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WEDDINGS
YOUR GAY AND LESBIAN WEDDING MAGAZINE
APRIL 2013
£4.99
SPRING TRENDS
QUIZ Which wedding style suits you?
S S U F E H T T U FUN WITHO
Y A D S ’ N A RICK & A L REAL WEDDINGS HONEYMOONS • VENUES TUTORIALS • STYLE
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WEDDINGS
Contents
Editor’s letter
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elcome to the second issue of G&L Weddings! The team is still flying high from the success of the first issue; we had so much positive feedback from you, and the final product was exactly how we’d envisaged the UK’s first mainstream gay and lesbian wedding magazine. We do love hearing from you, so please get in touch and let us know how we’re doing. This month, we had fun visiting the 10th Gay Wedding Show in London; founder Gino Meriano made everyone feel incredibly welcome, and it was great to chat to some of the best suppliers in the industry to find out their favourite spring trends (p. 11). G&L particularly love the glitzy, glamorous art deco look, but if you’re still looking for the little details to make your wedding your own, we have loads of articles in this issue to help you choose them. If you have no idea what sort of venue would suit you, why not try our quiz (p. 23)? The answer might surprise you! We’ve also collected the best quirky designer rings (p. 17) and wedding cakes (p. 20) for you to enjoy. If you’ve sorted the day but have no idea where to go afterwards, our honeymoon feature (p. 26) will soon have you longing for the white sands of the Riviera Maya. As always, we’ve spoken to real couples about their wedding day and how they made it personal to them – our cover stars Rick and Alan were brilliantly laidback about the entire planning process, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to turn the day into one massive party with everyone involved.
STYLE
14 Iona & Jo
G&L Weddings visit the UK’s 10th Gay Wedding Show
16 Steal their style
8 The Gay Wedding Show
GLWeddings @GLWeddings GandLWeddings GLWeddings
We talk to the couple about how they impressed a quirky touch on their day
11 Spring trends
Inspired by Iona and Jo? Find out how to recreate their look
17 With this ring
PLANNING
Get the inside scoop on this season’s trends from the experts G&L brings you the finest collection of alternative wedding rings
20 Take 10: Cakes
23 You & your venue
Don’t know where to start? Take our quiz and find the venue to suit you
Whether your wedding’s theme is fun and flamboyant, or clean and elegant we’ve got the style for you
26 Honeymoon spotlight
22 Beauty
29 How to...
We help you find the ideal scent for your big day and show you how to manicure your nails to perfection
REAL WEDDINGS 12 Rick & Alan
The couple talk to us about their laidback wedding in the heart of Cardiff
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Soak up the sunshine on the gayfriendly beaches of the Riviera Maya
Keep your rings safe with this handy and personalised ring box
MARRIAGE MATTERS 30 Would you...
Take your partner’s surname? We asked you if it was an archaic tradition or a way of bringing you closer
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If you’re slightly more concerned about the planning side of things – which, let’s face it, can get pretty overwhelming – we’ve created our very own pocket-sized G&L wedding planner for you to use. With a timeline, on-the-day checklist and budget planner, we’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to check out the G&L website for more style tips, planning advice and real weddings – but most importantly of all, don’t forget to enjoy your day!
April 2013
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29 G&L• 5
• Marriage matters Bishop of Liverpool calls for blessings of gay unions
What are you saying? Tweet @GLWeddings
Bishop Jones is the most senior Anglican cleric to call for such radical changes to the church’s policy on sexuality. His support of same-sex unions is all the more significant as he was once one of the staunchest supporters of the traditional views on homosexuality. He is one of a handful of senior clerics who urged the openly gay Very Reverend Jeffrey John to stand aside from becoming Bishop of Reading, however he later revised his opinion and personally apologised to the cleric. Bishop Jones, who will retire later this year, concluded by saying, “How has the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in spite of its Global reach become so alienating and exclusive.”
The real cost of banning same-sex marriage In a brief supporting same-sex marriage American companies have pointed out that not only is banning gay marriage morally wrong but it also has a negative financial effect on companies and their gay employees. Amongst the companies signing the brief were such giants as Citigroup, Apple, Mars and Alcoa, as well as city governments and law firms. In the brief, the signers said that the current federal law “puts us, as employers, to unnecessary cost and administrative complexity.” Additionally, the brief stated that the law “forces us to treat one class of our lawfully married employees differently than another, when our success depends on the welfare and morale of all employees.” 6 •G&L
The unnecessary cost that the brief refers to is due to the fact that companies have to manage dual systems of tax withholding and payroll because there are different laws for same-sex couples. The brief was one of many received by the Supreme Court as it considers landmark cases on gay rights and marriage. Recent polls indicate that the majority of Americans now believe that same-sex marriage should be legal.
