Wedding Supplement April 2011

in association with

Wedding

YOUR

SU PPL E M EN T

3 historical london of the best

venues

EXPERT TIPS

For planning your special day

Here comes theBride & Grandeur elegance at RIBA

TO LOVE & TO CHERISH

The best wedding jewellery

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Wedding

YOUR

SU PPL E M EN T

O

EDITOR’S LETTER

ur supplement this month is rather dear to my heart, as I myself got engaged at Christmas last year. Putting together our wedding issue has been so much fun and incredibly helpful in helping me gather ideas for my big day. I hope it proves as handy for all the other brides-to-be out there.

The most important thing to organise for a wedding is, of course, the location. Any ideas about decorative schemes, dresses and flowers (among other things) will probably stem from the architectural styling of the venue - and it can be surprisingly hard to find a place that really strikes a chord. All too often wedding locations can seem stuffy or corporate or formal, but editing this supplement has schooled me in some of the more unique London spaces for hire – and having come to my engagement with a rather open mind (no preconceived plans, no much-imagined big white wedding since the age of twelve), I’ve really enjoyed finding out more about the characterful, colourful venues out there.

In our supplement you’ll find tips and advice from top London wedding planner Mark Niemierko, beautiful gift and jewellery ideas as well as the all-important venue round-up. The magazine itself is also bridal-themed, with long-wear make up suggestions and a ‘What to Wear’ wedding fashion page, as well as a feature spotlight on the best historical venues in the local area - some of which you may never have heard of before.

We hope you’ll love this wedding special as much as we’ve loved putting it together, and we hope it serves you on your way to a chic and unique wedding. All our best to every couple planning for the day itself. See you on the other side!

Helen Baron helen.baron@zest-media.com

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WEDDING PLANNER

Q&A

ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT Stay on track with your wedding plans with Mark Niemierko’s expert tips and advice…

HOW DID YOU GET INTO WEDDING PLANNING? I worked in TV and film production from an early age. I enjoyed the organisational element, working on PR and events.

Obviously that kind of background is good practice for wedding planning – you run things like a military operation; there’s no room for error! I had a grand plan to start an events company with a wedding branch, but weddings just took off. When I started the company, wedding planning wasn’t being done that well in London.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN THINGS INVOLVED IN PLANNING A WEDDING FOR A CLIENT? Everything! The main thing is getting on well with clients and being adaptable.

I don’t think you can love the job for the sake of loving it or do it purely for financial gain. You have to want to do it.

WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT THING TO ORGANISE? There’s no one thing; there are difficult elements. It’s not so enjoyable working with clients who don’t share your mind-set or unprofessional suppliers. I also really dislike working with bad service; trying to teach people how to give 5-star service… is basically teaching people how to do their jobs properly! This quite often applies to venues that, surprisingly frequently, don’t understand how important service is.

TELL US ABOUT THE CRAZIEST WEDDING YOU’VE ORGANISED… There’s so many! They’re all individual.

I did once have to plan a wedding in two days; the bride was flying in from South Africa on the day of the wedding, there was no dress, so she had to try things on in the morning in her hotel suite! It just goes to show you can do a wedding with very little notice.

WEDDING COSTS CAN ESCALATE WILDLY: WHAT ARE YOUR TOPTIPS FOR SAVING MONEY? I would say just really think about your own personal tastes as a couple. Don’t try to be something you’re not. If you’re a foodie pair, have a reception in a restaurant for example. What tends to happen is that couples find themselves doing things in a formulaic way rather than a personal one. If you like drinking and socialising, spend at the bar instead of on sugar almonds! Don’t throw a wedding for 150 people if you’d really rather something more intimate. You don’t have to have a band playing just because its traditional, you can do whatever you want! It’s less about saving money and more about spending wisely.

AND TIPS FOR THE DAY IN GENERAL? Be relaxed! Obviously, don’t leave > 29

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WEDDING SPECIAL < anything until the day itself – you don’t want to be doing the seating plan on the morning of the wedding. The most you want to be thinking about on the day is when to open a bottle of champagne. And if something does go wrong and you haven’t got a planner sorting it for you, let it be. You can’t control everything, so enjoy your big day!

