Something Borrowed - Spring 2013 by The Something Magazine Group

Borrowed

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something

The wedding magazine for Dorset couples

Spring 2013

I ignored my proposal Leon had to work extra hard to get Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention!

Bloominâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Marvellous Fabulous Flowers for a Wonderful Wedding!

F Wall ree Ca Perf lendar ec plan t for ning !

create your dream day with the least amount of stress

• • • • • •

Local knowledge, local people and local products The best venues and suppliers in the area Room decoration and hire service Full event management Free consultation Venue finding

01929 509900 07590 596916

“Polly was fantastic from start to finish! I felt totally confident knowing that Polly was so on the ball. We had a fab day - thank you for all your help!” Hollie

www.bluebayevents.co.uk

Editor’s Letter

Contributors

G’day, So here we are, a new year. How many of you are getting married this year? We’re very excited here as Editor Sam gets married in May - so we’re right there with you, planning, fretting, celebrating and talking. We’ve been super busy since our last issue - not only have we now launched a magazine across the border in Hampshire but we are also hosting Dorset’s first wedding festival. Hmmm....what’s a wedding festival I hear you ask? Check out the feature inside to find out and to win tickets - honestly, if you go to one wedding fair this year, it has to be this one! This issue is packed with articles from local experts - read all about what goes in to making a wedding cake written by three brilliant cake makers, see some pretty awesome flower arrangements in our flower feature and DIY queen Sarah shows us how to make gorgeous feather sparkle buttonholes!

Sarah Latchem

Our sewing goddess; this lady can turn scraps to gorgeous accessories.

Melanie Kiani

Dorset’s finest wedding planner gives brides-to-be valuable advice!

Sam & e l Exoaxnoor

You can contact us on

love@somethingborrowedmagazine.co.uk

Suzi Dixon

Freelance journalist Suzi’s got some great tips and trends for 2013!

148 Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 2BD enquiries@beyondthegateflorist.co.uk www.beyondthegateflorist.co.uk

01202 470272

Weddings . Civil Ceremonies . Corporate . Charity Events . Private Functions . Birthdays . Anniversaries . Sympathy

Enjoy the wedding you want

www.camelotmarquees.com

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just put a roof over your head - we can also supply furniture, lighting, lisensed bars and even a location to put it all in!

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What’s inside

Hello to 2013...

Read all about Sam’s wedding plans and Eleanor’s first year

of marriage, see what splendid

dresses you can find in Dorset, read all about Sarah’s Italian Villa wedding, take a look at

Dorset’s finest outdoor venues and settle down to watch our wedding movie!

Our cover couple Laura & Vish Photo: Starlight Photography

www.somethingborrowedmagazine.co.uk

Diary of a bride to be

By Sam Birkett

Sam’s wedding diary... Photo: Tim Churchill

’d like to say we’ve been quite productive with our wedding planning since the last issue but Mat and I have both been working long hours so if the truth be told, the wedding has been the furthest thing from our minds. We did manage to take a few days off back in September though and had a short break to Brighton. The weather wasn’t that great so we spent a lot of time ducking into shops but the silver lining was that we found our sugar pots and milk jugs in TK Maxx and teapots, which were on sale, in Sainsbury’s. For those of you that haven’t read previous issues, we’re having an afternoon tea and the wedding reception is very much DIY! We looked at hiring costs of table cloths compared to buying them and there wasn’t much difference at all so we bought them from Ebay. When we first talked about getting married, I clearly got very over excited and said I was going to make my own bunting. I’m not sure what I was thinking as it was never going to happen! Luckily a friend of ours got married a couple of years ago and had a similar style wedding and has said we can borrow their bunting – phew!

Something we did finally get around to doing was the invitations. Thought it was probably best or we’d end up doing text invites as Mat originally suggested (to my horror!) I found some invitations online that I liked the look of and got my friend, Eleanor, to help create something that would fit in with our wedding. We were really pleased with the result. They’ve been sent out already (I know, we’re a bit keen!) but as some of my friends are planning on coming from Canada, where I lived for 8 years, we need to give them lots of time to book flights. We’ve booked out a local pub, The Fisherman’s Haunt, for the night of the wedding - I’m really happy that we will all be having breakfast together the day after the wedding. My something blue has also been sorted. Dorset Dubhire have ‘Lulu’, a blue campervan which is so cute and again, fits in with the theme of our day. I know the people that run the company so it makes it even nicer! We still have a few things to organise – the evening buffet, the men’s suits, the wedding rings – but we still have some time so hopefully it will be a stress free few months. The next issue comes out in April and then it will be just a short countdown until our big day on 25th May!

Wedding Diary

Diary of a bride who was

By Eleanor Spry

Eleanor’s one-year-on diary... Photo: Tim Churchill

mmm, the first year of marriage. We were told to expect the worst, that after the excitement of the wedding we’d probably find ourselves arguing over washing up and who used the last of the petrol, however I’m happy to report that year one has been a doddle. Oliver and I got married in January last year, 18 months after meeting. When faced with our glowing (and yes, sometime sickening) happiness people have been known to cite ‘the honeymoon phase’, that delightful period when your partner can do no wrong because your rose-tinted specs are firmly in place. I tell them that that’s BS, Oliver and I are happy because we understand each other. He knows I’m annoyingly untidy and accepts that he’s a lifetime of picking stuff up and I understand that when he drives, most snails can overtake us. I’ll give you a quick run-down of the last 12 months... We didn’t really honeymoon, although we did do some fun touristy things in Ringwood (exotic, I know) and the big smoke aka London.

