Brides Abroad Issue 6 by World Titles

BRIDES ABROAD WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

Issue 6

150

Happy Hens Fab treats

Gorgeous Accessories

For destination weddngs!

for you and the girls

Jewellery, gowns, shoes tiaras & more

WEDDINGS

AFLOAT

Tie the knot on board Cruise ships, barges, luxury yachts, star clippers, power boats

Idyllic Honeymoons Barbados, Bali, Mauritius, St Lucia, Africa, Italy, Goa

Ice Weddings

Chilled chapels, frosty receptions, ICE hotels, cosy igloos, Arctic sleigh rides

Latin

Tango up the aisle!

SPECIAL

America SAVE £10,000 on honeymoons! Maldives, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Greek Islands www.BridesAbroad.tv

PAGE

MALTA £3.99

Steamy

9 772045 870009

Welcome

Credits Published by

Joint Venture Media 5-7 The Shambles Wetherby LS22 6NG Tel: 01937 58 58 00 Fax: 01937 58 28 00

Publisher

Martin Cody-Owen martin@jointventuremedia.tv

Editor-in-Chief

Terri Cody-Owen terri@bridesabroad.tv

Congratulations

Congratulations! I know it’s a cliche, but springtime always puts a spring in everyone’s step! It’s a time for clearing out the old and in with the new - a time to look forward to a brighter future. No wonder it’s the most popular season for marriage proposals. Love is definitely in the air! If you are newly engaged and planning your future together, why not get married somewhere really special, and say: “I do” in the sun? No more worries about wedding day weather blues. Instead simply jet off to sunnier climes and let your resort’s expert wedding coordinators take care of everything. The world’s your oyster – there are so many fab resorts that will be delighted to hold your hand throughout, to make your wedding totally blissful and stress-free. In this issue we take a good look at the perennial favourite – Malta. With warm springs and hot summers, this English-speaking island is always popular (p115). Or why not really push the boat out and celebrate your marriage afloat a luxury cruise ship or even a rustic barge? (p76) Or maybe you’d prefer the ultimate ‘chilled’ wedding high in the Alps, or north of the Arctic Circle. Check out our icy locations feature (p68). Perhaps you prefer to turn up the heat for the steamy pleasures of Latin America with a red hot wedding and a tango for your First Dance. Olé! (p88). If you are looking for inspiration, read the real life experiences of our Real Wedding couples as they tie the knot in Italy (p10), Croatia (p28), New York (p40) and Barbados (p56). Brides Abroad always has fantastic wedding and honeymoon bargains in breathtaking locations so check our special offers on p108 and save thousands of pounds! Wherever you fancy in the world, always give us a call before you book on 01937 585800 for our latest honeymoon deals. We look forward to hearing from you. Have a fantastic BIG DAY wherever in the world you choose! !

Assistant Editor Victoria Ballantyne

Assistant to Publisher Patsy Owen

Contributors

Jane Harrison Andrew Collier Effie Kanya Juliette Somersgill

Editorial Assistant Sundeep Kullar

Photography

Dreamstime Tomi Kriste Marco Miglianti Trix Rosen Christina Brosnan Lida Titova

Design

Chris Peach Centrical Solutions www.centricalsolutions.com

Printer

Stephens and George Print Group www.stephensandgeorge.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Joint Venture Media Sylvia Oakley 01937 585800 Sylvia@bridesabroad.tv Pelusa 020 8406 0820 Mike Murray mike@pelusa.co.uk Ben David ben@pelusa.co.uk

Terri Cody-Owen Editor Brides Abroad terri@bridesabroad.tv To Subscribe to Brides Abroad for just £22 for 6 issues, email Cody@JointVentureMedia.tv www.BridesAbroad.tv

www.BridesAbroad.tv ©Joint Venture Media. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Brides Abroad magazine do not necessarily represent the views of Joint Venture Media. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publisher of Brides Abroad magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in any offer, competition or advertisement contained within Brides Abroad magazine.

Cover

Photograph of a wedding at Waldorf Astoria Maldives www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com For advertising and sponsorship call: Martin Cody-Owen on 01937 58 58 00 or email martin@jointventuremedia.tv

DESIGNER WEDDING DRESSES MADE TO MEASURE IN ITALY 81 Ebury Street London SW1 020 7901 9020 www.lesposedijo.com

Contents 10

In this issue News

Hot news and ideas for weddings and honeymoons

112

Happy hens

Fab ideas for pre-wedding bonding with the girls

REAL WEDDINGS 10 Love in the olive groves

Mike and Margherita’s stylish wedding in Italy

Vintage vows in Old Town

Dubrovnik is the gorgeous setting for Kate and Anthony’s nuptials

Sweet music in France

Violinist Ciara marries Rian in a rustic Vineyard celebration

40 They love New York

Their wedding marks Helen and James’ love affair with the Big Apple

Bliss in Barbados Joanne and Simon’s family celebration on a beautiful Barbados beach.

82 Love on a tall ship

Married at sea! Ineke and Jan say ‘I do’ aboard a star clipper

Six issues

FOR ONLY £18.00 Worth £23.94 inc FREE P&P

www.BridesAbroad.tv/subrcibe www.BridesAbroad.tv 7

WEDDING DESTINATIONS 46 Mauritius - paradise found!

Why this island gem in the Indian Ocean is idyllic for weddings

Beautiful Barbados

62 68

8 Wow weddings

75 76

Get the look - ice weddings

The glamorous Caribbean island where you’ll feel like a star

Amazing places to say “I do” in style

Let it snow

From the Northern Lights in Iceland to spectacular mountain peaks. Check out our glorious icy white weddings!

Cool looks for chilled brides

7 Weddings on the water

Float away on cloud nine as you exchange vows on the water

115 Malta Special PLANNING 98 Weather permitting 102 Wedding countdown

Your worldwide weather guide

104

Month-by-month planning for your wedding abroad

104 Pop the Question

Your questions answered by expert wedding planners

107 Ask the experts

Tips and advice from Lisa Burton of the Bridal Consultancy

HONEYMOONS 5 88 Latin American hotspots 108 Special offers

Get hot and steamy in sultry Latin America

Save £10,000 on honeymoons in the world’s most romantic destinations

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RealWEDDINGS

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Love in the olive groves Mike and Margherita’s traditionally Tuscan nuptials

or Margherita Razza it was love at first sight when she began working with her new line manager Mike Murray. Four years later the couple, from Crystal Palace in London, were exchanging vows in the Tuscan sunshine in a rustically romantic Italian wedding.

Finding ‘the one’ Mike and I met at work. He was my line manager. It was love at first sight for me, but he had a girlfriend when we first met so we were friends at the time. We both left our first place of work and met up randomly four years later for a drink. I think we both knew from our first date that we were going to stay together!

The proposal He proposed on my birthday at Cullinghood Equestrian Farm in Pangbourne. It was amazing. He arranged a birthday morning horse ride, which I loved and when I came home he had decorated the cottage that we were staying in with yellow rose petals which led from the door up some stairs and he was waiting on one knee at the top with a ring! It was completely unexpected – even when I saw the rose petals I thought that he had just gone over the top for my birthday!

Location, location We were engaged 18 months – which at the time seemed like a very long time, but it went really quickly and I enjoyed every minute of the planning. We both decided quickly that we wanted to get married in Italy, somewhere we both loved. We chose to get married in Tuscany as we’d been there before many times and love the region. It’s such a romantic place – and the food and wine is fantastic. We wanted a venue that had a proper rustic Italian feel to it.

The planning We used a wedding planner to help us organise the big day. After meeting and speaking to a number of different people and companies we decided to use Sara from Infinity Weddings Events. She was by far the most helpful, she really understood what we were looking for and was so enthusiastic about the planning. The entire three days were planned before we arrived by Sara and her business partner Barbara.

…and the guests? We had 80 guests in total who flew out to Italy for three nights. We all stayed at our wedding venue, Villa Catignano in Siena. It was perfect and large enough so we could have all our guests stay with us for the full three nights and we could stretch out our wedding celebrations. Unfortunately there were a few guests that were unable to make it – but we were lucky enough that the majority of our friends and family could join us.

Getting the look My dress was by Jenny Packham, which I bought from Miss Bush in Ripley, Surrey. The dress was light and floaty which fitted with our Italian theme. I had a full length crystal veil by Richard Designs, beautiful earrings by Jenny Packham and a Swarovski Crystal hair band by Polly Edwards. My big extravagance were my Christian Laboutin shoes! I did my own make-up but my aunt, who is a hairdresser, did a fabulous job of putting my hair up. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. My something old was my grandads handkerchief that I pinned to my bouquet; something new was my dress; I borrowed a beautiful bracelet www.BridesAbroad.tv 11

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from a friend and the innersoles of my shoes were my something blue.

Groom & bridesmaids Mike had his suit hand made by A Suit That Fits (www.asuitthatfits.com). It was a grey mohair three piece, with a handmade shirt and Jeffery West shoes. The bridesmaids all wore yellow strapless Karen Millen dresses, and the two flower girls wore ivory dresses from John Lewis.

The details Our theme was rustic Italian with yellow and cream colours. We used olive groves, vineyards and lemon trees to create the perfect atmosphere. I was not fussy with my flowers so they were a surprise when they turned up on the day. My only brief to the florist was that they should be a mix of yellow and ivory and not too formal. Our

wedding cake was to die for! It was a typical italian wedding cake – millefoglie with berries.

Photographic memories Our photography was done by an italian photographer, Marco Miglianti. We had three photographers and a videographer, as they specialise in reportage style photographs – which meant we had some amazing natural shots which really capture the atmosphere of the day. My favourite photo is one of Mike and I walking through the streets of Siena after our ceremony. We are both walking hand in hand, looking very relaxed. It is such a unique picture and shows the beautiful streets of Siena.

The ceremony The ceremony took place in Siena town hall. It was right in the centre of Siena in the

Palazzo Publicco, which is the main square. The building was beautiful and the wedding room was decorated with beautifully restored frescoes. The ceremony was a civil ceremony so it only lasted about 20 minutes. We personalised it with three readings and music by a violin and viola. My brother gave me away and he did a great job. I think he was as nervous as I was walking down the aisle.

The reception The reception was back at Villa Catignano where we were all staying. It was the perfect setting for a Tuscan wedding, with a cocktail reception out in the garden with amazing views, followed by the wedding breakfast in a typical Tuscan wedding room. All our catering was done by Infinity Weddings Events preferred caterer, Infinity Ricevimenti. After a cocktail reception full of canapes, we sat down to a meal of Parma ham and melon to start, followed by pasta and pesto, then fillet of beef with potatoes and our wedding cake for dessert. For the decoration, our centre pieces were a mix of fresh lemons, flowers and candles which tied into the yellow and cream colour theme. We made our menus and table names out of left over wedding invitations decorated with sprigs of olive. For our first dance we chose ‘Happy Together’ by The Turtles. We did have a few lessons beforehand just to put together a basic dance routine. The evening’s entertainment went off with a bang to an amazing two piece band – Guty and Simone. They played a fantastic mix of modern and old songs that we all danced to until 2am!

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Magic moments The whole day was better than I ever could have imagined. It is impossible to pick one part that was better than any other. However one of the funniest moments was the drive from the ceremony: For our wedding car we hired a vintage red convertible Alfa Romeo. As it was a two seater my mum had to drive me to the ceremony and Mike had to drive us back. The funniest or perhaps most embarrassing part though was Mike driving down a one way street in Siena town centre (as an old walled city with very narrow roads, this is not a clever thing to do). A local man, feeling sorry for us, did stop all the traffic and walk us out of the walled part of the city! And an almost disaster occurred when my two-year-old nephew put his head through some railing in Siena square and got it stuck! He was screaming so much that we thought we needed to call the fire brigade, but luckily a clever local man came to our rescue and helped him out!

The honeymoon We had a two-night minimoon about an hours drive away in a town called Montepulciano, before flying to Bali for a two-week luxurious trip of a lifetime. Our friends and family stayed with us for another two days after our wedding before we headed off to Montepulciano, so we had the best of both worlds.

Further information Planning: Infinity Wedding Events www.infinity-weddingsandevents.com Catering: Infinity Ricevimenti www.infinityricevimenti.it Photographer: Marco Miglianti www.marcomiglianti.it Venue: Villa Catignano: www.villacatignano.it 14 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

BRIDAL Intricately detailed short and tea length wedding dresses for the modern bride

For your nearest store please visit www.tobihannahbridal.co.uk

Steal Margherita’s Style

Cherish diamante bracelet by Ivory & Co, £75 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Soft flowing fabrics with delicate diamond accessories set the scene for Margherita’s majestic wedding amidst the Italian olive groves with a vibrant dash of lemon to add a tangy twist

Cherish diamante earrings by Ivory & Co, £48 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Cherish diamante necklace by Ivory & Co, £160 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Lemon bridesmaid dress by Kelsey Rose www.kelseyrose.co.uk

Bridal veil with diamante trim by Emmerling www.lesliehatcherbridal.co.uk

Claudette headdress by Polly Edwards, £255 www.pollyedwards.com

Satin bridal shoes from the Rainbow Couture Collection www.rainbowclub.co.uk Dress by Romantica, Style Queenie www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk 16 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Lemon shoes by River Island www.riverisland.com

Familymoon at Jolly Beach With couples now celebrating second marriages with sons and daughters in tow, a new trend has emerged for ‘familymoons’, which includes children in both the wedding and honeymoon plans. The Wedding Team at Antigua’s gorgeous all-inclusive Jolly Beach Resort and Spa are happy to arrange child-friendly wedding ceremonies and familymoons. Sons under 18-years-old are allowed to be best man and daughters can be flower girls or the maid of honor. Children over 18 can fully participate in the wedding and sign the register. Special sand ceremonies are also offered to signify the joining together of the two families. However, when the newlyweds want some privacy there are endless activities to keep the children busy at the Kidz Club and Jolly Teenz Club

Book it!

Through leading UK tour operators including Kuoni, Hayes & Jarvis, Thomas Cook Signature and Thomson Tailormade. Or log onto www.jollybeachresort.com.

BRIDES ABROADNEWS Be inspired, informed and amazed by the latest news on overseas weddings & honeymoons

Camp Africa

Get back to nature with an African Safari honeymoon – an increasingly popular way to begin married life together. Couples who are wildlife enthusiasts need look no further than Nomad Lamai Serengeti for the ultimate vantage point to view big game, animals and birds in the African plains. The newly opened 12-room camp is ideally situated to watch the Great Migration of buffalo and wildebeest in Tanzania from its unrivalled position on the Kogakuria Kopjie looking out over the Lamai Wedge – and is one of the best areas to maximise the chance of catching spectacular river crossings.

Book it!

Four nights at the Nomad Lamai Serengeti camp start from £3,580 per person including flights, transfers, accommodation on an all-inclusive basis, taxes and surcharges with honeymoon safari specialists Africa Odyssey. www.africaodyssey.com

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Tropical bargains!

If you are one of the many couples seeking winter sunshine weddings and honeymoons on a shoestring, long-haul specialist Tropical Sky is offering fantastically-priced packages to a selection of far-flung destinations from January 2012 including Sri Lanka, Thailand and Mauritius starting from just £889 per person with savings of up to £260 up for grabs! Visit Sri Lanka and stay at the Mermaid Hotel & Club on the golden sands of Kalutara beach for just £889 per person, saving £230; stay 7 nights at the boutique Red Ginger Chic Resort in Thailand from £899 per person or spoil yourself in Mauritius with an all-inclusive 7-night spa break at Le Palmiste Resort & Spa in Trou Aux Biches from just £1,139 per person.

Book it!

To book any of these offers visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk/deals or telephone 0844 332 9349

A date to remember at Sandals

Book a wedding date that you and your guests will never forget! Sandals Resorts is offering betrothed couples the chance to secure a memorable 12/12/12 wedding date, which will be the last triple digit date until the year 3001. With triple digit dates occurring only 12 times every one thousand years, it is a rare opportunity that just HAS to be snapped up! The date 12/12/12 is set to be one of the most favoured wedding dates ever at Sandals and Beaches 14 Luxury Included® all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas, so book early to secure this truly unforgettable date that even the most forgetful spouse will remember!

Book it!

Sandals Resorts is offering a FREE themed wedding package – the Beautiful Beginnings Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart – with stays of six nights or longer in any room category, which means that you can marry for as little as £2,138 per couple. A wedding package, accommodation, return flights and resort transfers are all included in the price. www.sandals.co.uk

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Propose in St Lucia

Calling all British men wanting to propose to their partner in style! Take her on a romantic trip to St Lucia to pop the question, just like ‘Bachelor’ Gavin Harrison, who was recently filmed in finals of the UK version of TV’s ‘The Bachelor’ in St Lucia in his quest to find true love. The luxurious Cap Maison boutique resort and spa in St Lucia is offering the unique Bachelor Proposal Package so that loved-up British bachelors can win their partner’s hand in marriage in a totally romantic setting. The package includes luxury accommodation in a villa suite and treats to win her heart, including a private sunset cruise. The highlight is a unique proposal stunt during a candlelit dinner on a private terrace surrounded by the sea – on the bachelor’s nod, the engagement ring with red roses and champagne are sent down a zip line onto the terrace from the Cliff at Cap restaurant above. A stunt guaranteed to get a ‘yes’!

Book it!

Bachelor Package includes seven nights in the signature Oceanview Villa Suite with private pool and scenic helicopter transfer on arrival and ground transfer on departure. Price from £5,615. Call: +44 (0) 208 977 6099. www.capmaison. com

Culinary secrets from the Maldives

The saying goes that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so cook him a delicious meal and he will love you forever! Now newlyweds honeymooning at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa can learn how to rustle up the 5* cuisine served in the hotel’s restaurants. The chefs at the resort are offering a ‘Cooking Class’ to teach guests their cooking skills, from preparing signature dishes to tips for perfect BBQs. Participants can also dine with the Executive Chef of Sheraton Maldives at the ‘Chef’s Table’ where he guides them through the special set menu. Guests can also learn how create delicious cocktails with lessons from the skilled bar staff.

Book it!

To book visit www.sheraton.com/maldives

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WWW.PRONOVIAS.CO.UK LONDON FLAGSHIP STORE. 94, NEW BOND STREET 路 LONDON W1. PERSONAL APPOINTMENTS 0207 518 8470. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ON-LINE AT OUR PREMIUM DEALER STORES.

The Bridal Coach Brides, you can become an expert wedding planner for your own wedding with the help of The Bridal Coach, a four DVD set guide to enable brides-to-be to have the wedding of their dreams. Former catwalk model Michele Paradise is a life coach and advisor on TV hits ‘The Clothes Show’ and ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’ and a recognised figure in the bridal industry. Michele says: “Being a bride is like being a supermodel for the day, only models have guidance and experience and brides don’t. They only get one shot at it!” Her DVD collection advises on all aspects of being a bride from looking stunning, standing with poise and staying calm to selecting the right wedding dress for body shape, makeup tips and advice on the art of walking down the aisle in supermodel style. www.thebridalcoachdvd.com

Rice Butterflies the new confetti Ask your guests to shower you with pretty butterflies as a gorgeous alternative to traditional confetti. Stunning Rice Butterflies are beautifully packaged and eco-friendly and will give your wedding photos the wow factor as they soar for up to eight seconds while cameras capture the magic. Made from rice paper, rice grain and rice glue only, they are biodegradable and available in five colours (natural/white, red, blue, green and yellow) with approximately 125 butterflies per pack. The paper is all-weather safe so colours won’t run. Available from www.ricebutterflies.co.uk where couples can automatically send a message to their wedding guests requesting to be showered by the beautiful Rice Butterflies, so guests can buy them instead of confetti as a special treat.

A gift of love Looking for a special gift for your groom to wear on his special day? He will love the new wedding cufflinks by Heraldia, the specialist men’s jewellery website, which offers design custom-made jewellery, perfect for special occasions. We are loving the latest cufflink designs with Mr and Mrs and “I” and “Do” engravings. They are a cheeky fashion accessory for grooms wanting to give their future wife a sign of assurance on the big day! The cufflinks are made in a variety of different styles, metals and engraving with prices starting from £57.20 for Sterling Silver. www.heraldia.co.uk.

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Fit for a Bride

If you are a bride to be looking for the perfect way to get fit, firm and fab for your wedding day, want to drop a dress size for a figure-hugging wedding dress, or simply want a result-driven week of fitness, fun and pampering with your hen party, then join a Week Long Fit Camp at one of Champneys spa resorts. The Fit Camp is ideal for brides-to-be to either go it alone or for a bonding week with her hens in which to get healthy and embrace the elements of a positive lifestyle, healthy eating, fitness sessions and spa pampering ready for the big day. The course offers challenging fitness regimes each day for up to six hours and advice on nutrition so that brides-tobe will leave Champneys feeling energised and motivated to continue married life with a new level of fitness and health. There’s plenty of time for rest and relaxation too with pampering spa treatments and dips in the pool.

Book it!

Prices from £995 per person for Henlow and Springs and £1195 per person for Forest Mere and Tring and include accommodation, food and beverages as well as the fit camp activity. For details of availability and booking visit www. champneys.com or call 0843 316 2222

Feel the Love

Whether you are looking for a magical place to propose, get married, have a blessing or dream honeymoon, celebrate a special anniversary or simply spend time with your loved one, the W Retreat Koh Samui offers the opportunity to escape it all for a romantic break at one of Thailand’s most beautiful locations. W Retreat has just launched the new Feel the Love package for true romance in a tropical setting. Located on the idyllic north shore, the retreat’s Feel the Love package offers the chance to hide away in a private villa with its own pool in loved-up luxury, bask in the sun on the beach, snorkel on the beautiful coral reefs or indulge in couples treatments at the AWAY Spa. You are absolutely guaranteed to fall in love with each other all over again.

Book it!

Book online: www.starwood-ap.com or call (960) 665 - 022

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Goa - destination of romance!

For couples looking for an idyllic winter-sun honeymoon, Alila Diwa Goa has just launched its Destination Romance package to pamper and indulge newlyweds in tropical bliss. Set in south Goa, Alila Diwa, a Design Hotels resort, is a contemporary hotel, which is perfect for a couple’s getaway. The Destination Romance package includes: a bottle of champagne on arrival; breakfast for two at the exclusive Diwa Wing poolside restaurant Bistro; dining at Spice Studio; a couples spa ritual and an excursion with a picnic lunch in which couples can explore the area and visit the local markets and spice plantations.

Book it!

Elegant Resorts offers 7 nights B&B in a Terrace Room, return flights with British Airways, internal flights in India and transfers. Price from £1,495 per person. Valid 6 Jan-31 Mar 2012. www.elegantresorts.co.uk.

Nature’s fireworks in Sicily

Looking for a honeymoon with an interesting twist? Luxury honeymoon specialists Scott Dunn are offering an exciting itinerary in Sicily, combining the culture of Taormina with the lunar landscapes of the mysterious Aeolian Islands, culminating in a spectacular natural firework display. The honeymoon begins with a two-nights stay at the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily with views across the bay and Mount Etna. From here they can explore Taormina’s shops and magnificent Greek Amphitheatre. They then head to the Aeolian island of Vulcano to stay at the stylish Therasia Resort. Honeymoon highlights include: exploring Vulcano’s rocky coastline, black sand beaches, hot springs and bubbling mud pools; taking a boat trip to the island of Panarea with its clear blue waters perfect for diving and snorkelling; and an evening climb to the volcanic crater on Stromboli Island famous for its spectacular ‘fireworks’ display - the only volcano in Europe with permanently eruptive activity.

Book it!

Scott Dunn’s new Romance and Adventure in Sicily and Aeolian Islands starts from £1,795 per person and includes two nights in Taormina staying at the Hotel Timeo, seven nights at the Therasia Resort in the Aeolian Islands with return flights and hydrofoil transfers. www.scottdunn.com

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Relax info@PureZanzibar.com | Tel: +44 (0)1227 753180

Explore Pure Tailor Made Adventures

info@PureSafari.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0)1227 753181

RealWEDDINGS

Vintage Vows in Old Town

Kate & Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rustic Croatian wedding

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he heat was on when Kate Allen from Birmingham, met her fiancé Anthony Hickinbottom at a friends BBQ – it wasn’t just the hot dogs and hamburgers that sizzled – love was definitely in the air! It wasn’t long before the couple sealed their love with a romantic wedding ceremony in the warm Dubrovnik sunshine.

