Brides Abroad Issue 5

BRIDES ABROAD Issue 5

43

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

Chic Ideas

For brides on a budget Jewellery, gowns, honeymoons & more

Blissful

Traditional Blessings

Honeymoons Luxury for lovers in Zanzibar, Seychelles, Malaysia plus many more

EXPERT ADVICE Weather, Planning, Tips & Info

Customs & folklore for a long and happy marriage

Gorgeous Locations Croatia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius

REAL COUPLES Sunshine weddings in South Africa, Malaysia, Cyprus, Greece & Italy

WOW FACTOR VENUES

www.BridesAbroad.tv

£3.99

SAVE £10,000 on honeymoons!

Maldives, Sri Lanka, Greek Islands

Marry underwater, on a gondola or in a hot air balloon

ART COUTURE

www.artcouturebridal.co.uk For stockists call +44 (0)8707 707 670

Let Us Arrange The Wedding Of Your Dreams

What could be more romantic than marrying the person you love on a beautiful tropical beach, in vibrant New York City or on safari in Kenya? We are the UK’s leading wedding and honeymoon experts and have arranged over two and a half thousand weddings in a large number of fascinating romantic overseas locations and would love to help to organise yours.

We’ve handpicked a great selection of destinations and wedding locations throughout the world, and your dedicated wedding coordinator will help you decide on the perfect solution for your dream wedding or honeymoon.

So if you’re looking for a totally personalised service call our team of experts now.

For more details visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk/weddings

Open 7 days a week Monday – Sunday 9am to 9pm

No Frills

Just The Two Of Us

Romantic Retreats

Luxury Weddings

Totally Unique

Family & Friends

Romantic destinations to get married without all the trimmings including Caribbean, USA and Indian Ocean.

Our collection of luxury hotels offer everything you would expect on an indulgent holiday including the very best service, food and facilities that are to be found around the world.

Plan a truly romantic wedding for two, which you can enjoy together and savour alone in Barbados, St Lucia, Mauritius and Antigua.

Choose from a very exceptional and unique selection of destinations and venues from around the world.

or call Tropical Sky on 0844 332 9358

Escape to a secluded, tranquil hideaway for two and relax, including Sri Lanka, Tobago, Thailand and the Seychelles.

Great for couples who want to celebrate their special day with family and friends as there’s no need for them to miss out on your special day.

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@spaworldmagazine.com Congratulations

Congratulations!

Assistant Editor Victoria Ballantyne

So, he’s popped the question and you’ve said yes! Now the fun starts…

Assistant to Publisher

Ok, so the first big decision is where to go for your Big Day. Maybe you’d prefer to get married at home and honeymoon abroad? Or perhaps your dream is to say “I do” somewhere more exotic – and stay on for a blissful honeymoon in the sun?

Contributors

Either way, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to start your married life with sand between your toes, a warm breeze ruffling your hair and the sound of the ocean lapping at your feet – and it’s easier than you think!

If you’re looking for inspiration check out our Real Weddings in Cyprus, Italy, Greece, South Africa and Malaysia. Read their stories and steal their styles!

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? See Amazing weddings on P.86 – for an unforgettable marriage, how about an underwater ceremony in the Maldives, a Gondola service in Venice or a magical hot air balloon ride in Kenya?

Don’t worry if you think your dream wedding will break the bank, we reveal 10 ways to trim your budget without cutting your style on P.108! We are also offering a fantastic selection of honeymoon Special Offers on P.128 to some of the world’s finest honeymoon hotspots. Or if you

would like travel advice on where to go or to arrange group bookings for your wedding party, ring our friendly and knowledgeable, ABTA bonded travel team now on: 0870 774 8480.

Most importantly, when you return from your wedding abroad or honeymoon we want to hear all about it, so email us your best photographs!

Have a fantastic BIG DAY wherever in the world you choose, and enjoy your new life together!

Patsy Owen

Colette Harris Victoria Ballantyne Jack Russell Lisa Burton

Photography

Virginie Lacoste Dreamstime Photosearch Istockphoto Teri & David Price of Murakami Photography Story Studios Mirko Palpaceli Emotions in Pictures by Andy Lim Duette Photography

Design

Chris Peach Centrical Solutions www.centricalsolutions.com

Printer

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

Most importantly, ENJOY!!

Advertising Sales Sylvia Oakley 01937 585800

Pelusa 020 8406 0820 Mike Murray mike@pelusa.co.uk Ben David ben@pelusa.co.uk

Terri Cody-Owen Editor–in-Chief

Cover

Photograph of a wedding at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. www.conradhotels.com

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.

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 12

In this issue News

20

30 32

Hot news – from wedding apps to honeymoons in Cambodia

A suit that fits

Bespoke suits for perfectly groomed grooms

5 Quick beauty fixes

Sshh – brides best kept beauty secrets

REAL WEDDINGS 12 Cloud nine in Cyprus

Lynsey and Adam take off for a wonderful wedding in Cyprus

Italian villa of love

34

42

Rustic romance is on the cards for Francesca and Marc in Italy

Fun & fireworks in Greece

He proposed in Greece and now Glen is marrying his beloved Natalie there too.

with royal 48 Malaysia approval

Keira and David follow in the Queen’s footsteps to stay in Malaysia for their Asian wedding.

56

66

A flavour of Cyprus Cypriot cuisine at its best was on the menu at caterer Laura’s fabulous reception

Bought for a goat in South Africa

Tracey and Del head off on safari for a traditional African wedding

42

66

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80

WEDDING DESTINATIONS Sri Lankan 72 Traditional weddings

Escorted by Sri Lankan dancers and leaving on an elephant – that’s tradition the Sri Lankan way

80 88

94

Amazing Croatia

Discover Europe’s best-kept secret wedding destination

Unique weddings Before you say

‘I do’ check out the world of wacky and wonderful places to marry

Magical Mauritius

Dip your toes into the Indian Ocean for an idyllic beach wedding in Mauritius

PLANNING folklore and 102 Customs, traditions

Bless your marriage by including a little superstition and tradition on your wedding day

72

108

108

112 116

118

121

10 Ways to trim your budget Clever brides keep the standard high and the price low. Here’s how!

Weather permitting Your worldwide weather guide

Wedding countdown Month-by-month planning for your wedding abroad

Pop the question

Your questions answered by expert wedding planners

Ask the experts

Tips and advice from Lisa Burton of the Bridal Consultancy

HONEYMOONS 122 A fine romance

Idyllic honeymoon destinations for those in search of paradise

128

118

10 www.BridesAbroad.tv

122

Special offers Save £10,000 on honeymoons in the world’s hotspots

RealWEDDINGS

Cloud Nine in Cyprus Lynsey and Adam’s fairytale Cyprus wedding

12 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

W

hen Lynsey Edge from Stockport, an airport service agent for Emirates Airline met her husband-to-be Adam Barker, who was working in aviation security, they were both flying high in their airline careers. Once their paths crossed it wasn’t long before the globe trotting couple’s relationship reached dizzy new heights after a fairytale proposal at Disney World in Florida led to a dream wedding in Cyprus.

Finding ‘the one’ We met at work. I had to go through security to get to my place of work, meaning that I saw Adam every time he was on shift. It was love at first sight and the love grew stronger every time we saw each other!

The proposal Adam proposed in front of the Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Florida. It was just before the fireworks. ‘Jiminy Cricket’ came over the tannoy and told everyone that if they wished really hard for something then it would come true. Then, just as the fireworks were about

to start, ‘Jiminy’ came back on the tannoy and said: “So did your wish come true?”

Adam asked me what my wish was and I said I wished that he would ask me to marry him. He then pulled out the ring! At that precise moment, the fireworks display (aptly named “Wishes”) began. I have never been more surprised; it was the most romantic setting I could ever have wished for.

Location, location We were quite happy to have only close friends and family at our big day. We both felt that we wanted some of the strain of organising the wedding taking out of our hands, and the Bridal Consultant, a professional wedding planning company, was the perfect solution! Speaking to Lisa from Bridal Consultant convinced us that we wanted to use her company. We decided on Cyprus, although we’d never been before, but after looking at pictures on the Internet of previous weddings and also of the location where our wedding would be held, it really was a ‘must’ for us.

We were married at Coral Beach Resort, near Paphos. It was absolutely perfect: picturesque with amazing views and (we hoped!) fantastic weather.

Planning the big day The Bridal Consultant took care of a lot of the planning but we did some of the extra touches ourselves – things such as table confetti, favours etc. Bridal Consultant arranged for the cake, hair and make-up, flowers, set-up of the location etc. We made our own travel arrangements. However, Bridal Consultant arranged for an airporthotel transfer. They were very helpful. We were never left in any doubt that things would go smoothly.

We also planned a lot before we went out to Cyprus. Not only were we arranging things for our wedding day, but also our second reception when we got home!

Getting the look It’s true when people say that you know when you have found ‘The dress’. It was perfect. Modern style fishtail, ivory in colour with a sweetheart design, decorated in antique jewels. My dress was from a bridal shop in Crosby called Captivating Brides.

I accessorised with a mid length ivory veil with scattered diamonds. My shoes www.BridesAbroad.tv 13

were a kitten heel, also ivory in colour, which ironically were named Lindsey! My ‘something old’ was my garter, which was also borrowed and the colour blue.

My brother and sister-in-law bought me my wedding jewellery, tear drop matching necklace and earrings as my ‘something new’. A lady called Marie (I nicknamed her An Angel) came to my room to do hair and make-up. I had never met or spoken to her before I got to Cyprus. She was a very talented beauty stylist who made me feel amazing on our special day.

Groom and bridesmaids Adam wore a grey suit with white shirt, cream patterned waistcoat with decorative design and cream cravat. As a wedding gift from myself, Adam was wearing silver cufflinks with his initials engraved; he was also wearing black socks with the word groom embroidered on them – just in case he forgot who he was!!

I had two bridesmaids, my eldest was 20 years old (my husband’s sister) and my

youngest was my 8-year-old goddaughter.

They both wore the same style dress, long to the ground, slightly fitted, with scattered diamonds, sky blue in colour. As my goddaughter was so young she had straps on her dress

Fine details Our wedding was themed with silver and sky blue hearts. My bouquet was a teardrop; it consisted of small and larger ivory roses filled with little diamonds. My bridesmaids had small ivory rose posies.

Adam had one large ivory rose with a diamond, whilst best man and usher had a plain ivory rose. Our mums each had a corsage and the rest of the wedding party had carnations. We felt it best that everyone that had gone to such lengths to come out to Cyprus for us should be wearing a flower. Our cake was a two-tier wedding cake, white with sky blue ribbon to decorate. We had Mr and Mrs ‘me to you’ bears as our centrepiece and had the top tier of wedding cake filled with chocolate, whilst the bottom tier was sponge.

...And the guests There were 23 of us in total, including Adam and myself. Most guests rented out villas in the area but a few stayed in local hotels and my brother and sister-in-law stayed in the same hotel as us. We were all within a mile of each other. We originally invited 30 guests, but most people did accept the invitation, they didn’t want to miss it for the world!

The ceremony Our ceremony took place on the Armonia Terrace of the Coral Beach Resort Hotel, not far from Paphos – the most picturesque place you could ask for. It lasted 10 or 15 minutes, which was just about perfect as it was a little bit warm! Not that we were complaining! We were married by the local Marriage Officer who we had met at the Town Hall a couple of days before the wedding. My very proud Dad gave me away.

He had a tear in his eye when he first saw me in my wedding dress!

The reception We had two wedding receptions. One on the wedding evening on the Armonia Terrace of the Coral Beach Resort for everyone who was at the wedding and the other at the Holiday Inn Wilmslow after we’d returned home. We had 130 people to the reception back home. In Cyprus we had BBQ food, ranging from steaks to swordfish!

Back home we had a buffet, ranging from pizza slices to spare ribs!

Our first dance was to ‘Endless Love’ – the Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey version, and for the rest of the reception we made our own entertainment – such as dancing to Zorba the Greek in full wedding attire with a burning dance floor! That became a theme of our holiday, everywhere we went on nights out, one of our friends or family requested it to be played! We had a romantic meal for two laid on by the hotel the evening after the wedding. Rose petals and candles on the tables.

14 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Photographic memories We chose 100 photos for our album and also got three copies of the DVD. One for us and one for each set of parents. A company called Studio Photo Creation by D did the photos and DVD. We had so many amazing photographs taken. The pictures under the veranda, amongst all the flowers, by the water, on the beach and in the sea - (still can’t believe I did that!) amazing. I think my favourites are probably the sunset photos though, especially the silhouette. It was the perfect sunset, not a cloud in the sky. It was just the ocean, the sun and us.

Nothing else. wwwBridesAbroad.tv 15

Sweet memories My best memory was my husband seeing me in my dress for the very first time at the ceremony, it was very emotional. The funniest moment has to be dancing to Zorba the Greek! It was so funny and all captured on our wedding DVD. This ended up being classed as our second dance!

The honeymoon We had our honeymoon just the two of us a few months later when we went to New York in December. Whilst we were in Cyprus with friends and family, they were all very understanding and gave us our own space.

It was great however, to have everyone so close by and we went on a good number of days and nights out together.

ÂŁ2,000. This was right on budget. It was great that Bridal Consultant were so flexible with their packages that you can really pick and choose what you want, and build your wedding around your set budget.

Further information Wedding Planning: Lisa Burton at The Bridal Consultant lisaburton@thebridalconsultant.co.uk www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk Venue: Coral Beach Resort, Paphos, Cyprus www.coralbeachcy.com Photographer: Studio Photo Creation by D

On budget?

The Cyprus part of the wedding cost somewhere in the region of ÂŁ12-13,000.

The reception back home cost a further

Calling all Real Brides Tell us about your Real Wedding and you could be featured in Brides Abroad magazine.

All weddings used will win a bottle of Champagne.

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

16 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

E NJOY SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

UK4001BA

Present the code during direct bookings.

This code is only applicable for Royal Island Resort & Spa’s website and email bookings.

Terms and conditions apply.

The magic of True Love can be sworn only in Magical Places...

Royal Island Resort & Spa, Horubadhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives T +960 660 0088, F +960 660 0099, E info@royal-island.com.mv, www.royal-island.com wwwBridesAbroad.tv 15

Steal Lynsey’s Style

Pearl tiara by June Ellen, £99 Style: Sylvia www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Pear drop diamante pendant by Ivory & Co www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Sparkling in ivory, diamonds and pearls, Lynsey looks classically stunning in the Cyprus sunshine.

Get her look with glamorously timeless accessories

Pear drop diamante earring

by Ivory & Co, £35 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Bag by June Ellen, £24 www.crystalfrost.co.uk Dress by Mark Lesley, style Claudia www.marklesley.co.uk Groom & Best Man cufflinks, £9.99 per pair www.celebrationsplus.com

Mid-length veil by Emmerling www.lesliehatcherbridal.co.uk

Ivory shoes by Freya Rose Style: Anne, £345 www.freyarose.co.uk 18 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Lace garter

by June Ellen www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Sail and Shoot Wedding Cruise in Ha Long Bay If you hadn’t thought about getting married in Vietnam, you are bound to change your mind after seeing this spectacular photo of Ha Long Bay, an UNESCO World Heritage Site that never fails to sweep visitors away with its magnificent beauty – just imagine, this could be the backdrop to your wedding photographs! Life Heritage Resort Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is offering brides and groomsto-be a private wedding photo cruise in spectacular Ha Long Bay, one of the world’s most scenic destinations, which is famous for its breathtaking limestone karsts, placid green waters and stunning views. The cruise includes three hours aboard a heritage sailing junk manned by a personal crew, with drinks and a light snack meal for four on board for just £73. Each certified-safe sailing junk boasts a 32 square-meter cabin with panoramic windows and en-suite bathroom, a swim deck, upper deck and covered dining terrace. The Life Resorts speedboat is also available for charter. The exclusive sailing junks give couples the freedom to shoot anywhere in the bay, in their own time and in absolute privacy, and guarantees a wow factor wedding album! www.life-resorts.com.

Book it! 0870 774 8480.

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

Hens in Harmony in Sandbanks Strut your hens down to stylish Sandbanks on the English Riviera and they will think they are in spa heaven at the Haven Hotel’s gorgeous new Harmony Health and Beauty Spa – a sanctuary of relaxation by the sea. The spa’s light and airy interior design compliments its stylish poolside lounge and cafe with outdoor heated seawater pool and sun deck overlooking the beach. The spa also offers an indoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam cabins and a long list of luxurious spa treatments using Nuskin and Neil’s Yard products to pamper and spoil your hens.

The Haven Hotel enjoys a very special setting at the tip of the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula, a playground for England’s rich and famous. The hotel is idyllically located for exploring the area’s local restaurants, brasseries and bars or better still, enjoy wining and dining at its best in one of the hotel’s three superb seafacing restaurants – including the two AA Red Rosettewinning La Roche. Book it! 0870 774 8480.

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Wedding Package at Zeavola Resort If you have set your heart on a barefoot dream wedding on an exotic Far Eastern beach then head to Thailand where the rustically romantic Zeavola Resort is offering wedding packages.

The Zeavola Resort nestles on a prime stretch of soft, white sand near Phi Phi Island’s northern tip in a stunningly picturesque location. The wedding package costs from £1,180 for a western wedding ceremony and £1,400 for a traditional Thai wedding ceremony and includes the ceremony, marriage certificate, flowers, champagne, cake, bridal bouquet, and the groom’s corsage, wedding floral hearts decoration in your villa and a planting of the ‘love tree’ and releasing of the ceremonial fish. The bride and groom will also enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach as part of the wedding package. For your wedding reception, Zeavola offers a choice of either mouth watering buffets or a set dinner. Prices start from £24 per person for a set meal and £60 per head for the BBQ buffet with a minimum of 30 guests.

Book it! 0870 774 8480.

Look before you leap!

Thrill seeking couples have a different idea of holiday bliss than to lounge lazily on a tropical beach, and will, no doubt, want to participate in sporting activities during their honeymoon. Europ Assistance advises sporty couples to check their travel insurance cover before they leave home and pay for any extra cover if necessary, as some sports will not automatically be included in their policy. Golf, cycling and swimming are usually incuded, but some sports may be excluded or restricted, such as canoeing, horse riding, mountain biking and surfing. You can extend your standard policy to include most activities but will probably have to pay an extra premium for high-risk sports like bungee jumping, rock climbing and yachting – it’s worth paying a few pounds extra if necessary. Europ Assistance offers flexible policies and recommends the level of cover that’s right for you.

Call their Helpline on 0844 338 5533.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 21

Vineyard weddings and honeymoons Portugal has many beautiful wedding and honeymoon locations, with the Algarve being the most popular for its sunshine and stunning golf resort hotels. However, if you are looking for something a little different, The L’AND Vineyards is a vineyard resort with a working boutique winery located close to Lisbon in the heart of the country in a region famous for its vineyards, cork trees, orange and olive groves and the virgin Alentejo coastline that stretches for 140 miles all the way down to the Algarve.