“@_Randyco Can we all stop and take a minute to recognize how lovely that Amazon Kindle commercial is for supporting #gayrights #samesexmarriage”
“@Des_maxfield I’m stuck, even moonpig.com doesn’t have a ‘Congratulations you’re Pope’ card, but they have plenty of Gay Wedding cards, hint.”
“@zenpeacekeeper Yup, @WomansDayNZ just made my day by putting a gay wedding (even better, a Topp Twins gay wedding!) on their cover”
Photo credits: Laura Kidd, Frank Pitt, 401(K) 2013, Women’s Day and Amazon
The Rt Reverend James Jones has opposed the official Church line by calling for it to consider offering weddings in all but name for same-sex couples. Bishop Jones comes from the evangelical wing of the church, which maintains a traditional line on same-sex marriage. He said that historians in the 22nd century would find it “extraordinary” that taking a stance against homosexuality is commonly considered to be the “litmus test” of loyalty to the teachings of the Bible. The official stance of the Church of England is that same-sex marriage goes against the teachings of the Bible. Bishop Jones questioned whether it was tenable for the Church to “deny the blessing of God to that which is just”.
THE LATEST ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AROUND THE WORLD United front from Clintons on gay marriage
New Zealand bill passes second vote
Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has announced her support for same-sex marriage in the United States via an online video released by gay rights advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. In the five minute video she states that the LGBT community are “full and equal citizens and deserve the rights of citizenship.” Adding that “that includes marriage.” Earlier this month Clinton’s husband, former president Bill Clinton, also advocated same-sex marriage in a piece in the Washington Post. Bill Clinton urged the Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, an act that he signed into law. This week, a leading Republican senator, Rob Portman, showed a change of heart in support of same-sex marriage after his son came out as gay. The Ohio Republican is the first of his party in the Senate to embrace gay marriage. The US Supreme Court is to discuss the Defence of Marriage Act later this month. The same-sex marriage bill in New Zealand has passed the crucial second vote on 13 March by 77 to 44. The third and final vote is likely to be little more than a formality. More than 200 people squeezed into the Parliament’s public gallery to watch lawmakers debate the bill before they voted. The crowd was overwhelmingly supportive of the bill, cheering and clapping those who spoke in support and sitting in silence following those who spoke in opposition. The first vote passed in August, but
the second is typically most important as it shows any changes in opinion. The second vote came after a committee of lawmakers considered emails and letters from thousands of New Zealanders. The country already has same-sex civil union laws that confer legal rights to gay couples, however the bill’s sponsor Louisa Wall said that denying marriage to any person devalues their right to participate fully in all that life offers. The bill is expected to pass the third vote; making New Zealand the 12th country to legalise same-sex marriage.
Germany shows majority support in same-sex marriage poll Almost three quarters of Germans are supportive of same-sex marriage, according to a recently released poll. The fact that such a large number of Germans support same-sex marriage is hugely significant given that Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative Christian Democrat party (CDU) is facing an election in September. The party have yet to present a firm stance on same-sex marriage and are currently deciding whether to extend more rights to gay couples. Opposition parties accuse the CDU, who are staunch defenders of “traditional”
family values, of procrastination and failing to take a clear position on gay rights. Gay couples in Germany can enter into civil unions but cannot marry. Germany’s constitutional court has ruled that gay people should be allowed to adopt a child already adopted by their partner, something that is only currently available to heterosexual couples. The CDU wants to boost its appeal among urban voters, and coming out as supporting gay marriage may be a good way to garner popular support. G&L• 7
•Style
The Gay Wedding Show The 10th anniversary of the Gay Wedding Show took place earlier this month, and G&L was there to join in the fun
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ompared to the colourful mohawks in the surrounding streets of Camden Market, the Gay Wedding Show seemed rather understated. but this was by no means was a bad thing, infact it was precisely what the show’s founder, Gino Meriano, had been going for. Ten years in, and it still feels like a gathering of friends. There is an incomparable atmosphere of comfort and intimacy that you just don’t feel at other wedding shows. What it lacked in size it more than made up for in flair and variety - there was something for everyone, from rainbow cakes and cabaret singers, to elegant table settings and silk suits. Everybody wandered round at their leisure, and at no point did we feel pressured to buy anything. When we talked to the stallholders, they were helpful and enthusiastic.
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Photos: Graham Martin and Sean Anderson
• is interesting when you get myself and Mike walking in going, “So which one do you want to be, do you want to be the bride, or shall I be the bride?” and you do that on purpose to embarrass them, because the wedding shows need to be about both civil partnerships and what opposite sex couples can have.