IF YOU HAD A CLIENT FOR WHO TIME AND MONEY WERE NO OBJECT, WHAT KIND OF WEDDING WOULD YOU PLAN? For me, it’s not about that. The couple are at the core of what I do, so it’s not about what I want to plan. I’ve been asked to take complete control on occasion but my aim is to make a wedding personal to the couple. Even if I have a limitless budget, I don’t want to wade in with a load of crazy ideas for the sake of it.

When a couple aren’t so forthcoming about what they want, I have to draw it out of them. What era do they like? What colours? What flowers? What food? I know immediately from the details they give me which suppliers to go to.

I also like to break the day into ‘acts’. I hate going to a ceremony when you can see the band getting ready at dinner; I think its better to break the day up – maybe go to a different room for dessert or dancing, to keep the excitement and keep the guests guessing a little.

You plan logistically first and then get creative. Often I’ll do a walk-through at a venue and get ideas for colours, furniture and lighting etc.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE VENUE? Venue is crucial. You can’t plan anything without a venue. Not the lighting, the flowers or the band. It all depends on the staging, the space, a late licence etc. And you can’t send the invitations out without deciding that first. It’s important as a planner to point out the pros and cons of a particular venue to clients. If you want dancing, you might not be able to work with a small country house.

OF ALL THE VENUES YOU HAVE WORKED WITH, WHAT HAS IMPRESSED YOU MOST? The Dorchester hotel, for all-out wow.

It’s an obvious choice but its renowned for its good service. You don’t want your guests waiting for champagne – if service is bad no one will notice how lovely the flowers are! The Dorchester has variety; for a 20 person wedding, there’s The Penthouse and Pavilion Suite, for a classic elegant couple there’s The Orchid Rooms for 120 guests, for 400 guests you’ve got The Ballroom and if you’re ultra contemporary there are The Crystal Rooms. The Dorchester has venues within venues! The rooms and spas are convenient too.

I also like Kensington Palace Orangery, the Banqueting House at Whitehall, One Marylebone and One Mayfair and I must mention Claridge’s too.

ANY QUIRKY VENUES LONDONERS MIGHT NOT HAVE HEARD OF BEFORE? We did a wedding at the Louise Blouin Foundation in Ladbroke Grove; it’s a gallery and a real blank canvas so you can have a lot of fun there. Number Sixteen is a small hotel in South Kensington with a secret garden - perfect for something very intimate.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PERSONAL TOUCHES A COUPLE CAN ADD TO MAKE THEIR BIG DAY SPECIAL? Overall the day should be a reflection of the couple. Throw in your favourite cocktail. If you like fast food, serve hamburgers in the evening. We’ve even thrown in Christian Dior dressing tables in bedroom suites before so lady guests can treat themselves to Dior products; they were also given silk nighties with their initials sewn into the pocket. I like the subtle touches – a newspaper delivered to everyone’s room on the morning of the wedding, wrapped in a ribbon bearing the couple’s name for example - nothing too in your face.

LASTLY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR YOUR OWN WEDDING? I wouldn’t do a sit-down dinner. I’d do an intimate ceremony, earlier in the day, maybe with a lunch for 20 people and then later in the evening a black-tie, stand-up party with buffet food. I always try to make a dinner upbeat and short: from a guest perspective, the dinner may not be as fun. You might be plonked next to someone you can’t bear so you don’t want to be stationed there!  niermierko.com

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N Enviably positioned in the N Enviably positioned in the

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Discover this unique and versatile space Discover this and Discover this unique unique and versatile versatile space for meetings, conferences, dinners,space for meetings, conferences, for meetings, dinners, receptions andconferences, celebrationsdinners, from receptions and receptions and celebrations celebrations from from 8 to 400 people.