Finding ‘the one’ We met at a mutual friend’s BBQ one May Bank holiday evening and it was definitely love at first sight!

The proposal Anthony’s proposal was totally unexpected – he proposed in a beautiful wood in our favourite park in Sutton Coldfield. He traditionally got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him!

Location, location We decided to marry in Dubrovnik for a number of reasons, the first being that when we visited the Old Town a few years prior we stumbled into the church St Ignatius and immediately fell in love with the amazing interior! The second reason was that the wedding of our dreams in Dubrovnik was a fraction of the price we would have paid in the UK! The reception location was chosen purely on the photos provided by our wedding planner.

Planning the big day We booked our own flights and accommodation but we used the most amazing wedding planner Kristina from Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings to plan our special day. Kristina our wedding planner went above and beyond, ensuring we had the wedding of our dreams! In fact her whole team in Dubrovnik was incredible! We built up a lovely relationship over email before we departed the UK and when we arrived Kristina could not have made us more welcome! Her commitment to our dream day was highlighted when she was involved in a car accident on our wedding day. We were blissfully unaware enjoying our day when Paula her colleague advised us of her accident, which occurred whilst out buying more candles for the tables as the original candles were starting to melt in the sun. This didn’t keep her away from her job and she came back from the hospital to our reception to wish us congratulations. Amazing!!

…And the guests? We had 30 adult guests and three babies at our wedding, who stayed at various locations around the Old Town. Most of our close family and friends were not put off by having to travel abroad and used the wedding as another excuse for a holiday!!

Getting the look My dress was simple yet elegant and ideal for the warmer temperatures of Dubrovnik. I didn’t want the typical ‘straight across bandeau top’ type of dress so I chose

something with a bit more detail around the neck, shoulders and back. I bought my dress from Red Rose Design in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield where they had so much more choice for brides that are looking for something a bit different! The theme? Simple, elegant and romantic. I love vintage so my headpiece was a headband with a side detail of pearls and diamonds in a 1940’s style, which matched my earrings and bracelet. I did my own make up but had the most amazing hairdresser to perform his magic on the day and I loved what he did!

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RealWEDDINGS

Something old, something new? Old? My beaded vintage bag (gift from my maid of honour); new – wedding dress; Something borrowed – earrings and something blue – well my husband is a massive Aston Villa fan so it was only right that I wore an Aston Villa garter, which is claret and blue! I am a Manchester United fan so it was a ‘one off’ time that I would wear the Villa colours!

Groomed to perfection We tried to tie in the slight vintage theme running through the wedding so Anthony went for a classic pale grey suit with braces.

The bridesmaids My gorgeous bridesmaids wore floor length flowing dresses that again had more detail on the back and were not the traditional type of dress. I wanted their hairstyles to be similar but with a slight difference in each design. Again their jewellery was a mix of pearls and diamonds.

Fine details Our flowers were cream and pale pink roses and our wedding cake was a beautiful fruit pavlova, yummy!

The ceremony Our ceremony was held at St Ignatius church – the church I had fallen in love with when we visited Dubrovnik Old Town on holiday. The ceremony itself lasted about half an hour, Father Peter Marco from Dubrovnik married us and my father gave me away.

The reception We had a wonderful reception at The Excelsior Hotel, just outside the Old Town walls. Our guests tucked into a four-course meal, which started with a chicken Caesar salad, local Dalmatian ham and cheeses and was followed by either sea bass and risotto or lamb cutlets. For desert we had a trio of Belgian chocolates! This was probably the best meal I have ever had! We had glass bowls of water with pebbles from the beach and floating pale pink roses to decorate the tables. The table runners were pale pink too. We tried to link the beautiful Croatian beaches into the décor with writing guests names on the pebbles. Our first dance was Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Every time we say goodbye’, but we didn’t lay on any entertainment – unless you class my lovely family entertaining us with their crazy dancing! We had a DJ. 30 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Picture perfect Tomi, our wedding planner’s husband, was our photographer and, along with his videographer Micho, they did an amazing job! We both love the black and white shot of us in an archway in the walls of Dubrovnik Old Town, as it resembles the beauty of our day and the stunning location!

Magic moments The whole day was incredible – it would be impossible to choose one single magic moment, but the funniest memory was of the men in my life dancing with ties round their heads to Dire Straits ‘Money For Nothing’!

The honeymoon We spent a few days in Croatia after the wedding celebrating with our friends and family, but when we got home we went to our favourite place in Cornwall for a relaxing honeymoon break on our own.

On budget? The whole wedding cost approximately £8,000, which was right on budget!

Further information Wedding planners: Kristina from Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings Ltd. www.dubrovnikluxuryweddings.com. Photography: Tomi Kriste from Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings www.dubrovnikweddingphotographer.com Info@dubrovnikweddingphotographer.com Location: The Excelsior Hotel, Dubrovnik www.hotel-excelsior.hr

For stunning wedding photographs which capture the beauty of your destination wedding in Croatia contact:

Tomi Kriste

Gornji Kono 56 b, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia Telephone:

+ 385 98 288 256 info@dubrovnikweddingphotographer.com www.dubrovnikweddingphotographer.com

www.BridesAbroad.tv 31

Steal

Sparkling Rose of Eternity headband by Glitzy Secrets, £126 www.glitzysecrets.com

Kate’s

Style

Bridesmaid’s triple link pearl necklace with matching pearl drop earrings by June Ellen, £55. Style Regina SKU 3028 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Kate looks glamorous in satin and diamonds perfect for sparkling against rustic historical town backdrops like Dubrovnik

Wedding veil by Vivien Sherriff, style Robyn www.viviensheriff.co.uk

Bridesmaid’s dress by Romantica, style Nerys www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk Diamond and pearl drop earrings by Purely Diamonds, £1,547 www.purelydiamonds.co.uk

Stunning floral diamante headband by Glitzy Secrets, £74 www.glitzysecrets.com

Bridal shoes by Linzi, £20 www.linzishoes.com

Wedding dress by Romantica, Style Dominica www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk 32 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Bridesmaid’s shoes by Rachel Simpson, Style Tallulah, £125 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Advertising Feature

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RealWEDDINGS

France Sweet music in

Ciara and Rianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rustic vineyard wedding

34 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

When Ciara O’Halloran, a violinist from Cork, Ireland met engineer Rian O’Dwyer, they realised that they were in perfect harmony and soon headed off to tie-the-knot in romantic rural France

Finding ‘the one’ Rian and I met in our third year of college. Rian played trumpet in the college orchestra I played in – I had actually known him as an acquaintance for many years but never got a chance to spend time with him and get to know him properly.

The proposal He proposed by the lakes of Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland. I had just returned from studying for my masters in Chicago so we planned a weekend away in Kerry. Rian booked a beautiful hotel overlooking the lake and suggested a walk to the ruins of a 12th century castle at the lake shore, where he asked me to marry him. The timing was certainly unexpected! I think we both had known for quite some time that it was the real deal but I hadn’t expected a proposal anytime soon. I was totally and utterly shocked but in spite of that said yes straight away!

Location, location We decided on an overseas wedding because we wanted to give our guests the opportunity to have a holiday in addition to attending the wedding, and ideally reduce costs. Also, I had played at a lot of wedding venues in Ireland as part of my string quartet so we liked the idea of going somewhere that none of us had been before. Rian came up with the idea of having the wedding at a vineyard in France, which we immediately thought would be a lovely setting. I started researching venues online. We wanted somewhere convenient for our guests to fly and somewhere that would have accommodation on site for most of our family. It was important for me to have it in a relatively contemporary setting where we could have the ceremony and reception on the same site. I knew when I stumbled upon Domaine Gayda online that it was the perfect location for what we had in mind.

Planning the big day We got married 2 years and 8 months after the proposal to give us plenty of time to save for the wedding in full. We didn’t use a wedding planner; we contacted www.BridesAbroad.tv 35

RealWEDDINGS

and worked with all the vendors directly. We had visited the venue twice before the big day, which allowed us to plan most of the details in advance. We had a lot of DIY elements, which were left until the few days before the wedding. Rian drove over three days before the ceremony with all our décor supplies including the wedding cake. We also decorated the venue and tables ourselves the night before the wedding with the help of our family and friends and created the bouquets the day before the wedding with the help of a lady at the local flower market.

…And the guests Around 50 guests travelled to spend a few days with us. They all travelled independently and made their own arrangements – we let them know about all the various travel routes and options that were available and also recommended different accommodation on a wedding website that Rian created. We really appreciated the number of guests who made the effort to travel. However unfortunately having the wedding abroad did mean it was not possible for some of our guests to attend. Most of our family stayed in the gites on site at Domaine Gayda. We had one other 36 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

house rented in the village for other family members while the rest of our guests stayed nearby in the city of Carcassonne. It was about a 20-minute journey from Carcassonne to the venue so we arranged for a coach company to collect and return all our guests to their accommodation on the day of the wedding.

Getting the look My wedding dress was handmade by Ernest Perryman designs. I had no particular theme - just knew I wanted something slightly unusual with lace. Ernest Perryman also made a stunning full-length veil for me to wear. I accessorised that with a pair of ivory Louboutins I sourced on theoutnet.com. As my wedding dress had quite decorative lace, I didn’t wear any jewellery apart from my wedding rings. My mum wore a gold locket that had belonged to my great grandmother and it was nice to have a bit of family history with us on the day. I had my hair done in a local French hairdressers and then had my make-up done in a local beauty salon. I didn’t have a chance to have a trial in advance so it was a bit nerve wracking on the day trying to convey what I wanted in French – but it all worked out fine in the end!

Groom and bridesmaids Rian wore a lovely charcoal grey three piece suit with a white shirt and a pale grey tie with pink, grey and ivory polkadots. His best man and groomsman wore light grey suit trousers and waistcoats from Marks and Spencer with white shirts. As it was an outdoor ceremony we felt it suited the style to keep it more contemporary and casual. My two sisters were my bridesmaids. It was important for me to find dresses that they could easily wear again in the future and that would be suitable in the French sunshine. To be slightly different I decided they would wear the same dress from Warehouse in different colours, accessorized with Kurt Geiger shoes in corresponding opposite colours. It came together really well.

Fine details We didn’t have a specific theme before we started. We let the surroundings of the vineyard influence the décor and also used our wedding invitations for inspiration for a bright and pretty colour scheme. Rian baked the cake the day before the wedding with the help of his groomsman

and brother. They made a lemon curd cake, which was then iced, it was absolutely delicious and all the more personal as Rian had baked it himself! We picked our flowers based on what was available at the market the day before the wedding! I let the lady at the small flower stall arrange what she thought would look well together and we were impressed with how it all came together with very few flowers, including carnations, daisies, baby’s breath, ferns and some berries. The added bonus of doing it this way was that is was so much more cost effective than going through a florist.

The ceremony We had a Catholic ceremony in a tiny church by the lakeside in Ireland just before leaving for France, with our parents being the only people in attendance. As a result we had the freedom to renew our vows in France in whatever manner we liked. Raymond Thatcher from Wedding Words and Wishes created a 40-minute ceremony that exceeded our expectations. We came across Raymond Thatcher online. He was a local celebrant who worked with us to create a spiritual wedding ceremony personal to us. The service took place on the grounds of the gites in Domaine Gayda under a wooden canopy by the pool. My mum gave me away – my Dad passed away when I was 13, so it was fitting that she be the one to give me away.

The reception We held our reception in the vineyard at Maison Gayda restaurant, on the grounds of Domaine Gayda Brugairolles in the South of France. All together there were 53 for dinner. We didn’t have a specific theme – we just wanted the tables to be visually attractive. We used ornate white frames with table numbers that matched the style of the invitations. We used vintage style mercury glass vases and candleholders and some vintage French postcards to finish off the styling of the tables. We also styled a guest book table where we placed our guest book and fingerprint wedding tree. We collected a photograph of all past family weddings and displayed them in a vintage silver frame with ribbons and small heart pegs. It was a nice way to include all previous weddings and couples in our family and was lovely to see how wedding fashions changed through the decades! Our guests had a choice of meals, which we asked them to choose from menus we sent them in advance, which included seared salmon with rocket butter and steamed spicy Marseillete red rice; slowly baked Cathare pork with mashed Pays de Sault potatoes and coriander, and parmesan and rocket risotto for the main course, plus a selection of hot and cold starters and desserts.

For our first dance we had originally asked for ‘At Last’ by Etta James but our jazz band didn’t have that particular song in its repertoire so we had another French jazz song and we can’t remember the name! Then Superswing, a fantastic eight piece jazz big band entertained our guests for dancing after dinner and we continued the dancing into the night with an ipod playing all our favourite tunes.

Photographic memories Photography was a big priority for us and early on we decided we wanted someone whose style was a little bit different to the standard pose and shoot pictures. Having Christina Brosnan as our photographer was such a fantastic experience. She travelled from Ireland to France and really captured all the details and emotion of the day. We couldn’t recommend her highly enough; she was a dream to work with and has given us the most wonderful souvenirs from the day. Christina was with us from 8am until passed midnight and captured so many stunning photos that it would be nearly impossible to pick a favourite.

Magic moments There were so many highlights from the day – like seeing Rian in his gorgeous suit and having all our favourite people together in the one place. However the funniest memories were of people following us around the old city of Carcassonne with cameras as Christina shot our wedding photos, and our three-year-old flower girl dancing to every single number the band played, with wild abandon! There were also a couple of potential disasters – Rian was quite sick on the day and had to leave between courses to deal with a persistent cough and the material for my dress was misplaced a few days before we left for France. There was a frantic three days to get a replacement lace, redesign the dress and make it from scratch.

The honeymoon We had spent the week of the wedding celebrating with all our family and friends so they were happy to travel home after this time. After the wedding we travelled alone from the South of France up north to Brittany stopping in various locations for a week for our honeymoon.

On budget? We never did tally the final figure but we aimed for £15,000. We think we were reasonably close to budget.

Further information Photography: Christina Brosnan www.brosnanphotographic.com. www.BridesAbroad.tv 37

Pearl floral Alice band by Accessorize www.accessorize.co.uk

Steal Ciara’s Style

Cherie Apricot rose and feather comb by June Ellen, SKU JEH1014 £32 www.crystalfrost.co.uk Dark blue triple corsage evening dress by Debenhams, £90 www.debenhams.com

Delicate lace and florals infused with vibrant pinks and navy give Ciara’s rustic French wedding a gorgeously individual twist

Lace trimmed wedding veil by Emmerling www.lesliehatcherbridal.co.uk

Fuscia bridesmaid shoe by Rachel Simpson, style Roxy www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Floral Clutch by Accessorize, £25 www.accessorize.co.uk

Bridesmaid dress by M & Co, Style 226380. £79 www.mandco.com

Wedding dress by Stephanie Allin, Style Tilly www.stephanieallin.net

Bridal shoes, Sweet Briar by Hassall. £199 www.rainbowclub.co.uk 38 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Navy bridesmaid’s shoe by Rachel Simpson, style Hettie. £125 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

RealWEDDINGS

They New York

Helen and Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; zany wedding in Central Park

40 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

hen Helen Jones from Bolton met Police Officer James Simpson at a New Years Eve party back in 1999 she was captivated as they discussed their mutual love of the Big Apple - and they discovered that not only were they enamoured by New York but they also adored each other. Years later, when he finally proposed, it seemed only fitting to tie the knot in Manhattan.

Finding ‘the one’ We first met on New Years Eve 1999; we spent the whole night talking about New York, but never swapped numbers. A couple of years later we were introduced by our younger sisters who had become friends (and were our bridesmaids!) on a night out in Manchester.

The proposal He proposed on a walk in North Wales in the middle of nowhere (and with no-one around to see him!). When we sat down for a break from walking with our dog he got down on one knee and pulled out a ring. I said yes straight away and then he produced a bottle of champagne that

he had carried around in his backpack all morning! It was totally unexpected because after seven years I had almost given up hope!

The outfits My wedding dress was an ivory twopiece with a corseted strapless top and a ballerina length full skirt. It was by Alan Hannah and I bought it from Bellissima Bridal in Ramsbottom over a year before the ceremony, as I knew exactly what I wanted and this fitted the bill perfectly. The style of the dress was perfect for our New York wedding. It made me feel like a bride but was very easy to wear and a bit quirky. Plus the skirt was the right length to show off my Jimmy Choo bridal shoes! I wore a small ‘birdcage’ style veil in my hair and a pearl necklace. I also had a small sequined bag from Accessorize that I carried after the ceremony. We hired Gorgeous Bride NY for hair and Lauren Whitworth to do make-up for me, the bridesmaids and mother of the bride. We were really pleased with both of them, especially Lauren who was fantastic at her job and was a lovely presence to have around on the morning of the wedding.

Something old, something new? My something old was photographs of my grandparents that I carried in my bag; something new was my shoes, something borrowed was the pearl necklace and something blue was a garter that my mum wore on her wedding day (so old, borrowed and blue really!)

Groom and bridesmaids James wore a black suit and white shirt both from Next, with an ivory tie and pocket handkerchief. The bridesmaids wore black strapless, knee length dresses with a sweetheart neckline and an ivory sash around the waist. Their shoes were ivory and they wore a flower in their hair.

Location, location We decided to marry overseas because we only wanted a small wedding with the people closest to us who really wanted to be there. We chose New York because it is our favourite place in the world and one we had visited together many times. All of our friends and family know this and none of them were surprised when we told them our plans. We considered a few different venues in the city, but Central Park was the clear winner. www.BridesAbroad.tv 41

RealWEDDINGS

The planning We used a wedding planner, The Bridal Consultant, to make most of the plans for the ceremony – it was a great help to have all the legal things taken care of and the formal arrangements made. We arranged the reception ourselves as well as the travel arrangements – having travelled to New York many times before we know the areas and hotels really well so it just made sense. We planned pretty much everything before we went. We travelled to New York the year before to choose a reception venue and meet some of the suppliers. It really helped with our planning to have already visited places and to know what to expect.

And the guests? We took 25 guests, most of who stayed in the same hotel as us, Hotel Beacon on the Upper West Side. Other guests chose to stay in hotels nearby that we had been able to recommend. Most people that we invited accepted our invitation, we found that giving 42 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

people plenty of notice meant that they were able to plan and save for the trip and use it as their summer holiday at the same time.

The details We didn’t have a theme but our wedding colours were black and white, which we used throughout the wedding. The bridal bouquet was white roses and the bridesmaids had smaller versions of this. James and the male members of the wedding party also wore white roses in their buttonholes. We had short, square black vases with white roses as centrepieces on the tables at the reception. Our cake was amazing! We ordered it from City Sweets, but didn’t meet with them until a few days before the wedding to finalise the details. The tasting session we had was almost as much fun as eating it on the day! We had three tiers of different flavours and fillings. We had also had a cake topper made of the two of us with our dog, which went down really well with our guests.

Photographic memories Trix Rosen did our photography and she was excellent. Very professional, and a lovely person too. We were absolutely thrilled with the way our photographs turned out. Of the formal photographs our favourite is a group shot of all the guests in Central Park, which really captures what the whole day was about. However, our real favourites are a series of photographs taken by one of the guests, while they were having drinks in the Stone Rose Lounge on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Centre. They are of us walking out of the park and across Columbus Circle, through the streets and the crowds – very New York!

The ceremony My dad gave me away at our wedding ceremony, which took place in the Cop Cot, Central Park, New York and lasted about 20 minutes.

The reception After the ceremony we all made our way to Moran’s Restaurant, Chelsea, New York for the reception where we were greeted on arrival with drinks and canapés for an hour. This was followed by a three-course meal starting with Waldorf salad, followed by a choice of fillet steak, chicken or sea bass, then fruit and pastries for dessert. All our guests agreed that the food was amazing! We had the wedding cake later in the evening. We tried to keep to a black and white theme at the reception to match the wedding party. James is a bit of an artist on the sly and had personalised each guest’s place card with a drawing of a New York landmark. Our guests loved these and they were a great keepsake of the day. We decided to break with tradition and didn’t have a first dance. However we did have our own choice of music playing through an I-Pod after the meal, which was great as we all had a bit of a dance and could choose to play anything we wanted.

Sweet memories The whole day was amazing! Just being in New York dressed in our wedding outfits, walking down the streets or around the park, having passers by taking photographs and shouting ‘congratulations’ was surreal. We loved feeling like the city was part of our wedding day. There were lots of fun moments – in fact we laughed all day, including when the chief bridesmaid was catching the bouquet in mid air and landed in a heap on the floor, plus memories of lots of tipsy and happy wedding guests! A couple of little things didn’t go exactly to plan, but none of it mattered on the day.

On budget? We didn’t really have a budget, but spent about £10,000 on the actual wedding day. Flights, accommodation, honeymoon and the reception we had at home were all additional to that.

The honeymoon We stayed in New York for a couple of days after the wedding (a week in total) and then flew to Las Vegas for another week, followed by a week in the Cotswolds with our dog. Our friends and family shared part of our honeymoon in New York and we absolutely loved having them there. One of the best parts of getting married abroad was having everyone with us for the days before and after the wedding. Rather than just having a wedding day, it felt like we had a ‘wedding week’!

Further information Wedding planning: Lisa Burton at The Bridal Consultant lisaburton@thebridalconsultant.co.uk www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk Venue: Moran’s Restaurant, Chelsea, New York Photography: Trix Rosen www.BridesAbroad.tv 43

Steal Helen’s Style A clever blend of sophistication and glamour with a hint of kitch is the key to Helen’s stunning style – perfect for city weddings

Pearl necklace by Mai Pearls, £34.99 Pearl and silver earrings by Mai Pearls, £29.99 www.maipearls.co.uk

Fascinator by June Ellen, Style Alison, £165 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Geometric Gem bridal clutch, £229 www.anjlilondon.com

Pearl bracelet www.accessorize.co.uk

Fascinator by June Ellen, style Valerie. £120 www.crystalfrost.co.uk Dress by Maggie Sottero, Style JD1406 www.maggiesottero.com

Black lace shoes, style Lilly, £150 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Shortie wedding veil by Emmerling www.lesliehatcherbridal.co.uk

Bridal shoes, style Luella, £65 www.rainbowclub.co.uk 44 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Black bridesmaid dress by JLM www.jlmcouture.com

Advertising Feature

We love weddings at

Son Granot!

Why? It’s simple. Weddings are moments of wonderful hopes and dreams, of happiness and desires for a great future and we at Son Granot identify very much with all these sentiments. That’s why we want you to have the best wedding possible, like a dream come true, not just any dream – your dream! We’ll take care of everything, so the only thing that you’ll have to worry about is enjoying your big day. We’ll prepare your wedding according to your wishes and take care of all the details, right down to the smallest. We’ll accompany you on every step of the way in the preparation of your wedding so that everything is as easy and as stress free as possible. We can advise you on your selection of flowers and decoration, the style of the table dressings, music, entertainment, photographer, choosing the wedding cake, the menu and aperitifs, vehicles for transporting the bride and groom, the guests and whatever other wishes you may have.

The menu is something that needs to be taken care of right down to the tiniest detail and to that end we’ll help you plan it according to your tastes and with the maximum quality that typifies Son Granot. We’ll help you choose the best spots in Son Granot to ensure that everything will be perfect – the ceremony, the aperitif, the lunch or dinner, the party or whatever other activity you would like to enjoy.

Further information Hotel Rural Son Granot Call: +34 971 355 555 Email: hotel@songranot.com Log on to: www.songranot.com

www.BridesAbroad.tv 45

Mauritius paradise found! Globe trotting travel journalist Andy Collier has travelled the world in search of paradise. He believes he has truly found it in Mauritius and explains why this island gem is the perfect wedding destination

he very first thing you see on arrival at Mauritius Airport is a sign on the wall of the corridor. It says, quite simply: Welcome to Paradise.