The L’AND is a plush new, contemporary hotel that will amaze you with its stunning architecture. It offers chic accommodation in 22 stylish suites, which are housed in townhouse-style villas with large outdoor terraces with a Jacuzzi and seating area with fire pit – some have fully opening roofs allowing you to fall asleep under the stars.

The resort overlooks a huge lake where destination weddings can be held along its shores and its restaurant can cater for wedding parties of up to 150 guests. There are also several outdoor terraces where guests can dine, relax, drink and dance. As one of the driest and most temperate parts of Portugal, L’AND Vineyards is open for weddings all year round. Book it! 0870 774 8480.

Here comes the Bride - on Facebook!

Many newly married couples spend hours on their computer uploading their wedding and honeymoon photos onto Facebook. The whole process just got easier, thanks to the new Fujifilm FinePix JX370 camera which enables you to upload photos and videos directly from the camera onto Facebook and You Tube with its Easy Web Upload tagging function feature. This slim, pocket-sized camera costs just £89 and is a great choice for those wanting to shoot and share their photos. It offers a user-friendly menu and social network sharing function as well as Face, Smile and Blink Detection, Digital Image Stabilization, a panoramic shooting function and exposure compensations to deal with awkward lighting conditions.

It also features Photobook Assist so you can create an album on the camera and preview it by ‘turning’ the pages on the LCD screen. Available in black, pink and silver.

Escape to the Maldives Spend the first days of married life in tropical paradise at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa with their new Couples Package. Based in the heart of the stunning North Male Island Atoll, the idyllic resort provides the perfect setting for the ultimate romantic getaway. With a team just waiting to grant your every desire, you’ll be whisked away to the resort on a luxurious speed boat, greeted by a bottle of champagne (chilling in your room) and encouraged to relax in this enchanting location with indulgent pampering treatments including a signature ‘couples massage’ at the award winning Shine Spa for Sheraton. Breakfast will be served in your room each day to prepare you for as much – or as little – action as you desire. You’ll also be treated to dinner at the exquisite Feast restaurant and if you feel like exploring the Marine life why not treat yourself to a private evening Dolphin Cruise – it’s the perfect trip to end a perfect day. Book it! 0870 774 8480.

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Delicious Almond Almond Resorts, the original all-inclusive four-star premium resorts in Barbados and St Lucia, have announced that they are now offering wedding packages as part of the all-inclusive rate – perfect for couples on a budget looking to get married in paradise. And the resorts will definitely not disappoint, offering unique landscaped gardens and breathtaking views, which are the perfect backdrop for your Caribbean wedding, as well as exceptional cuisine and countless activities on tap to keep you and your guests entertained. The wedding party can also be pampered in the new Praana Spas, available at all three of the Barbados resorts, offering a range of luxurious body and facial treatments and massages. Book it! 0870 774 8480.

Travel Safe If you are travelling long-haul to your honeymoon destination, protect yourself from Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and jetlag with a natural supplement to help prevent this life-threatening condition and reduce the fatigue, insomnia, nausia and irritability associated with the effects of jetlag. DVT is the formation of blood clots within the blood vessels, often in the large, deep veins of the lower legs, which can block the flow of blood, and if a clot breaks away, reaching the lungs, it can be fatal. Research has shown that Pycnogenol ®, a pine bark extract, can drastically reduce the symptoms of both DVT and Jetlag by preventing abnormal blood clotting and blood leakage through weak vessel walls by contributing to the health of large blood vessels. Price £14.75 for 30 capsules. Available from nationwide pharmacies. www.pycnogenol.co.uk

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Luxury Honeymoon in Cambodia Avoid the usual honeymoon hotspots and discover exciting new horizons with a visit to Alila Sothea, a luxury destination tucked away in the heart of Cambodia’s Siem Reap, the seat of Khmer culture and famed for UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Temples.

The stylishly contemporary Alila Sothea luxury resort hotel is the perfect place from which to explore these unique sites and landscapes on your honeymoon. Alila Sothea resort is set in beautiful intimate gardens with fountains and soothing waterways and offers the awardwinning Alila Spa as well as the use of the Alila Tuk-Tuk services which includes a local mobile phone to enable guests to leisurely explore the stunning local sites and town at their own pace with their own driver at their beck and call.

Book it! 0870 774 8480.

iPad Wedding Planning Wedding planning often happens on the go – at the reception venue, the florist, the bakery and the bridal salon. Now you can keep it all in one place – on your iPad. Pantone, the company that sets colour standards for the design industries has joined forces with The Dessy Group, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid’s dresses and accessories to launch app myPANTONE WEDDING Styleboard, the first styleboard app for the iPad®. The Styleboard allows users to build and share key wedding colours, outfits, wedding products and inspirational images when they’re planning their big day – making it easy to achieve a perfectly colour-coordinated wedding in your themed colour scheme and to share inspiration via email, Facebook and Twitter with family and friends, vendors and wedding coordinators. Compatible with Apple iOS4 for the iPad. Available for download in the Apple App Store for £2.99.

Captivate her heart in Italy Start married life in loved-up bliss in one of Europe’s most romantic hotels, the rustic 15th Century Florentine Villa Il Salviatino, set in the rolling Tuscan hills. Florentine Villa Il Salviatino’s breathtaking surroundings, seductive charm, intimate style and impeccable service make it an ideal hideaway for honeymooners. Wile away the days with romantic walks in the beautiful gardens, indulge in sensual rose-petal baths, enjoy chocolate tipped strawberries and champagne at sun down, spend your evenings wining, dining with delicious cuisine, be pampered with sublime couples spa treatments in the first Devarana spa outside Asia. Let him whisk you away on a retro Vespa for a moonlight drive, feast on a handpicked hamper bursting with gastronomic delights and magnums of bubbly, or perhaps he’ll surprise you with a private alfresco screening of your favourite feel-good film in the villa’s stunning parkland.

Honeymoon packages are available and include one night’s accommodation in a Dome View De Luxe Room. Book it! 0870 774 8480.

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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

The perfect wedding What makes a wedding perfect?

Sainsbury’s magazine have carried out a readers survey to discover what guests love about a wedding, and what they don’t. It reveals that although 89 per cent of respondents are thrilled to receive an invitation, 11 per cent will be finding an excuse not to attend! More than 60 per cent think children should be invited to weddings with 8 per cent actually saying ‘no thanks’ if their children aren’t invited – yet almost 40 per cent look forward to hearing the vows and speeches without babies crying in the background. And while guests are often being asked to contribute money towards the honeymoon instead of traditional gifts 27 per cent believe a couple should pay for their own honeymoon! Smaller weddings are popular with 55 per cent – only a fifth prefer a fancy no-expense-spared country house ‘do’. However, 16 per cent would rather escape from the UK – and their families – for a wedding in the Caribbean!

A fine French wedding If your heart is set on marrying in France, then talk to wedding planners who specialise in arranging French weddings. Get Married in France, one of France’s leading wedding planning agencies has launched its new website this summer to help brides and grooms arrange stress free French weddings in southern France. For six years Get Married in France has been planning and coordinating hugely successful events in the South West of France. It has created a website that provides detailed information on the best venues the South West has to offer and crucial useful information about planning an event there. Many sites currently offer information centred around the legal issues surrounding marrying in France, however the combined forces of industry experts, industry suppliers and wedding planning professionals allows Marry Me in France to provide a much broader perspective. The site will be updated each season with the latest ideas and information. www.marrymeinfrance.com 28 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Countdown

to a pearly white wedding cosmetic dentists and implantologists, dr adam glassford and dr dominic o’hooley discuss dental options for a fabulous smile on your wedding day.

so you have planned the dress, seen the venue and booked the photographer, all you need now is to plan your smile!

more support for the lip structure. Veneers are the most common form of providing ‘smile makeovers’ as seen on shows such as ’10 years younger’. In most cases, a small amount of the underlying tooth substance will be removed 1 year before the big day: consider before the veneers are fitted. However, some orthodontics. cases are suitable for the ‘No-prep’ veneers Orthodontic treatment involves the physical moving of the teeth within the mouth. Mostly, system, which allows the veneers to be fitted people think of the traditional fixed braces, with without the need to remove any tooth. Veneers metal brackets and metal wires. However, things may last approx 10 years as a guide. have changed and now there are tooth coloured brackets and wires, or braces fitted on the inside 3 months before: consider having your teeth whitened and any dark fillings surface of the tooth so they cannot be seen, replaced with white ones. or ‘Invisible braces’ as opposed to brackets.

If you have small gaps between your teeth, have ‘Speedy’ orthodontics mean that treatments composite bonding to make your teeth look which would have lasted over 2 years can now neat and tidy. Just remember, the bride and be completed in as little as 6 months. groom’s teeth need to match in colour for those perfect photographs!

9 months before: consider replacing any missing teeth with implants.

1 month before: A dental implant is an artificial titanium root Have a scale and polish with the hygienist to that replaces a missing tooth. Placing an polish away any staining and leave your teeth implant takes about an hour. After a period of and gums fresh and healthy. healing, the implant is finished with a crown or an attached denture. Treatments are often completed within 3 months and more complex the night before: Stay off the garlic, curry and onions to keep your treatments can take 6-9 months. The major breath fresh for the next 24 hours! benefit of dental implants is that a patient can chew on them like a natural tooth. About half the dental implants that are placed solve loose on the day: Pop a mini bottle of mouthwash in your bag denture issues. Patients with implant-retained dentures say they can even bite apples and that to freshen your breath throughout the day, and smile. they get their confidence back.

First invented in the 1950s in Sweden, 20 year studies of implants show that there is a 98% success rate.

6 months before: consider having veneers if your teeth are worn, crooked, misplaced or discoloured.

Porcelain veneers can be described as being like false fingernails. They are wafer-thin porcelain covers securely bonded to the front surfaces For your free consultation with Dr Adam of your teeth. They can be used to change the Glassford or Dr Dominic O’Hooley, shape, colour or alignment of the teeth, and call 01904 639667. can be used to create fuller lips by providing

Call us on 01904 639667 Book online www.andreaubhi.com

Andrea Ubhi Dental. 23 Stonegate, York.

Quick Beauty Fixes

Want to look extra special on your wedding day? Here are five beautifying treatments that can be administered in your lunch hour…

Luscious Lips Make sure that your lips are luscious and irresistibly kissable with a lip filling treatment that’s guaranteed to give you softer, smoother and fuller lips. The treatment is a soft lip shaping with Restylane Vital, which delivers hyaluronic acid into the skin to hydrate and nourish your lips. You will need two sessions about four weeks apart in time for your wedding, then a top up treatment around 6-8 months later to maintain those gorgeous lips. Price £500 for a course of two treatments. Top up costs £300. For more information about treatment at Fiona and Marie Aesthetics clinic at 121 Harley Street, London call: 020 7487 3032. www.fionamarie.co.uk

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Terrific Tan

Nothing enhances a bride more than a golden tan, but don’t go for the burn when you arrive at your wedding destination – better to fake it instead to guarantee a golden glow every time. Crazy Angel has introduced the Midnight Duo Pack range to its fabulous self-tanning products for you to create the perfect tan at home. This new product is ideal for those with medium to dark skin who want a luxuriously deep and gorgeous olive all-over colour.

The Duo Pack contains Halo Polish Body Scrub – to refine, exfoliate and polish the skin before tanning, and Midnight Kiss Tanning Lotion to create a deep and gorgeous streak free tan perfectly timed for your wedding day.

For stockist information call: 0845 180 1241 or visit www.crazy-angel.co.uk

5

Fast Facelift

You don’t need to resort to the surgeon’s knife to look ten years younger, thanks to an effective non-surgical lifting treatment with long lasting and dramatic results. Sagging muscles in the lower face and heavy jowls around the chin area can be eradicated with a course of six half hour radiofrequency treatments using a state-of-the-art machine, which safely delivers controlled amounts of electro-magnetic energy to the lower layers of the dermis that contain collagen and fats. The radiofrequency heat causes the collagen to contract and tighten thus stimulating the production of new collagen fibres. Radiofrequency is ideal for the face, cellulite reduction, stretch marks and body reshaping. Available at leading beauty salons nationwide. Absolutely Fabulous beauty clinic in Leeds is offering a 15% discount for Brides Abroad readers. Call: 0113 232 0989 and quote Brides Abroad.

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Lovely Lashes

Flutter your eyelashes with him with gorgeous, natural looking eyelashes, but don’t rely on those over-the-counter stick on type of false eyelashes and risk them becoming detached on the most important day of your life. Instead, invest in semipermanent lash extensions that will not only give you longer, thicker and very natural looking lashes for your wedding but will stay in place throughout your honeymoon too! Nouveau Lashes is the brand leader, trusted by top beauticians and celebrities.

Each lash extension is applied individually to achieve the best results. The procedure takes just over an hour, but the beautiful effect lasts up to six weeks. Price starts from £75. For your nearest Nouveau Lash technician contact: 0845 644 3994. www. nouveauashes.co.uk

Creamy Complexion Brides want a radiant and luminous skin for their wedding – so don’t just have a facial, treat yourself to a Super Facial, a scientifically advanced facial treatment using Environ and Skin Ceuticals skincare products. The Super Facial uses low frequency sound waves to enhance the penetration of the essential vitamins and anti oxidants into the skin and is tailored to suit your precise skin requirements to restore its natural glow, leaving your skin feeling silky soft, hydrated and toned. The Super Facial boosts collagen production and hydration to treat uneven skin tone and boosts tired, dull and ageing skin with immediate results. However the best effects are noticeable around 3-4 weeks afterwards when new skin cells start to grow.

Available at Fiona and Marie Aesthetics clinic at 121 Harley Street, London call: 020 7487 3032. www.fionamarie.co.uk

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

Advertorial

The

Perfect Fit Want a bespoke, tailored suit for your wedding, but think it is out of your price range?

A Suit That Fits can help.

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Advertorial

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or a bride, finding the right dress is vitally important, but with hundreds of bridal shops up and down the country catering for all budgets and styles, there is no shortage of options. However, for the groom, the choices seem limited; you either have to hire a suit, buy an off-the-peg number or spend thousands on a tailor-made suit.

And although everyone would love to head down the tailor-made route, only the select few have the means to splash out on Savile Row, where money is no object.

At least that’s how things used to be.

The bespoke suit market has moved into the mainstream over the past few years, enabling men to now choose their ideal wedding suit without breaking the bank.

A Suit That Fits is one of the UK’s leading tailoring companies, offering fantastic bespoke suits from just £200 with the same levels of quality and craftsmanship you would expect in suits costing five times as much. There are 33 branches nationwide where staff will help you put together an outfit that will make you look (almost) as wonderful as the bride on the big day.

The vast array of fabrics and styles available also means you can match your suit perfectly to your wedding destination – wherever your nuptials may be! Perhaps you’re having a Caribbean beach wedding so are looking for a light cotton or linen suit to keep you cool in the warm sun; maybe you’re in Italy and want to match the elegance of the country with a classic yet contemporary three-piece suit; or, if you’re planning on a New York wedding, you might want a smart one-button slimfit black outfit to match the modern style of the city. Whatever you want, A Suit That Fits can help.

The fitting process is simple: book a visit and once there the Style Advisor will discuss your requirements. At least eighteen measurements are taken to put in the basic frame details and this is then entered into your free online account. However, if you cannot make it to one of the studios for a fitting you can simply enter your own details online at www.aSuitThatFits.com. Your Style Advisor will then take you through some of the essential suit choices – cut, cloth and style; but this is not a process you should rush, so make use of the online wizard, which enables you take time at home poring over the countless options that will make up the perfect suit. It also allows you to add those tiny details that make a bespoke suit special – be it a personalised label message on the inside of your jacket or a choice of particular cotton colour on your button.

There are numerous options available, and keep track of the budget, with the cost of the outfit clearly stated through every step of the process.

Once you’re happy with your choices, it’s best to have your Style Advisor run their expert eye over it so that they can offer any final pieces of specialist advice. Then it’s just a matter of making a simple and secure online payment to purchase your individually hand-tailored suit.

The process takes 6-8 weeks from measurement to first fitting. Most suits will be delivered to a studio, so your tailor can perform some ‘fine tuning’ and, with a wedding suit, it may take one or two extra visits before everything is complete. A Suit That Fits offers a ‘fit guarantee system’ and will do as many alterations as are needed to make sure you get a suit that fits like a glove.

Your individual cutting pattern is adjusted and kept for your next suits.

To start designing a destination wedding suit that fits your personal style, frame and budget visit www.aSuitThatFits.com or call: 020 3006 7999 to book a style consultation.

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Wedding Suit Tips

from A Suit That Fits Style Advisor, David Minns

1. Light cotton or linen in cream, beige or off white with a white shirt is a smart but relaxed look - perfect for a beach wedding. If you’re on dry land, why not go the whole hog with a full white number?

2. You might instinctively go without a tie, but knowledge of the family traditions would give more guidance here. If a tie is more appropriate, I would pick an unlined gold silk, probably pinned.

3. When choosing shoes to go with your suit, opt for slip-ons or formal shoes if you’re after a slightly more formal look.

4. Light grey complements more complexions than any other colour and also complements bridal gown colours; charcoal grey is more formal and a very smart option; ivory is great for beach weddings; and navy blue is becoming increasingly popular – a silk or mohair navy suit is the most common and the most fetching.

5. Three-piece suits are dashing and versatile. When you take your jacket off, your waistcoat will ensure that you stand out from the congregation.

6. You may want some element of your suit to reflect the wedding’s colour scheme, so come to your initial consultation armed with the prerequisite colours.

7. Think carefully when choosing fabrics; mohair is goat’s wool and is lightweight.

The weave of mohair is mesh-like and so the fabric ‘breathes’, thus keeping you cool. Due to its inherent rigidity, mohair keeps its creases for longer than worsted wools and so is a fantastic choice for a wedding suit. Silk feels great to wear and has a sheen, which a lot of people favour at events such as weddings. Linens are great for beach weddings - a more heavy weight linen is smart.

Special Offer A Suit That Fits would like to offer all Brides Abroad readers a complimentary measurement and style consultation, worth £25*.

Please quote ‘Brides Abroad’ to your Style Advisor. Please visit www.aSuitThatFits.com or call 020 3006 7999. *Terms and conditions apply, please visit www.aSuitThatFits. com/termsandconditions

RealWEDDINGS

Italian Villa of Love Francesca and Marc’s Italian feast

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hen Francesca O’Riordan, a marketing manager from Surrey married Account Director Marc Adam Godbold, they chose to say ‘I do’ in traditional Italian style with an eight-course feast in the gardens of a gorgeous Italian Villa, close to Francesca’s parents’ home – a beautiful rural retreat in central Italy.

