1502 wedding feature

yOur MOntHly guide tO rOystOn & BeyOnd • feBruary 2015 • issue 114

Wedding feature Valentine’s day sPOtligHt On WHaddOn

© Rebecca Iles

Martial arts

feature as published as part of the a4 royston magazine, february 2015

WHAT’S ON? • COMMUNITY NEWS • LOCAL BUSINESSES • EVENTS • ORGANISATIONS • EATS & DRINKS • SCHOOLS

weddIngS

february 2015 • ISSUe 114

Congratulations! about the future – vintage or instagram style filters may be in fashion now but they may date your photos.

A Natural Rapport Always meet your photographer first. Do you like them as a person?

With some people you can have a natural rapport and will be more than happy for them to be part of your wedding, so go with your instinct. There are enough photographers to go round so don’t settle for someone you don’t like, as chances are your guests won’t like them either, and it will have an impact on your photos.

How Do The Images Look in Print Images can look great on screen but poor when printed, so ask to see a digitally printed album.

Check for Insurances A professional should be equipped with public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Your venue may ask to see a certificate of public liability from your photographer – a friend is unlikely to have it!

The Small Print Read the contract carefully and ask any questions before you sign.

Check you are clear on cancellation, what happens if your photographer gets ill (they are only human after all) and what your usage rights are in particular. We live in a world of social networking, do you have the rights to put the images on Facebook? Most photographers allow this, and sometimes with a watermark retained – don’t be tempted to crop this off, you’ll be breaking a legal agreement. Usage Rights are what most photographers will give you, this shouldn’t be confused with copyright.

No photographer worth their salt should be giving away their copyright and you shouldn’t expect it.

The rights are all you need to reproduce the images as you wish.

Most importantly, make sure you can have fun with your photographer, so you feel you have booked a friend for your photos. Then you can relax and enjoy your special day!

Lina Orsino-Allen www.LinaandTom.com T: 01763 448140

©Lina & Tom

You’re planning your wedding - how exciting! Everyone will tell you the most important things to sort first are the venue(s) and dress, but the next big thing should be your photographer. A great photographer will be booking weddings over a year in advance, so make sure it’s high on your priority list. Here are some important points to consider.

Use a Professional Don’t be tempted to use a friend unless they’re a wedding professional. They may take great photos on their decent DSLR, but being a wedding photographer is so much more than taking pretty pictures.

The pressure of photographing a wedding is high as you only have one chance, and the opportunity to capture each moment could be missed.

A professional has the skills to deal with all sorts of lighting changes, weather conditions they’re able to manage people. Let your friend relax and enjoy the day with you, capturing some lovely candid shots.

Be Generous with Your Budget Around 15% of your overall budget should be reserved for photography. The age-old adage that you get what you pay for holds true and remember these photos are your memories recorded to last a lifetime so don’t take any risks – it’s one of the only things that last.

Ask for Recommendations We all know someone who has organised a wedding so ask around.

How happy were they with the finished product? What were their guests’ reactions? You can also ask your venue, but still do your own research.

When looking at websites, don’t just view their portfolio; ask to see a full real wedding if there isn’t one up.

Do They Work Alone?

With two photographers you are likely to get wider coverage. If you have over 100 guests, two is essential if you wanted to capture the majority of them in your photos, so bear it in mind, and if you like a solo photographer, ask if they use an assistant.

What is Included?

What are their packages - do they give you all the images on disk?

Some offer this included in the package price and some make you pay extra - clarify this if the disk is important to you. Chances are you’ll be given a licence of personal usage rights - this usually means for you as a couple, not for everyone who attended the wedding. There will be a way for guests to buy prints.

Do You Like Their Style?

