March 2021 Issue

THE UK’S NO.1 BEST SELLING BRIDAL MAGAZINE

& HONEYMOONS

MARCH 2021

THEY DID IT...SO CAN YOU!

THE BRIDE’S ULTIMATE GO-TO WEDDING DAY GUIDE

REAL-LIFE COVID REGULATED WEDDINGS (FROM AUSTRIA, ITALY, MEXICO & UK)

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL

SWAN LAKE INSPIRED STYLED SHOOT

853015

03

WISH YOU WERE HERE?

FA S H I O N

BEAUT Y

9

772056

WELL YOU CAN BE! EXPERT ADVICE FROM OUR COVID CORNER PANEL I N S P I R AT I O N

D E S T I N AT I O N S

H O N E YM O O N S

weddingsandhoneymoonsmagazine.com

£4.99

Led by Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, a luxury fashion industry veteran, La Fête is the high-end wedding & event planning company with a difference, particularly in its multicultural approach. Operating from their Central London offices, Charlotte and her quadrilingual team work nationwide and globally, delivering award-winning magic, with especially close ties to the UK's leading wedding suppliers and most unique vendors.

Creating memories is the company’s credo, and beautiful memories are exactly what we can promise you when you choose to work with La Fête on your big day. www.la-fete.com • @officiallafete • charlotte@la-fete.com • +44 (0)207 427 6088

SASSI HOLFORD

www.sassiholford.com

Made in England

Sandals South Coast, Jamaica

TH E B R A N D YOU C A N T R U ST - B O O K W I T H CO N F I D E N CE At Sandals, we understand that your love story is unique and special… and your wedding should be too. They say the best things in life are free.

That’s why, when you book 3 nights or more at one of our Luxury Included® resorts, we’ll gift you a wedding for free^. This includes a stunning ceremony location, a bouquet, boutonniere, and even a cake to cut! Plus, if you want to customise your dream wedding, the options are endless with our wedding inspirations, to reflect your personal style that will make your special day as unique as your love.

The perfect start to the perfect marriage is a Sandals Luxury Included® honeymoon. You will experience an incomparable showcase of luxury, romance and welcoming hospitality. We include the best of everything, so you can do anything your heart desires. Sip tropical cocktails crafted from premium liquors on a hammock at Over-The-Water Bars. Or relax in Sandals’ most creatively designed suites. Spend your stay exploring a new coral reef or discovering the best beaches in the Caribbean. Dine in France one night, Tuscany the next without ever leaving the resort with our Global Gourmet Dining™, featuring up to 16 restaurants per resort – all included in the price of your honeymoon. At Sandals, every day is yours to enjoy to the fullest.

VOTE D TH E WO R LD ’ S LE AD I N G ALL- I N CLU S IVE R E SO RTS FO R

CALL 0800 742 742

25

YE ARS IN A ROW

VISIT SANDALS.CO.UK

See your local travel agent 11

@SandalsResortsUK

@Sandals_UK

^Minimum 3 night stay. Mandatory marriage officiant and government documentation fees apply.

2020

25 Years Running

JAMAICA

ANTIG UA

SAINT LUCIA

BAHAMAS

G R E NADA

BARBADOS

P L A N YO U R O N C E - I N - A - L I F E T I M E

WEDDING & HONEYMOON I N A C A R I B B E A N PA R A D I S E

Ready to reconnect? Head to one of 16 island destinations where romance is measured in the days you spend island-hopping, the hours you spend laughing, and the moments you spend making a lifetime of new memories. We’re ready to welcome you home. Even if it’s your first time.

Bahamas.com

email us:

villarenaissancetci@yahoo.com

call us:

US 800-234-0346 Turks 649-941-4358

find us:

www.villarenaissanceturksandcaicos.com

FIND ‘THE ONE’ AT

Along Came Eve W. alongcameeve.com | E. info@alongcameeve.com | T. 0 1 2 4 4 3 1 0 7 0 0 | 29 Watergate Row South, Chester, CH1 2LE

Editor-in-Chief’s Letter In association with The Omnia Zermatt Dear couples, As we take this year day by day, let’s not forget that there are some things we just can’t postpone - like planning your wedding.

We want to make it simple and fun, so once again we bring you a plethora of inspiration for your wedding celebration.

In this issue, we cover something very dear to my heart, sustainability. You’ll find a great number of brands that are taking that extra step to help our planet, from beautiful bridal gowns to shoes and accessories, we have it all! Take a look at our favourite styles, colours and décor ideas that you’ll want at your wedding.

Enjoy this issue

We have an awe-inspiring collection of real love stories, from all over the globe. These weddings will motivate you to look forward and realise that love always wins, even during a pandemic. Just look at the gorgeous couple who changed their plans last minute, and still managed to have a stunning ceremony in Austria. It was simply beautiful!

Soon enough, you’ll be able to have your destination wedding and honeymoon abroad so take a look at some of the places that will welcome you with open arms. From the coasts of Turks and Caicos to the most exquisite European castles. Here, you’ll find your dream venue and all the information you need to travel safely. Then join us as we discover the beauty and history of New Mexico with the help of Linda Blamer, owner of Blame Her Ranch.

As always, we bring you the very best venues, florists and wedding suppliers to make the planning process a little easier and less stressful for you. Find our guide to the top celebrants in the United States and uncover the charm that each state has to offer.

We tried to cover most of your wedding needs and we’ll continue to do so in the future. Let’s not forget that these are uncertain times for everyone, so let’s come together to support the wedding industry.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we’ve enjoyed putting it together for you!

Eleonora Tucci Editor-in-Chief

& HONEYMOONS

MARCH 2021

THEY DID IT...SO CAN YOU!

THE BRIDE’S ULTIMATE GO-TO WEDDING DAY GUIDE

REAL-LIFE COVID REGULATED WEDDINGS (FROM AUSTRIA, ITALY, MEXICO & UK)

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL

SWAN LAKE INSPIRED STYLED SHOOT

£4.99

853015

03

WISH YOU WERE HERE?

FA S H I O N

BEAUT Y

772056

WELL YOU CAN BE! EXPERT ADVICE FROM OUR COVID CORNER PANEL

9

Eleonora

THE UK’S NO.1 BEST SELLING BRIDAL MAGAZINE

I N S P I R AT I O N

D E S T I N AT I O N S

weddingsandhoneymoonsmagazine.com

Ciao!

ON THE COVER

H O N E YM O O N S

justinalexander.com

WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

11

More than just an extraordinary setting

THE OMNIA

is a uniquely wonderful experience.

Come and see for yourself.

30 Rooms including 12 Suites Library with a fireplace Restaurant Lounge Bar Sun Terrace Boardroom Wellness Center

THE OMNIA, Zermatt – Switzerland, Phone +41 27 966 71 71, www.the-omnia.com

CONTENTS Styled Shoot page 25

IN THIS ISSUE SUSTAINABLE BRIDAL FASHION For the ethical bride, we have all the latest styles ISRAEL Unearth the charm of this small jewel THE POWER OF THE FLOWER We’ve gathered for you the top floral designers

Just take a second and imagine your wedding with amazing view of the azure sea, the sun setting on the horizon, the magnificent volcano and the bride’s veil playfully blowing in the gentle wind. All this can be offered by wonderful island of Santorini.

A unique wedding in Santorini is always a good idea!

TEL: +30 22860 28890 | Email: info@indigoweddings.gr | WWW.Indigoweddings.gr

Only 30 weddings per year.

Totally bespoke.

Totally private.

Totally unique.

Totally yours.

Live the Transformation of your childhood’s fantasy into a fantastic reality...

At The Cupule each wedding is an enchanted, Summer dream.

So romantic, natural and fairytale that is channeling effortlessly the blessing of the day. Love is in the air, at The Cupule, in the heart of The National Park of Cape Grecco, in Cyprus.

Engraving memories...The Cupule Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Tel: +357 99437770 info@thecupule.com Address: 80 Cape Greco Avenue, Ayia Napa, 5330, Famagusta,Cyprus Website: thecupule.com Email: info@thecupule.com instagram.com/thecupulevenue facebook.com/thecupule Photos by @a.avramis_photography

CONTENTS

72

42

64 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

INSPIRED

25 FLIGHT TO VARENNES: A styled shoot set in the stunning 29 A DREAM OF SWANS: Let the elegance of this wedding editorial inspire you

58 FACE + BODY PRODUCTS: Ready for the big day? You’ll be for sure with this skincare routine 59 BEAUTY TIPS: For long-lasting makeup follow these few simple steps

REAL LIFE WEDDINGS

DESTINATIONS

chateau de Varennes, in France

34 AUTUMNAL AFFAIR: A celebration amidst the breathtaking 38 INTIMATE FIESTA: The couple picked Mexico for their lively party surrounded by family and friends

64 TURKS & CAICOS: Escape to the paradisiac shores of Turks & Caicos for a memorable wedding and honeymoon 80 CASTLES FIT FOR A KING & QUEEN: For a fairytale wedding, we’ve picked some of the most outstanding castles in the world

FASHION

PLANNING

sceneries of Austria

48 ANNE BARGE 2021: A new collection defined by romantic

106 BEST OF BONNIE: We’ve selected the top wedding experts in

52 CLAIRE PETTIBONE: The Ready-to-Wed Collection makes

112 WEDDING OFFICIANTS - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

silhouettes

wedding shopping easy with its beautiful bridal separates

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MARCH

BEAUTY

106

Scotland

Find the information you need to plan the perfect American wedding

We lo

ANN

ve

E BA 202 RGE PAG 1 E 48

Editor-in-Chief Eleonora Tucci Features Editor Vanessa Donkoh Creative Director Jack Taylor Digital Development Director Emanuela Federici PR & Marketing Director Aleksandra Nikolova & Ruchira Talwar

Commercial Director Anthony Baines Special Features Director Brian Horrocks Account Director (Italy) Maria F. De Tommaso

meet our

CONTRIBUTORS TRAVEL JOURNALIST

EMILY WILLIAMS

Emily Williams is a London based writer with a background in wedding and travel journalism. She manages the digital content for a UK wedding venue finding platform, freelances for various travel and lifestyle magazines and was the previous Editor-InChief of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad. Nothing excites her more than globetrotting to discover unique travel destinations and wedding venues. Read Emily’s article on page 72.

Account Director (Home & Leisure) Tripura Patel Account Director (France) Ross Bey Account Director (Africa) Mark Hind Account Director (Spain) Cristina Gambino Sales Director Darren Collins Financial Controller Amelan Siva Chairman Parry Cockwell

Visit us on weddingsandhoneymoonsmagazine.com Instagram: @dwhamagazine Twitter: @DWHAmagazine Pinterest: Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad Facebook: @dwhamagazine Email: info@dwha.co.uk

This publication may not be re-produced or transmitted in any form or in part without written permission of the publisher. ISSN 2056-8533. Content is available for syndication please contact the publisher for more details. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, neither the author nor publisher can be held responsible for inadvertent inaccuracies or omissions. Weddings & Honeymoons magazine is published by DWHA Limited registered office, 26 The Quadrant, Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW9 1DL, United Kingdom.

