Hot Brands Cool Places - The Wedding Issue 2017

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES TRAVEL CULTURE LIFESTYLE

The Wedding Issue

JULY 2017

EDITOR’S LETTER In this month’s issue we are celebrating Weddings!

If you are looking for inspiration, here are some fabulous ideas for planning your special day.

We also have inspiring interviews with the following: Wedding Dress and Occasion Wear Designer, Sassi Holford Ruth Shaw, Creative Director at Harriet Wilde Helen Warner, Photographer Alexandra Carr, Event Co-ordinator, Milsom Weddings We have a feature on how to create a Wedding Gift List that gives your guests more choices and options.

And finally, if you are looking for a location for your honeymoon we also have our special Honeymoons feature.

Enjoy!!! www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Picture Credits: Front Cover image courtesy of Sassi Holford https://sassiholford.com Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items.

Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.The views and opinions expressed by the individual companies, agencies and other contributors are theirs alone and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Hot Brands Cool Places.

2

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Contemplating the Seas From peaceful shores to the open sea, from foaming breakers to crystalline expanses, Van Cleef & Arpels has let its gaze drift to the far horizon. The ever-changing spectacle of the waves and the grace of the sea’s denizens have captivated its senses to inspire a new collection of High Jewelry: Seven Seas www.vancleefarpels.com

FIONA CAIRNS Fiona Cairns Ltd designs and creates luxury cakes. From celebration and bespoke wedding cakes to tea time treats, there is a cake for everyone. Classically designed with contemporary twists, each and every cake is lovingly hand-made and hand-decorated using only the best ingredients, ensuring that each one tastes as good as it looks. In 2011, the company became known worldwide after being commissioned to make the Royal Wedding Cake for TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The eight-tiered cake, made with seventeen fruitcakes, was baked and decorated in the Leicestershire bakery, and took the team two months to make. This has recently been followed up with a fabulous five-tiered wedding cake for the Duchess’ sister, Pippa Middleton. www.fionacairns.com/

4

Image (c) Elle Townsend

BELLA BRIDAL ACCESSORIES Add that extra special touch of glamour to your wedding day with Bella Bridal Accessories.

We have a wonderful selection of beautiful wedding accessories ranging from vintage style pieces to modern hair vines and so much more. We also have collections perfect for your bridal party such as bridesmaid dresses and party shoes for children. www.bellabridalaccessories.co.uk

5

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Wedding Dress and Occasion Wear Designer Sassi Holford for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW 6

In the beginning, what gave you the confidence to start designing wedding dresses?

It wasn’t a conscious decision to go into the wedding industry, it was more a happy accident! I offered to make the wedding dress for a school friend who couldn’t afford to buy one.

Designing and making it seemed to come naturally to me and after a couple more orders, I felt this was a possible career for me, 36 years later, here we are!

After an amazing 36 years, looking back over your career, what are some of the highlights?

My proudest moments were opening my own two flagship stores in Taunton, Somerset in 1994 and in Chelsea in 2003. At the end of 2016 I moved my London store to larger premises on Fulham Road – it is an amazing space and I sometimes can’t believe it’s mine!

Designing the wedding dress for Autumn Phillips was a career highlight. Autumn married Peter Phillips at Windsor Castle in 2008, the first of the Queen’s grandchildren to tie the knot.

Meeting the Queen was not only a professional highlight but a personal one too.

Most recently I dressed Dame Helen Mirren for the Golden Nymph Awards in Monaco and she looked sensational.

We absolutely adore “Blossom” and “Marilyn”, can you tell us about your inspiration for these beautiful gowns?

I came across this beautiful print fabric in 2015 and just knew I had to work with it. So, I designed Marilyn for my 2016 Collection with the inspiration of a typical British Garden in the summer. I wanted to take the traditional shape of a wedding dress and mix it with a not so traditional bridal fabric. This concept then developed into Blossom for the 2017 Collection but to develop the theme I was determined to work with embroidery. The result was just beautiful – we’ve been inundated with enquiries and just pure love for both dresses.