The style of your chosen photographer will have a big effect on your finished product. Choose someone who already produces the style you want, don’t expect someone to change their signature style for you. Think

For that Special Occasion

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPECIALIST - EXTENSIVE STOCK AVAILABLE OCCASIONWEAR • DAY WEAR • LINGERIE • MATCHING HATS AND FASCINATORS • SHOES & BAGS AVAILABLE SIZES 10 - 26 • FREE ALTERATION SERVICE Condici • John Charles • Ispirato • Cabotine • Ann Balon • Libra • Presen • Gina Bacconi • Ian Stuart • Personal Choice • Zeila • Capri • Dresscode

Lingerie from Fantasie, Charnos, Lepel, After Eden, Royce, Sloggi, Triumph & Bodywrap (cup sizes 30 - 40 / A - H)

John Street Royston, Herts SG8 9BE

Tel: 01763 244073 info@creamfashions.com

11 • www.thelistingmagazine.co.uk • 01763 248447

weddIngS

FeBRUARY 2015 • ISSUe 114

Wedding reCeption drinks

How about something a little different for your Wedding Reception Drinks? Champagne or Prosecco are classics but you could consider English sparkling wines, classic Pimms or white port and tonic, with mint garnish.

There are lots of cocktails that you can make ahead of time and serve from jugs into iced glasses as guests arrive - you can even match the cocktail to your colour scheme! How about: CAMBRIDGE WINE ROYSTON Award Winning Independent Wine Merchant

FREE TASTING To Choose Your Wines FREE Glassware Loan FREE Delivery To Your Venue YOUR MONEY BACK On Returns Tel: 01763 247076 - royston@cambridgewine.com 34B Kneesworth Street, Royston, Herts, SG8 5AB

HAll foR HiRe Fully stocked bar available

Wedding Packages Tailor made

available for brides, bridesmaids & mother of the bride

When it comes to the cake, classic fruit cake is too sweet to serve with a Brut Champagne, they disagree with each other.

Perfect companions would include Demi Sec Champagne or Madeira Wines such as Bual Tel: 01763 242008 13 Angel Pavement - Royston - Hertfordshire - SG8 6LS or Malmsey. Ports or Oloroso Dulce sherry will also work well.

Choose from eyelash extensions, LVL, make-up, organic skin care, manicures & pedicures, eyebrow shaping & tinting, spray tanning and more.

Contact us for details

Honeymoon or romantic meals?

Only the best for your pet

Home from Home Dog Boarding Dog Walking • Pet Visiting

Sarah Jenkins

Royal British Legion Club Mill Rd, Royston Tel- 01763 244560 Email-roystonrbl@gmail.com Looking for a venue to hold a Party, Funeral Gathering, Meeting etc

Royston based 07523 010347 01763 257 876 Sarahjenkins16@gmail.com

Get back in control of your life

8A Garden Walk Royston Herts SG8 7HP For further information Telephone 07795 820127 Email: support@roystontownfc.co.uk

Wedding Nerves?

Contact me – today to find out how I can help you

A Cake of Cheeses is increasingly popular - whole circular cheeses stacked on top of one an other to resemble a tiered wedding cake. Any fortified wines, or dessert wines would be perfect. Demi Sec Champagne works particularly well with blue cheese.

At Cambridge Wine in Royston we have a number of experts who specialise in food matching, bring us your menu and we will find the perfect wines to compliment your wedding breakfast.

EssentialBeauty

Royston Hypnotherapy

By Joanna Guiver BABTAC Electrolysis & Beauty Specialist

Venue Hire From Just £75.00

Royston Town Football Club

Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Sea Breeze, Margarita, Moscow Mule or for a winter wedding Snowballs... Advocat, lemonade with a cherry on top, very retro!

Now also in Harley St London

Pat Duckworth T: 01763 853867 E:pat@roystonhypnotherapy.co.uk www.roystonhypnotherapy.co.uk

Wedding Make-Up from £25.00 Bridal Packages Dates still free for 2015

A full range of Beauty Treatments also available, including: Manicures Pedicures Waxing Facials and much more The Corn Exchange, Market Hill, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 9JR Telephone: 01763 242 007 www.essentialbeautyroyston.co.uk

A chauffer driven experience to make your

Wedding Day

that extra bit special For more information, visit www.makeitarollsroyceday.co.uk or call Mark on 07792 906 771

A new Royston based Travel Agent with a personal touch

a beautiful lingerie shop catering for all occasions, offering a professional and friendly fitting service.

8am to 11pm 7 days a week

a selection of swimwear, sport, maternity, and post-surgery products also available.

