Your London Wedding - September/October 2021 (Issue 79) by County Wedding Magazines

www.yourlondon.wedding

Romantic reflections

WIN! A minimoon in Provence

Waterside venues

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Top catering options

DREAM WEDDING VENUES

GORGEOUS GOWNS Local boutiques

SEP/OCT 2021

Ready, steady, marry!

£3.55

Wedding inspo galore

HONEYMOONS, BEAUTY, GROOMS, FREEBIES, FASHION AND MUCH MORE...

LONDON 020 7224 7888 GLASGOW 0141 942 8900

joyceyoungcollections.co.uk 79 Haverstock Hill | London | NW3 4SL

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

CONTENTS

REGULARS 7 EDITOR’S LETTER

Danielle Harvey highlights this issue

On the cover

This issue’s cover star is the gorgeous, real-life bride Derin, whose wedding to John features over on page 49. The day was captured by Jeff Oliver Photography (https://jeffoliverphotography.com)

FEATURES

55 FLORAL ABUNDANCE

Catch up on news from the city

This styled shoot is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, everything you want for a London wedding

11 FREEBIES & OFFERS

58 GOLDEN SPLENDOUR

Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

Pastel pinks with a hint of gold was the order of the day at this gorgeous styled shoot

8 NEARLYWED NEWS

92 HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice

75 FINDING THE ONE The lowdown on local bridal boutiques

99 COMPETITION Win a minimoon in Provence, France worth up to £1,500

86 LOVE IS IN THE AIR County Wedding Magazines editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

89 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Big-day catering to tickle those taste buds

VENUES

17 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF London venues with the wow factor

25 ROMANTIC REFLECTIONS Tie the knot by the water

43 69 FASHION & BEAUTY 63 FASHION FOCUS

Fashion editor Claire Ridley reveals her latest bridal fashion news, buys and launches 65 UNDER WRAPS These showstopping gowns feature statement sleeves, perfect for winter weddings

69 ONCE UPON A TIME Dress dreams come true with this edit of fairytale-inspired gowns

78 THE ACCESSORY EDIT

REAL WEDDINGS

30 IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON Hannah and Nick’s wedding was the epitome of London chic

36 A WILD ROMANCE An urban setting with contrasting wildflower meadow-vibe Devon and Rob’s wedding was a sight to behold

43 A RECIPE FOR LOVE A kingfisher colour palette of blue, teal, coral, red, gold was the picture-perfect setting of Paul and Helen’s nuptials

49 IT MUST BE LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Derin and John’s nuptials was a Nigerian/ Scottish fusion at Old Royal Naval College

Shop something new from our roundup of the latest bridal launches

79 FASHION AND BEAUTY Q&A Our local professionals solve your problems

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

82 GLOW UP! Looking to achieve that oh-so stunning bridal glow for your wedding day? These products can help and team CWM have put them to the test

84 BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOU Emolyne Ramlov, founder of the eponymous make-up brand, talks inclusivity and bringing a colour boost to your bridal beauty 4

100

HONEYMOONS 101 HONEYMOON NEWS

Idyllic destinations for when you can hop, skip and jump on to a plane again, along with some UK beauties for the ultimate staycation...

104 FROM LONDON WITH LOVE Check out former editor Hannah Faulder’s review of the renowned Browns Hotel Mayfair

104 TOP FIVE ECO RESORTS in Sri Lanka

GROOMS

95 GROOMS’ NEWS All the latest best buys and product launches

96 BEST OF BRITISH From Royal Ascot to The Crown, there’s a lot to be inspired by when keeping your big-day look classically British

A unique collection of iconic public houses and hotels situated in some of the most beautiful areas in London 0207 730 6064

e vents@cubitthouse.co.uk

cubitthouse.co.uk/privatehire/weddings/

Your Wedding Your Day

LICENCED FOR CIVIL CEREMONY NATURAL DAY LIGHT CAPACITY FOR UP TO 180 GUESTS ON SITE PARKING MULTI CUISINE OPTIONS BESPOKE PACKAGES TO SUIT ANY BUDGET CLOSE PROXIMITY TO CENTRAL LONDON

Call our meetings and events team on 0208 896 8420 or email meetings@doubletreelondonealing.co.uk DOUBLETREELONDONEALING.CO.UK

London Wedding Photographer CHRISTINECONSTANTINE.CO.UK CHRISTINECONSTANTINE@HOTMAIL.COM

@CHRISTINEC _ PHOTO GR APHY FACEBO OK.COM/CHRISTINECPHOTO GR APHY

littlebevan.co.uk

0203 802 7603 | info@littlebevan.co.uk

EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITORIAL 01376 535 611 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 535 602 sarahe@county.wedding Account Managers Nicola Phillips | 01376 535 612 nicola.phillips@county.wedding Loretta Smith | 020 8054 8120 loretta.smith@county.wedding Subscriptions 01376 514 000 subscriptions@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding Accounting Manager | Derrick James

Dream a little dream A

s I write this, we are two weeks clear of Freedom Day: July the 19th – I think this date is now etched in our memories forever more. Yes, it was wonderful to finally be able to hug, see friends and family, go to a restaurant with more than a carefully selected group of six loved ones; but for me, the most important thing, was weddings were back! For 18 months I watched as an industry I loved – and have worked in for 18 years – was brought to a grinding halt, and without dwelling too much on it now we’re through the otherside, it was an emotional rollercoaster for all involved. Now, we can look to the future, and go back to the excitement of what it means to plan and attend weddings again: get those dancing shoes out, brush off those dance moves and get ready to p.a.r.t.y on that wedding dancefloor like you’ve never partied before! This issue feels like a true celebration, we have dream wedding venues on 17, dreamy dresses on 69 and food so good it’s surely what dreams are made of on page 89! No more dreaming though, weddings are back and here to stay! Also check out our gorgeous real weddings this issue, honestly, I can never choose a favourite, they’re over on pages 30, 36, 43 and 49. Submit your own nuptials to grace the pages of Your London Wedding by heading to: www.county.wedding/getinvolved

58 I adore this shoot, it shows you how to truly showcase balloons at your wedding.

Danielle x

Danielle Harvey, managing editor

@CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings

WIN!

A MINIMOON IN PROVENCE: PAGE 99

@cwm_wedding Visit us online at county.wedding and countyweddingevents.com

Derin has to be one of my favourite brides of all time; gorgeous, sophisticated and oh-so happy! See more from her wedding to John over on page 49. I love Helen and Paul’s colour scheme! Check it out on page 43.

Your London Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by KD Media Publishing. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your London Wedding is published six times a year. Subscription rates are £18.20 per annum (incl. p+p). Cheques should be made out to KD Media Publishing and sent to Your London Wedding, c/o KD Media Publishing, Pantile House, Newlands Drive, Witham, Essex CM8 2AP. ISSN 1757-7810

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

These are so stunning, it’s hard to believe you can actually EAT them – and I can vouch for them tasting devine! Win a box over on page 11.

NEW VENUE ALERT! Recently reopened Chelsea landmark, No. Fifty Cheyne, has been newly appointed as a wedding venue. Overlooking the River Thames, with sweeping views over Chelsea Embankment Gardens and onto the iconic Albert Bridge, the dining rooms and bar can be used for ceremonies and receptions alike. The picturesque and photogenic restaurant is the ideal location for intimate nuptials, followed by sophisticated receptions with thoughtfully catered food and drink options overseen by executive chef Iain Smith. Taking place in the enchanting first-floor Drawing Room, which underwent a series of tasteful renovations in 2020, ceremonies are overseen by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea appointed registrars. The room can accommodate 40 seated guests seated either side of the sky-blue carpeted aisle. The reception can be hosted in an array of private and semiprivate dining spaces, and for weekday weddings the groundfloor Dining Room is also available. A venue-takeover will host 44 seated in the Dining Room, increasing to 66 when using in the adjacent Vineyard, with formats allowing for a seamless transition from drinks reception to dinner service Check out www.fiftycheyne.com/weddings

d e w y l r a e N NEWS

All the latest from in and around the city

BIGGER THE BETTER

FESTIVE FLAVOURS London-based marshmallow company La Maison Guimauve is renowned for creating delicious artisan marshmallows for weddings and events. From bespoke marshmallow towers to more traditional wedding favours, each can be customised to suit the couple’s specific requirements. For the upcoming wedding season, there’s a delectable summer range now available comprising of vanilla cinnamon, strawberries & cream, blueberry & white chocolate and raspberry ripple to name a few! Or, if you’re tying the knot this autumn and winter, check out the Christmas range of flavours available from mid-Sept boasting pumpkin spice, salted caramel and vodka cranberry flavours. Check out www.lamaisonguimauve.com 8

London-based start-up BOBBIE’S Brownies has launched with a range of gigantic, indulgent brownies, freshly made to order for delivery nationwide. The company is also adding to its gourmet delights – just in time for the return of wedding season – creating huge, stacked brownie ‘wedding cakes’ and dropping off brownie-block wedding favours – what better pre- or post-wedding gift? Using the best suppliers to sourcing the finest sustainable and ethical ingredients, BOBBIE’s freshly manufacture its brownies in the UK. Expect a weighty, triple chocolate brownie, drizzled with melted white and dark chocolate with a deep, rich flavour, pleasing crunchy exterior and a soft, gooey middle. Choose from the classic six-pack, or the new three-pack is the perfect combination of taste and size for any intimate get-together. Then comes the chunky chappy, The Slab, a whopping 1.4kg of wall-to-wall brownie, topped with white and dark chocolate. There’s plenty more tantaslising inspiration and products available if you head over to the company’s website for a true drool-fest! What’s more, for every brownie bought, BOBBIE’s provides a meal for a child in education across the globe. Check out www.bobbiesbrownies.com

YOUR ESSENTIALS

AWARD NOMINATION A fitness coach from London, who founded a project based on the legacy left by the 2012 London Olympics, has been nominated for a 2021 National Lottery Award. Born Barikor has been shortlisted in the Sport category for his outstanding work with the project he founded in 2014 called Our Parks which is aimed at providing everyone in the UK with free access to high quality exercise and coaching from top trainers. The former high jumper realised the opportunities he’d had to turn his life around through sport weren’t available to all, so he decided to do something about it. His aspiration and that of Our Parks, was to create a fitter community through the utilisation of facilities at local parks through a council funded initiative. Our Parks allows boroughs to provide coached exercise classes, free of charge for the community within a green surrounding. This year the initiative hit 200,000 users. And what better time to follow the crowd and prioritise your health and fitness than in the run up to your wedding day? Check out https://ourparks.org.uk

B IS FOR BONBON Biscuit Boutique is a premium confectionery brand combining intricate porcelain painting with delicious, gourmet vegan and gluten-free chocolate biscuit bonbon. The beautifully crafted collections are now available to purchase from iconic London destinations Selfridges and Harrods, and are guaranteed to offer an undeniably elegant gift for weddings, adding a touch of unique class to any occasion. Biscuit Boutique is a family-owned business, run by mother-and-son duo Judith and George, and his partner Christian. The trio’s past experience ranges from Hungarian porcelain painting to a pâtissier, resulting in a range of sophisticated and complex skills reflected in Biscuit Boutique’s artistic confections. The artisan boxes are a beautiful combination of fused passions inspired by craft, art and synonymous with luxury. The eye-catching collections are available in boxes of 9 or 16, with a range of styles ensuring there’s an option for everyone. The best-selling collections include the beautifully detailed original Portuguese Tile design, as well as the wonderfully bright Exotic Flower chocolate biscuit Bonbons, alongside a string of prestigious artist collaborations such as William Morris and Pierre-Joseph Redouté. The indulgent chocolate bonbon’s new recipe features luscious dark Belgian chocolate with gluten-free and vegan biscuit crumbs and a smooth, yet nutty hazelnut praline filling. The bonbon is then topped with a soft fondant, acting as a canvas for the stunningly painted mosaic designs. Charmingly wrapped, and almost too beautiful to eat, the bespoke service is also perfect for big-day gifting. Check out www.biscuitboutique.co Psst! Turn over to page 11 to win two boxes of bonbons now!

WEDDING SHOWCASE

BOTTOMS UP! Award-winning bar, The Churchill Bar & Terrace in Marylebone, is launching Churchill’s Cocktails recipe book in partnership with Imperial War Museums – and with cocktails trending at weddings, this is a must-read! Available in October 2021, the book will feature 30 recipes inspired by the people, places and passions associated with Sir Winston Churchill, alongside historical insights and anecdotes about the famous wartime Prime Minister. Each recipe has been expertly crafted by The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s team of mixologists, and a handful are muchloved favourites on current and previous bar menus. For those who would like to try the cocktails before they recreate it at home, The Clementine and Churchill Martini are both on the current bar menu which guests can enjoy either in the cosy bar, or outside on the terrace ‒ a hidden gem in central London. Churchill’s Cocktails will be available to purchase from the IWM online shop and in museum branches from 7th October 2021. Visit www.thechurchillbar.co.uk and www.iwm.org.uk

Whether you imagine your wedding as intimate or grand, traditional or surprising, The Lansdowne Club is the perfect place to celebrate. As one of London’s most exclusive private members’ clubs, it’s a magical setting steeped in history. With its impressive Neoclassical architecture and elegant interiors, it’s hard to imagine a more enchanting venue for an unforgettable day. The Lansdowne Club will be opening its doors to the public on Tuesday 7th September 2021, from 2pm to 8pm, for: Something Old…Something New…Something Borrowed…Something Blue… – an exclusive wedding showcase shining a spotlight on this magnificent 18th-century central London venue. Luxury British brands will also be featuring giving attendees a complete one-stop-shop of everything they will need for a bespoke day where every detail has been meticulously thought of. Champagne and canapés will be served throughout the course of the event and is free to attend, but advance confirmation must be emailed to Sophia Ives, sales manager, on sophia.ives@lansdowneclub.com. Check out www.lansdowneclub.com 9

ISLANDS THAT CAPTURE THE MOMENT

After “I do” celebrate life together on an island hopping adventure through 16 unique island destinations, sprinkled across 100,000 square miles of uninhabited cays and the world’s clearest water. Visit us at Bahamas.com/weddings or call 0207 3550800

FREEBIES & OFFERS

BEAUTIFUL BISCUITS

Freebies & OFFERS Great giveaways and discounts up for grabs

Your London Wedding has teamed up with Biscuit Boutique, London to give readers the chance to win two nine-piece boxes of its most popular designs worth £56! This premium confectionery brand is the brainchild of mother-and-son duo Judith and George along with his partner Christian; the trio’s past experience, ranging from Hungarian porcelain painting to a pâtissier offers a range of sophisticated and complex skills reflected in Biscuit Boutique’s artistic confections. The eye-catching collections are available in boxes of 9 or 16, the best selling collections include their beautifully detailed original Portuguese Tile design, as well as their wonderfully bright Exotic Flower chocolate biscuit bonbons, alongside a string of prestigious artist collaborations including, William Morris and Pierre-Joseph Redouté. The indulgent chocolate bonbon’s new recipe features luscious dark Belgian chocolate with gluten-free and vegan biscuit crumbs and a smooth, yet nutty hazelnut praline filling. The bonbon is then topped with a soft fondant, acting as a canvas for the stunningly painted mosaic designs. Charmingly wrapped and almost too beautiful to eat, this gift truly is a definitive expression of style and elegance for any deserving recipient. Check out www.biscuitboutique.co

WIN A BUNDLE OF YANKEE CANDLE® FRAGRANCES WORTH NEARLY £140! Scented candles have the power to change the atmosphere in any room, creating a warm, cosy and calming feel at the flick of a match. Yankee Candle®, the leader in home fragrance known and beloved by fans worldwide, is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a bundle of Original Jar Candles in a selection of favourite fragrances. Including the sophisticated Wedding Day, the sparkling All Is Bright and the enchanting Cherry Blossom in the Original Large Jars, alongside the romantic Fresh Cut Roses, the refreshing Midnight Jasmine and the charming Blush Bouquet in the Original Medium Jars, the bundle is a scented candle lover’s dream. Yankee Candle® has been sharing its passion for fragrance with the world since 1969. It is important that every fragrance launched is true-to-life and realistic to the experience that inspired it, whether that be a flower, food, fruit or place. Made by master chandlers, each candle developed is a complex system of custom blend wax, a unique wick and carefully crafted fragrance. Master perfumers develop Yankee Candle® fragrances for consistent and satisfying performance across all products. Every fragrance is rigorously screened, reviewed and tested by the highly experienced team of fragrance experts to achieve a strong scent and

quality experience and maintain high standards, commitment and craftmanship. All Yankee Candle® Original Jar Candles are made at in-house production facilities in the US and Europe, with quality ingredients from around the world. Check out www.yankeecandle.co.uk

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER VIA OUR WEBSITE WWW.YOURLONDON.WEDDING Closing date: 3rd December, 2021 unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions apply. 11

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 our any of our exhibitions visit County Wedding Events’ website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events.