That’s a big call. Paradise is, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. But you’d have to be pretty strange to think that Mauritius is anything other than one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. This tiny island, just 20 miles long by 15 miles wide, is a wedding and honeymoon jewel in the Indian Ocean situated just several hundred miles off the coasts of Madagascar and South Africa. Indeed, it has everything that newlyweds and about-to-be weds could ever want. The weather is superb – and, as it’s in the southern hemisphere, it’s at its hot and sunny best just when we’re shivering in the middle of a European winter. In just 12 hours you can be transported by plane from dark and snowy Britain to glorious sunshine, with the temperatures in the mid-20s. What better way to start married life? It’s a long way from anywhere, but in many ways, that’s a good thing. The greatest

46 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

attraction of Mauritius is its stunning coastline and lush tropical vegetation and, if you want to marry there, the wedding and honeymoon offering is of a very high quality indeed, with four and five star resorts designed to meet your every need. Mauritian culture is incredibly diverse. In its time, the island has been occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and French, and was British until it won independence in 1968. Most people speak Creole, a form of French, although English is the official language of the island and you’ll be easily understood. The locals are warm and friendly – there’s no sense of tension at all – local people seem genuinely happy and keen to talk and meet with you. For sheer luxury and romance, which will fuel a lifetime’s romantic memories, Domaine De Bel Ombre on the south-west coast of the island provides an unparalleled experience. This really is the best of the best – a former sugar plantation dating back to 1765, it boasts the five-star Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resort, the four-star plus Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort and Heritage The Villas, which provide the absolute ultimate villa experience for get-away-from-it-all honeymooners.

Say “Iatdo: Heritage Le Telfair Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort is a luxury beach resort set amid lush green hills, waterfalls and rainforest alongside a perfect blue lagoon fringed with white sandy beaches, making it a perfect choice for picture-perfect weddings or honeymoons. There’s an old local saying – ‘no problem in Mauritius’ - and staff at the hotel ensure this applies to every wedding and honeymoon couple with a wonderful, smiling service, which is truly personal. If you want to tie the knot, then you’ll be made to feel both pampered and unique. As long as you send in your documents three months beforehand, help with the legal formalities of marriage is provided by Heritage resort staff. Your wedding will be the only one taking place at your resort that day, and a specialised wedding co-ordinator can organise all that’s required from music and flowers to the cake and entertainment.

Magical choice of venues Everything is done to make your marriage as magical as possible, with a range of fantastic options available for the ceremony itself. You

can marry on the pristine white sand beach at sunset, to the sound of the sea and the gentle jingling of boats on their moorings. Most guests choose to hold their ceremony on the Eastern Peninsula Beach. However other options include taking your vows in the hotels’ beautiful manicured gardens, or in the nearby Chateau De Bel Ombre, a former grand sugar plantation house in its own magnificent grounds, which has been sympathetically restored and is now a fine dining restaurant. If you fancy something more rustic, then you can take a short trip inland to marry amid the wilderness of the stunning Frederica Nature Reserve, which is home to the island’s tallest waterfall as well as indigenous flora and fauna and rare wildlife species. Another alternative is to make your vows in one of the island’s beautiful little churches. In all cases, Heritage Le Telfair staff will happily tailor-make the whole event, even arranging gifts in your room and the pressing of outfits for the bride and groom. Prices for wedding packages start from an exceptionally reasonable £450.

Honeymoon heaven Whether you’re getting married or on

honeymoon, the island and the resort provide the best of both worlds – they’re gloriously relaxed, yet there’s plenty to do. There is a plethora of land and water sport activities and if you enjoy golf, you can play on one of the best courses in the region overlooking the Indian Ocean. There’s also the opportunity to take night excursions in 4x4s discovery tours or go mountain biking, quad biking and deepsea fishing – as well, of course, as shopping and sightseeing. If you just want to relax, enjoy each other’s company or simply indulge yourself, there’s the fantastic Seven Colours Spa, which delivers spa rituals and authentic Mauritian treatments based on, as its name suggests, seven energetic ambient colours. The bespoke spa packages provide a great opportunity to rediscover your inner self in a beautiful and spiritual environment. For romantic lunches and dinners, the resort offers guests privileged access to a selection of eleven restaurants offering top class cuisine, ranging from Asian themed and contemporary Japanese through to local Mauritian dishes – all accompanied by fine wine, champagne or cocktails. www.BridesAbroad.tv 47

Romance at Heritage The Villas

Further information

If you really want to spoil yourselves, though, you could opt for a stay at the Heritage The Villas resort, where you’ll have your own state-of-the-art contemporary property complete with barbecues, landscaped gardens and private infinity pool. In-villa services can include a 24-hour concierge service and even a private chef and butler to cook and serve you dinner. Your only choice is whether to eat by the pool or in your plushly furnished private dining room.

www.heritagethevillas.mu

Getting there in the lap of luxury The luxury experience, the beauty of the Mauritian landscape, the weather and the friendliness of the people make this magical island well worth the long overnight flight from the UK. If you choose, you can even make the journey part of the magic by upgrading to Air Mauritius’ renowned business class, where you’ll enjoy wide, flatbed seats as well as excellent food, wines and champagne. However you choose to get there, Mauritius will beguile you with its charms. There’s no doubt about it: this is paradise indeed.

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www.heritageletelfair.com

www.airmauritius.com

Wedding Package Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort has a great new wedding package for those planning nuptials in the Indian Ocean - and it is FREE! Guests only need to book their travel and stay as they would on a normal holiday. The wedding package includes location and setup; personal wedding coordinator; wedding cake; a bottle of champagne during the ceremony; room upgrade (on wedding night only, subject to availability); romantic candlelit dinner on the wedding night; ironing and steaming of wedding wear; witnesses if needed; special romantic turndown on wedding night; wedding gift; honeymoon breakfast in the room. Additional charges are only made for flowers, music and photography.

Getting there Air Mauritius offers up to six weekly non-stop direct flights from London Heathrow Airport to Mauritius and daily connecting flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham via Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Economy return flights start from £660 inc. taxes and charges. 12-hour flight from UK and a 40 minute transfer to Domaine de Bel Ombre. www.airmauritius.com

Truly unforgettable moments ...

Sparkling sandy beach, tropical palms and the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean... we know what your special day or honeymoon means to you and we know that everything has to be perfect, just as you have imagined it to be. The luxurious 5 star MARITIM Hotel Mauritius Beach Resort & Spa is renowned for romantic views, personal service and award-winning cuisine, nestled gently within a picturesque private estate, the MARITIM truly is beyond paradise… • 7 nights All Inclusive in a “Privilège” Room • Includes Air Mauritius flights & return transfers * GBP per person • Booking Code: Brides Abroad • Valid for stays in May & June 2012

1,359

Book now:

0844 332 9358

*Conditions apply. MARITIM Hotel Mauritius • Balaclava • Terre Rouge • Mauritius • www.maritim.mu

RealWEDDINGS

Bliss in

Barbados Joanne and Simonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family beach celebrations

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fter travelling internationally in her job as an air hostess for Virgin Atlantic, Joanne Hurst from Bristol knew that there were many stunning locations for destination weddings around the world. However, Joanne’s heart was set on beautiful Barbados as the idyllic place to say ‘I do’ to partner Simon Noble – on a palmed fringed beach with sand between her toes and her four children in tow!

Finding ‘the one’ We met at the ‘Ministry of Sound’ nightclub in London. I was living in London and meeting a coach of friends from Bristol – he was on that coach with some other friends! I would say it was ‘drunk’ at first sight rather than ‘love’ at first sight! Say no more!

The proposal Simon proposed to me at Glastonbury festival in 2009. We go every year. He made us walk to the top point where all the flags fly, where we had a view over the whole festival!

Location location The main reason we chose a destination wedding abroad was so that our four children, aged one, four, five and eight could enjoy a holiday as well as our special day. We wanted to marry in Barbados because it is somewhere special to us and we have been many times both on our own before having the children and with our family too – so it seemed the perfect place to have our wedding. We love the people and the island is so beautiful. We wanted a resort that catered for young adults, older couples and families, so the Almond Beach Village resort was perfect.

The planning Almond Resorts offers a free wedding package, which includes the services of a wedding planner. The package included a Wedding Coordinator, flowers for bride and groom, wedding cake, decorated wedding location, champagne, clergy/ magistrate, government fees, ceremony charges and taxes. All we had to do to get all of this was pay for a deluxe room for a fortnight, which covered the wedding and the honeymoon – so it worked out as great value for money. We chose to pay for additions to the wedding package to make it extra special. The resort was very helpful in making sure everything we wanted was arranged for us. Ann the wedding coordinator was fantastic in true Bajan style. She was very chilled out but sorted everything to perfection. We flew out with Virgin Holidays. Almond Resorts were particularly helpful with arranging the accommodation for all my guests and making sure everyone was looked after well. www.BridesAbroad.tv 51

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The guests We always knew we would have a reasonably large wedding party but in the end it was even larger than we originally planned as almost all of the guests we invited could make it. There were 41 adults of all different ages and 25 children from two weeks-old to nine years-old. Both our parents and siblings were able to attend, although my Dad had always said he wouldn’t go long haul again and didn’t fancy Barbados. I was worried about his reaction when I told him where we were getting married, but as soon as he got there he absolutely loved it. I must admit, until everyone started paying the balance, I was still unsure if everyone would make it. In the end, only one couple dropped out as they had a baby whilst we were away. We even had friends from Australia come!

Getting the look I chose to wear a Jenny Packham dress, which was perfect for a beach wedding as it was floaty and delicate.I wore some gorgeous Benjamin Adams shoes but had bare feet for the ceremony, and ended up in Havaianas at the party. For jewellery I wore a Jenny Packham cuff and crystal drop earrings. I had a hairdresser on the resort do my hair for me and wore my hair down with the sides twisted back in a ‘boho’ style. My cousin helped me with my make-up and I went for a natural look.

Groom & bridesmaids Simon wore a Vivienne Westwood shirt and had tailored trousers made. I had seven adult bridesmaids and five flower girls. The older girls wore Coast dresses and silver flip flops. The younger flower girls wore dresses from Monsoon. I wanted the flower girls to look like fairies! My mum made their pretty head dresses as I couldn’t find anything I wanted in the shops. Mum also dressed rag dolls in the same outfit as the girls, which looked so cute. They carried silver buckets tied with ribbons and had a pink wooden spade to use in case they got bored during the ceremony. My mum was amazing, not only did she make my bridesmaid accessories, she made drawstring bags from Cath Kidston material with goodies in to keep all the children occupied.

The details I chose to keep to the bouquet which was included in the wedding package, however, my flowers were gorgeous. My seven bridesmaids had a one-stem flower, which was Ann’s idea – they looked perfect.

The ceremony The ceremony took place in a gorgeous location under the wedding gazebo in the grounds of the Almond Resort, with the sea in the background. My dad gave me away.

The reception We hired the reef restaurant for the wedding breakfast, which was my personal favourite at the resort. It is situated on the beach and was decorated with fire lanterns. The guests dined on the gala celebration menu and they all thoroughly enjoyed the food. The children had a separate table and my mum made bunting to decorate it. We had aperitifs and canapés served to our guests following the ceremony which was accompanied by a steel band. We also hired a magician and babysitters to help out with the children during the speeches and meal, giving the adults time to relax that bit more. After the dinner there was music and a DJ for all to party the night away. Our first dance was to Florence and the Machine’s ‘You’ve Got The Love’.

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Photographic memories Photos were taken as the sun was setting to capture the most romantic light for the wedding photos. Colorbox, a professional photographic studio based in the resort, took the photos with a wedding DVD. My favourite photos are the natural ones at the ceremony with the children dotted around!

Magic moments My wedding highlight was everyone being together after the ceremony with a glass of champers or a rum punch with the sun setting on the beach. The kids were paddling and running around - perfect and better than I imagined it to be! I would definitely recommend a wedding abroad to anyone and I am so pleased I chose to have mine at Almond Resorts. It would have suited a couple without children as well as those like us with a family in tow. I think some of our friends who had lots of children and another with a newborn couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe they could still have a relaxing holiday!

The honeymoon We stayed at the resort for our honeymoon. I organised a catamaran trip for all the guests a few days before the wedding. It was a great way for everyone to get to know each other and then we went surfing for a day, which the kids loved! It was so special to spend two weeks with all my favourite people. We have two weeks of wedding memories, not just a day. Absolutely perfect!

Further information Wedding Venue: Almond Beach Village Resort, Almond Resorts, Barbados. Tel: 0844 4117181 www.almondresorts.com Photographer: Colorbox Studio, Colorbox www.colorbox.co.uk

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To view this wedding visit: www.colorbox.co.uk/press

Steal Joanne’s Style

Flowers hair comb by June Ellen, SKU JEH1003, £50 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Hairpin by Rose Garden Accessories, £8 www.rosegardenaccessories.co.uk

Get Joanne’s gorgeous back to nature look for a floral beach wedding with pretty pinks and flower details to set an enchanting scene

Vintage Heiress earrings by Glitzy Secrets, £38 www. glitzysecrets.com

Ivory Bridal shoes, style Stella by Rachel Simpson. £105 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Flower bud bando by Monsoon, £5 www.monsoon.co.uk

Pale pink Bridesmaid dress by Debenhams, £85 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Baby girl Bridget flower girl dress by Monsoon, £35 www.monsoon.co.uk

Dress by Tobi Hannah, Style Alberta www.tobihannahbridal.co.uk Flower girl’s rose corsage bag by Monsoon, £10 www.monsoon.co.uk

Estelle bling leather sandal by Accessorize, £32 www.accessorize.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 55

Beautiful Barbados With its glamorous image of soft sandy beaches, swaying palms and glorious weather, no wonder Barbados attracts more than its fair share of A-list celebrities as well as couples looking to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Paradise.

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f you marry or honeymoon in Barbados, don’t be surprised if you spot a few famous faces during your trip. Celebrities including Simon Cowell, Hugh Grant, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey flock to Barbados to splash around in the aquamarine waters of the island and party until sunrise on this sun-kissed island. You too will feel like a star if you choose Barbados for your destination wedding or dream honeymoon. Barbados is a Colourful Caribbean island offering a unique blend of West African and Caribbean culture together with its elegant British heritage, giving it a distinct flavor unlike any other destination in the world. A pick and mix of striped and pastelhued beach-front hotels offer star-quality accommodation to suit all pockets and cater for family holidays as well as romantic breaks, weddings and honeymoons. And with a year–round perfect climate it’s easy to see why Barbados is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations – with an average daily high temperature of 78ºF, and 3000 hours of annual sunshine, chances are that you will witness a breathtaking sunset nearly every evening of your time spent in Barbados – perfect for those romantic wedding photos.

Choose your beach

The Barbados beaches are tailor made for barefoot beach weddings – feel the soft golden sand between your toes as you proudly declare ‘I do’ beneath the swaying palms. With so many pristine beaches to choose from your only problem is selecting your favourite location for your wedding ceremony. Carlisle Bay beach is a lively spot with yachts moored just off shore in the crescent shaped bay; you may prefer the seclusion of Crane Beach, regarded as one of the top ten beaches in the world, with its calm clear blue waters and pink sand; Haywoods Beach offers a large open area and is popular for watersports; choose Bottom Bay beach and marry under the cool palms or exchange your vows on the gorgeous white sand and limpid blue waters of Sandy Lane Beach, which is perfect for beach weddings.

A toast to tradition

Apart from being renowned as a tropical paradise with lush landscapes, gorgeous beaches and balmy climate, did you know that Barbados is also famous for being the true birthplace of rum? Mount Gay Rum began distilling on the island in 1703, the oldest brand of rum in existence, so toast your wedding celebrations with rum to get into the spirit of the island!

Honeymoon bliss

Barbados offers an idyllic setting for dream honeymoons, and with a diverse range of things to do, places to be and wonders to enjuoy, there’s something to suit everyone. The beaches offer sunbathing, swimming, watersports, snorkelling and diving opportunities, whereas the more adventurous will want to explore the sights, including Charles Fort with its unique flavour of the island’s British colonial past and Ragged Point Lighthouse with its picturesque views of the entire East Coast. Take a dip in the amazing Reef Pools at Cattlewash Beach – a collection of tidal pools that are unique to Barbados, or watch a game of polo – Chukky at Holders in St James is one of four polo grounds on the island and is home to the Barbados Polo Club. Golfers will be in seventh heaven as Barbados offers some of the best championship courses in the Caribbean. Keep a look out too for the little green monkeys of Barbados which have thrived throughout the island – these mischievous little primates are always fun to watch.

Weddings in Barbados

If you have always dreamed of a tropical beach wedding or a genteel colonial plantation with fields of sugar to set the stage for your vows, or a more traditional ceremony in a church dating back to the 1600’s, or in the lush grounds of a luxury five-star resort hotel then Barbados can make those dreams into a wonderful reality. The wedding venue options available in Barbados are both beautiful and plentiful. Getting married in Barbados couldn’t be easier and requires no notice, so you can

say ‘I do’ on the day of your arrival if you like, with the law allowing an official marriage ceremony to take place as soon as a licence is obtained. No hassles, no delays and no waiting for your wedding! Usually when getting married in an exotic location the paperwork required by the country seems overwhelming. Not so in Barbados! You can marry as soon as arrangements are made with a Marriage Officer (a Magistrate or authorised Minister of Religion) and a licence is obtained.

Obtaining a wedding licence

Application for a marriage licence must be made by both parties in person at the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Bridgetown, with only the following documents needed: Valid passports; marriage and death certificates if widowed; original decree of absolute if divorced. All wedding arrangements must be made with a Marriage Officer (a magistrate or a Minister of Religion authorised to be a Marriage Officer) prior to the completion of an application form for the licence. Your tour operator’s wedding team and personal wedding planner will held ensure you have the necessary paperwork and help you sort out the legals prior to your wedding. Most resorts include return transfers to Bridgetown as part of their wedding package. www.BridesAbroad.tv 57

Coral Reef Club Marry like a star at one of the finest hotels in the Caribbean, the Coral Reef Club, a world-class resort renowned for its special ambience and classic island style. This family run resort, a ‘small luxury hotel of the world’, is set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens on the calm west coast of Barbados and offers fine dining, an indulgent spa and the highest standard of personal service. It also has a gym, floodlit tennis and golf close by. All inclusive wedding packages are available which include a minister, ceremony, licence, decorated venue, bouquet, cake and champagne wedding breakfast. Optional extras are also available.

Book it! Price for an all-inclusive wedding package £2,300 for a minimum stay requirement of five nights. A seven-night stay at the Coral Reef Club costs from £271 per room per night. www.coralreefbarbados.com

Tamarind Tamarind is considered to be one of Barbados’s premier couples resorts and family hotels in its stunning setting on the platinum west coast of the island. The hotel offers 104 contemporary guest rooms with panoramic ocean views on a prime 750-foot stretch of beach. For weddings and honeymoons the Tamarind is perfect, offering a choice of open air wedding venues and comprehensive wedding packages. It also offers everything for a dream honeymoon. Take a dip in one of the three on-site pools, indulge in a couples massage at the spa or try your hand at a variety of complimentary water sports and take advantage of the balmy climate and dine al fresco in the hotel’s romantic restaurants.

Book it! The Tamarind offers free wedding packages. Tropical Sky is offering seven nights from £1059 pp. Call: 0844 332 9369 and quote Brides Abroad

Almond Beach Club & Spa The Caribbean Sea washes up to the coral rock formation along the beachfront at the adults-only, all-inclusive Almond Beach Club & Spa. Set in the paradise of St James, a welcome quiet presides over this romantic Caribbean resort, which is set in lush tropical gardens bursting with vibrant flowers and shrubs. It’s an idyllic setting for a romantic escape or for your destination wedding, and honeymooners can enjoy first class facilities including a luxurious spa, three freshwater pools, floodlit tennis courts and water sports, romantic dining at its best at a variety of gourmet restaurants and live evening entertainment.

Book it! Tropical Sky is offering seven nights all-inclusive from £1,079 per person. Call: 0844 332 9369 and quote Brides Abroad.

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SASSI HOLFORD

perfectly beautiful The Signature Collection 6 The Bridge, Taunton, Somerset Taunton@sassiholford.com 01823 256308 and selected stockists in UK and North America

www.sassiholford.com

photography : www.simonpowell.net

Advertising Feature

Go Organic at The Chateau

Honeymooners can kick start a healthy married life together at the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Organic Wellness Destination Spa Resort in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia 60 www.BridesAbroad.tv

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estled amidst a lush Malaysian tropical rainforest and located only a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, The Chateau is the world’s first organic spa and wellness resort. Inspired by the 18th century Haut Koenigsbourg castle in Alsace, France, The Chateau sits majestically on Berjaya Hills, among lush and unspoilt greenery.

Offering a complete organic experience, this breathtaking and picturesque destination spa and resort offers impeccable service coupled with unsurpassed standards. Boasting 200 elegant rooms and suites, each one is tastefully appointed with organic linens & amenities.

Healthy organic dining A team of epicurean specialists create delicious gastronomic organic, as well as non-organic cuisine with a mind to well-being. Begin your day by watching the sunrise and having a healthy organic breakfast at our all-day dining restaurant La Vie with its magnificent pool view. Have a light lunch at the Spa Cafe inbetween your spa treatments. Sip organic tea and nibble on delectable organic scones and savouries while admiring the beautiful scenery from the Belle Vue Tea Room. Tantalise your taste buds while dining at L’Assiette, our Seven Stars & Stripes award-winning French fine-dining restaurant. Enjoy organic cocktails at Le Rouge, our seductive, yet cosy, lobby bar lounge or wind down the day at our Salon Cigar Lounge which offers a fine selection of cigars and wines and spirits.

Organic wellness spa La Santé is the jewel in The Chateau’s crown. A sanctuary of healing and wellness, La Santé is the first European concept spa in Asia. Combining the best of European spa expertise with Eastern hospitality, well-trained spa personnel deliver tailor-made and individualised treatments and spa programmes which focus on each individual’s well-being. Voya, the exclusive line of spa products available at La Santé, is made essentially from organic hand-harvested seaweed found on an untouched area of Ireland’s coastline. Voya utilises seaweed as its main ingredient and is the world’s first certified organic seaweed-based product.

is a unique sauna which has natural herbs (rosemary, chamomile or lavender) infused in the air. The purpose of this is to relieve stress, improve respiratory function and enhance circulation in the body; A beautifully designed Salt Grotto is a steam salt room embellished with Swarovski crystals. This room is used for therapeutic mud wraps, which help to eliminate toxins from the body and relieve any muscular aches and pains; The Aroma Hydro Pool contains aroma bath salts with a blend of essential oils, which alleviate fatigue and tension; or you can simply chill out by the Salt Pool.

Healthy honeymoons With clean, cool and fresh air, luscious flora and fauna and nutritious cuisine, The Chateau and its spa is the perfect destination for a newlywed couple on honeymoon to relax and enjoy themselves amid the serenity and tranquillity of the surroundings. What better way for a couple to begin their journey into married life together than by embracing health and wellness?

Further information

Tel: +60 (9) 221 3888 Email: info@thechateau.com.my or sales@thechateau.com.my www.thechateau.com.my

La Santé spa packages The spa offers a variety of programmes namely, Wellness Getaway, Body Pamper, Beauty Essence, Stress Relief, Fit for Life, Body Sculpt, Couples Retreat, For The Men, Total Beauty, Body Cleansing, Pre and Post Natal; all available in two, three, five and seven-night packages. The philosophy of the spa is one which embraces a lifestyle approach to personal wellness in a non-regimented way.

European Thermal Experience There are several European thermal spa facilities which set this spa apart from the others spas in Asia including: The Aquaveda Bed a specialised bed with an automated body exfoliation process which works in tandem with the Soap Brush treatment. The Herbal Bath www.BridesAbroad.tv 61

8 WOW WEDDINGS With a world of wild, wacky and wonderful weddings on offer, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t settle for anything less than an amazing ceremony or venue that is as individual as you are.

