Southeast Bride Magazine

MAY 2016

Get The Casual Coastal Wedding Look!

WEDDING DRESS FOR LESS Vintage Wedding Flowers A Photograph Should Tell a Story

MAY 2016

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 1

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

CREATING MEMORIES...

2

YourWedding Day at Stoke Park Stoke Park’s Palladian Mansion is truly one of the most breathtakingWedding Venues in Buckinghamshire www.stokepark.com

Please contact our Wedding Co-ordinator on 01753 717171 or weddings@stokepark.com Stoke Park, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG 35 minutes from London and 7 miles from Heathrow Airport

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

300 Acres of glorious Parkland and Lakes 49 Luxury Bedrooms 3 Fully licensed rooms and beautiful Southern Terrace for Civil Ceremonies Dining facilities for up to 146 guests Award winning Health & Beauty Spa

3

The Winding House Something Different!

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

The Winding House Weddings

4

Unique New Venue! 2016 Peak Season Dates Still Available!

The Winding House is an award winning beautifully restored heritage building, licensed for weddings and nestled down a quiet country lane between Canterbury and the Coast which is exclusively yours for the day. We are a family run venue which is dazzlingly different and a personal wedding coordinator will be on hand to take care of your every need throughout your special day.

For more information please see www.thewindinghouseweddings.com or contact us to book a viewing on 01304 823190 or 07721 569 697 or email vicki.coulson@gmail.com

Emily Milton

ED's LETTER 2016 Welcome to the first issue of South East Bride Magazine.

Spring is with us and with it a flurry of wedding preparation. We are delighted to bring you a whole range of ideas to cover your entire wedding, from hints and tips to find the perfect dress for your shape, to the venue and how to get the ideal coastal themed wedding and everything in between. We hear one professional’s story on capturing the perfect moments in your wedding with photography and one lady’s jewellery shop with do’s and don’ts on how to make the shop easier. So whatever you are looking for, there is a little bit for everyone in here. Enjoy!

PUBLISHED BY

EDITORIAL

DISTRIBUTED BY:

CPL Media Myrtle Oast

Editor Emily Milton emily@cyclingworldmagazine.com

Kemsdale Road, Fostall

Senior Designer Ivan Boyanov

Faversham, Kent

COMAG Tavistock Road, West Drayton Middlesex UB7 7QE

Junior Designer Matthew Head

ME13 9JL

FRONT COVER DETAILS:

Tel: 01227 750153 Publisher Colin Woolley colin@cplmedia.net

ADVERTISING Sales Manager Simon White simon@cyclingworldmagazine.com Publication Manager Ben Emery

Wiggins and Cavendish win the Madison at the UCI World Track Championships in London. Photo by Charlie Forgham-Bailey/SWpix.com

Sales Executive Alice Allwright alice@cplmedia.net

Although every effort is made to ensure the content of features in Southeast Bride is accurate and correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. No guarantees can be made upon the safe return of any unsolicited copy of photographic images. Thepublisher reserves the right to alter or amend any submitted material that is printed in Southeast Bride. All material in Southeast Bride is the copyright of the publisher and any reproduction of said material would require written permission from the publisher. ©CPL Media 2016 ISSN: 0143-0238

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

ben@cplmedia.net

5

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

VENUE

6

HOW TO: GET THE CASUAL COASTAL WEDDING LOOK!

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

7

VENUE

HOW TO: GET THE CASUAL COASTAL WEDDING LOOK! TEXT BY EMILY MILTON

A

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

n ideal wedding day comprises of a number of different elements with one of the most important being an environment that enables a couple to feel comfortable and relaxed. Inspiration for a beachside wedding may have come from a childhood memory or holiday, love of the outdoors, sailing or perhaps it was where he proposed .Coastal venues by the sea often have spectacular views and lots of natural light and space that provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration. In these locations, it is easier to approach it as you would a large dinner party and you will find it easier to infuse your day with the personal details that mean so much to you as a couple.

8

TABLE STYLING Your table designs will tell a story, so make sure it is the one you want. Having one statement table is a great way to express who you are as a couple, and it can be filled with Flowers, pictures of your journey or anything that is meaningful to you. Make sure the flowers vary in height and shape when arranging them as it will flow better.

To produce a stunning table scape, where and how you place you flower’s is quite important. It also depends on your table arrangement. The taller the flowers, the more they tend to be placed in the center, however, if you have narrow table, placing them on the ends will give a feeling of space. The flower creations with smaller less apposing bloom’s along the length of the table can be linked using ivy, vines or delicate fairy lights. Don’t be shy when picking your table flowers.

