Inspired by all things romance and love, these shadows evoke passion with complementary warm pinks, cherry-hues and deep burgundies taking you all the way from fun and flirty to sultry siren. Meanwhile, the formula means the product glides on with ease, and the ultrapigmented rich tones give minimum fall out and maximum impact. £69, www.karlastore.co.uk

GOT YOU COVERED

BACK TO BLACK

High-performance make-up brand Illamasqua has launched the limited-edition Amy Winehouse Camden Collection as part of its ongoing partnership with The Amy Winehouse Foundation.

The new collection features exciting products inspired by Amy’s iconic looks and individuality, while celebrating the spirit of Camden, the borough she so loved. It boasts seven new and exclusive Illamasqua products including Nail Tint, Amy Black (£14); Matte Nail Varnish, Amy

Soundcheck (£15); and Face Duo, Double Trouble (£32). I love the Wet Liquid Liner, No, No, No (£21), which allows you to create that perfect cat-eye

a

bridal

then finish the look with a pop of red lippy, Ultramatter Lipstick in

(£17). Check out www.illamasqua.com

Continuing the no-filter beauty revolution, Sisley has revealed a new concealer. Hailed as a one-of-a-kind product it offers a new way to enhance natural beauty. The texture offers lightweight full coverage that blends in so well it’s virtually undetectable, and the smart doubleended format features a fine tip for precise application with a foam tip for blending. Its soft-focus effect and immediate radiance leave the skin looking more even and disguise any pigmentation flaws. So you can say “so long” to dilated pores, spots, fine lines, roughness, dark spots and redness. It conceals without drying out the skin, and with continued use can even benefit the complexion since alpha-bisabolol of natural origin is soothing. This is a must-have if you’re striving for that flawless bridal look. £46, www.sisley-paris.com

Red (£14); Lip Tint, Amy Black (£20); Brow Pencil,

flick for

vintage

vibe,

Amy Red

Q&A Beauty

Look the best version of you with our expert advice

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

Q – I’m trying to grow my hair for our special day so I can do more with it. With that in mind, when should I have my trial and what options do I have if it’s still not long enough?

If you’re looking to achieve an updo or half-up, half-down style I’d definitely recommend trying to grow your hair. I’d advise going to your hairdresser as normal but telling them that you’re trying to grow your hair for your special day so they can recommend the best course of action for this. If you don’t have particularly long or thick hair, don’t worry, there’s not much we can’t do when it comes to hair. With items and products on offer such as texturising sprays, hair padding and extensions – and of course, expert technique – we can most likely achieve the hairstyle you’ve been dreaming of. I would say though that it’s easier to blend extensions and padding amongst longer hair, so don’t get a dramatic chop ahead of the big day.

As for your trial, I’d always recommend booking your trial no later than four months before your day. Don’t leave it until the last minute to allow your hair to grow as much as possible. It’s much better to meet your hair artist and talk about the look you’d like to achieve. You can create a plan of action at your trial and agree on how you can make your desired look possible.

Gabi Staniszewska | Hair and Make-up by Gabrielle | www.hairbygabrielle.co.uk

WINTER TAN

LOVE YOUR SKIN

Q – When I get stressed, I have break outs. How can I prevent that and look after my skin to give me the best bridal glow? The way that your skin looks has a huge impact on the way that you feel – I hear this all the time in my clinic. So, the first thing that I advise is to have a really good skincare routine; knowing that each step in your routine’s doing something.

When I’m building a skincare routine, I think about my face wash, and I think about my targeted treatments, and Neutrogena’s Clear & Defend+ can really help. This is because of some of the hero ingredients found in it – in particular, the group called AHAs (alpha-hydoxy acids). These AHAs increase the skin’s turnover and help to clear it.

You have your night-time wash, and then your serum – think of this as your booster. With Clear & Defend+, the wash has active ingredients (together this helps to unclog the pores), then you have your booster. Your booster – think of it as your turbocharger – has a higher percentage strength of your AHAs and your BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids).

And looking at skin holistically, the products that you use, your diet, exercising, finding joy, sleeping and drinking enough water are all important and then having a robust skincare routine supports all of that.

Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme | Medical Consultant, Skincare Expert, and Founder of award-winning skin clinic Adonia Medical Clinic | www.neutrogena.co.uk

Q – I feel better with bronzed skin but for a winter wedding, it’s unlikely I’ll have any summer glow left. Can you advise on the best products and options for a fake tan? A tan will always make you feel better from within – it not only gives you a healthy glow but can make you appear sculpted too. My clients often ask me how to look healthier and I always advise (if you’re not going away), to have a spray tan. I work with SIENNA X and can tailor-make the tan to suit your skin tone so that you’ll never look orange, streaky or too tanned. I have a bridal package where we meet and design your best tan, trial it out and then perfect it so that it’s spot on for the big day. Always have a patch test done first to ensure you’re not allergic and never risk having a tan for the first time the day before your nuptials –I advise two days before is best.

Another way to sustain your summer glow at home is by using the James Read Gradual Tan H2O tan mist for the face and/or body. You don’t need to worry about getting it on your hands with it being a mist and if you’re using it for your body, you can use a mitt to buff it in. It’s the easiest self-tan to use in my opinion.

Finally, to make sure your skin looks hydrated and flawless, remember to moisturise twice a day after having a sunless tan.

Philippa Lee | Philippa Louise Make-up | www.philippalouisemakeup.co.uk

SKIN FOOD

Discover how to achieve that much-desired bridal glow the natural way, through a healthy diet of skin-loving foods

Flawless, blemish-free skin is high on the priority list for many brides wanting to look and feel their big-day best. There’s a world of popular skincare advice out there from variations on the daily three-step routine to alternative products, but the impact that food has on our long-term skin health is often overlooked.

