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Fit and fabulous
Get in tip-top shape for your big day with help from our experts
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Let them eat cake
We showcase some designs that look too good to eat
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Future forecasts
The County Wedding Magazines team predicts the must-have trends for 2012
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Marriage Ref
We tackle your pre- and post- wedding dilemmas
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Winter wonderland
Perfect settings for a winter wedding
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Inspiration
Ideas on how to create an art deco-themed reception
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Make a statement
Show-stopping hair accessories for the big day
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Ooh la lace
Be inspired by one of this season's most romantic trends
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 23rd December 2011 |
| Winter warmer |
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| Image provided by Avanti Photographics |
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Clodagh and Mark celebrated their big day in style with an art-deco inspired wedding
Clo and Mark met four years ago when they worked together in advertising. "We both worked at the same agency for about a year but we didn't actually meet until Mark moved departments," Clo tells us. "The rest, as they say, is history."
They might be loved up now but Mark nearly blew it on their first date. "We embarked on a bar crawl in Farringdon and in one of the busier places Mark tried to impress me with a few dance moves," Clo recalls. "Unfortunately he was more Karate Kid than Saturday Night Fever and ended up chopping the stem clean off someone's champagne flute! Needless to say we made a hasty exit."
Luckily the couple made it past that incident and Mark proposed in 2009. "I had made a decision to lose weight and jokingly bet Mark £20 that I would reach my goal weight by the summer. He raised the stakes and said, "If you do it, we'll get married, - it was all the incentive I needed!"
Here, Clo shares the details from their stunning big day...
"I didn't try on many gowns before I found my dress as I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to wear and how I wanted to look. When I tried it on, I knew straight away it was the one, exactly like I did with Mark - somehow you just know!"
"My sister Fiona and my two nieces Jessica and Tara were my bridesmaids. The dresses they wore were the first ones we picked up and tried on. The designs were age appropriate and in the exact shade of red I was looking for."
"We first visited Leez Priory 11 months before the big day. It was the last venue on my list and I was getting a little anxious. Luckily, I fell in love with it as soon as we drove up the path. I saw the Christmas trees and big log fire through the windows and could tell it had the perfect look and feel for a winter wedding."
To read on see page 30 of the current issue. |
| A future focus |
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As 2011 draws to an end and we reflect on yet another successful 12 months of all things bridal, the County Wedding Magazines team has turned its attentions to the up-coming trends for the year ahead
Catering
Danielle Harvey, features editor Your Surrey Wedding, Your Manchester Wedding
I think one of the best things about weddings is the food - I especially love unusual canapes, and creativity will be a buzzword for catering in 2012.
Traditional with a twist: Everybody loves typical English favourites at nuptials; toad in the hole, bacon butties and roast dinners to name a few. But to make your day stand out, put a modern twist on these classics. Why not serve them in miniature bite-size portions for a quirky edge?
Picnics: A few on-trend brides featured picnic hampers on their tables in 2011 and this will continue to be a big hit next spring and summer. Fill hampers with delicious treats such as fresh bread, meats, cheese, crackers, chocolates and wine, and the baskets can cater for the starter course as well as after the meal itself.
Stations: From coffee areas to sweet buffets, food and beverage stations will be a must next year. It's a great way for guests to mingle and help themselves, and also provides a way of bringing the theme of the day together. Summer weddings can have ice-cream vans, while winter celebrations could try mulled wine and mince pie stations.
To read on see page 61 of the current issue. |
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| Festive fun |
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With winter firmly upon us the lazy summer evenings are a distant memory. However, the change in season opens up a whole wealth of options in the world of weddings, and allows newlyweds-to-be to really think outside the box when it comes to their nuptials. I chose to get married later in the year as I adore the darker evenings and the atmosphere they evoke - think cosy barns lit by the glow of candles and fairylights, what could be more romantic? And with Christmas just around the corner, this particular part of the season gives you the chance to organise a big day filled with festive touches. Your venue will no doubt be displaying a christmas tree, so why not ask to decorate it yourself and incorporate it into the theme of your wedding? Use some cheery baubles as name places and your guests can get them out year after year as a reminder of your celebration.
Finding the perfect venue for this time of year is important, and we are lucky to have a plethora of stunning options in the Essex region. Check out page 23 where we discover some winter wonderland locations worthy of any joyous occasion.
Happy planning!