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Camels in the desert MOROCCO

Many couples marry with elephants as part of their wedding ceremony, but dare to be different and ride to your wedding on the back of a camel! Boutique Souk wedding planning service offers venues in Morocco from traditional city settings to the magnificent Moroccan desert - a spectacular setting with entertainment, good weather and rustic chic as part of the well-priced deal. The Moroccan desert tented camp overlooks Lake Lalla Takerkoust close to Marrakech and is a beautiful location where couples can have a ceremony with the sun setting over the lake, followed by a tented reception and dancing under the stars surrounded by lanterns and open fires – truly unforgettable! Grooms are offered the option to arrive by camel and brides can be carried in traditional Moroccan ‘Amari’ thrones and the couple can leave the ceremony on two camels with a ‘just married’ sign on their rear for a great photo opportunity! www.boutiquesouk.com

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Grand Canyon by helicopter NEVADA

Fly high over one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world – the Grand Canyon – as you say ‘I do’ aboard a helicopter. The wedding helicopter will set off on its breathtaking three-hour flight with bride, groom, ministers and up to two witnesses aboard, to the Grand Canyon where the ceremony takes place. Price includes the wedding ceremony, bouquet and buttonhole, cake and champagne at the Grand Canyon and helicopter flight. Marriage licence must be obtained prior to arriving at the terminal and costs approx. $60. Kuoni offers seven nights with breakfast at the 5-star Bellagio, Las Vegas in a deluxe room including flights with British Airways from Gatwick, and group transfers in resort. Price for 2012 from £2,898 per person based on two sharing and includes the Grand Canyon by helicopter wedding. www.kuoni.co.uk.

Vows on horseback SOUTH AFRICA

Why get married standing at the alter when you can tie the knot on horseback in a wedding ceremony that you and your guests will never forget at Ant’s Hill in the Waterberg region of South Africa. This is the perfect choice for adventurous couples. Ant’s Hill is a luxury bush home with an intimate atmosphere set in wild terrain, which provides an enchanting backdrop for the wedding. Newly weds can soak up the sun kissed savannah on private rides, enjoy romantic dining in the bush or explore the stunning scenery on 4X4 game drives and guided walks. All of the deluxe rooms feature four-poster beds, sunken baths, waterfall showers and overlook a private reserve. Ant’s Hill takes a maximum of only 12 guests and for extra privacy there is a secluded honeymoon cabin. Ranch Rider offers six-nights from £1,500pp (two sharing), which includes accommodation, meals, drinks, riding safaris and game drives and taxes. Return flight from £839pp. www.ranchrider.com.

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Medieval Wedding KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

The perfect wedding for a good old-fashioned girl has to be a ceremony at Medieval Times, situated in Kissimmee in the heart of Florida. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is the perfect backdrop for a royal wedding reception set within an 11th centuary European-style castle fit for a princess and her prince. You can fulfil your romantic fantasies and be married in the medieval courtyard of the castle then celebrate with a full medieval feast and spectacular tournament show. You will be married in a ceremony conducted by the show’s King Alfonso, who is also a minister, in a wedding that can be customised with a package to suit your individual needs. Follow this up with a fun honeymoon enjoying some of the world-famous theme parks nearby including Disneyworld. Tour operators offering tailor-made wedding and honeymoon packages to Kissimmee include North America Travel Service and Virgin Holidays. www.medievaltimes.com

Vows to raise the Titanic BELFAST, N. IRELAND

You won’t get that sinking feeling if you hold your wedding reception in the Titanic Suite, a new banqueting venue, which dramatically overlooks the city of Belfast where the famous liner was built. Titanic fans around the world can theme their wedding around the famous ship in Northern Ireland’s newest venue, which is designed on styles used within the Titanic herself and replicates the opulent surrounds of the ship’s first-class banqueting room, complete with famous sweeping Grand Staircase. The suite offers stunning panoramic views of the city and flexible spaces catering for up to 1,000 guests. Titanic Belfast will open in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of the liner’s final departure from the city’s shipyards. www.discoverireland.com

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Floating Wedding UBUD, BALI

Find paradise on earth in the jungles of Bali and make your wedding ceremony a breathtaking experience at Ubud Hanging Gardens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it most definitely has the wow factor, providing the ultimate setting for your wedding and for a truly romantic honeymoon. The wedding planners at Ubud Hanging Gardens will create for you a unique floating wedding, set on their spectacular two-tiered horizon-edge pool, or you may simply want to opt for magical moments on the terrace with dramatic views over the river valley. Whether you select a traditional wedding or an intimate ceremony, Ubud Hanging Gardens can provide an expert wedding coordinator and full catering services to make wedding planning effortless. Ubud Hanging gardens offers intimate villas, each with its own private heated infinity pool with pre-wedding spa treatments included as part of the wedding package. www.ubudhanginggardens.com

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Firelit feast at Kings Canyon ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA

Create everlasting memories with one of the most rugged and breathtaking landscapes on earth as a spectacular backdrop to your wedding at Australia’s Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon Resort is in the heart of the Australian desert located between Alice Springs and Ayers Rock in Watarrka National Park. You can exchange your vows at Kings Canyon Resort lookout and have the vast canyon in the background. Then, as the sun sets on your wedding day, join your guests for a Sounds of Firelight dinner: a crackling fire, six delicious courses and impeccable service set under a star-speckled sky. The resort’s wedding coordinator will assist you in organising your wedding package, accommodation and transfers and travel arrangements, including the wedding ceremony and fine details on your special day. The Ultimate Wedding package costs £2,055 and includes a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight and Sounds of Firelight dinner for two. www.kingscanyonresort.com.au

Big wedding, big top! SARASOTA, FLORIDA

For a really unique and unusual wedding put on a big show for your guests by marrying in Circus Sarasota. The Florida based circus is offering candlelit wedding ceremonies under the ‘big top’ followed by a European-style circus show. After your wedding circus extravaganza you can go on to enjoy a wonderful honeymoon in Sarasota and the Gulf Islands, a beautiful area situated on the Gulf of Mexico, on Florida’s west coast, just one hour’s drive south from Tampa. This area is often referred to as ‘Hidden Florida’ with award-winning beaches such as Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key and Bradenton. You can enjoy sun filled days and balmy sunsets with a wide array of accommodation, bars, restaurants, shops and activities on land and water. www.sarasotafl.org

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RealWEDDINGS

LET IT SNOW

Are you dreaming of a white wedding? Couples are bucking the trend of marrying in hot locations and heading instead for mountain peaks and even the Arctic Circle to tie the knot with a backdrop of glistening snow in a winter wonderland 68 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Aurora Borealis, Iceland Amaze your guests by treating them to a spectacular light show at your wedding, courtesy of Mother Nature. Scientists predict that the magical Northern Lights will be at their brightest since 1958 this winter and spring, and Iceland is the only destination where the lights, known as Aurora Borealis, can be witnessed throughout the whole country. Iceland is also one of the most popular winter wedding locations, which can take place in quaint, traditional churches or against a spectacular setting in the unique Icelandic geothermal winter landscape.

Hotel Ranga See the Northern Lights from one of the world’s best vantage points at the award-winning four-star Hotel Ranga in South Iceland. Hotel Ranga offers luxury, relaxation, gourmet dining and an idyllic riverside setting with views of the famous Mt Hekla. The hotel specialises in weddings and honeymoons and recently featured

on GMTV as one of the three ‘Best Island Wedding Hotels in the World’. It offers ceremonies in the traditional Icelandic church in Oddi and civil ceremonies in a number of amazing locations, including the nearby Skóarfoss waterfalls. Hotel Ranga enjoys a unique location close to Iceland’s main attractions in the middle of the ‘Ring of Fire’ – an exciting area with geothermal and volcanic activities all around. From here you can explore the area and enjoy horseriding,

snowmobiling, glacier tours and helicopter tours or simply snuggle up together in one of the hotel’s outdoor geothermal hot tubs to watch the Northern Lights in all their glory.

Book it! Hotel Ranga is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection. Superior rooms from £145.00. www.ghotw.com/hotelranga or call 020 7380 3658.

Northern Light Safari

Budir hotel In the west of Iceland, the Snaefellsness Peninsula is home to Hotel Budir and its picturesque church, Little Budir. With smoky black timber walls contrasting with whiteframed windows and doors, this church is absolutely charming, providing a quirky yet simply breathtaking setting for exchanging your vows. Weddings are created on a tailor-made basis to offer maximum flexibility so your wedding can be as elaborate or low-key as you wish.

Book it! Discover the World is offering wedding packages including a 4 night stay at Budir hotel. Price: £1,891 including: flights, accommodation, car hire and wedding fees based on a Budir church wedding. Call Discover the World on 1737 214 291 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Couples wanting to see one of the world’s most amazing natural light shows as part of their unforgettable winter honeymoon can book the Northern Light Safari package, offered by leading tour operators Scott Dunn. After a romantic dip and in-water massage at the famous Blue Lagoon, honeymooners will then explore the dramatic south coast from the chic art deco Hotel Borg in Reykjavik, Iceland’s quirky capital. By day they will discover the natural wonders of the Golden Circle on an exhilarating private super jeep adventure and can even continue their adventure to the Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull glaciers to snowmobile across the icy, winter wonderland. Then as night falls, they will head out with a private driver and expert guide to seek the elusive Northern Lights. The last two nights will be spent at the boutique Hotel Ranga in Iceland’s volcanic south.

Book it! Scott Dunn’s new Northern Lights Safari in Iceland is available until March 2012 and between October 2012 - March 2013. Price from £3,500 per person including two nights in Reykjavik staying at the Hotel Borg, two nights at the Hotel Ranga, flights, private guide and driver for four days, snowmobiling excursion, entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights evening safari and private airport transfers. www.scottdunn.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 69

Mountain High – the Alps If you dream of marrying in a pretty Alpine ski resort, Europe has many sparkling destinations to offer that will appeal to winter sports fans or simply couples looking for a romantic fairytale wedding in the snow with a stunning mountain backdrop.

Cortina, Italy For those looking to say ‘I do’ in an exceptional location, Cortina, a ski resort high in the Italian Dolomites offers the winterwhite wedding of your dreams. Cortina offers year-round weddings and a unique choice of wedding venues with the splendid Dolomites in the background. In summer you can have a romantic ceremony at sunset in the middle of a flowery meadow, on the terrace of a high altitude mountain chalet or even a ceremony and honeymoon themed on mountain-biking or hiking. Winter weddings have the advantage of a picture-perfect sparkling snowy setting and the opportunity to combine a winter sports honeymoon of skiing or snowboarding. BestWeddingAway offer wedding packages in Cortina – including a magical venue, menus, music and flowers and will even incorporate the customs and traditions of Cortina into your wedding. You can be transported to and from your wedding by horse and carriage and marry in a choice of venues, including Cortina’s Town Hall; the Franceschi Park Hotel – for a classic and elegant wedding in the centre of Cortina and Rifugio Scoiattoli – a mountain refuge which is easily accessible by jeep or chairlift with a spectacular view of the 5 Torri, it’s an ideal location for those looking for an iconic mountain backdrop.

Book it! For more information on services, prices and bespoke Cortina Winter Wedding packages log onto: www.bestweddingaway.com

Zermatt, Switzerland Tucked away in the beautiful Swiss village of Zermatt, the Hotel Alex is a luxury boutique hotel and spa, which creates bespoke winter weddings for couples that like a cosy, family-run atmosphere. Zermatt nestles in a deep valley, enclosed between steep mountainsides, and is dominated by the huge and gracefully curved pyramid of the Matterhorn – a stunning backdrop for your wedding celebration. You can create a fabulous wedding album of photographs taken in the cobbled streets and on sleighs in the car-free town, which prides itself on being welcoming and friendly. The hotel 70 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Alex wedding coordinators will organise everything you want including the church service at Zermatt’s English church, music, and entertainment, menus, wedding tower cake and wines. Whether you are planning a big lavish wedding with up to 170 people or an intimate affair with just the two of you the hotel can cater for your requirements. Prices depend on number of guests and the details you require.

Book it! For further information on weddings at Hotel Alex Contact info@hotelalexzermatt. com. For more information on travelling to Switzerland: www.myswitzerland.com.

Aurora

· Adventure ·

Events ·

Tours ·

Romance

· Gourmet

· Luxury

Perfectly located in a mystical Wonderland for the trip of your dreams. Hotel Rangá in south Iceland makes a wonderful romantic getaway and offers relaxed atmosphere and ambience for spending quality time with your loved ones. Hotel Rangá has 51 cozy and luxurious rooms including the one of a kind World Pavilion suites and a stunning Royal Suite. The restaurant at Hotel Rangá is an acclaimed gourmet restaurant using predominantly local ingredients of the highest quality and freshness.

www.hotelranga.is

Hotel Rangá 851 Hella Tel. +354 487 5700 Fax +354 487 5701 hotelranga@hotelranga.is www.hotelranga.is

Winter wonderland – Lapland

From snowed-in chapels, reindeer sleighs and log cabin ceremonies to igloos and ice hotels, Lapland is a great destination for the coolest winter wedding in a whiter than white setting.

Icehotel, Sweden Marry in an ice palace in Sweden’s incredibly stylish Ice Hotel in Kiruna, where TV’s Loose Women presenter Andrea MacLean was one of 19 guests at her sister Linda’s Ice Wedding. Linda and her husband Rory exchanged their vows in temperatures of -30 degrees C at the Ice Hotel. After the couple had declared ‘I do’ in the magnificent Ice Chapel, the wedding party toasted them with vodka cocktails in the Ice Bar, served in glasses carved from ice before Linda and Rory retired to the spectacular Ice Room to spend their wedding night snuggling together on a block covered in reindeer skin. For the less brave, there are several warm room options furnished in modern Scandinavian style, where the couple and their guests can ‘come in from the cold’. The Ice Hotel is constructed entirely of ice, with a glistening white contemporary interior filled with ice sculptures and snow carvings. Civil ceremonies take place in the hotel, while religious weddings take place in the Ice Chapel with its rows of ice pews for guests, covered in reindeer skin. The enchanting Ice Chapel and Ice Hotel enjoy just a few months of glory before melting back into the River Tome in spring, so each year the offering is unique.

Book it! Discover the World offers a range of tailormade wedding packages for weddings and blessings at the Ice Hotel. Most stays at the Ice Hotel are for three nights, with two spent in warm rooms with prices from £3,815 including: flights, accommodation, transfers and standard wedding package. Call: 1737 214 291 or visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk 72 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Arctic Snow Hotel, Finland For the ultimate fairytale snow-white wedding, say ‘I do’ in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official home of Santa Claus. The Arctic Snow Hotel can host up to 120 guests and is perfect for the most chilled wedding in icy surroundings. Each winter the Snow Chapel is built next to the Arctic Snow Hotel and offers romantic touches such as toasting the celebration with champagne served in an ice glass. The Snow Hotel offers accommodation in snow suites, decorated with ice art and sculpture – perfect for unforgettably romantic wedding nights. Furniture throughout the hotel is made of snow, although thankfully there are mod cons available including electric lights and soft, warm blankets for the beds.

Guests who feel the cold can stay in warm rooms available in the main log building. The Arctic Snow Hotel provides a normal sauna for guests, however, those feeling particularly brave can use the hotel’s other sauna with a twist – the unique snow sauna, which promises to melt away stress as you relax together and indulge in this unusual experience. A snow bath is also offered, but only for the brave!

Book it! Rooms for couples are £120 per person per night and £70 for children. www.arcticsnowhotel.fi or www.visitfinland.com/uk

Magnificent Rockies – Canada Love on Lake Louise In true North American style, you can get married anywhere that takes your fancy if you choose to tie the knot at Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. This majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most romantic places in the world to say ‘I do’ with an awe-inspiring backdrop. How about a wedding on the ski hill facing the frozen Lake Louise? Or even in the elegance of Chateau Lake Louise? The bride and groom can start married life together with an evening horse-drawn sleigh ride or, for the more adventurous romantics, dog sled rides are an option. Both allow the wedding couple to experience the breathtaking panoramic mountains first hand.

Book it! Frontier Canada is offering wedding packages at Lake Louise, including accommodation at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise resort hotel, transfers and flights with Air Canada starting from £1,349 per person. www.frontier-travel. co.uk. Crystal Ski is also offering tailor-made wedding itineraries and basic wedding packages at Lake Louise Ski Hills with prices starting from £1,499 per couple. www.crystalski.co.uk/weddings.shtml

Icy Quebec For the coolest wedding in Canada enter a magical world where snow and ice are transformed between January and March into fabulous decors with towering snow archways and crystal ice sculptures standing by the warmth of a roaring fire, North America’s only Ice Hotel has made its name for its wow-factor architecture and artistry, which makes an incredible backdrop to wedding photographs, as well as its warm hospitality. Couples can have a spectacular ceremony in the beauty and splendour of the Hotel de Glace chapel, where the décor changes every winter, as it melts and is rebuilt for the next season. Pull up to the chapel in a horse drawn carriage and walk down the aisle on a red carpet to the altar or renew your marriage vows under a hail of fireworks.

Book it! Prices for wedding packages start from £1,513. Log on to www.hoteldeglace-canada.com wwwBridesAbroad.tv

www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Get the look

Cool brides

Be a stunning Ice Queen at your sparkling winter wedding! Icicle bridal bracelet, £199 Icicle bridal jewellery www.bridaldesignswedding jewellery.co.uk

Icicle bridal necklace, £239 Icicle bridal jewellery www.bridaldesigns wedding jewellery.co.uk

Sabrina flower hair comb By John Frost Bridal Design www.crystalfrost.co.uk

White ruffle feather wrap By Joan Lee, £145 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Wedding coat by Justine Horrocks style Marjolein www.justineXXXX ‘Just Married’ sheepskin boots www.lovefromaustralia.com

Bespoke teardrop shower wedding bouquet, £975 Designed by Debbie Carlisle www.dcbouquets.co.uk White smooth feather wrap. By Joan Lee, £145 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Cressida crown tiara By John Frost Bridal Design, £200 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Aruna Seth Cinderella bridal shoes with 3,000 Swarovski crystals, £2,300 www.arunaseth.com

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WEDDINGS ON THE

WATER Float away to marital bliss with a memorable ceremony on the water that will thrill your guests. From ocean liner to river barge, the ideas are inspiring with prices to fit all budgets. Here are our favourites!

ROYAL ROMANCE AT SEA WORLDWIDE

Couples choosing to honeymoon aboard a luxury cruise ship can now have their wedding ceremony on board too or if they prefer, they can arrange to marry at one of the ship’s ports of call. Royal Caribbean International is offering the Royal Romance package – a full service for weddings and vow renewals with ceremony, reception and honeymoon on board. Couples can choose either Shipboard Duet or Shipboard Harmony which allow them to marry in a romantic venue on board including in the pretty wedding chapel in Royal Caribbean’s newly launched Independence of the Seas, or to tie the knot in an exotic island ceremony, historical city or marry atop an Alaskan glacier at one of Royal Caribbean International’s sailing destinations around the world. Flowers, photography, videography, spa treatments, stationery/favours, entertainment and transportation can all be arranged and the couple can continue celebrating on board with a wedding reception to suit their specifications. www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

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SUBTERRANEAN FLOATING CEREMONY

GREECE

Exchange your vows in a unique floating wedding ceremony on Melissani Lake in Kefalonia, Greece. The beautiful lake was revealed in the 1950s when the roof overhead collapsed, and now offers a most spectacular subterranean setting for a wedding, with amazing photo opportunities to capture the moment. Melissani Lake is enclosed by grotto walls that are up to 36-metres high and covered with 20,000-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Be married in a beautifully decorated boat floating on the neon-blue water, basking in the vast shaft of sunlight that floods this ultimate romantic location. The cost of marrying on the Melissani Lake is from £2,474, which includes wedding coordinator, boat hire and decorations, ceremony on the boat, flowers, cake for 12 people, transfers to and from the lake and photographs. www.ionianweddings.co.uk

BARGE INTO MARRIED LIFE ITALY

Take your family and friends on an Italian barge for a floating holiday in which they join you aboard for your wedding ceremony with the stunning Italian waterways as your gorgeous backdrop. You charter the whole barge for six nights for a cruise with up to 20 guests, which takes you on a route taking in Prosecco, Venice and the Po Valley on a seven day cruise with an Itinerary which includes dinner at a 17th century private villa, a private wine tasting and sightseeing in Venice. You can choose to get married in the town hall in Venice and then board the barge for the reception, or you can have the ceremony on board. Costs depend on the number of guests ranging from £2,250 per person for 20 guests to £3283.33 per person for just 12 guests. Price includes paperwork and consular fees, flowers, photographer, violinist for the ceremony, celebrant, Italian champagne cocktails and canapés, cake and dinner on board. Contact The Italian Connection & Spirito Italiano on: 01424 728900

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CRUISING ROUND THE BIG APPLE NEW YORK

One of the most popular overseas wedding destinations is New York City, but if you choose to marry in NYC, instead of taking the usual path and exchanging vows in Central Park, why not see the Big Apple from a whole new perspective? This unique wedding afloat includes a ceremony on board one of the luxurious World Yachts with fabulous views of the famous skyline, wedding welcome pack, assistance of a wedding specialist, all tips and gratuities, witnesses if required, limousine from hotel to World Yacht, three hours sailing, cake, dinner and open bar. From £950 per couple Kuoni offers 7 nights room only at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, New York in a standard room including flights with Virgin Airlines from Heathrow. Price from £2,760 per person based on two sharing, includes the World Yacht Wedding in New York. www.kuoni.co.uk

FLOATING AFRICAN SAFARI WEDDING MALAWI

Couples staying at the Makokola Retreat, perched along the shores of southern Lake Malawi in central Africa, can now marry aboard the resort’s 24 metre cruiser, the M.V. Sunbird, for a delightful safari wedding afloat. The stunning backdrops of African wildlife, including elephant, crocodile, hippos, exotic birds and antelope will create the most amazing wedding photos and an unforgettable wedding. Lake Malawi, despite being a freshwater lake, is vast and more like an inland sea – crystal clear waters and beaches of golden sand. A cruise on the M.V. Sunbird is a special way to experience Lake Malawi. The cruiser has been recently refurbished to offer accommodation for up to eight people comfortably sleeping in three cabins with two bathrooms and provides excellent meals with a full bar service on board. Wedding charters cruise to Cape Maclear, Monkey Bay in the Lake Malawi National Park, a world heritage site. Another popular route is to the Liwonde National Park on the Shire River. www.makokola.com

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6 7

SUNSET VOWS ON STAR CLIPPERS Say ‘I do’ on deck as the sun sets over the sparkling ocean aboard a spectacular tall ship. Star Clippers is offering the opportunity for a sunset marriage blessing on the upper deck of the company’s four-masted ‘Star Clipper’ or ‘Star Flyer’ and the five-masted ‘Royal Clipper’ conducted by the ship’s captain, attended by uniformed crew. The blessing can be arranged on Star Clipper voyages in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Central America aboard the 19th century-style clipper ships. The ships have been recreated for modern-day sailing voyages and have all the mod cons with expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining and first class accommodation. The romance starts when the couple and their guests are welcomed on board with champagne and fruit basket in their cabin. Seven nights sailing the Caribbean on board the Star Clipper costs from £949, wedding package not included. www.starclippers.co.uk

YACHT WEDDING CYPRUS

Tie the knot at sea on a yacht in sun drenched Cyprus for a fabulous nautical wedding. Exclusive Yacht Weddings are a well established company in Cyprus offering fully-inclusive weddings on the Mediterranean and a team of expert wedding planners to help you every step of the way to create the perfect wedding afloat. Exclusive Yacht Weddings offers a fleet of yachts in various shapes and sizes, from a traditional ‘Jolly Roger’ sailing vessel to a sleek luxury powerboat. The company has three wedding all-inclusive wedding packages – the Admiral’s Package, starting from £6859 for up to 20 persons, including a 6-hour charter time, ceremony, decorated cars, a coach for guests, flowers, photo album and DVD, hair and makeup and a full champagne reception aboard including the cake; The Petty Officers Package starts from £4,995 for up to 20 guests, including a 5-hour charter time; The Cadet’s Package starts from £3499 per person. All packages include a personal wedding coordinator to assist with all legal paperwork, arranging hair and makeup, flowers, photography, transport and much more. www.exclusiveyachtweddings.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 79

Choose a

Celebrity Wedding You’ll feel like a star! W

Cruises can exchange their vows when the orld renowned for exceptional Celebrate your ship is sailing through international waters or style, service and attention alternatively whilst docked in a wide selection to detail, Celebrity Cruises wedding in style of exotic destinations including the Caribbean, is a premium cruise line that and float away to USA, South America, the Mediterranean and delivers a contemporary cruising experience. more! Their ships offer innovative design and the honeymoon of a décor, impeccable service and unparalleled and dining options. Add to that the Honeymoons afloat lifetime on an indulgent spa enthralling element of waking up each day to a Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning ships have different backdrop of an exciting new tropical cruise – one of the been created by the world’s top designers destination, historical port or vibrant city and and marine architects with a host of the cruise experience is complete. most exciting and innovative groundbreaking features to create an unforgettable onboard experience for memorable ways to Marry on land or sea your big day and a fun, relaxing and exciting For couples who want to avoid the time and tie the knot. honeymoon. usual hassles involved in planning a wedding, Celebrity Cruises offers the perfect solution with all-inclusive wedding packages arranged by dedicated wedding coordinators. Exotic destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular and more than 300 couples say “I do” onboard a Celebrity Cruise ship each year. Couples cruising with Celebrity 80 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Close to home, Celebrity Cruises operates the 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse from Southampton during the summer season with cruises departing to such romantic hotspots as Rome, Barcelona and Venice. Celebrity Eclipse boasts a real onboard grass lawn on the top deck, and onboard highlights including an Apple internet café, art tours, 10 speciality

restaurants and bars, a fitness centre with dedicated personal trainers, a theatre showing the best in off Broadway musicals and entertainment; a casino and even a worldclass spa. Celebrity Eclipse offers a wide choice of possibilities for your honeymoon. Whether you and your partner want to keep busy, keep active or just be pampered, you can do it all onboard.