Healthy skin is a sign of a healthy body so it’s worth knowing what foods can help protect, nourish and encourage a gorgeous complexion. County Wedding Magazines’ beauty editor Kelly Andrews chatted to expert nutritionists Minal Sudra and Elizabeth Andrews from Wedding Wellness to find out more. Here, they share their skin-loving food suggestions to help you glow from the inside out.

BERRIES

Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, acia and strawberries are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. A rich source of antioxidants and vitamins, consuming a handful of these little treasures regularly can help reduce oxidative damage that may contribute to signs of ageing. Mix up the colour and types you eat to get a variety of phytonutrients.

OLIVE OIL

Fats are often associated with high cholesterol and weight gain, however certain fats are essential for good health, namely Omega 3 and 6 found in olive oil. With its anti-inflammatory properties it can help to calm damage in the body, boost brain health, contribute to effective hormone production and maintain healthy cell function, while supporting the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it looking dewy and nourished.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Vitamin E is widely used in skincare products due to its powerful antioxidant capabilities. It does this by safely trapping free radicals that otherwise cause damage within the body. By acting as a mediator between harmful substances and our natural defence systems, it can help calm irritation and redness, prevent blemishes and protect against environmental damage. The oils naturally found in sunflower seeds along with other nuts and seeds such as almonds and pumpkin seeds, are a great source of vitamin E for the skin.

CARROTS

The chemical compound or phytonutrient that gives carrots their vibrant colour is known as carotene, a powerful antioxidant. This is a natural form of vitamin A that supports the growth and quality of new cells, contributing to healthy skin cell renewal and helping to achieve that post-facial glow. When eaten with a healthy fat such as butter or olive oil, carrots will help the body to absorb vitamin A more efficiently.

TURMERIC

One of the best-known superfoods, turmeric is a powerhouse of medicinal properties beyond skin care. It’s a great spice to include in meals or hot drinks in the winter to fight against infection.

Interestingly, it’s a traditional custom for an Indian bride to have a paste made with turmeric applied to her skin, helping to promote a calm, natural glow for the main event. Turmeric is also a great natural remedy sometimes used topically to treat skin blemishes and acne.

ROCKET

Rough, dry, congested skin may be a sign of toxin build up. Cruciferous vegetables such as rocket, aid the liver to detoxify the body and help eliminate the build up of toxins that can present as outbreaks on the skin. Dark greens such as rocket also contain chlorophyll, which is also one of the best-known antioxidants found in food, further protecting the skin from breakouts and damage.

CUCUMBER

Foods that are high in water such as cucumber, are a great way to keep the body hydrated. Water helps the body to naturally flush away toxins that can result in breakouts if left harbouring. Water also aids the gut in functioning normally and prevents constipation, which if left unmanaged, has direct implications with the skin. Other foods that are high in water and will help you to help stay hydrated include watermelon, grapefruit, grapes and celery. What’s more, these foods also contain fibre that further support gut health, and vitamin C to help brighten and protect the skin further.

www.wedding-wellness.co.uk

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Wedding Wellness offers bespoke services for brides and couples, to help you reach your health and wellness goals in the lead up to your big day. Always consult a professional if you have any specific skin concerns or medical conditions for personalised support. Check out

HOT TOPIC

Our local pros answer your big-day woes

SWEET TREATS AND SHOWSTOPPERS

We can’t agree on a flavour or look for our cake. What ideas can you share for a winter-themed design and how can we please everyone on flavour?

If you’ve come up with your shortlist of flavours and just can’t decide, don’t! You can have a different flavour in each tier of your cake; that could mean several if you’re going for a multi-tiered showstopper. Another neat sidestep is a dessert table, laden with various sweet treats such as meringues, brownies, cookies and bitesize cakes. It also caters to both your guests’ dietary requirements and tastebuds, allowing for plantbased products and items made without gluten or nuts, or anything else

GET THE PARTY STARTED

We want to create a party atmosphere for our evening celebrations. What does a live band bring to the occasion? A live band should bring that wow factor to your wedding. They should keep you and your guests engaged, thoroughly entertained and on that dancefloor. An experienced and well-rehearsed band, like Tashara Forrest and Sleeke Chix, will bring fresh and new originality to your favourite cover songs giving you and your guests an experience that you’ll never forget. We perform a vast catalogue of music, spanning several decades and genres of music and we have an initial consultation with this catalogue to find out what type of music and feel you want for your special day. We can also learn new songs and tailor

you might wish to cover.

On design, if you fancy a tropical themed wedding on the chilliest of Britain’s dark winter days, I say go for it...it’s your day, after all! But if you’d rather reflect the season outside, there are plenty of ways to achieve that too. On style, cake designers love to hear about the overall theme of your day – colours, materials, florals and foliage, and then we can let our creativity flow. Maybe you’d like deep and brilliant blues with a cascade of hand-painted chocolate shards, neutral shades with a pop of festive floral colour, or textured pastel buttercream with metallic highlights. The only limit is your imagination. Maxine Den | Den Bake Shop | www.denbakeshop.com

make our sets to your desire.

We recommend you choose your favourite upbeat songs that you and your guests love to dance to for the reception entertainment. You should also definitely throw in a handful of your favourite ballads if you want to, but remember if you want the party to be swinging it’s ideal to choose mostly up-tempo music.

Finally, be sure to check out client testimonials of whichever band or performer you choose. We’re proud to have a page on our website dedicated to lovely words from previous clients.

Tashara Forrest | Tashara Forrest & Sleeke Chix

| www.tasharaforrest.com

We can’t decide whether to send printed invites to our guests or to go digital. What are the pros and cons of each?

There are many options now and all kinds of designs so it is difficult to know which to go for.

Let’s start with the pros of going digital…

•Eco-Friendly – your invites don’t need printing or postage. Less paper, less people throwing them out and less carbon footprint.

•They won’t get lost in the post – although get your guests to check their spam folders!

•Easy to design – There are many websites and tools online that you can use to create beautiful designs yourself.