They are the center focal piece of you table, so whatever theme you are going for, whether it is stylized, or handpicked flowers bring a more natural beauty, be bold. Colour isn’t the only variable to think about when choosing flowers.

Texture and size are also important. Big open flowers are not only pleasing to the eye, but it optimizes the release of their fragrance as well as looking romantic and abundant. When ordering your flowers, make sure they are delivered not fully open as they will look better on the day. Adding driftwood, moss and shells gives more dimension, texture and interest.

If you would like to add more to your table arrangements, setting the mood can be as simple as adding nautical candles. A good way to get creative is to make you own, and this can be done using stones from the beach or sea shells.

For those of you who love shell fish, this is a great opportunity to indulge and have a feast as well as ticking something off your to do list. Not everything has to be stressful! How to do this?

1) Clean out you chosen shell and leave to bleach in the sun.

2) Remove the wick from a tea light and place in shell.

3) Melt the tea light wax and pour into shells making sure some of the wick is left showing.

When placing your shells, make sure they are secure and stable to avoid accidents.

FLORAL VIGNETTE Vignettes can be as simple as you want them to be. Coloured glass bottles with simple blooms create an eye catching display, especially when grouped together. Repetition is not always a bad thing. Then all you need is the natural light to catch them, and suddenly simplicity is transformed into something magical.

ROCK ART Rock art doesn’t always have to just be decorative, they can also be practical. By writing peoples name on them, they can be used as place names and either arranged on the table, or if you are tight for space, in a basket. You can also save on the tidying up and give them to people as a keepsake.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

KEEPSAKE This can be made from just about anything.

To fit in with the coastal theme, and as an alternative to a guest book, have guests leave their best wishes on vintage or retro postcards from famous beach resorts from around the world. Then, after your honeymoon, display the postcards in an album or frame - a lovely idea and keepsake.

9

VENUE

The Winding House Wedding Venue

A PERFECT SETTING

CARRIAGES AWAIT

Welcome to The Winding House, a brand new wedding venue in South East Kent. This historic building is a spectacular restoration of an old Kent Coal Heritage Building, near the picturesque village of Coldred (previous winner of Kent’s Best Kept Village several times). We are set between Canterbury and the Coast in a quiet country lane at the top of the North Downs amongst corn fields and overlooking the beautiful estate of Waldershare Park.

An imposing Victorian building which is over 100 years old, and has undergone a dazzling “grand designs” conversion to provide an intriguing mix of old and new. Perfect to ensure your wedding day is a day to remember and able to cater exclusively for 100 daytime guests and a further 50 evening guests.

As the party draws to a close and the clock strikes midnight take advantage of the complimentary mini bus service to the nearby hotels for you and your guests. Despite our rural setting we are only a couple of miles from several large hotels with preferential rates and easy access to road and rail networks.

We operate this mini bus service to collect your guests from the nearby hotel and return them again at the end of the evening, so that they can enjoy the day without the worry of driving. We also offer the return service to your evening guests and they can leave their cars parked on site until the next morning.

CEREMONY

We are thrilled to be able to open this beautiful Victorian building for a limited amount of days per year and help create your perfect wedding day where every detail is taken care of. Have the bespoke wedding of your dreams in a striking venue nestled down a peaceful country lane, yet easily accessible with ample nearby accommodation.

Included is a wedding coordinator available to you from your first enquiry right through to your wedding day, to help with every detail of your special day.

The Winding House is licensed for civil ceremonies and we have a dramatic entrance across the bridge into the ceremony room. With soaring ceilings and bathed in natural light by huge arch windows, all your family and friends will be afforded a fantastic view of your arrival ahead of the private ceremony performed by KCC’s registrars.

WELCOME DRINKS After the intimate ceremony, you can welcome your guests with drinks and canapés on our sunny terrace, weather permitting or alternatively there is the option of starting your celebrations inside using the cathedral like reception room, with its wow factor of a 65ft high ceiling. The Winding House is neutrally decorated throughout, ready to be transformed to suit your style and personality on your most important day, we really want you to make the place your own.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

MR & MRS

10

When you are ready you can then make your way into the Dining Room, where your wedding breakfast will be served on crisp linen and elegant tableware by your chosen caterer from our carefully selected list. Our caterer’s reputations are second to none and are able to provide you with mouth watering food, with anything from an informal buffet to a delicious 3 course meal with discreet and attentive service.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY Sweep onto the dance floor for your first dance as the married couple, while the white washed walls of the reception room gently change colour and your chosen DJ ensures your guests have a party to remember. As the drinks flow, there is ample space for an evening buffet for all your guests if required. We have some excellent DJ’s we can recommend or you can choose your own.

