CONFETI WINTER 2011
NEW SEASON Wedding Looks
Real Weddings Be Inspired
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with designer to the stars
Maria Grachvogel
Siren Style Vivienne Westwood’s Latest Collection
SPOTLIGHT
Costa de la Luz CONFETI: Spain, Mallorca & Gibraltar’s dedicated wedding bible
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Winter 2011
CONTENTS
CONFETI
Features, advice, tips, ideas and suggestions to help arrange THE PERFECT WEDDING IN SPAIN, MALLORCA AND GIBRALTAR
Front Cover: White silk organza sculpted strapless gown $2,000 watters.com
Staff
PUBLISHER Andy Clark andy@iconpublishing.es ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Annalisa Turner-Sterling (English) Aurika Tiagulskaya (Spanish & Russian) Gabriel Moya Gonzalez (Spanish) Spencer Walker (English) DESIGNER Constanza Martinez ASSISTANT DESIGNER Joe Canales
owenfarrellphotography.com
COVER
STORIES 19 Vivienne Westwood The best of British bridal couture
20 Trends for 2012
All the looks to keep you ahead of the crowd
32 Designer Notes
Exclusive interview with celebrity designer Maria Grachvogel
54 The Coast of Light
Everything you need to know about getting married on the Costa de la Luz
Wedding 78 Real Special Our favourite fairytales over the last twelve months
Fashion & Beauty Loves 11 Confeti What’s hot in the world of bridal
Hot 16 White Chic looks straight from the runway
Deep 37 Skin Experts Richard Ward &
Ariane Poole solve your hair and beauty dilemmas
Grooms Groomed 41 So A selection of classic
outfits, plus Giles Brown shares his verdict on gift giving
Location, Location
52 Yours and
Only Yours
El Cortijo de los Caballos… a breathtaking setting
58 Wedding snippets from Rock Your Day
the Straits of Gibraltar
Real Experts 60 The We profile the Mons Calpe
Suite manager, Gino Paul Bossino and Sunset Beach Club’s Claire Mitchell
Details Bridal Diaries 70 The Follow the lead up to Kara Caradas’s big day
Me 75 Eat The latest cake news Pictures 76 Perfect Simon Andrews reveals how to capture those priceless moments
Confeti’s Notebook
98 Bridal Buzz
The latest news from the wedding scene
104 Confeti’s Address Book The best professionals, specialists and services
the Look 106 Get Create your own supermodel style
EDITOR Nicola McGeorge info@iconpublishing.es FEATURES EDITOR Laura-Jane Bruce press@iconpublishing.es ASSOCIATE EDITOR Christie Holland christie@iconpublishing.es CONTRIBUTORS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Ariane Poole, Emily Brown, Heather Sadtler, Giles Brown, Natasha Johnson, Richard Ward, Anna Gazda, Gary Tapp, Jeremy Standley, John Green, Owen Farrell, Ruth Jones, Simon Andrews, Talia Giraudo. Confeti is published quarterly by: Icon Publishing S.L. Depósito Legal: MA 1559-2010 CIF: B93035210 All enquiries, please call: +34 600 812 418 or email enquiries@iconpublishing.es 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.
www.confetimagazine.com
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome
As this year’s wedding season draws to a close, it is time to look forward to 2O12. We have trawled through the latest ideas to bring you the hottest selection of upcoming bridal trends. Whether it’s the must have accessories, a wow factor dress or a show stopping cake; there really is something for everyone.
However, there is no greater inspiration for brides-to-be than a real wedding, hence our decision to feature some of our favourites from 2O11. Turn to page 78 and maybe steal an idea or two for yourself. One of the hottest locations for next year is the Costa de la Luz. Wedding planner extraordinaire, Emily Brown of Tarifa Weddings gives us the low down on the “Coast of Light.” As excited as we are to look forward, we do wonder how we can possibly top the past year. Confeti was more popular than ever at the National Wedding Shows with brides coming to the stand exclaiming they had only come to the show to pick up a copy! The team were kept busy with hundreds of couples dropping by, yet we still managed to scour the shows, munch on a few cake-pops and bring you our favourite finds, page 86. Another highlight of the year was our stand at the arrivals lounge in Málaga International Airport. We knew it would be a great opportunity; however the feedback was better than we ever expected. The amount of brides emailing us for advice and suggestions trebled, all wanting recommendations regarding every aspect of their wedding, from invitations and cakes to venues and videographers. We will be taking this issue to the Bride of the Year Show at the RDS, Dublin, Ireland’s biggest wedding show. If you cannot get to the show, do remember you can always order a copy online! Until next time....
Nicola
Nicola McGeorge - info@iconpublishing.es
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Rock The Aisle
ONFETI loves...
Ian Stuart’s showstopping 2012 ‘Killer Queen’ collection has all the drama you would expect from the award-winning designer plus a handful of jaw-dropping never-seen-before styles for the most adventurous of brides. ianstuart-bride.com
High And Mighty
Valentino’s vertiginous ivory satin sandals are an elegant choice for a modern wedding. Wear this crystal and mesh bowembellished style to lend a touch of sparkle to a sleek ecru shift. €917.98 net-a-porter.com
The Personal Touch
This vintage wedding sign is aged to perfection and can be personalised with the married couple’s surname and date. From £21.25 confetti.co.uk
Fashion To Fall For
When Monique Lhuillier presented her Spring 2012 Bridal Collection she exclaimed, “Romance is back in a big way.” With rich textures, elegant full skirts and gorgeous corsets, there is just so much to fall in love with. moniquelhuillier.com
Put A Ring On It
At the heart of the Links 20/20 collection sits a trio of stacked rings with a swivelling centre ring allowing the wearer to change the position of the facets. Wear alone or stack for impact. linksoflondon.com
Small And Perfectly Formed
The metallic leather Lytton clutch will take your look to new heights. With a light texture and a signature twig clasp closure, it’s not just a bag, it’s a style statement. £241.00 dvf.com
Top Three Veil Alternatives
Getting Ahead
The Emilia wedding tiara combines an Ivory Silk Organza & French Lace flower with Swarovski Ivory Pearls. This classic rose flower tiara is delicate and dreamy. £224 rosiewillettdesigns.co.uk
Tea For Two Birdcage by Queen and Bowl. £125.00 queenandbowl.com
Vintage 1940’s Diamante Juliet Cap by Vintage Head Dresses. £235.00 vintageheaddresses.com
Fleur Fascinator by Olivier Laudus. £49.99 olivierlaudus.com CONFETI 11
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ONFETI loves...
OUR
STAR
PHOTO
jeremystandley.com
Crystal Charm
This intricate Sterling Silver and Diamond Oval Locket by H Samuel is not only glamorous but ideal for encasing images of your loved ones. Why not make it your something new? £99.99 hsamuel.co.uk
Eco Fabulous
This striking and sophisticated tear headpiece by eco conscious designer Sanyukta incorporates stripped coque feathers, hand beaded Swarovski crystals and pearl beads, ideal for the Mother of the Bride or fashionable wedding guests looking for that special finishing touch. sanyuktashrestha.com
Tie the Knot
Nautical weddings is a trend that’s here to stay, classic and timelessly preppy, New England style combined with the Spanish white sand and sunshine create a fresh combination that will keep your guests talking for months nautical-living.co.uk
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Pure White
Bling It On
Benjamin Adams Gaga crystal encrusted peep toe platform is ideal for a glamorous bridal look! Made using Ivory Duchesse Silk, leather and Swarovski crystal, the ultimate accessory to make every step you take sparkle. £250.00 crystalbridalaccessories.co.uk
James Bailie’s most memorable wedding of the season incorporated all white arrangements and decor. Utilizing Roses, Freesia’s, Lisianthuses and Kate Middleton’s floral choice, Lily-of-the-Valley, a delicate flower signifying sweetness and renewed happiness combined with accents of foliage to add a touch of colour. jamesbailie.net
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an incomparable location
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Holiday
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Bookings: +34 952.57.97.57 events@holidayworld.es
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Fashion & Beauty
Courtesy of Alexia Designs CONFETI 15
WHITE Hot See the latest collections straight from the runway
J enny P ackham For her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, Jenny Packham drew creative inspiration from the lightness and ethereal beauty of nocturnal butterflies and their gauzy, intricate wings. White and opal coloured beading and embellishments, in addition to the more traditional rhinestone and crystals, offer a selection of the gowns a soft, white-washed feel. jennypackham.com Images courtesy of The National Wedding Show Stockist; Ellie Sanderson Boutique 16 16 CONFETI
Matthew W illiamson Signature styles from his ready-to-wear collection are an unmistakable inspiration from his 2012 bridal collection. Oozing luxury and opulence, the line depicts the spirit of the brand and all its signature elements. The pieces are all characterised by feminine, diaphanous silhouettes, great attention to detail through the use of delicate pattern, hand beading and embroidery. matthewwilliamson.com Images courtesy of White Gallery London
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C ymbeline The 2012 collection is aimed at the ‘chic’ bride who is in touch with her femininity. Cymbeline are geniuses with lace, completely understanding the female form. Beautiful designs and flattering styles embody the character of the latest collection. As per usual, expect a unique combination of quality, grace and originality.
cymbeline.com
Images courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Week 18 CONFETI
V
ivienne
W estwood
For her 2012 offering Westwood has extended the collection to 20 styles, whilst remaining faithful to her strong belief that femininity ought to be celebrated. In a collection that reflects the independent woman that is the Westwood bride, her classic tailoring, corsetry, crinolines and soft lines are designed to enhance the feminine silhouette. Romantic yet strong, the colour palette ranges from traditional white and soft ivories through to champagne, dusty pinks, gold and a sumptuous, fiery red.
viviennewestwood.co.uk Images courtesy of The Luxury Wedding Show, London
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Make a Statement
An insight into the best bridal accessory trends for 2012 to ensure you keep ahead of the crowd for next year’s nuptials By Sangeeta Laudus
Image courtesy of dramatic-jewels.com 20 CONFETI
Rolled Gold 1930’s Etched Heart Locket by Violet Vintage Jewellery. £115 violetvintagejewellery.com
Alicia Jewelled Headband by Hermione Harbutt. £250.00 hermioneharbutt.co.uk
A
t consultations, we always advise our clients to be faithful to their own style and personality on their wedding day. It is important you still look like you but at the same time it is definitely worth experimenting with the latest trends and designs and have some fun in the process. Wedding accessories have got very exciting in recent years with vintage-inspired pieces taking the bridal world by storm, and we believe that the love of all things vintage will continue to dominate in 2012. So what will be hot next year and how do you choose the perfect accessories to go with your dress? Well, twenties-style
dresses and structured skirts look to be big news for wedding attire. But there will also be a revival of the whimsical and romantic with Victorian inspired creations corsets, ruffles and of course lace necklines most certainly inspired by a certain Princess Catherine’s iconic dress earlier this year. An antique silver headband is still an incredibly stylish and popular alternative to the classic tiara and would work well with retro and vintage designs. In 2012, headbands look to be getting wider and bolder, more wraparound than the thin single bands we saw in recent years with exquisite side detailing, sparkling geometric stones and floral depictions.
The Gatsby by Victoria Fergusson. £225.00 victoriafergusson.co.uk
Arabella Hairpin by Oliver Laudus. £35.99 olivierlaudus.com
Emily Earings by Chez Bec. £30.00 chezbec.com
Jewelled soft satin ribbon bands and ethnic-inspired headpieces are a nice way to set off the more bohemian style dresses seen on the new season catwalks, as are feather fascinators and fabric flower pins and headbands.
Beautiful art deco detailing on earrings and bracelets means you don’t need to wear heavy pieces. They can still make an impact through the pretty designs and as with everything, balance is the key, so if you are wearing a statement headpiece, more delicate jewellery is the key to getting the look right.
For brides-to-be who have always wanted to wear a tiara on their big day, the look to go for is classic and regal (rather than Cinderella princess-like.) There are plenty of designs available which won’t break the bank but could easily pass off as an heirloom having been beautifully crafted using gold or silver plating, freshwater pearls and crystals.
For more information on Olivier Laudus visit their online boutique www.olivierlaudus.com or call 44 20 8374 1239, shipping is available to Spain and Gibraltar. Bridal style consultations available by appointment or by telephone.
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Evoke a high level of style and couture-like detailing with these show stopping gowns
This silk taffeta gown’s simple and chic design perfectly complements the modern shape. The one shoulder trumpet cut neckline with crystal embellishment on the shoulder adds a contemporary edge. 22 CONFETI
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This creation offers a fun twist to the conventional wedding dress. Outer layers of tulles envelop a strapless neckline ideal for fashionable brides who desire a unique yet feminine and romantic feel. The main body of this design is embellished with beaded lace and a floral motif. The detachable puffed tulle accessory fastens with a crystal detailed bow on the shoulder. 24 CONFETI
A feminine strapless gown, this elegant and chic look is modern but still encompasses a romantic vision. The satin sash adds a distinctive touch to this fully beaded ensemble.