•Less expensive – A lot of wedding websites are free to use or there may be a small fee in creating a design. However this will be a major discount in comparison to producing printed invitations.

•Online RSVPs – Most wedding websites, have the ability to collect RSVPs directly from the e-vite to their website. This is a life saver when it comes to keeping your wedding admin in order.

Now for the cons…

•Memories – There’s something special about opening a wedding invitation. Looking at the details that have gone into it, the feel of the paper and the finishes that have been added. This would go inside my memory box for years to come.

•Not everyone may have access – Not everyone has access to email.

•Not always bespoke – If you are using a well-known website, you’re likely to create a design that others have used before.

RAISE YOUR GLASS

We’re getting married in January and want to serve seasonal drinks throughout the day. Can you give me some ideas for top winter tipples?

For winter weddings, you can’t beat a warming mulled wine on arrival to get your guests in the spirit and to get rid of that winter chill. Garnish with a slice of orange, cinnamon, cloves and star anise to make it look fabulous.

Cranberry-based cocktails are another favourite. A shot of cranberry juice in your Champagne gives it a touch of sharpness or create a hot mocktail by adding dark spices and cloves to your juice and gently heating. Spiced rum with ginger ale and mint is sure to warm up your guests but any dark liquors work so well during the winter season paired with the flavours of pear, orange peel, allspice and cinnamon. Later in the evening why not serve a comforting Baileys hot chocolate, topped with toasted marshmallows and cream for the ultimate night cap.

At Hire the Bar, we create bespoke cocktails for any season and any taste, so a brief like this gets us excited! Whatever your favourite drink or that of your guests, let us know and we’ll create your very own wedding cocktail menu.

Tom Lissimore | Hire the Bar | www.hirethebar.com

I think I’d definitely consider the digital option as it’s a much more efficient way of getting a huge part of your wedding underway. However, if like me you love all things stationery, from the design and lettering to the packaging and excitement of opening a hand-written envelope, print will be for you. As always, it’s your day so do it your way!

Charlotte Donnelley-Davids | Itchy and Sketchy | https://itchyxsketchy.com

TOP TIPS FOR A WINTER SHOOT

We’re planning a winter wedding and would love to get some photography tips for this time of the year to make sure we get the best pics possible – help!

Keep warm! It can get quite cold in winter, while it rarely snows these days in the south, it looks amazing when it does. Remember if you’re going to be outside for a while ask someone to bring a coat or a shawl to keep you warm while your photographer looks for great places to take your pics. It can get very muddy at this time of the year so ask the same person to walk with you and hold your dress to keep it off the ground.

The evening sky can look amazing so be sure to think about the twilight zone and time your shoot for then. When looking for your venue, choose one that has plenty of good indoor spots for your backdrop just in case the weather turns – fireplaces look cosy and wooden barns look amazing with candles flickering in the background.

Have a good supply of umbrellas on hand and using sparklers instead of confetti always looks good. You could even end the night with an amazing firework display (if your venue allows).

I’d advise to hold your ceremony earlier in the day and also speak to your photographer to check that they’re able to shoot in low light conditions. If you have your wedding during the winter, the chances are you can get better rates with more dates available plus if you time it just before Christmas you have all the lovely decorations free of charge.

Paul Gapper | Paul Gapper Photography | https://paulgapper.com

Last year, Rotary Watches partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to launch the hugely successful 1IN8 watch, a limited edition timepiece that drew attention to how one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Now, Rotary Watches has introduced the next chapter in its twoyear partnership with the men’s health charity: the Limited Edition 1IN4 watch.

Designed to raise awareness, the new Limited Edition 1IN4 watch has been launched in collaboration with property expert, writer and TV presenter, Kunle Barker.

With only 1,000 pieces made, Rotary will donate 10 per cent + VAT from the sale of every 1IN4 watch to Prostate Cancer UK, which will go towards helping more men understand their prostate cancer risk and what they can do about it.

The Limited Edition 1IN4 is available at www.rotarywatches.com

Hop from Barbados to India and across to Thailand with the 24 Days of Rum advent calendar. Hidden behind the calendar’s 24 doorways are 20ml glass bottles of premium rum – the perfect treat for the groom-to-be. To set you up for a month of tantalising tipples, also included in the box are two glasses and a tasting sheet for keeping note of your favourite rums.

You will also have access to the interactive micro-site which provides background on the production processes as well as the rum’s country of origin, ABV and age. You can also get involved by rating each rum and taking part in interactive discussions and Q&As.

Find out more at www.24daysofrum.com

Grooms’

Grooms editor Melissa Cullen reveals the latest best buys and product

launches

The new Seiko

Presage

Craftsmanship Series includes the beautiful Urushi Dial Watch which comes with a limited edition green dial. Inspired by the Kenrokuen Gardens, a vast and beautiful space located in the heart of Kanazawa, Japan, this watch blends history and artistry to create a special design ideal for someone’s special day.

The enamel dial was used on Japan’s first wristwatch and the high-quality texture captures a feeling of warmth from its soft sheen. Visit www.seikoboutique.co.uk for more information.

Thayers Natural Remedies’ toner is now available in Britain. It’s known and loved for its skin balancing and hydrating properties, as well as for its natural approach and herbal infusions. Suitable for all skin types, the carefully curated collection of alcohol-free toners and mists have each been made with 98 per cent natural origin ingredients, and they’re all certified cruelty

Not only are Thayer’s products clinically proven to be non-comedogenic and gentle, but they also provide all-day hydration and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier – as well as promising to never dry skin out. Each product has undergone a clinical study by dermatologists, proving that they’re effective and non-irritating for most skin types.

The alcohol-free toner collection is launching in the UK in a variety of scents, including rose petals, cucumber and coconut.

Visit www.instagram.com/thayersnatural for more information.

Tom Ford Beauty has announced its new Enigmatic Woods Collection.