G&L sits down with Gino Meriano A gay rights campaigner, and one of the first people in the UK to enter into a civil partnership after they were signed into law in 2005: what better person to talk to than the organiser of the Gay Wedding Show? Ok, this might sound weird, but the show hasn’t grown. We have the same number of exhibitors, and the same vibrancy. It might be themed differently, but the number of people coming through the door is roughly the same. Maybe in five years it will start to grow when a younger generation come up. It’s quite nice because you can work around the niche and focus on that, and that’s the key. Otherwise you move the show from four great venues to an extra large size and you lose everything. Every year we go and visit opposite sex wedding shows, and some still do the name of the bride as you walk in the door, which
“I have been to hundreds of civil partnerships. You cannot stop crying at them, they’re amazing” I have always said, that this will go when equality is in. Well, ten years down the line and there is still no equality. There is a real meaning behind what we have done with the show, and it will stay like this until it is not needed anymore. Do I think the show will change now the marriage bill is passing though? No, the show will stay the same but the interesting thing is that you will probably find a decline in civil partnerships, and an increase in civil marriage. There won’t be any increase in overall numbers, it will just stay the same. When civil partnerships were coming in, I was consulting for it. I am all for legal rights;
I love the idea that we have legal rights. Before, we had no rights to inheritancy: we couldn’t even arrange our partner’s funeral, we could lose our homes: we had no rights at all. In some civil partnerships, it’s not so much about religion, it is a union for two people, and people say it’s cold. It’s not. I have been to hundreds of civil parternships. You cannot stop crying at them, they’re amazing. The move to a civil marriage is a simple one, and an expected one. What annoys me the most is that now if that passes, the gay community will be able to have a civil partnership and a civil marriage, and the opposite sex community will be able to have a civil marriage and a church wedding but they can’t have a civil partnership. At the moment we do not have equality, because what about opposite-sex couples that don’t want to have marriage? They are coming to us to help them. It’s because we offer everything, and we offer alternatives to how a wedding is usually perceived. Upcoming Gay Wedding Shows: Cardiff 29 September Jolyon’s at No. 10 Manchester 13 October 2013 Doubletree by Hilton
Brighton 27 October 2013 The De Vere Grand Hotel London 16 March 2014 Holiday Inn, Camden Lock G&L• 9
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Style
Spring trends We spoke to the experts at the Gay Wedding Show to discover the latest trends for your spring 2013 wedding
“With 1920s art deco coming into fashion, people are definitely going bigger this season. The traditional tiered sponge is popular but people are adding glamour with jewels and feathers.”
-Anthea, Blue Orchid Events
-Neil, A Spoonful of Sugar
“Just because it’s spring, it doesn’t mean you should be restricted to pastels. Why not try bright and bold colours? Hot pink and Cadbury purple are really popular at the moment.” -Catherine, Moss Bros
“This spring, couples are choosing venues with lots of colour and natural light, like the Kensington Roof Gardens. People are definitely looking to get back to nature.” -Matt, Boy Oh Boy Photography G&L• 11
Words: Izzy Hicks Photos: shopruche.com
“Country vintage is still a very popular theme, especially in spring. I’ve seen a lot of countryside flowers, cream tableware and centrepieces with vintage touches.”
• Real Weddings
Rick & Alan
Words: Sophie Yeo Photos: Mark Stoker-Brennan
Rick and Alan’s only requirement for their wedding was that everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. They hadn’t anticipated that their day would become the talk of Cardiff town 12 •G&L
Real Weddings
(L-R) Rick and Alan racing to the altar, the couple with all their guests outside Cardiff City Hall, Alan and his uncle who sported a pink hat on the day, Alan and Rick exchanging their rings
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our wedding day is meant to be the happiest day of your life. It’s a tall order, but the wedding of Alan and Rick somehow managed to exceed this expectation, and become the best day in many of their guests’ lives as well. “Our wedding,” says Alan seriously, “was genuinely the best wedding ever. Everybody who was there will tell you. If you ring them up, they will tell you it was the best
‘No, we won’t be doing that.’ We’d have just laughed all the way! I think you’ve got to do what suits you, and that’s exactly what we did.” After the ceremony, about 300 guests gathered at the Park Inn for the reception, where a hot buffet was served. The reasonably priced spread was loved by guests, though they loved the bar more, managing to break the record for bar sales for the month in one night.