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| Louise Prance, Editor |
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| Make sure your email editor@anessexwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win venue hire of Valentines Mansion & Gardens worth £825! |
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Valentines Mansion & Gardens is a 300-year-old Grade II* listed country house nestled in historic parkland in Ilford. Boasting a grand staircase, period fireplaces and rooms with stunning views, Valentines provides an intimate and exclusive venue for your big day.
The Georgian-style building sits within lush grounds, including an enchanting Old English walled garden and a Victorian rose garden. Additional features include the Long Water canal and rococo grottos.
Situated on the first floor of the mansion, the Drawing Room is bathed in natural light, making it a wonderful space in which to take your vows. There is also a picturesque balcony, ideal for romantic post-ceremony photographs and the Drawing Room can accommodate up to 70 guests. The Gallery, a contemporary room on the ground floor, is also licensed to host ceremonies and civil partnerships.
Couples can also make use of the Holcombe and Bird rooms as each wedding party enjoys exclusive use of the venue. The maximum capacity of the mansion is 100 guests. Couples are welcome to bring in their chosen caterers and are offered full use of Valentines' kitchen facilities.
Visit www.valentinesmansion.com for further information.
The winner will receive half day exclusive hire of the mansion - either from 9am to 1pm or 1pm to 5pm on Thursdays and Fridays - and use of the grounds (not exclusive). Use of the kitchens is also included. |
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| Enter here |
| The icing on the cake |
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| Image provided by Wonderland Bakery |
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Every bride has varying ideas on the importance of the sweet treat at the end of the wedding breakfast, but here at An Essex Wedding we think there's nothing more symbolic than the cutting the cake, or as delicious as eating it afterwards! Take a look at some tasty offerings from the best cake makers in the area
Cupcakes
Cupcake towers were still going strong in 2011, with many couples opting for this variety. There is also the option to combine old and new, "A lot of couples wanted a tall tower of cupcakes with a cutting cake on top, the bigger the tower the better it seemed," says Lucie Waller from Wonderland Bakery.
"I believe weddings should reflect as much of the couple's personality as they can, after all, it's their day. It's often nice to consider different flavours too. While fruit cake can still be popular with the older guests, it's nice to alternate tiers or cupcake flavours so that there is something for all tastes, options include chocolate, lemon, vanilla sponge or red velvet."
A nice way to keep the traditional cutting cake, but incorporate a modern twist, is by having a giant cupcake as the top tier.
To read on see page 55 of the current issue. |
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To buy a copy for just £2.95 post free or to order a subscription of six issues for just £15, please visit our web site...
www.anessexwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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| Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from businesses in your area who will help you with your dream wedding. |
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| Find your local wedding suppliers... |
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| Oh so sparkly... |
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| Image provided by www.katherineashdown.co.uk |
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If you're searching for a stylish headpiece to complete your bridal look, Vintage Tiaras by Julia Beazley could be just what you're after. Using original pieces from the 1920s through to the 1970s, Julia has designed a range of stunning vintage accessories. Each hand-made design reflects the beauty and elegance of a bygone era.
If you have something specific in mind, Julia also offers a bespoke service to create your perfect accessory. Perhaps you would like to incorporate a family heirloom to create something that is extra special to you?
Brides-to-be can visit Julia at her studio in Noak Bridge or order direct from the website www.vintagetiarasbyjuliabeazley.com
Prices range from £40 to £275. |
| Winter wonderland |
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We take a look at local venues that would perfectly complement a festive winter wedding
Hintlesham Hall, Hintlesham
Hintlesham Hall Hotel is a 16th century Grade I listed manor house set in mature grounds and approached via an impressive tree-lined drive - providing instant wow factor for guests.
The interior has cosy log fires, perfect for sipping mulled wine around in the colder months. The Salon, Carolean room and Justice room are all ideal locations in which to wed with the venue hosting from 20 to 100 guests for a civil ceremony and up to 135 for the evening celebrations.
The hall can be hired on an exclusive-use basis, which includes the 32 double bedrooms on site - perfect for couples with guests that want to stay overnight.
For more information call 01473 652 334 or visit www.hintleshamhall.co.uk
We love... the decadence of the venue. If you're looking to host an elaborate festive wedding, the grand exterior and stunning interior will provide the perfect backdrop for your all-important wedding snaps.
For more festive venues see page 23 of the current issue. |
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