Made up of three scents, Santal Blush, Bois Marocain and Ébène Fumé, each is designed to celebrate ancient and treasured woods.

Santal Blush is a textured fusion of sandalwood and spices enhanced with luxe ylang ylang and warm cinnamon.

The stimulating Bois Marocain evokes the earthy treasure of Thuya wood and the artisans who sculpt with the mystical material. Known for its molten aroma, the scent uncoils powerfully, facetted with the spicy freshness of pink peppercorn and cedarwood.

Ébène Fumé is a meditative scent that celebrates the essence of Palo Santo. Smokestoked by the warm elegance of cistus, black pepper, and notes of ebony wood, captured in sleek, sublime notes of leather.

Check out www.tomford.co.uk for more information.

The latest seasonal must-haves for the groom-to-be

Favourbrook, Winnington Midnight Jacket, £1,100, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, White Poplin Cotton Wedding Shirt, £125, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Black Douppion Bow Tie, £75, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Midnight Hampton Wool Flat Front Dress Trousers, £260, www.favourbrook.com

Tateossian Cufflinks, £229, www.tateossian.com

Red and White Floral Patterned Tie, £17, www.azazie.com

Tommy Hilfiger Watch, £189, www.watchshop.com

Unisex Calvin Klein Watch, £179, www.watchshop.com

Taylor & Wright Surrey Slim Fit Suit Waistcoat, £28, www.matalan.co.uk

Favourbrook, Burgandy Velvet Newport Jacket, £650, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Burgandy Velvet Cotton Flat Front Trouser, £240, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, White Poplin Cotton Wedding Shirt, £125, www.favourbrook.com

Favourbrook, Black Douppion Bow Tie, £75, www.favourbrook.com

Fox & Chave Wellington Boots Silk Tie, £35, www.foxandchave.com

Man & Bear Personalised Brass and Walnut Cufflinks, £85, www.manandbear.co.uk

M&Co Men’s Brown Reversible Belt, £18, www.mandco.com

Dune London Burnished Leather Monk Shoes, £125, www.dunelondon.com

Jaeger Black Smart Trousers, www.jaeger.co.uk

Travel editor Melissa Cullen reveals new openings and honeymoon essentials

HONEYMOONNews

ATHENS, GREECE

The newly-opened Gatsby Athens Hotel brings a new lease of life and avant-garde design to a previously derelict building in the historical centre of Athens. Adding a renewed energy to the Greek capital, this contemporary boutique hotel balances sophisticated design and personalised, attentive service with exciting food, beverage and entertainment offerings.

First opening in Autumn 2021, Gatsby Athens Hotel has become Athens’ premium gathering place. The all-day restaurant is the main social hub of the hotel, and the rooftop garden offers a casual-cool vibe, welcoming couples to dine with stunning panoramic views and a glimpse of the Acropolis.

All rooms provide state-of-the-art technology, smart TVs or tablets, Alexa devices, king-sized beds, walk-in showers, in-room bathtubs, luxury linen, bathrobes and impressive artwork. Upgraded rooms come with a Juliet balcony or terrace with a private seating area, an outdoor cinema and hot tub.

Discover more at www.gatsbyathens.com

TAMPA, FLORIDA

The Tampa EDITION, a new hotel in Florida, is the city’s first five-star experience, revealing a high level of sophistication, originality and design alongside the personal, intimate, and individual experience that the EDITION brand is known for.

Spread over 26 stories, there are 172 rooms and 38 private residences, a rooftop terrace with a pool, an expansive spa and wellness facility, a fitness center, and seven bars and restaurants, including a signature offering from Michelin-starred chef, John Fraser.

From the outside, The Tampa EDITION is a striking addition to the Water Street Tampa neighbourhood, its combination of industrial elements, Art Deco-inspired curves and lush greenery seamlessly blends into the neighbourhood’s organic, wellness-focused ethos. Defined by a vertical tower which houses the residences, with wraparound balconies that update the traditional idea of a Florida room, and an outdoor garden in the sky, the building is anchored by the lower nine floors, which comprise of the hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces.

Check out www.editionhotels.com/tampa for more information.

CRETE, GREECE

Situated on Crete’s tranquil coast, CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa is launching a new mini-moon package for newlyweds seeking a laid-back romantic retreat to begin married life. The three-night stay includes dining on a gourmet Cretan cuisine by candlelight, an indulgent couples’ spa treatment inspired by ancient Greek wellness practices and a traditional Melokarido ritual with walnuts and honey, all while staying in a spacious room with a private pool overlooking the shimmering Mirabello Bay.

Couples at CAYO can enjoy the resort at their own pace, away from the crowds of Crete thanks to the hotel’s design, which prioritises privacy and seclusion. Each room and suite feature its own serene pool, set on a spacious outdoor terrace with views over the glistening Mediterranean. Rooms are accessed by private entrances, and couples can enjoy a romantic in-room breakfast courtesy of the resort’s 24-hour room service. Visit www.cayoresort.com for more information.

MÉRIBEL, FRANCE

Exclusive to the Fish&Pips collection, Chalet Le Cygne is a new four-bedroom apartment perfectly located to access the centre of Meribel and Courchevel.

The contemporary alpine apartment sleeps eight guests comfortably with plenty of spacious communal areas and boasts a sauna, private hammam, underfloor heating throughout and breathtaking panoramic mountain views.

Head over to www.fishandpips.co.uk/chalets/chalet-le-cygne for more information.

Nikolas Koenig

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, located in the heart of the city, is in the final stage of an extensive renovation as part of its transition to join the luxury hotel brand. The hotel’s refurbished rooms and suites embrace a contemporary style with Anantara signature touches, whilst celebrating Dutch heritage and the infamous canals. The interior sees the guest rooms and suites swathed in luxury tones and soft, tactile fabrics that create warmth and texture.

