Getting married spring 17

married BACK IN

FASHION

Spring 2017

Getting

THE BRIDAL PARTY Celebrate your impending nuptials in style

The rise of the backless wedding gown

QUAINT

&

QUIRKY 5 of the best small wedding venues

Also in this issue:

• Wedding speech tips • Honeymoon inspiration www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk • Overseas weddings

#NOFILTER Bridal beauty essentials

Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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Make the best day of your life the perfect one with a wedding at The Oakley Court, Windsor.

A stunning Grade II listed Victorian mansion set within 33 acres of landscaped grounds on the banks of the River Thames.

Book an appointment to meet our team today: weddings@oakleycourt.co.uk www.oakleycourt.co.uk

Windsor Road, Water Oakley, 2 Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017 Berkshire SL45UR Windsor, Tel: (0)1753 609988

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16

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Contents 4. Sweet dreams

Add a touch of indulgence to your wedding

12. Sun, sea & matrimony Destination wedding trends

5. Home or away?

14. Bridal beauty

6. Wedding planner extraordinaire

The rise of the backless wedding gown

8. Decent proposal

16. Hen pickings Hen night inspiration

The best conservatory wedding venues

10. Destination weddings

18. Quaint & quirky

25. A slice of the action

One couple’s Bali wedding story

married Spring 2017

Getting

FASHION

THE BRIDAL PART Y Celebrate your

impending nuptials in style

The rise of the backless wedding gown

QUAINT

&

QUIRK Y 5 of the best small wedding venues

Also in this issue:

• First dance tips g nerves e.co.uk arriedmagazin pre-weddin www.gettingm • Beat • Cornish weddings

20. High & low

Beauty tips for brides to be

How to pull off the perfect proposal

IN

Wedding speech secrets

Find your perfect wedding location

Top tips for planning your big day

BACK

19. Well said!

#NOFILTER Fail-safe bridal hair & beauty Getting Married Magazine

tips

Autumn 2015

1

Find your perfect wedding venue

15. Back in fashion

22. Happy honeymoon

Book some post-wedding relaxation

24. Very conservative!

Small & unique wedding venues

Unique wedding cake ideas

Editor’s Note With so many aspects involved in planning a wedding, it is no surpise that the process can often be a little stressful. While the rise of Instagram and Pinterest has left no shortage of inspiration, how do we go about translating our favourite ideas into real life? Finding a venue is first and foremost, and we’ve got some useful advice to help you decide on whether to stay local, or plan further afield (page 6). Destination weddings are all the range, so perhaps this is something to look into (page 12) as our feature couple did ahead of their wonderful wedding in Bali (page 10). At the other end of the spectrum, we have some beautifully quaint and quirky venues (page 18) or perhaps the light and airy ambience of a conservatory takes your fancy (page 24)? Once your venue plans are set, it’s time to turn your attentions to that all-important honeymoon. From the luxurious Maldives to beautiful St Lucia, LL put together some great destination ideas for your first holiday as a married couple (page 22). Big decisions aside, SMAwe’ve FAVOURS there’s just as much fun to be had organising the smaller details such as your cake (page 25) and bridal make up (page 14). It’s all here, plus much more besides, so we hope you enjoy the issue... and the wedding planning process ahead!

Caroline Seekings Editor

Getting Married Magazine

Disclaimer: Opinions, ideas and recommendations expressed in Getting Married Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, and the magazine is in no way liable for any such comments.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

@getmarriedmag

No advertisement, article or image may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers. All rights reserved.

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Editor Caroline Seekings Email: caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINES

Lifestyle Magazines Limited

Cover image www.istockphoto.com Image contributions by: www.richardjones-photography.com Advertising: sales@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

Produced by:

Te: 07834 233346 Email: caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk www.lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

Getting Married Magazine is available to view digitally at www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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Complement your wedding colours or theme and treat your guests to an original recipe Strawberry Lavender Jam - perfect for a rustic garden wedding or Champagne Jelly for elegant nuptials. The 240ml Ball® Quilted Crystal ™ Jar will make a strong impression to your table layout, as the smaller 135ml Ball® Quilted Crystal™ Jar will create a cute finish to your seating arrangements. FreshPreservingUK.co.uk has an abundance of handy tips and tasty recipes to make your special day extra exceptional.

JAMMY TREATS

Making beautiful jams and preserves is much quicker and simpler than you might expect, especially with the help of the Ball® Home Preserving Starter Kit available at Lakeland.

Sweet dreams

Add a touch of indulgence to your wedding with these delicious favours and decorations

EGGSTRA SPECIAL

STACK IT Little Bee Bakery wedding cake stack biscuit £4.50 www.johnlewis.co.uk

These mini egg trees make a unique and tasty table centre piec From £21.95 www.cuckooland.com 01305 231231

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Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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Home or away?

Planning your wedding?

How exciting! In the South East of England?

Wonderful! Struggling?

There is another way, writes Lucy Todd

I’m from Windsor and have lived most of my life within a few miles of my hometown.

I love living here but found planning a wedding in the area slightly, let’s say, challenging. Like you, I was looking for the perfect venue - you know, all the usual stuff: beautiful grounds, awesome indoor layout in case of bad weather, some character and perhaps a little bit quirky. On top of that, I didn’t want to hire a venue any of my friends had already been married in. Oh and it had to come in on our (semi-strict) budget. Finding this elusive Goldilocks venue turned out to be something of a wild-goose chase. Sure, if we’d had fifty thousand pounds to throw at the problem, we would have had ourselves the most glorious of venues. We would also have been homeless.

So after tearing my hair out at the prices of the gorgeous venues we couldn’t afford, and getting depressed looking around the lacklustre wedding factory ones that we could, I decided to broaden my search.

My husband is from the South West of England so it only seemed natural that I focussed on that part of the country. I know the area reasonably well from years of visiting his family and from holidays down there as a kid.

My mother was absolutely devastated that I wouldn’t

be getting married near Windsor. “It’s the tradition to get married at the bride’s home,” she insisted repeatedly - conveniently forgetting that at the time we had been living up in Manchester for two years.

But once I gave up on the idea of a wedding in the South East, I was absolutely amazed at the value and scope of venues in different parts of the country.

What you get for your money once you branch out of this small corner of England is incredible. The variety, quality and beauty of the venues we checked out in the South West were just breath-taking. And if you went a bit further afield again then i’m sure your search would come back with even more astonishing results.

There are downsides, of course.

Each meeting you have with the venue / wedding organiser / caterer / florist takes a whole day after factoring in driving there and back. You just have to be organised and try to schedule them all for the same day / weekend. And yes it’s true - you won’t be able to use your local knowledge or many of the suppliers your friends could recommend to you from their own weddings.

Fortunately, however, we were getting married in my husbandto-be’s neck of the woods and could exploit his network.

His sister-in-law worked just up the road from our venue and had married not far away herself. And his friends sent us

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recommendations on hotels, B&Bs, cake-makers etc.

bit of a military operation. All i can say is lists, lists, LISTS!

Don’t discount your own network though! I happened to mention to one of my friends still in Manchester about starting the hunt for a florist.

Turns out her best friend had got married not far away from our venue and had an awesome lady she could recommend. I booked her practically the next day.

There are lots of benefits to getting married a bit further afield - not least that you’ll have your pick of all the awesome venues from a different region.

We also found our event turned into a bit of a wedding weekend due to the fact our guests had travelled a bit further.

Everyone had at least one night away from home, which meant no-one was dashing home at 10.30pm to relieve babysitters. Some friends had hired cottages and made a long weekend out of it, so there were more people around the next day to meet us for lunch - and, more importantly, the all important wedding debrief!

Otherwise, use local wedding magazines and websites to get you started with suppliers near your venue - and ask the venue themselves. Who have they worked with before and who would they recommend?

