Rock My Wedding Summer News 2016 by rockmywedding

SUMMER NEWSLETTER JULY 2016

HONEYMOON SPECIAL | THE BEST IN ALFRESCO DINING | REAL WEDDINGS

www.debeers.co.uk

what’s inside... 06 30 36 38 44 56 84 88 94 106 110

Welcome to the summer edition of the RMW newsletter. This edition has been entirely dedicated to destination weddings and honeymoons. We’ve got two of THE most beautiful weddings to share with you, as well as a dreamy inspiration shoot with some stunning make up. Also included are lots of tips and tricks for holiday beauty products, how to fly like an a-lister and packing like a pro from our sister blog, Rock My Style. This month’s prize comes from the fabulous Roo’s Beach - a treasure trove of fashion and lifestyle goodies. Grab a chair in the sunshine, a cold glass of wine and enjoy! We hope you have a lovely summer. Fern x

And for your happily ever after, visit Rock My Family for a daily dose of family life from team Rock My Ltd.

Jessica and

PINCH

LA DOMUS, ORVIETO

My parents have a house in Lazio, Italy, so we decided to explore venues around the area. We fell i a de-consecrated cathedral in Orvieto, a medieval hilltop town. It wasn’t at all what we’d had in mind tucked away in the Italian hills – but La Domus, with its modern, industrial interior and spectacula Umbrian countryside, just felt right. The biggest bonus was that our guests could stay in the tow

in love with the ‘wild card’ option: – I’d pictured a remote farmhouse ar terrace with views across the wn itself, minutes from the venue. 9

Our ceremony took place in a beautiful, frescoed palazzo opposite our reception venue. One of my oldest friends played the piano and sang Des’ree’s ‘Kissing You’ as the bridesmaids and I walked in. I adore that song, and it still gives me goosebumps when I think of that moment. Immediately following the ceremony, we had a small prosecco reception in the palazzo itself.

I’d enjoyed ‘pretending’ in lots of other dresses, this was the only one that made me feel that if Pinch had walked through the door right at that moment, I would have happily got married there and then. If that isn’t the definition of ‘the one’, I don’t know what is.

Pinch is pretty low-maintenance when it comes to clothes, but he wanted something special when it came to his wedding suit. He went to a traditional City tailor, Chopin and Lodge, and had a bespoke three piece navy suit made. I’d bought him a pair of personalised map cuff links as an anniversary present earlier in the year; one showing Durham, where we met, and the other showing Orvieto – which he wore on the day. His tie was by Paul Smith.

With an eye on escalating wedding costs, I was determined to find beautiful – but affordable – dresses from the high street for my five bridesmaids. I didn’t have a particular colour or style in mind, but when I stumbled across some floaty, navy French Connection dresses in the January sales, I knew they’d be perfect.

Pinch and I resolved to stick by each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side all day, and as such all of my memories of the wedding itself have him in them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is exactly as it should be.

Once Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d bought the bridesmaids dresses, I kn but I wanted white to be the dominant colour. relaxed. I Pinned hundreds of images of centre Pinterest board I shared with my wedding plan breath centrepieces with mirrored tiles and m began to emerge. One of our earliest ideas wa different gins, having the corresponding bottle traditional numbers. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so pleased with how w into the overall look â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and getting to drink the afterwards was a definite wedding highlight!

new that navy had to feature, . For the flowers, I was similarly epieces and bouquets to a nner, and the idea of baby’s mercury-silver tea light holders as naming our tables after e on each table instead of we managed to incorporate this e gin at our self-serve gin bar

We didn’t take on many DIY projects, but one of the best decisions we made was to make all of our stationery. It saved us hundreds of pounds, and the end result was something totally unique and personal to us. Consider getting a wedding planner – especially if you’re getting married abroad. They’re worth their weight in gold: let them focus on the smaller, technical details (and make the most of their local contacts) while you get on with the fun side of planning! 23

