CONFETI SPRING 2011
THE ROYAL SPECIAL
EXCLUSIVE Wedding Dress Designs for
Kate Middleton
Latest Trends Straight from the Runway
TRASH THE DRESS EXTRAVAGANZA
Getting married in GRANADA
INTERVIEW with couturier to the Queen...
Stewart Parvin CONFETI: Spain and Gibraltar’s dedicated wedding magazine
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W W W .SAN P ATR I CK. COM FULL 2011 COLLECTIONS AND LIST OF DEALERS AVAILABLE IN OUR WEBSITE
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the national wedding show 18-20 February 2011 OLYMPIA LONDON 4-6 March 2011 NEC BIRMINGHAM
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Enjoy a glamorous day out at the UK’s biggest and best wedding event.
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Book your tickets in advance at nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call our ticket hotline on 0844 581 1404 and save £s** * London only. ** £2 off the standard adult ticket price for online and phone advance bookings.
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ONFETI SPRING 2011
Photo by robertoramos.com
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CONTENTS Features, advice, tips, ideas and suggestions to help arrange THE PERFECT WEDDING IN SPAIN AND GIBRALTAR
COVER STORIES 14 32
White Hot Chic looks straight from the runway
EXCLUSIVE! Stewart Parvin Interview
The Queen’s couturier reveals how to find your perfect dress
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EXCLUSIVE!
Gown designs for Kate Middleton What the UK´s leading bridal designers suggest she should be wearing for her Royal Wedding
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Andalucía’s Hidden Gem Everything you need to know about getting married in Granada
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11 Confeti Loves
What’s hot in the world of bridal
18 Dazzling Details
Top tips from accessory designer Olivier Laudus
20 Lights, Camera, Action
Make like a Hollywood star in these show-stopping gowns
29 Fashion & Style
Must-haves for the bride and her maids... plus theme your day in hot pink.
37 Skin Deep
Experts Ariane Poole & Erroll Douglas solve your hair and beauty dilemmas.
44 So Groomed
A selection of classic outfits, plus Giles Brown shares his favourite looks for this season
70 Trash The Dress
CONFETI SPRING 2011
A new style of post wedding photography
77 Rock Your Day
Wedding snippets from the Straits of Gibraltar
81 Last Night Of Freedom
Ideas for stag and hen parties in Spain and Gibraltar
84 The Planner Our must-have guide
89 Bridal Buzz
The latest news from the wedding scene
94 In the Spotlight
We profile Cornel Kramer, director of catering company Cornel Catering
100 Perfect Pictures
Photographer Anna Gazda reveals how to capture those priceless moments
102 Your Day Your Way
A beautiful real-life wedding in Málaga
Front cover: Anais in soft silk slipper satin Retail £2,070 alanhannah.co.uk
104 Confeti’s Address Book
The best professionals, specialists and services
106 Real Designer
Brides In Spain TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher’s wedding dress revealed
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LETTER FROM T
EDITOR
Staff Welcome to Confeti and thank you for choosing us to help you plan your special day. As we are about to enter the wedding season I thought I would give the magazine a refresh and I hope you like the look as much as I do. I am also delighted to inform you that the launch of Confeti in Spanish was a tremendous success. The edition was inaugurated at the Celebra Malaga wedding show, where thousands of couples snapped up copies to assist them in their decision-making; and I am pleased to report that the trade representatives were equally enthusiastic. With the wedding of the year taking place in April, the team decided a Royal Special was a must. You can imagine our excitement when we started receiving sketches from the UK’s leading bridal designers for Kate Middleton’s dress. Turn to page 52 to see what the princess-to-be could possibly be wearing. Of course, a magazine dedicated to all things regal wouldn’t be complete without couturier to the Queen, Stewart Parvin. He talks exclusively to me about what brides will be wearing in the following year (page 32.). Talking about trends, the Trash the Dress phenomenon that has taken the States by storm has finally arrived on our shores. Turn to page 70, where Europe’s hottest photographers show how to Rock Your Frock in style. We also take a look at saying “I do” in Granada, a region steeped in culture and history that will transport you to another place and time. Our invaluable comprehensive guide to getting married in this province should assist you with planning your big day in the sunshine (page 58). Finally, we have teamed up with the National Wedding Show (page 68), and will be able to give you first-hand advice and recommendations from our stand (B63) at the Olympia, London, from 18 to 20 February. We look forward to seeing you there.
Nicola McGeorge
P.S. If you need any help with your wedding arrangements please contact me on info@iconpublishing.es 8 CONFETI
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PUBLISHER Andy Clark 600 812 418 andy@iconpublishing.es ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Annalisa Turner-Sterling 655 466 798 annalisa@iconpublishing.es Lisa Bausch 637 020 691 lisa@iconpublishing.es DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Constanza Martinez koni@confetimagazine.com EDITOR Nicola McGeorge 665 361 964 info@iconpublishing.es FEATURES EDITOR Laura-Jane Bruce press@iconpublishing.es CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Peter Leonard CONTRIBUTORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Giles Brown, Errol Douglas, Natasha Johnson, Ariane Poole, Heather Sadtler, Anna Gazda, Owen Farrell, Jeremy Standley, Gary Tapp, David Toms Confeti is published quarterly by: Icon Publishing S.L. Deposito Legal: MA 15592010 CIF: B93035210 The views and opinions expressed by contributors to Confeti may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers. Icon Publishing takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements or advertorials in this magazine. No part of Confeti may be reproduced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of Icon Publishing.
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Memorable Weddings don’t just happen - they are planned by
JM Weddings Weddings & Commitment Ceremonies w w w . j m w e d d i n g s . c o . u k 0 0 3 4 6 4 615 619 8 0 0 4 4786 05 4 0373
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ONFETI loves... Simply Stunning
The Ella cuff bracelet features a fabulous vine leaf crystal design accentuated with white or light ivory pearls.You are guaranteed to fall in love with this bracelet. £44.99. olivierlaudus.com
Editor’s Choice
This style is a must for those of you who consider yourself ultra feminine. Oscar del la Renta’s ivory, silk taffeta, asymmetric pleated ruffle strapless gown won’t leave a dry eye in the house. $9,690 oscardelarenta.com
Modern Romance
Elie Saab has become synonymous with luxury and modernism - a serious couturier with a powerful and unique vision. We love this fulllength strapless lace dress with a satin tie at bust, tulle embroidery and a tulle veil from the Elie Saab Bridal Collection. eliesaab.com
Sophisticated Style
A cup cake always makes a great alternative favour. Add a little fun with these silver starshaped sparklers covered in glitter. £6 for ten. talkingtables.co.uk
A Touch of Drama
Spotted on The X Factor’s Rebecca Ferguson, this 1920s-inspired rhinestone encrusted headpiece would add a vintage twist to your over all look. €36.36 rocknrose.co.uk
Our Top 3 Show-Stopping Shoes Kirsten: £142
bournecollection.com
Creative Thinking
These are just beautiful! Delicate, handpainted, life-like butterflies with an ingenious magnetic method of attachment. Attach on your name place cards, flower arrangement, table centrepiece… almost anything £6 for a set of 12. coxandcox.co.uk
Elani: jimmychoo.com
Candy: £199.99 harrietwilde.com
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ONFETI loves... A Box Of Delights
Wish you could find an exquisite one-off sculptured fantasy wedding cake that people will talk about for years to come? Then look no further. This three-tiered gift box cake with hand-made peonies, roses, lilies and pearls is as delicious as it is spectacular. Everything is edible except the lid and the pearls inside the lily, and you can customise flavours and colours to match your wedding day theme. Price – €600. Tel. (+34) 693 379 397 cakecouturemarbella.com
Lash Perfect
Your wedding day is the perfect occasion to wear false eyelashes as they give you an instantly glamorous look. Lorraine from Princess Bride offers this service alongside her normal bridal hair and make-up packages. “The bride in this photo is wearing eyelash extensions that last up to eight days,” explains Lorraine. “However, for a more natural look you can opt for single eyelash extensions that last up to three to four weeks. This is great for brides wanting fab lashes for their honeymoons as well!” Full advice and after-care given. (+34) 691061484 princess-bride.co.uk Photo by thoroughlygorgeous.com
Retro To Go
British heritage brand Biba’s has just launched its first bridal collection. The affordable vintage luxury brand has designed seven styles of wedding dresses to suit every kind of bride. But hurry: only 100 of each design is available nationwide so get in quick! Find out more at www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Worth More Than Gold
If you are looking for a bridal gown with more cover, let your dilemma be solved with this stunning champagne silk gown with ornate gilt-embroidered bodice and cuffs. To order from Fi Santamaria Tel. (+34) 636 865 154 fisantamaria.com
Bejewelled
These Swarovski flower stud earrings add a delicate touch of glamour to your overall look. £12.99 crystalbridalaccessories.co.uk
Here’s To You
Ideal as a gift for a newly married couple, the Voya flutes are perfect for sealing a partnership with a toast of the finest champagne. Designed by fashion designer John Rocha, this set of glasses from world-renowned glassware manufacturer Waterford Crystal represents the elite tier of glassware available to everyday users. £74.99 (set of 2) drinkstuff.com
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Voice Of An Angel
A classically trained vocalist available for wedding ceremonies, receptions, corporate events and private functions… The quality of Amanda’s voice is absolutely stunning and, together with her pleasant nature and experience in all types of music, you are sure to have an occasion that is second to none. Whatever you are planning for, Amanda is always dedicated to ensuring your special day will be nothing but perfect! amanda-rosa.com
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ONFETI styles...
WHITE Hot
See the latest collections straight from the runway
R itva W estenius The 2011 collection is a breathtaking display of her creative talent. Bold, striking details are offset with clean lines and a chic serenity. Sex appeal is also high on the agenda with low backs, sumptuous fabrics and gently whisping lace. Highlights include ravishing details of ruffles and beaded embellishment for statement pieces that ooze sophisticated old world glamour. ritvawestenius.com 14 CONFETI
Photos courtesy of White Gallery London 2010 (whitegallery.com)
J esús P eiro
Photos courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Week
This Spanish designer’s gowns are not only beautifully designed but also beautifully made. The latest collection is filled with ivory, flour-white and off-white, combined with a very slight vintage touch in the details on the appliqués and ribbons. Due to their weightlessness, the gowns are incredibly soft, smooth, feminine and sensual. The designer has used lots of sheath and empire styles, achieving a romantic yet very natural look. We love the striking princess A-line silhouettes: think clean lines, glamorous designs with contemporary touches, gorgeous fabrics and impeccable cut. jesuspeiro.com CONFETI 15
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ONFETI styles... See the latest collections straight from the runway
J ohanna H ehir Johanna Hehir’s collection is based on three eras… The 1950s – with smooth bodices over the hips and full Parisienne skirts. The 1930s – with an emphasis placed on back detail, keeping the body lean with fabrics in rich velvet and delicate diamante detail. The 1920s – lots of fun with plenty of lace and fringing without losing its sophistication. johanna-hehir.com 16 CONFETI
S uzanne N eville With modern twists including floaty organic shapes, as well as ultra glamorous red carpet gowns for brides who want to dazzle, Suzanne Neville really impressed with her 2011 collection. Hand-beaded pieces added a 1920s feel and the use of textured fabrics with surface design, such as tulle adorned with roses and bark, gave a botanical edge. suzanneneville.com Photos courtesy of White Gallery London 2010 (whitegallery.com) CONFETI 17
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ONFETI accessorises...
DAZZLING details Stay stylish with designer Olivier Laudus’s top tips and accessory suggestions
B
ased in London, Olivier Laudus is now a fully-fledged online bridal accessory boutique offering a range of stunning yet affordable products aimed at the contemporary bride with a passion for style and fashion. The Olivier Laudus online store has three distinctive collections: The Signature Collection – unique luxury bridal accessories designed by Olivier himself or exclusively for the brand; The Boutique Collection – ready-to-wear accessories; and The Artisan Collection – pieces hand-made in England by select designers. Having been busily helping in the background from the beginning, Olivier’s wife Sangeeta (formerly a city lawyer) joined the business full-time in 2010 and takes care of The Boutique Collection of ready-to-wear accessories, as well as meeting brides for one-to-one style consultations – offering their clients exceptional customer service and personal care.
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Positioning your tiara
Olivier
Bridal accessories for Hair accessory options different hairstyles Sangeeta
Sangeeta says: When it comes to hair accessories brides have an incredible amount of choice to find something which suits their own personal style – from classic regal princess tiaras to tiara combs, which are a nice alternative to a full crown-style tiara and normally work really well with veils as they can be attached to the front. There are also bridal hair combs which either sit on the side or fixed over a chignon at the back of the head. In addition we have found that headbands, from the resurgence of vintage chic, are increasingly popular, either classic Alice bands or statement side headbands with lots of crystals and detailing. Of course there are simpler options like crystal or pearl hairpins and barrettes to faux flower hairpins, which look incredibly realistic and absolutely stunning as shown so beautifully by Ayda Field when she married Robbie Williams last year, wearing just cream flowers pinned in her hair.
Sangeeta says: Classic diamante headband or pearl pins and barrettes look stunning with modern short hairstyles or bobs, while longer hair and soft wavy curls can carry off statement tiaras and headbands really well. It’s a good idea to cut out several looks you like from magazines and then discuss the one which will work best with your hairstyle and texture with your bridal hair stylist before choosing your accessories. We started to offer style consultations to brides last year so they can try on a variety of hair accessories before buying, which allows them to choose what works best for them. We found brides really appreciate the opportunity to do this and are sometimes surprised by the piece they end up going with. I had one client who bought two pieces as she loved them both so much and decided she would use a jewelled comb during the day and then would swap it for a vintage-style side headband for the evening reception.