You’ll have to use your imagination a bit more to visualise how the whole thing will look and in the final weeks before the wedding you’ll need to be super prepared. But isn’t that the case with every wedding? You’ll have to think about how you’ll transport the dress, all the suits, the champers and wine, the stationery, the additional wedding decorations you bought, the signage, the guest book, the favours, the dressing up box, the sparklers, the guest flip-flops in their wicker basket, the goodies for the ladies loos, the presents for the mums, bridesmaids and groomsmen, the going-away outfits etc...* * delete as appropriate, but you get the gist. Just think of it as a

One of my friends makes an annual pilgrimage back to their wedding venue in North Wales - which I think is a cute thing to do. They go back to the amazing hotel and grounds they held their wedding in and stay for a weekend of pampering and indulgence - what better way to celebrate your anniversary than reliving your special day?!

Of course getting married locally is lovely - and perhaps more personal.

But just remember, wherever you choose to get married you’ll have the most amazing day. Your options are almost limitless and with a little bit of imagination and some planning you really can create the wedding of your dreams.

Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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Wedding Planner

e r i a n i d r o a r t x E

WEDDING STRESS In a survey of over 5,000 brides, the most stressful things about planning a wedding were spreadsheets (65%) and budgets (64%), with one in five weddings costing more than had originally been allocated, according to reasearch by Bride Book. 56% also said they had disagreements over guest lists, while 53% said family interference frustrated them (one third of couples even tried to ban their parents for being involved in wedding planning). www.bridebook.co.uk

The key trends and starting points for planning your perfect wedding

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Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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According to wedding website The Knot (www.theknot. com), the average length of time from marriage proposal to tying the knot is 14 months. That’s just over a year of planning and organising the big day.

Alongside the excitement can come stress, with the many thoughts, ideas and tasks jostling for position on the ‘to-do’ list. Being organised and calm can help make the organisational stage much more enjoyable. Simon Bandy, General Manager and supplements expert of Health Plus, says:

Key trends to look out for this year A survey conducted by wedding jewellery specialists, Hancocks Jewellers, has revealed that 50% of the British public still believe that summer is the best time of year to tie the knot.

Spring followed in second place with 30% of the vote, showing that the warmer and brighter months are still the country’s firm favourite.

Off the back of these findings, Hancocks spoke to industry experts to get their opinions on the top trends for summer weddings ...

“Planning a wedding should be one of the most exciting times of our life and yet for many of us stress takes over.

However, there are many supplements and tips that can be valuable when it comes to maintaining a healthy emotional balance and staying organised in the run up to, and on, the big day. An organised mind equals a calm mind!”

Moving away from tradition From the dresses to the huge floral arrangements, more and more brides and grooms are moving away from the usual traditions associated with weddings. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses, cupcakes, sweet tables and mason jar centrepieces; we have seen more couples break free from traditions over the past few years, and it seems that couples are set to push the boundaries even further in 2016.

Here are Simon’s top five tips to keeping calm and staying organised:

Clare Wallis, Sales & Events Manager at The Vincent Hotel, commented: “I would say the biggest change is the formality; most brides and grooms just want a party. Gone is the old tradition of line-ups and grace before the meal; I’m seeing a rise in those who just go for a buffet rather than a sit-down wedding breakfast. I’ve also seen this trend make its way to all parts of the wedding, like the cake. Brides and grooms now tend to go with more fun cakes rather than the traditional-style cakes, or opting for all fruit cakes.”

Communication is key: Before the planning commences, sit down with your partner and decide what is important to both of you and what your budget can stretch to. Throughout the whole process, ensure you keep each other informed of everything. If you have busy lives, set up a big pin board in your house on which to stick notes and updates to! When possible, keep it romantic with a nice meal, candles and flowers.

Deep breathing: If something doesn’t go to plan, take a few moments to calm your breathing. Slowing and regulating the breathing promotes physical and mental balance, leading to a calmer state. Add some lavender oil to a handkerchief and inhale for extra relaxation. You will then feel better prepared for resolving any issues.

Lists, lists, lists: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything needed to plan a wedding, but making a comprehensive to-do list and prioritising tasks keeps a focus on what is needed and by when. Delegating tasks to bridesmaids, best men and family can also relieve the pressure. Just make sure everyone is clear on their duties and deadlines!

Take enough exercise: This is crucial for keeping body and mind in balance. Something as simple as going for a walk can get the blood flowing and clear the mind, ready for the next tasks. Remaining positive and remembering why you are doing this will help to keep perspective.

The early bird catches the worm: Once you have your comprehensive list of what you want for your wedding, book as much as you can early on and send out ‘save the date’ cards in good time. It can also help to allocate each item to a month, for example, in month one – find a venue, in month two – find a photographer and so on.

Mind and body: Health Plus has a wide range of supplements to gently support the body’s systems and the handy Tranquillity Pack contains the perfect blend of key nutrients to keep life in balance, as well as dealing with the unexpected stresses that can occur when planning a wedding. www.healthplus.co.uk www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

Gifts for the groom A trend that is really taking off this year; more brides are choosing to purchase a sentimental keepsake for their husband-to-be for the big day.

More personality Websites such as Pinterest have encouraged brides and grooms to put their own stamp on their wedding. More couples are incorporating their own style into their big day, doing things differently and giving their guests a day to remember.

Cheryl Lumley, editor of All Round Creative Junkie, believes that people are breaking free from the traditional expectations of weddings to create something truly unique: “Weddings have changed. We want personal touches that show off our personalities: we want vintage tea parties, rustic country settings, to wear Converse with our wedding dresses and to dance in barns with bunting and hay bale seats. We are creating whole weekend events - mini festivals, almost. The traditional wedding rule book has gone and we now do whatever we want.”

The non-traditional dress The overarching theme for weddings this year is “being yourself”, and this is no different when it comes to the dress. This year designers have focused on adding small details and embellishments to dresses that have never been seen before, from sheer skirts to bodice illusions, that help brides feel like one-of-a-kind.

Jane Elmer, owner of Elmer Couture, said that she has seen more brides striving to be unique when they walk down the aisle: “Don’t be afraid to dress your own personality. From short ‘60s styling perfect if you’re planning a relaxed ceremony - white on white or subtle pastel shades and ivory, or keeping it very simple with minimalist tailoring or modernist styling - the choice is endless! The classic full-length dress, adorned with delicate tulle and French Chantilly lace, feathers, bejewelled sashes and belts, delivers pure elegance, whilst a Roman goddess, wood nymph and boho look are also all big this season.” www.hancocksjewellers.co.uk Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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t n e c l e a s Dropo p Top tips for pulling off the perfect proposal

Discover three of the most unique destinations for an overseas wedding

Research conducted by vintage jewellery specialists William May has found that more than one in three people believe that summer is the best time of year to pop the question.

The reasons for asking your other half to marry you during the summer are endless: the weather is almost guaranteed to be better (even in the UK), it’s holiday season (meaning better locations are available to visit), and the sunsets undoubtedly make more beautiful backdrops. But whilst popping the question on a beach as the sun goes down is romantic, has it become somewhat of a summer proposal cliché?

So this summer, if you’re thinking of cementing your relationship with your partner, why not do things a little differently? In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about coming up with a unique proposal that’ll truly make it a moment to remember.

Four alternative ways to pop the question this summer.

On holiday… but with a twist There’s no denying that popping the question abroad is a fantastic route to take; in a foreign country, indulging yourself in food and relaxation, just the two of you. It really does paint the perfect picture of romance. But let’s throw out the rulebook that says the only holiday proposal you can do has to be on a tropical beach, and instead create something a bit more personal and unique.

PROPOSAL FACTS

Tiffany Norris, founder of proposal planners The One Romance says that people shouldn’t discount a foreign holiday proposal because it seems a little cliché. All it takes is a bit of creativity! “We recently arranged a proposal on a beach but ‘with a difference’. The couple had met on a beach, hence why he wanted to propose there, but he also told us the first time he said ‘I love you’ was on a skiing holiday. We therefore took a corner of the beach and covered it in fake snow and set up an alpine theme.”