The Wedding Experience The Celebrity Cruises ‘Wedding Experience’ package coordinates all in-port weddings and vow renewals, and can plan weddings performed at sea. The number of weddings permitted on each sailing is limited so book ahead to avoid disappointment. Celebrity Cruises ships are registered in Malta and in accordance with Maltese law, couples who wish to be married by a Celebrity Cruises

captain in international waters should allow for at least eight week’s land-based lead time in order to process the required legal documents. Any weddings performed onboard the ship must be in conjunction with a booked cruise and a valid marriage license must be obtained from the jurisdiction in which the wedding will take place.

At-sea weddings For the ultimate in maritime matrimony, why not have your special day officiated by the ship’s captain? Captain-led weddings are available for couples that would like to be married while sailing the seas. Captainperformed wedding packages start from USD $2,500.

Vow renewal packages As more couples choose to renew their wedding vows, Celebrity Cruises has the ‘True Love Knot Renewal’ and the ‘Aisle to Isle Renewal’ ceremony packages available. The

True Love Knot Renewal package includes a ceremony carried out by the ship’s captain in an intimate location onboard the ship; commemorative vow renewal certificate signed by the captain; recorded ceremony music; floral bouquet and matching boutonniere; photography service; a signed photo of the couple with the captain; a photo of the ship; champagne; engraved champagne flutes; cake for two, and breakfast delivered to the couple’s stateroom. The Aisle to Isle Renewal ceremony is led by a shipboard official and includes recorded music; champagne; cake for two; a commemorative certificate; a rose and matching boutonniere and photography service. These packages can be customised further, with live music, spa and salon appointments and more.

Further information www.heritageletelfair.com www.heritagethevillas.mu www.airmauritius.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 81

RealWEDDINGS

Love on a

Tall Ship

Ineke and Janâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nautical nuptials afloat

82 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

t’s not just couples in the UK who are choosing to move away from traditional church weddings and have a wow-factor wedding abroad instead. Ineke Thiry who works as a horseracing organiser and her fiance Jan Van den Broecke, a Consumer Psychologist from Ghent in Belgium said ‘I do’ aboard a romantic Tall Ship for a truly spectacular wedding ceremony.

Finding ‘the one’ We met during a VIP opening of a culinary event I organised, where he was invited by my father. The event had Thailand as guest country, with a Thai buffet. I was sitting next to the Ambassador of Thailand and Jan was sitting at the table next to me. I was so busy organising I didn’t notice him in the beginning. But for Jan it was love at first sight. Afterwards he told me, he was jealous of the Ambassador!

The proposal Jan proposed to me in the Sirocco Skybar in Bangkok, which I had visited a couple of years before, and had shown him some pictures mentioning this was one of the nicest locations I ever visited. He remembered! After dinner when I went to the powder room, he ordered champagne and after the glasses were filled he asked me if I wanted to share the rest of my life with him. It was totally unexpected. I had been joking about it, and almost found the ring while packing our bags before we left on holiday (he told me afterwards) but I never expected it.

Location location Officially we got married in the town hall of our hometown Ghent, but we didn’t want the regular wedding ceremony in a church, so we decided to have the ceremony during our honeymoon. Jan asked if a wedding ceremony on the boat was allowed, and

it was! Until a couple of years ago I was a competitive rower, so I like boats and Jan seemed to share this passion – so for us it was a dream to get married on this legendary sailing boat instead of a church.

The planning We made our own arrangements, with the help of the Star Clipper Staff, especially Anita, the Hotel Manager on the Royal Clipper! They were the best! Everything was planned in detail! There was even live music during the ceremony! I planned very little before we went - I just took my wedding dress with me and hoped that everything would be ok! The second day of our cruise we had a meeting with Anita aboard the Royal Clipper, to plan the whole ceremony. She made the arrangements with the captain, and the other officers. Everything was perfect! www.BridesAbroad.tv 83

RealWEDDINGS

The guests We didn’t take any guests with us, it was just the two of us! We invited our family and friends on our official wedding day in Belgium and didn’t talk about our plans for the Tall Ship blessing because we wanted a very intimate ceremony.

Getting the look I was wearing the same dress as on our official wedding in Belgium, which I bought in Le Chapeau in Antwerp. Since I was a little girl I dreamed about a dress from this special shop. I tried more than 20 dresses during the first visit, but I stuck to my first choice, a white dress from Pronovias. I wore Guess shoes - my favourite shoe brand. I didn’t like the white wedding shoes you find in wedding shops, so I chose golden Guess pumps. My necklace and bracelet were made out of the same fabric as my dress. Jan gave me the perfect pair of earrings on 84 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

our wedding day! I did my own hair, but the staff of the Captain Nemo’s Spa on board of the Royal Clipper helped with the make-up.

Groom and bridesmaids Jan wore a black Armani suit, white shirt and a black tie. As for bridesmaids – In Belgium, my two best friends Katrien and Eve were bridesmaids. I just asked them to wear a dress. We didn’t arrange a specific dress, so they could both dress in their own style. Katrien was wearing a black Karen Millen dress. Eve had chosen a gorgeous grey dress. They were both very beautiful. During the ceremony on the Royal Clipper we had a very special bridesmaid! Julie Peasgood, apparently a well known actress in the UK! (Julie is a popular actress and TV presenter! Ed) She offered to be my bridesmaid spontaneously. We didn’t know her, but she was so friendly and we had so much fun!

The details In Belgium after the official wedding service, which took place in an old abbey in the centre of Ghent, we had a Thai buffet by Blue Elephant, refering to our first contact and our engagement in Bangkok. On the Royal clipper we didn’t need a theme, the location was more than perfect! The staff surprised us with a huge chocolate cake and a bottle of champagne after the ceremony! The same night we found another chocolate cake in our cabin!

The ceremony The ceremony took place in the most special location on board the Royal Clipper – on the bridge! The ceremony lasted half an hour and we were married by the captain Brunon Borowka, Master of the S. P. V. Royal Clipper. Ten minutes before the ceremony, Jan went to the bridge where he waited for me. I was led to the bridge

by the Swedish head of the sports team – which worried Jan a bit!! But luckily he didn’t have to wait very long. As part of a special wedding tradition for the Royal Cipper we had to lay our right hand on the ship’s wheel while saying our vows!

The reception Our wedding reception aboard the Royal Clipper was held at the bridge and the tropical bar, where we invited the captain and the officers of the Royal Clipper. Then Mary Stuart-Miller the UK PR agent of Star Clippers invited us to her table, and we met even more people. We had a great night, with great people we didn’t know in advance. They even wrote a speech and

gave us little presents! Our first dance was to Marriah Mckee, ‘Show Me Heaven’. In Belgium we had a videoclip made during our wedding day of us dancing to this song, the clip was shown during our first dance. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qxagse0j5kM

Photographic memories Our wedding photos aboard the Royal Clipper were taken by Lida Titova. My favourites are the ones taken just afer the ceremony with blue sky, no stress and we were so happy…

Magic moments Our best memory was of the special

location – we got married just off the coast of Lipari on an amazing sailing ship in the sun. My funniest memories are after the ceremony, climbing into the bow net of the boat in my wedding dress AND wearing high heels for the photos!

On budget? The whole wedding cost us just the price of our cruise and the bar bill.

Further information Wedding Venue: Royal Clipper www.starclippers.co.uk Photography: Photos on the Royal Clipper : Lida Titova

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Steal Ineke’s Style Feminine and ladylike, Ineke sailed away in sophisticated style with just a hint of vintage lace and finery aboard the historical tall ship.

Jessica floral necklace by June Ellen, £25 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Hollywood silver cuff, £129 www.AnjliLondon.com

Satin bow bridal bag by June Ellen, £25 www.crystalfrost.co.uk Feather hair comb by June Ellen www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Bridal shoes, style Betty, £80 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk 86 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Dress by Johanna Hehir, style Serena www.johanna-hehir.com

5Hot Spots Latin American

If you are planning a destination wedding, then let your spirit of adventure guide you to exotic Latin America where your First Dance just has to be the tango, says Effie Kanya 88 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

atin America may not be the first place in the world you think of saying ‘I do’, but with its incredible landscapes, ranging from the Amazonian rain forest to vast mountain regions, its fabulous beaches and diverse culture, it offers brides and grooms a breathtaking, unforgettable location to tie the knot. Add to that the fact that it offers warm sunshine during our British winter months, as well as the chance to party to seductive Latin American rhythms, and it emerges as a perfect destination for winter weddings.

Argentina A regal wedding

Since the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this year, glamorous, sophisticated weddings have become the fashion again, and Argentina is synonymous with old world glamour, wealth and passion; so where better to host a wedding fit for royalty than in a country which offers imposing colonial architecture, stunning landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine and vibrant culture. The country has enjoyed a heady revival in the past few years with Madonna, Shakira and Beyoncé all huge fans, and of course, Katie Price’s recent Argentinian squeeze all promoting the assets of Argentina and its people.

Couples can find idyllic locations to suit their chosen style of wedding – from vibrant cities to isolated tranquillity – miles of white sandy beaches and pristine glacial lakesides. Without a doubt, Latin America offers some of the best settings in the world for the ultimate wedding. However, if you are looking for inspiration, here are our top five locations from across Latin America to stage five very different weddings.

Buenos Aires - city of romance At the heart of Argentina lies undoubtedly the most romantic city in the whole of Latin America, Buenos Aires, a glamorous city, which is known to the locals as La Pequeña Europa or ‘Little Europe’ The city’s stunning colonial architecture dates from the 17th century with even modern buildings built to recreate neo classical style. Its wide facades and numerous landscaped parks are reminiscent of a modern day French or Italian city. The 14-hour flight from the UK may seem long but it is well worth it just to experience the food, rhythm and romance.

The Alvear Palace Hotel - grandiose splendour

The most famous and opulent hotel in Argentina is the Alvear Palace. Since its opening in 1932, the hotel, which is reminiscent of a 17th century French palace, has received world acclaim for its impeccable service. Based in the upmarket neighbourhood of Recoletta, it has hosted royalty including our own royal family (Prince Charles stayed here on his last visit to the country), film and music stars and the super rich. Past guests have included Sophia Loren, Walt Disney, Matt Damon, Salma Hayek, Oliver Stone and Naomi Campbell to name but a few. The hotel offers five-star cuisine in its award winning La Bourgogne restaurant and has a legendary wine cellar, Le Cave. Guests can also take high tea in its beautiful Orangery - Le Jardin D’Hiver, with its enclosed outdoor garden. The hotel has 210 rooms and suites with personal butler service; health club; luxurious spa which exclusively stocks Hermes products, its chic lobby bar and separate cigar bar.

prefer. The hotel offers a designated wedding planner, photographer, fresh flowers for the bride and reception, champagne and the wedding cake at an additional cost. The hotel also offers the following for a three night minimum stay: Accommodation in Junior Suite or De Luxe Suite (upgrade to Premier Category); buffet breakfast at L`Orangerie Restaurant. In room wedding arrival welcome of sparkling wine and chocolate coated strawberries. An intimate dinner for two at La Bourgogne Restaurant with wines selected by their Sommelier. Rates from £222 per room per night.

A wedding fit for a King & Queen

Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires.

The hotel’s 12 magnificent banqueting and ballroom rooms and suites are all sumptuously decorated in a French Rococo style and can host weddings of up to 800 people or a more intimate gathering if you

Further Information www.alvearpalace.com For wedding package details contact: banquetes@alvear.com.ar +54 11 4808-2187 www.BridesAbroad.tv 89

Chile The wedding at the

end of the world

Chile may sound chilly, but it is a warm welcome that awaits couples that venture to this amazing country to exchange their wedding vows. However, the real gem is hidden deep in the south. Fly two hours south of the capital Santiago to discover untouched, luscious landscape teeming with wildlife and unspoilt views in Latin America’s best kept secret - the region of Aysen in the idyllic region of Patagonia. Aysen is a secret haven of deep blue glacial lakes, spectacular mountain ranges and abundant wildlife. The region is sparsely populated, which explains the sheer beauty of the undisturbed landscape with its glaciers and ice fields; the most famous glacier in the region is the Laguna San Rafael, reachable only by boat or plane. For couples wanting an awesome wedding location who also enjoy exploring vast landscapes, this setting is truly paradise on earth.

Puyahuapi Lodge and Spa - lost in paradise

Puyuhuapi is one of the most romantic lakeside lodges in Latin America. It is a natural paradise with breathtaking views of the lake. Guests wake up to views of spectacular sunrises and can relax in the evening on their private balcony with sunsets guaranteed to take your breath away. This five star lodge offers excursions to the nearby Queulat National Park, the hanging glacier, hiking in the surrounding areas or kayaking across the lake. In the adjoining forest next to the lake are ‘healing waters’ of the thermal pools, which can be enjoyed by day or by romantic candlelight at night. The hotel also boasts a five-star luxury spa with a range of relaxing and luxurious treatments. At the end of their stay guests have the chance to opt for the once in a lifetime trip to the famous Laguna San Rafael on board the hotel’s own luxury catamaran.

Romantic island weddings Your wedding can take place either within the hotel itself or on its nearby private island. The hotel’s Michelin star quality cuisine offers three to five courses of absolutely delicious, locally sourced food and produce. The hotel can arrange a Civil Minister, photographer, witnesses, translators, wedding cake, fresh flowers for the bride, champagne, bridal suite and marriage certificate for £300. Prices for three nights only Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa, not including the San Rafael Glacier tour are from £795 p/p double room; five nights – including four nights in Puyuhuapi and one night in Chacabuco, including San Rafael Glacier start from £1350 p/p double room.

Further Information www.patagonia-connection.com Or email:

info@patagonia-connection.com Tel: +56 2 2256489 90 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Aysen at a glance Location:

Aysen is situated in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia. Its surface represents 15 per cent of the country’s territories. The region capital is Coyahique.

Flights:

There are direct flights from Santiago to Aysen. LAN has 3 daily flights and Sky airline has two daily flights. Duration 2.20 hours.

Activities:

Fly fishing, biking, trekking, kayaking, horseriding, gastronomy, culture and traditions.

Main attractions:

Carretera Austral, Patagonia ice fields, Carrera Lake, San Rafael lagoon, Cerro Castillo, Tortel.

Best food:

Grilled Patagonian lamb – just delicious.

Wine: Chilean of course! Ideal to combine with: Santiago Best time to visit:

September to April. The high season in Chile is January to the mid of April when the average daytime temperature in the Chilean summer is 20°C (during the day).

Internet information:

Facebook: Explore Aysen; Twitter: @exploreaysen

Website:

www.exploreasyen.com

Uruguay

The celebrity wedding

Glitzy Uruguay has been attracting the rich and famous over the years due to its elite resorts in Carmelo and the ultra exclusive Jose Ignacio. In equal amounts, private jets, helicopters and super yachts grace the resorts, with celebrities and wealthy independent travellers desperate to experience the seclusion, five-star entertainment and facilities that the resorts offer.

Carmelo is a gorgeous city, situated in the district of Colonia and on the banks of the Río de la Plata, with a rich religious history. The original settlement was named after a virgin saint Del Carmen who is said to appear at Mount Carmelo and is celebrated every year with a festival. Jose Ignacio Hotel

The Four Jose Ignacio Seasons, Carmelo - jet set favourite

Four Seasons Resort

- celebrity’s secret retreat

Four Seasons Resort

The award winning luxurious resort closely guards the names of its celebrity clientele. This serene and intimate five-star resort boasts some of the most spectacular restaurants and spa offerings on the continent. Ideally situated beside the Rio de la Plata, the retreat has spacious bungalows and bi-level suites nestled in grounds shrouded in privacy and set amongst fragrant pine and eucalyptus trees. The Four Seasons also offers a championship golf course and is minutes away from a winery, marina and equestrian centre.

Stunning wedding locations Four Seasons Resort

The hotel offers several stunning wedding locations where you can stage your perfect day. The hotel offers a wedding planner, photographer, wedding cake and flowers and can assist with a minister for the blessing. The average cost for a food and beverage wedding package, which includes cocktail reception, dinner and beverages is approximately £100 + tax at 22 per cent per person. For more information about the hotel’s wedding packages go to their website: http://www. fourseasons.com/Carmelo; Twitter: http://twitter.com/@FSCarmelo; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ FourSeasonsResortCarmelo

Situated 100 miles from the capital Montevideo and facing the Atlantic ocean, this super exclusive resort teems with luxury and all the trappings of a resort that is used to catering to the very rich. Visitors can expect to enjoy the best in international cuisine, smart boutiques and the famous Brava beach which hosts the most exclusive beach parties and concerts and is bristling with supermodels, celebrities and the wealthy who flock from all over the globe to see and be seen. Naomi Watts, Michael Schumacher, Giselle and Naomi Campbell have all visited.

Estancia Vik

- seven star luxury This seven star celebrity haunt hotel with only 12 rooms is unlike anything you will have ever experienced - modelled on an Uruguayan traditional ranch and filled with original pieces of art from some of Uruguay’s leading artists. This Spanish colonial-style hotel is a 50,000 sq ft structure designed by Marcelo Daglio and is set in 4,000 rolling acres of countryside. This impressive hotel features white adobe walls and red tin roofs with covered walkways linking multiple outdoor courtyards and idyllic gardens.

Romantic chapel weddings The hotel has everything a couple could need for the perfect wedding; it has a romantic chapel nestled in a grove of ancient native trees, which has been specially created www.BridesAbroad.tv 91

Brazil

A honeymoon in paradise

Buzios - the beachside retreat Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this picturesque fishing village, situated two and a half hours by car from Rio, has been voted one of the ten most beautiful areas in the world. Buzios is famous for its unique combination of rustic charm, architectural harmony, incredible beauty and sophisticated boutiques and restaurants frequented by discerning visitors who come from all over the world to savour its magic. Its 27 sandy coves contain some of the prettiest beaches in Brazil, all spread around a peninsula.

Insólito Boutique Hotel and Spa

- romantic honeymoon haven For couples looking for an idyllic, romantic spot for their honeymoon, away from the world’s better-known beach resorts, Insólito Boutique Hotel is a perfect choice. This beautiful retreat has a sustainable integration with nature and is set on a gorgeous Ferradura Beach, one of the prettiest sandy beaches in Buzios. Insolito is built on a rock outcrop overlooking the beach and retains an intimate, relaxed atmosphere throughout. Set in the middle of lush tropical vegetation, guests wake up with breathtaking beachside views. The hotel’s 20 guest rooms have a quaint mix of rustic charm and luxury. If you want total couple pampering you have come to the right place, the hotel has a Wellness Centre for massages and Indian rituals to guarantee relaxation by the sea. In the restaurant guests can explore a FrancoBrazillian fusion of flavours in an enchanting setting with stunning views of Ferradura Beach. For active rest, Insólito has a sweet water pool, a saltwater pool, a dry sauna, a steam sauna, Jacuzzi and Ofurô. There are also three bicycles, which are available for use by the guests, as well as two boats, the Rush boat, for tours around the main beaches in Buzios, and a speedboat for waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Further Information Insolito Hotel, Buzios, Brazil Call: +55 22 2623 2172 reservas@insolitohotel.com www.insolitohotel.com 92 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Colombia A wedding inside

a fortress Cartagena - the next big thing

For a beach side wedding with a difference, head to the culturally diverse fortressed city of Cartagena. In 1984, Cartagena’s colonial walled city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The African and Hispanic influences are not only visible in the diversity of the stunning locals but in the eclectic cuisine and rich music scene. From Cartagena visitors can board boats to visit the Rosario islands, which are said to have some of the most unspoilt beaches in Latin America. We say it’s the next big thing because it has been a well kept secret for years but celebrities, including Denzel Washington, Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Marc Jacobs and Martha Stewart are already huge fans of this historical city.

Hotel Casa Pestagua - unbridled beauty

For couples who really want to go for something truly spectacular Casa Pestagua, known as ‘Casa más bella de Cartagena’ (the most beautiful house in Cartagena), belonged to the 18th Century Count of Pestagua, a rich and powerful aristocrat who gave his name to this mansion. Distinguished by its exquisite architecture, today the Casa Pestagua offers 5-star luxury hotel services, with the comfort and technology expected by the most demanding hotel guest. This boutique hotel offers 11 rooms housed in opulent grounds. It also offers a totally personalised service in an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Sheltered by its surrounding walls you have all the privacy you could ever desire. Contact the hotel directly to get prices for their bespoke wedding packages.

Hotel Santa Clara

- monastic excellence Originally built as a monastery in 1621, the Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel is situated in the heart of Cartagena. The hotel’s walls, which acted as a shield in ancient times, combine with colonial balconies to evoke the splendour of days gone by. The hotel has 119 beautiful bedrooms, including 17 suites, which offer views over the historical city or the azure waters of the Caribbean sea. The hotel offers bespoke wedding packages for couples. Contact the hotel directly for further information.

Further Information

Hotel Casa Pestagua, Cartagena, Colombia

Hotel Santa Clara, Cartagena, Colombia

http://www.casapestagua.com

www.hotelsantaclara.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 93

Happy Hens There was a time when a hen party was an excuse to hit the local nightspots with your mates. While that’s still fun without a doubt, the latest trends are for something more creative or adventurous. Here are our top suggestions, depending on your budget.

BEST FOR SWEET TOOTHED HENS Whoopie Pies – better than cupcakes!