Let me create your dream honeymoon with that extra special touch and help you make memories that will last forever 0203 757 8232 or 07938 585397 www.chrisdarcybtw.co.uk chris.darcy@bridgetheworld.com

20 years of travel experience Part of the STA Travel group

MAKE IT A ROLLS ROYCE DAY

www.thelistingmagazine.co.uk • 01763 248447 • 12

51a High Street, Buntingford, SG9 9AD 01763 272923 info@mylingerie-buntingford.co.uk

february 2015 • ISSUe 114

soMething different...

exCellenCe at dysons MensWear

How about commissioning a fine art illustration from local artist and creator of the Jolly Holly brand to make your invitations truly unique? Chris Watson has stunning fine art illustration which can be incorporated in to finished invitations along with many digital images like this one

eSTABLISHed In ROYSTOn In 1934 - STILL gOIng STROng TOdAY

Personal one to one service? Quality clothes at affordable prices? Can’t buy cheaper guarantee?

Look no further!

We stock some of the most high profile brands, such as Barbour, Superdry, Lyle & Scott, Levis, Douglas, Henri Lloyd, Double two and Wrangler.

We think that when shopping for clothes you should be able to take your time and be able to ask questions to the people who know their stuff and can give you honest advice. We also believe in affordable and quality clothes so we will beat or match any like for like price from other stores.

Our men’s Formal Wear, for when you need to hire or buy, whether your event is a Wedding, Ascot Races, Christening or Prom - here we understand the importance of looking your best!

Get suited and booted with DYSONS in Royston.

A regular part of Chris’s work is to undertake commissions, from portraiture to fine art, from landscapes to creating new characters for publications; her experience, eye for detail and use of colour to suit the subject, the mood and the atmosphere of the image will create an exhibit that can be treasured.

Visit her website for more examples of her work.

Chris Watson www.theworldofchristinewatson.co.uk

Take advantage of our special offer: Get the Grooms outfit free with 5 hires.

Wedding fayres: diary dates...

Knebworth Barns, Stevenage www.knebworthhouse.com

21st March

Sheene Mill, Melbourn www.thesheenemill.com

26th March

Knebworth Barns, Stevenage www.knebworthhouse.com

11th October

Manor Barn, Harlton www.themanorbarn.com

Royston Town Centre...

Wedding fairs abound ... here are just a few ...

8th February

weddIngS

Try our bespoke Quality Dry Cleaning service with four day turnaround.

The Town Centre has free 1 hour street parking in many places and parking is free everywhere after 3pm.

Call us today on 01763 246334 for honest and knowledgeable advice about all things menswear!

Dysons Menswear 01763 246334 9 Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JL theshirtbox@btconnect.com www.dysonsmenswear.co.uk

Morning Wear & Dinner Suits to Buy or Hire

All of our formal wear is extremely high quality & sure to impress

Wedding Hire Offers Brocket Hall

Hire 5 suits for your party & get the Groom’s suit free You can buy your suit after hire

Please make an appointment to discuss your wedding day

If you love your suit after you’ve hired it then you can buy it so it’s yours. We’ll even knock your hire charge off the original price!

9 Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JL E theshirtbox@btconnect.com W www.dysonsmenswear.co.uk 13 • www.thelistingmagazine.co.uk • 01763 248447

weddIngS

FeBRUARY 2015 • ISSUe 114

COMPLETE WEDDING CATERING

COMPLETE WEDDING CATERING

www.bigdaycatering.com

Our creative kitchen at Bigday tailors a menu to suit your individual requirements. The method is simple; we listen to what you would like to eat and combine this with the best quality fresh, local produce, our renowned style and service and a pinch of our secret formula, resulting in the perfect recipe for any wedding. www.bigdaycatering.com

• Wedding breakfasts • Evening buffets • Licenced bars • BBQ & hogroast • Canapes • Cakes

All you need for your perfect

Please contact us on 0800 142 2897 info@bigdaycatering.com www.bigdaycatering.com

Valentine’s Day proposal?

There are few things more romantic than cooking a delectable meal for the love of your life. Conjure some culinary treats. Light a few candles. Dress the table in crisp linen. Oh, and you’ll be needing something wonderful to splash liberally into your finest crystal.