In keeping with Anantara’s wellness philosophies, the new Anantara Spa offers a warm, local welcome with premium products. With its relaxation area overlooking the Summer Garden, a charming outdoor space tucked away within the hotel, the spa’s design is influenced by the country’s costal dunes, with tranquil interiors incorporating natural wood and stone to help guests achieve the utmost state of relaxation.

The hotel’s team has created a programme of local experiences that enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the rich culture. Whether it be uncovering Amsterdam’s best kept culinary hideaways or exploring the wonderful fishing village of Volendam, couples will be spoilt for choice.

For more info, visit www.anantara.com/en/grand-hotel-krasnapolsky-amsterdam

HUA HIN, THAILAND

Regarded as one of the best resort hotels in Southeast Asia and the 35th best place to stay in the world according to the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022, the new Standard, Hua Hin is the brand’s first seaside retreat in Thailand. Nestled in a lush landscape and tropical environment on Hua Hin’s most famous beach strip, the hotel boasts a fresh, contemporary and mid-century design.

With a colourful collection of 199 rooms, suites, and villas, ranging from standard to private pool villas, couples can enjoy an enticing range of food and beverages. The resort also offers one-of-a-kind culinary and cocktail experiences at four on-site restaurants and bars, seamlessly paired with an innovative spa program that melds the traditional with the alternative.

Wellness is at the heart of The Standard, Hua Hin, offering individuals a hideaway haven to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy a range of treatments to reinvigorate the senses. All done in an effortless and playful environment, the spa offers a serene but colourful setting where guests can choose from a variety of experiences that incorporate traditional Thai elements, but also fun moments such as the Mud Lounge, where couples can cover themselves in healing clay.

Visit www.standardhotels.com for more information.

SURREY, UK

After a short time away, The Drummond at Albury has opened its doors once again with a new menu. This classic English inn, situated in the village of Albury in the heart of the glorious Surrey Hills, is officially welcoming new and old faces alike back to its sociable bar, interior and freshly-landscaped riverside garden.

“The beauty of The Drummond is that you can pull up a chair literally anywhere, inside or out, and enjoy a bite to eat, a well-made cocktail or a glass of awardwinning wine from our extensive list,” says general manager, Dan Arrow. “We serve inventive dishes made with quality ingredients that are inspired by the seasons from our talented head chef, Abi Sims.”

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

Blue Apple Beach, a boutique hotel and beach club on the island of Tierra Bomba, Colombia, is now offering couples the chance to discover the enchanting city of Cartagena from its beach-side base. At the forefront of current trends, the property’s twin city and beach experience has been thoughtfully created for those who are eager to hit the road as the world enters a new era of exploration. Ranging from urban culinary journeys to active beach adventures, this new immersive programme captures the essence of Cartagena whilst allowing couples to connect with nature, discover the local culture and participate in responsible tourism from the nearby island of Tierra Bomba.

Only a 30-minute speedboat ride from the city, couples can enjoy the best of Cartagena’s fantastic boutiques, restaurants and cafes, not to mention the vibrant nightlife. Whilst being a veritable playground for hip travellers who enjoy a lively social scene, Blue Apple Beach by night is a calm respite from buzzing Cartagena, staying cool, calm and collected amid the city buzz. Its golden beach, extensive amenities and superb beach club are the perfect combination for those wanting a carefree honeymoon.

Discover more at www.blueapplebeach.com

The Drummond at Albury is open now for breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between. There are also 11 newly-refurbished rooms that are perfect for a short stay away in the tranquillity of the Surrey Hills.

To find out more, visit www.thedrummondatalbury.co.uk

The Standard

Greece is

Santorini is often referred to as the supermodel of the Greek islands and I can see why. Surrounded by the inviting Aegean Sea, it’s reached by direct flights from the UK or a short 45-minute flight from Athens Airport. It can also be accessed by boat from Piraeus Port for island-hopping honeymooners wanting to escape to the sun. On arrival, Europe’s most glamorous getaway greets visitors with unbeatable views and the famous white-washed landscape dotted with the instantly recognisable blue domes on the many chapels and churches that are perched on the steep Caldera cliffs.

VILLA WITH A VIEW

Hidden down an accessible track off the main road linking the Insta-worthy town of Oia to the capital, Fira, sits Villa Mellow, one of more than 500 luxury vacation rental villas located in a choice of more than 25 dreamy destinations offered by The Greek Villas. Promising privacy, it’s perfect for honeymooners wanting to get away from it all. The authentic architectural design is built in the island’s signature style with sunny bursts of yellow cheerfully decorating the exterior. The fully furnished interior enjoys a pop-art vibe created through playful splashes of colour in the living room, on the mezzanine level (which provides a great snug area) and in the kitchen. It sleeps up to six people in three spacious bedrooms with the master one (which was my weekend hideout) commanding unrivalled sea views and doors leading to the patio. It’s the perfect place if you want to enjoy a family-moon or holiday with friends.

I couldn’t wait to take a dip in the heated infinity swimming pool and outdoor hot tub, both perched on the cliff edge, and laze on the comfortable sun loungers perfectly placed to admire the view stretching across to the town of Imerovigli. There’s even a spectacular wedding arch above the

patio for couples wishing to marry in Greece and enjoy their honeymoon at the villa (civil ceremonies can take place here with up to 70 guests seated around it and music and dancing can be enjoyed into the early hours).

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Eager to explore, I headed straight to the tourist hotspot of Oia to witness one of the world-renowned sunsets I had heard so much about. To grab a great spot at the ruins of the castle of Agios Nikolaos or beside the Glitzy Windmill, be prepared to set off early. Don’t forget the essentials - a glass of Ouzo (a Greek aperitif) or a local beer!

