Northern Bride Winter 2013

NORTHERN Bride FREE COPY | WINTER 2013/14

Weddings at Home or Abroad We feature ideas for both options

REAL LIFE WEDDINGS

THEME YOUR DAY

Country Garden Weddings EDITOR'S CHOICE The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate

win

banish

THOSE WINTER BLUES WITH OUR

TICKETS TO THE BIGGEST WEDDING SHOWS IN THE NORTH

moisturising BEAUTY PRODUCTS NORTH EAST

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HONEYMOONS & WEDDINGS ABROAD

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NORTH WEST

W W W. N AT I O N A L W E D D I N G S M A G A Z I N E . C O. U K

MEET THE TEAM Denise Russell

Group Publishing Editor editor@nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk 01455 554929

Sarah Vernon

Group Account Manager sarah@nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk 01455 556957

Sian Harrison

Features' Assistant & P.A. to the Editor sian@nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk 01455 556957

Melanie Lee

Account Executive mel@nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk 01455 556957

Nikkie Caden

Account Executive nikkie@nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk 01455 556957

Alison Merry

AliCat Design designstudio@nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk 01455 554929

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @natweddingsmag

Write to us:

Black Cat Publishing Ltd, Hill House, Regent Street, Lutterworth Leicestershire LE17 4BE

Editor's

LETTER Welcome to the Winter issue of Northern Bride Magazine. It’s brimming with ideas, tips and advice to help you create your perfect wedding. Whether you’re planning to pull out all the stops, keeping things low-key and intimate, or opting for a glamorous overseas celebration, the following pages feature all you need to know to help guide you through the planning process.

I stayed at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate in Autumn. It’s such a wonderful hotel and is set in the heart of one of my favorite Towns in the North of England. You can read all about this truly wonderful hotel on my Editor Recommends page.

There’s a tear-jerking Real Life Wedding story for you in this issue. Get your tissues ready and read all about Tammy & Tom’s journey to the alter. The story is accompanied by some beautiful images courtesy of Alan Harding.

Banish those dull days and dark wintery evenings with a Country Garden theme for your big day. Anything’s possible, so you need look no further than the pages of Northern Bride Magazine to find quality suppliers and inspiration.

And if you really want to get away from it all and marry overseas then take a look at our Wedding News Abroad pages. We’ve picked three short dresses which are perfect for a beach wedding and taken a look at a selection of themed stationery and accessories.

We’ve teamed up with The National and UK Wedding Shows. They’re giving you the chance to win tickets. We’ll be exhibiting at these shows so make sure you come along to see us. We’re also giving you the chance to win a bow tie from Dunford Wood. Entering is easy. Simply visit our website and click on the Competitions page link.

If you’ve recently been married and want to share your story with Northern Bride readers then simply email me at editor@nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk and you could see your big day in print. Alternatively if you can offer advice to other brides or want to ask a question then please send them in to me and i’ll do my best to help.

Enjoy…

Denise

Denise Russell, Editor

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE...

www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk ...where you can find links to all our advertisers, enter our competitions & reader offers and much more.

Reproduction of any written material, advertisement or illustration in this publication in any form is expressly forbidden, unless the prior consent of the editor has been given in writing. Neither Black Cat Publishing Limited or Alicat Design accept liability for loss or damage to photographs or any other material submitted to the magazine. All product/service details are correct at time of printing and we will accept no liability for any incorrect content within the magazine.

Black Cat Publishing Limited & National Weddings Magazine will not be held responsible or liable for a company’s product or service.

Should you receive an unacceptable service or you are unhappy with any product purchased from a company advertising in National Weddings Magazine then any complaint must be taken up with the offending company and not with Black Cat Publishing Ltd or National Weddings Magazine.

If you enjoy reading Northern Bride Magazine, why not have a look at our sister magazine National Weddings Magazine. View it for free on the website www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk or pick up your free copy at the biggest and best wedding fairs and shows nationwide.