New research from Bridebook, the UK’s first free digital wedding planner has revealed that Valentine’s Day is the UK’s most popular day for proposals, with 77% of brides said they would have liked to have been proposed to on the most romantic day of the year. This was closely followed by Christmas Day (70%), a holiday abroad (61%) and New Year’s Eve (54%).*

At a festival Does your other half love music? Then why not set the scene for an additional surprise by proposing at a gig by their favourite artist or band, or even at a festival?

But whilst Valentine’s day is associated with romance, other romantic traditions were being broken. For example, more than half of couples uploaded a selfie of their special moment ‘she said yes’ last year (55%), nearly the same amount as asked the father of the bride’s permission (56%) and one in three chose not to get down on one knee.*

Adrenaline rush The rush of feelings and happy emotions you get from proposing to your other half and having them say yes is unlike anything you’ve ever felt before. So why not combine that with another adrenaline-fuelled activity?

Only half (51.30%) the unmarried women in the UK would like their partner to choose the ring for the proposal, with 1 in 7 (13.90%) preferring no ring so they could choose their own. One in six (15.20%) women actually say that they would ask to return it immediately if it wasn’t to their taste!**

While we certainly wouldn’t recommend proposing during a sky dive. Along with the risk of losing the ring, there’s also a chance your partner wouldn’t hear you over the rushing wind in your ears! Play it safe and surprise them when you’re both back on solid ground; the moment will be just as memorable and magical as it would have been mid-air. Or why not pop the question on their favourite rollercoaster? Or in the middle of a game of paintball? The possibilities are endless.

Whilst one in seven (13.90%) unmarried women say they don’t need a ring for the proposal, a fifth (20.10%) would prefer to be presented with a ‘holding ring’; something that makes the statement but ultimately allows them to choose the actual engagement ring with their partner; definitely a safe option for those not wanting to ‘crash n’ burn’. If you go down the holding ring option go for something simple but avoid haribo and hula hoop rings.** 72% of men wouldn’t ask their partner’s parents for permission before proposing. * - source: www.bridebook.co.uk ** - source: www.goldsmiths.co.uk *** - source: www.william-may.co.uk 8

Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

After/during an event Nowadays it’s on everyone’s bucket list to finish a marathon, triathlon or some kind of strenuous sporting event. So when the endorphins are flowing and the muscles are aching, why not transform a great day into one of the best of your partner’s life? www.william-may.co.uk www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

HOW TO PULL OFF THE PERFECT SUMMER PROPOSAL Now that you have a few ideas floating around your head and starting to take shape, it’s time to put your plans into action. Of course, there’s no wrong way to ask the love of your life to marry you, but just follow our dos and don’ts to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.

DO: Do make it a surprise While we highly recommend discussing marriage beforehand, because that way you’re likely to already know the answer, nothing says romance like a surprise proposal. Make sure you keep your plans to pop the question tightly under wraps. And if you do have to tell people, make sure they can be trusted to keep the secret.

Do think outside the box Tiffany’s number one piece of advice when proposing is to let your imagination run wild.The-one-thing “If you are thinking of proposing make sure you tailor it to your partner. Instead of proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower because it seems like a romantic thing to do, think about your partner and the memories you have together. Perhaps your first date was a picnic in the park and you also know she loved the book Alice in Wonderland when she was young. Combine the two and create an Alice in Wonderland-themed picnic for your proposal. It shows you have really thought about your partner and what they love, and then have incorporated it into the most important moment of your lives.”

Do tell them why While the location, timing and ring are undoubtedly all features that make a proposal unique, what will really make it one-of-a-kind are the words you say to your partner.

Say what you love about your significant other. Be specific; pointing out unique characteristics as these will be what really makes them smile.

Tell them what you thought when you first met.

Talk about where you see your future going.

How do you envision your life together?

When did you know they were ‘The One’?

Top tip: avoid reading from a piece of paper word-for-word. Whilst you’ll definitely say everything you planned to, you’ll lose that element of spontaneity and the connection formed only by looking deep into their eyes.

If you think nerves will get the better of you, scribble down a few key phrases on a “cheat www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

sheet” that you can have in your pocket beforehand. Just don’t forget to speak from the heart and really tell them how you feel.

You only get one shot at this!

Do practice, practice, practice!

“Will you marry me?”

Only four words make up this sentence, but it’s one of the most powerful and poignant phrases in the world. And it’s one that can leave even the most confident of proposers tongue-tied. So the key is to practice asking the question as much as you can. Don’t worry about sounding silly and just say it out loud a few times. While nothing will get rid of the nervous jitters and butterflies on the day, having a few private rehearsals are only going to help.

romantic or not, get those creative juices flowing and give them a proposal that’s completely unique to you as a couple.

Do drop to one knee Who ever said that chivalry was dead? While times have certainly changed, getting to one knee is a timeless gesture that will help to make the moment even more perfect.There are no rules or guidelines on when you should take a knee; you might choose to do so before saying a few well-chosen words, or you might give your speech standing before dropping for the final question.

However you choose to do it, it’s a classic move that will certainly be the cherry on top of your proposal.

Consider a photographer A trend that has recently appeared on the proposal scene is hiring a proposal photographer. Completely discreet and able to capture every moment, these emerging eagle-eyed specialists will hide nearby, ready to capture their reaction and give you a keepsake of that special day.

DON’T: Don’t do a cookie cutter proposal We’ve shared several unique and inventive ways to pop the question. Don’t forget, this is a moment that you and your partner will remember for the rest of your lives; a cliché just isn’t going to cut it, as tempting as it may be. Think about hobbies, special memories that you share, likes and loves, interests and dreams to get a few ideas flowing.

Don’t go public If you’re confident that they’ll say yes when you get down on one knee and you know that they want something splashy and extravagant, then by all means plan a public proposal. But for the vast majority of people, a proposal is a very intimate moment to be shared between a couple – so why not keep it that way? It doesn’t mean it won’t be memorable, as your significant other will be asked to recount the story dozens of times!

Don’t go for a cliché We’ve already talked about the importance of creativity, and why it’s important to think outside the box when planning a proposal.

But if you really want to knock their socks off and leave them with a moment to remember, we would highly recommend avoiding a few common clichés.This includes: at a restaurant, hiding the engagement ring in food, on Valentine’s Day, or at a sporting event on the big screen.

No matter whether you’re a hopeless

Don’t make it too complicated If you haven’t guessed it already, the main thing we advocate about proposing is that it is as unique as you are as a couple, and creative enough to capture the essence of your relationship. But you don’t want to go overboard. Keep in mind, at all times, what’s really important: the proposal itself. If at any point you find yourself worrying, like about whether the sunset will be perfect enough for your hot air balloon ride, then you’re concerned about the wrong things.

Speak to their parents We’ve come a long way since marriage arrangements and dowries, but many people still see speaking to your other half’s parents as a classic gesture, especially if you and they are relatively traditional. The key is to do it right.

Rather than asking for their permission to marry your sweetheart, ask for their blessing instead. This simultaneously shows respect to your partner, and helps to form a unique and meaningful bond with your future in-laws.

Try and find out their ring size You may have a proposal idea already formed and a ring in mind, but there’s one thing still standing in your way: you don’t know their ring size. But don’t despair, here are a couple of tips you can put to the test to (discreetly) discover their ring size.

