Brides Abroad - Nov/Dec Issue

BRIDES ABROAD November/December 2010

£3.99

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

101 Chic REAL COUPLES

MARRY IN MALTA From rooftop style to historic palazzos

IDEAS

Sri Lanka to Portugal ❤ HONEYMOONS: USA, Spain, Italy

Australia

8

Unique places to get hitched

BE A WINTER PRINCESS

BLISSFUL

SPA HONEYMOONS Expert advice ❤ Find your photographer ❤ Get beautiful skin ❤ Buy perfect underwear

SAVE £10,000 on honeymoons!

Mauritius, Maldives, Turkey, Ibiza, Tuscany www.BridesAbroad.tv

89

wow-factor

touches

DREAM DRESSES COOL VENUESchalets, igloos & ice hotels

Film star FABULOUS

locations 12 famous for your big day 11

£3.99

❤ WEDDINGS:

9 772042 947001 9 772042 947001

11

THE MALDIVES‌ SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE Taj Hotels offer chic and comfortable accommodation coupled with innovative dining and the highest levels of service you'd expect on your honeymoon. We recommend the award-winning Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, a private island resort with a pristine beach and serene lagoon.

Plus, when you book a flight + hotel together at ba.com, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, ATOL protection plus all the on board benefits of flying with British Airways.

For all the latest offers and to book visit ba.com/maldives

Main image courtesy of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives

�

�

���������

www.eternitybridal.co.uk +44 (0)8707 707 670

�����

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.

Let Us Arrange The Wedding Of Your Dreams

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.

WRE NE CHU

BRO

OUT 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 0845 543 2203

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

World Titles Ltd 5-7 The Shambles Wetherby LS22 6NG Tel: 01937 58 58 00 Fax: 01937 58 28 00 www.worldwideweddingsmagazine.com

Publisher

Martin Cody-Owen cody@worldtitles.co.uk

Editor-in-Chief

Terri Cody-Owen terri@worldtitles.co.uk

Deputy Editor Richard Brugger Congratulations

CONGRATULATIONS! Exciting isn’t? He’s popped the question, you’re engaged and it’s starting to dawn on you that planning your wedding is your responsibility. Don’t panic! You’re not alone – there are many people out there to hold your hand every step of the way.

Don’t forget (as if you could), it’s your big day – so if your dream is to get married on a Caribbean island under a palm tree, or high above the sparkling Aegean Sea on a Greek Island, then go for it! You don’t have to settle for second best, put your foot down and have the wedding of your dreams.

Turn it into a ‘wedding holiday’ and you’ll soon see how excited your guests become as they plan their holiday in the sun (or snow!) around your wedding. Then you can tell them all to ‘Get Lost!’ (they won’t mind, honestly) whilst you enjoy another week, loved-up in blissful solitude!

That’s where Brides Abroad magazine can really help. We have hundreds of fab ideas for the most romantic and magical ceremonies, blessings and honeymoons – from snowy white weddings in spectacular glistening settings north of the Artic Circle (see our Winter Wonderland special pages 42-61) to exotic ceremonies in Sri Lanka – elephants included! (see our real wedding on page14).

As more and more brides discover the amazing cost savings to be achieved by getting married abroad, then the deals keep getting better as luxury resorts worldwide compete for your business. It’s exciting being in the driving seat and you’ll be amazed at how much clout you have when it comes to booking your wedding abroad. Feel the power, save the pounds!

Edtorial Assistant Carrie Edwards

Fashion Editor

Lulu Bousfield lulu@worldtitles.co.uk

Assistant to Publisher Patsy Owen

Contributors

Colette Harris Andrew Collier Maggie Stansfield Richard Brugger Jack Russell Tim Clarke

Photography Stuart Pearce Javan Liam Johnny Carr Dreamstime Istockphoto Photosearch

Design

Graeme Turner Karima El-hakkaoui

For helpful, knowledgeable advice ring our expert wedding and honeymoon planning team on 0119 927 2009 to help you put together your itinerary. They’re especially good on group bookings and will hold your hand all the way.

Printer

Don’t forget to visit our website – www.BridesAbroad.tv – it’s packed full of great hints and ideas, readers’ real wedding and honeymoon stories and incredible money-saving opportunities. Our special Honeymoon Deals could save you thousands – see our handpicked selection from the Maldives to the Mediterranean.

Advertising Sales Manager

And once you’ve tied the knot, don’t forget to come back and tell us all about it!

Most importantly, ENJOY!!

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

Sylvia Oakley sylvia@worldtitles.co.uk

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

Cover

Photograph in Austria, supplied by Verwöhnhotel Vötters Sportkristall GmbH

Terri Cody-Owen Editor–in-Chief terri@worldtitles.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv

©World Titles Ltd. 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 World Titles Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Brides Abroad magazineassume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in any offer, competition or advertisement contained within Worldwide Weddings & Honeymoons magazine.

For advertising and sponsorship call Sylvia Oakley on: 01937 585 800 or email sylvia@worldtitles.co.uk

SASSI HOLFORD

74 Fulham Road, London 020 7584 1532 selected stockists in UK, Europe & North America www.sassiholford.com

Contents 50

IN THIS ISSUE 20 28 35 36

News From sumptuous free ceremony to trashing the dress

Sensational in the sun

Cool bridal wear for hot destinations

Luscious lingerie

To melt his heart on your wedding day

Groomed to perfection

Lightweight suits for HIS big day in the sun

WEDDINGS 14 Exotic Sri Lanka 38 Get the look 44 Sparkling white weddings 50 Cool as ice 56 Mountain high 64 True love in Cyprus 70 Paradise in Portugal

Colourful real wedding extravaganza for Fergus and Jenevora Gorgeous gowns and accessories for country style and Ice Queens Incredible ideas for your winter wonderland wedding

Carly and Adam’s real Swedish wedding at the ICEHOTEL Say ‘I do’ at high altitudes in romantic mountain resorts Vikki and Paul tie the knot in a sunshine villa Edward and Michelle get lucky in love on the Algarve

76 92

D A B R O ID R E AD B RO S AB A ES A ID B BR S R E OAD D BRI November/Dece

mber 2010

November/December 2010

£3.99

£3.99

NS HO NE YM OO NG S &WE NGSDD&INHONEY MOONS W ED DIWEDDI GS & HO �����NE YM OO NS

� � � � �� � � �� ��� �� �� ��� �������

������� ������ ������������� � ������ ������

ecember 2010 November/D

£3.99

❤ ��� � ❤ ��❤��

������� ��� ��������� ���������������� ������ ���� �� ���� ����� �� �� �������� � ���� ���������� �� ���� ���� ��� � ����� ❤ ��❤ ������ ������� ������ �� �� �� ��������� ��������� ������ �� ❤ ���� ���� ����� ���� ��

��������� ����� ���� ���� ��� ��� � ������������ � ��� �� ������� ������� ������ �� �� ���� �������� ������ ������ ���� ���

� �������� ��� ��������

��� � �� �� �

� ��� � � ����� ��� ���� ������ �� � �� ��� ���������� ������� � ������ ���������� ������� ����� ������ � ��� ����������������� �� � ������� ������

14

Marry in Malta

Our 16-page Maltese wedding special

Australia – free your spirit!

From iconic weddings in Sydney to the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Plus products to make you shine

28

����������������� �������� ��������

��� �� ��� � �� � � �� ����� � ��� ����� � � � ������ � �� ���� ��� ������ �� � �� � � � �� � � �� ���� �� ����� �� �� ������� ��� ����

�������� � ����� �� ������ ���� �� ��� ������ ���� ���� ������ �

���������� ������

��� ���� ������ ������ ����� ������ �� ����� � ������ ��������� �� ������ ���� ������� ��� �� ��� �� �� ������������ �� ������� �� �������� �� ���� �������� �� ��� �������� �������� �������� ����

�

� ������ ��� ����� �� � ���� ��� �������� � ���� �� �� ������� � ���

SUBSCRIBE ������� � ���� ��� � �������� ��� ������

❤ �������� �������� ❤ ������� ����� ��� �������� ������ �������� ❤❤�� ����� �������� �������� ���� ���� ����� �� ��� ������� ❤��� ��������������� ���� ❤ ��������� ������ �������� �� ������� ❤ ����� �� ������ ❤ ������� �� �� �� ��� �� ���������� ❤��� �� ���

������ ������ ���������������� ����� ����������� ������

��� �������� �� ���������� �������� �����

SIX ISSUES £18.00 8 � ��������� ������� ����� �����

��

�� �� �� ���� � ����

�����

���� �������� ������������ �� ��� ���� ������ �� ��� ������������� �� ���� ��������� �������� �� ����� ��� ������� �� ������� �� ��� �� �� ������� �� �� ������ ���� ����� ��� ������ ������ ��������� ��� ���� ������� ������ ��� ������ ���� ��� ����� � ������� ���� ������� ������� �� �������

� ������ ������ ��

31/10/10

8 Worth 8 £23.94 inc FREE P&P www.BridesAbroad.tv/subrcibe cover final.indd

1

����

� ������ ������

20:03:36

31/10/10 20:03:36

cover final.indd 1

dd 1

cover final.in

31/10/10 20:03:36

147 COMPETITION WIN A DREAM HONEYMOON IN MAURITIUS WORTH £6000 www.BridesAbroad.tv 11

PLANNING can you expect from 100 What your guests?

Know your etiquette for destination weddings

102 106 108

Weather permitting

Worldwide weather guide

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

Pop the question

Your questions answered by expert wedding planners

HONEYMOONS 112 1200 miles of open road Share Tim and Claire’s fly-drive American adventure

118 120 132 132

132 118 48 124

12 www.BridesAbroad.tv

120

Honeymoon essentials

Must-have accessories for your ‘moon

Sizzling hot!

Itsy bikinis to turn up the heat

Mini-moon in Toulouse

Andy and Maggie explore the Pyrenees

Pampered couples!

Sublime spa honeymoons

Honeymoons beyond compare Asia Australia New Zealand South Pacific Africa Indian Ocean Caribbean ďż˝

Exclusive Wedding Gift List Service

Tu r q u o i s e The Turquoise Holiday Company Call or visit our website to order a brochure

01494 678 400 enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk

www.honeymoonworld.tv 9

REALWEDDINGS

Exotic Sri Lanka

Fergus, Jenevora and elephant make three!

14

W

hen Hampshire couple Jenevora Swann, a PR executive and Fergus Dunipace, a travel consultant, exchanged their vow in magical Sri Lanka, they took a ride on an exotically decorated elephant to ensure it would be a wedding they would never forget.

Finding ‘The One’...

Friends introduced us after a sailing regatta in Lymington. Fergus was very flirtatious and I did my best to resist his charms. However, there was definitely a sparkle from the start so it wasn’t long before I gave in!

The proposal He took me away for a weekend to Dartmouth.

He was a true gentleman and went down on one knee whilst out on a walk by the sea, just as the sun was setting. It was the perfect proposal. He took me by surprise when he proposed, though I’d been on tenterhooks for weeks waiting for it to happen.

Getting the look I wore a Maggie Sottero one-piece sheath light-gold gown with a sweetheart neckline,

shoestring straps and plunging back. The gown featured an illusion lace train and the lace was embellished with pearls, sequins, seed beads and bugle beads. I teamed it up with a pearl and crystal tiara. I also wore an aquamarine necklace and matching earrings.

I did my own hair and make-up, although the hotel’s hair stylist helped me arrange my hair and tiara.

Finishing touches I chose a beautiful bouquet of local flowers, which the hotel provided (and part of the wedding package arranged by Tropical Sky) and had a chocolate cake made by the hotel, also part of Tropical Sky’s wedding package.

As for the ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue – I’m not one for superstition so just wore a blue garter, which had been passed down through the family!

Fergus wore a lightweight cream linen suit with white linen short-sleeved shirt, and I had just one bridesmaid – my sister Debbie.

Location, location We chose to get married in Sri Lanka, mainly

because it had been so affected by the Tsunami (which happened a few weeks before we got engaged) and we wanted to take our tourism into a country that really needed it.

It is also a short plane ride – just over an hour – to the Maldives where we had booked our honeymoon.

We wanted to keep our wedding and honeymoon with the same hotel group.

The hotel we chose in Sri Lanka was The Fortress, which was new (so new in the fact that it opened just the week before we arrived to get married!). It’s in a beautiful location, just outside of Galle and overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Planning the big day We were so pleased to have the help of one of Tropical Sky’s wedding co-ordinators, Ally Tucker, who was an absolute star. She had visited the hotel and had taken photographs of the areas that we could get married – most important as we actually discovered that the garden would give us a better location than the beach and therefore I needed to ensure I wore my wedding shoes. It’s the little items like this and the attention to detail that a bride-to-be really needs to know! > www.BridesAbroad.tv 15

REALWEDDINGS

Tropical Sky’s wedding team were amazingly helpful, especially as we were taking quite a few family and friends with us. They were able to help with accommodating people, not just at The Fortress but at other hotels in the area, and to fit in with various budgets and lengths of stay.

A fair majority was planned before we went, but as I’d handed most of it over to Ally at Tropical Sky, there wasn’t too much for me to do.

Tropical Sky’s wedding package also included the wedding photographer. We had an excellent photographer called Janine Mapurunga (www.mapurunga.com) and also had a local videographer, too.

...And the guests We took 18 guests with us. Some stayed with us at The Fortress and others at suggested hotels nearby, which Tropical Sky arranged.

We knew that a lot of people wouldn’t make the wedding, but our immediate families were there which was so important. We also made sure we had a big party when we got home

16 www.BridesAbroad.tv

for all our family and friends – which meant I was lucky enough to wear my wedding dress twice!

Tensions mounting...

We arrived in Sri Lanka five days before our wedding – in accordance with the local marriage laws. Despite the fact that it was supposed to be the high season and sunny, there was a fair amount of rain around. In fact the day before the wedding we had monsoon-like weather and we were really worried that our friends and family had left the UK and were enroute to see us get married in a rainstorm! Thankfully, the day itself couldn’t have been better, with bright sunshine and a light breeze.

The ceremony Our ceremony took place in the hotel garden overlooking the Indian Ocean. It lasted just 15 minutes and we were married by the local registrar. My father, Nigel, was there to give me away, which was lovely.

The reception After our ceremony finished we held our reception at The Fortress in an outside restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. In keeping with the spectacular location we opted for a seafood BBQ, consisting of grilled lobster, mussels, prawns and local fish and, washed down with local cocktails, wine, and Lanson Champagne. The hotel had decorated the table with flowers and candles. It looked amazing!

Our first dance was a rendition of Have I Told You Lately? by Van Morrison and we had a fantastic local band that was surprisingly good!

Memories are forever...

The highlight had to be the elephant that not only stood patiently whilst the ceremony took place, but she then allowed us onto her back and took us for a walk along the beach.

Although I must admit that getting on to an elephant in a long, straight wedding gown was not easy. I literally had to balance on top of her and was really dependent on my husband holding me on; otherwise, I would have given everyone a cracking photo opportunity if I fell off and onto the beach below! >

‘We knew we wanted it to have a European feeling and had just been to Spain and Portugal’

17

REALWEDDINGS

When we got our official wedding photos back, our favourite has to be one of us sitting on the elephant – it just captures the fun, romance and idyllic setting of our wedding so well!

My funniest memory is my ‘Bridget Jones’ moment with my sister, Debbie, and best friend, Loretta, who were helping me get ready; armed with hairbrushes and glasses of champagne, we managed to sing rather loudly to Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. It certainly kept the tears and nerves at bay!

The honeymoon After the wedding we went on to the Maldives for our honeymoon, which is just an hour’s flight from Sri Lanka. We stayed for five nights at Huvafen Fushi, a luxury five-star resort,

18 www.BridesAbroad.tv

before transferring to Dhoni Mighili, where we enjoyed a week on one of the smallest islands, with just six beach cottages, each cottage came complete with its own Dhoni boat so you could choose to stay either on land or on the sea. We sailed around the various atolls each day and had our own butler and boat crew on-hand to attend to every need. It really was heaven on earth!

On Budget?

Through Tropical Sky, we paid about £3,500 in total, which included the elephant, our wedding package, scheduled flights from Heathrow and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. It was on budget, but we’d saved some extra money so we were able to splash out on a few treats such as an upgrade to business class flights, the live band and

a few extra bottles of Champagne on the wedding day!

Further information Tropical Sky www.tropicalsky.co.uk/weddings-abroad 0845 543 2203 ¢

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

GET JENOVORA’S LOOK Cinderella slipper by Freyarose. £675 www.freyarose.co.uk

A vision in ivory against an exotic Sri Lankan backdrop, steal Jenovara’s chic beach wedding style with a glamorous hint of hot reds

Ivory rose hair accessory by Rose Garden, £10 www.rosegardenaccessories.com

Stunning tiara in gold with diamante and ruby trim designed

by John Frost. £137.50 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Sensual silk dress by Amanda Wakeley www.amandawakeley.com

Triple flowered hair comb

by Rose garden, £58 www.rosegardenaccessories.com

Gold lotus flower earrings, 18 ct gold plate

by Victoria Walker, £180 www.vwjewellery.co.uk

Sensual silk dress

by Amanda Wakeley www.amandawakeley.com Pearl cluster tiara, style Audra

by Polly Edwards, £185 www,pollyedwards.com

Exotica wedding stationery

by Ananyacards www.ananyacards.com

19

CYCLE THE CAPE Looking for a honeymoon with a distinct difference? Well get on your bikes and explore South Africa’s beautiful and diverse Cape Province.

You can cycle on Table Top Mountain together, visit the African penguins on Boulders beach – and this is just in the first two days. Cycle through the Winelands of South Africa and toast your honeymoon with the finest South African vintages, then take to the rugged coastline of Cape Point, down the exhilarating off-road trails of Harkerville National Forest before visiting the Knysna Elephant Park. This really is an amazingly adventurous honeymoon that you can share for just £1,750 per person.