WIN WIN WIN p9

CONTENTS ON THE FRONT COVER

BEAUTY NEWS p7

WEDDING NEWS p10 REAL LIFE WEDDING p19

7 18 19 12 44

Moisturising Beauty Finds Theme Your Day Real Life Wedding Editor's Choice Weddings Abroad

WIN WIN WIN 9

Competition & Reader OямАers

REGULARS THE COLOUR OF LOVE p34 REGIONAL GUIDE LONDON & THE HOME

THEME - COUNTRY GARDEN COUNTIES p63 p18 HEN & STAG IDEA p14

7 10 14 22 24 26 37 40 42 44

Beauty News Wedding News Wedding Services Photography & Videography Manchester North West Yorkshire North East Scotland Honeymoons & Weddings Abroad

THE FRONT COVER WEDDING NEWS ABROAD p44

Image provided by www.juliewilliamsphotography.co.uk

100 ml Eau de Parfum Spray £37.50 50 ml Eau de Parfum Spray £30.00 30 ml Eau de Parfum Spray £20.00 200 ml Body Lotion £18.95 Available from The Fragrance Shop

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Reader offers

WIN WIN WIN WIN

& COMPETITIONS

Want to get your hands on a pair of tickets to The UK Wedding Shows?

We have 10 pairs of tickets to give away to one of the following shows:

EAWAY

TICKET GIV

The London ExCeL Wedding Show

London ExCeL 11th - 12th January 2014

The West Midlands Wedding Show RICOH Arena, Coventry 18th - 19th January 2014

The North East Wedding Show

Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle 25th - 26th January 2014 NEW

The West of England Wedding Show

University of West of England, Bristol 8th - 9th February 2014

To enter the ticket giveaway please visit www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk and click on the competitions page

We’ve teamed up with The National Wedding Show.

They are offering 10 pairs of tickets to The National Wedding Show, Manchester Central on 15th & 16th March 2014 & The National Wedding Show, NEC, Birmingham from the 28th February to 2nd March 2014

WIN A Dunford Wood Bow Tie

Dunford Wood create hand painted silk bow ties, long ties and waistcoats. Each piece is completely one-of-a-kind and made in Dorset, and over the years they have adorned discerning gents including the likes Woody Allen, John Cleese and even Freddie Mercury. A handmade Dunford Wood bow tie retails from £65, and they’re available to order online at http://dunfordwood.com/ To enter please visit: www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk and click on our competitions page

Northern Bride Magazine 9

Wedding NEWS

MyTuxedo.co.uk is the number one online formal wear shop bringing style, expertise and convenience together. MyTuxedo.co.uk enables a hassle free service and high quality formalwear with prices up to 50% cheaper than the high street.

With the latest men’s wedding attire for 2013 already available. It is the most convenient and best value formal wear shop for any groom and wedding party, with the largest range of wedding wear and all at unbeatable prices.

The number one online formal e k o p s e B l, u if t u wear shop Bea edding films:

My Tuxedo caters for all ages and occasions offering tuxedos, morning suits, dress shirts, waistcoats, shoes, cravats and bow ties, with the largest collection of colours and patterns available. Having supplied suits to a number of prestigious clients including the BBC, MTV, The X Factor and James Bond films, MyTuxedo.co.uk also provides sameday despatch and next-day delivery! www.mytuxedo.co.uk

Cinematic w

Silver Sixpence Films create beautiful, bespoke, cinematic wedding films. Run by a husband and wife team, Silver Sixpence Films was launched following a long career run in the Hollywood film industry. They offer a range of skills thanks to their experience working on feature films such as Harry Potter and James Bond Skyfall as well as having over ten years experience of making wedding films for friends and family. “We approach each wedding film with a vision to be individual

and interesting whilst capturing the beauty and romance of your wedding day. We strive to make sure that our films are bespoke to each couple and aim to make every film watchable and interesting to everyone, not just the bride and groom. We have an incredibly cinematic style that will make any wedding film unique.” info@silversixpencefilms.com www.silversixpencefilms.com

Rooms with a view, from The Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh.