Oysters are number one on the list of aphrodisiacs. It’s all that zinc, you know. Serve with freshly-squeezed lemon, or a dash of shallot vinaigrette. Chilli peppers are known to stimulate endorphins - the brain’s feel-good chemicals - so don’t be shy with the Tabasco or finely chopped chilli. Dom Perignon described Champagne as ‘Like drinking the stars’, thus catapulting it into the Love stratosphere. Our top tips are: Offering superb quality, the Joseph Perrier Brut Rosé at £38.99 (a must at proposals). For less serious liaisons, Tasmania’s superb sparkler, Jansz, is hard to beat. So elegant and so only £16.99.

Next, a luxurious melt-in-the-mouth main course. Pair red meats with glossy mouth-coating reds from The Rhone or Argentine Malbec from £10-£15. Or re-enact The Lady and the Tramp with tomatobased pasta and scented Chianti from £8.99.

Dessert has to be chocolate.

Dark chocolate has been shown to cause a spike in dopamine levels which induces feelings of pleasure. Elevate a simple chocolate mousse with peaches poached in Calvados, and pair it with a sweet fortified wine, like Blandy’s ‘Duke of Clarence’ Rich Madeira, a perfect pairing, and a veritable bargain at £14.99.

Good Luck from Cambridge Wines!

AFFORDABLE WEDDING RECEPTIONS FROM £999* *BASED ON 50 GUESTS MONDAY TO THURSDAY PACKAGE DETAILS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

THE OLD BULL INN 56 HIGH STREET ROYSTON SG8 9AW 01763 242003 theoldbullinn.royston@gmail.com www.oldbullinn-royston.co.uk www.thelistingmagazine.co.uk • 01763 248447 • 14

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO ROYSTON & BEYOND • FEBRUARY 2015 VILLAGES EDITION • DELIVERED FREE TO 9600 VILLAGE HOMES

WEDDING FEATURE VALENTINE’S DAY SPOTLIGHT ON WHADDON

© Rebecca Iles

MARTIAL ARTS

Feature as published as part of the A5 Villages magazine, February 2015

ABINGTON PIGGOTS • ARRINGTON • ASHWELL • BARKWAY • BARLEY • BASSINGBOURN • CHRISHALL • CROYDON • FOWLMERE • GREAT CHISHILL • GUILDEN MORDEN • HEYDON • LITLINGTON • MELBOURN • MELDRETH • NUTHAMPSTEAD • ORWELL • REED • SHEPRETH • STEEPLE MORDEN TADLOW • THERFIELD • THRIPLOW • WHADDON • WIMPOLE

Coupling

Roses are red and violets are blue, most poems rhyme… but they say marriage is the end of romance, so this one doesn’t. We’ve put together a collection of books for the big V-Day celebrations that focus on what happens after you and your love have been together for a while. Is there really such a thing as ‘happily ever after’?

Or is this the beginning of the end?

A Spot of Bother - Mark Haddon The secrets, hopes and disappointments of our ordinary lives come into question in Haddon’s great novel about one family and the couples within it. George and Jean have been married for decades, but their daughter Katie, divorced, is now getting remarried, to someone who has ‘strangler’s hands’, according to her brother.

Jean’s trying to keep her affair under wraps and George has discovered a strange lump or lesion and decides he’s definitely on his last legs. It’s all a bit of a pickle really and a highly amusing game of who’ll end up with whom.

Couples - John Updike It’s a bit naughty, this one.

But it’s a classic, so you can’t be frowned upon for reading it!

It focuses on the promiscuous lives of ten couples living in a small Massachusetts town during the 1960s and reading it is like stepping back into the decade of free love and experimentation.

It’s full of historic references and mixes fact and fiction incredibly well. The group of married, fairly well-off thirtysomething year old couples are taking full advantage of new methods of contraception and more liberal attitudes. Updike’s novel questions whether it’s a new utopian society, or whether they’re actually in a hell of their own making.

