Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - November/December 2021 (Issue 89)

yourhampshiredorset.wedding

WIN!

A sleepover for eight at Whitley Hall, Yorkshire

Beautiful

BACKDROPS

Standout wedding photos

SUITE DREAMS

Check into a local hotel for your big day

The personal touch Shop handmade in the region

’Tis the season

NOV/DEC 2021

£3.55

Magical winter wedding inspiration

HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, BRIDAL FASHION, EXPERT ADVICE, REAL WEDDINGS AND MORE

. o d e W bawdenk@leweston.dorset.sch.uk  Tel: 01963 211011  www.lewestonenterprises.co.uk/weddings

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS

REGULARS

63

6 EDITOR’S LETTER

A sneak peek of what’s to come

9 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the region

13 FREEBIES & OFFERS Great giveaways up for grabs

86 HOT TOPIC Local experts on winter weddings

96 COMPETITION Win a fun-filled sleepover for eight guests at Whitley Hall, Yorkshire

On the cover

Winter weddings can be seriously stunning, full of rich colours and seasonal splendour, all beautifully captured in this issue’s front cover by Hampshire-based Rachel Elizabeth Photography, www.rachelizabethphotography.co.uk. To view the full styled shoot in all its glory, turn to page 43.

FEATURES

43 WINTER WONDERLAND Celebrate the season with rich warm tones

47 STEP BACK IN TIME Be inspired by bygone days for a big day with a difference

51 SETTING THE SCENE

VENUES

Beautiful big-day backdrops for standout photos

17 ‘I DO’ DORSET

61 THE PERSONAL TOUCH

Where to wed in this picturesque county

Shop handmade in the region

23 SUITE DREAMS

63 SHOWSTOPPING STYLE

Tie the knot in one of the region’s stylist hotels

Add a touch of drama to your day with dazzling details

17

3

75

28 REAL WEDDINGS FASHION & BEAUTY 67 FASHION FOCUS

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

69 DRESS UP Lace woven with intricate details, sleek A-line silhouettes and voluminous skirts are just some of the styles that brides will be wearing in 2022

75 NOT ALL WHITE These pastel and champagne gowns prove that you don’t have to wear white

80 BEAUTY BUZZ Beauty editor Kelly Andrews reveals all the latest must-haves for the bride-to-be

82 BEAUTY Q&A Your bridal beauty worries sorted

84 FROM THE INSIDE OUT We caught up with owner and founder of Simone Thomas Wellness, Simone herself, to discover how taking care of yourself from the inside out is the ultimate path to wedding wellness

4

28 LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Carli fell for Alex the moment they first met

37 SIMPLY STYLISH

80

Relaxed, sophisticated chic was the order of the day for Sarah and Graeme’s New Forest wedding

GROOMS

89 GROOMS’ NEWS

HONEYMOONS 92 HONEYMOON NEWS UK special

All the latest news and product launches

90 CHECK PLEASE! Look dashing in this on-trend print

89

94 ESCAPE TO GREECE Bustling cultural centres or tranquil secluded spots, the choice is yours

Say I Do

AT THE KINGS ARMS

Photography by Beth Wilson Photography by Beth Wilson

Located in the quaint town of Christchurch, Dorset overlooking the River Avon and nestled between historic Norman-era, castle ruins.

Enquire with our expert wedding planners to book a tour and receive information for 2022/2023 availability and pricing.

01202 588 933

Located in the quaint town of Christchurch, Dorset overlooking

kings.events@harbourhotels.co.uk

the River Avon and nestled between historic Norman-era, castle ruins.

www.harbourhotels.co.uk/the-kings/weddings

Enquire with our expert wedding planners to book a tour and receive information for 2022 availability and pricing.

EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 Sarah Reeve | Editor sarahr@county.wedding Danielle Harvey | Managing Editor, Grooms Editor and Travel Editor Kelly Andrews | Beauty Editor Claire Ridley | Fashion Editor DESIGN 01376 535 616 | artwork@county.wedding Graphic Designers | Sarah Hill 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 538 490 sarahm@county.wedding Account Manager

Ruth Swallow | 01376 514 000 ruths@county.wedding Subscriptions 01376 514 000

subscriptions@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James

Jingle ‘wedding’ bells C

hristmas is coming, that’s for sure! What’s more, at the time of writing this, things were looking positive for plenty of the festive cheer with family and friends that we’re accustomed to. Although we don’t like to count our chickens (or should I say turkeys) before they hatch, since restrictions were eased, the floodgates have opened and 2022 looks set to be one of the busiest years for weddings in decades! With the Christmas and New Year proposal season likely to add to the surge, we’re looking forward to bringing you lots of lovely local weddings to inspire and excite you in the months ahead. The ripple effects of the pandemic will be felt for some time and will influence wedding trends moving forward. Increased demand for weekday and outdoor weddings is likely to continue, along with greener more sustainable options for the big day. Many of the important things about getting married have been brought into sharper focus too, like the vows and individual, special details such as handmade items to add that extra personal touch. To check out just some of the talented local suppliers offering bespoke ranges, turn to page 57. Don’t miss our gallery of wonderful wedding photos on page 51 either, to see how to make the most of your big-day backdrop. Packed with all the usual bridal fashion, beauty tips, honeymoons, inspiration and more, we’re excited for all the wonderful weddings to come!

Sarah x

Have a very merry Christmas, see you in 2022!

@CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings

Sarah Reeve, editor

@cwm_wedding

WIN!

Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com Your Hampshire & Dorset 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 Hampshire & Dorset Wedding is published six times a year. Subscription rates are £17.60 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing and sent to Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP.

96

The rich colours of this stunning cake make it a real winter winner. Turn to page 43 for seasonal wedding inspiration galore.

69

A SLEEPOVER FOR EIGHT GUESTS AT WHITLEY HALL, YORKSHIRE

ISSN 2046-8474

cwe C O U N T Y WEDDING E V E N T S

6

Bridal two-pieces are a hot trend for 2022.

37

EDITOR’S LETTER

A sparkler parade is a great opportunity for magical photos.

13 The views at Hampshire’s Lainston House are simply breathtaking! To see more of Carli and Alex’s big day there, turn to page 28.

51

Beauatiful backdrops make all the difference for standout wedding photos.

Personalised chocolate goodies for your wedding, what’s not to love?

63

This sumptuous venue styling sets the tone for a stylish celebration.

47

So many amazing photo opportunities at Milestones Museum, it’s hard to choose!

7

PETER YORK TOASTMASTER

Over 45 years experience in the wedding industry being one of the UK’s top wedding toastmasters and also performs a beautiful wedding ceremony as a Professional Celebrant.

Are you recently engaged?

BOOK BEFORE DECEMBER 31ST TO RECEIVE 20% OFF Valid for any package price as long as deposit is paid

How does the thought of someone ensuring everything for your special day is organised for you? Gemini Weddings & planning Services Ltd are here for you. At Gemini Weddings we offer a range of packages to suit all budgets.

Our three main packages are: Full Planning with Budget control | Partial Planning without budget control | On the Day coordination Facebook: Gemini-weddings-planning-services Instagram: geminiweddingplanning20 www.geminiweddingplanningservices.co.uk 01202 015489 / 07368 648632

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W W W. P E T E R Y O R K - M C . C O . U K

YOUR ESSENTIALS VALENTINE’S SPECIAL Looking to get married on the most romantic day of the year? Hampshire countryside wedding venue Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club is offering a special Valentine’s Day package including red-carpet arrival, Bucks Fizz drinks reception, three-course wedding breakfast, overnight accommodation for the happy couple in one of the venue’s superior rooms, plus a whole lot more. For full details contact the venue and to find out all about their wedding facilities visit www.sandfordsprings.co.uk

d e w y l r a e N NEWS www.dombrenton.com

All the latest from around the region

FULL STEAM AHEAD

MOMENTS TO TREASURE

Olivia George bridal boutique is looking forward to 2022 and the chance to celebrate their second anniversary in their new home. Owners Michelle Savoy and Carolyn Maker moved the business to premises in Winchester during the first lockdown last year and put the time to good use getting the boutique ready. As well as a different location, they will also be starting out the new year with a mission to focus solely on plus-size bridal gowns.

Although they already specialise in dresses up to size 28, they are phasing out their smaller samples and will only be stocking sizes from 14 to 34. “We’re really excited about this and our aim now is all about making sure we have plenty of styles for our brides to try on,” says Carolyn.

Visit www.olivia-george.co.uk

Romsey-based wedding photographer Dom Brenton (www.dombrenton.com) has teamed up with EVG Media to offer newlyweds-to-be a combined service capturing their day in photos and on film. “I’ve found that people are increasingly looking for a video of their wedding as well as photos but it’s difficult, if not impossible, for a single person to film lots of high-quality footage while taking all the photographs couples and their families want,” he explains.

Dom, who’s been covering weddings since 2017, joined forces with his friend Emma when he discovered she’d been doing videography as part of her day job and wanted to move into the wedding industry. After working together over the summer, they’re now looking forward to shooting many more weddings next year.

Dom adds, “We both have a bright and airy style and Emma, brings a young, fun and bubbly personality to the mix which complements my understated approach.

It’s a great combination that also simplifies things for our couples.” For details of their combined service call 07907 313 673 or email dom@dombrenton.com and mention Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding to claim £100 off the full-day package. For videography enquires call 07817 363 521 or email EVGmedia@outlook.com 9

A DREAM COME TRUE A big high five to Dorset’s Sarah Jane Bridal. Despite the recent tough times, owner Sarah Pardey has realised her dream of having her own bridal boutique and has celebrated the first anniversary of her new venture. She took over the former Sassy Brides shop in Poole in August 2020 after the previous owner retired. Her love of all things bridal stems from 20 years’ experience in the world of bridal hair and make-up. “I’ve always had an interest in wedding gowns and anything pretty, so when the opportunity arose to take over the shop it seemed like the perfect progression for me. I knew as soon as I stepped into the boutique that I wanted to do it,” she explains. “During lockdown it was very challenging but I kept myself busy creating a strong presence on social media, liaising with my suppliers, creating eye-catching window displays and keeping in regular contact with my brides.”

She’s put her own personal stamp on the boutique and given it a complete makeover to create a luxurious and relaxing feel. The extensive range of bridal, bridesmaid and flowergirl dresses and accessories have all been hand-picked for their individuality and wow-factor and to suit all styles and budgets. To mark her successful first-year anniversary, Sarah has also taken on two new designers Allure Romance by Allure Bridals and Ellis Bridals offering refreshing and exciting gowns for the modern contemporary bride. “The new labels are due to arrive early next year and I can’t wait to show them off to our brides as I know they will love them as much as me,” adds Sarah. To find out more visit www.facebook.com/sarahjanebridalboutique

SECRET GARDEN Relax on your big day and discover the new Secret Garden at Hampshire’s Great Barn, Titchfield. One of the most historic wedding venues on the South Coast, the 15th-century oak building provides an elegant and impressive big-day backdrop.

To add to its attractions, the Secret Garden is a new feature this year, providing a safe and secure, enclosed area for the little ones to play, while the grown-ups can relax over canapés and a glass of bubbly (or two). With beautiful flowerbeds, together with three olive trees, agapanthus and rose bushes, it’s a picture-perfect spot. The fragrant Rose Garden, is close by with wisteria and climbing roses along the wall, as well as colourful dahlias and other blooms. Themed around the Battle of Agincourt, where Henry V led his forces to victory in 1415, roses were planted to represent the English armies and lavender to symbolise the French soldiers.

The venue’s dedicated groundskeepers look after the lawns and garden beds, and seasonal planting ensures there’s colour throughout the wedding season. As well as all the fabulous photo opportunities the venue and grounds provide, you can also pose for standout shots against the backdrop of the historic Titchfield Abbey too.

For further details call 01329 556 156 or visit www.greatbarnweddings.co.uk 10

BOOZY BAKES The creative juices have been flowing at Dorset’s Magically Crafted Cakes. Owner Beth Carter has been working on a new autumn showstopper to add to their range of wedding creations. She says, “It’s my absolute favourite season; I love all the colours, crisp cool air and log-fire evenings, so my latest design had to be autumnal. The stone effect really helps the colours of the florals to pop!”

As well as being super busy with weddings, they’ve been working on tantalising new cocktail flavours too.

“We already have Jack Daniels and rum and coconut on the menu, so we wanted to try some more daring alcoholic flavours,” reports Beth. Think piña colada, sex on the beach, watermelon and lime mojito and lemon and mint mojito; perfect for a summer wedding! To find out more visit www.magicallycraftedcakes.com

RAISE A GLASS Sommelier and wine tutor Cécile Bergart of the Hampshire Wine School is on a mission to spread some winter cheer.

Her quest is to find the perfect red wine and she wants you to join her in a virtual tasting; great for couples searching for a delicious big-day tipple. The online evening event is being run via Zoom in celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau 2021 on Thursday, 25th November. For a different winter tasting experience, she’s also hosting a port and cheese pairing evening on Saturday, 4th December in Southampton. For full details and to book your space visit www.hampshirewineschool.com

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Flowers designed and created with love, just for you and your special day.

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Flowers By Becky Becky Stevens www.flowersbybecky.com 07748 762081

Hannah Lucy Photography

W E A R E N OW TA KING B O O K INGS F O R 2023 AND 2024

Joasis Wedding Photography

THE GREAT BARN

Tit chfiel d

Hannah Lucy Photography

The area’s most exclusive wedding venue, full of character and 600 years of history. This beautiful Grade 1 listed barn, on which you can put your own unique stamp, makes the perfect location for your special day.

Call us on 01329556156 or email us at info@greatbarnweddings.co.uk to book your viewing today! www.greatbarnweddings.co.uk

Duke Photography

A I R F I L L E D D I S P L AY S H E L I U M D I S P L AY S | S T U F F E D B A L L O O N S BALLOON ARCHES | BALLOON GARLANDS

T H E S I S T E R S C O L L A B @ YA H O O . C O M 07786606369 |

The Sisters Collab

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Exceptional, multi-award winning wedding flowers specialist in Surrey and Hampshire www.florescence.org | 07890 710 206

|

info@florescence.org

FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL DORSET B ASED HAIRDRESSER WITH MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 07747 037 330

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FREEBIES & OFFERS

WORTH £100

Freebies & OFFERS

WIN PERSONALISED CHOCOLATE WEDDING FAVOURS AND GIFTS Your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your loves and lives and for chocolate fans it couldn’t be easier with Morse Toad’s personalised range of favours and gifts. Based in the beautiful New Forest, the company is dedicated to spreading choccy joy far and wide with its original sweet treats. The aim is to help people connect with loved ones by delivering kisses and cuddles, high fives and fist pumps, birthday greetings and more in the form of delicious chocolate messages and gifts delivered straight to your letterbox.

A little can mean a lot, especially in these challenging times, and their wedding range of goodies includes personalised favours, place names, ‘be-my-bridesmaid’ invites, save-the-dates, thank-you gifts and more. The chocolates make great cake decorations too and can be made bespoke to you. To help give your big day that special personal flavour, we’ve teamed up with Morse Toad to offer readers the chance to win a £100 voucher to spend on their wedding range online at www.morsetoad.com Enter via our website by 24th December, 2021, terms and conditions apply.