“I think you’ve got to do what suits you, and that’s exactly what we did” wedding ever, and probably better than their own.” The wedding, which took place in Cardiff City Hall on 2 July 2011, was pulled off not through months of frantic planning or by setting aside a year’s worth of wages, but simply by insisting that the process should be as relaxed as possible. There wasn’t a traditional cake, and there no flowers or speeches. Rick and Alan were happy to discard the traditional elements that are associated with weddings to focus on the celebratory aspect of the day. Rick admits that he even viewed the ceremony, as a formality, and one that he wanted to be over as quickly as possible. “There are three or four ways you can walk into the hall,” Rick explains, “You can both walk through one door on different sides and meet in the middle.’ I was like,
The fact that this was a gay wedding helped in more way than one. Rick and Alan agreed that they felt more able to to do their own thing - but, more than that, they found that people were turning up to the wedding from the very beginning prepared to have a good time. A local choir group sang at the wedding, but even this was a little makeshift, as a lot of themembers were friends of the couple who were there anyway, but they certainly impressed the guests. Alan recalls, “It was just a few people from a choir banging along, not rehearsed or anything, but because Rick’s family is from up the Valleys and my family are from Anglesey, they were like, “Ooh, look, ooh, it’s a choir!” It wasn’t - it was just a group ofdrunk people together, but it had the effect.” The spirit of general enthusiasm was even extended towards the person
Alan and Rick’s planning advice The more relaxed you are, the more your guests will be too and the more that you’ll enjoy your day. Do what suits you and have fun!
who performed the ceremony. “It was his first time marrying two men, which he just happened to mention,” says Rick. “He thanked us at the end. He said, ‘I’d just like to thank Alan and Rick personally because it’s my first one,’ and everyone burst into applause, which was quite funny.” Even Alan’s uncle, who is a vicar, turned up wearing a pink hat. “I think it was his way of saying, ‘I’m very okay with this!’”says Alan. Rick admits that he did feel “mortified” when their friend and photographer got a bit carried away and started insisting that non-gay guests engage in gay kisses for the camera. But the spirit of the day seemed to have rubbed off on the guests by this point, because “It turns out they’re some of the best and funniest photos - and, if anything, the men were more up for it than the women!” says Rick. The best thing about the wedding was that both Rick and Alan felt completely at ease throughout the day. Alan says, “Men in a lot of weddings are quite uncomfortable because it’s not really them. It’s not really their day, is it? As much as you pretend it is, it’s not. A lot of the blokes especially were like, ‘Why can’t every wedding be like this?’”
Venues: City Hall, The Park Inn and Pulse Nightclub, Cardiff Cake: Homemade cupcakes made by a friend Photographer: Mark Stoker-Brennan, a friend of the couple G&L• 13
• Real weddings
Iona (left) and Jo (right) both chose elegant dresses for their wedding day
Iona & Jo
Wedding planning can often be the most stressful part of a couple’s journey together, but for Jo and Iona it was an opportunity to inject their quirky personalities into a relaxed day
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o McAllister and Iona Martin-Abel, both 28, decided to follow their own path after turning away from the idea of planning a big, stressful wedding. Iona says, “We started looking a bit outside the box at venues that weren’t made for weddings, and when we found the right place that’s when it all 14 •G&L
started to come together. It was a massive joint effort to plan the wedding but we loved it.” Jo and Iona met in Colchester, Essex, when they both started new jobs as exercise physiologists on the same day. In the threeand-a-half years they were together there
was a career move for Jo to become a student nurse in the British Army followed by a change of location for the couple, before Iona stunned all of their friends by proposing. Iona says, “Everyone was really surprised, because everyone who knows us says that I’m the girly one and they always expected Jo
Real weddings
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Words: Mary-Clare O’Connor, Photos: Ella McMaster The couple’s paper bouquets. Below: the cheese cake
to propose.” Iona planned a weekend away in Nottingham to pop the question. “We both knew it was coming,” she says, “so it was really emotional - two girls together, in floods of tears, saying ‘Oh, we’re so happy!”’ “This was after a few too many cocktails as well!” Jo chips in. “Luckily, Iona knows I’m quite shy so she waited until we were back in our room before she asked me.” Jo and Iona’s wedding day in November was a relaxed affair. After a meal the night before with family and friends the couple got ready together. They wore ivory dresses in different styles; Iona opted for a short 50s-style dress, while Jo chose a floorlength slim-fitting gown. “We thought it was going to be really hard to find dresses that matched,” Iona said. “In the end, we just went with what we wanted because we realized how hard it was to find THE dress!” The ceremony was held at Warwick’s registry office, and the couple walked down the aisle together. Like the proposal, the ceremony wasn’t without a few tears. “I had a wobble
halfway through,” admits Iona, “and couldn’t get my words out! I kept trying to repeat what the registrar said.” “But then you forgot the words, it was so funny!” adds Jo. The couple and the wedding party moved to their reception for a four course meal and an evening of entertainment.