I spent about three months feeling a combination of weird and satisfied when people called me ‘Mrs Spry’ and blushing when referring to Oliver as my ‘husband’ – it all felt so grown-up and unusual. Halfway through the year I quit my day job to concentrate on Something Borrowed. I was worried about telling him that I wanted to leave, as I was the main earner, but, as ever, he was incredibly supportive and agreed that whilst we found out feet in the business, he’d cover the rent. Apparently money is one of the main reasons behind arguments in a relationship, so I was pretty relieved that we had navigated that one without injury. One thing I would say to be prepared for is the comments, questions and suggestions about starting a family. With us both at varying stages of our career development (he’s training to be an accountant) a baby just wouldn’t fit well with our hectic lifestyles, however I’m not convinced that it ever will. Speaking with my long-time BFF who got married a few months before me, we both feel the nearly-30-newly-married pressure to have a baby, but she’s in the midst of a exciting career in London and I have a business that pretty much has the needs of a newborn child. What to do? It’s been a brilliant first year, filled with amazing moments such as looking through the wedding photos, watching the video, taking a break to Bath and just hanging out and finding out who we are, together.

01202 849990 Monet

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Houston

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Bari All dresses available from Courtyard Bridal, Poole

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Our advice

You ask... r o t c o d g in d d e w the

Dear Something Borrowed, I got engaged last August and we’ve not really got around to planning anything yet. I want to get started but my fiancé and I have different ideas about what we want from the day. I have always wanted a church wedding, I even know which church I want to get married in, but my other half isn’t keen. He says church services are ‘boring’ and he’d rather we got married at the reception venue. Do I just give up on what I want or shall I try and change his mind? Fiona, Wimborne

In a relationship compromise is important and this is the route you may both have to take when planning your wedding. You both need to work out what is most important to you on your wedding day and why. We would suggest meeting with your local vicar to get a sense of how the weddings in his church are carried out and if they would work with the wedding you envisage. It may not be as ‘boring’ as your fiancée imagines but similarly, you may change your mind after this as well and decide you do want a more relaxed approach to your wedding day. Just remember the reasons you’re getting married and don’t put too much emphasis on other people’s traditions. Good luck!

This might sound like a silly thing to worry about but it’s the one thing that stresses me out the most. I suffer from adult acne and I’m really worried about having a breakout on my wedding day. I’m really pale, so any redness is obvious - it also makes matching a foundation really hard. Do you have any tips for keeping clear skin or covering up any problem areas? Eve, Westbourne

Hi Eve, You might have thought of some of this, but in case you haven’t here’s some top tips for clearer skin;

Drink loads of water all the time, try and drink 1.2 litres a day. Start this as soon as possible! Skin care is pretty important anyway, but it’s especially important when all eyes are going to be on you. Implement a regime as early as you can, the longer you have the better. Cleanse, tone and moisturise twice daily (it does feel like a faff but honestly, you will see a massive difference). Perhaps pop and see a professional dermatologist as they can help you understand your skin type. Also, exfoliate once or twice a week - it’s easy to do and keeps the nasties on your skin at bay. Prevention is better than cure, but spots have a habit of happening anyway, so you might want to consider using a make up artist. Not only do they have the skill to wield a concealer pen, they also know the best ways to ensure your make up stays on all day. It might seem like an expense, but you will be looking at your face in your photos for years to come, you don’t want to look back and think ‘If only I’d...’

CAKE

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cake

All about

Last issue, Something Borrowed spoke to some local photographers about their industry and the effort that goes in to creating the lasting memories that are your wedding photographs. This issue, we chatted to some of Dorset’s cake makers about their craft and why a wedding cake deserves to be more than just dessert! Meet Lindsay, owner of Sweet Serenity in Westbourne... One of the most common questions we get from brides and grooms to be is why does a wedding cake cost more than, say, a birthday cake? We also find that couples have seen a plain cake in their local supermarket and ask if they should just use one of them. What makes us different from a chain store? Ok, firstly, we care!! We get to sit down and meet the bride and groom, find out how they met, what makes them tick, what they like and don’t like and what they want and why. And because of this we get to personalise everything, from shades of white, which unbelievably there are hundreds of, to placement of flowers, to picking out key elements of your wedding stationery, to even putting quirky references in about you as a married couple. Secondly, what if a couple want a plain simple cake? Well, comparatively we are still less expensive. We use those old fashioned ingredients such as eggs, butter, milk, with no bulking agents, no preservatives, nothing unpronounceable, just good old fashioned homemade ingredients! Our cakes are freshly made, not with a three week shelf life, and they are also considerably deeper than a shop bought wedding cake. Oh, and we avoid putting our thumb print in the top and sides, (you’d be amazed how common this is, and how many times we have had

to re-ice supermarket cakes because of this reason). Lastly, some people just don’t know what they want - traditional, fun, iced, naked (that’s with no icing) – that’s where we really come in to our own, we work within the budget you set and we go through flavours, styles designs, all these things so that you end up with the wedding cake that you want. What supermarket can say that? And no, we don’t always come in at the top of your budget, a good cake maker will always give you various price options, your budget is the absolute maximum, it doesn’t mean it has to come in at that price. We itemise everything, so you get to pick what is important to you as a couple, and best of all we come on the day and set it up for you!

