Take your guests to Wonderland Dreamy vintage wedding cakes A honeymoon with a twist Outdoor summer weddings
WIN!
A romantic gourmet break for two at St Mellion
FR
EE
M Issu ay e /Ju 2 ne ‘13
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HartworksHD is an innovative new company that specialises in wedding videography. Ben Hart is imaginative behind the lens, having travelled and worked abroad over the last ten years undertaking various filming projects he is experienced in capturing the moment and shoots in a modern natural style. Ben’s interest in filming celebrations is where he has found his niche and using the latest technology mixed with his originality he creates a one of a kind recording that is as individual as you are.
Your wedding day recording will be supplied on our exclusive HartworksHD branded USB flashcard so it easy for you to view anytime and anywhere! You can transfer onto your desktop, laptop, Smartphone, tablet, email it or upload it to any social media platform and instantly share it with family and friends. HartworksHD Videography is based in Plymouth, Devon and we work with clients all over the area so get in touch with us.
hello@hartworkshd.co.uk www www.hartworkshd.co.uk
Ben 07870 796820 @HartworksHD
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Your life, your world...
Editor’s Note
H
ello! If you’re basking in the glow of postengagement bliss, congratulations! No doubt you are buzzing with anticipation as you begin to plan your dream wedding. At such a momentous time in your life, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks before you, planning a wedding is no mean feat!
Model: Danielle Gurton Hair: Joys Mobile Hairdressing www.joysmobilehairdressing.co.uk Hair Accessories: JB Treasures www.jbtreasures.co.uk Make-up: Flawless Beauty www.flawlessbeautyplymouth.me.uk
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with our fantastic ‘Alice In Wonderland’ themed photo-shoot that took place in April. We hope our sunny, tea party will capture your imagination to do something similar for your special day. Now, aren’t weddings easier with Always & Forever? We hope you agree!
Photography: Emma-Jane Photography www.emma-janephotography.co.uk Photography Assistant: Jodie Woodward Dress: Perfection Bridal & Menswear www.perfection-bridal-and-menswear.co.uk Location: Kitley House Hotel www.kitleyhousehotel.com
Do you work in the wedding industry? Do you have flyers lying around and not sure how to get them into the hands of your target audience? Insert them into Always & Forever Plymouth’s guide to weddings! Part of our distribution involves direct mailings to the homes of numerous couples currently planning their wedding in the local area. Your flyer is guaranteed to land on the doormats of future Brides and Grooms looking for services like YOURS! We also provide a design and print service if you are in need of ANY promotional material. For more information please get in touch... E: lynsey@alwaysandforevermag.co.uk • T: 01752 242978
Distributed bi-monthly to thousands of couples planning their BIG day, all of whom are looking for services like YOURS!
Image sourced from Debenhams at www.prshots.com
ON THE COVER
If there’s one thing that should be on your ‘to do’ list rather than your ‘could do’ list in the run up to your big day, it’s becoming a regular reader of our handy little magazine!
In this issue, be inspired by our make-up, honeymoon, vintage cake and guest accessory pages, and don’t forget to enter our exciting competition to reclaim some rest on a pre-wedding luxury break!
nsey LyEditor
&
Always Forever Plymouth’s guide to weddings
Advertise from as little as £30! AND NO VAT!
If you would like to advertise in the July/August issue please call 01752 242978 or email: lynsey@alwaysandforevermag.co.uk 3
Eucalyptus Clothing £96
PL E
AS ER AL EM W WA EMB HE YS E N & R TO RE FO TO AD SPO REV ME VE ND ER NT IO RT IN N S! G
Conte
ents 06
Take your guests to Wonderland
13 14
Get the look
16
One scoop or two?
18
A honeymoon with a twist
22 24
Real weddings
27
Now that’s entertainment!
29 30 31
Local events
6 Always & Forever Magazine MackMedia Design and Print
Dreamy vintage wedding cakes
The great outdoors
T: 01752 242978 M: 07533 808034
14
DIRECTOR AND EDITOR Lynsey Mackie FEATURES EDITOR Helen Grant
18
Buy, Wed, Sell Win! A romantic gourmet break
E: lynsey@alwaysandforevermag.co.uk
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Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that MackMedia Design and Print accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in Always & Forever - Plymouth’s guide to weddings are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.