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The pleated features of this strapless taffeta gown accentuate the natural curves of the bride’s silhouette. A timeless design piece consisting of subtle crystal embroidered detailing. 26 CONFETI
Stockist: lusanmandongus.com
An alluring, chiffon, feminine style emphasised with a strapless sweetheart neckline, perfectly framing the physique and creating a beautifully classic masterpiece. CONFETI 27
Modern Classic
Inspired by the sweeping curves and geometric shapes of the Art Deco movement this dress from Delia Covezzi’s Autumn/Winter 2011-12 collection embodies the notion of ‘less is more’ and will ensure your bridesmaids convey pure elegance and sophistication. £450.00 deliacovezzi.com
What Dreams Are Made Of
Phillipa Lepley, one of the world’s leading Bridal couture designers, introduces ‘My Nirvana’. She has utilized her passion for detail, precision and embellishment. Romance and femininity remain at the forefront of Phillipa’s designs along with her mathematical obsession with proportion. phillipalepley.com
Beautiful Accomplishment
This year Watters is celebrating 25 years in the bridal business. A lot can change in a quarter-century, but with Watters, a few things have remained at the forefront: simple style, trendsetting, and a sincere business strategy. These constants have helped Watters become a leader in the world of bridal couture. watters.com
Glitz and Glamour
Martine Wester adds a touch of glamour when needed, this flower corsage is the ideal accessory for brides or their maids, oozing in femininity and romance. £35.00 martinewester.com
The White Zone
Our fashion team’s pick of what’s hot for brides and their maids
doir
Flutter-by fabulous
Boxes of confetti are not allowed in many churches and venues across Spain however Rice Butterflies are beautifully packaged and eco-friendly. If you want a reaction from your guests, these delicate Rice Butterflies soar for up to eight seconds while cameras capture the magic. Children will be captivated, giving your pictures the wow-factor. ricebutterflies.co.uk
Bridal Bou Children’s Couture
The new 2012 collection from Royal bridesmaid dress designer, Nicki Macfarlane, incorporates a beautiful new range of fabrics, silhouettes and stunning summer colours for flower girls and bridesmaids, making her the first choice for stylish brides this year. nikkimacfarlane.com
Belle Basque and Meredith Mini by Myla £150.00, £35.00 myla.com
Feather Trimmed Silk Chiffon Chemise by Jenny Packham £500.00 jennypackham.com
Art Nouveau Padded Embroidered Balcony Bra and Brief By Biba at House of Fraser £55.00, £30.00 houseoffraser.co.uk CONFETI 29
Theme your day
Hand tied Bouquet Priced from €75.00 jamesbailie.net
Amethyst Diamond Heart Pendant. £1800.00 dominicwalmsley.com
Roses and Orchids, a vintage style wedding cake adorned with fresh roses and orchids. POR sweetthingsbyfi.com
YSL Tribute high heel sandal in purple suede. £695.00 yvessaintlaurent.co.uk
Purple Square Favour Box. £0.50 thelastdetail.co.uk
One shoulder cocktail dress with organza sleeve. €90 lipsy.co.uk
Image courtesy of kelseyrose.co.uk
PURPLE REIGN
kelseyrose.co.uk
Damask wedding invitation. £2.95 madewithlovedesigns.co.uk
A purple wedding theme can range from something chic and feminine to something elegant and classical. Purple symbolizes dignity, tolerance and togetherness, while also being associated with royalty and spirituality. Two tier purple lilies cake. €360 cakecouturemarbella.com
John Charles A/W 2011. From £599 johncharles.co.uk
Mui Mui leather wristlet bag. €380 net-a-porter.com
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3 tiered purple wedding cake with sugar posy’s. €360 deliciouscakesandtreats.com
Small bouquet with purple hortensia, white gypsophila and white tuber rose. From €20 florvalentin.es
Designer P rofile
STAR STYLE I
n this exclusive interview, Nicola McGeorge talks to Maria Grachvogel about her mission to design for all women, destination wedding dresses and bath time with her son.
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As a child I...
immersed myself in gorgeous Vogue books and coveted the beauty, glamour and gorgeousness of clothes. I loved the transformation that occurred and longed to be a part of that world. I came to understand that I wanted to create magic and beauty that could be captured in that way and also wanted that magic and beauty to be deeply felt by the wearer. As a teenager, I became fascinated with size and shape. I could see around me so many different body shapes in my friends. I quickly learned that cut was everything; a badly cut pair of trousers could add a dress size and something well cut could hide what you wanted and emphasise what you wanted. I started cutting and making clothes for friends and myself. My aunt was an extremely skilled tailor so I was inspired and supported by her a lot.
I decided to move into bridal because… my clients asked me to! I realised there was a demand for wed-
ding dresses for women who still want to look and feel like themselves.
I am best known for my... cut, fit, comfort and versatility.
My greatest achievements are… whenever a client tries on a piece of my clothing, looks in the mirror and loves what she sees. I am extremely proud of the transformative effect that makes women feel like a million dollars.
In my latest bridal collection... the shapes are modern and sensual and away from the body. This season my woman feels feminine and free as well as powerful. I have exaggerated draping to create sculptural lines with fluid silks. I emphasised volume and proportion and there is an architectural and languid luxe quality that runs throughout.
I believe that...
you shouldn’t follow trends. The women whose styles I admire the most have a very strong sense of self and dress for their individuality rather than being dictated to by trends.
I am constantly inspired by... the woman, so this is always my starting point and tend to work from the inside out. Rather than projecting a ‘look’, I think about the mood and feeling I want to inhabit as a woman.
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Asha Amster wearing Maria Grachvogel sarareeve.com body. I love also seeing everything on the team as I learn how the pieces also work on different body shapes. Other regular occurrences in my day are catching up with J&D, our partners in Asia about the stores out there and how the sales performance has been. I also always spend some time with my core staff, my Commercial Manager, Production Manager, and Store Manager.
Our new flagship store is... such a wonderful and unique space at 18 Culford Gardens, London SW3 that is absolutely perfect
for us. I fell in love with it instantly after a long search for the right ‘home’. My vision was to create an intimate space that would not only inspire me creatively but would provide a retreat for everyone who comes to visit us. It is so important to me to keep my atelier within the store and be close to the woman who wears the clothes – after all, making a woman feel fabulous is at the heart of all my work. The luxe environment references the artist Tamara de Lempicka and the Art Deco movement with black Perspex, mirror detail and the use of original 1930s furniture which has been sourced individually from all over Europe. I wanted it to feel like a collection that had been built up over time, like you would have in your home. My absolute favourite, is the pop up cocktail cabinet housed in a coffee table. It was also important to me that the space was flexible and could develop over time. I painted some curtains and furniture using my Artwork Print technique, all of which will be available to buy. When they are sold, it is lovely to have the ability to replace them with something different.
I rush out of the door just in time to have bath time with my son Ansel. Day to day I tend to wear Artwork print tops and magic pants. The prints are washable silk so are mum-friendly as well as being beautiful!
I would like to continue to.... expand other product lines. I have seen a successful launch of my first shoe collection, Atalanta
Weller for Maria Grachvogel. I have wanted to do shoes for a very long time, so this is exciting for me. It is a capsule collection that will grow season on season. We have just opened our store in Singapore so I would love to achieve a great first season there. The reaction in the first few weeks has surpassed my highest hopes which is fantastic. We have opened two flagship stores and two shop in shops so far in Asia. The clientele there really appreciates what I do so I am excited about continuing to develop the brand in that market.
My bridal range is ideal for.... a destination wedding. You want to feel relaxed and comfortable especially when you are getting married abroad. Perhaps you could consider a print.
There really is no average When choosing your day but... the beginning is always the same. My wedding dress......choose morning walk in to the studio is a wonderful start and gives something that makes you feel like yourself, something me time to consider my main goals for the day. I often remember a few things to add to the list, so jot these down in my notebook as I walk. I also stop off en route to the Serpentine cafe where I picked up a latte this morning. I don’t have coffee every day, but when I do, this is my favourite place to have it. The focus of my day varies depending what point in the season it is. If it is in the months running up to fashion week, the focus is sampling and my favourite part of this process is when the new samples are ready. My team and I are like children in a sweet shop when the parcel arrives from my atelier in Poland and everyone gets involved in trying things on. I go through each piece one by one and try everything myself as it’s so important to me to know how the garment feels to wear as well as how it looks on the 34 34 CONFETI
that you feel comfortable in because you will then appear more relaxed and more beautiful. For example, I got married in a wonderful white, wide leg catsuit because I wear catsuits all the time and I wanted to dance all night!
A bride would get from a Maria Grachvogel wedding dress... comfort, ease, sensuality and individuality. mariagrachvogel.com
Award-winning celebrity hairdresser RICHARD WARD is one of the industry’s leading lights, and the media’s ‘most wanted’ hairdresser. Richard and his colleague James Pryce were responsible for Catherine Middleton’s hair on her wedding day.
The Unveiling “ One of the most common questions that I get asked by brides is,
will I suit a veil? Every bride can look
fantastic with a veil, but it must complement their hair style, enhance the dress, and be placed correctly. If you’re confused about your options, continue reading the most commonly asked bridal questions ”
What shade of veil suits warm and cool hair tones?
What about veil placement?
What length of veil suits what hair length?
What styles best suit veils that are worn at the front, crown or back of your head?
If your hair tone is cool, then a white veil will look fantastic, however if you have a warmer hair colour like a deep brunette, then try opting for a shade such as oyster.
The length of the veil should always be an afterthought to the decided hair style as the final hair style will not only guide what length the veil should be, but also help to decide the placement of the veil.
What’s a good hair style to wear with your veil?
A chignon is a great style option as the hair is secure and firmly dressed in place. It has much more longevity than blow-dried hair that can easily drop over time.
Veil placement should be decided once a hair style has been selected and tried out. The style of dress will also have a bearing.
Front: Shorter styles and chignons are great when you’re working with a tiara. Crown: Half up half down. Back: If the veil is to be worn as more of an overall look, it looks excellent when placed behind the tiara.
What about if you definitely
want a down do? How do you fix a veil in place?
In order to fix the veil into a down do, you’ll need to work a braid, plait or hidden braid into the hair style to give the fixing comb something to be anchored onto. Sewing the veil onto a braid is also an option.
Any tips for the mother of the bride, or whoever will be removing the veil, to ensure minimal disruption to the hairstyle? Be very gentle and use a very fine, long, straight pin to ease the hair away from the fixing comb to limit any damage. To book an appointment at the Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, call 020 7730 1222 or visit www.richardward.com CONFETI 37
Celebrity make-up artist ARIANE POOLE, whose clients have included everyone from Penelope Cruz to Uma Thurman, answers your bridal dilemmas. In the Spanish heat I know that my foundation will slide off quickly. Help! There are 2 things that you can do. Firstly do not apply a moisturiser on the day of your wedding, instead the best thing for you to use is a mattifying primer. This will keep shine at bay and keep your make-up on longer. Apply before foundation or concealer. Laura Mercier has a selection of primers. No7 (from Boots) does a Matte Under Make-up Base. My range (arianepoole.com) also includes an Instant T-zone Mattifier. Note these are great de-shine grooms as well.
Beauty Crush
I never wear a lot of make-up and do not like the overdone look, particularly with foundation, can you suggest an alternative? You don’t have to use a foundation, why not try a tinted moisturiser? Lancome do a great one. Or you could try using just a concealer. I love using just concealer on brides who don’t like foundation because I can hide imperfections without hiding the whole face. I am useless at applying liquid liner. Do you have any tips? If you are struggling with a liquid liner why not try a gel liner instead. They are very easy to use and give the same effect as a liquid, plus they are waterproof. Gel liners can be found at Bobbi Brown, Mac and Clinique. I do not want to spend my whole wedding day applying lipstick. Can you recommend one that will stay on and not dry my lips? As you know there are many longlasting lipsticks out there. I really like the Mac double-ended ones. These have a stain on one side and a gloss on the other. The other thing you could try is a lip stain by Benefit. Or you could try using a pencil in your favourite colour then adding a lipstick or gloss in a matching shade over the top. When I am nervous I tend to get really rosy cheeks, is there anything I can do? You are not alone in your dilemma. Many brides I have made-up have the same problem. I found the best solution is to apply your foundation or tinted moisturiser first then apply a concealer with a yellow undertone. Pat it on, don’t rub. Then, if you need it, finish with a light dusting of powder.
Ariane is available for Bridal Make-up Master Classes - for more information go to arianepoole.com Image courtsey of dramatic-jewels.com
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Dr. Kai O. Kaye Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery EBOPRAS Full Member of the German Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery DGPRĂ„C Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga (No.29/2909452)
Facelift Blepharoplasty Rhinoplasty Otoplasty Breast lift /reduction /augmentation Labiaplasty Abdominoplasty Liposuction Thigh lift Brachioplasty Scar correction Deep Peeling Botox - Filler Dental aesthetics Facial feminization
The Perfect Silhouette Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and on this special occasion, you want to look your most beautiful ever. Whether you want to refine your body or give a new, radiant look to your face, our team at Ocean Clinic will help you to achieve your goal by offering you a free, professional and personalised consultation to assess your needs and give you a choice of possible treatments, from the smallest, non-invasive last minute touch, to a carefully planned surgical procedure. At Ocean Clinic our goal is to help you look your best for the greatest day of your life.
Av. Ramon y Cajal, 7 - 29600 Marbella +34 951 775 518 - Mob : 670 770 455 info@oceanclinic.net - www.oceanclinic.net
Groom
Stockist: mytuxedo.co.uk
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Men in Black Mix smooth and textured fabrics with a little bling to make a big impact on your wedding day.
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Yodo £1350 CONFETI 43
Bowie £1150 44 CONFETI
Paladio £1350 CONFETI 45
Front: Lenon £1250 Back: Helio £1350 Stockist: groomformalhire.com 46 CONFETI
Each issue GILES BROWN shares his comedic insight into the wedding world from a refreshingly humorous male perspective.
