Margot's Wedding Issue 12 by Helen Ruff

Issue 12

FR E E GU I D E

ww w. ma rg ot sw ed di ng .c o.

S USSE X , H AM P S H I RE , S U R R E Y

Georgina Piper Photography

Glamping loveliness at our designated hen camp

Booking07747037656 now for 2019 Katrina: www.beautiful-bells.co.uk

In this issue... Inspire

Shoe Shine

Dance School

10 Snappy Dresser – A Groom’s Guide to Dressing for the Occasion 20

Fiesta Fields – Styled Shoot

Editor’s Treat – Makeover

Arty Elegance – Styled Shoot

Food, Glorious Food

Hampshire Ceremonies

Faux Bloom

Cover

Hair | www.annieelizabethbbh.co.uk

Designing & Styling | www.onestylishday.com

Make-up | www.sonaraparker.com

Photography | www.agnesblack.com

Venue | www.garthmylhall.co.uk

Model | Kayleigh Marie Parsons |

Skirt | www.eandwcouture.co.uk

www.instagram.com/modelkmpm

Jumper | www.boden.co.uk

After changing from Doily Days to Margot’s Wedding at the beginning of the year I feel like I’ve spent nine months getting to know ‘Margot’ and finding out what really makes her tick. Our front covers will now only feature a bride (whereas previously, under Doily Days, we sometimes had couples). My criteria for choosing the cover is ‘does she look like a Margot’? And in fact that question stands me in good stead for choosing all the content for the magazine and online. So who is Margot? Are YOU a Margot? Well, she’s confident, cool and sassy. She doesn’t follow trends or look to others for what’s ‘in’. She knows what she likes and she goes about her business quietly. Her home is stylish, she enjoys life’s simple pleasures and she wants her wedding to reflect her wholehearted style.

Real Weddings 14

www.wildblossomphotography.co.uk

From the editor

Real Wedding – Daniel & Michael

42 Real Wedding – Sally & Ralph – The Wench and the Woodsman

I’m so proud to feature the styled shoot I coordinated at Balcombe Place (pages 30-33). We really wanted to convey an air of arty, bohemian elegance. Chic, effortless style is very ‘Margot’. I loved putting together the shoe feature for this issue too (pages 8 & 9) and I’m especially swooning over Pearl & Stud’s designs. Their chunky heel looks manageable but I might need to change into the Charlotte Mills flats at some point during the day!

Featured Venue 46

Featured Venue: Pilgrims Rest

The Pilgrims Rest is such a dreamy venue for us to feature in our autumn issue. It’s a great choice for all seasons but I’m feeling particularly cosy thinking of open fires, exposed beams and dramatic candlelight. It’s a treat to feature Daniel and Michael’s real wedding (on pages 16-19) and elements of their laid-back farm vibe spill over into the menu feature (on pages 34 & 35) and the first dance feature too (pages 6 & 7). Carrie Lavers has perfectly captured their day with her dramatic and arty signature style of photography. ENJOY! And, as always, I love to receive feedback.

Helen Ruff | Editor helen@margotswedding.co.uk | 07795 076 553 www.margotswedding.co.uk @margotswedding margotswedding

SHOE SHINE! Will you be opting for heels or flats? Modern or vintage-inspired? Will you be changing your footwear to hit the dance floor? Decision, decisions… Here’s a selection of our editor’s favourite styles.

Blonde Cinderella Block

Jasmine

April Ivory The perfect summer flat. ‘Blonde’ sandal available in gold, silver and rose gold. www.charlottemills.com ‘April Ivory’ www.charlottemills.com ‘Cinderella Block’ www.emmylondon.com ‘Jasmine’. A flat version of their classic ‘Leila’ style. www.emmylondon.com ‘Besina’ www.freyarose.com

Besina

Dance up a storm in ‘Courtney Pink’. Statement mother-of-pearl heels perfect for balmy evenings. www.freyarose.com

Starlight

‘Chelsea’. Featured in ivory satin. www.pearlandstud.com ‘Ealing’ www.pearlandstud.com ‘Starlight’ trainers in ivory and blush. www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk ‘Mimosa’. Available in blue, ivory, mint, quartz and rose gold www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Chelsea