20

weddings

Us - David Nicholls Women marry men thinking they can change them; men marry women hoping they’ll never change. Douglas would be quite happy to grow old and die together, but for Connie, that sentiment means their relationship is already dead in the water. She announces she’s going to pack her bags and leave him, but is persuaded by Douglas to make one final trip together. He’s got a master plan to reignite the spark and is pinning everything on this one holiday. Sounds like a foolproof plan…

The Children Act - Ian McEwan High Court Judge Fiona May presides over family cases, whilst her own home life is crumbling about her. Her husband’s asked her if they can have an open marriage and it doesn’t go down all that well. When he leaves, she is left questioning her own belief system and what it means to be dignified and respectable. On the work front she’s tackling the case of a teenage boy whose parents won’t permit a medical procedure that could save his life, because of their religious beliefs. She’s struggling to get a grip while her world falls apart around her and it’s truly compelling writing as she battles in the courtroom and on the home front.

Juliet, Naked - Nick Hornby When you’ve been around the block and back again, several

FEBRUARY 15

thousand times, perhaps it’s time to move on. Annie’s been playing it safe and settling for Duncan and now she’s getting restless for some of that dramatic love she’s always dreamed of; the kind that sweeps you off your feet. The only trouble is she’s more likely to end up blown off her feet in the windswept Northern town of Gooleness.

Does the excitement she craves lie with the American rock star who emails her… or does she need to look elsewhere?

The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion Ok, so here’s a last one that’s been thrown in because we think it’s absolutely marvellous and because it features 39 year old Don Tillman’s ‘Wife Project’: the most scientific approach to finding a missus that you’re ever likely to come across. If you thought eHarmony asked a lot of questions, wait until you fill in Don’s questionnaire. He’s tall, dark and handsome, but he also seems to have undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome. This professor of genetics hasn’t found his ‘other half’ and so devises a series of questions designed to filter out the undesirables. Enter Rosie. She’s everything he’s not looking for, and yet she might just be perfect for him. You will fall in love with the frustrating character that is Don Tillman and you’ll be rooting for the old ball and chain to be secured by the end of the novel. Proof there really is someone out there for everyone.

© Rebecca Iles

Weddings A new Royston based Travel Agent with a personal touch

Let me create your dream honeymoon with that extra special touch and help you make memories that will last forever

8am to 11pm 7 days a week

0203 757 8232 or 07938 585397 www.chrisdarcybtw.co.uk chris.darcy@bridgetheworld.com

20 years of travel experience

Wedding Photography

info@lucyrosephotography.com www.lucyrosephotography.com

Part of the STA Travel group

Honeymoon or romantic meals?

Only the best for your pet

Home from Home Dog Boarding Dog Walking • Pet Visiting Paws

@ my

Pad

Sarah Jenkins

Royston based 07523 010347 01763 257 876 Sarahjenkins16@gmail.com

Looking for a venue to hold a Party, Funeral Gathering, Meeting etc Venue Hire From Just £75.00

Royston Town Football Club

8A Garden Walk Royston Herts SG8 7HP For further information Telephone 07795 820127 Email: support@roystontownfc.co.uk

february february 15 15

weddings

21

WeDDing Fayres: Diary Dates...

Wedding fairs abound ... here are just a few of our nearby ones...

8th February

Knebworth Barns, Stevenage www.knebworthhouse.com

21st March

Sheene Mill, Melbourn www.thesheenemill.com

26th March

Knebworth Barns, Stevenage www.knebworthhouse.com

11th October

Manor Barn, Harlton www.themanorbarn.com

Best Man speech - DreaM or nightMare?

If you’ve been asked to be the Best Man at your friend’s wedding you are probably starting to worry already about making the speech. Fear of public speaking is one of the most common phobias and can get in the way of you enjoying the rest of the event. But there are easy techniques you can learn to build your confidence.

A month before the wedding, start to practice feeling confident. Close your eyes and picture an occasion when you felt really confident. Make the picture as big, bright and colourful as you can. When you are experiencing that confident feeling as strongly as possible, press the tips of your thumb and first finger together firmly. This is your confidence anchor.