IT’S GOOD TO GIVE F
orget the headache about who you are going to be seated next to at the service, which nearby B&B you and the boys are going to crash out in (and how to avoid sharing a room with your mate who snores) and taking bets on who might get lucky with one of the bridesmaids. One of the biggest headaches in the marriage minefield is choosing a wedding gift for the lucky couple. If there is a wedding list prepared, then
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perhaps the best advice is to get in quick and snap up the best value and/or original items. No one wants to be known as the guy who got the happy twosome his and her towels. It marks you out as unimaginative and stingy. And don’t think that you can get out of giving a wedding present because of the economic crisis. Online wedding gift list service Zankyou has made some interesting discoveries about how the credit crunch is
affecting our generosity when it comes to weddings. It seems that as much as we’re feeling the pinch, we’re still feeling the love, as guests continue to give generously in spite of the economic climate. My Big Fat Greek Eurocrisis Wedding anyone? The second annual Zankyou wedding gift survey found that, in a year in which many countries are facing plummeting stock markets and house
values, average wedding gift amounts have fallen just 2.18% from £139.03 in 2010 to £136 in 2011. Of the fourteen countries surveyed, the UK lies in 10th place in terms of average gift amounts with an average contribution of £97, compared to a whopping £200 back in 2009, and this year falling behind Ireland (£102), The United States (£109) and, um, Mexico (£112). Mexico? Poor show, Blighty and Uncle Sam. Spaniards, on aver-
age, give almost 50% more than 2nd-placed Italy at £300 versus £202 respectively, and more than double the average amounts in Portugal (£152) and France (£117). Mind you when you consider that a Spanish wedding is likely to go on for three or four days and guests will eat and drink their hosts dry, it seems only fair to get a decent present. Helen Jones, UK Editor of Zankyou.com, said “Our findings show that wedding gift-giving varies dramatically across Europe. We were surprised to find that people in some of the countries that are struggling in the credit crunch have actually given more to couples than others whose economies are currently stronger. It just goes to show that traditions relating to wedding gift-giving are still influential, especially in Mediterranean countries.” If you’re feeling stingy, remember that these amounts are per contribution, not per individual, as some contributions are made by couples, families or even groups of friends. If you’re part of a gift syndicate and you’re still feeling stingy, then you probably are a bit stingy. Yet never fear, through my exhaustive research as a wedding guest, I have some great suggestions that every bride will love.
A Spa Gift Certificate Every bride I’ve known has been stressed out before her wedding day. An inexpensive manicure or pedicure will help her look great at pre-wedding events, tense muscles will love a massage, and a facial will help her skin look fantastic for wedding pictures. Or splurge and get her a full-day of beauty that will allow for maximum relaxation time. A Book That Will Make Her Laugh Along those same lines, the stressed-out bride needs to laugh. Why not give her a book such as “Diary of a Mad Bride” a comedic tale told in diary format. After pooh poohing her friends engaged mania, suddenly the protagonist finds herself being THAT crazy bride. If that’s not her taste, try a wedding comedy movie or tickets to see some stand-up - laughter is, after all, the best medicine. Confirmation of Youth Remind her that getting married doesn’t have to mean changing who she is, with a bottle of her favourite tipple or a coupon for a girls night out. If she’s not a wild girl, give her the same kind of present that you would have given her if she wasn’t getting married - she’ll still love the soppy movie, or the funky t-shirt.
Honeymoon Gift If you know where she’s planning on honeymooning, she’ll love a helpful guidebook on the spot, or appropriate accessories, (beach blanket for a Caribbean honeymoon, cashmere scarf for a ski-resort getaway, etc.) A History of Her Fiance’s Family She’s gaining a whole new set of family members, but she probably doesn’t have ANY idea of who they are! A thoughtful gift might be a labelled photo album with all of the new people in her family, or a beautiful groom’s family tree (make sure you include the bride!). Of course, with some of the “interesting characters” on the coast, this might not be a wise idea... Gifts for the Groom are always going to be easier. Just base them around “Chillaxin” - BBQ, Bar and Sports themes are always going to be popular and gadgets are always a winner. Try a cocktail-making kit, complete with a mixer and recipe book, stainless steel barbecue kit (tongs, grid, gloves, apron and so on), gimmicky beer mugs (these may have funny sayings on them or have a 1-litre capacity, for example), bar fridge (of course, a well-stocked bar fridge is even better), designer cuff links, an MP3 player or iPod, a bar table
and chairs (if he is planning on having his own bar area) or maybe even a luxurious dressing gown and slippers. The latter is something of a guilty pleasure. I have two. A lightweight Japanese silk job for summer (so that I spring, Bruce Lee like, from the bathroom) and a more heavyweight number for winter, especially useful in my new place overlooking the lake. With a hint of the Arabian this hooded garment is excellent for greeting the fishermen first thing in the morning with a throaty Allah Akbah!!!! They normally clear off within the hour. And then there are the no nos. Sex toys for example. No newlyweds are going to appreciate a gift with “Vlad the Impaler” on the packaging. And be careful if you decide to give them art. Don’t assume that your taste in art is the same as the couple’s -- one person’s Picasso is another person’s “what were you thinking?” A few examples have included a 3-D painting of horses, a ceramic fish statue, a handpainted lucky horseshoe and a ceramic angel in a bathtub. Other “WTF???” gifts have included a € 15 garage rack for a couple that didn’t even have a garage, a mop and a bottle of vinegar vegetables. And a card saying “Hope this one works out for you” is just asking for trouble!
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Location, Location
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estled close to the picturesque village of Benahavis lies El Cortijo de Los Caballos, a tropical haven of palm trees, flower beds, lawned terraces and romantic sheltered courtyards, an ideal setting for the most quintessential Spanish wedding. Following a recent refurbishment and new management, the Cortijo is now one of the most popular wedding venues in southern Spain. Secluded and private, it embodies an intimate ambiance but is also in close proximity to Marbella town and the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol. Having retained all the rustic charm and character of the original stables, it comprises of authentic, AndalucĂan gardens, a three bedroom cottage and ten Casitas, ideal for accommodating your family and friends, particularly if you are interested in making the most of your moment and opting for a two or three day wedding. The two suites available for the bride and groom each offer their own unique fairytale feature, an idyllic private garden for that memorable, secluded moment and a Romeo and Juliet-esque balcony, perfect for viewing the celebrations below from the privacy of your own terrace. The main body of the Cortijo has been designed combining an eclectic mix of Spanish and Moroccan dĂŠcor, selected to emphasize the Moorish architecture.
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Magic
Where the
begins
All photos on this page - Gary Tapp - YourWeddingMoments.com
Anna Gazda @ limelight.pl The extensive mature grounds bursting with pine trees and rare tropical plants are the most striking attribute of the Cortijo, vast enough to accommodate a large wedding party of up to 150; circling the beautiful lagoon style swimming pool. With all bedrooms boasting direct access to the lawn, this scenic area is ideal for a post wedding day BBQ or lunch. The pool extends from the beach area, making it suitable for young children, whilst the pool bar is the perfect place for adult guests to spend the afternoon or recover from the previous day’s celebrations. The Cortijo works closely with Terrasana Catering, who use fresh, local produce and are an ideal collaboration for this rustic setting. Choose from an authentic Spanish tapas assortment, to a specialist BBQ or Moroccan feast. All gourmet options can be sampled beforehand at your complementary tasting held at the Cortijo, the ideal pre wedding treat. As if you weren’t excited enough already! Run by a young family, the personal touch is evident the moment you set foot on the grounds. Rachel, the inhouse planner, has built up an extensive list of the best suppliers on the coast and offers an elite planning service personalised to your every desire. Whether you want to step back and allow her to arrange everything from cakes and catering to entertainment and decoration, or simply
utilize her advice for the final touches, she is on hand to ensure your day is all you could wish for. Rachel’s planning is particularly design led and her décor and design package is exceptionally popular, as she knows better than anyone how to maximize the splendor and majesty of the location. The beauty of the Cortijo is the flexibility it offers; from the
Anna Gazda @ limelight.pl
longevity of hire to the choice of companies you select, the options are endless. The only necessity is that your ultimate bespoke wedding is achieved. This is where your dreams really do become a reality. TESTIMONIALS “We had been searching for hotels around the area of
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YourWeddingMoments.com Marbella for us, close family and friends to stay at over the weekend during the time of my wedding in Estepona. Whilst looking around at all the options, we came across El Cortijo de los Caballos. When we visited this venue, from the moment we walked through the gates we knew this was the ideal setting we had been looking for. With the stunning gardens, swimming pool and beautiful bedrooms, this venue took my breath away. I could think of no other place to spend my time relaxing and making the most of my wedding weekend than here, especially as I could share it with the people I wanted to the most” Nicola Blasket
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Anna Gazda @ limelight.pl
El Cortijo de los Caballos Camino de Cortes 46 Ctra Cadiz km 168 29680 Estepona +34 697 409 841 elcortijodeloscaballos.com
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A ray of E
mily Jane Brown has been running Tarifa Weddings, a wedding planning service based in Tarifa, Cadiz, for the last 7 years. Emily was born and raised in London, and after briefly working in the wedding industry in the UK, she moved to Spain eight years ago and started her own business. Now, she and her team organise weddings and private events along the length of the Costa del Sol, specialising around the Costa de la Luz, an up-and-coming area for people looking for the authentic side of southern Spain.
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Light Photos by pierrerichardsonphotography.com
The Costa de la Luz, with its white sandy beaches and stunning backdrops of the national park, boasts some of the most incredible venues, from old cortijos and sherry bodegas, to modern hotels and restaurants. Further inland, stunning fincas with private gardens offer a perfect choice for a wedding destination. “We love organising weddings in this part of the world. It attracts such a fantastic mix of people, and the unique energy created here by the meeting of two oceans and two continents, the fact you
can have your wedding in lush national park or on a seemingly endless white sandy beach gazing across to Africa, is something truly special.� Marrying on the Costa de la Luz not only gives you around a 30% saving on your UK and Ireland weddings, the variety here is extensive; the venues range massively in quality and style, it’s a good idea to get a varied shortlist of venues to see before you get here and choose an independent planner who can tell you the pros and cons of each.
The nearest airports to the area are Jerez, offering regular flights from the UK and Ireland with low cost airlines, and Gibraltar, which is only a 35 minute drive away from Tarifa (the first town on the coast). The Costa de la Luz is known for its array of activities and excursions including kiting, windsurfing, horse riding, hiking and climbing. Other excursions include dolphin and whale watching through the straits, or for a more relaxed ambiance, tapas and wine tasting in the authentic Spanish restaurants.
jobs to them. Family members time to party afterwards in the cool can often be of great help as they If you see yourself getting married of the early evening. know everyone at the wedding, so on a white sandy beach set up your planner should welcome the * Avoid having your hen or stag with a bamboo altar covered in assistance. flowing white organza, combined party the night before the wedwith a relaxed informal ceremony ding. Alcohol measures here are with your guests sipping on free flowing, and what you think * Try to plan your wedding later in the day. Typically weddings in the Mojitos, sherry poorers and tapas is a single G&T could actually be UK take place around lunchtime, canapés, followed by a laid-back the equivalent of three! Also the but there are many reasons why BBQ’s or buffet, fire dancers at bars open much later so when you this doesn’t work when you marry sunset and the funkiest DJ’s and take yourself home at 4am after in Spain. band playing until the sunrise, this sixteen very large drinks, you may It’s too hot! People have travelled is the place for you! be grateful for a day’s recovery a long way already; if possible try before the wedding itself! to keep the ceremony, reception, and accommodation in one place. * Brides (and grooms, in fact This avoids unnecessary transfers, anyone in the wedding party) An important part of our service is and helps keep the time schedule to recommend venues and supon track. pliers, give legal guidance, and It’s too hot! This is why days start advise on wedding etiquette, but and finish later here in Spain, so also to share with you the wealth why not get into the Spanish spirit of experience we have gathered in by doing as the locals do? order to make your wedding day It’s just too hot!! Temperatures in southern Spain as stress-free as can reach 40 degrees here in possible. summer and wearing a wedding dress or formal suits in those conHere are some handy tips towards ditions is no fun for anyone. Aim achieving that goal: to have the ceremony between 5pm and 7pm, allowing enough * When drawing up your guest list, daylight for the photos (with some do not assume that half of the great sunset shots) and plenty of people will not come because the wedding is in Spain! Thanks to low cost airlines, return flights can cost as little as €60 in mid season, and some people will combine your wedding with their annual holiday. Estimate around only 25% of your guests not making it as you will not be sure until you receive the RSVP’s back!
Tips & Advice
resist at all cost the temptation to speed-tan as soon as you land! Unless you have the skin of a Brazilian goddess and are sponsored by baby oil, we advise factor 25 or above! (for the run-up at least). Avoiding this common pitfall should safeguard against flamingo-pink congregations and unsightly bikini strap marks!!! For more information about getting married on the Costa de la Luz contact Tarifa Weddings info@tarifaweddings.com tarifaweddings.com
* Planning a wedding from afar
can sometimes result in some key members of the family and bridal party feeling left out. Make arrangements with your planner to meet before the wedding to go over the schedule for the day. At this point, if anyone wants to get involved, your planner can allocate
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Confeti Recommends...
The Art Of
Observation
A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. ~Eudora Welty
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ne of the most important factors of any wedding is the photography. The photos are all that is left when everything else has been packed away. It’s the pictures that will be looked at by generations to come. You only get one chance to capture your wedding day, so it is wise to employ a professional photographer for this important task. Owen Farrell is an established professional wedding photographer known
for his distinctive creative style which focuses on storytelling in the most artistic and compelling way. Having trained in cinematography working on a wide range of movies for the past twelve years, he implements this experience into his photography.