Sangeeta says: There is no hard and fast rule for where the tiara should sit; it’s more important you feel comfortable and the band sits nicely with the curve of your head. It is also worth remembering that most tiaras need to be secured with pins. We had a return recently because the bride said the tiara was falling off her head; and we realised that we needed to add some information for brides-to-be on our website on how to secure tiaras and combs, which we are planning to add very soon. Most tiaras come with loops at the ends especially so the hairdresser can use bobby pins to fix them and so they feel comfortable and secure for the whole day.
Nahla mini comb £42.99
Lovely bracelet £69.99
Diana mini comb £34.99
Victoria hairclip £44.99
Tiara combs versus tiaras Sangeeta says: If you have very fine hair, you’ll probably find that a normal tiara sits better than a tiara comb. Unless you are wearing your hair in an updo or using extensions to give something for the comb to push into it can be hard to hide the comb in fine hair. Tiara combs do, however, work really well for brides who feel uncomfortable in a tiara. Most tiaras these days are made on flexible bands so they don’t cut into the side of your head, but if you prefer not to wear something rigid then a tiara comb is a great alternative.
Destination weddings Sangeeta says: Oversized faux flower clips look gorgeous with the simplicity of beach wedding dresses, as do classic simple diamante headbands. It is also a nice touch to use combs with natural shell or freshwater pearls or even to incorporate a beach theme in a stylish way – a simple crystal starfish brooch, which can either be pinned onto your dress or worn in the hair.
Olive drop earrings £32.99
Vintage monogram cake topper £120
Continuing your theme Olivier says: This is a lovely idea and can be done quite easily by adding subtle touches like crystal pins or pearls to your bouquet or having vintage-style cake toppers to tie in with your vintage-inspired For more information on Olivier Laudus visit their online boutique at olivierlaudus.com or call Tel (+44) 20 8374 1239. Bridal style consultations are available by appointment at their central London studio or for brides abroad by telephone. Olivier Laudus are also now shipping to Spain and Gibraltar.
Rosie flower clip £39.99
jewellery. Your ring cushion can also be made to reflect your theme with either pearls or crystals if you are only having one or the other for your jewellery.
Accessory ideas for children Olivier says: It can be very exciting for a child to be included in the wedding ceremony in the role of ring bearer (getting them to hold a ring cushion with the actual or symbolic rings on it) or as a flower girl with a satin basket or dollybag filled with petals or confetti.
Take your dress shape into account Olivier says: Dress shape and style is really important when choosing accessories. Take the neckline, for example: if you have a strapless dress then most necklaces or chokers would work well; while if you have a V-shaped or fussy neckline then you are best choosing a simple pendant or keeping your neck bare and opting for a statement headpiece or earrings. Also, if you are wearing an empirestyle romantic dress then you would try to pick softer accessories using freshwater or coloured pearls, and a less structured handbag made from lace or a satin dollybag can be CONFETI 19 quite popular too.
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ONFETI styles...
True Romance Opt for understated glamour, with exquisitely made corseted bodices, classic lines and unusual statement details
Melita in silk duchesse with silk organza skirt and hand-crafted gerbera daisies – £2,327 CONFETI 21
Audrey in ‘50s style dress in silk zibeline with diamante buckle – £1,700
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Astrid in Thai silk with metallic beading detail on neckline – £1,720
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Scarlett in silk duchesse – £1,925
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Lucinda in silk duchesse with heavily beaded and embroidered bodice – £3,120
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Georgia in silk organza with hand-crafted roses – £2,327
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alanhannah.co.uk
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ONFETI styles...
A Walking Statement
OMG! How fabulous are these shoes. They are so desirable that you will want to shorten the hem of your wedding dress just to show them off. £934 georginagoodman.com
White Magic
Danish designer Britta Kjerkegaard specialises in creating exquisite bespoke wedding dresses and couture bridal gowns at her boutique The Couture Gallery. We love her silk satin “Diamond Gown” with draped silk organza overlay. Bespoke from £4,450 thecouturegallery.com
Go Back in Time
Sophisticated Combination
Whatever their age, your maids will love this fabulous, large Bella Rose Alice band. Statement size and a little more formal, it is handmade from ivory Japanese silk and hand-painted blush tips. £26 johnny-loves-rosie.com
Aisle Style
This gorgeous, vintage, flapper-style headband, made with diamante and ivory glass pearls, was inspired by Louise Brooks. £145 floandpercy.com
Our fashion team’s pick of what’s hot for brides and their maids
RT! aids TREND ALE for bridesm th g n le w e the n little Cocktail is dress. It’s a r te r o h s a t who wan wearable ength, very -l a te n a th shorter o-the-minute -t p u ly te lu o and abs
Lust-Have
This beautiful antique pink travel box is perfect for taking your wedding dress abroad. The sturdy box has been made to fit within the hand luggage dimensions requested by major airlines, so you can keep your dress with you at all times. £45 highsocietybride.co.uk
iamond D g n i z a m A s Accessorie
Elsa Peretti open heart pendant. £11,000 tiffany.co.uk
Platinum brilliant diamond ring. £7,000 dominicwalmsley.com
Romantic Dreams
Poison Ivy isn’t the only woman who can get away with wearing vines in her hair. This delicate “Jessica” hair vine is made with Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and gold seed beads. €95 to order Tel. (+34) 636 865 154; fisantamaria.com Photo courtesy of Andreas Holm
Diamond milgrain drop earrings. £199 hsamuel.co.uk
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ONFETI suggests... Spanish hand fans, €2,95 each reviva-weddings.com
Floral cupcakes sweetthingsbyfi.com
Cushion crystal haze ring with purple agate, white diamonds and amethysts stephenwebster.com
Add cerise pink accents to break up a neutral palette, while tall thin vases filled with lemons and limes add a Mediterranean feel reviva-weddings.com
Anastasia earrings, £42.99 olivierlaudus.com Chair covers with pink sash fiestasol.com
Bridesmaid’s collection, £75 marksandspencer.com
Mini beano with flower feather and bow, £675 philiptreacy.com
A splash of
COLOUR
Freshwater pearl and pink Swarovski crystal heart hairpins, €30 set of three fisantamaria.com
Make a memorable style statement with cutting edge designs in the vibrant shade of 2011
Hot Pink Guest book, €35 madewithlove designs.co.uk
Pink Zodiac silk satin platform sandals, €69 jimmychoo.com
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Bridal bouquet with pink Cala flowers, price approximately €250-300 florvalentin.es
Four-tier cake with combination of flavours, from €625 weddingcake spain.com
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TEWART ARVIN A Royal Seal of Approval Stewart Parvin is one of Britain’s most criticallyacclaimed bridal designers, awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment to the Queen in 2007. In this exclusive interview with Nicola McGeorge, he talks about Her Majesty, his latest collection and crying over Legally Blonde!
I became a designer because… It seemed the only choice for me. When I was as young as five I could tell the difference between Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy; it seemed only natural I should go into the fashion industry.
My first wedding dress was… As a favour to a couture client whose daughter was getting married. It generated so much interest that I decided to launch the bridal range. W We started offering the bridal range to national stockists after a phenomenally successful first season and it’s grown from there.
I started my own accessories range so that… Not only can a bride chose a Stewart Parvin gown – she can also chose from a gorgeous range of jackets, veils, belts and jewellery. Every bride needs a little sparkly something to complete her look – it’s been fabulous to get involved with jewellery design and come up with a range that really complements the gowns. 32 CONFETI
My biggest achievement is… Being selected to design for the Queen, and my continued relationship with the Her Majesty and the palace has been a fantastic achievement. Being awarded the Royal Warrant of Appointment in 2007 was a real highlight. It’s also a great privilege to dress brides for their big day, and I love receiving pictures afterwards so we can see how all their (and our!) hard work turned out.
I’m hugely inspired by… The brides I meet on our designer days which we hold around the country every year. It’s always great to see how the collection is received and how creative brides can be with the look they want to put together on their big day.
I love the work of…
My latest collection is…
A comprehensive collection of fabulous shapes, and I’ve used some gorgeous trims and embellishments this year. The 2012 collection is in development now and is going to be very exciting – we have a fabulous new fishtail silhouette and some utterly glamorous new fabrics.
My ambitions are… To continue the great success and development of the bridal collection – internationally as well as in the UK.
Bridal trends are… Always influenced by Hollywood; however, 2012 will see a real return to form with classic ball gown shapes, dramatic silhouettes and embellishment being in the form of intricately beaded fabrics and contrasting textures.
Oscar De La Renta, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Elie Saab… CONFETI 33
I would love to dress… Carey Mulligan has a fabulous look; not only is she hugely talented but she has a sense of confidence in her own style which I find very appealing.
People would be surprised to find out that…
The film Legally Blonde makes me cry like a baby… I love Reese Witherspoon!
When choosing her dress a bride should… Buy the best quality you can afford; a badly fitting gown never looks good in the pictures. Trusting your designer is absolutely key to finding the perfect gown, so don’t be afraid to try styles that you wouldn’t necessarily pick out for yourself; you may be surprised. Make sure you only take one or two people with you whose opinion you really value – it’s important to stay clear-headed and focused!
When buying a dress for a destination wedding… Bear in mind the facilities available at your venue for pressing, and also take advice from your designer regarding fabrics which will be the coolest and which will travel well.
My boutique has been...
“When I was a s young as five I could tell the difference betw een Yves Saint La urent and Givenchy ; it seemed only n atural I should go in to the fashion indus try”
Recently refurbished and is a haven of relaxation for brides – the cool muted palette is accented by antique furniture and stunning pieces of modern art by Damien Hirst.
A bride would get from a Stewart Parvin wedding dress… Beautiful design, fantastic quality and unsurpassed fit.
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ONFETI prepares... Celebrity make-up artist ARIANE POOLE’s clients include Penelope Cruz and Kelly Brook…
The EYES have it
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here are so many women who don’t know the importance of eyebrows. They bring attention to the eyes and help to frame the face. Eyebrows are a quick and easy way to give yourself a new look for your big day If you have over plucked your brows in the past you may have noticed that they don’t always grow back as nicely as one would like. Luckily there are some great brow powders on the market. I prefer brow powders to the hard brow pencils because they look more natural. Check out my Universal Brow Powder, Chanel Brow Powder, Clinique Brow Shaper, Shavata Brow Perfection Box and Body Shop Brow Powder Pencil. The following techniques will help correct and define even the sparsest of brows. + To find the most flattering shape for your eyes use the pencil test, which will tell you where your brows should start and end. + Starting on the right side, place a pencil vertically along the side of your nose past your eyebrow. + Next place the pencil diagonally from the edge of your nostril to the outer corner of the eye. + Your brows should arch gradually, starting over the pupil. Looking directly into the mirror place the pencil vertically along the outer part of your iris. Now repeat on the left side. + Using a brow brush start by brushing your eyebrows down (I know this sounds odd but it works). Then, using an angled edge brush dipped into your chosen brow powder, go lightly along the top of the brows. + Brush eyebrows back up. You will see an immediate difference. You can now fill in the gaps from underneath using the same technique. Finish with a brush of brow gel to seal. If you want to get your brows to grow again, I have just been let into a great little secret: an eyelash and eyebrow grow accelerator called LASH XLerator by a new company called Eye Candy. I have heard some great things about it so check it out. And finally, if your brows are really past the growing or fill in stage, I have seen some terrific brow tattoos. In the past I would never have suggested this course of action because they really looked false but now with the new types of pigments brows are looking good. I hope this helps achieve gorgeous looking brows! CONFETI 37
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ONFETI prepares...
Celebrity
SCISSORHANDS
Hairstylist ERROL DOUGLAS MBE is among the crème de la crème of the hairdressing industry and a favourite of clients and industry peers alike. His extensive list of clients includes Naomi Campbell, Diana Ross and Uma Thurman – to name a few.
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f you have short hair and are looking to have your hair up you could opt for hair extensions but they can be a very, very expensive option. Even if they are partially done they could cost you between £350 and £1,500. Steer clear of them unless you are desperate and fancy them for the honeymoon. The quick fix for what you are looking for, which will still look elegant and beautiful on the day, is to use hair pieces that attach to your hair but still look natural. The easiest option is non-synthetic hair. Real hair looks much more authentic when you spray or style it. A great style to achieve with extensions is a ballerina bun: put your hair in a low chignon at the nape of your neck and then simply attach the hairpiece around it. You only need a hairpiece which is four to five inches (10 to 13 centimetres) long. Any longer and it will look unnatural as buns have to be in proportion to the face shape and neck. You will look graceful, elegant and lovely! Strapless dresses work best with updos but if you are not comfortable wearing your hair like that you could have a half updo, so the front section is pulled off the face but you still have hair coming onto your shoulders. I would curl the hair and loosely pin up at the front for a really romantic look. Accessories will further complement this – think of using a gorgeous brooch, flowers or fabric/strip of diamante. 38 CONFETI
For 2011, the leading bridal hair trends are: 1. A big story coming back for brides is a modern version of the Breakfast at Tiffany’s hair. It is a sleek, scraped back look; the modern edge is having no height on the top of the head – only at the crown. 2. Scrape hair back into a ponytail positioned a couple of inches (five centimetres) below the crown. Backcomb the ponytail to create height – you are aiming for it to look similar to a balloon. Brush out the backcombed hair, loop the hair round under itself and pin into place. erroldouglas.com
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ONFETI styles...
Classic Bridal Looks
MADE MODERN Photography by David Toms
Latest hair and make-up looks created by the Coast’s leading stylists
Fabulously Feminine Vera chose an overall 1920s look – a strong fashion and bridal trend of SS11, which can be adapted to suit a bride’s look. The large waves soften the face, and the durability of the style means that it will last all day and night, eliminating any worries from the bride on her big day. In the 1920s, the make-up style was dark eyes and dark lips. Vera updated this look with a softer lip colour as this would be too harsh for a bride. Hair and make up – Vera at Reflections reflectionsmarbella.com Diamond stud earrings – Antonio Seijo Paloma hair pin (€48) and Christie pins (€18 set of three) fisantamaria.com Dress and Veil made to order fisantamaria.com
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ONFETI styles...