Use another ring – If your other half already wears a ring on their left ring finger, or even the right one (although bear in mind that dominant hands tend to be slightly bigger!), borrow it discreetly and take it to a jeweller, who will be able to determine their correct size. If it’s a ring that they wear regularly, you’ll have to be a little more cunning.When they’re showering or sleeping, press the ring into a clean and whole bar of soap, or trace it. This will leave an accurate impression, which the jeweller can then compare with a range of ring sizes. Another last-ditch option is to try the ring on your own finger, and see where it lands (whatever you do, don’t get it jammed on your finger!) www.william-may.co.uk

Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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DESTINATION WEDDING:

Bali

Sepideh Haftgoli & Max Loong share the details of their magical day at the Khayangan Estate in Bali, Indonesia

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Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

All images by Katie Grant Photography

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My husband and I just recently got married at a destination wedding in Bali, Indonesia at the magnificent Khayangan Estate on June 3, 2016.

We met at a restaurant in Los Angeles called Fig & Olive when my husband, Max Loong, was in town. He is a TV presenter, actor and host in Southeast Asia and Switzerland as well as a resort owner in Bali called Hidden Hills Villas (www.HiddenHillsVillas.com) and has to travel quite a bit for work. I am a Producer holding a Juris Doctorate degree with an emphasis in entertainment. The day after we met he was actually leaving town for work, which allowed us to speak on the phone for 3 weeks getting to know one another.

My initial thought of him was that he was handsome, and exotic mix of Malaysian and Swiss and very confident. I love confidence in a man and that stood out. He also had the most heart melting smile I have ever seen. He says his initial reaction was that he found be very attractive and completely his type. What made him fall in love with me is my kind heart and how I care and feel for others. We both make each other laugh and can be completely ourselves, goofy and silly around one another, without having to think twice!

Since I was planning the wedding from Los Angeles there were a few challenges. The time difference and different pace at which those in the tropics work being the main issues. I’m a perfectionist and knew that we wanted our wedding to be interactive and have a lot of entertainment elements, so coming up with creative and unique ideas was really important to us. We also knew from the get go that we wanted Travel to be our theme since it was not only a destination wedding, but over the past 3 years travel has been a big part of our lives.

Lighting is also something that we knew, as producers, enhances the environment incredibly, so we wanted to ensure a lot of lights and candles.We came across a vendor that provided this really unique service where they make oversized paper flowers that look like they are growing from the ground. We felt that was a really original and cute idea so made sure that was implemented for a backdrop, against lights, for anyone that wanted a photo op. We did hire a local wedding coordinator in Paper Diamonds. Natalie also spoke Bahasa, the local language, which was beneficial. She was able to help us find vendors we were not familiar with as well as coordinate on the day. She also has graphic design experience and was able to help us with our travel themed Passport invites, which were a hit.

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All in all, they say renovating a home and planning a wedding can be two of the most stressful times of your life, but we did it and are very happy with the turn out. In the end, the time and effort is worth it.

The Wedding Day/Ambience: Our theme was “travel” and we had some really unique and creative elements that surrounded travel, both Max and I are producers and TV presenter/hosts so wanted to ensure production value on our wedding day. We started off with the invitations to our guests being Passports. On the wedding day we incorporated PAN AM style stewardesses at the “check-in” desk as our guests arrived, where they handed Boarding Passes to each person which designated their Table Seating (named after countries that my husband and I have visited). The Boarding Passes were personalized individually to have the “Departure” country each of our guests were departing from with their “Arrival” all being Bali. Our guest sign in book was two painted floral globes in our color palette with pastel luggage holding vintage postcards that our guests could sign and leave messages for us on. Behind this vignette we had stubs, boarding passes, pamphlets, etc. from all of our travels over the past 3 years hanging from the ceiling.

During the cocktail hour we had a large “Arrival” sign designed and decorated to go along with all of our stationary where people were able to rip off the right side of their boarding pass, fill in their information, and drop it into a slit on the large board for a lottery.

shots to everyone as pyrotechnics went off around the stage to signify PARTY MODE! The Wedding Day was spectacular. It was incredibly emotional, beautiful, fun and entertaining all in one. One of the stand out special moments was my brother’s speech. It was the most hilarious speech I have heard in my life. He actually somehow found my diary from when I was a kid and decided to read it openly to our guests, creatively integrating it with our life now. The things that I wrote when I was 7 or 8 years old were hilarious. Of course, mainly about boys! …which led to me finally meeting my final incredible handsome man.

Overall Feeling: We had received SO many compliments on the wedding. A large number of people saying that it was the best wedding they have ever been to and that they can’t imagine another one beating it. That it had all of the elements necessary in a wedding. Those words really made us feel great when it came to the end, as it justified all the time and hard work spent leading up to the big day. We actually had 4 events surrounding our wedding, from our Welcome Party/BBQ at Hidden Hills Villas, Chinese Tea Ceremony, The Wedding and an all white beach party at Karma Beach the following night.

We also had fireworks that went off in the middle of our first dance that were stunning to watch as well as a local Kecak dance of 30 performers that suddenly came out on stage once the lights went to black. The performers were a highlight. Absolutely entertaining and one of the more traditional cultural dances that guests want to see when they are in Bali.

Our color palette was blush, creams, light yellows, white, greenery with a pop of gold.

We wanted an elegant wedding with a lot of lights and candles, and most importantly great performances. We included a local Kecak dance with about 30 performers that was phenomenal to watch. We had fireworks that went off midway through our first dance, and after all the speeches, cake cutting and dinner, Max and I went on the stage to introduce the transition into party mode and told our guests we had a surprise for them. They were all going to get “shots”.

That was the DJ’s cue to play the “Shots, shots, shots, shots” song, where bartenders suddenly walked out and handed glowing

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Sun, sea

&

matrimony Top Destination Wedding Trends 1. Experience: Couples are incorporating local culture and traditions into their wedding weekend to create an overall experience. For example, if tying the knot in Mexico, organize an off-site tour or host a tequila tasting happy hour.

2.

Food: Exciting culinary options that pays homage to the location of your destination wedding has become an investment for most couples. Live action Sushi station at the cocktail hour or a food truck at the after-party are unique ways to create a memorable culinary experience.

How to plan the perfect destination wedding The Top Ten Expert Tips on the “dos” and “don’ts” of planning the perfect destination wedding to ensure your big day is flawless and memorable.

1. Location: While a destination wedding may be your lifelong dream, remember without your guests there is no event.

Consider travel costs and accessibility from where the majority of your guests will be traveling from when selecting a destination.

2. Knowledge is Power: Ask the hard hitting questions before making a commitment when shopping around for a destination wedding.

5. Listen to the Experts: Hotels that are committed to destination weddings will have on-site wedding coordinators. Listen to their advice; who else knows the resort better than they do. They are your eyes and ears during the overseas, long distance planning phase. There’s no added cost to utilize the service and expertise of the resort’s coordinator.

6. Keep it Local: One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to keep it local. Instead of insisting on midnight blue orchids that have to be imported, use flowers grown locally.

Don’t insist on bringing your own vendors.

Ask the resort for a list of their trusted vendors and capitalize on the relationships built by the resort with these vendors.

3. Peaks and Valleys: The best time of year to travel to the Caribbean and Mexico is the fall. Room rates are lower and some hotels reduce their wedding package pricing or offer added perks/concessions.

7. Time is on Your Side: Book at least 9-months in advance for best date selection. Last minute planning can result in unexpected costs. Plus, make sure the savethe-dates are in the mail well in advance to allow family and friends time to budget and plan.

4. Strength in Numbers: Most hotels will offer reduced rates, incentives and concessions for wedding groups who commit to a minimum number of rooms under contract.

8. Legal is so “Yesteryear”: There is no need to get legally married in the destination you’ve chosen. Take care of the legal paperwork in your home state to save

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3.

Multiple Events: Couples are turning their destination wedding into an actionpacked getaway. A true destination wedding is a minimum three-day event.

A prepared itinerary for weddings guests filled with exciting activities will turn a destination wedding into an experience. http://paradisus.com hundreds of dollars on the cost of a legal ceremony in another country. You’ll avoid a variety of other ‘legalities’ such as needing to translate documents and blood tests.