Great giveaways and offers up for grabs WIN A LUXURY HAMPER WORTH £115!

Luxury gifting company hampers.com is bringing joy to all occasions. Each of its gift hampers is lovingly curated and handpacked in Oxfordshire, with perfectly paired food and drink from carefully selected makers and producers.

The team at hampers.com is giving County Wedding Magazines readers the chance to win a Luxury Food & Wine Basket worth £115.

The beautiful wicker basket is packed full of tasty snacks and moreish treats for nearlyweds to share together. The stars of the show are an excellent bottle of Prosecco, and a full-bodied Argentinian Malbec from the Gauchezco Estate, paired with award-winning cheese, hand-baked biscuits, and luxury Belgian chocolates.

For your chance to win enter via our website, and for more details about hampers.com and it’s range of delecatble gifts for the wedding day and beyond visit www.hampers.com

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER VIA OUR WEBSITE. Closing date: 4th February, 2022 unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions apply.

13

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 home to more than 100 exhibitors each, 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

X

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

WEMBLEY STADIUM, 20

A date for your diary...

TH

FEBRUARY, 2022

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, 20TH MARCH, 2022

ASCOT RACECOURSE, 24TH APRIL, 2022

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, DATE TO BE RELEASED

Pre-register for all of our events at www.countyweddingevents.com

It’s Mari’ time!

... in a fantastic wedding venue located in the heart of Portsmouth’s Naval Heritage Area

Telephone or email for full details and a quotation now!...

Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HS Club Tel: (023) 9282 4231 Email: events@royalmaritimeclub.co.uk

www.royalmaritimeclub.co.uk The Royal Marina_FPA_YHDW74.indd 1

09/04/2019 10:16

WEDDING FLOWERS From bouquets, boutonnieres and flower crowns to table centre pieces and floral arches, our vision is to turn your ideas into a floral reality!

Enjoy the intimacy that only a horse drawn carriage can provide and together we will make it a special day that everyone will look back on with beautiful memories.

Our black and white horses, vintage carriages and team will be immaculately turned out for your special day and will enhance your arrival and departure.

07717 454111

www.haywardscarriages.co.uk

nicola@petalsandposies.co.uk

07921 072 942 | contact@haywardscarriages.co.uk

www.petalsandposies.co.uk

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, ESSEX • 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

Pre-register at countyweddingevents.com/registration Follow us on:

/CountyWeddingEvents

@CountyWedEvent

@countyweddingevents

REGIONAL VENUES

‘I DO’ DORSET

www.lauradeanphotography.co.uk

Where to wed in this picturesque county

MARSHWOOD MANOR, BETTISCOMBE 01308 867 440 | www.marshwoodmanor.co.uk for summer or winter weddings. The Victorian courtyard is also licensed for ceremonies with as many as 250 or more guests. Spacious yet private, with access for street-food vans for relaxed dining, it’s ideal for a marquee and looks magical lit up at night. For festival-style celebrations, the Wildflower Meadow provides another picture-perfect spot with stunning views of the vale.

WE LOVE… the woodland bower, an enchanting and magical setting for an outdoor ceremony.

www.helenliskphotography.co.uk

If Victorian grandeur and rustic simplicity are on your wedding wish list, check out exclusive-use venue Marshwood Manor. Located in the ancient Vale of Marshwood in West Dorset, the 22-acre estate offers an idyllic big-day backdrop for newlyweds-to-be looking for something different to the norm. Surrounded by ancient woodland, fields and private grounds, it’s a photographer’s dream. The brick-built Haybarn is a glorious indoor space with a raised platform, ideal for ceremonies, the top table or a live band for the evening party. It can host up to 80 guests for dining and with its high-vaulted ceiling and doors opening out on to a terrace, it’s great

17

www.stephnewtonphotography.com

www.stephnewtonphotography.com

LEWESTON, SHERBORNE 01963 211 011 | www.lewestonenterprises.co.uk/weddings Live the fairytale and host your wedding at this stunning venue. Leweston Manor oozes character and style with Art Deco interiors and a wealth of wow-factor wedding spaces. The elegant Georgian styled building provides an impressive big-day backdrop and with 46 acres of sweeping grounds, including the Nuns Walkway, Italian Garden and hidden gem the Belvedere, there’s no shortage of standout photo opportunities.

With three ceremony spaces to choose from, you can tie the knot indoors or out. Flanked by woodlands, the Belvedere provides an idyllic setting. The oval paved area commands panoramic views of the Blackmore Vale and woodlands and you can exchange vows watched

by up to 100 loved ones. The Lecture Room in the manor house is the largest indoor ceremony area. You can marry here overlooking the Italian garden and host a sit-down wedding breakfast afterwards for 80 guests or the Eleanor Library is ideal for intimate weddings with its wooden floor, high ceiling and walls lined with books. For more lavish celebrations you can host a party to remember with up to 200 family and friends in the wedding marquee, dressed and styled to suit your theme.

MILTON ABBEY, BLANDFORD FORUM

Dorchester and Blandford, the grand country home of Lord Milton offers a host of beautiful staterooms for your whole day. The 15th-century Abbot’s Hall is a truly original setting and seats 120 guests for the wedding breakfast, the King’s Room, lined with portraits, is the perfect place to dance the night away with up to 160 loved ones and there are other impressive rooms available if extra space is needed. Ceremonies can be held in either the elegant King’s Room or for more intimate weddings, the Queen’s Room is ideal and has easy access to the grounds.

01258 882 246 | www.eventsatmiltonabbey.co.uk Steeped in history, Milton Abbey is set in glorious Dorset countryside.

Nestled in the beautiful Delcombe Valley, the extensive grounds surrounding the abbey and historic mansion house were designed in the 18th century by famed landscaper Capability Brown. A photographer’s dream, there’s a wealth of breathtaking backdrops, including the unique grass steps and stunning abbey. Sweeping lawns and woodland complete the picture-perfect scene and the 14th-century Abbey Church is just a stone’s throw from the mansion. Perfectly situated between 18

WE LOVE… the Belvedere, a jewel in the venue’s crown. Reached by an impressive tree-lined walkway it’s a fabulous spot for romantic photos.

WE LOVE… that couples are invited back on their first anniversary for a celebratory prosecco afternoon tea.

Making the memories,

match the dreams...

Offering made to measure escapism, I design beautiful experiences that you will forever cherish, with a personalised approach that is tailored to your needs.

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K941

Imagine your wedding at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are licensed to conduct Civil Ceremonies. The wedding marquee is a permanent structure, specially designed to comfortably welcome wedding parties of up to 150 guests. This glorious 30 acre garden makes a great venue for your special day.

Call us on 01305 871130 to discuss your requirements Further information online at

abbotsburygardens.co.uk

Weddings

Belle-Beau B R I D A L A LT E R AT I O N S

David Reale Jewellers SICILIAN GOLDSMITH & JEWELLER

Belle-Beau Bridal Alterations ensure your alterations journey is an enjoyable, relaxing experience at our welcoming boutique.

As a family run business with over 50 years experience you can rest assured you are in the safe hands of an established, trusted seamstress specialist.

To ensure you receive the excellent service we pride ourselves on, all consultations are by appointment only. We will discuss your requirements at the first fitting and provide you with options to achieve the desired result.

To see how we can help you, contact us today to book an appointment.

FEEL

incredible O N Y O U R special D AY From ring sizing or replacing lost or missing stones to remodelling and making bespoke pieces, all these services can be carried out here in our workshop in the beautiful Georgian town of Blandford.

https://david-reale-jewellers.business.site C a l l : 0 74 9 6 3 7 8 8 7 2 o r e m a i l : d a n i e l l e k i r b y 1 9 8 8 @ o u t l o o k . c o m 8 H E A R N E G A R D E N S | H O S P I TA L R O A D | S H I R R E L L H E AT H | S O 3 2 2 N R

32 Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AR Call: 01258 456 242 Email: drj46@icloud.com

For a truly unique wedding why

not experience our beautiful and

contemporary waterfront setting. A

wedding celebration at the home of

TIE THE KNOT AT THE RNLI

the RNLI will make your special day even more memorable. As every

pound spent goes towards saving lives at sea.

For more information contact our Wedding Coordinator on: 01202 663489

Email private_events@rnli.org.uk RNLl.org/college/weddings

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

Registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736).

Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland. (20003326) and the Bailwick of Jersey (14)

REGIONAL VENUES

ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS 01305 871 130 | www.abbotsburyweddings.co.uk Established more than 250 years ago, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens on Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast is a one-of-a-kind backdrop for weddings. The world-renowned, 30-acre garden is filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world, providing a wealth of amazing photo opportunities. Carefully designed and sited to blend in with the exotic surroundings, the permanent pavilion can seat up to 150 guests and opens out into a large, private lawned area at the heart of the venue.

With its own entrance gate, the steel-framed structure has a wooden floor, floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, floor-length draped awnings and wide doorways opening directly on to the beautiful gardens. There’s also a fully serviced kitchen attached. What’s more, after the gardens close to the public, you and you’re loved ones are free to wander and discover all the rare and beautiful plants.

WE LOVE… that as well as the purpose-built wooden gazebo just across the lawn from the pavilion, couples can now exchange their vows anywhere in the gardens.

ALEXANDRA HOTEL & RESTAURANT, LYME REGIS 01297 442 010 | www.hotelalexandra.co.uk This grand Georgian house was built for a countess and ticks all the boxes for a glamorous wedding. Dating back to 1735, the imposing building sits majestically in spacious grounds overlooking the famous Cobb harbour.

Full of contemporary elegance and style, the venue boasts large bay windows and light-filled rooms with wonderful views of the Jurassic coastline and hotel gardens. There’s a number of wonderful wedding spaces to choose from, including the Chapel next door to the main hotel.

Once a private place of worship for the family who built the house, it has high-vaulted ceilings and can cater for up to 60 ceremony guests and 50 for a sit-down wedding breakfast. Alternatively you can marry in the

hotel’s elegant Dining Room and enjoy the far-reaching coastal views.

With room for up to 98 people for the ceremony, you can celebrate afterwards with up to 70 loved ones for a seated wedding breakfast.

The Orangery is also licensed for ceremonies and provides a bright and modern alternative, set in the beautiful gardens with French windows on to the lawn. For glorious views of the beach, there’s also a large, undercover, decked terrace in the grounds for dining.

WE LOVE… the Lookout Tower hidden away in the grounds. With far-reaching sea views, it’s a fairytale setting for intimate ‘I dos’.

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Avalon Corbishley Photography

Ideal Imaging Photography

www.idealimaging.uk.com

HOTELS

SUITE DREAMS Check into a local hotel for your big day

THE ELVETHAM, HOOK 01252 844 871 | www.elvethamhotel.co.uk You can marry in the Oak Room and celebrate afterwards with a wedding breakfast for up to 108 people or for an al-fresco ceremony, say ‘I do’ in the Formal Garden Squares. The venue can host up to 200 reception guests in either the Library, Oak Room or, for more intimate gatherings, the Morning Room is ideal. There’s a wealth of great photo opportunities throughout, including outside in the newly planted orchard alongside the River Hart and the beautiful formal gardens.

We love… the feature staircase, perfect for making a grand entrance.

www.idealimaging.uk.com

This country house hotel is sure to impress from the moment you arrive down the tree-lined driveway. Nestled in the middle of 35 acres of lovingly tended gardens and grounds, the impressive 19th-century red brick building boasts a central tower over the main entrance providing the perfect backdrop for standout photos.

Step inside and be prepared for more stop-stare moments. Combining all the character and charm of its long history with the modern amenities of a modern hotel, it offers a range of fabulous spaces and features including beautifully painted ceilings and stained glass windows as well as 43 newly renovated bedrooms.

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01590 625 779 | www.balmerlawnhotel.com If you’ve got your heart set on a romantic wedding in a picture-postcard setting, this New Forest hotel is a must-see. Set back behind a cricket pitch it’s a perfect mix of the traditional and contemporary. With sundrenched terraces and beautiful gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice for stunning backdrops. Looking out over the lawn, the impressive building boasts a fascinating past and has been used as everything from a hunting lodge and a field hospital to an army staff college and coaching inn.

A destination hotspot for weddings, you can marry outside in the

THE ROYAL MARITIME CLUB & HOTEL, PORTSMOUTH 02392 824 231 | www.theroyalmaritimeclub.co.uk Tie the knot in this one-of-a-kind venue and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the maritime city. Situated in Old Portsmouth, close to the historic dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, the venue is steeped in history and provides an original setting for a wedding with a difference. With naval artefacts and memorabilia around every corner, each function room is individually decorated to reflect the history of the club. You can host your whole day here and, with 90 comfy en-suite bedrooms for the 24

www.kimberleygarrod.co.uk

www.kimberleygarrod.co.uk

BALMER LAWN HOTEL & SPA, BROCKENHURST

garden’s oak-beamed Sylvan Pavilion or in the hotel’s Beaulieu Suite, joined by 140 loved ones. Set back from the main hotel, with its own entrance and facilities, you can host your whole day here in private. The suite includes the refurbished Beaulieu Room and two additional spaces, the Hamble, with its own bar and dancefloor, and the Avon for extra seating. There’s access to three outdoor terrace areas as well, including the hotel gardens, and come the evening you can party the night away with up to 220 family and friends.

We love… the beautiful high-ceilinged Savernake Room, a

light and airy space with a private decked terrace; ideal for intimate weddings or post-vows drinks.

wedding party to stay in, why not make a weekend of it and explore the city the next day? Fully licensed for weddings, you can marry in the Trafalgar Ballroom, the venue’s largest function space, and celebrate in style afterwards. Complete with full banqueting facilities, a galleried balcony, dancefloor and stage, it can accommodate up to 300 people.

The smaller Nelson Lounge offers a more intimate, traditional setting while the contemporary Below Decks is the perfect place to party in the evening with up to 100 loved ones.

We love… the leisure facilities, including swimming pool with sauna and spa pool for relaxing pre- or post-wedding.

WEDDINGS AT MACDONALD BOTLEY PARK HOTEL & SPA

From a simple celebration to an elegant extravaganza, Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa is the perfect setting for your special day.

Our Wedding packages are specially designed to suit all seasons and budgets. Our most popular package “The Whirlwind” is an All-Inclusive package starting from only £5,995 for 50 day guests and up to 75 evening guests.

If you are newly engaged and looking for a fabulous venue to celebrate your wedding day, book an appointment with one of our wedding co-ordinators who is just waiting to turn your wedding dreams into a reality.

WEDDING OFFER Get 5 Guest bedrooms for your wedding party when you book using this advert.

(This applies to new bookings only) Valid until End February 2022

For more information call 01489 778 402 or email maria.privett@macdonald-hotels.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Award winning 5 star holiday park in Cornwall Contact us on 01637 860322 or email hello@theparkcornwall.com for more information

Whether it’s an intimate ceremony with friends, an elopement or unconventional wedding in our Yurt village, we’ll make it a truly memorable experience.