In the week before the wedding, before you go to sleep every night, imagine yourself making a brilliant speech. See yourself standing confidently, speaking easily, the smiling faces in front of you. Hear them laughing at your jokes and clapping as you finish. Enjoy that good feeling of a job well done. Press the tips of your thumb and first finger together to ‘fire’ your confidence anchor.

Just before you stand up to make the speech, take a few moments to concentrate on your breathing. Breathe down into your stomach and make each out-breath slightly longer than the in-breath. This will trigger relaxation.

When you stand up, plant your feet firmly hip distance apart and stand in your confident posture. Fire your confidence anchor.

Royston Hypnotherapy Take plenty of sips of water. This will keep your mouth moist and give you a chance to look Get back in control of your life at your notes At the beginning of your speech, let your eyes go out of focus so that you can take in Now also in Harley St the whole room. Once you are feeling more London confident, let your eyes focus on the people Contact me – today to find who are smiling and laughing - there will be out how I can help you plenty of them.

Pat Duckworth T: 01763 853867 Enjoy yourself - this is your moment!

E:pat@roystonhypnotherapy.co.uk © Pat Duckworth www.roystonhypnotherapy.co.uk www.roystonhypnotherapy.co.uk

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Wedding Nerves?

7.

22

weddings

FEBRUARY 15

exCeLLenCe aT DySOnS MenSwear eSTABLISHeD In ROYSTOn In 1934 - STILL GOInG STROnG TODAY

royston Town Centre...

Personal one to one service? Quality clothes at affordable prices? Can’t buy cheaper guarantee?

Look no further!

We stock some of the most high profile brands, such as Barbour, Superdry, Lyle & Scott, Levis, Douglas, Henri Lloyd, Double two and Wrangler.

We think that when shopping for clothes you should be able to take your time and be able to ask questions to the people who know their stuff and can give you honest advice. We also believe in affordable and quality clothes so we will beat or match any like for like price from other stores.

Our men’s Formal Wear, for when you need to hire or buy, whether your event is a Wedding, Ascot Races, Christening or Prom - here we understand the importance of looking your best! Get suited and booted with DYSONS in Royston.

Take advantage of our special offer: Get the Groom’s outfit free with 5 hires.

Try our bespoke Quality Dry Cleaning service with four day turnaround.

The Town Centre has free 1 hour street parking in many places and parking is free everywhere after 3pm.

Call us today on 01763 246334 for honest and knowledgeable advice about all things menswear!

Dysons Menswear 01763 246334 9 Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JL www.dysonsmenswear.co.uk theshirtbox@btconnect.com

Morning Wear & Dinner Suits to Buy or Hire All of our formal wear is extremely high quality & sure to impress

Wedding Hire Offers Hire 5 suits for your party & get the Groom’s suit free You can buy your suit after hire

If you love your suit after you’ve hired it then you can buy it so it’s yours. We’ll even knock your hire charge off the original price!

9 Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JL E theshirtbox@btconnect.com W www.dysonsmenswear.co.uk

a beautiful lingerie shop catering for all occasions, offering a professional and friendly fitting service. a selection of swimwear, sport, maternity, and post-surgery products also available.

51a High Street, Buntingford, SG9 9AD 01763 272923 info@mylingerie-buntingford.co.uk

23

FEBrUArY 15

WeDDInGS

SOmeTHing differenT...

How about commissioning a fine art illustration from local artist and creator of the Jolly Holly brand to make your invitations truly unique? Chris Watson has stunning fine art illustration which can be incorporated in to finished invitations along with many digital images like this one A regular part of Chris’s work is to undertake commissions, from portraiture to fine art, from landscapes to creating new characters for publications; her experience, eye for detail and use of colour to suit the subject, the mood and the atmosphere of the image will create an exhibit that can be treasured.

Visit her website for more examples of her work.