His style is a visually stunning mix of candid black & white and colour imagery, offering compelling imagery mixed with a stylish natural photojournalism look. Owen loves the diversity of shooting weddings. He prides himself on the fact that it is his job to record your day as it happens, in a way that reflects your own memories of the day. Unobtrusive, for the most part, he will be a silent observer waiting in the wings for those precious moments to present themselves. Always striving to be more creative and inventive in his photography, Owen loves having this opportunity at every wedding he photographs. He uses only the best products available worldwide, including beautiful hand bound bespoke designed
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Picturesquely
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Beautiful wedding photography.... naturally! Owen shoots weddings both in Spain and internationally. Amanda Tordal Sept 2O11 The photos look amazing! I cannot wait to see every single one! What amazing scenery… You completely captured the spirit of our big day. You were so professional and so wonderful to work with. By far, the best day of my life… and thanks to you I will have these many memories to look at for the rest of our lives. I will recommend your photography to everyone I know. owenfarrellphotography.com or a pre wedding lunch to meet and greet your nearest and dearest.
a Vista de Medina takes its name from the exceptional views enjoyed from many of the terraces and the flower filled gardens brimming with fragrant trees. Nestled in the picturesque village of Medina Sidonia lies the imaginatively finished rambling property owned by Gary and Kirsty Biston. Married themselves in Spain, they understand everything required to achieve your perfect wedding or celebration. If you require a Catholic wedding ceremony, look no further. The beautiful 15th century church, set on a typical Andaluz Plaza is less than a 100m stroll from La Vista de Medina, meaning no need for taxis or coaches to shuttle you and your guests to and from, needlessly break up the rhythm of your day. Alternatively, Gibraltar is less than an hour away where civil wedding ceremonies in English are available. For an added twist, those who would like to opt for a blessing following their official ceremony, La Vista offers a number of locations. Choose from the enchanting gardens, the majestic celebration room or
photographic books. The finished books and albums are as innovative and creative as the photography.
Kirsty is the ultimate planner. She personally knows everyone in the area, from the Mayor to the local priest, meaning you really do not have to worry about a single thing. When arranging a wedding, she does so with such love and enthusiasm, you really cannot help but get swept away in the moment.
even the secluded patio garden with its decorative plunge pool and cascade. A special touch La Vista de Medina offers is the ability to accommodate you and your bridal party. With six elegant suites individually appointed with crisp cotton sheets, plump feather pillows, mini kitchenettes and comfortable lounge areas, you and your closest family and friends can enjoy more than just the wedding day together. Gary and Kirsty can arrange a post wedding brunch to help soak up the previous days’ champagne
Our editor, who visited La Vista de Medina this summer, is still going on about the food. “It is everything that Spain used to be”, she explains. “Quaint, family orientated, great value, complete with cobbled streets and a magnificent church, the kind that every girl dreams of getting married in.” La Vista de Medina really does have everything. La Vista de Medina Plaza de la Iglesia Mayor 11170 - Medina Sidonia Cádiz, Spain T (+34) 956 41 00 69 M (+34) 646489069 lavistademedina.com andaluciahideaways.com
Ltheove on
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Rock
The latest wedding news from Gibraltar
Throw a weekend wedding in the sun
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ever want your wedding celebrations to end? Why have a wedding day, when you can have a wedding weekend. Your wedding day is loaded with more expectations than any other day in your life. But this pressure means that when the celebrations come to an end many brides and grooms feel as if they have actually missed out on much of their day. Months of planning are over within a few hours, which can leave a bride a bit shell-shocked. It’s for this reason that some couples choose to spread their celebrations over two or EVEN three days. Celebrating over a whole weekend is particularly relevant if you are having a wedding abroad. Coming to Spain or Gibraltar will be a huge deal for some of your guests and asking them to join you for a single day might not feel right after all they have done to be part of your big day. A weekend wedding doesn’t have to mean a more extravagant one, it can be achieved even on the most modest of budgets. In Gibraltar you 58 CONFETI
have the options of several hotels, all within different price ranges, apartments to hire, and Spain is a stone’s throw away. The day before the wedding, invite your guests for an informal BBQ or wedding rehearsal dinner. If you leave a modest amount behind the bar and provide a drink on arrival, no one will mind paying for the rest of the evening. You can guarantee your guests will just be delighted to be there, plus drinks are much cheaper in Gibraltar compared to the UK! “Last year one of our brides invited everyone to a sunset cruise around the Bay of Gibraltar, where drinks and snacks were served on board. The formal wedding party at the Mons Calpe Suite on Saturday was followed by a relaxed brunch on Sunday on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea,” recalled Jeanette from Mediterranean Weddings.” If you are holding an event like this, I recommend a wedding planner. They are invaluable for creating a specific character for each event, which really is important. They will also have a list of quirky, interesting and reliable venues for a range of budgets.
I can highly recommend a weekend wedding, even if it means inviting fewer guests. You can rest assured every single guest will get to know each other and generally have a fabulous time. After a welcome dinner or activity your guests will all feel totally relaxed in each other’s company and creating an intimate family orientated event means that everyone can enjoy the build up to the wedding together. For more information Tel (+34) 679 851 204 or (+350) 58008355 info@medweddings.com medweddings.com medweddingsexpress.com
Magical MOMENTS
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ibraltar is the ultimate wedding destination, with its gorgeous scenery, warm weather and fun-filled activities; it is one of the few holiday locations where you can experience an authentically traditional wedding, in a church. Choosing to get married in Gibraltar means you can capture that picture perfect moment of walking down the aisle and sharing your vows with all your family and friends in a legally binding service. If you prefer a simpler affair, Gibraltar is also the ideal destination for civil weddings, which are not only offered at the registry office but also in the surrounding beautiful botanical gardens and hotels. With the location decided, your next vital ingredient is who to rely on to capture all those magical moments. John Green is a well-known, established wedding
photographer based in Gibraltar; with over ten years’ experience, he is familiar with the surroundings and has an excellent working relationship with the leading wedding venues and registrars in the region. John also offers videography services and his unique, non-intrusive style will catch all the best moments and emotions for you to treasure forever. A selection of enticing packages are available, from traditional to contemporary, all built around your specific budget requirements. Everything from just the ceremony to following the bride and groom from the morning until the first dance is possible, the key is flexibility and ensuring the happy couple can relive every moment they wish in pictures. John is one of the few to offer modern digital albums, a fashionable alternative to traditional albums. Meticulously designed
in a style that compliments your theme of the day; the pages are printed using the latest technology and bound using a continuous page binder to ensure every page opens to reveal a perfect panoramic view. Following your wedding, John will create an
online wedding gallery to enable your friends and family to order whatever images they desire, easily and cost effectively ensuring you and your nearest and dearest have tangible memories of your special day. johnpv.com CONFETI 59
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Love AIR
ONFETI talks to...
IS IN THE Interview by Christie Holland
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ino Paul Bossino, the manager of the newly refurbished Mons Calpe Suite in Gibraltar is responsible for turning brides’ dreams into a reality. He is renowned for his professionalism, commitment to excellence and eye for detail, characteristics that are invaluable when planning an occasion as important as a wedding. Confeti decided it was time to meet with Mr Bossino and learn a little more about the man behind this picturesque venue.
Let’s start at the beginning, can you tell me a little bit about your early career and how you ended up working in hospitality? Has it always been a dream, or something you fell in love with over time? My Father was the General Manager of Gibraltar’s most prestigious hotel for over 30 years, so along with my siblings I grew up in an hotel environment. So the pedigree was already there. Once I took the decision to follow a career in the hospitality industry, I enrolled in a Hotel Management degree program with the Savoy Hotel and Westminster College in London. On completion of the four year degree and training I joined the Lowes Group at the Churchill Hotel. I then gained further experi60 CONFETI
ence at the Mayfair and Britannia Hotels, both part of the luxury chain, Inter Continental Hotel Group. By then, being fully versed in Hotel Management, I was asked to become their Middle East Director of Sales & Marketing, which exposed me to the opulence and six star luxury that is the Persian Gulf.
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The Mons Calpe Suite is truly spectacular, how did you end up working at the Top of the Rock? The recently renovated suite is exceptionally designed; it is contemporary yet comfortable, has a magnificent circular room offering 220 degree views and boasts its own private terrace with retractable glass roof. It is truly one of
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a kind (this was confirmed to me by H.E. the Swiss Ambassador to the United Kingdom who recently dined with us). So coming from a good Gibraltarian hotelier stock and having an understanding and appreciation for the local and business market, combined with my knowledge and experience in hospitality, it was only natural that I should manage such an excellent and unique venue. What does your daily schedule involve? Would you consider yourself an operational manager or are you more office-based? Due to the dynamic location of the Mons Calpe Suite, at the very top of the Rock, I do not have a daily schedule as such. It very much depends on the type of day and what events we have in our diary. However there are meetings with clients, chefs and wine merchants, reports have to be read and ap-
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We do not have our own in-house catering team and do outsource, this has its advantages as we are not tied down to a particular chef which helps us cater for every palate. We can therefore offer anything from a very formal dining option to cocktails and canapĂŠs. Before I use a particular caterer I have various meetings with their chefs, discuss menu options and taste their food. I will only accept the highest of food standards.
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proved and emails need to be answered, which takes me into my office, but I do prefer a more ‘hands on’ approach to management.
cakes and photography. The suite has also been fitted with an audio visual system that allows the client to personalise their wedding down to the last musical detail. I always recommend, if possible, for the couple to meet with either myself or a member of my team so that we can discuss and go through every minute detail.
Can you take us through the wedding process, will the couple have the opportunity to meet and discuss all the details with yourself prior to the big day? The Mons Calpe Suite caters for all tastes. We offer a variety of services such as helping with accommodation, flower arrangements, bridal hair and make-up, wedding
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Do you have your own in-house catering team or do you outsource catering staff? Are you able to offer formal and informal dining options?
I believe there is an array of legalities for couples opting to take their vows in Gibraltar, are you or a member of your team knowledgeable of these details and able to assist? The Suite is one of the very few locations where civil ceremonies are allowed to be held outside the Gibraltar Registry Office, so my team are aware of the legalities and can provide certain information, however, we do suggest that the couples contact the Registry Office directly as there are documents that need to be presented and notarised at least 24 hours before the actual ceremony can take place.
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What has been your favorite wedding at the Mons Calpe Suite? Our first ever Jewish wedding followed by a very relaxed Kosher BBQ which was catered for by an excellent London-based company. Do you have any humorous stories you can share with us from an event or wedding held at the Mons Calpe Suite? We had a couple who booked their day, arrived at the Suite and the Registrar did not show up for the ceremony. When we contacted the office we were told that they had not presented the documents to be notarised. Panic set in. My team pulled out all the stops, we managed to get a nerve-stricken bride-to-be, in her full wedding gown, down to the registry office whilst the bridegroom-to-be was rushed back to their hotel to collect the documents, whilst we liaised with the Registrar and Lawyers to have the documents notarised as soon as possible, remember we sit at 412meters on top of the Rock, so not an easy task. Meanwhile their guests, especially the children, had to be entertained! I am glad to say it was all resolved and the wedding went ahead albeit three hours later! I would not call it humorous but it was certainly memorable.
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we offer a variety of services, our catering options offer a full range of canapĂŠs, buffets and Ă la carte menus, so whatever atmosphere the couple wishes to create, my team can help achieve this. +350 200 79478 events@monscalpesuite.com monscalpesuite.com photocentre.gi
Have there been any prominent wedding themes evident this year? Scottish, do not ask me why! Why do you believe the Mons Calpe Suite is the perfect wedding venue? As mentioned, Mons Calpe Suite fits all tastes. Apart from its unique position and spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Spain and Africa,
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Take a closer look...
A vibrant destination that combines the spirit of the Mediterranean with British Tradition.
For information: GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD UK: +44(0)20 7836 0777 info@gibraltar.gov.uk
For information: GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD UK: +44(0)20 7836 0777 info@gibraltar.gov.uk
Exceeding Your
Expectations Celebrate your special day at Sunset Beach Club Interview by Christie Holland
unityphotography.co.uk
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ing of ceremony, photographer, flowers, make-up, wedding car, wedding planner, banquet, wine, cake etc,) but at the same time we are flexible and will mould and match the contents to suit each individual couple. So if a couple are looking to elope to sandy shores or if they have to accommodate a large family turnout we will guarantee all their needs are catered for.
One of the biggest advantages at Sunset Beach Club is that the entire wedding party may be accommodated under one roof. This makes it much easier for rehearsals, final last minute adjustments to wedding plans, hen parties not to mention the family get-together with a BBQ on the beach the day after. Sunset Beach Club also boasts a
range of different and varied venues from formal banqueting suites; informal beach locations, Polynesian style venues “al fresco”, to bars and discos, something to appeal to every taste. Apart from sitting on the waters edge Sunset Beach Club is also within a 10 minute drive to a number of quaint Spanish style churches.
laire Mitchell has worked at Sunset Beach Club for over fifteen years thus having gained valuable insight into all aspects of the location and the services they offer. She is now responsible for making brides’ dreams come true and ensuring every wedding at Sunset Beach Club is a true spectacle.
Why is Sunset Beach such a popular venue? Location, price and flexibility are the keys attractions for Sunset Beach Club. These days, brides are looking for an all in one package that basically covers everything from start to finish, with a final price tag. Our complete Wedding Packages are very comprehensive (consist64 CONFETI
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What is a day like in the life of Claire Mitchell? I am based at Sunset Beach Club and work from an office that has been especially designed to welcome couples wishing to discuss their wedding plans in private. We have testimonials; photo albums and samples of wedding accessories at hand to help couples make those important decisions. We work with a number of wedding planners along the coast although our in-house planner is Kerry VearSmyth. On a daily basis I answer all the online/phone/e-mail enquiries from prospective wedding couples within our targeted 24 hour deadline and ensure that they receive an introduction to our wedding packages and venues. For those candidates that feel that Sunset Beach Club is a possible contender for their wedding venue, this is then followed up with additional information, guidance and advice before referring the couples to our wedding planner whose first task is to secure the date, book the Priest/Minister and collect the holding deposit.
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What is the first step once a couple has decided on Sunset Beach Club as their wedding location? As soon as the couple make the decision to marry abroad it is important to select a date and to decide whether they wish to marry in a church or have a seafront blessing. The former is internationally recognized whereas the latter is not, so wedding vows have to be exchanged beforehand either at home or locally in Gibraltar. We will then check with the clergy for availability, confirm the date and venue and set the ball rolling
Can you tell us about the menu variations you have available, and what options have been popular this year?
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Often couples don’t know where to start so we have a selection of recommended menus from
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unityphotography.co.uk which to choose. Although these are varied annually, due to high demand we have had to keep the traditional roast turkey and ham on our menus for yet another year. However, with menus starting at 43€/pp – 65€/pp there is something to suit every taste, and we are flexible in that these may be mixed and matched or if you prefer to give us your menu choice we will price this up for you.