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J&P BRONZE LEATHER FLORAL CLUTCH £72 JENKINSANDPOWER.COM

ELTA STRAPLESS MAXI DRESS, £229 TEDBAKER.COM

FASHION

House of Dagmar

DEBORAH ICONIC DRESS WITH SILK CREPE SKIRT AND LEATHER TOP £398 HOUSEOFDAGMAR.SE

Wedding Belles It’s wedding season, so make sure you’re the BDG (best dressed guest).

Just don’t upstage the bride...

SEQUIN CAPELET £55 BLAKEGODBOLD.COM

SONIA BY SONIA RYKIE RUFFLE STRAP COTTON DRESS £295 LIBERTY.CO.UK

LELA ROSE PLEATED COTTONTWILL DRESS £765 NET-A-PORTER.COM

SPIKE FEATHER FASCINATOR £30 KALIKO. CO.UK

ASPINAL OF LONDON CLASSIC HEPBURN HANDBAG NUDE PATENT, £495 ASPINALOFLONDON.COM

BOW & VEIL CONTRAST LACE PILL BOX £24 ACCESSORIZE.COM

WHITE BERGAMOT EDT, £35 BSQUARE.CO.UK YVES SAINT LAURENT TRIBUTE SANDAL £540 HARVEYNICHOLS.COM

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Style 11132 - Lace embellished tulle gown with satin and crystal detailing £999 by Ellis Bridals, (020 8888 8833, ellisbridals.co.uk) ‘Josephine’ shoes £280 , ‘Adelaide’ necklace £450 and ‘Rebecca’ bracelet £295, all by Freya Rose (0207 288 6311, freyarose.co.uk)

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Our fashion shoot goes bridal at the captivating venue that is RIBA at Portland Place

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Photography: Dan Williams Hair/Make-up: Helen Rance Stylist: Frances Park

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Style 11197 – Pleated and rouched taffeta one shoulder dress with twist detail, £899 by Ellis Bridals, 020 8888 8833 ellisbridals.co.uk ‘Pearl and jias crystal flower’ headband £95, by Freya Rose (0207 288 6311, freyarose.co.uk)

CA APR 11 Fashion Shoot.indd 36

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Style 11184 – Pleated chiffon sweetheart neckline gown with lace embellished tulle, £899 by Ellis Bridals, 020 8888 8833, ellisbridals.co.uk ‘Josephine’ Shoe £280, by Freya Rose (0207 288 6311, freyarose.co.uk) Original Vintage Headband £240,

by Freya Rose (0207 288 6311, freyarose.co.uk)

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‘Grace’ dress £7,800 by Bruce Oldfield Wedding, (020 7584 1363, bruceoldfield.com) ‘Eva’ shoe £395 by Emmy Shoes (020 7704 0012, emmyshoes.co.uk) Hand embellished with crystal and fresh water pearls headband £165,

by Freya Rose (0207 288 6311, freyarose.co.uk)

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‘Millie’ dress £650 by Libelula (07986 583 238, libelula-studio.co.uk) ‘Aide’ Shoe £330 by Freya Rose (0207 288 6311, freyarose.co.uk) Alll make up supplied by: CHANEL CLINIQUE ILLAMASQUA YVES ST LAURENT LOCATION: The RIBA 66 Portland Place W1B 1AD ribavenues.com For further information please contact the RIBA Venues team on 020 7307 3888 venues@inst.riba.org The RIBA is an art deco landmark in the heart of London; a stunning and versatile venue available for corporate and private hire for 8 to 400 people --------------------

CREDITS: PHOTOGRAPHY: Dan Williams (danwilliams40@me.com) HAIR/MAKE-UP: Helen Rance (helenrance@yahoo.com) STYLIST: Frances Park model: Abigail Gotts at First Model Management

COVER: ‘Gene’ dress £7,850 by Bruce Oldfield Wedding, (020 7584 1363, bruceoldfield.com) ‘Josephine’ shoes £280 , ‘Adelaide’ necklace £450 and ‘Rebecca’ bracelet £295, all by Freya Rose (0207 288 6311, freyarose.co.uk) Bouquet £70 Lilac, Lisianthus, Victoria Angry Antique roses, Ranunculus, Alabaster roses and Waxflower

by Rebel Rebel (020 7254 4487, rebelrebel.co.uk)