Finding ‘the one’ We met in a taxi queue many years ago and then we met again in a club four years later. There was definitely a spark straight away!

The proposal He asked me to marry him at my parents’ house in Italy. It was on a beautiful August day, and Marc’s parents had come to visit. We were sitting around the table in the garden by the pool about to eat lunch when Marc stood up to propose a toast to us all being in Italy together, he finished his speech and then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We had of course talked about getting married one day but it came totally out of the blue and had me in tears of joy.

Location, location My parents live in Italy and ever since they moved there I had dreamed of an Italian wedding outside in the sun surrounded by flowers. We chose the Villa Verdefiore, which is very near my parents house and I fell in love with the beautiful villa and grounds as soon as I saw it. Villa Verdefiore is in Appignano, a small town located in beautiful countryside in the Macerata province of Le Marche, central Italy.

The planning We booked our wedding the day after getting engaged, leaving 10 months to plan the perfect day. We used a wedding planner, Paola Pieroni from the Villa Verdefiore and my Mum – together they did an amazing job! Every detail had been thought about and catered for.

…and the guests?

We had 80 guests from the UK, 100 in total. They stayed at the Villa Verdefiore hotel and the Osteria Segreti Country House as well as my parents’ house. Most people accepted the invitation, only a very few couldn’t make the wedding due to the cost and Marc’s granddad who was too frail to travel. Our guests booked their own flights with Ryanair and my parents and Paola organised transport and accommodation for everyone. Our guests were very happy and had a fantastic time.

Getting the look We wanted our ceremony and reception to be held outside, and I love pink so we knew that would be our themed colour.

My favourite flowers are roses and we combined 3,000 of them with 500 silk butterflies in pink and white. My wedding dress was made by Suzanne Neville who is based in Knightsbridge. I chose a beautiful design made with Italian lace – the perfect dress for our Italian wedding.

Suzanne Neville made me a long veil with very subtle sparkles that fell to the floor in a long train. Marc bought me a gorgeous

pearl necklace to match the other jewellery I wore on the day. My hair was styled by Dejanel Civitanova Marche in Italy and my make-up was done by Lauren Godbold, the groom’s sister. Francesca designed the bridesmaid dresses and had them made by a local dressmaker in Surrey.

Something old, something new…

My something old was my grandmother’s engagement ring. My something borrowed was a pearl bracelet of my Mum’s. My something blue were blue crystals stuck to the bottom of my shoes spelling out ‘I do’! www.BridesAbroad.tv 35

RealWEDDINGS

Groomed to perfection Marc and the other men in the wedding party all had classic grey suits made in Italy.

The details For our flowers we had over 3000 roses in pink and white, and our cake was a traditional Italian cake, which was one of the biggest cakes I have ever seen, also in pink and white.

Photographic memories We had a very talented local Italian photographer, Mirko Palpacelli, as well as a video camera man. My dad edited the video, and we love it! It brings back so many fabulous memories! Our favourite wedding photo is of us dancing down the isle, because it sums up the joy of the day and how happy we are together – all we did was smile from morning till night!

The ceremony Our wedding ceremony lasted for half and hour and took place under a rose covered gazebo in the grounds of the Villa Verdefiore. The legal ceremony was in Italian and then translated into English, and we also had poems read by two of our special friends. My father gave me away and we were married by the Mayor of Appignano, Osvaldo Messi, who was lovely and presented us with a beautifully decorated wedding certificate on behalf of the town of Appignano. Our first dance was just after the ceremony finished, we were so happy we both danced down the isle to ‘Do you love me’ by the contours. It was amazing and everyone joined in.

The reception Our reception was held in the garden of the Villa Verdefiore. My Mum designed all the table decorations — we matched them to the invitations and used the lace from my wedding dress as a theme for the design. We had a traditional Italian wedding feast which begins with a welcome buffet comprising of a vast selection of local meats, salamis, cheeses, salads and BBQ mixed skewers as well as salmon, prawns and pastries served with sparkling wine and fruit punch. Then the main meal consisted of 8 courses: Raviolli filled with game & a light fondant cheese; Risotto with porcini mushrooms and asparagus; Mixed seafood pasta; Sea bass fillet with an octopus skewer in tempura and zucchini; Lemon sorbet; Mixed grill of chicken, lamb and kebabs with a mixed salad. This was followed by the wedding cake, then coffee, liqueurs and homemade biscuits and chocolates. Then in the evening at 10pm they served Flambe leg of pork with roast potatoes; A selection of deserts, cheeses and sliced fruits, all served with white, 36 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Nabis photographic vision has enabled the studio to work on high profile weddings in Italy and throughout Europe.

Its aim is to capture important occasions in a spontaneous and elegant style.

Nabis Photography via L.Micara, 71 Roma www.nabisfotografia.com info@nabisfotografia.com

Enchanting Weddings

E

nchanting Weddings is a service provider based in Phuket Thailand.

We specialize in planning, coordinating and transforming wedding day dreams into stunning tropical realities. As wedding planners we work closely with our wedding couples and/or their family members to plan, coordinate and execute memorable weddings that are a once-in-alifetime experience for all. We propose and conceptualise ideas for the wedding based on the couple’s requirements and budget. email: napha@enchanting-weddings.com www.enchanting-weddings.com

red or rosè wine as well as Prosecco with the cake and toasts! For entertainment we had a string quartet and disco in the evening.

Memories are forever My best memory was walking down the aisle seeing Marc smiling with tears running down his cheeks, then looking at my Dad. However, one of the funniest memories was the impromptu karaoke from Marc, our brothers and various friends – I don’t think many weddings have ‘Gangster paradise’ as a finale!

Any disasters?

Only one thing went wrong and that was the fountains on the terrace, which we wanted pink however when they put the dye in, it turned the water blood red and then disappeared. This was a very funny minor hiccup.

On budget?

My parents paid for the wedding - and they were very pleased with the incredible value they found at the Villa Verdefiore compared with a more traditional wedding in the UK. At the end of the day we were right on budget!

The honeymoon We had another two nights in the Honeymoon suite at the Villa Verdefiore before leaving for our honeymoon in Sardinia. The day after the wedding my parents hosted a BBQ for all the wedding guests at their house, which went on to the evening with music and much more celebrating before the guests left the following day to go home to the UK or to continue their holiday in this beautiful part of Le Marche.

Further information Wedding venue: Villa Verdefiore, Appignano, Le Marche, Central Italy.

Photography: Mirko Palpacell

Calling all Real Brides Tell us about your Real Wedding and you could be featured in Brides Abroad magazine. All weddings used will win a bottle of Champagne.

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

38 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Steal Francesca’s Style Be a romantic bride in pretty lace and pearls in a rustic Italian setting – perfect for blending vintage accessories with a dash of pink to match the floral displays

Crystal tiara by June Ellen, £155 Style: Angelina, £95. www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Mother of pearl earrings, £39.99 www.maipearls.co.uk

Bella pearl earrings by June Ellen, £35 www.crystalfrost.co.uk Bella Pearl pendant by June Ellen www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Pearl bracelet by Mai Pearls, £49.99 www.maipearls.co.uk Mid-length veil by Emmerling www.lesliehatcherbridal.co.uk

Lace wedding shoes Style: Lilly, £145 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Pink vintage stationery www.ananyacards.com

Pink flower clips, £5 www.accessorize.co.uk Dress by Stewart Parvin Style: Strangers in the Night www.stewartparvin.com Pink floral pen, £4 www.accessorize.co.uk

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Advertising Feature

Glorious Italy

Perched on a bluff above the sea, the five-star luxury hotel Mezzatorre Resort & Spa, boasts a prime location in one of the most beautiful parts of Ischia island offering guests a breathtaking view over the Mediterranean sea.

Great attention to detail has been paid to its 57 air conditioned guest rooms, thus offering guests all the luxury and comforts of a five-star hotel. The 12 beautiful suites, three of which have private gardens and Jacuzzi tubs, all feature an incredible sea view as well as the most modern amenities.

Guests can enjoy delightful meals at the hotel’s two restaurants, which offer the best selection of regional and international dishes accompanied by a wide range of top quality wines.

The hotel has a huge heated seawater swimming pool located on a terrace that slopes gently from the tower to the sea. From here a gentle path allows guests access to the sea where they can swim in one of the world’s most charming bays.

The hotel’s renowned Spa offers guests the most modern and exclusive health and beauty treatments administered by highly skilled therapists. Well known for its thermal and mud treatments, it provides guests with several spa treatment programmes including mud baths, thermal baths, thermal water treatment in pool, Thalassotherapy and Kneipp-therapy as well as slimming and anti-stress programmes.

Honeymoon Package

For honeymoon couples wanting to spend four days in a loved-up luxury resort in a fantastic location directly on the sea, the Mezzatorre’s honeymoon package includes: • 4 nights accommodation in a double room with daily buffet breakfast • Prosecco and fresh flowers in room upon arrival • A romantic candlelit dinner for 2 people in the panoramic restaurant Chandelier (excluding drinks) • One day excursion to Capri island • Finally relaxing in the spa with one Thermal Water Track per person, indoor pool, a Facial Mud Mask for the bride and a 30-minute massage for the groom.

Prices start from Euros 1760 for two people for the entire stay. For further information contact us at info@mezzatorre.it 40 www.BridesAbroad.tv

RealWEDDINGS

Fun & Fireworks in Greece

Natalie and Glen’s beach extravaganza

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hen civil servants Natalie Basterfield and Glen Harrison’s eyes met at work it was instant attraction. After Glen proposed on holiday in Greece, it seemed only fitting that the couple, from Cradley Heath in the West Midlands, should return to Greece for their big day.

The Proposal I originally met Glen at work – we both work for the civil service and it was love at first sight! When he finally asked me to marry him it took me by surprise – I had a feeling he might pop the question during that year, but didn’t expect it at all while we were on holiday in Tsilivi, Zante! He proposed in our apartment. I had asked Glen to get my jewellery out of the safe for the evening and turned around to find him down on one knee!

Location location I had always dreamed of getting married on a beach, because I wanted minimal stress and guaranteed beautiful weather.

We chose Tsilivi for our wedding because it is a place where we have holidayed on many occasions and, of course, with Glen popping the question in Tsilivi, it just all felt so right getting married there too. It’s a place we will definitely return to in the future.

The Planning Once we had chosen the location for our wedding we decided to use the services of a wedding planner, Lisa Burton at The Bridal Consultant, who was absolutely fabulous.

We booked our holiday to Tsilivi separately to the wedding itself through Cosmos – the

travel company were unaware we were going there to get married as we booked online. We chose the wedding package that we wanted, including the venue, colours and flowers and Lisa at the Bridal Consultant took care of everything for us.

Our wedding colour theme was fuchsia pink & lime green – we wanted bright colours against the sea for the photos.

Wedding guests We had 24 wedding guests, so there were 26 of us in total. We stayed at four different hotels in Tsilivi. We were really lucky because everyone accepted the invitation apart from one of Glen’s friends who has a young family and it was too costly for them to make it.

Getting the look My wedding dress was the Donaire dress

by Pronovia. I initially spotted it at the wedding show at Birmingham NEC and fell in love with it straight away. It had beautiful detail to the top and a ruffle design to the bottom. I wore a headpiece with pearls and diamantes as opposed to a traditional tiara for a different look. I wore open-toed shoes, which had a bunch of pearls at the front.

My ‘something old’ was my late grandad’s handkerchief, which I tucked down my dress. Something new was my dress, something borrowed was my sister’s garter and something blue was some blue ribbon I stitched on to my knickers! I finished off the look with pearl drop earrings and bracelet.

The bridesmaids wore fuchsia pink ballerina length dresses by Kelsey Rose, which had sweetheart necklines and ruffle detailing – I had them made in to halter necks. We all had our hair done by a hairdresser on the day and I did everyone’s make up including my own. www.BridesAbroad.tv 59 43

RealWEDDINGS

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RealWEDDINGS

Groomed to perfection Glen wore charcoal trousers with a white shirt and waistcoat with a fuchsia pink cravat to complement the bridesmaids.

The details We made the bouquets and buttonholes in the UK and took them with us. They were artificial, but no one could tell! We did have floral arrangements on the day, which were a combination of brightly coloured flowers and included my favourite flower – gerberas. For our wedding cake we had a traditional Greek sponge cake covered in cream and fruit.

Our wedding planner arranged our wedding photos, which were done by Story Studios.

We also had a wedding DVD. Our favourite wedding photo is one of Glen and I both laughing while sitting in the horse and cart – it really captured a moment in time. All of our guests had thrown confetti over us prior to our departure as man and wife and, due to a breeze from the sea, it all blew back on them!

The ceremony The ceremony lasted around 10 minutes and took place on the beach at Alexandra Beach Hotel in Tsilivi. My dad gave me away and a Greek registrar married us and we had a translator to repeat the ceremony in English.

The reception The reception was also held at Alexandra Beach Hotel where we all tucked into stuffed vine leaves or feta cheese pie to start, swordfish, fillet steak or chicken souvlaki for the main course followed by profiteroles or cheesecake for dessert. I made my own place cards, which included the meaning and origin of people’s names. The other decorations were themed to our colour scheme. Our first dance was to Ben E King – ‘Stand by me’, followed by our evening entertainment of Greek dancers, a Greek band and a DJ.

Magical memories It’s impossible to pick the happiest memories, there were so many – from the gun shots pronouncing us as husband and wife, the horse and carriage ride where everyone was so celebratory, to the Greek dancing and fireworks. It was all so fabulous. The funniest memories however, were the Greek dancing and the best man’s speech!

On Budget?

The wedding cost around £12,000, which was over budget, but I wouldn’t change anything!

The honeymoon We didn’t stay in the same location for our honeymoon, we came back to the UK for a ‘second wedding UK’ party where there were over 120 guests, and then left for honeymoon the next day. We went to Las Vegas for four nights then Miami for six.

Further information Wedding Planning Lisa Burton at The Bridal Consultant lisaburton@thebridalconsultant.co.uk www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk Venue Alexandra Beach Hotel Tsilivi, Zante Zykynthos, Greece www.alexandrabeachotel.com

Calling all Real Brides Tell us about your Real Wedding and you could be featured in Brides Abroad magazine. All weddings used will win a bottle of Champagne.

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv 45

Pearl tiara by June Ellen Style: Josephine, £45 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Pearl drop earrings, £34.99 www.maipearls.co.uk

Three Hettie pearl hairpins, £50 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Pearl shoe buckle clips, £40 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Shoes by Rachel Simpson Style: Elise, £160 www.rachelsimptonshoes.co.uk

Dress by Christina Rossi Style 6028 www.christinarossi.com

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Steal Natalie’s Style

With ivory and lace frills and a dash of shocking pink, you too can get the look of Natalie’s stylishly vibrant wedding Bridesmaid dress by Kelsey Rose www.kelseyrose.co.uk

Fuscia feather hairpiece, £32 www.maipearls.co.uk

Fuschia pink flower headband, £35 www.rocknrose.co.uk

Ivory lace garter

by June Ellen www.crystalfrost.co.uk

RealWEDDINGS

Mal a ysi a - with royal approval

Keira and David’s stylish Asian wedding

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hen Keira Burchell from Milton Keynes took a job as a temp for a railway, little did she know that she was on track to meet her Mr Right in the shape of David Johnson, a chartered engineer who worked for the same company. They began a journey together that would soon lead to a fabulous wedding in exotic Malaysia at the hotel where the Queen stayed on her recent visit to Asia.

The Proposal Dave and I met when I was doing a temp job on a railway – Dave kept walking past me and told the office gossip he thought I was pretty! Of course, the first thing she did was tell me! It wasn’t quite love at first sight, but it was definitely ‘like’ at first sight! Keeping the train theme going, he proposed at Sheffield Park railway station on the Bluebell Railway by asking me if I would do him the honour of being his wife! It was raining so he didn’t want to get his knee wet. It wasn’t totally unexpected, because we went to a friend’s wedding a few months earlier and looked at wedding rings when we got back. I didn’t know when he was going to ask me… the first thing I said was “thank you,” because he got me the ring I wanted!

Location location We decided to get married just over a year after Dave’s proposal and chose The Carcosa Seri Negara in Malaysia

because it is the hotel where the Queen stayed when she visited Malaysia and was recommended to us by Confetti. We saw it and I fell in love with the greenery and the colonial style of the building.

The Planning We decided to theme our wedding with the colours of hunter green and orange, and I made all of the arrangements and bookings myself. I planned most of it before we went! Dave’s brother and wife already live in Malaysia and our friends and family flew out at separate times and stayed at various hotels within walking distance of my brother-in-law’s flat. We had twelve wedding guests out in Malaysia, and thought about having a wedding party when we got back for people who couldn’t make it to the wedding, but then decided to spend it on some funky entertainment for the evening instead!

Getting the look I bought my wedding dress from a shop in my home town of Gravesend, Kent – Taffeta Bridal. It was an Alexia Couture dress that I initially tried on in Black. I wanted a green dress and the theme became hunter green to match the green embroidery on the dress. My tiara was made by Sam, a lady I met at a craft fair in Kent – Happily Ever After. I sent Sam a picture of my dress and she very kindly matched the crystals to it.

As for ‘something old, something new’, my something old was a chess piece my late

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RealWEDDINGS

grandfather made, my something borrowed was an old penny I bought for my bridesmaid who got married two weeks before me, my something blue was my nail polish and some blue jewelled crystals on the bottom of my shoes and everything else was new! I had a wonderful make up artist and hair stylist do my hair and make up. She also did my mum’s, bridesmaids and wife of the best man. She worked really hard!

My bridesmaid was a friend of mine who got married two weeks before me. She looked fab in a green dress with an orange sash and I found some hunter green hair clips to tie her hair up with. Her jewellery was handmade, in orange and green beads to match my theme, by a Malay friend that I work with who was home in Malaysia visiting her parents when I got married and came along to the wedding.

Groomed to perfection Dave had his suit made in Malaysia when we went to visit our family in October 2010 and finalise the wedding venue. He had the lining made in green to match my dress. The suit had green and blue stripes in it (our favourite colours). The hunter green ties came from eBay!

Fine details For my flowers I asked for orange calla lilies.

However the day before the wedding I was told that the flowers weren’t any good so I had yellow calla lilies and orange tulips as an alternative. We had a delicious handmade chocolate cake that was iced in green – a present from my sister and brother-in-law.

Our wedding photographs were taken by Malaysian photographer Andy Lim – Emotion in Pictures – he was amazing! My favourite photo is the one of us with our heads turned because you can see the greenery, the columns and the dress!

The ceremony The ceremony lasted for 20 minutes and took place at the entrance of our venue – it wasn’t raining so we could have it outside!