9. Arrive in Style: Plan on arriving at your destination at least three days prior to the wedding day. Use the extra time at your destination and resort to scope out the place, get to know the staff, and meet with the resort coordinator and vendors.

10. Don’t Go on Price Alone: Trust in the hotels that are willing to show you their pricing upfront. Every ‘free wedding’ promotion has restrictions and requirements. http://paradisus.com

www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

Andalucia

Portugal The charm and beauty of our Vivenda Miranda makes it the perfect venue for your unique wedding. Set amidst colourful Mediterranean landscaped gardens over the natural dramatic cliffs of the Western Algarve, our boutique hotel enjoys spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, stunning coastline and endless sky. http://www.vivendamiranda.com/uk/ weddings

On a hilltop perch overlooking the Mediterranean and the Moroccan coast beyond sits the Private Andalucian Hideaway, exuding lavish luxury and effortless style. The privately owned El Carligto Estate comprises two stylish private villas that set a new standard of luxury for the private villa rental, offering unique experiences to stir the heart and enrich the soul. The El Carligto estate in the Andalucian region of southern Spain offers all the luxury and service of a five-star hotel with the added luxury of serene private exclusivity. Choose to rent one villa for smaller groups, or both luxury villas together for up to fourteen guests. Exclusively hire the entire 10 acre estate for reunions, weddings and other special celebrations. http://www.carligto.com/en/

h t t p : / / w w w. b a g n i d i p i s a . c o m / e n / experiences/wedding-tuscany/15-0.html

With ever-increasing wedding costs, complicated family situations and the stress of planning the day often taking its toll, eloping has become an appealing option for a lot of modern day couples.

But unfortunately, it can also cause some upset feelings and offend your nearest and dearest along the way as well. So is there a way to elope without offending every person you know? Probably not.

But you can try and minimise the damage as much as possible.

Remember Eloping Doesn’t Have to Be Just You and Your Fiancé It’s totally ok to invite your family members or your best friends or even every man and his dog if you really want to.

Give People a Heads If you don’t want to invite people, it’s probably best to give the people in your life a little bit of a heads-up so they don’t find out about your new marriage on the grapevine. .

Have a Party When You Get Back.

Holding a party for when you get back, costs way less than an actual wedding but also lets your family and friends know that they are important.

Spend Money on Keeping the Memories Because you won’t be sharing your day with all your loved ones, it’s worth splurging on a good videographer so you have a way to share it with them when you get back home.

Tuscany The Grand Ducal Residence Bagni di Pisa is a historical landmark of Italy, and also the perfect place for you to take your vows. With its fascinating décor, rich history and beautiful nature, the resort offers outstanding options to host your special day. Celebrate your wedding in the splendid Shelley Room or the Byron Courtyard, with spend your honeymoon in our luxurious Junior Suite, surrounded by elegant interiors and original 18th century frescoes.

HOW TO ELOPE WITHOUT UPSETTING EVERYONE YOU KNOW

By Vanessa Tobias

Make A Special Announcement Put some thought into how you are going to announce that you are married. No one can stay mad at a couple for too long if you have the world’s cutest marriage announcement.

Winning weddings!

The Belief Awards honor the very best weddings around the globe, produced by top wedding planners. One of the latest edition’s winners was by Jaqueline Vazquez: The first date of the couple was at the Empire State Building, so they decided to have a wedding with a NYC theme. www.beliefweddingplanners.com

Make Peace with Your Family Before Eloping On the list of reasons couples want to elope, family dramas tend to be on the top of that list.

However, eloping because of these dramas will cause more friction and be another reason to bicker in the future.

Be Considerate of People’s feelings Ok, so you’ve gone off and done it. You’ve eloped and now some people did actually get offended by it. Sometimes it is easier to ask for forgiveness than it is permission. Remember that this can be a normal reaction to this news and try not to take it to heart.

Give people time to get their head around it. But if you’ve given them plenty of time and they are still offended then perhaps the issue lies with them.

Despite their own emotions, it was your special day and they should be happy for you. And if they are not perhaps these are people you really don’t need in your life anyway.

www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

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Bridal beauty Your top 5 make-up bag essentials

Clockwishe from top left: Charlotte Tilbury’s Scent of a Dream (£49 for 30ml www.charlottetilbury.co.uk), Pore Perfecting Foundation ((£28 www.clarins.co.uk) Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in Honey Shimmer

by Clarins (£19 www.clarins.co.uk) / Perricone MD’s ‘No Blush Blush’ £29.00 www.perriconemd.co.uk / 4 colour eye shadow palette (£34 www. clarins.co.uk) / Perricone MD ‘No Lipstick Lipstick’ (£25 www.perriconemd.co.uk) Centre: Summer bronzing & blush compact (£30 www.clarins.co.uk)

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BACK IN

FASHION

The rise of the backless wedding gown

Clockwise from above: ‘Norma’ by Galia Lahav www.galialahav.com / ‘Idalia’ by Pronovias www.pronovias.com / Backless dress by Liz Martinez www.lizmartinex.co.il / Style 744 by Essense Designs

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COOK UP A STORM

Hen do. Just those two words sat next to one another are enough to fill most women these days with dread. No one likes forced fun and no one really wants to make knickers. Attempting to learn a technical dance routine fit for only Queen B herself in under two hours before being stuffed into an ill-fitting, skin tight leotard and filmed for airing at the wedding is nothing short of cringe, and let’s face it, no one wants to be sat in a room with their nan and a stripper.

The Underground Cookery School have an entirely different approach to celebrating your forthcoming nuptials. Established in 2003, and located a stone’s throw from the City in Old Street, the Underground Cookery School aims to bring a new dimension to the experience of fine dining, welcoming guests into its state of the art kitchens to cook themselves a three course meal under the guidance of a professional chef. Designed for groups of 10 up to 60, the Underground Cookery School offers packages for hen parties, stag do’s, birthday parties and corporate bookings alike, promising a unique, sociable experience cooking and eating 3 AA Rosette quality dishes. www.undergroundcookeryschool.co.uk

Have a blow out!

Duck & Dry private lounge offers a quirky alternative to a traditional drinks reception, whereby private stylists are at hand to create unlimited styles, and makeup artists and manicurists are available upon request. All of which complimented by the use of the private and fully licensed cocktail bar to truly celebrate the occasion and catering also a given option. Ensuring that every guest leaves the party feeling beautiful and relaxed.

Boasting a beautiful bar and comfortable seating with dedicated styling stations. Striking accents of natural wood and stone with plush textures and soft lighting offer a real sense of refined luxury. The ambience is warm and inviting, the perfect place, location and way to kick start the night! www.duckanddry.com

Hen pickings

With so many hen party options to choose from, we’ve narrowed down three of the most unique ways to celebrate your impending nuptials

In for a treat...

A chocolate-making class at Le Jeune Chocolatiers is a unique day (or evening) out that can be tailor-made to your requirements.

You can learn to make beautiful chocolate bars from scratch, or even create a range of delicious chocolate truffles and pralines.

Classes are £49 per person, and are available on selected weekdays and evenings. http://www.lejeunechocolatiers.com

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Overcoming all obstacles

When most women picture their hen do, they envision a relaxing spa day, champagne or maybe a trip abroad. However, one hen party from Northumberland decided against the L plates and feather boas, opting for a less traditional and much muddier affair, at British Military Fitness’ Major Series. Bride-to-be, Katherine Lingard from Alnwick, Northumberland, alongside her hens, turned the typical hen do on its head to run the award winning obstacle course this month.

The hens, who ranged from ages 24 to 40, stayed over in Glasgow the night before the event to ensure they got plenty of sleep, before tackling the 5km obstacle course around Cardross Estate in Stirlingshire. On June 6th, the party took on over 20 of the Major’s famous obstacles, which included mud crawls, an 8ft high cargo net climb and a giant 40m slide.

