YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Macdonald Ansty Hall Hotel is set amongst 8 acres of private grounds, featuring magnificent views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside - a magical setting for your wedding celebrations. Our Award winning venue also offers luxurious accommodation in the very heart of Shakespeare Country, which will prove a spectacularly luxurious base for your wedding party. Our suites can comfortably seat up to 120 wedding guests, with the capability of housing up to 150 people for your evening reception. Our function rooms feature stunning views of our beautiful landscaped gardens, providing you with the most romantic of venues in the charming Warwickshire countryside. Our staff will gladly assist you during your journey, every step of the way - our dedicated wedding planner will help you with all aspects of wedding planning and the chefs at Macdonald Ansty Hall Hotel will cater to your every need. Plus, we also offer exclusivity of the entire venue which can be tailor-made with a bespoke package.

On the cover...

This issue’s cover has been sponsored by Coventry wedding venue Cheylesmore Manor House (www.ceremoniesinsidecoventry.co.uk/ cheylesmoremanorceremonysuite). The image was captured by Rachel Faye Photography (www.facebook.com/rachelfayephotography) and comes from the styled shoot on page 55.

Regulars

6

Venues

13 SPOTLIGHT ON SUTTON COLDFIELD, LICHFIELD, TAMWORTH & NORTH BIRMINGHAM

Discover some of the best venues in the area

17 A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Tie the knot in a historic venue

Features

39 MOODY VIBES

See how rich deep hues can create a bold but elegant statement on your wedding day

43 TIERS OF JOY

Meet local cake companies

46 A FRESH LOOK

The team at Alrewas Hayes have put together this stunning set of images to celebrate their recent refurbishment

49 A DRAMATIC ENTRANCE

Be inspired by this luxurious styled shoot at Swinfen Hall

55 TRULY ROMANTIC

Cheylesmore Manor House was the setting for this rustic styled shoot

59 TAKE MY BREATH AWAY

Local bridal boutiques share their favourite on-trend dresses

FASHION & BEAUTY

62 FASHION FOCUS

The latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches

63 I’M A BARBIE GIRL

Take inspiration from summer’s most anticipated movie release with fun, flirty styles

68 DESERT ROSE

Your honeymoon suitcase shouldn’t take off without these summery staples

69 SHORT AND SWEET

The thigh’s the limit with this chic selection of shorter-length bridal dresses

72 BEAUTY BUZZ

Get the look with these must-haves for the bride-to-be

74 SKIN DEEP

We caught up with Angela Langford whose eponymous brand offers a wide range of skin care designed to make you feel great

76 FASHION & BEAUTY Q&A

Local professionals solve your problems

77 BRIGHTEN UP YOUR LIFE

Celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas, talks wedding dos and tells us about OGX’s new Colour Retention range

Real Weddings

21 HOLD ME CLOSE

Alex and Dom celebrated their summer wedding at Alveston Manor

26 WILD ABOUT YOU

After embarking on several adventures together, Lisa and Kieron celebrated their big day at Safari Venues

33 FALL IN LOVE

Louise and Paul opted for a terracotta colour scheme for their autumnal nuptials at Elmbridge Farm

Grooms

78 GROOMS’ NEWS

The latest best buys and product launches

79 WATCH THIS SPACE

Expert advice on choosing a watch for your wedding

80 GREEN WITH ENVY

We’ve rounded up some of the latest on-trend products for the groom-to-be

Honeymoons

82 HONEYMOON NEWS

The latest openings and must-see honeymoon destinations

84 THE CITY OF LOVE

Discover why Paris is the perfect honeymoon destination

86 HOORAY FOR HAMPSHIRE!

Find out what makes the New Forest such a special spot for mini-mooners

88 RIVERSIDE ROMANCE

The Mitre Hampton Court is the perfect location for a night away for two