“In the end, we realised how hard it was to find THE dress!” Jo and Iona selected a venue that was off the beaten wedding track, opting for The Lazy Cow in Warwickshire. Booking out the pub and its accompanying rooms for their guests, Jo and Iona were able to put their own stamp on the venue. “Because they had never held a wedding before, there wasn’t a set way for them to organise it,” says Jo. The couple ensured their day was full of quirky elements that reflected their personalities, with special pens available so guests could write
messages on the venue’s mirrors, and a wedding cake made of cheese. Jo and Iona also got their family and friends involved, baking their heart-shaped wedding cakes and taking the photographs. “We were lucky as everyone was really generous and wanted to get involved,” says Jo. “It really helped the day run smoothly.” One of their favourite wedding presents was a signature plate, on which people could write advice for married life, before it was baked so the messages wouldn’t rub off. “Someone wrote, ‘The woman is always right!’” laughs Jo. With the big day over, Jo and Iona are settling into married life and looking forward to their future together. “It’s nice from our families’ point of view because they see it as a proper commitment now,” says Iona. “People say, ‘How can you feel different getting married?’ But you do; we love it! I love being married.” Cakes: Cheese cake from Paxton and Whitfield Car: Beetlebug VW Wedding Cars Flowers: Made from wood carvings and vintage book pages from Sunny Bee on Etsy.com Venue: The Lazy Cow, Warwickshire Dresses: Iona’s: True Romantica Bridal, Jo’s: private sale
Jo and Iona’s planning advice Think outside the box, and look at nonwedding specific venues. Remember to relax, see each other and enjoy the day! G&L• 15
•Steal their style
Rustic charm
Nine ways to recreate Iona and Jo’s personalised, rustic wedding
The Hampshire Chutney Company make hampers to order - the perfect accompaniment for your cheese cake
Stay warm on your special day with this stylish shrug, Coast, £45
s Editor’ pick
Create a rustic feel with these antler candle holders, Clock House Furniture Ltd, £65
This Alexander McQueen is a modern take on a classic shoe, The Outnet, £168
Write on plates with these glass pens, rainbowchalk.com, £24 for a pack of 10
Three ways with flowers
If pretty pink petunias aren’t your style, or if you lust after eco-friendly flora, then this bunch of alternative bouquets might be for you
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Using ferns and wildflowers adds a fresh look to the day, tied with white ribbon. 16 •G&L
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Attach pine cones to wire wrapped in string to create a unique button hole.
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Create a nautical theme with a bouquet of shells - they also make a great centrepiece.
Words: Emilee Jane Tombs and Emma Pocklington Photos: Emily Roeme, Etsy, Kate Osborne, Offbeat Bride, W Wedding Flowers, Hampshire Chutney Co.
Complement both your outfits with these pearl accessories, John Lewis, £85
Style
Gold rings in centre April Doubleday (round sapphire fairtrade gold ring) and Damson (diamond solitaire coast ring)
Damson Damson Contemporary Jewellery collects together the works of various independent and quirky designers.
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Justin Duance Working from a small workshop in Cornwall, Justin Duance creates jewellery from recycled precious metals and salvaged wood.
With this ring
If you thought all wedding rings had to look the same, you’d be mistaken. Here are G&L’s favourite rings with a twist
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Solange Azagury A London-based jewellery designer, Solange AzaguryPartridge’s shop has been hailed by the Independent as the “most idiosyncratic jewellery shop in London.”
April Doubleday April Doubleday is a designer from Devon, who focuses on fairtrade jewellery using ethically mined precious metals.
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•Style
Take
10 Cakes
Jazz up any cake with Muted colours for cascades of flowers a countryside feel
50s vintage fun
Classic style for the traditional wedding For more cake inspiration see our Pinterest board at GLWeddings 20 •G&L With thanks to Cakes Galore Ltd and A Spoonful of Sugar. All cakes are made to order and vary in price.
Add a fairytale finish to your day
Style
Feathery flamboyance for a wedding with flair
Luxurious dark chocolate doesn’t have to be dreary
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Dessert Tables Displaying the sweet treats at your wedding this way has taken off in the US. Get ahead of the trend here with these beauties Elizabeth's Cake Emporium
Cakes by Beth
Ashley Weddings and Events
Something blue for all your guests
Editor’s pick
Fly the rainbow flag at your wedding Kate Landers Events
Clean and elegant - style it with ribbons to match your theme G&L• 21 Photos: Alex Calvin, Sean Anderson, Liza Vol and A Spoonful or Sugar
Forget floral scents on your wedding day and make your skin breathe luxury with the sweet, woody notes of oud
Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense 100ml (£95)
Dior La Collection Privée Oud Ispahan 125ml (£125)
Manicure
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Words: Betsan Jones, Model: Ross Clarke
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scent taken from the resin of the Agar tree, oud perfume is an intensely aromatic and complex smell, often associated with royalty and luxury. A far cry from fruity and floral perfumes, oud fragrances echo the rich perfumes of Arabia, melting into the skin to form a seductively deep woody smell. From Tom Ford’s creamy take on the scent in his unisex Oud Wood to Jo Malone’s sweeter and brighter Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense, there’s an oud-based fragrance to suit every bride or groom looking for a heady alternative.