What advice do you have for brides looking to find their perfect dress?

My top tips for every bride is to, firstly, do your research! Work out what styles, shapes and fabrics you like, it doesn’t mean that’s what you’ll end up with, but it’s a starting point. There is so much choice for brides today which can be really overwhelming.

Secondly, give yourself enough time. All Sassi Holford gowns are handmade in the UK, we advise brides to order their dress 9 months before the big day. We have, however, had brides come in after a terrible experience of buying a wedding dress online with only a few weeks to go – something we are sadly seeing more of.

Lastly, enjoy the experience, this is such a special day and you should savor every moment!

What are your plans for the future?

I want to continue to makes brides’ dreams come true and doing what I love. I have been lucky enough to expand into the occasion and evening wear market with my collections being worn by the likes of Helen Mirren, Darcey Bussell and Natalie Rushdie to name a few!

7

You seem busier than ever, what do you do to relax?

I enjoy unwinding at my holiday home in Cornwall, spending time with the family, having BBQ’s on the decking overlooking the lake – nothing can beat it! https://sassiholford.com

8

NICKI MACFARLANE Nicki Macfarlane is the UK’s leading designer of beautiful flower girl, bridesmaid and pageboy outfits. Nicki has designed many dresses for Royal and society weddings, including HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. All dresses are handmade in England, using the finest fabrics. www.nickimacfarlane.com

9

MISS MODERN CALLIGRAPHY Create an amazing first impression with your wedding stationery from Miss Modern Calligraphy, your wedding will be uniquely yours from the minute your guests receive their invitations to calligraphy services for on the day details such as place cards, bespoke signage, table numbers, seating plans and so much more. www.missmoderncalligraphy.co.uk

10

ELLA JAMES Shop at www.ellajames.co.uk for pretty gifts and inspiration - a gorgeous selection of delightful gifts and items for your wedding. www.ellajames.co.uk

11

REAL FLOWERS We are flower farmers, who specialise in growing highly scented roses, flowers, herbs & foliage on our sustainable, Fairtrade farms in the UK & Kenya. Our wedding collections feature our favourite scented roses, including David Austin varieties, which are picked fresh from the farm, specifically for your big day. www.realflowers.co.uk/wedding-collection.html

12

HARRIET WILDE A British luxury bridal footwear brand renowned for statement heels, floral embellishment, luxurious materials and a high level of craftsmanship, Harriet Wilde has created a feminine, and elegant collection for a fashion forward client, with both modern and bohemian elements. www.harrietwilde.com

13

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Ruth Shaw, Creative Director at Harriet Wilde for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW 14

What inspired you to start a shoe collection?

Passion and utter adoration for shoes combined with my own wedding. I searched high and low for a stylish pair of designer bridal shoes, you could find bridal styles by the high end designers but they were main range styles made in satin, not specifically designed as bridal shoes.

Harriet Wilde shoes are bridal shoes designed by woman for women, we consider so many aspects in our design process, comfort, style, material, toe shape and heel height, all integral to the requirements of a bride.

How do you start when creating a new style?

Pencil and paper, each of our designs are sketched by hand, the design is sent to our team in Spain and they create a 3D sample.

Inspiration comes from everywhere, Bridal trends, flowers and listening to our brides.

What advice do you have for brides when choosing their wedding shoes?

Invest in your shoes, you’ll look amazing from the feet upwards, your feet will be comfortable, and you have a great pair of heels to wear as a married lady.

Out of all your collections, do you have a favorite shoe?

We have just created a Swarovski version of our Arabella sandal, it’s encrusted with 1,000+ crystals, each attached by hand in our artisan factory in Spain.

Next year is your 10th anniversary, how do you plan to celebrate?