Everyone has beauty that good make-up can bring out
Top Knots Lorraine from Princess Bride opted for a Beyonce-inspired look. “It is always important to remember that the hair has to be practical for the bride,” she explains. “She will be dancing and moving all day long, so I have created a style that will easily withstand any movement.” The make-up here is also durable, lasting 24 hours. This is 42 CONFETI
an important factor here in Spain due to the heat and humidity. This foundation is also perfect for African skin, evening out what is normally an uneven complexion. Lorraine also went for big eyes, as they are always stylish and in fashion. “The groom will be looking into the bride’s eyes, so they need to be fabulous,” she laughs.
“Everyone has a beauty that good make-up can bring out.” Hair and make up princess-bride.co.uk Lisette crown (€100), Lisette earrings(€45), Lisette vine (€75), Classic Hairpins (€18 set of three) All by fisantamaria.com
* In the Winter 2010 issue of
CONFETI Magazine, the Icicle Swarovski Crystal Tiara by Fi Santamaria was priced incorrectly. The actual price should have been €150. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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ONFETI styles...
CELEBRATE IN
Style
Give your big-day look some elegant style with these refined and classic outfits
Grey three-quarter length jacket with matching trousers. Shown here with Creswell waistcoat and accessories. Package price: ÂŁ95 to hire CONFETI 45
Hilton dinner suit package to hire: ÂŁ51 plus handkerchief at ÂŁ2.
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On the left Men’s charcoal dress suit by Ventuno 21 with split contrast lapel £199 Men’s charcoal slim fit dress waistcoat by Ventuno £49 On the right Men’s black slim fit dress suit by Ventuno 21, with contrast marcella lapel: £199
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Classic morning tailcoat with traditional stripe trousers Shown here with Alpha waistcoat and ivory cravat Package price: ÂŁ90 to hire mossbros.co.uk 48 CONFETI
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ONFETI crystal-gazes…
Setting the
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Giles Brown, CONFETI’s dedicated follower of fashion, picks out the top trends for 2011
Okay, gentleman, this is the big one...
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our wedding is the most important occasion when you will have to wear a suit. Due to the current trend for working from home and a more relaxed approach to wearing suits if you do work in an office (including “dress down Friday” when you are allowed to wear more casual clothes… although, as an aside, that tends to mean chinos and polo shirts rather than my own faux pas when I was sent home for rocking up in a Killing Joke T-shirt and ripped jeans), a job interview doesn’t automatically mean
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dusting off your pin-stripe. And, while the birth of your first child used to call for something smart while you waited, cigars at the ready, at the pub, these days it tends to mean scrubbing up and donning a surgeon’s gown and a catching glove. So you want to make sure that what you wear at your wedding underlines your own sense of taste and style. But how do you make sure that your wedding doesn’t turn out to look like a Premiership footballer’s bash – matching thrones and doves a la Posh and Becks – or the end of season sale at the tuxedo rental shop? Today’s more relaxed attitudes mean the modern groom and
Style
ushers can make a bold statement about their contemporary lifestyle with what’s worn underneath the jacket. (No, I don’t mean everybody wearing the Millwall away shirt.) The biggest changes in male wedding attire are in the details. Wedding fashion trends for 2011 are tending more and more to tuxedos with long Windsor knot ties replacing bow ties. Which means that, yes, you are going to have to re-learn how to tie a tie. Cummerbunds are out – not that I’ve seen one at a wedding in the past decade – while waistcoats are back in fashion. Another trend for ushers is for accessories that compliment the groom rather than match the
groom or the bridesmaids. If the groom is wearing a black waistcoat with silver detailing, consider the opposite for the ushers such as a silver waistcoat with black detailing. The important thing to remember, however, is that there is no clash of colours with the bridesmaids. Colours such as silver or black for the ushers go well with most bridesmaids’ dresses. Talking about ties, the best-selling colours at the moment are ivory, scarlet, burnt orange, cerise pink and gold. Elegance is also set to continue in 2011, with couples preferring to have simple, opulent and elegant affairs, selecting materials and colours that speak modern glamour...
The three main looks for grooms, fashion experts agree, are the following:
No, not a Hawaiian-themed affair, don’t panic. This look has been pioneered by Dolce & Gabbana, and is really best described as “Muted Pastel Beachy”. Creams and whites with pale blues and greens, it is formal wear that is somehow dressed down. People will be choosing this style directly inspired by the runway spring collection from D&G. The obvious lack of socks and up-rolled pant legs/cuffs may raise eyebrows – after all, if you are getting married at the beach and are that concerned about the water and heat, wouldn’t you be in sandals? Obviously it’s a style choice and not a practical one. There is something blander and yet more elite about this look. If you are getting married at a country club or beach club and want to be trendy and fit in, this look would work; it’s a very safe and accessible look that wants to be seen as important. Not good if you’re getting hitched in a hailstorm in Hitchen, though.
CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC WITH COLOUR Typically this involves dressing up a modern basic suit with one colourful burst without overdoing it. This is the least adventurous and most traditional selection out of the three spring 2011 groom’s suit trends. Picture a baby blue tie, a sage green handkerchief, etc. The key is to just pick one standout piece. You might also want to look to your family for inspiration. My parents’ wedding took place in May 1967, at the beginning of the “Summer of Love”. Thankfully they didn’t go for a tie-dye, “flowers in your hair” affair. (This was Staffordshire in the Sixties for goodness sake!) My mother went for classic Mary Quant style while my father opted for a sharp three-piece suit – very “Mad Men”. And, personally, my own wedding style (if some poor unfortunate ever drags me down the aisle) will probably tend more towards “Mad Max”!
Tommy Hilfiger S/S 2011
Put the shooters down, chaps. This first look is affectionately referred to as “Gangs of New York”. It harkens back to the rough days on the street of 19th century NY, and if you’ve seen the film of the same name you probably have some idea what it looks like. The earth tones remain, but the scruffiness and dirt is left behind. The look makes a nod to the late Alexander McQueen, with designers such as Zegna using the style. Three-piece suits in sepias, blacks and greys layered in a Victorian-ish manner are the new gangster – so forget pin-stripes or the Sopranos. Spring 2011 is the perfect time to show off this look and still pull it off as original. Think Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law in Sherlock Holmes and you get the general idea.
BEACH
Jasper Conrad
GANGLAND
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Fit for a Princess
ONFETI fantasises…
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ver since Prince William and Kate Middleton anan nounced their engagement, the whole world has been waiting with baited breath to find out which designer name the bride-to-be would turn to for that all-important gown. Consensus among insiders is that the princess-to-be will opt for something traditional and demure. Britain’s fashion industry is hoping Kate will fly the flag for the UK and pick a home-grown taltal ent to work on her dress. Early indications suggest that she has selected one of Confeti’s favourites couturiers, Bruce Oldfield, to create her one-of-a-kind gown. The designer – who has famously created dresses for clients including Diana, Princess of Wales and designed wedding dresses for Samantha Cameron and Jemima Khan – is also thought to be creating outfits for several members of the wedding party, although Clarence House has indicated it is unlikely it will confirm the dress designer until the wedding day itself. We guess we’ll have to wait until 29 April to find out. In the meantime, we asked these top British designers to illusillus trate their fantasy royal wedding dress exclusively for CONFETI. Next page: Official portrait photograph for the engagement of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton by Mario Testino (Copyright 2010 Mario Testino)
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Bruce Oldfield
Bruce was strangely coy about sending a sketch (the Confeti team are convinced this means he has been chosen) but sent an image from one of his current collections which he feels would be suitable for Kate… “Kate has an elegant, refined style which is at the same time modern and fresh. She also has such a gorgeous figure that she would look stunning in anything. I would play to all of these points and design a simple silhouette with sufficient detailing to give it a sense of occasion but not so much as to drown her slight frame. I design dresses which reflect the personality of the wearer and make them feel utterly beautiful. Her dress might be traditional and elegant, possibly even demure, but I’m sure she would want a modern twist – a nod to fashion.”
Justin Alexander Creative director - Tony Mentel
“I think that Kate will choose a look of classic demure elegance. She is such a natural beauty with an amazing figure, she does not need gimmicks or tricks to look fabulous. The dress I have designed for her is very simple and all about the fit and silhouette, in a rich ivory vintage looking raw silk. I have drawn a large brooch on the dress, as I think it would be nice for her to wear a piece from the royal collection. I would pair this dress with a simple veil, and make a detachable long train to add impact for the cathedral entrance. Where Kate is concerned I think less is definitely more.”
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Alan Hannah
Creative director - Marguerite
“Kate is a beautiful young princess-to-be. I’ve designed something timeless. A classic scooped neckline, softly draped with a long fitted bodice. A belt of pearls defines the hipline leading to an a-line skirt with a cathedral-length train. I would use soft silk duchesse to enhance the simplicity while lending a gorgeous lustre which complements the pearl detailing.”
Sassi Holford
“The designer of Kate Middleton’s wedding gown has the difficult balancing act of producing a dress that meets the expectations of a royal wedding but also reflects the personality of a fashion conscious, intelligent, young woman. The practicalities of the occasion usually dictate that to match the size and splendour of Westminster Abbey the gown will be full-skirted with a cathedral train. Though silk would be the first choice for most designers, the particular type is important as Kate will be sitting in a state carriage for some length of time before walking up the aisle, so creasing is a big consideration. My design has a graceful but flattering cross-over lace bodice with exquisite lace inset detailing on the hem. The shape is ‘fit and flair’ to accentuate her stunning figure, and the overall feel is understated elegance.” CONFETI 55
Kate Halfpenny
“I think Kate will be wearing a full lace dress in a fine chantilly with long lace sleeves, a 10-foot (3.5-metre) train, a double veil with lace trim and large, soft, handmade silk flowers flowing down the back. She would look utterly stunning in a Halfpenny creation.”
“Basically I would want to give her a modern take on a regal style, something with a young twist that speaks volumes about her, and also a dress that accentuates her long, lean figure. One dress is with a flattering, almost off the shoulder neckline entirely made of silk grosgrain ribbon appliquéd to the bodice. The same ribbon detail, only enlarged, would sweep around the hemline of a silk gazar skirt. The other dress would use many, many metres of silk tuille and swathe the bodice with sheer 56 CONFETI
Ben De Lisi
sleeves. Tucked amongst the swathing would be the slightest glint of pearls. The skirt would be frothy and full and have torn silk chiffon roses adorning the hemline. I have no expectations of receiving a call from the bride-to-be, and whatever she chooses it will not be easy for her, as the eyes of the world will all be on her. She has to get it right as the photographs last forever. My advice would be, if you get caught up in the pageantry of this wedding, be sure not to lose your sense of self and style.”
Kate’s Crowning Glory
Stewart Parvin
“Kate has such a fabulous figure it would be a shame to drown her in lots of styling detail and over the top embellishment – instead I would keep the silhouette simple but dramatic with a princess line gown, and all the detail in the fabric by using a glamorous embroidered silk faille with a Hartnell-inspired petal embroidery. Etiquette dictates that shoulders must be covered in Westminster Abbey, so a fully strapless dress is not an option – sheer full-length sleeves are perfect for the occasion.”
Catherine Middleton will inherit one of the royal family’s priceless tiaras when she marries William. However, it is tradition that she will not be given it until she has actually signed the register. Both the Duchess of York and the Countess of Wessex arrived at the church wearing flowers in their hair; only once they had officially married did they reappear wearing tiaras. We asked leading wedding accessory designer Halo & Co to create a hair accessory for Kate to wear up until she gets her hands on THAT tiara.
“Katie is a modern princess and we feel that this vintage lace side piece is bang on trend for a stylish royal wedding, offering Kate a feminine but sexy feel that is set to compliment the predicted classical dress style that she may choose. The creams and soft golden hue crystals will highlight the soft English rose complexion of Katie and be off set against her beautiful brunette hair. A match made in heaven.” Halo & Co
The Ring Photo courtesy of solarpix.com
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ONFETI visits...
Granada
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The Hidden Gem of Andalucía
ith its own dazzling coastline that speaks for itself during the balmy summers, see-saw mountain ranges that in the winter invite snow and skiers alike and a beautiful city steeped in history and passion, Granada is a shining jewel in southern Spain’s crown and a place capable of bringing even the most vivid of wedding dreams alive. Bordering both Málaga and Córdoba provinces, getting to this wonderful region could not be any easier. Its fantastic transport links and two airports, Granada and Málaga international, make arriving in any part of Granada’s vast province satisfyingly effortless.
City Life
PROVINCIAL TOURISM BOARD OF GRANADA
Full of fascinating Moorish history and architecture there are few areas as romantic and mysterious as Granada city. Home to the stunning Alhambra Palace-Fortress, with its equally beautiful, wellmanicured gardens, this landmark alone captures the beauty and resplendence of the city and its herit-
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age. You only need to be present in the city centre for a few seconds to get a taste of the life that once breathed through its streets. The history of its Islamic influence and its impressive civilisation may now only be witnessed in record books and the splendid buildings that have been left behind, but Granada is still a city which is very much alive and kicking, presenting itself successfully as a place where
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By Natasha Johnson
Wedded Bliss Granada, is the keeper of many
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wonderful churches, cathedrals and historic building and gardens where wedding ceremonies can take place. As a non-resident, you can only be legally married in a Catholic ceremony. There are many churches in Granada which allow non-Spanish Catholics to be married there. There is usually a fee of €200-250 for the use of the church and then an additional fee of €150-200 for an Englishspeaking priest or in some cases
you may be able to bring your own. There will also be additional fees for filing the necessary paperwork for the ceremony. Be warned, however: the process for obtaining a Catholic ceremony is a lengthy and sometimes complicated one. It is advisable to use a wedding planner, who can help you to book the church and organise the paperwork. For couples who do not want a church ceremony, a great option is to use an English-speaking wedding celebrant, who will be able to conduct a non-religious ceremony at the venue or location of your choice. Prices can range between €400 and €500. These types of ceremonies are equally meaningful and beautiful, and can allow for more flexibility in terms of venues and choice of day, as well as input from the couple.