Sarah

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

ASCOT RACECOURSE, 19

A date for your diary...

SEPTEMBER, 2021

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, 24TH OCTOBER, 2021

WEMBLEY STADIUM, 20TH FEBRUARY, 2022

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, 20TH MARCH, 2022

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

2021 WEDDING SHOWS ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM unless otherwise stated

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area. All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON

ESSEX (12pm-4pm)

HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE

RACKLEYS CHILTERN HILLS

Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, CO6 1RT

Marlow Road, HP14 3PP

SUN 3 OCT

BRAXTED PARK

EAST ANGLIA

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

SUN 17 OCT

BRESSINGHAM HALL & HIGH BARN Norfolk, IP22 2AA

MARKSHALL ESTATE

SUN 7 NOV

Coggeshall, CO6 1TG

SUN 7 NOV

@CountyWedEvent

@countyweddingevents

SURREY GUILDFORD MANOR HOTEL & SPA

KENT WEST HEATH Ashgrove Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1SR

SUN 24 OCT HYTHE IMPERIAL HOTEL & SPA Princes Parade, Hythe, CT21 6AE

SUN 31 OCT

LONDON

Newlands Corner, Guildford, GU4 8SE

SUN 7 NOV

SUSSEX CASTLE GORING Arundel Road, Worthing, BN13 3UN

SUN 5 SEP

SELDEN BARNS

Selden Lane, Patching, Worthing, BN13 3UL

MORDEN HALL Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD

SUN 26 SEP

SUN 3 OCT

GREENTREES ESTATE

High Street, Haywards Heath, RH17 6JZ

SUN 10 OCT

Pre-register at countyweddingevents.com/registration.cfm

WORK WITH US As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com.

Signature WEDDING SHOWS • Free entry • First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Bridal fashion shows • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more...

Sponsored by

WEMBLEY STADIUM

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

London, HA9 0WS SUNDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2022 | 11AM - 4PM

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL SUNDAY 20 MARCH 2022 | 11AM - 3:30PM

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.cfm

DRAPERS’ HALL If you are looking for a wedding venue with elegance and ambience set in the heart of the city, Drapers’ Hall is the perfect place to choose for your magical day. Drapers’ Hall is offering two fantastic offers for weddings booked to take place in 2022: 10% off weddings in January and February 2022 £1000 off weddings in March to December 2022 Couples that choose Drapers’ Hall for their wedding reception will benefit from an incredibly simple planning process, with all the essentials included such as, candelabra table centres, a Steinway classic grand piano to entertain you during your wedding breakfast, and an elegant dance floor to dance the night away. Call the events team now on 0207 448 1324 or email us at events@thedrapers.co.uk for more information. Click here to see our website N.B. Both offers are exclusive of VAT at the current rate.

Dream LONDON VENUES

THEMED VENUES

Tie the knot in one of these luxury premises, the epitome of city chic

DRAPERS’ HALL 020 7448 1324 | www.thedrapers.co.uk Drapers’ Hall and its garden, is a hidden oasis in the city of London and offers an idyllic and picturesque setting that’s perfect for entertaining. Up to 180 guests can enjoy a drinks reception al fresco, while the Courtyard provides another separate outdoor space for evening receptions completely independent from the beautiful garden. Whether Drapers’ Hall is chosen to host a small intimate wedding breakfast or the grandest of celebrations, the venue is available for exclusive use including its two outdoor spaces. Drapers’ Hall is not licensed for the ceremony – you can host a blessing here – however it provides an exquisite setting for receptions which take place in the Drawing Room. Peaceful and elegant, the Drawing Room can host a champagne drinks reception followed by the wedding breakfast with up to 276 friends and family. When tying the knot here, couples have from a complimentary menu tasting and will benefit from an incredibly simple planning process, plus elegant candelabra tablecentres, dancefloor and a Steinway classic grand piano. Drapers’ Hall offers complete flexibility for wedding couples, with bespoke catering options and inclusive wedding packages that can be tailored to your taste. 17

DE VERE GRAND CONNAUGHT ROOMS 020 7405 7811 | www.devere.com Standing on Great Queen Street right in the heart of central London, just minutes from Covent Garden, lies the renowned De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. An icon of British hospitality with impressive architecture, elegant décor and rich history dating back to 1775. The Grade II* listed building has hosted politicians, royalty and celebrities, with its grand Georgian architecture it offers 37 exceptional event spaces. For the big day couples have multiple choices; a breathtaking space, the impressive Grand Hall boasts 42-foot arched ornate ceilings and dramatic chandeliers with beautiful woodpanelling and head-turning Art Deco design. It can host 70, 440 and 1,000 guests for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception respectively. Guests will be captivated by the elegant surroundings of the Balmoral Suite, boasting a dedicated bar, it’s located next to the

Grand Hall and can host up to 500 for a reception or up to 200 for a sit-down dinner. The Edinburgh Suite is a first-floor room that celebrates the architecture and heritage of this outstanding building. It can host can host 250, 200 and 400 for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception respectively. Dramatic and theatrical, the Drawing Room is designed for memorable occasions. Magnificent lighting and extraordinary architecture combine to create a space to enjoy the celebrations where you can join your guests for drinks at the circular bar! Finally, for up to 250 day guests and 400 evening attendees, the Cornwall Suite will certainly leave an impression while the Crown Suite will elevate your drinks reception with its ornate domed ceiling and contemporary furnishings. When tying the knot here, couples benefit from a menu tasting for two; giving the opportunity to sample a selection of dishes to create the set menu for the big day.

THE STAFFORD LONDON 020 7518 1104 | https://thestaffordlondon.com Nestled right in the heart of historic St James’s, The Stafford London is a haven of curated luxury and one of the last remaining bastions of great British hospitality. Charming, friendly, decadent and chic, the hotel is within strolling distance of some of London’s leading landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Green Park and the vibrant West End. An enchanting heritage venue that oozes character and is licensed for ceremonies, it offers total seclusion and privacy for a small and intimate wedding. With luxurious surroundings and discreet personalised service, the hotel will be your trusted partner every step of the way. Wood-panelled drawing rooms, elegant marble fireplaces and exquisite art, blend traditional townhouse-style with quirky, indulgent touches. For ceremonies, couples can opt for The Sutherland Room for up to 18

40 loved ones. This elegant room is perfect to celebrate an intimate wedding or a recent engagement with a private dinner; or combine it with The Panel Room for pre-dinner drinks. Alternatively, the 380-yearold vaulted The Wine Cellar is steeped in history and character, it can be hired for private dining groups of up to 44 (85 standing). With the atmospheric candlelit surroundings it is proving particularly popular for intimate wedding parties. The cellars have had many uses over the years; it’s reputed that certain doorways led directly to the palace of St James’s, which was the original home of the British monarchy right up until the time of Queen Victoria. Post-vows, both of the previously highlighted spaces are idyllic backdrops to the celebrations. The Carriage House Rooms and The Gate House are also standout features when tying the knot here.

THEMED VENUES

HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY (HAC) 020 7382 1533 | www.hac.org.uk Set in the heart of the City, the Grade II-listed The HAC is one of London’s hidden treasures. Offering an exquisite country house, set in five acres of picturesque gardens, the stunning Artillery Garden provides the ideal setting for a champagne and canapés reception, with options for outdoor marquees and catering. Steeped in history, its array of rooms boast grand interiors, ornate high ceilings and sweeping staircases. Couples have the choice of three rooms for ceremonies: The Prince Consort Rooms, the largest space hosting up to 400, were once the Regiments Drill Hall and has since been converted into a contemporary room which can be adapted to any need and décor. The space comes with its own courtyard entrance, linked reception area and adjoining terrace for drinks. Queen’s and Ante Rooms, set on the ground floor of the 18th-century Armoury House, can be hired individually or as a pair, lending themselves perfectly for smaller

SEARCYS AT THE GHERKIN 0330 107 0815 | www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk London’s original sky-high restaurant, Searcys at The Gherkin boasts stunning 360-degree views from the top of one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the city. A piece of modern architecture and a unique wedding venue it boasts a restaurant, bar and five private dining rooms at the top levels 38, 39 and 40 ‒ a slice of luxury away from the bustling streets below. Say ‘I do’ in the expansive Helix restaurant, with a capacity of 140 guests the restaurant can be adapted transforming into an aisle before you head up to the bar for reception drinks. For receptions, couples have the choice of five private dining rooms or exclusive hire of the restaurant and bar. Comprising Cirrus, Nimbus, Cumulus, Stratus and Alto, these rooms can be hired singularly or combined as double rooms for up to 50 seated or 60 standing guests.

gatherings. With plenty of natural light and views out onto the gardens, the rooms can host up to 45 for a ceremony and 40 for dinner. The Long Room is instantly recognisable by its vibrant red walls, ornate ceilings and historical portraits across the walls. Up the steeping staircase, the room looks out onto the expansive gardens, and can host up to 150 guests for ceremonies. The HAC has a range of options for receptions. The licensed rooms can be transformed into dining and disco settings, with bespoke menus of seasonal dishes created by British caterer Searcys. Couples can host their wedding in one room for the whole day, or book multiple spaces for celebrations, including the Artillery Garden for reception drinks and outdoor catering bringing a total venue capacity of 690 loved ones. When tying the knot here, couples benefit from a complimentary menu tasting and the venue can also add a Beat Retreat – a military drum performance – if requested.

Helix and Iris, on the top floors of the Gherkin with a domed roof, are sure to impress. They can be hired together or separately and can be easily adapted for a cocktail reception, dinner and evening do (with dancefloor) for up to 140 seated or 260 standing loved ones. Caterers Searcys are on hand with a variety of packages and are proud to also follow sustainability pledges, ensuring all produce is fairly sourced from British suppliers. The Gherkin is licensed until 3am, and to make weddings extra special, Searcys has partnered with artisan baker Lily Vanilli to offer a complimentary handcrafted wedding cake; couples can choose one of Lily’s showstopping signature cakes Gold Splatter, Showstopper or Chocolate, or create their own design for the special day. For those who’d rather say it with bubbles, couples can opt for a complimentary case of Searcys Cuvée Brut Champagne or Rosé (T&Cs apply), to start the celebrations with some sparkle! 19

https://rebeccagoddardphotography.com

HACKNEY TOWN HALL 0208 356 5505 | www.hackneyvenues.com The striking architecture of Hackney Town Hall makes quite an impression, it is a Grade II Listed building in the heart of Mare Street E8. With its symmetrical main frontage built with Portland stone, the borough’s coat of arms is centred proudly above the front balcony. Not forgetting the iconic Town Hall Steps, it’s everyone’s favourite confetti photo spot. The Town Hall Square surrounding the front of the town hall boasts palm trees and well tended gardens. It is a perfect spot to meet for some picturesque photos before you enter the town hall and a welcomed resting spot for many. Hackney Town Hall offers stunning Art Deco Glamour from the moment you step through the door. You are welcomed by the grandiose entrance hall and staircase boasting original 1930’s

features. With magnificent sash windows in the assembly hall and the incredible glass roof in the Atria, light floods in abundance creating the perfect backdrop. Ceremonies take place in the magnificent North Atrium for up to 200 guests boasting a glass roof, creating the feeling of being outside. There’s also the Council Chamber (120) with Regal fixed seating – a grand town hall ceremonial space – and also the Committee Rooms (100) boasting a classic Art Deco 1930s-vibe. Receptions are hosted in the Assembly Rooms (250) which offers a separate entrance with grand staircase, original 1930s dancefloor and sash windows throughout as well as LED lighting and it includes the lavish Bridgetown bar. The North Atrium (100) boasts a state-ofthe-art glass roof to create the ambience of dining alfresco whatever the weather.

THE LANSDOWNE CLUB 020 7629 7200 | www.lansdowneclub.com Standing discreetly at the south-west corner of Berkeley Square, historic The Lansdowne Club is ideally located right in the heart of Mayfair. Built in 1763, by renowned 18th-century architect Robert Adam, over the centuries Lansdowne House has played host to many key historical moments. The house has been Grade II* listed ever since its first assessment in 1970. With its impressive neo-classical architecture and elegant interiors, this exclusive and traditional private members club in London in an architectural gem and enchanting backdrop to the big day. A rare treasure in London, offering the potential for an al fresco element to your celebrations, the wonderful Winter Garden and Courtyard provide picturesque surroundings for champagne receptions and wedding photographs. With its cleverly designed retractable roof, this beautifully landscaped outdoor space can be enjoyed year-round. Step inside, and couples can host their nuptials and receptions in the club’s legendary Grade II listed Ballroom with up to 150 guests. The epitome of breathtaking grandeur, its 18th-century gilded, vaulted ceilings and minstrel galleries are magnificent. The Adam Room (70 guests) is also a fitting ceremony room with 20

stunning, historically inflected décor giving this elegant 18th -century drawing room an unreserved air of richness and splendour, with soft colours, exquisite details and a beautiful ornate ceiling, magnificently adorned with a shimmering chandelier. Post-vows, additional to The Ballroom, the timeless elegance of the 18th-century Crush Hall is the perfect backdrop for your cake-cutting ceremony. With its luxurious wall coverings, original antique furniture, elegant chandelier and ornate gallery, this light, airy and sophisticated space guarantees beautiful photographs. Or head outside, weather permitting with 150 guests to celebrate in the The Courtyard & Winter Garden. Couples who are getting married here will become honorary Club Members throughout their stay, meaning they will be able to enjoy the club’s exclusive facilities. What better way to relax before or after your wedding than to swim in the magnificent indoor 25-yard, Art Deco swimming pool? Unwind afterwards in the relaxing steam room, or enjoy a workout in the light and airy state-of-the-art gym – a great way to help with those frazzled pre-wedding nerves! What’s more, there’s the wonderful Bridal Suite and 20 perfectly appointed guest rooms and suites, for exclusive use.

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“Bridal to Baby, We plan Every Hour” Jewel Events are a bespoke event company covering East London and Essex, specialising in bridal and baby showers. We understand how important these life changing moments are and love creating stunning events that truly reflect this by providing a range of services including:

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START THE DANCE The Old Finsbury Town Hall ‘It’s such a beautiful building, our guests were blown away with it!’ Call for an appointment or email us for further information All profits go towards bursaries for theatre and dance students at the renowned Urdang Academy The Old Finsbury Town Hall, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4RP T 0207 713 7710 E events@theurdang.london W www.theoldfinsburytownhall.co.uk

If your wedding day is approaching, you are worried about that first dance and you think that you have two left feet, then do not fear. Start the Dance is here to lead you on to the floor, with grace, elegance and style, allowing you to wow your friends and family and make the most of your big day. We serve London and the south east andhave now expanded to the rest of theUK and offer award winning, professional, personalised dance lessons with a competitively priced service.