Do you have a humorous story you can share with us from one of your recent weddings?
The only thing that I can think of was the groom that forgot his trousers. The problem was that most guests had brought one pair of decent trousers and there were no spare ones kicking around. Therefore Kerry sat in the Panorama bar whilst one of the guests lent a pair of trousers to the best man, who then gave his ‘posh’ trousers to the groom. During this time the men were wandering around the hotel all trying on various pairs of trousers trying to come up with the best outcome for all concerned. Moral of the story – make sure that the trousers are on the hanger under the suit before getting on the plane!!!
Finally, is there anything else you would like to add about Sunset Beach Club that we haven’t touched on? One thing we haven’t mentioned is our accommodation. A wedding abroad is also a holiday for the guests of the bride and groom, and is a fabulous way for the two families and friends to meet and spend time together, so it is important that everyone is comfortable in their sur-
unityphotography.co.uk 66 CONFETI
roundings. The apartmentstyle rooms at Sunset Beach Club are ideal for guests with families, accommodating up to four persons, and perfectly combine the convenience of self-catering with all the luxuries and facilities of a fine four star resort hotel. +34 952 579 400 Ext. 3123 weddings@sunsetbeachclub.com sunsetbeachclub.com
Details
Cameo and ribbons cake by sweetthingsbyfi.com Image courtesy of jeremystandley.com CONFETI 69
For you…
the star of the day, the bride…
Let us design the bouquet you always dreamt of! Flor Valentin your florist on the coast.
Centro Idea Ctra. de Mijas km 3,6 29650 Mijas Malaga, España Web: www.florvalentin.es / Email: janne@florvalentin.es Photo: Jeremy Standley
Tel: +34 951 311 086 / Mobile: +34 669 061 234
Unveiling the latest ideas from; traditional tiers to mouthwatering miniatures … Now let the bake off begin! Image courtesy of jeremystandley.com
The icing on the cake Image courtesy of Anna Gazda @ Limelight.pl
Lasting Memories
One of Fiona’s most memorable creations of 2011 was this Chanel inspired wedding cake. Instead of the usual embossed designs associated with Chanel, Fiona was inspired by the couture essence and styling of the brand. The cake included handmoulded fondant pearl necklaces and hand painted damask textures. The bold contrast of black, white and soft pink, resulted in a bespoke masterpiece. Sweet Things by Fi is now offering decorating classes, for more information please visit sweetthingsbyfi.com
Flour Power
Confeti would like to congratulate, Cake Couture’s Omaya Bellavoine on her Parisian paradise, new French patisserie and restaurant, La Parisienne. Omaya’s favourite wedding of 2011 included a five-tier creation with edible flowers cascading from the top, all handmade to match the wedding bouquet, with a custom made wedding topper of the couple’s initials. Omaya designed a selection of cakes for the bride to choose from, with the final design combining an amalgamation of all. cakecouturemarbella.com
Floral Flavours
Delicious Cakes and Treats are proud to introduce, the hottest wedding cake trend, cupcake bouquets. Entirely edible and aesthetically beautiful, not only are the bouquets stunning in design, you can select any colour combination to match your wedding theme. Perfect as a gift or even a table centerpiece! deliciouscakesandtreats.com
Dainty Details
The Victorian style seems also to be very in for 2012 with its romantic and sophisticated theme, lots of lace and pearls, simply divine! Simply Cakes in Spain decided to create something new incorporating desserts and hopefully a little morsel from all the above, something for meringue and sweet lovers everywhere. A simple white tiered cake covered with puffs of dreamy white meringue decorated in-between with small pale pink flowers and finished with a waterfall topper of handmade elegant cake jewellery. simplycakes-in-spain.com
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RisingStars An exciting addition to the Spanish wedding scene are international photographers Simon Andrews.
Simon and his wife Lee have operated a very successful studio in Vancouver, Canada for many years and are now taking their services on the road to offer their unique style here in sunny Spain. Simon is no stranger to the creative arts, having been a long-term senior producer for top videogame developer Electronic Arts and in 2006 opening his own Video game company that was voted one of Canada’s top 50 employers. In 2009 Simon established Cedar Cottage Studios devoting all his time and effort to his lifelong passion photographing people, and hasn’t looked back.
Simon, what brought you to the world of Wedding Photography? Photography has always been my passion and I’ve never strayed too far from the creative path. Now I can focus all my efforts on my photography as I just love photographing people, and I’m proud to be able to say that I am a wedding photographer. Combining our business skills with my lifelong dream is proving to be a great formula. We provide a very professional and high-end service that could combine traditional offerings with our creative and high-impact portrait experience. What services do you offer and what differentiates Simon Andrews Photography? There is a lot more to wedding photography than turning up on the day, shooting the event then providing an album. We’ve taken an approach where our relationship with our clients is paramount, by building trust and making the process as smooth as possible. We have also built systems that allow us to respond to clients needs quicker and in turn mean we can spend more time working on the creative aspects rather than the administrative. For example we can offer photo slideshows at the reception via iPad helping to enhance the day itself. We also offer online print purchasing for friends and family and can keep everyone updated via our blog and website. 76 CONFETI
Our packages offer flexibility, from “digital only” album and presentation solutions and “my wedding” websites to post wedding creative bridal photo shoots for that magazine cover look. All our album layouts are custom designed by myself in-house and we are always excited to provide custom packages for clients that need or want something completely different. You’re offering your services here in Spain for 2012. Is this a permanent move for you? We are committing our time to Europe for 2012. We have immediate family here and we will see how successful we are in this particular area. We adore Spain and would love to make this a permanent move. What advice would you give to couples looking for Wedding Photography services? Realize that anything is possible so don’t limit your expectations or requirements to the traditional “norm”. Your photographer is an integral part of your special day, so find someone you are comfortable with and who understands your needs. For more information please visit: simon-andrews.com
Love
IS ALL AROUND
Sue and Gunther kept their day stylishly traditional at the Hacienda San Jose in Mijas. Their sizzling celebration was all about romance from the word go… Compiled by Heather Sadtler
OUR VISION
With Gunther originating from Belgium and myself from South Africa, neither of us wanted the traditional English wedding. Having an alfresco celebration in beautiful surroundings with fantastic weather was an important factor, plus financially, a wedding overseas traditionally offers better value for money, compared to the UK. My sister and niece live in Marbella and both sets of parents have holiday homes in Spain, so it seemed a natural choice for us, not to mention it’s an easy destination for guests to travel to. This was an important element as we had guests that would be travelling from the UK, Belgium, Germany, USA and South Africa. The moment we arrived at Hacienda San Jose, we knew it was the venue for us. It was the most gorgeous, magnificent and rustic Andalucian-style villa we had ever seen, with impressive gardens and numerous unique features. We wanted a small, intimate wedding with a relaxed atmosphere, therefore having it in this private villa was a dream come true. We both have a love of photography and knew that the beautiful grounds would offer 78 78 CONFETI
hydrangeas with green viburnums that blended together perfectly and looked stunning, while my bouquet was a mixture of ivory peonies and roses; soft, elegant and aromatic. fantastic photo opportunities for our wedding reception. We opted for a two day celebration, as our guests would be travelling so far. Everything from start to finish was perfect; the barbecue that took place on the final day was wonderful and enabled everyone to relax around the pool and recover from the night before. Hacienda San Jose will always hold a special place in our hearts, it fact, we’d love to go back on our anniversary and do it all again.
OUR STYLE
We wanted to keep things simple, for us the most important thing was that we were getting married surrounded by our closest friends and family, in a beautiful setting. We decided on a white / ivory colour theme as it’s fresh, classic and very easy to work with. I added lanterns, birdcages, hearts and candles, for a touch of romance. Our table flowers were white
THE HIGHLIGHTS
My highlight was unquestionably choosing my dress, as it was the very first dress I tried on! My mother was with me at the time, and Spanish music was playing in the bridal boutique, which seemed very appropriate. I knew which style I wanted from the start and when I saw what would be my wedding dress, I knew it was perfect for our wedding in Spain. My dress was called Fedra by Pronovias, which I bought from Windsor & Eton Brides in Berkshire. We found the wedding planning very easy and hassle-free, even though everyone thought it would be double the stress doing it from overseas. However it was quite the opposite in fact! Luckily, my sister handed me a copy of Confeti magazine during the early days of planning. It was so useful and provided me with an abundance of information about suppliers and all the legalities required for getting married in Spain, in particular Marbella and Mijas. Our wedding planner, Heather from Fiestasol, was just brilliant from start to finish. She was so quick to respond to the millions of daily emails and always calm and professional. We knew we were in good hands from the start. We were blown away by the Fiestasol catering at our tasting session, everything from the delicious food and presentation to the smooth service was just fabulous. I really enjoyed the planning process, working with all of our chosen wedding suppliers was so exciting, in fact, I’m kind of missing it!
OUR MOST TREASURED MOMENT
My Father seeing me dressed and ready for the first time and having to wipe away a tear was a moment I will treasure forever! Walking up to the chapel with him I could see a sea of faces looking out, clicking their cameras and there, amongst it all, Gunther, standing with the biggest smile on his face, waiting for me and looking so proud. Our ceremony was extremely relaxed and joyful, which was just what we had hoped for. The speeches were great, I loved surprising everyone with mine and of course, our first dance, which I was worried about, however despite being the professional, it was Gunther who ended up forgetting a step, (not that anyone could tell!)
Sue’s Address Book Dress: Fedra by Pronovias pronovias.com Shoes: Debenhams debenhams.com Grooms suit: Suit Supply suitsupply.com Wedding planning & Catering Fiestasol: fiestasol.com Venue: Hacienda San Jose Run exclusively by fiestasol.com Cake: Sweet things by Fi sweetthingsbyfi.com Photography: Talia Giraudo thoroughlygorgeous.com Decoration & Flowers: Reviva Weddings reviva-wedding.com Videography: Jose Hernandez josehernandez.info Entertainment: Masquerade Duo Officiant: Lizzie Marriage marriageweddingservices.com
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Stylishly Serene Sabrina and Nick chose an exquisite backdrop to create their perfect wedding memories LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Nick and I met whilst we were both working as lawyers at the Old Bailey in London. There was an instant attraction from the day we met, although we both played it pretty cool until the office Christmas party when we finally got together. Although we come from different backgrounds, I’m a London girl and he is a Devon boy, we knew that we shared the same values, dreams and ambitions. Nick proposed in July 2010, at my birthday party at the Marriot Hotel, County Hall, London. He got down on one knee, in front of all our friends and family, catching me totally off guard. Lucky for him I said yes, as he always mentions it would have been very embarrassing had I said no!
tent with were white and silver. I accented with splashes of colour through the bows on the chairs and the bridesmaids dress. I first saw the Pronovias Bridal store in Malaga; I knew immediately that I would find my perfect dress there. The dress I chose was actually the last one I tried on and it fit like a glove. It was simple and elegant with no fuss, it was me. Nick and his six groomsmen all wore fabulous midnight navy be-
boys had orchid button holes, I chose them for their understated elegance. For the tables, I added splashes of fuchsia roses and green foliage to the centre pieces.
FINISHING TOUCHES
My mum made our wedding cake, during the week before the wedding. She worked tirelessly night and day creating the most beautiful three tier wedding cake you could imagine. She made hundreds of individual white sugar flowers to decorate it with, despite
Since the day we got engaged and began discussing venues, we both agreed that we wanted to get married in Spain. My family have a home there so for me it was the natural choice and Nick agreed. One Saturday night we went to Hotel Sol Andalusi for a meal and noticed that they were preparing for a wedding on the terrace. Everything looked so beautiful; the tables, the fountain and the lights. We knew instantly this was where we wanted our wedding.
SIMPLY ELEGANT
Nick and I wanted our wedding to be stylish and elegant with a “bit of bling”. From the design of our bespoke invitations to the table settings, we planned every detail from start to finish. We wanted to make sure that our Spanish speaking friends did not miss out so we had everything from the invitations, order of service and menus translated into Spanish. The only colours I was consis80 CONFETI
that they really appreciated the fact that we thought of their comfort on our special day. They also looked fabulous in the photos!
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER...
Our ceremony was beyond my expectations. We chose the Arras coin ceremony as a nod to my South American roots. Natasha, our minister was fantastic; she made us and our guests’ feel at ease and made them feel part of the proceedings. Our personal vows also ensured that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. We enjoyed drinks and canapes on the terrace and had sourced a traditional Spanish Cortador who kept everyone supplied with Serrano ham and Manchego cheese. Our meal was amazing. We started with seared tuna with a citrus marmalade, then Confit of duck with dauphinoise potatoes and dessert was two chocolate parfait with bitter oranges and a shot of Pedro Ximenez. We made sure that we didn’t forget the children. We bought them piñatas filled with sweets. And the hotel staff kept them busy whilst the parents were enjoying their meal.
spoke suits from Moss Bespoke. It was a battle to get seven men to agree on style, fit and cut but we did eventually manage it. Nick wore an Armani waistcoat and a Dunhill tie, whilst the others wore matching navy waistcoats and Dolce and Gabbana ties in the same light blue colour. The flowers in my bouquet were cream roses and orchids and the
the hot weather, it came out perfectly unlike the helium balloons which didn’t fare at all well in the heat!! We knew that having a wedding in Spain in September would be hot and as we were having our ceremony on the terrace, we decided to order lots of colourful fans to hand to each of our female guests as they were being seated, I know
The fireworks that my family and Nick surprised me with after the meal blew me away. I had no idea what they were planning and I just remember how beautiful they were against the clear night sky and the DJ playing Katy Perry’s’ song “Firework” in the background, is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Our first dance was to Taylor Swifts’ “Today was Fairy Tale,” it was the perfect description of
Sabrina’s Address Book Dress- Pronovias, Bond Street, London pronovias.co.uk Jewellery- Tiffany tiffany.co.uk Brides Shoes – Jimmy Choo, Bond Street, London jimmychoo.com Groom/groomsmen suits – Moss Bespoke, Liverpool Street London mossbespoke.com
our day. After that the real party started with all our friends and family letting their hair down. They enjoyed a midnight buffet which kept them fuelled until 5 am the next morning.