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L I N DA LEE BLAMER Special Features Editor and Co-Owner of Blame Her Ranch, Santa Fe, NM Selected Best Venue in America by WH Magazine

W

ow! Are we glad 2020 is over? Unlike other venues, we were able to move over 90% of our weddings to 2021, and not one of our clients lost money. But, 2021 presents a whole new set of issues that couples will need to consider to truly build a safe and memorable event.

5 TIPS ON HOW TO ARRANGE A VENUE FOR A SAFE AND MEMORABLE WEDDING...

1 2 3 4 5 20

MARCH

STAY SAFE.

Be up to date on the country and state Covid-19 regulations.

In early 2021, we are advising couples to keep their headcount down, obtain covid testing on all guests and vendors, use outside gatherings, and require masks at all times.

PRIVATE & EXCLUSIVE.

Whether it is a vacation rental or wedding location, start by looking at venues where you don’t have to share facilities with other groups, or for that matter, with other weddings. This step not only provides greater safety, but it also makes your wedding very private, exclusive, and much more memorable for you.

BIO: Linda is the owner of Blame Her Ranch which was built under her direction and design in 2007. In 2017, Linda and her husband Steve began marketing the ranch as an independent Airbnb-like location. After her daughter’s wedding, many vendors approached the Blamer’s to host weddings at their ranch based on its beauty, uniqueness, and location. And, that’s how it all started...

BE FLEXIBLE.

There are going to be issues especially during these remaining days of the Covid-19 pandemic. But that does not mean your wedding is a bust, you just need to be creative and think outside the box. When issues or problems come up, talk to the venue coordinator and find alternatives. Don’t get locked into “musthaves”.

HIRE A PLANNER.

Most wedding venues, like here at Blame Her Ranch, have a manager or point person in charge. But, spend the extra money and hire a wedding planner who can oversee the most important wedding details, and this will allow you to enjoy your big day more. To keep costs down, you can hire “day-of-event planners”.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU.

I can’t tell you how many times the couple faces challenges because of relatives and guests. Do what you want. Especially during these uncertain times. Everyone has an agenda, but the only one that matters is the happy couple’s!

W. blameherranch.com | E. linda@blameherranch.com

INSPIRED

FIND OUT WHAT’S IN VOGUE THIS MONTH

DREAM OF SWANS PAGE 29

WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

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R EVE EN VE RT

This Gold Keshi Pearl Necklace is a stunning statement piece for your walk down the aisle. reve-en-vert.com

SUSTAINABLE

BRIDAL FASHION Sustainability is the way forward. For your longawaited soiree, make a statement with these fashionable styles. We’ve picked some of the top brands that put the planet first.

ROLLI N G I N ROS ES

The Sappho Collection by Rolling in Roses enhances freedom and comfort, with a focus on thoughtful designs and high-end craftsmanship. Each dress is made to order by an artisan in York. It’s the perfect collection for the modern bride looking for quality over quantity. rollinginroses.co.uk

RI V ER ELLI OT

River Elliot crafts custom made gowns to emphasise the unique qualities of each bride. The new style, The Elliot Slip Dress, is a beautiful ethical option for your special day. Made from nonviolent and ethical silk crepe de chine, the dress is elegant and feels luxurious against the skin. riverelliot.com

LEB RU S AN S TU D I O

We love the new collection of ready-to-wear rings designed

by Lebrusan Studio. The Candy Pop collection features 4 handcrafted rings with Sri Lankan sapphires in assorted colours and shapes. lebrunsanstudio.com

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MARCH

FAB LE A ND EV E

INSPIRED

Beauty sleep is essential for any bride, and now thanks to this amazing brand, we’ve got you covered! fableandeve.co.uk

YAL A JE WE LLE RY

Yala Jewellery is what every contemporary bride-to-be is looking for. Ethically and sustainably made in Kenya, the Yala Collection is inspired by modern Africa and proposes styles that you can wear forever. yalajewellery.com

B EYON D S KI N

The fashionable bridal collection

by Beyond Skin is perfect for the ethical bride. Planning a sustainable wedding? Then make sure to kick-start the party with a pair of their vegan pieces. We love the elegant Venus Vegan Mules; ideal for any scenario! beyond-skin.com

SEA FOAM

CARMEN L L AG U NO

Let this perfume sweep you off your feet and take you to the seaside. A fresh and rich scent, Sea Foam by Art de Parfum is a 100% environmentally-friendly fragrance, free of materials that add to third world exploitation. artdeparfum.com

These charming heels are exactly the fun accessories you need for an awe-inspiring destination wedding. carmenllaguno.com

KI MA I

Find the one from the selection of dreamy engagement rings

by KIMAI. Their rings are handcrafted with high-quality, lab-grown diamonds and 18k recycled solid gold so you can be sure you’re making the right decision. kimai.com

WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

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Flight to

VARENNES The opulence of Marie Antoinette meets the 21st century...

SUPPLIED BY CHATEAU DE VARENNES

W E D D I N G S A N D H O N E Y M O O N S M A G A Z I N E .C O M

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MARCH

Inspired Chandeliers hung from mile-high trees set in front of an 18th-century château sparked the idea for this wedding editorial.

Marie Antoinette made an escape attempt known as the Flight to Varennes which inspired the choice of location, stamps, and speciality cocktails.

THE DREAM TEAM

Our modern twist on the chandeliers meant suspending them outside the château walls to illuminate a long dinner table elegantly adorned with vintage porcelain plates, vivid floral arrangements, individually calligraphed paper moments, and of course, desserts fit for the queen of cake herself.

The acclaimed designer, Rime Arodaky, accepted to lend us two gorgeous dresses from the 2021 collection and we were so lucky to have access to her beautiful pieces. The magic of the lights dancing on the off the shoulder Rime Arodaky wedding gown added a fairy-tale-like touch as the magic of the day faded into the night.

PLANNING & DESIGN lucytillfrenchweddings. com & peonymoments.com PHOTOGRAPHY christopheserrano.com CINEMATOGRAPHY stephane-m.com VENUE chateaudevarennes.net FLORAL DESIGN & FLOWERS lamaisondautel. com FLOWERS lilaswood.com RENTALS jolibazaar. com WEDDING DRESSES rime-arodaky.com STATIONERY bonjourweddings.com WEDDING CAKES madeincake.com MODELS alixvandewoestyne. book.fr, romainlechevalier.book.fr MAKEUP mabeauteholistique.wixsite.com/fionagrosso HAIR weddingsbyalejandra.com JEWELLERY maisonsabben. com HARPIST dorotheecornec.com CATERING nathanmuir.com HORSES AND CARRIAGE acteur-fete.com/fr/p/attelages-de-jamacy-location-decaleches-bourgogne-rhone CHANDELIER RENTALS location-lustres.com GROOM SUIT & HARPIST DRESS igilles.com PETALS petalesdeprovence.eu RING BOX etsy.com/shop/LimarinShop

W E D D I N G S A N D H O N E Y M O O N S M A G A Z I N E .C O M

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A dream of

SWANS A marriage made in heaven between classic romance and modernity SUPPLIED BY CYNTHIA GRAFTON-HOLT COUTURE

W E D D I N G S A N D H O N E Y M O O N S M A G A Z I N E .C O M

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The concept was born from the details of the two bridal gowns exquisitely crafted by Cynthia of Cynthia Grafton-Holt Couture for this shoot. The black and white contrast and the feather embroidery and appliques of the gowns immediately made me think of “Swan Lake”. And while I adore the original story, I wanted to bring this story home, to a modern bride, who is as in love with a classic romance as she is with the more daring and sensual, contemporary love story.

I wanted to inspire the modern woman who is complex, confident and stylish, and who wants a little bit of both worlds.

We wanted to show exquisitely crafted details and bespoke elements, and to shine a spotlight on handmade sustainable beauty, and conscious luxury.

From the superb hand-made details of Cynthia GraftonHolt’s bespoke bridal gowns to the delicate fondant feathers of the cake of Botanico Cakes, the bamboo paper of the hand-made stationery, the organic cotton and bamboo silk for the table linens, all the way to the foam-free and seasonal floral installations.

THE DREAM TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO jacobandpauline.com CREATIVE DIRECTION, PLANNING & STYLING teastyle.co.uk WEDDINGPLANNING-AND DESIGN @TEASTYLE_WEDDINGS BRIDAL GOWNS & BOUDOIR GOWN CynthiaGraftonHolt.com FLOWER DESIGN bloominghaus. com STATIONERYteastyle.co.uk/wedding-planning-and-design CAKES botanicocakes.co.uk HAIR jo-elizabeth.com MAKE-UP lawsonmakeup.com BRIDAL JEWELLERY hermioneharbutt.com ENGAGEMENT RING lilyarkwright.com BRIDAL SHOES freyarose.com GROOM’S ATTIRE moss. co.uk FURNITURE & TABLEWARE classiccrockery.co.uk VENUE 10-11cht. com MODELS Mica @Ishikasharma & Tom King | @tomking1989

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Inspired

W E D D I N G S A N D H O N E Y M O O N S M A G A Z I N E .C O M

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MARCH

REAL LIFE WEDDINGS FIND INSPIRATION AMONGST THESE TRUE LOVE STORIES

AN ENCHANTED EVENT PAGE 42

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AN AUTUMNAL

Affair Austria Supplied by Getting Married in Austria

34

MARCH

RealWeddings Life

THE DREAM TEAM WEDDING PLANNER Stressfree Weddings

by SandraM, gettingmarriedinaustria.wedding VENUE Schloss Mitters Ill, schloss-mittersill. com PHOTO Katrinkers Schbaumer Photography, katrinkerschbaumer.com VIDEO Sanctus Munyaneza DÉCOR + FLOWERS Mydeko Stories, mydekostories.at HAIR & MAKEUP Sabine Wiess Kosmetik, sabine-weiss-kosmetik.at CAKE/SWEET TABLE Theresa Jahoda theresajahoda.at CELEBRANT/CALLIGRAPHY sarahsagt. at STATIONERY/VOW BOOKS White Orchid, whiteorchidpd.com WEDDING DRESS Biano Evento, bianco-evento.com GROOM ATTIRE medic-modenachmass. at FLOWER GIRL DRESS lié.at HAIR VINE/EARRINGS pswithlove.co.uk POEM rhymestoremember.co.uk NAPKINS theembroiderednapkincompany.co.uk LACE GARTER thenottinghamlacegartercompany.co.uk

WWW.WEDDINGSANDHONEYMOONSMAGAZINE.COM

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THE COUPLE

Charlotte & Oliver

celebrated their love surrounded

by Austria’s natural beauty

O

liver and I both spent a lot of time skiing with our families when we were young, mainly in Austria. As a couple, we started going back every so often, during the summer months. It was crystal clear to both of us that this was where we wanted to get married. Our wedding planner Sandra helped us choose the venue. In the end, we selected Schloss Mittersill, because it had so much to offer and we loved its breath-taking scenery. Also, all our guests were able to stay right there at the hotel. It was super easy to organise; Sandra simply booked the rooms together along with all the other wedding arrangements.

When we were thinking about our colour palette, Oliver and I definitely knew we did not want an all-white wedding. It was all about colours, colours, colours! Sandra had the idea of using my hair as inspiration, this helped us choose our autumnal theme. In terms of decorations, we choose to feature a lot of colourful flower bouquets of yellow, orange, red and dark green. The cake artist used the same flowers for the design of our wedding cake.