Ealing

Courtney P ink Mimosa

POP UP EVENTS - WEDDINGS - PARTIES

WWW.THEGINTIN.CO.UK | 07885 732421 | HELLO@THEGINTIN.CO.UK

DANCE SCHOOL iam by Michael McWill

I love a first dance. Done well, they can tell your guests the story of your relationship; done badly, they’re three minutes of torture for you and your guests. I’ve been dancing since I was tiny. Some boys wanted to be footballers – I wanted to be Fred Astaire. My husband, however, struggled to tell his Swing from his Salsa and, quite frankly, his left from his right. Six weeks before our big day I set about teaching Dan our first dance. Here’s what I learnt in the process: Choose music that you both like and which represents you as a couple - you don’t have to have a ballad. We danced to ‘Do You Love Me’ by The Overtones. It was fun, upbeat and got the party started!

Wedding planning can be stressful and hectic but our practices became fun, relaxed time we got to spend together amongst all the chaos!

Keep it short and sweet. Your guests love you – but enough to watch you dance to all five minutes of Aerosmith?

Have fun, stretch your feet and don’t forget to smile. If you want some help choreographing your first dance, or just some more advice, drop me an email aerialdancedays@gmail.com.

Know your limits. If you’re not Fred and Ginger, nobody is expecting you to be. Even if you nearly did the Dirty Dancing lift once, are you going to be able to do it in a dress and heels after a bottle of Prosecco? First dances don’t have to be serious; simple and fun is often more effective.

If you’re struggling for ideas, here are my top five first dance tracks: You & Me Song - The Wannadies Everlasting Love - Natalie Cole I’ll Be There For You - The Rembrandt’s You Make My Dreams - Hall & Oates Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen

Photo by Carrie Lavers (you can see more photos from Michael and Daniel’s big day on pages 15-17).

SNAPPY DRESSER

to Dr es si ng A Gr oo m’ s Gu id e on fo r th e Oc ca si

The groom should always be the best dressed male to the party. Your choice of suit will depend on several important factors: the time of year, the venue and whether you want to wear your suit again.

THE TRAD ITIONAL C IT Y WEDD ING

A traditional wedding demands a crisp and sharp tailored three-piece suit. Good choices are those made from mohair or worsted wool, in a dark palette such as French navy, midnight or charcoal. Don’t wear black (it’s not a funeral) unless you’re required to wear a morning suit. Doublebreasted suits or a sleek peak double-breasted lapel will command authority and make you stand out against all the other suits in the room. A double cuff shirt and crisp classic tie will complete the look. This is not the occasion for lairy linings or comic ties. Keep it clean and classic.

THE BEACH WEDD ING

As a rule of thumb stick to natural cloths such as cotton and linen. These will feel cooler and more in keeping with a relaxed setting. Natural tones such as whites, creams, beiges and baby blues will look consistent with your surroundings i.e. the sea, sand and sky. Cotton shorts with a turnup, a smart belt to match your loafers and a baby-blue shirt will probably suffice. If you want to look crisp, avoid linen unless it is blended with some mohair or wool. Linen can also stretch, so if you like your garments ultra-tailored then steer clear. If you need to wear a jacket keep it half lined and light, and not too fitted, to allow the air to circulate.

THE COUNTRY WEDD ING

Possibly the easiest wedding to dress for. The key is to make sure you’re not overdressed for a barn, marquee or village hall. You can mix and match layers, textures, tweed and tartans to your heart’s content. This is an easy look if you want to wear it all again as separates. Earthly browns, greens and blues are a must, always with a brown shoe. A waistcoat with a lapel and a knitted tie give a dimensionally dressy look without looking fussy and over the top. Keep the textures matte and finish with a pocket watch. A three-piece matching tweed suit will have you standing out as quite the dandy. Written by Nathalie May Head of Tailoring for Gresham Blake

www.greshamblake.com

14 16

Real Wedding

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Daniel & Michael When a foodie and a dancer tie the knot it’s sure to be one epic celebration! Venue | www.warbornefarm.co.uk Photos | www.carrielaversphotography.co.uk Flowers | www.facebook.com/CrosslandsFlowerNursery Entertainment | Amba Goodwin Tremain | www.brassjunkies.co.uk Cake | www.instagram.com/rozzie_roo_cakes Rings | www.barbaratipple.co.uk Food | www.thesouthseadeli.com Suit alterations | www.facebook.com/aprillovelacecostume4

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Daniel runs The Southsea Deli in Southsea, Portsmouth, as well as monthly supper clubs, so he planned and sourced the menu himself. See feature on page 32 for a mouth-watering run down of their menu. Also see Michael’s first dance top tips on page 9.