In the heart of Edinburgh, the 4 star Carlton Hotel is ideally located for exploring this vibrant and diverse city. It overlooks North Bridge and the Royal Mile and is just minutes from Princes Street and the legendary Edinburgh Castle.

With a fun and friendly vibe, the Carlton Hotel boasts a fabulous restaurant and bar and has the most interesting health club situated below ground. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa pool, squash courts and a fitness suite/ gym. The hotel’s Beauty Rooms offer a wide range of spa and beauty treatments and is the perfect treat after exploring the

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city or after some serious retail therapy.

If it’s Edinburgh you’ve come to see then look no further as this hotel has magnificent views of the City. A select number of rooms offer guests the chance to enjoy far reaching views of the City and beyond. All their rooms offer tasteful, comfortable accommodation with all the facilities that you expect from a great 4 star hotel.

Edinburgh is a fantastic city and you need look no further for a better venue from which to base yourself. www.pumahotels.co.uk

North East’s biggest Wedding Show set to take centre stage The North East’s largest wedding show will be the headline act at the Metro Radio Arena from January 25-26, providing brides and grooms to-be with ideas and advice for their big day. The North East Wedding Show, presented by The UK Wedding Shows, promises to be bigger and better

Spring UK Diary Dates: The London ExCeL Wedding Show

London ExCeL 11th - 12th January 2014

The West Midlands Wedding Show RICOH Arena, Coventry 18th - 19th January 2014

The North East Wedding Show

Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle 25th - 26th January 2014 NEW

The West of England Wedding Show

University of West of England, Bristol 8th - 9th February 2014

Show opening times: Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

*Saving relates to the door price of £18.50.

Calls cost 10p form a BT landline other networks may vary. Code valid until midnight 13.3.14. A £2 transaction fee applies.

The National Wedding Show Manchester is set to be the largest wedding event this spring. Taking place at Manchester Central 15-16 March 2014, the show is an essential day out for every bride-to-be in the North West this season.

From bridesmaids and grooms-wear to florists, venues, photographers, cake designers, jewellers, wedding planners and honeymoon destinations, you'll find over 250 leading wedding suppliers including some of the biggest names in the industry; House of Fraser, Debenhams, Moss Bros, John Lewis, Berketex, Ivory & Co, Virgin Holidays and more!

Featuring 1000s of dresses in three distinct bridal-wear areas, the show hosts a dream dress to match any budget, from high street designers to couture dresses with designers including Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Justin Alexander, and Naomi Neoh.

If that isn’t enough, there will be interactive sessions in the Wedding Theatre where you can gain personal advice from leading wedding experts!

This season's

must-see WEDDING

SHOWS

than ever thanks to its new owners, Ocean Media Group. Now in its 14th year the show will feature more than 100 wedding specialists as well as fashion shows and a new Expert Theatre offering tips and advice for organising the big day.

Visitors will see hundreds of products and services on offer such as bridal and bridesmaid dresses, venues, limousine and classic car hire, honeymoon destinations, stationers, florists, tiaras, shoes and hair and beauty products. Local exhibitors will include Snaparazzi, Kelly Ann's Cakes, Exclusive Yacht Weddings, Alan Gibson Photography, One Digital Image, WF Executive, atelier de fleurs and Slaley Hall.

The event will also feature catwalks showcasing the latest bridal wear, occasion wear, grooms wear and mother of the bride dresses from companies including Accent Original Bridal, Jules B, Slaters, Kate Fearnley and Kathryn Russell.

Following a full day of shopping, visitors will have the chance to relax with a glass of fizz in the show’s bistro area. New for this year, the Expert Theatre is where Brides can get advice and help on planning the wedding, photography and how to achieve the best look, hair and beauty tips and tricks and

Afterwards, be inspired even further by the stunning showcase of dresses, accessories and flowers on the UK’s largest wedding Catwalk show which takes place four times daily.

The Vintage Area at The National Wedding Show celebrates this growing trend for weddings with exquisite antique dresses to vintagestyle flowers, décor and wedding invitations then unwind in the Afternoon Tea Room with a traditional cream tea.