The wedding arch had white silk and gold elements, and the white and gold also matched the décor of our stationery and wedding breakfast setting.

One of the major challenges we faced, was of course the pandemic. We initially had quite a big wedding planned, which we ended up cancelling in spring. But as Europe began to open up, we were filled with hope. Just to be on the safe side we limited the number of guests to 50. I wasn’t sure at the beginning if this was the kind wedding I wanted, but I’m glad we went ahead with it.

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RealWeddings Life

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INTIMATE

Fiesta Mexico Photographed by Laurken Kendall Photography

38

MARCH

RealWeddings Life THE COUPLE

Sydney & Stephen

tied the knot in the natural beauty of Los Cabos, Mexico

I

t was actually our photographer that found the Acre Baja resort and recommended I take a look. As soon as I saw the site, I was sold. It’s not your typical Mexican resort, it’s what our Best Man described as an “oasis”. I was so proud to be able to bring all our guests there!

The venue really did decorate itself! For the items I did choose to bring in for décor, I did for the photos and the guests. The maracas were so fun to have on the dance floor, and added a special something to the tables. Personalized acrylic name plates were also a way we made our guests feel appreciated. We chose to have minimal florals, only bouquets and palm leaves for the centrepieces. The venue itself was so beautiful and had so much greenery, I was able to get away with keeping it simple. In regards to my guest list, I invited those closest to us and didn’t feel pressured to invite anyone else. Keeping it small was important, because we wanted to spend enough time with everyone.

In regards to our colour palette, I wanted to make sure our photos didn’t look dated, because they’re something I plan to look upon for many years to come. What is more timeless than black and white, with a touch of natural greens. Our bridesmaids wore white dresses and our groomsmen wore black suits.

Originally, I was going to ask all guests to only wear white and black but my Grandma said she doesn’t like herself in either colour – my grandma knows best so we decided the guests could dress as they pleased. After all, they already made the trip to Mexico for us! I purchased my dress from the Honest in Ivory boutique in Spokane, Washington. I wanted something unique, and a dress that would fit our venue. I loved how my dress had clean lines – but also had the fun fringe that gave it that Mexican-flare. I couldn’t stop spinning the whole night!

My advice to couples planning a wedding would be, if it doesn’t add to the joy of your wedding, cut it! So many couples do different things at their wedding simply because they feel pressured to – don’t fall for that. Be selective on what and who you want to include. You only get one wedding! Make sure you and your guests have an amazing time and don’t sweat the small stuff.

THE DREAM TEAM CEREMONY VENUE Acre, acrebaja.com RECEPTION VENUE Javier’s, javiers-cantina.com COORDINATOR Cabo Beach Wedding, cabobeachweddings.com BRIDAL GOWN Willowby by Watters VEIL Nina Cherie Couture, ninacherie.com HAIR & MAKEUP Los Cabos Makeup, loscabosmakeup.com GROOM AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE Men’s Wearhouse, menswearhouse.com FLORAL DESIGN Emporio Arte Floral, emporioartefloral.com STATIONERY Zola, zola.com RENTALS Let It Be, letitbeevents.com ACCOMMODATIONS Cabo Azul, caboazulresort.com PHOTOGRAPHY Laurken Kendall, laurkenkendall.com

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COUNTRYSIDE

C hic England, UK

Photographed by Jessica Lily Photography

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MARCH

RealWeddings Life THE COUPLE

Siobhan & Niall

Got hitched amid gorgeous pastoral scenes

W

e used an app called Bridebook to find all of our local venues and Southend Barns was the first venue we ever went to see and instantly fell in love. We had always wanted a scenic wedding and this location and venue gave us this in a spectacular way.

To decorate our venue, we used a company called To Have and To Hire; they had so many great ideas on creating a cosy and romantic atmosphere inside the barn. For our ceremony, we had gold lanterns and terrariums lining the aisle, with huge pampas grass and flower displays where we stood. The venue had a courtyard which we lined with festoon lighting and hanging gold tealights; it all looked so magical. We were very lucky to have a venue that was already so beautiful, it meant anything we added would only enhance its beauty.

We made sure to set a strict budget at the beginning of the planning process and we shopped around, to compare prices from different suppliers. For the things that were most important to us like the suits and dresses, we gave ourselves a healthy budget to get exactly what we wanted.

My dress was from Enzoani, I originally found it on Pinterest and instantly fell in love. My mum and I began to contact local boutiques to see if they stocked the dress, but no one had heard of it. Thankfully, my mum contacted one last boutique, Surrey Brides in Weybridge, who said they would order the dress in for me as they were an Enzoani stockist. I knew the moment I had it on, that this was the dress I would be married in and cried as many brides do. It was everything I had dreamed of wearing.

One of the biggest challenges we faced was keeping happy and excited, whilst planning a wedding during the pandemic. We also had a challenge of changing our wedding venue 5 weeks before our wedding day.

That was crazy! Not only did we still need to stay on budget and find somewhere we liked, we now had to find somewhere that was open and taking bookings, but also local enough for our already paid for suppliers.

Thank God this was able to be done and we went back to Southend Barns the first place we fell in love with.

Planning a wedding at this time made us realise what was really in our hearts in terms of marriage. For us that it was joining together as one before God, no matter the circumstance.

THE DREAM TEAM VIDEOGRAPHER Jordan Mansfield Weddings, jordanmansfieldweddings.com PHOTOGRAPHER @ jessicalilyphotography WEDDING VENUE Southend Barns, southendbarns.co.uk FLORIST Fleurs (Horsham), fleursflorist.co.uk DECOR & HIRE To Have and To Hire, tohaveandtohireweddings.com PHOTO BOOTH Lumi Mix, lumimix.co.uk WEDDING DRESS Enzoani, enzoani. com BRIDAL SHOES Rainbow Club, rainbowclub. co.uk GROOMS SUIT Next, next.co.uk HAIR Hair

by Kerri (Kerrie Club) MAKE-UP Georgia Taylor,

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AN ENCHANTED

Eve nt Italy

Photographed by Bottega53

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RealWeddings Life

THE COUPLE

Rachel & Jimmy Exchanged vows overlooking the wonderful Amalfi Coast

W

e knew we wanted to bring all of our family and friends to the place that we felt was most special. The Amalfi Coast was perfect. This was where Jimmy proposed to me on a yacht during sunset, with Positano as the backdrop.

During our search for a venue, we saw beautiful pictures of Villa Cimbrone online, and our planner had also suggested the same venue as one of her top choices. We knew Villa Cimbrone would be the best place. Ravello was relatively close to Positano and is a little quainter and dreamier. The number of rooms was perfect, so we booked the entire villa for our family to stay in during our wedding.

Our choice was perfect, as the venue was more beautiful than we thought, and all of the hotel staff were top-notch, including the spectacular Villa Cimbrone events coordinator, Donatella.

Our colour palette was made up of white, pink, green and gold with a bit of rustic elegance.

Almost every aspect down to the minute details of the wedding reflected our styles. The ceremony was all-white and set along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast in Villa Cimbrone’s Garden of Two Fountains. The towering flower arch was filled with a variety of white florals. Custom designed wedding itineraries prepared by our calligrapher were laid on each of the seats, along with white rose petals in cones for tossing. The dinner reception was arranged in Villa Cimbrone’s famous crypt, which had a medieval gothic design with vaulted high-ceilings and an amazing view of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. I found my dress whilst shopping with my sisters in Taipei, Taiwan. When I came across the gown from Marchesa, I knew it was the one. It was a chantilly lace, a-line gown with a plunging neckline, floral and pearl embroidery and an elegant chapel train. As soon as I walked out of the dressing room, my sisters teared up at how beautiful I looked. We knew we had found the perfect dress.

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THE DREAM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER Bottega 53, bottega53. com CEREMONY SITE Villa Cimbrone, hotelvillacimbrone.com RECEPTION SITE Villa Cimbrone, hotelvillacimbrone. com COORDINATOR OR PLANNER Events by Paulina, eventsbypaulinacorvi.com VIDEOGRAPHER Dolcevita Wedding Cinema, dolcevitaweddingcinema.com FLOWERS/ FLORIST Malafronte Fiori, malafronte.com INVITATIONS Letters by Ann, Instagram: @lettersbyann BRIDAL GOWN Marchesa, marchesa.com JEWELRY Diamond Foundry, @ diamondfoundry ENGAGEMENT RING Amelia @house.of.amelia WEDDING BANDS Amelia, @house.of.amelia SHOES Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com HAIR Alessandro Mancino, weddinghairdresseramalficoast.com BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Petal & Pup, www. petalandpup.com

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FASHION

A SNEAK PEEK AT THE LATEST BRIDAL COLLECTIONS

RIME ARODAKY PAGE 54

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Elbeth Gillis Left Baylee and Pearl Sleeves Right Ariana elbethgillis.com

Anne Barge Left Forever Yours Right Wish annebarge.com

Berta Bridal Left Privée No. 5 Collection Right MUSE bertabridal.com

Claire Pettibone Left Geneviev Tee & Helena Skirt Right Calypso Halter clairepettibone.com

Rime Arodaky Left & Right Goddess rime-arodaky.com

BEAUTY

ALL THE MAKEUP TIPS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

BEAUTY TIPS PAGE 59

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Face

Fight blemishes and breakouts with these amazing cleansers and toners. Be sure to keep your skin silky smooth with a hydrating moisturiser!

Institut Esthederm EVE Serum £77, lookfantastic.com Milky Jelly Cleanser £8, Glossiercom Priming Moisturizer Rich £29, Glossier.com Elemis Superfood Blackcurrant Jelly Exfoliator 50ml £28, cultbeauty.co.uk

Face + Body The secret to looking radiant on your special day, is a great skincare routine.

Changing up your beauty regimen is a great way to practice some self-care in the run up to your wedding day. Take a look through our favourites for some inspiration!

Body

Every bride wants glowing skin for her wedding celebration. Start off with a hydrating cleanser and exfoliating body polish; then follow up with a sweet-scented body oil or lotion.

Eco Warrior Chill-Out Hand & Body Bar £4.50, Superdrug, Revive Lemongrass Shea Oil £17, randrluxury.co.uk OSKIA Renaissance Body Scrub 220g £48, cultbeauty.co.uk L’Occitane Rose Shower Gel 250ml £16.50 John Lewis

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BEAUTY Foundation

A long-lasting liquid foundation is definitely a makeup essential. Try to make sure that the foundation you choose is water-resistant and smudge proof. Foundations come in many different forms so it’s important that you choose one that suits your skin type.

Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation £35, Cultbeauty.co.uk

STEP 1

Primer

Primer is essential in ensuring your makeup stays in place throughout the day. A good base stops your makeup from moving.

Primers blur imperfections, seal in moisture, and control oil and sweat. It’s best to apply the primer to clean and moisturised skin, and always allow at least one minute for your primer to dry before applying your foundation.

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30 30ml £65.00, John Lewis

STEP 2

Beauty Tips How to make your makeup last. Every bride-to-be wants to look her best for her wedding celebration. To help you make sure your makeup stays fresh and flawless, we’ve put together a long-lasting step-by-step routine. So, you’ll look gorgeous and photo-ready all day long!

Setting Powder

Set your foundation with a lightweight loose or translucent powder. The application will vary depending on your skin type. If you have oily skin, apply the powder with a sponge or puff and then brush away the excess dust. If you have normal or dry skin use a large powder brush to dust the product onto the skin.