Professional insight Hayley of Sweetcheeks Bakehouse in Verwood also thinks simlarly; “When buying your wedding cake from a bespoke cake maker rather than a supermarket market chain you really are getting a whole lot more with the package. Yes, it will be a little bit more expensive, but when you buy from a supermarket you buy a ready made design and a cake that will have a huge shelf life because of all the additives! With a bespoke design cake maker you get a consultation where we can discuss designs and generally this means a one of a kind design to reflect you as a couple. You get to try the cake flavours first (and who doesn’t like extra cake?!). Your finished cake will also be a minimum of three inches in height for each tier compared to supermarket brands, which are Finally, Danika of CAKE in Ashley Cross, has some words of advice for brides, I have been asked more than once since opening CAKE by brides-to-be why they should use me (or any other cake maker for that matter) and what’s the difference between my cakes and the ones you can order from that premium high-street retailer that makes scrummy looking dinners for as much effort as a ready meal, as well as clothing adverts full of ladies frolicking in their undies alongside the funkiest septuagenarians you’re ever likely to see. Well, you see, there are a number of reasons, and I could sit here and write you an almost endless list, but I’ll stick to 2 main points. Firstly, having recently agreed to add some personalising details to one such cake, I can tell you for a fact that, yes, they are cheaper than anything I could ever offer you, but you simply don’t get as much! As I write this I’m sending a Christmas cake out the door, which is 6” in diameter and 3-anda-bit inches tall. The same diameter cake that I piped the loveliest couple you could ever hope to meet’s names on? Just about

generally just two inches. At Sweetcheeks Bakehouse, our tiers are a whopping four inches, so you get double the cake per tier. Our cakes are made just 3-4 days before the wedding, so taste as fresh as possible and they are created using only the best quality ingredients to be found (free range eggs, locally sourced butter, callebaut chocolate). Your cake is lovingly cared for from the start of the process, you know who has made it, that it tastes great and that it is being set up properly by the cake designer at the venue. A lot of love and attention goes into your cake which I can safely say does not happen from a supermarket!”

scraped 2 inches in height. The second is they simply aren’t personal. Call me a romantic, but there’s something distinctly un-loved about a cake that has been baked alongside dozens upon dozens of others. There’s no care. There’s no personal attention. If a ribbon is a bit askew, there’s no one to notice. If the piping gets crushed in transit, who’s there’s to repair it? No-one. For me, when it comes to your wedding day, nothing less than perfection will do. And that’s why I’m always here, on the other end of the phone, so you can change your mind 20 times in the year before your wedding. So you can bring me the lace on your veil so I can pipe matching lace work on to your cake. So I can make your cake unique to you. Just like your big day.

UTH COAST SO

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The Perfect Setting...

Set above Pooleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful golden sands at Branksome Dene Chine beach is this relaxed and informal 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property with unparalleled views of the coastline. Licensed to perform marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, this affordable venue can accommodate up to 50 seated guests for an intimate and personal celebration. 01202 261373 Branksome Dene Community Room, Branksome Dene Promenade, Pinewood Road, Poole, BH13 6JP

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The Great OUTDOORS

We’re pretty fortunate in Dorset - a few miles inland and we have fresh green fields and magical woodland, head to the coast and you’re faced with a breath-taking expanse of sea and sand that’s hard to rival with anything else. And you can get married at either. There are some stunning and truely awesome venues for your wedding ceremonies and receptions across our beautiful county where you can enjoy the bright blue skies overhead, the earth below your feet and the sunshine beating down...(well, hopefullly). But what should you consider when looking at outdoor wedding venues?

Talk to the experts

If you’re having your wedding service and reception outside, you may have chosen to use the services of a celebrant. This is a great alternative to the traditional wedding and means that you can have the ceremony you want with no restrictions on time, location or wording. Local celebrant, Sandra Cook of Heartfelt Ceremonies, explains;

“The place you choose to make your vows and promises is really special, so being out of doors gives you the wonderful opportunity to use all your senses - smell the flowers, feel the breeze, listen to waves, birds and sounds of nature. A celebrant designs the ceremony around you, your surroundings, and your dreams and this freedom of creativity means your guests will enjoy and remember your ceremony as being the perfect expression of your unique personalities.”

Be prepared

The scouts had a good point - be prepared for everything. Poor weather doesn’t mean your wedding is ruined, but it does require the necessary accessories - wellies (check out Weddington boots), umbrellas and warm wraps. Equally, good weather needs you to think ahead too, pack sun block, fans and sunglasses - squinty bride is not a good look!

Love shack

Ok, maybe not a shack, but think about where you are holding your wedding and reception when planning your styling. The beautiful wedding beach hut perfectly compliments a nautical theme, a roomy marquee can be glammed up with fairy lights, lanterns and swathing for an elegant look or decorated with bunting and lanterns for a countryside feel. The location of your big day can give you the best ideas for themes and decoration.

Goodnight, sweetheart

When you have a wedding in a hotel, you’re likely to get accommodation included. When you get married in a field, you have to think about where you and your guests are going to sleep. Some venues, like Holton Lee, offer camping (or glamping if you prefer a real bed to sleep on!) whilst others are able to point you in the right direction for recommended hotels. Get this sorted early on as booking lots of rooms in a single place can be tricky at the last minute.