We originally booked an Italian photographer through our wedding planner, but a few months into the planning, I realised that his style wasn’t quite right for the look and feel of our day. By this time we were less than eight months away from the wedding – cue a frenzied search of RMW and a flurry of enquiries sent out to over a dozen photographers. I’d spotted a gorgeous wedding by

Studio A+Q many months earlier on RMW, but had discounted them as they were based in France. But my impending deadline prompted me to cast the net wide and I got in touch... I was so thrilled to hear not only that they were free for our date, but that they were Italian themselves and even knew Orvieto! We’re so thrilled with the pictures and Alessio and Marta were brilliant on the day itself.

honeymooning

on THE AMALFI COAS With sweeping cliff top panoramas, swathes of greenery and historic cliff-clinging towns, few could deny that the Amalfi Coast is a charmer. Frankly, it’s a fail-safe honeymoon choice…

PHOTOGRAPHY | Matthew Horan All RMS Reader comments from this article.

SLEEPING Monastero Santa Rosa, is just over an hour’s drive from Naples. This luxury hotel won Best Hotel Pool in the Smith Hotel Awards for good reason – a swim here offers views of a clear-blue sky melting into the Mediterranean. Rooms are beautiful too, nestled in flowering gardens, and the hotel has the grown-up ambience required for a stylish post-wedding love nest.

Anna - Visit Villa Cimbrone - the views of the coastline are so incredible that they don’t even look real!

Split your holiday between the coast and Capri for an unforgettable Italian adventure. Capri Tiberio Palace is a short ferry ride from Monastero Santa Rosa, and once you’ve arrived on the island you only have to take a short stroll from the town square to reach the hotel. This quirky retro-chic stay has jellyfish-inspired art installations, bold prints and pop art-style pieces on the walls, and the service is fivestar. It has everything you could need to make your honeymoon special: an excellent spa with six treatment rooms, two pools, a restaurant dishing up the best local ingredients (with a kosher menu too), and an all-day lounge bar.

Lesley - Pompeii is a fascinating place to visit. Wander down to Marina Grande one evening and try the beautiful seafood at Ristorante Bagni Delfino – it’s beautiful! I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car, the drivers nerves will be wrecked! Get the bus and both of you can enjoy the views and get off at whatever towns you fancy. Positano, Ravello & Amalfi are all stunning. I don’t see how anyone could not love this part of the world – enjoy!

VISITING & EATING Jessica - Hire a small boat and travel up the coast of Amalfi. We spent the day winding our way up to a small town on the end of the coast called Nerano. There are a couple of small restaurants who send out boats to collect you from your boat and take you to their restaurant for a long lazy lunch. It really is the most perfect way to explore the stunning coast of Amalfi, romantic and action packed. Your husband will feel like a play boy driving that boat and you can sit and soak up the sunshine whilst feeling like a sex goddess!

Victoria - Positano on the Amalfi coast is very pretty, park at the bottom and walk up the hill to get the views over the sea. It’s super beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

Becki at Mr & Mrs Smith - Head over to Capri and book a day out at sea, because many of Capri’s coves aren’t accessible by foot or car, and the Blue Grotto is the famous sea cave not to be missed. If designer shopping is your thing, you have ritzy boutiques galore on your doorstep: Stroll down Via Vittorio Emanuele III and Via Camerelle and be dazzled by the designer shops, followed by a noseful of Carthusia Profumi which has been distilling perfume since 1948, to recipes first created by monks in the 14th century. Even if you don’t pick up any of the interiors chic from 100% Capri at 29 Via Fuorlovado it’s worth a look at their white, khaki, and dark-chocolate wares – their only other branches are in Rome and St Barths.

Suppliers with our seal of approval! The Love Lust List is a hand picked wedding supplier directory covering the whole of the UK and popular international wedding destinations.

STATIONERY | Paperknots

win!