- M AG N I F I C E N T H A M P S H I R E AV E N U E A beautiful riverside setting sat on the banks of the Itchen. This luxury venue, set in 150 acres of historic parkland, only offers exclusive use for your ceremony and reception, to make your day truly memorable.

Avington Park, Winchester, Hampshire S021 1DB

01962 779260 | enquiries@avingtonpark.co.uk | www.avingtonpark.co.uk

B O S C - C R I C K E T C L U B PAV I L I O N Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. We are here to help make your day special. Choose from an indoor or outdoor ceremony on the terraces and enjoy your first meal as a married couple upstairs in our beautifully modern function room. We will work with you to plan every detail – from the decorations to the menu for the wedding breakfast. We understand each wedding is unique and so we bespoke to suit you. Choose BOSC for the perfect wedding venue in Hampshire

We’re licensed for civil ceremonies, naming ceremonies and renewal of marriage vows in our magical Yurt Village, our on-site restaurant, The Kitchen By The Beach or one of our three Eco Lodges with stunning balcony views.

Our venue can deliver a charmingly unique wedding experience… so whatever your dream wedding is we can help make it come true!

www.theparkcornwall.com

Historic buildings, medieval courtyards and cloisters make Winchester College a unique and tranquil reception venue for any special occasion.

With its glorious grounds it can provide both indoor or outdoor venues for large or small receptions. The College is located conveniently close to the city centre and Cathedral.

TEL:01962 621209

Address Bolley Avenue, Whitehill & Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 9HG www.theboscclub.org.uk

| 01420 558 086 | BOSC@wbrcompany.co.uk

E M A I L : E N T E R P R I S E S @W I N C O L L . A C .U K WWW.W I N C H E S T E R C O L L E G E .O R G

www.ann-aveyard.co.uk

HOTELS

THE KINGS ARMS, CHRISTCHURCH 01202 588 933 | www.harbourhotels.co.uk/kings-arms

We love… that the venue hire also includes use of the private dining room for dinner the night before or post-wedding brunch for those that want to linger longer.

www.emmahurleyphotography.com

Set in the heart of Christchurch, this cosy Georgian boutique hotel boasts a wealth of charms. The perfect coastal Dorset retreat, it enjoys fabulous views of Christchurch Castle, the town’s priory and Avon River. Blending traditional character with contemporary design, it has 20 luxury rooms and is home to foodie heaven The Kings Arms Restaurant.

Opposite the main hotel building, the venue has its own traditional bowling green and a picture-perfect pavilion which has been lovingly restored and transformed into a beautiful New England-style wedding

space. Bright and airy, the French doors open on to a private veranda allowing the sunlight to flood in as you exchange vows surrounded by up to 96 of your family and friends. Afterwards, stroll across the lawns for a chilled drinks reception and enjoy some outdoor garden games. For a private reception the Kings Priory Suite is ideal. Complete with bar and dancefloor, there’s plenty of room for the evening celebrations, with as many as 200 loved ones.

LORD BUTE, CHRISTCHURCH 01425 278 884 | www.lordbute.com Framed under a canopy of trees, the Lord Bute is set within the original grounds of Highcliffe Castle. In keeping with the venue’s history the majestic 18th-century entrance lodges now form part of the venue’s grand exterior, providing wonderfully impressive bridal suites.

Imposing white pillars and archways add to a great first impression.

Step inside and discover boutique interiors ranging from the conservatory with its rustic arch windows to the dramatic Art Deco dining room boasting bold chandeliers. There’s 13 gorgeous bedrooms and suites for your wedding guests too and you can even have exclusive use of the whole place for a truly private wedding.

Nestled between the New Forest and the spectacular Dorset coast, sandy beaches and striking clifftops are only a stone’s throw away for spectacular album-worthy photos. The Garden Suite offers its own private landscaped garden, complete with palms and an elegant

water feature.

Most ceremonies take place in the versatile and spacious main restaurant where receptions are also held. There’s room for up to 120 people, it can be adapted to suit the style of your celebration and if you want more space, a marquee can also be set up adjoining the restaurant. For intimate ‘I dos’, the Garden Suite is big enough for up to 25 guests inside or more using the outside space too. Further options for ceremonies include a romantic outdoor gazebo in the spacious outdoor courtyard.

We love…

that it’s a bit of foodie heaven too. Renowned for its culinary excellence, with two AA Rosettes and a Michelin recommendation, there’s no pre-ordering required and you can work with the venue’s master chefs to create your own bespoke menu.

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Love at

FIRST SIGHT Carli fell for Alex the moment they met and their wedding was a romantic fairytale affair Images courtesy of Burlison Photography

28

REAL WEDDINGS

W

hen Carli met Alex she knew instantly that he was the one. “I fell head over heels for his blue eyes. It maybe a very cliché thing to say, but as an American his British accent was like kryptonite to me,” recalls Carli. “I then became entirely smitten as I discovered how caring, considerate and fun-loving he was. I was also terribly forward and told him the day after our first meeting that I’d fallen for him and he was very British and said, ‘Oh, thank you,” she laughs. Despite his natural reserve, he was feeling the love too and romance blossomed.

POPPING THE QUESTION Alex proposed in the autumn of 2020, after postponing his initial plans due to the pandemic. After the first lockdown, they were fortunate to get away on a trip to the Scottish Highlands, where Alex had booked a log cabin for a few nights. Little did Carli know, but he had planned for them to hike around Glen Affric where, surrounded by the ruggedly beautiful Scottish wilderness, Alex went down on one knee under an ancient pine tree overlooking the valley and lake and asked her to marry him. A stunned Carli burst into tears and immediately said ‘yes’. “We spent many minutes in each other’s arms, just smiling and taking in the view, cherishing every moment,” remembers Carli. The celebration extended well into the evening, with bubbles, haggis and Scottish salmon at a restaurant on Lock Ness.

SETTING THE SCENE They opted for a romantic theme set in Hampshire’s beautiful Lainston House in Sparsholt near Winchester. “It was such a beautiful setting, right out of a fairytale, complete with a ruined Medieval stone chapel in the grounds where we had some gorgeous wedding photos taken. The stately manor house is so elegant, and made the day feel extra special.

We also loved that our guests could stay on site at the hotel and walk directly from the ceremony to the reception,” enthuses Carli. “The details were all impeccable and we wanted our wedding day to be special for everyone, especially as we had all been in lockdown for ages and this was the first real chance to get together and celebrate with our friends and family.” They tied the knot on 23rd July this year and to echo the romantic feel, went for a lavender rose colour scheme chosen by Alex to signify love at first sight.

LOOKING THE PART Carli stayed at Lainston House the night before the wedding in order to get ready there in the morning with her two maids-of-honour, best friend Jesse and sister Kirstin. Putting on her 1960’s Chantilly lace, ancestral wedding gown was a truly memorable moment as both her mother and grandmother had worn it for their weddings. “It meant so much to me and I know it did for my mum too. I never met my grandma as she passed away before I was born, but wearing her dress on my big day was really special because it felt like she was with us. I also wore my mother’s pearls and diamonds to go with it.”

Alex looked smart in a fitted Ted Baker suit alongside his eight groomsmen who wore blue tailored suits with matching lavender ties and pocket squares, apart from one who sported his traditional Scottish attire. The bridesmaids completed the picture in floor-length pleated lavender dresses from Coast with fitted tops and flowing skirts. “They made the bouquets from faux flowers tied with lace as a 29 

Discounted Advance Tickets Available

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REAL WEDDINGS fun activity at the hen do and they were a great wedding keepsake too,” adds Carli.

THE ‘I DOS’ The ceremony was held outside in the spacious garden flanked by magnificent old trees. Two big floral arrangements filled with lavender roses and other blooms decorated either side of the pavilion and they put organza lavender bags on each guest’s chair along with white, handheld fans. “We wanted to be prepared for sunshine and we were very lucky as it turned out to be a glorious day,” says Carli.

As part of the service, they included a unity candle lighting ceremony to illustrate the bond of marriage, which nearly didn’t happen when the lighter went missing. “In a lovely tension-breaking moment, we looked from each other to the registrar and back to our guests, before bursting into laughter realising we had nothing to light the candles with!” recalls Carli. Luckily though, a cousin delivered a lighter on cue and the moment was saved! A string quartet played before, during and after the ceremony, followed by a classical Spanish guitarist during the drinks reception. The venue also had a giant Connect Four game in the garden for guests to enjoy.

ALL IN THE DETAIL The reception took place in the venue’s Dawley Barn, a stunning rustic backdrop complete with wooden beams and a feature fireplace. The tables were named after their grandparents who couldn’t be with them and Alex’s sister Emma used her design skills to help create the table plan using a mirror and chalk pen. “She drew lavender around the edges and it was displayed at the entrance to the barn,” explains Carli. She also designed a romantic candlelit centrepiece for the top table. The favours were mini glass bottles of bramble gin and Irish whiskey, in a nod to Alex’s family roots, with pink striped American candy bags to represent Carli’s side. “My parents, sister and her boyfriend travelled from the US and had to quarantine at our house for five days before the wedding, so they helped us loads.

They put together the table arrangements, filled all the favour bottles and made the white chiffon chair sashes.”

The couple worked with Penelope from Cocoa & Whey to design the lavender and white cake of their dreams including decorative details, patterns and the porcelain topper from Carli’s parents’ wedding cake. “The flavours were malt vanilla, lemon elderflower and the top tier was an orange and morello cherry fruitcake which we’ve kept in the freezer to celebrate our first anniversary,” adds Carli. The catering was all in-house through Lainston House including wines hand-selected by their sommelier. “The food was phenomenal,” raves Carli.

TIME TO CELEBRATE As part of the entertainment during the day a silhouette artist drew likenesses of the wedding guests. “She managed to do one for every person there, which was incredible and it was fascinating to watch her work,” says Carli. During the evening, the DJ kept the dancefloor busy. “He did a fabulous job with the playlist and our guests were dancing the whole night. Alex also pulled off a hilariously funny, yet familyfriendly, Magic-Mike/Full-Monty type dance in great style to the tune of You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate!”

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“The day could not have been more perfect. We felt so lucky with the sunny weather and everything went off without a hitch. The staff at Lainston House made everything run smoothly and we didn’t have to worry about a thing.”

THE LOVE LIST

Photography | Burlison Photography | www.burlisonphotography.com Venue | Lainston House, Sparsholt | www.exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house Groom and groomsmen’s suits | Moss Bros. Winchester | www.moss.co.uk Cake | Cocoa & Whey Cakes | www.cocoaandwheycakes.co.uk Flowers | Designed by Carley | www.designedbycarley.co.uk Stationery | Getting Married | www.gettingmarried.co.uk/wedding-stationery Engagement ring and wedding bands | D.Barker & Son | www.dbarkerandson.co.uk Lighting | Luminique Events | www.luminiqueevents.co.uk Silhouette artist | Silhouette Sarah | www.silhouetteartist.co.uk String quartet | Bath Spa String Quartet | www.michellefalcon.co.uk/bath-spa-string-quartet Guitarist | MidSummerMusic | www.msmusic.co.uk/Band/6716 DJ | Atmospheric Audio | www.atmosphericaudio.co.uk 32

Magically crafted cakes is a small family run business from our home studio on the beautiful isle of Portland in Dorset We create beautifully unique and individually designed wedding cakes which will not only look amazing but will taste fantastic too! We put our all into every order and are characterised by our attention to detail. We love to be part of making your memories on your most precious day and will work with you from the initial consultation right to your wedding day.

LEADING SILHOUETTE ARTIST IN THE UK

Creates paper profiles using only scissors in a minute Entertaining unique & flattering memento/favours Visit my website for more information.

We have a substantial flavour menu which we are adding to regularly. Whether your preference is traditional fruit, a trendy flavour sponge or a daring alcoholic delight we can accommodate. We can also create most of our flavours in a vegan range!

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I love to create unique designs and often step outside the box of tradition.

WWW.MAGICALLYCRAFTEDCAKES.COM | 07472538053 FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM @MAGICALLYCRAFTEDCAKES

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Nestled in the heart of Winchester, Chesil House offers exclusive use, panoramic views of the secluded gardens and stunning river scene.

With the perfect blend of historic and modern features, Chesil House is an enchanting setting for both your ceremony and wedding reception.

The River View Room with its bi-fold doors leading to a spacious deck offers uninterrupted river views, and an alfresco feel for your wedding.

For more information or a tour, please call 01962 820088 Chesil House, 4 Chesil Street, Winchester SO23 0HU www.chesilhouse.com | weddings@chesilhouse.com

Weddings_A4_HantsLiving_Aug.indd 1

17/08/2021 14:40

LITTLE LONDON BRIDES Big on style and gorgeous gowns

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ittle London Brides is a beautiful family run boutique set in a private tranquil location in the rural village of Little London, near Basingstoke in North Hampshire. A destination hotspot for brides-to-be looking to find the one, owners mother-and-daughter team Shan and Steph opened the doors to the business in March 2018 and offer a fresh and modern approach.

Shan says, “With both of us working in the corporate world, we wanted to explore something different that would give us the opportunity to work together doing something we both love and are passionate about. After Steph’s wedding in July 2016, styling brides was the perfect choice.”

The boutique stocks a range of gorgeous gowns from leading international designers carefully curated to offer brides something different to the norm. Elite stockists for Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani, ÉLYSÉE Atelier and the ÉLYSÉE as well as the amazing Israeli designer Riki Dalal, UK designer Dando London and Barcelona-based Atelier Pronovias, there’s something to suit a variety of tastes.

“We certainly attract brides who are looking for something a little bit different, with the wow factor to stand out from the crowd. Many of our brides want to not only look like a bride, but also feel sexy and glamorous on their big day. Our designer dresses offer all of this with trademark low backs, long trains, beautiful lace and a range of silhouettes that make the most of any figure with a fresh and modern feel.”

And it doesn’t just stop at the dress. “We love helping our brides realise their head-to-toe vision, covering everything from alterations, shoes, veil and accessories to how to wear your hair and make-up,” adds Steph.

“We are very proud of what we have created and have received some really wonderful feedback from our brides, who travel far and wide to visit our store. It has been really important to us to create our very own brand, combining a trendy feel with a luxurious and personal experience.

The experience means everything to us and we want our brides to not only have a luxurious and memorable time, but also to feel comfortable and special. We have considered every part of the journey, from the moment brides get in touch to book an appointment, welcoming them to our spacious boutique through to the alterations process, to make sure we offer a very personal service.

We run by appointment only and by concentrating on one bride at a time we can give them our full and undivided attention so they can relax with us and whoever they bring with them on the day and enjoy this special time.”