Katherine, 26, commented: After months of wedding planning, the hen do was the last thing I wanted to organise, so I handed it over to my bridesmaids Helena, Rosie and Emily. It’s safe to say I wasn’t expecting to be running around a 5km obstacle course on a Saturday morning for my hen do, but it was such good fun!

We all wore fancy dress, which made the course even more challenging, especially for the girls in their tiger onesies, which kept getting weighted down by the water and mud! One bridesmaid lost a shoe in the first river and had to do the rest of the course bare foot and we all kept sliding around on the mud, but we had such a laugh helping each other around the course.

After finishing the course, the hens headed to the pub for fish fingers and chips and a welldeserved gin and tonic. eld in four locations across the UK, the Major Series features over 20 different obstacles and promises to be a fun and muddy challenge. There are two courses; a 10km for more advanced racers or a 5km race, which is perfect for the less experienced challenger.

The Major Series will be in Warwickshire on the 26th September, Tunbridge Wells on the 3rd October and Leeds on the 18th October. To book your place visit www.majorseries.com. www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

Plan a personalised party The Little Blue Book, founded by Gemma Waters, is revolutionising the traditional stag and hen party concept into a personal experience that suits a modern bride and groom.

The team at Little Blue Book works directly with both male and female groups, to propose a pre-wedding celebration that is unique to individual needs and dreams.

With just a simple initial enquiry form to complete online, The Little Blue Book takes the pressure out of planning a perfect party.

Gemma said: “The Little Blue Book is different to other hen and stag party planning services as we don’t present our clients with a list of activities and destinations to choose from, we meet and talk though their ideas and encourage them to run wild with creativity.We work on the premise that anything is possible and no idea is too big or too small.

“Pre-wedding parties can be just as important as the big day itself for many nearly weds, it’s seen as the last time the bride and groom can have a completely selfindulgent night, weekend or holiday with their best friends. Because of this, we believe in adding a personal touch to personalising a pre-wedding party.”

The Little Blue Book can plan an entire pre-wedding party or assist with specific elements during the process, such as finding the perfect venue, organising and planning a cool city break, suggesting a wonderful spa, booking a fabulous restaurant, organising flights or creating an out of this world experience.

For more information and contact details visit: www.the-littlebluebook.com

DID YOU KNOW? A survey of 1,087 UK women who have been bridesmaids by fashion retailer Simply Be, revealed that the average bridesmaid now spends 43 hours on wedding duties, which is more than a full-time working week, with wedding fairs, hen parties and dress shopping taking up the most time.

If this was an official job, dedicated bridesmaids could earn up to £326.90 a week based on the national average earnings of a wedding planner. www.simplybe.co.uk

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QUAINT

&

QUIRKY

5 of the best small and unique wedding venues

Cave Ocean Kave is a unique all weather coastal wedding venue situated in 60 acres of private grounds within an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) on the breathtaking North Devon Coast. Hidden in the cliff tops above Mermaids’ Pool and surrounded by rolling countryside with views out across the Atlantic to Lundy Island, the exclusive venue is secluded yet easily accessible and, quite simply, breathtaking. www.oceankave.co.uk

Treetops Welcome to Tree Top Escape, a luxurious hideaway haven and unique wedding venue perched above and amongst the trees on a beautiful private estate in North Devon. Surrounded by glorious rolling hills and valleys, patchwork fields dotted with sheep and leaves of green in every hue, Tree Top Escape offers a matchless setting that is the perfect place for a intimate wedding and honeymoon.

Aquarium The Deep provides an ideal location for couples seeking an unforgettable and unusual venue for their wedding. Whether you are planning a smaller party with an intimate atmosphere or a much larger celebration, The Deep is a unique wedding venue in Yorkshire.

The Deep is licensed for civil ceremonies in the Observatory and throughout the main exhibition. You can choose your favourite tank window that can accommodate your number of guests. Your wedding celebration at The Deep is individually designed and our dedicated events team work with you every step of the way to ensure your ideas come to life.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and ensuring the most important day of your life goes without a hitch. www.thedeep.co.uk

Library As well as being a place for use by Liberals from across the UK when in London, One Whitehall Place was also built to be a ‘political and historical library’ to be a permanent memorial to the services to the country of the Right Hon, W. E. Gladstone.This unique setting offers 280 square meters of naturally lit space that accommodates up to 300 people in theatre style. It can also be used in conjunction with the adjoining reading and writing room. www.onewhitehallplace.com

Swimming Pool For a wedding with a difference that will be remembered by you and your guests for years to come, Victoria Baths is the venue to see. It has a range of dramatic and unique spaces to which you can add your own personal touch.

Victoria Baths is licenced for both ceremonies and receptions, with ceremonies being possible on any of five different spaces including the pools themselves, and the Turkish Rest Room with its amazing Angel of Purity stained glass window.

Venue hire: For a Ceremony, from £650, Receptions from £2,900 and a combined Cermony with Reception is from £3,350.Vat to be added. www.victoriabaths.co.uk

www.jamestraceyphotography.com

www.treetopescape.co.uk

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THE TOP TEN WEDDING SPEECH SECRETS Since founding The Wedding Speech Expert, Carole has helped hundreds of bewildered soon-to-be marrieds and their families with their wedding speeches. Here are her top 10 most sought after wedding speech secrets!

1) Don’t write your speech at the last minute as this could be a recipe for disaster on the big day. Think about this well in advance!

2) Gather as many jokes and anecdotes as you can remember as these will truly engage your family and friends.

3) Practice! Practice and rehearse your speech until you are word perfect.

4) When you arrive at the venue, check out the room. Make sure you know when and where you will be speaking.

5) Strike the right note. Do you want it to be humorous and funny, or sweet and sentimental? Both can work really well but if you are using one-liners, make sure that they are tried and tested beforehand.

6) Try to look at the person to whom you are referring, if they are in the room and raise your head from the script as much as possible.

7) Never repeat anything said to you in confidence e.g. maybe the bride or groom told you that they were getting ‘cold feet’ and wanted to call off the wedding!

8) A great way to engage your audience is to listen to the other speeches on the day and try to make some links in your own.

9) Compliments always go down well! So make your guests happy by complimenting them and both sides of the family.

10) Finally, this is your big moment! Be genuine, speak sincerely and from the heart…but most of all enjoy it!! http://www.theweddingspeechexpert.co.uk

OVERCOMING A STAMMER Over one per cent of the UK population suffer from a stammer - a speech impediment which causes involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of a particular word.

This affliction can be extremely traumatising for those suffering from it, causing many people to feel marginalised – particularly at a young age.

Many famous people, including Marilyn Monroe and Bruce Willis, have suffered from stammers and Colin Firth’s Oscar-Winning portrayal of King George VI brought the issue to a global stage.

The good news for those suffering from a stammer is that it can be treatable with speech therapy and vocal techniques.

Well said!

Worried about making a speech on your big day?

Fear not.

old. And years ago, when I was at school and when I had just started work, I was very shy, I wouldn’t like to say anything – I certainly wouldn’t be doing this interview now!”

Peter’s main problem is that he gets stuck on a letter, particularly at the very start of a sentence “A for example and then I can’t say my son’s name – Adam”.

It was with the encouragement of Peter’s son Adam that he decided to do something about it, so he could play a big part in what would be the biggest day of his daughter’s life.

He decided to seek the help of Sue Addleston, who practices Speech & Language Therapy at the BMI Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Greater Manchester – but Peter decided to keep his sessions with Sue a secret so he could surprise his daughter, and the rest of the guests, on her big day. He told the family he was going to the shops when he had a session booked.

“I had told everyone that I wasn’t going to be able to do the speech and it was Diane that would be doing it – because there was just no way – and I would write the speech and she would read it out”.