Book through Explore Worldwide. www.explore.co.uk

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

Free honeymoon in Nevis Perhaps it’s true, ‘There’s no such a thing as a free lunch,’ however, couples marrying at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis don’t get a free lunch, they get a Free honeymoon! The boutique plantation resort, set in a stunning beachside location, is offering couples booking one week with breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner, a second week for free on a bed and breakfast basis. Nisbet Plantation’s wedding package includes the wedding ceremony, bouquet/ flowers, wedding cake, champagne and photography. The package also includes two one-hour massages at the resort’s Palms Spa to help calm pre-wedding nerves. Tropic Breeze (01548 831 550, www.tropicbreeze. co.uk) offers a 14-night wedding and honeymoon at Nisbet Plantation from £2,499 per person. The price includes the wedding package, accommodation and return flights with BA and airport transfers. The offer is for bookings made by 15 December 2010 for stays up to 31 May 2011 (excluding Christmas and Easter). www.nisbetplantation.com

20 www.BridesAbroad.tv

❤ Free!

NIGHT AND DAY AT INTERNATIONAL DATELINE Imagine a honeymoon where you can have one foot in today and the other in tomorrow. Impossible? Not if you travel to the International Dateline. Known as ‘the garden of Fiji’, Taveuni Island, on Fiji’s remote North East coast is also on the doorstep of the best soft coral diving in the world. Captain Cook Cruises offers the 7-night Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise – an amazing cruise that reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of standing on the International Dateline and beyond to the very remote, exotic Yasawa Islands for a very romantic Fijian islands honeymoon adventure. www.captaincook. com.au. Alternatively, Blue Lagoon Cruises is also offering a ‘Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise’ programme. For further information log on to www.bluelagooncruises.com

Avoid weighty issues!

Budget airlines may offer unbelievable great deals on airfares; however, the price can rise substantially if you are taking luggage with you. Even if you only take one piece of the right size of cabin luggage, you can still incur an additional charge if your luggage is over the current stated allowed weight for your airline. It’s important to be confident in the knowledge of exactly what your suitcase weighs.

Take the stress out of luggage check-ins with FlyLight self-weighing luggage. You simply pack your case; pull on the handle and the LCD screen on your FlyLight case will tell you exactly how much it weighs! It really is that simple. In a choice of colours, FlyLight will help you keep the savings you originally made on your flights by ensuring you stay within the stated weight guidelines. www.flylightluggage.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv 21

BRIDES ABROAD���� NILE IN STYLE Few places in the world can offer honeymooners the wonder and attractions, culture, history and superb weather that can be found in Egypt.

Sprinkled with a magnificent mixture of monuments and masterpieces, it has some of the most spectacular sightseeing in the world. Tour operator, Tropical Sky (www.tropicalsky.co.uk) has devised new tailor-made Egyptian honeymoon tours, which combine a few nights in Cairo and a chance to visit the pyramids and Sphinx, with a luxury Nile cruise. Packages include: Incredible Egypt Tour: Cairo & Nile Cruise – cruise the Nile on a seven-night round-trip from Luxor on a small, traditional cruise ship wind-powered by two sails, with ten deluxe cabins with large picture windows. Price £1,719 per person including flights and a three-night stay at the 5-star Oberoi Mena House, Cairo. Alternatively, from £2,749 pp, including flights, Oberoi Deluxe Cairo & Nile Cruise offers a luxury cruise on Oberoi Zahra, one of the most luxurious ships on the Nile and perfect for honeymooners looking to push the boat out! The ship has just 25 cabins and two suites, plus a pool, spa and gym. Call Tropical Sky on 0870 907 9600 or log on to www.tropicalsky.co.uk

Get married for free in St. Lucia!

If the scenic views of St Lucia’s Piton Mountains, the crystal waters lapping its idyllic beaches and the superb climate aren’t enough to make your wedding day perfect, the fact that your wedding is completely FREE is definitely the icing on the cake!

Next summer, guests staying in one of Jade Mountain’s infinity pool sanctuaries between 1st August-30th September 2011 are invited to ‘Take the Plunge’ and get married free of charge. The free wedding includes: Justice of the Peace costs, registrar, wedding license, marriage certificate and all legal fees; services of the resort’s personal wedding coordinator; transportation of documents; witnesses (if required); choice of wedding locations on the 600 acre property including Treehouse and Kai La Mer; decoration of wedding location; wedding bouquet; buttonhole; cake; champagne and decorated dinner table for wedding party. Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start at £787 based on two sharing in a star sanctuary, plus 18 per cent tax/service (five night Minimum stay applies). www.jademountain.com

❤ Free!

22

www.sarah-houston.com www.bridesabroad.tv 23

BRIDES ABROAD���� TRASH THE DRESS! Having had a fairytale French Chateau wedding in June, Aisling Gray wanted to do something a little different to break the traditional wedding mould. A few months later, following the latest trend, she dusted off her wedding dress, squeezed back into it and had what she describes as “the most amazing and liberating experience “ as she ‘trashed’ it on a beach in Rye, Sussex. Aisling came across Trash the Dress when she was researching her wedding and thought the photos online were stunning. She says: “I like the symbolism behind it – I am committing myself 100 per cent to my husband and will never again wear a wedding dress. I’m a modern bride and don’t conform to the typical role of ‘wife’ so I quite liked the idea of doing something to break the traditional wedding mould.” After the ‘Trashing’ ceremony, she admits that she took her wedding dress to the drycleaners and it is now as good as new and gathering dust in the attic, just like most other brides!

Laurence Llewelyn Bowen to plan your wedding?

The luxurious Trou aux Biches in Mauritius has been a longstanding favourite with wedding and honeymoon couples for many years, renowned for its signature Mauritian style. It has now re-opened with a hot new look, following a complete renovation, whilst retaining its charm. To celebrate the re-launch, Trou aux Biches is offering one lucky couple who book a wedding at this luxury hotel the chance to set their marriage off to a stylish start by winning the services of Beachcomber’s Wedding Ambassadors, Laurence and Jackie Llewelyn Bowen to style their Big Day. Renowned interior designer

24 www.BridesAbroad.tv

and TV personality Laurence is well known for his eye-catching style and creativity, and his wife is the author of the Debrett’s wedding guide. They have helped Beachcomber create wedding packages at all their hotels throughout Mauritius and the Seychelles, so the winning couple will be sure to have a magnificent wedding! All couples booking their wedding at Trou aux Biches by 1st February 2011 will be entered into a draw to win this fabulous prize. Beachcomber tours offers 7-nights in a junior Suite on half-board basis, including flights from £1,635 per person. www.beachcombertours.co.uk.

www.honeymoonworld.tv 21

BRIDES ABROAD����

Honeymoon gift list Sandals Resorts, the Caribbean’s leader in destination weddings has introduced its online Sandals Honeymoon & Wedding Gift Directory. The new online gift registry service is complimentary for all Sandals Resorts guests, and enhances the destination wedding experience with individually tailored registry options that allow couples to select from a menu of honeymoon experiences. “Now friends and families can give brides and grooms the gifts of their choice to make all their honeymoon wishes come true,” says Joann Delgin, Director of Romance at Sandals Resorts. Once the couple is registered, friends and family are invited to log on and browse the range of exclusive Sandals resorts gift experiences available.

Whether it is a welcome bottle of champagne, a candlelight dinner on the beach, an upgrade to a honeymoon suite, a scuba diving course, spa treatment or simply a credit towards their honeymoon stay, the list of gift options is endless. Couples can register early to allow for gift money to come in advance, helping alleviate the initial costs of the honeymoon trip. Call 0800 022 3331 or visit http://registry.sandals.co.uk

❤ Free!

GET DANCING! Inspired by the ever popular Strictly Come Dancing, couples are stepping out and investing in dance lessons to train them for that moment when all eyes are upon them when they take to the floor for their First Dance. Set up in 2003, First Dance UK has recently announced that it has trained its 5000th couple in preparation for their Big Day. First Dance UK assists couples around the UK with making their wedding song and first dance a truly unique and memorable experience. First Dance UK provides coaching in the comfort of a couple’s own home, covering a wide variety of dance styles including Salsa, Jazz, Ballroom and bespoke dance routines. With over 300 dance teachers and choreographers throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, there is always a teacher available to travel to a couple. So put your best foot forward and get dancing! www.firstdanceuk.co.uk 26 www.BridesAbroad.tv

FREE NIGHTS IN ST VINCENT

Honeymooners staying at the secluded Caribbean hideaway of Petit St. Vincent can now enjoy two fabulous complimentary nights stay when they book seven nights or longer this winter, making their dream island honeymoon last even longer. The idyllic paradise of Petit St. Vincent boasts two miles of white sandy beaches, surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, set in a lush tropical landscape. Enjoy this tranquil Caribbean ambience with great savings when travelling over the following dates this winter: January 8 - January 21, March 12 – April 8, and April 9 - April 30, 2011. ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www. itcclassics.co.uk) is offering nine nights at Petit St. Vincent from £3,395 per person based on two adults sharing a Cottage on a full-board basis including economy flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Barbados and shared charter flight to Union Island and transfers. Includes two complimentary nights, saving up to £875 per person! www.psvresort.com

ALFRED

SUNG

alfredsungbridals.com www.bridesabroad.tv 27

Sensational in the

SUN Getting married abroad doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your dream dress. Go for the wow-factor in a gorgeous gown says fashion editor Lulu Bousfield

28 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Dress: Lyn Ashworth www.lynashworth.co.uk Headdress: Polly Edwards www.pollyedwards.com Shoes: Rachel Simpson www.rachelsimpsonshoes.com Sunglasses: Want Sunglasses www.wantsunglasses.co.uk

29

Dress: Amanda Wakely www.amandawakely.com Headwear: Accessorize www.monsoon.co.uk

30 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Dress: Ugo Zaldi www.ugozaldi.com Headwear: Rose Garden www.rosegardenaccessories.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv 31

Dress: Pepe Botella www.beautifulbridalboutique.co.uk Headwear: Polly Edwards www.pollyedwards.com Shoes: Rachel Simpson Shoes www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

32

Dress: Godiva by Johanna Hehir www.johanna-hehir.com Headwear & Jewellery: Polly Edwards www.pollyedwards.com Handbag: Accessorize www.monsoon.co.uk Shoes: Rachel Simpson www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv 33

Headwear: Rose Garden www.rosegardenaccessories.co.uk Necklace: Polly Edwards www.pollyedwards.com Shoes: Rachel Simpson www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk Long bridesmaid dress: Kelsey Rose www.harrogatedressingroom.co.uk Headwear: Rose Garden www.harrogatedressingroom.co.uk Necklace: Polly Edwards www.pollyedwards.com

34 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Photographer: Stuart Pearce. www.stuartpearce.com Hair and Make-up: Susie Kennett. www.susiekennett.com Stylist: Lulu BousďŹ eld. Models: Chloe Othen. www.missengland.info www.catwalk-uk.com Photographed on location in Majorca.

In and around The Beach House, Betlem. www.mallorcabeachhouse.com

Short bridesmaid dress: Kelsey Rose www.harrogatedressingroom.co.uk

Lingerie to love Mystery baby doll in black £22 www.annsummers.com

Lace tights

Encore bra £20 Thong £8 and Waspie £14 Cami suspenders £35

www.marksandspencer.com

www.annsummers.com

Ted Baker padded balcony bra £22.50. Mini brief £12.50 www.debenhams.com

Diamond boutique bra £16.00 Short £8.00 www.tesco.com

Eternal Spirits Kyoto Audrey silk satin corset in ivory £660.00 www.eternalspirits.com

WorldwideWeddingsMagazine.com www.bridesabroad.tv 35 31

Groom’s outfit: Lightweight suit from Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com

36 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Photographer: Stuart Pearce. www.stuartpearce.com Hair and Makeup: Susie Kennett. www.susiekennett.com Stylist: Lulu Bousfield. Model: Adam Ullah. www.catwalk-uk.com Photographed on location in Majorca.

In and around The Beach House, Betlem. www.mallorcabeachhouse.com

Groomed to perfection

Grooms outfit: Shirt and Men’s black tie Christian Dior waistcoat by Youngs sunglasses 105’s. £120 Gent’s bracelet www.youngsbrideandgroom.co.uk www.wantsunglasses.co.uk watch £495 www.dreyfussandco.com

Grooms outfit: Lightweight suit by Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com Sunglasses: Tag Heuer www.cameronbeaumont.com

The Pantonechip cufflinks. £49 www.soniaspencer.co.uk

Evolution point toe formal shoe £85 www.frenchconnection.com

Grooms outfit: Shirt and waistcoat by Youngs www.youngsbrideandgroom.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv 37

FABFOUR Sublime spa facial Yon-Ka Evasion Sensorielle (60 mins)

FOUR WAYS TO ACHIEVE A PEACHES & CREAM COMPLEXION IN TIME FOR YOUR BIG DAY

De-stress your skin and soothe your mind in time for your wedding day with Yon-Ka’s Evasion Sensorielle, an aromatic spa facial, which uses sensual brushing to give you the ultimate in TLC. The treatment restores freshness, tone and luminosity to the skin, beginning with cleansing to remove impurities using aromatic compresses, followed by a gentle massage with two sensual feather-light fan brushes to caress the face, neck, upper chest, arms and hands to stimulate the nerve endings and re-establish energy flow. This is followed by an oxygenating manual massage using warm Phyto 58 and Yon-Ka serum and Phyto Contour on the eye area. After the massage, a Masque Lift is applied to the face to boost the complexion. Once this is removed hot compresses are applied to the skin, then it is stroked again with the fan-shaped brushes. Finally a hydrating fruitelia base is applied to enhance glow. For your nearest Yon-Ka spa log onto: www.yonka.com

Star product

Skin Gym Give your skin a powerful workout before your wedding with the SkinGym, available through SkinGenesis cosmetic clinics in Leeds and Manchester. SkinGym is the ultimate fitness regime for tired skins and includes an intensive six-week course of treatments starting with a consultation, using high-tech equipment to analyse the skin, checking for UV sun damage, Ph balance and hydration levels. A bespoke programme of treatments is then designed to treat individual skin problems – from acne to ageing, which includes three Peptide Peels and three Pumpkin Peels administered alternately in successive weeks, accompanied by a home skincare regime to prep the skin for treatments, using DermaQuest products. Individual Skin Peels cost from £95. A SkinGym anti-ageing course starts at £1,399 for six treatments and includes Ultrasonic Skin Toning, Microdermabrasion and a DermaQuest Skin Therapy skincare kit. www.skingenesis.co.uk 38 www.bridesabroad.tv

Fab fillers The best kept secret to a plumped, younger looking skin is Restylane Vital® and Restylane Light® fillers – non-surgical skin revitalization treatments, which deliver deep dermal hydration, moisturizing the skin from within to improve its smoothness, elasticity and hydration for a glowing complexion on your big day and beyond. As you age, your skin’s natural levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is vital in maintaining a healthy, hydrated complexion, begin to fall. Restylane® treatments involve a series of micro-injections of pure hyaluronic acid gel over two or three sessions to replenish the skin by stimulating collagen production and improve the skin’s elasticity. It can be used as a skin booster for the mid to lower face and to smooth and hydrate the backs of hands and décolletage.

A course of three treatments costs in the region of £450 at Fiona & Marie’s Aesthetics Ltd on Harley Street, London. www.fionamarie.co.uk. For your nearest Restylane clinic log on to www.restylane.co.uk

Africology Aloe Ferox Serum For a plumped, radiant, youthful complexion, the Aloe Ferox Serum (£26.50, 25 ml) is South Africa’s secret for young, fresh looking skin. The Aloe Ferox plant grows wild only in the Cape Province of South Africa, and has a positive effect on the fibroblasts as well as stimulating collagen. It has a natural calming effect on the skin, while firming and lifting. www.africology-sa.comOnce After this is removed hot compresses are applied to the skin, then it is stroked again with the fan-shaped brushes. Finally a hydrating fruitelia base is applied to enhance glow.

For your nearest Yon-Ka spa log onto: www.yonka.com

Why should I look like this?

When inside I feel like this?

Nowadays, getting older doesn’t have to mean looking older.

With RestylaneÂŽ you can improve the condition and appearance of your skin boosting glow and lustre. Restylane gets to the heart of ageing skin; restoring lost volume to provide youthful shape to your face, banishing niggling lines and imperfections, to refresh your looks naturally.

So if you want to look how you feel and surgery seems a step too far, turn to Restylane. The filler that is tried, tested, trusted.

To find out more visit our website.

Restylane is a trademark owned by Q-Med AB

www.restylane.co.uk

BY M ON C HERI

Destinations

DOM BRIDALS, 30 Norman Way, Over, Cambs CB24 5QE | Tel: 01954 232102 | email: weddings@mon-cheri.co.uk

www.mon-cheri.co.uk 42 www.bridesadbroad.tv

GET THE LOOK:

Sequin bag, £22 www.Next.co.uk

Country Girl

Be pretty as a picture and delightfully traditional when you say ‘I do’ in a rustic country setting, such as a villa in Italy, a charming country house or a rural church. Get the look with a mix of delicate lace fabrics and floral accessories

Jennifer Flower and net headband hat www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Wounderland chain belt, £29.99 www.riverisland.com

Lilly shoes by Rachel Simpson, £145 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Juliette Gold, pearl and crystal tiara, £200. www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Flower ring by Francis Mertens, £695 www.astleyclarke.com

Lace dress by Nicola Anne, style Beatrix. www.nicolaanne.co.uk

Bridal veil by Vivien Sheriff, style Evelyn. www.viviensheriff.co.uk

41

���������

����� �������� Be the coolest couple around when you say ‘I do’ by wowing your guests with the ultimate white wedding. Choose a stylish winter wonderland destination and theme with an ethereal venue and delicate decorations, and be sure to dress to impress as well as keep out the chill winds

Exchange Vows in Verbier If you want to combine your nuptials with a totally chilled ski holiday, then the beautiful Swiss hamlet of Verbier is a fabulous choice. You can have a civil, catholic or protestant blessing ceremony in the pretty Le Hameau Chapel, which is located at the heart of Verbier and is the perfect venue for small, intimate wedding ceremonies. After the wedding service champagne and canapés can be served in the courtyard outside the chapel, during which time you and your guests can drink in the magnificent snowy views of the Combins and Mont Blanc in the distance. Your wedding reception can be hosted in the restaurant next to the chapel and accommodation in romantic hotels, apartments and pretty chalets is available in the village to suit the budget of you and your guests. Skiing has put Verbier on the map and the resort offers you an excellent chance to combine your wedding with a mountain ski adventure with awe-inspiring scenery as a backdrop. www.myweddinginswitzerland.com

44

Sensational snow in Sweden Marry in an ice palace in Sweden’s incredibly stylish ICE HOTEL in Kiruna, where TV’s Loose Women presenter Andrea MacLean was one of 19 guests at her sister Linda’s Ice Wedding last year. Linda and her husband Rory exchanged their vows in temperatures of –30 degrees C at the ICE HOTEL, which they booked through Discover the World.

