CONFETI SUMMER 2012
The Rise of the
Wedding Planner EXCLUSIVE Interview with Award Winning Designer
Ian Stuart
Cream of the Crop
Spotlight on
Seville EXCLUSIVE
ANNEV DREW Let the Best Dress Win
Spain’s Leading Wedding
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Spain, Gibraltar and The Balearics’ dedicated wedding bible
la sala
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome to CONFETI Yes! Wedding season is finally here and I hope you are as thrilled as I am. However, even the editor of a wedding magazine does get a little stressed at this time of year. I have five weddings to attend this summer, including two best friends. What am I worrying about? Hats, of course! I am all about a great hat. Do I opt for traditional, lean towards alternative millinery such as a fascinator or go retro with a birdcage? If you have any suggestions I would love to hear from you and I will showcase my favourite designs in future issues. Staying with design, regular readers will know about my infatuation with a certain Mr Ian Stuart, so you can imagine my excitement when we were offered the opportunity to interview him for this issue. This bridal couture genius will of course be showcasing his latest collection at the White Galley London, and by the time you read this I should be reporting straight from the front row. Don’t worry you don’t need to be magazine editor to stay ahead of the trends as there will be a full review on all the highs and lows in the autumn issue. Once the euphoria of getting engaged has died down, the reality of planning your big day can come as a bit of a shock, especially if you have opted for a wedding abroad. The big question is ‘Should I hire a Wedding Planner?’ This issue we are on hand to give our verdict. Turn to our ‘Rise Of The Wedding Planner’ feature and if you’re lucky you may just find your fairy Godmother, who will make all your wishes come true. When the big day is all over, aside from some amazing memories, all that you will be left with is your photographs. This is why I advise every bride to invest in a great photographer, as I cannot tell you how many devastated couples I have met who scrimped on this part of their wedding only for it to become their biggest regret. Remember, your wedding photos will be passed on for generations. Our ‘How to Choose your Wedding Photographer,’ feature should not only give you some great advice but possibly help you to find your dream photographer. That’s right strike a pose! I hope you enjoy swooning over their amazing images as much as I did. See you next issue…
Nicola
Nicola McGeorge - info@iconpublishing.es
TikiTano Weddings - you dream, we realize...
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SUMMER 2012
CONTENTS
Photo by Pierre Richardson
CONFETI
Features, advice, tips, ideas and suggestions to help arrange THE PERFECT WEDDING IN SPAIN, GIBRALTAR OR THE BALEARICS
COVER
STORIES Wars 25 Bride Exclusive gown ideas for Anne Hathaway and Drew Barrymore. Let the battle commence!
30 A Match Made in Heaven
Fashion Loves 9 Confeti What’s hot in the world of bridal
Hot 14 White Chic looks straight from the runway
for Gold 18 Going Shine on your big day
with these lust worthy accessories
Style 21 Aisle High street must-haves, plus theme your day in green
Exclusive interview with Ian Stuart
50 Spotlight on Seville
Find your dream location in our essential guide
86 Snapped!
Your indispensable guide to wedding photography
94 Your Wish is my Command
The who’s who in the world of wedding planning
Beauty
38
Skin Deep
Experts Richard Ward & Ariane Poole solve your hair and beauty dilemmas
44 Bridalplasty Everything you need to know about the hottest cosmetic procedures
Location, Location Your Day 58 Rock Wedding snippets from the Straits of Gibraltar
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Bonita 64 Isla The latest news from the
Mallorcan wedding scene
Weddings 70 Real Our selection of our favourite fairytales
Details
78 The Bridal Diaries What Kara did next...
Me 83 Eat The latest cake news
84 Blooming Lovely
The language of flowers
104 Down on
Bended Knees
Giles Brown shares his verdict on the perfect proposal
Confeti’s Notebook
Buzz 108 Bridal The latest news from the wedding scene
112 Confeti’s
Address Book
The best professionals, specialists and services
114 Put a Ring on It
The low down on Angelina’s rock
Front Cover – Dress by Linea Raffaelli B12 Set 18. A short dress in a crushed inox material. Available in cappuccino and off white. Approx £1005 linearaffaelli.com
Staff
PUBLISHER Andy Clark andy@iconpublishing.es ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Annalisa Turner-Sterling (English) Gabriel Moya Gonzalez (Spanish) Paul Martin (Mallorca) DESIGNER Constanza Martinez ASSISTANT DESIGNER Luna Siebrasse 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, Giles Brown, Natasha Johnson, Richard Ward, Andreas Holm, Gabriel Navas, Jeremy Standley, Ruth Jones, Scott del Amo, 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
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ONFETI loves... Stride With Pride
Elegantly proportioned and delicately hued, Yves Saint Laurent’s pale-gold leather ‘Tribtoo’ pumps are headed straight to the top of our wish list. Choose this gravity-defying pair to give your overall look an instant lift. €595 net-a-porter.com
Get It Or Regret It
This fab and funky black and white wooden sign is ideal to display near the dance floor in an attempt, and we emphasize the word attempt, to keep those disco dads at bay. £12.50 theweddingofmydreams.co.uk
Viva España
Yolan Cris’ 2012 collection will blow you away with their intricate detail, unique styles and overall magical approach. Divided into four mini collections; Lumiere, New Sun, Le Tre Grazie and Bohemian Luxury, each one tells a different story. If you are looking for something truly Spanish then this is the designer for you. yolancris.es
Made For Romance In The Spotlight Ritva Westenius’ classic elegant style won her the prestigious Best British Bridal Designer 2012 Award at the Bridal Buyer Awards. “After 35 years in the industry .... it was just fantastic,” exclaimed the talented designer. Ritva Westenius has won many awards in the past, including Best Designer, and was honoured in 2005 for her Outstanding Contribution to the Bridal Industry. ritvawestenius.com
Jenny Packham is famed for her coveted bridalwear and her latest collection is no exception. It’s rare you get to see the transition from sketch to runway but we thought we would give you a little something special this month! jennypackham.com
Vintage Delight
If a tiara isn’t for you then why not try a vintage style hair clip, the perfect complement to an elegant bridal gown and ideal for adding that subtle touch of sparkle. We think the Samantha Flower Crystal Comb by Accessorize ticks all the right boxes. €19.90 accessorize.com
Top Three Bridesmaids Gifts Thank You Message Necklace £32 kutuu.co.uk
Charm Bracelet Bracelet £179 Charms £42.95 - £ 109 thomassabo.com
Personalised Notebook My Day As A Bridesmaid £5.99 gettingpersonal.co.uk CONFETI 9
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OUR
ONFETI loves...
STAR
PHOTO
scottdelamoweddings.com
Mirror Mirror
These pocket mirrors are a great way to treat guests to a useful favour and sweet momento. Each mirror can be personalised with a different name or can feature the couples initials and wedding date. £4 bedcrumb.co.uk
One To Watch
Always on the lookout for new talent Confeti would like to introduce you to Orjan Jakobsson. Whilst working as a hairdresser, Orjan became aware of the lack of beautiful bridal hair accessories available to his clients so decided to create his own drool worthy hair accessories by hand, thus Parant was born. parantparant.se
Dare To Be Different
These heart shaped confetti pieces have all been hand punched from beautiful vintage Enid Blyton story books and come complete in their own matching stitched paper envelope. Gorgeous, original and eco-friendly! £4.50 ellieellie.co.uk
Designs For Life Liquorice Delights
Candy topiary trees are a growing trend for weddings. We love the retro feel of these liquorice sweet trees, either as part of your dessert table or an amazing alternative to flowers for your centerpieces. inbloommaryanne.co.uk 10 CONFETI
Together Forever
Do you sometimes wish you could hold your husband’s hand and never let go? Now you can. The You & Me Wedding or Eternity Ring holds an impression of your partner’s finger on the interior, which will encircle yours forever. patricklaing.com
A silk tulle wedding veil can make a dramatic difference transforming the simplest dress into a stunning bridal outfit. Anna Guise is the only designer specializing solely in silk wedding veils. Each one is hand crafted in Wales thus creating a unique family heirloom. annguise.com
Fashion
Photo courtesy of monvieve.com CONFETI 13
WHITE Hot See the latest collections straight from the runway
ASYMMETRICAL
A
symmetric designs are huge this season and emanate sophistication. Their unique necklines accentuate beautiful shoulders as well as soften squarer frames. Gowns with fuller skirts help to pinch in the waist and disguise wider fuller hips. The asymmetric detail in the current designer collections command attention and immediately attracts the eye to the neckline. Milla Jovovich wearing Elie Saab Designers, left to right: Carlos Miele, Jenny Packham, Rosa Clara, Novia D’ Art
Scarlett Johanson wearing Elie Saab Haute Couture Designers, left to right: Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, Elie Sabb, Vera Wang
BLUSH
W
earing a non-white or ivory wedding dress was, until recently, considered a pretty drastic move. Over the past couple of years we have begun to see subtle touches of colour appear on the catwalk although colour was still always the exception rather than the rule. This season, however, blush and pink shades graced dozens of runways, marking its official debut as an acceptable wedding gown hue.
14 14 CONFETI
FLORAL
I
nspired by the beauty of nature, and the blossoming spring garden, designers have been covering their gowns with fresh bursts of flowers. Ian Stuart and Elie Saab are at the forefront of this trend, with stunning creations that range from subtle and delicate touches, to full floral patterns; perfect for a spring or summer wedding. Selena Gomez wearing Dolce & Gabbana; Anna Kendrick wearing Elie Saab Designers, left to right: Claire Pettibone, Ian Stuart, Elie Saab
ILLUSION
NECKLINES
S
heer necklines, covering the decollage, continue to be all the rage on the bridal runways, and this season, crystal and pearl appliques give these see-through styles a more glamorous vibe. An illusion neckline is the perfect choice if you want slightly more coverage than a strapless gown, but feel that full on sleeves would be too heavy. Elegant, romantic and sophisticated, this trend is the epitome of bridal femininity; plus it means you don’t have to worry about your dress falling down on the dance floor!
Paris Hilton wearing Basil Soda Designers, left to right: Vera Wang, Sassi Holford at Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique - National Wedding Show, Monique Lhuillier, Jesus Peiro CONFETI 15
SLEEVES
A
fter many years of the strapless bridal gown style reigning supreme, sleeves are back for the bride of 2012. Designers have adorned their creations with dainty sleeves that make even the most glitzy, bodyhugging gowns feel statuesque. Despite the royal festivities taking place over a year ago lace sleeves a la the Duchess of Cambridge and cap sleeves as seen on Pippa Middleton are still popular choices with an array of designers replicating the royals’ fashion; it’s official, sleeves are in style again. Carrie Underwood wearing Gomez-Gracia Designers, left to right: Patricia Avendaño, Victorio & Lucchino, Claire Pettibone, Iselin Designs – National Wedding Show, Temperley London – Luxury Wedding Show London
TEA
LENGTH
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ute and kitsch. If you’re a lover of decades gone by, tea length dresses ooze 1950’s style and will add a hint of playfulness to your overall look. It goes without saying that incredible shoes are a must, or even colourful ones if you want to be a bit more daring. The shorter length makes walking down the aisle and dancing the night away a lot more convenient plus they’re a refreshing option for those brides planning an outdoor or destination wedding.
Kara Toin wearing vintage Designers, left to right: Alan Hannah, Ian Stuart, Novia D’Art and Alexander McQueen
Going Gold FOR
By Sangeeta Laudus
V
intage chic has made a huge comeback in the past couple of years, particularly in bridal fashion and accessories. This has renewed a new love for gold. Gold seemed to go out of fashion in the nineties and noughties, whilst silver, platinum and even white gold were de rigeur, but now gold is back with a vengeance. Gold fits in particularly well with the vintage look. Agedgold or original vintage
18 CONFETI
ornate gold hair combs and slides nod to the twenties boasting pearls or feather detailing. Gold side headpieces are totally on trend: from single bands with delicate detailing to statement headpieces featuring large vintage roses or art deco crystals.
teamed with a white dress for a beach wedding.
What could be better than gold as a way to summon your inner Grecian goddess or to get that sun-kissed St Tropez look. Gold and crystal chandelier style earrings worn with a cuff bracelet or bold bangles would look fantastic
If you have always dreamt of wearing a tiara on your wedding day, keep your look classic and regal. Ensure you choose a good quality gold plated tiara and make sure that your accessories match, different shades of gold do
However gold works equally well for the romantic bridal look – think dreamy freshwater pearls, simple gold flower pins or heart shaped jewellery.
not often blend well so try to buy your jewellery from the same place or check it matches with your headpiece. Today there is a wealth of costume jewellery available to allow brides to find their own unique look at very affordable prices, however there are many jewellers who have fantastic modern collections of jewellery fashioned from 9ct-24ct gold. In fact, in the last year, rose (or pink gold) has become increasingly popular and features in a number of the leading jew-
Golden Garden Headpiece $795 stephaniebrowne.com
Creamy Vintage Flower with Grey Stoned Vintage Leaves and Freshwater Ivory Pearls £325 floandpercy.com
Peter Lang Necklace £285 barberinifashion.com
Christie Earrings £39.99 olivierlaudus.com
18ct Sterling Silver Gold-Plated Unisex Butterfly Pendant on 18” Gold-Plated Silver Belcher Chain £43 jewellerypersonalised.co.uk
ellers’ new collections. With its warm pinkish hue, rose gold is wonderfully flattering and suits most skin tones. It also combines beautifully with coloured gemstones and crystals. As always the trick is to keep it simple and stylish when choosing your wedding accessories. This is even more the case with gold, which can start to look heavy if you overdo it.
Sangeeta x
For more information on Olivier Laudus visit their online boutique: olivierlaudus.com or call +44 20 8374 1239.
Accessorize Snake Bracelet £6 accessorize.com
Heartstrings Necklace £640 clogau.co.uk
Sweetie Charm Bracelet 18ct Rolled Gold with Charms from £990 linksoflondon.com
Olivier Laudus also ship to Spain and Gibraltar.
Tiffany Cuff in Rubedo Metal €7150 tiffany.com
Gold Crystal Wedding Tiara £69.99 crystalbridalaccessories.co.uk
CONFETI 19
Hold Me
This Silver Beaded Clutch Bag will give your outfit a chic metallic accent. Keeping your other accessories pared-back for highimpact results. £16 next.co.uk
debenhams.com
Let There be Lace
With the options available on the high street nowadays many brides are opting to purchase their gowns from their favourite stores. If you are looking for a great value wedding dress then look no further than Monsoon. This hand sequined, lace ‘Wordsworth’ dress is guaranteed to rival any designer creation. €465 monsoon.co.uk
Maids To Match
Recently we have seen a rise in neutral coloured bridesmaid dresses; many brides are opting to dress their bridesmaids and flower girls in similar tones to their wedding gown. This delicate ‘Florentine’ pleated dress is ideal for the summer season, complete with a detachable flower corsage. £48 monsoon.co.uk
What’s in a Name
Personalised and engraved with your chosen name, these men’s cufflinks make a fun gift for the groom. Alternatively why not double up and use them as wedding day cufflinks and contemporary presents for all the groomsmen. £19.95 ayedo.co.uk
Luxe Up Your Look
for RICHER for POORER If you want a stylish wedding without the designer price tag, check out our hottest picks from the high street.
This bang on trend statement Paradise pendant with a magnificent sunburst of Swarovski Elements radiates outwards from a large, central statement crystal. £176.00 swarovski-elements.com
Old Hollywood Glamour
The ‘Libertine’ Bridal tiara is a beautifully hand crafted side tiara, designed for an elegant yet contemporary art deco look. Crafted using various shaped diamantes, all interwoven to give maximum impact, yet the elegance still desired by a modern bride £139.00, giftwrappedandgorgeous.com
Top Three Platforms Think Pink
In recent years fascinators have surpassed wedding hats as the headwear of choice. The interest has continued to rise following the Royal Wedding which saw a great array of intriguing fascinator headpieces. If you’re new to this stylish alternative why not start with something simple like this pink floral piece. accessorize.com
Silver Sparkle Stiletto Heel Shoe £25.99 pilotfashion.com
Fizz Diamante Platform Peep Toe €90 schuh.co.uk
Carvela Altitude Court Shoe £130 kurtgeiger.com
CONFETI 21
Theme your day
Bridal bouquet using Phalaenopsis orchid, Dendrobium orchid, bear grass and Gypsophila €150 Florvalentin.es
A contemporary peacock inspired tiered cake featuring Cymbidium green orchids. POA sweetthingsbyfi.com
Alfred Sung Strapless Cocktail Dress $189 dessy.com
Goddess THE GREEN
Richard James Classic Silk Satin Tie €92.83 mrporter.com
Frilly Rose Fascinator £6 turquoiseweddings.co.uk Wedding planner - fiestasol.com Photo - davidtoms-weddings.com
Floral Wedding Invitation POA ananyacards.com
Add gentle shades of green to infuse your wedding with a beautiful fresh appeal. Since green represents change, life and growth, it is the perfect complementary wedding colour.
Lime Green Fabric & Wooden Fan £2.29 fantastica-uk.co.uk Green Birdhouse Decoration £1.95 dotcomgiftshop.com 22 CONFETI
Green Vintage Tortina Favour Box (Pack of Ten) £3.49 paperthemes.co.uk
Indian Peonies Wedding Cake, POA cakecouturemarbella.com
Bride WARS By Christie Holland
V Drew Barrymore
Anne Hathaway
F
orget something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Celebrity weddings are more likely to involve something designer, something free, something exclusive and something shocking. Last year we witnessed everything from the catastrophic 72 day whirlwind that was Kim Kardashian and Kris Humpries to the breathtakingly beautiful and patriotic Royal Wedding and 2012 looks like it will be just as exciting. Surprisingly it’s not the remarkable array of famous faces that fill the aisles that attracts the most attention at the nuptials of Hollywood’s elite, it’s another pre-requisite… the dress. The moment Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster Abbey, her Alexander McQueen wedding dress with a six-foot train became an instant classic. From Gwen Stefani’s dip-dyed pink silk Dior creation to Grace Kelly’s timeless pearl-studded gown, celebrity dresses are as iconic as the stars themselves. This year A List actresses Drew Barrymore and Anne Hathaway took the next step to walking down the aisle. Confeti asked an array of leading bridal designers to sketch what they believe will make these Hollywood starlets go down in history.
CONFETI 25
Drew Barrymore FAMOUS FOR... She started out in Steven Spielberg’s beloved sci-fi blockbuster, E.T followed by a series of hits including Batman Forever, The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed, Charlie’s Angels, Music and Lyrics and most recently Big Miracle with John Krasinski. HUSBAND TO BE 34-year-old art consultant, Will Kopelman LOVE STORY Kopelman (son of former Chanel head Arie Kopelman) proposed to Barrymore while the pair were vacationing in scenic Sun Valley, Idaho, USA. News of their first public outing came into light in February 2011, shortly after Drew had split from on-off boyfriend actor, Justin Long. By September 2011, the gorgeous couple were seen kissing on a visit to Rome, although the two have maintained a relatively low profile since. The former child actress has been romantically linked to many Hollywood leading men, including Luke Wilson, Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti and director Spike Jonze. Drew has also been married twice before, most notably to comedian Tom Green in 1999; the two divorced in 2001.
“We designed this dress for Drew because her personality is fun, flirtatious, and she is always seen very fashion forward and unique. I think this design echoes her personal sense of style, flair and originality” Ines di Santo
26 CONFETI
“Drew has an air of confidence and sophistication that compliments her femininelyedgy and vintage looks, making her very comfortable with fashion. I wanted this design to draw inspiration from the past to portray how effortlessly Drew wears elegantly casual styles while remaining bohemian chic. I wanted to design a gown that pulls from Drew’s gracefully powerful yet playful presentation of femininity through a modern vintage look.” Randi Rahm
“We created this gown noting that Drew Barrymore is known to keep it simple and sleek on the red carpet so we would expect nothing less from her on her big day. This minimalistic gown, with its classic shape and silhouette is perfect for Drew and serves as the perfect canvas for tons of outrageous diamonds!” Val Stefani
“I wanted to create something that complimented Drew and was in keeping with the Anne Barge aesthetic, which is impeccable quality both in construction and fit. This gown utilizes pure silk fabrics paired with simple clean lines that beautifully modernize vintage couture. The delicate embroidery, floral details and beading on this design capture the understated elegance associated with Drew while celebrating her free-spirited nature.” Anne Barge
“To me, my sketch is ‘The True Drew’. The girl with the big signature grin, her tousled hair, wearing a simple, easy, comfortable dress that is unique to her, gorgeous yet glamorous and fun to wear! Light as air, petals created by laser cut silk chiffon give the dress a weightless effect. An ethereal wisp floating around the body captures the sense of fun and that ‘tousled’ natural beauty that is Drew’s signature. The waist is cinched with a gorgeous belt that is embroidered with Mother of Pearl flowers, quartz crystal and natural pearls.” Don O’Neill, Creative Director, THEIA
CONFETI 27
Anne Hathaway FAMOUS FOR... She started out as the awkward Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries and starred in an array of family films including Ella Enchanted before branching out into more dramatic roles in 2005 including Brokeback Mountain and Havoc. Anne then went on to star in The Devil Wears Prada and Becoming Jane before taking on the role that won her a nomination for Best Actress at The Academy Awards, Kym in Rachel’s Getting Married. She has since starred in, Valentine’s Day, Alice in Wonderland, Love and Other Drugs, Rio, One Day and is scheduled to play Catwomen in the forthcoming, The Dark Knight Rises. HUSBAND TO BE 30-year-old actor and jewellery designer, Adam Shulman LOVE STORY Hathaway began dating the understated Shulman three years ago, following the messy end of her four-year romance with Italian entrepreneur Rafaello Follieri. Follieri pled guilty in September 2008 to embezzling investors out of millions in an elaborate con in which he posed as a real estate consultant for the Vatican. Shulman and Anne hit it off immediately, but it took them a while to begin dating as she thought he had a girlfriend and vice versa. Once they realized they were both single, she said, “things sped up a bit — and I think I’ll leave it at that.” Adam took the traditional approach and got down on one knee to propose to his The Princess Diaries sweetheart; presenting her with a ring he had designed himself in collaboration with Kwiat Heritage Jewels.