A PERSONAL SERVICE

NO3 No 3 is our contemporary styled beach hut, gloriously situated on the front row of a shingle beach near the beautiful and lively Kent seaside town of Deal. Perfect for a romantic morning walk or breakfast pick you up after a night of partying. Deal has recently won the Telegraphs high street of the Year award and is a vibrant mix of jolly sea side and cool grove. Pull out a beach chair, eat a local icecream and watch the world go by as you relive your big day with close friends and family. The hut is well appointed with a host of nearby cafes and interesting shops and its use is complimentary for the day after your wedding.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

11

VENUE

SAY ‘ I DO’ AT STOKE PARK!

F

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

or weddings, Stoke Park is a stunning backdrop to your perfect day. Set within 300 acres of beautiful parkland, landscaped gardens and lakes, stands an imposing white Palladian Mansion. Over 200 years old, the grand building is truly one of the most romantic settings for a marriage ceremony, civil partnership or wedding reception in the country. Not only does it make a picture perfect setting but as Britain’s leading 5 AA Red Star Hotel, Spa and Country Club it offers undeniable luxury for your special day.

12

Located in the heart of leafy Buckinghamshire, and yet only a few miles from Windsor, Heathrow Airport and London, Stoke Park exudes romance and luxury, and can cater for a wide range of needs to make your dream day come true.

Whether it be a champagne breakfast or a sumptuous reception banquet, a live swing band or an awe-inspiring fireworks display over the fountains and gardens, the happy couple works closely with our Wedding Coordinator, Michele Connelly and award - winning Executive Chef, Chris Wheeler, to ensure preparations for the big day run flawlessly. Every aspect is planned to the highest quality and finest detail, to guarantee a day that will engender fond and lingering memories.

Movie star glamour is evidently present within the grounds of this enchanting estate. Their very own Bridal Suite was used as the iconic romantic mini-break destination in the 2001 film ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’, their 1908 Championship

golf course featured prominently in the 1964 James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’ and the Mansion made a star appearance in Daniel Craig’s ‘Layer Cake’.

Stoke Park’s Bridal Suite, the Pennsylvania Suite, was also voted ‘the most Romantic hotel room in the UK’ by the Sunday Times Magazine.

Stoke Park is licensed to hold Civil Marriage Ceremonies, which means that you can take your vows in any of our three licensed beautiful rooms or outside on the gorgeous Fountain Terrace. Every room is beautifully and individually decorated with fine antiques and works of art, and all offer breathtaking views across historic gardens and landscaped parkland. With dining facilities for up to 146 guests prepared by our Executive Chef Chris Wheeler, 11 Spa treatment rooms in our award winning Spa, a 27 hole championship golf course, 49 luxurious bedrooms and suites and 14 acres of private gardens offering stunning photographic scenery, Stoke Park will make your day a truly memorable occasion.

For more information, to request a brochure or to arrange to come and see Stoke Park, please contact Stoke Park’s Wedding Coordinator, Michele Connelly at mconnelly@stokepark.com or by phone on 01753 71 71 71 www.stokepark.com

Say “I do”

with treesemories and create m

that last forever

You’ll be helping native woodland and wildlife and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

DEDICATE A TREE | DEDICATE WOODLAND | PLANT A TREE From £15. Visit woodlandtrustshop.com/specialdedications or call 0330 333 3300 Picture courtesy samandlouise.co.uk. The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales no. 294344 and in Scotland no. SC038885.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

Woodland Trust tree and woodland dedications are the perfect way to make your special day stand out from the crowd. Put dedications on your gift list or give your guests a wedding favour they’ll never forget by dedicating trees in their name.

8200 03.16

13

14

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

15

CAKES

WEDDING CAKE IDEAS

T

he wedding cake is a highly anticipated element of your day, not only because it's delicious, but because it encapsulates the whole theme of the wedding and is a masterpiece to be admired.

Making an appointment Start making appointments with cake decorators about six months prior to your wedding.

• Before your appointment decide on a basic cake shape and size and also the decorations you want.

• Call decorators to obtain quotes, and weigh the price against the workmanship involved. Quality should always be the deciding factor.

•Take pictures of wedding cakes that you like, swatches of your dress fabric and samples of your flowers so the cake decorator grasps the theme of your wedding.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

Factors that determine price • The wedding cake size will determine the basic cost - the bigger the cake the bigger the price tag. If you are serving your wedding cake as dessert the slices need to be bigger than if served with coffee; so you'll need a bigger cake.