Gather up your girlfriends and let them be the first to get in on the new American craze for whoopie pies with a fun cookery lesson for your hen day. The Cocktails & Whoopie Pie hen activity lesson is a unique workshop where you will have fun and giggles with the girls as you all learn how to create whoopie pies – a delicious macaroon that is popular in America and is set to knock the cupcake out of its position as the number one tea time sweet treat. Chocolate lovers will also be delighted to learn that chocolate martinis will be served to sip while creating your masterpieces. This two-hour workshop includes all equipment, tuition and ingredients and takes place in London and Brighton. Price per person depends on the number of hens in your group. To obtain a quote and book log on to: www.gohen.com

BEST FOR MYSTIC HENS Tarot & Tea Party

Will the maid of honour run off with the best man? Who will catch the bouquet? Is married life going to be rosy? Give your hens a glimpse into their future over a sumptuous afternoon tea consisting of tea, delicious finger sandwiches, scrummy scones with jam and clotted cream and gorgeous cupcakes – oh, and with a tarot reading thrown in for good measure! Tea Party are party planners that will arrange this unique tea party for parties of 10-20 hens in a hidden venue in North London with pink candy striped walls, a pink chandelier and beautifully laid tables that are adorned with vintage china, flowers and pretty napkins. Sit back, sip some bubbly and find out what life holds for you with a personal tarot reading from a gifted reader who’ll be able to answer any burgeoning questions that you and your hens may have. Prices vary depending on the numbers of your group. www.teaparty.uk.com 94 www.BridesAbroad.tv

BEST FOR HENS ON A MISSION The Bootcamp Challenge

Kick your hens into shape and ensure you are all looking fit and feeling fab in time for your wedding with a residential fitness programme that is guaranteed to improve both mind and body, while providing a fun and bonding experience. GI Jane bootcamp in Kent is a high intensity physical training course from a team of fitness experts, all of whom have trained in the British armed forces. The women-only bootcamp offers a range of courses for all ages and abilities, which are guaranteed to help you lose weight and feel stronger both physically and emotionally. Activities include: hill walking, cycling, boxing, circuit training, core training, zip wiring, army assault courses and much more. G.I Jane is no spa. Bootcampers are pushed to their limit and beyond, but the results are amazing. A week-long course costs £1150 per person and a weekend course £399 per person including all food, drink and activities, fitness and dietary advice. www.gijanebootcamp.co.uk

BEST FOR NATURE LOVING HENS Glamping for Babes in the Woods

Forget L-plates and embarrassing nightclub shenanigans, a wooded wonderland weekend of glamping is where it’s at for hen-in-theknow this year. A new Devon based company called ‘Babes in the Woods’ is offering a totally new concept in hen parties. This glamping is no rumble in the jungle - it’s all about comfortable woodland living, complete with champagne and Devonshire cream teas. Set in 300 acres of beautiful woodland on the Raleigh Estate in South Devon, accommodation is in stylishly furnished bell tents with comfy camp beds and a host of activities laid on including: bushcraft skills such as fire and shelter building, wild nature walks and chill out time in front of a roaring fire. Weekends start at £195 per person, including all activities, meals and camping for one night. Stays can be extended to two nights at a supplement of £35 per person. Suitable for groups of 8-20 hens. www.babesinthewoods.co.uk

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BEST FOR BARGAIN HUNTERS

Save in a Mallorcan farmhouse

Brides-to-be and hens looking for affordable luxury abroad can book a Mallorcan Farmhouse out of season and spend a fabulous week in Mallorca for a fraction of the cost – perfect for recharging the batteries and topping up the tan before the big day. Self-catering accommodation specialists Mallorca Farmhouses are offering savings of up to 20 per cent on selected properties in Mallorca with accommodation around the island to suit all tastes. All come with a private pool, maid service and starter pack. There are plenty of options to choose for groups during the low-season, for example Cullera is a villa with far reaching sea views situated just a few minutes drive from the chic shops, bars and restaurants of Cala d’Or. Prices start from under £121 per person based on six sharing, leaving plenty of cash left over to fully enjoy the local delights. www.mallorca.co.uk

BEST FOR WEST END WANNABES! Dirty Dancing! Hen nights have just got a whole lot raunchier with the launch of the UK’s Dirty Dancing experience featuring genuine west end stars, including Johnny Castle. Dancing Hen Nights offer bespoke two-hour London west end dancing classes specially designed for hens based on famous musicals. You and your hens will be taught well-known stylish moves by hunky leading men from various west end shows – and you’ll all be dancing like the stars before you know it! All abilities, ages and fitness levels can learn, achieve and above all enjoy their dancing experience at the exclusive INC Space in Covent Garden. Prices from just £39.95 a head including complimentary bubbly, a two-hour dancing workshop, unlimited wine, refreshments and video footage of your day. For more information visit: www. dancinghennights.co.uk

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BEST FOR ROCK CHICS Party like divas in Las Vegas

Treat your hens like VIPs by whisking them off to Las Vegas to party like rock stars! Red Carpet VIP offers hens the ultimate VIP experience – from cruising along The Strip in a ‘nightclub on wheels’ to getting VIP treatment in the casinos. Red Carpet VIP is a company dedicated to ensuring you are treated like divas on your VIP trip to Las Vegas. Your host at Red Carpet VIP can advise you on the best places to party and can ensure that you have access to top nightclubs and bypass the queues. They can also organise a reservation for the best tables and have drinks served to your table all night long. www.vipnight.com

BEST FOR SUNSEEKING HENS Golf and pampering in Portugal

Pamper and indulge yourself and your hens on a luxurious spa and golf weekend on Portugal’s Atlantic coast for year-round sunshine, relaxation and bonding before your big day, at the gorgeous new Oitavos hotel and spa just 20-minutes from Lisbon. The hotel, which boasts an ocean-inspired spa and links golf course, is situated in stunning surroundings overlooking the Ocean. Treat your hens to beautifying and therapeutic spa treatments and enjoy playing golf under an azure sky. The Oitavos is offering a ‘Hen Weekend’ package for brides-to-be and up to nine of their best girlfriends, which includes: two nights B&B in a superior room; one spa treatment per person; one group beginners golf lesson with a pro; a cocktail at The Bar; fine dining in the gourmet restaurant and complimentary shuttle to the local market town of Cascais. Price £337 per person based on a group of 10 people. www.theoitavos.com

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Weather permitting Do you want to sizzle at the hottest wedding of the year or are you a cool bride looking for a seriously chilled location? Check out our weather guide to help you choose the perfect destination throughout the year

At a glance

Best for May-October

Best for November-April

• Tahiti, Fiji and other Pacific Islands • Mauritius & Seychelles • North America • Hawaii • Canada • Kenya • Tanzania & Zanzibar • Europe • Queensland & Barrier Reef

• Caribbean • Mexico • Thailand • Australia & New Zealand • Maldives • South Africa • Dubai • European ski destinations

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January

February

Hot Spots

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Hawaii Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Cool & Chilled

Canada, European Alps Iceland, Scandinavia, USA

Canada, European Alps, Iceland, Scandinavia, USA

Something Different

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco New Zealand, Sri Lanka

Jungle Safari

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Avoid

Alaska, Borneo

Alaska,

March

April

Hot Spots

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Malaysia. Maldives, Mexico

Cool & Chilled Canada, USA, European Alps, Scandinavia, Iceland

Something Different Argentina, Egypt, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Hong Kong

Jungle Safari

Cool & Chilled European Alps, Scandinavia

Something Different Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India

Jungle Safari

Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Belize, Zambia

Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Costa Rica, South Africa, Zambia

Avoid

Alaska

Alaska, Kenya, Tanzania www.BridesAbroad.tv 99

May

June

Hot Spots

Brazil, Cyprus, Dubai, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand

Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA

Cool & Chilled

Alaska, Iceland

Canada, European Alps, Iceland, Scandinavia, USA

Something Different

Cook Islands, Egypt, Hong Kong, France, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Scandinavia

Alaska, New Zealand

Jungle Safari Belize, Borneo, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia

Avoid Caribbean, Cuba, Kenya, Maldives, Tanzania

Jungle Safari Borneo, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia

Avoid Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt, Maldives

July

August

Hot Spots

Canada, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA

Canada, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Seychelles, Spain, USA

Cool & Chilled

Alaska, Iceland

Something Different

France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Peru, Scandinavia, Scotland, Spain

France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Peru, Scandinavia, Scotland

Jungle Safari

Borneo, Botswana, Kenya,

Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia

Tanzania, Zambia

Avoid Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt 100 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Avoid

Belize, Caribbean, Costa Rica Cuba, Dubai, Egypt

September

October

Hot Spots

Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA

Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Dubai, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain

Cool & Chilled

Alaska, New Zealand

Canada, USA

Something Different

Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Peru, Sri Lanka, USA

Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Morocco, Sri Lanka, USA

Jungle Safari

Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia

Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania Zambia, South Africa

Avoid

Belize, Caribbean, Cuba, Costa Rica

Alaska, Belize, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Cuba

November

December

Hot Spots

Australia, Brazil, Dubai, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Mauritius, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand

Cool & Chilled

Canada, Scandinavia, USA

Canada, European Alps, Scandinavia, USA

Something Different

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Sri Lamka, USA

Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, USA

Jungle Safari

Belize, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa,Tanzania

Avoid Alaska, Borneo

Avoid

Alaska, Borneo www.BridesAbroad.tv 101

Wedding Countdown

Don’t be caught out! Set your diary for our month-by-month wedding checklist

12 MONTHS

• Decide on a budget • Fix a date and time • Decide on guest numbers • Research to find your perfect venue! • Check world weather

11 MONTHS

• Send out save the day cards • Take out wedding insurance and include your wedding dress • Make appointments to try out wedding dresses • Start downloading music if planning a CD for reception • Check availability at resorts and get prices

10 MONTHS

• Book your hotel and wedding package • Order invitations and envelopes as well as place cards • Inform guests of travel plans and give them your tour operator details so they can work out their own arrangements • Set up a honeymoon gift list

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• Pick your bridesmaids, ushers and best man • Decide on your dress – allow at least four months for a made-to-measure gown to be delivered

9 MONTHS

• Start thinking about a theme for your wedding • Choose and order your bridesmaids outfits • Discuss with your wedding planners what documents you need • Check your passport is up to date • Arrange your travel insurance

8 MONTHS • If you are having a religious ceremony, discuss readings and choose music for your service • Check whether readings and music are permitted for a civil ceremony

7 MONTHS

• Choose and order favours • Shop for table decorations, confetti and trimmings

• Choose shoes and accessories for you and your bridesmaids

6 MONTHS

• Remind your fiancé to get his and the ushers’ outfits • Choose gifts for your attendants, best man, mum and helpers • Chase up any guests who haven’t responded

5 MONTHS

• Book a consultation with your hairstylist • Start your course of Restylane fillers, permanent hair removal, cosmetic tweaks and slimming treatments

4 MONTHS

• Go shopping for honeymoon clothes • Check whether you need visas or inoculations • Start arrangements for your stag and hen party • Start your diet and fitness campaign

3 MONTHS

• Check that you have received all the

Honeymoon checklist 6 MONTHS • Do your research • Health and safety – check for travel advice and updates at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (fco.gov.org) • Set the honeymoon budget

5 MONTHS • Make your choice early as airline prices can soar for late bookings • Check on visas • Check your passport is up to date

4 MONTHS • Have your jabs • Start health and fitness plan correct documentation, including travel tickets. Check the details carefully for correct names, dates and times of flights • Inform the tour operator of guests who are staying at different hotels – day passes need to be arranged for them • Book a make-up session at a department store and choose your wedding make-up. Make sure it is heat -and-water-resistant if you are going to hot climes • Choose your ‘special wedding perfume’ • Book your pre-wedding hair appointment for cut and colour • Choose a company for a gift list and make your selection

2 MONTHS

• Check that your fiancé has the rings and his wedding clothes • Collect your wedding dress • Book your beauty treatments, including nails, facial, fake tan, waxing, eyebrow shape, false lashes

1 MONTH

• Double check that you have all the original documentation for your wedding • Make sure you have a suitable luggage carrier for your wedding dress for transportation in the hold of the plane • Buy your sun protection, travel-sized products etc • Boost and fine tune your diet and fitness plan • Work out the seating plan for your reception • Discuss final checklist with your wedding planner • Check that your passport, visas, inoculations and insurance are in place

TWO WEEKS • Have your final hair appointment and ask for tips and products. Take photographs to show hairdressers at your destination

3 MONTHS • Two days prior to departure have beauty treatments including nails, facial, fake tan, waxing, eyebrow shape, false lashes etc • Order your travel cheques and currency • Have your stag and hen party

On arrival at your resort • Meet the resort’s wedding co-ordinator to check all documentation and set a day, time and location for the ceremony • Choose your flowers, cake and witnesses • Order add-ons such as larger cake, more wine, extra buttonholes, photographer, music and transport to the ceremony • Check that day passes and special permissions for children have been arranged for guests staying at other hotels • Arrange hairstylist, beauty appointments and spa treatments

The day before your wedding • You will have a wedding rehearsal with your wedding co-ordinator • Have a spa massage to relax you for your big day • Have a top-up spray tan if needed

The big day • Have your hair and make-up done at the hotel • Your wedding co-ordinator will check everything else is in place • Once the Marriage Officer arrives you will receive a call to let you know it’s time to say ‘I Do’

• Choose your honeymoon wardrobe • Book appointments for fillers, permanent hair removal etc.

2 MONTHS • Buy your luggage

1 MONTH • Confirm bookings • Choose your perfume and water and heatproof holiday make-up

2 WEEKS • Order travellers cheques and currency • Check your holiday insurance carefully

1 WEEK • Book a pedicure, have a spray tan and leg and bikini wax. • Check in online • Check airport transfers

Check your documents!

You will need originals – or copies certified by a notary or solicitor of the following. But do check with your wedding tour operator and/or wedding planner. • 10 year passport, valid for at least six months • Birth certificates • If you are divorced, a decree absolute • If widowed, a death certificate and previous marriage certificate • An affidavit signed by a solicitor stating no legal objection to the marriage • If you have changed your name by deed poll, ensure it is proof stamped and signed by a solicitor. Visit fco.gov.uk for further details, and do check with your tour operator and wedding planner before you leave for your destination.

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We asked dedicated wedding planners to give us a selection of their most frequently asked questions...

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Skin boosting treatments for special occasions Every bride wants flawless skin on her wedding day so she can have the confidence to be in the spotlight all day long. At Fiona and Marie Aesthetics we specialise in skin boosting treatments to ensure your skin is in tip top condition, looking radiant and fresh for the big day and way beyond. So the last thing you have to worry about on your wedding day is your skin.

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Soft lip shaping lifts out lines within the body of the lip, so lips look a little more rounded and more sensuous. Lips that look natural and pass the kiss test! For those needing a little more help, why not think about a course of Restylane Vital? This well tested skin boosting treatment provides long lasting results, restoring skin lustre and smoothing away niggling lines. It improves skin elasticity and hydration leaving your skin looking more toned and feeling smoother. Our specially tailored Super Facial treatment provides the finishing touch. It can help treat the signs of ageing such as uneven skin tone as well as boost tired, dull skin as a result of coping with the rigours of daily life and the stresses of wedding planning!

020 7487 3032

What ever your skin needs, we can help you! Come and see us! Fiona and Marie Aesthetics Ltd 121 Harley Street, London W1G 6AX Email: lookinggood@fionamarie.co.uk

www.fionamarie.co.uk

Ask the planners! We asked Lisa Burton of The Bridal Consultant wedding planning service to answer your burning questions on planning a wedding abroad. Child friendly festivities I’m getting married in Italy next year and out of a party of 80 there are 20 children! I really want to make sure the kids are entertained so that their parents can enjoy the day and relax, do you have any ideas how to entertain the children? Angela, Hertfordshire

Hi Angela Children add so much fun to a wedding abroad. However there is always a fear about how to entertain them so that they have a good time but are not too disruptive. Here are a few ideas: Hire a children’s entertainer, juggler or clown, babysitter or even a bouncing castle. However there should be obvious caution –face painting and wedding dresses don’t always mix well! Or organise an activity table for the children so they can be entertained during the meal and the speeches, which is often the most boring time for them! There are companies that actually make activity packs for weddings including: www.littletreasurespartybags. co.uk or if you are feeling creative, make your own. You could also consider setting up a separate dining table for the kids so they can eat with the other children. Most venues have a separate children’s menu so they all eat the same and parents don’t have to worry about what they are eating! Don’t forget safety. Discuss with the venue about any possible steep drops or stairs at your venue – they should be able to make safety suggestions to avoid any mishaps. I hope this helps, I’m sure you will have an amazing time and the kids will also look back with fond memories!

Mother-in-law trouble! My fiancé and I decided to get married abroad because I don’t get on particularly well with his mother and I am worried that she will interfere too much with our plans – she’s very overbearing! Unbelievably she

calls me constantly asking me what there is to be done and checking up on me. I’m getting so annoyed. I’m worried we’ll come to blows! How can I keep her busy so she’ll leave me alone? Jenny, Cornwall

Hi Jenny So sorry to hear about your problem! It’s hard being stuck in the middle trying to keep your future hubby happy but at the same time trying to keep an overbearing mother-in-law onside. I would avoid a confrontation at all costs as you need to learn to live with your mother-in-law long after the wedding - and you never know, you may one day become friends! Try to be the bigger person, remember after the wedding you can go back to seeing each other as much or as little as you like, and your future hubby will love the fact you’ve been able to deal with his mum and make it work! Instead why not ask for her help with a few things so that she feels needed (because quite often that’s all it is) such as the table plan and name cards - give her the list of names and let her go with it, though obviously you have final say; finding out guest menu choices and dietary requirements; helping organise the photographs and gathering everyone for the group shots that you want; Put her in charge of a welcome group for the family and guests on arrival at the wedding destination and collecting everyone’s contact number and be responsible for calling anyone who may be running late on the day!

Romantic dinner for two I’m getting married in Barbados next April. It will just be a small ceremony – just the two of us, and I’d like to take my future wife for a very special meal after the ceremony, but outside our hotel, which is all inclusive. Do you have any suggestions. Harry, Leicester

Hi Harry I love Barbados it has a very special place in my heart as it’s where I met my husband! It’s a very romantic island and the beaches and sunsets are amazing. However for the ultimate romantic experience there is really only one place to go – The Cliff in St James. The setting is incredible, right beside the water and the food and personal service are unbeatable. www.thecliffbarbados. com. For something less formal, don’t miss The Waterfront Cafe in Bridgetown. It is set on the side of the marina and the food is fantastic with a mixed menu including traditional Bajan dishes. Try and get a table outside so you can savour the vibrant atmosphere of the busy marina. www. waterfrontcafe.com.bb. For a completely relaxed and authentic Bajan experience then I recommend the Boatyard www. theboatyard.com. The setting and sunsets there are amazing, there is always a tune playing by Bob Marley or a local musician to entertain and the cocktails are just incredible.

Contact Lisa: Do you have any questions for Lisa Burton of The Bridal Consultant? Email your questions to: lisaburton@thebridalconsultant.co.uk The Bridal Consultant is a full wedding planning service that specialises in exclusive destination weddings in New York, Costa Blanca (Spain), Cyprus, Santorini and Zakynthos (Greece). www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk

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With stunning sea views, a truly romantic terrace with a cascading fountain and the opportunity to sail off into the sunset from our perfectly-positioned jetty, the Corinthia Hotel St. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay offers a unique venue for your fairytale day. Your plans and dreams will come true with the help of our experienced in-house wedding planner, who will look after your every need with meticulous precision. As our wedding gift to you, the bride and groom will be given 3 complimentary nights with a minimum of 10 additional rooms booked. Preferential rates will be given to guests attending the wedding.

Contact our Wedding Planner Patricia Falzon today! Email: patricia.falzon@corinthia.com Tel: +356 2370 2681 / +356 9940 2419 Corinthia Hotel, St. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay, Malta Tel: +356 2137 4114 Email: banquetsales.stgeorges@corinthia.com

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Getting married abroad choose the Paradise Bay Resort Hotel in Malta.

Surrounded by the clear waters of the Mediterranean the resort is your ideal setting for your unforgettable day. Ceremonies are held by Neptunes fountain, outdoor or indoor pool and the beach area. All these venues have a back drop of the sea. We also offer inside venues for couples how want to thigh the knot during the winter months.

For more information: Tel: +356 2152 1166 Fax: +356 2152 1153

Email: info@paradise-bay.com website: www.paradise-bay.com

Advertising Feature

WEDDINGS INTHE MED

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...The Islands of Malta and Gozo...

Advertising Feature

Firstly I wish you warm congratulations, getting married is one of the most special and exciting moments for every couple and as a married man I know exactly how perfect it needs to be! When you’re sipping a glass of champagne watching the sun set over the crystal clear waters of Malta reflecting on the best day of your life, you’ll know you couldn’t have chosen a better destination than Malta. With fresh, local, expertly cooked Mediterranean food, impeccable service, breathtaking beauty and excellent weather – a wedding anywhere else seems to spite itself!

The Truly Mediterranean Islands of Malta and Gozo provide the ideal back drop to every wedding, with year-round sunshine, azure waters and luxurious resorts. In Maltese culture, marriages are lavish affairs, but whether you’re planning a laidback do for close family or a spectacular affair for 200, any wedding held in Malta will be one to remember. Boasting around 365 beautiful churches dotted around the Islands, Malta is an ideal destination for those desiring a religious wedding. Of course if your ideal nuptials are more, chic cocktails at cosmopolitan hotels, bare foot romance on the beach or old world charm there is a wide choice of licenced venues, all of which are set to inspire and delight. The grandiose will love one of the

grand baroque palaces with stunning Gardens or those preferring something more rustic can choose a beautiful farmhouse set in the quaint countryside of Gozo. For nature lovers, Malta’s beautiful sandy beaches provide a location like no other, with the warm Mediterranean lapping at your feet. We know that the decision of how and where to get married is one of the most important you’ll ever make and want to let you know that choosing Malta as a destination, you can rest assured that no task will be too big or small to ensure the perfect ceremony, celebration or honeymoon.

Alex Incorvaja Director UK & Ireland

introduction

Advertising Feature

WEDDED BLISS

malta

With year-round sunshine, spellbinding Mediterranean waters, spectacular scenery, luxurious resorts and delectable cuisine, Malta can make a dream wedding become reality.

At just a three-hour flight from all the major airports in Britain, it is a short trip to one of the most romantic and magical wedding destinations in the world – the Maltese Islands. Malta is situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, 62 miles south of Sicily. It is in fact an archipelago of three islands: Malta, its smaller sister Gozo – with its stunning landscapes and scenery, and the tiny island of Comino. The islands have untouched and rich with wildlife. With its Mediterranean climate, Malta offers year-round sunshine with long summer days and warm dry winters, providing the perfect wedding destination 365 days a year. The islands have a long and rich history, boasting some of the world’s most ancient standing buildings. Valletta is the capital of Malta and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage City as it is filled with examples of grand architecture. Malta’s past seems to

transcend the ages, from its mythological links of Homers Odyssey, to attracting the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and the crusading Knights of St John. The islands exude a sense of the magical and mysterious. This aura hasn’t gone unnoticed and, coupled with some of the most beautiful landscape in the Mediterranean, Malta has become extremely popular with Hollywood, providing the backdrop for countless cinematic blockbusters such as Gladiator, Troy and U571.

Weddings In Maltese culture, marriages are lavish affairs but whether you’re planning a laidback reception for close friends and family or a spectacular affair for a much larger number, any wedding held in Malta will be one to remember. From church weddings to civil ceremonies, it has a vast array of wedding services to fit all budgets and offers

great value for money, making a Maltese destination wedding available to everyone. Malta is a Roman Catholic country and boasts more than 350 beautiful churches around the islands, making it a fantastic destination for couples desiring a religious ceremony. For those who wish to have a civil ceremony there are also numerous venues, including many luxurious hotels. However, Malta’s venues are in no way limited to just hotels and churches. The historic capital of Valletta, with its ancient buildings and magnificent harbour, adds a sumptuous backdrop to any ceremony. As does the former capital Mdina, with its magnificent panoramic view of the island. With such a varied and colourful historic past, Malta offers something for everyone. The grandiose will love one of the imposing baroque palazzos with stunning gardens and those preferring something more rustic can choose a beautiful farmhouse set in the

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Accommodation With an abundance of luxury hotels, Malta offers visitors an amazing selection of accommodation. International brands such as Radisson Blu and Le Meridien in St Julians, Malta and Kempinski San Lawrenz in Gozo

have chosen to open beautiful properties. The stunning Hotel Phoenicia Malta and the Grand Hotel Excelsior, both situated close to the island’s capital, Valletta provide a luxurious stay; as do the Hotel Cavalieri in St Julians and Calypso Hotel in Gozo. Malta also offers a number of elegantly styled boutique hotels including The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, a grandiose 17th Century palazzo in Mdina, The Palace in Sliema and the Ta’ Cenc in Gozo. Be it traditional or modern, grand or boutique, there are resorts available to fit all tastes and budgets.

Nightlife Although Malta is renowned for its relaxing ambience, there are still plenty of places to dance the night away. There is a large choice of venues, with the main nightlife locations situated in Valletta, Paceville and Bugibba. Not to mention a number of open air clubs, which are particularly popular on

Friday and Sunday nights, and are beginning to attract a wider crowd from across Europe. Also, with Malta’s warm climate, beach parties are very popular during the summer.