After the couple had declared ‘I do’ in the magnificent Ice Church, the wedding party toasted them with brightly coloured vodka cocktails in the ICE BAR, served in glasses carved from ice before Linda and Rory retired to the spectacular Ice Room to spend their wedding night snuggling together on a block of ice covered in reindeer skin. Discover the World has put together a range of tailor-made wedding packages for weddings and blessings at the ICE HOTEL, which start at around £1,390. www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Ice queen in Quebec Between January 7 and March 27 2011, you can enter a magical world where snow and ice are transformed into fabulous decor at Canada’s only Ice Hotel, where warm hospitality contrasts with the cold surroundings. With snow archways towering over five-metres tall and crystal ice sculptures, it provides the most stunning backdrop to your Ice Wedding. Couples may marry in the Hotel de Glace chapel, where the décor changes every winter – but the beauty and breathtaking splendour remains the same from year to year. Imagine pulling up to the chapel in a horse-drawn sleigh and walking down a red carpet set against the sparkling white snow. Or you can renew your marriage vows under a hail of fireworks. www.hoteldeglacecanada.com

www.BridesAdbroad.tv 45

The crystal bouquet For a unique take on a floral bouquet, brides can choose a crystal bouquet or a crystal ball filled with flowers. John Frost Designer Bridal Wear has created spectacular crystal bouquets with matching tiaras that make an excellent alternative for flowers for your ice castle wedding.

Further information: John Frost Designer Bridal Wear (01977 552913).

The Snowflake Cake And for the icing on the cake, turn the traditional glamour of a white wedding cake into an awe-inspiring mountain of snowflakes. Couture Cakes has stylishly created a four-tier ‘Snowflake Winter Wedding Cake’ or for a more delicate offering, guests can help themselves to layers of Snowflake Miniatures. www.couture-cakes.co.uk

46

Dressed to chill Winter doesn’t always mean bundling on the layers, especially on your wedding day! Elegant long laced sleeves, sumptuous fabrics and fur boleros create a look, which oozes sophistication. Caroline Castigliano comments: “For the winter bride, the perfect wrap or shrug is crucial to any outfit, and vital to creating the overall look. It can determine whether a bride is pure red carpet glamour or more understated. I would recommend a luxuriously long velvet cape or an exquisitely detailed fur wrap.”

Caroline Castigliano’s Katia dress is a favourite for brides wanting to keep stylishly warm – team it with a Russian fur hat and fur hand warmer muff for the ultimate in snow princess! www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk

All wrapped up Justine Horrocks Kiruna Collection is a superb range of exclusive bridal coats, which were inspired by her own wedding at the ICEHOTEL Sweden (www.icehotel.com). Justine explains “It was all about the coat for me and I wanted one to match the sheer beauty of the Ice Church.” The coats are all crafted from quality silks and made in the UK. Her six designs each create a unique and fascinating impression, ranging from dreamy and romantic to edgy and futuristic. www.justinehorrocks.co.uk

Cool rocks For the ultimate in wowfactor, be sure to sparkle with a glistening rock on the third finger left hand and flash your superb engagement ring for your guests to see. Ring

by Alexis Jewels. Email chris@alexisjewels.com Telephone 020 7405 0649.

By appointment only.

47

Icy invitations

Give your guests the flavour of things to come with themed invitations that are seriously cool for winter weddings.

Perspex wedding invitations are eye catching and create the illusion of a being carved out of an engraved sheet of ice. www.cleartouch.co.uk. Or go for wedding stationery of a more conventional–style with Snow Kissed Gold–a beautiful snowflake design with Swarovski crystal detail from Ivy Ellen’s handmade collection. www.ivyellen.com .

Table sparkle

Hot heads

Give your tables an extra special finishing touch with Swarovski Table Crystals–simply scatter on tables for a dazzling effect. They are available in a multitude of colours to match your colour scheme, but for a winter effect choose either clear or red. www.scattercrystals.co.uk.

Frosty reception Amongst the dreamy whites of winter, splashes of festive colour add vibrancy to Christmas inspired wedding celebrations.

Pretty Vintage’s eclectic range of crockery includes red and white spotted tablewear with matching napkin holder ribbons, as well as a selection of snowflake style doilies and lace tablecloths. Pretty Vintage hires a complete collection of all things old and beautiful.

Create an ice effect on your tables with clear Perspex place name blocks with the

48 www.BridesAdbroad.tv

Look hot and be an Ice Queen with a stunning crystal tiara or headband to reflect the light and shimmer against the glistening white backdrop. We love this sparkling headband by Polly Edwards (www.pollyedwards.com).

Or alternatively, go for something more dramatic, like the feather headwear from Vivien Sheriff Bridal Collection www.viviensheriff.co.uk

name of your guests. They look like small cubes of ice and are engraved with the guest’s name, the name of bride and groom and the date of the wedding day. They make wonderful keepsakes afterwards!

Keep your table looking cool, trendy and paper-free with ice-effect mirror or Perspex table menus. www.cleartouch.co.uk Instead of flowers, why not use sparkling fairy lights tucked inside a large glass vase as a table centre decoration: Or fill a vase with branches decorated with fairy lights to twinkle on the table. If you are planning a Christmas wedding, choose holly.

London’s exclusive floral designer, Desmond Talbot, provides wintery romance with miniature and life-size Christmas trees and sophisticated but seasonal colour schemes such as silver and white, burgundy, forest green and gold. www.desmondtalbot.com

BY APPOINTMENT

KNIGHTSBRIDGE 154 BROMPTON RD 020 7993 9622 LONDON W1 62 BERNERS ST 020 7636 8212 BATH 5-6 SAW CLOSE 01225 789900 EDINBURGH 6 WATERLOO PL 0131 558 3355 GUILDFORD 10 TUNSGATE 01483 449994 LEEDS 12 THE HEADROW 0113 234 0990

PHOTOGRAPHY CLIVE ARROWSMITH: LOCATION THE LANGHAM LONDON

WILMSLOW 40 WATER LANE 01625 536262

‘UNIQUE AND EXCLUSIVE, INDULGE IN THE LUXURY OF A CASTIGLIANO CREATION’ WWW.CAROLINECASTIGLIANO.CO.UK www.bridesadbroad.tv 49

REALWEDDINGS

Cool as Ice!

Adam and Carly’s frosty reception in Sweden

50

W

hen letting agent Carly Seymour and Adam Start from North Warnborough, Hampshire, decided to tie the knot, they chose the ICEHOTEL in Sweden for a wedding that was a seriously chilled affair.

Finding the ‘One’ We first met when Adam came into the property letting agency where I worked and I showed him around a house on a Friday, and by the following Monday Adam had asked me out for dinner! That first date was the start of what is now coming up to a nine-year relationship, sealed by our wedding ceremony at the famous ICEHOTEL in Sweden. When I saw Adam that first time it was definitely love at first sight!

The proposal Adam proposed during a weekend spa break at Champneys Health Resort. After dinner we went for an evening stroll around the lake in the resort’s grounds. There was a full moon that night, it was very romantic. Then he took me completely by surprise and popped the question by the lake!

Location, location When we decided to get married we wanted something unique and memorable, we are not very traditional, and doing it this way was a lot easier to manage than a full-scale family wedding. We knew we wanted to see the Northern Lights, and we had seen documentaries on the ICEHOTEL so, to be honest, we made our mind up within about five minutes or giving it serious thought.

Planning the big day

We didn’t have a wedding planner per se, but the arrangements were handled by Discover the World in the UK, and in Sweden by the local lady who actually married us – she made sure we got to the Registry Office in the morning, and then conducted the ceremony in the main corridor of the ICEHOTEL in the afternoon. Our travel company, Discover the World, was very helpful with all the arrangements. It was one of the easiest holidays we have ever planned, let alone the fact that we had a wedding on top of that. We had excellent help building the comprehensive itinerary for our stay, and everything went 100 per cent according to plan. Honestly, it could not have gone any better! It really didn’t take a huge amount of planning – a few calls with the rep at Discover the World, and a couple of emails later we were done!

...And the guests?

We went alone! Just the two of us. www.BridesAbroad.tv 51

REALWEDDINGS

52 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Getting the look I wore a strapless, floor-length ivory gown with a white faux fur jacket with fingerless gloves. On my feet I wore pretty ballet-type shoes, but changed into snow boots for the photos before my feet froze! I also wore a bracelet that I bought from the ICEHOTEL gift shop and a wedding ring and earrings made especially for the big day by my friend. For my something OLD I wore an old necklace, my something NEW was the ICEHOTEL bracelet, BORROWED was my fur jacket and for the something BLUE, my lips definitely ticked that box!!! I did my own hair and make-up.

Adam wore a Jaguar suit with a couple of unusual additions – namely his thermal ski boots and a thermal vest – well it was minus eight degrees C in the ICEHOTEL!

The Fine details Given that the temperature in the ICEHOTEL is so cold, flowers don’t tend to last that long, and we knew that the total length of the wedding and the photos after would be twothree hours. As such, I made my own flowers using artificial lilies with a ribbon to match Adam’s tie. The photos prove that this was a good decision!

We didn’t have a cake. In fact, after we were done with the photos, we had Vodka shots in the Ice Bar and then went back to our room to change before going for some dinner at the ICEHOTEL restaurant.

Photographic memories The photos were taken by a local guy called Kent Tunlind, with his wife as the lighting assistant. It took around two hours to get all the photos done. As it was so cold in the ICEHOTEL, and I wanted to take my jacket off for a lot of the photos, we had to keep going inside to the warm fire in an adjacent building to warm up every 20 minutes. It was an interesting experience for sure, and well worth a few chattering teeth!

Our favourite photo is one of the two of us lying on our front in the Art Suite Room, where we stayed on our first night. We like this because the Art Suites are special one-off rooms that only a few people will ever stay in, so the combination of us dressed up and in the room we slept in, makes that particular photo very special to us.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 53

REALWEDDINGS

The ceremony As we were having a civil ceremony, which precluded us from using the Ice Chapel, we chose to get married at the end of the main corridor in front of the Ice-Brick window. This gave us an excellent backdrop, and a view right down through the main corridor as we were married. It was just amazing! The ceremony lasted around 20 minutes. The local lady who married us does all the ICEHOTEL weddings.

She was lovely and wore a traditional robe for the wedding, and after the ceremony finished, she presented us with home-made candles, which is a Swedish tradition.

We didn’t have any guests, and nobody ‘gave me away’ but we did have an audience of around 40 complete strangers (some we had met on the plane and on excursions and others who were on day visits to the ICEHOTEL) who let out an enormous cheer as the ceremony finished! As we were married during the day, the ICEHOTEL, which is open just for guests at night, was open to the public.

We were a bit unsure about how this would play out, but in fact it really compensated for not having our families and our daughter there – and we felt like celebrities with our photos being taken by so many people.

54 www.BridesAbroad.tv

The reception We didn’t have a reception. We wanted privacy after the wedding, and as we had no guests, we simply went for a meal. We ate a traditional Swedish buffet with wine, and then took a stroll around the complex under the clear skies. We saw more stars than I have ever seen before!

Moments that last forever Our best memory (other than the actual wedding ceremony itself) was the night before the wedding when we went on an expedition using snowmobiles, up onto a mountain where we watched the Northern Lights above us and then made our way to traditional huts with a log fire in the centre where 12 of us sat around the edge, watching our guide cook traditional Swedish fayre to warm us – including Moose Soup (which was very nice!). The funniest memory was when Adam went on a husky ride – so glad he had two people in front of him to hide behind, as 12 huskies create quite a constant and large amount of gas!

On budget?

All in, with expeditions, Art Suite upgrade, wedding costs etc, it cost us around £8K. It was certainly a lot cheaper than it would have been to get married in the UK and then go on a honeymoon, so this option most probably saved us a fortune!

Further information Discover The World www.discover-the-world.co.uk Photography: Kent Tunlind. ¢

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 55

Mountain high!

If you want your wedding abroad to be more winter wonderland than barefoot on the beach, these ideas will give you the wow-factor on the day – and in your photographs

Beautiful Banff Unwind after your wedding in the natural Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park, Canada, where wide, sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks are never far away. In a world of magical outdoor exploration, you can pamper yourself in world-class spas after ziplining, skiing, backpacking and hiking, or hit the saloons, bars and clubs that make the nightlife buzz.

A deluxe wedding package from Virgin in the Banff National Park starts from £1,959. Weddings are held outside against the stunning Rockies scenery. Packages include your marriage certificate, Bridal bouquet and Groom’s buttonholes, bottle of sparkling wine, handmade wedding cake and photographer and 45 photos, for the couple and up to six guests. These packages can be combined with a honeymoon to explore fully the beautiful National Parks, driving scenic routes past breathtaking views and stopping at little towns and villages along the way.

Book it!

Log on to www.virginholidays.com

56 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Adore Ardanaiseig Have a magical Highland wedding at Ardanaiseig Highland, a hotel on the banks of Loch Awe, at the foot of Ben Cruachan, offering an enchanting backdrop for a winter wedding. You and up to 48 guests can celebrate in this 4★ baronial-style country house hotel, with sumptuous antique interiors and crackling log fires. The ceremony itself can take place in the Drawing Room or in a specially built amphitheatre in the grounds.

The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Loch, where a sparkling Christmas tree sits on its very own island during the festive season. A traditional ceilidh in the Drawing Room, with fireworks on the lawn provides a magical evening for everyone. Ardanaiseig was crowned Scotland’s Most Intimate Wedding Venue 2010, and won Scotland’s most Romantic Hotel Restaurant 2010, so it couldn’t be more fitting. A contemporary private Boatshed suite, with views of snow-capped mountains, is great for your first night. The experts at 5starweddingdirectory.com will help you put your Ardanaiseig wedding together, pulling in stylish touches such as a harpist, crystal bouquet and wow-factor flowers.

Book it!

For more information and to discuss prices, contact Yasmine Torab at www.5starweddingdirectory.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 57

Indulgent Igloos Head to Val D’Isere in France, and you can get married – or have a blessing – during an Igloo evening, an original way to start your new life as a married couple, in style!

Surrounded by a blanket of sparking white, you can toast each other with a glass of champagne in front of the Mont Blanc, before settling down to a cheese fondue in the warmth of your yurt; dessert awaits you in the igloo! After having explored the surroundings on a skidoo, you can ski back down to the resort in a sea of dancing lights to your first night as man and wife.

If you want to invite a party of family and friends, the town is known for its bars and nightclubs, and upmarket English crowd, as well as spectacular scenery, so makes a great destination for a long weekend, especially if you love skiing!

Book it!

Prices for igloo weddings on application from Jean-Michel Bertrand on val. alaska@wanadoo.fr or +33(0)6 09 36 02 66

Marry by the Matterhorn Tucked away in the beautiful Swiss village of Zermatt, the Hotel Alex (www. hotelalexzermatt.com ) is a luxury boutique hotel and spa, which creates bespoke winter weddings for couples who like a cosy, family-run atmosphere along with their spa treatments, wine cellar, cocktail bar and cigar lounge! Zermatt nestles in a deep valley, enclosed between steep mountainsides, and is dominated by the huge and gracefully curved pyramid of the Matterhorn, a stunning backdrop for a wedding celebration. You can have wonderful pictures in the cobbled streets, and on sleighs in the car-free town, which prides itself on being welcoming and friendly.

The Hotel Alex team will organize everything you want, from A to Z, including a church service in Zermatt’s English church, to music menus, wedding tower cake and wines. Big weddings are no problem – you can fit up to 170 people in the hotel – and if you wanted more guests, there’s a sister hotel, Schlosshotel Tenne for extra people. Prices for weddings depend on guest numbers, and what kind of details you want.

Book it!

Contact info@hotelalexzermatt.com to find out more. For more information on travelling to Switzerland. www.myswitzerland.com 58 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Love on Lake Louise In true North American style, you can get married anywhere that takes your fancy if you choose to tie the knot at Canada’s Lake Louise. How about a wedding on the ski hill facing the frozen Lake Louise or even in the elegance of Chateau Lake Louise? In the heart of the stunning Canadian National Park, you can say ‘I do’ surrounded by breathtaking scenery, then hole up for a romantic honeymoon in the intimate village of Lake Louise where the beautiful lake will take your breath away. You – and your guests – can go on husky dog sled rides, snowmobiles, heli-skiing and even trips to Calgary for shopping and ice hockey to complete your Canadian experience.

Crystal Ski will tailor-make your itinerary, but recommends you arrive there two or three days before the wedding to make sure everything is in place. A basic wedding package at Lake Louise Ski Hills for up to 12 people, including bride and groom, costs £1,499 per couple, and includes: Marriage Licence, Marriage commissioner who will conduct the civil ceremony, hand-held bridal bouquet (in seasonal flowers), buttonhole for the groom, bottle of sparkling wine and services of a wedding planner.

Book it!

Photo: www.peakphotographs.ca

Call the weddings team on 0871 230 8123 or email weddingsdept@tuiski.com. www.crystalski.co.uk/extras/skiweddings.shtml

www.BridesAbroad.tv 59

Austrian Attraction Other great winter wonderland destinations include...

Lake Bled in Slovenia Get married in a civil ceremony by the spectacular Lake, surrounded by the Julian Alps, and then take a boat ride to the church perched on top of the island at the centre of the water, where you can ring the wishing bell, a tradition for newly married couples. You can then have your reception in the historic castle with amazing views. Prices depend on number of guests and details you want.