Laura Mercier Beauty on the Fly Translucent Loose Setting Powder £20 cultbeauty.co.uk

STEP 3

STEP 4 Blush + Highlighter

The key to making sure your blusher stays in place all day, is to start with a cream and then set with a powder. For your highlighter, choose a powdery product over a liquid; simply because a powder highlighter gives off a more subtle shimmer whereas liquids can sometimes look too glittery and wet.

Honest Beauty Luminizing Powder Dusk £25, cultbeauty.co.uk Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks £23.50, bobbibrown.co.uk Nars Blush £25, cultbeauty.co.uk

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Photography by @Chelseaabril

Ásthildur Gunnlaugsdóttir T +354-661-7993 W asthildurmakeup.com IG Asthildurmakeupartist FB Asthildurmakeupartist

DESTINATIONS

EXPLORE THE BEAUTIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER

ISRAEL +1 (212) 537 0117 OUR DESTINATIONS ARE SPONSORED BY

PAGE 72

WWW.MIDTOWNLOFT.COM

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The beautifully landscaped Midtown Terrace provides a full view ofManhattan's skyline for ceremonies and cocktails. After the ceremony, you and your guests can enjoy a stylish reception in our elegantMidtownLoft.We are proud to announce our new retractable rooftop on theTerrace that can be utilized for outdoor events year round.It will provide full enclosure for your wedding.

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Turks and

CAICOS

Hidden in the midst of the azure Atlantic Ocean are the tropical picturesque islands of Turks and Caicos...

A

string of small islands blissfully sprinkled along the Atlantic Ocean, Turks and Caicos is often hidden from the radars of many travellers. Though small and often overlooked, the tropical islets are home to an abundance of ecological treasures, from spectacular coral reefs to unspoilt secluded beaches.

Catch a glimpse of humpback whales meandering through the ocean waves, and shy iguanas hidden in the weathered cays.

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Destinations TURKS AND CAICOS

ISLAND VISTAS

The archipelago’s ideal location means that it is home to some of the world’s most remarkable scenes. The most stunning sights can be seen from Grace Bay. Boasting mesmerising views of shimmering sands melting delicately into the crystal waters, it’s no wonder the popular shore is celebrated for being one of the best beaches in the world.

The striking shades of blue sea give way to an underwater paradise, teeming with tropical marine life. As part of the Princess Alexandra Marine Park, the idyllic bay occupies two spellbinding reefs bursting with underwater delights. An aquanaut’s dream, divers can discover shipwrecks, old and new; colourful schools of fish and the national treasure “JoJo” a wild bottlenose dolphin that inhabits the waters. The glittering waters are a playground for water sports. Spend your days parasailing along the waves or snorkelling in the deep.

Just east of Grace Bay lies the subtly secluded Leeward beach.

Perfect for a more intimate seaside adventure, the turquoise hemmed sands are free from busy large lavish resorts and hotels.

Rather, you can enjoy the serenity of the sea from the comfort of your quaint yet luxury seaside rentals. Spot the sparkling seashells scattered along the sand, and observe friendly locals as they paddle along the waters.

CULTURAL ADVENTURES

Years of weathering and erosion to the coast has left behind amazing ecological formations. Catch a glimpse of the natural wonders, as you journey around the various islands. Explore the Conch Bar Caves at Middle Caicos; one of the largest cave systems in the Atlantic, the stunning expanse is home to extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites as well as wide variety of wild bat colonies. If you look carefully, you’ll also be able to see the petroglyphs left behind the Lucayan Indians who once inhabited the area centuries ago.

Immerse yourself in their culture, with a visit to the Island Fish Fry, occurring every Thursday in Providenciales, the island fish fry is one of the most popular weekly events. With over a dozen restaurants, souvenir vendors, a live band and cultural performers that come together to create a spectacular event celebrating ‘all things Turks and Caicos’. It’s a beautiful way to experience the wonder of Turks and Caicos’ indigenous culture.

Whilst on your magical adventure be sure to grab a few authentic souvenirs to take home with you. The Wellington Collection is a gorgeous art store placed in central Grace Bay. The boutique features a wide range of handmade jewellery and paintings, created by local artist Wellington Williams.

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DON’T MISS JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Celebrate the New Year in this tropical island paradise. Gaze upon the magnificent firework displays from Grace Bay beach or go to funfilled beach bonfire at Ricky’s Restaurant.

MARCH / APRIL

Salt Cay day, is a thrilling three-day festival including pageants, kite flying, maypole dancing, great music and amazing food. The spring event is held on the gorgeous unspoilt islet of Salt Cay.

MAY/ JUNE

Regatta events are loved worldwide! Be sure make a stop at the Big South Regatta in South Caicos. Professionals and amateurs are welcome; there’s also live music and cultural shows on shore to keep everyone entertained.

JULY / AUGUST

Get your dancing shoes on for the Caribbean House Evolution music festival. The mega event takes place over three days, with a beach party, pool party and boat party! Dance the night way to the cool rhythms of Caribbean house music.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

A celebration of young people and how important they are to the community; National Youth Day is an island-wide public holiday.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

The culinary Conch Festival is a muchloved annual event. Held in the Blue hills of Providenciales, the event celebrates the delicious queen conch, with local restaurants creating their best conch dishes. Indulge in conch fritters, salads and stews galore!

CHOOSE FROM THE MANY RESTAURANTS SPRINKLED IN AND AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY AND UNEARTH CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM JAPAN, ITALY, INDIA, JAMAICA AND MORE. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The indulgent islands are home to an eclectic variety of delicious flavours and cuisine, hailing from all around the world. Choose from the many restaurants sprinkled in and around the capital city and unearth culinary delights from Japan, Italy, India, Jamaica and more. Experience luxury dining at its finest at the Cocobay Bistro in Providenciales. The popular eatery is shaded by a tropical coconut grove, providing a unique al-fresco ambiance. A food lover’s fantasy, indulge in a mouth-watering menu of fresh local cuisine, whilst dining under the sparkling star-lit sky. cocobistro.tc Journey to the more secluded islands and discover their fresh local cuisine. Their common fare is made from a selection of humble

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ingredients, with seafood playing an integral part in many dishes.

On most menus you’ll find many different types of seafood, from conch, lobster, mahi-mahi, and mackerel accompanied by delicious side dishes like spicy rice, beans, and peas. Delight in some beachfront eats at Reef Shark Bar and Grill in Grand Turk.

The restaurant and bar serve Caribbean and international inspired dishes, from seafood, burgers and various BBQ and jerk dishes. No seaside trip is complete without some frozen treats. Be sure to make a stop at Patty Place for some delicious locally made ice cream and other sweet fillings. Tuck into the nation’s authentic cuisine and refreshing beverages whilst basking in the glorious sunshine and overlooking the azure ocean vistas. reefsharkturks.com

Destinations TURKS AND CAICOS

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INTERESTING FACTS

The remarkable island is composed of mostly smooth golden sand. It’s home to over 230 miles of beach, covered in some of softest sand on earth!

Situated just a short while off the Caicos banks, is the world’s widest blue hole. The Middle Caicos ocean hole is 600 metres wide and can be seen clearly by air when flying by.

The gorgeous archipelago is surrounded by the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, but did you know that there are no lakes or rivers on the islands.

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS

The nation of Turks and Caicos has opened its borders to world tourism. UK citizens are free to travel to the islands, and the British Airways direct transatlantic flight has resumed, flying from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Providenciales (PLS).

There is no lockdown or curfew on the islands, all businesses (included restaurants, bars and other leisure) are permitted to operate but are subject to closure at 12am. There is no quarantine requirement for visitors, unless they are showing symptoms upon arrival.

There is no testing upon arrival, but visitors are required to be TCI assured. All visitors must provide, a negative COVID-19 PCR Test result (the test must have been taken 5 days prior), insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs and must have completed an online health screening questionnaire.

For further information please visit: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turks-and-caicos-islands

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Hard Rock Hotel Davos Tobelmühlestrasse 2, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland www.hardrockhotels.com/davos

Irresistible

ISRAEL

Meander through colourful markets, hike into untouched wilderness and explore some of the world’s most sacred sites. Israel is a country where natural beauty and centuries of fascinating history collide.

I

f Israel is not already on your travel bucket list, there are so many reasons why this small yet stunning country should be on your radar. Although a lesser-known honeymoon destination, it’s a Middle Eastern jewel packed full of natural wonders, world-class cuisine and ancient treasures that will guarantee the trip of a lifetime. There’s no end to the cultural and historical significance of this beautiful bite-size nation on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

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Destinations ISRAEL

Across Israel, you can experience a vast range of activities in one diverse destination. From the vibrant nightlife scene in Tel Aviv to the peaceful nature reserve of Gan HaShlosha and the remarkable buoyancy of the Dead Sea. Whether you crave adventure, relaxation or sightseeing, Israel is a multifaceted honeymoon haven that will leave you with extraordinary memories.

Predominantly, Israel is known for its religious roots as the Holy Land in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Its sacred sites of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Galilee and Masada trace back to the foundations of the most widely practised faiths. It’s a fascinating country where the past intertwines with the present. You’ll leave inspired and impressed by all that Israel has to offer.

Israel is blessed with warm sunshine in every season, making it a desirable honeymoon hotspot all year round. Specifically, May and October are considered the best months to visit as there are fewer tourists, religious holidays, and the heat is less extreme.

Tempted to book a trip to Israel already? Read on to discover its enchanting restaurants, hotels, activities and more.

TOP THREE PLACES TO VISIT

The Old City of Jerusalem is a must-see stop on your honeymoon tour in Israel. Heralded as a centre for precious symbols of spirituality, walking the area by foot reveals an incredible mix of culture, languages, music and cuisine. The meandering cobblestone streets will lead you to the Western Wall, which is one of the most significant pilgrimage points for Jewish people and the Dome of the Rock, where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. To the west, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is venerated as the place where Jesus’s crucifixion

and resurrection took place. As you might imagine, the shrine has an indescribable aura that will take your breath away.

By contrast, Tel Aviv is a fast-paced modern metropolis that’s famous for its entrepreneurial hi-tech industry, all-night clubbing scene and striking World Heritage-listed Bauhaus buildings that have given the area the nickname of ‘The White City’. It’s a place where east meets west and it’s now ranking as one of the leading economies in the world. Coupled with its pristine beaches and contagious energy, it’s worth spending a night or two here to dance the night away as newlyweds.

The southern seaside resort destination of Eilat is another beautiful honeymoon location with 10km of golden coastline along the Red Sea. Given that it’s a tax-free zone, it has become a popular shopping location. After a long day of retail therapy, you can dine in the glittering marina as the sun melts over the horizon. Eilat is also famous for its calm waters and colourful reefs just moments from the shore. Visitors can rent SUP boards, snorkelling equipment and swim with playful bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Reef.

FUN FACTS

● Israel has an estimated 300 days of sunshine a year ● Israel has 170 miles of Mediterranean coastline ● The Dead Sea in Israel is the lowest point on earth ● Israel has more museums per capita than any other country ● Israel has the largest amount of start-ups per capita in the world

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HONEYMOON ACTIVITY GUIDE

Israel is a honeymoon destination for all. Whether you want to explore in the fast lane or take it easy, here are the best sights and things to do in Israel’s varied landscape.