WRITERS Lynsey Mackie Helen Grant Sophie Belcher (work experience) GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lynsey Mackie SALES AND DISTRIBUTION Lynsey Mackie Jean Mackie COMPETITION PRIZES Thanks to St Mellion Health Club & Spa CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST ISSUES COMPETITION WINNERS: Ann Ralph Chris Squance Julia Taylor Kate Murphy and Liz Horrell who each win a pair of tickets to see Strictly Confidential courtesy of Plymouth Pavilions
Take your guests to...
wonderland Add a little magical quirkiness to your wedding Alice in Wonderland style. We show you how...
Have various fun signs dotted around your venue. Have them designed to your theme available from: www.mackmediadesign.com
12cm hanging, bell heart decoration £6.00 Paperchase
6
Photography: Emma-Jane Photography • Photography Assistant: Jodie Woodward • Model: Danielle Gurton • Hair: Joys Mobile Hairdressing Hair Accessories: JB Treasures • Make-up: Flawless Beauty • Location: Kitley House Hotel • Dress: Perfection Bridal & Menswear Cake stand: Affinity Wonders • Chair covers/sashes/Candelabra: Add a Little Sparkle • China: Lilac Rose Vintage Tea Parties
e m i T for
tea
Green tea has magical properties, speeding up weight loss by boosting metabolism and protecting against tooth decay and various diseases. From strong and vibrant to light and delicate, it’s available in a variety of strengths - we recommend adding a slice of lemon and honey for a sunshiny flavour! DIY Hanging clock and tea for two wedding favour
Celebrate your nuptials with a tea tasting party! Enchant guests with a variety of thirstquenching teas served in pretty china cups etched with delicate flowers for a vintage-inspired afternoon tea party. Renowned for thousands of years as the route to health, wisdom and happiness, can there be anything more quintessentially British than a wedding day cuppa?
For a sweet, nutty, highquality tea that tastes great hot or iced, go red! Cold red tea is refreshing, while hot red tea is soothing, and the absence of caffeine makes it a fantastic bed-time beverage. Deep, dark and rusty, red tea is a great tea! For glowing skin, drink white tea! Delicate, divine and good for you, white tea is the sweetness and light of all blends. Made from the young bud of the tea plant when its leaves are at their most potent.
Photography: Emma-Jane Photography • Photography Assistant: Jodie Woodward • Models: Sophie Lou and Alexandria Hair: Joys Mobile Hairdressing • Hair Accessories: JB Treasures • Make-up: Flawless Beauty • Location: Kitley House Hotel Dresses: Perfection Bridal & Menswear • Chair covers/sashes: Add a Little Sparkle • China: Lilac Rose Vintage Tea Parties
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Emma-Jane Photography Capture that special day forever with the soft and whimsical stylings of Emma-Jane Photography where we work with you to create your dream wedding and turn it into your reality day.
www.emma-janephotography.co.uk 07913743677
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Photography: Emma-Jane Photography Photography Assistant: Jodie Woodward • Model: Alexandria Hair: Joys Mobile Hairdressing • Hair Accessories: JB Treasures
Yealmpton, Nr Plymouth, Devon PL8 2NW T: 01752 881555 E: weddings@kitleyhousehotel.com
www.kitleyweddings.co.uk
PERFECTION BRIDAL & MENSWEAR
BRIDAL GOWNS BRIDESMAID DRESSES BRIDAL ACCESSORIES MENS FORMAL WEAR MENS EVENING WEAR MENS ACCESSORIES ALTERATION SERVICE
perfection
WE STRIVE FOR
Make-up: Flawless Beauty • Location: Kitley House Hotel Dress: Perfection Bridal & Menswear
T: 01752 262121 E: plymouth@perfectionbridalandmenswear.co.uk www.perfection-bridal-and-menswear.co.uk 59 EXETER STREET, PLYMOUTH PL4 OAH 9
DIY Queen of hearts place cards
Photography: Emma-Jane Photography • Photography Assistant: Jodie Woodward • Model: Alexandria • Hair: Joys Mobile Hairdressing Hair Accessories: JB Treasures • Make-up: Flawless Beauty • Location: Kitley House Hotel • Dress: Perfection Bridal & Menswear Chair covers/sashes: Add a Little Sparkle • China: Lilac Rose Vintage Tea Parties
DIY tags for wine glasses, sweet buffets etc 10 Favour Jars £8.00 Paperchase 10
JB Treasures
JB Treasures
Looking for your perfect item of jewellery or accessory to complete your special day? Contact Jenny to discuss your requirements. T: 07976 306259 E: jenny.batten@yahoo.com www.jbtreasures.co.uk
All items can be made to your specification and designed for you, to compliment your colour scheme or theme. The perfect personal service to provide you with your unique jewellery & accessories, for you and your bridal party.