Find out more from www.balkanholidays.co.uk, on 0207 543 5569.

Italian Dolomites With a white, snow covered mountain backdrop, a cozy chalet on the slopes of the Italian Alps can offer a magical setting for passionate climbers, hikers and skiers alike. Celebrations can start with a religious ceremony in the nearby picturesque chapel. Guests will then be transported to the banquet by horsedrawn carriages. ‘Vintage snow globes,

60 www.BridesAbroad.tv

crystal pendants and white willow branches will create the perfect ambience for an elegant fairy tale wedding party,’ says Clara from www. chicweddingsinitaly.com. For a tailormade day, with prices around 20 to 30 thousand euros for 80-100 guests, but with the flexibility to cater for very small or much larger parties too, contact Clara on clara@chicweddingsinitaly.com

Lapland From snowed-in chapels, to reindeer sleighs, log cabin ceremonies to igloos and Finnish lap harp music, Lapland is a great destination for a winter wedding.

First Choice offers a range of packages, starting at £1015 for a ceremony in the Snow Village, Rovaniemi, where everything from the hotel, to the restaurant, bar and chapel – is built from snow and ice. Say ‘I do’ in an ice chapel or wooden chapel and enjoy a husky, reindeer or snowmobile ride to the village where you can celebrate with your reception in an ice or log fire restaurant. Find out more at www.firstchoice.co.uk/sun-holidays/adult-holidays/weddings/laplandweddings/

Say hello to married life with a sleigh ride straight after your ceremony, in the stylish Austrian resort of Zell am See. Surrounded by the majesty and excitement of the Austrian Alps, you can enjoy the town’s Christmas fair, buzzy shopping streets, and vast array of winter sports, from Tobogganing to ice hockey, winter hiking to snow kiting. Or just make the most of the famous spa town’s luxurious hotels for pampering massages overlooking the lake. Guests can make a weekend of it by exploring the cobbled streets, art galleries and cafes of nearby Salzburg, where The Sound of Music fans will love visiting filming locations such as the Mirabell Gardens where Maria and the children sing ‘Do-Re-Mi’!

Crystal Ski can organise your wedding trip around the basic wedding package, which costs £679 per couple, and includes: civil ceremony, administration of documents including registrar’s fee and wedding licence,Bridal bouquet, buttonhole for the groom, gala dinner for the bride and groom, wedding cake, sparkling wine in room, basket of fruit in room, honeymoon breakfast in room, transport to and from the registry office for the bride and groom, and sleigh ride after the ceremony

Book it!

Find out more at http://www.crystalski. co.uk/extras/skiweddings.shtml, call the weddings team on 0871 230 8123 or email weddingsdept@tuiski.com ¢

Austrian White Fairytale Wedding

T

here is nothing more romantic than the land of snow topped mountains, deep forests, alpine meadows & fairy-tale castles.

Experience an unforgettable wedding in the Austrian Alps – the perfect winter and summer wedding location – choose from a wedding in a fairytale castle – 18th century farmhouse or a mountain top blessing.

For individual packaged offer please visit:

www.austrian-wedding.com getmarried@austrian-wedding.com

Verwöhnhotel Vötters Sportkristall GmbH Schloßstraße 32 5710 Kaprun Tel: 0043/6547/71340 Fax: 0043/6547/7134-50 www.sport-kristall.at

Advertising feature

STAR

QUALITY Iberostar’s superb hotels offer the perfect wedding venues for starry-eyed couples looking to tie the knot in Tenerife

Y

ou want your wedding day to be the most memorable of your life. And that goes doubly if you are heading to the sun to celebrate your union.

With its fantastic year-round sunshine and balmy temperatures, Tenerife is the perfect destination for your marriage, particularly as it is only a four-and-a-half flight from the UK. When you reach the island you want a destination to dazzle – which is where Iberostar’s superb five-star hotels come in.

Iberostar offers guests beautiful destinations, supreme comfort, delicious and varied cuisine, innovative, cosseting wellness and, above all else, shining levels of friendly, personal service.

Its professional wedding planners will take care of the tiniest detail of your marriage, helping and advising you about every necessity, from the decoration to the table layout.

62 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Advertising feature

Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador ★★★★★

If you are after an intimate ‘boutique’ destination for your Tenerife wedding the Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador is the perfect match. This select ‘adults-only’ five-star hotel – located next to its sister property Hotel Hotel Iberostar Anthelia – offers the happy couple and guests the best possible service.

Intimate venue The Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador has a range of function rooms, which can be adapted to the needs of any wedding, business meeting or convention. El Médano Salon has capacity for 200 people in theatre layout, 50 in imperial, 100 in classroom format, 170 for gala dinners and 220 for cocktail parties.

El Cenador, the hotel’s new gourmet restaurant, serves traditional Canary cuisine with a creative twist. El Cenador can also be used as an event venue, with capacity for 32 guests outdoors, 48 guests indoors, or a combination of 80 guests indoors and outdoors, all in a banquet-style arrangement.

Luxurious facilities The sophisticated hotel has 120 suites (Junior, Superior Junior and Deluxe Junior Suites) distributed throughout a six-storey

building. Featuring elegant, colonial-style decoration, each suite has a large terrace with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The range of exclusive services offered in these suites includes the chance to choose your favourite pillows from an•extensive selection, a luxurious set of complimentary toiletries with scented bath salts, daily newspapers to keep up with what’s going on in the world from the comfort of your room, and special VIP treatment on your arrival.

VIP treatment Guests looking for the ultimate experience can enjoy the VIP area, La Balconada, on the first floor of the hotel. The 11 rooms provide exclusive services reserved for these most special guests, including butler service to cater to your every whim. You can even enjoy a cooling dip in a private swimming pool, a free session in the Thai Zen SPAce Anthelia, early and late check-out, and gourmet breakfasts.

The lavish Presidential Suite has a large outdoor area and private jacuzzi, while the penthouse Royal Suite has a wonderful private living room with panoramic views of the ocean, as well as a fabulous jacuzzi on the terrace.

The hotel has 2,000m2 of tranquil public areas, including gardens, a water park with impressive swimming pools and sun terraces with Bedouin tents where you can chill out in style.

The hotel’s butler service means you needn’t worry about a thing, whether it is booking your excursions, sporting activities or finding places to visit.

World-class cuisine The most demanding of taste buds will be satisfied by the exquisite gastronomy on offer in the hotel’s restaurants: El Mirador, Restaurante La Pérgola Beach Club and El Cenador.

Special

Wedding Package!

• • • • • • • • • •

Two nights free in a suite on a B&B basis Breakfast served in the room (optional) Late check out Bottle of Champagne on the wedding night Special accommodation price for guests Personalised menus and guests sitting Chosen wedding menu tasting Specialised staff advice Wellness SPA circuit and a Thai massage for the wedding couple On the first Anniversary: two nights and a romantic dinner in one of our restaurants

For more information visit: www.iberostar.com

www.BridesAbroad.tv 63

REALWEDDINGS

True love in Cyprus Vikki and Paul’s villa in the sun

64

L

ove was in the air in the Solihull branch of Tesco, when store manager Paul Orsler first set eyes on his future wife Vikki Truman, who was working at the store as technical support for a well-known drinks company. Two years later the couple exchanged the shopping aisles for a walk down the aisle in the Cyprus sunshine where they said ‘I do’ in a stunning Cypriot villa.

The proposal Vikki says: We had become great friends after meeting at the branch where we both worked. Two years later he went down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a total surprise!

Getting the Look I bought my dress from a wedding fair in Birmingham. It was only the second dress I tried on. It went perfectly with the theme of my wedding – which was the use of our favourite colours purple, ivory and silver. I accessorised the dress with a tiara and silver shoes.

As for the something old, something new – my mom made me the ‘something new’, which was a bracelet – she made all my jewellery. A friend gave me a ‘blue’ garter, the shoes and tiara were new, and I am afraid I broke with tradition and didn’t have anything

old! I had my hair and make-up done by hair stylists and beauty therapists in Paphos, which was arranged by Patricia Copley, from Daisy Daisy, my wedding planners.

Paul went for a traditional look and wore a grey waistcoat and trousers, and white shirt.

The bridesmaids were dressed in the wedding theme of purple, in off-one-shoulder satin dresses.

Fine details We carried our colour theme into the choice of flowers in my bouquet – ivory roses and purple eustoma, and also the wedding cake, which was just one tier, but beautifully decorated with a purple ribbon and flowers to match my bouquet. Our wedding planners, Daisy Daisy, arranged all this, including the photos,and the wedding video, which were taken by Cyprus Images.

The planning Paul and I decided to get married abroad for a number of reasons – the main one of which is that it works out much cheaper, but also the fact that the weather is almost guaranteed to be good. We thought Cyprus would be more relaxed and personal, which it was!

www.BridesAbroad.tv 65

REALWEDDINGS

66 wwwBridesAbroad.tv

The ceremony We had a civil ceremony, which took place at Peyia Town Hall. I was ‘given away’ by my dad and we were married by the Registrar in a short 10-minute ceremony.

The reception The reception was held in the garden of the beautiful villa where we stayed. We had a mostly traditional Greek Cypriot dinner buffet for our 38 guests, with the colour theme reflected in the décor and table arrangements – we had crystals, balloons, flowers and candles all in purple, silver and ivory.

Location, location We chose Cyprus for its ‘year -round’ sunshine and enrolled the help of Patricia from Daisy Daisy weddings to plan the fine details of our wedding. She chose a fabulous villa for us, where we had our reception, which was perfect (www.villaweddingspaphos.com).

We used Jet2 for flights and the help of our wedding planner for accommodation and all wedding arrangements. We planned about 80 per cent of the wedding before we went out to Cyprus, and the final arrangements once we got to Paphos.

...And the guests?

We had 38 wedding guests who stayed around Paphos and Coral Bay. Some stayed in villas.

Our first dance was Valerie, by the Zutons, played by our Irish gypsy jazz band, called Blue Jar.

Memories are made of this Paul: My best memory was seeing the bride coming down the steps at the Peyia Town Hall, and by way the funniest memory was of a load of people jumping into the pool at the reception! Thankfully everything went very smoothly, and there were no disasters or disappointments!

The honeymoon Vikki: We stayed two more days at the villa, and then moved into Paphos, staying at the Avanati village. Everyone else went on their own holiday or back home to the UK.

On budget?

The whole wedding cost us £8,000. We tried to keep the budget at £5,000 so it was over budget, but well worth it!

Further information www.daisydaisyweddings.com www.villaweddingspaphos.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 67

GET VIKKI’S LOOK With a pretty ivory and floral themes lifted by vibrant shades of violet

Purple Orchid wedding stationery by Ananyacards. www.ananyacards.com

Silver and pearl diamante tiara by Emmerling, £99 www.annielauriebridal.co.uk

Ivory silk Metallic bag from the Belle collection by Paradox www.paradoxlondon.com

Bridesmaid’s violet suede shoes, Lola by Rachel Simpson, £145 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Elegent Ivory gown, tyle Sardinia from the Nicola Anne collection. www.nicolaanne.co.uk

Purple flower with pearl trim

by Rachel Simpson www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Triple flowered hair comb

by Rose garden, £58 www.rosegardenaccessories.com

Amethyst shoes from the Belle collection by Paradox www.paradoxlondon.com

68 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Stunning wedding from the wedding stationery Exotica Mia Mia 2011 collection

by Ananyacards www.miamiabridal.co.uk www.ananyacards.com

Kilindi Resort, Zanzibar Stay 7 nights and pay 5

Call: 01227 753180 to discuss your perfect trip.

www.bridesabroad.tv 71

REALWEDDINGS

Paradise in Portugal

Michelle and Edward’s luckiest day!

70

E

dward Quiligotti may have proposed to his girlfriend, Michelle McDowall, a fashion agent from Lymm in Cheshire, on Friday 13th, but it turned out they were definitely lucky in love when they went on to tie the knot in Portugal.

Finding the one Michelle says: We met through the fashion industry in 2004 at a menswear show in Florence. I run my own fashion agency based in Manchester and Edward is head of menswear at a young fashion chain. It wasn’t love at first sight. I wasn’t that keen on Ed to be honest, which did come up in his speech on the big day!

I grew to love him quickly though! Ed says that it was a lot quicker for him though!

The proposal He finally proposed to me on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Friday 13th May 2009 (I think Friday the 13th may have had something to do with the Volcanic Ash cloud issues!). I had never been to New York and had always wanted to go, so on Christmas Day 2008 Ed gave me a gift wrapped guide to NYC with two plane tickets inside! He bought the trip as he planned to propose there and secretly

had an engagement ring made and took it over in his pocket! I had a very good idea he might be about to propose! We had been together for four-and-a-half years and had lived together for a long time. I knew that he would propose somewhere very special.

Getting the look My Dress was a bespoke gown from Caroline Castigliano. I had always dreamed of having my dress made by her and it was the only store that I visited. My sister in law Victoria got married a few months after us and we both got our dresses from there. We took our mums and best friends with us and they made it a lovely experience for us. The gown was beautifully simple and elegant with a touch of vintage 1950s with layers of silk all handmade in London. It was made to measure and took many fittings to create and perfect. The dress was finished with a tonal waist belt with three vintage crystal and pearl brooches.

As they wedding ceremony was outside in the gardens I decided not to have a veil so I had a headpiece made by Harriet Head, a bridal accessories expert in Hessle in East Yorkshire.

I knew exactly what I wanted and drove over with my Mum and friend and had a meeting

with her and she created a Swarovski crystal head band that I had my hair built around on the day. I had a vintage beaded bag that was 1920s in its styling and beautiful encrusted drop earrings by Cachet London. I also wore a pearl and crystal bangle.

Groom, ushers & bridesmaids The boys wore stunning Hugo Boss suits in a mid-grey with Armani shirts. We chose a coral tie, which took us so long to find as we just couldn’t get the right colour! They wore orange tropical buttonholes on the day.

The bridesmaids wore coral tea dresses with a tonal ribbon belt. The dresses went perfectly with the bridesmaids golden tans finished with silver diamante strap sandals with a silver heel. I bought the girls pearl and crystal bracelets and earrings as gifts, which they wore on the day. They wore crystal broaches in their hair, which caught the sunlight perfectly. Our forist Rachel from Quinta Occasion created beautiful bouquets comprising of delicate orange flowers, berries and rosemary that were so unique and amazing.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 71

REALWEDDINGS

Flawless finish Jim Van Hek was my hairstylist recommended

by Quinta Occasions. He has a salon in Almancil so it was easy to go and have trials.

He and his team did an amazing job on me, my Mum and Mother in laws hair too, and they looked stunning. My make-up artist was Kelly Lindley, who is a Brit living and working on the Algarve. She is young and creative and really understood the look that we wanted to achieve. She used the airbrushing foundation to create a flawless look, and is an expert at lash extensions, which we all loved!

Location location We wanted to do something different, something that couldn’t be replicated at home, which is why we decided on an overseas wedding. We chose the location because Ed’s parents have a house very near the Ria Park and we have always loved the tropical feel of the gardens.

Planning the big day We thought that it would be great to do all the things that would be difficult to get away with

72 www.BridesAbroad.tv

at home, such as tropical flowers, a ceremony outside and a traditional Portuguese dessert buffet. We used the services of Quinta Occasions, who were just brilliant! They really did a brilliant job of making our day spectacular. We are also very lucky to have close family that helped every step of the way.

We planned all of it before we went – we are lucky that Ed’s parents have a house over there so we could visit whenever we needed to.

And the guests?

We invited 135 guests and incredibly we ended up with 104! We were overwhelmed by the attendance as we know how expensive Europe is and what a big commitment it is to accept a wedding invite of this nature. We invited 135 guests and incredibly, we ended up with 104! We put on a great day for them though so they weren’t disappointed! In our invitations we simply recommended airlines, hotels and villas to them – the invitations were like a mini travel brochure! Some stayed at the hotel, some stayed in villas in Vale do Lobo.

Some of our friends stayed in places nearby such as Vilamoura so that they could make a holiday out of it.

Fine details We let Rachel from Quinta Occasions design the flowers for us as. All we knew is that we wanted birds of paradise as Edward’s mum and I love them. We asked her to create a tropical display and she set the table up and we tweaked it together.

Happy snaps We had Sally Mulholland of Sam7 photography to take our pictures. Sally works closely with the team at Quinta Occasions and was actually very involved in other aspects of the wedding too – we became very close with her. Her pictures were amazing and natural – just what we wanted. I think she sent us around 900 to choose from for our album! Our wedding DVD was by Algarve Entertainment and we were really pleased with the results.

Our favourite photographs are the black and white picture of Ed and I dancing, and also the black and white shot of us both walking towards the camera with champagne in our hands.

The ceremony The ceremony took place in the gardens of the Ria Park Hotel in Almancil in the Algarve on a large tiled terrace. I was given away by my lovely dad, Joseph McDowall, and married by the family priest, Father David Quiligotti. The ceremony lasted 35 mins.

What a reception We had our reception in the Ria Park Hotel.

Our theme at the reception was tropical flowers with coloured birds and butterflies.

For the meal we tucked into antipasto to start, with freshly baked breads with oil and vinegar.

This included olives, Parma ham, salami and mozzarella and a delicious shell filled with crabmeat. Main course was rack of lamb with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. We had an incredible dessert buffet with every dessert you can think of displayed on a large table around a stunning ice sculpture. We drank Moet & Chandon and regional red and white wine. We also had champagne cocktails and Pimms with our canapés.

For the wedding cake we had a tower of cup cakes made by Yvonne Slough of the Algarve.

We don’t really like traditional fruitcake so we went for a mix of vanilla with chocolate

ganache and chocolate with vanilla ganache.

All the cupcakes where topped with handmade edible butterflies which where amazing, and we had a top piece that had a large iced flower arrangement on top with our initials that we used throughout the wedding. It was really special and delicious.

We flew over a fantastic singer from the UK called Paul Dobie, who really did make the wedding so special. He even had all the men up dancing!! We danced to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol for our first dance.