Fiesta Fields Couples put so much effort into just one day so it’s unsurprising that the trend for longer celebrations is growing. An outdoor wedding is perfect for an extended party, since tipis/ marquees and bell tents are generally up for the weekend anyway. For this shoot we wanted to provide some inspiration for a wedding weekender: starting on Friday evening with an outdoor cinema night complete with popcorn and hotdogs, a Saturday morning scavenger hunt, informal sharing platters, an evening ceremony, pizzas and desserts and a survivors’ breakfast on Sunday morning. We went for a new-age boho vibe with macramé, crystals, succulents, dreamcatchers and feathers. The wedding dress was created especially for this shoot in just three days! Nikki Ford, Fiesta Fields Photography | www.lesleyburdett.com and www.facebook.com/aitnephotography Catering (all food except cakes in outdoor set up) | www.gastrocatering.com Cakes | www.monanniecakes.com Marquee | www.tentsnevents.co.uk Venue, shoot concept/set-ups and coordination | www.fiestafields.co.uk Dress | www.nortiershallow.com Celebrant | www.creatingceremony.com Stationery | www.flamboyantinvites.com Flowers | www.webbandfarrer.co.uk Bell Tents | www.beautiful-bells.co.uk Calligraphy | www.facebook.com/paintandinkstudio Make-up | www.facebook.com/freydepaoli Hair | www.gemmalouisebridal.com Styling | www.thebeautifulday.co.uk and www. turmerichouse.com Bride Styling | www.emmashoe.com Mobile Bar | www.vintagebarbox.com Ice Cream Caravan | www.caravanilla.com

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Styled Shoot

Editor’s Treat

Makeover

When Birute Thomas offered to give me a makeover I jumped at the chance. She’s such a pro and it was so nice and relaxing being pampered. I love how she hasn’t made me look overly ‘made up’ but rather accentuated my natural features: made my skin look flawless, brought out the colour of my eyes and I love the pinky lipstick with a hint of orange.

www.birutethomasmua.co.uk

Before

After Later that day I was lucky enough to have a photo shoot with Leoni Watt from Wild Blossom Photography. We had lots of fun out and about in Southsea. I love this photo against the wooden doors and she also captured the photo of me on page 5 with the popcorn in the background. Such fun! www.wildblossomphotography.co.uk Both Birute and Leoni gave me some really good tips for posing. I learnt to push my chin up, out and down to give a better jawline and Leoni showed me how to shape my body with this leg tilt/hands on hip combo! Now I know what beauty trials and engagement shoots are like!

Helen

Arty Elegance “Jessica and I came up with the theme for the shoot. We wanted an intellectual, arty bohemian vibe. Our mood board had nods to William Morris and the Charleston set. I’m thrilled we achieved the elegant, aloof look we were going for. We were conscious the overall look needed to indicate true bohemian style as opposed to trendy boho style.” HELEN RUFF, EDITOR

Styled Shoot

Rich Paige Photography

Food, Glorious Food

Carrie Lavers

The Southsea Deli

The Garden Chef

Need some inspiration for your big day menu? Will you go for comfort food, sophistication, DIY, exotic or keep it local? Decisions, decisions…

“We planned and sourced the whole menu for our own wedding (see feature on page 15). Starters were British antipasti: cured meats, local cheeses and incredible olives. Main course was slow-cooked shoulder of grass-fed hogget, served with slowroasted potatoes and salads picked straight from the farm that morning. Dessert was salted chocolate brownies with New Forest strawberries and organic vanilla ice cream.”