Photography: Emma-Jane Photography • Photography Assistant: Jodie Woodward • Model: Danielle Gurton Hair: Joys Mobile Hairdressing • Hair Accessories: JB Treasures • Wishing well: Affinity Wonders • Make-up: Flawless Beauty Location: Kitley House Hotel • Dress: Perfection Bridal & Menswear
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Bespoke save the dates available from www.mackmediadesign.com
Photography: Emma-Jane Photography • Photography Assistant: Jodie Woodward • Model: Sophie Lou • Hair: Joys Mobile Hairdressing Hair Accessories: JB Treasures • Wishing well/cake stand/birdcage: Affinity Wonders • Make-up: Flawless Beauty Location: Kitley House Hotel Dress: Perfection Bridal & Menswear • Chair covers/sashes/candelabra: Add a Little Sparkle • China: Lilac Rose Vintage Tea Parties
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GET THE
LOOK
So you have the dress, the venue is booked and the date is set, but what about your make-up?
Two months before
Visit a brow specialist before the big day to achieve a perfect shape to enhance your eyes. The distinctive sweeping arch of HD Brows has a dedicated celebrity following for a good reason. Visit www.hd-brows.co.uk to find a salon near you.
One month before
Improve the look and feel of your skin with a facial peel, which restores the skin’s youthful appearance, reduces wrinkles and brightens your complexion.
Three days before
Eyelash extensions on the top and semi-permanent on the bottom will guarantee that your lashes stay tear proof and smudge free all day and for weeks afterwards perfect if you’re jetting straight off on your honeymoon.
The day before
The hot nail trend in 2012 was caviar nails, little micro-beads stuck to polish that give nails a fantastic 3D effect.
Editor’s pick
Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm £18 House of Fraser Benefit ‘fake up’ concealer £18.50 Debenhams 13
dreamy VINTAGE WEDDING CAKES Words by Helen Grant
Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your wedding cake? Our vintage inspired ideas are almost too good to eat...
W
ant to serve a cake with ‘wow!’ factor? If you’re a vintage lover, it’s easy to incorporate your love of all things classical into your big day - even your cake - to make your wedding truly unique. The first step is to decide upon the type of cake itself. Meet with a baker or cake designer and get some samples. Three tiers of rich, dark fruit cake may be traditional, but there’s no limit to how creative you can be. From cheese and cheesecake to decadent Belgian chocolate, vanilla sponge, fudge and buttercream, your cake will be one of the focal points of your reception so choose your ingredients carefully.
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For breathtaking vintage romance, you won’t go wrong with soft shades of dusky pink, sage green, light gold, pastel blue, peach or classic ivory icing. Choose soft, faded, antique colours and coordinate your flowers and table decorations to match.
Cake created by Centrepiece Cakes centrepiece-cakes.co.uk
Piped ‘shabby chic’ lace patterns inspired by the bride’s dress and veil are popular, on shimmery white, champagne or candy striped icing with an edible lace and satin ribbon tied around each tier, curly piping, feminine bows, tiny sugar flowers and beautiful glass pearls. Add eye-catching extras such as a brooch covered in lace, beads and sequins, pink heart crystals or a pearl necklace draped down the front of the cake and secured with delicate satin flowers.
For a sentimental touch, ask around your family to see if anyone has vintage cake decorations tucked away. Using the same decorations as your parents or grandparents did on their wedding cake would add nostalgia and make your day even more meaningful. If there are no family heirlooms handy, there are plenty of places to source other people’s heirlooms. Google vintage wedding cake decorations, and browse eBay, local markets, wedding fayres, charity and antique shops for old-fashioned toppers. Popular decorations from the 1920s to 1980s include hand-painted lovebirds, doves, wedding bells and plastic bride and groom figurines.
Cake created by Centrepiece Cakes centrepiece-cakes.co.uk
TRADITIONAL
MODERN
ROMANTIC
CONTEMPORARY VINTAGE
STYLISH
Your cake just as you imagined! T: 01752 243417 www.centrepiece-cakes.co.uk
KARMANN WHITE DOVE RELEASE on the wings of love
Beautiful pure white doves are the perfect addition to any wedding celebration; recognised throughout the world as a symbol of love, peace, hope and good luck for a happy future together. What could be more romantic and breathtaking for the lucky couple, family and friends than the sight of pure, white doves flying high into the skies? Every wedding occasion is unique and we at Karmann pride ourselves on an individually tailored service.