The Gulai house was intimate and perfect!

We were married by Mr Ramani, who was recommended to us by the hotel manager – he will always be a friend! My mum gave me away.

The reception Our wedding reception was held in the Gulai House that is to the left of the Carcosa Seri Negara. We had a five-course set Malay menu which included tomato soup to start, pan fried chicken with melon and salmon and vegetables, green tea ice cream and crème brulee. For our table decoration – we just had one table – we had green serviettes folded in crowns for girls and candles for boys! For favours we had bamboo fans for the girls and bamboo pens for the boys. We also had cameras on the table and orange and green chocolates in green organza bags. Our nephew had a silver Humpty Dumpty with lots of Malaysian ringitt in it!

For our entertainment we had an emcee and two traditional malay dances and then a Malay dance lesson – everyone laughed! This was our first dance – shared with lots of other people!

Sweet memories!

My best memory was being pronounced husband and wife, the funniest was of Dave trying to copy the Malaysian dancers!

On Budget?

Yes, we were on budget. The whole wedding only cost £4k

The honeymoon We went to Bali for our honeymoon, whilst our friends flew on to various other parts of South East Asia, or went home!

Further information Hotel: The Carcosa Seri Negara in Malaysia www.agoda.co.uk Wedding photography: Emotion in Pictures by Andy Lim (www.emotioninpictures.com)

Calling all Real Brides Tell us about your Real Wedding and you could be featured in Brides Abroad magazine. All weddings used will win a bottle of Champagne.

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv 51

Steal Keira’s Style

Crystal tiara by June Ellen Style: Patricia, £90 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Georgia headband

by June Ellen Style: Georgia, £58 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Get Keira’s gorgeous look, which cleverly blends the lush tropical colours of Malaysia with a hint of classical English rose

Mother of pearl earrings, £39.99 www.maipearls.co.uk

Dress by Victoria Kay Style 7006 www.victoriakaygowns.co.uk

Peacock Cuff

by Accessorize, £15 www.accessorize.co.uk

Orange flower hair comb by June Ellen Style: Robyn £30 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Zaria ring by Accessorize, £12 www.accessorize.co.uk

Tropical orange stationery www.ananyacards.com

52 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Peacock feather shoe clip by Rachel Simpson, £50 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Duchess wedding shoes, £155 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Advertising Feature

Go Organic at The Chateau

Honeymooners can kick start a healthy married life together at the world’s first Organic Wellness Destination Spa Resort in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia 54 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Advertising Feature

C

ouples looking for a sublime spa honeymoon of harmony and tranquillity to unwind after the stress of their wedding need look no further than The Chateau – an exotic luxury haven for the ultimate pampering experience.

Rising majestically amidst a 150-million-year-old tropical rainforest, The Chateau, nestled serenely on the Berjaya Hills, Malaysia, is the world’s first organic wellness spa resort offering health and wellbeing enrichment. Modelled on an 18th century Medieval ‘Haut Koesnigburg’ castle in Alsace, France, The Chateau boasts 200 elegant rooms and suites in which to totally relax and switch off from the world.

The Chateau opens the doors for those who are new to a destination spa experience as well as spa aficionados, offering an idyllic haven in which to explore the path towards total wellbeing.

It provides an intimate experience for newlyweds to share as they relax in harmony together at the beginning of their journey into married life.

For its discerning clientele, The Chateau is a premier spa destination where guests can expect the highest and uncompromising levels of service in their quest for a lifestyle transformation. It offers a complete, luxurious organic experience - where guests are bestowed with the finest, yet most splendid array of organic produce, from renowned organic toiletries to organic linen.

Organic nourishment The Chateau also prides itself on providing organic gourmet dining experiences that will delight even the sharpest of palates.

Selecting only fresh produce that is nurtured by hand from its own ecologically grown gardens, The Chateau’s team of epicurean specialists create gastronomical menus that are inspired by wellness, enabling guests to savour the taste of exquisite organic wines and beers alongside fresh organic fruits and delights.

La Santé, the Organic Wellness Spa The Chateau’s La Santé is a European-inspired state-of-the-art organic spa, which is an integral part of the resort’s wellness offering. The spa’s team of intuitive spa therapists deliver personalised treatments and programmes that are designed to meet individual wellbeing needs, ranging from body pampering, beauty, stress relief, body cleansing, fitness, weight loss, couple rituals, pre and post natal and special programmes just for the men. The spa is also the first in Asia to offer European thermal facilities, including a herbal infused sauna chamber, salt grotto or mud chamber and a Soap Brush/Aquaveda heated bed with automatic body scrub facilities.

Apart from the extensive range of spa treatments, spa guests are offered a professional nutrition consultation and diet plan and are encouraged to incorporate a fitness regime into their everyday life as part of their path towards a complete wellbeing.

Philosophy Advocating a lifestyle approach to wellness in a non-regimented way is the mainstay of this magnificent resort, where couples will leave feeling relaxed, invigorated and with a definite promise to return. With the resort’s quintessential focus on progressive wellbeing and vitality, The Chateau is not only a retreat that embraces holistic ideas and relaxing principles but also one that defines the eminent journey towards wellness.

Further information Tel: + 60(9) 288 8222 Email: info@thechateau.com.my sales@thechateau.com.my www.thechateau.com.my www.BridesAbroad.tv 55

RealWEDDINGS

Cyprus A flavour of

Laura and Darren’s tasty Cypriot wedding

56 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

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hen Laura Moss, a Food and Beverage Duty Manager from Dorset met her Head Chef fiance Darren Farwell, it was love at first bite!! Not surprisingly, guests at their wedding in Cyprus enjoyed a fabulous feast of tasty local dishes - from greek salads to halloumi cheese and mama’s meatballs!

Finding ‘The One’ A mutual work friend gave my phone number to Darren as she thought we’d be perfect for each other. After some uncertainty we decided to get together for a blind date! We did everything that night to try and prolong the date; drinks, dinner, bowling then a walk along the beach! We broke all the first date rules by being clear about our past relationships and what we wanted for the future. After our first date it was definitely love at first sight!!

The Proposal Darren proposed to me at our home after a wonderful night out with friends and family.

He did the classic thing by getting down on one knee and asking if I’d be his wife!

Perfect finish to a perfect evening. It wasn’t totally unexpected – we’d bought a ring for ‘the future’ as I found the most perfect

one, but Darren said he wasn’t quite ready so he’d keep it for a while! Obviously I did something right that night which made him change his mind!

Location, location My grandad and his wife moved to Cyprus when I was three and we have visited them nearly every year since. When I was 14 I was discussing my wedding day with him, saying I would love him to be there and asking if he’d come and he said he wouldn’t come back to England for anything, not even my wedding! He was only joking, but at the time I was so shocked I said stubbornly ‘Ok well if you won’t come to me I’ll come to you!!’ My grandad died in 2000 and ever since I had dreamed of going out there.

When I met Darren we went there for a holiday and as soon as we went to a local friend’s restaurant for lunch on our first day Darren said it felt like home - he understood everything about why I love it so much. So when it came to choosing where we got married, there was no hesitation! We were engaged for 21/2 years before our wedding – we wanted as many friends and family to join us on our special day as possible, so we gave everybody loads of notice and time to save! www.BridesAbroad.tv 57

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We went out for a ‘research’ trip in 2009 and visited all the places in Ayia Napa we thought of getting married, saving the best until last. We had a look around the Grecian Sands Hotel and as soon as they showed us the top room with a view over the whole of the bay Darren said: “This is it!”

Planning the big day I did all the planning myself. We met with the wedding planner at the hotel but I didn’t feel comfortable leaving our big day in her hands. Because we know the location well and have lots of local friends we found it easier to do it ourselves. We booked everything separately. We booked our two-week holiday through First Choice then I was in contact with the hotel and the local council privately.

We designed and hand made all our invitations and name cards and we designed our wedding cake and left it in the hands of a Cypriot pastry chef to make. We got all the outfits from England and took them over, along with all our gifts for the family. Everything else we did when we got there!

The only problem we encountered were a few issues getting my dress over as,

although we’d booked extra baggage and were assured that we could use this for an extra bag, we had to argue this point at both ends in the airport.

…And the guests?

There were about 40 of us in total. Me, Darren, mum and dad, my sister and boyfriend and her kids all stayed in the Grecian Sands together. The majority of the guests stayed across the road in the Bella Napa and a couple of others stayed in other places.

The people who could make it were there and we were very grateful for the response we received.

Getting the look As soon as I saw my dress I knew it was the right one! It was a beautiful Maggie Sottero dress from Wedding Time in Dorchester.

It was a delicate strapless bodice, with diamante’s down one side. It had a lovely full skirt and a long train with a layer of thin floaty fabric on top which was gathered in places and held by more diamantes. It

caught the breeze and the sunlight perfectly!

I had a lovely diamante and crystal necklace and earrings with a flower on a comb with more sparkles for my hair. One of my bridesmaids is a hairdresser so did my hair for me as a wedding present and Teri, one of my photographers, was a professional make-up artist in her former life and did a wonderful job.

Something old, something new?

My something old and borrowed was my mum’s diamond watch which she kindly let me wear for the day. My something new were my sparkly flip flops or generally any of the accessories I was wearing, and my something blue was a cleverly hidden blue ribbon sewn into my wedding dress.

Groomed to perfection My lovely groom’s outfit was very simple -– leather flip flops, a beige linen suit and a white linen shirt. He looked fab!

The bridesmaids We had two big bridesmaids who wore a purple strapless dress with the same coloured sash from Wedding Time. We also had three little girls -– my two nieces www.BridesAbroad.tv 59

RealWEDDINGS

and Darren’s niece who wore the cutest little dresses with a three-tiered skirt with an empire line of pearls, they also had matching pearl hairbands. Finally we had our two ring bearer page boys, who were Darren’s nephews. They wore a matching linen suit to Darren and the boys but with waistcoats instead of jackets.

Fine details In the bouquets we had white roses and lisianthus bound with diamantes and pearls which our florist replicated with our table decorations. He also added pearls and glitter on our tablecloths to give extra sparkle in the sunlight. In the evening he added ribbons and candles for a romantic touch.

We chose a three-tiered cake, sponge on the top, chocolate brownie in the middle and fruit cake on the bottom. We designed it with a white icing blanket down one side and purple flowers. He did us proud! We didn’t actually see the finished cake until we arrived at our reception and it was everything we had been dreaming of for the last year.

The ceremony We were married in the garden of the hotel overlooking the beach in a ceremony that lasted just under nine minutes! The Cypriot registrar was actually a family friend who we have known for about 22 years, so as you can imagine it was very emotional! Having seen me grow up through the years she was then marrying me. My dad gave me away. He proudly wiped away my tears of excitement and walked me down the aisle where he gave me away forever to my husband. Very emotional!

The reception We had the reception at Evinos. Across the road from where we were married is a hotel belonging to three brothers who are family friends. They arranged our reception in their restaurant which we have been 60 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

going to since it opened. We love the food and the atmosphere and we were not let down by our party - it was fab! We even had mama’s homemade meatballs! We invited all our wedding guests plus our local Cypriot friends from around Ayia Napa.

We had a local buffet of all our favourite foods. Smoked fish platter, sheftalia, greek salads, mama’s meatballs, pork, chicken, halloumi… the list goes on!

We danced our first dance to Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses, then we had a disco with an array of music from all decades. Just a big party with champagne, shots and lots of laughter and dancing.

Picture Perfect We were so lucky to have Teri and David of Murakami Photography to do our wedding photos. I had met them at a friend’s wedding the year before in the UK and when they heard what we were planning to do they were really keen to join in! We later got together with them and discussed what we wanted. They were perfect, really lovely people and amazing photographers!

Throughout the week in Cyprus everyone got along so well and they were a wonderful addition to our guest list and are still good friends now! I would recommend to any bride having a wedding abroad to choose photographers you feel comfortable with they are part of one of the most important days in your life. The pictures Teri and David captured were so amazing we couldn’t have wished for anything better! Our photos are what keep our memories alive and as soon as we look at them we jump straight back into the day!

I think one of my favourite wedding photos has to be the one where Darren and I are sitting on a bench at sunset looking over the cliffs into our future! As much as I was surprised the black and white version is so much more dramatic!

We also had a video which was done by Darren’s brother in law. He took footage of the whole day and night and then edited

it and put the final article together to our favourite music. It was amazing! The best present we could’ve had!

Memories last forever One of my most special memories of the wedding was when, after the ceremony and family pictures, we moved to the bar for cocktails. Darren and I went outside with our drinks and everyone stayed inside. I didn’t think about it at the time or notice that no one was around but it was the most perfect 10 minutes alone with my new husband!

The honeymoon We had two weeks in Cyprus in total, for which we were very lucky but I wouldn’t really have called it a honeymoon. We were made redundant eight months before getting married and we were forced to relocate to Surrey, away from our friends and family so our budget for the wedding shrank a great deal. We were planning on going on safari followed by a trip to Italy but this was the first of the sacrifices we made in order to be husband and wife! Maybe in a few years time! We celebrated our marriage by spending quality time with the people we love.

Further information Wedding Venue: The Grecian Sands Hotel, Cyprus Reception: Evinos Restaurant in Ayia Napa Photography: Teri and David Price of Murakami Photography www.murakamiphotography.com

Calling all Real Brides Tell us about your Real Wedding and you could be featured in Brides Abroad magazine. All weddings used will win a bottle of Champagne.

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

Steal Laura’s Style

Pearl headband with flower Style Peggy-Sue tiara www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Get Laura’s soft, romantic look with a blend of pretty flowers and pearls with a splash of vibrant violet for the bridesmaids Dress by Victoria Kay, Style 8001 www.victoriakaygowns.co.uk

Bridesmaid dress

by Eternity Bride Style 22451 www.eternitybridal.com

Jewellery set

by June Ellen Style: Jessica. £52 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Hair comb

by June Ellen Style: Jenny, £39 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Floral hair accessory

by June Ellen Style: Amanda, £50 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

His and her wedding rings, price on application. www.taylormaderings.co.uk

Satin shoe by Rachel Simpson Style: Bessie. £150 wwww.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk www.BridesAbroad.tv 61

Advertising Feature

Say ‘I Do’

with Aphrodite - the Goddess of Love

Aphrodite loved and was loved by many gods and mortals.

Among her lovers, the most famous mortal was Adonis.

The myrtle was her tree.

The dove and the swan were her birds 62 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Advertising Feature

T

he Aphrodite Hills Resort is located on two plateaux, divided by a dramatic ravine that overlooks the exact spot where Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the sea. Legend has it that if you swim around Aphrodite’s rock with a partner you will have everlasting love…

Brides looking for the ultimate in romance for their big day should look no further than the Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus – the birthplace of the ‘legend of love’ herself.

As the newest resort in the Paphos region, Aphrodite Hills offers stunning wedding venues including its very own chapel, outstanding banquet facilities, luxurious accommodation at the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel and innovative pampering packages

Pre-Wedding Bliss When it comes to pampering, The Retreat spa at Aphrodite Hills offers a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments designed specifically for the bride-to-be, the wedding guests and even the husband-to-be! So in preparation for your special day, choose one of the special packages and indulge yourself.

The Wedding Planner Leave the details to us – couples can rest assured that the experienced team and the dedicated wedding planner at InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel will take care of all the necessary arrangements prior to and during your stay.

Romantic Setting Couples looking to tie the knot can choose from a number of venues from the resort’s very own traditional chapel at the heart of the resort to the more contemporary setting of the Clubhouse, with its spectacular backdrop of the grounds. The venue chosen will be decorated exquisitely, with an in-house florist on hand to help you with flowers and bouquets. Candles can also be arranged.

Rooms to Celebrate After the ceremony, there is great choice of venues available at the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel including a magnificent ‘Morpheas’ Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 350 guests.

With the year-round mild climate of Cyprus, celebrating under the stars is a must and the resort offers lots of outdoor spaces such as the Eleonas Waterfalls, the Sunset bar, the Secret Garden restaurant etc. These areas are ideal for ‘al fresco’ cocktail receptions and outside dining to end the perfect day.

The First Dance Musical options range from a DJ to live acts, with something to suit all tastes and keep your guests entertained for hours.

Memories Wedding photography can be arranged by the resort and mounted into an album, ready for when you leave Aphrodite Hills, taking with you memories to cherish forever. The ultimate memoir however, is an olive tree, which the happy couple will be invited to plant in the resort’s grounds to

commemorate their marriage and hopefully revisit to see its progress in years to come Once all the formalities are over, the bride and groom can really relax and enjoy their honeymoon, making the most of the award winning, fully-integrated resort which features the InterContinental Resort Hotel, a chapel, an18-hole championship golf course, golf academy, tennis academy, fabulous spa and the village square with shops and restaurants.

For more information on the resort visit www.aphroditehills.com

The Food of Love When it comes to wining and dining your guests, Aphrodite Hills has a number of packages to choose from including a ‘Predinner Cocktail’ selection and a full ‘Wedding Banquet’ to name but a few. Wedding cakes are also made to order by the in-house pastry chef.

APHRODITE HILLS RESORT HOTEL CYPRUS Tel: + 357 26 829000 Dir: + 357 26 829702 Fax:+ 357 26 829627 www.intercontinental.com/aphrodite or www.aphroditehills.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 63

RealWEDDINGS

Bought for a goat in

South Africa Tracey and Del’s traditional African ceremony

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RealWEDDINGS

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RealWEDDINGS

Calling all Real Brides Tell us about your Real Wedding and you could be featured in Brides Abroad magazine. All weddings used will win a bottle of Champagne.

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

68 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Steal Tracey’s Style

Diamante square pendant & earrings by June Ellen, £35 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Butterfly headband, £22 www.rocknrose.co.uk

Tracey’s pretty, feminine style contrasts stunningly with the African safari theme of her wedding. Get the look by blending vintage and ethnic accessories

Imperial diamante bracelet

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

Queen Natasha earrings, £16 www.accessorize.co.uk

Queen Natasha cuff, £18 www.accessorize.co.uk

Blue lace garter

by June Ellen www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Mary Jane Bangle, 18 www.accessorize.co.uk

Hollywood shoes by Freya Rose, £695 www.freyarose.co.uk

Dress by Madeline Isaac James Style: Marilyn www.madelineisaacjames.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 69

Traditional

Sri Lanka Weddings

If you want your wedding to be beautiful, meaningful and truly special, head to exotic Sri Lanka for a traditional wedding amid stunning scenery and friendly locals

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magine this, your wedding photo on a tropical Sri Lankan beach, with just the three of you bathed in glorious sunshine – the ‘three’ being bride and groom and a colourfully decorated baby elephant! This idyllic image depicts a typical wedding scene on the stunningly beautiful island of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a tropical island at the toe of India with a huge amount to offer couples seeking the perfect wedding destination. With mystical ancient cities, thick jungles, tea plantations and miles of glorious sandy beaches, Sri Lanka is one of the most scenically interesting islands in the world. Magnificent gardens and the bright tropical sun, endless beaches and brilliant blue hues of the Indian Ocean will provide a romantic backdrop for the most important day of your life.