FOR THE CULTURE SEEKERS

Israel’s incredible past forever remains a part of the present in holy sites like Bethlehem in the West Bank. Christmas time is the most poignant season to visit this sacred town, as it comes to life with light, music and religious processions through Manger Square. Christians travel from all over the world to attend Midnight Mass at the Church of The Nativity, known to be the biblical birthplace of Jesus.

If the Roman era fascinates you, it’s worth visiting the Archaeological National Park at Beit She’an, just two hours from Jerusalem. As one of Israel’s oldest cities, you’ll observe a snapshot into the majestic architecture that stood during the reign of King Herod as well as 20 other civilisations throughout time. Don’t miss the amazing after-dark light show that projects historical scenes onto the colonnaded streets, bathhouses and 7000-seat amphitheatre.

Museums are another way to explore this alluring destination in one place. The Israel Museum in Jerusalem is the country’s largest cultural institution that houses one of the world’s leading collections of Holy Land archaeology. Across its range of 500,000 objects dating from prehistory to the present, you’ll witness some of the rarest artefacts of all time. The iconic Design Museum in Holon is another popular attraction, with galleries dedicated to Israeli and international design, fashion and jewellery.

FOR THE NATURE ENTHUSIASTS

You’ll never be short of mountains to climb, deserts to trek and oceans to swim here in Israel. It’s a pristine oasis where every landscape is in a league of its own. One of the most famous natural phenomena that tourists travel to experience is the Dead

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Sea, which is approximately 420m below sea level. The high salt content of its cobalt blue waters make you float, and the mineral-rich mud deposits have healing qualities for the skin.

Imagine spending a surreal afternoon drifting on its surface, surrounded by dramatic scenery.

Overlooking the Dead Sea, the soaring Masada National Park is a spectacular place to catch the sunrise. This ancient fortress was built in 30BC on top of the vast mountain plateau. Keen hikers can ascend the winding path to this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site with panoramic views of the immense Judean Desert.

Further north, the lush rolling landscapes at Gan HaShlosha are a welcome sanctuary from the aridity of the desert conditions.

Some call it the real-world ‘garden of Eden’, for its green lawns and serene hot springs nestled beneath swaying palms. It’s a romantic place where you can soak in the warm 28-degree natural pools and share a picnic in the gardens.

FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIES

Israel is a popular destination for extreme sports and off-thebeaten-track activities, given its dynamic topography and miles of Mediterranean coastline. Why not try your hand at canyoning through the Black Canyon in the Golan Heights, or abseiling down a natural salt mountain into a Stalactite Cave. There’s so much to try, from kitesurfing in the ocean and sandboarding in the Negev Desert to boarding a hot air balloon ride over Galilee. You name it, there’s a professional who can guide you.

Israel also has the highest number of qualified divers per person in the world. The crystal clear waters and rainbow of corals at Eilat are a particularly favourable area to observe the underwater kingdom. Here, there’s a visibility of up to 30 metres and dolphin pods are often spotted in the bay. If diving is your thing, make sure to visit Caesarea’s underwater museum, where you and your partner can tour remains of the magnificent harbour built by King Herod.

Destinations ISRAEL

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ISRAEL’S HOTTEST HONEYMOON HIDEAWAYS...

THE BERESHEET HOTEL, NEGEV DESERT

This exclusive 5-star hotel is set on the edge of the breathtaking Ramon crater. The stone architecture effortlessly blends into the desert and its infinity pool faces out over the rugged landscape.

The Beresheet Hotel features 111 suites, a gourmet restaurant and a luxury spa.

THE JAFFA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, TEL AVIV

This premium urban retreat showcases an immaculate renovation of a 19th-century hospital near the historic port of Jaffa.

Decorated in John Pawson’s signature minimalist style, the 120room hotel includes a New York-inspired restaurant and deli, a spa and an outdoor pool.

THE QUEEN OF SHEBA EILAT

Rising up 14 stories from the shores of the Red Sea, The Queen of Sheba Eilat is a palatial hotel with a spacious outdoor pool, 481 rooms, an indulgent spa and adjoining shopping centre.

This 5-star hotel has earned a reputation as one of the finest stays in southern Israel.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN TEL AVIV ALENA

Enjoy Mediterranean delights and local Israeli wines in a hidden garden restaurant on the rooftop of the luxurious Norman Hotel.

The detailed presentation and exquisite flavours make Alena one of the most highly regarded fine dining restaurants in Tel Aviv.

OCD

As its name suggests, OCD strives for perfection in every dish, and delivers. Diners are seated in front of the open kitchen and the taster menu is served at the same time for all guests.

The exceptional food quality makes it an exclusive and highly sought-after dining experience.

TAIZU

Famous for its ‘Asiaterranean’ cuisine, Taizu serves a delicious spread of pan-Asian cuisines mixed with Israeli flair. The flavourpacked combinations are delivered in small plates, with a strong focus on street food, seafood and unique ingredients cooked to their full potential.

COVID-19 TRAVEL ADVICE

Israel’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout is the fastest in the world.

By March 2021, it is predicted that all Israeli citizens over the age of 16 will be vaccinated. Check the latest Covid-19 risk information on the TravelHealthPro website at travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/110/israel#COVID-19 Information on the current Covid-19 requirements when travelling in Israel can be found on Israel’s Ministry of Health website at health.gov.il/English/Pages/HomePage.aspx.

This includes rules when travelling on public transport, in taxis or in private vehicles, information on localised lockdowns, and regulations for shops, restaurants, bars, and other leisure activities. There are penalties for breaching regulations.

It is also important to check travel advice for any country that you will transit between Israel and your home country, as you may need to show proof of onward travel or complete additional documents. When you return, you must follow the rules for entering your home country.

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU DEVELOP COVID-19 SYMPTOMS WHILE ABROAD:

● Follow local guidelines on self-isolation, testing and avoiding travel ● Contact your travel insurance provider ● Seek medical advice if needed

TRAVEL TIP

Book the Fast-Track Departure and Arrival Assistance Service at Ben Gurion Airport. You’ll skip the long security queues and start your adventure sooner!

Destinations AUSTRIA

A Regal Stay at

SCHLOSS LEOPOLDSKRON A stay amongst the opulence of Schloss Leopoldskron is nothing short of amazing...

A HISTORIC PALACE

Scholl Leopoldskron is a romantic and historically rich hotel set on the outskirts of Salzburg. You might remember it from the scenes of the Sound of Music, or as the setting of the Salzburg Festival, and it’s where Karl Lagerfeld presented his Métiers d’Art Show. Hotel Schloss is not a museum but a lively backdrop for culture buffs, curious travellers and couples ready to celebrate their love. It’s named “A Palace with a Mission”, run by strong values which guests feel as soon as they walk through the gates.

The grandeur we witness today is the work of Max Reinhardt, who purchased the palace in 1918. Reinhardt brought life to the Schloss in literal terms, with his theatre productions, audiences and many friends. To accommodate plays and guests, the splendid Schloss Park and Garden became a perfectly designed ambience. He built an extravagant open-air stage and neo-baroque park, complete with a garden theatre and artificial ponds.

THE HOTEL

When visiting the picturesque city of Salzburg, a stay at Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron is the best way to savour it all. The hotel offers two choices for your staycation: the Meierhof building

with 55 boutique guestrooms, and the Schloss, with 12 individually designed suites equipped with antique furniture. You can also expect top-notch service when resting here. You’ll be welcomed with the utmost care by the hotel’s team and they’ll be sure to make your stay memorable. Expect a glass of Prosecco on arrival, access to the spa and complimentary bikes to reach the old town.

GETTING HITCHED

A wedding at Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron is like something out of a fairytale. For your special occasion, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can plan a magnificent event indoors, in one of the luxurious rococo rooms, or better yet, amongst the lavish and elegant grounds. The team will craft the perfect package to fit your needs and budget. If you’d like complete privacy, the hotel provides the option to book the entire location for your big day.

This will grant you exclusive access to the guesthouses for your family and friends, and it will present the opportunity to enjoy fully the premises for the ceremony, reception and your wedding photography. Without a doubt, you can make the wedding of your dreams come to life at Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron. schloss-leopoldskron.com/en

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Castles fit for a

KING & QUEEN The Top European castles for your happily ever after

HOTEL SCHLOSS LEOPOLDSKRON SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

Only moments away from the Old Town of Salzburg, Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron is a romantic hideaway for couples. Enjoy the elegantly adorned rooms and historic suites, indulge in the bountiful breakfast and pamper yourself with the top service offered by the hotel team. Surrounded by nature, Schloss Leopoldskron invites you to delight in the many outdoor activities: take your bikes and tour the picturesque city of Salzburg, stroll around Schloss Park and admire its serene lake and the stunning views. The magestic atmosphere and the exclusive experiences make Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron a perfect wedding venue. If you’re planning your wedding in Austria, this hotel is a dreamlike setting for any style of celebration. schloss-leopoldskron.com

CHATEAU DE LA VALOUZE LA ROCHE CHALAIS, FRANCE

Set in the heart of the green Perigord region in France, Chateau de La Valouze is a charming estate for weddings and holidays alike. Not far from Bordeaux, the chateau is nestled in a lush 34 hectares park, offering a blissful setting for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception. The surrounding parkland includes 3 lakes, a bamboo forest, and one of the oldest oak trees in France. Chateau de La Valouze proposes inviting wedding packages for its couples, including the option to have exclusive use of the property for a day or a weekend. chateaudelavalouze.com

CASTELL PERALADA GIRONA, SPAIN

Tucked away in the Alt Empordà, Castell Peralada is a castle where dreams come true. Just a stone’s throw away from Girona, the venue is also minutes away from the Costa Brava and the Aiguamollos de l’Empordà National Park. Without a doubt, Castell Peralada is one of Catalonia’s architectural, historical and cultural jewels, offering an awe-inspiring wedding experience. With exquisite indoor and outdoor locations, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The charming setting, from the elegant rooms to the magical gardens, is paired with a highly professional staff to make sure everything goes to plan during your stay. castellperalada.com

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CREATING WONDERFUL MEMORIES

Ever imagined getting married in one of southern Europe’s most amazing Castles?

Located on the Costa Brava, just north of Barcelona, Peralada offers you perfect venues for your most romantic day: a Gothic church, its fairytale library, or the wonderful gardens of the Castle. Delight in the cuisine of our multi-Michelin starred prized chef Paco Pérez.

And enjoy the 5* Hotel along with its luxurious Wine Spa surrounded by a championship golf course.

©Sergio García - www.fotografo-boda.net

Please visit peraladaresort.com

peraladaresort.com peraladaresort@grupperalada.com Castell de Peralada (Empordà-Costa Brava-Spain) Phone. +34 972 53 81 25

VENUE | BLAME HER RANCH

Country Romance Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Contact: +1 575-421-0128 blameherranch.com

Weddings should be fun, weddings should be memorable, weddings should be epic...

OUR STORY

Early in 2021, Blame Her Ranch (BHR) was selected by this publication as The Best Venue in America. It was such a surprise, especially when you understand how Blame Her Ranch got its name and got in the business of hosting weddings.