Chris Watson www.theworldofchristinewatson.co.uk

For that Special Occasion

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE SPECIALIST - EXTENSIVE STOCK AVAILABLE OCCASIONWEAR • DAY WEAR • LINGERIE • MATCHING HATS AND FASCINATORS • SHOES & BAGS AVAILABLE SIZES 10 - 26 • FREE ALTERATION SERVICE Condici • John Charles • Ispirato • Cabotine • Ann Balon • Libra • Presen • Gina Bacconi • Ian Stuart • Personal Choice • Zeila • Capri • Dresscode

Lingerie from Fantasie, Charnos, Lepel, After Eden, Royce, Sloggi, Triumph & Bodywrap (cup sizes 30 - 40 / A - H)

24

John Street Royston, Herts SG8 9BE

WeDDInGS

Tel: 01763 244073 info@creamfashions.com

FEBRUARY 15

WEDDING RECEPTION DRINKS

How about something a little different for your Wedding Reception Drinks? Champagne or Prosecco are classics but you could consider English sparkling wines, classic Pimms or white port and tonic, with mint garnish.

There are lots of cocktails that you can make ahead of time and serve from jugs into iced glasses as guests arrive - you can even match the cocktail to your colour scheme! How about: Mojito, Cosmopolitan, Sea Breeze, Margarita, Moscow Mule or for a winter wedding Snowballs... Advocat, lemonade with a cherry on top, very retro!

When it comes to the cake, classic fruit cake is too sweet to serve with a Brut Champagne, they disagree with each other. Perfect companions would include Demi Sec Champagne or Madeira Wines such as Bual or Malmsey.

Ports or Oloroso Dulce sherry will also work well.

A Cake of Cheeses is increasingly popular - whole circular cheeses stacked on top of one an other to resemble a tiered wedding cake. Any fortified wines, or dessert wines would be perfect. Demi Sec Champagne works particularly well with blue cheese.

At Cambridge Wine in Royston we have a number of experts who specialise in food matching, bring us your menu and we will find the perfect wines to compliment your wedding breakfast.

CAMBRIDGE WINE ROYSTON Award Winning Independent Wine Merchant

FREE TASTING To Choose Your Wines FREE Glassware Loan

COMPLETE WEDDING CATERING

www.bigdaycatering.com

Our creative kitchen at Bigday tailors a menu to suit your individual requirements. The method is simple; we listen to what you would like to eat and combine this with the best quality fresh, local produce, our renowned style and service and a pinch of our secret formula, resulting in the perfect recipe for any wedding.

• Wedding breakfasts • Evening buffets • Licenced bars • BBQ & hogroast • Canapes • Cakes

All you need for your perfect

FREE Delivery To Your Venue YOUR MONEY BACK On Returns Tel: 01763 247076 - royston@cambridgewine.com 34B Kneesworth Street, Royston, Herts, SG8 5AB

Please contact us on 0800 142 2897 info@bigdaycatering.com www.bigdaycatering.com

FEBRUARY 15

WEDDINGS

25

CONGRATULATIONS!

You’re planning your wedding - how exciting! Everyone will tell you the most important things to sort first are the venue(s) and dress, but the next big thing should be your photographer. A great photographer will be booking weddings over a year in advance, so make sure it’s high on your priority list. Here are some important points to consider.

Use a Professional Don’t be tempted to use a friend unless they’re a wedding professional. They may take great photos on their decent DSLR, but being a wedding photographer is so much more than taking pretty pictures. The pressure of photographing a wedding is high as you only have one chance, and the opportunity to capture each moment could be missed. A professional has the skills to deal with all sorts of lighting changes, weather conditions they’re able to manage people. Let your friend relax and enjoy the day with you, capturing some lovely candid shots.

Be Generous with Your Budget Around 15% of your overall budget should be reserved for photography. The age-old adage that you get what you pay for holds true and remember these photos are your memories recorded to last a lifetime so don’t take any risks – it’s one of the only things that last.

Ask for Recommendations We all know someone who has organised

a wedding so ask around. How happy were they with the finished product? What were their guests’ reactions? You can also ask your venue, but still do your own research. When looking at websites, don’t just view their portfolio; ask to see a full real wedding if there isn’t one up.

Do They Work Alone?

With two photographers you are likely to get wider coverage. If you have over 100 guests, two is essential if you wanted to capture the majority of them in your photos, so bear it in mind, and if you like a solo photographer, ask if they use an assistant.

What is Included?