To start the celebrations early, indulge yourself and party with a glass of bubbly and a delicious bite to eat in the Champagne Bar or VIP Lounge.

Located at Manchester Central, with free parking for all visitors, The National Wedding Show Manchester is the ultimate event for brides-tobe which makes planning, preparing and shopping for the perfect day as enjoyable as it should be.

most importantly an inspirational session on choosing the right dress.

Bev Howard, event manager at Ocean Media Group said: “We are really excited about this year’s show which promises to be bigger and better than ever. With 300,000* couples in the UK tying the knot every year spending just over £20,000** on their big day, weddings are big business so it’s important the bride and groom get as much inspiration as they can. There’ll be so much to see at the show from wedding specialists, fashion shows and advice clinics all under one roof - in fact everything they will need for their perfect day”.

The show will take place from 10am-5pm on both days and fashion shows will take place at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm every day.

All visitors will receive a free goody bag and a free show guide which includes all the contact details and advice a bride needs to plan their perfect day.

The venue is easily accessible by public transport and there is plenty of parking at the Metro Radio Arena.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.theukweddingshows.co.uk

The National Wedding Show heads to Manchester

Book your tickets today and quote ‘NBM’* to save over 15%! www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call 0844 874 0486

Northern Bride Magazine 11

Editor's

CHOICE

The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate T

oday’s couples are faced with a generous range of venues for their big day, but none stands as proud in its setting as The Majestic in Harrogate. Overlooking Harrogate, this stunning hotel has an enviable reputation and manages to blend quality in all departments with a service that is second to none.

spoilt for choice. The opulent Reading and Drawing Rooms boast huge crystal chandeliers, magnificent fireplaces and views over the gardens. Whilst the Billiard Room has an imposing hand-carved wooden fireplace and the intimate French Restaurant is a feast for the eyes with its ornate columns and large bay window.

There is a subtle air of sophistication at The Majestic and if it wasn’t for the modern facilities, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you had stepped back in time. However, a hotel is simply a building without its staff. The imposing public rooms, comfortable bedrooms and well- appointed en-suite bathrooms would be worthless if not run by staff whom pride themselves in their work. Friendly respect and a ‘can-do’ attitude comes as standard here.

Licensed to hold civil ceremonies, these rooms lend themselves well for both Ceremony and Reception.

Dominating a hill top position, eight acres of award-wining gardens wrap themselves around the hotel, offering quiet privacy and creating a truly romantic and picturesque setting.

For a rather splendid Wedding Ceremony, The Majestic, boasts eight beautiful function rooms.

Full of period features and grandeur, you’re

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A double room at The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate starts from £89 per night, based on two people sharing a double room on a room only basis.

Visit www.pumahotels.co.uk or call 0800 652 8413

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Offering a fantastic fun-filled weekend for both Stag & Hen alike Alton Towers Resort is the UK’s number one short-break destination.

It’s a great option for a fun-filled Stag or Hen weekend. The Resort offers one of the world’s leading Theme Parks with ground breaking rollercoasters and endless fun; two fantastical hotels; a wacky waterpark with gallons of fun; a luxurious spa for the ultimate in treatments, and zany entertainment at the Extraordinary Golf.

A Theme Park of firsts….. Alton Towers Resort has Europe's first inverted rollercoaster, Nemesis and the world's first vertical drop rollercoaster in the frightening Oblivion. Experience the ultimate rollercoaster; TH13TEEN, which is the world’s first free fall drop coaster. Their latest addition is ‘The Smiler’ Not only does The Smiler have a jaw dropping 14 inversions and plunging 30 metre drops, the ride also features manipulating effects that will mess with your body and mind!