It’s fair to say that everything happened by chance; it all took off when different vendors started contacting us about renting the ranch. Who in their right mind would want a bunch of strangers having a party in their home? But, after giving it a try, we loved it. In fact, we attend many of the weddings held here at the ranch, kind of like the movie Wedding Crashers.

What we were shocked to find out was that most venues make it very hard for couples to get what they want. They are forced into a laundry list of restrictions and limitations that kind of kill the mood. Who wants to shut down the band at 10:00 pm or be told that the music can only be supplied through headphones?

We say it always starts with the venue, but I will be the first to tell you that Blame Her Ranch is not for everyone. It’s remote, very exclusive and requires coordination with local hotels to find accommodations for your guests.

OUR NAME

And then there’s the name! We have had several people question the name and its appropriateness for a wedding venue. It dates back to a childhood joke and something I have specifically encountered. When people hear the name Blamer, they immediately joke around and say, “Blame Her”.

WEDDINGS AT BLAME HER RANCH

We always tell people we are not in the wedding business.

We are in the rent the ranch business. This allows couples to truly get what they want. Whether it’s the tequila donkey, a fireworks extravaganza, or a cultural wedding that mimics what the couple would have in their country of origin.

Many of our out-of-state guests don’t know a lot about New Mexico and especially Santa Fe. It has a rich heritage of over 400 years and Santa Fe was the first capital city of North America. It’s also a “foody town”, with world-class dining where private chefs and restaurants provide our guests with truly remarkable and unforgettable meals. This contributes significantly to a couple’s catering options and since BHR doesn’t limit who can cater to the wedding, the choices are limitless.

Everything from a pizza smorgasbord to an award-winning sushi truck and Walter Burke’s 5-star dining has been offered here at the ranch.

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Blame Her Ranch is over 1,650 acres and is adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest. There are so many different places in which the couple can take some unbelievable formal photographs for their wedding album. We offer all couples a free four-hour photography session either before or after the event.

This photography session allows the photographer to take the couple anywhere on the ranch for photographs that would be impossible during the wedding.

Given the size of the ranch, the couple actually gets four different venues and a built-in Plan B if the weather should change.

We have an 18,000 sq. ft. Great Lawn, a separate Cliff Side Ceremony area as well as the Main Lodge and Knotty Pine Barn for other activities like the rehearsal dinner or if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Whether you’re 2 miles away or 20,000 miles away, you can see Blame Her Ranch by taking a virtual tour. blameherranch.com/tour-the-ranch As everyone says, it is not as good as being there in person, but it is pretty close.

Blame Her Ranch “Where She’s Never Wrong” Words by Special Features Editor Linda Blamer

AMERICA’S FINEST

FOR AN ALL AMERICAN WEDDING, YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE

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AMERICA’S

Finest

Find the right industry expert for your wonderful wedding celebration…

FACES BY SHANNON FLORIDA

Known as the sunshine state, Florida shines with an incredible beauty. Lined with pristine beaches and crammed full of fun-filled amusement parks, cultural sights and a spectacular arts scene. Be sure to contact Shannon Miller-Beatty for all your bridal beauty needs in Florida. The talented hair and makeup artist will ensure you look radiant in time for your special day. facesbyshannon.com

SCHAFER CENTURY BARN IOWA

Truly a picture-perfect state, Iowa is home to several astonishing natural sights. From the beauty of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, to the soaring Loess Hills and the quaint picturesque towns.

Perfectly situated in St. Adair, Iowa is the family run business, Schafer Century Barn. Romantically rural and rustic the Schafer Century Barn is the best place to say ‘I do’. schafercenturybarn.com

BAREFOOT BEACH BRIDE MARYLAND

The mid-Atlantic state of Maryland encompasses a contemporary yet traditional charm that attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Pouring their heart into each and every couple they work for, BB Barefoot Beach Bride will go above and beyond to ensure that your celebration is a success. The international award-winning company specialise in planning stunning beach destination weddings in Ocean City, Maryland. barefootbeachbridesoc.com

CHIAN O’CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY MONTANA

Cast your gaze upon the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the golden hues of the Great Plains. Montana’s unspoilt natural beauty is the perfect setting for a fairy-tale wedding celebration.

Wedding and lifestyle photographer Chian O’Connor, will capture the beauty of your celebration and more. Working together with her husband, the dynamic duo promises to create fresh and joyful images of your wedding day. chianoconnorphotography.com

America’s Finest

DEBESTEVENTS NEW JERSEY

The north-eastern state of New Jersey is truly a sight to behold.

Home to some of the country’s greatest landmarks, from the idyllic Hudson River, impressive Liberty State Park, and the nearby blissful Ellis Island; it’s definitely one for the bucket list.

Celebrate your love here with DeBestEvents wedding planners.

The amazing team have a genuine passion to see your dream event come to life and that is what sets them apart. debestevents.com

SHADY BROOK ACRES OHIO

Ohio is brimming with authentic experiences, from hearty cuisine, gorgeous scenery, amazing sports scene and much more. The midwestern state borders the crystal waters of Lake Erie and is a stunning backdrop to any fairy-tale wedding. A rustic outdoor venue, cushioned in the Ohio countryside, Shady Brook Acres abounds in tranquillity. Home to a cascading waterfall, cobalt pond and delightful barn, it sincerely is an exquisite venue. shadybrookacres.com

THISTLE LANE EVENTS P E N N S Y LVA N I A

Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is home to some of America’s most astounding historical landmarks. It was here that the Gettysburg Address was written and the Declaration of Independence was signed. Enjoy these wonderful notable sights on your honeymoon escape. If you aspire to say your nuptials in this gorgeous state, then be sure to book the incredible events design company, Thistle Lane Events. thistleIn.com

CUSTOM EVENT SOLUTIONS SOUTH CAROLINA

Warm beaches, magnificent oak trees and rolling mountains, the beautiful state of South Carolina radiates a comforting charisma.

Celebrate your nuptials and exchange vows on the golden sands of Myrtle Beach, with Custom Event Solutions. The fantastic event company and their talented and experienced team of professionals, will help you create seamless and stress celebration filled with joy and excitement. myrtlebeachsolutions.com

BAREFOOTBRIDESOC.COM 2021 EDITION

443.614.8542 ● 5909 COASTAL HIGHWAY ● OCEAN CITY MD 21842

PENNSYLVANIA concierge your

WEDDING

WWW.THISTLELN.COM | INSTAGRAM.COM/THISTLELN | FACEBOOK.COM/THISTLELN © 2020 Hope Helmuth Photography

Weddings at

Shady Brook Acres

This stunning, charming, realistic, rural landscape is a gorgeous setting to hold your wedding events. Shady Brook Acres’ privacy and tranquility will surely elevate and enhance your special day as you hold your ceremony under their covered pavilion facing a charming waterfall spilling out onto a pond. The surrounding area is just as beautiful and a perfect place to hold receptions and other events. Lavender gardens, waterfall and beautiful, looming trees truly make the site magical. website shadybrookacres.com | email shadybrookacres2015@gmail.com | socials sba_hitching_post

MONTANA It’s what dreams are made of.

Whether you are planning a Micro Mountain Wedding or are hosting a crowd in the prairie, you deserve images that are just as epic as your destination.

Don’t just hire a photographer for your wedding.

Let us capture pieces of art that can don your walls for years to come and memorialize your Montana wedding!

C O N TA C T Wolf Point, Montana | W. chianoconnorphotography.com | E. chian@chianoconnorphotography.com | IG / FB @chianoconnorphotography

Amanda Basteen Photography

Brooke Pavel Photography Amanda Basteen Photography

Brooke Pavel Photography

W e b www.schafercenturybarn.com C o n t a c t Susan Schafer Te l 641-740-2751 E m a i l susan@schafercenturybarn.com

SSCCHHAAFFEERR SSCCHHAAFFEERR BA RNN ON O NTTHE H EHHILL ILL BAR

C ENTTURY U RYBAR BA R CEN NN

Website: www.facesbyshannon.com Phone: 407.394.5383 Email. facesbyshannon@me.com

GLOBAL WEDDING AWARD - SWEDEN

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Authentic, personal & soul No fake smiles. No weird posing. If it’s rainy, windy or cold, we will show it. Your wedding day to remember as it was.

Only then it will be honest and truly beautiful.

”Most Influential in Wedding Photography Services” GLOBAL BUSINESS INSIGHT AWARDS - SWEDEN

”Bronze World Wide” TOP 10 WEDDING PHOTO CONTEST

Helsingborg, Sweden / micke@tannus.se @mickael_tannus_weddings / www.tannus.se

DE: USE CO HEN W ” ”DWHM O GET T G BOOKIN -PRINT A4 A FREE .s e ta n n u s

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”Wedding Photographer of the Year” P

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FIND THE BEST WEDDING ADVICE HERE

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MEET NELE OST Nele Ost takes us through her work as a floral designer and how she continues her family’s legacy...

WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR FLOWERS AND DESIGN COME FROM?

You could say that I was born amidst flowers and I grew up surrounded by beautiful things. As a young girl, I saw my parents working with flowers, ceramics, vases, table settings, and I made my own arrangements and tried to sell them in the shops next to theirs. I think it’s just a natural evolution of my passion for beauty.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS?

I wanted to continue his legacy and I felt something was missing in my life. I didn’t find satisfaction in my previous job in hospitality and fashion. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. And although it wasn’t the easiest road to take-as you can imagine the shoes were quite big to fill-I now find great pleasure in the things I do. I’m also lucky because I can count on my husband who is in charge of the business side of things, which allows me to focus purely on the creative side.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?

I get inspiration everywhere I look. Whether that’s a trip abroad where I soak up the local culture and colours or even in a refined restaurant with a creative dish composition. I think inspiration is there for the taking, you just need to look properly. I’m also very lucky that my father has a very large library with lots of hidden gems on art, design and flowers.

HOW DOES YOUR WORK SET YOU APART FROM THE COMPETITION?

The love and care for the flowers we work with. For us, it’s really important that they drink sufficient water before we use them and that they’re treated properly so that when the actual event takes place, they’re in good condition. And of course, we take pride in sourcing our flowers directly from the growers that we’ve known for many years. That way, we control the quality and origin.

Secondly, we believe that beauty lies in the details. We make sure that every aspect of the floral decoration, whether it’s a small table arrangement or a massive Royal wedding, is perfectly executed. No matter from which angle you’re looking at it, or if you’re the first or last person to see it, it has to be perfect.

WHICH ARE THE FIRST STEPS TO TAKE WHEN WORKING ON A NEW PROJECT?

First and foremost, and maybe the most important step, is to get to know the clients. We need to understand what they want or the style they’re going for. If they work with a wedding planner we also take the time to discuss every detail with them. Preparation

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is also important. Putting a large event together requires meticulous attention in terms of logistics, personnel, etc.

THE MOST GLAMOROUS EVENT YOU HAVE EVER DECORATED?

That’s a difficult question because every event means something special to me. No matter the size, the location or the client. But that being said, we’ve been very lucky to work in some amazing places, like the Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte near Paris or the Belvedere Palace in Vienna. But equally glamorous is a manmade venue in the middle of the desert only surrounded by sand and dunes. With the right setting, you can create the glamour yourself.

DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL STYLE?