To find out more visit www.littlelondonbrides.co.uk, call 07766 806759 or email info@littlelondonbrides.co.uk

Simply stylish

REAL WEDDINGS

Relaxed, sophisticated chic was the order of the day for Sarah and Graeme’s New Forest wedding Images courtesy of Rebecca Searle Photography

S

Sarah Lines married Graeme Tew at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst on 23rd July, 2021.

arah and Graeme met at primary school when they were seven. “He used to walk past my house every day as he only lived at the end of the road,” says Sarah. They didn’t start dating until they were both 18, after bumping into each other at a local nightclub. They were together for 11 years before Graeme finally proposed – at the second attempt! His first ploy to get Sarah to a romantic spot to pop the question had to be scrapped as she’d a bad day at work and wasn’t up for going out. Undeterred, he put plan B into action and woke her up at 4.30 in the morning the following day, asking her to get ready. After downing an espresso to wake herself up, she got in the car but had no idea what was about to happen. “He took me to watch the sunrise at Runnymede in Surrey, where my grandparents used to do their courting, and while we were there he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a huge surprise after being together for so long,” she recalls. Graeme had also secretly booked her the day off work and they spent it together boating on the Thames with a bottle or two of Champagne. “We continued the celebrations the next day with a barbecue at our new house with close family and friends which was particularly special after not being able to see them during lockdown,” adds Sarah. Read on for her account of their big day…

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rs, but never thought a few times over the yea wn La er lm Ba the at We’ve stayed the hotel and saw the as we walked around n, soo s A re. the ed rri we’d get ma d we booked it a few knew it was the one an we , ion vil pa ony em outdoor cer days later!

My Suzanne Neville Venus gow n was the first one I saw whi le scrolling online during lockdown. I went to so many shops and tried on lots of dres ses, including Venus, but it was Laura at Ellie Sanderson who made me fall in love wit h it. It was the same day as my late nan’s birthday, whi ch made it even more special.

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Graeme wore a cu stom-made, black tuxedo personalised with the wedding date an d th e Jameson Whiskey family mo tto ‘Sine Metu’, wh ich means ‘Without Fear’, em broidered on the in side.

a floral arch and we had real rose The ceremony pavilion was decorated with the aisle. down petals scattered

“We were so lucky that the Covid restrictions lifted just four days before our wedding and we were able to have the day we’d dreamed of!”

REAL WEDDINGS

lly suited her and id’s shimmery gown rea My gorgeous bridesma perfectly. complemented my dress

“Graeme had his grandad’s wedding ring and I had my nan’s which we both had redesigned

by Anupam Jewellers.”

We absolutely love the New Fo rest! It’s alway destination and s been our go-t as we don’t liv o UK getaway e too far away we often pop do wn and spend day there. the we used For the order-of-the-day and welcome signs rs. flowe spray-painted pallets decorated with

We gave our gu es

ts personalised

‘Mint-to-be’ pa

cks of sweets as favours.

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“We gave our guests a menu choice, so everyone could have exactly what they wanted to eat and we had a hog roast for the evening.”

The flowers were mostl

We decorated the tables with flowers,

scented candles and mini easels for

y simple white and gre

en to go with our rustic

theme.

the menus.

“We spent five nights after the wedding at the Balmer Lawn, which was perfect!

The hotel treated us so well, we used the outside pool every day, spent hours in the spa and I even treated myself to a post-wedding massage!”

We opted for a simple white cake decorated

and sparklers in the evening for our

guests.

www.epicphotobooths.co.u k

We had a photo booth in the bar area

with leaves.

THE BIG-DAY LINE-UP Photography, Rebecca Searle Photography, www.rebeccasearlephotography.co.uk | Venue, Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, Brockenhurst, www.balmerlawnhotel.com | Registry office, Hampshire County Council, www.hants.gov.uk/birthsdeathsandceremonies/marriage Videography, I Will Video, www.iwillvideo.com | Dress, Ellie Sanderson, www.elliesanderson.co.uk | Hair stylist (Mother of the groom and flowergirl), Hair by Jess, Lymington | Make-up (Bride), Kiara O’Keefe, www.instagram.com/klo_lashesmakeup | Make-up (Sister), DCMUA Southampton, www.dcmua.co.uk | Groom and groomsmen’s suits, Moss Bros., www.moss.co.uk | Flowers, Arcade Flowers, www.arcadeflowers.co.uk | Hog roast, P J More Meat Supplies, www.pjmore.co.uk | Wedding rings redesign, Anupam Jewellers, www.anupamjewellers.co.uk | Chairs, Event Perfection, www.eventperfection.co.uk | Photo booth, Epic Photo Booths, www.epicphotobooths.co.uk 40

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The ring is just the start Wherever you marry in Hampshire and however informal or lavish an event it is, you can count on our friendly and experienced Registrars to create a day that’s truly special.

All of our weddings are unique, just like you. When you’re ready to book, we’ll work with you to make sure your ceremony is everything you imagined and more.

For further information visit: www.hampshireceremonies.org.uk or telephone: 0300 555 1392

www.hants.gov.uk

Winter WONDERLAND

PHOTO SHOOT

Celebrate the season with rich warm tones Images courtesy of Rachel Elizabeth Photography

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G

etting married in the winter doesn’t have to mean compromising on style or fabulous photos. The season provides a wealth of inspiration for a magical winter wonderland theme. Dorset-based on-the-day wedding coordinator Natasha Gilchrist shows how in this inspirational shoot. “I wanted to create a scene to demonstrate that winter weddings can be just as beautiful.

My vision involved a woodland backdrop, so I was thrilled when The Old Milking Parlour at Cavokay House on the Somerset/Dorset border agreed to host the shoot within their grounds.”

Rich deep colours were used to create warmth and depth within the natural setting. The stationery matched the forest green table drape and the jewel-like navy blue, gold and deep red tones of the wedding cake, macarons and biscuits were complemented by the glow from a hanging chandelier. “To complete the look, we draped festoon lighting between the Christmas trees which, combined with an eerie mist from the smoke machine, gave the shoot an air of luxe and glamour with a wintry warm edge,” adds Natasha.

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PHOTO SHOOT

THE CREATIVE CREW Photography, Rachel Elizabeth Photography, www.rachelizabethphotography.co.uk | Venue, The Old Milking Parlour at Cavokay House, www.oldmilkingparlour.co.uk | Coordination, Tasha Mae Wedding Coordinator, www.tasha-mae.co.uk | Videography, Bride & Zoom, www.brideandzoom.co.uk | Dresses, Minster Bridal Boutique & Couture, www.minsterbridal.co.uk | Accessories, White Designs, www.whitedesignsbridal.co.uk | Hair and make-up, Nikki Mullard, www.nikkimullard.com | Cake, Helen Jane Cake Design, www.helenjanecakedesign.co.uk | Flowers, Blooming Marvellous Creations, www.facebook.com/bloomingmc | Stationery, I Do Event Stationery, www.etsy.com/shop/IDoEventStationery | Furniture hire and lighting, Maidman’s Marquees, www.maidmansmarquees.com Crockery, cutlery amd glassware hire, Fabulous Company, www.fabulouscompany.co.uk | Styling,Tiger Lily Occasions, www.tigerlilyoccasions.com; Rings, Georgina Ettridge Jewellery, www.georginaettridge.co.uk | Model, Roxana Pralea

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Let’s make your special day a wonderful story.

www.gudesjewellery.com

info@gudesjewellery.com | 07903650214

Instagram @gude_bridal_accessories | Facebook @gudebridalluxury

hello@styleandjoyboutique.co.uk | 07494129293 STYLE & JOY Boutique, 15 Oak Street, Falkenham, NR21 9DX

We are a decorative prop hire and venue styling company based in Berkshire. All of our products are of the highest quality and we have a wide range for you to choose from, ranging from our unique ornate Canopy Blossom Trees, large handcrafted Light up Letters, vintage Candy Cart, Backdrops, Table decorations and so much more...

W W W. S E R E N L I L LY. C O . U K

07841168016 | info@serenlilly.co.uk Instagram & Facebook @serenlillyweddingandeventhire

All Steps First Dance provides first wedding dance lessons in the comfort of your own home or a studio near you. Choose any song, style or theme and one of our professional dance teachers will teach you at your requested times/dates. Lessons take place across the UK and no dance experience needed, get in touch with Kiri today.

info@allstepsfirstdance.co.uk | 07724240244

N Ocelebrations VA ERDE WEDDING CELEBRANT Tash Minto | www.novaverde.co.uk | 07554422471 | @tashthecelebrant

| novaverde@icloud.com

For unique and personalised ceremonies, that are not bound by legal wording or licensed premises, Make your new beginning an incredible one.

in time

PHOTO SHOOT

STEP BACK Be inspired by bygone days for a big day with a difference Images courtesy of Katherine & Her Camera, second photographer DH Weddings

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I

f you’re dreaming of a vintage-inspired wedding this stunning shoot is sure to fuel your imagination. Picture the scene; a romantic ceremony on the cobbled streets in front of a Victorian Railway Station before adjourning for a quaint afternoon tea reception on the village green.

Milestones Museum in Basingstoke provides a treasure trove of amazing backdrops for couples looking for something different to the norm. Shoot coordinator Laura Denny of Hampshire-based Spiral Events got together a team of talented local suppliers to showcase just some of the living museum’s original and quirky settings including a traditional pub and olde-worlde sweet shop. To complement the unique venue, they opted for a soft colour palette full of subtle pink and lilac tones. Mismatched china teacups lined the tables, along with teapots, cakes and macarons galore. “Our aim was to complement the venue and showcase it in all its glory, making the most of the setting inspired by a bygone era,” adds Laura.

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PHOTO SHOOT

Scan to view video

THE DREAM TEAM Photography, Katherine and her Camera, www.katherineandhercamera.com | Second shooter, DH weddings, www.dhweddings.com Venue, Milestones Museum, www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk |Coordination, venue styling, table flowers and set-up, Spiral Events, www.spiralevents.co.uk | Dress, Olive Blossom Bridal, www.oliveblossombridal.co.uk | Accessories, Julia Gude Bridal Accessories, www.gudesjewellery.com | Make-up, Rachel Maslin, www.rachelmaslin.com | Hair, Kim Leech | Suit, Charles Gale, www.charlesgalehire.co.uk Cake, Suzy Blake Cake Atelier, www.suzyblakecakeatelier.co.uk | Bouquet and buttonhole, Wildbunch, Alresford, www.wildbunchflorists.co.uk Blossom Trees, Serenlilly Wedding & Event Hire, www.serenlilly.co.uk | Celebrant, Nova Verde Celebrations, www.novaverde.co.uk Confetti, Flower Confetti, www.flowerconfetti.uk | Models, Charlie and Kitty 49

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England • 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 £250 gift voucher courtesy of

A date for your diary...

Sunday 24 th April 2022 | 11am to 3.30pm Hosted at Ascot Racecourse, High Street Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7JX Pre-register at countyweddingevents.com/registration Follow us on

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PHOTOGRAPHY

SETTING THE

scene

Great backdrops to make your wedding photos stand out from the crowd

T

he wedding album is a precious memento of your big day to be treasured for years to come. You’ve got your perfect venue, the dream dress, beautiful flowers and a showstopping cake and you want the memories preserved so they can be relived time and time again, right? First and foremost, it’s important to choose a photographer you trust and get on with, after all they’re going to be with you most of the day and you need to feel relaxed and comfortable around them. Luckily, there’s a wealth of talented professionals in the region who are happy to share a snapshot of their work to show that the right backdrop can make all the difference for standout shots.

NATHAN EAMES

www.libraphotographic.co.uk At this intimate wedding in Lymington there was time to wander around the lakeside. A few unintended guests decided to join in, providing the perfect photo opportunity.

This image of Matt and Mandy is an example of what can be done when there are no grounds to speak of. This was shot in some long grass at the back of a car park at The Hampshire Hog, Clanfield.

After their ceremony at Wimborne Town Hall, Martyn and Tracy decided to visit a few landmarks on the way to their reception. The weather was wet and windy but it suited this moody shot at Dorset’s Knowlton Henge.

Nathan says: “Always look for the light; it can make or break a photograph. Consider where the sun will be in the sky when you plan to have your photos taken. Even if it’s indoors the light through a window will impact the image. Find out when golden hour will be, that magical time before sunset.

A good photographer will know this and I always talk to my couples about it. Having the knowledge beforehand will help to make sure you allow time for those impactful portraits that you see all over social media.”

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DANIEL THOMAS

DOM BRENTON

www.dombrenton.com

www.daniel-thomas-photography.co.uk The Bodleian Library in Oxford provided a gorgeous backdrop and Daniel wanted to show off the architecture in this shot.

Holly and Jack with the Queen Mary in Southampton behind them.

Michaela and Rupert in the rolling acres above his father’s farm near Blandford Forum.

This shot was taken on the beautiful spiral staircase at Highfield Park, Hook.

JUSTINE BURTON

www.bertiesphotography.com “This couple had to change their wedding plans and venue due to Covid and I wanted to make sure they had the beautiful day they’d originally planned, so I was delighted when they agreed to pop out for photos at sunset. Fleet Pond in Hampshire had fond memories for them both from when they were dating and for Mark growing up, so it was a meaningful backdrop.”

Emma and Aaron in front of Romsey Abbey.

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Nick Ashley Photography

Documentary Style Wedding Photographer and Videographer www.nickashleyphotography.com 07598319023 | nickphotographer@yahoo.com

Your quirky and free-spirited personality deserves quirky and free-spirited wedding photography that tells your wedding day story exactly how it happened with creative, documentary style wedding photography.

www.daniel-thomas-photography.co.uk hello@daniel-thomas-photography.co.uk @daniel_thomas_photography_

At Karen Dornellie we have created new wedding dress design patterns which can be printed to your personal sizing.

No standard sizing here!!

Fabric samples available from which to choose.

Support from the designer and pattern cutter If you, a family member or someone you know is a brilliant sewer, they could create a unique and very personal wedding dress for you.

Launching very soon I will be able to help you achieve ‘Home Couture’

Karen Dornellie 07972819854 hello@dornellie.com karendornellieartistancollection.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

SAM DAVIS

www.samanthadavisphotography.co.uk

Rory and Stu enjoying the moment they were announced husband and husband at Came House, Dorset.

Vikki and Lee on their pre-wedding shoot at Dorset’s Studland beach with beautiful golden light.

This golden-hour picture from Lindsey and Josh’s wedding was shot at the stunning Larmer Tree Gardens venue.

Sam says: “Personally, I love a background that either has a feature such as a building, interesting window or doorway. If there’s a beautiful golden hour, then a natural setting like a cornfield or long grass can look amazing. It’s always good to have a range of options in order to give your photographs variety, so try to find a few different spots to give you a gorgeous and interesting set of images.”

TOM & LIZZIE REDMAN PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE WATKINS

www.tomandlizzieredman.com

www.daniellewatkinsphotography.com

A woodland setting provides a magical romantic vibe for an outdoor ceremony.

“I just adored the backdrop for this woodland bower wedding, so rich in green and red tones.”

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Perfect Compliments To A Perfect Day

Visit us online at www.morsetoad.com to find out more.

www.morsetoad.com Call: 01590 677480 YHDW_Advert_210x297_6mmBleed_151021.indd 1

Love and chocolate go together like – well – love and marriage!

From deliciously unique save the dates to irresistible invitations, our personalised chocolate wedding favours and messages are sure to go down an absolute treat!