CA APR 11 Fashion Shoot.indd 39

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HOTEL REGENTS PARK

MARRIOTT HOTEL REGENTS PARK

marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= [] \;’,./≠ 128 King Henry's Road ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-= [] \;’,./≠ London NW3 3ST å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢ §¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤ ÷≠ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘≠'"

128 King Henry's Road

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3ST

Amethyst Brides Specialist in bespoke

bridal and occasion wear

To view our current collect ion visit by the bout ique t appointmen

54 Southbury Road, Enfield EN1 1YB

Marriott_The wedding_Amethyst.indd 1

Tel: 0208 350 7832 07951 521 883 www.amethystbrides.co.uk

29/03/2011 20:03

ROCOCO HEART BOX NO.5 £100, RococoChocolates.com

BESPOKE MAP HEART £40, bombus.co.uk

SILVER MUSSEL EATERS £26.50, whiskhampers.co.uk

The perfect p resents for newlywed s...

MOSER BAR DECANTER, £596, Gift-Library.com

To Have & To Hold

ASPINAL ENGLISH BRIDLE LEATHER PHOTO ALBUM, £155, Selfridges.com

DOM PERIGNON POWER TRIO GIFT PACK, £870, Selfridges.com

EAST OF INDIA HAPPYEVER-AFTER ALBUM £14.95, temptationgifts.com

ASCASO DREAM ‘THE COW’ ESPRESSO MACHINE, £515, TheCoffeeMachineLondon.com

PERSONALISED MR & MRS TEA COSY £40 millyandpip.co.uk

C+A APRIL 11 WEDDING GIFTS.indd 1

ROYAL WEDDING COLLECTION GIFT BOX, £19.99, YankeeCandle.co.uk, 0845 050 2623

28/03/2011 18:08

WEDDING SPECIAL

LOCATION

LOCATION

LOCATION L

ocation can be the most difficult thing to decide on when organising a wedding.

If you choose to have the ceremony in London (and don’t already have somewhere in mind), it can be surprising how few spaces truly strike a chord with you and your partner’s individual taste and specifications. And it’s probably the first thing you need to arrange, as any ideas about theme, décor, even the dress, can stem from the final choice of venue.

If more modern venues leave you cold, an historical one could be the answer. All that architecture can offer much in the way of classicism, style, and atmosphere. We look at three of the best historical venues in the area.

Old Finsbury Town Hall

A grade II* listed building, registered with English Heritage as a building of great historical significance.

This grand example of late 19th century Civic Architecture is found on the intersection of six Finsbury streets in the heart of Clerkenwell, set in an island bound by Rosebery Avenue, Garnault Place and Rosoman Street.

Evans Vaughan’s design of the Town Hall’s brick and stonework is “free Flemish Renaissance”.

There are Baroque influences seen in the female figures and carved frieze above the first floor at the Rosoman Street and Garnault Place junction.

Art Nouveau detailing (quite radical at the time of building) combines with the stained glass – an effect that was popular in the early 20th century.

Whabtoduot iwt?e love a

Old Finsbury Town Hall is holding weddings again, following restoration in 2005 by the Urdang Academy, a long established performing arts school that was formerly based in Covent Garden.

Urdang relocated in January 2007, but the town hall continues a hundred year tradition as an events venue: punk, rock and operatic legends are reputed to have been married here! theoldfinsbury townhall.co.uk

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KENWOOD HOUSE

Kenwood House

old finsbury town hall

Kenwood House boasts not only the perfect historical setting (a Georgian villa) but a world-class art collection as well.

Among the famous works are Portrait of an Artist by Rembrandt, The Guitar Player by Vermeer and Mary, Countess Howe by Gainsborough, together with exquisite paintings

by Hals, Van Dyck, Reynolds, Turner and many others.