Sri Lankan weddings Couples who decide to marry in Sri Lanka can marry with the sun setting behind them over the Indian Ocean in a choice of wedding ceremonies to suit all tastes and faiths, They can choose to say “I do” on a moonlit beach or in the heat of the day on the lush lawns of Sri Lanka’s wedding resort hotels in some of the world’s most romantic locations.

Weddings in Sri Lanka are completely legal – as long as you are free to marry and have the correct documents, there will be no problems. You can have a Civil wedding, Christian wedding, Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim wedding. You can even dress in traditional Sri Lankan wedding attire for a Sri Lankan style religious wedding, called the Poruwa Ceremony, with all the ancient rituals, blessings and customs. During a traditional Sri Lankan ceremony you will be escorted to the wedding platform (poruwa) by a troupe of drummers and dancers then afterwards you will travel on the back of an elephant or bullock cart. Most couples marrying in Sri Lanka have a basis of this ceremony either after their religious ceremony as a blessing or combined into a civil ceremony.

Planning your big day To save unnecessary confusion, it is wise to use the services of a professional wedding

planner to arrange your wedding in Sri Lanka down to the fine details. However, many good tour operators can arrange wedding packages, including Tropical Sky, Kuoni and Thompsons, and will ensure that all details are taken care of on your behalf, including arranging all the documentation, and ensuring that you will be in the good hands of your chosen resort’s wedding planning team.

It is easy for couples to combine a fabulous wedding with an exotic honeymoon – and what better way to start married life than with a glorious holiday in Sri Lanka? The island has much to offer its visitors, with its rich, diverse culture, breathtaking scenery and pleasant tropical climate, with average temperatures between 25-30 degrees.

Legal requirements If you are using a wedding organiser they must have photocopies of all the documents listed below at least three weeks prior to your date of travel.

• Residency: You will need to be resident in Sri Lanka at least four days before the wedding • Proof of ID: You will need to produce your original birth certificate and a passport, valid for at least six months from date of entry.

• Proof of status: You must obtain an affidavit signed by a solicitor, stating that neither of you has been previously married and that there is no legal objection to the marriage • Divorced: You will need your decree if either of you is divorced.

• Widowed: You must produce a death certificate of the deceased spouse if either of you is widowed.

• Age restrictions: You can marry without parental consent if you are over 18 years old.

If younger you will need parental consent in the form of a sworn affidavit.

• Name change: If your name has been changed y Deed Poll, you must provide legal proof, stamped and signed by a solicitor. This also applies if you are a divorced woman who has reverted back to her maiden name.

Further information Sri Lanka Tourist Board Clareville House 26-27 Oxendon Street London NW1 4EL Tel: 020 7930 2627 www.srilankatourism.org Sri Lanka High Commission 13 Hyde Park Gardens London W2 2LU Tel: 020 7262 1841 www.slhclondon.org

A traditional Poruwa Ceremony Fred Harrison from tour operators Tropical Sky says that couples planning a wedding in Sri Lanka can add a magical element to their wedding day if they opt for a traditional Poruwa Ceremony.

The ceremony is named after its decorated marriage platform, the ‘Poruwa’, which is prepared for the ceremony in accordance with ancient Sinhala rites and custom by being covered with a clean white cloth with placings such as rice, medicinal herbs, a coconut and coins to bring blessing and prosperity to the couple. Oil lamps are lit on the corners of the Poruwa, which are believed to give protection and invoke a blessing for the couple by the Gods.

The traditional Sri Lankan ceremony is often officiated by a ‘Gurunnanse’ or the Master Of Ceremonies. During the wedding service some of the following rituals may be conducted: The bride and groom will often be asked to cast seven sets of betel leaves to the ground, which symbolises happiness, joy and good luck for the next seven generations; The couple’s fingers are joined together and water is poured over them to depict anointment of the union together; The splitting of a coconut brings a blessing and prosperity to the marriage and the start of a new life together; Lighting an oil lamp brings light to a new life; If you have the Kandyan dancers & drummers playing at your wedding, the playing of a ‘Raban’ is to inform the public that a special occasion is taking place.

Traditional Sri Lankan wedding packages can be booked through leading tour operators including Tropical Sky Weddings. www.tropicalsky.co.uk/weddings.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 71

Jetwing Lighthouse HHHH

With a fabulous seafront setting, luxurious rooms and plenty of sightseeing nearby, this very special Jetwing hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Great Spa Hotels of the World. Jetwing’s Lighthouse offers a superb clifftop position for your wedding ceremony with stunning views across the Indian Ocean and golden beaches. A romantic boat ride on Mahamodara River with a picnic is included in the wedding package along with a 36 photograph wedding album and video, traditional dancers and drummers during the ceremony, spa treatments and an upgrade to a Suite when available.

Book it!

Stay with Kuoni for 7 nights at Jetwing Lighthouse in a standard room with breakfast, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow, transfers in resort and use of the airport lounge in the UK. Prices for 2012 from £983 per person based on two sharing. A Wedding Package at Jetwing Lighthouse costs £1790. Call Spa World Travel: 0870 774 8480

Pigeon Island

HHHH

Couples marrying and honeymooning at Pigeon Island Beach Resort will be delighted to discover a truly idyllic boutique resort with its own powder white sandy beach close to the town of Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Decorated in hues of white and blue the resort offers luxurious accommodation in 30 deluxe rooms and eight suites that open directly onto the beach, plus a sandy poolside bar and an Ayurvedic Spa. Dining is a culinary delight with fresh seafood being a speciality. The hotel offers two wedding packages: The Delight Wedding Package, which includes a boat trip to Pigeon Island and the Paradise Wedding package which includes a 15-minute elephant ride.

Book it!

For further information on Wedding Packages and honeymoons to Pigeon Island call Spa World Travel: 0870 774 8480

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Chaaya Citadel Kandy HHHH Steeped in history in an area which is the last stronghold of Sri Lankan monarchy, Chaaya Citadel Kandy resort is perfect for nature lovers, who will love the peace and tranquillity that surrounds the lake in its twilight hours, and waking up to the serenade of birds and cool misty mornings surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains, rivers and valleys. The stunning resort is set high up in the hills 488 metres above sea level close to the historical city of Kandy, and consists of 24 deluxe rooms and suites and 97 superior rooms overlooking the river, a large swimming pool and sundeck, two excellent restaurants and a chance to spend romantic afternoons on boat rides on the river while watching gorgeous sunsets behind the misty mountains. The resort offers traditional Sri Lankan wedding ceremonies.

Book it!

Stay for 7 nights at Chaaya Citadel Kandy, including flights and transfers.

Prices for 2012 from £1025 per person based on two sharing.

Wedding Package costs extra. Call Spa World Travel: 0870 774 8480

Cinnamon Lodge HHHH Set in acres of woodland beside a beautiful lake, this luxurious romantic resort is a breath of fresh air. The hotel is ideally situated for exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, and is a perfect natural hideaway for loving honeymooners in its idyllic natural setting amidst rich, lush vegetation, and close to Sigiriya, a very special spot for your wedding.

The wedding package includes bridal flowers, cake, elephant greeting, firecrackers and an album of 30 photographs.

Book it!

Stay with Kuoni for 7 nights at Cinnamon Lodge in a superior room with breakfast, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and transfers in resort. Prices for 2012 from £1033 per person based on two sharing. Cinnamon Lodge Wedding Package costs an extra £1190. Call Spa World Travel: 0870 774 8480.

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Club Bentota HHH Situated in an idyllic location at the point where the river meets the sea, beside a long stretch of beach and Bentota River on the other side, this individual resort is an all-inclusive hotel, which offers great value for money. The hotel is set in tropical palm-fringed gardens on a sandy peninsula and has a relaxed ambience with plenty of lively activities to keep couples occupied during their stay. wedding packages include traditional ceremony with Kandyan dancers, drummers and Poruwa plus decorated honeymoon room, boat ride, elephant ride and photo album plus a lobster dinner on your wedding day.

Book it!

Kuoni offers 7 nights at Club Bentota in a standard room on an all-inclusive basis, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and transfers in resort. Prices for 2012 from £820 per person based on two sharing. Club Bentota Wedding Package costs an extra £680. Call Spa World Travel: 0870 774 8480

Vivanta Taj Bentota HHHH

Vivanta by Taj Bentota is a large, modern hotel, which is delightfully located along one of the finest beaches on the south west coast of Sri Lanka. This charming beach and spa resort is set on a headland overlooking broad sandy beaches and has been recently renovated to create a refreshing new vibe. The hotel offers 162 modern rooms overlooking the lush garden and the Indian Ocean, colonial architecture and a terraced infinity pool with a sunken bar. The hotel offers a range of facilities and is ideal for weddings and honeymoons.

There are several wedding packages available to suit your pocket which include exotic dancers and an elephant to greet you on your wedding day.

Book it!

Kuoni offers 7 nights at Vivanta Taj Bentota in a superior charming room with breakfast, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and transfers in resort.

Prices for 2012 from £894 per person based on two sharing. Wedding Package is extra and costs £2080.

Call Spa World Travel: 0870 774 8480

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Amazing Croatia

Have a fairytale wedding and say ‘I do’ in Croatia and spend a dream honeymoon sailing along the stunning Dalmatian Coast, or discover the charms of historic Dubrovnik - it’s Europe’s best-kept secret destination 78 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Photo by Studio Bora courtesy of Croatian Moments.

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t’s hard to believe that a country so beautiful could be less than a threehour flight away, but it’s true. Croatia is a gem, and it’s practically on our doorstep. Undiscovered by tourists that flock to the usual European holiday hot spots, Croatia has retained its magical old-world charm, almost untouched by time. As a wedding and honeymoon destination it is the epitome of fairytale charm and effortless cool.

Photo: By Tomi Kriste courtesy of Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings

With an impressive 1778 km of coastline, the crystal blue Adriatic laps against rocky coves and pine-fringed beaches. Its charming fishing ports remain refreshingly free of highrise hotels – you are more likely to discover intimate family-run restaurants serving the catch of the day where you can enjoy romantic dining with stunning sea views.

Yachts glide lazily up Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, dropping anchor in tranquil coves to watch spectacular sunsets or visiting Croatia’s 1185 islands, many still uninhabited. And no trip to Croatia is complete without a stop in magical Dubrovnik, an UNESCO worldheritage sight. It is a stunningly beautiful place to get married and, if you are on honeymoon, exploring this medieval walled town is an absolute must on your agenda.

Photo: By Tomi Kriste courtesy of Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings

Dubrovnik From the land or sea, one of the world’s most enchanting sights is of the red roofs of Dubrovnik old town, peeping from within the ancient walls of the old port town that once rivalled Venice in wealth and influence. The picture-perfect city is a fabulous backdrop for wedding photographs!

Not surprisingly Dubrovnik is a globally popular tourist attraction. Each day international cruise ships drop anchor off shore and ferry passengers in tenders to spend the day shopping for souvenirs in the old town’s boutiques before stopping for refreshments in the open-air cafes. The best way to view Dubrovnik is to circumnavigate the ancient walls of the town from which you can view the narrow winding streets, alleys and squares and the sparkling ink-blue waters of the Adriatic beyond.

At dusk, tranquility falls over the bustling streets of Dubrovnik old town. The cruise ship passengers have departed for foreign shores and nightlife begins with lazy cocktails outdoors in the old town’s many bars as the mellow sounds of live jazz serenade the romantic candlelit diners.

Magical weddings

about this truly stunning European country, you will discover why it is one of the world’s best kept wedding destination secrets, and an affordable alternative to the pricier Mediterranean and long haul hotspots.

It offers many stunning locations and venues for a memorably romantic wedding – from pretty coves and beach locations to idyllic towns and the historical walled city of Dubrovnik.

A wedding in Croatia is an event that shines in the memories of all those who have been lucky enough to experience it – your guests won’t be able to thank you enough for inviting them to share the moment with you.

Wedding planning

They say that Croatia’s appeal is its unique combination of beauty, culture, history, cuisine, accessibility and affordability – factors that make the country the perfect choice for overseas weddings. It ticks all the boxes!

If you are planning your wedding in Croatia,

Croatia may not immediately spring to mind when you are planning your destination wedding – however, once you learn more

The wedding team at Croatian Moments offers a dedicated planning service to help you organise your marriage across locations

the easiest option is to use the expert skills of experienced and friendly wedding planners who can help you with every step of this important event.

in Croatia, from saying ‘I do’ on the ancient walls of a medieval town to having your first dance overlooking the islands of the Adriatic.

They will take care of all the nitty-gritty involved planning your Croatian wedding from grand affairs to intimate occasions and can organise the entire wedding or just be present to coordinate the day. www.croatian-moments.com Weddings in Croatia are also professional wedding planners that can organise your wedding – whether you choose to marry under cloudless blue skies and dine with your feet in the sea with no one but your chef taking care of you; or party with your guests until early hours and be entertained by the best live bands or DJs. The company offers a full wedding service with a choice of venues and suppliers to fit your style and budget. www.weddingsincroatia.

Alternatively, if you have set your heart on magnificent Dubrovnik, a historical world heritage site that offers an incredible backdrop to your wedding photographs, log on to www.dubrovnikluxuryweddings.com and speak to the wedding planning team that specialise in weddings in this amazing town. www.BridesAbroad.tv 79

Stay and Spa Croatia is a great place for a sublime sunshine spa break, so if you are looking for pampered five-star luxury and stunning ocean views, then look no further than the Dubrovnik Palace Hotel & Spa. Built in a unique cascading architectural style reminiscent of a cruise ship the hotel offers 308 bedrooms and suites, all with a balcony and incredible sea views. The Resort also offers an exclusive 37-suite VIP wing with private swimming pool and sun deck. Diverse cuisine choices, personal service and spectacular views define the dining experiences at the hotel, which offers everything from fine dining to Japanese sushi.

Spa lovers will find spa heaven in the Spa and Wellness Centre’s Comfort Zone Space on the top floor, with its extensive spa menu, including the new antioxidant ‘Sacred Nature Ritual’, and wet area with sauna and steam room, indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. A rooftop deck area has an outdoor hot tub for guests to soak up the breathtaking sea views. There’s also a state-of-the-art gymnasium for keeping fit and toned.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £643 per person at Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, including flights, three nights B&B accommodation with classic sea views, transfers and all taxes. Call: 0870 774 8480

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Push the boat out One of the best ways to view the magnificent Dalmatian coast is from the sea, so why not take to the waters on a cruise ship or private yacht? A number of leading cruise operators visit Croatia as part of their sailing schedule, including MSC Cruises and P&O. Alternatively, plan your own itinerary and sail aboard your own private yacht. A Dubrovnik barefoot yacht charter enables you to visit tiny remote islands and drop anchor in secluded bays to soak up the sun, dine, swim and snorkel in the soothing waters of the Adriatic. You can visit the island of Mijet, said to be the most beautiful in the Adriatic and explore the fortified town of Ston and its neighbor Mali Ston, famous for its Ston cake and oysters and for exploring the defensive walls that date back to Medieval times.

Sailing conditions along the Croatian coastline are idyllic in the summer; however, Croatian authorities require an ICC or RYA Day Skipper certificate as a minimum to charter a boat.

If you don’t sail yourself, let an experienced crew do the work for you and live like a millionaire in the lap of luxury aboard Lupa, one of the world’s most exclusive luxury yachts which is available for hire in the summer months.

Book it!

Both Moorings and Sunsail offer barefoot charter sailing holidays in Croatia. For further details: Moorings (www.moorings.co.uk) or Sunsail (www.sunsail.co.uk).

For private charter of Lupa contact Dan Stump on 07779 722862 or email: ds@danstump.com

Getting There The Brides Abroad team flew to Croatia courtesy of Jet2.

Leading leisure airline Jet2.com offers friendly low fares, great flight times, and a generous 22kg baggage allowance to Dubrovnik from Belfast, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford and Manchester Airports, up to two days a week. Flights start from £39.99 one way including taxes.

For more information please visit www.jet2.com

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Advertising Feature

DreamWeddings at Dubrovnik Sun Gardens

A luxurious setting for your perfect day

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, a five star luxury resort, is the perfect venue for your exclusive wedding. Luxury weddings at Dubrovnik Sun Gardens set a new standard for once-in-alifetime occasions. From bridal showers to bachelor parties and other events and ideas only dreamed of, everything will be done to make your special day a perfect one! The resort combines the finest elements with the most beautiful scenery to ensure an unforgettable experience for all of your guests!

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens provides every guest with incomparable style and impeccable service.

An enchanting venue for unforgettable occasions

The fully integrated destination resort opened in July 2009 on the beautiful Adriatic coast, just a short drive along the coast road (12 kms) from the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens is one of the most comprehensive and recent developments to grace the Adriatic coastline. The resort features a newly built 5-star Radisson Blu

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hotel, all guest bedrooms benefitting from panoramic sea and island views. For those guests looking for more privacy and more spacious accommodation, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens also offers luxury appointed one, two and three bedroom residences, with outdoor terraces and patios offering garden and sea views. Dubrovnik Sun Gardens luxury resort offers the ideal setting to turn dreams into memories that will last a lifetime.

Every occasion meticulously planned Experience breezy elegance in a legendary setting, artfully combined with Mediterranean influences. With stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and impeccable attention to detail, every event is meticulously planned to meet all expectations. The resort’s wedding events team will provide individualised service and attention to detail to ensure that your special day is perfect! Dubrovnik Sun Gardens boasts some of the most diverse and flexible grounds to host weddings, such as seaside swimming pool areas, large gardens and conference facilities, including a stylish multifunctional ballroom to cater for any wedding requests.

Facilities for soothing relaxation

Resort facilities include an award winning spa, a comprehensive sports centre with three flood-lit clay tennis courts, indoor squash courts, climbing wall, flood-lit five-a-side Astroturf football pitch, sand volleyball, 13 restaurants featuring local and international cuisine, all designed to provide guests with a variety on in-resort activities for that well earned rest and relaxation.

Sublime spa

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens also features The Spa by OCCO, which offers an indoor pool, a variety of treatments, Thalassotherapy Spa Bath with an invigorating 252 power jets, treatments for couples and spa suites for couples, traditional coal sauna, salt sauna, hammam, aromatherapy steam room and juice bar.