PROVINCIAL TOURISM BOARD OF GRANADA
old meets new. It is no wonder then that many couples choose Granada city as the place for their wedding celebrations, where stunning historic buildings and churches, fantastic weather and good Spanish food is right at their fingertips.
Recommended wedding-related companies that cover the Granada region… For the past six years wedding parties have been enjoying the creative wedding cake designs of Debbie Sheridan. Her background in the UK in architecture, interior design and garden design means that colour and detail are paramount in the production of her wedding and celebration cakes. Whether your taste is for simple and sophisticated or glamorous and grand, Debbie can liaise with you to create your own unique wedding cake. “The flowers on my cakes are all personally
hand-made from sugar, and all my cakes are home-baked using only the freshest of ingredients, thus ensuring that not only are they delightful to look at but delicious too!” weddingcakesspain.com
supplier’s prices are the same as hiring their services directly. Their knowledge about wedding markets and providers in Granada guarantees a top quality service. “We will deal with providers, handling contracts, schedules and payment dates, and also attend to your wedding guests. But for us The Planner weddings are not only about logisNowadays many couples wish tics. We can design every aspect to celebrate their wedding in the south of Spain, and the monumen- of your wedding down to the very last detail to make your wedding a tal city of Granada is one of the personal and unique event. Every most requested locations. Alhambra Weddings offer you a complete visual element of your wedding will wedding service from start to finish. reflect your personality and tastes. Trust us. Alhambra Weddings aim to “We are qualified professionals make your dreams come true.” based in Granada, so our contact with our suppliers is not only by Marian & Alfonso 2010: telephone or by email: it is also “Angeles, we are very grateful to you personal. We provide everything you need for your wedding abroad, for all your help, effort and motivation to make our most important day taking care of every detail.” As a liaison between you and sup- the most beautiful too. Everything was even more special than we pliers Alhambra Weddings do not could imagine. Many of our guests make any mark-up or benefit on told us that it was one of the most their prices. This means that the
beautiful weddings at which they had attended. It’s a pity that we cannot say, ‘Hasta la próxima’.” Tel. (+34) 958 592 680 alhambraweddings.com
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DEBBIE SHERIDAN
The Cake Designer
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The Venues Carmen de los Chapiteles
JEREMYSTANDLEY.COM
Not many venues can claim to have such an astonishing and historical setting as this one. Only 80 metres beneath the world-famous Alhambra palace in Granada sits Carmen de los Chapiteles. Built in the 16th century, it is blessed with sweeping panoramic views over Granada city. The legacy of the past can be found in the magnificent salons.
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They retain their ancient splendour while serving modern needs. There are two different salons to celebrate your wedding, each with its own private gardens and terraces. The gardens are the perfect synthesis of the Moorish carmen and the nascent Renaissance forms, using nature as the pivotal point. You will find large ornamental gardens complete with fountains, shrubs and tropical flowers together with space both inside and outside for ceremonies and receptions. The Carmen de los Chapiteles
you can keep track of the work I do every week.” His wedding albums are custom-tailored to the preferences of the couple; no album is ever the same. This year the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association recognised the accomplishments and creative excellence of Juan Pablo Romero. His award-winning image is featured below. The judges’ comments included, “The photographer used light brilliantly with this hair-spray photograph that would never have captivated this mood otherwise. I love the serious nature captured in their expressions as the spray engulfs the room.” juanpabloromero.com
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nalists internationally recognised in Spain, having worked in the United Kingdom and Melbourne (Australia). “Born in Granada in 1974, I was interested in photography from my youth, when I took my mother’s camera and shot my first photos without her realising it,” he recalls. “With the passage of time, and a self-taught process, I have been outlining my own style – always working with passion. I continue to develop my skills through attending different workshops and seminars.” Juan devotes passion and energy to wedding photography, always trying to capture the beauty and spontaneity of an entire day full of emotions. “On my website and blog
offers an exceptional opportunity to get married in a memorable private location, while still enjoying the wonders of Granada city. carmendeloschapiteles.com
Carmen de los Mártires
Its last owner Cristina de la Cruz donated the Carmen de los Mártires, a 19th century house, to the city of Granada, after a miserable season in which the gardens nearly disappeared. The palace and gardens were partly restored and now it is ideal for taking walks, and for weddings and official receptions. The gardens – a successful blend of French and English styling – feature roaming peacocks, statues, grottoes and an ornamental duck pond with its bridge and towerlike ruins, which make stunning backdrops for your wedding day photos. Tel. (+34) 958 248 140
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taking part. My karaoke parties have something for everyone: for the young and the old they give you the chance to revisit memories and sing songs from the past to the present day – covering all styles from Sinatra to Shakira, or from Andy Williams to Robbie Williams.” Over the years Laurie has become an accomplished MC and host and has fronted many events including fashion shows, charitable events and talent shows. He incorporates this skill into his work, at whatever level the client requires. From simThe Entertainment ple hosting to full MC duties, Laurie Whatever the occasion, choosing can offer you his services for your the right mobile disco and DJ is wedding, birthday, anniversary, paramount, especially if it is for corporate function, private party, your wedding day. A professional karaoke evening or any other type DJ is one of the most important ingredients in making your special of celebration. “My goal is for EVERYONE to have a event a fantastic success. Laurie great time. I will mix the music and Scott is a professional DJ and guarantees to help make your cel- play something for all of your guests to enjoy. A really nice thing to do if ebration an event to remember. With over 20 years experience pro- you do have older family members viding mobile discos on the Costa attending is to find a special song del Sol for every kind of celebration (maybe a first dance from their wedding day) to play and dedicate he provides a personal, flexible and reliable service. His philosophy to them.” and his aim is to give you precisely Tel. (+34) 952 592 133 weddingdjspain.com what you require at an affordable price. “With the popularity of TV shows The Photographer such as Pop Idol and The X Factor Juan Pablo Romero belongs to anyone and everyone can have the US Association of Wedding ‘stars in their eyes’, and as the Photojournalists (WPJA – Wedding karaoke host it is my job to bring Photojournalist Association), and is out the ‘inner diva’ in all the singers one of the few wedding photojour-
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Palacio Los Córdova
The stunning setting of the Palacio Los Córdova (its backdrop is the Alhambra) has made this location very popular for large open-air weddings. It was built at Placecta de las Descalzas around 1530 and was finished by 1592. Its owner
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was Luis Fernández de Córdova, Great Lieutenant of Granada and governor of the town of Villanueva de la Fuente. In 1983 Granada City Council bought the Palacio de los Córdova in order to install the City Historical Archive, which opened to the public in August 1984. The palace offers 50 seats in one room and 25 seats in a second; the outside area has space Tel. (+34) 958 227 952
AH Granada Palace
The four-star AH Granada Palace is the perfect choice for those wishing to add something truly special to their stay. Only 3.5 metres from the historic centre of Granada city, it also has good access to Sierra Nevada and the Alhambra. Granada Palace has a total of 114 rooms available, with many different styles to suit guests’ tastes and budgets. Each room also features a variety of facilities to make your stay at Granada Palace all the more relaxing and stress-free. From the moment you arrive you will be greeted by the hotel’s friendly and professional staff – making your stay as pleasant and memorable as possible. The Arabic style of its façade contrasts with the avant-garde interior décor, and the large terraces offer picturesque views of the Sierra Nevada and Granada. Recently built with 114 junior suites, some measuring over 60
are beautiful on your special day. square metres, the AH Granada Palace rooms feature avant-garde Prices start from €300. manilanovias.com décor and come fully equipped with whirlpool bath, air conditioning, plasma TV, ADSL connection, safe and minibar. The hotel offers extensive meeting and banqueting rooms with capacity up to 1,000 people, and, after a particularly hot day, you will be relieved to have the option of diving into the cool, refreshing hotel swimming pool. ahgranadapalacehotel.com
The Wedding Dress
An important element for your wedding day is of course the dress. Not only should you feel special and beautiful, but radiant as well. Wedding dress manufacturers Manila Brides can help you achieve this and more. With 25 years experience in the sector, they offer a personalised service using only the highest quality materials. They also pride themselves on their designs, which are innovative, elegant and sophisticated. Furthermore, as they are manufacturers, your dress can easily be customised and adapted to your size. Their latest range is a collection of very feminine dresses that shape a woman’s silhouette, Manila Brides will make sure you
MANILANOVIAS.COM
The Cortijo del Marqués is a special place to celebrate weddings, baptisms, first communions, anniversaries and birthdays, to hold professional gatherings, or to enjoy meals with family and friends. It is hard to imagine more romantic surroundings than the Cortijo del Marqués for your wedding. Moreover, when you make a reservation for your wedding, they guarantee exclusivity by not taking other hotel bookings for those days. This way you can be rest assured that you can turn your celebration into an intimate event for your friends and family in a magnificent setting. If so desired, they also allow couples to extend their stay to host a multiday event with an intimate group of friends and/or family. All banquet halls and patios are multi-purpose, including the chapel. In summer, there are two patios where the wedding reception and/ or banquet can be held: the central cobbled patio with orange trees and fountain; or the front patio with views of the main façade of the cortijo manor house and its impressive chapel. During the cooler months, there are two indoor spaces available: large events of up to 250 people can be held inside the large stone-walled banquet hall; and small events with fewer than 100 people can be held inside the small banquet hall with arches overlooking the main façade of the cortijo. The actual wedding ceremony can be held in the chapel or in any other location to your liking. In short, the Cortijo del Marqués is open for you to use your imagination in order to make your wedding a celebration to remember. cortijodelmarques.com
OWENFARRELLPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Cortijo del Marqués
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ONFETI celebrates…
A SPECTACULAR SETTING AT SUNSET
Saying “I do” at the stylish Sunset Beach Club Hotel will leave you with memories that last a lifetime
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f you are dreaming of a romantic wedding in the sun combined with a holiday joined by extended family and friends, then getting married in southern Spain may just be the perfect solution for you. Church weddings, civil ceremonies and seafront blessings are all possible at the four-star Sunset Beach Club Hotel in Benalmádena Costa. Set in a stunning beachside location just 20 minutes from Málaga airport, the establishment has hosted some 100 foreign wedding parties over the last two years, and can provide complete wedding services, as well as a great overall holiday experience for your guests! With a choice of indoor and outdoor reception venues, depending on the time of year, wedding parties from two to 200 people are catered for, and your wedding planner can assist with all wedding day preparations and details, such as selection of wedding menus, flowers, photography, transportation, hair and make-up, live entertainment, and any special requests. The hotel provides a dedicated inhouse wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell, who oversees all details with regards to events within the hotel. Once you have set the date, she will invite you for a two-night complimentary pre-wedding stay, so you can meet with the wedding planner to discuss all your requirements, taste menus for the wedding banquet, and ask any
questions you may have. Nearer the time, she will coordinate the preparation of the wedding banquet room, including flowers for the table centres, chair ribbons and printing of your personalised menus and table plan. Claire will also take care of accommodation bookings on behalf of the bride and groom and all their guests, and also provide options for more informal gatherings and group activities in the days before and after the wedding day itself. Going one step further, Sunset Beach Club has introduced complete wedding packages, at very attractive prices. For example, a church wedding or seafront blessing with reception for 40 people starts from just €5,600 (approximately £4,700), including: · Two-night complimentary prewedding stay with taster meal (conditions apply) · Personal wedding planner · Church donation and legal paperwork · Bridal hair and make-up · Flowers (including bridal party) · Welcome cocktail drinks and canapés (40 persons) · Four-course wedding banquet including wedding cake and freeflowing wine (40 people) · Cava for toasts (40 people) · DJ · Wedding night upgrade to honeymoon suite for bride and groom · Wedding photographer and wedding album (24 photos) …plus many more little extras!
For full details visit sunsetbeachclub.com or contact Sunset Beach Club’s wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell: Tel. (+34) 952 579 410; c.mitchell@sunsetbeachclub.com 64 CONFETI
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Tom Rust
Top wedding performer with a versatile and varied style
T
om Rust is a high-class, experienced vocalist, who performs on the Costa del Sol, in the UK and around the world. Tom‘s performances range from lavish to intimate weddings, and also include large-scale corporate events and private parties. Performing songs spanning generations, Tom is a sure-fire hit, whether you want subtle background music or everyone up and dancing.
Tell us a bit about your background… how did you get into music?
I joined the school band when I was 13 and began singing at 16 years old, so singing and music has always been a passion of mine.
How did you get to where you are today?
Aged 24, I moved to London to pursue music, and worked as an in-house programmer and engineer for Morrison-Leahy Music, fronted by music impresarios Bryan Morrison and Dick Leahy, who produced bands such as Wham! and the Bee Gees, so this was a fantastic experience for me. From this, I met a guy called Nigel Goulding, and together we formed our own duo Step, releasing a jazz dance track called If. This actually sold quite well abroad, and gave me priceless experience in the music industry.
I hear both of your albums are doing well…
Well, I have been fortunate enough to record both of my recent albums Saints & Sing-
ers and Are We There Yet? with the Malcolm Edmonstone Trio. They are both available to download from all the major download sites such as iTunes, Napster and e-music.
What are some of your most memorable performances?
Any performance I do, I take it seriously and put everything into it. Some of the most extravagant ones would have to be singing on the helipad of a private super yacht in Abu Dhabi, performing at the 2009 FA Cup final in the Bobby Moore Suite in Wembley with my jazz quartet, in the VIP suite at the Beijing Olympics and at a celebrity wedding in Ibiza with my function band.