Whabtoduot iwt?e love a

Kenwood House has numerous rooms that can accommodate your party – the Adam Library caters for a reception for up to 60 guests, intimate dinners can be held in your choice of the impressive stately rooms, including the Dining Room and Music Room. For larger parties of up to 120, the Orangery has rustic charm and is ideal for drinks receptions and dining while guests can then make their way to the charming Old Kitchen for the evening reception and dancing! english-heritage.org.uk

Wilton’s Music Hall

Wilton’s is the oldest surviving Grand Music Hall in the world – wow, that’s enough to want to hold your wedding there! It belongs to the first generation of public house music halls that appeared in London during the 1850s and which, only fifty years later, had all but disappeared.

Originally 5 terraced houses, John Wilton opened Wilton’s Music Hall in 1858. Since then it has been home to the missionaries, survived two world wars, been a rag warehouse and unfortunately become derelict. Wilton’s heyday as a music hall was short-lived: just twenty-two years. Several landlords followed after John Wilton and, in 1880, performances ceased when his final successor was unable to renew the licence due to new fire regulations.

Nowadays, Wilton’s does accommodate weddings for two months of summer in the main hall; as such you’re advised to book ultra early as the venue prioritizes its performance and theatrical calendar also.

Whabtoduot iwt?e love a

WILTON’S MUSIC HALL

For ultra decadence, a drinks and Canapé reception can be held on the beautiful balcony or in the vintage-cool Mahogany bar.

Luxuriously refurbished in 1828, the bar set the tone for the iconic Victorian pubs that followed, and that we know and love today. It is said that more visiting sailors knew the whereabouts of the famed Mahogany bar than St Paul’s Cathedral itself! wiltons.org.uk 43

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A treasure trove of beautiful, affordable and coveted jewellery.

CLAIR GREEN sources brooches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and a whole array of vintage jewellery from various periods of history and areas of the world. Historic pieces date from the Georgian era to 1980s. CLAIR GREEN jewellery collections include items made from sterling silver, gold, semi-precious stones, glass, bakelite, amber and many other materials. Each vintage piece is unique and has its own individual charm.

CLAIR GREEN can create classic pieces of jewellery from vintage and modern beads to compliment your wedding dress or to accessorise your bridesmaids.

Your dream day

With magnificent grounds and an unsurpassed beauty, Stapleford Park offers a truly magnificent backdrop for your dream day to become a reality.

Set in rolling Leicestershire countryside, Stapleford Park is every brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream - whether a lavish grand wedding reception or a more intimate service with family and friends.

Wedding Show - 25th September 2011.

If you would like further information, contact us on 01572 787000 or visit www.staplefordpark.com

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29/03/2011 20:14

WEDDING SPECIAL

LE VAIN CHOCOLATE DROP EARRINGS £2,399, ERNESTJONES.CO.UK PARENTESI COCKTAIL BRACELET £8,800, BULGARI.COM, 020 7872 9969

ABACUS BRACELET £70, GWAG.UK.COM

ROUND FACET RING 18 CART GOLD MOONSTONE £195, MONICAVINADER.COM

CAMÉLIA EARRINGS PRICE ON REQUEST, CHANEL FINE JEWELLERY, 020 7499 0005

TO LOVE & TO CHERISH

1950’S CAPRI DIAMANTÉ FLOWER BROOCH PRICE ON REQUEST, CLAIR GREEN, 07884 233141

Be dazzled by these exquisite jewels

FIL DE COMÈTE RING PRICE ON REQUEST, CHANEL FINE JEWELLERY, 020 7499 0005

BLUE TOPAZ, GREEN TOURMALINE & RHODOLITE EYEBRIGHT RINGS £430 - £520, ALEXMONROE.COM

MONTBLANC LA DAME BLANCHE COLLECTION PENDANT PRICE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST, MONTBLANC.COM

SAPPHIRE FLOWER PENDANT NECKLACE £45,300, BULGARI.COM, 020 7872 9969

EIGHT STONE DIAMOND ETERNITY RING £2,500 ZOEANDMORGAN.COM

SILVER CHERRY BLOSSOM RING WITH PEARLS AND DIAMONDS £395 SHAUNLEANESHOP.COM 020 7405 4773

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WEDDING SPECIAL

LOOK GREAT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY Stand out on your big day with this ultra effective treatment for instant weight-loss

W

ANT TO LOSE A FEW POUNDS FOR YOUR ALL-IMPORTANT WEDDING DAY?

i-Lipo™ is the latest in laser lipolysis, offering you a way to achieve inch loss and body contouring with no pain, no needles and no downtime!