There’s so much to squeeze into one day so an overnight stay is a must. Rooms cater for from four people, making it a really affordable option for groups. Alton Towers Hotel is home to three fantastically themed restaurants: The Secret Garden Restaurant, The Emperor Grill, and The Atrium, as well as the relaxing Dragon Bar; so you can be as formal or relaxed as you wish. Whichever hotel you are staying in, you can choose to eat in any of the restaurants and drink at any of the bars. As an overnight guest in one of the hotels, you can access some of Theme Park’s most popular rides and attractions a full hour before the Theme Park opens to the public! To further enhance your weekend, ensure you spend as much time on the rides - Fastrack tickets will reduce your waiting time on selected rides and really makes a difference during the busier periods.

A weekend at The Alton Towers Resort is also a great option for those couples who want to share their Stag and Hen weekends.

‘STEN’ Weekends are becoming really popular (especially with civil partnerships). With two hotels, you could have Stag’s in one and Hen’s in the other and whilst one group is off having fun in the Theme Park, the others can enjoy a range of beauty treatments in the Spa. Its central location, sandwiched between the M1 & M6 motorways, is also of benefit to those who have guests meeting up from all over the country.

For further details please visit www.altontowers.com

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WEDDING SERVICES

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www.boxcleverwedding.co.uk

www.shropshirepetals.com

www.shropshirepetals.com

theme COUNTRY GARDEN

www.rachelles.co.uk

www.kittywaikiki.co.uk

www.luckandluck.co.uk www.knotsandkisses.co.uk

www.heartinvites.com

www.luckandluck.co.uk

www.heartinvites.com www.luckandluck.co.uk www.luckandluck.co.uk

www.thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk

www.favoursfromus.co.uk www.heartinvites.com www.rachelles.co.uk

www.kittywaikiki.co.uk

www.thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk

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www.shropshirepetals.com

real life

WEDDING

Tammy & Tom 4th April, 2012 My little girl Tienna and I moved into Tom’s flat and then just before Christmas 2008 we moved into a house of our own. Tom lost his job shortly after so money was tight and times were hard. Despite this, we were very happy and over the moon when our second little girl, Ziani was born in June 2010.

Tom managed to get a job with a maintenance team, doing very well and securing several qualifications, even being promoted to supervisor. During this time I completed a nail technician course in Manchester. It was a turnaround in fortunes and things were on the up. Life was good. Tom saved hard and on Valentine’s Day 2011, I came home to find a teddy bear holding a red envelope. This contained a love letter and a ring. Tom had also booked a holiday for the four of us in May 2011 to Lanzarote.

It was during this holiday that Tom first became ill. The pain he had been experiencing in his neck and jaw became quite severe. Tom just took pain killers and got on with it. On returning home, back at work Tom was struggling with weakness in his limbs, dizziness and nose bleeds. His boss was quite concerned and together they looked up the symptoms on the internet. What they found was really worrying. Tom had previously been to see his doctor, who had told him it was just an infection and prescribed antibiotics. Tom’s boss was not happy with this and decided to take Tom to the hospital himself. In August 2011 Tom had blood tests and a biopsy.

the 15th September, 2011 Tom was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. The cancer had spread to his neck, collar bone, lymph nodes and lungs. The consultant said that it was very rare. He had never seen it in this country before and certainly never in someone so young. Tom was 24 years old. In the midst of the pain and intense medication we refused to give in and we just got on with it. We went on that same year to pass our driving tests, both in the same week, and both with 6 minors each! We felt it was an omen. In November, 2011 Tom started an intense course of chemotherapy. He contracted a severe infection (PVL), and spent Christmas in hospital. The children spent Christmas with grandma and grandad, while I stayed by Tom’s side. It was touch and go for a while, and doctors were amazed at Tom’s recovery.

He came home for New Year. There was nothing else that could be done for him. He was advised to go home and spend some quality time with his family.

Tom resolved to do just that!