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reflections WATERSIDE VENUES

ROMANTIC

Tie the knot in one of London’s many waterside venues

WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE 020 8409 4400 | www.wwt.org.uk This 105-acre wildlife reserve is a scenic mosaic of lakes, pools and meadows, home to countless wildlife the London Wetland Centre brings the countryside to London! Couples can choose to host their ceremony in either Wetland Living or the Observatory. Wetland Living is a quaint and intimate venue with a thatched roof and white-washed walls providing you with the perfect location for up to 42 guests. You can also host a standing reception in Wetland Living for up to 50 friends and family. The beautiful split-level heated Observatory, is perfect for unique ceremonies where you’re surrounded by 80 guests (plus 30 standing). It boasts a large window allowing panoramic views across the reserve; it also makes a stunning space for drinks receptions and buffet receptions for up to 160 standing attendees. Post-vows, additional to the Observatory and Wetland Living, the Water’s Edge room is a light and spacious room ideal for wedding receptions (110 seated, 165 Standing). It offers beautiful views across the

BATTERSEA BARGE 020 7978 1769 | www.batterseabarge.com The award-winning Battersea Barge shines centre stage, nestled amongst its neighbouring modern developments and a quirky riverboat community with the backdrop of Battersea Power Station. Located by the American Embassy, and the surrounding Nine Elms which has been transformed into London’s new residential and business quarter, it’s now steeped in style and elegant charm. A converted 1930s Dutch barge, the Battersea Barge has undergone a major refurbishment offering lots of light, steel, glass and

lakes and pools of the London Wetland Centre and the room opens out onto a wooden decked balcony providing an additional area for guests to relax. When tying the knot here couples benefit from one-year free membership to all WWT Wetland Centres, a menu and wine tasting opportunity.

DON’T MISS... The venue’s Valentine’s event with sunset walk, wine tasting, glass of prosecco on arrival and three-course formal dining supper, free raffle and opportunity to find out more about the recommended suppliers.

personality. It now has three spacious indoor and outdoor decks, the open upper deck with wonderful views of the river, a stylish middle deck and intimate lower deck. Ceremonies can take place on the barge lower deck, with stage, sound and lighting with up to 130 guests standing or 80 seated. The whole boat capacity is 150 (subject to increase), and receptions can take place on either the partially covered middle or open upper decks, or a mixture of the two, both with amazing views of the river.

DON’T MISS... The views of the Thames and the backdrop of the Battersea Power Station are particularly worth mentioning. 25

TAMESIS DOCK 020 7582 1066 | www.tdock.co.uk Tamesis Dock is moored on the Thames close to Lambeth Bridge offering spectacular views of the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Battersea Power Station. She is a floating bar aboard a loveable converted 1930s Dutch barge, surrounded by seals, ducks, cormorants and swans that make her shores their home. The boat is oozing with personality and provides the most unique setting for an event, with individual spaces full of character and colour. With generous indoor and outdoor decks with great views over the Thames, the boat is known for its quirky décor and each area is

distinctive and eye-catching, full of character. The lower deck has views of the Thames and Houses of Parliament, double height ceilings and is overlooked by the mid-deck mezzanine. Blessings, can take place on the quirky lower deck with capacity for 80 people standing, plus more overlooking from the mid-deck. Post nuptials, receptions can take place on all decks, the whole boat has a capacity for 200 loved ones.

DON’T MISS... Being at the heart of London, the spectacular views of the Houses of Parliament and Battersea Power Station are a standout benefit of tying the knot here.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE 020 7921 0702 | www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venue-hire For couples looking for a central Thameside location with breathtaking panoramic views, stunning brutalist architecture and an inspiring environment, Southbank Centre is the perfect choice for your wedding day. The Grade-I listed Royal Festival Hall is one of London’s most iconic buildings with world-renowned modernist architecture, boasting many of the original 1950s features and large open foyers that create a sense of timeless elegance. All of the wedding spaces have floor-to-ceiling windows which provide plenty of natural daylight and showcase unforgettable views over the Thames and famous London skyline. The fabulous rooftop pavilions also benefit from outside space which allow you to make the most of the fantastic views. The variety of spaces mean that you have the freedom and flexibility to design your perfect day, supported by the expert guidance of the events team. 26

With unrivalled riverside views, St Paul’s Roof Pavilion is a true hidden gem. This intimate venue hosts from 50 to 150 guests during the day and evening, and has access to a private rooftop courtyard and balcony that runs the full length of the room, offering spectacular views of the city. London wedding venues seldom offer the beautiful views and versatility of the Weston Roof Pavilion. This flexible space is filled with natural daylight and can host up to 220 guest throughout the day’s event and evening. Offering beautiful views across the Thames to the Houses of Parliament and beyond, from the private rooftop courtyard and balcony. Finally, the Level 5 Function Room is a blank canvas for weddings in central London. With capacity for up to 300 guests, floor-to-ceiling windows create the ultimate backdrop for guests to enjoy a view of the city skyline. This space is licensed for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and is ideal for large receptions.

Are you looking for an Iconic Bride & Groom portrait like this? This is what I can do for You. Morden Hall Wedding Fair Special Offer: Book your wedding before 31st October 2021 for ANY Future date and receive a Complimentary Tailor Made Engagement Shoot and bespoke guest signing book.

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Our established event professionals will guide Our established event professionals will guide you through every step of the planning process, you through every step of the planning process, helping you bring your vision to life and ensuring helping you bring your vision to life and ensuring you have a relaxing and memory filled day. you have a relaxing and memory filled day. • 4 characterful rooms licensed for civil ceremonies and receptions. • 4 characterful rooms licensed for civil ceremonies and receptions. • Manicured lawn, cloistered walkways and picturesque archways – • Manicured lawn,the cloistered and picturesque archways – perfect walkways photogenic back-drop the perfect photogenic back-drop • Delicious food & drink options • Delicious food & drink options • 4-star accommodation at The Goodenough •including 4-star accommodation at The 4 beautiful suites withGoodenough garden views including 4 beautiful suites with garden views

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Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1N 2AB Mecklenburgh Square, London WC1N 2AB +44 (0)20 7753 0578 +44 (0)20 7753 0578 events@goodenough.ac.uk events@goodenough.ac.uk www.events.goodenough.ac.uk www.events.goodenough.ac.uk

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WATERSIDE VENUES

MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS 020 7814 5789 | www.museumoflondon.org.uk Bordered by the River Thames and West India Quay, the Museum of London Docklands offers strking views over the water, as well as the iconic Canary Wharf skyline. Couples can make the most of the picturesque quayside location with a drinks reception on the terrace overlooking the waterside. Located over five floors within a late Georgian warehouse, the museum is Canary Wharf’s only Grade I listed building. Weddings held have a backdrop of London’s River Thames, with panoramic views over West India Quay and the futuristic skyline of the capital’s financial district. The Museum of London Docklands is a venue where contemporary décor seamlessly complements historic charm. The museum traces the 2,000-year history of London’s river, port and people and offers a selection of beautiful settings for weddings. From exposed brickwork and Caribbean pine columns to galleries and blank-canvas spaces, couples are guaranteed to find the space to create the wedding of their dreams. Couples can exchange vows in the following: The No. 1 Warehouse Gallery, for 30, where you can say ‘I do’ amongst the incredible artefacts that bring the history of the building to life. The Quayside Room (70), with brick walls and views of West India Quay, has distinctive character and atmosphere. The Wilberforce Room (200), located on the third floor, is a flexible space full of unique charm of a 19th-century warehouse including exposed brick walls. This room leads directly to the museum’s galleries so guests can enjoy exclusive access throughout the day. For the ultimate gallery experience, the museum’s ceremony rooms can be combined with some of the incredible galleries to host the drinks reception, wedding breakfast and after party, spaces include: Riverside Room (300), this new space benefits from its own entrance and a private terrace area for exclusive use and stunning views of the Canary Wharf skyline and the docks. This atmospheric room features exposed brick walls and original Caribbean pitch pine columns and floors providing a unique setting. Sailortown (150), is an immersive gallery, a full-size reconstruction of a Victorian Street where guests can stroll through the mysterious and evocative alleyways, winding through its narrow streets and peering through the windows of the wild animal emporium, curiosity shop, ship chandlers and more! The Muscovado Hall (400), with its exposed columns and oakwood floors, offers flexibility and sophistication in an iconic and historic setting.

Finally, The Quayside Room (250), with brick walls and beautiful views of West India Quay, has a distinctive character and atmosphere, while offering the perfect blank canvas to let your creativity run wild!

DON’T MISS... Access to galleries is particularly popular for weddings as an added surprise for guests to enjoy after the ceremony or wedding breakfast. Iimmersive display Sailortown is always a crowd-pleaser as it recreates the atmosphere of a London district complete with its own pub ‘The Three Mariners’, which is a unique spot for a rum, or two! 29

IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, Hannah and Nick’s wedding was a theatrical masterpiece Images courtesy of Kristian Leven Photography

annah Nisbet and Nick Metcalf met through friends at university and got talking a few years later on Facebook; where fate would have it that they were both taking part in an outdoor charity swimming event in 2011. At the time, Hannah was living in Leeds and Nick in London, but a ‘quick drink meet up’ in London (when Hannah was visiting friends) turned into a whole evening. “We just couldn’t stop talking and really just hit it off, and we’ve never looked back since!” shares Hannah. The idyllic Kent countryside set the scene for their March 2018 engagement when the pair were staying in a gypsy hut on a farm. It was a complete surprise to Hannah (she didn’t think Nick wanted to get married!) when Nick asked her to marry him with Hannah’s late grandmother’s engagement ring – it fitted perfectly! Following the ecstatic ‘yes’ the big date was set, 28th July 2019 with Wilton’s Music Hall setting the scene. Here Hannah tells us more about their day...

play on

REAL WEDDINGS

Wilton’s has always been a really special place to us. We first came across it during a London open house weekend. We’ve been to see some great performances and comedy there and just fell in love with the feel and style of the place. It was the first place we thought of when thinking of where to get married.

Boulevard Events specially made Welsh cakes and Bara brith – a nod to my Welsh roots.

All our flowers, plants, bouque ts and buttonholes wer e arranged by our friend, Jamie, founder of (ohhdeer.com ). He went above and beyo nd and created the most stunning arrang ements. Aroun d the venue we had a mixture of ‘cottage gard en’ style flower herbs and even s, vegetable plan ts.

I was keen on having pro tea in my bouquet and Jam ie created the most beautiful arrang ement, I was blown away.

on our was incredibly hot were a white fan (it s or fav s has on ing ay dd alw we Our mething I of mint Polos ‒ so ck pa a d an er who y!) oth da dm wedding to my late gran for! It’s also a nod d ne e the ow m ren ho e am tak d me an o able to l our guests were als Al e. m sa getting e e th lov e did W s . alway of the night d plants at the end an ts ! en ing em do ng e ra ar ar flower how they and friends about ily fam m fro tes da up

Our cake was three tiers of chocolate, lemon drizzle and Victoria sponge, our favourite cakes it didn’t disappoint on the day!

The bunting we used in Grace’s Alley was actually backstroke flags ‒ a nod to Nick’s competitive swimming days!

All the confetti we used was lo vingly grown an from my mum d dried rose pe ’s garden.We al tals so purchased so and a friend of me chalkboard ours came on th s e morning of th design and writ e wedding to e them for us ‒ he has an incred ible talent for free-hand writin g! 31

Myself, the bridesmaids and my dad arrived in a new white electric London taxi, which was provided by London Co rporate Cabs.

From our very first tasting to post-wedding pick up arrangements, Lizzie of Boulevard Events was professional and incredibly helpful. The food was high quality and they accommodated little changes we wanted to make with ease. All planning for the food, drink and furniture was really simple and we were really impressed.

I wore a custom-made veil and hairvine made by Gillion Million which featured pearls that were the same as the bodice of the dress. 32

that We chose to have beers by breweries to l loca are favourites of ours and also up. where we lived or grew

Nick is a coffee snob and worked with the lovely people at Origin Coffee to provide coffee on the day. They were great and very accommodating for what was the first wedding they’d provided coffee for!

I purchased my dress fro m Gillian Million in Ted dington, London. I wore Ruby by Anna Ca mpbell. Gillian’s boutique is incredible because every dress is com pletely unique and all sty les and sizes are covered. I definitely wante d to be wearing something that would be in keeping with the style of Wilton’s – not too flas hy but beautiful and understated. I wanted to feel feminine but also dan ce all night and not be restricted in any way! I definitely felt all these thi ngs in this dress.

bow featured on the embroidery that ul tic tif as au nt be fa e a th is tion mum. She I’d like to men done by Nick’s ul m tif sto au cu be as e w es d added th of my dress that of my dress an it th e ng ak le m e to th y d ding da sewer and altere date of our wed e th d an ly. s al ve iti lo in so touches of our n I saw it! It was ue. I cried whe completely uniq

REAL WEDDINGS The bridesmaids wore the Karlie Knot Front Jacquard Dress by Monsoon, and initial necklaces by Rachel Jackson London. I loved the Art Deco font and it was very similar to our stationery typography designed by Nick!

My make-up artist Olivia was recommended to me by a friend. What stood out to me immediately when looking at her website was how all her brides looked very natural. She did such an amazing job and I honestly felt so wonderful all day.

Nick wore a H ackett three-pi ece blue suit, w custom shirt m ith a ade by Cad & th e Dandy for the a ‘grandad’ shirt day and by Marks & Sp encer for the ev He wore brown ening. brogues by Bark er, and Nick an d the groomsmen all wore paisley tie s.

The necklace I wore was a wedding day gift from Nick. It was a vintage Frank Gehry designed Tiffany pendant that he had tracked down. Frank Gehry is an architect we both admire so it was an incredibly thoughtful and romantic gift.

and to have live music was incredibly Music is a big part of both of our lives music hall and I’m a musician and important both because Wilton’s is a professional arts fundraiser!

The groomsmen wore their own suits but each wore a custom shirt from Cad & The Dandy.

I walked down the aisle to Arrival Of The Birds by Cinematic Orchestra, which was arranged specially and performed by them.

Simon (Sil ent Cities) is a dear fr beautifully iend of ou sang and p rs and layed Every thing I Am Is Yours by Villager s.

Russell Pusey, a jazz pianist, played while I sang My Baby Just Cares For Me by Nina Simone.

We were absolutely blown away by how incredibly fun, entertaining and energetic No Lim it Street Band were. They absolutely brought the house down and all of our friends and fami ly were up dancing all night long. So many peop le have told us just how much they enjoyed them .

“I was nervous but excited, we’d put a lot of effort into creating a day that we’d both enjoy, and it really couldn’t have gone better.” – Nick

I think giddy would be the best word to describe how I felt. It was incredibly special to have all the people we loved in one plac e and just have a lot of fun.

Whilst we followed a couple of tradition s we wanted to ensure that we did a joint speech during our wedding breakfast. This gave us chan ce to both jointly thank friends and family and each say some nice things to each other too (which we’d kept secret) so it was a nice little surprise for both of us!

our MC We played a game called ‘Sit down if...’; y and funn out read er and close friend Myles Ush ps of grou or le, peop t interesting anecdotes abou lasted it n, dow sit to them people which then allowed the start to ed help y reall around 15-20mins but tive foot. wedding breakfast off on a fun and posi

A special moment though was just the two of us together alone right after the ceremony, it was just perfect. It allowed us both time to really let the significance of the day sink in and realise we’d just got married!

We’d met Kristian, our photographer, at a friend’s wedding and loved the way he captured the day without being imposing. When we received our wedding photos we were just blown away with how stunning, romantic and candid they were, we still can’t get enough of them.