Food and drink Food is an important part of Maltese culture, and its geography and history has helped create a blend of Mediterranean flavours. With its Sicilian, Italian, Lebanese and North African influences, Malta has taken the bits from each to form its own distinct gastronomic identity. This is evident in many of the restaurants and bistros throughout Malta and Gozo. From acclaimed restaurants to family run eateries, the focus remains on fresh, delicious produce and celebrates a rich culinary history that is still constantly evolving. For the culinary enthusiast www.restaurantsmalta.com is a great place to find out about the best ❥

malta

quaint countryside. For nature lovers, Malta’s beautiful sandy beaches provide a location like no other. In fact there are so many magical wedding destinations that choosing to get married in Malta is the easy part – the tricky bit is narrowing down the choices. With all these alternatives it is recommended you speak with one of the numerous wedding planners based in Malta. With their knowledge of the region and expertise they can ensure a dream wedding matches any budget. They can help bring to light all the available options as well as explaining the cultural and legal aspects of getting married in Malta.

places to eat and explore Maltese cuisine. Wine connoisseurs can explore the local vineyards, as Malta has five main winemakers taking advantage of the rich grapes grown in the region. Many of Malta’s hotels can provide bespoke wedding menus that deliver a varied taste of the traditional and modern. Alternatively there are a number of excellent catering businesses which specialise in producing delectable dishes on site.

Spa

malta

For those who like to be pampered, the Maltese islands are a haven for spa and wellness enthusiasts. Offering the latest treatments and facilities, from ayurvedic massages to special healing baths, visitors are spoilt for choice. Twelve of the luxury hotels in Malta and two in Gozo offer state-of-the-art spa facilities, with special allinclusive packages available.

Activities For the more sporty and adventurous there are an abundance of activities of which to take advantage. The waters around the islands have been voted the best in the Mediterranean for diving and the excellent dive schools cater for beginners and pros alike. Malta’s location makes it the ultimate yachting hub and chartering is easy throughout the islands. But for those who prefer to stay on land, the island’s rocky terrain provides climbers, trekkers and mountain bikers, with limitless trails to explore. The warm, dry Maltese climate also makes it a great destination for golfers.

Honeymoons With all the excitement of the wedding, many couples will have only had time to see a fraction of the island. Queen Elizabeth II

and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, spent the first two years of their married lives residing in Malta, the only country outside Britain where they have lived. She looks back with fondness on those years and in 2007 the Queen and the Duke returned to Malta to mark their 60th wedding anniversary – in what many referred to as the couple’s second honeymoon. Couples honeymooning in Malta will be able to experience a romantic escape like no other. With hotels providing special honeymoon suites with stunning views as well as other couple-focused amenities to make you feel like royalty. For further information on Malta please visit www.visitmalta.com ❤

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HHHHH Bring us your wedding vision and let us show you its realisation... Overview It’s your wedding day. Picture yourself at a hotel of exceptional luxury, on Malta’s Mediterranean coast just outside the imposing medieval walls of Valletta. Sparkling chandeliers are reflected in rich marble floors, while our grand staircase whisks you away to a ballroom overlooking the bustling harbour. Venture into the heart of the building and you will be mesmerised by our spectacular waterside views of Fort Manoel and the north coast. This is the Mediterranean hospitality – this is the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta. Situated within walking distance of the historic walled capital city of Valletta, it commands Malta’s prime waterfront location. The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers 428 elegant rooms and suites, each with its own romantic balcony or

terrace, offering breathtaking views of the marina and harbour or the hotel’s colourful plaza. Boasting 13 versatile banquet rooms – from the opulent grand ballroom, which has panoramic sea views and can hold up to 1,000 people, to delightful intimate events in stunning surroundings – there is something for everybody. The Grand Hotel Excelsior believes dining should always be a pleasure; that is why our wedding food is of the highest quality and is unique to each couple, their taste and style. The award-winning kitchen puts together delectable, innovative menus for you to choose from and can tailor these whether it’s for a sit down meal for 20 guests or a stand-up reception for 800. Every couple receives a personal welcome and friendly, professional service. The hotel’s dedicated team of wedding planners will arrange an initial meeting to establish precisely what the bride and groom desire, after which the entire wedding ceremony, reception and/ or honeymoon is tailored exclusively to order. The Grand Hotel Excelsior can perform civil wedding ceremonies and will make all the arrangements from start to finish. Exceptional cuisine, flawless service and world-class luxury in the magnificent setting of a Mediterranean island rich in history and natural beauty… everything is in place for a spectacular wedding day and a dream honeymoon at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Hotel facilities:

Restaurants: Admiral’s Landing, Spice Island, Yacht Club, TIKI Bar and Restaurant, Harbour View Bar Pool: Outdoor pool and indoor pool Spa: Full spa with sauna, steam bath and 8 treatment rooms Gym: Fully equipped gymnasium Sport: Diving packages Additional: Private beach, executive chauffeur driven service, babysitting services, laundry and dry cleaning, business centre, tailor-made excursions

Wedding facilities:

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: Yes Reception room and capacity: 13 versatile banquet rooms, each seating between 6 and 900 people. Catering services: Yes Hotel wedding planner: Mr Neal Debono is a full time wedding and events specialist working at Grand Hotel Excelsior Wedding couples suite: Yes

General information

Wedding contact: Mr Neal Debono Telephone: 00356 9911 9982 Address: Great Siege Road, Floriana Email: weddings@excelsior.com.mt Web: www.excelsior.com.mt

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GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR

LE MÉRIDIEN ST JULIANS HOTEL & SPA HHHHH Exchange your vows with us and your day will be all you ever dreamed of...

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Overview

As your wedding fairy tale unfolds before your eyes, you know you’ve made the right choice. This is the right moment. The right person. The right place. Indeed, our dedicated events team will be inspired by your vision to ensure they make this the perfect day for you. Whether you wish for a grand celebration or something more intimate, Le Méridien St Julians will embrace your wedding with a passionate level of service. As part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, our promise is to provide you with a true dream wedding. Located in picturesque Balluta Bay, the Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa celebrates the Maltese way of living and its diverse

culture. Nestled on the former gardens of a 19th-century villa, it is the perfect base for a stimulating journey to discover all of Malta’s many treasures. Dining locations around the hotel are set alive by a creative kitchen brigade and a passionate executive head chef. We can provide an extensive range of wedding menus to fit all gastronomic tastes. Discover the island’s unique Mediterranean recipes, travel to other continents with surprising ethnic-themed nights, dine al fresco on the highest rooftop in town or enjoy the exciting vibe of the hotel’s contemporary lounge. Cuisine is definitely a lifestyle at Le Méridien. With an amazing range of amenities, including pools, a gym, water sports and golf nearby, there will always be something for you and your guests to do. Before your wedding day, what better way to relax then in the Lotus Spa MyoKa. A holistic approach is given to this spa experience, in a tropical setting with impressive carved columns imported from Bali. This relaxing area is a must during your stay to our stunning five-star hotel.

Hotel facilities

Rooms: 276 rooms and suites Restaurants: 2 restaurants + 2 seasonal outlets (open in Summer only) Pool: 1 indoor + 1 rooftop outdoor pool Spa: Lotus Spa MyoKa

Gym: Ultra-modern fitness centre (free for Guests) Golf: 10km away from the hotel Sport: In the hotel: squash court and aerobics classes (at a charge); at proximity of the hotel: water sports, scuba diving, horse riding

Wedding facilities

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: On request

Reception room and capacity: Outdoor venues (rooftop and terraces), large exhibition hall, banquet hall and restaurants that can cater for small weddings and up to parties of 300pax. Catering services: Yes Hotel Wedding planner: Yes

General information

Wedding contact: Bugeja Bernice Seasonal opening: Open all year round Address: 39 Main Street, Balluta Bay, St Julians, STJ1017 Telephone: 00356 2311 2109 Email: sales.malta@lemeridien.com Web: www.lemeridienmalta.com

Advertising Feature

HHHHH Welcome to the Hotel Phoenicia Malta â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the most exclusive and historic destinations in Malta. Let us wrap you in romance, history and unique Mediterranean charm Overview: Combining old world elegance and with modern luxury, the Hotel Phoenicia Malta is a premier five-star luxury Art Deco boutique hotel which has a well-earned reputation as one of the most desirable wedding venues in Malta. Located at the city gates of Valletta, and boasting acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and a grand ballroom, this magnificent hotel offers an idyllic location for a dream wedding. With some 365 churches in Malta, religious ceremonies are still the most popular form of wedding. However, civil ceremonies are also

legally recognised and the Hotel Phoenicia Malta is a licensed wedding venue that can host ceremonies on site; either within the hotel or outdoors in our landscaped gardens. Our experienced wedding planner will be able to take you through the various stages of paperwork that accompany a civil ceremony in Malta. Our selection of wedding venues makes getting married on the island that much easier. Whether you choose the lavish surroundings of our striking grand ballroom, or the picturesque setting of our Bastion pool, the Hotel Phoenicia Malta will ensure your Mediterranean wedding is something you will remember forever. We are passionate about our food. Every single one of our delectable menus, whether for receptions or gala dinners, is carefully thought through to combine the best local produce and a variety of enticing flavours. Set amid 7.5 acres, the hotel combines comfort and luxury with stunning views at every turn. The fantastic facilities, such as our Bastion pool deck and various spa treatments, are the perfect way to relax. We understand the stresses of the day, and our specialist wedding planner will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring your wedding turns out to be the occasion of which you have always dreamed. So let us provide you with an absolutely unforgettable experience.

Hotel facilities:

Rooms: 136 Restaurants: 3 Pool: 1 outdoor pool, heated in winter. Gym: Available Golf: Mini golf available Additional: 7.5 acres of mature gardens, 6 function rooms, including a grand ballroom.

Wedding facilities:

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: Various packages are available as per the attached portfolio â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tailor-made packages are also possible on request Catering services: Food and beverage catering is provided by the hotel Hotel wedding planner: Katriona Schembri Wedding couples suite: The hotel offers the couple complimentary overnight stay in a suite with a wedding booked for a minimum of 50 guests. Additional: A dedicated wedding planner to assist the couple with all their requirements through to the end of the wedding.

General information

Wedding contact: Katriona Schembri Address: The Mall, Floriana FRN 1478 Telephone: +356 2122 5241 Fax: +356 2123 5254 E-mail: weddings@phoeniciamalta.com Web: www.weddings-malta.com

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HOTEL PHOENICIA MALTA

RADISSON BLU RESORT, ST JULIANS HHHHH Dream weddings and honeymoons in a St Julians gem

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Overview

For an incredible, memorable destination wedding, choose Malta for its breathtaking scenery, rich culture and exceptional weather. Choose the Radisson Blu Resort, St Julians for your perfect Malta wedding; with inspirational ideas, a glorious celebration of laughter, tears, kisses, pledges, oaths and toasts are guaranteed at this gem among St Julians hotels. The Radisson Blu Resort, St Julians is a five-star deluxe hotel situated in St George’s Bay on the island’s northern coast, directly overlooking the crystal clear blue waters of the Mediterranean and with stunning views stretching from the historic Grand Harbour on the east to the sister island of Gozo on the west. When it comes to capturing your special day, the beautiful views overlooking

the Mediterranean Sea make the perfect photographic backdrop. The central location makes it ideal for getting away from it all and focusing your mind on making your wedding day an unforgettable experience. The resort offers a private beach club and a range of sports and leisure facilities, including massage rooms, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzi, gym, sauna and much more. A fantastic team of professionals are constantly on hand and have the experience to organise your wedding and cater for all tastes and budgets. Whether you choose an exclusive private gathering for 15 or a wedding of 100, our wedding packages have been designed to cover many traditional elements of a wedding reception, making it easy for you to plan your day exactly the way you want it. Chefs at the five-star restaurant offer a delectable menu of banquet and seated dinner options to couples marrying at the resort. The range of top-class restaurants, combined with the spectacular views, elegant facilities and perfect professional planning, ensure any wedding at the Radisson Blu is every bit as memorable as you dreamed it.

Hotel facilities

Rooms: 252 Restaurants: Le Bistro, Kontiki, The Edge Pool: 3, including one indoor Spa: Yes

Gym: Yes Golf: 15 minutes away by car Sport: Tennis, water sports, diving

Wedding facilities

Venues suitable for Civil Ceremony / Blessing: The Edge 4 - 30 persons The Carlson Suite / Terrace 4 - 200 persons The Conservatory / Terrace 4 - 40 persons The Grand Ballroom / Terrace 40 500 persons

Venues for Wedding Dinner: The Edge Terrace 40 - 200 persons The Carlson Suite 40 - 100 persons The Grand Ballroom / Terrace 40 300 persons Le Bistro Upper Terrace 10 - 40 persons The Kontiki Restaurant / Terrace 2 200 persons

General information

Wedding contact: Victoria Hancock or Diana Michelli

Telephone: +356 21374894 Address: Radisson Blu Resort, St Julians, St George’s Bay, St Julians STJ3391 Email: weddings.malta@radissonblu.com Web: www.islandhotels.com

Advertising Feature

HHHHH Urban chic meets serene relaxation at the super luxurious Palace Hotel Overview: The Palace provides a stunning mix of contemporary décor and old-fashioned elegance, and is one of Malta’s most sought-after five-star hotels. Located in the centre of Sliema, one of the most stylish destinations on this charming island, The Palace is within walking distance of the rocky beach and buzzing nightspots St Julians and Paceville. Think cosmopolitan yet relaxing, the hotel is the ultimate in luxury. Comfort and sterling service are the top priority and are impeccably offered by a top team of professionals. The Palace offers a variety of exclusive venues that cater for every wedding day desire. The Royal Hall, The State Hall, The Tabloid and Alexandra Gardens: all these sites have been designed from concept to décor stage in order to ensure the perfect setting for your once-ina-lifetime occasion. Another incredible option is TemptAsian. Panoramic views of Sliema and the

Grand Harbour together with a relaxing Asian themed setting and specialities, ensure your happy wedding memories will last a lifetime. Adjoining The Palace is a monument of a bygone age. The unique 200-year-old Palazzo Capua, rich in architectural features and endowed with fine antiques, has recently been restored to its former grandeur. And if your idea of a romantic break includes the power of indulgence, the stateof-the art spa is a must: enjoy one of the signature treatments, all carried out by fully qualified therapists. The on-site wedding team at The Palace can organise your dream wedding for you and guide you every step of the way, allowing you to arrive on the Maltese island and find everything prepared for the big day. Easy, affordable, perfect!

Hotel facilities:

Rooms: 149 Restaurants: TemptAsian, The Tabloid, Talk of Town Café Pools: 2 ( Outdoor + Indoor) Spa: Yes Gym: Yes Additional: 24 taxi service, seasonal bar – Lounge 360 open for the summer. Palazzo Capua (200 year old building) – an extension of the hotel.

Wedding facilities:

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: Yes, blessing facilities at the Catholic Parish Church opposite

Reception room and capacity: Royal Hall – banquet 120, reception 300 State Hall – banquet 100, reception 250 Tabloid – banquet 100, reception 250 TemptAsian – banquet 150, reception 450 TemptAsian Pool Deck – banquet 300, reception 550 Palazzo Capua – banquet 70, reception 200 Catering services: 4-star service & 5-star service both in-house & outside catering Hotel wedding planner: The Events Team Wedding couples suite: Yes

General information

Wedding contact: Sylvain Azzopardi Contact details: +356 21 333 444 Seasonal opening: Open all year round Telephone: +356 21 333 444 Address: AX Hotels, The Palace, High Street Sliema SLM 1542 Email events@thepalacemalta.com, info@palazzocapuamalta.com Web: www.thepalacemalta.com, www.palazzocapuamalta.com

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THE PALACE

THE XARA PALACE HHHHH On your wedding day experience the grandeur and luxury of The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux

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Overview:

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux is an exclusive five-star boutique hotel in Mdina. Housed within the walls of a 17th-century palazzo, and offering 17 individually designed suites and spectacular panoramic views over the island and out to sea, The Xara Palace is a landmark in the old capital of Mdina. Now modernised to the highest international standards, this historic building still retains the time-honoured character for which it is renowned, and guests feel part of an intimate and secluded, yet eclectic atmosphere. Weddings at The Xara Palace are as spectacular as the grand settings in which they take place. With our resident wedding planner we can make your wedding even more memorable that you could possibly imagine. The atrium is the original covered courtyard of this 17th-century palazzo and offers a unique

outdoor feeling in an indoor space. Ideal for the smaller intimate celebrations, it will accommodate up to 150 guests at a stand-up reception. The de Mondion restaurant and adjacent terraces are located on the uppermost level and form part of the original fortifications of Mdina. From these strategically located terraces one feels that the beautiful Island of Malta is magically in the palm of your hand. A breathtaking view over a 180-degree span, with the deep blue Mediterranean Sea clearly visible on the horizon, offers an idyllic venue to host a wedding party of 150 guests at a stand-up reception or a seated dinner party for a maximum of 70 guests. The piazza, as the word implies, is the majestic square situated directly outside the hotel. The splendid old buildings that form the square provide an impressive backdrop. This outdoor venue offers catering for a stand-up reception for 500 guests and a seated affair for 160 guests. The Xara Palace catering is the added bonus that one is looking for when organising this special day. Satisfying your guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expectations by way of good food and an efficient bar service is the key to a memorable wedding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one that will be the talk of the town for many months to follow.

Hotel facilities:

Rooms: 17 rooms and suites Restaurants: 2 Gym: Available in-house

Pool: Not available. Four suites have a private terrace and jacuzzi. Spa: Not available in-house but can be sub-contracted on request Golf: Available off site, 8km away

Wedding facilities:

Service/Ceremony/Blessing facilities: Civil ceremony can be organised in-house. Two beautiful churches are within walking distance. Reception room and capacity: The Atrium for up to 150 guests; the de Mondion for up to 60 guests dining; the de Mondion for up to 150 guests for a stand-up reception; the Piazza for up to 160 guests; the Piazza for up to 500 guests for a stand-up reception; The Xara Lodge for up to 800 guests. Catering services: All in-house catering Hotel wedding planner: Yes Wedding couples suite: We offer a one night complimentary stay for couples requiring services for 40 guests and over Additional: We offer the option for clients to take over the entire palazzo for their wedding

General information

Wedding contact: Johanna Ward Telephone: 00356 21 450 560 Address: Misrah il-Kunsill, Mdina MDN 1050 Email: weddings@xarapalace.com.mt Web: www.xarapalace.com.mt

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HHHH We will ensure your once-in-alifetime day is absolutely perfect from start to finish Overview It is every couple’s dream to celebrate that special day with a memorable ceremony, followed by an unforgettable reception surrounded by family and friends. Whether you want to go all out with a fully fledged celebration or prefer a more intimate gathering, the Cavalieri Hotel banqueting team can guarantee that your dream wedding will become a reality. Choose from a vast array of exquisite hors d’oeuvres, grand five-course meals, rippling chocolate fountains or an impressive selection of cakes and sweets. Our esteemed executive chef and experienced food and beverage manager will ensure that you make the right choice to fit your budget, personality and needs. It happens once in a lifetime, so you’ll understandably want your wedding day to be

perfect from start to finish. That’s where the highly experienced Cavalieri Hotel wedding team steps in. Our commitment is to look after you every step of the way; from the planning, organisation and co-ordination right through to the culmination of your special day. We will be close at hand to discuss each and every detail to make sure that your greatest expectations are surpassed. The Cavalieri Hotel is a four-star establishment positioned in a quiet and unique setting directly overlooking the popular and picturesque St Julians Bay. Located on the doorstep of the Portomaso Yacht Marina, and within easy walking distance of the resort’s popular attractions, it is an ideal residence for you and your guests’ wedding stay. The Cavalieri Hotel has 258 rooms as well as public areas that highlight the space and light the hotel’s advantageous location enjoys. The lobby area is immediately welcoming with its striking views across St Julians Bay. The hotel has its own private lido with a large outdoor swimming pool, and indoor swimming pool which is enclosed within a solarium and there is also a sauna, fitness centre and massage room. Local attractions include Malta’s most popular nightlife area, the Dragonara Casino and Spinola Bay – the heart of St Julians – a great place for you and your guests to have fun during your stay. The seafront and beautiful

promenade – with its many bars, restaurants and shops, as well as the main bus routes to Valletta and Sliema and the Gozo ferry terminal – are all close by. At the Cavalieri Hotel we promise to look after everything, from the largest plans to smallest of details. All we ask in return is for you to focus on enjoying a flawless, romantic and memorable day!

Hotel facilities

Rooms: 258 Restaurants: 2 Pool: 2 Spa: Massage parlour Gym: Fitness room Additional: Sushi bar

Wedding facilities

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: Can be arranged

Reception room and capacity: Various Catering services: Yes Hotel wedding planner: Yes Wedding couples suite: Yes

General information

Contact details: Ms Claire Sammut Telephone: +356 23180000 Address: Spinola road, St Julians Email: fb@cavalierihotel.com.mt Web: www.cavalierihotelmalta.com

venues

CAVALIERI HOTEL

MAKE YOUR DATE WITH HISTORY

gozo

By getting married in Gozo, Calypso’s famed island of love and romance, you will be falling into a world of beauty and inspiration

Just five kilometres from Malta’s mainland, the island of Gozo is a tranquil oasis ideally suited to host the wedding of your dreams. The hidden beaches, rolling hills and historical villages provide the perfect backdrop for your big day, and its alluring blend of amazing activities and laidback lifestyle will entice you from the moment you arrive. The journey from the Maltese mainland provides you with the perfect opportunity to get your wedding off to a special start. For many the short trip is made via a simple ferry, this is both regular and affordable which makes it extremely convenient for guests making the trip. However for those wanting a more spectacular entrance for their big day why not ride waves and charter a yacht, zoom over in a speed boat or perhaps make a real splash by flying in by seaplane!

Gozo is commonly referred to as the Island of Calypso; a name that originates from the Greek mythological location of Ogygia in Homer’s Odyssey. In the legendary epic, it is said that on this island Ulysses was bewitched by the nymph Calypso and spent seven long years as a prisoner of love. The fabled cave which served as Ulysses’s home can still be visited today, perched in the cliff face overlooking Ramla l-Hamra, one of Gozo’s most spectacular beaches. Much like this famous tale, the island oozes a sense of magic, mystery and desire, making it the perfect place to be married and begin your own journey of fantasy. Gozo’s rich and dramatic landscape could be one of make believe and will feel like that to many as they walk through the island’s rich and lush landscape. Explore the spectacular natural scenery of Dwejra, home to the Azure Window

(one of the natural wonders of the world), or the breathtaking hidden cove of San Blas Bay and spectacular inlet of Mgarr Ix Ini. With the warm water and abundant sea life that surround the island, Gozo is one of the most highly rated dive spots in the Mediterranean and, with an idyllic backdrop at almost every turn, is a dream wedding setting. The island’s capital, Victoria (still called Rabat by locals), is a delightful small town filled with narrow streets and sunlit squares. The church, with its ornate interior of marble, gilt and ebony, is one of the many spectacular places to say ‘I do’ and provides a picturesque and romance filled setting for your ceremony. The island’s centuries-old Cittadella is found in Victoria and is another of Gozo’s unforgettable wedding venues. The The renowned Ggantija Megalithic Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the church of St John in

the village of Xewkija, which boasts a building with the third largest unsupported dome in the world, add to the list of magnificent sites found on the island. Like Malta, Gozoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religion is Roman Catholic, but couples from other denominations or those preferring a civil ceremony will be able to find abundance of venues to suit them and in just as spectacular settings as the ornate churches throughout the island. Such a variety of wedding venues mean small intimate affairs as well as large wedding parties for hundreds can be catered for alike. So if you desire a centuries old church, palazzo, quaint farmhouse or luxurious hotel, Gozo can provide them all. With its very own gastronomic specialties, Maltaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister island never ceases to surprise the food aficionado. Hotels, restaurants and caterers in Gozo can present you with

a wedding banquet fit for the gods. With vast amounts of fresh organic meat, fruit and vegetable produce sourced through local farms, a generous supply of fresh fish and mix of unique spices - the taste buds will be left tingling. The island is famed for its Mediterranean fusion cooking and any wedding party will be equally amazed and delighted at the range of world class food on offer. For the wine lovers, why not choose what bottle to serve on the big day by exploring the local vineyards and the wide variety of grape bouquets on offer. Accommodation on Gozo varies from beautiful authentic farmhouses to luxury villas and 5 and 4 star hotels, catering to all needs and budgets. Spectacular sea views and rustic landscapes are never hard to find wherever you choose to stay. Offering a diverse range of wedding formats, Gozo has

a variety of services available which make planning your ceremony stress free and great value for money. For those wanting to explore the islands great history there is an array of museums, picturesque villages and ornate buildings and churches. The sandy and rocky beaches coupled with world class diving facilities, watersports and sailing ensures there is no shortage of entertainment for the more adventurous in your wedding party. From its amazing historical past of folklore and fact, to the modern shopping centres and eclectic restaurants; this is a region that contrasts and compliments in equal measure, ensuring there is something for everyone who visits. With its sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, unspoilt rustic beauty and history on every corner, Gozo really is the ideal place to mark the most special day of your life. â?Ľ

gozo

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gozo 14

Top spots for…

Food Lovers: There are top-class restaurants and cafes in every village. Ta’ Frenc is one of the finest restaurants on the island with an incredible eclectic menu that encapsulates all that is great with Gozo cuisine. Pampering: Gozo is rightly known as a place to get away from it all. The spa at the Kempinski San Lawrenz Hotel offers the ultimate in unadulterated relaxation. Culture: The Basilica of Ta’ Pinu is a popular place of pilgrimage and probably the holiest site on the island.