For most of us, the idea of liposuction is too scary to entertain.

We’d rather slog it out the hard way than admit to going under the knife.

But the the i-Lipo treatment looks set to change our minds, due to its gentler, non-invasive approach. Here’s the science: the process emits low levels of laser energy, which creates a chemical signal in the fat cells, breaking down the stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol and releasing them though channels in the cell membranes.

The fatty acids and glycerol are then transported around the body to the tissues that will use them during metabolism to create energy. This transfer of fatty acid release is a natural bodily response which uses up stored energy reserves, so in effect i-Lipo does not trigger any unnatural reaction in the body or damage any surrounding structures such as skin, blood vessels and peripheral nerves. A period of exercise post-treatment will ensure the complete metabolism and thus elimination from the body of the freed fatty acids. i-Lipo is the best way to lose inches fast and make sure you look your very best in those wedding photos! Independent clinical studies have shown i-Lipo to be comparable to results achieved by liposuction.

Ultrasound imagery shows up to 30% reduction in the fat layer depth after just one treatment. Additional

treatments improve results further and results can be seen immediately after each treatment, as the fat cell contents are released.

What’s even better about the treatment is that, compared to surgical liposuction and other ultrasound or laser techniques, i-Lipo is a much more affordable option that generates similar results.

Ideal as a pre-dress fitting quick-fix, i-Lipo uses low levels of visible red laser light to create a safe and painless bio-stimulation effect in the targeted fat tissue. The results are immediate; typically a 2-4cm loss in abdomen circumference can be achieved with every treatment. A course of eight treatments is recommended over four weeks, with two treatments per week.

What’s more, i-Lipo can target fat reduction in a specific problem area. By positioning the laser pads on the target areas - such as the chin, upper arms, abdomen or thighs - fat can be broken down and removed. This provides a big advantage over diet and exercise, which can reduce overall body fat but often fails to shape specific areas.

For an ultimate pampering experience, the new ‘Ultra’ vacuum massage can also be used with the i-Lipo laser treatment, to help stimulate the lymphatic system and break down stubborn fat. Once i-Lipo has released the fat cell contents, the post-treatment Ultra can assist in removing released fat and promoting skin cell renewal and blood circulation - making for healthier, firmer skin and improving the appearance of cellulite.

It all amounts to the perfect prewedding pampering session; you could even take your bridesmaids along for a treat before the big day! 

info@healthspectrumclinic.com healthspectrumclinic.com 020 7377 8017 READER OFFER:

Receive £150 off a full course by quoting ‘zest’ when booking

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CAPONATA ATA

ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

3-7 Delancey Street London NW1 7NL 020 7387 5959 weddings@caponatacamden.co.uk www.caponatacamden.co.uk

Located in the heart of Camden Town, in a stunning RIBA award-winning building, Caponata Restaurant and The Forge Music Venue are a perfect location for your bespoke wedding reception.

Caponata serves exceptional quality, home made Italian food from fresh seasonal ingredients.

After meeting you our head chef will provide a delicious menu tailored to your reception, from canapés to a fine dining sit down meal. Specially designed with natural acoustics for live music, The Forge can provide music and a dance floor to complete your celebrations. Our team can advise you on the best musicians for your wedding, be it a string quartet, funk band or DJ.

“A temple of sunlight and adventurous cooking” - The Independent “Beautifully presented delicious cuisine” - View London “Truly first class” - Metro FORGE APRIL 11.indd 1

www.forgevenue.org 29/03/2011 19:47

Set in the heart of North London, a few stops away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kassaba is everything you could want. An opulent Restaurant, Bar, Lounge and Shisha Garden, along with a dedicated royal VIP suite – all in one location.