Memories are forever...

Our best memory was having all of the people that we love under one roof having an absolute ball! It is quite a sight to see all the most important people in your lives, some of whom have never met before, dancing and having a great time together in such a beautiful setting.

We will simply never forget that sight.

Minor hiccup!

Our near disaster was just the small matter of Faro airport closing three days before the wedding due to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud! It was touch-and-go whether the wedding would go ahead!

On budget?

Weddings always go over budget!

The honeymoon We stayed in Portugal for a few days after the wedding, but we haven’t actually got round to our honeymoon yet, but hope to do so soon – volcanic cloud permitting!

Further information Wedding planner Quinta Occasions events@quintaoccasions.com Tel: +351 918 024 11 www.quintaoccasions.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 73

GET MICHELLE’S LOOK! Be inspired by Michelle’s elegant wedding with a delicate blend of 50’s glamour and contemporary fun, themed with splashes of burst orange

Pearl brooch clip from the Noir collection by Rachel Simpson. £55 www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Coral flower with pearl and feather detail from the Noir collection by Rachel Simpson. www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

Elegant dual-band diamante tiara. £68.50 www.crystalfrost.co.uk

Dainty ivory leather shoe with diamante clip, style Golden. www.paradoxlondon.com Beautiful clutch with flower decoration by Freya Rose, £165 www.freyarose.co.uk

Sparkly vintage pearl flower bracelet, £18 www.bagsofsparkle.com

Stunning gown from Caroline Castigliano’s Opulent collection. www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk

Burnt Orange wedding stationery from a selection by ananyacards. www.ananyacards.com

74 www.bridesabroad.tv

A Timeless Classic For Your Wedding Unique Venues, matched with superb cuisine, five star service and attention to detail are the hallmark of weddings at the Phoenicia.

Phoenicia Hotel, The Mall Floriana, FRN 1478, Malta, (+356) 21 225 241, weddings@phoeniciamalta.com

www.weddings-malta.com

www.phoeniciamalta.com

76

www.BridesAbroad.tv

Marry in

Malta!

Whether you want a fabulous historic Palazzo, a reception by the sea, or an eco vineyard for your wedding in the sun, Malta can offer them all...

T Photo: Sarah Young

he islands of Malta, and its weekend retreat of Gozo, are a magical mix of cultures, from Moorish to Italian, and British, too. With sunshine nearly all year round, the ease of communication because everyone speaks English as their second language, and a wealth of stunning historical buildings that make great backdrops for your pictures, this could be the perfect place for your wedding abroad.

Film fans will love the glamour factor of getting hitched on the island where Gladiator and Troy were filmed; foodies will love the local wines and seafood; and beach goddesses will delight in the inky blue seas.

‘Malta offers some stunning churches and chapels and also great places to have a reception at the sea’s edge, but also villas for a less formal wedding with gardens or hundreds of years of history attached to them,’ says Malta wedding planner, Sarah Young (www.weddingplannermalta.com).

Here’s our insider guide to the hottest venues on the islands. www.BridesAbroad.tv 77

Xara Palace An ancient palace in a historic walled city, where Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stayed during the filming of Troy Medina at night is utterly magical and romantic – as is the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, a beautiful 17th century Palazzo and now a chic boutique hotel with 17 individual rooms and suites. Hold a wedding here and you can feel like a princess, with a stylish reception and options including a ceremony in the glassroofed atrium, a drinks reception on the terrace with panoramic views and a sit-down meal in the beautiful piazza outside the hotel. You can have a cake created by the award-winning chef and a horse-drawn carriage to drive you round the car-free streets. Choose a room with a private terrace and Jacuzzi and you can sip champagne in the hot tub to toast each other as man and wife at the end of the big day.

Book it!

For more information contact Johanna Ward on marketing@xarapalace.com.mt

78 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Where fairytale weddings come true

Victory Square, Naxxar, NXR 1700, Malta. Tel +356 21412461. info@palazzoparisio.com www.palazzoparisio.com

www.worldwideweddingsmagazine.com 121

MFCC A blank canvas venue that transforms into whatever you want it to be!

If you want to create a totally personal decorated space, this conference centre is a great place for a big wedding (www.mfcc.com. mt). It can seat up to 700 guests and 1500 for a stand-up reception and party, and has its own ambient lighting and PA systems ready to go. It recently hosted its first wedding where the space was turned into a super cool icecube with a massive chandelier, hung over an outstanding square bar. Everything was white, from the carpet to the tables, and then an extra modern twist came with the transparent chairs.

Book it!

Find out more by emailing info@mfcc.com.mt

Ta’Mena A family-run organic wine and fruit estate on the neighbouring island of Gozo Candle lit paths make your marquee feel magical (www.tamena-gozo.com). With citrus groves, a fruit garden, olive trees and a vineyard, this is home to some of the best produce on the islands. Celebrate your wedding in an open marquee on a balmy night, with a barbecue or formal dining and hear the crickets sing as the sun goes down.

Ta’ Mena can also take care of flowers, decorations, beverages, entertainment, and so on at an extra charge.

Book it!

Prices per person start from €50.00 (VAT included, for service, menu & wedding cake.

Find out more from George Borg on info@connectioncaterers.com 80

www.BridesAbroad.tv

���������������������������� �������������������������� ��������������������������

��������������

������������������������� �������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� �������������� ���������������������� ��������������������������������������������� �������������������������� ���������������������������

We can customise your special day, to a budget of your choice and we look forward to making your wedding in Malta one you’ll never forget. Quote: Worldwide Weddings for a 10% discount on our professional fee.

Tel: +356 7700 0180 email: weddings@dream-days.com www.dream-days.com

Palazzo Parisio A magical upmarket garden and palace venue where Malta’s glitterati hold their wedding receptions This stunningly decorated Palazzo is full of ornate gold scrollwork, mixed with stylish muted greens, yellows and pinks, whether you’re in the amazingly opulent mirrored ballroom or the Pompeian Dining Room. Hiring the Palazzo for your wedding means you have exclusive use of the palace and fabulous Baroque gardens, which are filled with pretty, scented plants from orange trees to Hibiscus, and water features such as formal fountains and trickling streams.

It really does feel like stepping into an oasis of charm when you walk through from the facade on the town street and emerge into the hall and grounds, which give you so many opportunities for amazing photographs. The food here is renowned on the islands, showcasing local produce alongside more international cuisine in a stylish mix of flavours and presentation. You and your guests can toast each other and dine under the shade of crisp, white muslin curtains, blowing gently in the breeze. Weddings are tailor-made – the venue has hosted ceremonies and receptions for as few as two people, or as many as 1000.

Book it!

To find out more, contact Jayne Polidano on jayne@palazzoparisio.com (www.palazzoparisio.com)

82 www.BridesAbroad.tv

UNIQUE AND DISTINCTIVE VENUES FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY & HONEYMOON

www.thepalacemalta.com

www.palazzocapuamalta.com

www.victoriahotel.com

HIGH STREET SLIEMA SLM1542 - MALTA T. +356 2133 3444 D. +356 2262 3203/4 E. events@thepalacemalta.com

GORG BORG OLIVIER STREET SLIEMA SLM1807 - MALTA T. +356 2133 4444 D. +356 2262 3203/4 E. events@thepalacemalta.com

GORG BORG OLIVIER STREET SLIEMA SLM1807 - MALTA T. +356 2133 4711 D. +356 2262 3203/4 E. events@victoriahotel.com

84 www.bridesabroad.tv

The Palace Hotel Boasts a slick modern rooftop restaurant with billowing muslin curtains, modern Asian-style furniture, and great views Hold your wedding high above the rooftops of popular seafront town Sliema in the chic, sleek style of The Palace. Treat your guests to cocktails and an Asian fusion buffet by the rooftop pool, with views of the town and the sea as you party at Lounge 360 into the early hours. The hotel can offer wedding packages with set prices per head for your guests, or tailor-make a less formal event. Make a weekend of it and guests can promenade with the locals along the seafront in the evenings when families, elderly couples, teenagers and tiny tots all stroll around to meet and greet each other and eat ice cream!

Book it!

Find out more from events co-ordinator Matthew Sammut on salescoordinator@thepalacemalta.com (www.thepalacemalta.com).

Kempinski Gozo A luxurious hotel where secluded candle-lit grounds around the pool create a fairytale feel This hotel is the perfect place for a wedding over a long weekend. The fabulous spa, dedicated to thalassotherapy treatments and Ayurvedic, is a great place to relax and get pampered before the big day, or even to arrange a champagne spa night for your hens a couple of days before the ceremony. Guests can eat fabulous Italian food on the outdoor terrace by candlelight (some dishes include produce from the hotel’s own organic kitchen garden), drink cocktails on the terrace and breakfast on Gozitan pastries overlooking the palm-fringed pool – so they’re fully relaxed and in a great mood to party when your stunning wedding and reception take place!

The in-house team will help you organise anything from a small intimate dinner to a grand luxurious banquet, and are also happy to help you sort out the formal processes of a civil or church marriage on Gozo (see more details on this, below). The hotel can even help you arrange Jeep safaris or treasure hunts on the island for guests, or sightseeing tours of the local beauty spots, such as the Azure Window.

Book it!

Find out more by contacting sales sanlawrenz@kempinski.com, with ‘wedding’ in the subject line.

85

Mediterranean Paradise There are 340 elegant guest rooms and suites, offering Malta’s largest standard accommodation, with Internet access and private balconies with sea views, plus Westin’s signature 10-layer Heavenly Beds offering the ultimate honeymoon luxury; imagine being enveloped with pure white, triple-sheeted bedding topped with a down blanket and comforter and king-size thick feather pillows – bliss! Executive Club Level rooms also include access to the exclusive Executive Club Lounge, with complimentary breakfast and pre-dinner drinks, in an ambience of pampering and luxury.

Slip off to your elegant wedding reception at the Reef Club Pavilion—an inspiring venue with the adjoining Reef Club Sundeck, which can cater for up to 6,000 guests in the airy charms of the seaside. And with the resorts professional team by your side from start to finish, you will be able to delight in every moment of your big day.

Book it!

The Westin Dragonara Resort (t) +356 21 381000 westin.dragonara@westin.com www.westindragonaramalta.com

on the Isle of Gozo.

Outside Catering & Weddings

Ta’ Mena Vineyards

Unique custom designed events providing to your needs, in any place you desire or at Ta’ Mena Vineyards.

Small intimate parties to large scaled events.

Philip Spiteri 356 7900 1965 George Borg 356 9900 1965 E-mail: info@connectioncaterers.com

Gozo (Sister Island of Malta)

In the Maltese culture, marriages are lavish affairs, but whether you’re planning a laidback do for close family or a spectacular extravaganza for 200, you can have the wedding of your dreams on the beautiful Maltese islands.

For UK couples wanting a wedding filled with great weather, stunning scenery, variety and culture they should look no further then Malta.

“This beautiful region offers year-round sunshine, crystal waters and luxurious resorts, it’s the perfect backdrop to a wedding or honeymoon,” explains Alex Incorvaja of Visit Malta.

Offering a diverse range of wedding formats, from intimate sit down dinners and beachside ceremonies to church weddings and traditional receptions, Malta has a vast range of products and services available, which make planning the ceremony relatively stress-free and great value for money.

Flexible and able to tailor-make a package that suits all kinds of tastes and viewpoints, Malta offers both civil and religious ceremonies. In either case the legal formalities are relatively simple and can even be done in advance from your home country.

Religious ceremony Boasting around 365 beautiful churches dotted around the islands, Malta is an ideal 88

www.BridesAbroad.tv

destination for those desiring a religious wedding. The elegance and splendour of one of Malta’s baroque parish church will provide a beautiful setting for a special day, or if intimacy and seclusion is desired, the many charming countryside chapels are ideal. Malta’s religion is Roman Catholic, but those couples from other denominations or preferring a civil ceremony will be able to find plenty of venues to suit their tastes and beliefs. Foreign visitors who wish to marry in a Roman Catholic church will have some formalities to complete in advance. The process is very straightforward and will involve providing documentation such as a birth certificate and a letter from the diocese in the country of origin.

Wedding professionals If the thought of organizing your wedding is too stressful to contemplate, several specialist tour operators in Malta and Gozo offer the services of a personal wedding organiser, make-up and hair artist, photographer, bridal bouquet, groom’s buttonhole and wedding cake.

A large buffet reception is very much part of the traditional Maltese wedding, but if you prefer a British style sit-down wedding breakfast, or indeed something more bespoke, the Islands have a range of experienced and professional caterers who offer a wide selection of luxury modern dishes in addition to local cuisine.

Unlimited choice of venues Since Malta has such a varied and colourful historical past, there are a number of interesting venues to choose from and are in no way limited to hotels and churches.

The grandiose will love one of the grand baroque palaces with stunning gardens, and those preferring something more rustic can choose a beautiful farmhouse set in the quaint countryside of Gozo. For nature lovers, Malta’s many beautiful sandy beaches provide a location like no other.

Malta offers unlimited choice for brides and grooms to be. It has beautiful, historic churches, the finest luxury hotels, unrivalled scenery and glorious weather. Not only that, but Malta’s accessibility, range of price options and English-speaking officials mean that planning a wedding there is straightforward and can be arranged with all kinds of budgets.

Book it!

Alex Incorvaja is the UK & Ireland Director for Visit Malta: the official tourist board of Malta, Gozo and Comino. www.visitmalta.com ¢

Photo: Sarah Young – www.weddingplannermalta.com

Visit Malta – for an unforgettable wedding

VISIT MALTA Five insider tips

1

Consider hiring a guide

Religious ceremonies Roman Catholic Church

The legal essentials • No residency requirement • Request for the publication of banns (form RZ1) must be received by this registry earlier than six weeks but not more than three months before the date of the intended – you’re advised to inform the registry of your intended day of marriage although no application can be submitted before the three-month period • A non-refundable marriage registry fee is currently between €69.88 and €93.17 and is paid when you request the banns • Birth certificates showing parents’ names are also necessary to make this request plus the declaration on oath (form RZ2) for each party, signed in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths attached to a Maltese Diplomatic Mission or, alternatively in the presence of a local Commissioner of Oaths (e.g. a solicitor, a justice of the peace, a Notary etc), who must also affix his personal stamp or seal. If you’ve never been married you must produce a free status certificate from your local registrar. If you have previously been married you need to provide official documentation of divorce or death certificate of former spouse • For a civil marriage, it is also your responsibility to make arrangements for at least two witnesses who must not be less than 18 years old 90 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Each case has to be made individually – request information about the requirements for marriage in the church for foreign nationals by contacting The Curia on +356 2124 5350

Anglican marriages in Malta There are two Anglican churches on Malta.

To get married there, one partner must be a baptised Anglican, and there should be a good reason for the wedding to take place in Malta. You should also expect to agree to some marriage preparation.

Marriage blessings can be arranged in some circumstances where one of the partners has been divorced. Anyone interested should contact the chaplaincy well in advance, before any arrangements have been made. Assistant Chaplain Revd Jeffrey Williams, Chaplaincy Office +356 2122 5714, anglican@onvol.net, www.anglicanmalta.org

Jewish marriages in Malta Contact Mr Ohayon for further details via the synagogue on Enrico Mazzi Street on +356 2123 7309

Religious blessing Not legally binding but an option after a civil ceremony in the UK, especially if one of you has been divorced. Ask your wedding planner or venue about this.

for guests the day before or after the wedding, so they can see the islands while you prepare or recover – try Darrell Azzopardi (dazman@onvol.net) or ask for recommendations from www. visitmalta.com. Foodies will love a trip to the neighbouring island of Gozo by sea plane to buy local delicacies such as pomegranate jam and peppered goat’s cheese at the Ta Mena vineyard (www.tamena-gozo. com), then eat delicious Gozitan antipasti at Il Kartell, a restaurant with a romantic setting overlooking the navy blue sea at Marsalform bay (www.gozo.com/il-kartell).

Culture vultures will love the Hagar Qim and Mnandra temples, built on the coast of the sparkling Mediterranean over a thousand years before stone henge; or the richlydecorated co-cathedral in Malta’s historysteeped capital, Valletta, where you can wander through pretty streets and enjoy coffee and local nougat in sunny squares (www.heritagemalta.org). And older family members could be intrigued by the wealth of Second World War history on the island, which was an incredibly important strategic post – Vera Lynn songs are still played at the pretty Upper Barrakka Gardens looking out across the stunning harbour, and there’s a craft centre and vineyard now housed on the old army base at Ta’ Qali.

2

Use a good wedding Planner

wedding planner Sarah Young says a good wedding for around 40 guests will have a starting price of about Euro 4, 500 when she organises it – but obviously the more extras you include ,the higher the price goes.

3

Pick the perfect time... For

mild, warm weather when the island is green, go from mid Feb to mid-May. For sunshine, and a more North African desert feel to the countryside, go mid-May, June, September or October.

July and August, when it’s 40 degrees and humid, get very crowded with families, students and cruises.

4

Get there in style... Air Malta (www.airmalta.com) flies from all over the UK, with prices from £118 return including taxes.

5

Research Find out more about the islands, weddings and honeymoons at www.visitmalta.com

Take a plunge in the Mediterranean with Catermax for the wedding of your dreams.

Malta and Gozo are dream destinations with a perfect backdrop to turn any wedding celebration into a fairytale. And if you want simply the best catering and venues on the islands, then your search stops here. We are best positioned to offer you a unique package that will certainly turn your special day into a special wedding. Trust our award-winning team of renowned chefs and patisseries as well as our dedicated and experienced management to offer you the most stylish catering and a list of breathtaking venues.

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality catering and event products and services, including: � � � � �

Specialised menus for weddings Stunning venues Wedding planning and management Accommodation requirements Transportation requirements.

Catermax. A joint venture between Corinthia Group and Vassallo Group of Companies

Catermax. We make it special. .......................

.......................

The Landmark, Triq l-Iljun, Qormi Malta

Tel: +356 2010 9240 Email: info@catermax.com.mt www.catermax.com.mt

92

www.BridesAbroad.tv

Australia – free your spirit!