Museums: The Natural Science Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, Gharb Folklore Museum and Maritime Museum are all fascinating places to visit. History: The Ggantija Temples, which date back to 3600BC, is just one example of the many captivating sites available. Views: Spectacular views are available from all over the island and at Ta’ Cenc cliffs you can enjoy unobstructed views of all three islands in the Maltese archipelago Diving: Caves, drop-offs, boulder slopes, a chimney and the famed Blue Hole dive site off the west coast make for world-class diving opportunities

Gozo aims to be an eco island by 2020 and for those wanting a carbon friendly wedding there are a number of hotels on the island that are eco-certified. Go to www.eco-gozo.com for more information.

Tourist Information Office in Gozo: Telephone: (356) 22915452 Address: No. 17, Independence Square Victoria, Gozo. VCT 1021 Web: www.visitmalta.com/gozo www.gozo.gov.mt ❤

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HHHHH A small, exclusive celebration or a grand lavish affair, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo will add a touch of magic to the most important day of your life Overview In the heart of the Mediterranean, just south of Sicily, lies the small island Gozo. Here, set among its unspoiled landscape of green hills, dramatic cliffs and secluded bays, you will find one of the finest hotels in the Mediterranean – the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz. Kempinski is synonymous with luxury and attention to the smallest detail – so who better to look after you and your guests on the most important day of your life. A little chapel awaits the fairy-tale bride, amid wild flowers and chirping birds. Then get whisked away to the celebrations of your marriage. A small intimate dinner? A grand luxurious banquet? It doesn’t matter, we spoil you for choice of indoor

or al fresco venues and we’ll add the touch of magic you deserve on your wedding day. The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is a fivestar countryside resort offering the highest levels of service, comfort and style. Surrounded by 30,000sq/m of garden, the resort complex was built to fit architecturally into the yellow limestone. It has 122 rooms and suites, which offer guests the ultimate in comfort, privacy and relaxation. Each room has a private balcony overlooking the beautiful valley of San Lawrenz, landscaped gardens or pool areas. As a holiday is never complete without delicious cuisine, at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz dining is a delight for the eyes and the taste buds. For fine dining there is L’Ortolan restaurant or Trattoria San Lawrenz, both providing delicious Mediterranean and light Maltese cuisine with field fresh vegetables, olives, herbs and citrus picked fresh from the resort’s own garden. Fishermen from the local village of San Lawrenz supply fresh fish for the barbecue buffet in the Gazebo garden. There is also one pool bar, a café & lounge with a sundown cocktail terrace and the finest pastries on the island as well as 24-hour room service. At the Kempinski Spa, guests can relax their bodies and minds in one of the largest and best ayurvedic and spa centres in the Mediterranean. With a variety of retreats and treatments are available. There is also an

indoor pool area with jacuzzi, two outdoor pools and an outdoor children’s pool. For more active guests, there are two tennis courts, two squash courts and a fitness centre. The dive centre offers the opportunity to explore the amazing underwater world of Gozo.

Hotel facilities:

Rooms: 122 Restaurants: L’Ortolan Restaurant; Trattoria San Lawrenz; Cafe & Lounge Bar; Gazebo (open only in summer) Pool: 2 outdoor (one of which adults only), 1 outdoor family pool, 2 indoor Spa: Yes Gym: Yes

Wedding facilities:

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: Yes Reception room and capacity: Meeting rooms, plus outdoor up to 250 pax

Catering services: yes Hotel wedding planner: Yes Wedding couples suite: Yes

General information

Wedding contact: Deryk Sacco Telephone: +356 22115211 Address: Triq ir-Rokon, San Lawrenz SLZ1040, Gozo Email: deryk.sacco@kempinski.com Web: www.kempinski.com/gozo

venues

KEMPINSKI HOTEL SAN LAWRENZ

HOTEL TA CENC & WELLNESS SPA HHHHH Every desire you have is catered for on your perfect day

venues

Overview

Words are often not enough to describe the beauty of the perfect wedding day. Could this be why so many couples from across the world choose Ta Cenc as the venue for their perfect wedding? Located on the beautiful island of Gozo, there are unrivalled opportunities to make your wedding dream come true – with 45 churches, magnificent cathedrals and 400-year-old chapels tucked away in peaceful valleys all over the island. You cannot fail to find the perfect venue to say ‘I do’. Civil marriages are held within the grounds of Ta Cenc, inside the unique setting of the 17th-century Palazzo Palina built by a grandmaster of the Knights of St John. The reception held inside this palazzo will make your special day a truly unforgettable

one. First-class catering and every other desired service is co-ordinated by our expert team at the hotel. If you want to arrive at your ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage, have a choir accompanied by a small orchestra or simply a piano to enrich the ceremony, the photographers and videographers, the florists, hairstylists and entertainers – everything is catered for at a Ta Cenc wedding. Nothing is too much trouble. And why not finish the day with a local fireworks display, which are among the best in the world? Their exuberance has often been used to reflect the emotions of this special day. Several celebrities have chosen to hold their wedding at Ta Cenc and there is a reason why – each wedding is planned as an individual event, which makes it exclusive and original. The history and beauty of the surroundings encapsulates everything you desire for your dream day. And all this at a price that is significantly better value than anything offered by many other European destinations!

Hotel Facilities

Rooms: 83 Restaurants: 2 Pool: 1 adults, 1 family as well as 1 heated indoor/outdoor pool located at the spa

Spa: Yes

Gym: Yes Golf: No Sport: 2 tennis courts, diving, cycling, horseback riding Additional: Restaurant at the private beach (open 2012)

Wedding Facilities

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: Yes Reception room and capacity: Various 2 pax -500 pax

Catering services: Yes Hotel wedding planner: Yes Wedding couples suite: Yes Venues: 17th-century Palazzo Palina, beach

General information

Wedding contact: David Xerri Telephone: +356 22191000 Address: Cenc Street, Sannat, Gozo Email: davidxerri@vjborg.com Web: www.tacenc.com

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HHHH A stone’s throw away from the bright, blue, Mediterranean Sea sits the hotel of your wedding dreams Overview:

after a sunny winter break or sun-drenched summer holiday. For those after something a bit more adventurous, you can try diving in the clear waters or take long walks in the countryside, Hotel Calypso offers the perfect cocktail of comfortable surroundings, breathtaking views and friendly service to accompany your island vacation. The picturesque local area is lively in summer while tranquil and quiet during the rest of the year. The town has around 300 full-time inhabitants and serves as the summer residence for many locals who, like tourists, are drawn to its picturesque setting and welcoming atmosphere. Hotel Calypso’s reputation for fine food and excellent services date back to its early days. Fresh fare, seasonal ingredients and exciting recipes are the order of the day whatever your palate and with six in-house options to choose from you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. Enjoyable all year round, Hotel Calypso’s spacious sundeck is a great place to watch the sunset at the end of your most memorable of days.

If you’re considering a Mediterranean ceremony then you’ve come to the right place – a wedding at Hotel Calypso in Gozo is the perfect solution. The island is the ideal destination for a romantic retreat, and the Hotel Calypso is a highly regarded name that you can trust for your big day, from organising your ceremony and reception, to planning the little details that will ensure it’s a time you’ll remember forever. Perfectly positioned on the north shore of Gozo, in the fishing harbor of Marsalforn, Hotel Calypso is a delightful haven only a short ferry ride from Malta, its larger and Hotel facilities busier sister. Merging an eclectic history and Rooms: 100 exciting culture with scenic views and our Restaurants: 2 world-famous Mediterranean hospitality, Gozo is the ideal place to relax, whether you’re Pool: Yes

Wedding facilities:

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: Yes Reception room and capacity: 220 seated Catering services: Yes Hotel wedding planner: Yes, upon request Wedding couples suite: Yes

General information

Wedding contact: John Portelli Telephone: +356 21562000 Address: Hotel Calypso, Marsalforn Bay, Marsalforn, Gozo, MFN 1104 Email: info@hotelcalypsogozo.com Web: www.hotelcalypsogozo.com

venues

HOTEL CALYPSO

caterers

OSBORNE CATERERS AT VILLA ARRIGO

Exceptional catering and chic wedding receptions.

Organising your wedding is one of the most special and personal events of your life. At Osborne Caterers we understand this, so to ensure your magical day is as perfect as you imagined we limit the number of weddings we style and cater for each year. This allows time for us to really get to know you and understand exactly what you want for your dream day. At Osborne Caterers we have a reputation for being an exceptional outside caterer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; meaning that we are not part of a restaurant or hotel but that we operate independently to give you the very best service.

We specialise in weddings and corporate function catering, but our expertise extends to private parties, dinners, barbecues and more. Our bespoke catering service is hands on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we will assist you through all aspects of the varied and delectable offerings we provide, ensuring it matches your tastes and budget. We are passionate about cuisine and delivering fine food made with fresh ingredients. Osborne Caterers can keep the drinks flowing at your reception by providing you with well-stocked bars; and with our waiting staff on hand we guarantee the service will be exceptional. Also available are marquees, tables,

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occasion. Allow us, or together with your chosen wedding planner, to arrange everything down to the smallest detail. If you require somewhere to hold your reception then look no further than our premier venue – the stunning Villa Arrigo. This beautiful location has an array of reception areas, including the main house, the grand marquee, the upper gardens and lower gardens. The venue can cater for all sizes of reception – from an intimate gathering to 1500 guests at an extravagant party. Villa Arrigo is also ideally situated across the road from a chapel, making it extremely convenient for a church wedding.

Osborne Caterers wants you to have the perfect reception you deserve, with the best possible food and finest service. Please contact us for further details and assistance in planning your function, we look forward to hearing from you.

General information

Email: info@osbornecaterers.com Web: www.osbornecaterers.com

caterers

chairs, linen, cutlery, crockery, décor, flower arrangements and all that you can imagine to make your function an outstanding success! Our aim is to provide exceptional cuisine with professional, consistent and reliable service, and we will gladly meet you at your function venue to plan your event. Food is prepared in our spotless and spacious kitchen to maintain the highest standards of hygiene, care and excellence throughout the preparation. You are most welcome to tour our facility at any time convenient to you. From glamorous black-tie to relaxed and informal, we will make your event a memorable

TA’ FRENC RESTAURANT Providing all the essential ingredients for the perfect wedding...

restaurants

Overview:

Based in Gozo, surrounded by beautiful countryside views of Xaghra, Zebbug and Marsalforn, Ta’ Frenc restaurants authentic aged farmhouse provides an idyllic spot for your perfect Malta wedding reception. Hold your reception or even the ceremony itself at Ta’ Frenc, and you are guaranteed the most perfect wedding imaginable. From the moment we receive your enquiry at Ta’ Frenc, our dedicated wedding coordinator will oversee every detail from beginning to end, to ensure that your special day is truly memorable. Our experienced and professional staff will guide you through the many necessary preparations and help with flowers, your wedding cake, place cards, printed menus and limousines. Bring us your vision and let us show you its realisation. From intimate to extravagant, traditional to unexpected, Ta’ Frenc is at your service and dedicated to creating an unforgettable wedding experience that is uniquely yours.

We have a choice of reception areas in an array of styles. Select from the sumptuous Wine Cellar, or the restored Executive Dining Room. For those who want an alfresco affair why not choose our stunning Garden, which we believe is one of the best outdoor locations you will ever find. Our Executive Chef believes in sourcing local produce, working with farmers on Gozo for the supply of the freshest fruit, vegetables and meat. Chickens, quails and rabbits are reared locally for the restaurant and the Mediterranean’s best fish and seafood is caught daily by local fishermen. Bread is baked in-house, the sun-dried salt comes from salt pans in Xwejni, and the honey used to sweeten herbal infusions, prepared with freshly picked herbs from the garden, is pure Gozo honey. These details all add up to a unique dining experience that has become unmistakably Ta’ Frenc. An extensive and award-winning wine list, with circa 700 different labelled wines available, all housed in a stunning, purpose built, climate controlled cellar. We offer wines from local vineyards as well as from around the world, in order to give guests the very best in choice and value. Ta’ Frenc was the first restaurant in the Maltese islands to introduce its ownlabel house champagne, bottled and shipped exclusively for Ta’ Frenc by Boizel. So what better way to celebrate you wedding day then with a bottle of our vintage champagne.

Ta’ Frenc spells chic: its walls are adorned with original works of art by local artists and a collection of traditional Maltese clocks, and a lovely collection of decanters are displayed in niches along the walls. Its décor is a beautiful melange of traditional and modern – the older part of the restaurant was a farmhouse and the animals’ mangers are still visible. Our luxurious Honeymoon Package of one night’s accommodation, with Ta’ Frenc Champagne, fruit and flowers on arrival is surely the perfect end to the perfect day.

Wedding facilities:

Service/ceremony/blessing facilities: On request Reception room: 9 Indoor and outdoor venues available Capacity: Up to 350 in an individual reception room. More with multiple rooms Catering services: Yes Wedding planner: Yes Additional: Honeymoon night stay available

General information

Wedding contact: Joseph Tabone Telephone: 00356 21553888 Mobile: 79454794 Address: Ghajn Damma Street (Halfway between Victoria & M’forn) Xaghra, Gozo, Malta Email: info@tafrencrestaurant.com Web: www.tafrencrestaurant.com

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The experts helping you to tie the knot on the Maltese islands In 2004, Mark and Mariella Burton decided to leave their positions as managers for one of the main British tour operators to start their own wedding planning company. Dream Days was born. Since then, Mark and Mariella have arranged close to 300 weddings on the Maltese islands, ranging from intimate affairs for two to larger parties for 200 guests and more. Dream Days wedding couples come mainly from Ireland and Britain, but the company also caters for other English speaking areas around the world such as the United States, Australia and Scandinavia. Mark, the director of sales, says: “Our wedding couples deserve exceptional service and a stress free wedding, and that is what we offer. We always strive to go that extra mile and that is what sets us apart from other wedding planners in Malta.” References from Dream Days customer’s confirm that they agree with Mariella and Mark, and these are readily available from

the company. Dream Days’ Facebook page is also a great way to read about what the company is up to on a day-to-day basis and offers an opportunity to interact with other wedding couples. Mariella, the director of events planning, loves planning weddings of all shapes and sizes and says: “We plan every wedding as if it was that of our daughters. We give 110 per cent and our biggest reward is watching months of preparation smoothly unfold before our eyes on the day of the wedding”. Dream Days offers a selection of stunning venues, from an elegant 19th-century country manor situated in the heart of a quaint village to a 200-year-old Maltese farmhouse surrounded by a vineyard and orange grove. We also have numerous venues by the sea overlooking the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. Should a church wedding be desired, the presence of some 365 churches on the islands means there is an excellent choice of venue. There is the elegance and splendour of baroque parish churches or the intimacy and seclusion of countryside chapels. Although Malta’s religion is Roman Catholic, other religious denominations are widely represented in Malta. Some couples are looking for a lavish and luxury wedding, while others desire a casual and informal affair. Either way, Dream Days believes that the perfect recipe for the perfect

wedding is… good food, good wine, good music and the beautiful warm climates the Maltese Islands have to offer. Add in a stress free process and stunning locations, and you have all the reasons you need to book your wedding with Dream Days on the Maltese Islands. Mariella and Mark are waiting for you to contact them to get the ball rolling… please contact Dream Days today for a free no obligation quote.

General information

Wedding contact: Mark Burton or Mariella Burton

Telephone: +356 9962 7899 or +356 7788 7700 Address: Dream Days Wedding Planners, 83 Triq Idmejda, Balzan, BZN 1520 Email: info@dream-days.com Web: www.dream-days.com

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DREAM DAYS WEDDINGS

OUR MALTESE DREAM

real weddings

When Shane, from Ireland, and Kamala, from Sweden, decided to tie the knot they wanted a Mediterranean dream spot and found that Malta had everything they wanted and more, as the delighted bride explains

The meeting…

The look…

We first met in a pub in Galway when I was over there on holiday and it was certainly love at first sight! I ended up moving to Ireland to be with Shane and it wasn’t long before we became engaged.

I wore a slim A-line dress, with a corset bodice. The bodice was made of Italian lace and the skirt was layered in the same lace, it had lace cuff sleeves and around the bodice there was a white satin band that tied around the back. I teamed this with diamond earrings with a single pearl, a pearl bracelet and a single pearl gold necklace. Shane wore a grey three-piece suit with a white shirt and grey tie, and the bridesmaids wore offthe-shoulder long chiffon dresses in shale green.

The proposal… Shane took me away for a long weekend in New York and while on a romantic walk through Central Park he produced a fake ring and popped the question. The proposal took me by surprise, but there was no doubt about my answer and I said ‘yes’ immediately. I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic setting.

The location… As we are from different countries it made perfect sense to get married abroad, and

the Mediterranean weather and scenery was something we both agreed was a must. Italy was somewhere we considered at first, but after a trip to Malta in February last year we saw it had everything we wanted and didn’t need to look any further – we fell in love with the beautiful island and lovely people straight away. When we returned home we knew we were making the right decision.

The planning… We planned everything with the help of Dream Days Weddings, who made the whole event a fantastic experience from start to finish. We both have very busy jobs, so it would have been impossible without them.

We went to Malta to meet Mark from Dream Days, who took us to a number of different locations and we fell in love with the first one we saw – Razzet L’abjad Farmhouse and Vineyard. Sixteen months and 400 emails between us and Dream Days later, we were ready to get married there.

The big day… We arrived in Malta a week before the big day to make sure all the final preparations were in place and to enjoy the island. Seventy-five guests joined us, with many of them treating it as a holiday and staying in Malta for a week or two. There was a great

choice of accommodation on offer and our guests stayed in villas and hotels close to St Julians Bay. On the day itself, the delivery of the flowers, along with the hair and beauty and make-up all added to the excitement of the day before Shane and his best man, his brother Aiden, left for the venue around 3pm and I followed in a Jaguar about 45 minutes later. All of our guests waited at the poolside on the terrace of the farmhouse and we were married at Razzet L’abjad in a wonderful civil ceremony underneath the vines in a traditional Maltese villa with a vineyard. Following the ceremony, drinks and canapés in the gardens of the venue, we

enjoyed a lavish buffet with a choice of slowroasted leg of pork with cider and sage gravy, pan-fried fillets of sea bass on a sauteed cheery tomato and germolata dressing or chicken supreme with asparagus & leek in sherry cream sauce. Some interesting traditions from Sweden were introduced to the wedding, including the tinkling of spoons in the wine glasses by the guests, which signals to the bride and groom to kiss! Our amazing day ended with us dancing underneath the vines until 2am, when we left our guests to start our honeymoon in Malta, Rome and Sorrento. ❤

real weddings

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wedding planners

DISCOVER MALTA & MEDITERRANEAN WEDDINGS

Whatever your wedding dream, fulfil it with Discover Malta Established in 2005, Discover Malta is a leader in the wedding planning sector and is renowned for consistent attention to detail and focus. Operated and managed by the wedding planner herself, the goal is to provide wedding couples with undivided attention throughout the entire organisation and planning process of each and every unique wedding.

A one-stop wedding planner located in the heart of St Julians, Discover Malta is a boutique provider for all types of wedding budgets and styles. All of our weddings take place in breathtaking venues located across the Maltese Islands. Discover Malta has organised over 400 weddings & events in the Mediterranean using carefully selected providers to ensure quality and excellence at any cost. Contact the wedding planning team directly for an unbeatable package in wedding design and etiquette.

Discover Malta cater for the following weddings: Bespoke Weddings in Malta, the Blue Lagoon Comino and Gozo; Traditional Indian Weddings; Same Sex Weddings; Beach Weddings; Civil Blessings & Marriage Ceremonies; Church Weddings; Sit-down Dinners, Buffetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, BBQs, Receptions

Services: An A to Z of all wedding related services across the Maltese Islands including flowers, photography, musicians, live bands, bridal car, wedding transport, hair stylists, wedding make-up artists, marriage registration/legalities to marry in Malta, post and pre-wedding events and honeymoons.

General information

Contact details: The Wedding Team at Discover Malta/Discover Malta & Mediterranean Weddings on Facebook. Telephone: +356 99882225 Locations: St Julians Malta, London, Dublin, New Jersey USA. Email: info@discovermaltanow.com Web: www.discovermaltanow.com

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MALTA AND GOZO – AT A GLANCE The Islands The three main islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited, while the three smaller islands Cominotto, Filfla and St. Paul’s Island are uninhabited.

Location Located in the centre of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands are some 62 miles south of Sicily.

Malta is the largest landmass of the Maltese Islands and covers 246 kilometres squared with 136 kilometres of coastline. Gozo is approximately 67 kilometres squared and has 50 kilometres of coastline. Comino covers only 2.7 kilometres squared.

Time: GMT +1

• Church of Scotland & Methodist Church of Great Britain • Jewish Synagogue • Bible Baptist Church • Greek Orthodox Church • Pentecostal Church • Mosque

International dialling code: 00 356

Driving

The population of Malta is over 410,000 people.

Driving is on the left. The speed limit is 64 km/h on country roads and 40 km/h in built-up areas. International and national driving licenses are required for car hire.

Language:

Travel information

The official languages are Maltese and English. Many residents are multi lingual.

The Maltese Islands are easily accessible from across the UK. Flights are direct and only take approximately three hours. Malta International Airport is just 20 minutes from Valletta For further information on which airlines fly into Malta from International gateways please visitwww.visitmalta.com/getting_there

Population:

Currency: The official currency is the Euro. Many hotels and larger shops and restaurants also accept foreign currency.

Entry requirements Entry Visas are not required by anyone holding a passport from the European Union. Please check with the Malta High Commission for entry requirements of any other nationalities. Telephone: 020 7292 4800.

Civil weddings

The Marriage Registry – Malta Address: Evans Buildings, Merchants Street, Valletta Telephone: +356 2220 9212/3/4/5/6/7 Email: pubreg.marriage@gov.mt

The Marriage Registry – Gozo Address: Down Town, Triq L-Ewropa,

Victoria VCT2732, Gozo Telephone: +356 22199 9200 Email: info@gov.mt

Marriage information

Getting married in Malta and Gozo

Religious denominations represented locally include: • Roman Catholic Church • Church of England (Anglican) • Evangelical Baptist Church

Marriages in the Maltese Islands are subject to the provisions of the Marriage Act, 1975, which became effective on the 12th August 1975. For further information kindly email pubreg.marriage@gov.mt

Climate Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, and humid winters .

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Days of sunshine Malta

Temperature (C) Malta

Hours of Sunshine

Rainfall (cm) Malta

110

The MTA would like to thank the following companies and photographers for contributing images to this supplement: Alan Venables, Clive Vella, Isabelle Zammit, Mario Casirgaghi, Ted Attard, Bride Malta, Dream Day Weddings and On Site Malta.

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WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES HONEYMOON OFFER Enjoy your once in a lifetime getaway at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Escape to paradise island and relax with an indulging spa treatment or feast your eyes on the Maldivian marine life. Waldorf Astoria Maldives offers its honeymooners: • • • • •

Fruit Basket and 1 bottle of Champagne in the villa upon arrival. One half day excursion for two people on selected excursions. USD $200.00 Spa Credit per couple per stay to be used for the Spa treatment of the Guests’ choice. Romantic turn down with Champagne and Chocolates on the night prior to departure. Please note that in order to be entitled for the above benefits, your reservation must be for a minimum of 4 nights and you will be asked upon check-in to present a copy of the marriage certificate of less than 12 months.

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