ALL OF THIS FROM ROO’S BEACH We’ve teamed up with the gorgeous team at Roo’s Beach to give one of our subscribers a lovely package of honeymoon treats. Just keep an eye on your inbox and we’ll notify the lucky winner by email.

CHEVRON DAZE FRINGED BEACH TOWEL | SUNNYLIFE BEACH SOUNDS RADIO IN BISCAY GREEN | LE SPECS PARAMOUNT MILKY TORT SUNGLASSES | BKR HOLIDAY TURQUOISE 500ML GLASS WATER BOTTLE | KORRES ALOE VERA AFTERSUN BODYMILK PAUL & JOE SPF 20 SUN PROTECTION BODY MIST 60ML | KORRES COCONUT & WALNUT SPF 20 CLEAR SUNSCREEN | BEACH TOES BABY WAVE PASTEL BLUE NAIL POLISH | BEACH TOES PINK BIKINI NAIL POLISH | BEACH TOES ISLAND REEF TURQUOISE NAIL POLISH SOI 55 LAN HA SQUARE NEON PINK SPECKLE POUCH

destination

DRESSES

The best frocks for frolicking in the sunshine whilst saying I do. These are our favourite destination gowns from our Look Book members.

SASSI HOLFORD - SIENNA SLIP & SELENA COAT | STEWART PARVIN - SAY A LITTLE PRAYER | SALLY LACOCK - STEVIA WITH BAY OR CARLY | MONSOON - SERAPHINA

VENUE | Castello di Vincigliata PHOTOGRAPHY | Anushe Low REAL WEDDING | Lavinia and Sav

al fresco

TABLE SETTINGS

VENUE | Lartigolle

PHOTOGRAPHY | Darek Smietana REAL WEDDING | Anna and Will

VENUE | Cinciano PHOTOGRAPHY | Especially Amy REAL WEDDING | Eileen and Sam 45

VENUE | Villa Oliviero PHOTOGRAPHY | Matt Horan Photography REAL WEDDING | Heather and Paul

VENUE | Finca Son Mir PHOTOGRAPHY | Violeta Minnick REAL WEDDING | Kate and Tim

VENUE | Chateau de Puissentut PHOTOGRAPHY | Darek Smietana REAL WEDDING | Holly and Owen

VENUE | Chateau de la Messardiere PHOTOGRAPHY | Divine Day Photography REAL WEDDING | Michelle and Arron

VENUE | Elysian

PHOTOGRAPHY | Parker Shots REAL WEDDING | Minerva and Erik

VENUE | Le Regge PHOTOGRAPHY | Andriana Chechi REAL WEDDING | Olivia and Guido

VENUE | Luxury Group

PHOTOGRAPHY | Violeta Minnick

REAL WEDDING | Olivia and Matt

Shopping should be easy, right? Yet choosing a wedding gift list can be tricky. RMW have teamed up exclusively with The Wedding Shop to help you create the perfect wedding list. With thousands of stylish products from over 350 brands and unlimited fee-free contributions, your list is completely tailored to you. So whether you fancy a spot of Le Creuset to complete your kitchen, funds for your once in a lifetime honeymoon, a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of memorable experiences or even charitable donations, the choice is up to you. Pop into one of The Wedding Shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gorgeous showrooms in London or Dublin for a complimentary consultation or compile your list online at

www.weddingshop.com

Taryn and

RYAN

FOREST HALL ESTATE, SOUTH AFRICA

Pieter, the estate manager of Forest Hall Estate went above and beyond. It’s not every day the bride decides to plan her own wedding. His motto couldn’t have been more accurate, ‘Never fear when Pieter is near!’.

I will forever be grateful to Julz, for capturing the essence of my bohemian heart and transforming it into a free spirited, lace, one of a kind, babe of a dress that I will admire and treasure, always.

Ruby from Ruby Kissâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brought my bouquet and flower crown ideas to life and for sourced a gorgeous array of fresh flowers that added vibrant colour and drama to our big day.