Lesley Burdett

Daniel Nowland www.thesouthseadeli.com “Our most popular foodie treats this year have most definitely been our ‘Pimp Your Pud Bar!’. Top contenders have been ‘Pimp Your Doughnut and Brownie Bars’, where guests get to add a whole manner of sugary delights to their baked treat. YUM!”

Lesley Burdett

Maryanne Petryszyn www.jamandtea.co.uk

Gastro Catering

MonAnnie Cakes

Merry Michau Photography

“We have loved creating traditional pie and mash for our beautiful wedding customers. Served on our notoriously mismatched crockery; a unique pie on creamy mash with minted mushy peas and onion gravy to accompany… always goes down a treat! Large Pork Pies and mini cana-pies have taken centre stage at our evening buffets when the party of dancing to favourite records needs a much deserved break!” Tasha Solanki www.pieandvinyl.co.uk

“We are so utterly passionate about wedding food: we want it to be unique to each couple – colourful, vibrant, delicious, fresh and beautiful. It makes such a difference to the day when people are excited about what they have eaten, are queuing up to take pictures of the puddings and sharing their dinners on Instagram! The more of ‘you’ you put into the food, the more memorable it is. Go wild: create a menu that’s all about you and your friends will never forget it!” Rebecca Cook www.thegardenchef.net

The Garden Chef

Caiger & Co

Carrie Lavers

“We love bringing Asian influences into our wedding planning – from pared back crockery & gold cutlery to sushi stations & kimchi canapes, we’re constantly inspired.” Holly Arnold www.caigerandcocatering.co.uk

“It was awesome watching people enjoy the hands-on experience of putting together tacos from a ‘build-your-own’ selection of beautifully cooked fillings, all presented on our themed Mexican food station. It worked perfectly as an exciting and interactive evening food option!” Callum Alexander-Lindsay www.gastrocatering.com

D & J Photography

One Day Ceremony Package Hampshire

You may have set your heart on marrying in a venue that does not hold a licence for Civil Marriage. This could be your home, in a field, on the beach… literally anywhere! You need a solution to do the legal bit as well as your personalised ceremony in front of friends and family. Often couples choose to do this on separate days, or even weeks apart, but Hampshire Ceremonies have introduced a unique and personal package called ‘One Day’. When you’ve chosen your venue and agreed the time of your non-statutory ceremony you will need to

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choose the Register Office for your legal ceremony in the morning (Aldershot, Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Ringwood, Fareham, Winchester or Romsey). You can bring up to 10 guests to your legal ceremony and it’s available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Where possible, they will ensure that the Registrar you meet in the morning for your legal marriage is the same Registrar that will come to your chosen venue in the afternoon. This package is likely to work out cheaper than booking a separate celebrant and you’ll have the ease of liaising with the same team for both ceremonies.

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Prices start from ÂŁ500. Contact the Ceremony Liaison Team with any questions you may have; they are there to make your day special.

Faux Bloom Benefits of using faux flowers for your wedding: Keepsake... remember your special day for years to come. ‘Thank you’ bouquets also available.

Reduce, Re-use & Recycle... hiring artificial flowers creates a huge reduction in delivery journeys compared to fresh, this along with using only biodegradable oasis and eco-friendly packing materials results in a reduced carbon footprint.

Any flowers all year round... no need to compromise: choose your favourite flowers with no limitations.

Let’s fly away... Faux flowers are perfect for destination weddings. Storage & transport is a breeze. plus no need to hunt for a florist abroad.

NO wilting... with very hot weather florists can have a nail-biting time. You have no worries with artificial and they are always looking their best in full bloom!

Emily Little, founder of Faux Bloom, started out creating bouquets for interior design projects. She loves the theatrical world of weddings and she finds inspiration for her ‘Bohemian Luxe’ style from Italy and Australia. As well as bouquets and buttonholes, Faux Bloom can also provide a feature moongate arch, flower walls and lots more. The possibilities are endless and they love a bespoke project.

Photo shoot inspiration - Willow Wonderland “The turquoise pop of colour came from a chair I saw at an interior design show. This was soon on my mood board and then a gorgeous painting called ‘Sky Fragments’ jumped out at me by Artist Scott Naismith. These two items were the focus when choosing the flowers and styling the shoot.” Emily Little, Faux Bloom.