“Through my designs, I like to fuse the past and present with my fabrics, construction and detailing. For Anne, I’ve designed a gown that features dimensional laser cut silks and embroidered laces with a ruffled detail on the back of the skirt to create the perfect combination of modern grace and timeless beauty.” Junko Yoshioka
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“My specialty as a bridal designer lies in creating ethereal and romantic dresses that portray a playful yet vintage look for the girl who wants to stand out in the crowd. This romantic and ultra-feminine design incorporates jewelled eyelet lace, silk floral appliqués and detailed European trimmings along the bodice and skirt that will perfectly suit Anne on her big day.” Claire Pettibone
“The bias tiers of hand beaded ivory Chantilly lace would look flawless against Anne’s porcelain skin and the mermaid silhouette would complement her stunning figure.” Tadashi Shoji
“I enjoy creating timeless fashion gowns and providing the highest quality pieces whilst paying impeccable attention to every detail. Classic New York style is always my go-to when creating and I feel as albeit this design, though slightly unconventional, is a beautiful option for Anne on her special day that is sure to turn heads.” Christina Makowsky
“My design aesthetic is bold and sexy. I’ve created this oneof –a-kind mermaid style dress for Anne on her big day that comes complete with ruching and imported European fabrics that is perfect for Anne” Kelly Dooley
“I created an opulent look adorned in antique lace, I wanted to offer a silhouette with both romantic femininity and structured movement. This extravagant gown is finished off with a tiered skirt of silk organza and Chantilly lace layers. The women who can pull of this look is daring, sophisticated, fashion savvy, and always original; everything that Anne embodies” Ines Di Santo
“I created a few dramatic designs that go hand in hand with what I’ve seen Anne wearing on the red carpet before, whilst displaying my design aesthetic which incorporates heavy beading and embellishments. Each one of these ball gowns offer quite the dramatic flair fit for a princess bride which I know Anne would love!” Angel Rivera CONFETI 29
Designer P rofile
A MATCH made in
HEAVEN In this exclusive interview, Nicola McGeorge talks to Ian Stuart, the distinguished British bridal designer who has won the Best British Bridal Designer of the Year Award not once but an astounding five times and was further honoured with a major award for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.’ 30 30 CONFETI
REAL BRIDE, Esther in Ian Stuart Photo - kandephotography.co.uk
I have an infatuation with... couture. Since I first discovered it as a teenager in fash-
ion magazines it ignited a passion within me that felt simply euphoric. This led me to pursue a place in fashion college, during which time I won several awards for my theatrical and innovative designs. I left college and began training at Bellville Sassoon, one of London’s finest couture houses. I specialized in creating gowns for socialites and members of The Royal Family. I went on to work for bridal manufacturers in New York, before launching my own label in 2003. I adore having my own label, as it allows me to be creatively free, enabling my true passions to flow.
I am best known for... breaking the bridal mould. My gowns are a reflection of my love of high fashion and historical costume and rarely look traditional. My use of colour and innovative fabrics is my signature. I design for brides who want to avoid a typical ‘bridal look’, but equally want to wear a magnificent dress that still captures the magic of the ‘wedding gown.’
My biggest achievement has to be… presenting my first collection on the catwalk under my own name. That was a dream realised for me. A decade of hard work and a lifetime of passion was captured in one moment, it was very emotional, and I was extremely proud of myself. I have won many awards before and since then, but nothing compares to the feeling of living the dream for the first time.
My latest bridal collection is... a fusion of my two greatest passions,
innovative design, and historical influence. I have strived to create a collection that is distinctive, cutting-edge and unmistakably Ian Stuart. I have studied the finer details of costume and reinterpreted them in a modern way. Inspired by methods of great couturiers past and present, I’ve spent time exploring inventive pattern cutting, creating stunning shapes and silhouettes that will excite the next generation of fashion conscious brides.
CONFETI 31
Ifullam inspired by... the city I live in, which is of art, fashion, and amazing history. You only have to step out into the street to be inspired. I can look at the wall of a beautiful hotel and see a dress shape in the architecture. Inspiration is everywhere if you keep your eyes open.
I also travel a lot to other cities, and I love seeing the style of women all over the world. Every city has a different feel, and I think it serves as an important reminder to a designer that style comes in many guises.
Each day begins with...
coffee! Then checking emails! Each day has its own unexpected challenges depending on what falls into my inbox. Two days are never the same, it depends on what time of year it is. Currently, we are working towards our fashion show, so my days can be spent finding the perfect music for the catwalk, fitting models, styling the dresses or achieving the perfect make-up look. The preparation for a show can take months and it takes over your life!
II adore would love to... branch out into accessories. creating one-off theatrical pieces for my fashion shows,
and have often been asked “where can I buy this?” So I think it is a natural step to make them available!
My favourite bride has to be... Princess Margaret. I loved her wedding dress for its traditionalism. She epitomised ‘royal wedding’ with simplicity and grace. She will forever be my favourite bride. I also adored Gwen Stefani’s gown by John Galliano. In the same way that my brides like to express their originality, she made a bold statement with an unexpected flash of her favourite colour. I thought it was genius. 32 32 CONFETI
Wh en cho osin g you r dre ss…
only take your closest friend or relative with you, whose opinion you value and trust. Too many people with differen t ideas of what looks good can only confuse the proces s, and can often take the enjoym ent out of choosin g your dress. I’ve seen it all, tears, tantrums, denoun cing of bridesm aids! Remem ber you are wearing your dress for you.
I wou ld like to dre ss.. .
Kelly Osborn e. She has style like nobody else. She is unexpe cted, creative , daring and you can tell she has an aesthet ic for design. I can imagine she would be either great fun to work with, or a real diva! But the dress, no matter what, would be a work of art.
For des tina tion wed ding dre sse s I use … a fantastic fabric called taffeta
metal, which has a scrunch y creased texture. I always design in my collecti on a dress that is light weight in this fabric, so a bride can transpo rt it easily, and not have to worry about it creasin g. I would recomm end to any bride having a destina tion weddin g to choose a fabric that won’t damag e easily, ruining your weddin g dress can be heartbr eaking.
A brid e can exp ect from an Ian Stu art wed ding dre ss… impecc able structu re that perfect ly enhanc es her beautifu
l body, luxury fabric that makes her feel like royalty, and original ity in design that represe nts her unique style. My goals are to ensure that every one of my brides falls in love with the way she looks on her weddin g day, and never forgets that feeling.
CONFETI 33
Real Bride, Youlia in Ian Stuart. Photo by tysonbenton.com
People would be surprised to know... that I am quite the pianist at home; my prized possession is my baby grand. I’ve been practicing piano since I was a child, I love getting lost in a beautiful piece of music.
My fantasy top five front row would be... Dolly Parton, Tom Ford, Sophia Loren, Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley. A brides’ perfect dress is... the dress that makes her feel every inch the princess she used to
when she was dressing up as a little girl; igniting the excitement she had during childhood.
ianstuart-bride.com 34 CONFETI
Beauty CONFETI 37
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.
Shine on bride-to-be wants her hair to look perfect on her “Every wedding day. Whether styled in an up-do or left loose and
flowing, the key to a beautiful look is shine. Here are my top tips for ensuring hair is healthy and glossy on your big day.
”
Image Courtesy of Stephanie Allin
VISIT YOUR HAIRDRESSER REGULARLY
The best way to keep your hair in top condition is to visit your hairdresser regularly. If you like your style and it’s working for you, then a trim every six weeks will keep it looking fresh and easy to maintain at home. Removing dry, split ends will help the condition of the hair too. If you want to grow your hair, then visit your hairdresser every nine to 12 weeks otherwise it will never grow. Don’t make the mistake of never visiting the salon, you need it to be in great condition, split end free, and cut into a definite style, even if you’re growing it. Leaving any cut longer than 12 weeks will result in dry ends with no style definition that just gets harder and harder to make look good.
ADAPT YOUR HAIR CARE ROUTINE
To get the most out of your hair there are certain things you can change in your daily routine to make hair healthier and shinier:
• When washing your hair, use the flats of your fingers (the spongy pads) not your fingertips or nails, which is more beneficial for scalp and blood flow stimulation. • Always rinse your hair for two minutes too; hair will shine if rinsed really well. • Avoid excessive heat damage – don’t use the straighteners every day and when you do, use a heat protective product such as my Richard Ward Couture Hair Energiser Styling Spray (£19.00), richardward.com. Get in the habit of holding your dryer at least five inches away from your hair. If you hold it any closer it will damage your hair – test it on your hand and see how fast you pull away when holding it close to your skin!
THINK ABOUT YOUR DIET
Diet is crucial - healthy hair needs a healthy diet, and as strong, new healthy hair growth relies on getting a good blood supply through the follicle, eating the right foods can really improve hair health dramatically. Blood producing foods like nuts, seeds (linseed is particularly good) and dark berries (such as blueberries) are excellent. Try incorporating them into your diet by sprinkling onto breakfast cereals or getting to the health food shop, and stocking up for snacking throughout the day. Making these simple changes will ensure hair is full of body and shine for the big day.
To book an appointment at the Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, call 020 7730 1222 or visit richardward.com 38 CONFETI
plastic surgery aesthetic medicine dental aesthetics Oral & maxillOfacial surgery
Dr. Kai O. Kaye - Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon • Full Member of the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery SEGPRE • Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery EBOPRAS • Full Member of the German Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery DGPRÄC • Member of the Colegio de Medicos de Malaga (No.29/2909452)
WINNER of ESSENTIAL MARBELLA
AWARDS
2010 & 2011
Av. Ramon y Cajal, 7 - 29600 Marbella 0034 951 775 518 - Mob : 670 770 455 info@oceanclinic.net - www. oceanclinic.net
Beauty Crush
Image Courtesy of Sassi Holford
Celebrity makeup artist ARIANE POOLE, whose clients have included everyone from Penelope Cruz to Uma Thurman, answers your bridal dilemmas.
What type of cosmetics do you recommend for destination brides? The most important factor to remember when selecting cosmetics for a destination wedding is that all the make-up you opt for is long lasting and heat resistant. I would particularly recommend the new long lasting matifying foundation by Clinique; it is brilliant in hot, humid weather as it will keep shine at bay. Other products to consider are cream to powder eye shadows, (as they are less likely to slide off in the heat) gel eyeliners and blush stains, however the latter isn’t suitable for all skin types so you may need to opt for 40 CONFETI
a powder blush. Do avoid cream blushes as in the heat they will just melt away; and of course do not forget waterproof mascara, you do not want mascara stained cheeks in your wedding pictures. Passengers may only carry three ounce or smaller containers of liquid or gel in one clear, plastic bag. While brides can fill their checked luggage with cosmetics, there’s always the chance that a critical suitcase will go astray. What are the essential cosmetics a destination bride should carry onboard in her hand luggage? Thankfully most foundations are
not more than 100ml, so whenever possible I would carry them in your hand luggage as foundation is so personal. Items like body lotion and skincare are easily transferable to smaller containers; altering your skincare routine prior to your wedding is not recommended, so again I would take small portions of these in your hand luggage when possible. Remember you will be able to buy some products in duty free, however I would not rely on the country you are entering to have everything. If you have a favourite mascara, lipgloss etc. take it in your hand luggage, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Are there any special considerations a destination bride should make so that her face looks beautiful in the wedding photos? I would say the most important thing is to look like you and feel comfortable. If you wish to reinvent yourself, aim to do so prior to the wedding and be 100% satisfied that you like your new look; if you appear uncomfortable you won’t love your pictures. Ariane is available for bridal makeup master classes. For more information go to arianepoole.com
Because you’re beautiful!
+ Breast Augmentation
+ Liposuction
+ Breast Uplift
+ Facial Injections
+ Breast Reduction
+ Face Lifts
+ Tummy Tuck
+ Eyebag Removal
+ Buttock Augmentation
+ Rhinoplasty
Book your FREE consultation
Cosmetic surgery procedures for Brides To Be
(+34) 952 895 088 in English (+34) 662 936 058 en EspaĂąol Dr. Marco Vricella is Director of the Aesthetic Surgery unit at HC Marbella Private Hospital.
Cosmetic Surgery
|
Gibraltar
e: info@ariamedicalgroup.com
www.ariamedicalgroup.com
|
Marbella
|
Madrid
Local Beauty Bites
A Lavish Affair D
Lavish Hair and Make-up are a family run team who specialise in providing naturally glamorous looks, perfect for both bridal and formal occasions. The team is available to travel along the coast from Nerja to Gibraltar.
iana and Jessica Churchill the talented duo behind Lavish have had a life-long love affair with hair, makeup and style. It’s no mystery where Jessica’s passion originated. She has been immersed in the world of beauty of since birth. She started her career by learning the art of hair & make-up from her mother Diana, who has worked with some of the most influential stylists and has passed on all her knowledge to her daughter. By the age of 17, Jessica’s interest had evolved into a full-fledged love affair with hair and make-up design. It appeared this was her destiny.
Lavish was formed after the mother and daughter team noticed a gap in the market for a company that was qualified, professional and blessed with natural talent. Diana and Jessica have mastered the skills and professional expertise that place them at the top of the industry. Over the years the team have worked professionally with leading companies and are renowned for transforming their clients’ ideas into a creative and technically accurate visual representation of their thoughts. “As a team we bring to every assignment world class technical
PREENED TO
Perfection Vanity Beauty Salon is based in San Pedro and offers a wide range of hair and beauty treatments ideal for weddings, hen do’s and celebrations.
42 CONFETI
ability combined with style, and a calm and professional demeanour,” explains Jessica. “Having a relaxed manner is an asset to the often-hectic environments of a wedding day. It is also important to add a sense of lightness, fun and creativity to the experience”. Lavish offer a dynamic portfolio of services including nails, eyelashes, facials and spray tanning, ensuring all beauty needs are accommodated. Their pamper days are ideal as an alternative hen do activity or as an additional day of relaxation prior to the wedding day.
The duo have a sincere appreciation for beauty and their passion for working with people shows in the magnificent work they do. They are always open to creating something new and innovative for their brides whilst at the same time supporting their aesthetic vision. “We love what we do and truly believe we have the best job in the world.” Hair and Makeup by Lavish +34 622 192 507 +34 645 342 549 hairandmakeupbylavish.com
V
anity Beauty Salon in San Pedro provides highest quality beauty treatments using leading cosmetic lines and the newest technologies. The talented team offer the widest range of services from hair and beauty to nails and waxing all aimed to enhance and maintain your natural beauty. In addition to offering a great range of services for adults, Vanity Beauty Salon has the added luxury of a small children’s play area, ideal for entertaining your little ones while you are being preened and pampered! The multi-lingual staff speak Spanish, English, German and Russian and are always on hand to share their knowledge and assist you in choosing the best treatments and products for you. Vanity’s great value wedding packages are perfect for enjoying a day of papering with your bridesmaids; the experienced team will transform your hair into a masterpiece and provide you with flawless makeup that will last all day. They even offer a trial beforehand to ensure you are 100% happy with the results. Also included in the wedding package
is a manicure and pedicure or alternatively a set of Bio Gel nails as well as underarm, eyebrows, bikini and leg wax to ensure you are not only prepared for your wedding day but also your honeymoon! For the ultimate luxury why not hold your hen party at Vanity, for a small additional fee the salon can be made exclusive to you! You can select your preferred treatments and enjoy them over celebratory champagne and a selection of canapés as well as a surprise gift from Vanity! Vanity Your Home of Beauty +34 952 786 161 vanityofbeauty@gmail.com facebook.com/VanityBeauty1
The Consulting Room A Little Extra Help Cosmetic surgery is on the rise among brides who want to ensure that they look their best on their big day. A wedding might not be the sole reason for opting for surgery but it can act as a catalyst for anyone who may have been considering it for a while. Confeti asks our favourite cosmetic surgeons to talk us through the most popular procedures.
Breast Surgery
D
r. Marco Vricella, Chief Cosmetic Surgeon at Aria Medical Group is a member of the British General Medical Council; the Spanish General Medical Council; and the Gibraltar Medical Board. “Breast augmentation is a very popular procedure for brides-to-be as they want to look their very best on their special day and on their honeymoon. In fact, I have just had the pleasure of working on a bride-to-be and her sister who have both undergone breast surgery prior to the wedding. A relationship with my patients always starts with a free consultation. This is designed to give patients the opportunity to find out exactly what can be achieved for them with cosmetic surgery. After taking a detailed medical history, I examine the breasts, discuss the patient’s expectations and explain what can be achieved. When I am clear what the patient would like and that the expectations of the patient are realistic I then explain the procedure in detail. Using illustrations, I make clear to the client the details of the procedure, including the position of the incisions, and whether the implants will be placed in front of or behind the muscle. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions they have and are given as much time as they need. For breast augmentation I personally work with Allergan, Mentor and Silimed implants; as I feel that they provide the highest quality results and are FDA approved. Using a combination of these manufacturers I can offer a wide range of shapes, sizes and projections to suit the individual needs of the client. This is imperative in order to obtain the best possible result for each individual patient. At Aria we consider post-operative care to be as important as the procedure itself and patients are seen regularly over the course of the first year and beyond
44 CONFETI
to monitor their progress. Generally, a sports bra is worn for the first four weeks post-operatively during which time, heavy lifting/upper body exercise is not allowed. Most of the swelling reduces in the first two to three weeks. I see each patient at one week post operatively and again at two weeks. All patients, regardless of the procedure they have undertaken, are able to call either myself or my specialist nurse, 24 hours a day following surgery. Breast Reduction is another popular procedure which is used to decrease the size of large, often pendulous breasts. This procedure greatly improves quality of life by relieving back and neck problems frequently experienced in such patients. In addition, self-confidence is enhanced since a lot of women with large breasts suffer for many years with embarrassment about their breast size and after the procedure they are able to wear clothes that previously they would not have even considered. Breast reduction usually takes two to three hours and is performed under a general anaesthetic. After surgery patients need to stay in hospital for two days. The most common procedure involves an incision following the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast
skin and excess tissue will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess tissue has been removed, the nipple and areola are relocated to a new, usually higher, central position. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. Patients whose breasts have begun to sag and/or have lost volume in the upper part of the breast may benefit from an uplift. In a number of patients it is helpful to perform this surgery with a breast augmentation using small implants to improve the shape, size and projection of the breasts. If the patient is in good general health all breast surgery procedures can easily be combined with at least one other type of surgery. The main advantages of having more than one surgery performed at the same time is that the results are even more dramatic and the cost of two surgeries together is even better value than if they were performed separately.� ARIA MEDICAL GROUP +34 952 895 088 +34 671 639 353 in English ariamedicalgroup.com
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Buttock Augmentation Dr. Kai O. Kaye, from Ocean Clinic is a fully registered Plastic Surgery Consultant in Germany, Spain and the UK. He has lectured at National and International conventions and has published several articles in the field of plastic and aesthetic surgery.