Yes, we plan to have Party in July 2018 to celebrate the success of our first decade, we will run some exciting promo’s online and other events with our stockists, all will be advertised on Social Media and through our website.

At the end of a busy week, what do you do to relax?

Spending quality time with my family, I have 2 kids and 2 dogs; we live close to Hampstead Heath and Highgate Woods and regularly go for walks and picnics. https://harrietwilde.com 15

LOAF Loaf’s latest collection is full of handy pieces, perfect for squirrelling things away. Newbies include brilliant headboards to pair with divan and storage bed bases and the Bed in a Bun, a nifty foldaway guest bed in a footstool. www.loaf.com

16

ROBERT WELCH Robert Welch Designs is well known for the exceptional design, quality and functionality of its products. With 60 years of industry experience and award winning products from the inhouse design team, Robert Welch offers a unique range of cutlery, kitchen knives, utensils and tableware. www.robertwelch.com/

17

FEATURE

Choosing unique and original wedding gifts A wedding gift is a unique opportunity for the people who join you to celebrate your special day to give you something that you will treasure for years to come.

Lists can sometimes feel impersonal, or lacking in choice, or worse when neither guest, nor wedding couple seem to know what is appropriate. Creating a wedding gift list that reflects you as a couple is a way to bring variety and choice into your list for you and your guests.

Traditionally a wedding gift list was linked to a couple setting up home together and their need to equip their home with essentials, but times have changed, and today’s wedding couple may already have acquired much of what is needed in their home.

So what are the options for wedding gifts apart from giving cash?

An immense amount of planning and preparation goes into your wedding day, but the items you surround yourself with in your home will last much longer.

Often there is a progression from living with your parents to your first rented home, and for many couples struggling to get on the property ladder, this may continue for quite some time. When moving from property to property, often with restrictions on dĂŠcor, it means that accessories and statement pieces become increasingly important.

18

But just as you create a theme or style for your wedding, setting a style for your home can help close family and friends select special gifts for you that you can take with you as you move.

People often take the safe option of filling their wedding gift list with functional items, or placing the list with one store, but taking the time to think about your future home can help you identify other special items that can have more meaning long term.

Before you finalise your wedding gift list, spend some time thinking and looking for special items that you would like for your home. As well as visiting shops, there are also online options of unusual, handmade and artisan gifts, which can be created just for you.

If you have chosen a style, or colour scheme for your home, you can include gifts that will bring an accent of colour, for example a rug, a stylish lamp, a print of a special place, or by a particular artist. If you have purchased your home and plan to decorate, why not select some beautiful wallpaper that could create a statement wall.

Every guest wants to feel that they have given you something special, but equally you don’t want people to feel under any pressure, so always include a range of prices and options for purchase from gift vouchers, or charity contributions to specific items, but always make it clear that it is their company that you want rather than the gift.

For close family and friends you may find that they would like to contribute together for larger items, or to help pay for part of the honeymoon, or even “buying a brick� for your future home.

If you have selected items from a range of places always include as much information about the gift including price, product name and contact details of where to purchase. If something is bespoke give an indication of the time needed to create it.

By adding these personal touches to a gift list it gives your guests the opportunity to select something original and memorable, that will serve as a reminder of your special day and the special people who gave it to you.

19

GARDEN TRADING The Garden Trading collection embodies a clean, practical and uncluttered lifestyle.

Combining classic materials with innovative designs; the range of contemporary lighting, timeless furniture, plus home and garden accessories adds distinctive style to any living space. www.gardentrading.co.uk

20

THE PAPER PARTNERSHIP The Paper Partnership is made up by a creative studio and tightly knit team, who all share a passion for luxury wallpaper. The offices are nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

The studio uses traditional painting and printmaking techniques to create original designs, alongside the latest CAD technology www.thepaperpartnership.co.uk

21

TREASURE TROVE The Treasure Trove is the place to find shabby chic and vintage furniture with a unique style and Free UK Delivery! Lovingly hand painted and sourced by us ‌ why not see what treasures you can find for your home. www.thetreasuretrove.co.uk