The news at work was bad. There was no funding left to employ Tom, and although his boss had been hopeful for a permanent position he was made redundant. The news from the hospital was far worse. We were told to prepare for bad news, and on {continued...} Northern Bride Magazine 19

‘Making Precious Memories’

When Valentine’s Day came round again Tom There were offers of cars, horses and carriages, made a special effort. This time when I came dresses, suits, flowers, catering; everything home, there was a lovely candlelit meal waiting, from invitations to wine glass charms, hair, and Tom down on one knee proposing. Tom nails and make up, a cake, and everything else presented me with a beautiful new ring, and that you could possibly imagine for a dream the news that a family friend had offered the wedding. I was overwhelmed at the generosity loan of their villa in Portugal for two weeks. of complete strangers.

Time was not on our side and before leaving The date was set for 4th April, 2012. We for Portugal, I set up a donations page on didn’t really believe it. We thought that when Facebook to try to raise 4th April came we would "Donations and offers £1,000 pounds to enable discover it had all been just a us to have a modest dream. The day dawned cold, of help poured in from wedding day. I called my anywhere and everywhere." wet, blustery and snowing! cause ‘Making Nobody cared; everyone Precious Memories’. felt fit to burst with excitement. A lovely lady

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I felt a bit embarrassed about asking for money, and even more embarrassed to think that maybe nobody would be interested and there might be no replies. Amazingly, what happened next was just the opposite.

Donations and offers of help poured in from anywhere and everywhere. Family, friends, acquaintances and even complete strangers wanted to help. A local businessman, Wesley Hall, became involved co-ordinating a dream wedding for us. Towneley Hall, Burnley offered a venue for the service and The Oaks Hotel, Burnley offered a venue for the reception.

called Sue delivered two temporary wedding bands that very morning. They have since been collected to be returned, replaced by the real thing! Photographers were everywhere, filming among the dresses, suits, shoes, hairdressers, make up ladies, and the little girls all running around excitedly in their knickers. Zoie (one of the photographers) made me feel fabulous; she was so professional and confident and really put me at ease. Tom had a great morning at home with all his brothers and Daniel, his best man, all nice and relaxed and getting ready together.

a great time and the atmosphere was electric.

Alan (Images Photography) was amazing, he really Inside, the suite had been beautifully dressed, put everyone at ease and captured every moment with flowers and ribbons; there was a chocolate that we will treasure forever. Tom had a couple of fountain and a sweet stall. There was even a beers and felt great. Even the weather improved. It video booth and a photo booth for people to suddenly all felt real when I got into the beautiful leave messages. Alan miraculously captured it all. carriage with my dad. The horses were fantastic We can’t wait to see the photos. Everything was and the drive up to Towneley Hall will stay with me amazing. I was particularly impressed with the forever. I was nervous when I arrived and asked the young man who made all the wonderful food for registrar how many people were here. “Oh about 100 guests. I spoke to him as he half a dozen,” she said.

Tom said when he saw me was packing away. He was only When I entered the wedding suite and saw about 100 coming up the aisle, he had my age and he did a wonderful I don’t know how he pulled people there along with all to bite his bottom lip to stop job. it off. He was brilliant! During the photographers I was himself from crying. the speeches, Daniel the best just overcome with emotion. man, an old school friend of It had just been the four of Tom’s who is normally ultra confident, broke down us for ages. We hadn’t seen any of our friends and with emotion. He couldn’t finish his speech, so he here they all were; it was amazing. Tom said when gave it to us to read later. It was amazing and we he saw me coming up the aisle, he had to bite his will treasure it. bottom lip to stop himself from crying. We had to agree that every single thing was perfect. My dress donated by Lulu Brown of Whalley was stunning, the bridesmaids were gorgeous and the venue was beautiful. Tom said his three girls looked like angels and he was so proud.

There were white doves in cages which we freed with our two little girls, and the photographs were going to be amazing. During the photos I fell over.

Normally, I would have been so embarrassed but I was so happy I didn’t care. We all just laughed.