“W
edding ceremonies have become bigger and more glamorous - it is now often not only close family, but hundreds of people in attendace, and due to media-covered weddings of the stars, many brides want to be as perfect as they can be for their big day, nowadays this includes cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments. The way we perceive certain kinds of looks and aesthetics has undergone a slow, but permanent change. In the 1980 and 1990’s, androgynous models and women were dominating fashion and lifestyle, but in the last decade a more feminine, aesthetic look has been celebrated. This is reflected in the rising number of breast augmentations as well as bottom lifts or buttock implants. The latter has also risen in popularity since the Royal Wedding due to the world’s obsession with Pippa Middleton’s derriere. Currently we have two main procedures to reshape the buttocks, the first uses special buttock implants which are implanted under the gluteal muscle to enhance volume and reshape the buttocks. The invasiveness of this procedure is comparable with breast implants; however the recovery phase is a bit longer. This technique is still THE technique of choice for very slim women, with a lot of skin laxity and a desire for a substantial change in volume. The second technique available is the so called ‘Brazilian Butt Lift;’ it consists of harvesting fat cells by liposuction in other areas of the body, cleaning and purifying them and then reinjecting those cells into the upper part of the buttocks. The results offer a medium volume increase. This technique is only
recommended for patients who have enough body fat, who don’t require a very large increase in volume and who don’t have much skin laxity. As for the aftercare, the patients who undergo buttock implants stay overnight in the clinic and will need about two weeks to fully recover. Regular check-ups and dressing changes are performed during the first two weeks. The Brazilian butt lift technique can be performed on an out-patient basis and has a quicker recovery.
As this is not a procedure performed here in Europe by many plastic surgeons, you should ensure you visit a surgeon who has a wide level of experience with this procedure and who can offer you advice regarding the technique, selection of size and type of implants, aftercare, etc.” OCEAN CLINIC +34 951 775 518 +34 952 900 836 oceanclinic.net
The scarring in the case of the buttock implants consists of a small scar (4-5 cm) in the middle of the buttock crease where it joins the lower back, which is invisible from behind. For the Brazilian Butt Lift you will only have some little scars (3-4 mm) where the fat is harvested and then re-injected, those are barely visible and fade with time. The implants may have to be replaced once in a lifetime; however this change has a quicker recovery than the first procedure. In the case of the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure a second fat injection may be required after a period of time as some of the transplanted fat absorbs, but once a stable volume is achieved the results are permanent. An operation such as this should be planned at least six to eight weeks before the wedding to allow for a generous recovery time including the postoperative treatments like lymphatic drainage and deep tissue massage. After the healing period is completed, you can continue will all types of sports even in the case of buttock implants, long term complications are very rare.
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER BOTTOM LIFT
AFTER IMPLANTS
CONFETI 45
Body Contouring With Body Jet Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr.Manuel Ortiz Abello specialises in head, neck and facial surgery and is the principal consultant of the department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgery in Hospital Quiron, Málaga
“T
he requests for this particular method of body reshaping, also known as the Body Jet Treatment have exploded this year. The mania has grown with good reason; this latest technology has allowed for fat removal to finally be a comfortable experience. Remarkably it leaves the skin with a natural tight and smooth look, while the patients leave looking healthy, younger and with their desired figure. Not only does this procedure remove unwanted fat in a painless manner, it also allows for the fat to be reinjected into other parts of the body. After harvesting the substance it can be re-used to either boost up flat areas or to fill up wrinkled skin. The fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body and there is no need for any further surgery later on. This medically ideal treatment has no risks as we do not introduce additives or implants to the body. What are the benefits of Body Jet? This unisex treatment has received rave reviews in cosmetic makeovers. The process and outcome of using the Body Jet is simply
incomparable to any other method available on the current market. It allows for the body fat to be removed immediately in greater volumes compared with any other treatment available on the market. Patients with minor amounts of fat also favour the procedure purely to rejuvenate their face, hands, reducing wrinkles, boosting cheek volume, enhancing lips, increasing the breast size, reshaping the buttocks, the list goes on. This latest technology has allowed for everything to be done under local anesthetic in a painless and virtually bloodless manner. The recovery is comfortable, immediate and the outcome is natural and highly effective. This procedure is ideal as a pre wedding treatment. A wedding puts enormous amounts of pressure on the bride and groom alike; the preparation and intense organization for all the details to match their desires, is often underestimated by most of us. On top of this, the couple is expected to be a vision of perfection on their big day. The Body Jet Treatment offers the ideal pre-wedding
natural makeover, it is minimally invasive with a very quick ambulatory procedure. Patients are able to go home the same day, without any sign of having any type of aesthetic surgery. With an almost immediate recovery it is perfect for those that wish to have a naturally healthy look on their special day. Body Jet technology was voted the most significant technical innovation of the decade by the 2011 European Academy of Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons. While in a CME paper published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it was confirmed that the 7 reference centres for liposuction in the United States have reported average rates for corrective revisions after traditional liposuction to be 20% (which is a very high number.) For the Body Jet liposuction, the outcome was less that 10%. All of our procedures are undertaken at the Hospital Quiron, Málaga; currently the largest private medical organization in Spain, offering patients the latest in modern technology available with the most professional medical care and guaranteed results that will exceed your expectations.” Dr. Manuel Ortiz Abello Call or text and we return the call: +34 658 022 251 drmanuelortizabello.com
46 CONFETI
Location,Location
Image Courtesy of Stephanie Allin CONFETI 49
LIGHT T O P S ON
Seville
You Want
Moor? By Christie Holland
A metropolis beaming with a beauty and energy every bit as intense as the bright AndalucĂan sun shining upon it, Seville is one of Spain’s cosmopolitan gems, with a multitude of breathtaking locations to hold your wedding.
50 CONFETI
manolonavarro.net
manolonavarro.net
I
f there is any city that epitomises everything that is quintessentially Andalucían, it’s Seville. The region’s capital, quite possibly one of Europe’s most beautiful and exuberant cities, is a maze of narrow winding medieval lanes, romantic hidden plazas, lively tapas bars and bodegas, and fantastic architectural monuments demonstrating the heavy Moorish influence of the past. Olive groves sprawling across rolling hills unite elevated mountain ranges combined with the lapping waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the Spain we all imagine, the home of bullfights and flamenco, the legendary figure of Don Juan and notable characters such as Carmen and Figaro. Situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir, Seville has been inhabited by many different cultures over the past 2000 years, including the Roman Empire and the Moors. Each culture has left its mark, both architecturally and creatively, on this bustling and energetic conurbation. Seville moves at half the pace of other major cities in Europe; creating a tranquil and even small-town atmosphere that complements the Sevillano way of savouring every moment of life, bite of food and sip of drink. While this relaxed ambience is part of the appeal, don’t be fooled. Sevillanos are renowned for having fun; when the sun goes down, the city demonstrates its Andalucían passion for partying. Seville’s nightlife is brimming with vibrant people, great music and incomparable excitement. There are so many attractions to see that the city deserves a lengthy visit to do it justice; Seville’s vast cathedral is one of the biggest in the world, only
beaten by St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London. A highlight of the lavish interior is Christopher Columbus’ supposed tomb inside the south door, as well as the priceless art collection it houses featuring famous works by Goya, Murillo and Zurbarán. On the banks of the River Guadalquivir stands the Torre de Oro, one of Seville’s major landmarks. Originally built as a watchtower by the Moors, it is now used as a naval museum. The spectacular Plaza de España is one not to miss; embellished with fountains and mini-canals, it was the centrepiece of the 1929 Spanish-Americas Fair. The adjacent Parque de María Luisa is an ideal spot to enjoy a well-deserved break from the miraculous sights. With its rich culture and abundance of architectural gems, Seville is quite possibly the most romantic European city and offers a beautiful back-drop for a destination wedding. Undoubtedly a city of breathtaking beauty, vibrant ambience and the most festive and lively of cultures, whether you select a location inside the magnificent city or outside the ancient but still imposing walls, the unique architectural influence combined with the fantastic Andalucían cuisine and infectious atmosphere, will guarantee a truly memorable wedding celebration. It’s impossible to resist the charms of this archetypal Andalucían city.
MUST SEES FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS Seville’s Cathedral and Giralda Seville’s immense cathedral, is awe-inspiring in its scale and sheer majesty. It stands on the site of the great 12th-century Almo-
had mosque, with the mosque’s minaret (the Giralda) still towering beside it. After Seville fell to the Christians in 1248, the mosque was used as a church until 1401. Then, in view of its decaying state, the church authorities decided to knock it down and start again. “Let us create such a building that future generations will take us for lunatics”, they decided (or so legend has it). The result is a cathedral measuring 126m long and 83m wide. Seville’s Alcazar The sublime and romantic Alcázar, a World Heritage–listed monument, is the building every other building in Seville wants to be. Originally founded as a fort for the Cordoban governors of Seville in 913, the Alcázar has been expanded or reconstructed many times in its 11 centuries of existence. In the 11th century, Seville’s prosperous Muslim taifa rulers developed the original fort by building a palace called Al-Muwarak in what’s now the western part of the Alcázar. Seville’s Convento de San Leandro The yemas (one of the most typical sweets produced and eaten in Seville) made at the San Leandro convent are famous; these and other cakes baked by the nuns can be bought at the convent. Artistically-speaking, the main altarpiece is the most important part of the church which was built in the 17th century. The alter was made at the height of the baroque period using the reliefs of a previous altarpiece by Jerónimo Hernández.
CONFETI 51
T
LIGH SPOTON
e l l i v e S
I
f you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a romantic evening, then look no further than Abades Triana in Seville. This enchanting restaurant exudes romance and offers a truly magical atmosphere. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and opposite the Golden Tower, Abades Triana offers a fusion of traditional Andalucían style dishes in a modern, state-of-the-art setting, designed to awaken the senses. The magnificent, panoramic lounge window makes it the perfect spot to gaze out over the river offering you an entrancing view of Seville.
BREATHTAKING GASTRONOMY Confeti have complied a list of the finest wedding related companies to assist you in achieving your dream wedding in Seville
Abades Triana is more than just a restaurant. Catering for all types of celebrations, conferences and events, it is the ideal location to celebrate a wedding or anniversary. The array of spacious areas provide locations for larger functions, whilst the à la carte restaurant and the Cube provide a more intimate setting. The Cube is a totally private glass enclosure suspended above the Guadalquivir, giving the illusion of a floating venue. In addition to The Cube, the à la carte restaurant, the terrace and the riverside patio
all offer unique dining alternatives. In the à la carte restaurant, you can sample the best Andalucían cuisine whilst admiring the river, the Golden Tower and the Giralda; a vibrant experience for your senses! The main viewing terrace and the riverside patio are both ideal for appreciating the city and enjoying delightful summer evenings, as well as hosting cocktail receptions or a product launch. The riverside patio is an exclusive outdoor space created in collaboration with prestigious
Bang
GO OUT WITH A
N
othing says celebration like fireworks. For a luxury you will always remember, take a leaf out of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco’s book and treat your guests to an evening they will be talking about for years to come. Based in Seville, but able to serve the entire Andalucían region, Pirotecnia Blanca Paloma offer the most breathtaking pyrotechnic displays you can imagine! A firework show is the perfect end to the perfect day, and will guarantee to bring your wedding day to an earth shattering climax. For some added spark why don’t you arrange a firework display as a surprise for your other half, seeing their eyes light up in shock and awe will guarantee you an equal amount of pleasure. Take note husbands-to-be, no doubt your fiancé is organising the majority of your wedding day so why don’t you take charge and surprise her with a firework finale. Pirotecnia Blanca Paloma can even create a personalised display for you with your initials blasted across the night sky, interlaced rings or
52 CONFETI
hearts can also be used. Fireworks are often associated with over-thetop, elaborate and expensive events however with these unique touches starting at just €40, fireworks are a possibility for every budget. Fireworks are a whimsical way to surprise your guests and create a memorable and unique experience, so they are definitely worth considering, plus the photos will be fantastic! pirotecniablancapaloma.es
French wineries, Moët & Chandon, who chose Abades Triana as their preferred location for their urban terrace. A seasonally rotating menu cleverly adapting to the time of year allows the best quality ingredients to be sourced. Abades Triana refers to its menu as “avant-garde with a splash of tradition”; sounds as intriguing as the restaurant itself! abadestriana.com
CONFETI 53
HT
LIG SPOTON
e l l i v e S
A Million Moments Confeti talks to the stylish and innovative wedding photographer Gabriel Navas
How did you get involved with photography? Photography has always been my passion. When I was little I was given a Nikon F50 film camera and my life changed forever, I felt like I was finally set free. Why did you decide to specialise in weddings? After I left Barcelona and moved to Seville, I worked with several wedding photographers. It was during this time that I found a way to express my photojournalism photography style through weddings. I love the fact that a thousand stories can take place in such a short space of time. How would you define your style? My style is photo documentary which has been influenced by the great photojournalists of the 50’s such as as Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, David Deymur, Elliott Erwitt. My photography needs to feel alive, intense and capture that decisive moment. What is the key to your success? Work, work, work. That is the secret; you have to put a lot in, in order to yield great results. How would you describe your attitude to photography? Most importantly I like to break the boundaries; my clients have become my friends. This allows a special relationship to form and enables the couple to relax around me, only then can I capture their true personality. What do you like best about your job? I love the fact that I get to meet people from all walks of life. I also feel 54 CONFETI
very honoured when I am selected to capture the most important day in a couples life. Memories are priceless and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to enable couples to treasure them forever. What can brides expect from Gabriel Navas? Brides can be sure that I will be attentive at all times on the most important day of their lives. I will blend in and capture all the memories without being seen. When the couple come to the studio to view the pictures, they are always surprised that I have caught certain moments, as they did not realise I was even there! How do you capture the personalities of the couple? I try to make the couple feel secure and calm so that they relax around me and start to be themselves. I am very friendly and this helps people open up. Can you describe a typical wedding day... Every day is different but if I have a wedding I begin by preparing and checking the equipment before I leave, then I call the bride to let them know I am on my way as this always helps keep them calm. When I take the pictures of the bride getting ready at their home, their nerves begin to disappear and this is when I get the best pictures. In the church I try not to stress the couple out and I like to shoot without flash so as not to disturb the ceremony. This is a very emotional moment for the couple, the last thing they need is being blinded by a flash. After the ceremony, I take the couple outside or to an agreed
location. This is usually the only time I get to be alone with the couple so the pictures tend to be more artistic. Later I capture the eating, drinking, entertainment and dancing and the style of photography changes again becoming more spontaneous, friendly, humorous and full of feeling.
up. I always make three copies of wedding photographs, you should always be cautious as a wedding is one job that you cannot repeat!
When I finish, after almost 11 hours, I get home and download the photos onto the computer to back them
Gabriel Navas + 34 620 025 002 gabrielnavas.com
Gabriel Navas is.... the photographer that you have been looking for, hahaha! Big hug.
WHERE
Happy Ever After BEGINS
Say an al fresco ‘I do’ at the idyllic setting of Finca Realengo
L
ocated between Torremolinos and Málaga, Finca Realengo, offers endless possibilities for all types of events from weddings to birthday celebrations or corporate events. A breathtaking setting surrounded by exotic plants and mature trees, this exquisite venue combines unbeatable facilities with exquisite gastronomy. Nestled within the former estate of El Retiro, the property dates back to 1669 when it was the home to the Dominican Friar and the Bishop of Málaga, Alfonso de Santo Tomas. During the latter part of the seventeenth and eighteenth century, the Earl of Villalcazar built an extension, ‘Parque de la Sirena’. Since that time, magnificent areas such as the tropical gardens and the lake have been created increasing the beauty and extraordinariness of this spectacular location. Even the name, El Retiro, evokes purity and relaxation, which translates to ‘relax and rejuvenate’. Finca Realengo is famed for its traditional cuisine with a creative twist, Chef Ivan Bravo, studied at the renowned Hospitality School, ‘La Consula.’ On completion he embarked on a vibrant career working with renowned chefs Martin Berasategui, Manuel de la Osa and Patrick Baussier of the
distinguished Café de Paris. Bravo learnt many of his skills whilst working in England and Austria before continuing on to Granada, Cádiz and Lanzarote where he gained an array of esteemed culinary qualifications. His exceptional menus are guaranteed to awaken the senses and his signature dishes, wild mushroom ravioli with Iberian ham and turbot on a bed of octopus rice are sure to amaze even the greatest epicureans and delight the most demanding of palettes. In addition to this culinary genius, Finca Realengo also utilizes the facilities of Abades Catering. Working throughout Granada, Malaga, Seville, Merida, Jaen and the remainder of Andalucía, Abades Catering combines spectacular cuisine with impeccable service, an ideal partnership for the enchanting Finca Realengo. This remarkable venue can accommodate parking for up to 400 vehicles providing a spectacular location for weddings, no matter the size. It will become your private residence for your wedding day, so you can entertain in style. realengoeventos.com
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the The latest wedding news from Gibraltar
GET HITCHED
wiHthIToCuHt
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ast month saw the recently crowned Miss Gibraltar open the first official Wedding Workshop on The Rock. Get Hitched Without a Hitch, organised by Mediterranean Weddings, offered couples an opportunity to listen to advice on all aspects of their wedding and honeymoon and to meet with an array of industry experts including photographers, lawyers and party entertainers. Situated on the top floor of the O’Callaghan Elliott Hotel, guests (including the Confeti team) were welcomed with champagne dressed with edible flowers a beautiful idea to spice up a champagne reception. Delicious canapés created by the hotel staff, comprising of fresh fish fingers, grilled chicken sandwiches and vegetable quiche helped to soak up the effervescent welcome drink and showcased the excellent gastronomic options available for a wedding at the Elliott Hotel. Gibraltar and Spain’s most inspiring & innovative wedding suppliers gathered to showcase their products and services to a myriad of excited brides-to-be while the soft sounds of Laura from Musibodas filled the room. With more than ten years of experience Musibodas specialises in performing fine classical music for wedding ceremonies and receptions here on the Costa del Sol. Musibodas
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Photos by Ruth Jones
offers elegant, live, classical music and will take care of every single detail of the musical organization throughout the wedding. They offer an extensive repertoire helping brides to personalize and create an atmosphere of elegance, sophistication and romance for their special day. Their exquisite selection of classical music covers pieces from Baroque to Romanticism; in addition Musibodas are always happy to include any personal pieces of music or suggestions. The afternoon’s speeches commenced with an uplifting talk on honeymoon advice and wedding gifts by Sterling Travel, followed by
pertinent advice on the purchase of diamonds and metal by Elke from The Jewel Box. Elke discussed how to spot a superior from a substandard stone and offered a price guideline on diamonds. Located in the Main Street in Gibraltar, The Jewel Box stocks certified diamonds, precious stone jewellery and dazzling diamond engagement rings as well as an exciting and colourful silver collection and an extensive assortment of beautiful cultured pearls. Brides were then treated to valuable legal guidance by Steve Marsden of Stronghold Law who answered a variety of legal queries. The ambiance of the workshop was dynamic and interactive, a prerequisite that Jeanette from Med Weddings had hoped she would achieve. Jeanette has been helping love struck couples get married in Gibraltar for over a decade now and launched the Wedding
Workshop to help save brides-tobe time, money and stress. Med Weddings organises weddings throughout Gibraltar and Spain and most recently Malta, offering a series of packages such as their legal requirements package including assistance with all legal documentation, legal fees and marriage certificates. They also offer an all-inclusive luxury package, as well as their wedding day coordination service. Med Weddings concluded the presentations for the evenings with a seminar on Weddings Venues. Other sessions that took place during the evening were How to Get in Shape for Your Wedding Day by Elaine from Bootcamp for Brides, How to Choose the right Wine, Champagne or Cava for your Wedding Day by Tony from My Wines and How to Prep your Skin for Your Big Day by professional makeup artist, Davina. Photographers, Giles Bracher and Marea of Lucky Girl Photographer showcased their creative imagery for the eager brides-to-be and Party People provided the décor for the picturesque event with an abundance of stunning Balinese umbrellas, decorating the interior. Party People offers wedding coordination and onsite attendance, invitations, décor, marquees, venues, catering, entertainment, music and so much more. The entire event exuded a real party atmosphere with models dressed in a collection of dresses from All Things Nice in Gibraltar mingling with guests enabling them to see the full detail on the gowns, hair,
make-up and jewellery, an exciting change to the usual catwalk. As the five hour extravaganza came to an end, Confeti caught up with organiser Jeanette to find out if she felt the event was a success, “We wanted the Wedding Workshop to be fun. An opportunity for nervous brides-to-be to meet others in the same boat over a welcome drink in a relaxed atmosphere and of course bring the fiancé, bridesmaids, mothers and even mothers-in-laws. We only recommend reputable suppliers who we know will help brides keep an eye on their budget and stop it spiralling out of control. From what I can see we have achieved what we set out to do, I guess I better get started planning the next Wedding Workshop!” Watch this space!