• Adding tiers to your wedding cake will add to the price • Unusual shapes such as hearts or hexagons can often be pricey, as they take longer to ice than a regular round or square cake.

• Intricately handcrafted decorations such as sugar flowers, iced embroidery lace-work and icing sculptures are expensive.

• Hand-painted cakes will also be more costly due to the time and skill required to create them.

16

Ordering the wedding cake Order your cake at least 12 to 16 weeks prior to your wedding. This allows your decorator to book you into their baking schedule and make time-consuming decorations.

The size of your cake The size will depend upon the number of guests at your reception, the size of the slices you'll serve, and whether you are keeping the top tier. Most cake decorators are experienced in determining how much cake you will need, and can design a wedding cake

that will serve up to 500 guests. If you want to have your cake and eat it too they can design a magnificent showpiece cake and bake an undecorated and less expensive one to serve your guests.

Wedding Cake flavours There's no need to adhere to traditional fruitcake. Choose from mouth-watering alternatives that include: • Chocolate mud cake (an overwhelming favourite); • Hazelnut torte • Banana cake • Carrot cake • Tiramisu • Orange cake Many couples opt for rich chocolate mud cake or smooth chocolate truffle cake instead of fruitcake. White chocolate mud cake is a delicious and lighter alternative to the dense, dark chocolate mud cake. Most cake decorators suggest you serve your chocolate cake with something extra such as a white or dark chocolate sauce, a fruit coulis, ice-cream or cream.

Try before you buy It's hard work, but the way your wedding cake tastes is just as important as the way it looks, so it's best to sample the cakes before you confirm your decorator.

When you make appointments, tell the decorators you'd like to sample a few of their cake flavours. Most large cake decorating businesses will offer a selection for you to taste. Some decorators may charge a small fee.

Cake finishes Wedding cakes are often iced with sugar-dough icing, but can be iced with buttercream or chocolate as well.

• Sugar-dough icing is referred to within the cake decorating industry as 'plastic icing' as it has a perfectly smooth texture.

• Buttercream is a very soft icing made from a combination of icing sugar, cake shortening and butter. But beware - in hot weather buttercream has been known to melt.

• Chocolate covered cakes are a delicious alternative. The chocolate can be smooth, melted, layered in panels, scrolls or a collage of jagged pieces or flakes. Chockie is versatile and looks and tastes amazing!

Colour When it comes to wedding cakes - white is traditional, but if you like you can have a cake in any colour of the rainbow.

A colourful cake as your reception centrepiece will no doubt grab attention.

Whether it's a bold, striking blue or the palest hint of pink, your decorator can colour your cake to the exact shade of your dress, bridesmaids' dresses or flowers. Go crazy with colour to compliment your theme and brighten up your reception.

Decoration Cake toppers are back in style. You may opt for traditional bride and groom figurines, or you may break the rules and go for spaceship sculptures and cake craters! Ornaments, ribbons, cherubs, sculptures, , fruit, wire hearts, chocolate or tulle are all popular.

• Sugar flowers are the most popular way to decorate a wedding cake. Most are also edible.

• Gold and silver decorations come in all shapes and sizes and look fantastic. You will find that most metallic decorations are inedible, so remember to remove them before serving!

• Bows offer a fresh, contemporary effect and can be made from sugar-dough icing, ribbon or creamy white chocolate.

• Fresh flowers are a great way of tying in the overall theme. Your cake can echo your bouquet.

The big day Your wedding day has finally arrived, but will your cake? "¨Ensure you confirm the date, address and time of your reception in writing, and well in advance of the wedding. "¨Most decorators will deliver your cake to the reception, so re-confirm the details at least one week before the wedding day.

Dressing the cake at your reception In amongst all the wedding preparations, it is easy to forget about your cake table. If you are having your reception at a hotel or function centre, a cake table decorated with a linen cloth and ruffle will generally be set near the bridal table. Otherwise, you will need to organise one yourself. "¨A cake simply placed in the middle of a bare table will not look very exciting and won't flatter the cake. Here are a few ideas to get you started: • Try swathing the base of the cake in tulle • Decorate the table with ribbons, a sheer voile or crisp white tablecloth, • Sprinkle rose petals around the cake • Foil hearts, cherubs, gold glitter or sugared almonds will ensure the table sparkles.