When the carriage pulled up at The Oaks Hotel we couldn’t believe our eyes. There was a bouncy castle and a play bus for the kids. There was a band playing in the reception area, a magician was performing tricks for the guests and an artist was drawing caricatures of people. Everyone was having

The whole day and evening through to 1 o’clock in the morning went superbly and amazingly without a single hitch. It was the happiest day of our lives. Our photographs are unbelievable and we can’t stop looking at them. What Alan did for us that day was unforgettable. We have no idea how we are ever going to be able to thank everybody who helped to make our wedding day so special. All the thanks in the world just doesn’t seem enough. We are so grateful we have been given the most precious of memories.

Photography by Alan Harding Photography www.alanhardingphotography.com email: alanhardingphotography@gmail.com Tel. 07885971211

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PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRPAHY

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MANCHESTER

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MANCHESTER

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NORTH WEST

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YORKSHIRE

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YORKSHIRE

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YORKSHIRE

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NORTH EAST

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SCOTLAND

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SCOTLAND

VISIT OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE... www.nationalweddingsmagazine.co.uk

...where you can find links to all our advertisers, enter our competitions & reader offers and view our sister magazine

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wedding news

all inclusive

ABROAD

MAURITIUS HONEYMOON

If you are considering Mauritius for your honeymoon and wish to stay at an all inclusive property you can’t go far wrong with Beachcomber, not only did they pioneer the hotel industry on the island but they are also offering a 50% saving on all inclusive supplements at 3 of their hotels in Mauritius for travel all the way through to 30 November 2014. www.beachcombertours.co.uk

The perfect footwear for a beach wedding...

If you're getting married abroad here's our pick of the perfect wedding stationery www.knotsandkisses.co.uk

www.heartinvites.com

st Silver 1 Colourful Creations Bla 2 Arianna Poppy Barefoot Sandals

3 Arianna Shala Barefoot Sandals All available from www.elegantsteps.co.uk

editor's choice

FOR A PERFECT WEDDING ABROAD

Windjammer Landing

With it's stunning scenery, crystal clear waters & tropical climate it is made for romance!

Check out Windjammer Landing perfect for your big day whether you want to marry in solitude or as part of a large celebration they cater for all. Our definition of paradise. for more information visit www.windjammer-landing.com

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p46

Perfect for a BEACH WEDDING We pick 3 short dresses...

If you're getting married abroad why not try a shorter wedding dress.

Perfect for a wedding in warmer climates!

PERFECT HONEYMOONS

1

If your idea of the perfect honeymoon is sitting on a white sandy beach or it involves colourful landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, meeting fascinating people, then a honeymoon booked with Connoisseur Travel is right for you. We will help guide you to the perfect location. Our friendly and approachable staff have extensive knowledge and their expertise will help to lift your experience out of the ordinary. Our repeat honeymoon clients going back over 12 years is testimony to how much we look after our clients. www.connoisseurtravel.co.uk t: 01403 272143

2

3

1 www.amandawyatt.com style: Austria 2 www.amandawyatt.co.uk style: Levi 3 Romantica style: Bliss

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Editor's Choice

A resort Windjammer Landing like no other

Villa Beach Resort, St. Lucia

A

t the end of a private road, winding down towards the Caribbean Sea, you will find a resort like no other. The initial, friendly welcome envelops you and the accompanying rum punch knocks your socks off!

If first impressions last, then you’re sure to be left with the most wonderful memories of this place. You’d be mistaken if you think that Windjammer Landing was just another Caribbean resort. Gentle steps take you down to a crescent shaped beach where the warm and inviting waters of Labrelotte Bay await. As a backdrop, the Windjammer boasts over sixty acres of colourful gardens and lush tropical flora, all set into a hillside which overlooks the Bay. A myriad of stunning villas peep out from in between the vegetation, evocative of a real tropical Eden. Dedicated resort Mini buses transport you to and from your villa. An excellent service, especially so for those staying in villas further up the hillside.

The original concept was to create a Mediterranean village in the Caribbean and it certainly has this vibe, with Villas being styled and impeccably furnished to combine Caribbean décor with Mediterranean charm. Windjammer Landing really is the ideal retreat for couples.