Be adventurous and tie the knot Down Under – and you can combine the wedding you’ve always dreamed of with an Australian holiday of a lifetime, says Terri Cody-Owen

F

or a wow-factor wedding, head to the other side of the world to Australia – a vast, diverse country, bursting with unique locations where you can release your spirit of adventure as you begin married life in style.

Sydney offers some of the world’s most iconic places to say ‘I do’, whilst other incredible locations across the Australian continent make a spectacular backdrops to wedding ceremonies – from the lush rainforests in Cairns to stunning beaches and deserted islands by the Great Barrier Reef for the ultimate barefoot ceremony.

Whether you marry in Australia or at home, the ‘Land Down Under’ provides the perfect honeymoon destination, with famous landmarks to see, cities and outback to explore and palm-fringed, tropical beaches providing the ideal place to relax and have fun.

Marry in the red heart of Australia Dare to be different and marry at the heart of Oz at Ayers Rock. As old as the country itself, Ayers Rock dominates Australia’s red centre, rising 350 metres out of the ground. The Rock is sacred to the Aboriginal people and exudes a spirituality that can be felt today. Weddings take place at a private lookout in the shadow of Ayers Rock itself. Your wedding package includes a sunset viewing tour of the Rock and a romantic Sounds of Silence Dinner under the stars on the evening of your wedding – or on an alternative night if you plan your own reception at one of the resort’s excellent restaurants.

Book it!

Freedom Australia Deluxe Wedding Packages start from £1,759 and include three nights accommodation, celebration dinner, wedding cake, tour and transfers. www.freedomaustralia.com

Legalities Weddings in Australia will automatically be recognised in the UK without need for further registration. You will need the following documents:

• A ten-year passport and visa • Your original birth certificate showing you are over 21

• A decree absolute or partner’s death certificate if you have been married before, together with the marriage certificate

• Adoption certificate if you were adopted

• Utility bills showing current address • An official Notice of Intended Marriage form

www.BridesAbroad.tv 93

Sydney The amazing city that heralds New Year with a spectacular firework display, is the perfect place to celebrate your new life together. Just being in Sydney is exciting enough, with its beautiful harbour, hidden beaches and chilled, easy-going lifestyle. Your choice of wedding locations means you can enjoy the type of ceremony you are looking for in a venue most can only dream of.

Sydney Opera House One of the world’s most iconic buildings provides one of its most incredible wedding venues. Graceful and uplifting, the peaks of Sydney Opera House make the perfect wedding arch for a couple in love. Your Opera House wedding will overlook magnificent Sydney Harbour, with the impressive Harbour Bridge as a dramatic backdrop. You can marry outside on the boardwalk or in a private room in the Opera House.

Book it!

Kuoni offers Wedding Packages from £1,989 per couple, which include fresh flower bouquet and buttonhole, Australian sparkling wine, toast, chauffeur-driven wedding car with wedding ribbons, wedding cake, and witnesses if required. www.Kuoni.co.uk

Royal Botanical Gardens Enjoying fab views across Sydney Harbour and Opera House, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a perfect backdrop for a garden wedding. With over 74 acres of trees, plants and flowers, it’s like a traditional English country garden, but with a more exciting vista of the Sydney skyline! If you marry here there will be plenty of photo opportunities, especially as your ceremony will be held in one of the most picturesque parts of the gardens.

Book it!

A four-night Deluxe Wedding Package with Freedom Australia costs £1,649 and includes four nights’ accommodation with breakfast, and a Harbour view upgrade from £125. www.freedomaustralia.co.uk

94

www.BridesAbroad.tv

Great Barrier Reef One of the seven wonders of the world, and clearly visible from space, The Great Barrier Reef is an eco-system of unsurpassed marine diversity. It’s also an amazing place to exchange your marriage vows. Imagine yourself cast away on an island paradise with the one you love and to wake and find it’s real. The Barrier Reef islands provide the perfect setting to begin your new life together – romantic and stunningly beautiful.

Lizard Island

Lizard Island

Australia’s northernmost island resort, located right on the Great Barrier Reef, offers a very special island experience, with 24 soft powdery-white sand beaches and stylish accommodation, decorated in elegant sand and sea tones. Here you can snorkel straight off the beach or take a dinghy to a secluded cove for a romantic picnic lunch with champagne. For the energetic it’s worth taking a walk up to the island’s peak – Cook’s Look, so named because Captain Cook climbed to this point to chart a course out to sea during his epic voyage in 1770!

Book it!

Turquoise Holidays are offering a Wedding Package that includes your wedding ceremony and 10 nights at Lizard Island in a Sunset Point Villa, meals and flights from London to Cairns return and domestic flights are all included. Price from £12,500 for two people. www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk

Hamilton Island

Lizard Island

The wedding holiday of your dreams begins from the moment you land at the island’s own airstrip – Hamilton’s friendly staff will arrange your wedding ceremony in the intimate, All Saints Chapel, in lush tropical gardens, or beside the water’s edge. The wedding package here includes many extras and there’s also plenty of accommodation available for your wedding party. There’s to do on the island, with a host of water sports and activities, reef cruises and a great choice of restaurants around the busy marina.

Book it!

A Deluxe Wedding Package includes four nights accommodation with breakfast, plus hair and make-up for the bride, photographer and a DVD of the ceremony. Prices from £2,399. Four-night Honeymoon Package from £895 includes champagne, chocolates, a private dinner and luxury spa treatments for two. www.freedomaustralia.co.uk

Hamilton Island

www.BridesAbroad.tv 95

The Rainforest The scent and sounds of the rainforest surround you in North Queensland, where you can wander through the trees to deserted pristine beaches as you relax in your own tropical paradise.

Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa Set on the edge of the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park, just over an hour’s drive north of Cairns, Silky Oaks Lodge blends the soothing qualities of the surrounding ancient rainforest with the indulgences of a luxury retreat. The Treehouse accommodation boasts an understated tropical style in a peaceful setting. Floor to ceiling glass doors open onto a wide veranda, where a hammock makes the most of this beautiful setting.

You can be thoroughly pampered and enjoy couples rituals in the Healing Waters Spa, which is inspired by the soothing nature of the river and rainforest.

Book it!

Turquoise Holidays offer a three-night wedding package at Silky Oaks Lodge, which includes the wedding ceremony followed by seven nights by the beach at Sebel Reef House in Palm Cove including flights from London to Cairns return and transfers. Prices from £5,450 for two people. www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk

Kewarra Beach Set in private wooded grounds overlooking the Coral Sea, Kewarra Beach Resort is the perfect hideaway for a secluded tropical wedding or honeymoon. Exchange your vows on the resort’s idyllic beach or in the delightful tropical gardens before enjoying an intimate candlelit dinner at the water’s edge. Relax on the shaded balcony of your own rainforest bungalow or beside the landscaped pools, or explore the bright lights of Cairns, just twenty minutes away.

Book it!

Deluxe Wedding Packages with Freedom Australia include three nights accommodation with breakfast, private dinner, photographer and transfers. Prices start from £1,695. www.freedomaustralia.co.uk 98

www.BridesAbroad.tv

DREAM WEDDINGS from Freedom Australia

Superb wedding packages providing everything you need for your big day.

Sydney Weddings - at the famous Opera House, Harbour Beach or Botanical Gardens.

Island Weddings - romantic venues in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, beside Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Tropical Weddings - on a secluded, palm fringed beach at an inclusive North Queensland resort.

WEDDINGS and HONEYMOONS from the AUSTRALIA EXPERTS A & ABT ATOL cted prote

Call 0844 567 8400 for your

FREE DREAM WEDDING & HONEYMOON GUIDE or visit www.freedomaustralia.co.uk

DREAM HONEYMOONS from Freedom Australia

Enjoy exploring together on an Australian adventure of a lifetime.

Mix and match luxury beach resorts with fabulous touring options and city stays, including: ������������������������������ ������������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������������������������� Call 0844 567 8400 for a Freedom Australia and New Zealand Brochure

www.bridesabroad.tv 91

Italy

– you can have

it all!

Why should couples have to choose between beaches, cities of art and spellbinding hills?

Why choose between castles, villas or beach weddings?

I

f you choose to say ‘I do’ in Italy, straight away thousands of possibilities open up for your wedding abroad: the panorama of the Amalfi coast, the magic of Florence at sunset, the Sardinian beaches and a romantic gondola ride in Venice.

that will help you to create your special day.

Always read the testimonials carefully, which you can find on the various websites, and get them to send you the contact details of couples who have already worked with that particular wedding planner.

Italy is the symbol of love, of eternal cities, of unforgettable sunsets, of everything you could possibly need for a unique day.

“Never trust low cost offers. There are a lot of people who like to think that they are wedding planners and can offer services at cut prices – but the only thing that turns out to be cut is the quality of the service,” says Sara.

Extraordinarily beautiful places in Italy have captured the gaze of great painters, poets and musicians from all over the world for centuries. And they will also captivate both bride and groom for a day that will stay in their hearts forever.

‘Many couples get in touch with us to ask for advice about which is the most beautiful area in Italy to get married in – it’s the most difficult question!’ says Sara Mazzei, wedding planner and owner of Infinity Weddings and Events.

“From the Tuscan hills to the cities of art, from the wonders of the Amalfi coast to the grandeur of Rome and to the Sicilian beaches, Italy surely is the most romantic and glamorous country.

It is a place where it’s possible to combine wonderful locations with a lifestyle that is unique throughout the world,” insists Sara.

How do I get married in Italy?

“First of all you should entrust experts in the profession. You could get in touch directly with the location of the reception such as the villas, castles or the big hotels. However, if you want something really special you can contact an agency of professional wedding planners 98 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Elope to Italy Italy is the country for runaway love stories, of evenings at sunset overlooking the sea and sipping on a glass of fine wine, promising your undying love. You can arrive in Italy and enjoy a Grand Tour just like the great poets and writers used to in the 1800s. “In these cases we suggest the sunsets of the Amalfi coast. Positano and Amalfi are our favourite destinations – always followed closely behind

by Venice and its canals and islands.

Country chic wedding “We recommend the Tuscan countryside to anyone who wants to get away from the stress of city life, the smog, the intolerable traffic of the daily commute from office to home,” advises Sara. Tuscany offers castles in Chianti, fascinating villas in the hills of Siena surrounded by peace and quiet and country sounds. There are also the flowers, trees and air that only Tuscany and Chianti can give you. A wedding surrounded by vineyards and olive groves is a natural picture frame for an unforgettable wedding.

Princess wedding From a beautiful villa on Lake Como to wondrous residences in the hills of Lucca and Florence – there are many luxurious opportunities in Italy to live out your day like a princess in a place right out of a ‘Disney fairytale’.

Sara says: “Every woman carries in her heart the childhood desire to meet her knight in shining armour to whom she can declare her undying love, and then celebrate her wedding like a princess.” Italy offers the opportunity of a marriage fit for Royalty, with a combination of precious embroidery, brocades and damasks, prestigious silks, fine china from all over the world, gold and silver detailing, precious stones and wood compete to enrich a magical and suggestive atmosphere of an insurmountable beauty and a historical and artistic uniqueness.

Further information Sara Mazzei, Infinity Weddings and Events® www.infinity-weddingsandevents.com email: office@infinity-weddingsandevents.com Tel: +39 (0)57149301 Skype: sarainfinity

Planning Guide 100

What can you expect from your guests?

102

Weather permitting

106

Wedding countdown

108

Pop the question

The essential guide to wedding etiquette

Don’t let your wedding day be a wash-out with our worldwide weather guide

Our 12-month wedding checklist for your big day

Our expert wedding planners answer your most frequently asked questions

www.bridesabroad.tv 73

What can you expect from your guests?

T

If you’re getting hitched abroad, do the same rules about gifts, hospitality and children apply?

here are certain issues that loom large when you’re hosting a wedding. Yes, it’s your special day, but you want your guests to remember having a great time, too. So if they’re travelling a long way to attend your wedding celebration, should you be paying for everything once they get there? And should you still expect them to buy you a gift as well? And how can you make them feel welcomed, while reducing the pressure on their finances?

and if you need guests to contribute inform them at the point of sending the invitation – and tell them how to sign-up for the additional events.

And tell people several months in advance what you are planning so they can book flights and accommodation at reasonable rates.’

‘When we are arranging destination weddings we try to encourage couples to think about how they would want to be treated and welcomed if they had made the effort to travel a long distance and at some expense,’ says expert wedding planner Sarah Haywood (www.sarahhaywood.com), author of The Wedding Bible (£35, The Wedding Bible Company Limited).

‘If you are concerned about the expense for your guests, you might want to tell them that travelling to your destination wedding is gift enough,’ says Sarah Haywood. ‘But be prepared for some guests to want to still buy you a gift and perhaps consider arranging a gift list somewhere to refer guests who ask (or be prepared to graciously accept gifts you do not want or need!).’

‘Choose somewhere accessible (so not three hours from the nearest airport with no public transport). Offer a range of accommodation at all budgets. Perhaps arrange excursions and sightseeing the days either side of the wedding 100 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Against this backdrop of being considerate and generally helpful, these are the other issues you’ll need to think about...

1

Should you expect gifts?

‘Only you will know what is appropriate for your guests,’ says Geraldine Sweetland from wedding abroad experts, Love & Lord.

‘Obviously travelling abroad can be asking more from guests than if holding the wedding

in the UK but we often find that, with enough warning guests, will use the wedding as an opportunity to take a holiday at the same time, so make sure you send out invitations in plenty of time. If you don’t want a traditional gift list, you could ask for contributions towards your honeymoon, so guests are able to donate any amount of their choice.’

‘I think the couple should leave it to people’s discretion and budget and make it clear that having their friends and family means more than gifts,’ says psychotherapist, Jules McClean (www.julesmccleancounselling.co.uk). I think the etiquette today is rather different than years ago in that many couples are already set up in terms of goods within their home and also pay for their own weddings, so they will understand that people vary in size of pockets.

‘The financial constraints now, in terms of the economic climate, means no-one should feel obliged, but a small, thoughtful gift says so much. A wedding list is always useful in case people ask you for it, but gifts should not be an obligation which blocks a good relationship with feelings of resentment.’

2

Is it acceptable to ask guests to pay for drinks?

‘If you do not have the budget to cover the bar costs then ensure that the drinks are not over-priced by agreeing the bar charges in advance with your venue, and negotiating if you think they are too high,’ says Sarah Haywood. ‘If you have a small budget available, perhaps restrict what is on offer gratis to wine, beers and soft drinks. In my experience, a limited choice of free drinks is never sneered upon: indeed it is always appreciated by guests who have travelled long distance and sometimes at considerable expense, not to have to put their hands in their pockets for any part of the wedding celebration itself. I would always advise that if at all possible provide everything for free and reduce costs elsewhere to do so.’

Geraldine Sweetland agrees: ‘‘In an ideal world the wedding day should be fully catered for,’ she says, ‘but if your wedding is spread across two or three days, it’s more acceptable to ask guests to contribute towards drinks on the days outside the actual wedding day itself,’ she says.

‘Some weddings are done entirely on a budget, and a wedding abroad can often cost less, which can a motivating factor,’ says Jules McClean.

‘The key here is communication – be explicit when you invite guests, letting them know there’s a pay bar, so there’s no room for resentment or a nasty surprise which may spoil the event for the guest. If a guest does not like this premise they can make an excuse not to go.’

3

Is it fair to expect friends to pay for your hen night, or attend a big hen weekend as well as the wedding?

‘Never expect people to be happy to pay large sums of money to celebrate your engagement and/or wedding, because you can often never really know the ins and outs of everyone’s financial circumstances,’ says Sarah Haywood.

‘Remember that we all have different priorities as far as money and budgeting is concerned, so if you’re planning something lavish, some friends simply will not be able to afford to attend – you need to make sure they know it is ok to decline an invitation, and that you genuinely won’t hold it against them. You should also think about how many of your social circle are marrying around the same time – attending weddings can be an expensive occupation!’

‘The trend for larger hen events has grown in recent years and I know that this can become a issue in some groups,’ says Geraldine Sweetland. ‘The organisers of the hen party really should consider the financial limitations of the attendees and ask them for input into the plans so that nothing is unexpected.’

‘You need to be very careful not to create a sense of pressure, which could trigger financial anxiety, and resentment from someone who feels they are being made to feel like they’re not a good enough friend if they don’t have the money to take part,’ says Jules McClean.

‘Guests should be told the itinerary and budget, and asked to choose what they can commit to with a clear message that there will be no hard feelings if someone can’t join in.’

4

Is it ok to ask guests to give up holiday days from work to attend?

‘If it is not ok then they will not attend!’ says Sarah Haywood. ‘When you’re setting the date perhaps consider how best to timetable the main events so that people can limit how much time they need to take off from work.

Also consider flight and transfer times and make it as easy as possible for the majority of guests to attend. Perhaps encourage guests to travel on a particular flight together and lay on a coach transfer to get them to the venue at the other end, saving taxi costs. Do as much of the groundwork as you can so guests know all they need to do is get there – arranging hotel accommodation and securing discounts for block bookings, giving a lot of information about the destination, car hire, transfer information, and so forth.’

‘We find Saturday remains the most popular day for a wedding, and obviously bank holiday weekends are highly sought after,’ says Geraldine Sweetland. ‘With a weekend wedding most couples try to have events arranged over Friday, Saturday and Sunday in order for guests to only take one day of their holiday time. One or two days is acceptable.’

‘This comes down to choice,’ says Jules McClean. ‘Guests have a choice about whether the event is important enough to take a day’s holiday and many do. Stress happens to couples when they try to take everyone’s needs and wants into consideration and end up with a day that is not what they would have wished for. Compromise is good, but complete sublimation is not!’

5

Is it too much to expect people with children not to bring them - and to have to find childcare?

‘As with any wedding, if children are being excluded then there can be no exceptions other than close family and nursing mothers,’ says Sarah Haywood. ‘Give parents as much time as possible to arrange cover so they can attend. Also accept that some people will simply not want to come and others will not be able to. And remember to be tactful when approaching the subject.’