Set across two floors, this awe inspiring venue is a perpetual Oasis of Persian, Ottoman, Eastern and Mediterranean inspired luxury. Kassaba has taken inspiration from the very first cultural fusions brought about by the legendary Conqueror: Alexander The Great, 356BC, creating an opulent ambience draped in history and infused with a modern and contemporary edge.

Kassaba’s Dome Lounge

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Opulent Luxury

Restaurant • Bar • Lounge

Tel: 020 8340 0400 to book a table Email: info@kassaba.co.uk 1 New River Avenue, London, N8 7QD www.kassaba.co.uk

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HEALTH &BEAUTY

CLINIQUE LASH POWER LONGWEARING FORMULA FOR CRUMBLE AND FLAKE-FREE LASH VOLUME! £15, CLINIQUE.CO.UK

MAC STROBE CREAM

YVES SAINT LAURENT GLOSS VOLUPTE 8. ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR LIPSTICK WITH UP TO 12 HOUR OF STAYING POWER, DOUBLE WEAR IS THE BEST OF THE BEST FOR KEEPING YOUR LIPS VIBRANT AND MOISTURISED ALL DAY LONG. A SMUDGE FREE LIPPIE THAT WON’T BUDGE - SO NO EMBARRASSING LIP STAINED WINE GLASSES! £17, HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK

GIORGIO ARMANI FLUID MASTER PRIMER THIS PROVIDES A SILKY, SECOND SKIN UNDER YOUR FOUNDATION, CREATING THE ILLUSION OF FLAWLESS SKIN. £33, SELFRIDGES.COM

A LITTLE OF THE STROBE CREAM UNDER YOUR FOUNDATION AS A MAKE-SHIFT HIGHLIGHTER ON THE CHEEKBONES WILL GIVE YOU A GLOW WITHOUT CAUSING THE DREADED FLASHBACK IN PHOTOS. £21.50, MACCOSMETICS.CO.UK

Sssshhhh!

DANIEL SANDLER WATERCOLOUR BLUSH A LIQUID BLUSH THAT SETS ON YOUR CHEEKS WITHIN SECONDS. £14.50, LOOKFANTASTIC.COM

ALL DAY LONG

The best long-wear make up to keep you touch-up free all day – essential for Brides-to-be!

CLARINS SHINE STOPPER POWDER COMPACT A SUPER LIGHT POWDER THAT HAS ULTRA-ABSORBING PROPERTIES TO KEEP YOUR SKIN SHINE FREE. £24, UK.CLARINS.COM

CA APRIL 11 Beauty Product.indd 25

ORIGINS QUICK, HIDE! LONG-WEARING CONCEALOR A LONG-WEARING, HEAT AND SWEAT RESISTANT CONCEALOR. £12, ORIGINS.CO.UK

BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW CREAM FORMULATION MEANS THIS WON’T BUDGE OR CREASE AND KEEPS THE SAME AMOUNT OF INTENSITY ALL DAY LONG. £16.50, SELFRIDGES.COM

SMASHBOX BROW TECH THIS KIT COMES WITH A POWDER TO MATCH YOUR HAIR COLOUR AND A COLOURLESS WAX TO KEEP ANY STRAYS IN PLACE FOR THE DAY. £18, DEBEHAMS.COM

GUERLAIN PRECIOUS LIGHT REJUVENATING ILLUMINATOR ERASE AWAY THE YEARS WITH A MAGIC GOLDEN GLOW! THE ILLUMINATOR AWAKENS THE SKIN YOUTHFULNESS WHILE BANISHING ALL SIGNS OF FATIGUE AND THE AGGRAVATIONS OF TIME - KEEPING YOU FRESH FACED ALL DAY. £28, HOUSEOFFRASER.CO.UK

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28/03/2011 17:45

FOOD &DRINK

“EVEN NOW, I CAN’T EAT STARBUCKS OR COSTA CAKE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. BACK THEN I JUST THOUGHT, WHERE IS THERE TO GO FOR A CUP OF TEA AND A DECENT CAKE THAT’S NOT MASS PRODUCED?” came, with Selfridges requesting a supply want the most out of your cake, then of her cupcakes to the store’s London, you’ll probably want to come to us.”