Holton Lee

www.holtonlee.co.uk The perfect wedding venue for personalisation - this huge space can pretty much be made to match your dream day. Choose from a magical woodland ceremony, a more traditional ceremony in Faith House or bring your own idea. This three-acre plot has woodland, open spaces and accomodation which is ready for you to make it your own. Venue details: Ceremony capacity: Woodland area - unlimited Faith House - 50 guests Reception capacity: unlimited Licensed bar: Bring your own or hire a mobile bar Catering: DIY - no facilities so a catering tent will be required. Accommodation: Catered/self-catered for 30 guests and camping facilities.

Beach Weddings Bournemouth

www.beachweddingsbournemouth.co.uk Dreaming of saying your vows with the sound of the lapping sea in the background and soft sand between your toes? Dream no more because Beach Weddings Bournemouth is the perfect place for your wedding ceremony and reception. Located right on the sand on one of the South’s top beaches - you couldn’t get much closer to the water! Venue details: Ceremony/Reception capacity: from just bride and groom through to 400 guests. Licensed bar: Extensive drinks menu for pre-ordered drinks including house wines/bubbly, beach cocktails, beers and ciders etc. Catering: Catering is provided – relaxed beach style from canapés through to BBQ, buffet, freshly cooked fish and chips. Any other info: Whilst this unique venue is on a public beach a licence is in place to rope off a substantial section of the beach and lots of measures are taken to keep your event private including all sides of the marquees are solid apart from the sea side which is a full clear window wall. Security and event managers are provided as part of all packages. Your area of the beach is completely exclusive for your wedding.

The Orangery Suite

www.theorangerysuite.co.uk Set in a beautifully landscaped walled garden, The Orangery Suite is an idyllic setting for your outdoor wedding. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an indoor area, seating up to 75 guests, for your ceremony and a large marquee for your wedding breakfast. As the Orangery Suite is surrounded by three acres of luscious gardens, you can also hire lawn games such as giant chess and badminton for your guests to enjoy. Venue details: Ceremony room capacity: 75 guests Reception capacity: 60 guests inside 80 guests in the marquee Licensed bar: Yes Bring your own alcohol: Yes, within reason. Catering available: A kitchen is available for you to use and a recommended supplier list is supplied. Any restrictions: Yes, The Orangery Suite cannot host evening receptions, but Merley House just over the driveway can.

Upton County Park Walled Garden

www.uptoncountrypark.com/weddings

If you would like a secret garden to enjoy exclusively with your guests then the Walled Garden is for you. Set within the impressive grounds of Upton House in Poole, the Walled Garden is especially landscaped for a marquee wedding; you can also choose your own marquee design and catering. The myriad of colour in the garden offers a perfect backdrop for photographs. As dusk descends watch the beautiful fountain and dance the night away knowing that your wedding has been everything you wanted. Pop along to the open day on 3rd March. Venue details: Ceremony capacity: 70 people at Upton House Reception capacity: up to 300 guests Licensed bar: Bring your own or hire a bar Catering: Choose your own caterers

Branksome Dene Community Room

wedding suppliers

www.boroughofpoole.com/beaches

The phrase ‘hidden gem’ couldn’t apply more to this wedding venue. Located just above beach level at Branksome Dene Chine, this spacious community room is the perfect backdrop for your DIY wedding. Starting as an empty room and finishing up however you like, this venue has endless possibilities. Now licensed for ceremonies, your whole day can be in one place. Venue details: Room capacity: 50 guests, 80 with the patio area. Licensed bar: Bring your own or hire a mobile bar Catering: Food prep area with powerpoints BBQs are a popular choice.

Salterns Hotel

www.salternshotelpoole.co.uk

Right on the edge of the harbour, the Salterns Hotel overlooks Poole bay with all its charming yachts and islands. The wedding gazebo is tucked away on the rear lawn and offers a tranquil wedding venue with glorious sea views. Venue details: Wedding gazebo capacity: 130 guests Ceremony room capacity: 120 guests Reception capacity: up to 160 guests Licensed bar: Yes Catering and alcohol: Provided by The Salterns Hotel Bridal suite: Available both the night before and the night of your wedding. Three package choices - all include drinks package, DJ until 1 am and overnight accommodation.

Try to work in threes. Short list the “top three” of a particular area that you are trying to find a supplier for, then look at them in detail and narrow it down to your favourite. Look at websites and read testimonials about your top three. Look at their Facebook pages and gallery of previous weddings. How long have they been in business and how many previous weddings have they done? Speak to suppliers. You can get a lot from suppliers from a conversation rather than just