‘Always a delicate topic, with travelling abroad for a wedding,’ says Geraldine Sweetland.

‘It can be more appropriate to suggest the children are left behind, but we tend to suggest offering babysitting services to parents in the wedding venue and ultimately let them make the choice. You will find some will enjoy having time away from the children, and in addition it is always wise to indicate how child-friendly the environment will be and to allow parents to use their own initiative about what is appropriate.’

‘This is more of a personal view, but I don’t think weddings are suitable for small children as unconsciously the day becomes about them simply due to their pressing needs, and therefore can detract from the couple who, quite rightly, want to be selfish for once!’ says Jules McClean. ‘Teenagers are great, as they are able to look after themselves!’

6

Should you expect everyone to leave after the wedding so you can enjoy your honeymoon?

‘If people have travelled overseas then it’s reasonable to expect that some of them may want to make the most of it and extend their stay,’ says Sarah Haywood. ‘If you don’t want to be hosting guests after the wedding, perhaps arrange for your honeymoon to be somewhere else.’

‘Most people don’t expect to join the couple on their honeymoon!’ says Geraldine Sweetland.

‘We find couples usually travel elsewhere in the country to enjoy their honeymoon, but occasionally some make the choice to spend time with their family in the area and then take their private honeymoon later on. Guests will generally expect to leave once the celebrations are over.’

‘If guests have taken the time, effort and money to attend then consideration ought to prevail,’ says Jules McClean. ‘You should think about spending some time with your guests either before, or after the wedding, with a low-key lunch, or a sight-seeing activity to show off the local area, for example. It can be hard on the day itself to spend time with everyone.’

A sample invitation to tackle these issues... ...suggested by Sarah Haywood.

Caroline & Jack invite you to celebrate their wedding on June 4th, 2011 Ascoli Piceno, Italy We would love you to share our special wedding celebration but understand the long distance may prohibit. If you are able to attend your presence will be gift enough.

Then a more detailed enclosure covering the following: • Exact location of celebration • Accommodation details and how to book (including prices and booking references if rooms gave been secured at discounted rates) • Nearest airport • Transfer and/or car hire details • Details of all parties and wedding related gatheringsdes for all events • Some information about the area and what there is to do • Departure information (let them know when it will be over so they can arrange onward travel or return journey home) You can either let people know within your invitation where you have registered your gift list, or let people know they can contact you if they want this information.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 101

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

102 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 103

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

Jungle Safari Borneo, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia

Avoid Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt, Maldives

July

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 104 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 105

Wedding Countdown

Martha Stewart, Sandals

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

106 www.BridesAbroad.tv

• Set up a honeymoon gift list • 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

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 Laguna Tours, Phuket

3 MONTHS

• Check that you have received all the 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 departmen store and choose your wedding make-up. Make sure it is heat -and-water-resistant if you are goingto 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

• Have your jabs • Start health and fitness plan

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.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 107

POP the Question

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

The facts...

The legals...

Where can I get married abroad?

Are there residency restrictions in some countries?

Will our marriage be legally recognised in the UK?

Where do you fancy? You name it, and you can probably get married there.

Weddings can be arranged in more than 30 countries around the world, and in many different settings.

Yes. Your wedding will be registered in the country it takes place in and is completely legal under British law, so you don’t need to register your marriage again when you get home.

Yes, so you need to check residency restrictions with your tour operator or wedding planner. The most difficult countries are Spain (40 days residency), France (40 days) and Australia (one month and one day); however, there are no restrictions in Antigua, Jamaica or Las Vegas.

How much will it cost?

Tour operator Kuoni is a destination wedding specialist. It says the average price of its destination weddings, including honeymoon, is less than £3,000 – a small cost compared to the average UK wedding! Prices vary considerably for a wedding or vow renewal package; this is paid as a supplement to your holiday package price. Some resorts offer free wedding packages, so bargain hunters should check their options with tour operators.

108 www.BridesAbroad.tv

What are the legal requirements?

They vary from country to country, but in general you must be over 20 years of age and need your British passports, original copies of your Birth Certificates and documentation regarding any previous marriages, or if you are widowed or divorced.

Some countries have additional costs for legalisation and translation of documents. If you book through a tour operator, such as Kuoni, Thomas Cook, Turquoise and Sandals, your dedicated wedding team will give you full details at the time of your booking.

What name should I travel under?

If you are getting hitched abroad you can’t change the name on your passport until you return home. You must travel in your maiden name and your return airline tickets need to be in the same name as your passport or they will not be valid. Of course you can change your passport to your married name once you are back home in the UK and are in possession of your Marriage Certificate.

When will I receive my Marriage Certificate?

It will either be handed to you at the resort or sent via registered post to your home address. Don’t panic if it takes a while to arrive – this is normal, especially if you marry in Jamaica where it can take up to 12 months! If you get married in certain countries, like Mexico and the Dominican Republic it will need to be translated, which will cause extra delay. For more information visit direct.gov.uk and search under passports.

The ceremony...

Can we invite guests to our wedding?

Of course! Some hotels even offer reduced rate weddings for more than four guests.

Remember to order extras for your guests, such as more wine, a larger wedding cake or extra buttonholes. If the wedding couple is staying at an All Inclusive resort, they will need to buy one-day passes for guests staying at other hotels, and in adultsonly resorts you will need to ask special permission for children to attend the wedding on a day pass. All this can be organised at the resort by your wedding planner.

When do I meet the resort’s wedding planner?

One to three days after your arrival at your resort. Your wedding planner will sort out the fine details of your wedding, from champagne to the icing on your cake, and check your documentation so that you can relax as the arrangements are done on your behalf. Once the local registrar is happy your paperwork is in order, your wedding planner will give you a date and time for the ceremony and send out invitations to your guests.

Where will our ceremony take place?

The hotel wedding planner will show you the locations to choose from – usually in the gardens of your hotel, or in a decorated wedding pavilion. If you are marrying in Europe you may choose to exchange vows in the local church or town hall, or in Las Vegas, a wedding chapel. The hotel wedding co-ordinator will show you the locations to choose from. It’s unusual to have a ceremony on the beach, but many couples take beach photographs after the ceremony.

Who will be at the ceremony?

Most overseas weddings are civil ceremonies, in the style of registry office services, unless a religious ceremony has been pre-arranged. The ceremony will be conducted by a Judge, Celebrant, Minister or Registrar. You will need two to four witnesses, who could be anyone from your wedding guests to people you have met on the beach the previous day. Your wedding

planner will be there too, to ensure your day goes without a hitch.

co-ordinated cakes to match the chosen wedding palette.

The important bits...

Who will take care of my hair and make-up?

How should I transport my wedding dress?

We recommend wedding outfits should be packed in a hard suitcase or strong box, as they will be placed in the hold of the plane.

It might be an idea to contact your airline for more information. Generally, there is no extra baggage allowance for wedding outfits. You can also take out extra insurance to cover the transportation of your dress.

Can I choose my flowers?

Absolutely! At the resort, your wedding planner will show you photos of bouquets for you to make a selection. Your wedding bouquet and his buttonhole are included in your wedding package, but extra flowers and buttonholes can be ordered for guests and bridesmaids.

What about the music?

You can request whatever music you prefer and it will be arranged for you – from a DJ playing your favourite songs to calypso bands. If you prefer you can pack a CD with your chosen musical selection, which can be played at your wedding.

Will I have a cake?

A wedding cake is included in wedding packages; this is usually a sponge cake with white icing. You can add your own decorations, and even arrange for an upgraded cake. Sandals Resorts offer a choice of themed weddings from the Martha Stewart collection, which feature colour

Every bride wants to look her best and fortunately many hotels have hair and beauty services with make-up artists on-hand. Even if they don’t, your wedding planner can arrange for experts to come to the hotel.

Can I arrange for a good wedding photographer?

Your wedding planner will show you examples of local photographers’ work at the resort so that you can choose the style that suits you best. Photographer and DVD are usually at extra cost; they are rarely included in your wedding package.

What about the wedding dinner?

If you have a group of guests at your wedding, a gala dinner is usually arranged as part of your wedding package. If it’s just the two of you, your wedding planner will arrange a candlelit dinner for two in a romantic location.

Can we leave our guests behind for a honeymoon on our own?

Absolutely. Simply ask your guests to stay at a different hotel close by, or transfer to another hotel after the ceremony.

And finally...

How can I find out more?

Speak to Worldwide Brides Abroad Wedding Planning Team on: 0117 927 2009

www.BridesAbroad.tv 109

Honeymoons 112

1200 miles of open road

118

Honeymoon essentials

124

Sizzling hot!

124

Honeymoon like a star!

132

Mini-moon in Toulouse

138

Pampered couples!

True American adventure on a Thelma and Louise-style fly-drive honeymoon

Must-have accessories for your ‘moon

The heat is on down at the beach

Set-jet to the world’s top10 film locations

Readers Andy and Maggie discover a new side to Southern France

Drift away on cloud nine with sublime spa rituals

www.bridesabroad.tv 71

REALHONEYMOONS

1200 MILES

OFOPEN ROAD

For Tim Clarke, an American fly-drive honeymoon was the perfect opportunity to share his spirit of adventure with his new wife

112

Grand Canyon

www.BridesAbroad.tv 113

REALHONEYMOONS

114 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Newlyweds Tim and Claire Clarke took to the American Highway for their honeymoon. They had heard a lot of people talking about the Classic American Road Trip, but never realised how easy, or spectacular it could be.

“In ten days we saw the bright lights of Vegas, cycled through San Francisco, visited National Parks, hopped on a plane, hired a boat and drove through some of the most breathtaking scenery we’ve ever seen. It was a holiday to remember, and not just because it was our honeymoon!” says Tim.Here are Tim’s top 10 tips and some stories along the way, to whet your appetite if you are planning a similar trip across the USA.

1 2

3

Plan what you want to see carefully and don’t try and do too much - we plotted our original wish-list into Google Maps and found that we’d need to drive about 600 miles a day to go to all the landmarks, National Parks and cities we wanted to visit!

Don’t be worried about taking internal flights to cut down on driving time if you really want to cover a lot of ground. It might seem like cheating, but it is fairly inexpensive and best if you are limited for time. We flew from San Francisco to Vegas and saved a good few hundred miles of driving time.

In San Francisco, we hired bikes and cycled over the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a really sunny day and we caught the ferry back from Sausalito so managed to get a really close up view of Alcatraz.

If we’d had more time, we would have gone on the Alcatraz tour, though they get booked up in advance. I’d recommend organising this before you leave the UK to avoid disappointment.

4 5

Do visit Las Vegas, but don’t spend too long there. Two nights is enough to experience pretty much all it has to offer, you could lose yourself and a lot of money if you stay longer! Have a try at gambling, a posh meal and if you can get into one, try and see one of the Cirque du Soleil shows – discount ticket outlets can be found the length of the strip. We saw the ‘Beatles–Love’ which was just brilliant.

America’s National Parks service is pretty staggering, both in terms of the scenery it encompasses and the organisation of facilities and visitors. Try and see as many as you can and on the way, you’ll probably drive past some National Forests, National Monuments and National Recreation Areas.

If you are planning to visit four or more National Parks, it works out cheaper to buy an annual pass from the National Parks website www.nps.gov The site also has some great PDF maps and resources for planning your visit.

www.BridesAbroad.tv 115

REALHONEYMOONS

Nappa Valley

6

We managed to squeeze in three National Parks, Zion – Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon – in our trip. Whilst the most famous of these is the Grand Canyon, and they are all stunning in different ways, our favourite and the most jaw dropping was definitely Bryce Canyon. It had the ‘wowfactor’ and I’ll never forget my first view from the top of the Bryce ‘amphitheatre’. There isn’t much to do in Bryce Canyon of an evening, so this is also where I found myself on stage with a cowboy band playing the washboard. TOP TIP: Never sit at the front at a cowboy cabaret!

7

A real hidden gem in the Utah/ Arizona area is a town called Page in Arizona which sits at the end of Lake Powell. There is so much to see and do here in terms of sight seeing that we ran out of time. I’d recommend seeing Antelope Canyon – a bit touristy but still pretty special. Take a speedboat out on the lake and visit Horseshoe bend, but don’t stand too close to the edge.

8

Do ask the locals. We spotted a place mat in a diner that showed a very thin dotted line, which looked like a road.

The waiter was able to tell us about this ‘unmade’ road and recommended a different hire car for the journey. We upgraded our car to an SUV (4x4) and spent one day driving down this back road – officially called a

116 www.BridesAbroad.tv

scenic byway between Utah and Arizona. It was probably quite mild off-road driving, but to me it felt like real adventure.

The advice we got from a lady who ran the store at one end of the road was, ‘There’s no phone reception, nobody lives on that road but take plenty of water and you should be OK, if you get stuck, someone will eventually come along and give you a ride out. This is the wild west honey...’

9

As well as driving through it, a spectacular way to see Monument Valley is from a hidden viewpoint that the Navajo Indians call Moki Dugway. Drive through Monument Valley going north to a place called Mexican Hat. About four miles north of Mexican Hat turn left, drive towards a big rock escarpment and up a series of quite terrifying hairpin bends. At the top, turn left onto another unmade road and follow it along to the end. The view over Monument Valley is just breathtaking.

10

After 10 days spent in the desert, scrubland and canyons of Utah and Arizona, we decided to change the scenery and visit the Napa Valley north of San Francisco

and its rolling green hills. Most of the vineyards and wineries do very comprehensive tastings, some are free and some are chargeable.

TOP TIP: Decide who’s going to be your designated driver before setting out on a day of wine tasting! Also, Angele Restaurant in the town of Napa itself is a great place to eat after all the wine tasting.

Tim planned his Road Trip honeymoon with Florida holiday specialists, Jetsave.com which recently launched its Jetsave Journeys programme. For more information and to plan your American adventure visit www.jetsave.com

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

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

Images of your dreams... ...from the city that never sleeps

javan liam weddings around the globe

WWW.JAVA N LIA M.CO.UK

01423 5 0 0 3 5 7 P H O T O G R A P H Y @ J AVA N L I A M . C O . U K

Honeymoon

ESSENTIALS Don’t leave home without...

Borsalino Panama fino fedora hat. £184.00 www.hatsandcaps.co.uk

Missoni beach towel. £100 www.amara.co.uk

MR Portofino rolling cabin bag £775 www.aspinaloflondon.com

Red tartan briefs by Tommy Hilfinger £22 www.hof.co.uk

Lace up pumps. £25 www.next.co.uk

118 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Tuxedo jacket. £64 www.next.co.uk

Roma case beauty boxes. £61.95 www.beauty-boxes.com

Black gem cuff. £12 www.next.co.uk

Bvlgari womens sunglasses. £220 www.wantsunglasses.co.uk

MRS

Michele tatitian blue jelly bean watch. £175. Available from House of Fraser

Missoni beach bag. £104 www.amara.co.uk

Python fringe hobo bag. £1,495 www.cruisefashion.co.uk

Multi car cabin trolley bag. £119.99 www.debenhams.com Black strappy high healed shoes. £80 www.dune.co.uk

www.BridesAbroad.tv 119

Sizzling hot!

Be a red-hot beach babe on your honeymoon with swimwear that will remind him why he fell in love with you, says Lulu Bousfield

120 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Jets Classique stunning black swimsuit with white V-neck trim for pure sophistication. Style J1440DD. www.jetsswimwear.com

121

Sensational Seafolly Goddess black bikini with frill trim top £53.00 Matching Harlow hipster pant £41.

Stockists Selfridges, figleaves and cocobay. www.seafolly.com

122 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Go totally tropical in multi-coloured Selva virgin one-piece swimsuit by Aquaclara. ÂŁ118.90 www.aquaclara.co.uk

123

Honeymoon

like a star– top 10 film locations

You’ve seen the film, you’ve bought the DVD, now follow in the footsteps of your favourite movie stars and visit the locations of movie blockbusters for a honeymoon straight out of Hollywood!

124 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Couples Retreat – BORA BORA If you’ve seen the comedy Couples Retreat, staring Vince Vaughn, you may wonder where in the world you can find the spectacular resort that was the backdrop to the movie. We can put you out of your misery by revealing that the paradise island where the film’s couples in crisis rekindled their love is in fact Bora Bora in the South Pacific.

The stunning island is one of the world’s most romantic locations and is a favourite celebrity hideaway – Nicola Kidman and Keith Urban have honeymooned here, while Eva Longoria and Tony Parker have also enjoyed its tropical splendours.

Where to stay The St Regis, Bora Bora is one of the most breathtaking resort hotels in the world, with pictureperfect Over Water Villas with thatched roofs offering superb views over the turquoise lagoon.

Book it!

www.starwoodhotels.com

www.BridesAbroad.tv 125

2

The Bourne Identity – Paris Looking for thrills as well as romance? The first film adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s Bourne trilogy sees Matt Damon as Jason Bourne soar over rooftops and dodge the CIA in an exciting espionage thriller.

Despite giving the appearance that Bourne was travelling around France and Switzerland, most of the film was in fact shot in Paris – the city of romance. As well as being a gripping film location it’s the perfect honeymoon city.

Where to stay Les Jardins Du Marais, one of the Great Hotels of the World, is a luxurious contemporary boutique hotel in the heart of Paris’ trendy Marais district, brimming with art galleries, chic restaurants and designer boutiques, and is close to many historic landmarks, including the Place des Vosges, the Musée Picasso, the Carnavalet Museum and the Bastille.

3

Book it! www.ghotw.com

Sex and the City 2 – Marrakech

Morocco hit the big screens last summer disguised as Abu Dhabi as the Sex and the City ladies left Manhattan to film their escapes in Marrakech. So follow their Manolo Blahnik footsteps in the lively and colourful city and stroll through the souks, ride a camel and explore everything this mystical destination has to offer together.

Where to stay La Sultana Marrakech, set in a collection of five historic riads, is a boutique hotel with a distinct flavour of the city in its exotic design, which is a feast of copper, marble and wood with antiques and artefacts. This Great Hotel of the World is situated close to the Royal Palaces and Medina, with lovely courtyards and gardens, an ionised pool, good food and a pampering spa. A panoramic rooftop terrace is a truly romantic spot where you can get your city bearings.