Peter’s son, Adam, then made him an appointment to see Sue and said to his father that he was under no pressure and could decide not to do the speech it right up to the final moment if he didn’t feel comfortable.

For more information, visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk

One man who was determined to seek help for his stammer was Peter Ayling, a retired draughtsman, from Heald Green, Greater Manchester.Who was motivated by the realisation that he would not be able to perform the father-of-the-bride speech at his daughter Helen’s wedding – and that it would be his wife Diane tasked with addressing the guests.

“As I understand I wasn’t born with it” says Peter “And it first started when I began at junior school, around four-five years

www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

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High & low

From a Scottish castle to a listed hall in the Welsh Valleys... we’ve helped take some of the searching out of finding your perfect wedding venue

Hilton Bankside Located in the heart of Bankside, a short distance from the Tate Modern, Hilton London Bankside is home to 292 stunning guest rooms including 25 bespoke suites which offer views of the city skyline.The contemporary design of the hotel reflects the fascinating history and ambiance of the surrounding urban area, and the breathtaking 570m² ballroom is accessed in grand style by a sweeping staircase with marble treads, brass handrail and smoked glass balustrade. www.londonbankside.hilton.com

Kinblethmont House Sottish family home, Kinblethmont House, is a 14-bedroom house located near Arbroath, Angus. This versatile venue sleeps up to 28 people, with a drawing room, several reception rooms, as well as the games room and atrium. Kinblethmont also boasts luxury self–catering accommodation, sleeping up to 26 people.

Situated in the grounds, which are large enough for marquee weddings both next to to the main house and in the walled garden, they give couples the option to have even more friends and family stay with them – enjoying full use of the estate.

For more information visit www.kinblethmont.com

Highbullen Hotel If you are looking for an extra special Devon wedding venue, then Highbullen Hotel may be perfect. This magnificent country manor set in 127 acres of mature parkland is nestled above the Mole and Taw valleys, with stunning views that provide a breathtakingly romantic location for your Wedding, whatever the season. www.highbullen.co.uk

Eventim Apollo Eventim Apollo’s state-of-the-art event space gives couples the chance to marry on the same stage that has hosted global superstars David Bowie, Kate Bush and The Rolling Stones, and comedians Michael McIntyre and Billy Connolly.

For the first time ever couples can marry in one of the UK’s best-preserved art deco cinemas under the original vintage luminaires and pendants, following the Apollo's notable revamp in 2013, which saw it returned to its 1932 former glory. www.eventimapollo.com

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Dundas Castle Dundas Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historic castles and it is one of the top 5 Star Exclusive Use venues in Britain. Unlike a hotel, the Castle is booked in its entirety for a wide variety of events – weddings, conferences, business meetings, incentive travel group visits, golfing holidays, private dinner parties, launch parties and receptions. http://dundascastle.co.uk Jimmy’s Farm Jimmy’s Farm is nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, amidst ancient woodland and the charming working farm. The barn has been renovated to offer a stylish and contemporary feel with a spacious interior, whilst still maintaining its rustic beauty and charm. With capacity for 120 people for a sit down meal, or 150 guests for drinks and canapes, it can comfortably accommodate wedding groups both large and small. Jimmy’s Farm guarantees the ideal wedding in a beautiful British setting. Family and friends are free to explore the enchanted farm and its surroundings, creating wonderful memories in a truly unique location. http://jimmysfarm.com/) The Perch The Perch is one of Oxford’s oldest pubs and the staff are fully experienced in hosting and organising weddings of all sizes Their fully bespoke, canopied marquee can host up to 200 guests in chic but versatile comfort.

The Perch is only a few minutes’ walk from the Isis (Oxford’s stretch of the Thames) and Port Meadow; a historic common stretching from Jericho to Wolvercote. In the summer, the garden is the envy of the whole city; the 17th century plaster-rubble building with its traditional thatched roof could charm even the most seasoned pub-goers. Their unique and picturesque riverside location also gives the option of champagne boat arrivals.They can customise space to fit your plans and dreams and create the perfect day for you, your family and friends. www.the-perch.co.uk Palé Hall Steeped in rich history and surrounded by the stunning Welsh valleys on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, the reimagined Grade II listed Palé Hall <http://www.palehall.co.uk/> by new owners Alan and Angela Harper is set to be unveiled later this summer.

Palé Hall will launch as one of the UK’s finest destination country house hotels with renowned Chef Michael Caines working in collaboration with the Harpers to add an exclusive fine dining restaurant. Alan and Angela have personally overseen the refurbishment, choosing every last detail themselves and creating a peaceful and luxurious retreat surrounded by natural beauty and accompanied by the finest wines and foods. www.palehall.co.uk www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

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n o o ym

y p p Ha

e n ho

Find the perfect destination for some essential post-wedding indulgence

St Lucia

Crete

The Mansion at Daios Cove — stately, stylish and smart — is a marvel of modern architecture, built with natural materials that complement its spectacular hillside location. On the inside, it’s a marvel of refined design that’s even more astonishing.

This is easily Daios Cove’s most sumptuous and elegant accommodation — a bold, contemporary style statement offering guests all the charm of a sophisticated villa, but with a lavish twist. That’s because opulence, comfort, attention to exquisite detail and a range of personal services — including a dedicated concierge — means Daios Mansion is unlike any villa you’ve experienced before.

Each of the 24 infinity pool sanctuaries at Jade Mountain St. Lucia is a carefully designed, individual work of art and architecture. All of the sanctuaries celebrate an unparalleled view of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. An additional panoramic quality is provided by sanctuaries on particular elevations and those located on corners. Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and the extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another to form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature. All sanctuaries feature 15ft high ceilings and are designed with the 4th wall open to the views while at the same time allowing for complete privacy. All other aspects, layout and size vary from sanctuary to sanctuary.

Four rate categories of infinity pool sanctuaries have been created to reflect the square footage of the sanctuaries and size of pool: STAR, MOON, SUN and GALAXY.In addition to the 24 infinity pool sanctuaries, there are 5 sky jacuzzi suites which feature a large jacuzzi tub for 2, but do not have a private pool.

http://www.daioscovecrete.com/luxury-mansion.php

To have... and to put on hold!

With everything prepped and planned for, you could probably do without the arrival of your period. Many brides-to-be may accept this as one thing outside of their control, but the Boots Period Delay Service can help to make your period one less thing to worry about as you get ready to go on honeymoon.

For more information visit: http://www.boots.com/en/Pharmacy-Health/ Health-pharmacy-services/Pharmacy-servicessupport/I-have-a-prescription/> .

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The Palm Dubai Resort http://dubai-palm.anantara.com/dining-by-design

www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

Dubai

In the UK, wedding season is nearly upon us. And for any couple seeking the perfect honeymoon getaway without having to spend days getting over jet lag, Dubai could be just the ticket. From luxury hotels and fantastic attractions to glorious weather, immaculate beaches and world-class dining, the city has everything romantic dreams are made of. And it’s all just a three hour time difference away.

Maldives

The 30 tastefully designed Water Villas (53sqm) are built on stilts over the blue lagoon. All the Villas have been conceived to the same high standard with designer furnishings, polished wooden floors, king size or twin beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan, sitting area with CD stereo system and fully stocked minibar, Coffee and Espresso maker, IDD telephone, personal safe and free WiFi.The Water Villas will spoil you with their spacious, luxurious en-suite bathrooms overlooking the ocean through two large sliding glass doors. Step outside on the private deck area and relax, as each balcony has been designed to guarantee complete privacy. Each Water Villa also offers steps from the balcony for direct accesses to the Ocean, as well as a fresh water shower at the staircase. http://www.mirihi.com/en/villas/water-villas/

Love and luxury in the desert When it comes to the lap of luxury, newlyweds will fall in love with Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa <http://www. visitdubai.com/en/pois/bab-al-shams-desert-resort-and-spa> , peacefully tucked away amidst the desert dunes but still just a half hour drive from the city centre. Guests can enjoy a drink and a soak at the pool, explore their idyllic surroundings on a desert drive or camel ride, or relax with a Body Harmony meditative treatment or Desert Delight body exfoliation using finely ground olive pits blended with a personal choice of body wash.