their website. How quickly do they Choosing your suppliers for your big day can be very tricky-‐ th respond your enquiry, howor quickly do be of do you know to whether their products services will they follow that up with a proposal or daunting task when you want everything to be just perfect fo quotation? This can be good we are able to recommend our atried and indication trusted suppliers t someone you can rely on they to make as to how efficient arerecommendations, going to be how d Bellissimo Weddings have some top tips to help you. with your own wedding. ¥ The internet can actually make life more difficult bec Check their terms and conditions – it may so much choice available so it is very difficult to narro be a boring task but it is very important! choices. What deposit do they want and when will ¥ Try to work in threes. Short list the “top three” of a pa they require thetrying balance? willfor, they that you are to find What a supplier then look do/offer theyit are unable make detail you and nifarrow down to your fto avourite. your due to and illness fortestimonials example. about ¥ wedding Look at websites read three. Look at their Facebook smoothly, pages and gallery 99% of the time things run perfectly but of weddings and events. How long have they been in bus you need to know you are covered if something how many previous weddings have they done? Are does go wrong. similar style to what you are looking for? ¥ Don’t look at suppliers outside of your budget – y If in doubt getwaste a wedding planner – you will your own time and theirs and only make yo have a professional looking after you! Aside from things that your budget won’t allow! keeping you organised, planners it suppliers ¥ super Speak to suppliers. You can get a make lot from their businessconversation to know the best injust thetheir industry soHow qu rather than website. they respond to your enquiry, how quickly do they fol you don’t have to spend time finding them. They up wwill ith a work proposal or quotation? his can be abe good in will tell you who best for your Tbudget, as to wedding how efficient they are suit going to be with y available for your date and your style and pocket. wedding. ¥ Check their terms and conditions – it may be a boring it is very important! What deposit do they want and Thanks to Melanie from Bellissimo Weddings they require the balance? What will they do / offer y www.bellissimo- weddings.co.uk are unable to make your wedding due to il example. 99% of the time things run perfectly smooth need to know you are covered if something does go w ¥ Go to wedding shows and fayres and meet suppliers in how you get on with them.For some of your wedding great relationship with them as they will be with yo wedding e.g. photographer so its critical you have a go company. ¥ If in doubt get a wedding planner – you will have a p keeping you super organised, planners make it their bu you don’t have to spent time finding them. They w budget, be available for your wedding date and suit y Weddings for more information and to find our how w find the best suppliers but we can often save you mon suppliers.

IanH Photography ianh.co.uk

hoosing your suppliers for your big day can be very tricky -there are so many to choose from and how do you know whether they will be of the quality you expect? It can be a very daunting task when you want everything to be just perfect for your day. As wedding planners we are able to recommend our tried and trusted suppliers, but what if you don’t have someone to make recommendations, how do you go about choosing your suppliers? Bellissimo Weddings have some top tips to help you.

Come and visit the Bellissimo team who will the BIC wedding show representing their ven www.bellissimo-‐weddings.co.uk 01202 533

Vrrrooom

01202 822115

bentleyweddingcar.org.uk A truly modern super car with class and refinement Jim Sutcliffe started offering his Bentley Mulsanne for weddings so that his passion for classic cars could be appreciated by others on their special day. Regularly recommended by other local wedding suppliers, Jim offers a professional service with his eye-catching kingfisher blue Bentley. Stunning, luxurious Bentley, perfect for your wedding day. Soft leather seating in a spacious cabin for the largest wedding dress. Travel in comfort and refinement in Bentley Motorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest hand-built flagship model. This will have a elegant presence and will look wonderful in your photographs. Uniformed chauffeur - Coordinated ribbons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photos at your preferred location

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15 Seamoor Road Westbourne Dorset BH4 9AA 01202 760 003 You can’t beat the salon experience, and at M.W.A.H we’re experts in making you feel like a princess on your big day. From beautiful bridal make-up to exquisite hair styling, we bring the salon to you, making you feel like a celebrity. We also cover a wide range of services from our Westbourne salon, including;

Professional make up artistry including airbrush make-up • Dermalogica facials • Body massage and body treatments • Hot stone therapy • Waxing and hair removal • Male waxing • Threading • Manicures and Pedicures • Shellac and Minx nails • HD Brows • Spray tanning We’d be delighted to talk to you about your wedding day requirements.

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Wed d

• • • •

Exclusive Italian style wedding and events venue Special off-peak prices Exquisite food and service Licensed for marriages and civil partnerships

20th ing Op en Jan & 5th uary 11a Days mFeb 4 pm-8 4pm pm

Special Offer for Summer 2013 All inclusive Wedding package only £7,500 for up to 80 guests

Offer available for bookings taken from 1st December 2012 for Weddings in May – September 2013, excluding Saturdays.

Exclusive Catering in Dorset, Hampshire and the South Coa st

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1. David Ragg www.flowersflowersflowers.co.uk 2. Beyond the Gate Florist www.beyondthegateflorist.co.uk 3. Flowers at 166 www.flowersat166.co.uk 4. Jules the Creative Florist www.julesflorist.co.uk 5. Fiona Penny www.fionapenny.co.uk 6. Parkwood Florist www.parkwoodflorists.co.uk 7. Divine Floral Designs www.divinefloraldesigns.co.uk

Fabric Florist www.fabricflorist.com

Photo: FourT4 Photography

7. Divine Floral Designs www.divinefloraldesigns.co.uk

Real wedding

Sarah & Leon Wedded Bliss How & when did you & Leon meet? We met in 2006 on a night out in Bournemouth. Leon was in Bournemouth for a night out with his friends from Bristol. I’d had a few vinos and when we first spoke I couldn’t help but giggle at his strong Bristolian accent. We saw each other a number of times over the next couple of months and realised we had something special. We discussed the difficulties of having a long distance relationship and agreed that if we wanted it to work, we would make it work. Then a year to the date of us becoming a couple, Leon moved to Bournemouth to start the next chapter of our relationship. How, when & where did the proposal happen? The proposal happened on Friday 5th August 2011. Leon had taken me on a surprise trip away to Cardiff for my birthday. The day we arrived we went out for a lovely Thai meal and with the ring in his pocket and my parents sat at home waiting for a call, as Leon had asked my Dad’s permission, we headed out for dinner. However, the restaurant was busier than Leon had expected so he decided it wasn’t the right place to pop the question. We then went for a drink at a bar and as we walked in I looked up and saw a screen advertising ‘Hire a Booth to propose to your loved one’ to which I commented “Who would propose like that? How naff!”. So after our drinks we headed back to the hotel and I was still none the wiser.