Tell us about recent weddings you have performed at…
Last year I performed at a private party in Villa Padierna in Benahavis for 100 people, which was a beautiful event. Also, over the last few months I have performed at renowned couture wedding and evening wear designer Suzanne Neville’s wedding at High Clear Castle in the UK, and at Charles Garside’s wedding – the assistant editor of the Daily Mail. This was an intimate affair held in the famous 606 Jazz Club in London, so it was right up my street with my jazz background. Weddings are a beautiful place to perform at, because you know it is one of the most important days in someone’s life, and it’s great to be a part of that.
So how would you describe your style of music?
I would describe my voice as quite smooth in style, but my versatility and vast range of experience means that I can perform songs from the Rat Pack era to more contemporary music. This means that I can perform at any type of wedding or celebration.
In your own words, if we booked you for a wedding or an event, what would we be getting? Well, I suppose the main thing is that I’m a professional vocalist. I can perform solo, with a band, right up to a 31-piece orchestra with a string section – whatever suits the couples’ taste, venue and budget. My past performances and experience say it all, I think, and I have a website (tomrust.info) where you can see and hear me in action. Contact for bookings: Emma Rust (wife and manager) Tel. (+34) 639 289 109; emma@customuk.com Tom Rust: Tel. (+44) (0)20 7281 2555 tomrust.info CONFETI 67
The National Wedding Show
All images courtesy of The National Wedding Show
Come and experience the UK’S biggest and best bridal event! A visit to the National Wedding Show is an absolute must for all those planning their perfect wedding! With over 250 exhibitors offering thousands of inspirational products and the UK’s largest collection of wedding dresses under one roof you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Style guru Caryn Franklin will be hosting the hugely popular How to Look Good Show – whatever your style and budget the show is bursting with top tips and the latest fashion trends to suit you. You can then step into the Advice Clinic and meet the How To Look Good team personally for a private consultation with the experts.
For brides-to-be in search of their dream dress there’s nowhere better than the National Wedding Show. Take a front-row seat at the glamorous catwalk show and be wowed by an array of this season’s most elegant, stylish and extravagant dresses, then head on over to the boutique area where the UK’s biggest collection of wedding dresses is ready and waiting for you to try on. With such variety you are sure to find a design to fall in love with.
Former model turned life coach Michele Paradise will be delivering inspirational and practical advice during her bridal coaching sessions, ensuring that you leave full of confidence both inside and out. For the perfect end to a perfect day make sure you and the girls visit the Chambord & Champagne Bar to make a toast to your future happiness!
MICHELE PARADISE – BRIDAL COACH
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ISELIN DESIGNS
LITTLE BEVAN
HOW TO LOOK GOOD SHOW
For a taste of the kind of invaluable advice you can gain at the show have a look at the top tips from some of the exhibitors:
Finding a bouquet to match your dress If you have chosen an unusual shade for your gown it can be difficult to find flowers to compliment it. Consider having a jewellery, button or crystal bouquet made to match your dress. Unlike flowers, buttons and beads come in every colour under the sun and you can have your bouquet weeks before your wedding to avoid any last-minute worries. Debbie Carlisle – Debbie Carlisle Bouquets: dcbouquets.co.uk Stand: C60 Birmingham NEC
Finding a ring that suits you Choosing a ring that you will wear every day of your life is no easy task. Before you start choosing colour and shape, you may want to consider if you want your wedding bands to match each other’s. For the groom this is sometimes the first piece of jewellery he has ever worn so it needs to be comfortable. You may find that any ring you try on feels strange at first, but once you get used to the feel of it on your finger it will stop being so obvious. Cred Jewellery: credjewellery.com Stand: H58 London Olympia
Plan your bridal hair in advance Start early… it is vital that you have a good consultation which allows you to think about colour and growing short hair long Practice makes perfect… make sure you have at least two or three trials, including the use of any hairpieces, well before your wedding day. Most importantly of all, wearing your hair up is not for everyone… if you feel it doesn’t suit you trust your instincts and wear your hair in a way that makes you look best. Errol Douglas – How To Look Good Advice Clinic, London Olympia: erroldouglas.com
Protect your interest In today’s economic climate even the largest of companies can disappear almost overnight. Do your homework: the longer a store has been around, the more chance it is here to stay. Consider taking out insurance: this can cover you for several different outcomes. Pay by credit card: this quite often covers your purchases. Always and Forever: alwaysandforeverbridal.co.uk Stand: F31 London Olympia
Photo coaching Bridal coach Michele Paradise offers her top tips for ensuring you both look and feel fabulous in your all-important wedding photos… Before your photos are taken shake out your hands, and gently place them on your hip or bouquet so that they look beautiful, not like a claw! Always stand at an angle with one foot slightly in front of the other. If feet are together you will look flat and wide. Try not to keep both arms entirely straight; bend one or both to create space between the arm and body. And, finally, rest most of your weight on one foot or the other. This looks less posey and gives a slight slimming effect. You can attend Michele’s bridal coaching sessions at the show to hear more top tips for looking and feeling great on your big day.
Creating your gift list When you are creating your wedding list make sure you choose the type of list that suits you – whether it’s a traditional gift list, a honeymoon gift list or a gift card list… or even offer a combination of all three. There are now list types to suit every couple. There is also nothing wrong with having more than one list. Debenhams Wedding Service: debenhams.com/weddings Stand: D40 London Olympia, Stand: D69 Birmingham NEC
A tip for the guys...
HUGH HARRIS
WILLIAM HUNT - HUGH HARRIS
Remember, what you wear on your wedding day needs to look good from the minute you get dressed until the party is over. Face it guys – you could be dressed in your outfit for 12-plus hours. A decent fit and comfortable fabrics are essential so that comfort and style can be achieved, ALL DAY. Steve Bishop – Hugh Harris: hughharris.co.uk Stand: E72 London Olympia
Finding the perfect cake When choosing your cake, be brave and don’t be overwhelmed with the amount of choice. When you visit your cake maker, take along samples/ideas of fabric, stationery, colours, flowers or just a general theme. Even your dress is a fabulous starting point for a cake design. A good designer can use these elements to create a cake that is not only personal to you, and your day, but unique, bespoke and original. Rachel Hill – Planet Cake: planet-cake.com Stand: J51 London Olympia BENJAMIN ROBERTS
Book tickets early to this sell-out show!
CALL TO ACTION Show dates: 18-20 February, London Olympia | 4-6 March, Birmingham NEC Book tickets in advance to save pounds (*) Visit nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on Tel. 0844 581 1404. *Save £2 off the standard adult price ticket for online and phone advance bookings. *VIP tickets available for brides seeking the A-list treatment.
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ONFETI lets loose...
Rock that Frock
By Heather Sadtler
Trash the Dress
is a fascinating style of wedding photography that sees the bride destroying her otherwise immaculate wedding dress in a statement of rebellion which contrasts with the beauty and purity of the wedding day itself. Otherwise known as “Cherish the Dress”, it is an opportunity to create stark and subversive images and for a bride to thoroughly enjoy herself at the same time. Many of these photos are taken on the beach, though here in Spain, with its variety of geographical
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landscapes, they can be taken anywhere: on a mountain, inner city, in the snow or in a desert. The bride effectively trashes the dress by getting it wet, dirty or even setting fire to it. Some women find this symbolically liberating after a time of intense planning and stress. Others see it is a useful way of disposing of the dress, which might otherwise be hidden away in a cupboard and never seen again. Those who can’t quite bear to burn or destroy such an expensive item of clothing might choose to buy a much cheaper
version on eBay or have one made out of lower quality material. Some brides might choose just to get the dress wet, and then have a professional laundry restore it to its original condition. Usually occurring the day after the wedding, it’s a way for both the bride and groom to let their hair down after all the formalities are out of the way, and celebrate the beginning of their marriage by feeling free and using a visual medium to represent the adventure they are about to embark on. Of course, much of this comes
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down to the photographer and their style and interpretation of this idea. There are reportage photographers who choose to follow the whole experience in a documentary style, leaving the couple to it and capturing the essence of the moment. Other photographers may approach this using a more artistic perspective: staging the shot carefully according to their own vision. A quick internet search brings up a huge variety of images: brides rolling in sand or dirt, lying in car boots, totally submerged in water, covered in paint, surrounded by
urban decay… anything that challenges and defies expectations – the list is endless. It’s not for the faint-hearted: the bride and groom must be raring to go. The photographer will want running, jumping, laughing and loads of emotion. Often the couple will attest to enjoying the shoot more than the wedding itself, being able to let loose and just really be themselves. This has become a worldwide phenomenon. In a mass Trash The Dress event in 2009 over 150 women wore their wedding dresses once more and were pictured on a beach in Scheveningen in The Netherlands. Fine art photographer Melanie Rijkers initiated the act after she found out about the American Trash the Dress phenomenon on the internet. Trash the Dress is the perfect way to challenge the traditional family line-up photos on the mantle-piece. What better conversation starter than a stunning image of a bride and groom expressing their inner rebellious spirits. Heather Sadtler is the director of FiestaSol Weddings & Catering Tel. (+34) 657 214 831; info@ fiestasol.com; fiestasol.com
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Each photographer has his or her own take on creating a “fearless bridal shoot”. Some of Spain’s leading wedding photographers give us an insight into theirs.
“I
f anything was ever given an inappropriate name it was Trash the Dress – Rock the Frock being a much more appropriate name perhaps. For any bride and groom who get the chance, a post-wedding portrait session is a fantastic experience. With no time constraints and being able to go anywhere you wish, you can capture images that are not always possible on the wedding day. Most of the brides who I work with want something they can hang on the wall that has some wow factor and doesn’t represent a clichéd or traditional wedding image. The only limit for a Rock the Frock or post-wedding shoot is your imagination
J S eremy
tandley
Jeremy Standley Tel. (+34) 607 717 565 jeremystandley.com CONFETI 71
GT ary
app
“T
hese pictures of Joanne were taken a couple of months after her wedding in April 2008 on the local beach near Marbella. I managed to convince her to go for a Trash The Dress session and she went for it. Her dress had already been “trashed” and dirtied during the actual wedding, so she had the dress modified (shortened) so that she could wear it again for subsequent engagement parties. Her flowers were not real
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as she’s allergic to flowers so the bouquet was still around to use in the session, which added to the shots. The weather was perfect, warm and sunny, but the sea was just rough enough for the dramatic style.
Gary Tapp Tel. (+34) 600 545 032 yourweddingmoments.com
“T
oda
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ids
his couple were married in September 2010 at the equestrian school in Jerez. In this particular picture they were both lying on the palace floor and we were able to achieve this artistic photo playing with the shapes and colours of the floor. The bride wasn’t
concerned about getting her dress dirty, as an artistic photo can justify trashing the dress
Bodakids Tel. (+34) 952 109 287 bodakids.es
PR ierre
“Y
our wedding dress is beautiful, expensive and the iconic centre-piece of your wedding day. To jump in the sea, climb stone towers or ride a horse in it seems like madness but, in the same way that some people take priceless cars and enter them in fast and furious races, there is truly no better way to show off your gorgeous gown than to see and photograph it in action. “Trash” the dress? Perhaps not... Make the most of it? Certainly! It is my absolute favourite type of photo session, as it unleashes the creative powers of every-
ichardson one involved, and generates the kind of photographs which always capture the imagination. My primary concern in every shoot I design is of course to convey the dynamic beauty of the garment, but also to reflect the adventurous and fun-loving personality of the person wearing it. And, fellows, let’s not forget to put those expensive suits through their paces too!
Pierre Richardson Tel. (+34) 667 049 811 pierrerichardsonphotography.com
Be
BE
Remember, you do not have to ruin or spoil your dress. MOST dresses are returned to their former glory after a session in a professional cleaners, which you would need to do after your wedding day anyway. Just think of it as fashion shoot in your wedding dress.
johnbaikiephotography.com
rave & njoy
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ONFETI reports...
Celebra I
Wedding Show
Photos by David Toms n November, we launched CONFETI in Spanish. Our first issue was inaugurated at Celebra Mรกlaga, a wedding fayre for Spanish and English suppliers in the wedding business. From 26 to 28 November, newlyweds flocked to the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Mรกlaga for inspiration to help plan their big day. The wedding show consisted of many different stands including florists, photographers, venues and, of course, the only maga magazine, Confeti. There were also various fashion shows revealing the latest trends in the world of bridal gowns. The main focus was on the details: embroidery featured strongly throughout, together with lace and ruffles. There were Swarovski crystals around the bust line, while dresses embellished with feathers were shown frequently, as well as a strong trend of asymmetric dresses. Also featured was a selection of child bridesmaids, with natural palettes being a key look.
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Our stand showcased CONFETI Magazine in English and Spanish and the team where glad to note that we had one of the busiest stands for the duration of the show. The doors opened on the Friday afternoon and we were inundated with requests for information from brides and grooms to be. Throughout the three days, we collected details from hundreds of couples for our database. The Spanish version went down a storm and we were inundated with new clients enquiring about advertising in the magazine. The CONFETI team were joined by cake designer Sweet Things by Fi and florist Flor Valentin. Various cake flavours were offered for samplings and the innovative fresh flowers drew in the crowds. We were delighted to learn that two hotels had booked Fiona to supply them with wedding cakes for the whole year; and many of our advertisers have received similar responses. It was a very successful show throughout the three days – in every way. CONFETI MAGAZINE Stand
FLOR VALENTIN
Fiona from SWEET THINGS BY FI
CONFETI Team CONFETI 75
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ONFETI in Gib...