The winding narrow marble streets in Oia are home to high-end restaurants, traditional tavernas and designer boutiques and the best time to visit is in May or October when it isn’t too crowded. Visitors wanting to hike from here to Fira can follow the 6.5-mile path (stopping for a picnic or lunch at the Avocado restaurant for some tasty Mediterranean cuisine) while those looking for a more laid-back vacation (yes, that’s me!) can hire a car or a quad (or even book a one-hour donkey ride) to see this volcanic island.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

I was very impressed by the private 24-hour, hotel-standard service at the villa meaning that I didn’t need to lift a finger. My host was Michael who prepared a fresh Greek breakfast every morning that I enjoyed outside on the patio (dinner cooked on-site in the outdoor oven was also an option).

Those

Gino and Fred Go Greek is another option but getting there isn’t for the faint-hearted with the main access being down more than 270 steps. It’s well worth it though to dine on the crystal-clear water’s edge surrounded by traditional fishing boats. A highlight for me was the cuttlefish, homemade tzatziki and saganaki.

Party-lovers should head to Fira while those wanting another spectacular sunset from a different angle across Fira and Oia should book a table at the recently opened wine bar and restaurant Madame Sousou located in Pyrgos where they make their own wine (and gin) and serve tasty small tapas plates chosen around the wine varieties. The wine cellar itself is impressive, built into a cave. Also in Pyrgos is the vintage-inspired Agaze bistro and deli offering traditional greek flavours in a cosy atmosphere.

Editor Claire Ridley spent the summer in Santorini and Athens

wanting to enjoy some fine dining in Oia can do so at the Black Rock Restaurant. Katina Fish Tavern at Ammoudi Beach, as featured in the television show Gordon,

From the moment I arrived in Athens, a three-and-a-half hour flight from London, the energy of this bustling city greeted me. A myriad of vibrant streets crammed with landmarks promised to fill my Insta feed, from the iconic Acropolis of Athens (a UNESCO World Heritage Centre) to the Plaka district, the oldest in Athens that lies beneath the Acropolis where the cobbled streets are filled with eclectic shops and rooftop restaurants. Being a shopper, I loved the boutiques in the fashion district and the markets (especially the flea market, where a romantic mix of old meets new). May is a great time to visit when the weather is warm (the average temperature is 25 degrees) but the intense heat of the summer hasn’t yet descended.

PERFECT PAMPER

After a busy day spent sightseeing, I was booked into the SPA Suite, an oasis of calm in the middle of this bustling mecca offering an extensive treatment menu. With a focus on wellness, I felt rejuvenated after a relaxing full-body massage using Elemis products followed by a steam bath. There’s also a 24-hour Gym Suite, where guests can enjoy pilates and rooftop yoga is also offered.

A WARM WELCOME

Nestled in the heart of this capital city opposite Old Parliament House sits the five-star hotel xenodocheio Milos. I was excited to visit this boutique property, a food destination which is the first luxury gastronomy hotel of the world-renowned Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos. It boasts 43 stylish rooms and suites including the 501 Milos Terrace Suite which was my home-from-home for the night. The highlight of this wonderful space is the private rooftop terrace complete with a jacuzzi and far-flung views, the ideal spot to soak up summer in the city.

DINE IN STYLE

The Estiatorio Milos restaurant situated on the ground floor of this popular hotel is well-known on the Athens dining scene for its fantastic Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant offers private dining events, an all-day al fresco sidewalk cafe bar located just outside on the terrace and there’s

soon to be an oyster bar. It has sister properties in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Cabos, Montreal and London where the extensive seafood menu tantalises tastebuds with delicious dishes made using only the freshest and finest ingredients from the Greek islands. Founder and chef Costas Spiliadis has personally chosen the fishermen and farmers to work with. A highlight for me was the sashimi and ceviche followed by the lightly fried zucchini and eggplant before the grilled fish of the day was served. For dessert, I tucked into a mouth-watering bitter chocolate tartrate served with homemade cream washed down with a glass of delicious Cretan Vorinos wine.

THE LAKES In love with

A myriad of delights lie in wait in The Lake District for UK honeymooners

The four-star Belsfield Hotel, located mere moments from the charming town centre in Bowness-on-Windermere, exudes class, sophistication and historical splendour. From its enviable spot on the banks of Lake Windermere, there can surely be nowhere better to enjoy the rest, relaxation and beauty of the area cocooned in sheer luxury. Whether you’re looking for an active honeymoon break filled with hiking and outdoor adventure; or a peaceful, romantic escape, the Hotel offers the perfect base. County Wedding Magazines’ deputy managing editor, Kelly Andrews, paid a visit to find out more.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Lake District is a long old drive from CWM’s Essex HQ, so the eventual sight of The Belsfield’s impressive facade, was welcome indeed. The perfect marriage of the historical and ultra-modern immediately had my attention. We were met in the car park by charming hotel porter Sean, who gave us one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever received and kindly waited for us to check in before showing us up to our room. He wouldn’t hear of us carrying even one item of luggage, so we knew within the first moments of our stay that we were going to be in good hands here. Sean’s wasn’t the only welcome we received though, as Lake

Windermere itself already had this in hand. The moment we set foot inside the reception area, it became immediately obvious to me why its architect chose to construct it from glass, anything else would have been a travesty. My breath was literally taken away. Through the open double doors directly opposite me was one of the most incredible views I’ve ever witnessed. The vast expanse of the Lake glistening in the late summer sunshine and the rolling hills and peaks partially shrouded in mist. I didn’t want to tear my eyes away, so it was fortunate indeed that we’d been treated to one of The Belsfield’s showstopping suites complete with Lake view.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Mum and I were like kids in a sweet shop once Sean had wished us a pleasant stay, closed the door of our suite behind him and left us, such were the levels of excitement already reached thanks to our stunning surroundings – both inside and out. By the time reception called to ask if everything was ok, we’d already decided we wanted to move in... permanently! While the best way I can think to describe it is a home away from home, that’s not entirely accurate as I can only dream that my home was this stylish and luxurious! Indeed, each of the designer rooms features elegant furnishings and delightful fabrics. From the oversized sofa and antiqued chest coffee table, to the oh-so comfortable super king size bed and huge TV, we were hooked. I’d only just managed to tear myself away from the window and that view when it was time to head down for dinner.