Stephanie Florist
Stephanie Florist
rld of floristry for 2012? , as n emerging within the wo ve pastel colours. Roses What trends have you see rticularly popular as ha pa big en be be l ve wil ha us ts cul ue un uq Hand-tied bo t peonies and ran in popularity and I predic el exc to ue ntin co , always this year. phanie Florist, decorative touches at Ste You also offer a range of is new this year? rnative to a traditional what do you have that uets, a contemporary alte uq bo d elle jew are noner off to ble alternative as they We are now able choosing this fashiona are s de bri ny Ma t. y. ue floral bouq their wedding da treasure them long after perishable so they can anie Florist? s do you have at Steph s (a What other exciting item les to diamante chair clip tter crystals for the tab sca rs for the m ou fro fav ing ky ryth fun eve as d ve We ha can also be use ich wh , ws bo ir cha g marto ttin ge med after, is fashionable alternative anie, who the shop is na ph Ste r ) hte se! ug pri da sur My the female guests.) say or it will ruin it, I probably shouldn’t (wa … ng usi is r yea ried this Stephanie Florist Stephanie Florist
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Party People What themes appear to be prevalent this year? Everything natural! Beach weddings are exceptionally popular due to the beautiful beaches we have around us and a lot of couples are opting for an organic, earthy, natural vibe to complement this. Can you tell us about any new products you have for 2012? We are using a lot of LED lights as they are battery operated, eliminating numerous wires, they are suitable for outdoors, quick to install and on top of that they are contemporary, funky and come in an assortment of designs.
Musibodas What are your top ceremony songs? I would have to say Canon, Pachelbel, Bridal March, Gabriels Oboe and E.Morricone.
d once mean nly get marrie on to create o n e m o w f yo draw “The majorit xperience to g e no prior e of a weddin av s h e y ic e rv th se g e in th g t tin o n lis e it’s day. En n, but I realiz athered the perfect lever solutio g c e as n h o p is o r e sh plann ding Work d e W r tographers u o O h . p als from n io for everyone ss fe ring ro p nge of rs, each offe together a ra rs to catere to c and ru s st ar in in ness s, sem to florists, fit presentation e h c g n u e ro fid th n s o c tip with the s st their insider e u .” g ss g e in c s assist g a suc informal chat w to make their weddin who and the kno starve “If you every : IP T TOP pend e lf, or s yourse oment in th d m ste waking ’ll be exhau u e the o m y ti , gym by the in no y r g n and hu arrives and ber g em weddin party. Rem ou to sy e d v o mo cé lo ur fian u are, so o y t a th yo al. e way just th t a weight go tu e o s ’t e don ver th y with whate p , p n a e h h T e you’ll b come .” lf yourse
bytz Jeanette O ings Med Wedd
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David & Marketa’s Chocolate Manufacturer What type of chocolate do you use? We use the highest quality Grand Crue Chocolate and cacao beans that are selected exclusively in Madagascar, Venezuela, Santo Domingo, Java, New Guinea and Amazonia. All our chocolates are 100% natural and we do not use any artificial ingredients.
TOP TIP: “Alth ough some ve nues will appe to perfectly ac ar on paper commodate the number of your wedding guests in party, it is sp ace for other your receptio elements of n that need to be factored in ing plans vast . Your caterly alter how m uch room is your guests an needed for d a live band or DJ will requ tional setting ire addiup space.” J
eanette Ob ytz Med Wedd ings
A picture paints a thousand words...
Visit Gibraltar For the perfect wedding abroad. To order a brochure or for further information contact the Gibraltar Tourist Board: T: +44 (0) 207 836 0777
E: info@gibraltar.gov.uk
You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. facebook.com/visitgibraltar
twitter.com/visit_gibraltar
Gib
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EXCLUSIVELY
Yours
Whether it is an intimate wedding for 10 or a wedding breakfast for up to 50 guests, Fifty-Five, Gibraltar’s visionary Private Member’s Club is an idyllic setting for your special day.
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he most romantic day of your life should be spent in beautiful, relaxed and elegant surroundings. A place where food and service are second to none. Fifty-Five is the perfect venue if you are looking to have your wedding reception in a convenient location. Situated on the Main Street which is easily accessible for your guests and only minutes away from the registry office and local churches. Providing you with the traditional ambience of a private members’ club, you will be assured of personal attention from the moment you make your initial enquiry. The VIP Bar is the ideal setting for Champagne and canapés on arrival, then you and your guests can make your way through to The Restaurant for a 3 course wedding breakfast. Your celebrations can then continue in the Main Bar, the perfect room for your evening reception. Louise Hall took over the reins of the club in 2O11, and after her own wedding was such an amazing success at this spectacular venue, she decided to offer it as a wedding location to the public. Each wedding is given the personal care and attention to detail by the events team, who will always go the extra mile to ensure
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your day runs smoothly ensuring you and your family take away wonderful memories.
Fifty-Five
Situated in the heart of Gibraltar, a historical captivating location and one of the most influential financial centres of the world, the venue features quirky yet brilliant design, whilst the club’s bars, lounge and restaurant offer the very best in fine dining.
The Restaurant
George Bernard Shaw once said “There is no sincerer love than the love of food…” Fifty-Five takes such sage words very seriously. You can expect fresh seasonal produce prepared with love and imagination. Uncomplicated, unpretentious, but undeniably delicious.
The Dining Room
It’s the winning combination of a capital setting: distinctive food, a comprehensive wine list and unrivaled service, all seamlessly orchestrated by our events planning team. Fifty-Five +350 200 79655 fifty-five.gi
Wedding Set Menu Sample B
Starters Gratinated Cornish Queen Scallops Creamed baby leek, cauliflower puree, parmesan crust Crispy Skin Duck Breast Goats cheese, walnut and beetroot salad, raspberry vinaigrette Spiced Hummus and Avocado Bruschetta Red onion focaccia, wild rocket and parmesan salad, balsamic caramel Cajun Chicken and Mango Salad Orange segments, mint, shaved cucumber, cool mint yoghurt dressing Mains Moroccan Lamb Tenderloin Seeded mustard mash, roast peppers, green beans, rioja and rosemary reduction Char grilled Fillet of New Zealand Beef Potato gratin, Jamon Serrano ham wrapped asparagus tips, confit garlic, smoked bacon jus Pan fried Sea bass Fillet Crispy fried new potatoes, mange tout, tomato and basil concasse salsa, lime beurre blanc Wild mushroom and Gorgonzola Risotto Butternut squash, roast pimentos, baby spinach, crispy fried basil Desserts Strawberry Mille Fuille Crisp filo pastry wafers, vanilla cream, strawberry essence Milk Chocolate Fondant Pudding Fresh raspberries, caramelita ice cream, orange sherbet Coconut Crème Brulee Pistachio biscotti, demarrara sugar caramel
Find us on Facebook facebook.com/55MembersClub
Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/55MembersClub
55 Private Members Club 267 Main Street Gibraltar
+350 200 79655
Capacities : VIP : 25 to 30 / Restaurant : 50 / Private Dining Room : 10 / Main Bar : 70
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The most romantic day of your life should be spent in beautiful, relaxed and elegant surroundings. A place where food and service are second to none. 55 is the perfect venue if you are looking to have your wedding reception in a convenient location as we are situated on Main Street which is easily accessible for your guests and only minutes away from the registry office and local churches. Whether it is an intimate wedding for 10 or a wedding breakfast for up to 50 guests you have found the perfect location. The VIP Bar is the perfect setting for Champagne and canapes on arrival and then you and your guests can make your way through to The Restaurant for a 3 course wedding breakfast. If you wish to carry on with your celebrations our Main Bar is the perfect room for your evening reception. We have the perfect venue for your dream wedding.
Sample Hot Canapés Menu Thai Spiced Chicken Skewers Tiger Prawn & Lemon Grass Lollipops Garlic & Pepper Fillet Steak Kebabs Mini Pork, Mango & Sage Meatballs, Plum Jam Pea & Ham Soup Shooters Wild Mushroom, Parmesan & Truffle Risotto Balls, Chive Crème Fraiche Mini Peking Duck Pancakes with Lime Chilli Sauce Fillet Medallions with Salsa Verde Croute Glazed Mini Sausages with Mint & Honey
Hot & Cold Canapés available from£12 per guest.
Thai Tempura Tiger Prawns, Mango, Sweet Chilli & Coriander Dippers
Alternatively create your own signature menu.
Chermoula Crusted Lamb Skewers
for more information please visit www.fifty-five.gi/weddings or call +350 200 79655
BALEARIC
Beauty The latest wedding news from Mallorca
SIMPLY
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Perfect
amous for its sun, sand and sea, Mallorca’s magnificent climate, gorgeous landscapes and its cosmopolitan ambience make it a wonderful wedding destination. Situated off the coast of mainland Spain, Mallorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands. Over half of the islands residents live in Palma, the capital and most famous city, however beyond the city of Palma, a whole other Mallorca awaits. Nestled in the south east of the island lies the coastal fishing town of Portocolom, home to Vall d’Or golf course, an 18 hole golf course surrounded by exceptional views and the newly refurbished, restaurant mÁxime. The spectacular venue boasts one of the most remarkable locations,
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combining the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the natural beauty of Vall d’Or golf course. With a capacity for over 200 guests and an array of distinctive interior settings, restaurant mÁxime provides an enchanting and romantic wedding location. The team led by Sharon biddle, resident on the island for over 20 years, understand that every wedding is unique and believe in providing a personalised service to ensure all your wishes and desires are catered for. If you are looking for a venue that speaks for itself then look no further than restaurante mÁxime. Food, as every bride knows, is the way to a guest’s heart, making the guests feel warm and welcome. Restaurant mÁxime prides
themselves on the respect and love they have for gastronomy. The contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of oriental fusion will ensure your reception is not only exquisite but original and unique. Reasonably priced and wonderfully varied, their menu features specialities such as filet of sea bass with wok vegetables and fine red curry sauce, as well as filet of veal wellington with wild mushrooms and port reduction. The oriental influence is particularly prevalent within the finger food menu which features lamb curried samosas or Japanese style fried squid rings with Asian mayonnaise. Finish off your decadent feast with hot chocolate fondant with Toffee ice cream or Mille feuille of mango with cream of mascarpone and raspberry
sauce. In addition to the delicious gastronomic options available, restaurant mÁxime also boasts an in depth wine list guaranteed to impress even the greatest connoisseur. The competent and qualified team at restaurant mÁxime will take care of even the tiniest details to ensure all your dreams come true. One way to guarantee your guests have a five star experience is to book your celebration at restaurant mÁxime. Restaurant mÁxime +34 971 837 579 +34 620 850 570; valldorgolf.com
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Mallorca
Music to your Ears Musical Director Rony B offers a vibrant collection of melodic possibilities to accompany your wedding day.
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ony B specialises in providing entertainment for high-end events throughout Mallorca, his professional band, offers a great variety of musical styles including rock, gospel and classical. With a portfolio of over 20 singers, dancers, musicians and sound and light engineers, Rony B’s Mallorca Party Band is guaranteed to suit every style, taste and budget. His versatility is what makes Rony B’s services so valuable, not only can he construct a tailor-made entertainment solution for your reception. He can also play the organ whilst the bride walks
down the aisle eliminating the cost and need for an additional musician for the ceremony. Famed in Mallorca for his extraordinary talent, Rony B has collaborated with VIP’s including the Goombay Dance Band, John Miles, Leapy Lee and Baccara. Rony B’s personalised service is not only practical but exciting, the extensive collection of singers available to accompany him and his band are viewable on his website offering YOU the opportunity to select the perfect vocalist for your celebration. With everything from a Gipsy Kings Tribute,
The Show Must Go On Paul Martin, (aka “Mr Success,”) has recently relocated to Mallorca and is now available throughout Spain and the Balearics.
Michael Bublé specialist Paul, and Tina Turner tribute Victoria, to classical singer Marcela and pop/rock soloist Joern who performs a collection of Brian Adams, Bon Jovi and Robbie Williams, you can be sure to find a performer to suit the ambiance of your wedding. If that’s not enough Rony B will even compose a 100% unique wedding song for you to share your first dance to on your big day or personalise one of your favourite songs making it entirely exclusive to you. If you would like certain songs to be performed
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aul made the brave decision to leave cold and rainy England and move to the beautiful Island of Mallorca, where he would be able to serenade “brides-to-be” in the sun. Thankfully, this decision proved to be a good one and his Sinatra, Dean Martin and Michael Buble tribute acts are now flourishing. Paul is now singing regularly for weddings in Mallorca, the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar. Having a base in Mallorca and Marbella means that all Spanish destinations are within easy reach! If you are looking to get married in Mallorca there are so many beautiful wedding venues that Paul would gladly recommend. His favourites include La Residencia in Deia, Nixe Palace in Cala Mayor, Pueblo Espanol in Palma and the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel. If you are looking for a serene setting then Vall D’or Golf Club and Pollenca Golf Club are perfect for special events, both blessed with incredible views. Paul is almost fully booked for 2O12, with many dates in 2O13 already taken, if you want to make
during the reception Rony and his band are more than happy to perform your requests, one month’s notice is required to ensure they have the opportunity to perfect their version. If you are unsure about which artist to perform your favourite song, Rony will arrange for a demo to be recorded with your song and preferred artist to ensure you are happy with the result before the big day, it doesn’t get more personal than this! +34 971 699 602 mallorca-partyband.com
your wedding go out with a bang, then you need to get in quick. He is particularly looking forward to performing at the Finca Son Bosch near Andratx and Finca Comasema this Summer not to mention shows at 55 Members Club in Gibraltar and the famous Villa Del Mar in Marbella. If you want to make sure your guests are talking about your big day for years to come, then Paul is the perfect singer to unite all generations as he can also throw in a mix of modern tracks including, Moves Like Jagger and Dynamite! The hugely versatile “Mr Success” can also act as your host, toastmaster and DJ, this multitasking eliminates the need for booking numerous entertainment companies and will help keep your budget under control. You only get one chance to impress so treat your guests to Mr Success. Paul Martin + 34 971 572 295 + 34 602 436 751 michaelbubletribute.es ratpacksingers.com CONFETI 67
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rca o l l a M CREATING
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Wow
Gloria Events designs bespoke events on the scenic island of Mallorca.
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ith over 30 years of experience Gloria Events organises, designs and coordinates celebrations for a wide range of events covering the whole island. Founder Felipe de Gloria prides himself on the quality he offers, guaranteeing you everything you could ever wish for on your big day. Combining flair and imagination Gloria Events specialises in traditional and thematic gastronomy. With an extensive range of main courses, a large variety of local specialities along with the highly popular Spanish “tapas,” this multi-bilingual team can create a unique menu for any occasion. They utilise local produce from around the island and offer menus tailored to the seasonal produce available. In addition to the exceptional gastronomic options offered, Gloria Events boast an extensive collection of picturesque venues within their portfolio, ranging from an elegant dining hall complete with large festive table to informal beach locations. For indoor or outdoor events, they can also provide modular marquees and bathroom facilities. Their marquees can be simple or spectacular, with chandeliers, mood lighting, decorative drapery and any additional touches that may be necessary to perfect the theme which you have selected. If you are searching for entertainment Gloria Events can arrange for everything from classic to rock, professional musicians or even Spanish dancers. In addition they can also arrange wine and cookery classes for groups with convenient access and parking, a
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wonderful activity to keep guests amused if you have opted for a three day wedding affair. Once your venue and menu have been selected the next step is to decide on your décor and theme. Beautiful wedding decorations add style, fun, and drama to your wedding day. If you desire a particular mood, or simply want to create a gorgeous and memorable setting, then look no further than Gloria Events. Your wedding ceremonies and reception can take place just about anywhere including boats, mansions, marinas, gardens, restaurants, scenic locations, and churches. Each area provides ample opportunities for setting the scene and creating a mood with elegant wedding decorations. Ask yourselves what style and mood you want to portray on
your wedding day? Would you prefer your day to exude a casual ambiance, emanate a sophisticated aura or ooze romance? You may decide you want a traditional evening wedding ceremony with lots of candles and flowers, or you may opt for a contemporary setting with silver and white balloons and a stylish ice sculpture – with a large warehouse of accessories
Gloria Events can cater for every taste. Why not visit Felipe and his team at their showroom stocking a huge selection of alternative table settings and props coupled with an extensive catalogue to choose from. They also stock many different styles of furniture, period crockery, cutlery, crystal etc., all of which are available to hire. Fancy a vintage tea party – well now you know who to call. By selecting Gloria Events you can guarantee your wedding will be one to remember. Gloria Events +34 971 623 013 www.gloria-events.com
Real Weddings
SOMETHING BLUE Pearls, vintage favours and personal touches brought the romance of a bygone age to Faye and Chris’s day.
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e always knew we wanted to get married abroad, so for us deciding to hold a destination wedding in Spain was a nobrainer. Chris and I had always held close ties to Spain, and over the last eight or so years had been making regular trips to the Costa del Sol. After getting engaged in Florida in July, we began emailing potential wedding planners and reading up on how we might initiate the planning of our special day. Heather from FiestaSol was one of the planners we came across in our searches, and after reading glowing testimonials from previous brides we decided upon FiestaSol to pull our day together. The shared vision for our wedding day was to take our guests on a journey, not only of mine and Chris’ relationship as a couple, but also us as individuals through our design, venue and hand-finished touches, creating memories that would stay with our guests long after the wedding was over. We had booked to fly back out to Spain in September 2010 to visit potential venues that Heather had picked for us based upon our proposed dates and amount of guests. Our view was that a ‘villa’ wedding would best suit our volume of guests and we visited a few alternate venues before arriving at the stunning Finca la Concepcion, Istan. To say we were captivated by this venue was
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an understatement. Nestled within the Spanish mountain range was this beautiful country estate, lavish yet understated, available and absolutely the venue for us. OUR STYLE The styling, décor and visuals within the wedding were huge ingredients for us, this is really where Chris and I got to put our stamp on the day and portray our ‘story’. Both coming from creative backgrounds it was easy for us to decide upon a theme, using ice blue and pale peach as primary and secondary colours accompanied by our monogram which would feature subtly from the ‘Save the Dates’, unraveling all throughout our chic vintage inspired wedding. The pearl draped candelabra centrepieces stood tall over mirrors scattered with Swarovski crystals, guests names sat within vintage photo-frame favours complemented by the monogram embroidered napkins tied with lace, all, in the carefully selected font and colour scheme, this all tied in with my ‘Enzoani’ vintage inspired full-lace wedding dress. A lot of our decoration was hand crafted, basically if we couldn’t buy it, we’d make it ourselves. FINISHING TOUCHES Large or small, we loved all the personalised elements of our day, lit lanterns in the trees, Balinese styled umbrellas for the cocktail
Faye’s Address Book Wedding Planning & Catering; Fiesta Sol, fiestasol.com Venue: Finca La Concepcion, fincalaconcepcion.com Photographer: Jeremy Standley jeremystandley.com Celebrant: Lizzie Marriage marriageweddingservices.com
hour, even the ceremony chairs were chosen especially and tied with coloured organza. The aisle was lined with tea light lanterns and trees decorated with lights, which completely changed the look of the venue after dusk. Varied menu choices were supplied by Heather’s talented chef husband and the final selection was exquisite. Our guests dined on beef with peppercorn sauce, seafood skewers, vegetable and mozzerella stacks, even a vodka sorbet palate cleanser between courses. Our cake was formed of 80 or so cupcakes all with ice blue and peach icing in butterfly cases. We were so swept up in the moment that we didn’t even have a chance to try any ourselves, however we were told they were to die for.
Video: Becky Sharpe beckysharpe.co.uk Flowers: Reviva reviva-weddings.com Cake: Cake Marbella cakemarbella.com DJ: Rob Rocks the House robrocksthehouse.com
MOST TREASURED MOMENTS So many wonderful memories were taken away with us that day, it’s hard to pinpoint specifics. The look on our guests faces when they arrived at the venue, the stolen moments captured in Becky Sharpe’s videography and Jeremy Standley’s outstanding photography…. From ‘Songbird’ coolly recited by my brother as I walked down the aisle, to the gentle jazz trio who played fittingly throughout the afternoon. I think the stand out feeling was the smugness and satisfication we had with our paradisiacal wedding day. It was important for Chris and I that we picked the right suppliers, working with Heather was fantastic, and so easy. Jeremy’s photography was un-obtrusive and softly captured our favourite memories from this stunning venue. Lizzie Marriage provided a smooth ceremony tailored specifically to us as a couple and featured hand-picked vows and verses. DJ Rob helped get the dancing into full swing!
Without the assistance of the above aforementioned and of course our close family involvement the day would not have been possible. We loved the whole process from start to finish and our friends still revel in the day, even now.