Fiona Clair captured all of our magic moments. She is as talented as she is beautiful and her photos take our breath away. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like opening a precious gift each time with so many layers, intrigue and interest.

Deidre Hartley from Deeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catering provided food that was absolutely delicious and all out guests raved about the lamb shanks! Our meals were divine down to the Marcelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s English toffee frozen yoghurt for dessert.

To my incredible husband who daily, lights a spark in my bonfire heart and just smiled and let me plan my dream day. Thank you for keeping me grounded without clipping my wings. You are my best friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with and love. I am ecstatic to be your wife. You are the magic in my life.

honeymooning in

SOUTH AFRICA

Back in February 2012 when freezing temperatures brought much of the UK to a halt, my husband James and I jetted off to the sunny climes of South Africa for our megamoon. Despite our trip of a lifetime taking place 15 months after our big day we felt every inch the honeymooners and fell in love with SA. Five things in particular stood out…

THE FOOD AND DRINK The food in South Africa is nothing short of amazing. I’m a pescatarian so mostly dined on fresh fish while James tucked into the meat dishes. If you’re a foodie you must visit the laid back town of Franschhoek in the wine region and sample the world class cuisine in the numerous restaurants. Fine wine in SA is so reasonably priced and we toured three or four vineyards while we were there. Our favourite place to wine and dine was Tokara set in a winery on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.

THE LANDSCAPE In two weeks we covered a lot of ground; from the top of Table Mountain to the desert of Oudtshoorn. In between we walked the deserted beaches at the Cape of Good Hope, rode horse-back through the wine region, sailed through the cliff heads at Kysna and trekked around the reserve of Tsitsikamma. Each day presented an entirely different view even more epic than the day before. Quite simply South Africa is utterly breath-taking

THE CLIMATE Warm and temperate South Africa is famous for its sunshine and heavenly temperatures. In the UK winter there’s no need to travel to the other side of the world to get summer sun. Flight times are around ten hours plus there’s minimal time difference too so no crazy jet-lag. You’ll be relaxing by the pool before you know it.

THE PEOPLE AND THE CULTURE With huge cultural diversity, many of SA’s tourist attractions commemorate the past and also celebrate unity. Embracing diversity and striving for opportunity we found the South African people to be charming and warm. Nothing was too much trouble and everyone we met was intent on giving us the best holiday experience.

THE WILDLIFE The penguins on Boulder’s Beach are a sight to behold, and being chased by a baboon up the beach was a memorable experience however the most awe-inspiring moment had to be at the end of the trip. We were lucky enough to see all of the Big Five on our two day Safari on the Shamwari Game Reserve. Spending the morning with two lazy lionesses is an experience I will never ever forget. We’ve both said we’d love to return to SA for our tenth wedding anniversary. I’m already counting down the days...

five things I loved about honeymooning in South Africa... BY LAUREN COLEMAN, ROCK MY STYLE EDITOR

how to

PACK YOUR WARDROBE HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF TRANSFERRING YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE TO YOUR SUITCASE. Mix and Match - having items that can be mixed and matched to go with each other is the easiest way to cut down on the amount of stuff you need to pack. And remember to try everything on before you give it case space! If you want to work out while you’re away, don’t forgot to pack your workout gear - no one wants to sweat through their best clothes. Shoes - don’t be tempted to take too many pairs of shoes - all you really need is comfortable pair of flats, flip flops/sandals and a pair of heels for the evening. Evening Wear - dress up maxi dresses and playsuits with accessories rather than taking items specifically to wear during the evening. Use bags and zip up pouches to divide up and organise everything in your suitcase - it makes unpacking much quicker too. Have one for jewellery, one for toiletries, one for underwear and one for make up. Take travel sized items of everything aside from sun cream. If you can’t do without certain products - order them through boots.com and collect once you’re through security. However much you love a good book, this is the time to load up your Kindle/iPad rather than lugging heavy hardbacks around with you. 89

free

SOUL AN INSPIRATION SHOOT BY JUAN TRUJILLO “LOVE IS AN UNTAMED FORCE. WHEN WE TRY TO CONTROL IT, IT DESTROYS US. WHEN WE TRY TO IMPRISON IT, IT ENSLAVES US. WHEN WE TRY TO UNDERSTAND IT, IT LEAVES US FEELING LOST AND CONFUSED.”