LITTLE WHITE BOOK Venue, Wilton’s Music Hall, www.wiltons.org.uk | Photographer, Kristian Leven, https://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk | Bride’s dress and accesories, Gillion Million, www.gillianmillion.com | Hair and make-up, Olivia Mills Hair & Make Up, www.oliviamillsmakeup.co.uk Bridesmaids’ dresses, Monsoon, www.monsoonlondon.com;| Necklaces, Rachel Jackson London, www.racheljacksonlondon.com Groom’s suit, Hackett www.hackett.com, Cad & The Dandy www.cadandthedandy.com | Ring, Crystal Palace Jewelers, 020 8653 7507 Cake, Katie Cupcakey, www.instagram.com/katiecupcakey | Transport, London Corporate Cabs, https://londoncorporatecabs.com Ceremony and reception music, City String Ensemble www.citystringensemble.com, Silent Cities www.silentcitiesmusic.com, Russell Pusey http://russellpusey.weebly.com, No Limit Street Band http://nlsb.co.uk | Catering, Boulevard Events, www.boulevardevents.co.uk Coffee, Origin Coffee, www.origincoffee.co.uk | Breweries, Gipsy Hill Brewing Companyhttps://gipsyhillbrew.com, Charnwood Brewery www.charnwoodbrewery.co.uk | Accommodation, Cable Street Inn, www.cablestreetinn.co.uk 34

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REAL WEDDINGS

love, love, love IT MUST BE

Derin and John’s wedding was a Nigerian/Scottish fusion at Old Royal Naval College Images courtesy of Jeff Oliver Photography

erin Coker met John Morgan on the other side of the world at Law school in Philadelphia,where they both completed an LLM (Master of Laws). “We were good friends at first for quite some time but when on a trip to New Orleans together, we realised there might be something more,” shares Derin. “I love how caring John is towards me; he always wants me to be happy – and that in itself makes me happy.” For John, Derin has an infectious personality and every day with her is fascinating. John proposed at home on the first day after the first lockdown when Derin had been in the office all day. “It was the first possible opportunity to do so because I had just picked up the ring that same day,” shares John. “I didn’t want nervousness to build into overthinking the proposal. I had ordered some food and downloaded a movie, but in the end popped the question as soon as she walked in the door. It was a surprise, which was quite the achievement given we’d spent every hour of every day together for months!” The big date was set 19th June 2021, with a ceremony at Our Ladye Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church followed by a reception at Old Royal Naval College. Here, Derin tells us more about the finer details their day... 49

The venue was in Greenwich where John and I spent a lot of time prepandemic, John had also spent lots of time there as a child. When we took the tour of the ORNC we knew we had to have our reception there.

Choosing the church was easy, we are Catholic and go to the sister church in North Greenwich nearer our home, but we knew Our Ladye Star of the Sea was closer to the ORNC and it was the same priest, so it was a no-brainer. Tablescaping was an important aspect of our wedding because we had such a big room and very high ceilings, so we wanted to make sure that we were able to use the space well. We ended up having a T-shaped table with us, the chief-bridesmaid and best man on either side of us, and then the long part of the T had our remaining 26 guests.

We went for flowers as a runner down the middle of the tables. We had a light-up heart frame the space behind us, and then a plinth with urn and flowers on either side of that to create height in the room. Our cake was white with a blue marbleeffect on the top layer, and white roses and thistle sugar flowers on top.

We also had a relaxed seating area with champagne-coloured sofas and pouffes.

REAL WEDDINGS

The flowers had a mixture of blues and white with green foliage, and we of course threw in thistles the Scottish national flower.

There were blue and gold details running through everything; we had gold cutlery, gold rimmed glasses, blue napkins and blue sashes across the chairs. We also had colour-coordinated macarons in a clear box tied with a gold ribbon on the table.

We wanted to infuse bits of our respective cultures into the wedding – Nigerian and Scottish – so we had tablet favours on the table tied with Black Watch tartan to match the best man’s kilt, a piper pipe us into the reception venue and Ankara bag favours with chinchin (a Nigerian snack) in them.

We arrived in a Bentley Mark VI, my dad collects classic cars and I must have caught the bug, so I wanted a classic car and this was one I had seen that caught my eye. 51

The bridesmaids wore embellished maxi dresses and accessorised with matching pashminas.

I wore a Pronovias dress that I found in the third bridal shop I visited. I always thought I’d go for a ballgown – but apparently that made me look about 12 – so a mermaid-style it was! I wore some scatter pearl earrings that my mum had had for years (that I absolutely loved) and a gold bracelet in the form of my name ‘Derin’ that my parents had made when I was born and gifted me when we got engaged. In the days before the ceremony we had each switched personalities to an extent ‒ John becoming very nervous about every detail and I became exceptionally relaxed – which was interesting! As soon as we got into the church it all became very real and we both started to enjoy things once the ceremony commenced.

John wore a kilt from MacGregor & MacDuff in Glasgow (his hometown). The tartan was a MacKay tartan and his jacket was a blue Clunie tweed. His Sgian Dubh was thistle-themed. His groomsmen wore a Black Watch tartan.

From the reception, the speeches, the laughter and the (COVID-19 compliant!) dancing were all wonderful – John’s grandad and my mum particularly danced the night away and were the life and soul of the party. Everyone really entered into the spirit of it in a way that doesn’t always happen at larger weddings.

DERIN AND JOHN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Photographer, Jeff Oliver Photography, https://jeffoliverphotography.com | Venue and catering, Old Royal Naval College, https://ornc.org Dresses, Mirror Mirror, https://mirrormirror.uk.com | Hair stylist, Diva Dolls, www.instagram.com/divadollslondon | Make-up artist, Glamsbyabee, www.instagram.com/glamsbyabee | Kilts, MacGregor and MacDuff, https://macgregorandmacduff.co.uk | Cake, Simply Irresistible Cakes, www.simplyirresistiblecakes.com | Flowers, Floral Hues, www.floralhues.co.uk | Stationery, Papier, www.papier.com Wedding rings, 77 Diamonds, www.77diamonds.com | Videography, MWF, www.bookmwf.com | Glassware and cutlery, Whitehouse Event Crockery, www.eventcrockeryhire.co.uk | Chair décor and napkins, Chic Weddinsg & Events, www.chicweddings.co.uk 52

WEDDINGS at

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Floral

LOCAL INSPIRATION

ABUNDANCE This styled shoot is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, everything you want for a London wedding Images courtesy of Charles Tucker of Galileo Photography

rganised by Genevieve Shouls of silk florist Fleur de la Couture and styled by Akilah Atiba-Davies of Events with Akilah, the inspiration for this shoot was based around a ‘classic English wedding’ theme at beautiful Georgian venue Morden Hall, London. “The photographer is Galileo Photography, and Charles’ work on this shoot oozes with

elegance and classic love,” shares Genevieve. “Our inspiration for the shoot came after being in touch with lots of local South London suppliers and sharing a vision of our floral colour scheme of white, peach and hint of autumnal burgundy, with brass metalware and stationery, with a hint of peach. The showstopper was a gorgeous silk flower arch, wild in style!”

LOCAL INSPIRATION

ROLL CREDITS Venue, Morden Hall, www.mordenhall.com | Photographer, Galileo Photography, www.galileophotography.co.uk Dress and veil, Tala Daniel, www.taladaniel.co.uk | Accessories, Minar Jewellers, www.minarjewellers.com | Make-up and hair, I Do Bridal Services, www.idobridalservices.co.uk | Cake and treats, Cake Magic, www.cakemagicuk.com | Flowers, Fleur de la Couture, www.fleurdelacouture.com | Stationery, Ruth’s Colour Splash www.instagram.com/ruthscoloursplash | Videographer, Charli May Videography & Photography, www.charlimayvideo.com | Table linen, Gaia Bespoke Linen, www.instagram.com/gaiabespokelinen Stylist and coordinator, Events with Akilah, www.eventswithakilah.com

Scan to view video

GOLDEN

splendour

Pastel pinks with a hint of gold was the

order of the day at this gorgeous styled shoot

Images courtesy of Xander Casey Photography

mma Murray-Jones, of Emma Murray-Jones Weddings and Events, shares her inspiration behind this London styled shoot. “I wanted to show off this stunning new boutique hotel that has just opened in the heart of London right by Piccadilly Circus: The Dilly London. “I was keen to take a space that was typically very corporate, and demonstrate that collaborating and working together, different suppliers can transform any space into a dream wedding reception. I think that this is especially important

with couples perhaps finding limited availability right now and they may have to consider alternative spaces. “Combining the talents of various suppliers, who are all based within London and as locally as possible, we created an elegant setting, with an element of fun; balloons framing the cake and as a stunning backdrop to the head table. We also wanted to offer an alternative arrangement with regards to the head table, having guests seated on both sides, creating a more intimate feel.” Enjoy!

LOCAL INSPIRATION

SUPPLIERS TO THE SHOOT Shoot coordinator, Emma Murray-Jones Weddings and Events, www.emjweddings.com | Venue, The Dilly London, www.thedillylondon.com | Photographer, Xander Casey Photography, www.xandercasey.co.uk | Dress, Morgan Davies Bridal, www.morgandaviesbridal.co.uk Accessories, Amore Headwear, www.amoreheadwear.co.uk | Hair, Hair by Adnan, www.instagram.com/hairbyadnan | Make-up, Natasha de Cazalet, www.natashadecazalet.com | Suit, Neal & Palmer, www.nealandpalmer.com | Cake, Erzulie Cakes, www.erzuliecakes.com Flowers, Pulbrook & Gould, www.pulbrookandgould.co.uk | Stationery, Ananya Cards, www.ananyacards.com | Shoes, Harriet Wilde Shoes, www.harrietwilde.com | Cutlery, Crockery & Glassware, Crystal Hire Ltd, www.crystalhire.com | Balloons, Balloonista, www.balloonista.com | Candelabras, Enchanted by Syma, www.enchantedbysyma.com | Cordless Table Lamps, TD Cordless Lighting, www.tdccordlesslighting.com | Lighting, Premier AV, www.premav.co.uk | Models, Chris and Olivia Chenery 60

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FASHION

SECOND SKIN The new Sakura bridal lingerie collection from Wacoal offers a variety of styles decorated with pale pink and lilac cherry blossom available in sizes 34B to 38E, www.wacoal-europe.com

The latest wedding lingerie and nightwear offering from Ann Summers includes pretty lace bras, thongs, robes and babydolls in sizes up to 38G, www.annsummers.com

Lovehoney’s latest Wild Anticipation collection boasts chic white and blush-pink bridal bodies, suspender sets and bras with matching briefs, www.lovehoney.co.uk

In good hands

Carry your big-day essentials in this stylish quilted leather tassel clutch, £298, www.anyahindmarch.com

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

EDITOR’S PICK

These silk eye masks, £44 each, are a wedding night essential! To shop, visit www.gigiandolive.com

focus

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

Something new

Bespoke bridal brand Alonuko has launched the Freedom collection of ten dresses and one suit. The styles have been hand-crafted by founder and creative director Gbemi Okunlola and her team using top-quality materials such as silk Mikado and Japanese and Swarovski crystals. There’s a design to suit every personality, from a grand princess gown to a fitted fishtail shape, all inspired by the designer’s London upbringing and Nigerian heritage. To book an appointment, visit www.alonuko.co.uk

Little lovelies

Online children’s formalwear brand ROCO has collaborated with TV personality, radio DJ and model Vogue Williams on a hand-picked edit of traditional yet contemporary cotton and linen-mix pieces ideal for junior bridesmaids and pageboys. The stunning collection consists of 15 looks ranging from £35 to £60 for ages three months to 14 years, and hero items have been named after Vogue’s children with a pink Gigi one-piece and a charming Theodore two-piece. To shop, visit www.rococlothing.co.uk

In other news for pageboys, the new childrenswear range from Oliver Brown includes dapper black dinner jackets, trousers and grey waistcoats, www.oliverbrown.org.uk

How cool are these statement Love earrings from Abbott Lyon? They’re purse-friendly too at just £39, www.abbottlyon.com 63

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FASHION

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FASHION

Savannah jumpsuit by www.lolatara.com

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Oliver dress and Degas skirt by www.halfpennylondon.com

www.alonuko.co.uk 67

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FASHION

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Curves

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES

TO COUTURE

We get the lowdown from three London-based designers and boutiques about shopping for your dream dress and what to look out for in 2022

TALA DANIEL BRIDAL COUTURE Rim A L Ahmadieh of Tala Daniel Bridal Couture says... Tell us about your boutique: Tala Daniel Bridal Couture is a unique independent bridal stockist, featuring luxury designers from across the globe. We are a family run business with the store being named after my two beautiful children. Our collection stands out amongst the market as we typically tend to go against the grain stocking dresses that are not as traditional but instead are full of sparkle, detail and above all, have great craftsmanship. We offer an intimate bridal service in our boutique by which our brides have the entire boutique to themselves and their bridal party where they can enjoy a glass of bubbles, have some treats and find the dream dress. What key piece of advice would you give to brides when dress shopping? Step outside your comfort zone! Don’t be afraid to try on things you wouldn’t usually pick because you just never know how a dress may make you feel. Should you be afraid of what opinions may arise from family or friends, try going shopping alone first so you can truly hear your own thoughts. Remember what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen… What’s your favourite dress in the boutique? This is a super difficult one because we truly only pick gowns we love to be featured in our boutique, but we have a special place in our hearts for our Oksana Mukha dress called Kylie. This gown is a classic Mikado satin ballgown with box pleats for extra structure, a high collar with an open V-neck neckline, sheer keyhole button back fastening and just a hint of sparkle with the addition of a diamante belt, did we mention it has pockets! What are your top trend tips for 2022? Trends we are noticing that are increasingly growing in popularity are 3D lace appliques and hand-beaded embroidery. They add simply yet another level of intricacy and detail that truly makes the gown special. In light of this, we would say for brides not to be afraid of a little sparkle it might just be what you was missing. 020 7018 2828 | www.taladaniel.co.uk 75

www.clairejulietpaton.co.uk

BENVENISTE COUTURE

PAPER TO LACE

Samantha Benveniste of Benveniste Couture says...

Cristina Ruggeri of Paper to Lace says...

Tell us about your boutique: The house of Benveniste offers a warm, luxurious environment that serves as a home away from home for our clients. Whether you choose to browse the collections with your favourite tea in hand or book a private appointment where your dream piece is designed in front of you, we offer a truly individual experience catered to you.

Tell us about your boutique: Paper to Lace create dresses and separates for the cool modern bride. Our style is a bridge between romantic bohemian charm and slinky vintage glamour, brought up to date with clean lines and contemporary touches. We love sourcing beautiful fabrics; our work features a luxurious mix of silk, chiffon, crepe and lace, as well as exciting new eco fabrics like bamboo and recycled polyester.

What key piece of advice would you give to brides when dress shopping? This will sound harsh but do not let a sales lady tell you what you want. They should simply guide you through the offering (no bride is happy with a piece they were pressured into). If you are stuck and are not sure what you want, start with what you do not want and choose the opposite. It sounds obvious, but bridal shopping can be truly overwhelming. Most importantly, be happy and feel good. If you are looking for a stress-free luxury service, literally made for you, visit the house of Benveniste. Working with you we can design a piece that reflects your individuality. That is our speciality. Every Benveniste Couture piece is made from scratch and with that, you have the security of knowing it is sculpted around your form and carefully made to your taste. What’s your favourite dress in the boutique? I wish I could answer that, but I cannot! Each piece has been made individually with an exceptional amount of love and attention. What I can say is this; when a piece is done and the client tries it on completed for the first time ‒ that is the magic for me.

What key piece of advice would you give to brides when dress shopping? Our key piece of advice would be to look outside of the usual resources for inspiration. Look at your favourite dresses in movies or the red carpet. What about them are you drawn to? Then look at your own wardrobe and pick out what your favourite outfits to wear are, and why they make you feel so great when you wear them. This will help to influence what you then go and try on in boutiques so that you really feel like your best self. What’s your favourite dress in the boutique? Our favourite dress in the boutique isn’t actually a dress it’s a jumpsuit! The Faye jumpsuit, made from recycled polyester, is clean and modern, looks elegant and simple on its own but can then be paired with the Devore Kimono or Chiffon Cape to create a whole other cool and dramatic look.

What are your top trend tips for 2022? Luxury and comfort whilst being ethically made and sustainably minded. Real couture naturally lends itself to these principals. However, that does not mean you need to only buy couture of course ‒ it could be spectacular vintage, a rented designer piece or sample shopping. For example, you may find a beautiful vintage wedding gown that either needs little alteration or offers a bodice or skirt you can fuse with bespoke. We have created incredible pieces from grandmothers’ wedding dresses, there is something uniquely romantic about it as the bride walks down the aisle dressed in generations of love. Whatever you decide you wish to wear, wherever you choose to buy it, make sure it feels right and you look in the mirror and feel like you. After all, that is the person your spouse has chosen.