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A Serene Setting Stephanie and Michael held their beautiful big day at the stunning Mons Calpe Suite in Gibraltar.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR As Michael is British and I am American, I wanted to have a destination wedding, in a location somewhere unique, and Gibraltar is about as unique as you can get. After settling on the location, we needed to find an extraordinary venue. Thankfully, Mons Calpe Suite ticked all the boxes. Firstly it is situated at the very top of the Rock, which is such an incredible spot. As for the suite itself, I loved the magnificent circular room offering 220° views, it made me feel like I really was on top of the world! Another important factor was that the Mons Calpe Suite is one of the few locations where civil ceremonies are allowed to be held outside the Gibraltar Registry Office. Being a professional musician my schedule is pretty tight, and the only time I could get a week
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off was in November – thankfully the weather was beautiful. The manager, Gino Bossino and his team were outstanding. In fact Gino become my saviour, it was really down to him that the day was such a success. To this day I feel very lucky to have had my wedding there and would recommend it to anyone. STYLE ME PRETTY We wanted a timeless celebration, with classic styling and elegant details. I really just wanted a low key, joyful event, slightly formal yet still relaxed…..like me……the classical musician. This was my second wedding, (Michaels too). I did not want to be bridezilla, I just wanted to have a wonderful day with my new family and friends! As the surroundings were so impressive, I thought it was important to keep the decor simple. My flowers were completely last
minute, but Gavin from Gibralflora was a genius, he MADE it work. For the table decorations I opted for flat glass bowls with floating candles and rose petals, whilst my bouquet was a natural hand tied arrangement of burnt orange roses and white roses collared by Salal foliage with the stems wrapped in organza ribbon. For my dress, I felt I needed to take into consideration that I was a 45 year old bride. I did not want to wear a white wedding dress, but I did want something elegant, channelling Audrey Hepburn in the early 60’s. Something classic and chic... not that I am chic! I bought everything I wore online and returned about eight dresses before I found ‘the one .’ FINISHING TOUCHES The music was provided by a friend who played the guitar during the ceremony, and after lunch we opted for
a specially prepared playlist from our iPod which was run through Mons Calpe’s Bose system. The Mons Calpe team really outdid themselves with our wedding lunch, we feasted on starters of Tricolore salad, leek and potato soup, assiette of duck and smoked salmon with a herb cream cheese roulade. The main options included saddle of lamb, John Dory en papillote and fillet steak with pesto. For those who wanted to indulge, dessert included a trio of chocolate, mango crème brûlée and tiramisu. This was all washed down with a variety of wines, including Marques de Cáceres Reserva, Folonari Pinot Grigio and Lanson Rosé Champagne guaranteed to satisfy any palette. My wedding cake was designed by the supremely talented Fiona Dodson from Sweet Things By Fi. Not a fan of traditional wedding cakes I thought a lavender, ivory
and silver cup cake tower would be the perfect option. I decided on a lemon flavour with fresh lavender frosting. My mouth just waters even thinking about how delicious they were. Our unusual wedding favours went down a storm. We created each guest a seating card made of Lego. I tried to make each one match the personality of the guests, we had fire-fighters, policeman, secretaries etc, it was a huge hit. LASTING MEMORIES Getting married on top of The Rock was very special. It was such fun riding the cable car to our wedding. It finally hit us once we reached the venue, that getting married on top of this historic rock really gives your wedding the wow factor. The ceremony was also a highlight, we used Mons Calpe’s wifi system with Skype to allow our friends in America to view the wedding ceremony. Our registrar Michael immediately put us at ease, especially while he was explaining which hand we should extend and I suddenly discovered I did not know my left from right!!! I don’t think my husband will ever let me live that down.
Stephanie’s Address Book Venue - monscalpesuite.com Flowers - gibral-flora.gi Cake –sweethingsbyfi.com Registrar - Michael Cortes
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The Art Of
Love
Creative couple Nicky and John decked out an Andalucían country house with rustic florals and folksy touches
SPANISH FLAVOUR John and I had spent most of our relationship on an amazing 15 month world trip so it seemed natural for us to extend the adventure for our wedding! We have both always been drawn to the Spanish way of life, that we experienced on our travels, the fiestas, the siestas, tapas and wine, the style and the feel. We felt Spain was the right choice for us.
AU NATURAL We stumbled upon El Molino del Conde and knew it was perfect. It was a beautiful old restored Mill in incredible grounds, complete with a little river, ducks and chickens! It felt like home; but a really, really amazing home. A call to the two lovely owners, Nick and Amanda, just emphasized how we felt, and we booked and paid for El Molino without even seeing it in the flesh! It turned out to be the best risk we ever took. We visited El Molino in February, the different parts of the property each had their own feel. A lovely area by a stream at the bottom of the garden seemed like it was made for a ceremony with the sound of the water and its dappled shade. We wanted to stay true to the natural surroundings and didn’t want anything too ‘man-made’ like a gazebo to stand under or hard chairs. We had haystacks from a nearby farm, and we hung jars of flowers from the trees around.
CALLING IN A FAVOUR Food is so central to a wedding and is a big talking point. John is also an amazing cook and I had to really persuade him that he couldn’t cook for 80 people at his 74 74 CONFETI
own wedding! We wanted the feeling of a big feast and so opted for no seating plan. Everyone just sat where they wanted at our four long tables under a canopy of lights. Elena, our chef and her team cooked an enormous Paella under the stars and we also feasted on lots of tapas. The wedding attire brought a few smiles. Our ‘dress code’ was “wear something nice” and John really maximized on this one – he bought three suits in the run up to the wedding! I had some special bonding time with my mum and sister shopping for ‘the one’. I gave the bridesmaids a palette of ribbons in certain colours and allowed them to buy anything they felt good in. We never really settled on a style other than homemade. In the run
up to the wedding, a lot of people pitched in to help decorate the land and we couldn’t have done it without them.
FUN AND GAMES We wanted a bit of mischief on the day – something to surprise and delight! We had a fancy dress photo area with colourful props to take pictures. Some of our best photos came from here and the imagination was great. It was so funny seeing our mums and dads getting stuck in too! We also had a wishing tree as a guest book and a couple of hula hoops scattered around for impromptu hooping which turned out to be brilliant fun. My mum also made beautiful badges, which in a small way united everyone there. The ‘Father of the Bride’ speech really got the laughter and tears flowing and I turned tradition on its head by breaking the ‘brides don’t speak’ rule and instead surprised everyone by doing a funny dance for John, together with the bridesmaids to Prince’s ‘Kiss’. We also had an after party until sunrise at a hidden tree house at the bottom of the garden which my sister decorated secretly with lots of photos and memories for us!
HAPPY EVER AFTER
our guests and it created a really intimate atmosphere surrounded by trees and the Andalucian hills. Our great friend Jo sang us a beautiful song and our mums got involved in the ceremony by lighting candles to represent the joining of our families. We didn’t want to break the magic by leaving the ceremony area, so we cracked open some champagne and just hugged all our family and friends!
Nicky’s Address Book Photographer: Andreas Holm andreasholm.com Hair: Amanda Eakins Dress: Angelica angelicabridal.co.uk Celebrant: Natasha Johnson malagaminister.com Food: Elena D’Orso, from Hotel Rural La Paloma hotelrurallapaloma.com Venue: El Molino del Conde elmolinospain.com
The ceremony itself was absolutely perfect. Our minister, Natasha, was the reason for this. She really made us think about what our wedding meant to us personally and she also took the time to get to know us, our values and our passions. Natasha encouraged us to face CONFETI 75
Weddings in Gibralt ar Weddings are an important part of the Rock Hotel's calendar - from the smallest family gathering to a formal wedding breakfast for around one hundred we can guarantee a fabulous day will be had by all. Organising a wedding can be a daunting task at the best of times but organising a wedding away from home even more so. Rest assured that if you choose Gibraltar and the Rock Hotel for this special occasion we shall make our expertise fully available to you from initial booking stage right through to the senior member of our team who will be at your service throughout the day itself. With many years of experience behind us we can help you explore all your possible options to ensure that we give you not only a day to remember but one that you feel will be truly yours. We'll co-ordinate all your requirements on the day from transport to photographer from flowers to favours - we've even been known to provide witnesses in the past! We firmly believe that there is no set formula - your day can be as individual as you are. There are a number of locations around the hotel, from those that would suit an intimate celebration for the happy couple and a few friends to the largest family celebration. From wisteria covered terraces to a poolside event we've probably got the answer. We can also offer excellent accommodation rates for your guests and in most cases complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom. Just call, fax or e-mail Alex Martin on 00350 200 73000, 00350 200 73513 or khaima@rockhotel.gi respectively. You can also download our wedding brochure via our website at www.rockhotelgibraltar.com
Details
CONFETI 77
K TO 1 WEE
GO!
All about me… My name is Kara Caradas, I am getting married at Buddha Beach in Puerto Banus to the love of my life Gary, and my twin sister Charley is helping me organise the occasion! I am documenting my glamourous celebration and not so glamourous planning process for Confeti in the hope that some of you brides-to-be can share my experiences and enjoy knowing you’re not the only one who changes their mind a million times, stresses out over EVERYTHING and becomes emotional as the slightest arrangements come together!
Update
So I have made a few changes to my flowers. We are going to have purple orchids and a lot of greenery plus orchid lilies and roses to produce a marble effect. I have been unable to source suitable candelabras so Janne, owner of Flor Valentin, and I have decided to dress the beams at the venue and have two standing displays leading to the beach, I think it’s going look fabulous. I have also struggled to find suitable hair pieces for my hair to achieve the effect I was looking for so I have decided to have hair extensions to create that extra volume. Jonathan from Reflections has been so accommodating; he has even offered to come to my house the night before the wedding to put us all in rollers and it’s not just me who adores him, when my sisters met him they fell in love too so I have booked him to do all the bridesmaids hair as well!
Lights, Camera, Action I have been able to tick one more thing off the list, entertainment! As I walk down the aisle we are having Anna Lenkowska Sargeant from Harp Marbella sing and play the harp. When she came to meet with us she gave us a taster and we were all in tears! God knows what we are going to be like on the day, it’s going to be sooo emotional! Hopefully Alan Wallace, our comedian will have everyone laughing and not crying! I thought we needed some humour thrown in to lighten the mood or all my family will just be in tears all day! During and after dinner we are having Pablo on the saxophone and Quike on the violin. They will definitely get everyone in the party mood before passing it over to our DJ, Scott Strutton, who will ensure everyone is on the dance floor for the rest of the evening.
Perfect Proportions ct be perfe rything to VERYe v e d te I wan ay… E edding d ria to on my w I booked into A ve o S ase. I ha THING! as the c w is o th Dr Marc ensure talented e ould c th I d w e visit so I kne to re fo e b so close Vricella surgery h s it a w w I , im trust h e again the ing. Onc my wedd ith his work and w you l d delighte ceived. Wait unti … re p I p e s, oo s servic my dres in ! ? m y e a th w see en it a ave I giv them! H
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at her o Kara ude t y n Pen g:– D Fittin beautis s e r D oo ur ok soo you lo n I have yo r a te C f ! a ! ! t l fu ear ou w o t dress ? dding the we
Myself, my sisters, Gary, my mum and my boys went to Santos Eva in Marbella for our final outfit fitting. FINALLY, all the bridesmaids are happy with their dresses, we eventually opted for Belsoie from Jasmine Bridal, a strapless cocktail dress. Penny tried it on for a final time and looked soooo beautiful! After all the umming and ahhhing with the bridesmaids, and numerous purchases, I am delighted with the design we settled on. I guess it’s was a case of ‘save the best to last,’ and this one is definitely my favourite! Not sure what i’m supposed to do with all the other purple bridesmaid dresses I have bought previously though! Penny… Charley… purple will have to be your theme when you get married as well! As Charley is my maid of honour, I wanted her to have a slightly different design so we chose Lafee also from Jasmine Bridal, a floor length Grecian style gown with a bit of bling. They needed to alter Charley’s dress AGAIN as her boobs kept popping out! I do not want a “Pippa Middleton situation” at my wedding! Being upstaged by my sister’s boobies is not really what I had in mind! My mum’s dress is also from Jasmine, they did well out of us! Gary and his dad’s suits by Enzo Romano were made especially as, fussy me, chose a colour that wasn’t in their current collection! My excuse… everything has to be perfect! I thought seeing the girls in their dresses was emotional, well… seeing the boys in their suits was something else! They looked so cute, I didn’t want to let go of them! Santos Eva had brought in a tailor, Don Paco, to make them mini versions of the groom’s suits. They looked just like little Gary’s!
CONFETI 79
All for me?
davidtoms.com It was exciting enough that my wedding was going to be held at the beautiful Buddha Beach, so you can imagine how ecstatic I was to find out they were revamping, redecorating and rebranding the entire venue all before my big day. It feels like they are doing it all for me! And so they should! Hehe! Buddha Beach is now… Sala Beach and from this year will feature a swim up bar (not that I will be using this on my wedding day!) and a new raised terrace, perfectly secluded and ideal for soaking up the evening sun, (you might catch me hiding out up there at some point!)
Dress: Pronovias pronovias.es Venue: Sala Beach salabeach.com tin Flowers: Flor Valen florvalentin.es
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Ring Cushion, Je olivierlaudus.com
Shoes: Jimmy Choo jimmychoo.com e Bride ses, Mother of th Bridesmaid Dres its, Children’s Suits: Dress, Grooms Su evanovios.com Santos Eva santosy on at Reflections Hair: Jonathan Yead m .co lla reflectionsmarbe at Aria n: Dr Marco Vricella Cosmetic Surgeo Medical Group om ariamedicalgroup.c owska Sargeant, Harpist: Anna Lenk om a.c ell harpmarb Kar a wha - God t I’m kno eat at t going ws he w now to e Veg I’ve tur dding an. ned
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Charlie – That’s ridiculous, were having chicken so you will have to pretend you’re not for the day.
davidtoms.com
ie Barb y M ’t y: asn Penn t still h can outfi ed! Kara d n v arri r a tux a ? a I we as Ken e m co
I don’t think I will ever forget my hen night! Ages ago we had opted to all go dressed as Barbies, considering all my family have dark skin and dark hair, the transformation into blonde bimbos was always going to be hilarious but I hadn’t prepared myself for this level of brilliance! Everyone dressed up… and I mean EVERYONE, blonde wigs, pink lipstick… everything! I had wanted everyone to come as a different Barbie, which turned out perfectly, we had Army Barbie, Airhostess Barbie, Cheerleader Barbie, and Cow Girl Barbie! I went as Winter Barbie, Penny was Mermaid Barbie complete with tail, Charley was a very sexy Ballerina Barbie and my mum was Bridal Barbie! Hilarious! Charley had bought a selection of hen party necessities including a balloon for Penny with ‘Call Me’ on, which they decided attach to her and write her number on! We started off at News Café in Puerto Banus where we enjoyed our own VIP section. Once we had polished off two large bottles of Grey Goose and copious amounts of pink champagne we headed to the mandatory Linekers! You can’t really have a hen night in Puerto Banus and not go to Linekers can you! By this time quite a few of my hen’s had headed home but the long standing few finished the night off in Tibu Nightclub. At 7am we walked outside to face the world again! I can’t remember the last time I left a club at 7am! That’s usually when I get up! Definitely a night to remember!
Barbie Brigade
, which will e of Confeti su is t that’s ex n e section. Yes eck out th G ch IN ou D y D E re . Make su the REAL W e MRS ROBERTSON big day in lb il w I e m e feature my se ext time you right, the n
Your Wedding inSpain You set the date.... we take care of the rest!
Your Complete Wedding from just €5.100 (approx. £4.400) for 40 persons, including: Wedding Details: Wedding Planner Church wedding or Seafront Blessing Bridal Flowers Hair & Make-up Photography Bridal Transport DJ Welcome Cocktail with Canapés Free pre-wedding stay* Taster meal Accommodation discounts*
Wedding Banquet: 3 course meal Free flowing wine & beer Wedding Cake Cava for speeches Wedding Planner Tea & Coffee Flower table centres Chair covers & ribbons Menus & table plan
... plus all the trimmings ! *Conditions apply.
Bespoke weddings are also available at our new beach venue Luna Beach Club. Contact our wedding coordinator Claire Mitchell for details: Tel: (+34) 952 579 410 Email: weddings@sunsetbeachclub.com
www.sunsetbeachclub.com Benalmádena Costa, Málaga, Spain
Seafront blessing
Banquet Room
ite Honeymoon Su
Unveiling the latest ideas from traditional tiers to mouthwatering miniatures … Now let the bake off begin!
Heavenly Hues
The icing on the cake
This three tiered creation by Cake Couture Marbella is guaranteed to make a statement. Available in any shade, it can be perfectly matched to the colour scheme of your wedding. The hand piped detailing injects an exclusive aura to this beauty making it ideal for a wedding with a touch of glamour. cakecouturemarbella.com
Tokens of Love
Sweet Things by Fi is proud to offer bespoke dessert tables for brides and grooms. Not only providing wedding cakes and cupcakes but they also provide confections ranging from cakepops and macarons to mallow kisses and peppermint melts, all of these being designed, decorated and styled to tie with the theme or colour scheme of the event and wedding day. Dessert Table - sweethinggsbyfi.com Flowers - virginiaflorista.com Photography - mireiaweddings.com
A Choc-affair to Remember
Say Cheese
Daniella from Delicious Cakes and Treats created this SOCIETY MARBELLA, ‘Who’s In Who’s Out’ inspired cake for Associate Editor, Christie, and Features Editor, LauraJane’s birthday celebrations. Daniella explained that this style can also be used to create a unique wedding cake, why not share your love story with your guests via a photo wedding cake. deliciouscakesandtreats.com
David and Marketa’s Chocolate Manufacturer represents the finest expression of the chocolatiers craft, made with true artisan skills. Having recently moved to the Costa del Sol, the duo’s aim is to bring the swiss chocolate culture to the southern part of Europe. All their products are created using the highest quality Grand Cru chocolate and cacao beans that are selected exclusively in Madagascar, Venezuela, Santo Domingo, Java, New Guinea and Amazonia. For a fashionable and on trend wedding favour why not try one of David and Marketa’s stylish chocolate shoes, pretty and tasty they will not only be enjoyed by your guests after the wedding but they also look fantastic on the tables at your reception! chocolatemanufacture.net CONFETI 83
Flowers
THE LANGUAGE OF
O
ne of the most important decorative elements in a wedding are your flowers. They add colour, scent, and convey a specific tone for your wedding, depending on the type of flower chosen. In fact there may be more to choosing your blooms than you think.
Janne Valentin Lassen, owner of Flor Valentin, is a highly experienced, creative wedding florist renowned for her eye-catching floral designs.
A Hidden Meaning
It Makes Scents
Did you know that heather means passion and primrose means hope? During the Victorian era, The Language of Flowers created a beautifully romantic language for lovers’ where flowers replaced words. In fact, the symbolic meaning of flowers has given birth to a language of its own, known as floriography. If you want your wedding flowers to be steeped in symbolism, here are a selection of their meanings. Alstroemeria - aspiration Baby’s Breath- festivity Calla Lily - regal Carnation - devoted love Chrysanthemum - hope Daisy - innocence Forget-me-not – remember me forever Freesia - calm Gardenia- joy Gypsophila – ever lasting love Ivy - fidelity Lily Of The Valley – happiness Myrtle – joy Orchid – delicate beauty Pink Rose - secret love Red Rose – love Stephanotis – good luck Sweet Pea – lasting pleasure Violet – faithfulness White Rose – unity Zinnia – thoughts of friends
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When choosing your wedding flowers, a consideration for many brides is whether to have a particular scented wedding bouquet and floral decor. A certain scent can take you straight back to a specific place in time, and conjure up happy memories whenever you catch a whiff. In fact certain fragrances can have an effect on our emotions; the scent of orange blossom or lavender can act as a sedative, while citrus smells are great pick-me-ups. Therefore it may be worth spending a little time planning what kind of scent you would like your guests to associate with your wedding. If you are getting married in a large open venue, or in a garden, you can afford to go wild with scent. If you are using a smaller more intimate space, you need to be careful about how strong the scent of your flowers are.
Sweet/ Floral - Bouvardia, Carnation, Freesia, Hyacinth, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Rose, Sweet Pea. Spicy – Chrysanthemum, Dianthus, Hypericum, Spanish Gorse, Stock Citrus – Eucharis, Lemon Verbana, Mimosa, Waxflower Aromatic – Dil, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Marjoram, Muscari, Rosemary Heavy/ Exotic – Gardenia, Narcissi, Stephanotis, Tuberose
Remember:
Every flower has a meaning, so tell your story with flowers Flor Valetin +34 951 31 10 86 florvalentin.es
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
jeremystandley.com
THE
Snap SHOT
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HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER... Finding a photographer to suit you, your style, your budget and your personality can be tricky but finding the right one is vital. Remember, it’s one day, one chance, one set of images to treasure forever. Ensure that you pick the right one with these useful hints and handy tips from our experts.