Everybody has a personal style, and I believe it can evolve, depending on the things you see or the experiences you’ve gathered. While I was quite romantic and rustic when I started, I think I’m becoming a bit more architectural now.

HOW DID YOU MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS DURING COVID-19?

I think flexibility was (and still is) key. We had to drastically change our approach from giving a very personal experience to our clients to a more distant and online experience. Luckily, we have a great team who embraced that challenge and to be honest, we used this crisis to our advantage by rethinking the way we do our business. Additionally, I gave birth to my first son and it allowed me to put things more into perspective.

HOW HAS 2020 CHANGED THE WAY YOU WORK?

With a young baby, it’s not about working hard but about working smart. I’ve learned to delegate a bit more to the people around me. Before, I was working 7 days a week from morning until evening. I was always easy to reach. And while I’m still very reachable, I now try to spend a little bit more time with my family. But that being said, I can’t wait to get back and create amazing moments!

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR INDUSTRY?

First of all, let’s hope that we can organize, plan and decorate beautiful events very soon all over the globe because our industry has been hit very hard by the pandemic. Secondly, I hope that we can become more sustainable in our industry. We have some of the most creative and brightest minds in the world but we still waste a lot. I think that’s something we need to think about and do better! danielost.be/en

POWER OF THE FLOWER OUR ROUNDUP OF THE WORLD’S TOP FLORAL DESIGNERS

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THE POWER OF THE

FLOWER

Throughout generations, flowers have always played an important role in weddings. From the bouquets to the floral arrangements, centrepieces and décor, a wedding without flowers would almost seem empty.

The wedding bouquet, in particular, holds a special place in the hearts of many women. With brides-to-be spending endless hours specially selecting which flowers to feature. After all, it is the last thing you carry before your wedding ring is placed on your finger. Throughout history, even royal brides have continued the custom of carrying a bouquet down the aisle. Queen Victoria, who was particularly fond of flowers, even started the tradition of carrying myrtle in her bridal bouquet. The delicate pearlescent blossoms were associated with beauty, fidelity and true love! Wedding flowers were bountiful in the Elizabethan era too. It was here that the kissing knot was introduced, and posies, nosegays and fragrant garlands were found in abundance at every romantic celebration.

Today you’re bound to see all types of flowers at a wedding celebration. From lilies and orchids to roses and tulips, the possibilities are endless. But with so many beautiful flowers to choose from, many brides are often left clueless with where to start. Do you go for fresh or fake? What flowers go together and what can you get for your budget? But, don’t fret, we’ve got you covered. In the following pages, you’ll find some amazing tips on how to choose the perfect florals for your fairy-tale affair, as well as a definitive guide to some of the world’s greatest florists!

THE LOCATION

When it comes to choosing your decorative flowers, you have to keep the size, style and shape of your venue in mind. If you’re planning on having a large ceremony in a building with a vast expanse and high ceilings, then you’ll need to think about larger arrangements, so that they won’t get lost in the space. In contrast, a smaller more intimate venue allows you to choose more minimal floral embellishments and décor e.g., compact bunches of traditional flowers like roses and gardenias. Florals can be kept to a minimum with outdoor weddings; depending on the space. If you’re opting for a botanical garden or vineyard, then it’s best to have more natural-looking arrangements.

Loose clusters of wildflowers or foliage along the seats and tables, give off a natural and rustic feel.

THE FLOWER FUND

Your budget is by far the most important factor to consider when choosing your wedding flowers. It should be the first thing you and your significant other work out. Once you have your budget then you can see what kind of flowers you can afford. The amount you set aside for your flowers, can impact the style and size of the arrangements you create. If you choose to hire a florist, then make sure to be honest with them, so that can guide you in the best way possible.

A good way to keep to your budget is to separate what you need from what you want. Make a list of the type of arrangements that are must-haves, this can include bouquets, centrepieces and décor. Once you’ve decided how much you can spend on what you need, then you can decide whether or not spend a little more on extra embellishments. Another option is to opt for fake flowers instead of fresh.

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Gone are the days of the dusty plastic roses and daffodils – today false flowers look much more beautiful and realistic. Silk flowers have taken the wedding world by storm, with many florists using them in their amazing flower displays and designs. The high-quality flowers are not only cheaper but look just as gorgeous and convincing!

THE BRIDAL BOUQUET

The bridal bouquet is the ultimate wedding accessory, so you’ll want to be sure that you find the perfect fit for your celebration. It’s essential that your bouquet complements your wedding dress. So, if you’re going for the traditional white gown, you’ll want to choose flowers that match. Pastel peaches, pinks and purples are perfect, or a pure white bouquet with verdant foliage looks particularly beautiful against an ivory gown. Free-spirited brides who’ve chosen a coloured dress can experiment a little more with varying shades for their bouquet, but it’s important that the colours are complimentary. The bigger the dress the bigger the bouquet, so if you’re going for an elegant and minimal look, a single long stem rose or a small bunch of delicate lilies will look stunning. Also be sure that your bouquet isn’t too heavy, after all, you will be holding it for quite a while. But your florist should help you choose the ideal style and size.

SEASON, SCENT AND STYLE

Many brides-to-be can get caught up in trying to make their flowers look great, but make sure that they smell amazing too. Let your venue flourish with the beautiful fragrance from your flowers. For example, lilies have such an incredibly rich and beautiful scent that they are enough on their own. However, if you mix them with other scented florals, the fragrance may be too dominant. If you don’t want the scent from your arrangements to be too overpowering then maybe opt for lighter fragrant flowers-like tulips or hydrangeas.

It’s always a good option to choose flowers that are in season, they’re often better quality and are much cheaper. Make it a point to speak to your florist about the best flowers available for the season of your wedding. Your flower choice should also reflect your colour palette.

Play with the different tones and shades of your theme and choose flowers that mirror this. Overall, the blossoms you choose for your celebration should reflect the personality and style of you and your loved one. If you love bright colours, then fill the room with bunches of florescent freesias or potent peonies. Your flowers play an important role in setting the tone for the day, so be sure that they tell the story of the love you share!

Planning

Floral

DESIGNERS

Fall in love with our favourite floral designers from around the world…

TOMAS DE BRUYNE

STACY K FLORAL

Based in the heart of Belgium is the exceptionally talented and internationally renowned floral artist, Tomas De Bruyne. Specifically dedicated to architectural and conceptual floral space design, Tomas’ floral art installations are sure to leave a strong impression on your guests. From grand events to intimate affairs, Tomas’ impressive skills and knowledge allows him to create unique and unforgettable memories that you will cherish forever. tomasdebruyne.com

A contemporary wedding in upstate New York is a dream for many.

To exchange vows overlooking the astounding parkland and lake sceneries is truly awe-inspiring. For your dream celebration, be sure to contact Stacy K Floral for all your floral arrangements. The custom design studio is dedicated to producing one-of-a-kind bouquets and decor. Their amazing team are devoted to producing designs that mirror the beauty of the love you share. stacykfloral.com

WAYNE RILEY FLOWERS

TERESA RIBEIRO FLORAL DESIGN

Creating unique floral arrangements for the finest events in the French Riviera, Wayne Riley Flowers are top-quality floral designers. Creative Directors, Wayne and Jeff pride themselves on their relentless effort to create the perfect designs for your special events. Crafting pieces with your style and taste in mind, you can rest assured that your bouquets, boutonnieres, arrangements and centrepieces will be everything you’ve dreamed and more. waynerileyflowers.fr

Master Floral Designer and graduate from the International Institute of Floral Designers US, Teresa Ribeiro is a world-class choice for your lavish affair. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, her level of wisdom, knowledge and commitment is unlike any other. Using natural flowers as her raw material, Teresa and her devoted team create dynamic and distinctive floral bouquets and displays. atelierteresaribeiro.com

BELGIUM

FRANCE

KATYA HUTTER FLORAL DESIGN THE NETHERLANDS

Specialising in creating luxury and artistic floral decor, based in the spectacular city of Amsterdam is Katya Hutter Floral Design. As nature is a great source of her inspiration, Katya ensures that each piece flourishes with natural beauty. Having worked in the fashion industry for several years, Katya has a keen sense of style and can design wedding arrangements to reflect the unique personality and timeless beauty for her clients. katyahutterfloraldesign.com

NEW YORK, USA

PORTUGAL

FLORI CU FITZE BY ALINA NEACSA

ROMANIA A European gem, Romania is a wonderful place to celebrate your love. Tie the knot overlooking the rustic Carpathian Mountains or in the ancient setting of Corvin Castle. Aline Neacsa’s floral designs are a fine choice for your wedding celebration. The brilliant designer studied at the UK School of Floristry and has since begun her floral journey in Romania. Alina and her team are highly skilled and experienced, so you can rest assured that your wedding will become a reality.

floricufitze.com

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Wayne Riley Flowers French Riviera www.waynerileyflowers.fr waynerileyflowers +33 (0)6 76 51 83 44 wayneriley@hotmail.fr

Top Floral

Designer

FLORAL

DESIGN

Prima ballerina: Anna Ol Photographer ©: Karan Kapoor

KATYA HUTTER

is an exceptionally talented floral designer based in Amsterdam, specialising in creating luxury and artistic floral decor for private clients, weddings & events and the fashion industry.

Her style is lush, abundant and surprising. Katya is also greatly inspired by the wonder and beauty of nature. The amazing colours, shapes and patterns are what inspire her stunning designs.

Having spent many years as a fashion stylist, and photo producer, Katya has an incredible sense of style and is able to create designs that are aesthetically pleasing; this undoubtedly adds a dynamic dimension to her floristry. Her style is unforgettable and romantic, with every arrangement and display reflecting the unique personality and timeless beauty for her clients. Seducing and sensual, her flowers are made to live the dream and to celebrate the special moments in our lives.

Photographer © : Olive Wedding, Germany Models: Gillian Dolmans, Stephanie Griotti and Kjell Ainkr

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Each season, Katya and her team work on floral decorations for a limited number of bespoke weddings and special events. Her flower arrangements are seasonal and nature-inspired, with an artistic flair.

Through her dedication and devotion to her craft, she is able to successfully ensure that all clients get the best possible quality and impeccable service.

No matter the size of shape of your event, Katya promises to bring your dreams to life. Whether you’re after a grand lavish ceremony or a romantic intimate affair, you can trust that Katya and her brilliant team will exceed your expectations. www.katyahutterfloraldesign.com Instagram: @ katyahutterfloraldesign

Flori cu Fitze was founded 15 years ago by Alina Neacsa, one of the top international Master Florists. The company aims to create not just luxurious events but also unique and exclusive weddings all over the world. Alina Neacsa is also known worldwide as an Ambassador of scented garden roses and she is the only florist in the world who has a garden rose named after her- Alina Perfumella, created by the renown house of Meilland.

Strada Valea Lungă 30, București 077042, Romania, email: contact @floricufitze.com Telefon

Flori Cu Fitze, a promise of a scented

Alina Neacsa

Luxorious Experience!

n: +40743762194 | www.floricufitze.com | Facebook: floricufitze.ro | Instagram: alina_neacsa

Best of

BONNIE Look through our detailed guide to find the best suppliers in Scotland!

WILD HIGHLAND DRINKS CO. HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

Serving draft lagers, beers and IPAs, the quirky vintage Indian Tuk Tuk van is the fun moving bar to have at your wedding.