TREASURED MEMORIES Getting ready at my parents’ home a short drive from the hotel was just as I had imagined. All my girlfriends came over to the house for a glass of bubbly and I was treated to a massage to relax me,
which helped a lot as the flowers were late and they delivered the button holes to our house instead of the hotel! Seeing my dad’s face when I walked out in my dress is something I will keep with me always and when he walked me down the aisle, we both struggled to keep our emotions in check. It was the happiest moment of my life.
Bridesmaid/Flower girl Dresses, Coast and Marks and Spencer Coast-stores.com, marksandspencer.com
When I saw Nick waiting for me at the altar, everything fell into place, he smiled, then leaned in and whispered in my ear “I love you, you look amazing”. It was one of those intimate moments that I will never forget.
Videographer – Bodakids bodakids.es
DJ- Rob DJ robrocksthehouse.com Venue- Hotel Sol Andalusi solandalusi.com Photographer- Jeremy Standley jeremystandley.com
Flowers- Se Flor Hair and make-up- Maria Jose Minister – Natasha Johnson malagaminister.com CONFETI 81
Be Swept Away… Compiled by Natasha Johnson
With stunning views of the sea and a simplistic modern backdrop, we look at Matt and Kim Krsul’s intimate wedding at the Hydros Hotel in Benalmádena Joining us from the USA was my daughter and her husband, my best friends of thirty plus years and Matt’s best friends of forty plus years and other friends and family. We had a total of seventeen people…perfect!
OUR VISION
For the ceremony itself, my daughter, Sheena stood up for me and walked me down the aisle. David, a family member from Madrid stood up for Matt. We also had my best friend, Lynette, who was in my first wedding and Matt’s
VERY bright and colourful dress shirt. Matt has a friend from Hawaii that owns a clothing company that specializes in colourful resortwear, so they provided a shirt that was perfect for our casual style. As for our guests, we just asked the men to wear long trousers and the women dresses. It was their choice as to colour or style. We did not stress what to wear, it was more important to us that they were there, sharing in our wonderful wedding day.
We wanted a small very informal wedding, short and sweet with a fun feel. Matt has family in Madrid and has been there many times but when we visited together in 2008, I fell in love with Spain. When we were engaged and discussing the wedding location we both knew Spain would be the ideal choice. When looking for a venue, we knew we wanted something south, by the water that was small and intimate. With the help of our family in Madrid, we only had to look at a couple places and when we found the Hydros we knew it was the one. It not only had the look we were seeking but it had only twenty-eight rooms and the spa was perfect. 82 CONFETI
best friend, Tim, in his first wedding as witnesses.
OUR STYLE
My dress was a white, tea-length halter style. I had a necklace made of white porcelain flowers given to me to wear by Matt’s mum. It made the dress! Matt’s attire was white trousers with a
THE ICING ON THE CAKE
Coming from the USA and flying into Madrid to spend a couple days with family and friends first we didn’t arrive at the hotel until Thursday, two days before the wedding. As we entered the building, we were in awe; the
pictures we had seen beforehand were great but did not do it justice. We really did pick the right hotel. It was fabulous. We settled into our wonderful room on the fourth floor, overlooking the Mediterranean. The weather was perfect. On Friday we met up with Natalia, who was the wedding co-ordinator who went over what she had planned for our wedding on Saturday evening. They set up a beautiful white canopy for us with a red carpet and red rose petals lined with white covered chairs for our guests. There
was a small table under the canopy with a beautiful arrangement of white flowers and four small benches for Matt, myself, Sheena and David to sit for the ceremony. It was perfect! We told Natalia what we wanted, a small very informal wedding with some flowers but we left all the details up to her. After all that is what she does for a living! And she nailed it, we couldn’t have asked for more. As far as the staff at the Hydros, they were wonderful. Always greeting us with a smile and asking if there was anything they could get for us. Alisa the head of the kitchen was incredible. She was in charge of our group and the menu for the wedding. She paid attention to the details from the presentation of the canapés after the wedding and the wedding dinner, right down to how the tables were set. Our meal was some of the best food we have ever eaten in our lives. I do not know who was in charge of putting a small card on each place setting that had both Matt and my name on it, with the date and our wedding menu on the back, but that was a very nice surprise and another souvenir we could bring home with us to put in our wedding book.
A TREASURED MOMENT
My daughter and I were coming out to the pool area to walk down the aisle, we walked through the door and my daughter looked at me with tears in her eyes and took my hand. We were about to have a good cry while walking down the stairs, only to be stopped. My dress was caught in the door! We laughed with tears rolling down our cheeks. She opened the door and off we went. These are the things that helped to make the whole day, the things we will always remember and laugh about. I was getting married after being a widow for eighteen years and I had my family and friends with me. I am blessed to have my husband Matt in my life. Our wedding was not a high profile or elaborate wedding but for us it was perfect and we wouldn’t change a thing! Wedding venue and wedding planning by holidayworld.es CONFETI 83
A Vintage Romance Nicola and Richard mixed Spanish charm and quirky details to create their own unique personal day davidtomsphotography.com
MARRY ME
I met Richard in September 2006 when we were both working as Recruitment Account Managers in the same team. Apparently, I took him for lunch on his first day, (I can’t remember this) but he remembers everything! By the Christmas he had made his feelings known to most of the office, but I wasn’t convinced and the chase began. It took until 2008 when I finally gave in and decided to give it a try. It was only when he began to ignore me I gave in… typical woman! He proposed in the Michelin restaurant, Apsleys in London by getting down on one knee with a plastic ring he had saved from a crisp packet whilst on holiday in Italy.
THE PERFECT SETTING We talked about getting married and following the announcement that I was expecting, Rich’s parents asked when we would be tying the knot. It was something we always imagined doing but when it came around to looking at locations in the UK, we couldn’t picture ourselves there. We contemplated Italy but having been a resident in Malaga for over 7 years it seemed right to do it in Spain. I met Kirsty Biston whilst studying at college but sadly we lost touch over the years. Having previously visited Cadiz, Tarifa and the surrounding areas I knew the south of Spain well but I don’t think to this day I was 84 CONFETI
prepared for the beauty that is, La Vista de Medina. When I first began talking to Kirsty I could hardly contain my excitement. La Vista de Medina made it possible for me to have the wedding of my dreams overseas and be able to control and manage some of the details. Kirsty was able to not only provide the perfect setting but also look after all of our 60 guests in regards to accommodation, transportation and anything else they needed.
davidtomsphotography.com
Nicola’s Address Book Venue – La Vista de Medina lavistademedina.com Dress and Veil - Aristocrats Bridal Gowns in Chester Shoes - Jimmy Choos jimmychoo.com Flowers – Floresteria La Flor Jewellery - Tiffany & Co tiffany.co.uk Rings - Lesley Dons Jewellers, Manchester Invitations - Ann Austin Grooms Suit - Paul Smith paulsmith.co.uk
DREAMS COME TRUE
Grooms Shoes - Hudson hudsonshoes.com
My vision was to keep it relaxed and intimate with a beautiful backdrop. I wanted people to enjoy the day, allowing both sets of friends and families to mingle. One friend recalled that the day perfectly reflected Richard and I and all we are about; this was exactly what we were aiming for. The food and drink was a vital ingredient in our vision, but I needn’t have worried as everybody was really looked after. For a unique touch we asked all of our guests to write down three songs of their choices that were then added to the playlist for the evening; everyone was really excited to hear their songs! I wanted my guests to feel the magical element of Spain, the Flamenco singers, guitarist and dancer truly set the ambiance for the wedding breakfast.
Food and Cake - La Vista de Medina lavistademedina.com Entertainment - DJ Equisonic Chiclana Flamenco Guitarist, Singer and Dancer -Grupo Flamenco, El Niño de la Tejera
CREATIVE TOUCHES
The style was elegant and delicate with a little vintage influence. We had already sent out invitations in a passport style so continued this theme throughout. A vintage suitcase embellished with pearls and flowers served as our seating plan and later everybody wrote their thoughts of the day on luggage labels. A wonderful keepsake. We added a family gallery of photos so on arrival everyone could enjoy “our story” and a little of where we came from. Kirsty kept the wedding breakfast location hidden, resulting in
a fantastic surprise on the day. It was elegant and intimate just as we had requested. Getting married under the plum tree and writing our own vows added to the personal ambiance.
MEMORIES FOREVER
davidtomsphotography.com
Standing under the plum tree and seeing all of my friends and family in Spain watching me get married was weirdly wonderful and enjoying a quiet moment on the terrace with Richard before we joined everybody downstairs was a memory I will treasure forever. CONFETI 85
Show Stopping Confeti Magazine traveled across the pond from southern Spain to attend the UK’s biggest and best wedding exhibition: The National Wedding Show. Our Ed. giving advice to a bride-to-be at the NEC
C
onfeti magazine was available from The Gibraltar Tourist Board Stand at London Earls Court. During this significant event brides flocked to learn some of model turned bridal coach, Michele Paradise’s top tips including, how to walk in those wedding heels and how to work the camera. Spectacular presentations were revealed from some of the UK’s best bridal retailers including, Fross Wedding Collections, Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique, Benjamin Roberts, Nigel Rayment and Slanovskiy with designs from prestigious designers such as Jenny Packham, Enzoani, Suzanne Neville, Stewart Parvin, Naomi Neoh, Cymbeline and Mori Lee. The Confeti team was on hand at the Birmingham event to offer expert advice regarding everything from legalities to photographers. We were joined by accessory designer Olivier Laudus and Simon from Made With Love Designs to assist brides in their all important decisions and showcase some of what Confeti offers to readers. Our stand, perfectly located between the striking catwalk and lucrative VIP lounge, was inundated with brides wanting a wedding set in the sunshine; it seemed Spain is a more popular choice than ever. The stunning catwalk show, sponsored by Wedding Magazine, featured scenes from an array of elite bridal boutiques showcasing designs from some of the most admired and respected designers in the industry including Jenny Packham, Enzoani, Pronovias, Berketex, Angela Vickers, Benjamin Roberts, Mon Cheri and David Fielden. With mother-of-thebride fashions from Dressini and Shibumi and menswear from Moss Bros and Slaters, the show was overflowing with eager bridal parties taking notes on the hottest bridal fashion, hair and beauty trends. 86 CONFETI
Sarah Edwards Cakes
Bridal bloggers Rock My Wedding and cult grooms’ website I Am Staggered presented essential advice during their hourly live seminars. All About The Pretty, covering design & décor and fashionable florals and The Ultimate Groom Seminar full of essential advice on everything from stag dos to speeches added to the live demonstrations.
CONFETI’S TOP SPOTS Flowers Forever
Birdcages have been a popular wedding trend throughout the past year and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere. When we came across Sarah Edward’s birdcage cake at the Birmingham show we instantly took note! sarahedwardscakes.co.uk Montague Press Table plans whilst a necessity aren’t always the most aesthetical beautiful of wedding requirements. Make your table plan part of the décor with Montague Press’ wishing tree table plan. Not only is this vital accessory practical it
is also a memory that can be treasured after your special day. Once seated, your guests write wishes on the back of the place name and hang it on the tree so you get to keep all the gorgeous tags and messages. montaguepress.co.uk Some excited brides flew over from Spain especially to enjoy The National Wedding Show’s VIP experiences; I had a brilliant time, it was a little overwhelming but really helped me to see what I did and didn’t like. The show provides you with all the tools to prepare for your wedding and honeymoon and with some great innovative ideas. To make the most of the day, it is advisable to book VIP tickets which includes reserved catwalk seating, you can then book in with the wedding dress stands to try on the styles you like. It is an absolutely fabulous experience!! The VIP section is a much needed Made with Love Designs
We always hear of brides pondering over the same dilemma, “I want to have beautiful flowers but it’s such an expense for one day.” Now Confeti have found the answer; Flowers Forever. This growing Birmingham based company preserve and frame your precious flowers and bouquets so you can savour your floral decorations forever. A unique and wonderful keepsake that can be treasured for years to come. flowersforever.co.uk
Earls Court, London
respite and my advice would be definitely dress comfortably, flat shoes are a must and be aware that you may be changing a lot! Melanie Warwick The wedding show at Earl’s Court was very inspirational, full of new and innovative ideas which take the basic traditions of all things ‘wedding’ and add a modern spin. The VIP area and glass of bubbly added extra finesse and indulgence to the occasion and gives brides-to-be a taste of the special treatment they will hope to experience on their big day. Sian Hubbard and Teresa McKiernan
Trying on tiaras with Olivier Laudus With the last show of 2011 packed away, the National Wedding Show will return in the spring with a brand new look, bigger and better than ever! London Kensington Olympia February 24th-26th Birmingham NEC March 16th – 18th nationalweddingshow.co.uk
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Your Day
La Sala Way
the
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ntroducing Marbella’s newest wedding venue, La Sala “Private Dining Room”. Whether you require an intimate wedding breakfast for 60 or a vibrant champagne reception for 120, this celebrity haunt offers it all. Situated adjacent to the main La Sala Restaurant, this private venue contains its own bar and exclusive terrace, ideal for enjoying your first toast in the sunshine. Start with a selection of deluxe canapés al fresco, before moving inside to enjoy your sumptuous feast. Choose from a selection of set menus featuring some of La Sala’s most famous creations or arrange a personal appointment with the chef to ensure your first meal as newlyweds is everything you desire. Whilst being in close proximity to the famous hotspot La Sala, the private dining room is completely soundproofed, enabling you to entertain your guests with everything from live music to your own personal DJ. The grand piano nestled in the corner provides an ideal stage for some impromptu performances as the celebrations reach full swing. The elegant and stylish décor
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will add a sophisticated allure to your wedding pictures and enhance the fashionable ambiance of the festivities. Don’t fancy separate locations for your ceremony and reception? Why not enjoy both at La Sala. Arrive early afternoon and share your special vows with your family and friends in an intimate blessing, before moving onto the stunning terrace whilst the ef-
ficient staff transform the room into a spectacular reception venue.Instead of the traditional champagne offering, why not ask the highly qualified bar team to create your very own wedding cocktail for all your guests to enjoy. La Sala will not only ensure the location, food and drink are ticked off, but with their extensive knowledge of Marbella’s elite you can guarantee they will recommend the finest contacts on
the coast, covering everything from wedding cakes to musicians and photographers to videographers. La Sala has truly become THE place to celebrate. Start your new life together in style, at the La Sala Private Dining Room. La Sala +34 952 814 145 lasalabanus.com
Creative CATERING
D
oña Francisquita Catering held an extravagant soiree to celebrate the launch of their new and exciting menu, the perfect accompaniment to your special day. Smartly dressed waitresses were on hand throughout the evening to serve mini tasters, whilst free flowing champagne ensured the party lasted until the early hours. An orchestra entertained guests throughout, with speeches from director of Doña Francisquita, Jose Manuel Sanchez and Borja Pascal Corsejo, manager of La Quinta Golf, commemorating the collaboration of the two fellow family run businesses, along with a surprise appearance from Spain’s most celebrated chef Dani García. donafrancisquita.com CONFETI 91
HEN PECKED
LET’S PARTY!