Pure Oud by Kilian 50ml (£265)
Oud perfume
Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood 50ml (£135)
Memo Shams Oud 30ml (£79)
•Beauty
SMOOTH Use a nourishing exfoliator such as L’Occitane One Minute Hand Scrub (£13) once a week to get rid of any dull, rough skin. SOFT AND SUPPLE Get healthy-looking hands by applying an intensive moisturiser like Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (£14) each evening before you go to sleep. CUTICULE CARE Apply a cuticle softener to remove dead tissue, before using a cuticle stick to gently push them back. We like Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter (£6.25), SHEEN Buff your nails (in one direction only, making sure the nail doesn’t get too hot) to remove ridges. POLISH Leave for a natural glow or paint on a layer of OPI The Man with the Golden Gun (£30), an 18k gold leaf polish, for an extravagant twist.
Planning
You & your venue Stuck for ideas? Find your perfect match
How would you like to turn up on your special day?
Are you a turn-up-on-the-dayer or a planner?
Will your ceremony be....
Where will you be spending your wedding night?
Who will entertain your guests in the evening? Would you take your partner’s name?
Does your queen in shining armour have a...
A DAZZLING DO
A FAIRYTALE WEDDING
What wedding shoes would be your worst nightmare?
A HOLIDAY ROMANCE
A QUIRKY AFFAIR
Turn over to find out more about your perfect wedding and let us know your result @GLWeddings
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or those who like a touch of regal sophistication and love the idea of a fairytale wedding, why not have your ceremony at Cardiff Castle? The castle boasts 2000 years of history, and the beautiful house and grounds make the perfect setting for a wedding to remember. The ceremony itself can be performed in the castle’s 15th century stone-vaulted Undercroft, decorated with historic drapes and banners. Alternatively the intimate Guest Tower Rooms, up in the turrets of the castle, have been recently renovated to reflect the Victorian era. The reception can be held in a number of rooms throughout the castle. The castle’s library hidden beneath the banqueting hall is ideal for pre-dinner drinks and allows guests a chance to mingle. The beautiful brickwork of the castle and the rolling green grounds will provide a stunning backdrop for you to capture the special moments of your day. The venue doesn’t have any accommodation, but situated in the middle of the city centre, there are plenty of places for you to stay. G&L loves: The banqueting hall, a room with high ceilings and atmospheric lighting, decorated in lavish medieval style.
Your Results
A FAIRYTALE WEDDING
Cardiff Castle, Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 3RB www.cardiffcastle.com
A DAZZLING DO If you envisaged your special day as a loud, flamboyant and spectacular affair that you and your guests will always remember, BigTopMania could be your ideal wedding venue. The company specialises in marquee rental, typically for circuses and parties, but their marquees and tents make the perfect venue for your vows, the after-ceremony dinner and partying the night away. This venue lets your imagination run wild. Their range is expansive, but at G&L, we love the striped ‘strawberry and cream’ and
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the circus-themed red and yellow striped tents available to hire. Having either gives you the opportunity to be outlandish with the inside décor: the ‘strawberry and cream’ marquee could be complimented with pink and white balloons, streamers, tablecloths, fairy lights and lots of bubbly. Alternatively the circus-themed tent would be perfect for a more over-the-top wedding. The venue lends itself to crazy colours, feathers and eccentric decorations. Why not have live circus performers to entertain your guests?
For a wedding that’s totally unique and memorable, hiring a BigTopMania marquee could be for you. G&L loves: The showstopping circusthemed marquee - imagine the possibilities for your entertainment! BigTopMania www.bigtopmania.co.uk
Words: Liz Hartland and Rachel Boagey Photos: gaydestinationweddings.com, cornishtipiweddings.co.uk, bigtopmania.co.uk, Liz Hartland
A HOLIDAY ROMANCE
If you are looking to go somewhere a little further afield for your wedding ceremony, why not have it the Dominican Republic? While some areas of the Caribbean are more closeted than other parts of the world, Punta Cana is especially friendly for gay travel. The Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana appears on gaydestinationweddings.com in their list of friendly resorts, which would love to host your special day. The venue offers plenty of options to make
your ceremony completely personal to you, including the beautiful wedding packages, which come in a mix of styles ranging from classic Elegant Ivory through to glamorous Rocker Chic. The venue is located on a beautiful beach and is perfect for couples who love all-inclusive luxury. You can also choose from 13 different room types, including the signature Caribbean Suite, which comes with its own private double jacuzzi.