• If you are having ribbon on your cake, ask your decorator for some to tie around your cake knife.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 17

DRESS

WEDDING DRESS FOR LESS Now more than ever, you need not worry about cost when looking for your perfect dress. Our everyday online and high street go to shops such as ASOS and Phase Eight, come up with beautiful, budget friendly bridal wear collections that need not break the bank…

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

Phase Eight: Something beautiful comes our way this year from high street favourites Phase Eight. Their timeless embellished and lace creations ensure and unforgettable wedding day. Their Collection 8 also do contemporary occasion wear for wedding guests from as little a £199. phase-eight.com

18

Cressida wedding dress £395.00

Hope Wedding Dress £595.00

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 19

DRESS

ASOS BRIDAL Long Sleeve Lace Mini Dress ÂŁ160.00

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

ASOS: Online retail giant ASOS delved into the wonderful world of wedding dresses again this year and with creations in white and cream with beautiful lace overlay and embellishment, their dresses are not only perfect for the big day, but post-wedding wearability as well. asos.com

20

Lace Fishtail Dress £250.00

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 21

DRESS

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

Needle and Thread: Stunning combinations of intricate and sensitive design give chic elegance on your wedding day. You will find everything from beautifully romantic gowns, to croptop and skirt combos to mini-dresses. needleandthread.com

22

BRIDAL TULLE V-CUT GOWN ÂŁ400.00

BRIDAL LACE TULLE MAXI DRESS £650.00

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 23

DRESS

SEARCHING FOR YOUR PERFECT DRESS? KNOW YOUR SHAPE. Narrowing down your dress selection can be harder than you might think, so a good place to start is getting the right shape dress for you figure. Knowing before-hand what enhances your shape, will make shopping for your dress a lot easier and lot less time consuming.

So, whatever shape you might be, there is always the perfect dress and it needn’t be a challenge to find.

TEXT BY EMILY MILTON

THE INVERTED TRIANGLE Having broad shoulders, with slightly larger than average bust and narrow hips, can be hard to shop for. However, this can be addressed by having details at the bodice and hip area that will draw attention away from the shoulders to create a focal point. Princess line and Ball gown wedding dresses and good, along with Halter, U and V necklines.

THE PEAR With narrow shoulders and wider hips, pear shapes look great in dresses that are tight on the waist and flare down gradually in an A line formation as they highlight the narrowness of the waist and not the hips. Spaghetti strapbodice or V line will give the illusion of a more slender upper body. Materials such as taffeta are ideal as they won’t cling to the body.

SLIM FIGURE If you have narrow hips with an undefined waist and small bust, you need to look for a dress that will give you curves where you don’t have them.

Depending on your hight, either look for volume and detail around the hips and chest as this will help create the illusion of an hourglass figure, or opt for a Greek/Romanesque style gown which will make you look elegant and statuesque. Clingy materials such as crepe are to avoid as they will only accentuate your lack of curves.

THE HOURGLASS

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

The hourglass has a balanced shape, with both equal hips and shoulders and defined waist. The best styles for you are body clinging dresses, such as Fit and Flare dresses, Trumpet or Mermaid. Add embellishment or ruching at the waist and this will accentuate your narrowest asset.

24

THE APPLE The apple shaped women is more curvaceous, with a fuller bust, rounder bum and a bit of a tummy. Dresses with a V neckline are the most slimming, and a textured bodice that clinches in at the smallest point of your waist will help to camouflage, creating a corset like style. A skirt that flares gradually out into an A line will make your waist appear more defined.

Come and visit us at the Bridal Suite, where yourself and wedding party can take advantage of complimentary prosecco and nibbles throughout your trials.

Catering for all size groups, specialists in European and Asian Bridal.

Hair and Make up team working together to bring you a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Call Ashton on 07568 328 503. www.modelmehairandmakeup.co.uk

Ann’s Designer Cakes Artisan Cakes for all Occasions

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

enchanting special occasion wear made for you in the heart of London littlebevan.co.uk 0207 821 9499 020 8644 8523 | www.annsdesignercakes.com Photography: Eddie Judd/ PierreCarr

25

FLOWERS

VINTAGE WEDDING FLOWERS Vintage wedding flowers can come in any shape, size and colour. A popular choice is using a soft pastel colour scheme to create a vintage look.

White, soft pinks, oranges and subdued shades of green are perfect choices for vintage wedding flowers. Some of the favourites for vintage wedding flowers include roses, orchids, tulips, lilies and of course baby's breath.

In order to get your ideal vintage look, you will need more than just the right flowers and colour palette.

For the perfect vintage flowers, you need the right arrangement and accessories.