The Make-Up FACE Primer THE PORE FESSIONAL, Benefit | FACE & BODY in tone c2, Mac | SKIN FOUNDATION STICK de Bobby Brawn in tone 4 | Contouring LAGUNA, Nars | Powders, in tone mÃ©dium plus, MINERALIZE SKINFINISH NATURAL | THE CELESTIAL POWDER Candlelight, Kevyn Aucoin EYES Pro-prime SMUDGE PROOF EYESHADOW BASE, Nars | STUDIO FINISH in tone Nw25, Cache-cernes | Eyeshadows in tone: Arena, wedge and espresso, Mac | Eyeliner CHROMALINE black, Mac | Eyelashes 3D, in black, Mac | False Eyelashes, d-wispy, Burlesque LIPS Lip pencil Boldly Bare, Mac | Patisserie Lustre, Mac

The Hair

CONSTRUCTOR Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oreal | Rizador GHD Curve creative curl | Superdust LOREAL 101

103

105

how to

TRAVEL LONG HAUL GOING ON HONEYMOON OFTEN MEANS A LONG HAUL FLIGHT, HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS FOR AVOIDING JET LAG, LOOKING STYLISH AND FEELING COMFORTABLE WHILE TRAVELLING…

BEFORE YOU FLY Select your seat if the airline you’re flying with gives you that option. An aisle seat is good if you don’t think you’ll sleep much as it means you can get up without disturbing anybody slumbering next to you. If you do want to sleep, a window seat is best. The area close to the toilets is generally best avoided as it can get a little crowded and noisy. To avoid the 100ml liquids limit, order your toiletries in advance from boots.com and collect once you’re through security at the airport. This tip is extra helpful if you happen to be travelling with just hand luggage.

Liquid bag essentials - remember everything must be 100ml or less. Moisturiser, lip balm, eye drops if you get dry eyes, a light foundation that won’t dry out your skin, mascara, hand cream and toothpaste. Non-liquid essentials - nail file, blusher, eye liner, toothbrush, hair bands, deodorant (dry stick deodorants are good for the plane as they don’t need to go in your liquids bag) and make-up wipes.

ON THE PLANE

MAKE UP & TOILETRIES

Be comfortable; black leggings, a plain white long line tee and blazer. Once on the plane pop on a cosy hoody and socks for warmth. For getting off the plane, simply change to a stylish blouse (one that doesn’t crease), some heels/boots and your blazer.

To make things easier, you’ll need two make up bags. One for liquids (the smallest one from this set from M&S is perfect and the correct size) and one for everything else.

Carry-on necessities to help you get some much needed rest should include headphones, neck pillow, book, ear plugs, magazines, socks, eye mask, iPad, chargers and adapters.

107

FIGHTING JET LAG Set your watch to the time at your destination as soon as you get on the plane and act accordingly to ease your body into that time zone. So if it’s 9pm in the country you’re heading to, try to wind down for sleep. If it’s breakfast time, stay awake until it’s early evening at your destination. Once you arrive, try to stay awake until a normal bed time. You might start to struggle in the late afternoon or early evening, maybe arrange to meet friends – the excitement should ward off any temptation to go for a nap that will disrupt your body clock even further.

At the airport avoid caffeine, especially if you’re flying at night. Stick to foods you’re comfortable with and ensure you have a balanced meal if you eat before boarding. Spend time walking around and stretching before getting on the plane. Eating meals at times that fit with the meal times of your destination can help reduce the time taken over jet lag. Stick to your usual style of eating if possible. Long hours of travelling can upset your digestive system, drinking lots of fluids and sticking to fibre rich foods such as fresh fruit, wholemeal bread and breakfast cereals will help. Don’t overeat, remember you are probably moving a lot less than usual. If flying at night going through your usual pre-bed routine such as brushing your teeth can help.