e our life – th party of y n n e h fu t t s s e o st and m plan the b all the late chance to h it e n w o t h e g v ri a You only h can help you get it . am eedom Confeti te night of fr t s la r u o y ideas for
The Thrill of the Ride
A Taste of Spain Dance the Night Away
The latest dance craze to take America by storm has arrived in Marbella. Belly Dancing is sexy and sensual and the ideal way to start your hen night. Before hitting the bars and clubs of Puerto Banus why not enjoy a Belly Dancing class and start perfecting your dance moves? amoradance.com
Proper Princess
Want to learn something new whilst still enjoying your favourite tipple? Fancy a nice dark cherry red Rioja or a crisp and acidic Cava? Then look no further, wine tasting in Marbella is a wonderful way for vino savvy hens to enjoy an afternoon of sophistication… or at least to enjoy an afternoon! winetasting-spain.com
Does It rvous P Gently I T P how ne O T e t a im re nderest get befo Never u le p o e p icked ant to and pan u may w o Y . y a d a gentle their big think is u o y t a but play wh or stag, n e h r that you e certain joke on ’r u o y t ure tha make s . n take it they ca
Every girl deserves to be treated like a princess, before, during and after their wedding day so why not treat you and your hens to the ultimate pampering experience. Princess Bride offers everything from manicures and pedicures, to tanning and nail extensions, so there really is no excuse for you not to look and feel like a princess on your hen do. princess-bride.co.uk
Boost your adrenaline and enjoy an afternoon of wave hopping at Marbella Watersports, located next to Mistral Beach. Take control of your own jet-ski and prepare for the ultimate white knuckle experience. marbellawatersports.com
A Day Away
Fancy taking a step out of Europe? With Morocco only nine miles from Spain, why not jump on the ferry and enjoy lunch in Tangier, a bohemian city full of artists and writers. Enjoy a day rich in culture and history and be back in time for a night full of glitz and glamour in Puerto Banus. trasmediterranea.es CONFETI 93
LET’S PARTY!
VEGAS VIBE
Raise the stakes and take your stag do to the next level. You don’t have to be a high roller or prepared to gamble your life away to have a memorable casino night, just willing to have a laugh and try your luck at a game of blackjack or poker. You never know, you might even win enough to pay for your evening’s antics! casinomarbella.com
STAGGERING ABROAD ry with Confeti’s Go down in a blaze of glo bachelor party top ideas for the ultimate
SINK OR SWIM Can you keep yourself afloat? Get your heart racing and test your orientation skills with a unique canoeing experience. Ten minutes inland from Marbella, sits the picturesque Istan Lake, the ideal location for a relaxing afternoon experienceboxspain.com
CAN YOU HANDLE THE SPHERE There are some things you have to try once in your life, and if you can’t try it on your stag weekend then when can you? Sphering involves being strapped inside a giant plastic ball and rolling down a steep hill at over 30 miles per hour – sounds more like a nightmare than a choice? Make it an experience, head to Magna Marbella and see if you can handle the sphere. spheremaniaespana.com
GOLF
EXPIERIENCE While golf and stag parties may not instantaneously appear to go hand in hand, there is no better way to clear your head from the haze of the night before and recall the funniest and most embarrassing memories whilst engrossed in an act of friendly rivalry and competition. hotelvillapadierna.com
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GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT
If you and your merry band of men fancy a true Robin Hood experience and the opportunity to acquire a new skill, a game of archery could be the perfect activity to fill your afternoon. Historically archery is used for hunting or combat but on this occasion, it is sure to be a brilliant test of hand-eye coordination, a trait that easily disappears after a weekend in Puerto Banus! escapetomarbella.com
Time e your k a T : P ickly. TOP TI d too qu r a o b r e e o ov e can b Don’t g ts, ther h ig n g r a d unk With st n to get io t a t c e exp pacing such an ible but s s o p s a ’t want as fast you don l, ia c u r the is c d when e yourself b in t ssed ou to be pa ng. still you is t h ig n
Confeti’s Notebook
Anna Gazda @ limelight.pl
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Bridal Buzz Look no further to discover the latest news, hottest trends and leading wedding companies in Spain.
The Natural Look Talia Giraudo is renowned as one of the most professional, in demand and established wedding photographers on the coast. “I wanted to offer brides and couples photography that was natural” says the Argentinian born Talia, “and give a look that was less posed and staged so that it’s as relaxed as possible.” Describing her style as “natural and elegant with a degree of narrative”, the busy mother of two whose partner, also an established and much sought after photographer comments, “we live in a home where we breathe art, photography and music” a fair comment as there’s a fairly passable Klee-style painting hanging on one wall that turns out to have been painted by her eight-yearold. “I pay a lot of attention to the expectations of my couples and take great care in supplying them with stylish, unique photos that have not been created via a formula. Each couple and event are individual and they should expect me to reflect that.” Concentrating on the end product as much as the quality of the photos, Talia always keeps the
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final print in mind, as it’s not only the photographs themselves that need to be taken into consideration. Even the best shots can look inferior if presented in a poor album and Talia has taken great care to achieve the highest quality as possible. “I wanted to offer the brides and grooms on the coast not only the best quality photos but also the albums” she explains, “so I searched worldwide and found Jorgensen Albums. Their bespoke creations are each individually designed, crafted and tailored to the couple’s tastes, down to the covers, corners and the papers used.” More importantly, Talia has a huge enthusiasm and empathy for the couple on their big day and this is evident in her work. “I am always supportive and would never demand couples run around in a mad pointless pursuit of a shot. I work round them and their day, and that’s the best way of getting gorgeous photos! I love weddings, I love brides, I love the whole day!” she smiles. Talia Giraudo + 34 605 275 407 thoroughlygorgeous.com
Blooming Lovely! Sweet Treats
Flowers are one of the most important features of a wedding. They can accentuate any theme or subtly enhance the flow and design of your dress. The trick is to find a wedding florist that will make your dreams come true, without breaking the bank. This is where In Bloom comes in. Established on the coast for over five years, floral designer Maryanne can take care of every little detail, from beautiful buttonholes to floral arches. It’s important to enlist a florist that you are comfortable with, which is Maryanne’s mantra. She will listen to and understand your wishes, and work within your budget, no matter how big
or small. Her creative vision is astounding, whether you are looking for a classic bouquet or quirky table arrangement. Looking for hair accessories for your darling bridesmaids? That can be taken care of by Maryanne, along with chair bows, any wedding favours you’re looking for, and the hire of vases and pedestals. Remember, the flowers used in your wedding will be captured in print forever, so let Maryanne be the one to make sure your floral arrangements are the envy of all guests.
Jackie Gatenby has been living in Andalucía for the past 10 years and started Simplycakes in Spain in 2007. She originally studied to become a chef and worked as a pastry chef in a number of restaurants and hotels before going on to manage various large catering operations in the city of London.
Jackie provides cakes from Granada to Motril and along the coast to Puerto Banus. “I have enjoyed creating every cake I have been asked to make, meaning it is difficult to select a favourite”, she explains. “However three have stuck in my mind, the pink and chocolate sequin cake with glittery gold butterflies, the sequin design was something new I had not tried before but gave a great effect. The simple all white 2 tier cake that was decorated with a fine piped doily design and then finished with a small bouquet of handmade sugar lilies was an elegant and chic cake and I was delighted with the finished result and so was my client. Lastly the bright red rose potted fruit cake finished with gold beads and red curled pheasant feathers made an eye catching table centre piece and was auctioned at an event in Fuengirola to raise money for age concern.”
Jackie has always been very creative and artistic and loved making and decorating cakes so decided to turn this passion into a business. She creates bespoke cakes for all occasions and has been asked by many brides to replicate cakes from photos and to incorporate specific requirements to match their theme. Over the past couple of years popular flavours have been carrot cake with vanilla butter cream and vanilla cake with white chocolate and mixed berry butter cream and this has continued into 2011.
In Bloom Flowers by Design +34 687 757 470 inbloommaryanne.co.uk
Jackie Gatenby +34 609 454 744 simplycakes-in-spain.com
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Bridal Buzz
Mix It Up Laurie Scott is a professional wedding DJ who has worked on the Costa del Sol for over 22 years. He has all the experience required, to make sure that the disco for your special day, including the music and lighting, will be everything you could possibly want and more. A professional wedding DJ is one of the most important ingredients in making your special event a fantastic success. Providing a personal, flexible and reliable service is Laurie’s philosophy, and his aim is to give you precisely what you require at an affordable price. Each package is tailor-made to suit your individual requirements. In addition to providing the disco at your reception, Laurie can provide the background music of your choice during the wedding breakfast and
if required, your welcoming drinks or cocktail hour. As your wedding DJ, Laurie will handle all of the announcements necessary and can provide a wireless microphone for any speeches. The vast music collection available has something for everyone, containing every genre possible from 40’s swing, 50’s rock n roll, 60’s soul and Motown to 70’s disco classics, 80’s favourites, 90’s chart and dance hits, plus today’s top tunes. With over 150,000 songs in his collection on both compact disc and laptop, Laurie guarantees to satisfy all tastes in music, whatever your age or nationality. In addition, he can mix your song choices with his own sets, ensuring your guests
are entertained on the dance floor all night. By only using professional equipment, you can be assured quality sound coupled with spectacular lighting, producing amazing effects on the dance floor. Based on the Costa del Sol, Laurie’s working area covers the whole of the coast from Gibraltar to Nerja and inland including San Roque, Estepona, Marbella, La Cala, Fuengirola, Benalmadena, Mijas Malaga and Nerja. Locations further afield are possible if required. DJ Laurie Scott +34 952 592 133 weddingdjspain.com
Drive to your Destiny Close your eyes and think of a wedding car. What do you see? Chances are ivory ribbons and a flying lady will spring to mind. The flying lady figurine, formally known as “The Spirit of Ecstasy”, has adorned most Rolls-Royce motor cars for one hundred years. The world’s most instantly recognised mascot, it was described by its creator as “a graceful goddess.” A fittingly romantic representation of the elegant journey into your new life, particularly poignant for the best and most evocative wedding car in the world! The Rolls Royce is one of the most iconic luxury cars ever built and the Silver Shadow with its timeless design, first rolled out in 1965 and launched at the Paris Motor Show that year, remains one of the best loved classic models. With an unequivocal pedigree, the
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Silver Shadow was designed and created to be “the best motor car in the world”. Wedding Wheels Andalucía offers to safely transport you and your wedding party in a resplendent golden, chauffeur-driven, Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II, to and from your chosen places of ceremony and celebration. Travel in a stylish, air-conditioned, iconic wedding car, enjoying affordable luxury with comfortable cream leather seating, Frenchpolished walnut trim, stereo music if you chose, and soft lambs wool floors as the world drifts by. Wedding Wheels Andalucía operate along the Costa del Sol from Gibraltar in the west to Almunecar in the east and also inland in Andalucía. +34 650 193 777
Marriage Blessings
He works as part of the Anglican Church of Costa del Sol West, and they encourage him to be involved in conducting marriage blessings. “I have been working on the Costa del Sol for nearly six years. Before that I was a Chaplain in a hospital in Newcastle Upon Tyne for many years. In our hospital we had a small chapel; we were able to take weddings as well as other services. Once I was invited to take a marriage blessing for a girl who had recovered from a serious illness, the service took place on the Queen Elizabeth 2 liner!”
Johnny Gates Wedding Photography Hymns and Bible readings! In a large Church or a small Chapel! On a beach or in a Villa! As blessings take place after your legal marriage the possibilities are endless! The important thing is to celebrate your commitment
express that in the service or that you want to acknowledge that there is a God and have prayers and readings to recognize that.
and love for one another in front of your friends and family. Weddings are such joyful and happy occasions, for Alan Maude it is a great privilege to help a couple to celebrate their marriage
in their own way. As a Christian minister Alan can involve God in your service as much or as little as you like. It may be that you are fully convinced of your Christian faith and want to
If you wish to contact Alan about a marriage blessing please phone or email him at the address below. Revd. Alan Maude +34 952 808 605 alanmaude@googlemail.com
Press to Impress Many brides opting to marry abroad, may decide to take their dress as hand luggage to ensure the dress stays with them at all times during the journey. However, even if you book a seat for your gown (yes, the dress does deserve it’s own seat), it is highly likely that creases will appear. A wrinkled wedding dress is one of a bride’s worst nightmares. The best idea in these circumstances is to take the dress to a professional, who has extensive knowledge in the cleaning and pressing of wedding gowns. Hot Off The Press in Calahonda, have over 30 years of in house UK dry cleaning experience. Specialising in all wedding related garments, they offer a full turnkey service for wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, mother of the bride outfits, along with men’s suits and shirts.