22

GROHE GROHE is Europe’s largest and the world’s leading single-brand manufacturer and supplier of beautiful sanitary fittings. GROHE’s products offer the ultimate in luxurious styling, with mixers and showers that will suit any bathroom or kitchen, from modern to traditional. www.grohe.com/uk

23

GLAZEBROOK & CO. Glazebrook & Co. Classic Cutlery for modern living. Finest Stainless Steel designs with alternative dishwasher safe Cream and Black Handle Knives. A perfect wedding gift. For more information visit: www.glazebrook.com Email: sales@glazebrook.com or Tel: 020 7731 7135 Free Sample Service. Delivery Worldwide

24

GO MODERN Go Modern specialises in contemporary, design-led furniture for the home and garden. Our team can help with everything from the materials and structure of a design through to fabrics, fitting and assembly. We work with interior designers, architects and homeowners ‌ in fact anyone who, like us, loves high quality luxury design. www.gomodern.co.uk

25

LSA INTERNATIONAL Innovative design and quality craftsmanship are the hallmarks of LSA International. The London based brand is recognised as one of the world’s foremost producers of decorative accessories, tableware and barware. LSA International products are selected by some of the world’s top retailers, interior designers, stylists, restaurateurs, sommeliers and mixologists. www.lsa-international.com

26

DESIGNERS GUILD This season, our collections take inspiration from some of the finest and most enduring art forms in the world – Majolica ceramics and the coloured glass of Murano. Majolica is a distinctive type of tin glazed earthenware, which began its life in the potteries of the Italian Renaissance in the 16th century. www.designersguild.com

27

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Helen Warner, Photographer for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW

What attracted you to photography in the first place?

From a very young age, I’ve always loved creating things and also been hugely drawn to storytelling. Photography is the natural joining together of those two obsessions I think. Although there are lots of forms of visual storytelling, a photograph conveys all of its meaning in a single impression, which to me, is very compelling and powerful. I’m also a huge geek and love anything technical - there’s nothing more geeky than photography or cameras (just look up the inverse square law if you don’t believe me!)

What is special about Wedding photography?

Aww, I love a wedding. They are all so special, and entirely different. I get completely swept up in the emotion of the day.

In no other work situation will you be surrounded by so much love and optimism. A wedding photographer is also probably the only person working at a wedding who will spend the entire day with the couple (and in very close company with the bride).

That’s a huge privilege to witness such a momentous day in another person’s life, at such an intimate level and I feel truly honoured every time I am asked to capture it.

What’s more, those prints and albums are treasured for years afterwards. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I have been contacted following a wedding by a couple who have subsequently lost a loved one and are so thankful that they have their photographs to help remember them.

What advice do you have for couples planning to capture their wedding memories?

Ooh, I think it would be to have a really good think about the style of photography they would like. There are lots of different styles out there and it’s not something the average couple may be aware of. Mine is called Fine Art, which basically means I keep my images, light, airy and very romantic. I always focus on using natural light too to give the most flattering portraits possible. But if a couple were planning a wedding in a dark indoor underground venue, I wouldn’t really be the most suitable photographer for them.

Once they’ve found someone who represents their style and venue choice, I would highly recommend speaking to the photographer about their recommendations for how to achieve the images they are interested in. For example, I would always suggest allowing about 15-30 minutes of time in their schedule during the hour leading up to sunset as I love to capture my couples in the soft golden romantic light at that point.

What are some of the pitfalls to avoid?

Don’t be fooled by looking for a cheaper option. There will always be a photographer who is willing to undercut the market rate but you need to ask why? It is an expensive industry to participate in, from equipment to insurance to the hours it takes to edit a wedding, to paying taxes and a professional photographer’s rates will always reflect that. By all means choose someone within your budget, but do recognize that the end results will understandably vary.