A good florist will be able to arrange exquisite vintage wedding flowers. Often florists will accessorise the bouquets and flower arrangements to enhance the vintage theme. Elements such as feathers, ribbons, jewels, pearls and even dried flowers can be incorporated into the arrangement to create the perfect vintage wedding flower arrangement.

How you present your flowers is also important.

There are many ways to display your flowers and centrepieces. Luckily the vintage look works well with several elements such as clear glass, crystal, wood or even gold or silver. If you use the right accessories and vases, you can easily let your flowers tie in with your overall theme.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

Visit the Southeast Bride website for more wedding flower tips and ideas.

26

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

27

JEWELLRY

How to Choose Your Wedding Jewellry

A

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

fter running around London with my best friend the day before her wedding, to find her wedding jewellry, & seeing many of my friends' & acquaintances' desperate pleas on Facebook about finding wedding jewellry in the few days before The Big Day, I have realized that jewellry seems to be often relegated to just the "accessories" category & put off until the last minute, causing major issues when she can't find just what she's looking for. I've been wanting to write a post about how brides-to-be should choose their jewellry, but what do I know about it? Lucky for me (& you!), Urvi Tejani is a wedding jewelry designer & founder of TEJANI Jewellry. She guestblogged Wedding Jewellry Do's & Don'ts for HuffPost Weddings a few days ago & shared some valuable insight, including, I am pleased to see, "DO give yourself enough time!"

28

HERE ARE SOME JEWELRY DO'S AND DON'TS

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

DO mix borrowed with new.

DON'T wear a necklace with this season's asymmetrical gown trend.

DO bring your headpiece when trying on earrings.

DON'T wear a watch.

DO mix finishes: your ring is its own entity.

DON'T over-accessorize.

DO give yourself enough time!

DON'T compromise personal style.

DO incorporate color into jewellry.

DON'T cut corners -- quality lasts a lifetime.

DO wear your wedding jewellry after the big day.

DON'T wear wire earrings.

DO change jewelry for the reception.

29

JEWELLRY

PICKING YOU PERFECT WEDDING BANDS

Narrow Down Your Choices

It is smart to make some preliminary choices before you even hit the stores. Do you want your band to be the same metal as your engagement ring? Does he want his to match the metal on his watch? Are you interested in something simple, over-the-top or unique? Would you like your bands to include diamonds or gemstones? Do you want them to match one another? Work out these kind of questions beforehand so you can zero in on exactly what you're looking for before you start shopping.

Start Your Search Early

Give yourself at least a couple of months prior to the wedding to find a ring. You will need the time to look around, research prices and revisit rings you like. If your heart is set on a custom ring, allow an extra two months or so, engravings can add one month onto you time line.

Mix It Up

There is no rule that says your wedding band has to match that of your partners. You can compromise with either colour or style for example; both having the same metal or having braided bands with the two metals entwined, or having them both engraved with the same message can be a nice alternative.

Set a Budget

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

You need to set roughly 3% of your total wedding cost aside for the rings. Plain 14-Karat gold bands come in at around £300 and a simple platinum band can cost around £900.

Adding extras like diamonds and engravings will quickly add to the cost so don’t forget to budget those in. Engravings are usually priced on the number of characters, font and whether or not it is being engraved by hand.

30

Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind

The last thing you want is a ring that you will be taking on and off several times a day because it gets in the way. There will be no point in spending a small fortune on a big, pretty ring if it feels uncomfortable or will be in the way. You need something that will seamlessly become part of your life, so judge what your lifestyle is like. If you are very active, try platinum as it is durable and does not wear. If you work with your hands avoid gem stones that could come loose or carvings that can trap the dirt.

Take Your Time Trying

Although you will most probably go into a jeweller with a set design of ring in mind, it is always a good idea to try some rings on that you might not be on your ideal wish list.

Like with wedding dresses, you might be surprised at what you might end up loving. Ask the jeweller for their advice, try it on for a few minutes and see how it feels. Does it rub?

Do the diamonds dig into your other fingers? Try writing or sending a text to check for comfort.

Size It Right

Most people rarely take off their wedding bands so wear them through summer, winter, pregnancy and exercise, all the times your fingers will swell and contract. So to avoid an ill fitted ring, arrange your fitting for a time when your body temperature is normal and you are calm.

Check for Quality

Make sure the ring has two marks inside the band: the manufacturer's trademark (this proves they stand behind their work) and the quality mark, 24K or PLAT, for example (this proves that the metal quality is what the retailer says it is). If the ring consists of two or more metals, make sure there's a quality mark for each.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 31

STATIONERY

First Impressions of your wedding invitations Your wedding invitations give guests a taste of what’s to come, heres are tips to get you started

T

here’s little in the way of news that’s more exciting to receive, and deliver, than that of a forthcoming wedding. The bulk of mail delivered through the letterbox these days arrives in brown governmentstandard envelopes, so the arrival of a piece of classy-looking personal correspondence on the doormat is always very exciting.