Seas of passion For anyone whose idea of the perfect honeymoon is sparkling blue seas and miles of soft white sand, Dubai has some of the best spots <http://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/bestbeaches> imaginable. Beach-lovers can lounge in the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf at Kite Beach or watch the sun go down over the waves at Sunset Beach. And when it’s time for a break from the rays or a little pampering, couples will find a host of fabulous beach clubs fringing the Palm Jumeirah. Alternatively, the stylish ambiance and extravagant luxury of Nikki Beach Dubai <http://www.nikkibeachhotels. com/en/dubai/dine/> awaits on Pearl Jumeirah.

Honeymoon memories that last a lifetime Downtown Dubai is made for memories. Visitors can drink in spectacular views from Burj Khalifa’s At the Top <http:// www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/the-tower/ObservationDecks.aspx> observation deck, stroll hand-in-hand through the winding streets of Deira, Dubai’s fascinating heritage district, or enjoy a Romantic Moonlight Swim <http://www.jumeirah.com/en/ hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/offers/romantic-moonlightswim/> amidst floating rose petals in the infinity pool of Burj Al Arab’s Talise Spa. Couples can also enjoy some unforgettable 5-star privacy by sailing out on the Arabian Gulf with Xclusive Yachts <http://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/xclusive-yachtssport-fishing-and-yacht-charter> . And when a little retail therapy is in order, they will find world-class shopping for him and her at the city’s unrivalled selection of malls.

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa http://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/bab-al-shams-desert-resort-and-spa

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Relax, refuel, romance Newlyweds looking for some luxurious R&R after their big day can indulge with the Romance 1001 Roses package at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Talise Ottoman Spa <http://www. visitdubai.com/en/pois/talise-ottoman-spa-at-jumeirah-zabeelsaray> . It offers a blissful experience with private treatment room, jacuzzi and sauna. Or they can try one of Madinat Jumeirah’s indulgent couples’ experiences <http://www. jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah/spa/ talise-spa/> with a choice of private outdoor cabanas and signature massage treatments. Then when it’s time to refuel, there is no more romantic setting than Dining by Design at Anantara,The Palm Dubai Resort <http://dubai-palm.anantara. com/dining-by-design/> . Diners can enjoy an incredible candlelit meal for two beneath the stars – either on the beach or along the resort’s private jetty.

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Very

conservative Five of the best conservtory wedding venues

One of the most unique, beautiful and greenest venues in London. Exclusively hire Petersham Nurseries CafĂŠ for your wedding reception.

The Nash Conservatory is the oldest of the 19th Century glasshouses at Kew and is of major historical and architectural importance. Originally built in the grounds of Buckingham Palace the Nash Conservatory was moved brick-by-brick to Kew in 1836. With floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides the Nash Conservatory provides an abundance of natural daylight for your wedding ceremony and is licensed for civil ceremonies for up to 200 guests.

www.horniman.ac.uk

We also offer wedding floristy & a wedding list service. www.petershamnurseries.com

www.kew.org

Built in 1894, the Grade II listed Victorian Conservatory is a beautiful, elegant backdrop for any event. Standing with a stylish terrace area and enjoying view across award-winning gardens, this unique venue is available for hire from April to October. As darkness falls, the Conservatory looks stunning whether illuminated by simple candlelight or ambient lighting in the colour of your choice.

Invite your guests to dine amongst flowers and plants at antique tables in the main glasshouse and enjoy seasonal, produce led cooking.

The Isla Gladstone Conservatory is a breath taking venue placed at the heart of the recently restored Stanley Park. Converted with much care, the Victorian glasshouse nestles amidst picturesque rose gardens, glistening lakes and historic sandstone pavilions.

Adjacent to a fairy-tale bandstand, The Isla Gladstone Conservatory truly is a place of wonder and charm.

Whilst there, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but feel as though you have been transported to another time and place. www.theislagladstone.co.uk Hidden oasis in the heart of Little Venice, London; Clifton Nurseries is an elegant gardening emporium with a rich history. Home to picturesque glass houses and packed with a rich profusion of plants, flowers and trees, it is a sophisticated evening banquet space or a wonderful setting for cocktails on the terraces.

Find the perfect 24

Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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Looking for the perfect cake?

Why not bake it yourself...

Whilst making your own wedding cake can seem daunting, it’s actually easy when you’ve been shown the right materials and techniques. In this gorgeous and essential book, Natasha Collins (the owner of the homemade wedding cake business NeviePie Cakes in Hertfordshire) reveals how a complete novice can create something stunning and inspirational for an unforgettable day.

A slice of the action

From cheese cakes to doit-yourself creations... don’t miss this season’s hottest cake trends!

With projects split into chapters entitled Romantic beginnings, Putting on the glitz, Laughing all the way to the alter, Home(spun) is where the heart is and Magic in the air, Natasha’s recipes cater for all types of personalities and preferences. There’s a Nuts About You Hazelnut and Chocolate Cake for the romantic traditionalists; a Going for Gold Chocolate Orange Cake for those after something a bit more Hollywood; a Key Largo Coconut & Lime Cake for the couple who don’t take themselves seriously; Love-in-a-box Short Bread, Iced Gems & Melting Moments for the couple after a more homely feel; and a Lulled in These Flowers Elderflower & Gooseberry Cake for the non-traditionalists. Each recipe is accompanied with stunning photography and an entertaining and instructional narrative, which guides you through the whole process of choosing a design, baking the cake, embellishing it, transporting it, presenting it and serving it so the experience is as stress-free as possible.

Each project also includes a timetable indicating how long each part of the process will take as well as whether it’s easy, medium or hard, and gives a schedule for when the cake should best be decorated and set up in relation to when it is going to be eaten.

Packed full of gorgeous wedding cakes and vital advice, The Homemade Wedding Cake is the must-have cake baking and decorating manual for anybody looking to design and create something memorable for a very special day.

COOL CAKES

Say cheese

The Cheese Shed has specialised in cheese wedding cakes since 2006, and with over 1000 sold every year is one of the UK’s leading supplier.

This year is set to see a rise of more creative cake designs. 17% of people are slashing pricey wedding cake costs by serving a ‘retro’ naked wedding cake whilst 21% of couples will offer guests bitesize treats in the form of mini cakes or a macaron tier

Its bespoke wedding cakes draw on an unrivalled stock of top quality artisan cheeses and cater for numbers from 25 to 200+; smaller celebration cakes are suitable for parties of 12-25.

Sweet treats clearly don’t ice everyone’s cake however, with 9% of those surveyed admitting they are offering a savoury cake such as a pork pie cake.

Cheese wedding and celebration cakes are available from £26 by direct order from the The Cheese Shed website, where other delicious local food items, such as chutneys, preserves, biscuits, beers, ciders, and perries are also available.

Heath comments: “It’s interesting to see how cakes this year are more reflective of the newlyweds personalities. Wedding pies may have a long history but this year we’re going to see a real revival, with the good old pork pie proving a real hit.”

www.thecheeseshed.com www.gettingmarriedmagazine.co.uk

www.heatonhousefarm.co.uk Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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Getting Married Magazine Spring 2017

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Make the best day of your life the perfect one with a wedding at The Oakley Court, Windsor.

A stunning Grade II listed Victorian mansion set within 33 acres of landscaped grounds on the banks of the River Thames.

Book an appointment to meet our team today: weddings@oakleycourt.co.uk www.oakleycourt.co.uk

Windsor 28 Road, GettingWater MarriedOakley, Magazine Spring 2017 Windsor, Berkshire SL45UR Tel: (0)1753 609988

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