A TASTE OF THE LAKE DISTRICT

Dining at The Belsfield Restaurant & Brasserie offers a treat for the taste buds. A fine-dining experience sure to delight even the most committed of foodies, the varied and flavour-packed menu includes such seasonal dishes as butternut squash and pine nut pithivier; slow braised shoulder of lamb; and spring pea and goats cheese risotto.

Like everything else here, dinner is an experience. The staff excel at making their guests feel welcome and like VIPs. Shown to a table in the box bay window, surely the best seat in the house, we settled into our armchair-like seats looking out at that incredible view as we ate. As is the case throughout the hotel, the muted, neutral tones of the décor in the restaurant play a huge part in its calming vibe and don’t compete with the

idyllic surroundings, where Mother Nature does all the talking. As the sun set behind the hills and mist rolled in over the Lake we opened our menus and sipped our wine, the stresses of the motorway now a distant memory.

I opted to start my meal with the crispy pork belly with black pudding and cider cream sauce – so good I ordered it again the following night! This was followed by the main course of Cumberland sausage with whole grain mustard mash, pickled red cabbage and red wine jus. Being a cheese fanatic, I finished with a selection of local and British cheeses, which were paired with artisan biscuits, chutney, celery and grapes. But sweet treats on the menu included glazed lemon tart, date pudding and strawberry and mascarpone cheesecake. Every mouthful was a joy and the service was impeccable.

Located at the heart of the hotel is the glamorous Lounge Bar. With a warm and inviting ambience it also boasts a suite of further immaculately decorated lounges, where you can take your drink and relax overlooking Lake Windermere. That’s just what we did as we made the most of the last rays of sunshine dancing on the Lake and enjoying our extremely delicious chocolatinis (vanilla vodka, Baileys and crème de cacao –highly recommended). The smallest of the lounges we found boasted décor that reminded me of a stately home’s study. I could imagine Austen’s Mr Bennett sitting there reading a book while taking refuge from Mrs Bennett’s ‘nerves.’

Breakfast too is served in the restaurant. A welcome combination of continental self service and hot food table service, the first meal of the day is just the sort of hearty fare you’d hope to fill up on before heading out for a day exploring. Again it bears repeating how great the staff are. We were looked after by the lovely Dominika, who put a smile on our faces with her friendly manner.

THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

After a restful night’s sleep we headed out of the Hotel via it’s rear terrace, which brings you straight out to Bowness’ waterfront, where we boarded a steamer for a half-lake cruise. Windermere Lake Cruises offers an extensive programme of options when it comes to cruising the lake, whether you want the scenic option, the full tour or island exploration. There are also combined tickets where you can incorporate another attraction. We opted for the cruise and steam train, which allowed us to see and experience much of the local area in the short amount of time we had. The steamer let us off at the Lakeside Pier and we took The Lakeside & Haverthwaite Heritage Railway to its terminus in Haverthwaite. Here, there’s a station tea room and gift shop, which we enjoyed before heading back to make our connection back at the pier.

We returned to Bowness and jumped in the car to Hill Top in Sawrey near Hawkshead, the 17th-century farmhouse once home to Beatrix Potter. It was the house she bought with the royalties from the first of her books, The Tale of Peter Rabbit and is well worth a visit. Not only is the house a time capsule containing many of the author’s belongings, the village itself offers a picture-perfect spot for a romantic stroll.

Keen for more of Miss Potter we wended our way back around the Lake to the opposite side and Bowness. A mere five-minute walk from

The Belsfield you’ll find The World of Beatrix Potter. Primarily a family attraction it’s nevertheless well worth a visit for bigger kids for whom the tales of Peter and friends occupy a special place in the heart. These enchanting stories are brought to life in a magical recreation of the characters and their antics as you get to meet many of the famous furry faces we all know and love from our childhoods.

Welcomed back to the hotel by charming manager Mark, who was surprised to hear about all that we’d packed into one day, I realised just how much I appreciated the location. Another string to The Belsfield’s bow is its location – right in the centre of Windermere’s eastern shore it’s at the heart of the action and with so much to see and do within easy reach. So, it’s definitely possible to get the most out of your honeymoon here whatever you decide to make of it.

With hearts heavy at the thought of leaving the hotel we’d fallen head over heels in love with, we bundled our luggage into the car the following morning and made for home, having resolved to be back at the first possible opportunity.

STEEPED IN HISTORY

Built in the 19th century for the Baroness Von Sternberg, the building’s most well-known former owner was Henry Schneider, director of the steel works at Barrow, the Barrow Flax and Jute Works and the Barrow Shipbuilding Company, who established his country residence at the Belsfield in 1869. His departure from the house early each morning was preceded by his butlers and staff descending the lawns to the lakeside carrying the entree dishes for his English Breakfast.

The house became a hotel in 1892 and between 1910 and 1911 drastic alterations were made, when an entire storey was added between the existing first and second floors. During the Second World War the Hotel was requisitioned as a training centre for WRAF officers.

Pure luxury

After hearing about The Belfry Hotel & Resort, an award-winning hotel in the heart of Sutton Coldfield with three world-class golf courses, 300+ bedrooms, multiple restaurants and a luxurious spa, I was excited to experience it first-hand.

The host of The Ryder Cup four times, more than any other venue in the world, The Belfry Hotel & Resort has gone down in history as the backdrop to some extremely notable golf moments and has hosted its fair share of famous names and faces. Less than 10 miles from Birmingham Airport, International Train Station, Alexander Stadium and Birmingham’s NEC, it’s surrounded by prominent local landmarks, and is in a prime position for any travelling guests who need a place to lay their heads.