Who would propose like that? How naff! Whilst I was still asleep Leon crept around the bed and placed the ring on the bedside

Thanks to Sophie Mortimore Photography table so I would find it in the morning, but I didn’t! I woke up, used my phone which was on the table, had a drink which was also on the table and got dressed for breakfast. As we went out the door Leon asked if I needed my phone from the table. I replied no and walked out the room, still oblivious as to what was going on. We sat at breakfast for a good hour and I have no idea how Leon was so calm. We went back to our room and began sorting our stuff out to come home. It was only then that I looked across the bed and saw the box placed on the table. I quickly turned into a giggling mess when I realised what was going on and poor Leon, a good 4 hours after expecting me to find the ring just said “Finally!”. Nervous laughter just took over both of us and we collapsed in a heap on the bed! Excitedly we then phoned our parents who had been waiting since the night before for the news. I remember my mum saying ‘Thank goodness we thought you’d said no!’

real life Details: Venue: The Italian Villa at Compton Acres - we fell in love with it at another wedding. The service was incredible and every detail exactly as we wanted it to be. The food was catered by Beales Gourmet and was out of this world.

Flowers: Simply Flower - Maria is so incredibly creative and is really able to understand your visions. Her ideas were brilliant and we were blown away by the beautiful table centre pieces and bouquets on the day. Photographer: Sophie Mortimore Photography - Sophie is a good friend of ours and created some truly special images of our big day that we will treasure forever. We are so happy with our pictures of the day. Dress: Chameleon - The staff were so friendly and helpful, I would recommend them to anyone who needs help looking for their dream dress. Bridesmaids dresses: BHS Wedding Range They were fantastic value and the colour was prefect, a gorgeous bright purple! Suits: Moss Bros - they offer a fantastic service allowing your wedding party to use any branch across the UK with a simple booking reference number which worked perfectly for us as our Best Man was in London and one of the Ushers was in Bristol.

Invitations: I made all the wedding stationary myself. I wanted to put a personal touch on this so handmade the invitations –except the inserts which I had printed by a friend at Ashley Press as they were all cut to size for me which made putting them together much quicker.

Cake: Our amazing cake was made by my super talented mum, Gill. Mum has recently started making cakes as a hobby and has a natural talent! Each layer was a different flavour - fruit, chocolate, Victoria sponge and lemon. Mum hand-made the flowers on top of the cake with sugar paste and were almost identical to my bouquet, it was prefect! DJ and Toastmaster: Jay Rachet MC - we have both known Jay for a long time so we knew he was the right person for our special day. He played brilliant music all night and our guests enjoyed dancing the night away to a huge mixture of music choices. He created the right atmosphere for the evening and as he’d been there all day getting to know our guests as our toastmaster, was able to get the mood right in the evening so everyone had a great time! Transport: My transport was my Dad’s car, a Ford V8 Pilot, driven by his friend Martin. It’s the most beautiful car. Leon’s cars were provided by his work place, Westover Nissan, who kindly lent him a Nissan GRT and a 370z.

The South Coast Sweet Cart: We wanted to keep some surprises for our guests so we arranged some extras that we didn’t tell anyone about. Instead of canapés for our drinks reception we decided to go for something different and hired South Coast Sweet Cart – this went down a storm! I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, the adults or the children. Goofypix: For our evening reception we hired Goofypix to come and take some comedy pictures of our guests. This was hilarious - it’s funny what happens to a person when they disguise themselves in a pink feather boa and a pair of comedy glasses! These pictures are something we will treasure. Hair: JPS Style - based in Poole, they did a fantastic job.

Make-Up: Sophie Rawles-Mulford - who created beautiful, natural look. Favours: Spaceform - this is my cousin’s company, and they provided favours for the women guests and bridal party. She sent me beautiful pocket mirrors for the girls and glass thank you tokens for the bridal party. These were gorgeous little keepsakes which our guests thought were lovely! The men had scratch cards. Where are you going on your honeymoon? For our Honeymoon we are going to The Sensatori resort in Egypt and cannot wait for a week of sunshine, relaxing and luxury! We had the most perfect day and wouldn’t change a thing! We really would like to thank every single person mentioned above and our wonderful guests for making all of our dreams come true.

From our readers... the First Dance

Your phot os

Samantha & Andrew Waddington Shania Twain - From This Moment

Sophie & Liam Stoodley DJ Sammy - Heaven (Candlelight mix)

Cari & Gary Payne Elvis Presley - Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Help Falling in Love With You

Sarah & Leon Edwards Ne-Yo - Sexy Love

Girls Night

Girls night in...The Wedding Date Clearly the obvious answer to needing a date for a family function is hiring the best man money can buy. In this romantic comedy Debra Messing plays a woman in her thirties who lives in New York City. Her character has had more than her share of romantic problems and this is no secret amongst her family and friends. So much so that her mother and father want to fix her up with someone for her younger half-sister’s wedding so she won’t look sad for the big day. Determined not to be the single girl at the wedding or fixed up by her parents, she hires Nick Mercer, a professional escort, to pose as her boyfriend.