What are your top trend tips for 2022? Our top trend tips for 2022 would be metallics. Using metallics is a great way of adding sparkle but in a very cool and contemporary way. Our I Feel Love Skirt and Studio 54 dress are both made from an incredible silk chiffon which has a fine metallic thread running though, in either gold or silver options. They catch the light and shimmer so beautifully, it’s ethereal without being twee. Mixed metallics are also going to be huge. We collaborated with Bee Davies Illustration who painted two of our pieces using both gold and silver paint which gave such a fresh and contemporary feel to the piece, and it’s a really great way of showing your own style and personality without feeling like you need to stick to a theme.

020 7937 3535 | www.bnvcouture.com

info@papertolace.co.uk | www.papertolace.co.uk

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES

Body beautiful Knowing your body shape is a great place to start when thinking about your wedding dress. Your everyday wardrobe might already be screaming clues at you as it’ll be full of styles and shapes that you naturally gravitate towards. Have a look at other dresses you’ve worn to formal occasions or even to the office and see if they follow a general shape. If they do, this is a great guide to what silhouette of wedding dress to try on first. But the golden rules really are to keep an open mind and trust your bridal consultant.

Hourglass

If you’d describe your body as “curvy” and your bust and hip measurements are roughly equal, you most likely have a hourglass figure. Look for a corset back to really show of those curves, along with a beautiful sweetheart neckline to enhance the balance between bust and hips. If you’re not sure about a bold mermaid silhouette, a trumpet gown is a more subtle version and will look incredible on you!

Rectangle

You’re most likely sporting a rectangle figure if you have straight hips and a straight body line. Don’t be deceived, you can still have a rectangle shape whether you’re size 8 or 28. Think about adding some angles with a pretty belt or sash, a V-neck, or a bolero. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something completely different why not try a bridal two piece or suit, great for an ultra-stylish city wedding.

Pear

You’re likely to be boasting a pear or triangle body shape if you’d consider your hips and bottom to be wider than your shoulders and bust. V and U-shaped necklines are great for the pear-shaped bride as they bring the angles away from the hips. Styles with sleeves also work wonders to broaden the shoulders and bring balance.

Apple

Your body shape is likely to be described as apple if your shoulders, bust, waist and hips are fairly similar in measurement, with slightly narrower shoulders and hips. Avoid strapless gowns. Instead look out for modern styles with wider straps, which flatter the shoulders and offer plenty of support. Choose a neckline that will show off your bustline and draw attention upward.

Inverted triangle If you deem your shoulders to be the widest part of your body and you find your measurements narrow as you move down to your hips and waist, you can call your body shape an inverted triangle. A stunning dress with plenty of lace or detail will draw the eye away from any one area in particular. Opt for sleeves or wide straps to play down the shoulder area or give a daring sheath a try for a super-sleek look.

Pandora has unveiled its first diamond collection, Pandora Brilliance, exclusive to the UK. It includes lab-created diamonds, all sustainably made, featuring 0.15-carat to one-carat stones set in 14-carat yellow and white gold, and sterling silver, with prices ranging from £250 to £1,290, https://uk.pandora.net/en The new jewellery edit from Australian bridal brand Grace Loves Lace provides the perfect finishing touch with nine styles available in gold vermeil and sterling silver with freshwater pearls. Choose from earrings, a necklace and an anklet, https://graceloveslace.com

Leo With Love has launched an engraving service with its new Signature Collection, an edit of silver pendants, £100, and bracelets, £90. Complimentary engraving on the back can be added with up to 20 characters, www.leowithlove.com The debut wedding collection from Lock & Co. Hatters has recently launched with hats, veils and headbands priced from £350. Lock & Co. Couture by Awon Golding includes this Jamie style, www.lockhatters.com

This personalised padlock necklace featuring a hand-stamped initial, from £76, is from the latest Jewellery for Two collection by Muru London. It’s a great gift idea for bridesmaids! www.murujewellery.com The first bridal collection from Merve Bayindir launches this November with showstopping pieces starting from £615. It includes this pretty Orchid style featuring handmade flowers, https://mervebayindir.com

New demi-fine jewellery brand Maevery offers chic, affordable and wearable earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and charms as part of its collection with prices starting from £20, www.maevery.co.uk

Hand & Lock’s exclusive Bridal Embroidery Service customises veils with hand monogramming, https://handembroidery.com

THE ACCESSORY

edit

Shop something new from our round-up of the latest bridal launches These moon and star hair slides from the new Autumn/Winder collection from Hush will adorn any bridal hairdo, www.hush-uk.com

Independent jewellery brand elleroo engraves silver, rose gold and 9-carat gold beads with words that represent special moments that can be worn on bracelets or necklaces. We love this silver box chain necklace, £65, www.elleroo.co.uk

The new Z for Accessorize Gold Vermeil Collection features a selection of necklaces and This 14-carat solid gold tiara-shaped diamond earrings decorated with band, £550, is from the Wedding Ring semi-precious stones with collection by British jewellery brand Carrie affordable prices ranging from Elizabeth. The custom-made style is available £20 to £50. These heart-shaped in yellow, white and rose gold and there’s the studs are a great choice for option to have it engraved complimentary, brides, www.accessorize.com/uk https://carrieelizabeth.co.uk 78

ASK THE EXPERTS

Beauty

Q&A Our local experts answer your pre-wedding worries

IN A FLASH I’ve noticed in photos, especially those with flash photography, that my appearance always looks so pale! I’m worried about this happening in the wedding photos? What’s the reason for this, and how can my makeup artist correct this for my wedding day?

PLANNING AHEAD

Dajana says: That’s a very good question! Although HYPOXI is using a mild version of cupping, it doesn’t leave any long-lasting marks on the skin. There are some visible circles and the skin can appear pink right after the session, but it does disappear within the next hour. We treat many brides-to-be as close as the day before the wedding and the HYPOXI cupping isn’t an issue.

Huda says: To avoid flashback make sure you use the exact colour foundation to match your skin tone. Avoid using foundations with built-in SPF and use a concealer that is the right tone for you ‒ avoid going too light. Heavy foundations full of SPF that are too light for your skin tone will make you look pale and washed out in your photos. Next when choosing a setting powder, don’t use a completely white powder instead choosing one that tones the skin. Don’t bake your setting powder and avoid powders that contain silica, this is the main ingredient that causes the flashback, often labelled as ‘HD powders’. An experienced make-up artist will have a kit bursting full of products that will ensure you don’t look pale or experience flashback in your wedding photos, so trust the experts and share your concerns with your make-up artist.

Dajana Jackson Prosnanova | Managing director and HYPOXI coach | www.hypoxiknightsbridge.co.uk

Huda Okuonhagheu | Make-up artist www.instagram.com/huda.makeup.london

How close to my wedding day can I use the HYPOXI treatments? I saw on your website similarities to cupping, and wondered whether I’d be left with the telltale red marks, which of course, I wouldn’t want on the big day.

#BROWGOALS

ANYONE FOR TEA?

Toner, often the forgotten skincare routine step, is actually hugely beneficial. It can help with breakouts, remove the last traces of make-up, eliminate excess oil, help balance the skin’s pH levels, soothe and refresh. So, check out the new Q+A Green Tea Daily Toner (£8). Ideal for everyone, especially those with stressed-out skin, it’s packed full of antioxidants that protect from environmental damage. One in particular, EGCG, can even rejuvenate dying skin cells to restore and repair skin. Green Tea itself is rich in vitamin E, a moisturising ingredient known to minimise signs of ageing, amongst myriad other benefits. Check out www.qandaskin.com

Look a-brow-zing on your big day with the help of Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Duo. Your eyes are the window to the soul that your partner fell in love with so why not frame them with the perfect brow? This dualended make-up marker helps to shape and set for a flattering and natural look. At one end you’ll find a precision brush tip that allows you to create hair-like strokes and fill in sparse areas, while blending in seamlessly. At the other end is an invisible gel infused with mung bean and red clover extract, a formula that aids healthy hair growth while providing a flexible hold. Priced at £22 Kevyn Aucoin True Feather Brow Duo is available at www.spacenk.com

Beauty

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

BUZZ ZEST FOR LIFE

In need of a wake-up call? Inspired by the revitalising energy of waterfalls on the southern hills of the Isle of Arran, ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s Glenashdale fragrance combines an invigorating blend of rasped lemons, grapefruit and vetiver to create a truly tropical experience. Kickstart your wedding morn with a refreshing shower using Glenashdale Bath & Shower Gel followed by the matching body lotion. Infused with essential oils, extracts of vitamin E, aloe vera and shea butter they’ll uplift, refresh and revitalise both skin and spirits. The Glenashdale Body Care Gift Set is £30 at https://arran.com

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING

The highly-anticipated new fragrance from Ghost, Orb of Night Eau de Parfum, is the perfect scent to transport you to a warm, romantic summer evening. It’s described as a woody floriential with top notes of mandarin, cherry almond and bergamot, with a heart of freesia, orange blossom, ylang ylang and jasmine. So, if you’re looking for your signature big-day fragrance head to Superdrug, Boots, The Fragrance Shop or The Perfume Shop and see if it’s the one. Ghost Orb of Night is available in three sizes: 30ml (£27), 50ml (£38) and 75ml (£48).

THAT’S A WRAP

The Copper Sure Rapid Dry Hair Wrap is the latest innovation from cult hair health brand AQUIS. Made from a naturally antimicrobial performance fabric it allows the hair to dry without force or heat and eliminates the frizz, damage and breakage caused by harsh terry towels. Hair is at its weakest when wet so protecting it from such harsh treatment means it’ll be smoother and stronger. What’s more, since it’s woven with copper, which boasts antimicrobial and antibacterial properties proven to repel bacteria the wrap stays fresher longer, and is great for travel. I absolutely love mine – it’s taken the stress out of washing my hair in more ways than one. Check out www.aquishair.co.uk where the AQUIS Copper Sure Rapid Dry Hair Wrap is priced at £30. 80

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

With more than 2,300 five-star reviews to its name GLOSSYBOX Skincare’s Eye Boost Cream is a cult favourite. Designed to combat the look of tired eyes, this fragrance-free formula is packed with anti-inflammatory botanicals and absorbs effortlessly into the skin. Thanks to its elderflower extract infusion it also helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles. So if wedding planning has been keeping you up at night, why not try staving off the effects with this little beauty? Priced at £16, it’s available at www.glossybox.co.uk

BEAUTY NEWS

KISS ME QUICK

When you’re lost for words, let your lips do the talking with the newest member of Glow Hub’s core essentials range, pep talk_. The petrochemical-free formula is bursting with nourishing avocado, rosehip and almond oils, rich in vitamin E and B to softly plump lips while giving them a hit of hydration. Finished with a team of peptides to help smooth creases, define contours and boost fullness it leaves you with a beautiful pillowy pout. Totally kissable lips on your wedding day! pep talk_ Plump Peptide Rescue Balm is £8 at https://glowhub.com

SILKY SMOOTH

Silk is by far the best material to use in a cleansing routine as the natural amino acids leave skin noticeably radiant and delay the ageing process. Cotton is, in fact, abrasive on a cellular level so, cleansing with a flannel causes friction leading to fine lines. This Is Silk’s 100 per cent silk face cloths boast a weave that gently exfoliates, conditions and smooths skin, leaving it glowing. What’s more, they’ve been naturally dyed black to avoid unsightly make-up marks, which can blight their white counterparts even after a thorough wash. This Is Silk Cleansing Cloths in Noir are £21.99 for three at https://thisissilk.com

PERFECT PREP

Award-winning and cruelty-free make-up brand Milani Cosmetics has introduced the Rose Prep + Prime range to Boots and Beauty Bay. It’s all about nourishing and replenishing your skin for a radiant complexion and dewy glow. I’m a fan of the lip treatment products in particular, which were game-changers for me! The Rose Sugar Lip Scrub (£13.75) comes first in the pamper session, polishing dry and chapped areas for an ultra-soft and smooth pout. Follow with The Rose Butter Lip Mask (£13.75), which contains hyaluronic acid to plump and replenish moisture. Your lipstick will look perfect on the day and your bridal make-up artist will love you for doing all the prep for them! These little heroes are available at www.milanimakeup.co.uk

NATURAL BEAUTY

#LIFEPROOF

Clarins’ new everlasting foundation and concealer are the perfect duo for your complexion, combining the very best of the brand’s skincare expertise with make-up that boasts 24-hour wear with high coverage and a matte finish. The two products contain a special hold polymer using organic oat sugars, known for their ability to increase the adherence of colour pigments to the skin, meaning you’ll stay looking flawless from vows to dancefloor. The Everlasting Foundation is priced at £31 (30ml) and the Everlasting Concealer at £23 (15ml). Find out more at www.clarins.co.uk

Add some awardwinning colour to your bridal beauty kit with Pure Anada’s allnatural mineral makeup Dreamy Compact Palette. It features a carefully curated collection of a pressed highlighter and four eye colours in the brand’s most popular neutral shades, ideal for creating that naturally glowing big-day look. Pure Anada products are handcrafted in the Canadian prairies from fresh ingredients incorporating the goodness of nature into each one. The Dreamy Compact Palette is available exclusively in the UK for £29.95 at www.liveinthelight.co.uk 81

Huda Beauty Glow Obsessions Highlighter Palette £27, www.boots.com “For all those glamorous brides-to-be, this is the perfect product to define your features and achieve that gorgeous glow. The pocket-sized palettes come with four different shades to match any make-up style and I loved mixing them to create a bespoke hue. To achieve a luminous complexion, I applied to the high points of my face including my cheekbones, brow bone, cupids bow and bridge of my nose, and this buttery, powdered formula blended in beautifully. A big bonus for me was that you can add a small amount for a natural look or build up for a glam finish that looks great in photos.” — Olivia Gibson

GLOW UP!

Looking to achieve that oh-so stunning bridal glow for your wedding day? These products can help and team CWM have put them to the test Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Liquid Illuminator £26, www.spacenk.com “On turning to YouTube for help on how to use this product I found a tutorial video by Kevyn Aucoin’s fab director of artistry and education, Nick Lujan, and less than 10 minutes later, I was good to go! I put two of Nick’s suggested uses to the test and was impressed by both. Day one: layering Glass Glow on the cheekbones before foundation application, I received compliments on my luminous complexion! Day two: I mixed Glass Glow with my foundation and was wowed by the fresh even, natural-looking glow I achieved. Top tip? Don’t be deterred by the sparkle, the result is flawless.” — Kelly Andrews

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacianmide Dew Drops £31, www.cultbeauty.co.uk “As a bride-to-be, I know how important it is to look fabulous on your big day, so I was excited to try these drops designed to give you a fresh, dewy look. The product smells amazing, and a little pump goes a long way, so although it’s not the cheapest, it’ll take you a long time to go through it all. I used the drops every morning for a few days and noticed a difference right away. My skin felt softer and looked hydrated. I’m planning to use it on the morning of my wedding and would definitely recommend it.” — Melissa Barker 82

Sculpted by Aimee Second Skin Dewy Finish Foundation £24, www.sculptedbyaimee.com “Ideal for normal to dry skin this moisturising foundation has a gorgeously smooth texture that’s super-easy to blend resulting in an even finish. One pump is all that’s needed for a light application or for days when more coverage is in order a couple of pumps should do the trick. I loved the healthy glow and breathable feel it left me with. I was also thrilled to learn of its anti-ageing properties: music to my ears having hit 40 during lockdown!” — Kelly Andrews

Institut Esthederm Cellular Water Mist £18, www.naos-store.co.uk “I’ve never used a mist before but I’m very much a convert after this product. It’s fragrance free, which I preferred for face application, its light consistency settles and dries quickly, and I definitely felt refreshed after applying in the afternoon after a busy day at work! As it can be spritzed, prefoundation, after make-up or throughout the day, it really is a perfect big-day product for the bride and her bridal party.” — Danielle Harvey

Huda Beauty GloWish Multidew Skin Tint £32, www.cultbeauty.co.uk “This little beauty is a must in anyone’s make-up kit; the lightweight product blends like a dream. The sheer coverage formula was the perfect balance to even out my skin tone while leaving a natural-looking finish. I used the shade fair, applied it with a beauty blender and found that all my other beauty products layered beautifully over it. I was left with a glowy base and brightened complexion. I’d recommend this product for the summer and warmer weather!” — Olivia Gibson