Book it!

www.slh.com

126 www.BridesAbroad.tv

5

Casino Royale – Prague

4

Enter the glamorous world of James Bond! Casino Royale, the 21st film in the James Bond series and the debut for Daniel Craig, was primarily shot in Prague, despite its deceptively globetrotting plot. Even the Montenegran hotel where the famous poker game takes place is actually located in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary, an easy day trip from Prague. Tuxedos and Aston Martins are of course optional!

Where to stay The Savic Hotel is in the centre of the Old Town Square, only a short walk away from the famous ‘Astronomical Clock’ and the lively centre of Prague. Certain parts of the hotel have retained their original Gothic roots with some areas dating back to the year 1319.

This Great Hotel of the World is one of a handful of buildings with such charm and distinguished décors.

5

Book it! www.savichotelprague.com

Lara Croft Tomb Raider – Santorini The Lara Croft sequal, The Cradle of Life, based on the popular videogame was filmed on the paradise island of Santorini in the quiet village of Oia, famous for its spectacular sunsets. Angelina Jolie’s character, Lara Croft, discovers the lost treasure of Alexander the Great whilst diving in what the movie refers to as ‘Shark infested waters’. You’ll be pleased to know, however, that sharks are very rare in Greek waters. So what are you waiting for? Unleaash your inner treasure hunter, and enjoy toasting those magnificent sunsets!

Where to stay The Majestic Hotel is one of the Great Hotels of the World, and it’s easy to see how it gained its accolade. Contemporary, warm and stylish, The chic Majestic Hotel offers a peaceful retreat far away from the crowds, with its clean lines, modern furnishings, exquisite dining, Jacuzzi baths in all rooms, and indulgent spa and elegant free-form swimming pools that seem to effortlessly blend with the Aegean Sea. Your honeymoon at The Majestic Hotel will be a unique and truly romantic experience.

Book it! www.ghotw.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 127

Valkyrie – Berlin This historical true-life thriller is set in Berlin during the Second World War and tells the story of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a royal officer with a cunning plan to overthrow the Nazi government. Immerse yourself in some real history as many of the scenes were shot at the actual locations in Berlin, where the events in the movie is based on took place.

Where to stay Hecker’s Hotel Berlin is a first class hotel with modern Italian design, in the best downtown location directly on “Kurfürstendamm”. The charming hotel is ideally located within a short distance of the important fair grounds, sights and shopping districts of Berlin, and is the ideal base for relaxed window shopping! The hotel’s bistrostyle restaurant, Cassambalis is a popular meeting point for guests from the worlds of culture, politics and the media.

7

Book it! www.ghotw.com

Shirley Valentine – Greece The classic 80’s movie sees Shirley, a 40something from Liverpool, being given the opportunity to embark on a life-changing adventure to the stunning Greek island of Mykonos. With beautiful beaches, perfect weather and friendly locals; why not take on an adventure of your own?

Where to stay Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos is nestled on a cliff overlooking the sea, and is a striking minimalist design of whitewashed walls and splashes of bright colours, which blend effortlessly with the awe-inspiring surroundings. With its ultra-chic design, cool ambience and magnificent views over the Aegean Sea, no wonder this stunning hotel is one of the Great Hotels of the World.

Book it! www.ghotw.com 128 www.BridesAbroad.tv

Vicky Cristina Barcelona – Barcelona

8

As you may have guessed from the name, Woody Allen’s romantic drama was filmed in one of the most captivating cities in the world, and many of Barcelona’s most famous sights are featured. From the lively beaches and rugged mountains to the upbeat pace of the city, the beauty and romance of bohemian Barcelona is ready to be explored.

Where to stay Ideally located in a unique seafront location in the city’s Olympic Village area, just a short stroll from the Ramblas, Picasso Museum and the seafront promenade, the stunning Ritz-Carlton managed Hotel Arts is a prominent feature of Barcelona’s skyline, and is undoubtedly one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. It is a contemporary architectural delight, with a choice of restaurants and the luxurious Six Senses Spa, which has stunning views over the sea and a large outdoor pool and terrace.

Book it! www.kuoni.com www.BridesAbroad.tv 129

9

Angels & Demons – Rome The second film adaptation of Dan Brown’s popular book series was largely filmed in Rome. Recreate Robert Langdon’s dramatic race against time as he deciphers the clues to save Vatican City.

Visit the tomb of painter Raphael in the Pantheon, the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona and the Piazza del Popolo. And drink in the culture and utter romance of one of the world’s most spectacular cities.

Where to stay Since 1906, The Westin Excelsior, Rome has hosted celebrities, statesmen and artists visiting the Eternal City. The newly refurbished hotel reflects grand style throughout and enjoys a prime location in the celebrated Via Veneto district, where it is known for outstanding service in an exceptional setting. Enjoy romantic dining on Roman favorites at Restaurant Doney then work off those extra pounds with a personal trainer in the health club before relaxing in the spa with a shiatsu massage.

10

Book it! For more information and to discuss prices, contact Yasmine Torab at www.5starweddingdirectory.com.uk

Troy – Malta Hollywood’s filmmakers have often looked to Malta when they need a beautiful, tranquil or exotic location to film their latest movie. Over the years the small, historical Mediterranean has been the setting for many major films. The blockbuster Troy was filmed here in 2004 and starred a tanned looking Brad Pitt in an adaptation of Homer’s great epic. The film follows the assault on Troy by the united Greek forces and chronicles the fates of the men involved.

Where to stay The five-star Hotel Phoenicia Malta is a stunning historic art deco hotel that has been frequented by royalty, film stars and socialites since it opened in 1947. The luxurious retreat is set in 7.5 acres of gardens that lead to the Bastion Pool deck, from which there is no better place to relax and admire the imposing views.

Book it! www.kuoni.co.uk 130 www.BridesAbroad.tv

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

REALHONEYMOONS

Mini-moon in Toulouse Andy Collier reminisces on his short, but wonderfully sweet honeymoon with wife Maggie in the lesser-known Midi-Pyrenees area of southern France

132

N

o one could accuse us of pushing the boat out for our wedding. As we’re in our fifties and have only a relatively small circle of family and friends, a full-blown affair complete with meringue dress and retinues of bridesmaids would have been ludicrously over the top.

As my wife-to-be Maggie pointed out, they wouldn’t have suited me anyway.

So we kept it gloriously simple. Well, actually, glorious and simple. We married at our own church, with the wedding incorporated into normal Sunday High Mass.

So we had a full church, splendid Anglo Catholic liturgy, and our wonderful choir singing our choice of setting: Gounod’s St Cecilia Mass. Our reception? The same friends and fellow congregants at a boisterous buffet and drinks party back at our home.

Decisions, decisions!

It was a terrific mixture of the splendidly memorable and the cosily familiar.

But how were we to replicate that in a honeymoon? We didn’t rush off abroad in a romantic whirl the next day (actually, as freelance writers with commissions to fulfill, we had to go straight back to work), so we had time to think and plan.

We knew we wanted a romantic, once-ina-lifetime long-haul holiday, but decided to leave that until we could escape work and enjoy it. In the meantime, we were desperate to get some time together – abroad, but not too far away, and with plenty to see and do.

So near, so good!

So for our honeymoon-before-thehoneymoon, we chose France – to be exact, the Midi Pyrenees. Why? It’s France’s biggest region, yet both the countryside and the area’s biggest city, Toulouse, are fascinating, beautiful and relatively undiscovered. We know we wouldn’t be fighting for beach space, pushing onto tour buses or facing hordes of screaming children. It sounded perfect. >

www.BridesAbroad.tv 133

REALHONEYMOONS

134 www.BridesAbroad.tv

What were the highlights of our trip, and the tips we can offer? Well, here’s a selection:

1

Toulouse is a fantastic start to a honeymoon. It’s the fifth biggest conurbation in France, and is known as the Ville Rose – the Pink City – because of its distinctive brick architecture. The beautiful colour of the buildings makes it wonderfully romantic.

There are fabulous shops, and the Place du Capitole is a fantastic square, which captures the soul and vibrancy of the city.

2

Places to visit in Toulouse include the wonderful basilica of St Sernin, a huge cathedral dating from 1080 and the biggest Romanesque church in the world.

The Jacobins Convent nearby is equally remarkable and is said to contain the relics of St Thomas Aquinas.

3

If you just want to relax instead of taking in the sights, then Toulouse is a marvellous city for strolling around in. You can enjoy the narrow streets, stroll by the Garonne river, or gently amble along the banks of the pretty Canal du Midi, a remarkable feat of engineering which links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Of if you’re a food lover, join the locals in the bustling Victor Hugo covered market, where you’ll be in awe of the astonishing range of breads, cheeses, meats and fish on display.

4

We stayed in the Hotel Le Grand Balcon, a recently restored chic boutique hotel right in the city centre once frequented by the aviator and writer Antoine de SaintExupéry. Its rooms have wonderful views of the Place du Capitole as well as gorgeously comfy beds, flatscreen TVs, complimentary minibar and iPod docking stations.

5

If you want to eat in traditional French highbrow style, enjoying classic cuisine served by white-gloved waiters, then try the nearby gastronomic restaurant at Les Jardins de I’Opera. Also close by is the more informal but wonderful Les Arcades restaurant, where the cooking is more rustic but equally memorable.

6

Hire a car and head east from Toulouse and you’ll quickly find yourself in some of France’s most beautiful and undiscovered countryside. An hour along the motorway takes you to Gaillac, a pretty town famous for its local wine, which pre-dates Bordeaux and was once as famous.

View the wonderful museum at the local abbey and try lunch at the excellent, modern Vigne en Foule restaurant in thetown square.

7

Head out into the beautiful, gentle surrounding countryside and take the Iter Vitis – the path of the vineyard. The French call

this landscape Little Tuscany and it’s easy to see why. The local tourist office will rent you an iPod which explains the history of the area. It’s achingly romantic, with medieval bastide villages such as Castelnau de Montmiral and Puycelsi standing high above the surrounding countryside.

8

We stayed at the Ancienne Auberge, a charmingly unpretentious little hotel and restaurant on the pocket-sized medieval square in Puycelsi, and were lulled to sleep by the chiming of the nearby church clock. This is sleepy, provincial France at its best. Every villager you pass in the atmospheric narrow streets will smile and say ‘bonjour’. It would be unthinkable not to reciprocate.

9

In the equally lovely and sleepy village of Penne, a miraculous transformation is taking place.

Toulouse architect Axel Letellier is restoring an 800-year-old castle perched on a cliff high above the River Aveyron.

It’s just opened to visitors. It has a hugely romantic history. Axel fell in love with it as a boy, and dreamed he would own it one day. Now he does, and is restoring it to its former glory. It’s said to be the site of Europe’s first love song, sung by a minstrel to the Countess of Albi. >

www.BridesAbroad.tv 135

REALHONEYMOONS

10

There’s more romance and drama at the nearby town of Cordes-sur-Ciel.

It translates as Cordes in the Sky, and it’s easy to see why. The top of this medieval town hangs high in the air – a little tourist road train takes you through the narrow streets to the top with its Renaissance facades. The views are as spectacular as the history.

11

Then it’s on to the City of Albi, home of the painter Henri de Toulouse Lautrec and site of an astonishing 13th century Cathedral which has some of the finest fittings and carvings in France. For the ultimate romantic experience, you can even book your own private concert here! For the dinner of a lifetime, try eating at the brilliant young chef David Enjalran’s Michelinstarred restaurant L’Esprit du Vin. It has a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere and the food is a revelation. David even came out and held the taxi door open for us as we left! It’s hard to imagine Gordon Ramsay doing that.

136 www.BridesAbroad.tv

12

The next day, it was back in the hire car for the twohour drive to Roquefortsur-Soulzon, home of – you’ve guessed it – Roquefort cheese.

You can tour the caves in which the cheese develops. It’s a fascinating process, which will leave you captivated. The Société Roquefort shop is an essential stop – it contains types of Roquefort only sold locally, and prices are excellent.

13

Nearby is Millau, which is now famous for the fantastic Millau Viaduct, which spans the Tarn valley, 1000 feet below. The tallest bridge in the world, it proves that modern architecture can be functional and yet stunningly beautiful. And it was designed by Norman Foster – a Briton!

14

Our fly-drive tour finished with a night at the gloriously eccentric and romantic Chateau de Sorgues. Hidden three miles up a narrow road, it’s a joy to stay in. The setting is

utterly secluded, bedrooms are gorgeous and there’s a wonderful baronial hall to relax in. Meals are served at a huge communal table in hearty pots and everyone digs in.

None of the other guests spoke English, but as the vin rouge flowed, we all seemed to understand each other better and better....

Andrew Collier and Maggie Stanfield flew to Toulouse with Jet2. For more information visit www.tourism-midi-pyrenees.co.uk, www.uk.toulouse-tourisme.com, www.tourisme-aveyron.com and www.tourisme.tarn.com ¢

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

Email: terri@worldtitles.co.uk

Blissful

Spa Honeymoons After months of planning your wedding, a sublime spa honeymoon is just the tonic you need to relax and revitalise after your big day

138

www.bridesabroad.tv

Buddha-inspired couples ritual Find harmony in the glass-floored treatment rooms of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s intensely beautiful Over-Water Spa, where honeymooners can experience the ultimate in pampering whilst gazing into the turquoise Maldivian waters. The Buddha-inspired Siddhartha rituals Allure and Art of Love are specifically designed couples treatments that use aromas, music, massage and oils to tantalise the senses. Continue the relaxation at the new adults-only Quiet Zone on Rangali Island, featuring a stunning over-water infinity pool and Lounge Bar. Villas for two, including breakfast start at £738 per night for stays between January 7 and February 28.

Book it!

Call 0117 927 2009 to speak to our wedding planning team, or log onto www.bridesabroad.tv/maldives

139

Incas spa rituals in Peru Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the heart of a mystical landscape, Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness Centre is the first well-being spa in Peru, and is the ultimate off-the-track retreat to rejuvenate mind and body in a spiritual setting. The stylishly sophisticated hotel is one of the Preferred Hotels, offering honeymooners the perfect base from which to experience the ancient beauty and body purification rituals of the Incas. The wellness centre offers three hydrotherapy pools, a Vichy Shower, an oxygenation room and yoga and fitness rooms. One of the treatments offered incorporates a hyperbaric chamber, a sealed capsule with 100 per cent oxygen at high pressure. This innovative treatment is said to delay ageing and reduce stress. Ayurvedic treatments are also available, including the sensual Shirodhara, where a continuous stream of warm oil is poured over the forehead to clear and calm the mind. Local specialities include the Maras Salt Exfoliation and the Andean Mud Wrap – an ancient healing technique that mixes the elements of land and water.

Book it! www.aranwahotels.com 140

www.bridesabroad.tv

Pampered in Portugal Enjoy a fabulous city break honeymoon exploring Lisbon, with its sightseeing, shopping and nightlife, then retire to the Altis Belém Hotel’s luxurious spa for some TLC to help you to unwind and relax with tempting spa couples treatments.

In a tranquil location by the river, the Altis Belém Hotel and BSPA offers moments of pure relaxation and holistic well-being as you indulge in sensual therapies and couples massages and rituals in double treatment rooms, or in the pergola on the rooftop Sundeck which enjoys inspiring views of the river, the Tower of Belém and the monument of the Portuguese Discovery. The spa’s signature treatment, the BSPA Massage, combines ancient techniques and modern therapies, with specialised techniques performed with hands, thumbs and elbows. Facilities also include: swimming pools, sauna, Hammam, fitness room, Vichy Shower and beauty room.

Book it! www.altishotels.com

Romance at the Crane Couples seeking a blissful retreat that’s steeped in luxury will find the perfect setting for their romantic escape at The Crane. Set on the spectacular South East coast of Barbados, the resort is the oldest operating hotel on the island overlooking the powder-pink sands of Crane Beach and the rolling Atlantic Ocean. Crane’s new Crane Bliss upgrade package brings together romantic de-stress massages for you and your man, dreamy candlelit dinners, a rose petal candlelit bath and a complimentary room upgrade. The Lovers Oasis offers couples the chance to refresh and renew with a one-hour couples massage, using indulgent signature oils and spices from the seclusion of your own room, overlooking the views of the stunning ocean. You can indulge your senses further in the fine dining offered at the Crane, which maintains its long-held reputation for its cuisine with two superb restaurants offering a fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisine.

Book it! www.thecrane.com www.bridesabroad.tv 141

Learn to massage in the Maldives Spice up your life on the honeymoon ready for pampering sessions back home. For the ultimate in romance, honeymooners can now learn the art of massage with a choice of new couples’ massages at Sun Hotels & Resorts Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort and Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives. Trained masseurs from the resort’s Sun Spas will guide couples through a private lesson on how to pamper each other with a simple, yet highly effective massage. Each 60-minute lesson starts with an introduction to the benefits of massage and the oils used.

A demonstration massage follows with strokes explained.

Couples then get to practice on each other with the trainer on hand to offer tips and advice. Newlyweds will also receive a Sun Spa goody bag with a relaxing spa CD and a bottle of essential oil, so they can continue practicing the massage techniques back home.

Book it!

Call 0117 927 2009 to speak to our wedding planning team, or log onto www.bridesabroad.tv/maldives

142

www.bridesabroad.tv

Weddings are Better when Shared

A Match Made in Paradise…

Create special memories with your loved one with one of our Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Wedding Packages. Have access to your own private beach ceremony, decorations, wedding cake, candlelight dinner & champagne. What could be better?

basic wedding package for two

700

$

You’ve made the commitment, let us take care of everything else.

Book at Sheraton.com/maldivesfullmoon, Sheraton.maldives@sheraton.com or call +(960) 664 2010

©2009 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sheraton and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or www.bridesabroad.tv its affiliates.

91

VOTED THE WOR LD’S LEADING TOUR OPER ATOR FOR 11 YEAR S IN A ROW • W W W.K UONI.CO.UK

Luxury travel, tailor made by the experts

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES CALL 0117 927 2009

www.worldwideweddingsmagazine.com 19