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Jeremy Standley
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Why would you use a second photographer? I think this very much depends on the wedding and the couple. For bigger weddings with multiple destinations an assistant or second photographer can be useful but it does depend on the type of photography. Finding a second photographer whose style compliments that of the lead photographer can be hard and I would always advise an element of caution when a second photographer is provided as a bonus as this can often be a friend with a camera. I would always recommend every couple views the work of the second photographer as well. I personally suggest using a photo booth as this captures great images of all your guests. What photography styles do you specialise in? Any kind of photography but primarily weddings, I recently returned from a trip to India and had an amazing time documenting that and I plan on going back. Can you briefly describe some of your creative shots? Mmm tough one, for me not having too many pre conceived ideas is key, my best images are always fairly spontaneous, the light moves every minute so personally when I get my 20 minutes with the couple I will
have an idea on where I want to go but not exactly what I want to shoot and this normally works well for me. What is the key to capturing the couple’s personality in the photographs? Gaining the couples trust is key. Once your clients trust you and your work entirely you should have no problem getting close enough to capture the emotion. Jeremy Standley +34 607 717 565 jeremystandley.com CONFETI 87
alifornia etts, C y acs u h c a ass del b York, M a fashion mo e beach w e N in n th me , raised I beca ered o LE as a PROFIn in Los Angelehsed my studiesain I was discovdrid.) I worked m y r a f p is o S n M nd o I was b aii. When I fi ing family in g agency in s the e to become d r a it w in w a is ll and H I was v e to a mode the world. To C Television (while d on r m all ove ntract with AB ly got involve hotocident; ut who took g in ll e v k o o a ic ave p by a sc r 15 years, tr en a studio c cting so I qu her. I h n. I also p a r iv a fo g g t l mode areer I was very good a me a photo and Londo , c ’t s ca r Stone fashion in LA. I wasn mera and be , Los Angele y Allen, Olive e glitz k r a d r th an acto side of the c s in New Yo such as Woo d away from he e er hter. S s ritie the oth many celeb ous director rs ago I walk ise my daug my a to m d ea return ain to r graphe losely with fa Nolan. Ten y d to Sp to work and c e is d v r e o h k r C m o k w nd ac and . andis a to go b wood John L our of Holly allowed me photography m s ,) r la a h g te h and hich aug r my d older w is now assion, (afte dp secon
SIGNATURE STYL E
Scott del Amo
Creative documen tary wedding and portr ait photography.
How do you accommodate for different lighting situations (such as tall ceilings or dark rooms)?
If a bride has certain ideas she would like to incorporate into the photos, can you arrange this?
I have a full package of lighting suitable for any situation. Normally, I would scout out the location before the shoot and decide what lighting would be needed if any.
It is always refreshing to have a bride who knows what she wants, it makes my job that much easier. Photography is always a collaboration. I can accommodate anything.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding photographer? Pick a photographer whose style you like, not because one is cheaper than another. Photographers will almost always try and work within your budget. You only get one chance to capture beautiful photos on your wedding day so don’t be disappointed by selecting a cheaper alternative.
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What tips can you give a bride to ensure she looks her best in the pictures? Get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, stay away from alcohol two days before the wedding, get a good make-up/hair artist and relax. Scott Del Amo +34 617 826 334 scottdelamoweddings.com
Boda Kids speciali team s phy l a n io ra ss PR videog d profe three ung an graphy and aphers and o y a e r to d r g o n a h a We gp ers photo weddin two female college care unique in g in f offer a all with e, ising o compr eographers allows us to tories of lov s id is ll g v h te in T le r . e ma ion .W aptu e pass also c eo film creativ edding vid ship whilst rs. a te d fw nd style o ion and frie citement an s x s e joy, pa of laughter, s feeling
OFILE
SIGNATURE STYL E
We do not believe that photography is a ma tter of style, but rather a question of art. Creativity an d good work never goes ou t of fashion.
How far ahead do I need to book? Generally speaking, the sooner the better. However, we would definitely recommend that you book your photographer as soon as you have your venue organized. As a guideline look at booking between nine and twelve months in advance to avoid disappointment. If you are thinking of getting married at the height of the season (July or August) then certainly the latter.
Can you take a picture of my favourite aunt/uncle/ cat etc. and how long will all the family group shots take? Of course, we provide a form prior to the wedding for you to fill out detailing all the people and moments that you want us to capture to ensure we do not miss anything. Boda Kids +34 952 109 287 bodakids.es CONFETI 89
Simon Andrews SIGNATURE STYLE
PROFILE ng wedand wife team offeri We are a husband hy. We portrait photograp ding, boudoir and al and fun ion ss l, creative, profe provide a persona we do at wh e lov rience. We photographic expe ve the hie ac to ts en cli r with ou and enjoy working very best images.
How do you stay current with your photography? We are creative photographers, we love to have fun and, are always looking to explore new inspirations. However, what we really enjoy is a creative collaboration with our clients to achieve unique, interesting and artistic images. What tips would you share with couples to make their day run more smoothly? Allocate a go-to person to liaise
We offer a high-end service and our approach is to capture your special day through a photojournalis tic storytelling approach with a com bination of traditional and moving ima gery. We collaborate with our clients to capture moments that are uniq ue and personal. Our packages are bespok e and offer a combination of still and moving imagery in what we call video fusion clips. We also offer separate engagement and bridal shoots, and have ext ensive experience with creative ligh ting to get that high gloss ‘Cosmo’ magazine cover look.
with your photographer(s) on your wedding day. This person can be your maid of honour or groomsman etc., basically someone who knows most of the people there and can help wrangle the right people together for those group shots. This will help your photographer focus on taking great images and give you peace of mind to relax and have fun on your big day. Simon Andrews +34 951 190 478 simon-andrews.com
Ruth Jones E
PROFIL
g on en workin I have be d in the UK an the coast gnce photo la e e fr a s r a u fo t s la r the rapher fo y m p u g in years build folio. port g in d d e w
SIGNATURE STYLE I specialise in documentary style wedding photography that is creative and natural.
What advantage does it give being a female photographer? I find being a female wedding photographer allows the bride to feel at ease and comfortable throughout her day but in particular during the preparation stage before the wedding when she is surrounded by her bridesmaids. This is when I aim to work as silently as possible allowing me to capture the most natural and beautiful photos. Also throughout the day I aim to blend into the 90 CONFETI
wedding party and try and be as unobtrusive as possible. Vintage is such a massive bridal trend this year, how do you incorporate a vintage theme into your wedding photography? I adore the vintage theme and find it very inspiring when taking photographs; I particularly enjoy photographing the vintage touches chosen by the bride such as special pieces of jewel-
lery and flowers. Post editing I use vintage tones to enhance an image as this can add a lovely warmth to the photos. I love the colours and pretty decorations used in vintage style weddings as these create a wonderful backdrop for wedding photographs. Ruth Jones +34 634 803 532 ruthjonesphotography.webs.com
Thoroughly Gorgeous
What gives you the ideas and inspires you to create such amazing imagery? I enjoy what I do, lots! I walk round every day and to my eyes everything seems like a great opportunity to get a shot. I have a very artistic family and live surrounded by musicians, painters and love art in general, especially portraiture. Why should a couple invest in a good quality album?
PROFILE
a portrait and Giraudo and I am My name is Talia in Marbella for re he pher based wedding photogra ntina, am fluent I was born in Arge the last 11 years. ies. Wedding cit ve lived in many in Spanish, and ha me naturally co s ay raphy have alw and family photog ing emotions passion for captur to me as I have a casions. I am beauty in family oc and find immense es, art,( as lov o unded by my tw lucky to live surro e, as I relax tur na d an ) are artistic most of my family work by from a hard day’s
SIGNATURE STYLE My style can best be described as natural and relaxed. I pride myself on being able to capture people just the way they are and events just the way they felt.
How do you manage to capture such beautiful images of children? My main rule is to have sensitivity when approaching children. Depending on their role on the day they can be nervous, feel over excited or even left out of the occasion and react in different ways. With a huge smile and respect for their situation you can get the best out of their personalities and capture great images. I have learnt a lot from my own children! Oh…and lots of patience!
Andreas Holm use them for any kind of personal or non-commercial use.
What do you do if the bride and groom are not very photogenic? I would start with finding good light, a great location and then shoot from a distance which would allow the couple to have space to be themselves, instead having them pose and look straight into the camera.
How do you remain unobtrusive at a wedding but still manage to capture all the emotional shots? I’m a ninja. What’s your advice for taking photos on the beach?
Who owns the photos?
The best time for taking photos on the beach is before sunset. During the day the light can be very harsh and unflattering.
I, as the photographer have the copyrights, but my clients can
What advice can you give about natural light?
Without an album the work is still in limbo, it needs solidifying. If you hire a professional photographer your aim should be to have your work in print which is where the work shines, has a chance to exist and show itself at its best. And if you choose to have an album you need your photographer to provide you with the best around and design it to your specifications, that’s why I use Jorgensen Albums exclusively as they are individually designed they give me a great opportunity to continue the creative process and they are absolutely gorgeous. What is the secret to capturing the ceremony but not ruining it? Listen to the couple you’re working with, use your instinct and be professional at all times. Thoroughly Gorgeous + 34 605 275 407 thoroughlygorgeous.com
SIGNATURE STYLE
I wouldn’t say I have a particular style, I want to capture YOU and YOUR day in the most authentic way possible. Each wedding is unique and I enjoy seeing things from a new perspective
There is a common misconception that as long as the sun is shining, you have perfect light any time during the day for taking portraits. This is not true since the light during the day creates its own difficulties. If I have to take portraits during the day I would look for areas in the shade. The most beautiful light you have just before sunset. Andreas Holm +34 650 816 210 andreasholm.com
PROFILE
My name is Andreas Holm, I am originally from Sweden and relocated permanently to Southern Spain six years ago. I consider myself very privileged and honoured to be in a position to create something amazing for people to remember how it felt to be at their wedding. I use photography to make that happen. Away from the job that I love, I adore the feeling of eating tasty food I haven’t tried before, and seeing films which move me. I also enjoy listening to music which can change my mood in a second and hearing peoples life stories
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Gabriel Navas
PROFILE
years ago lona however a few I was born in Barce based. I y ntl rre cu where I am I moved to Seville, her from a very to be a photograp knew that I wanted years ago 15 h it was not until young age, althoug e my style of titl I y. all ng profession that I began worki discreetly whilst journalism. I work photography; photo u. I aim to not yo that will amaze ls tai de le litt ing ur capt t but also the hlights of each even only capture the hig tten. ich are often forgo smaller details wh
SIGNATURE STYLE
lism As aforementioned, photojourna alert am I y, aph togr is my style of pho not ents mom g turin cap s at all time only of the couple, but also of the g family, friends and guests ensurin nted ume doc is day re that the enti for couples to look back on and remember.
What are the upcoming trends within wedding photography? In the past two years wedding photography has been revolutionized. The new style aims to capture several stories in one image, for example the couple kissing behind weeping parents and other relatives and friends celebrating in the background, this is called photography ‘layers’. What happens if it rains? 92 CONFETI
If it rains, nothing will change. Yes, it may be a challenge for the couple and for the photographer but we will still achieve wonderful images that you can treasure forever. I would aim to capture images of the bridesmaids playing in the rain, or of the couple through the reflections in the puddles. Instead of avoiding weather problems, you use them. Gabriel Navas +34 620 025 002 gabrielnavas.com
PRODUCTION
&
DJs & Groups Stages & Dancefloors Event Management Sound & Lighting Audiovisuals Decoration Chillout Furniture
CATERING
Private Parties Cocktail Receptions Luxury Private Dining Weddings Corporate Catering Chef at Home Bar at Home
www.chezvous.es 路 info@chezvous.es +34 667 341 809
Your Wish is my Command Confeti’s guide to the who’s who in the world of wedding planners Images left to right - Wedding Planner caprichia.com, Photography pierrerichardsonphotography.com
E
very girl wants their wedding to be the best day of her live; however it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of organisation required, particularly if you are planning your celebration in another country where language barriers, legalities and local customs need to be considered. Many brides ask themselves as they commence the organisation; do I need a wedding planner? Can I do it myself? Will it end up costing me a fortune? Despite previous misconceptions, a wedding planner can not only make your life easier but can also save you money. The one thing we want more of is time, and time is money. A professional wedding planner can do the work faster and more efficiently
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as they already have the skills to complete the tasks without any delays Whilst you may need to spend time researching and learning what to do, this doesn’t mean you can’t be involved in the progression, it just enables you to enjoy the process of planning and organizing your wedding without disruption or stress. A wedding planner will assist you in producing a realistic budget for the services and keep a record of the expenditure to monitor the budget. As a company, they can negotiate the best prices and get the best terms and conditions as planners have relationships with vendors and venues since they work on many weddings not just one, so they can offer you economies of scale. Often when planning the ceremony and reception yourself, little factors are overlooked. Many brides don’t spot obvious duplication of costs e.g why have chair covers in a chapel, and then use more cov-
ers on the chairs in the adjoining dining room? In this instance the planner would have a member of staff move the chairs, which only takes a few minutes while your wedding photography is taking place. This could save you a few hundred euros. If booking the entertainment, venue, décor, photographer etc. isn’t stressful enough imagine having to make all the arrangements in another language. When getting married abroad a wedding planner could be your saving grace as it’s not only the language you need to be concerned with, you also need to take into account, the legalities, local customs and etiquette. A wedding planner can offer you informed choices which will again save you time and money. Of course there is the day itself. The last thing you need to be thinking about is has the priest turned up on time, is the cutlery polished and how do I keep my father’s new wife away from my
rather feisty mother. You should ONLY be thinking about yourself and your husband-to-be and enjoying one of the best days of your life, not worrying about the little details. Your planner will look after your guests, ensure the décor is to your expectations, coordinate all other wedding vendors and make sure the whole day runs like clockwork. Plus of course keeping feuding relatives at a safe distance from each other - I mean not all of us want a scene from My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. A wedding planner is there to help YOU design your big day and ensure that YOUR big day is everything you dreamed of and more!
Caprichia Marbella Lucia Fraga offers design and planning services for luxury couture destination weddings and events.
end, in high g in s li s Specia wedding couture
I have a Master Degree in Economics & Business Administration by ICADE (in Madrid) and an expertise postgraduate diploma in Hospitality Management, which happened to put me in contact with the luxury hospitality world and, after years of experience as Director of Sales & Events for a topclass international golf resort in Marbella, I decided to focus all my energy, commitment and passion for the art of celebrating into Caprichia. I have been based in Marbella for more than 11 years and specialise in luxury weddings and events in Marbella, the Costa del Sol and Malaga’s inland areas, where my portfolio of venues and my resources are more powerful. However, I have been asked and I am available to cover weddings in other regions of Andalucía and Spain.
With language barriers, time difference and distances, I struggle to understand how a high-end bride who lives in another country and faces her day-to-day life, and most likely a demanding job could handle the planning of a luxury wedding abroad without the assistance of a professional wedding planner. As much as all new technologies can help any bride search for venues and vendors herself (assuming that she has the time and eagerness to do so,) these will never be able to replace having someone available at the destination, who has the knowhow and experience to pre-select the most suitable vendors, provide advice based on personal testing, deal with all little details, filter time-consuming tasks and act as an intermediary on the bride’s behalf, in the local language. The professional support of a wedding planner will enable the wedding preparations to be exclusive, enjoyable and free of stress.
I am passionate about what I do and I am a perfectionist. I provide full commitment and availability to my clients, with whom I develop a close relationship over the time of preparation of their wedding, which is very often maintained long after the day. I am known for providing full exclusive tailor-made services to bring a destination wedding up to the next level, and to turn it into a unique getaway experience for the couple and their guests. I put together highly personalized weddings and events that allow the couple to reflect their own personalities. I cover the full process from idea to venue selection, to all sorts of vendors, wedding hosting and even the most exclusive honeymoons around the globe. Some of the unique features that I offer are our customized private wedding websites, unparalleled hand-made stationery, impressive releases of live butterflies, side entertainment for kids, breathtaking floral decorations and the sweet tables. At Caprichia we are continuously innovating and searching for inspiration from every corner of the world and including new services and ideas in our portfolio. In 2012 we are designing stunning hand-made sketches to help our high-end couples visualize the ambiences, tabletops and decorations being designed for their wedding and we are offering the finest embroidered napkins with the couples’ initials, to mention just a few. One of the things I love about
my job, it is the fact that it allows me to get involved in one of the most important days of a couple’s life. Looking from the sidelines on the wedding day and seeing those sparkling smiles is the most touching reward to me, and it makes all the effort worthwhile. A luxury destination wedding in Marbella and surrounding areas, is much more than the wedding day of your dreams. It is an opportunity to celebrate a whole wedding affair around it, where your guests will experience a unique getaway in a superb destination that everyone will remember and cherish for life. Testimonial “It was an extraordinary wedding –we can´t stop looking at the photos. Our family and friends were also really swept away by the whole occasion. We really can’t thank you enough for giving us something that we’ll never forget.” Tia and Jim Clements Caprichia Marbella Couture Wedding & Event Planning Tel. +34 676 482 388 caprichia.com
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Casaos conmigo Entrusting your wedding plans to Lara Morato is the first step towards making your wedding day a truly unforgettable event.
Specialising in weddings in Madrid
I am based in Madrid and work as a professional wedding planner throughout Spain. I first became interested in the world of wedding planning after I organized my own wedding in Chile, where I was living at the time. I instantly fell in love with the profession and was delighted to have found a career that enabled me to utilize my coordination and organizational skills and where my creativity had no limits. I had previously worked for a multinational company and had encountered numerous issues when attempting to put together a series of corporate events so I understood the desire for a smooth and seamless production from all angles. Having planned my own wedding from another country I would recommend every bride intending on getting married abroad to hire a wedding planner. Not only will this eliminate the stress on the day itself, it can also 96 CONFETI
work out to be more cost effective as a professional wedding planner is in contact with all the local suppliers and therefore able to obtain the best rates. I am fully aware of which suppliers are reliable and which ones are not, the last thing you want is your florist or musician not turning up on the day! When I am planning a wedding for a couple who are based abroad, I become “their eyes.” I am the link between the couple and their dream. My aim is to include them as much as they wish to be included; I will send product samples, videos of my meetings with suppliers. I am in constant contact with my brides, (and grooms,) at all times.
I find it very hard to define my style as I am 100% adaptable to the couples desires, my style, is their style. When I first meet a couple we sit down, identify the character of the wedding and discuss the themes they wish to focus on. I always try to make each event unique and personalised, rather than push too many of my “ideas,” onto them. I believe I am there to support, not dictate. This year we are continuing to see numerous vintage and shabby chic styles grow in popularity and I predict the glamour of the 30´s will make a return also. My team will organise everything from legalities to the honeymoon and we do everything in our power
to fulfil the wishes of the couple. I adore having the opportunity to make someone’s dreams come true, when the couple come to me and express their thanks after the ceremony; all the hard work is worth it. Casaos Conmigo + 34 696 689 191 casaosconmigo.com
AWOL The Wedding Granada Planner
Specialising in weddings in Granada
Theresa Guthrie offers ‘A Wedding of a Lifetime!’ Her services include full planning and co-ordination for Catholic Church weddings, blessings and same sex weddings.