19/10/2021 08:44:28

personal TOUCH HANDMADE

THE

Shop handmade in the region

W

edding trends come and go, but love for one-of-a-kind, special details is an enduring theme that’s currently going from strength to strength. Covid-restricted weddings have meant many couples have had more time, and budget, to dedicate to personal touches to add extra meaning, nostalgia or luxury to their big day. Even the little things can make all the difference.

Whether it’s a beautiful gown, designed just for you, a bespoke ring to treasure or personalised stationery, getting married provides the perfect opportunity to shop handmade, whatever your budget. What’s more there’s an array of creatives on the doorstep ready to help. We showcase just some of what’s on offer.

The one

www.martagillner.com

www.hanalaurie.co.uk

Sustainability is a global issue and increasingly influences the choices we make not only in our daily lives, but those all-important landmark occasions too. When it comes to weddings and finding the one, The Real Green Dress offers brides-to-be eco-friendly style that not only looks great but is kind to the planet too.

Original, ethical, alternative and vintage are the cornerstones of the business providing different dresses for different brides.

With two collections to choose from; Pure, featuring original restored vintage pieces, and Evolution, a unique collection of remodelled gowns, it offers the perfect blend of green recycling and glamour. Working from a converted farm building in Hampshire, Erica Arnold founded the business in 2012 and loves to get creative with designing and all the extra details that make the dresses so special. She says, “There are times when only hand-stitching will do, particularly when restoring or redesigning antique and vintage dresses. Pieces from the 1920s and earlier were embroidered by hand and the trimmings, fastenings and fiddly bits were done by hand too. On more contemporary gowns, a detail such as stitching in a zip by hand can really lift a dress, adding a couture element to what might originally have been a shop-bought garment. Rouleaux loops and fabric-covered buttons are another lovely detail. Recently I hand-stitched 47 buttons down the back of a sleek, fitted gown and remembered to warn the bride-to-be to allow extra time to get dressed!” To find out more visit www.realgreendress.com 57

The proposal and beyond

Based in the heart of Southsea Charlotte Cornelius specialises in bespoke handmade jewellery and has your whole love story covered from the engagement to wedding and eternity rings. Creating special pieces rich in meaning is their trademark; the only limit is your imagination. “Your time with us will be spent designing and creating a ring that’s truly unique to symbolise you and your relationship.

Whether you’re overflowing with ideas or need some help we will be delighted to guide and inspire you,” says Charlotte.

Visit www.charlottecornelius.co.uk to find out more.

Flower power

Create your own family heirlooms with dried flower accessories to keep long after the big day is over. “In the same way mothers pass down veils, dresses and rings, wedding accessories made from dried flowers can be saved to be worn by future generations,” says Mary Snee of Andover-based Mary Elizabeth Flowers. She specialises in individually handmade pieces using real, dried and preserved flowers, foliage and grasses, to be worn or for the venue styling. The wedding range includes matching flower crown and buttonhole sets which can be passed on as a meaningful something old or something borrowed. Celebrate the seasons with different styles to complement summer, autumn and winter weddings; great for the whole wedding party to create a stunning coordinated look. Visit www.maryelizabethflowers.co.uk

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All pairings are from the Charlotte Cornelius aptly named Amora Bridal Collection. The rings are shaped to fit perfectly with matching wedding bands.

Sweet memories

Love and chocolate go together like love and marriage!

It’s the little details that make all the difference and Morse Toad has plenty of sweet treats for your loved ones to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for chocolate wedding favours, a unique way to ask your bestie to be your bridesmaid or the perfect proposal, you can do it in style. The company offers a range of goodies all made in the New Forest from delicious Belgian chocolate and the products can be customised to add your own personal touch. Visit www.morsetoad.com and don’t miss our exclusive giveaway on page 13 for the chance to win £100 worth of chocolate delights from their wedding range.

A RT I S A N, V I N TAG E & B E S P O K E J EWE L L E RY

Isidora creates unique headwear for any occasion. From bridal to a day at the races.

Each piece is designed and handcrafted at her studio nestled in the Dorset Countryside.

With a scattering of Swarovski crystals on selected pieces, these one off designs can be either bought or hired for that special day.

www.isidorahebe-milliner.com isidora.hebe@outlook.com isidorahebe | Hebe_milliner | isidora.hebe

www.goldensnowdrop.co.uk 01747 685343

3 9 H I G H S T R E ET S H A F T E S B U RY @golden_snowdrop

S P 7 8 J E

C O N T E M P O R A RY A N D V I N TAG E E T H I C A L B R I DA LW E A R 01276 513368

W W W. R E A L G R E E N D R E S S . C O M

fanci.co.uk | 02380201717 | London Road, Southampton

Hampshire & Dorset Wedding Sept.2 19.pdf

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Rock Solid Luxury - Fairtrade - Sustainable Visit our Boutique & Workshop 87a Marmion Road Southsea - charlottecornelius.co.uk

Our mission is to create your perfect wedding cake. Every cake that leaves our kitchen is made fresh, and made with the highest quality ingredients. We work with you and your ideas, or come up with ideas to suit your wedding.

Choosing the cake for your big day could not be easier. Once you’ve booked your consultation we can discuss your ideas and plan the design together, offering a personal and professional service. We use only the finest ingredients, freshly baked and handcrafted with passion and enthusiasm.

11-13 Lenten Street, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1HG 01420 544403 | hello@forevercakecreations.co.uk | www.forevercakecreations.co.uk

HANDMADE

Head turners

Something old, something new

Images: www.veroniquechesnel.com, Venue: www.chateaudeminargent.com

Reinventing a preloved item is a great way to breathe new life into a treasured family keepsake. Hampshire children’s clothes designer Dawn Clarke does just that by upcycling vintage and sentimental pieces to make beautiful hand-sewn outfits for bridesmaids, flowergirls and pageboys. She incorporates fabrics from special garments into her designs, transforming them into something new that’s not only bespoke, but sustainable and meaningful too.

Dawn says, “Weddings are all about memories, remembering the past as well as new moments to cherish. I help brides include and honour people and family traditions in the outfits I create, so that on their big day they can feel close and connected to what matters most.” Visit www.dawnclarkedesigns.co.uk for more information.

For the flowergirl dress, lace from a pre-loved wedding gown overlays the vintage blue organza skirt complete with pink frilled netting. The bodice was created from 100 per cent sateen sheen cotton, lined with pink habotai silk – perfect for keeping little ones cool in hot weather.

The cute pageboy’s vintage waistcoat also features recycled lace, complemented by pale blue French shorts and a dapper handmade bow tie.

Seal of approval

www.malagoliwedding.com

Make a statement on your big day with a standout headpiece. Millinery designer Dawn Coveney specialises in unique headwear, all designed and handmade at her studio in the heart of the Dorset countryside. She launched her business Isidora Hebe Millinery to offer bespoke designs for all occasions, including bridal headpieces and fabulous fascinators for the mother-of-the-bride or groom. Not only super glamorous, there’s no need to worry that anyone else will be wearing the same!

Visit www.isidorahebe-milliner.com

Whether you’re planning a relaxed and modern theme, classic and elegant, or unique and different, the stationery speaks volumes and can help set the tone of your big day.

For something truly original, Gunpowder & Ink puts the personal stamp on any celebration. Owner Genevieve Girling says, “You can mix and match some of my house designs using just the elements you need, or have a bespoke suite designed to perfectly complement your wedding style.” She also does individual commissions, including preserving special sentiments from your ceremony as piece of calligraphy artwork which can be framed as a lasting reminder of your special day.

Visit www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GunpowderAndInk 61

Find us on

www.thedotticakecompany.co.uk

Located by the coast, The Dotti Cake Company covers Hampshire and Dorset for all your wedding cake needs, as well as wedding favours and dessert tables.

We only use organic ingredients - or the very best we can source - which is reflected in the quality of your wedding cake, made to your specification, exclusively for you!

P H O T O G R A P H Y T HAT ’ S A L L A B O U T YO U

WE ARE CURRENTLY TAKING BO OKINGS FOR 2022 AND 2023

w w w.em i ly s andova lphotog raphy. com 07807 462 804 • hel lo@emi lys andova lphotog r aphy.com •

VENUE DECOR MOBILE BAR DISCOS CATERING BALLOONS HEN PARTIES MAGIC MIRRORS CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT FLOWER WALL FUN FOODS GIANT GAMES FAVOURS WEDDING STATIONERY WEDDING GIFTS 07702 179293 BUTTERFLYOCCASIONS@OUTLOOK.COM WWW.BUTTERFLY-OCCASIONS.CO.UK

PHOTO SHOOT

style

SHOWSTOPPING Add a touch of drama to your big day with dazzling details Images courtesy of Emily Sandoval Photography

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W

eddings are back and it’s time to raise the red curtain. Take a bow photographer Emily Sandoval and her team of local creatives who created this theatre-themed shoot full of pizzazz and rich red and gold tones at fairytale wedding venue Rhinefield House Hotel in the New Forest. Emily explains, “I’m super lucky because I have two jobs that I absolutely adore; I work in theatre, and I’m a photographer. During lockdown I didn’t get to do much of either, so with the end of restrictions I really wanted to celebrate both worlds by combining the two. Inspired by the theatres I’ve worked in and my wedding couples, we created a fantastical, theatrical Cinderella-style wedding set.”

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PHOTO SHOOT

CURTAIN CALL Photography, Emily Sandoval Photography, www.emilysandovalphotography.com with Photography by Petrina, www.photography-by-petrina.co.uk | Venue, Rhinefield House Hotel, www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rhinefieldhouse | Venue Styling, Victory Events, www.victoryevents-southcoast.co.uk | Dresses and accessories, Mousetrap Dress Boutique, www.mousetrapdressboutique.co.uk | Bridesmaid dresses, Romsey Bridal Boutique, www.romseybridal.co.uk | Hair, Lorna Vallender Bridal Hair, www.facebook.com/lornavallenderbridalhair Make-up, Amy Dean Make-up, www.instagram.com/amidean_makeup | Suit, Romsey Bridal Boutique, www.romseybridal.co.uk | Cake, The Dotti Cake Company, www.thedotticakecompany.co.uk | Flowers, Hannah Rose Flowers, www.hannahroseflowers.com/contact | Pianist, Paul Grainger Music, www.paulgraingerpiano.com | Wedding signs, Rose & Lewis, www.instagram.com/roseandlewis_weddingcollection | Models, Kate Robbins and James Gould, www.instagram.com/realgouldcouple 65

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England • 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 £250 gift voucher courtesy of

A date for your diary...

Sunday 20th February 2022, 11AM - 4PM Hosted at Wembley Stadium London

Pre-register at countyweddingevents.com/registration Follow us on:

/CountyWeddingEvents

@CountyWedEvent

@countyweddingevents

FASHION

SUSTAINABLY CHIC

Grace Loves Lace has unveiled its first eco wedding gown called Lumi retailing at £2,200.

It’s constructed from 96% recycled materials and has been ethically handcrafted in the brand’s Australian studio.

Founder and creative director, Megan Ziems, tells us, “We were inspired to take materials that would have been otherwise discarded and use modern technology to create a beautiful wedding gown that holds so much meaning.”

She continues, “The way the dress hugs and supports the body is flawless. The cup shape and wide straps are perfect for small and large busts, the split on the thigh is elongating, the pearlescent threading is visually flattering and the sheer lace panel on the lower back adds drama.”

Launching alongside the gown is the Lumi veil retailing at £390 and crafted from 100% recycled tulle and lace.

To shop, visit www.graceloveslace.com

Best-dressed brides

Elbeth Gillis has launched her new collection, Curve. The first capsule collection of 2022 includes five dresses ranging from simple structures with crisp, clean lines to romantic, lavish lace. The gowns feature statement sleeves, beautiful bows and overskirts. To shop, visit www.elbethgillis.com

EDITOR LOVES

Thank your best girls with this cute lolly necklace, £35, www.tattydevine.com

focus

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

Something new

Vera Wang Bride and Pronovias Group have joined forces to launch their first collection, Vera Wang Bride. The 60 dresses blend artisanal details with luxury textures using premium fabrics and hand-crafted finishes on exaggerated volumes and new silhouettes. Vera Wang says, “I intended to make sure that certain Vera Wang design codes were identifiable in Vera Wang Bride.” She continues, “Through my designs, I want to express respect – respect for the design process. Respect for quality. Respect for imagination and individuality.

But most of all respect for women.”

Standout designs include this Carole style and the wedding gowns will be available in a wide variety of sizes at affordable price points. Sustainable options using eco fabrics and trims also form part of the collection.

To shop, visit www.pronovias.com

Scan to view video

One dress, multiple looks

The RULABELLE multiway collection for bridesmaids has added special-edition styles and a new Ethereal Tulle collection to its range. The versatile collection allows the wearer to express their individuality, personality and sense of style, whatever their shape or silhouette.

To shop, visit www.rulabelle.com

Baby steps

British baby clothing brand Magnet Mouse has designed cute baby grows with magnetic fastenings and ruffle trims perfect for weddings.

Prices start from £24.95, https://magnetmouse.co.uk

TWINKLE TOES

These Cinderella-inspired crystal court shoes called Lovebird, £119, will take you to the ball! Carvela at www.shoeaholics.com

EAR CANDY

This jewellery advent calendar is a fun way to countdown to a Christmas wedding! Priced at £250, it includes 12 of the brand’s best-selling earring and ear cuff designs crafted from sustainable recycled sterling silver and gold-plated recycled sterling silver. To shop, visit www.screampretty.com 67

Mother of the Bride & Groom at

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE & GROOM

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Hampshire’s largest stockist of outfits for Mother of the Bride & Groom

Over 1000 dresses in store too choose from and available to take away with you on the day.

NEW SEASON STOCK NOW IN

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 10-4pm Closed Mon, Wed & Sun. Please email info@charismaoffawley.co.uk or phone 02380 894500 for an appointment.

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As featured on Gok Wan’s One Size Fits All School Road, Fawley, Southampton, SO45 1EA

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The award-winning Spitfire Shoot is one of the only purpose-landscaped shoots in the South of England. Set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside we can accommodate all levels of gun from the first timer to the experienced shot looking for pre-season practice. With a wide choice of excellent pubs and restaurants on the doorstep we’ll tailor a day to your individual needs including team building or corporate entertainment, stag and hen parties or just a simple morning or afternoon in the fresh air with friends.

The ground offers a wide variety of English Sporting targets across 11 different stands. Our qualified instructors are here to ensure your safety and have you all hitting clays by the end of the day!