Further information

Na Moru 1, 20234 OraĂśac, Croatia Phone: + 385 20 361 917 Fax + 385 (0)20 361 651 E-mail: sales.dubrovnik@radissonblu.com Website: www.radissonblu.com/resortdubrovnik

Croatian Moments

Your Dream Destination Wedding is Only 2 Hours Away www.croatian-moments.com info@croatian-moments.com (385) 1 2989 559 Specializing in assisting couples from the UK in organizing their wedding anywhere throughout Croatia www.BridesAbroad.tv 83

Advertising Feature

Romance in the Adriatic Discover a completely new dimension of romance and relaxation at the luxury Kempinski Hotel Adriatic in picturesque Croatia

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ituated in secluded surroundings in the northernmost part of Istria, close to the town of Umag, the fabulous Kempinski Hotel Adriatic is the first Croatian luxury seaside Golf & Spa Resort.

The hotel boasts its own private chapel surrounded by a Mediterranean garden, which offers the perfect setting for a destination wedding. The resort has a romantic sea side facility ideal for a wedding celebration. Alternatively, the private beach overlooking the Adriatic Sea will give a touch of private luxury. For a special wedding, the terrace of our award winning Presidential Suites will enhance your important day.

The Kempinski Hotel Adriatic offers accommodation in 186 exclusively furnished rooms and suites, two gourmet restaurants, three bars, a 3000 sqm Greco-Roman Spa with Gym, a Kempi Kids Club and The Golf Club Adriatic, which represents the first championship 18-hole golf course in the Istrian region.

The hotel is ideally situated to explore the sights and landmarks, including the oldest and most northern lighthouse on the Adriatic, built in 1818, which is in the immediate

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proximity of the hotel, and the charming old towns of Motovun, Groznjan, Porec, and Rovinj, along with the Brijuni Islands National Park, the 35 km Lim Channel (sea reserve), Pula’s first century amphitheatre and Hum, officially the smallest town in the world, all located within easy driving distance from the hotel. The nearest international airports are the airport of Pula (90 km) and the airport of Trieste in Italy (90 km).

Wedding and Honeymoon Packages The Kempinski Hotel Adriatic is a perfect wedding venue; a venue for leisure and romantic escapes, and of course for blissful honeymoons. Wedding and Honeymoon packages, Spa Suite couple treatments and other inviting offers are available on www.kempinski.com/istria, Reservations: reservations.adriatic@kempinski.com telephone number + 385 52 707 010

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AMAZING

WEDDINGS

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Don’t settle for a traditional wedding just like everyone else.

With a world of wacky and wonderful weddings at your feet, why not wow your guests with a unique ceremony or venue and create a truly unforgettable wedding day?

VENETIAN GONDOLA VENICE AND LAS VEGAS

PERFECT IF: YOU WANT TO BE SERENADED BY AN ITALIAN HUNK! Can there be a more gorgeous way to get hitched than in a Venetian gondola? Top that with a wedding in Venice, one of the world’s most romantic cities and it’s one of the greatest experience your wedding ceremony could ever include. Imagine relaxing on the waters of Venice, gently riding aboard a magnificent gondola along the fascinating Venetian canals. Minutes later, the wedding officiant pronounces you husband and wife! Your wedding guests will be delighted by such an original idea and will cheer you throughout! www.italy-weddings.net. alternatively, you can’t beat Las Vegas for its offering of alternative and wacky wedding ceremonies and the Venice-themed Venetian Hotel on the Las Vegas strip is offering an utterly romantic ceremony aboard the hotel’s fabulous white Venetian wedding gondola. The gondolas are uniquely crafted and authentically Italian and as picturesque as they are romantic. Bride and groom float along The Grand Canal while their gondolier serenades them to create the ambiance of Venice. You’ll relish the moment! Price from £550. www.venetian.com

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SHOTGUN WEDDING NEVADA, USA

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PERFECT IF: YOU LIKE PLAYING COWBOYS AND INDIANS! We don’t want to alarm your dad, but you really can opt to have a Shotgun wedding! But don’t worry, its just for fun! In a truly unique wedding a cowboy actor will stand beside your groom, and when asked by the minister “Do you take this woman to be your...” the cowboy pushes the gun into his back to guarantee a positive response! This is the humorous Shotgun Service offered at Bonnie Springs Ranch in Nevada, USA, an 1800s replica mining town, nestled amongst the wilderness of the Red Rock Mountains. You can even get married with your entire wedding party and ministers on horseback! However, if you are looking for a traditional ceremony, that can be catered for too in its own on-site wedding chapel. As you exchange your vows, the town will continue to hustle and bustle in 19th century style, with street fights and dancers dotted around to entertain your wedding party – whether you’ve opted for an intimate gathering or an extravagent celebration with hundreds of guests. All size of wedding party can be catered for with everything from small meals to grand banquets – the friendly wedding team will accommodate your requests and a part or full wedding service is available on request. www.bonniesprings.com

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SCUBA CEREMONY BALI OR THAILAND

PERFECT IF: YOU PREFER FISH TO WEDDING GUESTS! Most brides would be alarmed at the prospect of having a wet wedding day, but perhaps you are one of the adventurous types for whom the idea of getting hitched deep beneath the ocean in a marine ceremony really floats your boat!

Underwater weddings are offered at several locations around the world, including Bali, where the tropical climate and stunning scenery make this the perfect location for a wedding and honeymoon. BIDP can organise a dream underwater wedding for both certified and non-certified scuba divers – non-divers will be asked to have an Intro Dive course before the wedding day without charge. After the 15-minute ceremony at the dive site during which the couple take their vows, exchange rings and kiss, underwater, they will climb onto the dive boat to sign the register before feasting on a champagne picnic basket. For further information on a Bali Underwater Wedding visit www.bidp-balidiving.com.

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STAR CLIPPER BLESSING

CARIBBEAN OR MEDITERRANEAN PERFECT IF: YOU WANT TO SAIL AWAY TO MARITAL BLISS Make sure that your wedding day is plain sailing by saying ‘I do’ at sunset on the deck of a romantic 19th-century style sail boat in the middle of the ocean. Star Clippers is offering couples the opportunity of a sunset marriage blessing on the upper deck of the company’s four-masted tall ships Star Clipper and Star Flyer and the five-masted Royal Clipper. The blessings are conducted by the ship’s captain and attended by uniformed crew. The romance starts as soon as the couple board the ship with champagne and a fruit basket in their cabin. The gorgeous clipper ships are replicas of the 19th century-style tall ships, and are designed for modern-day sailing voyages with all the mod cons, whilst recreating the magic of the golden age of sailing.

They offer a luxurious honeymoon voyage with expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining and piano bar, yet they are small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships. A seven night Mediterranean sailing starts from £1295 per person, including all meals. Marriage blessings can be arranged on voyages in the Caribbean, Meditarranean and Central America, but please note, you will need to have a civil ceremony first as the ceremonies are blessings only, not legally recognised weddings. www.starclippers.co.uk

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KISS THE DOLPHINS BAHAMAS

PERFECT IF: YOU WANT YOUR FIRST KISS TO BE WET AND SLIPPERY! No experience is supposedly as magical, calming and uplifting as swimming with dolphins, so if you want to start married life in a heightened state of calm and stress-free then let these beautiful marine creatures work their magic on your wedding day in the wedding ceremony of a lifetime. Your dolphin wedding takes place in the gorgeous Bahamas, where you start your big day by familiarising yourself with the dolphins. Then you proceed to the designated swim platform for the commencement of the ceremony, which will include traditional prayers, exchange of vows and the presentation of the rings by the dolphins, followed by a very unique kiss of the bride and groom involving the dolphins! After the official ceremony, the entire bridal party participates in the swim-with-thedolphins activities. This wonderful experience adds a unique twist to getting married in the breathtakingly beautiful Bahama Islands.

Price of the wedding package from £1750 – and worth every penny in our opinion! www.dolphinencounters.com.

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UNDERWATER CHAPEL MALDIVES

PERFECT IF: YOU DREAM OF GOING SCUBA DIVING, WITHOUT THE HASSLE! If you like the idea of an underwater wedding, but don’t fancy getting wet in your beautiful wedding gown, here’s the ideal solution. Stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and renew your vows in the world’s only glass underwater chapel, located five metres below the waves in the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. Fall in love all over again in this enchanted location as you watch the colourful display of marine life swimming around you. It’s a perfect way to view the entrancing underwater world for non-divers. For that special wedding night, you can have a dreamy underwater experience if you take up the opportunity to spend the night underwater - the resort can turn the restaurant into an exclusive suite just for the two of you, complete with private champagne dinner and breakfast in bed! The Conrad Maldives is one of the most idyllic six-star resorts on the planet, so after your ceremony you will be able to relax and enjoy a fantastic honeymoon in barefoot luxury. The Sea of Romance renewal of vows package prices start at £1078 per couple. www.conradmaldives.com

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HOT AIR BALLOON KENYA, AFRICA

PERFECT IF: YOU WANT TO VIEW MARRIED LIFE FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE! Getting married in a hot air balloon, gracefully drifting over the African plains has to be one of the most spectacular ways to say “I do”. Balloon weddings are offered in the Masai Mara in Kenya and include a one hour flight with each balloon carrying a maximum of 12 guests, all of whom are bound to be suitably impressed by your awesome ceremony! For a private wedding ceremony your party can simply include a pastor, a pilot and the bride and groom. The wedding ceremony is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush at the landing site, with stunning views of the panoramic Mara plains. Typically a balloon flight takes off at dawn and the pilot flies the wedding party around different parts of the reserve for an hour before landing, after which they will be served an elaborate breakfast. Alternatively, many couples prefer to enjoy the balloon flight as a start to their honeymoon the morning after their wedding. www.shoortravel.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 89

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ELEPHANT’S BLESSING PHUKET, THAILAND

PERFECT IF: YOU ARE A TEENY BIT SUPERSTITIOUS! In Thailand an elephant’s blessing is considered to be very lucky, so if you want to ensure a long and happy marriage, then head to Phuket where the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is offering this lucky blessing by a baby elephant as part of the wedding service. Your marriage vows will then be sealed by the launching of nine Chinese lanterns into the sunset. All very romantic.

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is a deluxe beachfront hotel and spa on the secluded Kata Noi Bay in Phuket. Its sister hotel, The Shore at Katathani, offers accommodation in private villas along the beach. A choice of wedding packages and locations are available and include decorated venue, cake, photography, master of ceremony, decorated buggy, champagne, bridal make up and honeymoon dinner by the sea. The wedding team at the hotel take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your day. www.katathani.com

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Magical

Mauritius Mauritius is an idyllic tropical island where couples can dip their toes gently into married life on the shores of the sparkling Indian Ocean

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Shanti Maurice

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ouples seeking a picturesque palm-fringed setting for their barefoot beach wedding and those looking for romantic honeymoon paradise will fall head over heels in love with Mauritius, a stunning island in the southern Indian Ocean with lush tropical vegetation and long stretches of fine white sandy beaches lapped by a crystal clear ocean.

Mauritius is situated in the southern hemisphere, near the Tropic of Capricorn and has a central plateau fringed by impressive jagged mountains – the remnants of extinct volcanic craters. The island is natural, spectacular and above all, relaxing, with unlimited year-round sunshine – hot but not too hot, with a refreshing ocean breeze to cool and refresh.

Natural Wonders Nature lovers will adore Mauritius. It boasts a long coastline almost entirely surrounded by a coral reef, which has created a turquoise lagoon around the island, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling and water sports.

The reef is teeming with colourful marine life and is a scuba diver’s dream, while on land there is an abundance of unusual and endemic species of animals, birds

and plants. The Mauritian authorities are determined to keep their island unspoilt, so you won’t find high-rise hotels and apartment blocks here – just luxurious destination resorts, designed to blend into the unspoilt landscape and its towns and villages which are home to the friendly native Mauritians and are buzzing with life.

For honeymooners, Mauritius is the perfect place to relax and soothe the soul after your wedding, or if you are looking for adventure and activities, there’s plenty to keep you occupied – from golf and excursions to the capital, to all kinds of water sport. The beach is there, in stunning abundance – so use it! Sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, water skiing, swimming with dolphins and, of course, saying “I do” or having a blessing below the shady palms with a truly romantic beach ceremony!

Sunsets in Mauritius are sensational, and as the sun dips below the Indian Ocean you can enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and romantic dining at its best with local and international cuisine including Creole, Indian, European and fresh seafood harvested from the sea earlier in the day. Then dance the night away to music from local bands – the sexy local dance is called Sega. Join in if you dare!

The honeymoon

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Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa

Getting married in Mauritius Mauritius offers spectacular weddings and renewal of vows ceremonies in gorgeous settings – you can pick from a choice of locations – from the beach to prettily decorated wedding pavilions overlooking the sea. You can even get hitched aboard a catamaran!

A number of resorts and tour operators offer all-inclusive wedding and honeymoon packages in Mauritius to suit all budgets, including Tropical Sky (www.tropicalsky. co.uk/weddings), Virgin Holidays (www. virgin.com/holidays), Kuoni (www.kuoni. co.uk), Beachcomber Tours (www. beachcombertours.co.uk), Naide (www. naide.com) and Mauritius Holidays (0207 501 0808).

On arrival at your wedding hotel, couples are greeted by the resort’s wedding planner who will take you both through every step of your big day to ensure that it is enjoyable and stress free. Weddings usually take place in the late afternoon as it is the cooler time of day and the light is better for photographs – and you can take advantage of those spectacular sunsets!

Most Wedding Packages in Mauritius include registrar’s fees, car transfers to 94 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

and from Port Louis to complete your wedding paperwork, affidavits (completed in Mauritius), your wedding planner, cake, decorated location, a bottle of sparkling wine and bouquets/buttonhole. Deluxe wedding packages may also include breakfast in bed or on the beach for the first morning, make up and hair, candlelit dinner, wedding photographs and other extras to make your wedding more special. Weddings are available Monday-Friday. Wedding Package prices start from around £300 per couple to £2,000.

Documentation

You will be required to send two copies of the following documents at least eight weeks before you depart the UK:

• Copies of passports • Copies of birth certificates • Decree absolute (if divorced) • Deed Poll (if name has changed) • Copies of former marriage certificate if widowed and copies of former spouse’s death certificate.

• Copies of adoption papers if applicable • Non-English documentation must be translated into English and duly stamped * A little Mauritian red tape – if the bride-tobe has been divorced in the last 10 months, she will need a Mauritian Doctor’s certificate of non-pregnancy. There is a small charge for this certificate.

The legals The day before your wedding in Mauritius the wedding team will arrange for you to be taken by car at around 8am, with the originals of all required documentation, to the island’s capital, Port Louis, where you need to visit four different offices: Civil Status Main Office; Attorney at Law; Supreme High Court of Mauritius and Civil Status Sub Office – your taxi driver will take you to a sub office in the district closest to your hotel for the publication of the wedding and for the time of your wedding to be confirmed.

You will arrive back at the hotel in time to spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach.

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS THE ESSENcE Of rOMaNcE WIll Sur rOuND YOu aT SHaNTI Maur IcE. a fuSION Of fuN aND SEr ENITY cr EaTES THE pEr fEcT vENuE fOr YOur WEDDING Or HONEYMOON… With a backdrop of the Indian Ocean, its turquoise water and coral reefs, our stunning wedding pavilion is the most magical place to say ‘I do’.

Before the ceremony, the bride-to-be may enjoy a moment of indulgence at Nira Spa, while the groom may choose to unwind with friends. With 36 acres of lush tropical flora, the gardens offer another ceremony option, secluded corners beneath breadfruit trees and idyllic grassy knolls fringed by frangipani.

Our highly experienced wedding planner will be at your disposal to organise every minute detail in order to create the wedding of your dreams! Because every wedding is unique, we have a selection of options which have been designed for your contemplation, so as to ensure truly magical memories.

DIScOver Our SpecIal WeDDINg & hONeymOON packageS featurINg:

50% oFF Bed & BreakFast rates, room upgrade (suBject to availaBility), private dinner on the Beach and complimentary spa treatments shantimaurice.com reservations@shantimaurice.com +230 603 7200

Affordable luxury Le Canonnier

HHHH

This friendly resort is an all-inclusive Beachcomber hotel offering great value for money.

It is set in pretty gardens on a historic peninsula overlooking the Indian Ocean towards a number of islets and close to the entertainment and shops of Grand Baie. Le Canonnier’s hospitable and relaxed Mauritian atmosphere makes it a great choice for your wedding and honeymoon. All the rooms have fresh contemporary interiors. A Spa and Wellness Centre is located in the branches of a Banyan tree and, as with all Beachcomber hotels, there are a host of free land and water sports on offer as part of the package.

Book it!

Wedding packages start from £500. Exclusive Honeymoon packages offer up to 50% discount for the bride and complimentary lunches throughout your stay. Book with Kuoni through Spa World Travel on: 0870 774 8480

Mövenpick Resort & Spa HHHH The Mövenpick Resort and Spa Mauritius is located on a lovely stretch of beach at Bel Ombre on the South West coast. Set in lush gardens, it is an ideal choice for weddings and honeymoons and offers excellent value. The resort enjoys a picturesque environment amidst sugar cane fields and tropical vegetation, offering the unique atmosphere of a 17th century traditional sugar cane plantation. The Mövenpick Resort is stylishly decorated with gracious accommodation, excellent cuisine, four swimming pools and a range of leisure activities, plus a superb spa where you can indulge in pampering couples treatments. It also offers a choice of wedding and honeymoon packages.

Book it!

Stay at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Mauritius from £1,520 per person for 7 nights in a junior suite with ocean view on HB, wedding package extra, flights included. Call: Spa World Travel on: 0870 774 8580 96 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

Lap of luxury Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort HHHHH A stylish and contemporary resort on the beautiful south coast that is a firm favourite for beach weddings and honeymooners, including Loose Women TV presenter, Andrea McLean. Its superb facilities, fine dining, excellent all-inclusive packages and range of activities, including golf.

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Deluxe room on an all-inclusive basis, with dinner, transfers and Air Mauritius flights from London Heathrow. Book with Kuoni through Spa World Travel on: 0870 774 8480

Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa HHHHH Nestling on a long stretch of golden sandy beach on the west cost of Mauritius, the superb new Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa has been designed in typically Mauritian style. The resort’s new romantic over-water wedding chapel is a magical place to say “I do” in an intimate ocean setting made entirely of wood with a pretty thatched roof. The resort boasts two swimming pools, spa, candle-lit settings and plenty of activities, from a gymnasium and floodlit tennis to all kinds of water sports.

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Stay at the Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa from £1719 per person for 7 nights in a Deluxe King room on HB, wedding package extra. Book with Kuoni through Spa World Travel on: 0870 774 8480

Shanti Maurice HHHHH This breathtakingly beautiful resort nestles between sugarcane fields and the sparkling Indian Ocean. Set on one of the best beaches in Mauritius, Shanti Maurice is perfect for weddings – with a gorgeous over water wedding pavilion – and dream honeymoons. The resort has a sublime Ayurveda spa and accommodation in plush ocean-facing accommodation in spacious villas with private pools or luxurious suites.