Love on the Rock
The latest wedding news from Gibraltar
By Nicola McGeorge
Bring your blessing closer to heaven with Mons Calpe Suite I had always been impressed with the idea of the Mons Calpe Suite. I mean, who wouldn’t be with its magnificent circular room offering 220-degree views that make you feel like you really are on top of the world! However, it was not until I had actually visited the venue that I felt the full impact of how exceptional this place is. I was nearly in tears at the thought of having my wedding there and I am not even getting married yet. This is why I must say, brides to be, please go and view this venue in person. I can promise you that you will book your dream day there and then. The newly refurbished suite has been especially designed to cater for all your needs on your wedding day. Overlooking Gibraltar, Morocco and Spain, with fabulous sea views enhanced by the floor to ceiling glass windows and an outdoor terrace, you can enjoy a champagne reception followed by a sumptuous wedding breakfast. With the appointment of Gino Bossino, a Savoy management graduate with vast experience in the five-star food and
wine sector, to head up the talented new team, you are guaranteed a once in a lifetime experience. Together, they can arrange a menu selection that will accommodate even the most demanding taste and budget. The Mons Calpe Suite offers a huge selection, from informal canapés and a buffet assortment to an a la carte superior dining menu, together with an impressive list of fine wines – the choice is yours. However, if you have something specific in mind the team are more than happy to work with you in order to compose your perfect menu. Oh, but the unique touches do not stop there. The venue boasts its own private terrace with a retractable roof, which means at night you can literally have your first dance under the stars; and there are no neighbours so you really can party till dawn in complete privacy. Even travelling to the venue is a talking point. The suite is reached by a cable car (six minutes). Now that really is arriving in style. Please contact their wedding organiser on events@monscalpesuite.com or telephone (+350) 200 72735 and they will be happy to arrange a viewing of the Mons Calpe Suite at your convenience. monscalpesuite.com
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Ivory fondant wedding cake displayed on floating floral tiers Price on request Photo by Jeremy Standley
Enticing Seasonal Flavours
The Invitation Specialists
Wedding cake designer Fiona Dodson from Sweet Things By Fi is creating a new range of flavours for spring-summer 2011 and the Confeti team are dying to try them!
Elite Invite Boutique are now shipping to Gibraltar. Creating unique wedding stationery to set the scene for your entire occasion, Elite offer you the opportunity of choosing from their huge range of designs, matching both your colour scheme and budget. Offering unique packages and payment options, they constantly strive to ensure your big day will be memorable! They are proud to present their massive range of designs at the online Elite Invitation Boutique store, where you can browse at your convenience. After all, your
Wedding cakes: * Orange blossom * Raspberry ripple * Strawberry chiffon * White chocolate and white chocolate ganache * Dulce de leche * Ginger and spiced cream Cupcakes: * Salted caramel with caramel frosting * Pink lemonade * Chai tea and lemon frosting * Lavender * Malted cupcakes with marsh mallow frosting
View online at: eliteinvite.com
B&B Italia Maxalto at Patricia Darch Interiors
The Gift Experience
There will also be a summer couture cupcake range, with accent cupcakes, ideal for summer parties where hosts want just a little bit extra from their cupcake (minimum order of 12). Sweet Things By Fi deliver wedding cakes across southern Spain, including Marbella, Gibraltar and Tarifa.
Patricia Darch Interiors is Sotogrande’s longest established firm of interior designers providing bespoke or pre-designed furnishing. They are now offering Gibraltarians an exclusive wedding list service, featuring exclusive furniture and textile lines from luxury Italian companies and top Spanish designers. Turn to page 93 for our full review.
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special day should be a time of celebration, not one of stress!
Missoni Home Bianconero at Patricia Darch Interiors
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ONFETI parties...
HenPecked
You only have one chance to plan the best hen party of your life… the CONFETI team can help you get it right with all the latest ideas for your “last night of freedom”…
Time for Tea For me, afternoon tea conjures up images of Victorian décor, British gentry and pinky fingers raised in the air. Well, you can have all that at The Rock Hotel in Gibraltar. Finger sandwiches, cupcakes and pastries served on a tiered stand, together with the finest English tea in fine bone china, transports you to the 1920s and is a classic way to spend your day catching up on the gossip from the night before. Tel. (+350) 200 73000 rockhotelgibraltar.com
There’s something fishy... Aqua Sole Spain, in Nueva Andalucía, are offering an experience like no other. Fish pedicures are becoming all the rage and will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated ready for the big day. Sip on complimentary cava while Garra Rufa fish exfoliate, cleanse and invigorate the skin. For parties of six people or more, there is a special rate of €1 per minute for your hen party, together with an optional photo album as a keepsake for an extra €15. Tel. (+34) 693 230 241
TOP TIP
u to the people yo ity iv ct a r u yo h Always matc lly want und. If you rea ro y a w er th o invite, not the nce, make along, for insta e m co to m u your m is likely ething that she m so g in o d e ’r sure you ething lf into, not som se er h w ro th to be able to ard. ne to feel awkw yo n a se u ca that’s going to
GET BACK TO NATURE Celebrate your last moments as a singleton by taking in the beautiful culture on the Costa del Sol. You and your girlfriends can take a trek on horseback and soak up the natural wonderment and unwind before the big day. You can head up into the mountains to enjoy stunning views along the coast to Gibraltar and beyond, and across the Mediterranean to the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa, for a truly unforgettable experience. Treks are €20 per person per hour, with generous discounts available for longer treks or larger groups. To book contact Kevin at Hacienda Horses Tel. (+34) 951 170 825 / 650 213 553 - haciendahorses.com.
BEACHSIDE BEAUTY Why not make use of the Coast’s beautiful beach clubs and spend your hen party by the sea at The Beach House. Dine on their sumptuous cuisine and sip on their exotic cocktails as you take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. If you want to get into the party mood, The Beach House in Marbella offer fantastic live music and DJs to entertain you into the wee hours of the morning. Tel: (+34) 952 839 458 marbellabeachhouse.com CONFETI 81
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ONFETI parties...
Staggering Abroad
Go down in a blaze of glory with Confeti’s top ideas for the ultimate bachelor party…
IP
TOP T
A Regal Celebration
ut for going o e r a u If yo eep a rinks, k d w e f ith a a easier w r a f is in kitty. It n going a h t p u ill big gro eone w m o s s a , rounds iss out or m d e s is be m und their ro
The sky’s the limit
Skydive Spain offer you a stag experience you’ll never forget. Discover the fascination of freefall with a tandem skydive, designed to allow you to experience freefall skydiving at around 125 mph (200 kph) for up to a minute! With discounts available for large groups, and an option to purchase a DVD and photo package, the freefall may only last for one minute, but the memories can last a lifetime. Tel. 687 726 303 skydivespain.com 82 CONFETI
SWING INTO ACTION
Finca Cortesín Hotel offers a fantastic location for you to unwind and bond with your fellow stags. Designed by Cabell Robinson, who is recognised as one of Europe’s top golf course designers, it is one of the finest golf courses in Spain – a 6,800-metre, 18-hole layout with more than 100 bunkers. All you need now is your novelty golf attire. Tel. 952 937 884 fincacortesin.com
Stag parties don’t have to involve drinking games, chundering and passing out. Why not enjoy your drink and savour the evening by watching the noble art of champagne sobering – dating back to the days of Napoleon when soldiers on horseback would strike their champagne bottles and savour their victory drink. The staff at Nermans Restaurant have been successfully sabering champagne bottles since they opened in March last year, and allow clients who observe the sabering to keep the cork as a souvenir. Tel. (+34) 952 815 398 / 607 942 167 nermans.com
ME E R T X E M E H Y A M Paintballing on your stag weekend is becoming increasingly popular, as it stimulates blood flow, reunites bonds and removes any feelings of stress before the big day. It’s an exciting event that gets the adrenaline going, but just watch out for any bruises on body parts visible on the big day… remember, photos last forever. Contact spaindreams.com for prices and availability
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ONFETI plans ahead...
The Wedding COUNTD
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Follow wedding planner Kerry Vear-Smyth’s checklist to ensure that your wedding plans stay firmly on track.
We have been asked many times what is involved in planning a wedding. I have followed one wedding from initial enquiry to wedding day as an example. Obviously every wedding is different but the principles are the same. Throughout the planning process we send regular updates confirming what has been booked and what is outstanding.
time left until the BIG day!
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12 MONTHS
1 1 MONTHS
08 MONTHS
07 MONTHS
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Initial enquiry We send out initial information including menus where requested and ideas for venues.
First visit to Spain We have an initial meeting to discuss the wedding. We show possible venues so that the couple can make a short list. The initial deposit is paid to Celebrations in Spain. The couple receive three emails – one with paperwork, one with a list of suggested suppliers with prices, and a countdown to the big day. The couple can then start looking at the suppliers and decide which ones they would like to book.
Church booked The church is booked and confirmed. The second deposit is paid to Celebrations in Spain and the deposit is paid to the hotel to confirm the wedding.
Initial supplier bookings The first suppliers are booked and confirmed. We check availability and take deposit payments, which are passed on to the suppliers and their services confirmed.
Mass booklet sorted out We help with the Mass booklet, sending out templates and suggestions for reading. We check that everything is in the correct place and deal with any special requests. We also get the information that is required for the church so they can fill in the marriage certificate.
05 MONTHS
04 MONTHS
03 MONTHS
02 MONTHS
01 MONTHS
03 WEEKS
02 WEEKS
01 WEEKS
05 DAYS
02 DAYS
Beautician booked and check paperwork sent Some of the wedding party decide they want manicures, pedicures and spray tans, so these are booked and confirmed. We also check that the couple have sent off their paperwork for the church.
Second visit and taster meal The couple come out to Spain for their taster meal. We book the meal with dishes and arrange a meeting to sort out any outstanding details – in this case mostly flowers.
Flowers chosen The bride has the bridesmaids’ dress colours and chooses her flowers. We order the flowers and confirm the price with the florist and then with the bride. We sort out flower sharing in the church with as many brides as possible, liaising with other planners and Spanish couples. (This depends on the church and other weddings around the same time in the same church.)
Menus and colours confirmed The menus are now due and confirmed with the hotel. The bride also confirms the colour scheme for the tablecloths and flowers, etc.
Check paperwork We check that the paperwork has arrived and pass on extra information required by the church. We also give copy of the Mass booklet to the priest so he can have a look at it before the wedding.
Three-week countdown sent An email is sent confirming all details including suppliers booked, deposits sent and anything else outstanding.
Seating plan sent The seating plan is due. We sort this into the format that the restaurant requires and confirm numbers with the restaurant. We re-confirm the menu with the hotel. For this wedding we also organised extra high-chairs as there were more babies than the restaurant had high chairs.
Re-confirm all suppliers and book rehearsal We make sure that all suppliers have the wedding booked and confirmed. The priest does not confirm rehearsals until a week before the wedding. We book a rehearsal for the couple.
Final meeting with couple We have a meeting to sort out the final rundown for the day, sort out the paperwork and also take everything required for the wedding from the couple. This means that they are not worrying about getting Mass booklets, candles, money, etc., to the church.
Rehearsal We assist with the rehearsal to help out the priest.
it’s time!!!
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ONFETI plans ahead... Wedding day
08:00 10:00 1 1 :00 1 2:00 1 2:30 1 3:00
Go to office to check emails and clear desk ready for busy day. Leave office to pick up flower order, including church flowers as we are first wedding of the weekend.
1 6:00
Ceremony – oversee music.
1 6:45
Ceremony over – clear church of any rubbish and make sure group photos are being done according to bride and groom’s wishes.
Pick up high-chair for wedding. Deliver flowers to church and high-chair to hotel – not fun as have to park miles away! Deliver flowers to bride in her room. Check set up at restaurant. Put out wedding favours and place names. Check cake is as ordered.
1 3:30 1 5:00 1 5:30
Grab lunch but stay close to bridal party just in case they need our services.
1 5:50 1 5:55
Ask guests to go into church.
Put church flowers into church. Sort out set up for musician and give priest names of witnesses. Set up church, putting out candles and Mass booklets.
Ring bride to tell her it is safe to come to church (she is staying very close and walking to the church).
1 7:00
Tell guests that couple are going for photos and that drinks reception is at venue if they don’t want to watch photos.
1 8:30 1 8:45 20:30 2 1:00 2 1:30
Ask guests to move in for dinner.
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See to first dance.
When everyone is seated bring in bride and groom. DINNER Sort out cake cutting and serving of cake. Check that band has arrived and is set up. Start speeches. Ask guests to move into disco for first dance.
Say good byes and leave.
Sealing the deal DAY AFTER
Pick up certificate
2 DAYS AFTER
Register wedding We take the marriage certificate to the Civil Registry so that the wedding is legally recognised. Sometimes this is done there and then and other times we have to return a couple of days later.
3 DAYS AFTER (or when ready)
rmation: For more info myth Kerry Vear-S 2 535 688 Tel. (+34) 95 6 588 697 M. (+34) 63 spain.com celebrationsin
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Send certificate The certificate is sent by registered post to the couple. They are sent the tracking number.
Ciara & Darren|
Photo By Dawn Lashle y at www.unityphotography .co.
uk
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ONFETI informs…
Bridal Buzz
BODAKIDS
Look no further to discover the latest news, hottest trends and leading wedding companies in Spain.