Planning
G&L loves: The range of wedding packages, which ensures that your ceremony suits you down to the ground. Whether you want that glamorous rockstar-themed ceremony or a more specific colour theme, it’s covered. Boulevard Turistico del Este Km. No. 74 Maoco Punta Cana Macao Higüey www.gaydestinationweddings.com
Specialising in weddings, civil partnerships and honeymoons, Cornish Tipi Weddings can provide the perfect venue for you if you want something a little different. Every wedding is unique and this company caters for those who prefer something a little quirky, with everything from woodland to vintage-themed weddings, which can be held in their stylish yurts and tipis. Forget expensive and stressful taxi arrangements to the nearest B&B, Cornish Tipi Weddings is there to make your celebrations last. Their tipis are ideal for couples, families or groups of friends wanting to sleep in the great outdoors. The newlywed couple can also sleep in a romantic ‘honeymoon’ tipi for no extra charge. If you would like to make a weekend of your celebrations, you can organise outdoor activities or even hire a barbeque so you can relax and spend more time with your wedding guests. G&L loves: The fact that Cornish Tipi Weddings can arrange for your day to include puppeteers, storytellers, harps or even a didgeridoo! Tregildrans Quarry Trelill St Kew Cornwall PL30 3HZ www.cornishtipiweddings.co.uk
A QUIRKY AFFAIR G&L• 25
• Honeymoon Spotlight
Riviera Maya
Mexico has long been a location of lust for travellers the world over. For your honeymoon, soak up the sunshine and margaritas on the gay-friendly, bohemian beaches of Riviera Maya
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Rest
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Amansala **** Paradise can be found at Tulum’s original eco-chic resort and spa. If you’re looking to get back to nature and find your inner calm while you’re at it, then this resort really is perfect. Stylish cabaña huts bedecked with traditional Mexican furnishings, yoga among the palm fronds, and the area’s best mango margaritas await couples seeking true Mayan solace. Sol Caribe **** Just 35km south of Tulum lies a stretch of private beach just waiting to be explored. The small, secluded collection of cabañas and suites sit just inside the Sian Ka’an biosphere – Mexico’s largest wetland nature reserve. The staff at Sol Caribe are incredibly friendly and the nights are rarely quiet. Gorge on barbequed snapper fish whilst live bands play against a backdrop of the Mexican sunset. Adonis Gay Resort and Spa ***** Tulum’s exclusive gay-friendly resort and spa offers a luxurious base from which to explore all that the Mayan coastline has to offer – elegant Mexican-European décor awaits in this adult-only beachfront.
Relax Isla Mujeres Just an hour’s boat journey separates bustling Cancun from the tranquil Isla Mujeres. Popular for years with the hippy backpacker tribes ‘Island of the Women’, as it’s translated, has come into its own with a host of beautiful boutique hotels where you can while away the hours sipping Tanqueray and tonic, watching the hermit crabs scuttle across the sand. Tulum coastline Tulum itself is one long stretch of beach, so sun worshippers will be more than happy to lounge the day away with intermittent dips in the Caribbean sea. If you fancy a change of scenery, cruise bikes are available to hire along the roadside so you can scoot to the nearest fruit shack to grab refreshments. Punta Allen 10km south of Tulum, the beaches here are exquisitely remote, but what really draws people to Punta Allen is the fishing. Local boat trips can take you fishing for snapper, and will cook up your catch at the end of the day for a nominal fee. G&L• 27
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enjoy Tulum archaeological site Not many places in the world offer emerald-green waters, bleach-white sand and ancient ruins. Make the most of this rarity by taking a stroll through the ruins of the old Mayan port town, entry is 57 pesos (about £3) which includes access to a gorgeous private beach. The site opens from 8am until 5pm daily. Cenotes Inject a little adventure into your honeymoon by visiting one of several lime stone sink-holes. These freshwater caves offer world-class diving opportunities. Gran Cenote, located 15 minutes north of Tulum is a network of pools and dive spots where locals and tourists alike gather amongst the foliage to cool off. Playa Del Carmen Known as Cancun’s little sister, Playa is making its way firmly into the hearts of anyone who visits Riviera Maya. The beaches can be crowded but that’s part of the charm, especially at night when beach bars like Blue Parrot come to life with fire poi artists and revelers dancing til’ dawn.
Need to know You can fly direct to Cancun from London Heathrow with British Airways and take a bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen for next to nothing when you arrive. Flights are more expensive between July and August and in March. The best time to travel to Mexico is between December and February, in March the beaches become crowded with American teens, who come down in droves for Spring Break. The good thing about the Caribbean beaches is that the weather is rarely bad. The hottest and wettest months are between May and September, so it’s better to book your honeymoon between December and April. Also note that hurricane season runs between June and November. There are parts of Mexico that are increasingly more dangerous to visit. The Riviera Maya, however, is very safe. You should exercise caution and common sense as always, but as an area densely populated by tourists, violence and issue of drug are very rare. Take care when drinking tap water in the Riviera Maya area. Most resorts provide bottled water, purified fruit, vegetables and ice. You are advised to use bottled water even when brushing your teeth.