Predictably, all her family and friends are wowed by his charm and inevitably Kat falls for Nick and that’s when things get really complicated...but we don’t want to spoilt it all for you. A light-hearted film that suspends reality just a little, it’s worth a watch if not for the story line, then for the fab UK supporting cast.

The wedding After much to-ing and fro-ing the sister’s wedding take place close to the end of the film. Love. Her. Dress. It’s a more subtle look, Grecian rather than acres of tulle, and works well on her figure. A lovely cathedral length veil for the church wedding completes the look - great inspiration for those brides looking for an understated, elegant look.

important st uff

Time to PARTY! with Andy Bee

any times when we are talking to people at wedding fayres we hear the comment, “Any disco will do, they are all the same.” The things people look for in a disco are different and one DJ will not suit all.

3D Entertainments

A good DJ can double up as a MC; making your announcements for the night, getting people ready with their cameras when calling the first dance, organising the throwing of the Bride’s bouquet and cutting of the cake. Most of all, a good DJ will look after your guests and keep a floor full of happy, dancing people. What to ask: Meeting a DJ at a wedding fayre is a good start; you can talk and ask questions about the night you have planned. The disco equipment may be on display for you to see. Ask questions, ask for references and ask for some venues booked in the near future so perhaps you can look in and see the performance at another wedding (ask the venue first!). When you have chosen your DJ: You may want to arrange a meeting to finalise your evening. Make sure that you inform the DJ of your first dance choice (title AND artist). Ask about playlists – these are lists of your favourite songs that you would like to be included with the night’s music. Finally, mention any songs you would not like played.

Mr & Mrs Cook

www.3d-entertainments.co.uk

Booking the DJ: Most DJs will ask for a deposit, make sure you have a contract and contact details. Check the times and check when the balance is due. Venues are now asking DJs for proof of Public Liability insurance and Portable Appliance Test certificate (P.A.T). Make sure they are in date as some venues will not let the DJ setup without a copy being shown. We say to the Bride, “Your day, your way”. Tell us what you are looking for and we will do our upmost to make your special day one to remember.

Telephone: 07802 332442 Web: www.3d-entertainments.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/3d.entertainments.co.uk

Top tips for 2013 brides

Planning for your big day in the coming year? These tips and trends can help 2013 brides put an individual twist on their wedding.

a TOP TREND

Monogram A personal monogram - your initials entwined - or a bespoke logo can be used from the invites to the table numbers to put your stamp, literally, on your wedding. We love the range from Intricate Creations, available online at www.intricatecreations.co.uk. The firm use laser-cutting technology for a gorgeous 3D style effect. Or try www.ananyacards.com for gorgeous monograms and exotic embellishments.

a a TOP TREND

TOP TIP

a TOP TIP

Going green At the Wedding Merchants Business Academy conference in Las Vegas, eco-weddings were the watchword of the weekend. In fact, planners now estimate that green nuptuals are in the top five themes globally, so if you want a wedding with a conscience, you are not alone. In Bournemouth, The Green House Hotel on Grove Road has just won ecohotel of the year from the AA and offers gorgeous private hire wedding packages.

1920s Think Bugsy Malone, flapper dresses, Charleston and maybe your very own Moonshine! Bournemouth is the ideal place to plan a 1920s event and now The Print Room, set in a gorgeous art deco building, is available for wedding hire. Add a Wonderful Wraps shrug or jewellery for warmth and sparkle.

Here comes the guide Wedding planners can save you money in the long run BUT if you are a DIY bride on a budget, you can get A-list tips from a new wedding book. The Secret Quintessentially Weddings Guide is available from www.quintessentiallyweddings. com/pre-order and includes expert tips from the likes of Phillip Treacy on how to wear a hat with panache; Royal Wedding florist Shane Connolly on choosing timeless flowers; Browns Bride on finding â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dress and The Savoy on hosting a glittering vintage wedding soiree.

Written by Suzi Dixon

a TOP TREND

Image provided by The Print Room in partnership with Wonderful Wraps.

Top trend: Going Goth While we are not suggesting that you wear black lipstick and ripped fishnets to your wedding, a key colour trend in 2013 is purple and black. Light, subtle touches are the way to go - think regal purple court shoes, black lace napkin rings, amethysts and lilies. The Perfect Ring Company (www. theperfectringcompany.co.uk) specialise in wedding and eternity jewellery with coloured stones - amethyst or black sapphires embedded in the ring gives a hint of fashionista and will also remind you of your gorgeous colour theme long after the big day.