T: 01752 698179 M: 077733 22927 www.karmanndoves.co.uk
A popular idea among today’s brides is to choose your favourite period of time and incorporate its style into your cake. With this idea in mind, you might opt for the 1920s Charleston era, the swinging sixties, flirty fifties or Victorian romance for timeless appeal. Each period has its own unique history, flair and fashion which can be extended to the rest of your wedding too.
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One scoop or two? Words by Helen Grant
W
ith warmer weather around the corner, summer weddings are a great excuse to add a splash of colour to your wardrobe. Help the happy couple celebrate in style with our pick of sunny accessories. From tangerine, turquoise and pillar box red to yellow, mango and fuchsia, if you’ve been invited to a wedding or two this summer, an injection of colour is a welcome alternative to oh-so-predictable black and too-much-like-the-bride white. Whatever the location - beach bash, country club, church or garden ceremony - when it comes to guest attire, ladies you won’t go wrong with a versatile dress (maxi, shift, cocktail, strapless) or a sleeveless or cap-sleeved blouse tucked into a well-fitted pair of trousers or pencil skirt accessorised with an eye-catching belt, bag, heels, cardigan or pashmina in a bright, cheerful colour. Strapless dresses look amazing with coloured pearls against sunkissed skin and floor-skimming maxis are a classy alternative to an above the knee skirt. Both can be teamed with strappy peep-toe sandals, skyscraper or wedge heels and bold, chunky costume jewellery for wedding ‘wow factor’. Bags are a great way to show off your style and transform an outfit from average to ‘wow!’. A jazzy clutch in a bold print provides a sharp contrast to a plain dress or for a crisp, clean look, pair a white bag with ‘seaside’ colours turquoise, peach, pale blue and lemon.
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Fashion Fellas - dare to be different! A ‘summer coloured’ suit in beige, light grey or cream can create no end of head-turning looks when paired with a patterned or block coloured tie, quirky cufflinks, a silk or satin cummerbund, waistcoat and handkerchief in an eye-popping colour like yellow, hot pink,turquoise, tangerine or lime green.
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When it comes to summer accessorising, less is more and opposites attract. In other words, if your outfit is neutral, jazz it up with one or two colourful accessories and ‘neutralise’ colour with nude, gold, white, cream, silver and light grey accessories. The exception to this rule is complimentary colours: a red dress with lime green accessories, electric or navy blue trousers or skirt with tangerineorange blouse and blue-orange patterned accessories, fuchsia shift dress with navy patterned jacket, purple printed maxi with yellow wedges, clutch bag and jewellery.
Hair pieces, hats and fascinators are bang on trend. For a summer wedding, choose a hat with a wide brim, or if you’re not a hat person, decorate hair with a boho floral (Pixie Lott style) garland, a beaded headband, sparkly diamanté clips, a garland of leaves and rainbow pearls or crystal encrusted flowers. For outdoor weddings, trendy sunglasses add glamour, and is there anything more romantic, quirky and charming than a parasol or fan? If nothing else, it’ll break the ice with people you don’t know. 1. Boutique floral dress £49, sunglasses £12 - M&Co 2. Colour block ankle strap wedge £40 - The Vestry 3. Aqua aztec beaded clutch bag £35 - East 4. Cufflinks £15 - Marks & Spencer 5. Tie £12.50 with matching pocket square - Marks & Spencer 6. Gold style multi coloured statement necklace £19.95 What’s About Town? 7. Aadarshani dress £95.00 - Monsoon
Let Us Make Your Day Special We specialise in new and nearly new wedding and prom dresses. Soul Mate Boutique is a fantastic alternative wedding/prom dress shop for those on a lower budget. We can save you money and do all the hard work to help you find the dress of your dreams!
ade om m Cust rvice se ble a avail
Visit us at our friendly, welcoming boutique... 49 Faringdon Road, Plymouth PL4 7EP T: 01752 603642 E: soulmateboutique@hotmail.com www.soulmateboutique.co.uk
RECEIVE ONE FREE HAIR ACCESSORY WITH ANY DRESS PURCHASED offer expires 29.06.13 17
Honeymoons
A HONEYMOON WITH A TWIST Words by Sophie Belcher
Weeks, months, sometimes years are spent planning a day that is unique to you and your partner and a reflection of your personalities - should your honeymoon be any different? 18
Y
our honeymoon is a much-deserved break after the emotional roller coaster of planning a wedding. Your first adventure as a married couple, it marks the start of your official life together and is an extension of your personality as much as the wedding itself; an experience to remember for years to come. For a memorable honeymoon with a twist, forget the obvious choices and strive for something different.