I would also be slightly wary of only choosing a photographer who has shot at your chosen venue. Yes they will know all the quirks of the location but a good photographer will be able to adapt to any venue as their choices for capturing images will always be driven by the lighting conditions.

29

What would be your dream wedding location for a shoot?

Oh definitely the French or Italian Riviera. The stunning scenery and colours are so pretty, there are fabulous photo opportunities everywhere you look!

If you often work during the weekend, how do you relax during the week?

I actually love the flexibility of being freelance and my husband is also freelance so we pick and choose our time off to suit our schedules which feels very fortunate. I love yoga to de-stress and feel more centred and I also go to a modern jive dance night at least once a week as it is brilliant exercise and so much fun. I am never happier than when gardening though and have just taken on an allotment too so can’t wait to start growing my own fruit, veg and flowers.

Whether I’m working long hours at my desk or relaxing though, I always have the company of my lovely dog Captain. They are the ultimate experts at relaxing! http://helenwarner.co.uk

30

Wedding Venues

Image courtesy of Milsom Weddings

31

Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Alexandra Carr, Event Co-ordinator, Milsom Weddings for an exclusive interview

INTERVIEW 32

What’s special about Le Talbooth as a wedding venue?

Le Talbooth caters for every kind of wedding reception, from small and intimate in the Weavers Room to larger parties in the River Room.

The Marquee on the upper terrace, with its unrivalled position beside the River Stour offers a flexible space and is perfect for an intimate wedding for 50, as well as a larger party for up to 150 guests.

We work seamlessly with nearby country house hotel Maison Talbooth who offer 12 luxury bedrooms, pool house and spa.

The amazing food served and our wonderful team of staff who will look after you every step of the way makes the whole experience special and help to create memories that will last a lifetime.

What advice do you have for wedding couples when choosing a wedding venue?

The internet is a great starting point but you need to see the venue in real life and talk to the experts to really understand if it will suit your day.

See a few different types of venues to make sure you are totally happy with your decision.

How do you prepare for the actual wedding event?

As a team we communicate, we have one central file for each wedding and we discuss each party with the kitchen team and operations team to make sure we all know exactly what is happening.

How have the catering requests changed over the years?

We definitely have more special dietary requirements now than when I started 10 years ago; we also tend to have more choice menus being offered to guest rather than one menu for all guests.

What about photo opportunities at Le Talbooth?

Le Talbooth gardens are picture perfect; we have the most beautiful lawn which is stripped especially for the wedding by our gardeners. The bridge over the river also makes for a wonderful backdrop.

When the event is over, how do you relax?

I’m lucky enough to live in a seaside town which I love, so enjoy walking the dog, running (usually find myself training for a half marathon) and spending time with my family on the beach. https://www.milsomweddings.com/

33

KESGRAVE HALL Step back, relax and indulge at milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a contemporary 4-star hotel with 23 fabulous bedrooms ranging from standard through to the ‘top grade’. Plenty of theatre can be found in the restaurant overlooked by the Engine Room, with head chef Stuart Oliver championing all that is great about Suffolk produce. https://www.milsomhotels.com/kesgrave-hall/

MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85Ëšall year), hot tub, pool house and tennis court. Guests dine at the award winning Le Talbooth restaurant beside the river Stour, just a minute away by courtesy car. https://www.milsomhotels.com/maison-talbooth/

THE TYTHE BARN The Tythe Barn, built back in the early 14th Century, provides the most amazing setting where you can create the wedding day of your dreams. We are a small, friendly and dedicated team who are here to help you every step of the way. We listen, we sit down and talk and we are really passionate about getting it right - for you. Arrive with us in the morning and do the whole thing in one place, ceremony - indoor or outdoor, food whatever you want and party - a civilised affair or a rave. The choice is yours. We’ve even created a unique and exciting place for the bride and groom to stay over...if you can’t bring yourselves to leave! http://www.thetythebarn.co.uk/