Spitfire Shoot, Houghton Down Farm, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20 6JR

01264 810312 | info@spitfireshoot.co.uk | www.spitfireshoot.co.uk

FASHION

Dress up Trousers, statement sleeves, sleek A-line silhouettes and voluminous skirts are just some of the styles that brides will be wearing in 2022

Scan to view video

1970s-inspired trousers and statement sleeves at www.catrionagarforth.com 69

Fantasy free-falling skirt at Vera Wang Bride, www.pronovias.com

Pearly queen-inspired accents at www.christopherkane.com

Knee-length slip dress at https://carmenllaguno.com/collections/bridal

Decadent beading at Madeline Gardner, https://uk.morilee.com/browse/ madeline-gardner

Bustier bodices and visible corsetry at https://uk.morilee.com

Statement necklines at www.pronovias.com

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FASHION

Red carpet-inspired illusion necklines at Allison Webb at JLM Couture, www.jlmcouture.com/designer/allison-webb 71

Chic separates at www.thereformation.com 72

FASHION

Off-the-shoulder style at www.rosaclara.es/en-gb

Dramatic ballgowns at Lillian West, www.justinalexander.com/lillian-west

Minimalist column dresses at www.justinalexander.com

Clean lines at Sincerity, www.justinalexander.com/sincerity-bridal

Short and sweet at Adore, www.justinalexander.com

Cascading tiers at https://costarellos.com 73

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FASHION

e t i wh

NOT ALL These pastel and champagne gowns prove that you don’t have to wear white

Skye dress by https://katefearnley.com 75

Florence dress by www.olwenbourke.com

Style no 66195 by www.justinalexander.com/lillian-west

Pearl rose dress by www.needleandthread.com 76

Cleopatra dress by www.madelinegardnernewyork.com/en

Karlu dress by www.pronovias.com

Style no 21-79 by www.berta.com

Amalia dress

by https://costarellos.com

Toledo dress by www.temperleylondon.com

FASHION

Renae look by www.watters.com/willowby

Waverly dress by www.watters.com/willowby

Fable dress by www.watters.com/willowby

Scan to view video

Rosabel dress by www.watters.com/wtoo/wtoo-brides

Hyacinth dress with orchid-print bell sleeves and orchid skirt, www.halfpennylondon.com 77

Wed d ing Plan y c n a r b i V ning with

Venue: Lighthouse, Poole Date: Sunday, 20th March Time: 11:00 - 15:00 Venue: New Forest Showground Date: Sunday, 10th April Time: 11:00 - 15:00

Venue: Westlands Entertainment & Conference Centre Date: Sunday, 6th March Time: 11:00 - 15:00

theweddingscene.co.uk

LUXE LIPS

If you’re looking for a dramatic shade of lippy to make an impact as you walk down the aisle, check out the four new shades from Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Lipstick collection. Fire is a blazing red orange, Jump is a mid-tone cool rose, Spark is a mid-tone warm rose and Twist is a light neutral pink. Each one is inspired by and named in reference to one of Victoria’s personal memories.

These lipsticks offer pure luxury with rich colour, deep moisture, soft shine and sophisticated design, all in a supremely clean, vegan formula – everything the 2020s bride needs.

You’ll find them at www.victoriabeckhambeauty.com, for £34 each.

PERFECT POUT

Recently launched into the UK, the Agave+ collection is BITE’s best-selling range and has gained cult-status in the U.S. Its Weekly Lip Scrub (£22) and Nightime Lip Therapy (£23) provide a luxury experience for your pout, giving lips the TLC they deserve. After all, beauty prep for your big day is about giving your make-up artist the very best canvas to work with and lip treatment is an important part of that. So, renew, replenish and hydrate to the max with this caring, clean, vegan product.

Find it at www.feelunique.co.uk and www.boots.com

Beauty

Beauty editor Kelly Andrews shares her latest beauty must-haves for the bride to be

LIGHT AND SHADE

A new addition to the Lush range of perfumes, Shade offers a burst of warmth with comforting sandalwood.

A fragrance with a conscience, each essential oil has its own story to tell including sandalwood from West Timor, which is extracted from protected and sustainable trees. It’s also made using a new source of olibanum oil from the Dayaxa region in Somaliland. It has full traceability down to the harvester level, with every step of the process being mapped on blockchain. In fact, Lush is working with its supplier to kickstart a project to train local women in small-scale olibanum oil distillation, a first in the community.

Find it online at www.lush.com, where it’s priced at £25 for 30ml.

FEEL FLAWLESS

Speak to any wedding make-up artist and they’ll most likely tell you that primer is a must, which is why I wanted to share with you my latest discovery: Super Facialist Skin Perfecting Primer (£17). This little beauty creates a flawless-looking complexion using trusted skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, and colour-correcting pigments. It cleverly blurs imperfections by counteracting the three most common concerns of redness, sallowness and dullness, while simultaneously working to bring back skin’s natural radiance.

Find out more at www.superfacialist.co.uk 80

BUZZ

BACK TO ITS ROOTS

Molton Brown was born in the 1970s as a hair salon based in the heart of London’s shopping district on South Molton Street, which was frequented by the Rolling Stones and many other icons of the day. Creators Caroline Bernstein and her husband would hand mix all formulations in the basement, with conscious care for the environment at the forefront of the brand’s values even then.

Now, on the brand’s 50th anniversary it has re-introduced hair care to its range. The collection contains four tailored collections, each with a botanical at the core of its formulation: balancing, volumising, hydrating and repairing. This approach means you can strategically build a healthy-hair routine into your big-day prep depending on the needs of your locks.

Check out www.moltonbrown.co.uk

BEAUTY NEWS

SUPER SKIN

Skin Republic has launched an exciting range of new 30ml serums hailed as a more sustainable way to mask. Its award-winning serum-drenched sheet mask range is renowned for high quality on-trend ingredients, so the brand was keen to continue innovating to deliver more environmentally-conscious results.

The three superheroes are packed full of high concentration actives – Hyaluronic Acid 1% + Niacinamide Serum, Vitamin C 6% + Alpha Arbutin Serum, and Retinoid Complex 1% + Squalene 15% Serum. Each one has been scientifically formulated to target three primary skin concerns: dryness, pigmentation and ageing.

Priced at £14.99 each, they’re available at www.theskinrepublic.co.uk

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

At times life can leave us all busy, stressed and unable to switch off, which is where the new 5 Minute Acupressure Foot Mat from 100 per cent natural aromatherapy lifestyle brand Scentered can help. Our feet have 26 bones, 100 ligaments, 20 muscles and a very complex network of nerves and blood supply. But they’re often overlooked, despite being the powerhouse of wellbeing for our bodies. So, this innovative offering can help you to relax, release tension and bring calm to your day through it’s five-minute therapeutic experience. Equally, if you often find yourself in need of a morning boost, it can be used alongside a supportive aromatherapy balm, allowing you to unblock trapped energy.

Priced at £35 the set is lightweight, washable, portable and super-easy to store. It also comes complete with a choice of one of Scentered’s best-selling aromatherapy blends. Find it at https://scentered.com

EDITOR LOVES

In my humble opinion Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo and The One Signature Conditioner are nothing short of miraculous! I won’t lie, my hair was in an embarrassing state when I decided to give these a go. I’d been swimming three days on the bounce – down water slides, through rapids, the works! My locks were a huge matted, straw-like mess. But with just one application the shampoo lathered like a dream and after leaving the conditioner in for the recommended three minutes, even wet my hair started to feel less knotty.

I usually dread having to drag the brush through my hair after I’ve washed it, but in no time flat it was knot-free, smooth and ready to dry. Shiny, soft and looking their best, the state of my locks pre-Kristin Ess were a distant memory. This is definitely my new favourite hair routine and at £8 each they won’t break the bank. My advice? Head over to www.boots.com and pop them in your basket immediately!

NATURE’S HARVEST

When Estée Lauder created Youth-Dew bath oil in 1953, she revolutionised the fragrance industry and 75 years later, the brand is carrying on her legacy with the introduction of a new luxury fragrance collection. Each of the eight scents is inspired by nature’s most breathtaking moments such as the radiance of a sunset and the mystery of a moonlit flower. What’s more, Estée Lauder’s new ScentCapture Fragrance Extender technology is specially formulated to allow each perfume to last up to 12 hours after a single application – that should get you from vows to dancefloor no problem.

The new Luxury Fragrance Collection (£130 100ml, £68 40ml) is available at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and at www.esteelauder.co.uk

THE EYES HAVE IT

READY OR KNOT

The Detangling Mist is the newest product in The Hair Boss’ award-winning range. The brand, founded by Lisa Shepherd, former British Hairdresser of the Year, simplifies hair care into a four-step routine, and this newbie fits tidily into part three. With life getting busier by the second, this is the quick, on-the-go answer to dry, unruly hair.

Targeted to fix frizzy and damaged locks, it’s designed to smooth and strengthen, while protecting your hair and preventing breakage. Lisa says, “In between washes, The Detangling Mist will soften the hair, taming any unruly knots and re-adding the shine that it’s lost since the last wash.”

Priced at £8.99, it’s available at https://thehairboss.co.uk

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, so they’re for sure a feature to make the most of on the big day. For those looking for longer lashes and full brows, The B Collection has launched its Lash & Brow Serum (£8.99). This all-natural, vegan, cruelty-free product nourishes and stimulates growth in these two key areas for eyes that’ll pop as you say “I do.”

Use every night before bed following your usual skincare routine and wash off in the morning – super-easy. You can also use it during the day to set your brows in place.

We love anything with a dual purpose!

Find it at https://thebcollection.co.uk 81

Beauty

Q&A Top tips for you and your whole bridal gang

SQUAD GOALS My mega bridal party includes friends, family and flowergirls of all ages so how can I achieve a coordinated look?

Celebrity hairstylist Steph Stevenson says: There’s something really special about a large bridal party coming into the salon all together on the wedding morning as it generates great energy and a huge amount of excitement. For the hair salon or stylist, it can be a military operation.

Bridal hairdressing is not like the usual commercial work and often brides might need a different hairdresser to their usual one, simply because their regular stylist doesn’t specialise in bridal hair. One of the key things to remember is that the focus of the overall look goes beyond the dresses.

To help create a coordinated effect here are my three top tips: ❤ The devil’s in the difference Generally the bride will already have an idea of how she wants her hair and it’s our job to develop that and create a look for the bridal party that complements everyone, taking into consideration face shape, skin tone, hair length, texture and colour. A variety of hair types is something to be celebrated though, so take the differences into account. ❤ Balanced bridesmaids The symmetry of the bridal look is so important, especially for the photographs. For example, with six bridesmaids walking in pairs, side-by-side down the aisle, if they’re having their hair styled in side chignons, they should be on different sides of the head as otherwise the balance will look odd. ❤ Ace coordination with accessories Hair accessories or floral pins can really enhance a coordinated theme. For bridesmaids, floral detail in the hair looks great and this can transition down to the flowergirls and junior bridesmaids with flower crowns to tie the whole look together.

Steph Stevenson | Founder and owner | www.hnbsalonspa.co.uk

BRIDAL GLOW My skin looks great with a tan in the summer but really pale and washed out in the winter. What can I do to give my complexion a boost and a natural-looking glow for my December wedding?

Harriet says: Sun tanning is actually not a good idea if you want to look after your skin. I found this out the hard way after many years basking in direct sunlight with low or sometimes no SPF on; such a big no-no, I can’t even imagine doing it now. That’s why I’m a big fan of natural-looking fake tan. I absolutely love Tropic Sun Drops gradual tanning facial serum; a real game-changer, perfect for a subtle glow to last throughout the day.

Alternatively you could have a spray tan prior to the wedding, they have come a long way from the early days and there are some really good ones out there now such as Vita Liberata (also look out for the brand’s range of great tanning products). Otherwise, just embrace a paler wintry look. Although this may be a scary thought for some, it really doesn’t have 82

to be. As long as you have a good skincare regime and your complexion is in the best possible condition, you can look just as radiant on your big day. Your make-up artist will be able to help choose the best shades to complement your natural skin tone and colouring. You could even make the most of the season and go for a classic 1920’s look, ideal for a pale complexion with winged eyeliner, blusher and statement red or coral lips. Whatever you choose, it’s really more about well-prepped skin and getting the base right rather than how tanned or bronzed you are. Also, if you’re planning to have a facial, it’s always best to research what kind will work best for your skin type and make sure you book it at the right time too, as the day before the wedding is not recommended for some treatments.

Harriet Forester | Beautician www.facebook.com/beautybyharrietemma

ENHANCING YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY Dedicated, professional Make Up artist working with luxury products covering the South West. Whether your desired look is full glam or soft and natural, I’ll ensure you look and feel beautiful whilst wearing quality make up that will last all day.

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Personalised Wedding Gifts Memorable presents for bride and groom

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Makeovers by Melinda Mobile Make-up Artist & Hairstylist for Special Occasions

Melinda offers the combined package of Hair Design and Flattering Make-up for the Bride and Bridal Party at your home or wedding venue within Hampshire. Plan well ahead with a Free Consultation at Melinda’s Makeover Studio in Hedge End Southampton where she also offers selected Beauty Treatments and Health and Wellness consultations to help you prepare for the ‘big day’.

The ‘professional touch’ will help you look and feel radiant on your Special Day and provide lasting memories in your photographs.

“Everyone loved my

hair and make-up; I’ve never had so many compliments in my life! I felt like a million dollars thanks to you!”

Tel: 07769 658395 info@makeoversbymelinda.co.uk | www.makeoversbymelinda.co.uk W W W. FA R R A R - TA N N E R . C O . U K

Makeovers by Melinda

From the INSIDE OUT

We caught up with owner and founder of Simone Thomas Wellness, Simone herself, to discover how taking care of yourself from the inside out is the ultimate path to wedding wellness

T

he impact stress and anxiety can have on our bodies should never be underestimated.

So, the pandemic has a lot to answer for, even outside of Covid itself. If you’re finding that months of lockdown and wedding-related stress have taken their toll, you’re certainly not alone.

Sadly, anxiety-induced skin concerns and even hair loss can quickly leave you feeling pretty far from your big-day best.

Enter award-winning authority on hair health and wellness Simone Thomas, who’s spent her career sharing her expertise in nutrition, hairloss and bio-energetics. Alongside hair salons and hair-loss clinics, which boast an elite global clientele that includes royalty, celebrities and CEOs; she’s also the founder of Simone Thomas Wellness. We asked Simone for her help in guiding you back onto the path of wedding wellness.

Based on your experience, what challenges are nearlyweds facing in the aftermath of the pandemic?

2020 had a huge affect on the wedding industry with 64 per cent of big days being cancelled or postponed, which means stress levels for everyone involved are now at an alltime high. A wedding is an important day that couples have invested a lot of time and money in, it’s something they’ve dreamed of. So, this is all having a negative impact on how we feel and how we sleep, with our skin and hair responding to that. A bad hair or skin day isn’t great at any time, let alone when the camera is constantly on you and you want to feel your best.

What the last year has taught us though is

84

WELLNESS INTERVIEW to start working on yourself? You don’t have to go all out, but you might start looking at a nutrition plan, exercising or having hydra facials. However, I fully recognise there may be financial restraints, so this might not always be possible. In which case, I’d say three months is optimal, but the minimum is six weeks in advance. This way there’s time to flush out any nasties and create balance allowing the body to become stronger and progress. Many tell me they start to see a difference within two weeks. how to take a step back and invest in ourselves, as we often don’t listen to what our bodies need. At Simone Thomas Wellness, we’ve seen a huge increase in clients asking for advice on nutrition and bioenergetics, as well as hair loss.