Honeymoons
Borneo in South East Asia is most famous for its furry inhabitant, the Orangutan. For honeymooners, it offers an exciting mix of relaxation and adventure; treks through the untouched landscapes of Bornean rain forests, shopping trips to the capital Kota Kinabulu with its modern developments, days spent soaking up rays on seemingly endless white beaches and secluded island retreats. If this sounds like your kind of break, take advantage of a tailor-made tour of the country, offered by various travel operators, taking you from the bustling city of Kuching to the rain forests of Sarawak via river rapids, longhouses and Orangutan sanctuaries.
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Honeymoons For those in need of complete relaxation, the country boasts spectacular beach resorts where indulgent luxury is the order of the day, making it the perfect destination for couples looking for something out of the ordinary with the trappings of paradise.
“
“
Honey-teering has been popular in the US for awhile and is catching on among British honeymooners
From specialist companies to some of the major luxury tour operators, many now offer tailor made volunteer based honeymoons for couples all over the world, with work ranging anywhere from teaching to construction. Combine this with the usual exotic adventure that you might expect from your honeymoon and it would appear to be the perfect balance.
MOMENTOS PHOTOGRAPHY
Capturing the single moments of beauty, emotion, love, any packages fun and drama. from our We provide unique images that website* are as individual as you and the special day you have planned.
15%
off
T: 01548 521474
*Quote Always & Forever Magazine
E: enquiries@momentos-photography.co.uk www.momentos-photography.co.uk 20
If lounging on a beach for hours on end simply isn’t your thing, perhaps you’d both consider a bit of a challenge, something that would give you the opportunity to give a little something back. ‘Honey-teering’ has been popular in the US for awhile and is catching on among British honeymooners. It’s easy to see why - not only do you get to visit beautiful countries like India or Costa Rica but you get to see a side of them that everyday tourists might not, helping underprivileged communities. It’s not something that would appeal to everyone, but for those looking for the ultimate feel good experience, it might just be for you.
Honeymoons For those looking for something quirky but still fairly close to home, why not consider a stay in a luxury tree house? You’d be excused for thinking that this sounds like something from an Enid Blyton story, but for a truly unique honeymoon, with all the indulgence you’d expect from a 5 star hotel, you don’t even need to step aboard a plane.
Fisherman’s Cabin – Dordogne www.canopyandstars.co.uk
The Roundhouse – Penzance, Cornwall www.canopyandstars.co.uk
This kind of accommodation can be found all over the United Kingdom, from the New Forest to Cornwall, many boasting amenities that wouldn’t be out of place in the suite of a top London hotel. You’ll find private hot-tubs, luxury food hampers and home cinema systems all in the comfort of a beautifully secluded tree house for two. This kind of getaway is perfect for couples that want to do just that, get away, but without the hassle and massive expense of travelling to a far flung destination. If what you’re looking for is a bit quintessentially British honeymoon, snuggled up by a log fire in the middle of the stunning English forests, then this is the idea for you.
Alfonso’s Wagon – near Sommières, Languedoc - Roussillon www.canopyandstars.co.uk
With so many plans to be made for your wedding, your honeymoon may seem like just one in a very long list of arrangements to be made. With masses of destinations to choose from and an expectation from many that rose petal sprinkled beds and matching fluffy dressing gowns should come as standard, part of the blueprint of the ‘typical honeymoon’, it’s important to remember that your honeymoon is for nobody else but yourselves. Yurt, Priory Bay, Isle of Wight www.canopyandstars.co.uk
If rose petals and moonlit walks simply aren’t your thing, choose somewhere that you’ll both enjoy, not every couple is the same, and your honeymoon should reflect that. Your first adventure into married life should be just that, an adventure. Enjoy it! 21
Real Weddings
S
h a r a
&
K R MA
HOW THEY MET Sarah and Mark met when working for the same door to door sales company seven years ago. They became friends, spending a lot of time together before realising they had fallen in love!
MARRIAGE DATE 2 March 2012 WEDDING Ohope Beach, New Zealand NUMBER OF ATTENDANTS 1 Bridesmaid - the couple’s daugher Holly BRIDES GOWN Aphrodite Brides, Ivybridge RINGS H Samuel, Plymouth PHOTOS Tauranga based photographer
Real Weddings
THE PROPOSAL Mark was adamant he didn’t want to get married until he was 40, after wishing for a ring for years Sarah finally gave up hope - this was when he completely surprised her by popping the question! On their 5 year anniversary Sarah unwrapped Mark’s homemade give, revealing a picture frame. She turned it over and in one frame was written ‘will you marry me?’ And in the other a ring! The first words out of her mouth was ‘seriously?!’ followed swiftly by YES!