VINTAGE WEDDING FAIR HOLTON LEE, DORSET

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL 2013

The very first Dorset Vintage Wedding Fair took place on 16th October 2011 and was the brainchild of Anna Coobes or Miss Dolly’s Vintage Events. Her vision was to create a truly unique event, showcasing some amazing vintage wedding suppliers and boy, pull it off she did! The following year, the event grew even bigger and was met with rave reviews from visitors, exhibitors and the media. This was certainly one vintage event that stood out and something Dorset had been waiting for. Planning for the third event is now underway and Something Borrowed are proud to have taken it on and can hopefully do Anna proud. In true Something Borrowed style (big and bold), we’re taking the Dorset Vintage Wedding Fair and turning into a much bigger event. The vintage element will still be very much intact, but to appeal to a wider audience, we have created The Dorset Wedding Festival. Taking place at Holton Lee, Poole, on Sunday 7th April, this event will see six marquees each with their own theme. Vintage, Bride-to-be, Groom-tobe (a crèche for men), Children, Shopping & DIY and Food & drink. There will also be a stage with music and entertainers throughout the day, all of which can be hired for your wedding. For full details, please visit the website www.dorsetweddingfestival.co.uk Tickets are just £5 per person (discounts available for groups) and under 16’s are free. For this you receive a goodie bag on arrival, entertainment throughout the day, a tour of Holton Lee, free activities in the marquees and access to the best local wedding suppliers. Keep up-to-date with news via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/DorsetWeddingFestival

No two weddings are the same.... “I would highly recommend Claret Catering to everyone, they catered for my wedding and the food was gorgeous! They adjusted the menu to suit my budget and were extremely helpful. I will definately be keeping them in mind for any future events.’ J. Auld, Poole

We know that every couple and their wedding is unique, which is why we believe whole-heartedly that weding day catering should reflect that. We don’t offer packages - we provide you with whatever you require, be it afternoon tea, a finger buffet, threecourse meal or hog roast. It’s our dedication that makes us different, it’s our quality that makes us good. We’d love to talk to you about how we can help - just call or email today.

Catering

0788 414 6376 www.claretcatering.co.uk events@claretcatering.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/claretcatering twitter @claretevents

Claret

We also run weekly pole dancing classes for those brides (and her friends!) who want a fun way to tone up. Booking is easy - visit www.polecrazy.com or call 07926 956265 and we can get you sorted.

POLE CRAZY

Prices start from just £175 for up to 10 hens and includes bubbly, prizes & certificates.

Pole Dancing for Fitness

Pole Crazy is located in Bournemouth town centre and offers hens a brilliant day-time activity to get your hen party buzzing!

The communication specialists

Proud to work with Dorset’s wedding industry, producing adverts, flyers, business cards, brochures & more! We’re also now offering a e-marketing service, just get in touch for details. Marketing

Events

Design

Social Media

www.twocanmedia.co.uk

Strategy

07811 514429

Brilliant Bakers

Dorsetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best

We are often found enjoying tea and cake, and here are some of the cakey treasures we found in Dorset!

1. Lulubelles www.lulubellescakes.com 2. Cake Heaven www.cakeheaven.co.uk 3. Cake www.cakeashleycross.co.uk

4. Sweet Serenity www.sweetserenity.co.uk 5. Corfe Cakes and Bakes www.corfecakesandbakes.co.uk

Time to get noticed As a business, you can advertise with Something Borrowed from £350 for the entire year. The magazine is distributed quarterly in quantities of 5,000 copies that’s just £87.50 per issue or £29.16 per month and regardless of the size advert you take, all of our businesses get the same great treatment.

Local Friendly Readable

- A personal service. - Free design and copywriting. - One of only three businesses in your industry. - Using space in the magazine how YOU want to. - Opportunities to feature stories of your couples. - First refusal on stands at our local wedding fairs. - We genuinely care about helping your business succeed. - Additional advertising through social media to increase your fans. email sam@somethingborrowedmagazine.co.uk to arrange a chat about how we can help you!

www.somethingborrowedmagazine.co.uk

Chocolate Fountains of Dorset “Chocolate From Heaven” Packages from just £275 for two fountains ●

We never add oil ●

Only the finest Belgian chocolate used ●

Established 2005 We cater for the more discerning client. A prestige service at an affordable price Chocolate Fountains ● Wedding Favours ● Chocolate Trolley David and Hazel Wilding 01202 890033

● Exceptional value - Excellent service ●

info@chocolatefountainsofdorset.co.uk www.chocolatefountainsofdorset.co.uk

Make it yourself

Crafty Brides

Feather sparkle buttonhole

Add some unique glamour with these sparkling feathered buttonholes! They make a stunning alternative to a floral buttonhole that your guests can then save as a keepsake of your special day.

The

DIY Bride

By crafty sew&sew Sarah Latchem HOW TO MAKE Feather Sparkle Buttonholes You will need: White feathers . Assorted sized pearls . Jewellery wire . Wire cutters . Ribbon or fabric strips . Glue

1. Using a feather as your guide cut some wire lengths to twice the size that you want the finished strand to be. Ideally you want about 6 pearl sprigs to make the buttonhole look effective. 2. For the first sprig thread a small pearl half way onto the wire and twist the wire a few times then add another and twist again and so on, until

you have 5 pearls on a sprig. 3. For the second type of sprig use the large pearl first, twist the wire, then the medium and small. Twist the wire all the war to the end to create a single strand. 4. For the fourth sprig use one small pearl on a shorter piece of wire.

5. Arrange the sprigs on top of the feather and use a length of wire to wrap around the bottom of the sprigs and the feather to secure them in place. 6. Use a piece of ribbon or fabric to wrap around the bottom of the buttonhole to hide the wire and to tie in with your wedding colours.

Borrowed