There’s also been a rise in skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, dermatitis of the scalp, eczema, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, which is commonly linked to stress and hormones.

In fact, stress has a huge knock on effect on our hormones as women. But men too are experiencing skin complaints and suffering hair loss. So, people preparing for their big days have really been struggling during lockdown.

How can we turn this around – where do we start?

What I always say is that everything starts in the gut. If you look after that, the body will look after you. I call it The Mothership. Poor gut health is the start of disease and can be linked to degenerative disorders, so it really should be the number one priority if you’re looking to feel the best version of yourself.

Everyday Wellness, part of the Simone Thomas Wellness range, is a super-strength probiotic supplement containing six types of probiotics to improve gut health by introducing both good and bad bacteria, vital on a day-today basis. When I say “bad bacteria” people often ask me, why anyone would want that, but the body needs diversity to become stronger.

These supplements also help to reduce the inflammation that occurs naturally in a body.

Food can be a trigger, as can poor sleep patterns, stress, and the environment. Here, we’re focusing on removing any nasties so they don’t get absorbed into the cells.

What advice would you give to those looking to achieve that natural-looking bridal glow without a face full of make-up?

Skin Quencher is great for anyone wanting to feel youthful or who’s keen to avoid wearing lots for make-up. It’ll work from the inside out to give you that ultimate bridal glow.

I’m also a huge fan of facials, but it’s more about what we put into our body rather than what we put on top of it. You have to work on yourself internally for the outside to glow. Yes, skincare products are going to have an effect, but if the inside isn’t right, it won’t be long term.

Biotin Brilliance too helps with mild skin irritation caused by stress. You may already have heard about biotins, they’re a B vitamin and have been talked about for a number of years as being vital for healthy skin, hair and nails.

What can you suggest for brides, and bridesmaids, looking to grow their hair for a wedding?

Our Ginkgo Biloba B+ plan contains folic acid with essential B vitamins and biotin, but if you don’t suffer from tiredness, then the biotin haircare plan is great for maintenance.

Alternatively, if you have no specific worries about hair loss, but want to feel the best version of yourself, taking no chances with stress, Skin Quencher is great too. These plans are also great for grooms concerned about hair loss.

What are the benefits of a haircare plan versus a single supplement?

I formulated the plans because I learnt from experience that most people’s concept of what’s healthy actually isn’t. Most of us will happily invest in skincare and clothes, but not in how we feel internally. I think of the plans as a three-step process, much like a garden. To grow beautiful flowers, you need sunlight, amazing soil, and water. So, the probiotics are the ultimate go to, but there’s no point if you’re a fan of microwave meals or Macdonald’s. Unless you cook from scratch, you’re throwing away the goodness you’re putting into the body with the probiotics.

Pairing them with Super Greens and Ginkgo Biloba B+ or Biotin Brilliance is then all about preparing the gut, balancing the body and removing toxins, as well as making sure you create the best environment for vitamin and mineral absorption.

The most important step though is water: filtered versus tap, glass bottle versus plastic.

Purely because of what can be absorbed through plastic as well as unfortunately what’s in mainstream water that comes through the tap.

Tell us a bit about the company’s ethos.

Supplements are a big industry, but they’ve often received bad press because the products simply don’t do what they claim to. So, these are all things we’ve addressed across everything we do from the ingredients to manufacturing. We make sure that every process has full certification, including soil association and vegan accreditation. We’ve worked hard to ensure our products are vegan and our marine collagen is protected and sourced ethically.

Everything is sustainable as much as possible.

When our bottles are finished with they get made into tiles and flooring, and the packaging too is eco-friendly. Even the energy used in my office is renewable. We’re proud of the fact that recently we were responsible for 25 trees being planted in the rainforest due to our renewable energy contract.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Simone’s book, Healthy Hair Happy Body, contains her comprehensive and motivational plan to transform wellbeing from the inside out. In each chapter she introduces concepts that provide insight into how the body functions, and what really makes a difference to achieving optimum health, sharing how tiny adjustments over time can lead to better results. It’s available at www.amazon.co.uk, priced at £15, with £1 going to Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The Biotin Haircare Plan, £70; The Ginkgo Haircare Plan, £70; and SkinQuencher, £35

by Simone Thomas Wellness, are all available at https://simonethomaswellness.com

When would be the ideal time to start taking supplements in order to feel wedding-ready?

To me there’s never a day too early! Most couples will start planning a year to two years in advance, so why not use the same timeline 85

HOT TOPIC

Local experts deliver a Santa’s sackful of winter wedding inspiration

’TIS THE SEASON

Laura Fazackarley | Co-owner Funbooth www.funbooth.uk.com 86

Lois Baw | Weddings and events team | Three Choirs Vineyards Hampshire | www.vineyard-weddings.co.uk

www.weddingsbytom.co.uk

EMBRACE THE HYGGE

As we’ll likely to be spending most of our wedding day indoors we’d like to include some extra special touches to create a magical atmosphere for our guests to enjoy – any ideas?

Laura says: When it comes to winter weddings this year, we’re thinking all about the hygge – bringing a sense of warmth and cosiness to the day with thoughtful touches like fleece blankets, scatter pillows and faux-fur throws for guests to snuggle up in.

Treats like hot-chocolate stations, sweet carts and freshly made popcorn that your loved ones can help themselves to, along with flickering candles and festoon lighting, all help create a feeling of happy contentment. After the past 18 months, this year should be all about creating a wonderful atmosphere for family and friends to catch up and spend quality time together while celebrating your wedding. Ensuring there’s plenty for them to do is also important; create memories by having a photo booth, or hire instant cameras for a DIY option. A dedicated kids’ area with a tepee filled with toys, books and crafts to keep the little ones amused is also a great idea. Allowing everyone at your wedding to feel included, relaxed and fully immersed in the moment is a key principal of the Danish ethos of hygge and a wonderful theme to have for your special day. It can apply to everything from the biggest aspects of your day to the smallest. Think natural light and green centrepieces, with festive-scented candles burning in the evening, so your guests catch the scent as they mix and mingle. A stack of traditional games is also great for bringing guests of all ages together and can create wonderful memories.

What colours and decorative details would you recommend to create a seasonal look for a winter wedding reception that’s cosy and not too over the top?

Lois says: As the seasons change and we move into late autumn, early winter I always recommend minimal colour with lots of candlelight. I love white and neutral tones, especially at the vineyard because I think the colours from the vines speak for themselves. In early November, the leaves are a beautiful burnt orange and provide not only a stunning backdrop for photos, but inspiration for the big-day colour palette too.

You can’t go wrong with floating candles, log slices and lanterns for the venue styling. We provide fairylights in the Old Winery and under the Byre to add extra twinkle to your day. As the daylight hours get shorter and the sun sets, candles create a romantic yet snug atmosphere. For the Christmas period, subtle metallics work well with a rich burgundy or forest green colour scheme, providing a natural festive feel without over doing it. If you’re a big fan of the season, why not have baubles as favours, mini-Christmas trees as centrepieces and hot chocolate and marshmallows as a winter warmer after the meal? One of my favourite things about this time of year is the moody twilight hours, so make sure you check what time the sun is setting, grab your photographer and head out for some stunning photos!

WINTER WINNERS

Cosy wedding breakfast at the Bartley Lodge Hotel in the New Forest

EXPERT ADVICE

Image: www.photosbyjim.co.uk, Hair & make-up, www.amazing-face.co.uk

How can we make the most of the season for magical winter wedding photos and overcome some of the seasonal challenges such as bad weather and lack of light?

Dom says: The key to enjoying a winter wedding and capturing magical photographs is to be selective. Cold and damp weather, bare trees and windswept landscapes don’t lend themselves naturally to feelings of joy and wellbeing, so when planning your big day, try to minimise the impact as much as possible. Stay cosy indoors and focus on what’s going to make you feel festive.

A professional photographer will adapt to the situation and guide you through. If Sealed with a kiss outside Romsey Abbey you’re having fullday coverage, shots of your bridal preparations during the morning will be much as they might be in the summer. Although soft, natural window light during the winter actually makes for more flattering portraits.

For indoor ceremonies, well-lit rooms are always a boon to photographers. In dark spaces, we need to use camera settings that can make for grainier photos. If it’s dry, formal shots might still be possible outside. Use architecture as your backdrop rather than bare trees, and keep in mind that your guests won’t want to hang around in the cold for long! There should also be enough space for family photographs indoors – a staircase is ideal for larger groups. Instead of worrying though, why not embrace the rich colours of winter and ask your florist to include seasonal blooms? For your reception, seek out venues with a traditional ambience. Think wood panelling, chandeliers and add decorations like seasonal berries, pine cones and fairylights, all of which can be featured in images of the day.

Dom Brenton | Wedding photographer www.dombrenton.com

BEAT THE CHILLS

We’re getting married in December and I’m worried I’ll look washed out in the photos if most of them have to be taken inside. What would you suggest for standout bridal glam, whatever the weather?

Caroline says: First things first; get your skin in tip-top condition, as it’s hungrier for moisture in the winter due to the drying effects of central heating and chilly winds. Keeping your complexion well hydrated is something I can’t stress enough; try Trilogy Rosehip oil at night; perfect for overall skin health and radiance. ❤ Next avoid products with SPF which can make you look paler in photos taken indoors. Use a liquid cream foundation to keep your skin moist and to provide good coverage in case of flushed cheeks caused by temperature extremes going in and out. ❤ Work with the winter conditions, use light-reflecting foundation/concealer to counteract any bluish facial tone. Blue-toned lipsticks or blusher can be used though to maintain constant colour for photos inside or out. ❤ Give your make-up a colourful twist to create interest. A smoky eye with a red lip always works well, and a pop of pink cream blusher looks fabulously Snow White! These colours are also longer lasting than neutral shades which in winter can make you look washed out. ❤ Embrace your natural skin tone. Many brides try to go for a warmer look in winter when in fact if they’re an English rose it’s a huge mistake to pile on bronzer; instead a pink-toned pressed or loose powder will give you a lovely natural warmth.

Caroline Swaffield | Hair and make-up artist www.amazing-face.co.uk 87

Cathedral Cars Ltd A Special Car - for your Special Day! Multi-Award winning chauffeur driven Wedding Car

“Violet” our stunning 1935 vintage Rolls-Royce is available throughout southern Hampshire & the New Forest area. Check our website for more information, pricing and availability

Cathedral Cars Ltd w: Cathedralcars.co.uk t: 07830 135 142

ROOKESBURY PARK Rookesbury is a secluded, intimate venue for weddings, a hidden gem on the edge of the village of Wickham. It is perfect for weddings all year round and has stunning views, which make beautiful backdrops for photographs.

Rookesbury has everything you need for a stylish wedding, including being licensed to hold wedding ceremonies both inside and out. With its own in-house catering team and fully stocked bar, Rookesbury will turn their hand to whatever is required to make your day special, with every wedding designed around each couple’s individual requirements.

01329 833108 | enquiries@rookesburyevents.co.uk | www.rookesburyevents.co.uk

A nose for it

GROOMS’ NEWS

A citrus, marine, woody fragrance grooms wearing this can expect top notes of Italian bergamot and pink pepper, hearty notes of marine accord and grey amber and base notes of patchouli and wood.

Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue is priced: £32.50 (30ml), £51.50 (60ml), £71.50 (100ml) check out www.johnlewis.com

COLOUR SWATCH

Timex Watches are pleased to introduce three new colourways to its muchloved Q Timex Reissue Series. A natural evolution of the Q Timex the new launches add a pop of colour to the iconic 1979 original. Available to buy now for £159 at www.timex.co.uk

Grooms’ NEWS All the latest news and product launches

SUIT UP

Savile Row has a great selection of new suits for the expected bumper wedding season post-lockdowns. With a range to match all budgets, whether you’re the groom or a groomsman, here at CWM HQ we particularly love this on-trend Grey Navy Check Wool Suit (£349) that’s been made from 100% wool and can be paired with a white shirt and black Derby shoes. Check out: https://savilerowco.com/wedding

TOP 5 UNDER £50

Gifting and accessory specialists Farrar & Tanner (www.farrar-tanner.co.uk) has curated a list of gift ideas containing a combination of personalised, practical and fun products which all encompass an element of luxury for your wedding day.

BARBOUR TARTAN HANDKERCHIEF BOX SET, £30

KITCHEN CRAFT ACACIA WOOD MAGNETIC KNIFE RACK, £30

These three organic cotton handkerchiefs, woven in Barbour’s classic tartan, will add a stylish country-chic touch to your attire.

The rack has multiple purposes including freeing up space in drawers and serving as a design element. This would make a wonderful present for someone with culinary interest.

SEASONAL OFFERING

Celtic & Co has launched a whole host of new season products perfect for grooms.

Featuring a billfold construction, its new wallet is crafted in soft leather embossed with a crocodile motif to match other accessories in the collection. It has a full-length zipped compartment and 11 card slots, a clear ID window, a note pocket and a coin pocket with a secure popper closure.

Complete with cotton lining, this compact accessory will keep your cards and cash in fine order for the big day, honeymoon and beyond. Priced, £34, check out www.celticandco.com

BARBOUR AYDON MANICURE KIT, £35 This manicure kit is an absolute staple in any man’s washbag; inside the leather and tartan case, you will find five tools – nail clippers, scissors, tweezers, cuticle pushers and file – personalisation is also available.

VICTORINOX EXECUTIVE MANOPOULOS WALNUT WOOD 81 WALNUT WOOD BACKGAMMON SWISS ARMY KNIFE, £40 SET, £49 Combining luxury with practicality, the Evowood has five essential everyday tools including a stainless-steel blade and serrated scissors.

The board itself is compact for travelling on honeymoon with thick, high walls and side racks to ensure all pieces are safe ‒ personalisation is available.

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! e s a ple

CHECK

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GROOMS’ FASHION

£290, trousers, https://favourbrook.com

£69.99, www.farlows.co.uk

£140, www.tmlewin.co.uk

£69.95, www.schoffelcountry.com

£poa, www.next.co.uk

£299.95, www.schoffelcountry.com

£660, https://harrisdistillery.com

£17.99, www.shoezone.com

£349, https://savilerowco.com 91

s w e N

HONEYMOON NORTH YORKSHIRE

Hornington Manor, a North Yorkshire wedding venue, has welcomed eight themed shepherd ‒ perfect for newlyweds looking for a private retreat.

Each hut takes inspiration from Yorkshire and beyond, with themes ranging from Arabia to the 1940s they offer complete escapism as well as a luxury kingsize Harrison Spinks bed, television, kitchenette, wifi, an en suite with shower and breathtaking views to boot!

The Amy Johnson hut is an ode to one of Yorkshire’s finest female pilots, reflecting Johnson’s love of 1930s fashion, flying and adventure. To view the rest of the huts and to book your stay visit www.horningtonmanor.co.uk

CUMBRIA

Gisland Hall Hotel, Cumbria, is having a five-star renovation enhancing it’s three-star offering. Providing the perfect base for outdoorsy types – in the year of the Great British staycation – explore the area by car, on foot or by bike. It’s close to UNESCO World Heritage sites along Hadrian’s Wall, Carlisle, Gretna, Hexham and Newcastle.