THE PLAN Both Sarah and Mark agreed that they wanted to get married abroad due to the unpredictable weather in the UK. They were due a holiday to New Zealand to visit Sarah’s parents, they looked into costs and worked out they could get married on the wonderful Ohope Beach whilst vacating there.
PLYMOUTH ARRANGEMENTS Sarah’s beautiful dress was purchased from Aphrodite Bride in Ivybridge. Sarah can’t recommend them highly enough, saying they were ‘friendly, welcoming and had a wonderful selection of gowns’. Mark chose his suit only a week before they jetted off! NEW ZEALAND ARRANGEMENTS Sarah chose her colourful gerbera daisies from a local florist and found her photographer online. THE BIG DAY Despite being on the other side of the world in the height of summer, the weather had other plans. The night of the wedding, high winds, torrential rain and storms hit the area! Due to the wind and lack of sunshine their picnic wedding breakfast on the beach turned into a feast inside their apartment. The wedding itself was a simple affair, with vows chosen by themselves. Reflecting back, Sarah said “whilst it would have been lovely to have all our friends with us to celebrate we were both glad to not be the centre of attention at a big wedding. The people that matter the most to me in the whole world were there and I have very special memories that will last forever”. 23
Your Day
T
he great outdoors is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples making plans for their wedding venue. With it’s areas of outstanding natural beauty, it’s fantastic coastline and massive variety of unique venues, it would be hard to argue that Devon is any less than the perfect location to act as a stage for an outdoor wedding. Whether it’s just an outdoor ceremony you’re after or a reception held under the stars, the county offers something for every taste and budget. But when planning your perfect outdoor wedding, where do you begin? The obvious place to start is location. Devon is the only county in the country to boast two separate coastlines, making it a stunning backdrop for your wedding by the sea. Of the many coastal venues eager to host your beachside wedding, Soar Mill Cove Hotel near Salcombe is a short drive from Plymouth. Offering a variety of packages and options for your ceremony and reception, the hotel boasts a window walled marquee with stunning views over the cove to the beach below, offering couples a unique backdrop for their wedding photos. The venue also provides exclusive use of its hotel and grounds, offering you and your guests the privacy to enjoy your day undisturbed.
Kitley House Hotel Picshore Photography www.picshore.co.uk
Soar Mill Cove www.gilbertandevans.com
Soar Mill Cove www.gilbertandevans.com
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Quintessentially English, Kitley House Hotel offers everything you would expect from a fine country hotel. With its rich history and recently opened lakeside wedding island and gazebo nestled among immaculate landscaped grounds, the venue is a popular choice for couples looking for a romantic retreat. If the weather doesn’t go to plan, the venue offers backup facilities indoors.
Kitley House Hotel Picshore Photography www.picshore.co.uk
great OUTDOORS
Words by Sophie Belcher
THE
Kitley House Hotel Picshore Photography www.picshore.co.uk
When planning an outdoor wedding, one of the most crucial things to consider is theme and décor. A beautiful backdrop speaks for itself, but a wedding isn’t a wedding without an injection of your personality. There’s no better location than a coastal backdrop for eclectic seaside themes. Imagine guests sitting on striped deck chairs, blue and white accessories, nautical bunting, and quirky touches like personalised sticks of rock and a vintage ice cream van serving iced treats - not a wedding to be forgotten in a hurry!
Extend the theme to the food you serve with good old fashioned fish and chips - a British seaside classic and Devon speciality - or for country weddings, a garden picnic with a vintage tea set, pastel colours, Pims, lemonade and other traditional summer beverages served among beautiful wild flowers. Country weddings make great settings for afternoon cream teas and informal barbecues too, eliminating the formality of a sit down wedding breakfast with its separate top table, allowing guests the freedom to mingle. Whatever you decide, most venues offer a variety of food and theme options, consulting with you from start to finish, giving you one less thing to worry about. Let’s face it, when it comes to planning a wedding, the more helping hands the better! 25
Venues
Your Special Day…Your Way
I
f you are looking for a contemporary setting for your wedding, then look no further than Holiday Inn Plymouth. Set in an impressive location on the Hoe with views over Plymouth Sound, Cornwall and surroundings our hotel has everything you need for your perfect wedding day. We have a choice of three suites that will make your wedding ceremony, civil partnership or reception extra special. ‘Have your wedding breakfast on a high’ in our Elliott’s Penthouse Restaurant with spectacular views overlooking the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe.