UFFORD PARK Relax in style in the heart of Suffolk’s most beautiful, peaceful countryside: come to Ufford Park Woodbridge, Hotel, Golf & Spa – to stay or simply to enjoy our bars, restaurant and many other facilities. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland and just ten easy miles from Ipswich, child-friendly, family-owned Ufford Park Woodbridge offers you so much more including: High-standard hotel accommodation, undulating 18-hole championship, par-71 golf course – as used by the PGA EuroPro Tour, modern, well-equipped health club with spacious gym and indoor, deck-level swimming pool and the very latest thermal suite spa and much more! http://www.uffordpark.co.uk/

OLIVER’S TRAVELS Luxury villa company, Oliver’s Travels has a huge selection of destination wedding venues.

Have you always dreamt of getting married in France? Saying I do in Italy? Or maybe a wedding in a castle is your idea of heaven? Our complimentary wedding consultant can help you find your perfect rustic Italian wedding villa in Tuscany, fairy tale wedding chateau in France or regal castle in the UK to host the wedding of your dreams! www.oliverstravels.com/wedding-venues

BOVEY CASTLE From the moment you arrive at Bovey Castle, you will instantly know that this is the venue for your wedding. As the only five-star hotel and country estate in the county, Bovey Castle is the unrivalled location for a Devon wedding and honeymoon in a Dartmoor setting. www.boveycastle.com

Wedding Beauty Feature KORRES Wild Rose Advanced Brightening & Nourishing Active Oil KORRES is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the launch of the Wild Rose Advanced Brightening and Nourishing Face oil. Infused with real rose petals, the Greek skincare brand has reinvented its first apothecary beauty elixir – the Wild Rose Oil - to honor its original precious extract.

Available to buy online from www.MarksandSpencer.com Butter LONDON Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer in Broody Committed to continuous advancement and creating safe and effective lacquer formulas, butter LONDON proudly introduces Patent Shine 10X™ Nail Lacquers, the first 10-in-1 nail lacquer made with Patented Shock Resisting Polymer Technology. Combining professional salon colour and gel-like wear with a nail-strengthening formula, Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquers deliver high-shine, chip-free and richly-pigmented colour that lasts up to 10 days.

Available to buy online from www.LookFantastic.com Butter LONDON Trend Nail lacquer in Saucy Jack Created for the catwalk, these highly-pigmented lacquers are available in countless colours and finishes. The vitamin-enriched formula promotes nail strength and provides beautifully consistent coverage. All butter LONDON nail lacquers are 8-free. What’s 8-Free? Free of eight hardto-pronounce ingredients (Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene, Camphore, Ethy Tosylamide, Xylene, TPHP) that you really don’t want on your nails.

Available to buy online from www.LookFantastic.com Butter LONDON Sheer Wisdom Nail Tinted Moisturiser in Neutral Now you can reap the benefits of your skincare routine for your nails with butter LONDON’s new Sheer Wisdom Nail Tinted Moisturizer. Delivering the same benefits as your favourite tinted moisturizer, Sheer Wisdom helps to nourish and hydrate nails while delivering a sheer tint of colour for naturally healthy looking nails. Available in a range of six shades to compliment every skin tone, this sheer tinted nail treatment is the smartest way to care for nails.

Featuring new, revolutionary Micro Smart Active Technology, Sheer Wisdom delivers controlled, time-released ingredients to lock in moisture and help repair nails immediately and over time • • • •

Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection Tea Tree Oil works to revitalise brittle nails Keratin helps to promote stronger nails Arginine prevents nail breakage to help nails look their best

Available to buy online from www.FeelUnique.com

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Beloved This ‘Everlasting’ liquid lipstick features a creamy formula which glides over lips like a gloss and sets to a true matte finish.