Honeymoon books
We
love
Best novel set in Best gay light read Mexico Almost Like Being in Love, Vernon God Little,
Steve Kluger
DBC Pierre
A tale of two men who fall in love in high school, are separated, and realise 20 years on that they are still in love. Told through letters, this well-paced tale will grip you right to the very end.
Named one of GQ’s 100 Best Things In The World, this quirky black comedy follows the adventures of Vernon Gregory Little as he escapes to Mexico after being accused of murder. 28 •G&L
Best lesbian light read
Best literary classic
Pages For You, Sylvia Brownrigg
Maurice, E.M. Forster
This romantic tale, set in an American university, depicts the relationship between a student and her teacher in beautifully poetic prose. Newlyweds will enjoy wallowing in this novel, as they remember the first flush of love.
Firmly set in England, this is one of the earliest books to explicitly celebrate love between two men. The history of the novel in itself is interesting - Forster changed the ending when attitudes became more tolerant.
• Make your own ring boxes Wedding craft
A
lthough the standard ring cushion has been a wedding tradition for decades, couples nowadays are looking for more unique ways of sending their rings down the aisle. Instead of a cushion or pillow, why not try creating your own personalised ring box? They make a beautiful keepsake, and useful storage for wedding memorabilia.
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Plain wooden boxes are available from any large craft store or website – make sure you get one with two compartments so that your rings don’t get muddled on the day!
2
Paint with a few thin coats of glossy wood stain in your chosen colour, leaving the box to dry thoroughly between each coat.
3
Use a fine-tipped white paint pen to draw your initials on the top of the box – or any design you prefer!
G&L ADVICE -The fewer coats of stain you apply to the box, the more you’ll be able to see the grain of the wood underneath. Keep this in mind if you’d prefer a rustic look for your wedding.
4
Cut a piece of fabric, in a colour that corresponds to your theme to size and place in the bottom of the box.
Visit the website for more tutorials
-Use different sized brushes to make sure all the nooks and crannies of your box are painted; we used a smaller one for the inside corners. -If you accidently get wood stain on the lock or hinges of the box, a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover will take the worst of it off. G&L• 29
• Marriage matters
r u o y e k a t u o y d l u ” ? o e W m “ a n s ’ r e n t r pa NO
YES
Jordan Eatock, 23, is a PPI administrator
Picture: Butch Dalisay
I
n my opinion changing your name to that of your partner shows that you are committed to each other as a married couple. Being an only child, I should probably feel differently as a name change would mean that my family name would not be passed on, but I see taking your partners name as something that shows just how in love and committed to them you are. Marriage is a commitment in itself, but taking on your partner’s family name makes it known that you’re more than happy to become a member of their family and all that comes with it. You may ask ‘what about your own name?’ but the answer to that is you’re connected to your family by blood and that is too a lifelong commitment. There are other reasons why same-sex couples take their partners names such as making a political statement or to simply get rid of a surname they dislike, but to me that just means that you’re not as committed, and are changing it for your own gain. I can understand that they want to make it known that they’re proud of who they are, but if there’s no meaning behind doing it then it wouldn’t have been so difficult for gay couples to get married in the first place never mind change their name. In my eyes there is a lot attached to a name and changing yours to your partner’s means much more than people think it does.
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Natasha McEvilly, 24, is a solicitor
The dangers of double-barrel surnames Too long
Prince William’s former girlfriend is called Isabella Anstruther-GoughCalthorpe
Too funny
Rachel Kathryn Harr and Daniel Jacob Hardy became Mr & Mrs Hardy-Harr
Too rude
Susan Beaver and Derek Wetter became Mr & Mrs BeaverWetter
Too violent
Lisa Wacker and Greg Dailey became Mr & Mrs WackerDailey
Disagree? Let us know your thoughts @GLWeddings
T
aking your partners surname after marriage and abandoning your own isn’t a concept I am fond of. I feel that the heterosexual norm is an archaic tradition. I do not agree heterosexual women should have to give up their surnames (the link to her father) to take up another man’s surname as her own; as to me this implies that your ownership is being transferred to another person by this action. I don’t see why modern society doesn’t embrace the concept of the man giving up his surname instead. I hold two views; personally, I would not feel comfortable giving up my surname for my partner’s if we got married as I feel like my surname is part of my identity and heritage which I feel strong links to. However, I would like my partner to have the same surname as me and wouldn’t expect her to give up her’s for mine. I think the easiest option is to consider a double-barrelled surname, if possible, despite it potentially being a mouthful, as it reflects both our pasts and heritages joining and making a future together. I think it should be important to both gay and straight couples to consider a doublebarrel, as I’m sure most women, whether marrying a man or woman, would at least like the option of choosing a surname that reflects both their past and their future.
S DI N G W ED
r u o y on
d a P i
jomec.co.uk/glweddings gandlweddings@gmail.com @GLWeddings
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