If you would prefer a more intimate wedding, then the Commonwealth suite is for you. The room has large windows giving you amazing views over the Hoe, a reception area and private bar. Or have a grand wedding in our Mariner Suite the place to astonish your guests! For larger weddings this room really is an impressive choice. We will treat your wedding day of course as an extra special event. Our friendly and experienced wedding coordinator will help you from the point of enquiry right through to your big day.
To arrange an appointment to view our facilities, request a brochure or make an enquiry contact us: T: 01752 639936 E: events.hiplymouth@qmh-hotels.com Visit: www.holidayinn.com/hiplymouth www.facebook.com/HolidayInnPlymouth Armada Way, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2HJ
Entertainment
Now t
hat’s
entertainment!
O
ne of the most challenging aspects of planning a wedding is organising the entertainment. We have all been to a do where the entertainment was seriously lacking, right? For example, the DJ who played mix cd’s for the first three hours whilst he sat behind the decks to read a book, or when the ‘friend of the groom’ turned up with shoddy equipment and proceeded to deafen everybody!
As a company we receive calls regularly from frantic couples whose cheap mobile DJ has cancelled at the last minute. Either
that or their friends band who were doing them a favour have pulled out with only days to go! Here are four pointers that we feel are worthy of consideration to ensure that your evening reception that will be remembered for all the right reasons:
Prioritise your wish list
It’s all too easy to get carried away with ideas and extras. This is especially the case when each company you engage with seems to have a list of new, exciting and expensive ways to transform your day!
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Entertainment Once you have your wish list in place, take a moment to prioritise, research and plan the things that are important to both you as a couple and to your friends and family.
Budget enough
Wether you want a simple DJ set up, a full orchestra or an afternoon Jazz session with an eight piece funk band in the evening the same rule applies. Set a budget that is realistic. Scrimping on cost can easily result in poor quality entertainment. Experienced and skilled individuals value their time and charge accordingly. Expect to pay the following rates for quality entertainment: • DJ 4/5 hours - £350 to £700 dependant on size of show, lighting and music choices • Solo artist (pianist, harpist, guitarist) 2 hours - £350 to £600 • Live band (2/3 hours, will need DJ support) £200 per band member Of course these are only guideline prices but if your entertainment is a lot cheaper than this it might be wise to ask more questions! Why not book a consultation meeting with us to satisfy yourself that you have everything covered? You wont be obliged to buy, but the benefit of our experience could help you make a more informed choice. You never know, there may even be a deal to be made!
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Check the paperwork
Venues are now obliged to ensure entertainers are adequately insured and relevant licenses are in place. Did you know a DJ needs a license to play digitised music in public? Also, all equipment has to be PAT tested for insurance purposes. Venues will turn away entertainers who are not adequately insured or not PAT tested.
Most importantly... Play to the room!
The first rule of DJ’ing is that you play to the whole room. As hosts you are putting on entertainment for a mixed group. Try to avoid centring your entertainment around the requirement of a minority. The best weddings we have experienced are when all of the guests are having a good time. Successful party atmospheres are achieved by thoughtful music programming, preparation on the part of the DJ / Band and most importantly input from you, your friends and family. Any good company will take a full brief and even allow music choices to be submitted ahead of time to ensure the days entertainment is a huge success. 504 Event Management T: 07926 762880 or 07875 077919 www.504eventmanagement.co.uk
Local Events THE VERY VINTAGE WEDDING FAYRE
St Matthias Church Hall, Plymouth Saturday 18 May • 11am-3pm Entry £2 • A spiffin selection of stalls showcasing everything vintage and retro for your big day! Plus live music from The Metropolis Swing Quartet. For more information email: theveryvintagefayre@gmail.com
THE PLYMOUTH WEDDING SHOW
Holiday Inn Plymouth Sunday 8 September • 11am-3:30pm Entry free • Brides will receive a goody bag. VIP tours available. Fashion show at 1pm. For more information visit: www.captivatingevents.co.uk
AUTUMN WEDDING FAYRE
Exeter Castle, Exeter, Devon Sunday 29 September • 11am-3.00pm Entry free • Brides will receive a goody bag. For more information visit: www.weddingsbyclaire.co.uk
ELFORDLEIGH WEDDING FAYRE fish bowls • topiary trees • tealight holders • place cards • favours We are a family run business who specialise in table decoration. Our aim is to fulfill your fairytale wedding and eliminate the stress of organising your big day.