Book it!

Stay at Shanti Maurice from £1,645 per person for 7 nights in a ocean view junior suite on HB, wedding package extra.

Book with Kuoni through Spa World Travel on: 0870 774 8480 98 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

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f you are planning a barefoot beach wedding in tropical paradise or a luxurious honeymoon on an exotic island, then Mövenpick Resort in Mauritius is the perfect choice. Situated just a 45 minutes drive from the International Airport, in a wonderful beachside location, the stunning resort nestles in the heart of the beautiful region of Bel Ombre, where it is perfectly integrated into sugar cane fields and tropical vegetation, offering the unique atmosphere of a 17th century traditional sugar cane plantation.

On arrival at the Mövenpick Resort you will immediately be impressed with the warm welcome, stylishly cool décor and lush landscaped gardens with striking water features leading down to the sandy beach. The hotel has everything you could possibly desire for an idyllic honeymoon, including gracious accommodation, excellent cuisine, four swimming pools, a range of leisure activities and a superb spa.

Gorgeous rooms Guests are offered a choice of 160 spacious rooms, 20 suites and one villa, all facing the Indian Ocean. Deluxe Rooms are spread throughout the gardens, with Beach Front Rooms, Suites and the Villa being closest to the beach. All rooms and suites have private balconies or patios with ocean views, air conditioning, large bathrooms with walk-in wardrobes and satellite TVs. The Villa also has its own butler service. Guests staying in a Beach front room or Suite will also have access to the club’s Lounge, with its own swimming pool, offering complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Tasty dishes Delicious cuisine is served in a choice of three restaurants to suit even the most discerning tastes. These include the sugar mill inspired Le Moulin, which offers themed buffets; Le Camaron, serving light dishes and fresh seafood by the swimming pool and on the beach, and the colonial-style La Grand Caze, serving a set menu in elegant surroundings. The poolside bar, Le Flangourin, offers beautiful sunset views of the lagoon and the coral reef.

Spa therapy Couples can be pampered from head-totoe in the Zen-inspired spa. The vast 1800 sq. ft. spa is dedicated to wellness and offers massages and spa treatments in six individual massage pavilions, two couples massage pavilions and one VIP Suite with private entrance and changing room. There is a hydro massaging corridor and shower together with two Turkish baths, two saunas and a whirlpool, plus large rest rooms with relaxing armchairs and a Solarium with secluded pool on top of a tower, which offers breathtaking views. A beauty and hairdressing salon at the spa offers wedding day grooming facilities for bride and groom-to-be. All the the facilities are complimentary on the day when a spa treatment is reserved and used.

Leisure time Couples seeking active rest are well catered for with a range of complimentary leisure facilities including a fitness centre, mountain

bike hire, tennis, volley ball, table tennis and watersports including PADI scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and glass bottom boats.

Golf enthusiasts can also play golf on an 18hole course just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Complimentary activities as follows: Pools, fitness centre, tennis, volley ball, putting golf, table tennis, bocci ball, snorkelling (under supervision), kayak, glass bottom boat, windsurfing, paddle boat, mini sail.

Activities with a nominal charge: Mountain bikes, electronic games, billiards, 18 hole golf course (10 mins from the hotel), scuba diving, PADI courses, water skiing (proximity of the hotel), kite surfing (can be arranged).

Special Offers Honeymooners and wedding couples will receive a special gift in their room, a fruit basket on arrival, a bottle of sparkling wine and a candlelit dinner.

Further Information Reservation Office Tel: + 230 623 5000/ toll free number for UK : 0800 898317 Fax: + 230623 5560 E-mail: resort.mauritius.reservation@ moevenpick.com Web: www.moevenpick-mauritius.com. www.BridesAbroad.tv 99

Wedding Customs, Folklore and Traditions Why not add a touch of local tradition to delight your guests on your wedding day and keep them smiling for years after – and be sure to embrace those old superstitions to ensure you have a marriage filled with luck and good fortune!

102

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D

id you know that if your groom carries a piece of iron in his pocket it will ward off evil spirits? And that if you tear your wedding veil it is considered to be a good omen if you marry in Italy?

Very

Superstitious!

Local traditions, cultures and superstitions can add colourful, magical elements to your wedding abroad, and give it a distinctive local flavour. There are always simple ways you can enhance your wedding with the local culture – like introducing Greek Dancers in Greece or a Calypso Band in the Caribbean, but why not add some fun, frivolity and mystique to spice things up for you and your guests? Local traditions can be anything from completely wacky to truly romantic, but it is bound to add a memorable element to your big day.

Here are some old English superstitions to keep in mind on your big day if you are hoping for a long and happy marriage!

Suspicious times

• It is unlucky for a bride to make her own wedding dress or for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress until she arrives at the ceremony.

Suspicions vary thoughout the world, but perhaps the most important English superstition to remember before you even think about getting hitched is that it was thought unlucky for a woman to marry a man whose surname begins with the same letter as hers according to this traditional rhyme!

To change the name and not the letter is to change for the worst and not the better!

Oh dear! Well if you and your partner still qualify to get married after that, then before you book your wedding venue, you need to decide when to get married. But before you do, here are more supposed words of wisdom from two more traditional English rhymes to help you decide the day and month to say “I do”. They are probably just old wives tales – but are you prepared to take the risk…?

The day of the week you choose to get married is important if you want to be blessed with good luck. So best to bear this old rhyme in mind when you pick the day…

Monday for wealth Tuesday for health Wednesday the best day of all Thursday for losses Friday for crosses Saturday for no luck at all Choosing the month to marry is equally important, according to another old rhyme:

Married when the year is new, he’ll be loving, kind and true When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrw both you’ll know Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man Marry in the month of May, and you’ll surely rue the day Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you’ll go Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bread Whoever wed in August be, many change is sure to see Marry in September’s shrine, your living will be rich and fine If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.

• For luck the bride needs to wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

• Wearing a veil was thought to disguise the bride and outwit evil spirits.

• For wedding flowers, avoid peonies as they are said to represent shame, azaleas represent temperance, whereas roses symbolise love and snowdrops represent hope. Avoid red and white flowers as they stand for blood and bandages – and remember to throw that bouquet over your shoulder after the reception for an unmarried female guest to catch she will be the next one of those present to marry.

• When the bride is ready to leave the house for the wedding ceremony a last look in the mirror will bring her good luck.

• The best man should ensure that once the groom has began his journey to the church he does not return for any reason. He should also place a small mascot or charm in the groom’s pocket.

• Cutting the wedding cake together symbolises the couples shared future. The top tier of the cake is often kept by couples for the christening of their first child.

• Tie shoes to the back of the newlywed’s car as they drive off after the wedding for good luck.

• It is traditional for the groom to carry a bride over the threshold when they enter their home for the first time as a married couple.

• It is said that the first partner who buys a new item after the wedding will be the dominant one.

Now you’ve decided on the lucky date, you need the place so, to help with your decision making, we reveal the traditions and customs of weddings across the world: www.BridesAbroad.tv 103

Greece Customs differ regionally in Greece, as with many other countries around the world. For example, on the island of Zakynthos it’s traditional for the couple to take a ride on a horse and carriage through the streets. The lead car goes in front and honks their horn to alert everyone that a bride and groom are coming, and in response to this, the locals clap and cheer and ring their bells to say congratulations and wish the couple good luck, according to wedding planner Lisa Burton, who specialises in Greek weddings and can arrange this traditional send-off for couples. “The bride and groom feel like celebrities and are often taken aback by the response,” she says.

Prague In Prague it’s traditional to steal the bride after the wedding ceremony. The best man and guests carry her away and if the groom can’t find her he may have to pay to get her back! This symbolises the girl’s separation from her parents and entering a new phase of life. It also shows that the groom should be more watchful!

Needless to say the bride and groom have to be quite adventurous to do this!

Italy Italy consists of 21 regions with different customs and traditions in each region. However, according to Italian folklore across Italy, you should never marry or leave for your honeymoon on a Friday or Tuesday or you are bound to have loads of bad luck, while Saturdays are reserved for widows getting married again. A wedding veil is seen as a symbol of virginity and tearing your veil is considered good luck (for obvious reasons!). What’s not so obvious is why the couple are protected from evil spirits, as the suspicion goes, if the groom carries a small piece of iron to the ceremony in his pocket for protection! It is traditional for Italian couples to arrive at the chapel on foot and, after the ceremony, they shatter a glass or vase and the more pieces it breaks into the better as each piece represents the amount of years they’ll stay happily married.

104 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

On the island of Santorini you could be quids in as it is traditional for wedding guests to pin money on the bride and groom at the end of the night as they dance together – not a bad way of recouping some of the money you have spent on the wedding! It is also traditional for brides to make a grand entrance to her wedding ceremony on a donkey in Santorini.

However Lisa Burton has a word of warning: “Brides should bear in mind that it’s hard to sit elegantly in a wedding dress on a donkey, and in reality donkeys do have a reputation for being smelly in Santorini, so perhaps its not the perfect entrance that the bride envisages!”

Oh, an if someone happens to hand the bride a double handed saw (as you do!) the couple must cut a log in half to prove they can work together without driving each other mad! As for gifts, you’ll be in the money as it’s traditional for guests to place cash in a white satin bag called La Borsa.

Sweden If Swedish brides look to be limping to their wedding ceremony it’s because custom states that they should have a gold coin in their right shoe and a silver one in their left for good luck, and their shoes should stay unlaced to improve the chances of easy childbirth. Ouch!

Cyprus In Cyprus it is traditional for the groom to hold the brides wedding bouquet and, accompanied by all the wedding guests, wait outside the church until she arrives. Thankfully, unlike in the UK, the weather is likely to be good during the wait! The parents of the bride give her away outside the church. During the ceremony the rings are placed on the right hand because it is the right hand of God that blesses the couple. Once they are officially married Koufetta (sugared almonds) are given to the guests showing the unity of the couple.

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Caribbean

Morocco

In the Caribbean the customs vary from island to island. However, a traditional Caribbean island wedding reception can go on all night, with Calypso island music, lots of potent rum punch, wild dancing and many toasts to health and happiness. You can expect to eat curried goat, spicy chicken jerky, fried plantains and conch fritters at the wedding breakfast. The traditional wedding cake is a ‘black cake’ – a delicious fruitcake that is traditionally served with a hard rum sauce. The dried fruits used in the cake are soaked in rum in a crockpot for anywhere from two weeks to one year!

Fancy getting a tattoo for your wedding? You’ll be getting temporary henna tattoos on your hands and feet if you follow Moroccan tradition, and you’ll be theming your wedding with yellow to scare away evil spirits or green if you want plenty of good luck! But you had better make sure you have plenty of energy in reserve as Moroccan weddings can last up to seven days. It is also customary for belly dancers to usher the bride and groom into the reception in a parade formation called the zeffa.

Still on the subject of cakes, in Bermuda wedding cakes are traditionally topped with a tiny sapling which the newlyweds plant at their home where they can watch the young tree grow as their marriage grows. Your wedding gift at a Caribbean wedding is likely to be a hand-made quilt – the Caribbean’s equivalent to our traditional ‘toaster’.

Mexico During a traditional Mexican wedding ceremony a white ribbon or rosary, called a ‘lasso’, is symbolically wrapped around the necks of the couple (not too tightly!!!), which represents their joining. It is customary for a groom to give his wife a wedding present of thirteen gold coins, which are then blessed by the priest during the ceremony to represent the groom’s commitment to support his new wife. As the newlyweds leave the church, red beads may be tossed at them to bring good luck. At the reception all the guests join hands and form a heart shape around the newly married couple as they have their first dance. Ahh, how romantic is that?

India The fun begins on the eve of the wedding when Indian brides have their hands and feet painted with henna in beautiful paisley or medallion patterns. At the wedding sweets, eggs and money are woven into the wedding themes to symbolise a sweet life, fertility and prosperity. After the wedding vows have been exchanged the groom’s father or brother showers flower petals on the newlyweds.

Then he holds a coconut over the bride and groom’s heads and circles it around them three times to free them from evil spirits.

106 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

USA It has become increasingly common for couples to write their own wedding vows at American weddings, to express their love and commitment for each other and their own unique feelings. As the couple leave the church it is tradition for rice to be tossed, rather than confetti, as a symbol of fertility.

China According to Lisa Light, founder of Destinationbride.com and author of Destination Bride: a Complete Guide to Planning Your Wedding Anywhere in the World, if you choose to marry in China, buying your wedding dress could be a costly procedure. Chinese brides buy as many dresses as their budgets allow and change from one to another throughout the wedding to show that their family has wealth. It is also traditional for guests to follow the couple into the bedroom and stay for up to three days being as rowdy as possible before the longsuffering couple finally gets to kick them out. Oh dear!

Thailand In a traditional Thai wedding ceremony the groom and celebrant lead a colourful Long Drum Parade to the wedding venue, where at the entrance two friends of the bride hold a golden ribbon to block the way. After giving them a symbolic token the groom is allowed to enter the venue. The Watering Ceremony takes place as the bride and groom kneel together and a holy string is draped from one person’s head to the other, forming a circle and connecting the couple. Flower garlands are presented and powder is placed on the forehead. Then one of the guests pours a conch shell full of sacred water over the couple’s hands while saying a blessing for good luck. A blessing by a baby elephant is also a token of good luck.

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WAYS TO TRIM YOUR BUDGET – without cutting your style!

Use these clever tips from industry experts to max your style without maxing your credit card.

1

Talk to each other

Sitting down and talking through your priorities is a must-do that many couples skip in the wedding planning excitement.

But you might be surprised to find out that the big stag do you always thought he wanted isn’t actually his key priority, and he’s more interested in a wow-factor honeymoon. Or that the stag do IS important, but he’s not bothered about a designer suit. The same goes for what he might find out about you – are you REALLY going to quibble over first class flights if going premium economy means you can have that pair of Louboutins? Make a list of all the things you’d like to have if money was no object – and then work out what is actually an essential for you, given your budget and the fact that getting married to the person you love is the real point of the day.

2

Make the most of your engagement

If your birthday or Christmas fall in the run-up to your wedding, and people ask what on earth they can get you, think of fabulous items that can work to reduce your wedding cost. From a stylish new fragrance, to wow-factor beauty products, vouchers towards your favourite hair salon, or even vouchers for a favourite clothes store to help you buy your honeymoon wardrobe

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3

Be a savvy jewellery buyer

Try these clever insider ideas from Natasha Gregory, Buying Controller for H.Samuel (www.hsamuel.co.uk).

Diamond clusters

Get more wow-factor for your money with diamond clusters. The multitude of diamonds shimmer beautifully to guarantee a big sparkle on the day. Try the 9ct White Gold Quarter Carat Round Diamond Cluster Pendant for £349.00, or 9ct White Gold Fifth Carat Diamond Set Heart Stud Earrings, £299.00.

Palladium

Since it became a hallmarked precious metal in 2010, palladium has soared in popularity, but not price. It has the same profile as platinum, but without the cost. It’s a great idea for a groom’s wedding ring, as an alternative to platinum. Try the Palladium Super Heavy Weight Wedding 3mm Ring, £199.00 or men’s Palladium Diamond Groove Ring, £575.00.

Diamante tiaras

Kate Middleton wore a stunning diamond tiara on her wedding day, and you too can feel like a princess for less - diamante tiaras offer the full shimmer without breaking the bank. Try this flower burst tiara, £38.99.

4

Buy a dress you can reinvent

‘White is the latest, coolest colour on the red carpet and for evening wear, but it never goes out of fashion,’ says Karen Taft, form Benjamin Roberts. ‘Why not double up your wardrobe by choosing a pale ivory wedding dress and then have a seamstress remove the train afterwards.

You can then easily wear it as a very ‘on trend’ evening dress. Get inspired by ‘Bolivia’ (£1310) which has a big bow on the front and is empire cut with sparkle threads.’

5

Time it right

‘These are good tips for planning a more cost effective wedding abroad, or honeymoon,’ says Shamira KaumayaHatt, Luxury Holidays Direct Commercial Director, specialising in weddings and honeymoons bookings. ‘Avoid the school holiday periods as the flight prices are generally 60 per cent higher and this can really hike up the prices. And be aware that most of the great wedding and honeymoon deals are outside the festive season - so getting married at Christmas or New Year has its costs!’

6

Re-think wedding presents

Be inspired by your destination Greek weddings are famous for the tradition of pinning money on the bride’s dress, and this is also a tradition in Mexico, Poland, Ukraine and the Philippines. In Portugal and Hungary, the bride’s shoes are passed around the dance floor and filled with cash. You could spread the news via friends and family, that your wedding will include some traditions, and people will be invited to take part in this one, if they would like to – always give guests the option.

Try a new trend ‘Or you could use a more subtle version, wherever you get married, such as the increasingly popular American idea of a ‘Wedding Wishing Well’,’ says wedding planning consultant Melanie Helen, from Cranberry Blue Weddings & Events (www.cranberryblueweddings. co.uk). ‘The wishing well allows guests

to contribute cash, or sealed envelopes of cash. It is also a good idea to decide in advance what your cash wedding gifts are going to be spent on as your guests are likely to feel more comfortable giving money if they know it is being spent on something worthwhile, such as a deposit for a house, or furniture for your home. Word of mouth is then the best way to pass the message around by telling family and close friends.

Choose Honeymoney ‘You can ask guests to contribute to your honeymoon, by setting up a honeymoon registry,’ says Melanie. ‘John Lewis (http:// bit.ly/j0bpyD) now offers this service and the contributions will be held securely and transferred to Cox and Kings when the gift list closes. Trailfinders are another good company who offer this service (http://bit. ly/lLNU5f). Guests can choose to purchase certain aspects of your honeymoon such as a hot air balloon flight, massage or dinner for example so they feel as though they have contributed to something specific.’

Be considerate ‘Whatever you decide, it may also be a good idea to have a small list of more traditional gifts available so your guests have a choice, as the older generation in particular may feel uncomfortable about giving money,’ says Melanie.

7

Say thank you with heart

The traditional bunch of flowers won’t last the journey home, but you can make a lovely gesture without a sky-high price tag if you add some thought. Examples to get you started include: • Try a ‘Crafternoon Tea hen gathering where you can sip champagne, eat cakes, and make something lovely for your mums, such as a fascinator, or an embroidered brooch or pillowcase. Get inspired at www.molliemakes.com • For a small bridesmaid, make up a personal thank you poem, and write it on to thick paper, that you can tie into a scroll with ribbon. Add a charm of some kind to the ribbon as a keepsake.