Budget Boost... utilizing the hire option means you have more money to play with and can have more floral décor, such as a stunning circular arch and/or blossom trees.

What are faux flowers made from? Having spent years researching suppliers, Emily and her team are confident they’re offering an exceptional product. Stems are individually hand crafted, mimicking the beautiful spontaneity of nature. Hand-dyed materials, wax coated silk and high-grade latex create beautiful natural looking flowers.

Stress free... arrangements can be prepared weeks in advance providing peace of mind for clients & venue coordinators.

aders: fer for re Special Of

u book a wedding r Wall hire when yo FREE Ivory Flowe on bookings made 00 or more. Valid package worth £5 19. 2018 and March 20 between September

Happy tears... Faux flowers are perfect for those with pollen allergies so you’ll be tearing up for all the right reasons!

www.fauxbloomdesigns.com

The Wench and the Woodsman Sally and Ralph went for an alpine theme for their New Forest weddingâ&#x20AC;Ś with a bit of Provence lavender fields thrown in for good measure.

Real Wedding

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“Rather than having the church organist we played guitar and all sang ‘Oh Happy Day’.”

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Keeps Lifting Me Higher’.”

“We used a cow bell to get people’s attention throughout the day.”

Real Wedding

Sally & Ralph run their own event styling business and they did all the flowers, décor and styling themselves (piano bar, dreamcatchers, wooden bow ties, lights, signs, hay bales and cable reel tables). www.withthesehandsweddings.co.uk.

“We re-named the wedding breakfast our ‘wine and cheese party’. We had alpine dishes of Tartiflette and Crozetflette with a mix of French and English meats and cheeses. It was a full-on cheese-fest!”

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“Our first dance was to ‘Runaway’ by The Corrs and, on the second chorus, we decided to actually run away and head back outside to finish the dance on our own under the dreamcatcher tree.”

Styling | www.withthesehandsweddings.co.uk

Rings | www.jencunningham.co.uk

Band | www.deadbeatcircus.com

Ralph’s Suit | www.healyandson.com

Photographer | www.jennyowensphotography.com

Sally’s Dress | Sottero & Midgley

VW Evening Food | www.facebook.com/thegrubdub

Bridesmaid Dresses | ASOS & Ebay

Petting Zoo | www.muckybucketfarm.co.uk

Sally’s Shoes | www.freyarose.com

Featured venue

A magical year-round venue. Enjoy the rose and walled gardens in the summer and fires and candles in the winter. Nestled next to Battle Abbey, The Pilgrims Rest is an exclusive use wedding venue full of rustic charm. Nearly 600 years old, this ancient Grade 2* listed Wealden Hall house has opened her doors to visitors and pilgrims to Sussex since the Crusades. Packed full of historic features from ancient beams and linenfold doors to witch’s marks to ward off evil spirits and a secret tunnel hidden that runs beneath the Abbey walls, The Pilgrims Rest is a truly unique venue. Furnished with lime-washed tables wide enough for sharing platters, benches, furs, vintage decanters, pewter candlesticks and more… The Pilgrims Rest has been designed to either need little decoration, or equally to be a stunning backdrop for creative couples wanting to add their own spin. With the flexibility to have a fully catered wedding, a DIY wedding or anything in between, there are no fixed suppliers, no corkage charges and absolutely no hidden extras. Whatever you choose, a member of the wedding team will be there on the day to ensure your wedding goes without a hitch.

The Pilgrims Rest is relaxed yet stunning, affordable yet beautiful. But what makes The Pilgrims Rest far more than just a beautiful old building is that this grand old lady has historic soul. Her Great Hall has hosted celebrations from medieval banquets to Georgian balls, Victorian luncheons to Edwardian tea dances. Over the centuries flagons of ale, goblets of wine and flutes of champagne have been consumed beneath her eaves to the sounds of laughter within her walls. The Pilgrims Rest is perfect for weddings all year round. When the sun is shining your guests can flood out into the pretty rose and walled gardens; as the evenings draw in, stoke up the fires, light some candles, then watch as this grand old lady sparkles into life. www.pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk

Photographs by Georgina Piper Photography