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A CLICK AWAY FROM YOUR PERFECT DAY

CWM_WEDDING Get your mood-board in the mood with some picture-perfect inspiration

Be beautiful

BE YOU

Emolyne Ramlov, founder of the eponymous make-up brand, talks inclusivity and bringing a colour boost to your bridal beauty

Tim McBaj

It’s our first anniversary soon and there’s been so much to learn over that time. Covid made things difficult as we actually went into lockdown around two weeks before launch. But we’d worked so hard for two-and-a-half years and I didn’t want to delay. It was a risk, but luckily it went crazy. Black Lives Matter came along and as an inclusive brand headed up by a black woman there was a lot of interest in what we had to offer. Everything happens for a reason.

orn in Uganda and raised in Denmark Emolyne Ramlov discovered a passion for make-up upon entering her teenage years. Until the age of 13 when she moved to Europe she hadn’t been permitted to wear make-up, which in Africa was seen as a distraction from studying and an unwelcome beginning to a flirtation with the opposite sex. So, it was a complete culture shock for her as she sat alongside her new classmates to find them in full beat and looking glam. “I went home and said to my mum: ‘We need to talk!’ She took me shopping and I filled my basket with as much make-up as I could. I needed to catch up and I haven’t stopped since,” she tells us. County Wedding Magazines’ beauty editor, Kelly Andrews, met up with Emolyne to discover more about her journey from passionate teenager to creating her very own make-up brand. What was the inspiration behind Emolyne? As my love for make-up grew I visited plenty of big stores looking for products to suit my skin tone, but couldn’t find the right ones. They had two to three reds perhaps, but none that I 84

liked or were complementary. As I grew older I realised that this was a problem across a lot of different product ranges. There was no single brand offering a matching lipstick, liner and nail polish, so I thought: “Well, I’m just going to do this then!” I use a lot of reds and nudes myself, so it made sense to start there, making sure that no matter the skin tone someone would be able to get at least one of each. I created 15 reds and 15 nude shades and even then I wasn’t sure if I should stop! The range has five colours for light, five for medium and five for dark skin tones. It allows people to pick a different colour for different seasons, as our skin tone changes throughout the year. I also created a kit to save my customers time, meaning once they discover their perfect shade they can easily find the matching products. When it came to naming this huge range of shades I wanted to be able to tell a story while keeping the brand personal, so I immediately thought of Africa. It was a way of honouring my place of birth and bringing the whole story together. Plus, I knew I could never run out of names if I looked there for inspiration!

Tell us more about the ideas, ethics and beliefs the company is founded on. I wanted this brand to be for everyone, no matter their gender or race – if you’re into make-up this is the place for you. The selection is big enough that everyone can feel included, which was the key. How do we achieve that perfect marriage between skin tone and make-up shades? The easiest way for us was to put models on our website covering as many different skin tones as

BEAUTY INTERVIEW

we could. That way customers can see whose is the closest to their own and how each shade looks on her. Tell us about your own beauty regime. I keep it simple. I wash my face every morning and evening, as well as steaming to open the pores, which allows serums to absorb more effectively. I use serum everywhere – hands, face, neck. These are the areas that start to show signs of age once you reach 40, so it’s important to look after them. A dermatologist once told me to use serum on my dry hands, and up to then I’d always thought it was just for the face, but I’ve never looked back. Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum is my favourite, and not just because he’s a fellow Dane! What are your make-up bag must-haves? Uganda, Casablanca and Abuja are my favourite Emolyne shades. But it’s like being asked about my favourite child – they’re all my babies! I mainly wear a nude during the day for meetings, and in the evening I prefer reds. I’m particularly into red oranges at the moment. I always carry a nail polish with me too – Cameroon is versatile and works for all skin tones. And tissues... a mum can’t work without a tissue! What’s your top wedding-day make-up look? I’d go for something light depending on hair colour and skin tone. Keep it simple, elegant

and clean to keep focus on the eyes. You want your new spouse to see you sparkle. For light skin tones I’d recommend Luxor, Eritrea or Ciaro. For medium tones Tanzania, Kampala or Uganda work beautifully. And for darker tones Nairobi, Asmara or Marrakech are all perfect. Begin by using your favourite moisturiser, I’m a fan of a thick formulation in the winter. That serves as a base for the foundation and concealer. Then, keep building the look until you’re happy. Don’t start too strong as it’s hard to take anything back once you’ve gone too far.

“Enjoy and play with colour. Rule your shade and don’t be afraid to try something you haven’t tried before, they’re there to be explored.” What advice would you offer a bride who might not be used to wearing make-up but who wants to step it up for the wedding? I’d tone it down, don’t use too much. A little colour makes the lips pop, and match that to the eyeshadow for an on trend monochromatic look. What’s the one make-up secret you wish everyone knew? Moisturise properly before you do anything else. That’ll give you that all-important glow and

sets your make-up for long-lasting perfection. It was essential to me that our lipsticks last so you don’t have to keep topping it up throughout the day and that’s particularly important for a bride. What’s your proudest achievement so far? Definitely having the brand recognised for inclusivity. I love to see people go on the website and realise just how much choice there is, and hearing them say they just don’t know which to choose. The other thing for me was being able to make the products vegan and cruelty-free. I wanted to educate people to care about what they put on their skin, so this makes me really happy. Is there anything you’d still like to achieve? So much! Every day we listen to our consumers and what they want. So, the next phase for Emolyne Cosmetics is incorporating more skin tones for them, as well as including more models they can identify with. I also want to grow the product categories while staying within the 15 reds and 15 nudes concept. Look out for our pop ups too. Our original plans for these had to be cancelled due to Covid, but I still want somewhere for people to experience the range in real life, so they’ll be coming soon.

Find your perfect match at www.emolyne.com 85

Love is in the air

County Wedding Magazines editor Melissa Barker shares her wedding planning journey

can’t quite believe that my wedding is only 10 months away! The time is going by so fast, and it still feels like we have so much left to plan! As some of you may know, within the first few months of being engaged we’d booked our venue, photographer and caterer and were on the lookout for the rest of our suppliers. With the pandemic pushing most weddings back in to 2022, we found that a lot of companies we were interested in booking weren’t available. Not to be defeated, we carried on searching knowing it was best to get everything sorted as early as possible. My fiancé, Dave, and I are enjoying the process, but it can feel slightly overwhelming at times. With such a big family and many coming from abroad, we’ve found it difficult trying to keep everyone happy while also maintaining our original budget, but we’re still super excited to see what the day will look like.

FLORAL WONDERS I love flowers and fully believe they can transform any venue into a beautiful space, so choosing the perfect florist was really important to me. I wanted something to tie in with our blush and sage green colour scheme but also complement our barn venue. Despite working in the wedding industry for more than five years, I’m ashamed to admit my knowledge of flowers isn’t great, so I needed a supplier who would

be able to make suggestions and help us bring our vision to life. Whilst looking through social media, I happened to come across a stunning, oversized bouquet that was exactly what I wanted. I looked up the company and found they were based just five minutes from our wedding venue – I thought it was fate! The florist had a range of pre-made packages that suited our needs perfectly. We checked the company’s reviews online, confirmed availability for our day and discussed our needs. The team were fantastic and even suggested ways of helping us save money, which we really appreciated. We booked bouquets, buttonholes, pew ends, centrepieces and an arrangement for the top table, which we’re excited to see. As we were in lockdown at the time, we were unable to meet our florist in person, so when restrictions lifted slightly we travelled to meet them at a wedding fair. Being able to discuss our vision in person made us feel confident about our decision, and I’d definitely recommend meeting face-to-face if possible.

DRESSED TO IMPRESS After being engaged for a few months, I decided to give in to my mum’s nagging and go dress shopping. I’m short, curvy and very selfconscious, so I was dreading trying on gowns! We visited our local boutique, and since I had no idea of what style I wanted, I must admit I felt quite overwhelmed. I started with a fishtail, which I liked the look of, but it just didn’t feel like me; I also felt like I couldn’t sit down without bursting out of it! I quickly moved onto an A-line silhouette. The second gown I tried on was one I’d seen online and loved. It had three-quarterlength sleeves, a detailed bodice, a plunging neckline and lots of lace. On paper, this sounds like everything I didn’t want in a dress, but strangely enough, it turned out to be the one. I tried on a few different options afterwards (mainly for fun), but I found fault in all of them

and always came back to my dress. It needs some alterations as it’s slightly too big, but I purchased it there and then. I would share a picture with you all, but Dave reads this and is (annoyingly) traditional so is against seeing the dress before the big day! One thing I didn’t anticipate was how I would feel after purchasing it. I always thought I’d feel over the moon, but instead, I felt quite panicked. Not because I didn’t love the dress, but after years of writing about weddings, I felt so much pressure to have this overcome-withemotion moment when wearing the one for the first time, that I started to question if I’d made the right decision. I’ve since come to realise that everyone is different, and I absolutely adore my dress whether I cried or not. I’ve spoken to a few of my married friends, and some had similar experiences, which was reassuring to hear! My advice to any bride-to-be is to go with your gut, don’t panic about how you should be feeling or what you should be wearing, do what makes you happy! Make sure you check in next issue to hear all about our engagement shoot and my search for a hair and make-up artist.

Melissa. x

Here’s my moodboard to help give you heaps of inspiration.

BRIDE’S DIARY

We haven’t decided on a table plan yet, but we like the idea of names hanging from string surrounded by gorgeous flowers.

I love confetti pictures, and it’s something I really want our photographer to capture on the big day. We’re currently looking into eco-friendly options and trying to decide which colour to use.

Our photographer has suggested taking pictures of my dress in different parts of the venue, and I’m excited to see what he comes up with.

Seeing as this July it rained, a lot, we’ve purchased some white umbrellas just in case the weather turns bad for our July wedding next year.

How stunning is this flower arch?! I’d love to incorporate something like this into our day.

Our colour scheme is blush and sage green, so we’re going to incorporate both hues into our table decorations.

The chalkboard signage trend is here to stay! I, for one, adore it and am thinking of using one as our welcome sign.

To decorate our wedding chairs, we’re thinking of acquiring wooden bride and groom signs.

To keep the rings safe, we’re planning to buy an engraved box that we can keep for years to come. 87

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CATERING

THE

big

Choosing your catering and refreshments

BREAKFAST

s the wedding couple, plenty of time goes in to choosing the theme and colour scheme, picking the venue and flowers, and of course the dress! However, what the guests will look forward to, enjoy on the day, and remember long after the event itself is... the food! Yes, the way to please your guests is to ensure they have plenty to indulge in, a tipple or two, and everyone will be merry on their way to the dancefloor on full bellies. Here’s three aspects of the ‘big breakfast’ to put your personal twist on!

ARE YOU BEING SERVED! After the ‘I dos’, the first thing the guests experience when arriving at your reception venue is the ‘welcome drink’. Traditionalists among you will perhaps opt for some bubbles, but with the ‘bespoke cocktail’ trend set to stay in to 2022 and beyond, why not welcome loved ones and set the tone for the reception with a personalised cocktail? Whether you pop a twist on a classic name such as a ‘PaulChar Martini’ (be handy if your names were Paul and Charlotte) or you worked with a mixologist to create your very own drink, it’s a great way to add a personal twist on proceedings. To really go to town, why not colour-coordinate your cocktail with your colour scheme? For the non-alcoholics, you don’t want to make them feel like one of the kids with a soft drink and a colourful straw, so make sure you have grown-up alternatives. Mocktails ‘virgin’ cocktails can look as funky as their alcohol counterparts so ask your bar team to create a few options that will look just as fancy but for those that are teetotal. Finally, when planning seasonal nuptials, hot chocolate and mulled wine make great festive beverage options!

RAISING THE BAR Food stations hit the wedding scene a couple of years ago, and the new must-have is a drinks bar! ‘Pimp your prosseco’ or ‘Seven deadly gins’ are fun themes where you can have your favourite tipple along with different mixers, fruit, colourings and so on for guests to create their own drink and have fun at the same time. Again, for those that like to keep a clear head, you can opt for coffee bars (watch out for these in 2022) and for kids and adults alike, a ‘milkshake shack’ will go down a treat. If you have a static bar in your wedding reception venue, consider hiring professional bartenders with ‘flair’ skills; come the evening party, their behind the bar antics will keep the mood going! Tip: opt for paper straws and look for alternatives to plastic cups – try reusable ones that guests could even keep and take home after the big day as a memento.

GO RETRO: Shots! Now, we can all remember a bad night (or two), having had shots back in the day; but these little, short, sharp hits are making a comeback as couples are looking to have one big party after non-existent weddings over the last 18months. There are fancier alternatives out there nowadays, and what better time to knock one back and start the party then after the speeches and raise the ultimate toast! One, two, three go! 89

DID SOMEONE SAY BRUNCH? The brunch craze – unless you’ve been under a rock for a few years it’s a fusion of breakfast and lunch – is a fab contemporary wedding breakfast offering for relaxed ‘I dos’. Although 2021 weddings are perhaps opting for touch-free alternatives to grazing tables, we expect to see them return bigger and better than ever in 2022. Whether you provide mini ‘brunch baskets’ of much-loved favourites of pastries, fruits and cakes, or are planning your extravagant tables for next year of masses of continental breakfast delights, and hot choices to boot; the key is presentation. For the small option, think quirky hampers and baskets with red and white picnic blankets and mason drinking jars; and for the full on table platters opt for fun quirky signs such as ‘You’re the bacon to my eggs’, or ‘spread the love’ flagging up the condiments table. The beauty of hiring in foody trucks/stations is that you can combine multiple offerings for guests, think: brunch bars, waffle and crêpe stations, and pizza vans in the evening. Not only are they indulgent comfort food options loved by all ages, but the ‘live cooking’ aspect is added entertainment value. If the whole day is outdoors, think about how you can break down the day’s food offerings in to themes so, light lunch, fruit, brunch, bloody marys and desserts with picnic-style cushions and blankets during the day; then as the night sets in, have lanterns providing the light, pizza vans, firepits to toast marshmallows with s’more kits for guests. End the night with a mulled spiced cocktail and sparklers – a picture-perfect end!

TAKE YOUR SEATS As we approach the winter months, seasonal weddings really come in to their own. Floral displays have more texture, plenty of greenery and alternative elements such as pinecones; while colour palettes boast deeper, richer tones reflective of the time of year. One element which is restricted though is outdoor dining, and with Covid at the back of our minds for the rest of 2021 at least, couples will be opting for sit-down waiter service when it comes to the wedding breakfast. But alas, traditional certainly doesn’t mean boring, far from it. Firstly, table layouts and tablescaping: T-shape table designs are proving oh-so popular enabling the happy couple to sit at the ‘head’ of the table while not being too far away from their guests. While tablescaping – creating a scene in the centre of the table with a cohesive theme and feel – will ensure your guests have a visually pleasing view no matter how long they are seated for. With the sit-down three-course (or four if you’re real foodies) making a return, how do you get creative with your food choices? Canapés remain a firm favourite and offer a way to show your personalities; if you love a toad in the hole, why not offer mini-versions? It’s always worth having sweet options, savoury, vegan and vegetarian to make sure all your guests are covered. Ask your caterers to hold some back for you both as it’s easy to miss these making the round when chatting to guests. If you’re tying the knot at the height of a season i.e summer or winter, let that be your inspiration for your menu. Christmas nuptials can start with a rich homemade chicken liver and calvados pâté, with spiced apple chutney and toasted walnut bread, followed by lamb shanks in a deep port sauce, finished off with a hearty stick toffee pudding; veggies can enjoy pumpkin soup, beetroot and cheese risotto, and a chocolate, peanut butter and avocado pudding. Your chosen caterers can advise what produce is in season, be it asparagus, and create a dish utilising this – it’s also great for your sustainability and eco-credentials which is at the forefront of couples’ choices nowadays. What’s more, ‘farm to fork’ is again something the last year in lockdowns has shown us; where does our food come from? How is it sourced and where is it sourced? Using local suppliers not only supports small independent businesses, but it also cuts down on your carbon footprint so you can have a ‘green’ big day.