Each Villa offers its own piece of paradise, incorporating romantic, opalescent plunge pools and private decks or verandahs which offer a real sense of privacy. Why settle for a room with a view when you can opt for a Villa with views from every room! Each Villa has been cleverly

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designed and built in order to present you with jaw-dropping views of the Caribbean Sea and to make the most of the captivating sunsets.

As well as one, two, three and four bedroom villas, the Resort also offers traditional rooms and suites. The Hibiscus Suites, aptly named from Windjammers’ tropical garden landscapes, provide high-end accommodation, some with private hot-tubs and all benefiting from wonderful views across the bay. Alternatively, the exclusive estate villas, having three or four bedrooms come complete with a dedicated private chef allowing guests to dream up a delicious feast suitable for an intimate wedding reception.

Windjammer Landing Resort is offering newly engaged couples a stress-free way to plan their upcoming nuptials,

Say Yes Before I Do The resort itself has an abundance of atmosphere which is complemented by the charismatic staff. Bartholomew Thomas, Bar Manager and Caribbean cocktail concocter extraordinaire is renowned for his creative cocktail menus. Thomas can create you a signature cocktail for your wedding and indeed did so for us on Valentine’s Day creating my husband and I, a ‘Valentine Velvet’ cocktail.

WINDJAMMER LANDING weddings@windjammer-landing.com www.windjammer-landing.com facebook.com/windjammerlanding @windjammerstl Something Old Wedding Package One of our four diverse wedding options, the Something Old package is perfect for couples who wish to surround themselves with warm, blue waters, tropical lushness, and no distractions.

It's ideal for those preferring to escape the demands of planning a traditional wedding or simply for couples looking to quietly exchange their vows. Regardless, our wedding coordinators vow to make your intimate ceremony a beautiful and unforgettable one. Call 0808 101 7261 US $999.00 + 18% service & tax

The bride and groom can come and experience all that Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort has to offer before booking their wedding, and they will receive a special resort credit. This package provides engaged couples with a four-night stay including wine tastings, a meet-and-great with the chef, cake tastings, scouting the resort for the perfect ceremony location, and getting to know the staff.

There are five different restaurants offering casual to elegant cuisine to suit your mood. My favorite was The Upper Deck. This beach-front restaurant was the ideal spot in which to enjoy a lunchtime snack and the most wonderful place to retreat to after a day on the beach. I spent many late afternoons here relaxing with a glass of wine whilst watching the sun dip into the Caribbean Sea. With a Beachfront Gazebo framed by Casurania trees, a Seaside Dock that transforms into a red-carpet runway and barefoot Wedding set against pristine beach and the cobalt blue wants of Labrelotte Bay this resort really does offer some truly wonderful wedding locations, accompanied by picture perfect backdrops. I spoke with Sherani Augustin, Director of Sales at Windjammer Landing: “The luxurious seclusion of Windjammer Landing is the perfect place to get away from it all. We can cater for every requirement, whether you want to marry in solitude or as part of a larger celebration. Your Wedding Day is one of the most important days of your life and here at Windjammer Landing we'll make sure it's one of the most extraordinary as well. We have staff devoted to accommodating your every need including two dedicated specialist on call 24 hours a day”.

When she says dedicated, she means dedicated!

They’re always available to talk to

Say Yes Before I Do

offers a destination wedding booking bonus of

$

1,000 resort credit

and have a direct link to the Legal Department and therefore can resolve any legal problems immediately. A comfort when you’re marrying overseas.

“It’s all about the service and the experience.

She continued: “We start off as friends and end up as close as family”, and after meeting Sherani and other members of the Windjammer team I truly believe her.

Described as a ‘Hilltop hideaway with a friendly, vibe’ I have to say I fell completely in love with The Windjammer and all it has to offer.

Sophisticated fun with pockets of tranquility is what’s on offer at this fabulous resort; it’s my definition of paradise and I believe it’s the perfect Caribbean resort in which to say ‘I Do’.

The staff never say goodbye………..It’s

till next time

” and I certainly hope there will “ be, as I can honestly say this is one of the best resorts I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying at.

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