What are their packages - do they give you all the images on disk? Some offer this included in the package price and some make you pay extra - clarify this if the disk is important to you. Chances are you’ll be given a licence of personal usage rights - this usually means for you as a couple, not for everyone who attended the wedding. There will be a way for guests to buy prints.

Whatever the Occasion...visit us first

Thank You! Party VALENTINES New Home NEW BABY Anniversary Engagement Retirement Sorry!

Wedding Birthday Congratulations Gifts from

Ample free parking – just 2 mins from Tesco

£1.95 Free Tea & Coffee

Opening times: Monday – Saturday 9 – 5pm

Unit 4A, Highfields Business Park, Old North Road (off A1198), Kneesworth SG8 5JT Call us on 01763 241111 26

also online at www.sogifted.co.uk PLUS Click and Collect

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Most Credit/Debit cards accepted

Do You Like Their Style?

The style of your chosen photographer will have a big effect on your finished product.

Choose someone who already produces the style you want, don’t expect someone to change their signature style for you. Think about the future – vintage or instagram style filters may be in fashion now but they may date your photos.

A Natural Rapport Always meet your photographer first. Do you like them as a person? With some people you can have a natural rapport and will be more than happy for them to be part of your wedding, so go with your instinct. There are enough photographers to go round so don’t settle for someone you don’t like, as chances are your guests won’t like them either, and it will have an impact on your photos.

How Do The Images Look in Print Images can look great on screen but poor when printed, so ask to see a digitally printed album.

Check for Insurances A professional should be equipped with public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Your venue may ask to see a certificate of public liability from your photographer – a friend is unlikely to have it!

The Small Print Read the contract carefully and ask any questions before you sign. Check you are clear

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on cancellation, what happens if your photographer gets ill (they are only human after all) and what your usage rights are in particular. We live in a world of social networking, do you have the rights to put the images on Facebook? Most photographers allow this, and sometimes with a watermark retained – don’t be tempted to crop this off, you’ll be breaking a legal agreement. Usage Rights are what most photographers will give you, this shouldn’t be confused with copyright. No photographer worth their salt should be giving away their copyright and you shouldn’t expect it. The rights are all you need to reproduce the images as you wish.

Most importantly, make sure you can have fun with your photographer, so you feel you have booked a friend for your photos. Then you can relax and enjoy your special day!

Lina Orsino-Allen www.LinaandTom.com

T: 01763 448140

Everybody loves a good wedding but these guys positively live for them

Michal

”

Ask us about Family photo shoots and parties too!

Beautiful wedding photography which completely captures the moment

facebook.com/liquidphoto twitter.com/linaandtom 01763 448 140

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VALENTINE’S DAY PROPOSAL? There are few things more romantic than cooking a delectable meal for the love of your life. Conjure some culinary treats. Light a few candles. Dress the table in crisp linen. Oh, and you’ll be needing something wonderful to splash liberally into your finest crystal.

Oysters are number one on the list of aphrodisiacs. It’s all that zinc, you know. Serve with freshly-squeezed lemon, or a dash of shallot vinaigrette. Chilli peppers are known to stimulate endorphins - the brain’s feel-good chemicals - so don’t be shy with the Tabasco or finely chopped chilli. Dom Perignon described Champagne as ‘Like drinking the stars’, thus catapulting it into the Love stratosphere. Our top tips are: Offering superb quality, the Joseph Perrier Brut Rosé at £38.99 (a must at proposals). For less serious liaisons, Tasmania’s superb sparkler, Jansz, is hard to beat. So elegant and so only £16.99.

Next, a luxurious melt-in-the-mouth main course. Pair red meats with glossy mouth-coating reds from The Rhone or Argentine Malbec from £10-£15. Or re-enact The Lady and the Tramp with tomato-based pasta and scented Chianti from £8.99.

Dessert has to be chocolate. Dark chocolate has been shown to cause a spike in dopamine levels which induces feelings of pleasure. Elevate a simple chocolate mousse with peaches poached in Calvados, and pair it with a sweet fortified wine, like Blandy’s ‘Duke of Clarence’ Rich Madeira, a perfect pairing, and a veritable bargain at £14.99.

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Good Luck from Cambridge Wines!

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Brocket Hall

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