Kat Von D “Lock-it” Powder Foundation in Ivory This compact BFF has all the power of ‘Lock-It’ foundation in pressed powder form. Lightly sweep across your face to even things out then find the areas that need a little extra attention and gently pat or roll the sponge applicator over them for full coverage control.

Kat Von D “Lock-It” Crème Concealer Redefining multi-tasking, this ‘Lock-It’ concealer crème is the first formula to bring together everything you’ve ever wanted in a concealer: super-creamy, blendable full coverage and true 24-hour wear http://www.debenhams.com

ANCIENNE AMBIANCE Discover sublimely fragranced gifts for yourself or someone special at Ancienne Ambiance, award-winning purveyors of superb perfumes, candles, home fragrance and bodycare, inspired by antiquity.

Visit the Ancienne Ambiance boutique in the heart of Chelsea, or shop online with complimentary worldwide delivery. https://www.ancienneambiance.com

The Honeymoon Guide

ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS Abercrombie & Kent’s luxury villa collection includes a selection of hand-picked private homes which are simply perfect for a summer wedding. Choose from small, intimate venues to large Italian castles and extend your wedding to include your honeymoon. Alternatively opt for a small, secluded villa perfect just for two to start your married life. http://www.akvillas.com/travel-interests/weddingandhoneymoon.cfm

CARRIER At Carrier, we have more than 30 years of experience creating luxury holidays. Our holidays are personal, bespoke and tailor-made to the desires of each holidaymaker, and we leave no stone unturned and no detail overlooked, a perfect honeymoon choice. www.carrier.co.uk

QUALITY VILLAS Quality Villas was established back in 1986 by Margaret Rees, the current owner, with a handful of villa properties. Today, with the same attention to detail and regard for only offering the best and most sumptuous properties, all enjoying a ‘wow’ factor of some sort, there are close to 500 villas in the portfolio. www.qualityvillas.com

INNTRAVEL Inntravel specialise in Slow holidays, which reveal the lesser-taken path and offer a truly individual honeymoon experience. From carefully crafted self-guided walking and cycling holidays, to inspiring winter snow holidays, uncover hidden corners and authentic local experiences along the way. www.inntravel.co.uk

NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH Founded by Paul Carberry in 2003, New Zealand in Depth specialise in creating tailor-made holidays to New Zealand. Paul has spent more than a year of his life on the ground in New Zealand and offers a genuine personal service, taking the time to understand his clients, their interests and their needs. This is the only way to create a truly bespoke honeymoon experience. www.newzealandindepth.com

BAILEY ROBINSON Bailey Robinson are a British based luxury travel company providing tailor made holidays across hand-picked global locations. Our experts will create a holiday to match your requirements and help you choose the best location for your honeymoon. www.baileyrobinson.com

EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP Enriching the lives of the world’s most passionate travellers. Bespoke, luxury experienced based honeymoons in Asia. Experience is everything! www.experiencetravelgroup.com

BEACON PARK BOATS Ever considered a honeymoon afloat? Four-poster bed, roll-top bath, double shower, ondeck hot tub - just some of the luxurious features that make our 5-star narrowboats the perfect couple’s hideaway in the stunning Brecon Beacons. https://beaconparkboats.com/

NUMBER ONE DART MARINA Number One Dart Marina is an exquisite home in a breath-taking location by the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. A stunning combination of views, luxury and style, within a few steps of Dart Marina Hotel & Spa, see more at http://www.dartmarina.com/Number-One

ST MAWES RETREATS Boutique collection of private holiday houses sleeping 2 to 12 in unrivalled luxury in Cornwall on the idyllic Roseland peninsula. Our properties are ideal for 2 to 12 guests, couples looking for a relaxing honeymoon together or larger groups of families and friends gathering for a special occasion, reunion or holiday. Whether you are looking for a short weekend break of 3 nights, midweek break of 4 nights or a week or two week holiday we would be delighted to welcome you to St Mawes Retreats. http://www.stmawesretreats.co.uk/

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com