The property sits proudly in 140 acres and in Spring 2022, it will offer luxury suites and family rooms with patios ideal for those with pets! There’ll be an array of guest experiences, amenities, event spaces and luxury Spa facilities, making it the ideal retreat for couples, groups of friends and family gatherings.

In the meantime, the hotel in its existing incarnation is available for affordable staycations at only £80pp (based on two sharing) for three-course dinner, bed and breakfast. Check out www.gilslandhall.com

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UK SPECIAL

NORTHERN IRELAND

Galgorm Resort & Spa, the multi award-winning spa resort in Ballymena, is an ideal minimoon location. At the resort, you will experience complete post-wedding relaxation and luxury with an indulgent choice of dining options in three on-site restaurants. What’s more there’s a gin bar with more than 400 gins, a Thermal Village Spa and Serenity Garden (which is the first of it’s kind in Ireland).

From its enviable corner location within the original manor house, couples will be in awe of Suite 1857. It offers unrivalled views of the cascading waters of the River Maine complete with Juliet balcony. With a truly romantic design: a muted palette of brocade wall coverings, antique lighting, French baroque furniture and solid oak floors and roof beams, it’s a sight to behold ‒ a traditional freestanding bath with claw feet and separate shower complete the space.

Here are two new offers for a minimooners: a two-night dining retreat from £520 and a two-night spa retreat from £700 for two! Check out www.galgorm.com

HONEYMOON NEWS

LAKE DISTRICT

A chic country house hotel in the picture-perfect village of Grasmere, Victorian House Hotel is launching a Stargazer Experience for the perfect finishing touch to romantic post-wedding minimoons. The Stargazer Experience costs £15pp and includes a backpack and waterproof rug to borrow, a map to the viewing spot, homemade sausage rolls, a generous tipple of Whiskey Mac, a Red Torch specifically designed with map reading and stargazing in mind so guests can flick between the map and the night sky with ease, plus binoculars and a star guide.

Couples can choose from Stargazer Rooms complete with telescopes, star maps, dreamy beds, good coffee, organic teas and generous Land & Water toiletries; there’s also a luxurious Shepherds Hut for two on the riverbank.

Available all year round ‒ but stargazing in the Lakes is particularly good in the autumn and winter ‒ an overnight stay costs from £123 per room per night including breakfast. Visit www.victorianhousehotel.co.uk

LONDON

https://andrewbeasley.co.uk

CO.ANTRIM, NORTHERN IRELAND

For discerning travellers planning a romantic getaway, the newly opened The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is idyllic. Oozing character, it offers sumptuous yet comfortable accommodation, fine dining, a stylish bar and a moodenhancing outdoor spa.

The Rabbit is a fusion of modern living with country life comprising 33 bedrooms in four different stylish room types with scandi-inspired, retro design. Each boasts seriously comfy beds, a Nespresso machine, Dyson hairdryer and a Marshall amp, not to mention fluffy robes and flip flops for a trip to the spa: The Relaxation Burrow. The latter has been carefully created for optimum zen comprising Swedish sauna, aroma steam room, salt chamber, outdoor Roman baths, loungers and cabanas – there’s also a man-made beach and lake bar!

The offers at The Rabbit Hotel include the ‘Hop to It’ break from £180 per night based on two people sharing including access to The Relaxation Burrow, bottle of bubbles in your room and breakfast the following morning Check out www.rabbithotel.com

Boutique hotel, The Londoner, has officially opened its doors in the heart of London’s iconic Leicester Square. With a staggering 350 guest rooms spread across 16 storeys and a subterranean series of spaces, it will certainly leave guests amazed. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned architectural designers Yabu Pushelberg, the luxury urban resort features a range of rooms, suites, penthouses, two private screening rooms, an entire floor dedicated to wellness, expansive ballroom, private art gallery and to top it off a mix of several concept eateries. This includes its signature Mediterranean restaurant, Whitcomb’s, plus a contemporary Japanese lounge bar with a rooftop terrace and its neighbourhood bar, Joshua’s Tavern – minimooners would never have to leave for the ultimate staycation!

Whilst super in scale, its boutique approach and commitment to hospitality offers the highest levels of luxury with an experience designed to make every guest feel at home. Check out www.thelondoner.com

SURREY

Crockers Henley, based in Henley-on-Thames, is celebrating a year in businesses, although it’s been a year like no other! Only an hour from London, Crockers Henley presents understated luxury at its finest and provides the ultimate staycation destination. Housed in a Grade II listed building, it’s home to seven elegantly designed, contemporary bedrooms complete with rolltop baths, four-poster beds and restored heritage Georgian features.

A delight for foodies and those with a discerning palate, The Grill, overseen by Tom Westerland, is a hive of activity offering a casual dining affair including the famed chateaubriand and Tom’s take on English classics. Meanwhile, the two 16-seat Chef’s Tables each present an immersive dining experience over ten courses. The Thames Table, overseen by talented young chef Alex Payne, celebrates the best of modern British dining whilst The Gardiner’s, with Iain Dixon at the helm, shines light on delicate and complex pan-Asian flavours.

Starting from £400, inclusive of dinner at one of the Chef’s Tables, overnight stay and three-course breakfast, based on two sharing. Check out https://henley.crockersuk.com 93

Escape to Greece: City VS Islands Bustling cultural centres or tranquil secluded spots, the choice is yours

Culture capital

The Athenian Riviera has undergone a resurgence, much to the delight of the discerning honeymooner who can revel in the dining, drinking and culture which has now ventured into the streets of Athens. The boutique bars and trendy dining outlets along with leading hotels such as The Alex, from the Greek family run group Santikos Collection, make Athens and its Riviera coastline the ideal spot for a city escape.

Piraeus has also become a mecca for exciting new gallery openings in recent years, due to masses of students who have studied abroad returning with new-found talent and kickstarting a new art scene in the region. New openings include Intermission, Rodeo and most recent of all Carwan which after nearly a decade of activities in Beirut, Lebanon and participation in more than 50 international exhibitions, relocated to Piraeus in September 2020.

The team at The Alex pride themselves on being able to offer the best insider knowledge to their guests, finding a suitable recommendation no matter their culinary palate or activity desire for honeymooners and visitors alike. Here they have pulled together a few of their favourite drinking, dining and cultural hotspots to help with planning your very own weekend in the city…

ITINERARY INSPIRATION Drinks...

Pirée: Combining culture and entertainment, Pirée has a café bar where you can enjoy premium drinks, delicious coffee and a food menu while admiring the work of young talents. The creative energy is palpable, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to assist in an art performance.

Okio MusiCafe: In Marina Zeas, this live music coffee bar is open all day and serves drinks and creative cocktails in the evening. The music playlist

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includes world music, soul, funk and jazz; the bar also regularly hosts live gigs.

Food...

1903 A Taste of Smyrna: Located in the centre of cosmopolitan Glyfada, this is a restaurant which takes you back in time. Well-known chef Ilias Skoulas, is inspired by the genuine traditional Greek cuisine as it developed in Smyrna at the beginning of the previous century, and creates delicious dishes.

Orizontes, Athens: Perched on Lycabettus Hill, one of the highest peaks in Athens, the views from Orizontes are god-level ‒ sit outdoors come sunset with the Acropolis, Aegean Sea and entire city sprawled below!

Culture...

The Intermission: A new exhibition space in Piraeus initiated by Artemis Baltoyanni. The focus will be on exhibitions of critically acclaimed international artists, emerging, established and historical.

Rodeo Gallery: Opened in Piraeus in June 2018 and located in a former commercial warehouse, Berlin-based architect Etienne Descloux designed the space and, in addition to its exhibition programme, the venue hosts screenings, talks, performances and other events.

MORE ABOUT THE ALEX...

When you arrive at The Alex, check in, hand your bags over at the desk, and head straight for the 4th floor where you’ll find Nest ‒ the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar with unobstructed harbour views!

Soak up the incredible sunset views and magical harbourside atmosphere while indulging in the popular menu choice: tagliatelle with ragout beef served with Greek “ksinomitzithra” cheese and thyme.

Nightly rates at The Alex start from £110, visit the following website for more information www.santikoscollection.com/thealex

HONEYMOONS

Island hopping

Not only will honeymooners looking for a short-haul destination be encapsulated with the historical culture of Athens, but Greece is ideal for those in need of some R&R post-vows too. Whether you’re after quiet reflection in a small deluxe hotel before another hop for cultural immersion, or perhaps you want to learn a new skill like sailing or scuba diving, Olympic Holidays’ bespoke island-hopping itineraries offer something for everyone. With tailor-made itineraries offering accommodation across a range of price points, including hotel and interisland transfers, its knowledgeable team are on hand to recommend the best destinations and create bespoke cultural trips, holidays and gourmet getaways.

Destinations include the Saronic Islands (Poros, Spetses and Aegina), Dodecanese (Rhodes, Halki, Kalymnos, Leros, Tilos, Symi and Kos), which are delightfully different and easily connected by ferries and catamarans.

Cyclades (Santorini, Naxos, Andros, Paros, Tinos and Mykonos) where each island has its own strong identity, so island hopping brings with it new customs, significantly different landscapes and everything for peaceful days to lively nights. The Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos) with their fantastic beaches, crystal clear sea and lush green forests, and Ionian (Corfu, Paxos, Ithaka, Kefalonia & Zante), home to caves and lakes, ancient ruins and windsurfing hotspots plus five-star hotels with Michelin-star cuisine. Crete can also be combined with both the Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands.

ITINERARY INSPIRATION A romantic lustre adds sparkle to the marvellous Sporades Islands.

Legend has it that one island was created by the love child of gods. Now two islands are the focus of one of the 21st-century’s most successful romantic movies, Mamma Mia. Skiathos: Just 12-miles long but with more than 60 beaches, gorgeous Skiathos Town has shady tavernas on a busy waterfront. The narrow streets of the bustling old town are crammed with shops, cafes and bars.

You can climb Medieval castles, stroll through forests, discover quiet sandy beaches and even take a rescued dog for a walk.

Skopelos: Next stop, scenic Skopelos. Look out for dolphins before you sail into a harbour that is backed by a hillside covered in white houses with terracotta roofs. Tree-filled Skopelos has forests, and orchards and several beaches can be reached easily by bus or hired vehicles and many more beaches are waiting to be found in bays and coves.

Alonissos: A gem for those wanting to get away from it all. You feel the sense of calm as you sail into elegant Patitiri, the small town and main port. Some beaches have bright white pebbles or sand creating a vivid contrast with the turquoise sea. Many are surrounded by pine forests that cover much of the island. Alonissos is in Europe’s largest marine park which protects monk seals and dolphins. It has a rescue centre for baby seals ‒ try to fit in a boat trip around the park!

MORE ABOUT OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS...

Olympic Holidays offers a 14-night Sporades Island-Hopping Holiday from £1,229pp based on two people travelling in 2022 with flights. The package includes three-nights at Skiathos Princess Resort, five-nights at Skopelos Village, four-nights at Marpunta Resort, Alonnisos and one night at the Punta Hotel, Skiathos. Visit www.olympicholidays.com

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WIN

A FUN-FILLED SLEEPOVER FOR EIGHT GUESTS AT WHITLEY HALL, YORKSHIRE

W

hitley Hall Hotel may be among the North’s most historic and beautiful wedding venue hotels. This stunning Yorkshire stone mansion, where peacocks stroll in the grounds, boasts both Tudor and 18th-century origins – it’s rumoured that Mary, Queen of Scots was once a house guest in the West Wing! The two four-poster suites are particularly delightful for a romantic stay but each of the 32 rooms are superbly designed to complement the hotel’s rich and important history.

With its new purpose-built Whitley Suite, offering state-of-the-art facilities, including a heated outdoor terrace, (capacity 110/160 guests), along with the original Parker Suite (capacity 110/175), Whitley Hall is perhaps one of the largest venues in the region. Its new exclusive ‘Secret Garden Folly’ is a real showstopper where you can exchange vows with a natural backdrop, or simply use this space for an outdoor drinks reception which can be spectacular come dusk and into the evening.

There’s also the option to take over the whole hotel as an exclusiveuse venue (capacity 400) and there are semi-exclusive use options also available.

Attention to detail, combined with a warm Yorkshire welcome, make a stay at this four-star hotel a real pleasure. The restaurant serves an array of mouth-watering dishes prepared with the very finest local produce. The hotel, which is close to the motorway yet benefits from the most tranquil rural setting, can be used as a handy base to explore the stunning Chatsworth House estate and its surrounding towns and villages 96

in the Peak District such as Bakewell, Eyam and Buxton; Sheffield and the shopping centre at Meadowhall are also popular attractions.

Visit www.whitleyhall.com | www.instagram.com/whitleyhallhotel

PRIZE: Our lucky prize winner will enjoy a luxurious overnight with a group of close friends and family at this historic country house hotel. Indulge in a mini dessert selection with tea or coffee upon arrival, a chilled bottle of Prosecco is in each room, plus ‘pamper hampers’, robes and slippers to make the most of a fun and relaxing stay, which also includes threecourse dinner in the evening in the hotel restaurant and full traditional English breakfast the following morning. Early check in (2pm) and late check out (11am) make for a more leisurely stay.

HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the new purpose-built wedding suite?

Enter online at yourhampshiredorset.wedding Closing date 4th February 2022, unless otherwise stated.

Terms and Conditions apply. Please see our website for details.

Bespoke wedding gifts County Wedding Events show sponsor Farrar & Tanner reveals their guide to personalised presents for the bride, groom and wedding party Farrar & Tanner specialise in premium personalised gifts, with a focus on delivering high quality pieces designed and crafted to last a lifetime. It sources a premium range from the most esteemed companies around Britain and the rest of the world to provide a lavish, diverse collection.

Based in the regency town of Cheltenham Spa, its skilled team of on-site craftsmen deliver a finely engraved or embossed product finished to your

Raise a Toast Cheers! At Farrar & Tanner, it has everything you need to raise a toast in style, from silver plated, Swarovski studded Champagne flutes to cake knives engraved with a bespoke message.

specifications for beautiful, stylish and thoughtful wedding gifts.

From gift boxed fine wines and Champagnes to sleek modern homeware and hand-blown glasses, selecting a delightful gift to spoil your loved one on their big day is easy. Most items can be personalised with a name, date, or special message too – creating wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Gifts for Grooms Finding the perfect present for a groom and the groomsmen can be taxing. Farrar & Tanner has carefully curated a selection of fine gifts for men such as stylish pocket watches and elegant hip flasks - most items can be personalised with a name, date or special message.

Wedding Gifts Farrar & Tanner stock a wide range of premium gifts for newlyweds, with options to suit the unique needs and personality of every couple. Why not personalise your selection with a name, date, or heartfelt message?

Check out www.farrar-tanner.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT ON PORTSMOUTH Where to wed in an d ar

ound this waterfro nt

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