Meeting you anywhere across the Highlands and beyond, you can craft your cocktail menu with locally sourced artisan spirits and beers. All the products offered are bespoke, and you can select the theme that matches your wedding the most. There is no limit to the frills you can add to your cocktails; let the mixologists tweak your drinks with local florals and fresh Highland fruit, this will surely stun your family and friends. wildhighlanddrinks.co.uk

WHITE FEATHER FILMMAKER HIGHLANDS, SCOTLAND

Set amidst the majestic Highlands, White Feather Filmmaker is a brand new wedding film company, eager to help couples make the most of their big day. The founder Tom Alner, who has years of experience in the filmmaking business, has decided to dedicate his time and talent to the world of weddings. His naturalistic, cinematic style sets him apart from the competition and makes him a great choice to help you store your beautiful wedding memories. whitefeatherfilmmaker.com

STUNNING FLOWERS PERTH, SCOTL AND

Stunning Flowers is a qualified florist based in the picturesque county of Perthshire. For any event, you can count on the originality and creativity of this floral designer to craft the decorative pieces you have always envisioned. The wide variety of flowers and foliage found in Scotland is a great source of inspiration and the team uses the seasonal offerings as the stars of their products. With attention to sustainability, and of course, to their clients, Stunning Flowers is a top pick for your wedding in Scotland. stunningflowers.co.uk

THE BRIDE TO BE....

GL ASGOW, SCOTL AND

Having a the bridal look that you love will boost your confidence on your wedding day, and that is why it’s so important to work with the best professionals in the industry.If you are planning a wedding in Scotland, The Bride to be… wedding hair and makeup is there to make sure you shine on your special day.

The artistic team of experienced specialists will take care of all your hairstyling and makeup needs, leaving you feeling amazing from the inside out. After an initial consultation and rehearsal The Bride to be… will create your ultimate perfect bridal finish, knowing you can relax on your big day. thebridetobe.co.uk

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THE BYRE AT INCHYRA

PERTHSHIRE, SCOTLAND

The Byre at Inchyra is an award-winning estate set in the heart of Scotland. With many locations to choose from and a professional wedding team on-site, planning your party on these 150-acres is awe-inspiring. During the warm months, you can plan your event outdoors, amidst the enchanting woodland, or if you prefer indoors, the barn is a picturesque option. The historic barn has been restored to offer commodity and luxury, without compromising its rustic charm. A blank canvas for you to adorn and transform into your dream setting, the Byre is the jewel in the crown of the estate. thebyreatinchyra.co.uk

Your Dream Wedding in Italy Phone +39 348 4425695 info@dianadaros.com - www.dianadaros.com

Ph. : Lelia Sca rf io tti

IG: @dianadaros - FB: dianadaroseventplanner

WEDDING OFFICIANTS KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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WEDDING OFFICIANTS - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

GEORGIA

W E D D I N G S L A S T F O R J U S T A D AY. . . M AT R I M O N Y I S F O R A L I F E T I M E !

R E V. M I A D . W O O D S D E V I N E M AT R I M O N Y 770.756.2000 GETHITCHED365.COM

THEY SAY: “You’ll want to stop and explore this destination full of surprising experiences. Discover the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, see literary landmarks along the Gone With the Wind Trail from Jonesboro to Marietta, stroll one of the largest historic districts in the charming city of Savannah.” (visittheusa.com/state/georgia) WE SAY: “If you’re looking for natural beauty and cultural landmarks then Georgia is the place for you. Tour the oldest city in the state, Savannah, and admire one of the largest historic districts in the country. If you’re planning a road trip, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the 47 state parks and the Native tribal sites.”

ATTRACTIONS: -Arrange to do the Martin Luther King Jr. Trail: an array of museums, churches and important landmarks all dedicated to the activist.

-In Atlanta, enjoy the city vibes and the lively districts. Take a walk along the streets to see what this remarkable city has to offer.

MARYLAND AND D.C THEY SAY: “Maryland may be small, but it’s big in history, natural beauty and things to see and do. From clambakes and bonfires to scenic drives through mountains or evenings spent on Ocean City’s boardwalk, this diverse state welcomes visitors with a blend of modern life and history.” (visittheusa.co.uk/state/Maryland) WE SAY: “A blend of chill comfort and buzzing nightlife, Maryland offers something for everyone. Encompassing a contemporary yet conventional charm, it’s the ideal place for a city break with your significant other.”

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: - A trip to the American Visionary Art Museum is definitely worth it. The AVAM houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, mirror collages, and a plethora of contemporary paintings.

- Experience sights of Ocean City on a water tour. Or you can rent paddle-boards, jet skis and canoes and discover the beautiful waters together with your love.

Reverend Joyce Hilbery is happy to perform ceremonies for all couples, including same-sex and non-denominational.

W. mddcweddings.com E. joycehilbery@hotmail.com T. (301) 676 2105

NEW JERSEY THEY SAY: “New Jersey also has a diverse landscape that feels far from city life. The famous Jersey Shore is lined with sandy beaches and quiet towns, plus the not-so-quiet Atlantic City, where you’ll find busy casinos and nightlife.” (visittheusa.co.uk/state/new-jersey) WE SAY: “The possibilities are endless in New Jersey. Spend your honeymoon adventure enjoying the beachside delights in likes of Seaside Heights or Cape May. Discover the lush farmlands and verdant pine forests of this Garden State and explore its abundance of ecological treasures.”

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: - Nightlife in Atlantic City is beyond compare, enjoy the spirited vibe of the beachside boardwalks, casinos and hotels.

- New Jersey in the wintertime is super exciting. Hit the slopes at Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah or at the Mountain Creek in Vernon.

- If you’re looking for a fun-filled afternoon, look no further than East Rutherford. Home to major attractions such as the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and DreamWorks water park.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

NEW YORK THEY SAY: “Only here can you glide over the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park, on a hot-air balloon ride, participate in live glass-blowing demonstrations at the Corning Museum of Glass and sample vintages from award-winning wineries along the Finger Lakes.” (visittheusa.com/state/new-york) WE SAY: “New York City might be one of the reasons why national and international crowds flock to the state of New York, but it definitely shouldn’t be the only one. The alluring state of New York offers so much more. From one-of-a-kind sightseeing to the beautiful shores of the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll have the time of your life.”

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: -You can’t visit New York and not delve into the buzzing spirit of The Big Apple. Broadway, Central Park and Times Square are just a few of the jewels of this spellbinding city.

-Enjoy the acclaimed waterfalls of Niagara Falls State Park and enjoy the one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

Honor Your Love With A Personal & Meaningful Wedding Ceremony

Rev. Kathie McCutcheon, Interfaith Minister Officiating Secular, Spiritual or Religious Ceremonies in North Carolina W. ncweddingminister.com T. 919-649-6953 E. sanctuaryspiritualcare@gmail.com

PENNSYLVANIA THEY SAY: “Pennsylvania has all the ingredients for a great family vacation, starting with a town built on chocolate (who wouldn’t love that?), the World of Little League Museum and more than a dozen amusement parks and water parks.” (visittheusa.co.uk/state/ Pennsylvania WE SAY: “Pennsylvania is one of America’s historical gems, home to some of the country’s most famous artefacts and landmarks. The keystone state never fails to fascinate; experience its awe-inspiring culture, incredible food and impressive landscapes, whilst on your romantic escape.”

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: - Learn about Amish lifestyle, culture and traditions at the Amish Village, a heritage museum near Lancaster that offers guided tours of an 1840s Amish homestead, barn and schoolhouse.

- Spend the day making your very own delicious chocolate bar at Hershey’s chocolate world, and enjoying thrilling rides at the mouthwatering Hersheypark.

NORTH CAROLINA THEY SAY: “Whether you’re watching the sun rise and set from the same spot on a barrier-island beach, listening to the sound of waterfalls echoing all around you or sipping moonshine distilled from a recipe five generations old, the beauty of North Carolina is yours to safely enjoy and explore.” (visitnc.com) WE SAY: “There’s an abundance of activities available for you in the incredible state of North Carolina. There is depth and richness here, that captivates all its visitors. Gaze upon beautiful wildlife and sparkling shores whilst sipping on a sparkling glass of a traditional craft brew.”

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: - Check out the scenic leisurely trails at the Grandfather Mountain near Linville. Hike up the rugged terrains and uncover breath-taking mountain panoramas.

- Make sure to visit the brilliant Vanderbilt Mansion at Biltmore Estate. The gorgeous building is home to an amazing Italian garden, a fascinating deer park and picturesque walking trails.

WEDDING OFFICIANTS - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

SOUTH CAROLINA THEY SAY: “With everything from wide, sandy beaches and championship golf courses to spectacular waterfalls, lush gardens and fun-filled events year-round, South Carolina is the perfect destination for your next holiday.” (discoversouthcarolina.com) WE SAY: “South Carolina captures the hearts of all those who step foot on its land. From warm summer nights to gorgeous stately homes, and mouth-watering country cuisine, the southern state boasts of a charming charisma like no other.’’

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: - Take a trip down to the South Carolina State Museum, and discover four floors of exciting exhibits of history, technology and science. It also features an incredible planetarium and observatory, that lets you look right into the sun safely.

- The annual Carolina Fest Boogie is perfect for thrill-seekers. The skydiving spectacular draws more than 300 divers across the country for six days of high-flying fun.

VIRGINIA THEY SAY: “History and romance go hand in hand here, where rolling hills and sunny beaches give way to charming towns and boardwalks along with the polished manors of presidents and memorial sites.” (visittheusa.com/state/virginia) WE SAY: ‘‘Virginia is a fine holiday destination. Stretches of sand, historic sites and a rich culinary scene, Virginia has a lot to offer.

Visit the first permanent settlement of Jamestown and explore the beautiful James River. For foodies, this state is the ideal destination, offering fresh seafood and many delicacies you won’t want to miss.’’

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: - Indulge in the Virginia Oyster Trail, inclusive of top-class restaurants, outdoor activities and plenty of museums along the way.

- With over 300 wineries, Virginia can be considered a wine state.

Savour lush wines accompanied by farm-to-table products with your better half.

WEST VIRGINIA THEY SAY: “The Mountain State comes to life in the winter. Bright, white snow covers charming small towns. Luxury cabins become a cozy escape from the every day. In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything. And a little closer to heaven.” (wvtourism. com) WE SAY: “West Virginia is an outdoor paradise. With soaring mountains, quaint villages, and romantic snowy retreats, you can’t go wrong with a stay in this winter wonderland. Take the country roads and get lost in one of the many spectacular destinations of the state.

National forests and parks are awaiting you.”

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: -Enjoy climbing, rafting and hiking in the Appalachian Mountains.

-West Virginia is known for its mesmerising stargazing spots and that’s why it’s been named Almost Heaven.

-There’s also plenty of relaxation to revel in when visiting West Virginia. Unwind in the rejuvenating natural springs for a bit of tranquillity during your trip.

welcome, dreamers Weddings for the vibrant individual.

Imagine the event of your dreams. We’ll handle the rest.

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eventsbyjesse

The Matterhorn

as your best man and the stars as your

maids of honour

Feel like celebrating at your best friend’s place This is THE OMNIA

THE OMNIA, Zermatt – Switzerland, Phone +41 27 966 71 71, www.the-omnia.com