As your guests open the envelope, the invitation you’ve sent is the first glimpse of your forthcoming big day. It’s the first chance to make an impression, create anticipation about the event, as well as provide the practical details of the day – date, location, proceedings. Your invitation will demonstrate the style and tone you expect the wedding to take, as well as showcase your personal taste.

There’s a wide variety of options, from homemade to printed do-it-yourself invitations, using professional templates accessible online, professional printers, or designing your own. What you do will depend on budget, how many people you’re inviting, who they are and the style, tone and theme your wedding will take.

The invitation is the perfect place to introduce the theme of your wedding, which may be something subtle such as initials or symbols that you carry throughout the printed literature or something more elaborate that extends to dress code.

You could have fun by delivering a ‘clue’ of what to expect, or perhaps use a caricaturist, or an illustrator, to create a humorous or magical representation of the bride and groom and the location you plan to marry in.

Save the date

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

People have busy lives and frequently book holidays so it pays to ensure they’ve ‘saved the date’ of your wedding well in advance. ‘Save the date’ cards are simply that, a request to enter the wedding date of the named couple in the diary.

No other details are required, meaning they can be sent as much as six months in advance, before you’ve even secured a venue.

32

Stationery options – DIY or professionally printed?

DIY stationery adds a personal touch to your invitations.

These days anyone with a decent PC and printer can make their own very respectable invitation on a high-gsm paper from a high street stationer. Photographs and individual art or designs can be incorporated through simple scanning and graphic design. Likewise, wedding websites have a range of invitation templates of various styles and designs that can be personalised with your own details and purchased online.

Professional stationers, however, can provide that extra bit of class and individuality in both materials and design that you couldn’t achieve yourself: features such as the high-quality parchment scrolls sealed with wax or ribbon.

The e-invitation Finally, there is the e-invitation – great for those concerned with not using too much paper and for those where money and time is tight. An e-mail invitation would generally present the key information, then link to a wedding website that provides more detail. The website can obviously provide a wealth of visual opportunities, from presenting the venue plus links to all nearby accommodation, to showing photo galleries and films of the soon-to-be bride and groom. It can also, of course, chronicle the happy day by recording photos, comments, thanks, even a honeymoon blog.

Timing Wedding invitations, complete with full details of proceedings, should traditionally be received 6-8 weeks prior to the event.

Before that, they’re likely to get lost; after that, there’s not enough time to allow people to plan transport, where they’ll stay and so on.

VENUE

Y

Weddings by Portia

our wedding day should be one of the most memorable days of your life and I can make the occasion even more special by helping you to have a coordinated and seamless look from beginning to end. I take great pride in my work and ensure that my stationery and other products are of the highest quality, using only the best materials available, with a huge choice of ribbons, fine lace and stunning embellishments.

DREAMS TO REALITY My aim is to bring your dreams and ideas to life, so book a no obligation appointment with me and together we

can build your ideal wedding theme.

I can show you my wide selection of styles ranging from traditional, modern, vintage or rustic to suit all tastes and budgets and by asking questions and listening to you I can make your dreams a reality. Once a style has been selected the theme can be carried through all your stationery with my unique designs and of course my personal service throughout.

YOU’RE INVITED Weddings by Portia offers all you need in the way of stationery from the early stages of planning, with beautiful save the date cards and day and evening invitations that will set the scene enticingly for your guests.

THE CEREMONY I offer a detailed Order of Service matching your theme for church or venue weddings and also biodegradable confetti supplied in cones or a basket, ideal for the traditional confetti-throw photograph your official photographer will take..

AT THE VENUE All your place cards, menus, table number or name cards, table plans and favour boxes will be designed to follow your theme and I can help to ensure that your flowers and chair sashes will blend with them. I have all the accessories you need for the venue, three styles of postboxes to choose from, two styles of easels, butterfly number stands & a beautiful sweet stand.

LITTLE EXTRA'S A guest book in your chosen theme is a lovely way to remember who came to your wedding and a matching memory box to hold your wedding cards, mementos, floral button holes and other things you may be given at your wedding.

AFTERWARDS Finally, I have matching thank you cards that you can send to your guests who helped to make your day so special.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 33

Wedding Photography in Style

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

www.jayrowden.com

34

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

35

PHOTO

A Photograph Should Tell a Story Just like perfectly captured street photography, a wedding image should tell a story in one frame. London wedding photographer Kristian Leven is to discover more about his street style and his favourite wedding imagery.