• For a chief bridesmaid or best man you’ve known for a long time, find old photographs and compile them into a thank you slide show, or print them and put them in a photo album to show how much their impact on your life has been cherished and appreciated. www.BridesAbroad.tv 109

8

Invest in a classic

Buy stylish, rather than fashionable, jewellery, and you can wear it forever. Be guided by these insider tips from Beverly Mitchell, Buying Controller for Ernest Jones (www.ernestjones.co.uk). ‘We all want to look back on wedding photos years later, so timeless classics are always a good choice,’ she says. ‘Diamonds and pearls never go out of style, and will look beautiful years on. They can also be passed on as family heirlooms that brides in years to come will enjoy wearing.’ Try this 9ct white gold half carat diamond cluster pendant, £499.

‘Classic pearls are also perfect for the bridal look, however their sensitive and precious nature mean we need to take care with them in the sun, with perfumes and suntan lotion as well as hairsprays,’ says Beverly. ‘They should be the last items you put on and the first you take off.’ Try this 9ct gold 17” cultured freshwater pearl necklace, £299.

9

Do the 2-outfit trend for less

Wearing one dress for your ceremony, and another to party the night away, or for a family meal the day after, is a US trend making it big in the UK. But you don’t have to double your cost to do it. If you choose a fairly plain dress, not only does it look highly sophisticated but you can change the look with some clever accessorising.

A little jacket or a jewelled belt which can be removed or added during the day will give you a fresh new look.

10

Don’t rule out far flung

There are great deals available with up to 45 per cent off the majority of long haul destinations including the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. Look out for deals, which are with free upgrades, meal plan deals such as free Half Board options, discounted all-inclusive deals and the ever popular free night packages. You can often find value for money packages that don’t skimp on style in Mauritius and the Caribbean, with 4 star to 5 star deals where the bride stays free, or you get a free wedding package.

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w w w. c r y s t a l f r o s t . c o . u k www.BridesAbroad.tv 111

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

112 www.BridesAbroad.tv

January

February

Hot Spots

Hot Spots

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

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

Cool & Chilled

Cool & Chilled

Canada, European Alps Iceland, Scandinavia, USA

Canada, European Alps, Iceland, Scandinavia, USA

Something Different

Something Different

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

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

Jungle Safari

Jungle Safari

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Avoid

Avoid

Alaska, Borneo

Alaska,

March

April

Hot Spots

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

Avoid

Alaska

Alaska, Kenya, Tanzania www.BridesAbroad.tv 113

May

June

Hot Spots

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

Cool & Chilled

Alaska, Iceland

Canada, European Alps, Iceland, Scandinavia, USA

Something Different

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

July

Jungle Safari Borneo, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia

Avoid Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt, Maldives

August

Hot Spots

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

Cool & Chilled

Alaska, Iceland

Alaska, Iceland

Something Different

Something Different

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

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

Jungle Safari

Jungle Safari

Borneo, Botswana, Kenya,

Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia

Tanzania, Zambia

Avoid Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt 114 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Avoid

Belize, Caribbean, Costa Rica Cuba, Dubai, Egypt

September

October

Hot Spots

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

Cool & Chilled

Alaska, New Zealand

Canada, USA

Something Different

Something Different

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

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

Jungle Safari

Jungle Safari

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

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

Avoid

Avoid

Belize, Caribbean, Cuba, Costa Rica

Alaska, Belize, Caribbean, Costa Rica, Cuba

November

December

Hot Spots

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

Cool & Chilled

Canada, Scandinavia, USA

Canada, European Alps, Scandinavia, USA

Something Different

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

Jungle Safari

Belize, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania

Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa,Tanzania

Avoid Alaska, Borneo

Avoid

Alaska, Borneo www.BridesAbroad.tv 115

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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The

Bridal Consultant

If you dream of having your wedding abroad, either on a remote beach in the sun or in New York’s leafy Central Park, then the Bridal Consultant can make your dreams come true The Bridal Consultant is a full wedding planning service specialising in exclusive destinations in New York, Costa Blanca (Spain), Cyprus, Santorini and Zakynthos (Greece) from private beach weddings to buzzing city locations.

Founded by Lisa Burton in 2003, The Bridal Consultant has planned over 700 destination weddings and has access to the best venues and suppliers in each location. Lisa says: “The secret of our success is honesty and excellent customer service. Couples choose us because they trust us implicitly with all their wedding arrangements and know we will always go above and beyond our role to ensure we deliver the perfect wedding.”

For further information contact: lisaburton@thebridalconsultant.co.uk or call: 0845 9000 905

Ask the

planners!

We asked Lisa Burton of The Bridal Consultant wedding planning service to answer your burning questions on planning a wedding abroad.

Keeping down the costs

Hi Annabel

We really want to get married in 2012 but weddings in the UK seem to be very expensive so we’re now considering going abroad. We have no idea how much a wedding abroad will cost? Can you advise?

Karen, Middlesborough

I recommend sending out save the date cards as soon as the date is booked and confirmed, to allow guests to decide if they would like to come, book time off work if necessary and, of course, save up. The formal invites should then follow about nine months before (earlier than a UK wedding) as these help set the theme for your wedding. If there is a dress code it allows guests time to find the perfect outfit and reminds those that haven’t already, to book their flights and accommodation. I would ask for RSVP’s no later than three months. This is usually when the final planning for your wedding starts so it’s ideal to have a good estimate of numbers by this time

Hi Karen A very good and important question and yet quite hard to answer without being a bit more specific. What I can say is that when setting your budget there are some very important things to consider: Are you funding the wedding yourself? If yes, what can you realistically save? How much can you afford to set aside each month? Are parents or family contributing? Work out your maximum budget. It doesn’t mean you have to spend this, but at least you’ll have a guide.

Be realistic with your expectations, don’t just do something simply because it’s cheap as you may be disappointed. You want to have a great day with beautiful memories.

Some destinations such as the Greek islands are excellent value for money and not too far for family to travel to. Destinations such as New York will cost more because of the distance and you’re in a city compared to a Mediterranean island. Some of the most enjoyable weddings I’ve planned have cost as little as £3,000 so a wedding abroad is still brilliant value for money and doesn’t have to cost the earth – and its needless to say that your money in most destinations abroad will go further than for a wedding in the UK.

Diary date My daughter has just booked her wedding abroad and has put me in charge of the invites and save the date cards. When would be an appropriate time to send these out?

Annabel, Cardiff

Document worries I am getting married abroad early next year, but I’m worried about the paperwork for my wedding. It all seems very daunting. How will I know the wedding is legal? Jennifer, Kent

Hi Jennifer If you’re arranging your wedding by yourself or via a travel agent then the onus is on you to get your wedding paperwork completed correctly and on time. You should be given a list of requirements from your travel agent or embassy and you’ll need to follow this exactly referring any queries directly to them. Allow at least six months for a civil wedding or longer for a religious wedding.

Embassies can be hard to contact and you’ll need to be patient, they will reply eventually but allow plenty of time.

I can’t stress how important it is to check the finer details; I have received numerous

passports with incorrect name spellings, wrong places of birth and birth certificates that don’t match the passport name. These things are all relatively straightforward to amend if noticed in advance, but can easily be missed aside all your other wedding plans. If you are using a wedding planner then completing the legal paperwork work should be part of their service, they should be able to guide you exactly on what is needed and when, and also administer paperwork where possible. If you have any queries they should have the contacts or knowledge to answer them.

The general rule of thumb to make sure your wedding is legal is that it needs to meet the legal requirements of your wedding destination. If it is legal there it is recognised everywhere else in the world. Your can’t register your wedding back in the UK, but you can ask the General Register office to keep a copy of your marriage certificate, so if you lose the original they will send you a replacement copy (not another original).

You will need to contact them before the wedding to confirm the process for this http://www.gro.gov.uk.

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

www.BridesAbroad.tv 121

A Fine Romance If you are looking for an idyllic honeymoon in paradise we have found the most gorgeous retreats for sizzling romance, guaranteed to send your temperatures soaring!

Best for barefoot bliss The Waldorf Astoria Beach House - Maldives Tucked away in Haa Alifu Atoll, the most northern atoll of the Maldives, where tourism has barely touched the soft white sands and turquoise waters of the picture perfect islands, the Waldorf Astoria Beach House offers a charming, chic and totally romantic haven where barefoot sophistication sits comfortably against a backdrop of natural beauty and lush vegetation. Reached by seaplane from the capital, Male, the resort offers plenty to keep guests enchanted and amused, from seven excellent restaurants offering organic, innovative cuisine, including a gourmet wine cellar restaurant, to

122 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

world-class diving opportunities on unspoilt reefs and a pampering spa which offers a sensory experience with aromatherapy, Ayurveda and traditional Maldivian spa treatments.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from ÂŁ2268 per person including flights, 7 nights accommodation in Beach Villa with pool, including transfers and all taxes. Call: 0870 774 8480

www.BridesAbroad.tv 123

Best for sensational sunsets

Maradiva - Mauritius Situated on the west coast of Mauritius, the plush Maradiva resort offers views of truly romantic sunsets, as the sun melts into the crystal waters of Tamarin Bay. The resort boasts one of the most superb locations on the island, with an extensive private stretch of white sandy beach lapped by the turquoise Indian Ocean with its coral reef teeming with colourful marine life and a striking backdrop of jagged mountains – remnants of a long-extinct volcano. Close to the popular seaside resort of Flic-en-Flac, with its shops and restaurants, the 5-star Maradiva is a stunning all-villa resort set in rich tropical gardens, which is designed with a MauritianIndian blend of architecture with a colonial influence. The Maradiva Spa is situated at the centre of the resort and offers the ancient healing wisdom of India with sensual Ayurvedic treatments.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Speial Offer: Prices start from £1535 per person including flights, 7 nights B&B accommodation in Beach Villa.

Call: 0870 774 8480

Hotel St Barth Isle de France - St Barth St Barth is the Caribbean island with a distinctly French charm, where the rich and famous spend their vacations. The tiny eight-square-mile island is smart, sexy and sophisticated and, despite its A-list visitors, has retained its unique character. The luxurious boutique-style Hotel St Barth Isle de France is set on ten acres of golden sandy beach and offers stunning panoramic views of the Baie des Flamands. The hotel offers world-class accommodation in just 33 rooms and suites. The elegant decor is chic with a breezy French colonial style and a glorious mix of antique and contemporary furnishing.

Guests can toast the sunset in the Sundowner Deck Bar with an exotic cocktail or chill out in the Zen style Molton Brown Spa and enjoy a Thai Massage in the spa garden pavilion to the magical sound of tropical birdsong.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £1159 per person including flights, 7 nights B&B accommodation in Garden View room including transfers and all taxes.

Call: 0870 774 8480

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Best for celebrity spotting

Best for breathtaking views

The Ladara Resort St Lucia Perched above the port of Soufriere, the five-star Ladara is one of the world’s most romantic and exclusive hideaways and is absolutely perfect for a couple looking for an intimate love nest with a breathtaking iconic backdrop. Each guest suite has been built without a fourth wall, allowing astounding views of the island’s two iconic volcanic Piton peaks and the azure coastline below, yet the suites have also been cleverly designed to remain sheltered, safe and completely private. The open wall in all suites and villas leads to a private plunge pool and lush, tropical landscaping. The resort offers Dream Wedding Packages for those who wish to tie the knot during their romantic break.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £1900 per person including flights, 7 nights accommodation in Gros Piton Suite, including transfers and all taxes.

Call: 0870 774 8480

Constance Ephelia Resort - Seychelles

Best for honeymooning royalty

Follow Wills and Kate in their search for romantic seclusion and head to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean to the powder white sands and crystal waters of these beautiful islands. The stunning new Constance Ephelia Resort is situated within lush, tropical grounds on two of the most beautiful beaches on Mahe Island, overlooking the national marine park of Port Launay. The resort offers luxurious accommodation with all the mod cons in a combination of suites and villas. With four swimming pools and plenty of activities on land and sea there’s plenty to keep guests occupied and many places to relax and chill, including in the Spa de Constance, a tropical spa village, which offers the ultimate pampering, experience.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £1900 per person including flights, 7 nights accommodation in Junior Suite with Half Board, including transfers and all taxes.

Call: 0870 774 8480

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Best for romantic dining

Breezes Beach Club & Spa - Zanzibar If you are looking for a picture postcard resort on a pristine white sandy beach then look no further than the truly enchanting Breezes Beach Club & Spa on the mystical spice island of Zanzibar, perfect for beach weddings, dream honeymoons or as a couples retreat. The fivestar resort is set in tropical landscaped gardens and offers spacious accommodation in 70 ensuite guest rooms. It is decorated throughout in beautiful Zanzibar style with stunning carvings, glistening brass and rich purple fabrics. Topnotch cuisine is served in a choice of four restaurants and its Tides restaurant is off the scale for romance, offering private dining for two in an intimate setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. Couples can indulge in treatments at the Frangipani Spa, enjoy water sports and floodlit tennis and be entertained by colourful local dancers and musicians.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £1470 per person including flights, 7 nights accommodation in Deluxe Room with Half Board, including transfers and all taxes.

Call: 0870 774 8480

Singita Sasakwa Lodge - Tanzania Stay at the heart of the Serengeti Plains in pure African style, with a dash of sophistication at the delightful Singita Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania.

Built in the style of an Edwardian manor house, Singita Sadakwa Lodge is elegantly designed with stone walls, deep verandas, high ceilings and stately furniture. It offers an intimate, exclusive stay with accommodation for no more than 34 guests in nine luxurious cottages with their own infinity-edge pools and a main lodge retreat. Guest rooms have four-posters and African influenced décor alongside crisp linens and impressive chandeliers. Stays at the Lodge include twice daily game drives with professional guides, plus a spa, yoga and gym.

There is an equestrian centre close by offering horse riding across the Serengeti Plains and hot air balloon safaris are offered at extra cost.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £1950 per person including flights, 7 nights accommodation in Standard Room, including transfers and all taxes. Call: 0870 774 8480

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Best for animal magic

Best exotic spa

Pankor Laut - Malaysia Couples wanting to be totally indulged from head to toe should head to the romantic 5-star Pankor Laut Resort, where the troubles of the world will be soothed away in the superb spa.

Located on an idyllic private island off the west coast of Malaysia, Pankor Laut is a beguiling mix of luxury, natural beauty and age-old wilderness. Elegant wooden buildings blend seamlessly into forest, which is surrounded by private, pristine bays. The Spa Village at Pankor Laut Resort is a unique retreat that extols the healing cultures and natural resources of the region with ancient healing rituals. The spa offers an extensive range of treatments from China, Japan, India, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia, with spa accommodation offered in 22 beautiful Spa Villas situated over the sea with direct access to the spa village.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £1400 per person including flights, 7 nights accommodation in Garden Villa, including transfers and all taxes. Call: 0870 774 8480

Gran Hotel Residencia - Gran Canaria

Best for short haul chic

This gorgeous boutique-style hotel in Gran Canaria is just a short flight from the British Isles, which proves that you don’t have to go to the other side of the world to find yearround sunshine and pure romance. The 5-star deluxe colonial-style Gran Hotel Residencia offers luxury accommodation in two-storey private villas centred round an elegant pool within a tropical palm garden. Located in the Maspalomas nature reserve, just a short stroll from Maspolomas famous sandy beach and the popular seaside resort, it is an intimate retreat for romantic couples. The hotel’s Wellness Centre offers regenerating spa treatments with a wide choice of indulgent face and body treatments. Fitness programmes offer active rest including yoga and T’ai Chi.

Book it!

Brides Abroad Special Offer: Prices start from £1650 per person including flights, 7 nights accommodation in Double Room, including transfers and all taxes. Call: 0870 774 8480

wwwBridesAbroad.tv 127

Brides Abroad

HONEYMOONoffers!

You can jet off to some of the world’s most exciting and stunning honeymoon destinations at significant discount if you book through Brides Abroad’s exclusive travel service. Book it now on: 01937 585800.

Maldives Park Hyatt Resort & Spa 7 nights B&B including seaplane transfers

Special Offer

RRP £4,295

£3,295

per couple

SAVE £1000 Per Couple

Conrad Maldives - Rangali Island 7 nights B&B including seaplane transfers

Brides Abroad Special Offer

RRP £3,125

£2,125 per couple

SAVE £1000 Per Couple

Royal Island Resort & Spa 7 nights B&B including sea plane transfers.

Special Offer

RRP £4,291

128 www.BridesAbroad.tv

BOOK IT NOW! CALL:

£2,995 per couple

SAVE £1296 Per Couple

01937 585800

Croatia

Twin hotel honeymoon Three nights at Hotel Adriana & Spa and three nights at Hotel Iadera & Spa

Special Offer

RRP £972

£735

per couple for six nights

SAVE £232 Per Couple

Hotel Adriana & Spa, Hvar Three nights mini-moon B&B.

Special Offer

RRP £492

£375

per couple

SAVE £117 Per Couple

Hotel Iadera & Spa, Zadar 3-night mini-moon.

Special Offer

£365 per couple

RRP £480

SAVE £115 Per Couple

Kempinski Adriatic, Istria 2 nights B&B - (a third night is available for just £112)

Special Offer

RRP £224

Egypt

per couple

SAVE £59 Per Couple

Sheraton Soma Bay Stay 7 nights B&B in deluxe double room. Offer expires Jan 31st 2012, excluding Christmas holidays.

Special Offer

RRP £517

BOOK IT NOW! CALL:

£165

£415 per person

SAVE £204 Per Couple

01937 585800

www.BridesAbroad.tv 129

Sri Lanka Bentota Beach Resort & Spa 5 nights B&B (perfect to combine with Maldives honeymoon)

Special Offer

£395 per couple

RRP £600

SAVE £205 Per Couple

Pigeon Island Resort 14 nights plus optional wedding packages.

Special Offer

RRP £1,282

£995 per couple

SAVE £288 Per Couple

Malaysia The Chateau 3 night wellness package, including plus 8 treatments, fitness and wellness programme, nutritional consultation. Airport transfers.

Special Offer

130 www.BridesAbroad.tv

BOOK IT NOW! CALL:

01937 585800

£1,103

per person

Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort, Crete 7 nights B&B

Special Offer

£1,995

per couple

Available 17th September - October 31st 2011 RRP £3,037

SAVE £1042 Per Couple

Aegialis Resort and Spa, Amorgos Cyclades, Greek Islands 10 days HB in a deluxe double room

Special Offer

£1,695

per couple

Available 17th September - October 31st 2011

Greece RRP £2,543

SAVE £848 Per Couple

Aphrodite Hills Golf Hotel & Spa 5 nights B&B in Double deluxe room.

Special Offer

RRP £1,035

£739

per couple

SAVE £296 Per Couple

Annabelle Hotel, Pafos 10 nights B&B in deluxe double room.

Special Offer

£1,195

per couple

Available 1st October - 22nd November or 23rd February to 31st July.

RRP £1,550

SAVE £355 Per Couple

Cyprus BOOK IT NOW! CALL:

01937 585800

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