I first came to Granada to study Spanish for two months, only knowing that it was located in Andalucía in southern Spain and was famous for the Alhambra and its picturesque Arabic quarter. To be honest my initial attraction was its proximity to the beach and the Sierra Nevada ski resort, little did I know what affect this amazing city would have on me. When the two months past I just couldn’t leave, I had truly fallen in love with Granada. I became a wedding planner completely by accident. I originally set up a company organising tailor made holidays in Granada. At that time, (ten years ago), there were very few wedding planners in Spain so couples starting asking if I could help with their weddings. As I already had such good local knowledge it was something I fell into quite easily and thoroughly enjoyed. Now I predominantly organise weddings although I do still organise some holidays and other events. Over the years I have built such strong relationships with the couples I have met, that I now have a wall full of photos of their babies and children. I had a wedding last year where the couple had met at a wedding I organised two years previously so decided to get married in the same place they met on the same date! I love the fact that no two days are the same for me. I could be in the office answering emails and phone calls, attending a wedding,
viewing new venues, meeting couples to show them venues and discuss their wedding arrangements, attending menu tastings, sorting out paperwork at the archbishops office, shopping for decorations, researching new wedding styles; every day is different. For 2O12 we have some new venues within our portfolio. I try to use a lot of traditional cortijos as I really adore the rustic look combined with vintage decor and wild flowers. As for 2013, I seem to be getting a lot of enquiries for high-end weddings and lots of weddings from further abroad such as the Unites States and The Middle East. I think the most bizarre request I have ever had was for the theme tune of Star Wars to be played as the recessional! Very odd to hear it blaring out of a Catholic Church in Granada! Testimonial Thank you for organising our dream wedding in Granada. Everything was amazing; we all, (us & our 110 guests) had the best weekend. Everyone thought the venue was out of this world. It couldn’t have been done without you both. I was a stress free bride up to the wedding & for the whole weekend. Jenny & Brian Considine AWOL in Granada Tel +34 958 521 875 +34 659 170 718 awolgranada.com
d in Marbella Bea Perez is base ly exceptional and provides a tru for savvy and planning service co stylish uples
Specialisin g in glamorous weddings
s, your wedbride look As everyone know dresses make any rtant po im t colours, os m the s, the es is ding day like a godd s ha ng thi ery een tones day of your life. Ev white, gold and gr s ide br ll with outny we Ma to be perfect. bode particularly ng thi ery are rising ev t ich ou wh rry s ca ing struggle to door wedd s es ha str e s also they wish for due to in popularity. Vintag is ing dd forefront we and nerves. If the been a trend at the s is thi n the d I believe an ad ro ar ab ye st taking place over the pa e du ult diffic aim for all my made even more it is here to stay. I al loc d an e ag e glamour to distance, langu weddings to exud dwe a ere there is wh t is bu is e customs. Th and eleganc we are in; than adding es e m or co m e er lov nn I ding pla nothing s m ea dr a little twist. ur here to make all yo vintage elements for how my e m k come true. People often as began e varies nc it rie d pe an t, ex l en na sp My perso days are s ay alw I y o. da but a year and a half ag greatly from day to to elf ys m dding to we ate a wanted to dedic if I do not have ange ch ng I do is a thi d t an firs ion the ss this profe attend then led ab en es d I usually nc of work circumsta check my emails an t n´ ve ha I lying to d rep an g me to give it a go spend the mornin a rs. My er lie off pp w su no I d . looked back customers an ent ces, sp rvi se lly of ua us m tru are ec ns sp broad afternoo enies pr pa m m co co t everything from the visiting the differen in d the an of us on th ati wi e niz hensive orga that collaborat ent of date em up ag to an d m ten I the s to ing wedding the even as decora, blog and small details such our social networks all ng eri off , it’s hard are job y we m tion. This year website. I love y dintisfaction tar sa en m the pli g m ein co a se couples work but nian t firs ak ir m es it all ner to celebrate the on people’s faces is is Th . us m me feel so fro es t versary as a gif worth it and mak nity for rtu po op ul erf nd also a wo proud. the couples us to catch up with rate their anner a year after we celeb The Wedding Pl 6 15 special day. +34 645488 ll be a ner.es I predict Grecian wi theweddingplan ar, ye xt ne big trend over the inspired not only do Grecian CONFETI 97
Sunset Beach Weddings
Kerry Vear-Smyth is the resident wedding planner at the Sunset Beach Club.
I previously worked as a holiday representative with Argo holidays; they were one of the first companies to organize weddings in Greece and Cyprus. I became one of their resort wedding planners with their comprehensive training plan. After eight years, I decided it was time to put down roots and moved to the Costa del Sol. I set up my own business, Celebrations in Spain, and gained a professional qualification in wedding planning. The business has grown steadily and this is my eighth year organizing weddings on the coast. It takes a lot of work to plan a wedding and having a planner takes a lot of the pressure off the bride, this is even more important when getting married in a foreign country. You need to have someone that speaks the language, knows the legal requirements and can recommend reliable suppliers. I have dealt with a bride who got married in the
Catholic church here in Spain and got the certificate on the day of the wedding from the priest. She thought that this was her marriage certificate for years, until she had her first child and then she found out that it was not! It took a large amount of paperwork to get this resolved. There are different customs in different countries that you should be made familiar with. Whilst some can be incorporated into a wedding abroad, some local customs need to be acknowledged. In some countries it is customary for the bride to arrive late at the church. A Spanish bride would never do this, as it is considered rude to the priest. I had the situation once where a bride was 45 minutes late (her own doing) and the priest was about to cancel the wedding! An experienced planner can steer you through these customs and explain to you the particular foibles of the different celebrants. My style is a mixture of super
organised, which a planner has to be to keep the planning on track but relaxed at the same time. There are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes that the brides are never aware of (and don’t need to know). As long as their day runs smoothly and they are happy at the end of the day that is the important thing. Sunset Beach Club is extremely popular for weddings because it is Irish owned and run with consistently high standards. They offer both traditional UK and Irish wedding meals for brides that want a taste of home and also Spanish menus for those wanting to incorporate a taste of Spain into their wedding. As well as a beautiful seafront setting for blessings and cocktail receptions, the hotel offers a choice of wedding reception venues, the most popular being the Sala Malaga banquet room, which boasts spectacular sea views and a private bar. Their package is arguably one of the most complete on the coast with lots of extras for the bride and groom, and they only host one wedding a day in the venue. Their four star hotel-apartments are reasonably priced for the guests to stay at the same resort so it becomes an extended family holiday – not just one day. The question I get asked the most is about the legalities. Anyone that is Catholic can have a le-
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Specialising in weddings at Sunset Beach Club
gally recognized Catholic Wedding. There are several churches in the Benalmadena area that have English Speaking Catholic Priests within 10 minutes drive of Sunset Beach Club. Foreigners that are residents in Spain can also have a civil wedding in Spain. Non residents cannot have a civil wedding but can have a blessing on the promenade, after having the civil wedding at home before coming out to Spain – this is a very popular option. A blessing is a wedding ceremony that is not legally recognised. Being a planner can be a very stressful job as you are at the mercy of every supplier. If they mess up it is always the planner’s fault – even when it isn’t! But it is the best job in the world and seeing the wedding day come together is phenomenally rewarding. Sunset Beach Club +34 952 579 400 Ext. 3123 weddings@sunsetbeachclub.com sunsetbeachclub.com
Clockwise from top left - davidtoms-weddings.com, jeremystandley.com, thoroughlygorgeous.com, thoroughlygorgeous.com, jeremystandley.com, thoroughlygorgeous.com, andreasholm.com
Fiesta Sol
Heather Sadtler co-owns Fiestasol, the wedding planning and catering company dedicated to organising special events.
ing g in plann Specialisin gs in d ed w g for n ri te ca d n a to Málaga from Tarifa
Seven years ago, my husband and I started Fiestasol Weddings & Catering from scratch with barely a cent to our name. He delivered tapas on a little scooter, and I did all of our planning and admin from my laptop on our dining room table. We now employ a team of permanent staff, have a large event showroom and professional kitchen on the beachfront in Marbella and plan between ninety and one hundred parties, events and weddings a year. I grew up in London and started out as a trainee journalist working for Conde Nast publications at Vogue House, in Mayfair. I slowly climbed my way up the ladder and ended up organising magazine conferences and celebrity events. My husband is Spanish and we always dreamed of one day leaving
it all behind and living under the beautiful Spanish sun. That opportunity came when my family’s holiday house in Marbella needed some TLC, and off we went to do up the house and see where fate would take us. It seemed like a hugely brave decision at the time but I’m so glad we decided to take it. Fiestasol became successful very quickly and I believe this was down to the never ending hard work we put into the business. We both speak English and Spanish and we always treat our clients in a respectful and professional manner. I love my job and the variety it brings. We organise weddings for couples from Russia, South Africa, India, the UK, America, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, South America, the list goes. We have beautiful intimate weddings for twenty people and huge three day extravaganzas for 250 people. We arrange Bollywood weddings, Jewish weddings, work with same sex couples, and have several celebrity clients. I suppose what most appeals to me on a personal level is what a privilege it is to be part of organising an event that is
so hugely significant in couple’s lives. I still shed many a tear at a heartfelt speech and will never get bored of a father seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. Of course, there are many hilarious situations that you witness at weddings; I have a list of anecdotes as long as my arm. Family bust ups, drunken meetings with cacti, nonsensical speeches, excitable best men, inebriated priests; it’s never-ending and usually involves alcohol. People tell me I should write a book but that will have to be for when I retire! I can’t really imagine a job with better job satisfaction. The comments I get at the end of weddings, and the beautiful emails, messages and gifts are so touching, it really does make you feel you have made a difference in a family’s life. I will never forget a very ill father-of-the-bride telling me he would never forget us and what we had done for his daughter in the time he had left. At Fiestasol, we are always getting excited about the future and how we can continue to grow and provide the best service we possibly can. Last year we built our show-
room, this year we took on the management of one of the most successful venues in the region, Hacienda San Jose, and debuted our hugely successful wedding design service. Next year we will be taking on more venues, more staff and growing in the way we have always done. Our catering services just get better and better under the brilliant guidance of my husband Alex and the decoration side of things is brimming with future possibilities. We are so greatful for all the work we have, and love the fact that our brides are still in touch with us after many years, as we consider them friends as well as clients. FiestaSol +34 952 89 87 46 +34 657 214 831 fiestasol.com
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Alhambra Weddings
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m to documents enabling the . Our ain Sp in re he d rrie ma get dwe tire en aim is to make the as le ab joy en as ss ding proce ces from possible, this commen dence on sp the first email corre l of the iva arr to on s and continue y are the ere wh ain Sp in couple our of e on met at the airport by ed ort nsp tra d an luxury vehicles ny Ma n. atio od mm en co hte to their ac Collectively we have eig ir wedding g within couples are turning the years experience workin elves, their ms the try and into a holiday for the luxury events indus with the d an s, nd frie ed family and our team have all attain odation mm co ac ue val nts nt eve excelle specific wedding and coast; the on an options available diplomas. We organise n for such atio loc al ide of events Spain is the extensive assortment te dinner an event. ranging from an intima anning , me ho n ow r you We also offer menu-pl party for eight in lete wedmp co r d/o ish wedassistance an a quintessentially Span at a desg plin sam e ast rat akf bo ding bre ding ceremony or an ela r excluou we tination of choice or in beachside reception. As rating leb ce If . ue , on basis sive tasting ven work on non-commissi home n ow ir the of r ort ove to in the comf our brides have access have we , on the or within a private venue 500 wedding suppliers tion ec sel est achieve access to the larg coast, allowing them to offering ir the ver ate wh of caterers on the coast y, da am their dre t from the portfolio an opportunity to selec budget. Our extensive s. tion op rything finest gastronomic of venues includes eve on be ays alw l wil rehside Sala events from glamourous beac t of ec asp ry eve re tau su res en al hand to sorts and exclusive loc thly, oo sm s cortijos the brides big day run rants to private Spanish the to gh ou thr y as. from the journe and private, intimate vill t guest lties icu diff ceremony until the las the d an rst de We un or. When eflo nc da the m g fro ttin ge ires ret a bride faces when uple can co the , are you put trust in us married abroad, thus we dreams ir the of e on e ry on ph be sure eve available by email or tele 5 days of will come true. seven days a week, 36 arrange, s de bri r ou e Why compromise, we liev the year. We be Events. la Sa st t Tru rry abou you decide. should not have to wo s tail de ful any legalities or stress all the Sala Events hence why we arrange al leg d an rk salaevents.com rwo pe pa necessary 100 CONFETI
Angeles Porcel runs a wedding design & planning consultancy, creating magical events throughout Granada.
I think that Granada is one of the most stunning places in the world; its surroundings bring together natural beauty, breathtaking countryside, authentic culture, striking architecture as well as a wonderful climate, which makes Granada one of a kind. Here, in this privileged destination, nature is merged with a thousand year old culture, and the mountains of Sierra Nevada with the Mediterranean Sea. There is so much to enjoy in Granada from the hidden neighbourhood of Sacromonte, the remote villages of the Alpujarra, to the beauty of the Alhambra and the clear waters of the Tropical Coast. Nowadays many couples wish to celebrate their wedding in the south of Spain, and the monumental city of Granada is one of the most requested locations for weddings. It has its own airport and is only one hour from Málaga International Airport, making Granada extremely accessible. At Alhambra Weddins we offer a complete wedding service from start to finish. We are qualified professionals based in Granada, so our contact with suppliers is not only by telephone or by e-mail, it is also personal. If you are looking for a small and intimate wedding or a large reception we can cater to all requirements. We’ll help you find the perfect place to celebrate your wedding and we
Specialising in Granada weddings
will provide you with everything you need to ensure your big day is a success. One of my favourite weddings was actually one of my first. It was for a lovely Irish couple, they got married close to the Alhambra and had their photos taken inside the Alhambra. Still to this day it is one of the most beautiful weddings I have seen. When it comes to designing weddings, I would not say that I have a particular style as I always adapt according to the couple requirements. However, I would say everything that I do has a Spanish twist. I have to say I am loving the peach colour trend this year as well as soft pink wedding dresses, a contemporary yet still feminine alternative. I love my job, every day I work with brides and make their dreams come true, who wouldn’t love doing that? Testimonial “We thought that getting married abroad was going to be very complicated, but Alhambra Weddings made everything so easy. We were amazed at the beauty of Granada and the kindness of Angeles, it was a pleasure to work with her. We will never forget our special day.” Julia & Matthew Alhambra Weddings + 34 958 592 680 +34 676 144 804 alhambraweddings.com
Tarifa Weddings Emily Jane Brown and her team have been selected by Brides magazine as one of the top 25 international wedding planning services and will provide you with all the assistance and advice you require in planning your wedding
sing in Speciali on the s wedding la Luz l e d a Cost
I was born and raised in London, and after briefly working in the wedding industry in the UK, I moved to Spain where I started my own business, Tarifa Weddings. Based in Tarifa, (Cadiz) for the last eight years, my team and I have organised weddings and private events along the whole Costa del Sol with a focus on the Costa del la Luz, which is now an upand-coming area for people looking for the authentic side of southern Spain.
I would have to describe my style as ‘Bohemian Chic’, it’s a combination of ‘out of the ordinary’ decoration, entertainment and atmosphere. I use influences from all over the world, the most popular being elegant twists of Moroccan and chill-out decoration with an Ibiza twang of beautiful music, stunning fabrics and specialized lighting giving that all important ‘wow’ factor. From a coordination point my team are very friendly and try to make a couple feel as relaxed as possible. We will often chat with our brides over a glass
of wine and meet for dinners and lunches, I think it’s important to build up a relationship and connect to make the experience the best it can possibly be. This year, Tarifa Weddings launched its own catering company. I work with three fantastic head chefs offering International cuisine, one English chef who I have worked with for the last seven years, one French and an Argentinean, (I like to make sure I have all the tastes covered!) Also new this year I have two exclusive venues on my books, one stunning Cortijo that I have taken on under my own management and the other is a trio of old farm houses on 10,000 sqm of garden which I am just in the process of finishing. I have purposely designed it to cater for weddings of up to 400 people. The venue includes a pool, orchard and traditional style Andalucian stables for those animal lovers out there. The few couples that have already seen them have all fallen in love and booked straight away. Don’t worry, I will be publishing more details on our website and facebook page once the refurbishment work has been completed. I always like to stay ahead of the trends and I love the old vintage style that’s ‘in’ at the moment alongside ‘country garden weddings’ - elegant and easy to arrange on a small budget. For 2013 I think we’ll see more retro style weddings maybe with a 50’s twist and ‘garden party’ themed celebrations.
Choosing a favourite wedding is difficult, however, I organised two weddings for both daughters of a Baroness, (two years apart.) Both had amazing creativity and vision and were very clear on the atmosphere they wanted to create. Both opted for our amazing transparent LED dance floor, masses of fairy lights, candles, lanterns and lots of entertainment. They were both three day affairs and went beautifully. I love everything about my job, especially the satisfaction in knowing that you have helped someone achieve their perfect wedding day. It’s an extremely rewarding and emotional job. You cannot beat the feeling of seeing the bride walk down the aisle, I can’t help it, I still well up! Testimonial “What can I say? Thank you so, so, so much for helping us throw the most amazing wedding/party! You and your team have made the whole process enjoyable. Everyone commented on how calm we both were and we have you to thank for that. On behalf of us and all our wedding guests thank you. It was simply perfect!” Emma & Phil 18 June 2011 Tarifa Weddings +34 687 659 574 tarifaweddings.com
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Party People Dianna, Richard and their team have been creating show stopping events for the past 18 years.
Specialising in luxury weddings and events
andreasholm.com
I worked for many years in theatre and interior design before Party People was created in 1994, therefore wedding design was a natural progression for us as a young and innovative event design company. We arranged our first wedding in 1994 for Kitty & Pedro Gonzalez in Guadalmina and we have remained the greatest of friends since that memorable day. Party People has continued to grow over the years, along 102 CONFETI
with the services that we offer. These include helping couples find the perfect venue, arranging the ceremony, reception, party and finer details. We offer bespoke linen, equipment, chill out furniture and decoration hire to hotels, other event organisers and planners. We have a great selection of live entertainment, DJs, lighting, special effects, dance floors, stages, catering and a variety of marquees. I would describe my style as a fusion of local cultures, which encompass the natural elements and
wonderful surroundings of AndalucĂa. This could be anything from an exotic beach side wedding to a magnificent country estate. We are renowned for creating the most stylish, glamorous, contemporary weddings in premier locations. Whatever the chosen venue, we work together with the bride to create a truly bespoke wedding to fulfil her expectations for her perfect day. For the wedding decor I like to use as many natural elements as possible – my favourite flowers are hydrangeas, I love the volume and the colours are very soft .Hydrangea plants can also be used for the general decoration of large spaces together with fabric, to create a stunning effect. We always combine decorative lighting with our decoration, therefore it is very important that we have an excellent lighting and sound technician on our team. Everyday is different, but always busy, we seem to work English and Spanish hours. I am very hands on and personally oversee all of our events, but I do have a wonderfully talented team to help. I love the creative aspect of every event, being based in Marbella, we have a multicultural clientele which I always find interesting as it gives me the scope for new ideas whether it be a wedding, birthday, barmitzva, christening, childrens party or corporate event. This year we are delighted to be able to offer the hire or purchase of beautiful Balinese wedding umbrellas which are customized
with the initials of the bride and groom. They can be used as an alternative to a wedding canopy and/or as a lovely decorative feature. We are also supplying circular tables and linen to accommodate the umbrella through the centre of the table, perfect for a summer lunch party. My favourite part of a wedding has to be seeing the decoration and entertainment come together and finally when the bride and family say THANKYOU, then I know I have done my job to the best of my ability. Testimonial Thank you so much for your help and support for our wedding we couldn’t have done it without you. The music, all three acts, were amazing and the decor in the church and our hotel was beautiful. It was lovely getting to know such a wonderful couple and we really hope we see you again soon With all our love Rachael and James xx Party People + 34 952 812 580 partypeoplemarbella.com
GILES BROWN gets down on one knee...and may need some help to get back up again.
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blame it all on Prince William. When the future king popped the question to Kate in Kenya he set the benchmark pretty bloody high for the rest of us chaps to follow. He could have asked her at a bus stop in Elephant and Castle and she would have said yes, mind you – this was a role that Kate had been propelled into since her mother signed her onto Wills’ History of Art course at St Andrewsbut I digress. That proposal in Kenya now means that every potential groom has to be at the top of his game to make sure that the girl of his dreams says yes. Let’s start with the basics. The general rules still apply. If you need reminding they are, buy a ring, get down on one knee and ask her to marry you. But even within this simple framework there are some tricks that can help you to improve the basics. The first rule is to approach your proposal like you would an SAS mission. Keep things to yourself because the more people you talk to about the proposal, the more likely it is that someone will let slip -- even from people who wouldn’t normally cross paths with your future fiancée. That is doubly, no, TREBLY true now that we live in the world of social media. Your future beloved will not be impressed if she sees your secret plans to propose spilled across Facebook or Twitter before you’ve had the chance to get down on one knee. Everyone should be on a ‘need to know’ basis. Then there is the tricky problem of the ring. Unless your name is Frodo Baggins who had no choice about what ring to take, there is a bewildering assortment out there. If you’re deciding between a round-cut
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THE PERFECT
Proposal
diamond and a square cut, go with the round. It looks larger, and it’s timeless. And for the most bang for your buck, (but don’t use that phrase in front of her, whatever you do...) choose a setting in white gold or palladium instead of platinum so that you’ll be able to focus more of your money towards the most important part; the stone. If you’re not certain what type of ring to get her, go with a placeholder ring. A giant ring pop or plastic toy stone will make her smile and allow you to enjoy the shopping together. Finally, make sure you document it, smartphones, flipcams, whatever it takes. You’ll be glad you did and so will she. Then there is the small matter of location, location, location, as that now extinct breed, the happy Marbella estate agent, used to go on about. The London Eye and the Eiffel Tower are great locations but a little bit of a cliché, so why not try something different? The scene of your first date, for example, proves that it doesn’t have to be flashy but does show that you remember the
little details of where you first met her. (If you met at the local lap dance club however, head for the Eiffel Tower sharpish) If you do fancy doing big, bold and brassy, then it doesn’t get bigger and brasher than Las Vegas, and you have a fantastic range of landmarks to propose at. Vegas has replicas of ancient Egypt (Luxor), Rome (Caesar’s Palace), Camelot (Excalibur), Paris (Paris), Venice (The Venetian), and New York (New York, New York). Sure, they’re all casinos, but damn they’re flashy. Best of all, with the proliferation of chapels, you can sort out the wedding five minutes after she accepts! If you want your love to feel on top of the world, then consider proposing on top of a mountain. Altitude and solitude tend to be a winning combination, and it doesn’t mean tackling Everest. Seal proposed to Heidi Klum in Whistler, Canada, inside a custom-made igloo atop a glacier. Why not whisk your future bride to the top of La Concha, Marbella and propose? However make sure you get up to the top before
Spanish families, Argentinean adrenaline junkies and the occasional streaking freelance journalist. (It’s a long story). And if she says no you can always blame it on altitude sickness, claim you were delirious and mistook her for the love of your life, and were in reality just tying up your shoelaces... Whatever happens, you can rest assured nothing will be as bad as the hopeful groom-tobe whose very public marriage proposal went outrageously wrong when he was rejected in front of a crowd of basketball fans. The lovestruck man chose the big screen at a UCLA game to pop the question to his unsuspecting girlfriend. The couple were caught on the mistletoe cam where in front of a crowded court he exclaimed, “I knew I was going to do this the first day I met you, so I know this is going to sound corny but… will you marry me?” However it didn’t go quite as planned, instead the mortified girlfriend took one look at the ring, and shook her head whilst asking “Is this a joke?”