Try to sleep at the right time as your final destination and get as much sleep and rest as you can, don’t spend the whole time glued to your Kindle, iPad etc. At your destination: Adjust your watch to local time at your destination on the plane or as soon as you arrive. Avoid wearing sunglasses outside for the first few days. Try and get outside in the late afternoon for 30-60 minutes. Establish a good pre-sleep routine to teach your body it’s time to relax. Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable (dark enough, not too hot, or cold, and quiet). Observe the 30 minute toss and turn rule; if you’re awake for more than 30 minutes in the night get out of bed and do something that will help you sleep like reading a book or listening to music.

TIPS FOR FEELING FRESH & LOOKING GOOD 1. Drink loads of water, this will help massively with jet lag and your skin. 2. Take Berroca – it’s a vitamin C supplement that you dissolve in water. 3. Walk around the plane as much as possible, this will stop you getting cankles. 4. Drink peppermint tea to relax you. 5. Try to sleep as much as possible on the flight. 6. Don’t eat bread or drink fizzy drinks as these will make you bloat even more than will anyway when flying. 7. Bring nuts to nibble on. 8. Once you’re awake drink green tea. 9. Take your make up off at the earliest opportunity and keep moisturising during the flight. 10. Keep an eye on the moving map for a landing time. An hour before landing start preparing yourself. Pop to the bathroom to change into your meeting clothes and put your make-up on to beat the 40-minutes-to-landing rush for the toilets.

Thank you to Lucie, Melissa & Ros for contributing to this article. Lucie Monks, works as cabin crew and has been flying long haul, short haul and mid haul for over two and a half years. Before becoming cabin crew Lucie travelled a lot so she’s very used to being a passenger too. Melissa Knight is a freelance copywriter/editor currently living in Rome and married to a New Zealander. She travels to New Zealand at least twice a year. Ros Cooke is a physiotherapist for the England Netball team. Currently ranked third in the world, England’s main competition are Australia and New Zealand and so she frequently travels to those countries with the team – plus multiple internal flights – and has to ensure everyone is match-ready when they arrive.

BARE MINERALS SPF 30 NATURAL SUNSCREEN | YVES SAINT LAURENT HUILE VOLUPTÉ TINT-IN-OIL ‘I ROSE YOU’ | STILA BLANC BRIGHTENING MAKE UP BASE SPF 40 ‘MIMOSA’ in stores only | LANCÔME EFFACERNES LONG LASTING SOFTENING ‘MAZETTE’ | BARRY M NAIL VARNISH ‘SUGAR APPLE’ | BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK | L’OREAL PA KEVIN AUCION THE CREAMY GLOW ‘PRAVELLA’ | STILA ALL DAY LIQUID EYELINER

holiday

BEAUTY BUYS

RMW FOUNDER & ULTIMATE BEAUTY QUEEN, CHARLOTTE O’SHEA SHARES HER FAVOURITE SUMMER HOLIDAY BEAUTY BUYS. #SORRYNOTSORRY THAT YOU’LL PROBABLY NEED TO BUY THE LOT. IN VARIOUS SHADES.

A MILE HIGH LASHES MASCARA | CHANEL LE G CONCEALER | DIOR ROUGE DIOR LIPSTICK ARIS COLOUR RICHE LIPSTICK ‘FLAMINGO’ | 111

113

meet

SPON

t our

NSORS

115

IF YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D LIKE TO JOIN THIS FABULOUS LIST OF SUPPLIERS THEN DROP US AN EMAIL AT

advertising@rockmywedding.co.uk FOR AN AD PACK.

www.pandora.net

117

ROCK MY WEDDING SUMMER 2016