Over the years, they have cared for the most exquisite wedding dresses and couture gowns. From silk satins to designer gowns, Swarovski crystals and Italian lace, their expertise knows no boundaries. Known for their highly specialised pressing skills, superior service standards and highly critical final inspection, their services range from pre wedding press and steam to post wedding clean with a guaranteed perfect finish. An
alteration service is also available for any last minute hiccups. The company advises pressing 1-2 days before the event and then to keep your gown crease-free until the wedding, you should hang it from a doorway. If possible, attach the bottom of the train to a hanger and hang it up across the room from the front of your gown. Hot Off The Press appreciate that it can be a traumatic time for the
couple trying to get everything right on the day, therefore they are always happy to go the extra mile to make sure everything goes smoothly. You want to look fabulous on your wedding day and Hot Off The Press can help make sure you do. Hot Off The Press + 34 952 930 392 hotpgreen.com
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Beautiful Beginnings hundred percent to their clients. The girls studied event planning in Hungary and have practiced their skills throughout Europe. They both speak several languages including English, Spanish, German and Hungarian. Chic Weddings Marbella explains the success of their events comes from the love and passion they have for what they do and the dedication they go to for their clients. “We go to every length to ensure that the bride and groom, parents, family and friends feel pampered and looked after the whole way. Our clients can really get on with having fun and really enjoying the most important day of their life.”
Chic Weddings Marbella specialise in providing a complete bespoke wedding design and coordination service in southern Spain and Gibraltar. Whether you want to get married in a rural Spanish hacienda or a sundrenched beach location, Chic Weddings Marbella caters to all your needs. Agnes and Eszter act as your personal consultants and take care of every single detail on your behalf to deliver a very special, made to measure experience, reflecting your style and personality. If you seek traditional classic elegance, modern chic or something unusual and distinctive, the style and detail of your wedding is bound only by your own imagination.... anything is possible.
Whether it is an intimate celebration or an extravaganza, they are there to ensure that everything runs smoothly. If you are getting married, exchanging vows or seeking a honeymoon destination, Chic Weddings Marbella is the answer to help make your wishes turn to reality.
Chic Weddings’ enthusiasm and professionalism ensures they give one
They can step in at any stage of the organisation. They offer: • Consultation • On the day coordination • Managing the preparations • Venue and vendors search • Or the whole planning coordi nating from start to finish Agnes says: “I believe that beautiful weddings are about the personal and unique dream of the client. Let the couple’s wedding be a reflection of the things they love.” Eszter says: “I always had a passion for weddings. I want to help couples to make their dream come true. A couple’s big day should revolve around telling a unique wedding story. It can be the story of how they met, fell in love, and more. These personal details can be injected into nearly every element of the wedding.” Chic Weddings +34 616 802 176 / +34 615 297 256 chicweddingsmarbella.com
CONFETI More Than Just A Magazine We just HAD to share this story with you. A certain bride to be, Lauren Wheeler, arrived in Málaga at the beginning of November – with plans to get married in Greece in the Summer of 2O12. Upon walking through arrivals she spotted a stand with complimentary magazines. She could not believe her luck when she picked up a wedding publication – our very own Confeti. Having never been to Marbella before, she started flicking through and spotted the Tikitano advert – well lets just say the rest is history! Roll on 12th July 2012.
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AUTUMN 2011
Plan
Scarlett Smits Director of Events at TikiTano “Since advertising with Confeti, we have seen a huge increase in wedding clients from all over the world, one of my clients even moved their destination from Greece to Marbella after seeing our advert!” Here are some of our other favourite testimonials:
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James Bailie, Florist First advert and I have already booked my largest job of the year – a big budget Russian wedding at Ocean Club; flowers and decor.
Janne Valentin Lassen, Flor Valentin ”It really is the best advertising money I ever spent in the 4 years I have had my shop. It is a SUPER nice wedding magazine!”
Gavin, Gibral Flora “Brilliant feature and I have already had enquiries from people in Spain reference weddings in Gibraltar through your magazine excellent”
Natasha Johnson, Malaga Minister I know I say this every time, but this issue is better than the last.
Paul Martin Singer After recently taking out my first advert I have already been booked for a large wedding at Villa Del Mar – great news.
Marbella Catering is a premier catering company dedicated to the Costa del Sol. They pride themselves on excellence and quality of service at all times and speak a multitude of languages including English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian. With over 25 years’ catering and event management experience they are renowned for creating inspirational events and fabulous food using the highest quality ingredients sourced from across Andalucía, while still remaining competitively priced.
Wedding Catering and Planning
Whether you visualize a traditional style wedding or a more relaxed party to celebrate with family and friends, Marbella Catering and Marbella Event Planners will go above and beyond to ensure that every guest is attended to and your day is perfect in every way!
Every Detail Covered
Perhaps you are thinking of a simple, stylish three course lunch inspired by their head chef´s selected seasonal produce, or an evening cocktail and canapé party or maybe, for something a little different a decadent ten course Spanish feast. The culinary options are endless. One of the most popular choices is the unique buffet style catering option because it allows for flexibility and guests adore the individual concept. A strong eye for detail ensures
Marbella Event Planners’ wedding coordinators will listen to you, use imagination and demonstrate their natural flair by turning your ideas into a reality.
Villa Events & Functions
The team have a vast knowledge of the most elegant and exceptional private villas across Andalucía. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful rustic inland venue or a glamorous villa near Puerto Banus, they have one of the largest selections available, catering to all budgets. For those seeking to arrange an exclusive wedding, commitment, blessing, vow renewal ceremony or any other type of function in the privacy of an exclusive Spanish villa, the team will give you all the guidance and assistance you could possibly need. They offer an array of alternative services including catering, bar setup, decoration, all types of entertainment available in Spain, transportation, entertainment especially for the children and so much more!
The future
Marbella Catering and Event Planners are proud to exclusively announce via Confeti that their new Events World HQ will be opening early next year. What better way to show clients the unique Marbella Catering experience than by having a villa set up like a wedding. Each table will be decorated with an array of styles, choices and colours whilst
the gardens will reflect the various options available to the clients. One of the most important decisions to make when planning your wedding is the food and the venue. At Marbella Catering and Event Planners new HQ, all wedding tasting sessions can take place within the villa ensuring you can make informed decisions about all aspects of your day. Photographers, cake makers and dress makers will also be available at Events World thus providing you with all the information you need to plan the perfect wedding. Whats the reason for this inventive approach? “Our head chef wanted a setting of beauty and decided that an office facility would not be able to provide this.” Events World oozes the romance of a wedding combined with the beauty of a villa making it the ultimate source for all your wedding needs. Marbella Catering Office: +34 951 276 503 Mobile:+34 653 461 382 cuisine@marbellacatering.com marbellacatering.com
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DIRECTORY Cakes Cake Couture: +34 693 379 397; cakecouturemarbella.com
Marbella Catering: +34 951 27 65 03/+34 653 46 13 82 marbellacatering.com
Debbie Sheridan Cakes: +34 952 964 103; weddingcakesspain.com
Entertainment Amanda Rosa: + 34 660 286 790; amanda-rosa.com
Gibral Flora: +350 200 42655; gibral-flora.gi
Jeremy Standley: +34 607 717 565; jeremystandley.com
General Gibraltar Tourist Board: +44 2078 360 777; visitgibraltar.gi
John Green: +350 56000190; johnpv.com
Hot Off The Press: +34 952 930 392; hotpgreen.com
Owen Farrell Photography: Spain +34 670 664 341, Ireland +353 872682832; owenfarrellphotography.com
Humanist Wedding Celebrant: malagaminister.com
Simon Andrews: +1 604 628 2300; simon-andrews.com
Ocean Clinic: +34 951 775 518; oceanclinic.net
Talia Giraudo; + 34 605 275 407; thoroughlygorgeous.com
Reverend Alan Maude: +34 952 808 605; alanmaude@googlemail.com
Stationery Made With Love: +44 1457 838 838; madewithlovedesigns.co.uk
Net-A-Porter: net-a-porter.com
Hair & Beauty Princess-bride: +34 691 061 484; princess-bride.co.uk
Wedding Dress Emporiums Ian Stuart: ianstuartbrides.com
Olivier Laudus London:+44 208 374 1239; olivierlaudus.com
Reflections: +34 902 325 324; reflectionsmarbella.com
FiestaSol: +34 952 898 746; fiestasol.com
Florists In Bloom Flowers by Design: +34 687 757 470; inbloommaryanne.co.uk
Villa Blanca: +34 655 645 277, +34 951 978 017; bridalbeautyvillablanca.com
Lepanto: +34 952 447 012; lepantomalaga.net
James Bailie: +34 677 184 639, +353 868 519 745; jamesbailie.net
Delicious Cakes and Treats: +34 666 584 132; deliciouscakesandtreats.com Simply Cakes In Spain: +34 609 454 744; simplycakes-in-spain.com Sweet Things by Fi: +34 697 228 088; sweetthingsbyfi.com Cars Wedding Wheels Andalucia: +34 650 193 777; absoluteaxarquia.com/services/wedding_car.html Catering Dona Francisquita: +34 952 376 162, 952 374 910; donafrancisquita.com
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DJ Laurie Scott: +34 952 592 133; weddingdjspain.com Paul Martin / Mr Success: +44 7879 473 162, +34 673 306 586; michaelbubletribute.es franksinatratributesinger.co.uk Sabering: +34 952 815 398, +34 607 942 167; nermans.com Fashion & Accessories Browns: brownsfashion.com
Flor Valentin: +34 669 061 234; florvalentin.es
Photography Anna Gazda: +34 633 654 476; limelight.pl Boda Kids: +34 952 109 287; bodakids.es
Pronovias: pronovias.com Vera Wang: verawangonweddings.com Wedding Lists Patricia Darch Interiors: +34 956 615 350; interiorsinspain.com Wedding Planners Chic Weddings: +34 616 802 176 +34 615 297 256 chicweddingsmarbella.com
DATES FOR YOUR
Diary
Wedding events not to be missed! Celebra Málaga
November 25-27 2011, Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, Málaga, Spain Find everything you need for your dream Spanish wedding at Celebra Malaga. The widest selection of reputable companies from all across Spain will be showcasing everything from catering to lighting and from music to photography. In addition, enjoy music performances, fashion shows and a variety of presentations featuring the most current hair and make-up trends for the next year. celebramalaga.com
Bride of the Year Show
January 28-29 2012, Anton House, Dublin, Ireland Ireland’s number one wedding show returns in January with many bridal designers and boutique’s using it as a platform to showcase their newest collections. The Bride of the Year Show attracts up to 10,000 people each year with over 200 vendors exhibiting their products, making it Ireland’s single source for everything you need to make your nuptials ooze perfection. jmgstudio.es Fiesta Sol: +34 952 898 746; fiestasol.com Granada Weddings: +34 958 521 875; granadaweddings.com Med Weddings: Tel +34 679 851 204, +350 58008355; medweddings.com
andaluciahideaways.com, casademedina.com Mons Calpe Suite: +350 200 79478; monscalpesuite.com Nueva Kascada Restaurant: +34 952 864 478, +34 630 816 133; nuevakascada.com
Sala Events: salaevents.com
Small World Café: +34 952 771 046; smallworldcafe.com
Tarifa Weddings: +34 687 659 574; tarifaweddings.com
Sunset Beach Club Hotel: +34 952 579 400; sunsetbeachclub.com
vvvvv Wedding Shows The National Wedding Show: nationalweddingshow.co.uk Venues Buddha Beach: +34 952 813 882; buddhabeachbanus.com
Tamisa Golf Hotel: +34 952 585 988; hoteltamisagolf.com TikiTano: +34 952 798 449; tikitano.com Tribeca 12: +34 657 277 713 tribeca12.com
El Cortijo de los Caballos: +34 697 409 841; elcortijodeloscaballos.com
Trocadero Arena: +34 610 704 144; trocaderoplaya.com
El Oceano Beach Hotel: +34 952 587 550; oceanohotel.com
Villa Blanca: +34 655 645 277, +34 951 978 017; bridalbeautyvillablanca.com
Holiday World Resort: +34 952 579 757; holidayworld.es La Vista de Medina: +34 956 410 069,+34 646489069; lavistademedina.com,
wed.ie
The National Wedding Show
February 17-19 2012, Birmingham NEC March 16-18 2012, London Olympia Whether you have dreamt of a fairytale extravaganza or a simplistic modern affair, a visit to The National Wedding Show is a must for all future brides. Shop till you drop at this unique and glamorous wedding shopping experience, sit front row and experience a sensational selection of bridal couture and enjoy words of wisdom from some of the UK’s most prestigious wedding professionals. nationalweddingshow.co.uk
Villa Del Mar: +34 952 822 211; marbellaclub.com Villa Padierna: +34 952 88 9150; hotelvillapadierna.com
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LoveLove Love
This
Steal Karolina Korkova’s immaculate supermodel look To achieve Karolina’s sleek up do, create an oversized bun using either a bun ring or additional hair pieces. Add a hair net plus oodles and oodles of hairspray to keep everything in place. For the final touch, accessorize with a diamante hair vine. When it comes to your make-up, it’s all about the eyes. Wing your makeup out from the outer corners and add false eyelashes to truly make you flutter and achieve this dramatic effect. Pair down the rest of your look with nude lips and a touch of bronzer to create those supermodel cheekbones. Gown from Pronovias’ 2012 Collection 106 CONFETI
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