How would you describe your style of photography?

I’d say it’s very honest and real – a result of many, many hours spent observing and anticipating for moments, and aiming to capture them in as natural and creative a way as possible. I’d also say there’s a pretty large street photography element to it –a good street photograph should tell a story in one image, and on a wedding day that’s precisely what I set out to do.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

Who are your ideal clients?

36

Anyone who loves what they see on my website and connects with it. I’m a firm believer in likeattracts-like, and everything on the website is geared towards attracting couples who love the same kind of weddings I love to be a part of.

Can you choose a picture that encapsulates everything you want to achieve in a wedding photograph?

Tell us what it is about this image that you love.

So hard, but this one really gets to me, and it’s probably because I can imagine being in a similar situation later on in my life. It’s actually photos like this that got me into photography in the first place.

The chance to capture something special, and show a side to ourselves which is honest and real, and sometimes hidden.

How far in advance should those interested look to book you? Do people stand a chance of getting you last minute?

On average I book a year in advance, but there are occasions when I have a free weekend here and there, but it’s unlikely to be the case for peak summer dates.

My advice is to get in touch sooner rather than later.

How can couples help to ensure the best work?

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

Completely forget about me, and just enjoy the day. I was at a wedding recently where some of the guests weren’t really familiar with reportage photography, and every time I came close to photograph a beautifully natural moment that was happening, they’d spot me, stop what they were doing, and pose for the camera. That’s extremely rare though, and most guests understand the concept of documentary photography, and ignore me and carry on with what they were doing.

37

PHOTO What’s your opinion on group shots–can you give us an example of yours?

It’s no biggie for me. I understand that parents, particularly, like to have that picture on the wall, so I don’t mind spending 10-15 minutes getting those kind of shots. I always ask the couple beforehand to provide a list of about five or six that they really want so on the day we’re organised and can get through them quickly.

In terms of trends, what do you think is the most interesting at the moment?

I think it’s best not to pay too much attention to trends, because trends, by their very nature, fall in and out of fashion and ultimately I’d like the images to have a timeless feel to them. So I concentrate on the emotions and connections the guests have with one another.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

What’s the most common misconception that you have to correct with couples? The thing you’d most like to communicate to the masses.

Venue visits aren’t needed. Really they aren’t. I think it was something that was done back in the day when wedding photography was all about bride and groom portraits, and they wanted to scout out places for the two hour session they had planned. But now it’s come back to being about the people at the wedding, and so a quick walk around on the day to familiarise myself with the layout is all that’s needed.

38

Specialising in exquisite hand-crafted wedding stationery including: save the dates, wedding and evening invitations, order of service, table plans, table numbers, place cards and menus.

With a choice of over 120 ribbons, ďŹ ne lace and stunning embellishments, let me make your dreams come to life.

www.weddingsbyportia.co.uk portia@weddingsbyportia.co.uk Telephone 07979 695016

SOUTHEAST BRIDE 39

GIFT

MAKE YOUR SPECIAL DAY MORE MEMORABLE WITH WOODS AND TREES Making your wedding memorable and different can be a challenge for any bride and groom.

By putting tree or woodland dedications on your gift list or by transforming traditional wedding favours into a living and growing talking point by dedicating to your guests, you can do something amazing for nature in a way that will always be remembered.

Tree and woodland dedications from the Woodland Trust are a meaningful and lasting way of ensuring your special day stands out for all the right reasons.

Trees can be dedicated from just £15 and also on offer are quarter acre groves or more with benches and marker posts. As a thank you, you or your guests will receive a personalised dedication pack.

Woodland Trust supporter Hannah Leonard (pictured right with her husband Mark) wanted to do something unique to mark her wedding day “The woodland dedication was perfect. We were able to choose some woodland near the wedding venue in North Yorkshire, where I'm from, and come up with our own dedication wording. We had a very positive reaction from guests. They hadn't seen anything like this before at other weddings, and they thought it was a great idea.”

Trees and woodland can be dedicated in hundreds of Woodland Trust woods all over the UK and each dedication directly supports the protection of the UK’s woods and wildlife. Your dedication is free to visit whenever you wish.

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

To find out more about the Woodland Trust’s dedications, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/specialdedications or call 0330 333 3300

40

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

41

SOUTHEAST BRIDE

kentweddingphotography.net  steve@kentweddingphotography.net  01795559899  07912347494

42  03305559899