TABLE OF
Elegance
making your day special!
Hosted by Affinity Wonders Sunday 13th October • 11am-3.00pm Entry free • Over 30 local wedding businesses under one roof. For more information email: affinityweddingwonders@yahoo.co.uk
BUCKERELL LODGE HOTEL
Call us today! T: 07840 458711 E: info@tableofelegance.co.uk J us on Like Table of Elegance
chair covers • candelabras • bird cages • wishing trees • and more!
Exeter, Devon Sunday 3 November • 11am-3.00pm Entry free • Brides will receive a goody bag. For more information visit: www.weddingsbyclaire.co.uk
Buy and Sell
BUY WED SELL A free-ad page for brides to save and make money! Buy and sell brand new, gently used, never used, over-ordered, changed-your-mind wedding stuff! Stunning Monsoon dress
Debenhams bridesmaid dress
Cream, off the shoulder Size: small Excellent condition Comes with original dress cover
Blue, with small stone detailing. Size: 8 Worn once From a smoke free home
£100 T: 07810 641635
Beautiful prom/ bridesmaid dress Aqua, pretty detailing to shoulders and waist band Size: XSmall Brand new £50 T: 07533 808034
£25 T: 07880 727111
Army Girl Fancy dress outfit Camouflage Perfect for a hen night Jumpsuit, belt and hat Size: Small (8-10) Brand new £10 T: 07533 808034
If you would like to list your good condition items in Always & Forever magazine* please email: lynsey@alwaysandforevermag.co.uk don’t forget to Include a high res photo, a short description and your contact details. *Goods will be listed in the next issue of the magazine & on Facebook following your email
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Dream Setting Picshore Photography www.picshore.co.uk
Make 2013 a very lucky year for you indeed - the year you get married! There are so many reasons to book St Mellion for your 2013 Wedding... 1 Buy 7 Tables and the 8th is FREE!* 2 Beautiful outdoor photo opportunities lakes, woodland and lush greenery 3 15% discount on winter weddings (Nov, Dec 2013 and Jan-Mar 2014) 4 Complimentary suite for the bride and groom on the wedding night 5 Dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator and team with over 50 years combined experience 6 Tasteful and contemporary function rooms for 2 - 350 guests! 7 Elemis Spa available for bridal make-up or pre-wedding hen party 8 Health club and gym available to all hotel residents at no extra cost 9 Forces/NHS and St Mellion members recieve 10% discount off suggested packages 10 80 bedrooms in our award winning hotel 11 Venue with all facilities in one place the complete package! 12 Reduced green fees for your wedding party 13 St Mellion is surrounded by 450 acres of stunning Cornish landscape
WIN! • WIN! • WIN! • WIN! • WIN! A ROMANTIC GOURMET BREAK FOR TWO AT ST MELLION HEALTH CLUB & SPA
H E A LT H C L U B & S PA
Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6SD T: 01579 352034 E: stmellion@crown-golf.co.uk www.st-mellion.co.uk
Always & Forever have teamed up with St Mellion Health Club & Spa to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a wonderful break at the 4 star resort. The prize includes accommodation in a superior room with balcony views over the Cornish countryside and Nicklaus golf course, a full West Country breakfast, a three course meal H E A LT H C L U B & S PA in An Boesti (2AA Rosette - Fine Dining) and full use of the St Mellion health club.
Q. In what year did St Mellion have it’s £20million refurbishment? Prize is subject to availability, pre-booking is essential, no cash alternative is available. Send your answer along with your name, address, contact number and email address to: Always & Forever Magazine, 13 Parade Road, Plymouth PL5 2NL or email: lynsey@alwaysandforevermag.co.uk The winner will be notified by 13th June 2013.
WE REQUEST THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY AT ST MELLION’S EXCLUSIVE WEDDING SHOWCASE EVENINGS!
Picshore Photography www.picshore.co.uk
THURSDAY 20TH JUNE OR THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2013 Talk to St Mellion’s expert Wedding Co-ordinators about holding your wedding amidst the beautiful surroundings of St Mellion. 10% off all packages for Forces Personnel and NHS! To book an appointment or for a quotation Telephone: 01579 352063 or Email: stmellion-events@crown-golf.co.uk
Your Special Day…Your Way at the Holiday Inn Plymouth T: 01752 639936 E: events.hiplymouth@qmh-hotels.com www.holidayinn.com/hiplymouth www.facebook.com/HolidayInnPlymouth Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2HJ