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Bridal Buzz Look no further to discover the latest news, hottest trends and leading wedding companies in Spain.
Magical Memories in La Cala de Mijas With a picturesque seafront terrace and exquisite interior the Restaurant Mijas Playa is the ideal location for your wedding.
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hoosing a venue for your big day is one of the most important decisions you will ever make and the Restaurant Mijas Playa is the perfect choice. Positioned only 50 metres from the Mediterranean and located in the charming La Cala de Mijas, this superb venue provides an elegant setting for ceremonies and receptions. Due to the climate on the Costa Del Sol it is possible to get married all year round. The coast boasts an average of 300 days of sunshine per year making it a stunning place to hold your wedding. Truly a once in a lifetime day for you and your guests to savour the beauty of the beaches, the sea, the food and the finest hospitality. Established over 20 years ago this venue can accommodate up to 180 people, while smaller wedding parties can be catered for in the beautifully decorated private room with balcony and breath taking views. Have you always dreamt of taking your vows barefoot, golden sand between your toes and the sweet sound of the ocean lapping the shore? Your wedding blessing can be held on the beach under a floral canopy with the spectacular Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop. The new cocktail bar and terrace is the ideal place to relax with your guests before going through to dine. You will enjoy the chic
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elegant surroundings and stunning setting - excellent cuisine, delicious cocktails and a large selection of wines, before dancing the night away to live music. This can be provided by the resident pianist and vocalist using the venue’s baby grand piano. Your wedding menu can be independently created to your needs and a variety of wedding packages are on offer to suit all budgets. Why not start off with baby lobster garnished with a smoked salmon and prawn salad, followed by a Crown Of Sole, served with champagne and dill sauce, Absolut vodka sorbet, fillet steak accompanied by creamy potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Just make sure you leave enough room left for the amazing sweet mango parfait. The Mijas Playa team consists of friendly and professional staff who are all used to going the extra mile to make you feel at home. They attend to every detail and any special requirements you may have. The restaurant events manager, Linda, and experienced owner, Luigi, are always available and will endeavour to make your dream wedding become a reality. The Restaurant Mijas Playa is totally committed to exceeding your expectations on your wedding day. + 34 952 493 749 mijasplayarestaurant.com
Spoilt for Choice Lepanto, the exclusive catering for Finca la Concepción and Castillo Sta. Catalina share their insight on catering trends for 2012.
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reativity is the key for weddings this year and Lepanto are the company to turn to. This on-trend catering business not only utilises the highest quality products, they also provide impeccable service and are able to offer everything from simple canapés to an extravagant multiple course dinner. For something a little different why not try one of these gourmet trends and make your wedding extra special. Informal dining options such as buffets, humble nibbles and hearty platters are shaping up to be a roaring success this year; these give guests the freedom to relax and enjoy the day’s events guaranteeing an overall hassle-free ambiance. The key is to include a good selection of meat, fish and vegetarian options to accom-
modate all guests. Why not offer guests a memorable experience by providing a chopping board piled with ready carved meat, charcuterie style! We all know vintage is the trend of the season and food is no exception. An interesting way to achieve retro chic cuisine is to reinvent classic dishes by adding a fresh twist. Think steak and kidney pie with mash potato, mini sirloin hamburgers, bangers and mash, or fish and chips all mini portions made from local produce. Instead of offering a classic pudding option why not opt for a dessert table, this growing trend is practical and economical (remember not everyone eats dessert, a lot of the time they are left untouched!) Select an array of miniatures such as cupcakes, mini cheesecakes,
dainty trifles, chocolate brownies or crumble, let your imagination run wild! Whatever is left over you can use for next day celebrations. Another way to keep the costs down is to offer deluxe canapés rather than a three course meal. Think newspaper cones of fish and chips, miniature steak and chips with a warm horseradish cream, or tiramisu chocolate cups and miniature ice cream cones, this is a cost-effective way of offering interesting cuisine without opting for a full menu. For an innovative dining idea, why not serve an actual ‘wedding breakfast’? A beautifully served full English using locally sourced produce, or a contemporary Eggs Benedict accompanied by fresh orange juice plus fruit to start and pancakes or pastries and muffins for dessert. This is a great way for couples to give their guests a unique experi-
ence and works particularly well for weddings held earlier in the day or for British couples who wish to pay homage to their roots. However original or creative you desire, you can trust Lepanto to provide a wedding breakfast that will be truly remembered. Lepanto Catering + 34 952 447 012 cateringlepanto.com
Shooting In Style
Professional wedding videographer Jasper Hawker creates beautiful, contemporary wedding videos you will want to watch over and over again.
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nsurprisingly, coming from a background in editing, mostly in documentary film making, Jasper brings a documentary style to his wedding films. “I believe that I am primarily there to record both the day and the essence of the day. Often it’s the smaller things that make a lasting impression and encapsulate the day. In a way you are another pair of eyes for the couple, recording details that they just can’t take in.
We know the end of the story - but we need a beginning! I like to be there as the bride and groom get ready. Makeup, bridesmaids, cufflinks, shoes, ties, nervous chatter; the dress. This is a dress that is only going to be worn once and needs to be given its full due. The gathering excitement as the hour approaches helps to make a more complete video. The important thing to keep in mind is that the final product is going to be a historical document.
It is more than a recording of the wedding between the bride and groom. It is a record of the gathering of two families to celebrate the marriage; it is a day that will never occur again and it is my job to make sure that I do it justice”. + 34 617 826 334 scottdelamoweddings.com
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Meant To Be
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bviously we love any wedding related celebrations here at Confeti, particularly when it’s one of our team so when we discovered that our Sales Executive, Gabriel Moya Gonzalez, was celebrating his first anniversary in May we decided to quiz him on the details of his recent nuptials. “On 14th August 2009, I joined the
cruise ship MV AURORA in Southampton, UK. That night when I was unpacking in my cabin, one of my colleagues introduced me to a very beautiful lady called Margaret. After a short conversation we realized we both spoke the same language, as I am Spanish and she is Peruvian. The crew consisted of 850 members and around 1950 passengers, and Margaret and I were the only ones who spoke spanish, so we quickly bonded! After a few days, we realized we were becoming slightly more than friends and thus embarked on a relationship. In February 2011, after
a year and a half of travelling around the world, we decided it was time to settle on land, start a proper life and take the next step. We left ship life behind and got married in Lima, Peru on the 27th of May 2011 before moving to Marbella, Spain, where we currently live a very happy life. Our future plans are to get married again, but this time, here in Spain, the place we have come to call home.” We don’t know about you but we feel our first Confeti team real wedding could be splashed across our pages in a future issue soon!
Confeti Goes National
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nce again the Confeti team headed to UK soil to showcase our Spring issue at the National Wedding Show in Birmingham. Associate Editor, Christie and Features Editor, Laura-Jane enjoyed three days of exciting products, creative fashion shows and enthusiastic brides-to-be. Our cover stars, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart proved exceptionally popular with the magazine, being snapped up quicker than ever! It seems we’re not the only ones who are infatuated with Edward and completely obsessed with Bella’s dress!
The Confeti stand was inundated with brides-to-be enquiring about everything from cortijos in Marbella to how they can get married at The Alhambra in Granada to stopping their makeup from melting in the Spanish heat! Whilst southern Spain has always been a standout destination for brides, Confeti also received numerous enquiries regarding weddings in Ibiza, Alicante and Barcelona. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for Confeti at The White Gallery, London this May!
Tantalise Your Taste Buds
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arifa Weddings are delighted to announce the launch of their own catering company offering International cuisine. This vastly experienced wedding planning company now work with three head chefs, one English,one French and an Argentinean, ensuring all tastes are catered for. Here is an example wedding menu, however extensive menu choices are available. +34 687 659 574 tarifaweddings.com
Canapes
Lolipop scallop with foie butter, Prawn skewers with fruit, Shot of melon and mint ,Canapé sweet onion, ham and peas, Marinated tuna kebabs with ginger and soy, Thai shrimp, Skewer beef Teriyaki
Starter
Lobster salad with almond sauce and orange oil
Main course
Jarrete of lamb with apricot cream and potato strudel
Dessert
Chocolate Brownies and violet ice cream
Drinks
Welcome drinks with the canapés duration one hour choice of wine and beer or Cava Wine and Water with the meal Cava for the Speeches 3 Hours open Bar after dinner including branded makes. Price €79 per person Price includes:- Tables, chairs with a choice of colours and materials, all crockery, cutlery & glasses. Tasting for up to 6 people included
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DIRECTORY SPAIN & GIBRALTAR Cakes Cake Couture: +34 693 379 397; cakecouturemarbella.com Delicious Cakes and Treats: +34 666 584 132; deliciouscakesandtreats.com Sweet Things by Fi: +34 697 228 088; sweetthingsbyfi.com Catering Alabardero Catering: +34 952 776 190; grupolezama.es Chez Vous:+34 697 931 786; chezvous.es FiestaSol: +34 952 898 746; fiestasol.com Lepanto: +34 952 447 012; lepantomalaga.net Tarifa Weddings:+34 687 659 574; tarifaweddings.com Celebrants Humanist Wedding Celebrant: malagaminister.com Padre Peter: padrepeter1@gmail.com Reverend Alan Maude: +34 952 808 605 alanmaude@googlemail.com Entertainment Anna Lenkowska Sargeant: +34 952 77 88 22 / +34 629 22 55 13; harpmarbella.com DJ Nigel Davies:+34 697 931786 chezvous.es Musibodas: +34 660 75 32 46; classicalmusicweddings.weebly.com Paul Martin / Mr Success: +34 971 572 295 /+34 602 436 751 michaelbubletribute.es franksinatratributesinger.co.uk Sabering: +34 952 815 398 +34 607 942 167; nermans.com Fashion & Accessories Anthony Diamonds: +34 952 588 795 +34 609 529 633; anthonys-diamonds.com Browns: brownsfashion.com Net-A-Porter: net-a-porter.com Olivier Laudus London: +44 208 374 1239; olivierlaudus.com Florists Gibral Flora:+350 20042655; gibral-flora.gi
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Flor Valentin: +34 669 061 234; florvalentin.es
Photography Andreas Holm: +34 650 816 210; andreasholm.com
Wedding Planners Alhambra Weddings: +34 958 592 680; alhambraweddings.com
Boda Kids: +34 952 109 287; bodakids.es
Caprichia Marbella:+34 676 482 388; caprichia.com
Gabriel Navas: +34 620 025 002 gabrielnavas.com
Casaos Conmigo: +34 696 689 191; casaosconmigo.com
Gibraltar Tourist Board: +44 2078 360 777; visitgibraltar.gi
Jeremy Standley: +34 607 717 565; jeremystandley.com
Chez Vous:+34 697 931 786; chezvous.es
Health & Beauty Aria Medical Group: +34 952 895 088 /+34 671 639 353; ariamedicalgroup.com
Scott Del Amo: +34 617 826 334; scottdelamoweddings.com
Fiesta Sol: +34 952 898 746; fiestasol.com
Simon Andrews: +34 951 190 478; simon-andrews.com
Granada Weddings: +34 958 521 875; granadaweddings.com
Talia Giraudo: + 34 605 275 407; thoroughlygorgeous.com
Med Weddings: +34 679 851 204 / +35 058 008 355; medweddings.com
Sound & Lighting Chez Vous:+34 697 931 786; chezvous.es
Party People: +34 952 812 580; partypeoplemarbella.com
Stationery Made With Love: +44 1457 838 838; madewithlovedesigns.co.uk
Tarifa Weddings:+34 687 659 574; tarifaweddings.com
Stephanie Florist: +35 020 041 688; stephanieflorist.gi General Fireworks: +34 955 716 335; pirotecniablancapaloma.es
Dr. Manuel Ortiz Abello:+34 658 022 251; drmanuelortizabello.com Lavish Hair and Makeup: +34 622 192 507 / +34 645 342 549; hairandmakeupbylavish.com Ocean Clinic: +34 951 775 518; oceanclinic.net Reflections: +34 902 325 324; reflectionsmarbella.com Vanity; +34 952 786 161; vanityofbeauty@gmail.com
Wedding Lists Patricia Darch Interiors: +34 956 615 350; interiorsinspain.com
Sala Events: salaevents.com
The Wedding Planner: +34 645 488 156; theweddingplanner.es
Image Courtesy of Anna Sul
Nikki Beach Marbella: +34 952 83 62 39; nikkibeach.com Restaurant Mijas Playa: +34 952 493 749; mijasplayarestaurant.com Sala Beach: +34 952 813 882; salabeach.com Small World Café: +34 952 771 046; smallworldcafe.com Sunset Beach Club Hotel: +34 952 579 400; sunsetbeachclub.com The Rock Hotel: +350 20073000 +350 20073513; rockhotelgibraltar.com TikiTano: +34 952 798 449; tikitano.com Tribeca 12: +34 657 277 713 tribeca12.com Villa Del Mar: +34 952 822 211; marbellaclub.com Videography Becky Sharpe: +34 617 134 806; beckysharpe.co.uk
DATES FOR YOUR
Diary
Boda Kids: +34 952 109 287; bodakids.es Scott Del Amo: +34 617 826 334; scottdelamoweddings.com
MALLORCA
Venues Abades Triana Restaurant: +34 954 28 64 59; abadestriana.com
Entertainment Paul Martin / Mr Success: +34 971 572 295 +34 602 436 751 michaelbubletribute.es franksinatratributesinger.co.uk
Cortijo Del Marques:+34 958 34 00 77 / +34 678 334 884; cortijodelmarques.com
Rony B: +34 971 699 602 +34 609 633 912; mallorca-partyband.com
El Oceano Beach Hotel: +34 952 587 550; oceanohotel.com
Photography Jeremy Standley: +34 607 717 565; jeremystandley.com
Fifty-Five: +350 200 79655; fifty-five.gi Finca Realengo: +34 952 621 404; realengoeventos.com Gran Meliá Don Pepe: +34 902 144 440; gran-melia-don-pepe.com Holiday World Resort: +34 952 579 757; holidayworld.es La Vista de Medina: +34 956 410 069 /+34 646 489 069; lavistademedina.com La Sala Private Dining Room; +34 952 812 836; lasalabanus.com Mons Calpe Suite: +350 200 79 478; monscalpesuite.com
Scott Del Amo: +34 617 826 334; scottdelamoweddings.com Simon Andrews: +34 951 190 478; simon-andrews.com Wedding Planners Gloria Events: +34 971 623 013; gloria-events.com Venues Restaurante Maxime:+34 971 837 579 / +34 605 138 145; maximevalldor.com Videography Scott Del Amo: +34 617 826 334; scottdelamoweddings.com
Wedding events not to be missed! Vera Wang Trunk Show
May 18-19 2012, Browns Bride, 12 Hinde Street, London The Vera Wang Trunk Show features a more extensive collection of the talented designers’ work thereby bringing you more options to choose from. A wonderful opportunity to meet the Vera Wang representatives who can offer tips about custom options and the 2013 collection. brownsfashion.com
White Gallery
May 20-22 2012, Battersea Park, London Leading names in bridal design debut forthcoming collections at White Gallery, London; using the 2012 event to launch their 2013 collections at the beautiful riverside venue Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park, Chelsea. A gorgeous buying environment, inspiring, easy to get to and very time efficient for the world’s leading bridal buyers and press that attends. whitegallery.com
The Wedding and Honeymoon Show September 1-2 2012, RDS Dublin, Main Hall, Hall 1
Ireland’s largest and longest established wedding show, The Wedding and Honeymoon Show, attracts over 250 exhibitors catering for all aspects of wedding planning and honeymoon destinations. The RDS has an ambience and buzz that only a city centre venue can create; guests can enjoy a professional catwalk on the ground floor and fashion for mums and guests on the fashion style stage. wed.ie CONFETI 113
LoveLove Love
This
Ever since their chemistry bounced off the screen in Mr & Mrs Smith we have been waiting for the day Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie would walk down the aisle. After six children and seven years together, Brad finally got down on one knee and asked the question we have all been waiting for! Following the first sighting of Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring at the private viewing of the new Chinese Art collection at the LA County Museum on 12 April 2012, Robert Procop confirmed that the ring was created by him, in collaboration with Brad Pitt, for Angelina Jolie. Working closely with Brad to realise the star’s vision for the ring, Robert was able to source a diamond of the finest quality which was then transformed using Pitt’s unique designs, cut with distinctive faceting to a shape and size that perfectly suits Angelina’s long, slender fingers. The full creative journey – from conception to completion – took a year, with Brad waiting until the perfect moment to unveil this special jewel to Angelina. Robert has been the private jeweller to Angelina for over a decade and at the end of 2010, the pair unveiled the ‘Style of Jolie’ – a collaborative jewellery collection, the proceeds from which will benefit children in need around the world via her charitable foundation the ‘Education Partnership for Children of Conflict’. A respected private jeweller, he is recognised internationally as an authority on diamonds and rare gemstones and was recently appointed Editor-in-Chief of Famous Diamonds, the definitive guide to the world’s most important diamonds and chronicle of the stories behind them. “Throughout, Brad Pitt remained heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design process from the perfect cut of the diamond centerpiece, an elongated tablet shape, to the finishing touches such as the mounting of a galaxy of smaller stones which are graduated in size and faceted to match, adding a crowning lustre to the ring.” Robert Procop Congratulations Brad and Angelina from the Confeti Team
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THE FINEST IN BRIDAL DESIGN SASSI HOLFORD
SANYUKTA SHRESTHA
YOLANCRIS GEMY COUTURE
CYMBELINE
IAN STUART
LUSAN MANDONGUS
VIVIEN SHERIFF LEA–ANNE BELTER
VICTORIO & LUCCHINO NOVIAS
AMANDA WAKELEY ANOUSHKA G NAOMI NEOH
VICTORIA KYRIAKIDES
PEPE BOTELLA DONNA LEE
KATYAKATYA SHEHURINA
SARAH JANKS
HAZAAR OF LONDON
SADONI
THE COUTURE VEIL
BLUE KISUI
STEPHANIE ALLIN
STEWART PARVIN
JOHANNA HEHIR
DAVID FIELDEN BABE
ELIZABETH STUART
OZLEM SUER HARRIET WILDE
JESUS PEIRO
NOVIA D’ART LINEA RAFFAELLI
IVORY & CO
MADELINE ISACC-JAMES
RACHEL SIMPSON FREYA ROSE STEPHANIE BROWNE
LYN ASHWORTH
HOLLYWOOD DREAMS HALO & CO
OTTAVIO NUCCIO
POLLY EDWARDS JENNY PACkHAM ACCESSORIES
SO SASSI ANNY LIN
ALAN HANNAH
ARUNA SETH
NICkI MACFARLANE
TERRY FOX
RITVA WESTENIUS
RAIMON BUNDO GATTI NOLLI COUTURE
ANNASUL Y
LITTLE BEVAN
AUGUSTA JONES
CLAIRE MISCHEVANI
MIA MIA
kATZI
20-22 MAY 2012 B AT T E R S E A PA R K , L O N D O N
whitegallery.com RSVP REQUIRED: Please register online at whitegallery.com to confirm your attendance. IMPORTANT: please note this invite will not be valid at the entrance of event. Visitors who have not registered online may be subject of a charge of £15 at the door during the event.
Image by Ian Stuart
MALIS HENDERSON
THE VINTAGE WEDDING DRESS COMPANY