Bespoke Weddings J M Weddings was founded by sisters Julie Davies and Maggie Price, who after a number of years working in event planning decided to put their creativity and love of working with people and event organising to good use. Julie’s eye for detail and creative approach compliments the planning and management skills of Maggie. Julie’s dream has always been to plan weddings; she is ambitious, hard-working and extremely organised, and she knows exactly what to do and say to make any wedding a spectacular event. Maggie just loves to hunt down the “perfect” venue and negotiate with
suppliers, ensuring their clients receive the discount benefits of booking through a wedding planner. Julie is based in the UK while Maggie lives most of the time in Benahavis, a picturesque Spanish mountain village situated between Marbella and Estepona, and has extensive knowledge and experience of all the village venues, secret beauty spots and Spanish laws. Whether it is a private villa, a luxury hotel, a ceremony on the beach or one of many other delightful and unique venues, the theme can be as English or Spanish as you wish. Living in the UK and Spain gives Julie and Maggie a distinct advantage of being able to be
luannafrancisphotography.co.uk
luannafrancisphotography.co.uk physically on hand in both countries to provide essential support and guidance. Their main aim is to make sure you remain happy, calm and stress-free throughout the whole process. Whether it’s a small intimate venue with just a handful of guests or a glamorous themed wedding… they believe the key to planning a fabulous wedding is competent and professional organisation and, most importantly, communication – no matter what scale of celebration you have in mind. The prospect of planning a wedding with so many intricate details can be daunting. Even planning the smallest, most intimate wedding can take hours of preparation, but getting married in Spain could make your dream a nightmare. With an average wedding taking around 250 hours of organisation, and approximately 15 suppliers to source, negotiate and book, it is
not surprising that 26 per cent of couples now employ a wedding planner, whether it’s on the Costa del Sol or in the UK “We are truly privileged to be part of the planning of one of the most important days in your life and the icing on the cake is being at the wedding, ensuring every finest detail is taken care of and seeing the result of so much hard work,” explains Maggie. “Our clients are always our top priority and we will do our utmost to ensure you maintain control of your wedding day, whilst we do the leg work to ensure the process is enjoyable, organised to the finest detail and, most importantly, on budget.” jmweddings.co uk
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Location, Location, Location TikiTano has been acclaimed as one of the most beautiful locations on the Costa del Sol. With its uninterrupted views of Gibraltar and Africa and its frontline beach setting, the building has been created with a timeless ethnic design of tropical woods, rich colours, natural light in abundance and the ability to open itself to the sea. There are a variety of spaces that cater for every experience: intimate corners, splendid views, sunny, shady, outdoors or indoors, and enough space to dance and party your socks off if you so desire. CONFETI 89
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The exceptional setting of TikiTano lends itself superbly to any kind of social event, including weddings. When you plan a wedding at TikiTano you get two very important resources: the restaurant with its superb cuisine; and expert assistance from their complimentary international team of wedding planners. They have a brief to realise not only your needs but also your dreams, and are trained to deliver the highest standard of service and produce. They will source all kinds of entertainers as well as the creative professionals that make any event a dazzling success: the photographers, designers, make-up artists, sound technicians, DJs, videographers, performers, musicians, costumiers and so on. Whatever the demands for your big day, TikiTano will meet them with enthusiasm and flair; and most importantly, their wedding planners are free of charge, regardless of the size and demands of your wedding. Apart from looking after the bride and groom on, before and after the wedding day, they also take great care in looking after your invited guests. They will arrange accommodation in hotels or apartments, flights and airport transfers, and more. Your guests will get nothing but luxury when you hold your wedding at TikiTano; they will make sure everyone’s personal needs are looked after. TIKITANO.COM
tikitano.com
Creating Beautiful Images Bodakids are two professional female photographers who are passionate about wedding photography and whose work has been published in many wedding magazines. Their wedding style gives you the freedom and versatility to capture the essence of your special day as it unfolds. “Capturing your day with creative and emotive images that are unique to you is what we strive for at every wedding, focusing on an artistic/fashionable approach,” says Andres Mendieta. “Specialising in modern and natural reportage-style photography, we offer a high-quality professional service to clients throughout Spain. We also shoot documentary reportage, sensitively responding to the details, events and emotions of your day.”
BODAKIDS
For 2011, they have introduced special new equipment for wedding videos – the 1080FullHD Canon7D, Steady Cam, Slide Cam, professional lens – providing cinema film results. To view their breathtaking work visit: bodakids.es
A Special Day Requires a Special Place… Are you looking for the perfect location to celebrate your big day? Whether you are planning an intimate service with your most beloved friends and family or a huge party, everything can be organised exactly as you have imagined it to be (or maybe better!). Andalucía, with its 300 days of sun, offers an ideal location to celebrate outdoors. Any time
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HOTEL CORTIJO SOTO REAL between March and October, the gardens around the manor or some romantic locations on the 1,000-acre (400-hectare) estate permit an idyllic set-up for your wedding. The hotel has its own little romantic chapel, which can be decorated splendidly for a perfect wedding ceremony; or you may opt for an outdoor ceremony with spectacular views of the countryside. Real romantics can be brought to the ceremony in a
DAMARIS EVENTOS Photo by juanmatafotografo.com decorated horse-drawn carriage. The “Suite de Charlotte” is their honeymoon suite and used to be the private quarters of a princess. It has a four-posted bed, fireplace and complete marble bathroom. They spoil the bride and groomto-be with all the possible services and details on offer, so a few surprises can be expected! Sometimes you are looking to do something out of the ordinary and treat your friends or family in a very exclusive and unforgettable way. Cortijo Soto Real is one of the most luxurious locations in the south of Spain. For more information, visit their especially dedicated website, bestweddinginspain.com, or contact: charlotte@bestweddinginspain.com Hotel Cortijo Soto Real Tel. (+34) 955 869 200 Fax (+34) 955 869 202 hotelcortijosotoreal.com
HOTEL CORTIJO SOTO REAL
Bride of the Year Show This year’s show at the RDS, Dublin, on Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 January, was busier than ever. Eager to get Confeti into the hands of all those Irish brides-to-be who are getting married in Spain, we teamed up with Celebrations In Spain and Sunset Beach Club Hotel. Wedding planner extraordinaire Kerry Vear-Smyth, director of Celebrations In Spain, said, “The show was a great success and we are looking forward to many Irish weddings this year.” Sunset Beach Club Hotel commercial director Deborah Wallace added, “Despite freezing temperatures the fair was well attended, with lots of people stopping to see our wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell, at the stand. The location was excellent, right in the centre of the hall, and hundreds of copies of Confeti Magazine were distributed to visitors to the
stand. Quality leads were achieved this year, which will hopefully be converted into Sunset Beach Club weddings.”
Damaris Eventos presents… Perfect Wedding & Events Expo 2011 Damaris Eventos have announced their second Wedding and Events Expo in the beautiful Palacio de La Paz in Fuengirola on 4, 5 and 6 November 2011. It will be an exciting second edition of last year’s huge English Wedding Expo, the largest English-speaking event of its kind on the Costa del Sol. This year it will be an even larger and more dynamic expo, combining exhibitors from weddings and events companies. Once again they are very lucky to have British actor Oliver Tobias to open the event for them. The Friday evening opening will see a fabulous theatrical stage show – Pirates of the Caribbean (this year’s theme) with a bridal and evening wear fashion show plus live artists and music. Throughout the three-day expo there will be continual fashion shows and live entertainment on stage and exciting activities outside – something for everyone. This promises to be the expo of the year. Don’t miss the once-ayear opportunity to do business with a captive audience and network your business with others.
The Ultimate Wish List HOTEL CORTIJO SOTO REAL
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RDS SHOW
The name Patricia Darch has become synonymous with stunning home interiors for more than a
quarter of a century at her beautiful design showroom neighbouring the fashionable Sotogrande marina in the south of Spain. Identifying a niche in the market, the team have used their expertise to create a fabulous and unique wedding list service. Couples can choose to start their new life with fine tableware from such brands as Villeroy & Boch and Missoni Home; decorative items from avant-garde Italian company VG New Trend; hand-crafted exclusive and original sculptures from David Marshall; and bespoke artwork by Jessica Darch.
LUST AFTER… Fendi Casa One of Italy’s finest furniture designers, Fendi Casa’s aim is to “dress up” rooms in a way which is very similar to how they design their fur and precious leather coats, clothes and accessories. You can opt for beautiful photograph frames, boxes, vases and trays, all of which feature the careful working and hand-finishing
Villeroy & Boch The company is famous worldwide for innovative designs of bathrooms, coordinated tableware, glassware, cutlery, and accessories. The showroom has been a source of inspiration for countless clients looking to achieve the perfect look for their dream homes. Why not pop down and be one of the first to see the latest collection from B&B Italia and sister company Maxalto and Mooi lighting. With a free delivery service from Sotogrande to Marbella and Gibraltar, why would you settle for wedding presents that you do not like, when you can enjoy a gift list from Patricia Darch Interiors! Patricia Darch Interiors Tel. (+34) 956 615 350 interiorsinspain.com
MISSONI HOME which is an integral part of Fendi’s style. The team at Patricia Darch Interiors can also help you discover furniture, lighting and decorative objects for the home, distinguished first of all for its fine quality. In fact, why not start your wedding night in style with Fendi’s luxurious circular bed! Missoni Home Richard Ginori 1735 Richard Ginori porcelain has been produced since 1735 and, now as ever, Richard Ginori 1735 means attention towards the quality of the precious product and refinement in the smallest detail. It means guaranteed perfection thanks to the indissoluble and balanced union between art and technology. CONFETI 93
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ONFETI talks to...
Cornel Kramer Interview by Natasha Johnson
T
o become an expert in your field takes many years of dedication and hard work, something Cornel Kramer knows a lot about. His passion for food came to him when he was still young enough to be in a high chair, spending his early childhood at his mother’s side watching her prepare their sumptuous family meals and learning her culinary secrets. As a teenager he graduated to restaurants, where he earned pocket money while picking up the necessary skills he would later come to rely on. And, by the time he finished training at an established Swiss hotel management school, he was already firmly on the catering path, which would eventually lead him to setting up Cornel Catering, one of the Costa de Sol’s impressive event catering companies. CONFETI talks to the brainchild behind the business...
A day in my life means… There is no routine. No day is like another. One of the most rewarding things about my job is… seeing a big smile on everyone’s faces. And knowing that they think the food and service were great and that we fulfilled their expectations.
My Cornel Catering highlight has been… Providing 1,700 meals in one week! To me a perfectly catered wedding is one where there is… quality of products, a well-balanced menu, skilled chefs, and quick, friendly and efficient service. It also means having a great staff-client ratio and an organised team with a charismatic leader. I am fluent in German, French, Spanish, English and Italian and most of my waiting staff speak good English.
I love the challenge of… Having to serve many guests at the same time. You need great organisational skills and perfect planning. 94 CONFETI
Wedding couples who opt for private catering… will get total flexibility. They choose what, where and when. We make it possible.
Top trends in wedding catering at the moment are… Primarily making the event sociable, in the sense that you are not sitting with the same people at the same table for hours and hours. Allowing people to move by choosing a cocktail or a (finger food) buffet will make any event far more attractive.
My dream wedding catering would be… A venue close to the sea for a lunchtime setting. A two-hour welcome session with cocktails and a variety of finger food being served. A range of show-cooking presentations: Iberian ham being sliced live, champagne, mojitos and sherry straight from the cask. Then a dinner that would consist of a buffet with plenty of miniatures and individual portions and hot food stands where the food is being cooked/prepared at different stations, including lots of ethnic food. Decorative cushions and sofas laid out in a chill-out style, but no tables or chairs. An open bar with cocktails and mint tea being served at espresso stations. And, finally, midnight snacks.
Having a wedding in Spain is… Like going to Hawaii to surf!
If I had to describe myself in three words…
I would say intelligent, organised and efficient.
Cornel Catering Tel. (+34) 952 929 120 cornelcatering.com
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CONFET I Annual Suscription Plan your dream wedding with the help of CONFETI Treat yourself or a friend and get CONFETI Magazine delivered to your door.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION (inc. p&p) Spain UK/ Ireland/ Rest of Europe Rest of world
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ted wedding magazine
CONFETI: Spain and Gibraltar’s dedica Please go to www.confetimagazine.com/buy-online.html for more details
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CUT HERE
ONFETI Competition
Win the chance to have your wedding featured in Confeti Magazine. All you have to do is email the following information to info@iconpublishing.es or post a copy of this tear-out to Confeti Magazine, Los Pino de Aloha Golf, Apt. 111, Fase 1, Nueva Andalucía, Málaga, 29660, Spain. The winner will be announced in Confeti’s summer 2011 edition, due out on 15 May.
NAME _______________________________________________ ADDRESS____________________________________________ TEL_____________________ Email ______________________ Date of wedding (or approximate) _____ / _____ / _______ Preferred area for celebration of wedding in Spain or Gibraltar _____________________________________________________ What services would you like more information about?
NOTE: If you enter this competition, we reserve the right to forward your details to one or more of our selected partners.
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Wedding Dress
DJ
Accessories
Photographer
Jewellery
Videographer
Hair / Make-up / Beauty
Favours
Groom’s Fashion
Wedding Stationery
Wedding Planner
Same-Sex Weddings
Venue Catering
Cosmetic Surgery / Aesthetic Procedures
Flowers
Wedding List
Car Hire / Transport
Honeymoon
Cake
Hen Night
Band / Entertainment
Stag Party
Memorable Weddings don’t just happen - they are planned by
WeddingsWith Pride
G ay W e d d i n g s & C o m m i t m e n t C e r e m o n i e s w w w . w e d d i n g s w i t h p r i d e . c o . u k 0 0 3 4 6 4 615 619 8 0 0 4 4786 05 4 0373
i n fo @ we d d i n g s w i t h p r i d e .c o.u k
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s you
Jennifer & Joe de la Rosa The couple danced their way through the streets of old Tarifa town, following an intimate ceremony in a charming mountain-top chapel. Photo by pierrerichardsonphotography.com
Lorraine& Shane Lorraine and Shane were married in Benalmรกdena Pueblo followed by a wonderful reception at El Oceano Beach Hotel. Brenda from Premiere Services Event Management created the wonderful wedding. Photo by owenfarrellphotography.com
Suzan& Enzo Zito Susan and Enzo were joined by family and friends from Gibraltar, England, Wales and Australia. Susan grew up in Gibraltar and had since moved to Australia but it was back to Gibraltar for the celebration and a fabulous wedding in Gibraltar. Photo by jeremystandley.com
Lydia& Andrew Bray This beautiful wedding was set in the amphitheatre of the luxurious five-star Villa Padierna Hotel, with close friends and family travelling from all over the world including Australia, Venezuela and Liverpool. Photo by Gary Tapp at yourweddingmoments.com If you would like your photo to appear in Confeti Magazine please contact (+34) 665361964 or info@iconpublishing.es
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ONFETI gets to know…
SHE’S GOT THE GIFT Specialising in a natural, spontaneous approach to contemporary wedding photography, Anna Gazda is eager to cover your story. What sparked your interest in photography?