A ROYAL WELCOME

Walking through the double doors, I was met with a stunning entrance adorned with rich fabrics and beautiful floral displays. Walking past the generous amount of guest seating, the white portico pillars and vibrant yellow neon sign for the Brabazon Bar, I couldn’t take my eyes off the quirky chandelier that was taking centre stage.

The very helpful Ryan, who was working at the check-in desk, detailed exactly where we needed to go to find our room. As we walked through

the wood-claded corridors lined with busy event and conference suites, we found the lift up to the second floor in search of the Presidential Suite. The largest and most impressive of all their overnight accommodation, the suite offers a family-sized living room complete with comfortable sofas, a dining table, a mini-kitchen space with all the comforts of home, and two separate balconies with views of the world-class golf courses.

The bedroom had luxurious plush armchairs, a desk, a luscious kingsized bed, and quite possibly the biggest en-suite bathroom I’ve ever seen! Equipped with his and hers wash basins, a free-standing bath, a spacious shower cubicle, and two separate toilets, it’s safe to say you won’t be waiting for your turn to use the bathroom.

REST AND RELAXATION

Picking up our swim bags, we headed to the spa to try out the Fire & Ice Experience. Here, Michelle gave us a guided tour through the varied selection of 12 bio thermal rooms, all designed to enhance your mood and invigorate the senses. Knowing that this spa had been named a finalist in the Best Day Spa category for the Good Spa Guide Awards 2022, I was excited for the experience to begin. Starting with a foot spa and moving through the hot and cold steam, sauna, and shower rooms,

Beth Morton and her hubby visited The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield

we experienced both the shock and delight that came with such extreme temperatures – it was divine! Our personal favourites were the Igloo Room, which offers chilled walls and an ever-filling ice bucket for a body massage, and the Aroma and Crystal Steam Rooms, both heavenlyscented spaces designed to cleanse and purify.

From here, we popped down to the iconic Brabazon Bar, which was crowned winner of the Hotel Bar of the Year category at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards 2022, for a cheeky cocktail (or three) and found ourselves transported back in time. The bar, rich in bottle green leathers with portico pillars, showcases a breathtaking raised glass ceiling that is a sight to behold.

READY, SET, PLAY!

After hearing numerous tales of woe from my husband about how he’s always the worst player on his group golfing trips, we both jumped at the chance of hitting a few golf balls at the driving range.

Despite the brilliant Toptracer technology allowing us to see our flight paths and providing data to work on our swing technique, it’s safe to say that we won’t be challenging Tiger Woods to a match any time soon!

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

The Belfry Hotel & Resort offers an impressive selection of restaurants, each a little different from the other, and we were lucky enough to dine in the fabulous Ryder Grill. The buffet here is one of the most deliciouslooking and gourmet-sounding selections I’d ever seen, but since my hubby is lactose-intolerant and vegetarian, we decided to choose from the à la carte menu.

Having made our selections, we were treated to a stunning salmon, beetroot, and wasabi starter adorned with edible flowers and a vibrant carpaccio of tomatoes. The main course, generous in size, was a seared sea trout with garlic potatoes and a very artistic fennel bhaji. The highlight of the meal was the extra dessert that our wonderful waitress Annie brought out when she realised we were struggling to decide. We scoffed a chocolate torte, a cheese selection and a sticky toffee banana bread – yum!

Our night ended on a high after we made our way back to our Presidential Suite and fell into blissful slumbers in a bed that felt lighter than air.

We had a wonderful time at The Belfry Hotel & Resort and are looking forward to coming back soon!

BOOK IT

The Belfry Hotel & Resort, www.thebelfry.com

WIN A MINI-MOON WORTH UP TO

GuestHouse is an independent hospitality group renowned for its one-off, wonder-filled hotels. Home to relaxing suites and bedrooms, heavenly spas and never-tried-that-before dishes, the hotels have a few things in common, but always guarantee their own unique charm varied by the cities they’re a part of.

Recently awarded Best City Hotel by The Good Hotel Guide, No.15 by GuestHouse in Bath, Somerset, is a boutique property occupying a trio of Grade I listed town houses in a Georgian terrace. Home to eclectic rooms with a touch of whimsy, the 36-bedroom townhouse is located on one of Bath’s grandest streets in one of Britain’s greatest cities. Full of heritage and vibrant creative spirit, the hotel reflects its location in its interior design, art and objects steal and entertain the eye. The bar and restaurant offer something different yet decidedly British, the spa nurtures real relaxation, and the hotel’s hosts making sure every guest feels happy and at home. There’s a record player in every room along with a record library in the hotel – perfect for recreating your first dance on your honeymoon!

Heading North of the country, No.1 by GuestHouse is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of the noble city of York just a 10-minute walk from York Minster. Inside, you’ll find lovable bedrooms, a locally inspired restaurant and a seriously soothing spa. The building is a Grade II listed Regency townhouse of stately proportions and headturning façade. It has huge, dreamy sash windows, high ceilings, a

sweeping central staircase, and ivy around the door. Its grand-but-friendly face is full of charm. Inside you’ll find pantries stocked full of treats for the taking, great restaurant food throughout the day, delicious drinks from the bar, a spa centered on bespoke therapies and a straight-from-the-heart warm welcome.

GuestHouse hotels are perfect not only for couples, but kids and furry friends to boot! Youngest guests have been carefully thought about to keep them entertained and happy with things like in-room tipi hideouts, their very own goodies menu and out-and-about instant cameras to use. Check out www.guesthousehotels.co.uk

THE PRIZE

County Wedding Magazines’ readers have the chance to win a twonight stay with breakfast at No.1 York or No.15 Bath including: a bottle of English sparkling wine on arrival, sparkling afternoon tea for two on one day, pre-dinner cocktails and dinner for two with a bottle of wine one evening, and a GuestHouse signature spa treatment for two.

To win, answer this following question and head online to enter at www.yourlondon.wedding

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