Birmingham and Manchester branches.

To further illustrate her point, she tells From that moment, everything changed. me a story from last year. During a spell Bigger and suitably equipped premises when London had all but shutdown due beckoned, and Allen moved her business to extreme winter weather, the business to Primrose Hill. A little later, she was had cakes waiting to go out to clients – approached by Fortnum and Mason too. including one who was getting married “It’s a real achievement because there, that day. Faced with delays caused by we’ve beaten a lot of other companies stranded delivery vans, another Sweet to be one of maybe five similar products Things regular who happened to be in on the shelf – Fortnum and Mason is all the shop at the time offered to drive about high quality food.” the wedding cake to its destination, But what, I ask her, accounts for helping to avoid a wedding day disaster. the cupcake craze of A touching anecdote recent years? and one that shows the 3 CUPCAKE FACTS “I think the answer kind of devotion Sweet 1. Vogue magazine claimed that is two-fold. People Things customers feel owning a cupcake bakery are attracted to the not just to the shop is the career fantasy of our variety of flavours and itself, but to their times. colours, and I think fellow cake-fans!

2. Google has pronounced the they don’t quite feel Now, of course, cupcake the fastest-rising like they’re eating a business is booming, recipe search in the UK. whole slice of cake!” though Allen believes 3. One cupcake fan page on And was Allen, like she has benefited from Facebook has more than so many others, her timing – it would 250,000 members. inspired by Sex and be harder, she says, to the City’s very own Magnolia Bakery? set up in today’s tumultuous economy.

She laughs: “Totally – I visited it again “The cost of ingredients is now so high… recently on a trip to New York and the it’s actually quadrupled. If you are a large queues went around the corner.” She company you can negotiate fixed rates, confesses though that the cakes were and we now have some leverage, but not up to scratch. “A lot of unnecessary smaller companies are priced out.” Allen decoration but lacking in substance.” must feel relieved that she capitalised on How does she feel, I wonder, about her idea when she did. But there’s little the upsurge in competition? “If you’re time for wondering how different things good, you’ll stand out,” she replies, might have been, and as I leave she is with complete confidence. “We have about to don a hair net and oversee the a 95% repeat custom rate so people development of a new product for Easter are easily converted. There are some – a time of year for which her enthusiasm people who will always buy their cake and excitement are obvious. “Last year from, say, Marks and Spencer, but if we made cupcakes that looked like Easter you’re after the best ingredients, if you Eggs!” she coos. Sweet Things indeed. 

SWEET THINGS MADAGASCAN VANILLA CUPCAKES 110g butter, softened 110g caster sugar 110g plain flour 2 eggs 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp Madagascan vanilla extract Up to 2 tbsp milk if necessary 1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees fan/200 degrees C/gas mark 6.

2. Cream butter and sugar with a hand mixer or bowl and wooden spoon!

3. Mix flour and baking powder in a bowl.

4. Mix eggs and vanilla in another bowl.

5. Now beat in some eggs to the butter and sugar mix, then some flour, alternating until all is mixed, finishing with flour last.

Add milk until dropping consistency is achieved.

Alternatively, place all cake ingredients except milk in a food processor and cream together. Add enough milk until mixture is dropping consistency.

6. Using an ice cream scoop or 2 spoons, spoon mixture into 12 or so cupcake cases until ¾ full.

7. Put in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cupcakes are golden on top. Allow cupcakes to cool on a wire rack.

8. Ice with vanilla or chocolate buttercream and decorate with mini eggs!

SWEET THINGS 3 TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL BAKING:

1. All ingredients at room temperature – (microwave butter and milk if necessary) 2. Preheat oven fully 3. Use good quality, natural ingredients

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