CATERING CAKE PLEASE!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Couples can use their menu choices to refl ect the theme of the day, or their personalities and heritage. If the bride is Greek and the groom is Scottish, why not have a fusion of these two cuisines with a mixture of Scottish-themed canapés and delicious buffet of traditional Greek delicacies. Have you planned your honeymoon in Japan, or adored your family holiday every year in Spain? Why not pick these destinations to set your menu? A Japanese food truck in the evening will be a welcomed treat for guests, while a huge sharing paella will be fi tting of an al fresco summer wedding reception ‒ Viva España!

A ‘micro wedding’ trend that looks set to stay is: mini cakes! Gone was the gathering for the cake cutting, and in came lots of miniature wedding cakes which guests could take home with them! It ensures no wastage, and everyone can enjoy it after the big day – or why not serve it as your dessert course?

Check out

SOME OF LONDON’S FINEST KING SOLOMON’S CATERING “Your wedding guests will remember how they feel on your wedding day long after the confetti has settled. Did they feel full or hungry, how long did they wait for canapés, did they grab a late-night takeaway on the way home from your wedding day? Moreover, people eat with all their senses; the food needs to look appealing, smell delicious and of course taste amazing; even more so for weddings. “This is why choosing and working with a seasoned and experienced wedding caterer is very crucial on your wedding day. King Solomon’s Catering has been providing creative and innovative African and Caribbean culinary delights with a distinctive service for 20 years under the charge of professionally trained head chef Solomon Quartey who has over 25 years’ experience in the catering industry. Cooking only with the freshest ingredients from the finest produce and meat market in London, our delicious cuisine is a fusion of rich aroma, delectable flavours with depth of colour and texture. “We have catered at prestigious London venues such as The Berkeley, Grand Connaught rooms, Morden Hall, Hampton Court House, Hilton Hotels, and are accredited to One Great George Street, Glazier Hall and The Old Finsbury town hall to name a few. The chef has also catered internationally including South of France, Sierra Leone and Ghana. “Our wedding planner and chef will work with you to create your wedding breakfast during your private food tasting session at our kitchen which complements your wedding theme, venue and season. We offer various styles of food service from buffet to fine dining. We also encourage our couples to think outside of the box; for example, instead of the traditional three-course meal, why not have a six- or eight-course tasting menu especially curated for you? Or if you were going to stick to a traditional three-course meal, instead of chicken perhaps switching it up to duck or guinea fowl, or a lobster dish instead of pan seared salmon? Or perhaps a bento box-style service which is increasing in popularity thanks to Covid-19. The boxes are often personalised with the couple’s name, wedding colour or monogram; it also doubles up as a wedding favour/keepsake for guests. These boxes can be filled with an array of different kinds of food from canapés right through to dessert to represent the traditional sit-down meal, or even an assortment of sandwiches, cakes and scones for an afternoon tea-inspired wedding breakfast.” Check out www.kingsolomonscatering.com

PENNIBLACK EVENTS & CATERING “Sustainability is of extreme importance to us here at PenniBlack and we’re devoted to making advancements in every aspect of the company when it comes to being eco-friendly. We love food and are dedicated to providing divine cuisine for a variety of events. Whilst we are famed as culinary creators, PenniBlack is also an event management specialist – we can source everything you need for your bespoke event, down to the finest details. Our previous clients have championed our ability to theme, style and create unique functions that everyone will remember. “The thing we value most as a company is our team. Teamwork is fundamental, we work together helping each other and without this we would not be who we are. The PenniBlack creatives are handpicked for their unique qualities: professionalism, enthusiasm, creativity, honesty, integrity and respect. “Our food is creative, seasonal and beautiful, we style and coordinate with passion and pride. The client will always be provided with detailed logistics, planning and risk assessments to ensure every element goes smoothly and seamlessly. Whether the client wants vintage furniture, eco-friendly table décor, handwritten chalkboards or colour coordinated beverages we will work hard to get it done. Every aspect will be made to suit our clients from start to finish.” Check out www.penniblack.co.uk

SOCIAL PANTRY Founded in 2011, by Alex Head, Social Pantry is one of London’s top caterers for seasonal, delicious and vibrant food served with style. It’s known for exciting, forward thinking and memorable events; with clients including Rhianna, David Attenborough and Hilary Clinton it’s no-wonder Social Pantry is the go-to wedding caterer. Social Pantry pride themselves on their conscientious approach to employment, sustainability and social enterprise. Alex is a proud exoffender employer, recruiting from behind bars and on release: 10% of Social Pantry’s workforce are ex-offenders. Social Pantry also has two neighbourhood cafes including Social Pantry Café in Battersea and Crane’s Kitchen in Peckham. Check out www.socialpantry.co.uk 91

Following the last 18months, how has the wedding industry changed? Our local suppliers, experts in their field, give us the lowdown...

ENTERTAINMENT After the past 18 months, it seems like people were desperate to be back with their loved ones to have a celebration. This has made us feel welcomed every time we’ve recently performed at a wedding, like everyone’s been missing us and the band has come to bring the party. After the pandemic, I expect to see an increase in bookings and weekends filling up quickly as there will be no restrictions and everyone will be ready to celebrate. Couple’s priorities have changed and varied as people were affected differently by the pandemic. You have those clients who are now trying to cut down on their band sizes due to change in venues, or perhaps even income, and on the other hand some people are increasing their band size and adding more live music through out the day for their drinks reception and ceremony – this could be due to increased budgets through saving during lockdown or because the last 18months have made them want to celebrate bigger and better. We’re looking forward to being a part of some amazing parties! We have a very easy online system where clients can start planning their event with us. This means that throughout the pandemic, most clients who postponed had good time to get it all in order. When we do our final call before the event, it’s usually very easy as everything is already prepared for us. This includes their music preferences, schedule and logistics. Dessie Poleon | Musician, producer Musicians League Ltd, Blue Lion Band www.bluelionband.co.uk 92

CATERING As always, the attention to detail is key, especially when it comes to smaller, micro weddings. We’ve found that our wedding couples have more budget to play with when planning a smaller scale wedding allowing for beautiful, personalised touches for table styling and stationery. Think statement velvet bows with embroidered guest initials for place names, personalised guest poems, handmade side plates with the wedding crest or stunning linen, plates and glassware which really add the wow factor. Eliza Marks | Senior events planner Social Pantry LTD | www.socialpantry.co.uk

https://hamishirvine.com

HOT TOPIC: Looking ahead

ASK THE EXPERTS https://kristianlevenphotography.co.uk

CEREMONIES

recent changes in marriage laws continue so that the government passes legislation supported by the wedding commission that allows celebrants to perform legal weddings. Amanda Whealant | Celebrant Amanda’s Beautiful Ceremonies | www.amandasceremonies.com

FASHION

They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. Well, in The Bahamas, the sands are just as white, the waters just as blue, and the champagne just as cold as before. What’s different? There’s a little more rhythm in the air and there’s a little more wanderlust in the eyes of lovers new and old, after the long awaited ‘I dos’ due to Covid, it’s made it now more meaningful than ever and they want to celebrate on their honeymoon. With 16 main islands there’s no shortage of special locations for your honeymoon in The Bahamas – a dream for social distancing if this is still a concern for those looking to travel abroad! Leave your footprints across miles of pink sand beaches on Eleuthera and Harbour Island before retiring to your waterside cottage. Craving adventure after a year of lockdowns? Immerse yourself in some of the clearest waters in the world and dive, snorkel, or fish the day away. For that special selfie with the famous swimming pigs, visit them in The Exumas, Rose Island, The Abacos, and Spanish Wells!

The last 18 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone, but we do think there have been positive changes which we hope will continue. Although we are strong believers in the ‘your day, your way’ philosophy, a lot of couples still feel the weight of other people’s expectations on their wedding day. In many ways the pandemic has shaken some of that off. People were so relieved they were actually able to get married there was less pressure on exactly how they chose to do it. The micro wedding became a trend and now there’s a huge amount of inspiration out there for couples who want a smaller day. In bridal fashion terms this has opened up lots of options as to what constitutes a wedding dress, mini dresses are really having a moment (hats off to Lily Allen) as are jumpsuits. Another trend set to continue are bridal separates and layers. The pandemic meant lots of people ended up splitting their wedding over a few events, with a smaller legal do and then a later party, or finding themselves getting married at a different time of year or with more of an outdoor element which required an outfit rethink. Having extra layers like capes, and jackets or a swap of skirt to trousers can be a cool way to revitalise your wedding outfit either over the course of the day or over more than one event. Greater flexibility to create the wedding day and look that you want can only be a good thing.

Kimberley Greenslade | Senior manager Bahamas Tourist Office | www.bahamas.com

Becky Gunstone | Part owner and designer Paper to Lace | www.papertolace.co.uk

TRAVEL

www.clairejulietpaton.co.uk

There has been a fair degree of positive change for celebrants postpandemic, and it’s certainly an exciting time for couples and celebrants. The demand for celebrants has increased not only because of the backlog of postponed weddings, but more importantly, couples want to celebrate differently. Couples really want to share their celebration with family and friends in creative and fun ways, having been through so much and waited so long they really want to go to town on their wedding. Many want something more special, personalised and want to share their vows with as many people as possible, regardless of whether they have previously had their legal registry office ceremony. So I tend to get requests for more hybrid ceremonies with a mix of modern and traditional aspects, and it’s a pleasure to create something different for each couple. There’s also more of an emphasis of involving family members within the ceremony and, for some, honouring those they have sadly lost. Celebrant’s solve many new dilemmas caused by the pandemic, so for example couples who married abroad pre-covid and had to cancel their UK-based celebration now want a special celebration created just for them which may or may not involve vows and ring exchanges given the time that has passed from their original date. Some couples who legally married during lockdown in a small ceremony have since had children and so I am creating a new ceremony which combines a wedding and a baby naming. It’s certainly an exciting time and couples are embracing the flexibility and freedom that ceremonies without limits can give them. I hope that the

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STEED.CO.UK Find us on Facebook and Instagram

You deserve the Savile Row touch on your Wedding Day One of Savile Row’s finest bespoke tailors Design your suit exactly the way you want. Pick the colour, material, cut and style, buttons, pocket placement and even have your monogram embroidered into your lining. We also offer home appointments for larger commissions. We hold trunk shows in the following cities at least three times per year. U.S.A, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Nashville, China, Beijing, Shanghai. L O N D O N S H O W R O O M Steed Bespoke Tailors, 12 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PQ 020 8191 8928 C U M B R I A N W O R K S H O P Steed Bespoke Tailors, Suit 2 Riverside View, Cumbria, CA1 2BS 01228 317 840

For further wed-spiration and to keep up to date with the latest news and trends check out our County Wedding Magazines’ Pinterest page

What’s more, our editors are on hand to help brides-to-be with all their planning problems: • Ask us anything, whether you’re on the hunt for a local venue or simply looking for ideas and advice • Find local suppliers • Top planning tips from the pros • Tell us about your big day for your chance to appear in the magazine • Special subscription offers • Win wedding essentials with our exclusive giveaways and competitions

Oh and don’t forget... Follow us on Instagram: @cwm_wedding

County Weddings

GROOMS’ NEWS

It ’s all about meee

KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF

For really special wedding gifts, The Sock Butler – sister company to Sockshop – provides a delivery of new socks every month straight to your door! The service offers a choice of one, two or three pairs per month and the opportunity to select from different categories e.g. Classic, Fashion, Sporty and Fun. Ideal for updating sock drawers, subscriptions gifts available include one month, six or 12. Brands include Glenmuir, Pringle, SockShop, WildFeet and Jeff Banks and all the socks in the subscription sock boxes are either cotton or bamboo-based for a luxury feel. For an extra special touch, there is an option to personalise your socks with embroidered initials – perfect for the big day and beyond! Check out https://thesockbutler.co.uk

Wedding planning, especially after the last year, can be a stressful experience and if you’re feeling overwhelmed check out this new series of books: Meee in a minute. Meee in a minute offers 60 ways to improve your life in 60 seconds with a collection of life hacks, advice, insights, science, stories, short exercises, quotes and more that can help you improve your life. The Family edition is a book bursting with useful tips and strategies to appreciate, engage with, enjoy, connect and reconnect with your family – essential for your wedding planning and marriage journey. Each book is £8 including delivery, visit: www.meeebooks.com

Grooms’ NEWS All the latest best buys and product launches

SCOTTISH FLARE

Isle of Harris Distillery has launched made to order jackets in collaboration with renowned Scottish designer Judy R Clark. Isle of Harris Distillery along with, Harris Tweed Hebrides, the Harris Tweed Authority and the islands’ education services, worked closely with schools across the island to challenge the children to design a new Isle of Harris Distillery tweed whilst learning more about the history of tweed cloth. The winner of the competition was 14-year-old Scott Murray from Sir E. Scott School in the Isle of Harris. Scott’s winning design was woven in consultation with Judy R Clark to create this unique special cloth. Each jacket is made using specially woven Isle of Harris Distillery Harris Tweed combined with luxurious teal velvet collars embroidered in with rose gold threads. The linings are inspired by the Hebridean seas finished with rose copper buttons and contrasting sea-blue buttonholes. Priced £660 (includes UK postage), visit https://harrisdistillery.com

FROM THE ART

SENTIMENTAL ACCESSORIES

Merci Maman has unveiled its new Men’s Collection! The new seven piece collection features four bracelets and three necklaces, popular favourites include the Personalised Dog Tag Necklace (£89), and the Unity Bracelet (£89). The collection also introduces new leather styles for the first time and seven new gem stones, including tiger’s eye and aquamarine. Each piece is available in 925 sterling silver or 18k gold plated, and can be complimentary hand-engraved with special names, dates or messages making the collection perfect for big-day gifting. Check out www.mercimamanboutique.com

Desenio helps you find the perfect gift for every groom’s party member; from the office and the home to personalised prints, find something for every personality. Perfect for weddings, personalising your print with names, dates and places offers that extra special touch. If you can’t find the words to explain how you feel, quotation art prints are a beautiful way to express love, gratitude, or humour towards those you love most. Alternatively, choose from sports or music icons, or if you’re not sure which prints would suit their taste best, or if you’re short on time with last-minute wedding planning, Desenio Gift Cards are a great choice! Check out https://desenio.co.uk 95

h s i t i r B BEST OF

From Royal Ascot to The Crown, there’s a lot to be inspired by when keeping your big-day look classically British

www.next.co.uk

Cashmere Scarf Light Grey, £145, https://heating-and-plumbing.com

GROOMS’ FASHION

Black Leather Belt ‘Nieto’, £55, www.pampeano.co.uk

Pocket Watch, £129, https://shop.westminster-abbey.org

Highland Pocket Square, £38, https://roryhutton.co.uk Classic Collar Marcella Bib Tuxedo Shirt, £59.95, www.ctshirts.com/uk Italian Luxury Twill Navy Jacket, £299.95, www.ctshirts.com/uk

Silk Face Mask Navy, £30, www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

Silver Fleur de Lys Cufflink, £89, https://shop.westminster-abbey.org

Fleur de Lys navy silk tie, £35, https://foxandchave.com

Ted Baker ‘Derby’, £100, www.shoeaholics.com 97

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1x 3D Skin Analysis 3x DermaPen 1x Hydrafacial 1x Photo Rejuvenation 3x Botox Treatments

£1,197 WAS £1,494

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COMPETITION

WIN

A MINIMOON IN PROVENCE, FRANCE WORTH UP TO £1,500

rillon Le Brave is nestled within a village eponymous of the Vaucluse region, and offers guests the chance to explore the picture-perfect Provençal countryside, historical nearby towns, and is just a stone’s throw away from some of the most sought-after vineyards in France. The hotel boasts 34 newly refurbished rooms and suites, an inviting reception area, gorgeous public spaces and idyllic outdoor pool overlooking surrounding vineyards and countryside. The hotel has been exquisitely presented with the help of French designer and decorator Charles Zana. Since it’s reopening in May 2021, the hotel has introduced a number of new experiences, a new yoga retreat as well as a refreshed culinary offering from new head chef Adrien Brunet ‒ who will be presenting new menus with locally sourced delicacies. The Spa des Ecuries is positioned

PRIZE: County Wedding Magazines has teamed up with Maisons Pariente to offer two nights at Crillon Le Brave, Provence. The prize includes breakfasts, an aperitif at the bar and an in-room VIP welcome.

under imposing arches of the former vaulted stone stables from the 18th century. With three treatment rooms, including one double, the spa combines gentle and effective approaches dedicated to enhancing overall wellbeing. Guests can take advantage of the holistic treatment techniques of Bamford which are completely tailored to each guest’s needs. Crillon le Brave encourages guests to switch off and enjoy the art of taking things slow: amble around the village, lounge by the pool, rejuvenate in the spa and indulge in exquisite food. For those looking to explore the region’s rich culture and enjoy a quiet French escape, this five-star hotel is the perfect destination for a postpandemic home away from home holiday and honeymoon. Visit www.crillonlebrave.com, email reservations@crillonlebrave.com or call + 33 4 90 65 61 61.

HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win, simply answer the following question: What is the name of the new head chef? Enter online at yourlondon.wedding

Closing date 3rd December 2021, unless otherwise stated. Terms and Conditions apply. Please see our website for details. 99

News

HONEYMOON Idyllic destinations for when you can hop, skip and jump on to a plane again, along with some UK beauties for the ultimate staycation...

HOME SCOTTISH BORDERS

A stunning rural hideaway set in Minto in the Scottish Borders, Lilylaw, newly launched with Crabtree & Crabtree, provides the most idyllic location for a romantic honeymoon. It boasts spectacular views and staying guests also get unique access to Fatlips Castle, an iconic Pele tower situated on the estate at the top of Minto Crags. Located on a private track, this former gamekeeper’s cottage is in an undisturbed and completely serene spot, ideal for those looking to escape to the countryside. The charming period property has been fully renovated into a gorgeous, romantic one-bedroom bijoux bolthole comprising an open-plan bedroom and living area and feature roll top bath with woodland views. Based on a self-catering basis, seven nights in summer available through Crabtree & Crabtree is from £950. To book, visit www.crabtreeandcrabtree.com or call 01573 226 711.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

The Torridon invites newlyweds to reconnect during a minimoon experience in the Scottish Highlands. During the Winter Minimoon experience, newlyweds can enjoy the snowcapped landscapes and starry night skies of the Highlands, feasting on the best seasonal produce and rejoicing in two nights of rejuvenating sleep. Led by the Torridon Outdoors experts, a crisp full day guided walk along the munros and woodlands surrounding the hotel, is followed by drinks in front of the crackling fire and a private whisky tasting led by the dedicated team in The Torridon’s Whisky Bar. Couples can indulge in a four-course set menu crafted by head chef Paul Green. Set in the 1887 Restaurant it will pair dishes sourced from the region’s best winter ingredients and local game from The Torridon Estate with exquisite wines. Lovebirds can add a bespoke star-gazing experience to their minimoon package, and join astronomer Stephen Mackintosh for a three-course meal and an excursion across the Highlands, revealing a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Arcturus constellation. A Winter Minimoon complete with: two-night B&B in a Deluxe room, tasting menu, whisky tasting, full day guided walk, champagne, chocolates and flowers is £1,520. Add the Star-gazing Experience between Nov-Mar for an additional £530, including a three-course dinner with astronomer Stephen Mackintosh. Find out more about The Torridon at www.thetorridon.com or call on 01445 791 242.

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CHANNEL ISLANDS

The Blonde Hedgehog, located in Alderney, is a collection of 18th-century buildings lovingly restored to be a petite boutique Georgian retreat. Renovated from a local pub and an elegant townhouse, it’s understated luxury at its best; the modern interior design complements the original Georgian features. With just a small number of rooms and suites, it’s intimate and sophisticated without losing any of its charm. Alderney is perfect for honeymooners looking for relaxation, romance and adventure; an island for exploring and seeing nature’s wonders, couples can experience sea kayaking, boat trips, rockpooling and fishing. It’s easily walked or cycled around in a day – definitely one of the best ways to see the entire island. Available through Fish&Pips from £230 per night on a B&B basis, visit www.fishandpips.co.uk or call 01306 264 005.

HONEYMOON NEWS

AWAY GREECE

Costa Navarino, the ultimate five-star sustainability-led travel destination in Messinia on the under-the-radar Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, is an idyllic location for honeymoons. Perched on the unspoiled and breathtaking coastline, overlooking the Ionian Sea, it provides newlyweds with the perfect romantic shorthaul destination post-vows. A sophisticated setting, surrounded by verdant land and a sparkling seascape, Messinia has quaint town halls, beautiful beaches and offers hilltop exploration. Costa Navarino is one of the few beachfront mixed-use developments in the Mediterranean and includes: luxury hotels, freehold residences, a world-famous Anazoe spa, 21 restaurants and bars, sports facilities and two signature golf courses ‒ meaning guests and newlyweds never have to leave! For more information visit www.costanavarino.com

MAJORCA

Perfect for pre- or post-wedding getaways, Es Racó d’Artà is a wellness retreat that’s recently joined the TemptingPlaces hotel label. A real gem in the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean, this new holistic retreat is located next to the historic town of Artà, on the eastern part of the island. Outstretched in the valley, its nearly 200 acres encompass an authentic 13th-century stone farmhouse, several buildings, almond, fig and olive trees, local fruit trees as well as 14 acres of grapevines. It’s here, within this peaceful environment, that this newly-opened property invites its guests to connect with nature and lift themselves beyond their well-being. Seamless swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation and meditation areas offer newlyweds a unique experience, where the notion of time and space disappears. Make sure to try a Watsu treatment, performed in the original treatment pool – this aquatic massage creates optimal conditions to enter a state of deep relaxation through the union of water and shiatsu, aiming to release the everyday tensions ‒ bliss! Visit www.temptingplaces.com

ITALY

AMERICA

Hotel Bel-Air, possibly one of the most romantic hotels in the world, has launched an outdoor dining experience, Bel-Air Under the Stars. Guests can cosy up beside their own private firepit while sipping wine, toasting marshmallows and tucking into Wolfgang Puck snacks. Many Hollywood love stories have played out at this iconic hotel in its 75-year history, and it’s easy to see why stars including Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly have fallen for its romantic allure. Set within the blissful Canyon landscape, and away from the LA noise, this private and elegant hotel is a haven in Bel-Air and renowned for its 12 acres of winding, tropical greenery surrounding the beloved Swan Lake, filled with flowers that bloom all year round and home to a 100-year-old sycamore tree. It has witnessed some of the most incredible, star-studded and wildly romantic weddings imaginable, all watched over with loving grace by its swans. What’s more, one of the hotel’s most famous guests, Grace Kelly, penned a number of love letters to her then partner Oleg Cassani during her time staying there while she was filming Country Girl. What better honeymoon destination truly epitomises love and romance? Rooms start from $695, visit www.dorchestercollection.com

Room Mate Hotels, the international hotel chain, has opened Hotel Room Mate Filippo and Gran Filippo Apartments in Rome. Located 500 metres from the emblematic Spanish Steps and a ten-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain, the hotel and the apartments are designed by interior designer Tomas Alía, who was inspired by the refined aesthetics of the 1940s. The hotel has 30 rooms divided into three categories: superior, deluxe and executive, its imposing façade stands out with elegant and subtle flat pilasters and striking lighting that creates a chandelier effect throughout the street acting as a magnet to passers-by. The lobby features a forest of sculptural, three-dimensional palm trees, complete with a dome supported by granite columns. The two interior courtyards - the two lungs of the building - are arranged with sienna- and celadon-colored lattices while the rest of the common areas are divided into a large meeting room with a library effect and the breakfast room, decorated with modulations in marble, gilded metals and geometric shapes. The rooms, several of which have terraces, have surprising decorations, all inspired by the refined, well-travelled and cultured aesthetics of the 1940s Check out https://room-matehotels.com/gb/ 101

of history

Hannah Faulder indulges in a splendidly English stay at Mayfair’s Brown’s Hotel

here are so many impressive name-drop opportunities when talking about the famous faces who have stayed and celebrated at Brown’s, a Rocco Forte Hotel in the heart of Mayfair. Opened in 1837, Brown’s was London’s first hotel, and the hidden gem has provided a retreat for many distinguished guests ever since, from the Roosevelts (who honeymooned here) to Agatha Christie. The hotel’s Kipling Suite is named after legendary author Rudyard Kipling, who found the hotel to be the perfect place in which to write. You can understand why the enormous desk could inspire a masterpiece – in fact, Stephen King started writing Misery in this very spot. Alexander Graham Bell even made London’s first telephone call from the hotel. Oh, if walls could talk… When I arrived with my sister, Laura, our car was whisked away to be valeted by a top-hatted attendant, and we checked in over a glass of champagne in the elegant front hall, which has a beautiful feature fireplace and hand-painted wisteria dripping from the ceiling. The hotel certainly has gravitas, but the most wonderful surprise is that it feels warm and welcoming, a real romantic retreat in the heart of the city, and full of quintessentially British sophistication and eccentricity.

STAY The quiet and calm atmosphere of the hotel means it’s hard to believe that it’s home to 33 suites and 82 bedrooms. When Laura and I headed up to our Deluxe Suite, we gasped as we stepped inside. The space was huge; we spent our time there shouting “I can’t hear you” from each end of the suite. The lavish interiors were designed by Olga Polizzi (the British hotelier and sister to Brown’s owner Sir Rocco Forte) and expertly blend antiques and original features with opulent furnishings and modern artworks. Heading from the living area into the bedroom, you’re met with an enormous cushiony bed and huge windows overlooking 102

prestigious Mayfair streets. Turn the corner, and you’ll find the pièces de résistance: a dark wood-panelled walk-in wardrobe and Romanesque bathroom featuring his and hers sinks, a spacious double-ended shower and a Jacuzzi bath with built-in TV. Originally, we had grand plans to walk to Soho for drinks, but first we just had to put on our fluffy white robes and slippers, crack open the complimentary Moët and luxuriate in the comfort of our suite.

ENJOY Drag yourself away from your room, and you can enjoy the wonderful Spa at Brown’s, which promises a hidden sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Skilled therapists provide a range of pampering treatments and rituals, and look out for the couple’s treatments – the best way to unwind after a hectic wedding day. There’s something wonderful about dressing for dinner and dining in your hotel. The hotel’s restaurant, Charlie’s, headed up by Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, plays to its strengths by celebrating its heritage with a delicious menu of the highest-quality ingredients paired with first-class service. Laura and I enjoyed breakfast here, starting our day with a sumptuous cooked meal while enjoying the quirky botanical wallpaper, which strikes a fabulous contrast against the classic wood-panelled walls. While you’re staying here, why not embrace that most British of experiences: an afternoon tea? Served in The Drawing Room, the traditional afternoon tea at Brown’s is one of the most famous in London. Finally, you must enjoy a nightcap in The Donovan Bar. Playing host to Mayfair’s elite, this stylish drinking den serves an incredible choice of 16 carefully curated cocktails. www.roccofortehotels.com/browns-hotel 020 7493 6020 | reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com

Images courtesy of Janos Grapow

A SENSE

For further wed-spiration and to keep up to date with the latest news and trends check out our County Wedding Magazines’ Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages

@cwm_wedding

@CountyWeddings

County Wedding Magazines

Top five eco resorts... ...in Sri Lanka

Gal Oya Lodge

A unique eco lodge nestled in 20 acres of private jungle located adjacent to Gal Oya National Park. The design concept has been created in harmony with its surroundings and natural features, with an integrated effort to minimise impact on the natural environment, support the local community and to pro-actively engage in wildlife research and protection. Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Water is sourced from a deep bore well on the lodge’s land, zero plastic policy, wherever possible ingredients are sourced locally and organically, building supplies

Ulagalla

This hotel features a 150-year-old mansion at its centre with 20 private ecologically built villas spread across 58 acres of lush landscape. Two sparkling reservoirs, paddy fields and lily ponds surround the ancestral estate that was once of Anuradhapura nobility. Part of Uga Escapes, it has been awarded with the highly soughtafter Travelife Gold certification for its pioneering efforts to promote sustainability in tourism. Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Pioneering initiatives to minimise

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were all local materials, guests are invited to sponsor and take part in re-planting of native species on land previously cleared for farming, and there is much more being done to help local employment and the community. Rates: Three nights at Gal Oya Lodge starts from £1,040 (double room, full-board basis including experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights). environmental impact, improving the economic conditions of people living in and around the boutiques, protecting human rights and fair labour practices, safeguarding animal welfare and bio-diversity for future generations. Ulagalla has been expertly designed to be environmentally friendly and with a commitment to renewable energy. Rates: Three nights at Ulagalla starts from £1,810 (double room, B&B basis including experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

HONEYMOONS

Santani Resort & Spa

Few resorts in the world can match Santani’s serene view on an undulating hillside to the north east of Kandy. Channeling the concept of intelligent luxury where nature is king and service is everything, you can truly escape the world here. Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Santani has been designed in such a way so that neither air-conditioning nor heating is required reducing energy consumption by about 70%. Most of the buildings are constructed on stilts that allows for natural thermal flow to cool the rooms and this structure also ensures there is minimal contact with the earth below. The whole spa is built underground which provides natural cooling too – almost 80% of the wood used for both structural elements and furniture is recycled. Rates: Three nights at Santani Resort & Spa starts from £2,660 (double room, half-board basis including wellness package and experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

Kalundewa Retreat

An eco-retreat tucked away in a lush 100 acres in Dambulla drawing its beauty from the mystic Kalundewa Mountain range. The isolated farming community contribute to the hotel resulting in a handful of eco-friendly dwellings to minimise human impact on the intricate ecosystems that flourish in the forest, lakes and waterway. Eco & Sustainability Credentials: The retreat blends both agriculture and tourism, and contributes to the welfare of its neighbouring rural farming community. Its vision is to go 100% organic with all cultivation processes. Currently 100% of the electricity consumed is generated by solar panels. Irrigation is via restored waterways and windmill-pumped ground water, and the natural well feeds spring water into the main pool. Rates: Three nights at Kalundewa Retreat starts from £1,850 (double room, full-board basis including experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

Leopard Trails

This bespoke, luxury, tented safari operates within the buffer zones of both Wilpattu and Yala National Parks with the aim of minimising its impact on the environment. Its existence is to showcase a true wilderness experience but prioritise above all else, the protection of nature. Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Leopard Trails works hand in hand with the local community with campsite staff and drivers handpicked from the local community; fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood and other provisions are sourced from local suppliers and, where possible, equipment is manufactured and maintained within the local area. The team actively discourage the use of plastic water bottles and only use reusable stainless steel thermos flasks. Many rangers are either qualified in eco matters or have been responsible for implementing award-winning ecotourism and sustainability initiatives. Rates: Three nights at Leopard Trails starts from £2,660 (double room, full board-basis including experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights). All properties can be booked as part of a tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Bespoke: www.srilanka-bespoke.com 105

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A LONDON WEDDING VENUE LIKE NO OTHER

Situated within 125 acres of National Trust parkland this 18th-century country house offered on an exclusive use basis. Leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind you and step into a world of tranquillity and natural beauty. Morden Hall exudes elegance, charm and sophistication, making this a truly spectacular place to celebrate. With intimate ceremony rooms where your loved ones can watch you take your vows, a dining room flooded with natural light and landscaped gardens for you to take in your idyllic surroundings, Morden Hall offers everything you could wish for and more for your special day. Morden Hall is situated in Morden, South London with its own tube station (Morden) just a 5-minute walk away and is the end of the Northern line. It is also just 10 minutes from the A3 connecting you to Surrey and close-by to places such as Wimbledon and Richmond

0208 1020553 | weddings@mordenhall.com | www.mordenhall.com | 21 MORDEN HALL ROAD

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Your London Wedding - September/October 2021 (Issue 79)

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

COMPETITION

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HONEYMOON NEWS

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

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EDITOR’S LETTER