Probably being stuck in Minnesota’s countryside in winter (for some five months) with a bunch of National Geographic magazines when I was only 16. That’s when I bought my first SLR camera and the whole adventure started.
How would you describe your approach?
Fresh, unobtrusive and candid. Having studied photography at film school my approach is mainly photojournalistic or documentary – both terms heavily overused today for marketing purposes. Still, that is how I try to shoot. I always try to add more dimension to my images and go beyond the obvious. Just pretty is never enough for me. I’ll do my best to make my images more narrative and, in a way, cinematographic. Staying alert and capturing real emotions that cannot be simply recreated on any other day is my goal. I’m also big into gaining inspiration from other art forms like paintings and films. Masters of art such as Rembrandt, Vermeer or Edward Hopper were always my source of inspiration for composition and light. Films are also very important for me. I believe wedding photography should last for decades and not be too influenced by the latest fads. However, I think it really is about a certain level of sensitivity to the world around. If you do not notice certain things you can never capture them. The rest is just great light and unique yet simple composition.
How do you cope if the weather is not as beautiful as you had hoped for?
To me as a photographer there is no bad weather to shoot. Beautiful sun may be extremely demanding and light rain, a true blessing! I’m not just a beautiful weather photographer.
Describe a typical day for you, shooting a wedding…
Packed with chocolate bars (to keep me going), lenses and memory cards and flat, comfy shoes on. Lots of moving around and bending.
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How do you remain unobtrusive at a wedding?
Dressed in black and being small is my secret weapon. Working mostly with available light also helps. Firing a flash during the ceremony would be just too distracting in my opinion.
What do you love the most about your job?
It’s definitely stressful but fun. I actually like the adrenaline rush and all the hype of the day.
What are the benefits of hiring a female wedding photographer? I think brides feel more comfortable having a female photographer around them, especially for the preparations when they have their hair and make-up done, not to mention running around in underwear in some cases. I know my male photographer friends envy me! Also, I like to reassure my brides they look their best and I pay attention to little details such as stray hair, etc. I usually carry around translucent powder with me, just in case – I don’t think most male photographers do.
What would a bride get from booking Anna Gazda as her photographer?
I keep telling my clients that wedding photography is not about those 20 or even 50 very best images in one’s portfolio but about a certain degree of consistency in producing great images throughout the day. Bad light, harsh light, bad weather or dull walls are no excuse. I always strive for my best and believe that I’m only as good as my work from the last wedding. My clients have the right to care little about my past work and the full right to get from me the best I can produce. With my perfectionist trait they can be sure I’m going to do everything I can to do that.
Anna Gazda Tel. (+34) 633 654 476; limelight.pl CONFETI 101
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ONFETI gets real...
Everlasting Memories Wedding of Sophie Shepherd and Spencer Aldred on 10 September 2010 at Castillo de Santa Catalina, Málaga SOPHIES PRE-WEDDING STORY I love Spain. My parents had a home close to Marbella for many years so I spent a lot of my life enjoying the lovely relaxing outside lifestyle Spain offers. When Spencer and I got engaged it was a natural step to have our wedding in the beautiful sun-drenched region of Andalucía. Unfortunately, due to work commitments Spencer could not come with me to view wedding venues, but I knew we both wanted a romantic, historic building as our wedding venue. Moira from Perfect Spanish Weddings accompanied me to view several venues but as soon as I saw Castillo de Santa Catalina I fell completely in love with it and I knew instantly it was the perfect location for our dream wedding. SPENCERS PRE-WEDING STORY Due to prior commitments I could not go with Sophie to view the venues for our wedding, but we 102 CONFETI
had both looked at wedding venues for hours on the internet and I completely trusted Sophie to make the right choice. I had not actually physically seen Castillo de Santa Catalina before the big day and I was totally wowed when I finally walked into the venue on the day of the wedding. OUR STYLE We both love historic buildings and the sea, so Castillo de Santa Catalina charmed us from the beginning. The mix of terraces full of beautiful Mediterranean flowers surrounded by ancient battlements, with a backdrop of clear blue sea, made this our ideal venue. We knew the Castillo did not need a huge amount of decoration; the architecture of the building and gardens is so fabulous it creates its own wonderful atmosphere. We opted for a fairly neutral colour scheme, using cream flowers for bouquets and other floral decorations, keeping the style soft,
elegant and very romantic. As the bride, I wanted to echo the Spanish traditions of our venue, so I knew my dress by Mark Leslie, with its delicate embroidered detail finished with a full traditional veil, was perfect. I added the accessories designed by Sarah Whittington at Wedlock to give it a personal and glamorous look. My bridesmaids’ dresses were simple, elegant and stylish. I chose an aubergine colour, which is very rich but does not try to compete with the vibrant hues of the Mediterranean flowers that surround the magnificent terraces of Castillo de Santa Catalina.
Our wedding banquet was absolutely delicious with a first course of steam-cooked tiger prawns, a main course of tender lamb and a dessert of ruby cherries with white chocolate and raspberry coulis, accompanied by complimentary wines. Lepanto Catering provides the catering for Castillo de Santa Catalina and their food and service are exemplary. THE HIGHLIGHTS The rooms in Castillo de Santa Catalina are very luxurious and spacious and my suite and the bridesmaids’ rooms took over a wing of the castle. It was a perfect
wedding morning with my mum, close friends and myself getting ready for the wedding ceremony. The hours before your wedding are such a mix of excitement and nerves and it was made very special by spending this time with people I love. Our minister Andrew Hunter made the ceremony the centre-point of the day and almost everyone was moved to tears and laughter! The drinks reception was a mix of congratulations and photos and was followed by a wonderful wedding banquet. During the drinks reception we had a traditional Spanish guitarist play a mix of music, which certainly set the atmosphere for the day. During the ceremony and wedding banquet an extremely talented string quartet played a selection of gorgeous romantic and atmospheric music. After the banquet the speeches had everyone laughing, which was the perfect start to the party that continued into the night. We had a dream wedding day and would like to thank Perfect Spanish Weddings, who were our wedding planners, and everyone else involved in our special day. OUR TREASURED MOMENT When it was time for the ceremony to begin we were both nervous, but when we met in front of the minister the whole world seemed to stand still. The sea was behind us, the sun was shining and the ceremony was completely perfect. It was more than we could have hoped for and a magical start to our new married life.
Sophie’s Address Book Wedding Planning Perfect Spanish Weddings Tel. (+34) 958 069 073 perfectspanishweddings.co.uk Dress – Mark Leslie marklesley.co.uk Accessories Sarah Whittington at Wedlock wed-lock.com Venue Castillo de Santa Catalina Tel. (+34) 952 212 700 castillodesantacatalina.com Photographers Alberto Saro & Sue Callister Tel. (+34) 636 648 170 sarocallister.com Catering Lepanto Catering Tel. (+34) 952 447 012 cateringlepanto.com Flowers and Decoration Bunches Florists Tel. (34) 952 463 712 bunchesspain.com Spanish guitarist Mark Shurey Tel. (+34) 618 994 590 pimientito.com String quartet Susan Elvin Group Tel. (+34) 951 168 009 CONFETI 103
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ONFETI recommends…
DIRECTORY Fashion & Accessories Browns: brownsfashion.com Matches: matchesfashion.com Net-A-Porter: net-a-porter.com
Boda Kids: (+34) 952 109 287; bodakids.es
Olivier Laudus London: (+44) 208 374 1239; olivierlaudus.com
David Toms: (+34) 690 656 120; davidtoms-weddings.com
Florists Flor Valentin: (+34) 669 061 234; florvalentin.es
Gary Tapp - Your Wedding Moments: (+34) 600 545 032; yourweddingmoments.com
Flowers Inc: (+34) 606 278 765; flowersinconline.com
Jeremy Standley: (+34) 607 717 565; jeremystandley.com
General Humanist Wedding Celebrant: malagaminister.com
Owen Farrell Photography: Spain (+34) 670 664 341, Ireland (+353) 872682832; owenfarrellphotography.com
Ocean Clinic: (+34) 951 775 518; oceanclinic.net BODAKIDS
The Dentists – Sotogrande: (+34) 956 795 273
Cakes Cakes Couture: (+34) 693 379 397; cakecouturemarbella.com
Catering Cornel Catering: (+34) 952 929 120; cornelcatering.com
Hair & Beauty Halo Marbella: (+34) 952 865 796; halosalons.com
Debbie Sheridan Cakes: (+34) 952 964 103; weddingcakesspain. com
FiestaSol: (+34) 952 898 746; fiestasol.com
Princess-bride: (+34) 691 061 484; princess-bride.co.uk
Entertainment Amanda Rosa: (+ 34) 660 286 790; amanda-rosa.com
Reflections: (+34) 902 325 324; reflectionsmarbella.com
Delicious Cakes and Treats: (+34) 666 584 132; deliciouscakesandtreats.com Sweet Things by Fi: (+34) 697 228 088; sweetthingsbyfi.com
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DJ Laurie Scott: (+34) 952 592 133; weddingdjspain.com Tom Rust: (+34) 639 289 109; tomrust.info
Photography Anna Gazda: (+34) 633 654 476; limelight.pl
Jewellery Stephen Webster – Puerto Banús: (+34) 952 816 976; stephenwebster.com Tiffany & Co: tiffany.com
Pierre Richardson: (+34) 667 049 811; pierrerichardsonphotography. com Stationery Elite Invitation Boutique: (+44) (0)151 920 6400; eliteinvite.co.uk Wedding Lists Patricia Darch Interiors: (+34) 956 615 350; interiorsinspain.com Wedding Planners Alhambra Weddings: (+34) 958 592 680; alhambraweddings.com Celebrations in Spain: (+34) 952 535 688; celebrationsinspain.com Exclusive Events: (+34) 693 777 535; exclusiveeventsmarbella.com
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ONFETI plans…
Photo courtesy of The National Wedding Show
The National Wedding Show JOHN BAIKIE
FiestaSol: (+34) 952 898 746; fiestasol.com JM Weddings: Spain (+34) 646 156 198, UK (+44) 7860540373; jmweddings.co.uk Perfect Spanish Weddings: (+34) 958 069 073; perfectspanishweddings.co.uk
ANNA GAZDA
Reviva Weddings: (+34) 951 271 220; reviva-weddings.com
Restaurant: (+34) 952 929 001; rinconguadalpin.com
Spanish Dream Weddings: (+34) 951 317 367; spanishdreamweddings.com
Finca Cortesín: fincacortesin.com
Spanish Wedding Planner: Tel. (+34) 958 617 292; spanishweddingplanner.com Weddings With Pride: Spain (+34) 646 156 198, UK (+44) 7860540373; weddingswithpride.co.uk Wedding Shows National Wedding Show: nationalweddingshow.co.uk Perfect Wedding And Events Expo: (+34) 952 478 809/ 699 156 127 Venues Beach House: (+34) 952 839 458; marbellabeachhouse.com Buddha Beach: (+34) 952 813 882; buddhabeachbanus.com El Rincon de Gvadalpin
18-20 February 2011, London Olympia 4-6 March 2011, Birmingham NEC Visit the UK’S largest and most fabulous wedding event. A visit to the National Wedding Show is an absolute must for all those planning their perfect wedding. With over 250 exhibitors offering thousands of inspirational products and the UK’s largest collection of wedding dresses under one roof you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for. Book tickets early to this sell-out show. Pick up a copy of Confeti at the London show from stand B63. We will be available for all wedding-related advice on getting married in Spain and Gibraltar. Book tickets in advance to save pounds (*). Visit nationalweddingshow. co.uk or call the ticket hotline on Tel. (+44) 0844 581 1404. *Save £2 off the standard adult price ticket for online and phone advance bookings.
Hotel Cortijo Soto Real (+34) 955 869 208; hotelcortijosotoreal.com Mons Calpe Suite: (+350) 200 79478; monscalpesuite.com
The Royal Wedding
Nikki Beach: (+34) 952 836 239; nikkibeach.com
29 April 2011, London
Sunset Beach Club Hotel: (+34) 952 579 400; sunsetbeachclub.com Tamisa Golf Hotel: (+34) 952 585 988; hoteltamisagolf.com The Rock Hotel: (+350) 20073000; rockhotelgibraltar.com TikiTano: (+34) 952 798 449; tikitano.com Villa Del Mar: (+34) 952 822 211; marbellaclub.com
Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey on 29 April, which has been declared a bank holiday in celebration. The ceremony will begin at 11am BST with the whole world watching. royal.gov.uk
Barcelona Bridal Week 10-15 May 2011 The most prestigious national and international firms will be present at this leading B2B event for the fashion industry. Barcelona has rightfully earned the title “World Capital for Brides”. The trade-only event has two parts: the Pasarela Gaudí Novias catwalk shows; and an international trade fair known as Noviaespaña. New collections are presented by Spanish designers and fashionable houses such as Victorio & Lucchino, Rosa Clara and Pronovias. CONFETI 105 moda-barcelona.com
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ONFETI designs‌
Real Designer Brides in Spain TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher married ex-England rugby international Paul Sampson in the beautiful historic town of Arcos De La Frontera in southern Spain. Kirsty’s divine Suzanne Neville bridal gown could not have complemented the magnificent setting of their wedding more perfectly. Kirsty wanted to keep her dress classic and simple but loved the look of the Chantilly lace, so the Maiden gown fitted this requirement perfectly. The corseted style of the gown suited her well, and the fishtail shape looked incredible on her. The most important aspect was to make sure the gown fitted impeccably and the finest fabrics were used, so Kirsty felt like a million dollars!
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